The sun was setting, casting warm orange light and yellow hue in the atmosphere. The wind started getting cold, as Gray and Rose sat under the willow tree beside the lake. Since the place was far away from the kingdom, not many people were on the site.
The young teenager looked above, the branches scattered around— hovering above them as some fell down, close to Gray's face. Since he wasn't used to such a situation— he felt a bit uncomfortable, but nonetheless…also a bit relieved.
The silence between them was comfortable, and Gray didn't feel the need to break it— for now, at least. Delicacy of the tree was really new to Gray. 'I wonder how I ended up in this situation.' Gray thought.
Even though he knew everything, it all still felt a bit out of the place. From getting in trouble to being in the grace of a Princess? Yeah, he was definitely getting uncomfortable. He wanted to squirm, or at least let out a sigh—but of course, he didn't want The Princess to feel uncomfortable, too.
Once comfortable silence was now starting to feel uncomfortable and awkward to Gray. He closed his eyes momentarily and then let out a sigh, gathering his courage to break the silence— anything would work, just one simple question…
'Ugh, this is frustrating. What am I even supposed to say? Greetings? No, hell no. That's absurd.' Feeling even more frustrated from the lack of questions in his head, he cursed himself inwardly. Suddenly, a thought flickered in Gray's mind.
But before he could say anything, Rose turned and spoke in a soft voice.
"Gray…do you know why I brought you here?"
'How the heck would I know!?'
Gray smiled and spoke. Even though the question irritated him— he felt relieved. At least she started a conversation.
"Uh…no. It'd be a miracle if I did."
Rose rolled her eyes. "You could've come up with a fake answer, you know?" Yet a faint curve of approval lingered on her lips.
Gray shrugged, straightening a little. "Oh, I just… didn't have anything in mind. Maybe… because you wanted to stay away from people? Considering you're royalty… the moment they see you, they'd swarm you, right?"
Rose sighed and spoke.
"Yes, that's one reason; but that's not why I brought you here."
"Uh…then why?" Confused, Gray tried to wrap his head around the situation.
Rose looked at him for a moment— after a long pause, she spoke. "May I ask you something, Gray?
Well, of course she could ask him anything, who was he to refuse The Princess herself. He smiled and nodded his head.
"Of course, you can ask me anything, lady Rose."
Rose raised an eyebrow, a soft smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
"Tell me Gray…when my father asked you about your last name; why did you tell him that you don't have a last name?"
Gray blinked in surprise for a moment, looking a bit shocked at her obliviousness. Gray had an ambivalent feeling, torn between wanting to tell her and keeping it all to himself—alas, he let out a resigned sigh and spoke.
"Princess…I take it that you don't know what it means when someone doesn't have a last name?"
Rose shook her head and spoke softly.
"Uh…no, I wouldn't have asked you otherwise."
If it were to be someone else, Gray probably wouldn't have told anything about himself— or would have lied at least. But it wasn't someone normal that he was talking to, so he decided to tell her otherwise.
Gray deliberated for a moment even though that was necessary and spoke matter-of-factly.
"Are you familiar with the term 'orphan,' Princess Rose?"
The Princess looked confused for a moment, but soon— she realised what Gray was hinting at. Her eyes widened ever so slightly at this capricious information. She opened her mouth to say something— but the words seem to stuck in her throat.
After a moment, she gathered her thoughts and cleared her throat.
"You're…an orphan, Gray?"
Gray chuckled at her bewilderedment, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Yes. I am 'an orphan.' Your grace."
Rose let out a shaky sigh, looking at Gray's face for a moment.
"I…see. I…didn't really see that coming…"
After a short pause, she continued.
"Then…do you live alone, Gray?"
Gray glanced at the lake for a moment, and then up at the setting sun: sitting under the twilight, it felt both a bit out of place and comfortable to him. Gray looked back at her and smiled, a gentle look on his face, as he spoke politely as ever.
"Hmm…? No, not at all, your highness."
The look on Gray's face was quite…Resplendent for Rose. For a moment, she looked at him in a daze, lost in thought.
Gray on the other hand, looked a bit confused and amused under her gaze— but his lips couldn't help but curl into a soft smile. For the moment, he didn't bother saying anything. Maybe he just wanted to let this moment last a bit longer. His brain told him to speak, to snap her out of her thoughts, but his heart wasn't. He was having conflicting thoughts, but alas…he stayed silent.
A moment of comfortable silence settled between them, none spoke. They didn't want to. Sitting under the willow tree as the sun slowly disappeared. The crescent moon started to cast its blue light over the whole place, fragrant moon flowers started to bloom around both of them.
A sudden gush of cold wind hit them, snapping them out of their thoughts and gazes. They both looked at each other and blushed. Immediately, they both averted their gazes.
"I…I see. So…who do you live with?"
Rose asked, stumbling over her words as she tried to compose herself. She had to cover her face with her hands for a moment. As she brought her hands to her face, she could feel the heat of her face.
Gray let out an awkward chuckle, a faint flush on his face.
"Y…yes. I…live with Miss. Rebbeca. She's the one who took care of me since I was a toddler. She's like a big sister to me."
Rose cleared her throat and let out a sigh, still somewhat embarrassed. She turned her head to look at him again.
"I see. So live with your honorary big Sister, huh?"
"I wouldn't call her honorary…she's like a parent to me. She can both be a mother to me and my big sister."
Rose's expression softened, a tender smile formed on her face. "I see. You must really love her…"
Gray chuckled and looked at the moon, a gentle gleam flicked across his face.
"Mhm. I do. Pretty much."
To an orphan like Gray, she was everything. Since Gray was just a new born, she had taken him under her care. Right at this moment, he found serendipity in sitting and talking with Rose.
Rose smiled and decided to ask something.
"May I ask you one more thing, Gray?"
Gray nodded without looking back at her.
"Will you be my friend?"
Gray sat there silently for a moment, calm and gentle expression on his face wavering— flabbergasted at her candor. The words struck him like lightning, he was out of words to speak for a moment. He composed himself and gathered his thoughts, clearing his throat, he let out a chuckle and— spoke.
"W…well, I suppose we can be friends."
"No Gray…I honestly want to be friends with you…and I don't want you to be my friend just because I'm a Princess…but as a person. So I will ask you again…will you be my friend, Gray?"
Gray looked at Rose and saw her impeccable expression. He was feeling ambivalent. On one hand, being friends with The Princess herself wasn't a bad idea. But he knew he'd be taunted by others that he's now friends with her.
Others be damned, he had made up his mind. The way she looked at him, and how she asked him? No way in hell he was going to refuse her. He wasn't impetuous after all.
"Not friends with you because you're a Princess, but as a person…sounds great. Hehe."
A bright smile appeared on Rose's face as she beamed with happiness. Her hands clasped together in excitement, her behaviour a bit childish.
"Hah. It does, doesn't it…Friend?"
Gray lightly laughed, amused at her childish behaviour.
"Mhm…friends."
For a moment, they just looked at each other. Lost in each other's gaze, everything surrounding them suddenly became a blur, as the tree and the flowers seemed to listen closely to their gossip. The cold wind seemed to hum as it carried their words.
"I beg your pardon for interrupting Lady Rose. But isn't it quite late for you to be out here?" A deep and gentle voice approached their ears.
The sudden voice snapped Rose and Gray's thoughts and gazes from each other, as they averted their gazes.
Rose looked over her shoulder, back at the person standing behind them. So did Gray. Both seemed to be suddenly more aware of their surroundings.
"Oh, Void…it's you. I was about to head back soon." Rose in a gentle yet firm tone, her voice a bit exasperated at the sudden appearance of this person.
'Oh, it's that knight who stood beside The King.' Gray thought, his mind wandering to their earlier encounter.
Void who stood behind them, hands clasped behind his back, his expression solemn. His outfit was the kind nobles wore in old portraits—sharp, black fabric shaped to his figure, with a deep red sash running across the chest, secured by delicate silver chains. A matching red cloak trailed behind him, contrasting his otherwise dark attire. Every button, every fold seemed deliberate, stitched with power and grace. The tall black boots gave him an imposing edge, like a duke fresh off the battlefield yet ready to waltz into a ballroom. Crimson eyes and midnight hair. A diamond coloured sword sheathed around the left side of his waist, not too small, yet not too long either.
"You shouldn't be out this late at a place far away from the palace, Lady Rose. Especially not with a commoner like this." Void's voice was gentle and professional, yet laced with sarcasm. He glanced at Gray for a moment, a look of disdain flickering across his face for a moment
Gray sat there, silent. He was used to being treated like this, so this was nothing new to him and didn't bother him much. Yet, instead— he gave him a smile.
Void let out an involuntary huff, his lips curled slightly in amusement but he maintained his grim demeanor.
Rose on the other hand, narrowed her eyes slightly in annoyance at his words. She stood up, as she was fully facing him now, her hands on her hips.
"Yes, I know I shouldn't. But that doesn't give you any right to say that to Gray."
Void listened to her intently and then nodded his head calmly. 'Gray, huh?' Void muttered to himself and then spoke.
"I am just telling you that it's not safe to be with these kinds of people, who knows what kind of intentions they have."
He was concerned about her, and she knew it. But she also didn't like the way he was talking about Gray. But she also knew that she wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Instead, she let out a sigh of resignation and shook her head.
"Alright, fine. I'm coming, so stop saying things like that. Go there and stand for a moment, I'll be there in a few seconds."
Void looked towards the tree she had pointed, it was at least 10 to 12 feet away from where they currently were. He then looked back at both of them, giving them a long look before nodding. He turned around and gave Gray a glare before walking towards the tree.
When he stood at the place, Rose let out a sigh and turned back to Gray, an apologetic look on her face.
"I'm sorry about my knight. He doesn't really like people who aren't noble."
To Gray, hearing things like this were like a daily routine, so he wasn't really bothered that much. He chuckled and got up.
"It's fine, I don't mind. So he's your personal knight, huh?" He asked curiously, a hint of awe in his eyes.
"Yes, he is my knight. He doesn't really talk that much, but he can be a bit disrespectful when he wants to be." Princess said, glancing at Void every now and then.
Gray nodded, as he glanced at Void as well for a moment before looking back immediately as he felt uncomfortable under his calm yet intense gaze. "I see. Well, I think you should go now. He's not liking to see you staying with me."
"Sigh. Well I suppose so."
Rose then lifted her hand towards Gray as she gestured for a handshake.
Gray looked at her hand for a moment, his lips couldn't help but curl as he lifted his hand and shook her hand. Surprisingly to him, her touch was gentle — almost feather-like.
"Well, see you tomorrow at the academy then." She said, as she smiled eagerly.
"Yeah, see you tomorrow at the academy." Gray said softly.
They withdrew their hands and Rose turned around to leave. She glanced at Gray over her shoulder and spoke one last time. "Bye, Gray."
Gray waved his hand and spoke. "Mhm. Bye."
With that, she walked towards the knight standing under the tree. They seemed to talk for a moment before leaving. Gray observed them, the knight was vigilant, and Gray was impressed by the presence he seemed to have despite his words.
Now, he stood alone under that tree, only accompanied by the willow tree.
'Well, I suppose I shouldn't stay out here much longer either. I'll have to hear Miss. Rebbeca's scolding as well. ugh..' Gray thought and began to leave as well. Being the winter solstice, he felt chills run down his spine from the cold breeze that hit his face. He shivered and shoved his hands in his pockets.
"She will die..."
Gray, stopped in his tracks, as he heard a soft whisper that seemed to be carried by the wind itself. He stood completely frozen, as another shiver ran down his spine.
'What the hell? Why do I keep hearing this voice every now and then?' The young teenager thought, his mind wandering to different scenarios. He shook his head vigorously.
'What the hell am I even thinking…I should just go back.'
Gray stood there for a while, trying to compose himself from the ominous feeling that dreaded through him.
Lifting his hand up, Gray massaged his temples.
"I swear, if this is some kind of sick joke…"
Gray lowered his hand, as he did, his gaze fell at the mark on forearm. There had always been a faint mark on Gray's forearm—barely visible, like a shadow under the skin. Most days, it looked like nothing more than a trick of the light. But lately... it had changed.
Now, The mark was more visible than ever before—a swirl of black and white, curved like two opposing flames locked in a silent dance. It pulsed faintly under his skin, not painful, but alive—as if watching, waiting.
He didn't know what it meant. Not yet. But deep down, he could feel it.
Letting out a sigh, he slowly began walking down the winding path. The blue light of the crescent moon casting a silver luster on his pale blonde hair.
Howl~
***
Somewhere in the cosmos, a presence, a person, enigmatic — waited for someone.
"Zordus, what do you think you're doing, wandering around in space like this?" A gentle and cold voice flowed in the atmosphere.
Zordus, who was standing on a strange land, darkness and rocks surrounded him and the other person.
Zordus, facing the opposite side of the unknown person, His cloak fluttered faintly behind him, boots clicking with purpose. Every piece of clothing, from his high-collared coat to the subtle gleam on his rings, screamed one thing—he knew he was better.
He turned around, as he stepped forward, a faint breeze lifting the hem of his cloak as if the air itself dared not touch him without permission. Faint brown hair brushed his forehead, catching glints of gold under the light—effortless, yet impossibly refined. His jawline stood sharp like the edge of a blade, perfectly sculpted, perfectly proud. With hands folded behind his back and a smirk tugging at his lips, he didn't need to speak—his presence declared what words couldn't: One of the five heavenly kings...
"My, My, younger brother, Connor. Did you forget that I'm waiting for them?" Zordus, spoke, his voice calm but full of arrogance.
Connor nodded silently, his gaze fixed on Zordus.
Where Zordus stood like a storm held in silence, Connor was the eye of it—still, unfazed, and infinitely calm. They were twins, carved from the same steel, but where Zordus gleamed with sharpened pride, Connor carried a quieter weight. His deeper voice echoed not with command, but with conviction. A scar traced down his left eye—a thin, pale mark that did not mar his grace, but deepened it. He alone stood beside Zordus without bowing, without fear, and without the need to speak unless the silence truly called for it.
"Ugh, how long are they gonna take. They're late." Zordus said, his patience wearing thin.
Connor, calmly, arms folded."Time bends for fear. You should know—you've made it kneel before."
Zordus glances at him. A faint smirk forms.
Zordus: "...And you remain the only one who dares to speak without permission."
Connor, in a calm voice, his hand folded around his back."That's because I speak only when you need to listen."
Zordus smirked again.
They both stood side by side, on a strange land that was none other than moon itself. Earth could be seen, glowing with a soft white light.
Right in front of them, a bright white light began forming, the space around that area rippled.
Zordus's smirk widened, as in excitement he said. "They're here!"