This fiction is a result of a spontaneous inspiration that sparked from reading various fictions and watching different animes. And I'd like to thank my History teacher too for unconsciously giving me the whole basis for this plot.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the anime/manga Gakuen Alice, Katekyo Hitman, Avatar: Legend of Aang and Kaze no Stigma.

Specially dedicated to everyone at AoGA.

AN OATH TO BREAK

By pseudonym08

SUMMARY: Natsume Hyuuga was the only son of a strong king in the Hyuuga Kingdom. However, he wanted to serve his empire by being a knight, which his grandpa, the emperor, and his father strongly disagreed upon. Despite that, he pushed on, promising his family he'll never neglect his duties as prince when his time comes. Their place were both happy and peaceful, but everything turned upside down the moment he vanished in the middle of a battle, leading him to an unexpected adventure of discovering secrets and breaking his oath for the sake of his desire… and love.

Chapter One | In the Midst of Twilight

Natsume Hyuuga

In the middle of the feudal era, one kingdom from the north stood strong and powerful, unconquerable by the other kingdoms within the world known as Alice. It was said to be a kingdom full of strapping warriors and diligent merchants. Within its strong walls, people converse and do their tasks freely and peacefully. The land was fertile and the air was clean, and the people living in that place were proud for it, proud for their skills, their resources and their leaders. That kingdom every other kingdom dared not challenge was known to be as the Hyuuga Kingdom.

Legend says that the reason for their power was the spirit of the fire bird Phoenix. Long ago, the founder of the Kingdom, Ryohei Hyuuga, made a pact and became a contractor of the fire spirit, making most of the people living there a wielder of fire. Besides being famous in exercising flame abilities, one of the four elements, the Phoenix bird was also a symbol for sky. Being so, the empire was also said to be blessed by six other guardians of the heavens –cloud, mist, rain, storm, sun and thunder.

It was rumored that being protected by so, which was represented by rings, the estate became invincible. The kingdom was actually originally known as the Kingdom of the Fire Bird Phoenix, owing their thanks to the spirit. It's a long name, yes, of which a lot of people had disagreed upon. Thus, it was renamed years later into what people now know as the Hyuuga Kingdom, from their ancestral king.

As time passed by, the successor of each generation had successfully maintained the pride and name of the place. None dared send a challenge to them. It was also fine for them. After all, they really didn't care about the businesses of others, nor were they blood seeking prideful people who needlessly go into battles to deem themselves worthy. As long as you don't impose a threat, you might even become a dear friend of theirs.

All was well, especially after the birth of the 20th Hyuuga successor, to whom a great prophecy was bestowed.

SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER

"Hey, Natsume, wake up," a certain blond boy with deep cerulean eyes stated, shaking the sleeping raven known as Natsume.

"Stop shaking me, Ruka, or I'll burn you to crisp," Natsume replied. He didn't move. But even with his back facing the person, a deadly aura was already emitting. Something you wouldn't dare trigger further. His voice was nonchalant and filled with authority and power. The other lad merely gave a mischievous smirk, bold enough to provoke his best friend.

"I know you'd never do that," Ruka answered. There was a hint of sarcasm and audaciousness in his voice. Nonetheless, he stopped the shaking, knowing full-well it would just lead to nothing. Being familiar with his always-out-of-the-mood crimson-eyed best friend, Ruka also knew that telling Natsume once was already enough to wake him up.

"You woke up late again, Natsume. If sensei finds out about this, he'd punish you to death," the blond boy added, signaling him to just get up already. Natsume got what he meant. And with a grudging sigh, he finally sat up on his bed. His eyes, emotionless and challenging, looked past those blue orbs of the other lad. He let out his famous "tch" before getting up.

"Wait for me outside." It wasn't a request. It was an order. Ruka just nodded before exiting his room, waiting outside like he normally does.

Seventeen years had passed and nothing much had changed regarding a man named Natsume. Although he, as well as himself, had finally grew accustomed living as an ordinary citizen, Natsume's demeanor hadn't changed a bit. The way he walked and ruled the streets, and looked at the others still made the people cower and think of him as something superior; and superior in a way that could rival a royal's position.

But no one could blame them. After all, no one has ever seen the face of the Kingdom's prince. Those who saw him were only those prominent people allowed to enter the castle. And all the rest had only heard news about him from those privileged enough to see him. That their prince was actually a rebellious but gorgeous young lad. And that too many times had he attempted to escape the walls of the castle, but the facilities were said to be so advanced that most of the times he'd fail.

The public had unquestioningly accepted the fact that he was mysteriously kept inside the palace for safety purposes, homeschooled and hometrained by no less than masters of different fields.

But of course, those were just rumors circulated from the royalty itself –to hide from the community the truth that their prince was actually just in front of them, walking the very streets they stood.

"Ruka." And with that same cold tone of a voice that hints authority and power.

Ruka hadn't noticed he had spaced out for quite too long. His best friend had finally exited his own ordinary house and was already heading towards the training fields. He quickly followed beside him.

"Hey, Natsume," Ruka surprisingly began, breaking the ominous silence between them.

It was unusual since they don't commonly talk until the start of the daily lesson, agreeing to criticize the stupid teachings which don't actually teach them anything. But of course, that opinion was merely between the two of them, considering that their standards would be extremely high due to their advanced skills.

"Three months from now and you'd have to fulfill what you promised to the king," he added.

"There's no reason to worry about that, Ruka. I don't intend to run away from it. Knowing that old man, he'd hunt even the depths of the underworld just to find me. Tch. Troublesome old geezer," Natsume coolly replied, both hands inside his pockets. Ruka ignored the replies. Instead, his eyes were focused on Natsume's hands buried inside the pockets. Ever since last week, Natsume's hands were hidden in pockets, more frequent than usual. And the blond lad seemed to have the slightest idea why.

"Why do you have to hide your ring? By the way, have you decided who'd be your guardians, Natsume?" The crimson-eyed lad stopped in his tracks. His blood red lips formed into a playful smirk.

"I'd take that as an invitation, Ruka," said Natsume. His voice was teasing, as if trying to trap Ruka if it can.

"Eh? I don't intend to be a guardian, Natsume. But, as your best friend, I planned to protect you."

"Tch. You're easy to read as always," with that, Natsume continued walking. The two were back in their silence until they had reached the place.

.

When both reached the combat field, some were seated at the ground, a downright expression etched in their faces. Others, on the other hand, continued their practicing. Beads of sweat trickled down their faces. But despite the exhaustion, they still had that face of excitement, as if what had mysteriously happened was what they were waiting for –what they were all training for. Persona, their combat teacher, was nowhere to be found. That must've been the reason of the others sad expressions.

Having no one else to approach, the two lads decided to speak to Tsubasa. Tsubasa was, well, their senpai for two years, ordained about three years ago as knight due to his expertise in sword fighting. He was, according to both, the only knight who wasn't at least amateur with his role. Quite unusual Natsume didn't call Tsubasa stupid.

"Yo! Tsubasa, where's Persona?" Ruka asked.

A certain blue-haired teenager turned about, right hand holding a katana, upon hearing his name made mention. He was one of the people huddled in a group, a group of serious knights discussing about some serious matter. But besides Tsubasa, another lad of long black hair also turned towards their direction, aka Akira Tonouchi. Noticing Ruka and Natsume, Tsubasa and Akira started approaching the two. The latter's presence was much to Natsume's irritation.

"Prince," Akira acknowledged with a rather idiotic look, making Natsume glare at him. He never cared about the glares though, as if it wasn't enough to scare him.

"Ahahaha! Still playing the prince-commoner game, huh?" Tsubasa butted in, somewhat a carefree smile momentarily replaced his previous look of agitation. The three's sweat dropped. He still doesn't get it. They all thought. But, oh well, no one could actually blame him, nor the others. After all, what all the people knew was that Kawazaki Natsume was one of the best knights ever ordained. No more and nothing less.

"Where's Persona?" Natsume questioned, obscurely trying to press on a more important topic.

"You didn't know? All the guardians were called by the king," Akira replied.

"Is it about the coronation?" Ruka asked further, pointing out the fact that the coronation of a new heir was fast approaching. Thus, preparations were needed to be done –as well as the people appropriate to protect the successor and serve as guardians.

"No, it doesn't seem to be the only reason. Rumor has it that another kingdom had challenged ours," Tsubasa answered in a more serious tone, completely dismissing Ruka's opinions.

"Then let them come to us," Natsume unemotionally uttered.

"It isn't as easy as that, Natsume. The kingdom who challenged us was the strong rival of fire, the Kingdom of the Water Serpent. With the coronation coming, the timing was just right for them to attack and so, it got the royalties agitated," Tsubasa said.

"Those bastards! After what we did to them, this is how they'll repay us," Akira stated in pure disdain.

"So, they're worried that something bad might happen that will probably stop the succession?" Ruka asked. Tsubasa nodded, ignoring the fuming Akira.

"I guess the king decided to call the guardians to talk about this matter. After all, Persona is indeed the guardian of the mist," Tsubasa added.

"Don't worry, prince, I will protect you even if it cost me my life," Akira stated with pride and exaggeration, taking out his well-hidden poisonous daggers before showing it off.

"Hai, hai," Tsubasa supported, already in his untroubled expression. He doesn't get it at all! Ruka thought, at the same time amused by the two.

After an hour or so of, in their case, doing nothing, a shadow finally appeared from the east. At first, people thought it was their teacher, Persona. But as the person came nearer, it was much to their disappointment; blond hair and blue eyes, someone who was a complete stranger to them. Though, the knight's first impression would likely be… Ruka's father, which was completely incorrect. They probably did the contrasting through physical attributes. After all, they all haven't seen Ruka's real father, plus the fact that the newly-arrived stranger and Ruka both have the same hair and eye color.

However, being knights, they disciplined themselves. Some went down their horses. Others stopped their sword training. And all resumed to their usual lines, thinking that the stranger was of the same status as their teacher. Indeed, he was and they were right. The evidence was one of the rings on his right hand, a ring that symbolized the guardian of the clouds.

"Good morning, minna-san," the stranger greeted quite cheerfully, something none could've expected from a guardian. After all, the only guardian the knights have met before the stranger was Persona –a terribly deadly and serious person. From there, everyone thought guardians were someone serious and to be feared of. Their hypothesis were said to be true until now, when they didn't feel any evil intent from the new guy.

"Sorry to have bothered you but your master has more important businesses to attend to. Therefore, the job of preparing all of you was passed on to me, as direct instructions from the king. By the way, I'm Narumi Anjo, guardian of the cloud. I'm pleased to meet the knights," the guy known as Narumi gleefully introduced. Everyone's sweat dropped.

"We have roughly ten hours to prepare. So… let's get going, shall we?"

The very moment he finished speaking, everyone was ready to mount their horses and or sharpen their bows and arrows. Most likely, each of them was in a state of both excitement and pressure. But, of course, that excludes four of the rather more confident knights. Much to their surprise though, Narumi called them and commanded them to stop. Immediately, they abandoned what they were currently doing and paused to hear further instructions.

Unexpectedly, they were ordered to sit down and meditate. Though a lot were against this technique, thinking of it as an absurd training, none dare raise his voice to Narumi.

"Hey, Naru, is this even training to you?" Akira Tonouchi finally got up and opposed. Well, guess not all has that fear or discipline to not raise his voice and question authority.

"Sit down, Akira. Meditating allows your body to rest. In return, the cells of your body would be given some time to heal themselves and prepare you into battle. When you concentrate and permit your body to rest, you'd be able to gather all of your strength and focus your chi. Think where you'd probably get that energy, the source of fire –the sun. For these past few years, all you do is train. Right now, your training is to not train."

Though it was against his will, Akira was forced to sit down. He looked at Natsume for confirmation. But the lad didn't acknowledge him. So, he was left with no choice. Thus, the day went on with them on meditation.

By the time the clock stroke seven, Natsume was already clad in his silver armor. Beneath it was a uniform of color red, with the patch of the kingdom's symbol on his shoulder, a symbol of his knighthood. Underneath the full moon, his red eyes glowed. But despite that glow, it was still dull –devoid from emotion, but filled with so much power. When he felt he had already brought with him the necessary materials, he was about to go out of his house. But a shadow that stood on his door stopped him from advancing.

"Natsume, the king told me you don't have to join this battle. Losing you would be the loss of the kingdom. You carry the future of this empire, you know."

"You seemed to have no faith in me, Naru," Natsume responded, stopping just in front of Narumi's figure. The guardian, on the other hand, was taken aback by his words.

"If I quit now, people might seem to think I have no courage. I would lose both their faith and trust in me," he added, before he walked away.

Still arrogant as ever… Narumi thought with a smirk, his hands folded as he looked up at the serene night.

.

It was a knight's duty to offer military services to the king, in exchange of the land the king had given him. As a sign of this loyalty, the knight was given the oath of fealty, sworn in evidence to his allegiance with his lord. Anyone who breaks this oath without any special circumstances was said to be a traitor. A knight had sworn his life on it, and he must keep it. That's just the law of the middle age era of this country, Alice. It's a knight's duty to fight and protect the king, and the manor this lord rules at the same time.

By eight, everyone was gathered near the big gates of the kingdom, all mounted in their own stallions. They were all ready in their positions, swords pulled out from its scabbard. Its blade shone against the light of the moon. Team alpha was already on patrol, monitoring the area within a certain radius. The rest of the group remained dormant, waiting for the stirring of the night. Narumi stayed as far away from the group as possible, strategically planning something when the going gets tough. His eyes were ever watchful.

After half an hour of waiting, a single horse had finally come back. But what rode on it was something they least expect. For the captain… was already dead. As the distant smoke began to clear, shadows of hundreds of horse warriors were seen. Natsume's eyes beneath his helmet formed to slits, his hands reaching to his more trusted weapon besides the sword. So, this is my fight, huh?

On the middle of it all, however, Narumi felt something strong and dangerous. It's as if there's just something he couldn't lay a finger on. Though looking ahead, the enemy was still at a great distance, he somehow sensed that they were quite near. It's strange, but something he couldn't definitely just ignore. Something's certainly not right!

Natsume's expressions were rather unknown. Being the leader of team beta, with Ruka as his right hand, he ordered the knights on his team to move forward, raising his sword in the process. Soon, his horse began advancing, and so as his team. "Natsume, stop!" Narumi tried to call him. But he wasn't listening, and the pounding of the horses seemed to have wiped out the sound too. Natsume kept moving forward with his sword glowing fiery red, along with the ring on his hand, as if synchronizing with him. However, no one besides Ruka noticed this glow. All were focus on the battle ahead of them, as the enemy advanced towards them. Still, the distance between them was great.

Nonetheless, in the middle of their advancement, Ruka had finally sensed it –something odd. He wanted to tell it to Natsume but he never listened. After all, it was also something Ruka was uncertain of. It wasn't just when a reflection of light passed ahead of them that he finally concluded his instincts were right. But everything was already too late.

"Natsume!"

.

As a raven haired lad half-opened his eyes, all he saw was a blur, a smudge version of an image. He could make out a face with brunette hair. But at some point he wasn't sure. He tried to move his body but a person stopped him from doing so. "Rest," a voice uttered. There and then, he was sure that the person was a woman before he finally passed out.

Anyway, please review and add. I accept constructive criticisms. It would really help a lot.