Olin Mars and Glitter Crystal Stone, an amazing discovery packed full with beauty. And Shirayuki was at the heart of it working hard as everyone in Lyrias has, since she was one of the two who was taught how to create a glitter crystal stone, the red haired herbalist carried a huge responsibility in the research. Obi, the knight in shinning armor and also her closest friend, stayed by her side the whole time. He'd grown quite found really of the lifestyle. A drastic change from what he had before he met Zen and the little miss.

Shirayuki was as her desk in the library, using the dim candle for light she continued her research and perfecting the creation of the glitter crystal stone. Obi, pouched on the window just a few feet away from the girl, he watched her. His cat like eyes would study her as she would read, write, stare intently at a rock with no change. As much as he enjoyed seeing her move forward with the research and the smiles she would showcase with the slightest progress. He wouldn't change that for the world, but deep down he did wish that she was able to get enough sleep or even get enough time away to go on a walk and enjoy life. Wishful thinking, he knew, but he couldn't help but feel a pang at his chest when he saw her head lay gently on the desk as if she would wake up any minute. Obi fought a smile as he picked her up from the desk bridle style and carried her to her room, what's become a nightly ritual.

To no surprise to Obi, the girl in his arms nuzzled into his chest and mumbled "just ten minutes then back to work." With a smirk placed on his features "Yes Mistress." Even though they both knew he wouldn't wake her until morning and be scolded for it. As he reached her chamber he pulled the covers back, and gently placed her on the bed. Obi gently slipped he boots off and pulled the covers over her sleeping frame. "Goodnight Mistress" he whispered taking in one last glimpse of her, as he started to move away he was greeted with a slight tug on his shirt. She did this sometimes, those small hands would grip his shirt so that he couldn't leave, "please." She mumbled into the darkness. Defeated, he decided to stay until she fell asleep. He knew her intensions, that she didn't want him to leave her like everyone else she had to leave at the castle. Even so, he couldn't fight the great joy that welled inside of him as he brushed a stray red from her sleeping face.

As sleep started to find him, he got up from the side of Shirayuki's bed, and keeled down so he was eye level with her closed eyes. "I'm in love with you Shirayuki, I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Thank you for not turning back when I shot that arrow" knowing full well he could never say that with her fully conscious, he gently kissed her forehead and left.

3 weeks later…

Cheers could be heard all over Lyrias, the research had turned out successful! The lit up lights glowed magically in the night air, they even managed to create different colors. All the researchers rejoiced, even Ryuu and Kirito where celebrating. Everyone was patting Shirayuki on the back and hugging her, it had been her final touch that did it. Obi, even though he wasn't an official herbalist, was admiring the stone and sharing everyone's happiness. Heck even Lata came to see what all the commotion was about and smiled from ear to ear. "You did it Shirayuki!" "We couldn't have done it with out you!" "How did you do that?!" "Notice me Senpai!" "Stay here forever!" Overwhelmed and filled with happiness she just smiled, everyone was quiet and admired the stones.

The only thing Shirayuki wished in that moment, was for Zen to have experienced it with her.

Suzu announced after a few moments "Let us all celebrate! Call the whole town together tomorrow night and in the inner circle we'll hang the stones for light and celebrate with music and dance!" Everyone bubbling with excitement ran in opposite directions preparing for the celebration. Shirayuki, still overwhelmed with excitement, ran to Obi and hugged him tightly. "Haha hey little Miss" he said it happy shock as he awkwardly wrapped his arms around her. "We couldn't have done this without you…thank you for sticking with us." She said nuzzled in his chest. Shocked, he feared his increasing heart rate would reach her ears "I-It was only because of you" his face almost matching the color of her hair. She pulled back and gave him the smile that always melts his heart. "u-um Sh-Shira ahem Mistress I-I need to tell you something…" giggling she replied "Yes?" He couldn't do it… she wasn't his, she was Zen's and Zen's was hers. it'll never be, all he can do is cherish the time and moments they share together.

"Nothing. Sorry…I forgot was it was"

"Oh ok let me know if you think of it again! I'm going to go write Zen about everything!"

His smile faded as he watched her leave, moment, gone.