Chapter 1: Kibou.

I stood in the snow, freezing to death as I tried to get away from my dredged family but right now i had lost all my strength and falling to all fours i was giving up ready to die. I cried when i realized none would care about my death they would be glad to be rid of me, I balled my eyes out.

that was when he stood above me, my grandfather, Ryoma Kurogane. "Does it frustrate you kid. Does it upset you kid not to be respected and loved by your father and mother because of some test. Good that proves you care about your life."

Those words struck me harder than anything my parents had said to me. I looked up to him like a hero. He smiled and looked down to me offering me his hand. "If you want to be better, to find your strength then take my hand and i will guide. I will set you on a new path but remember this if you choose to go against your father and your mother then as the elder member of this family i will have to exile you."

I looked at Ryoma hand and then i looked at his face. I could see he wanted me to take his hand. I was 6 when I made this choice the choice that would change my life forever. I took his hand and he picked me up before taking me to his home where he became my master and he gave me my name. "Then come Ikki Kibou. Let's start your new life."

Training with Master Ryoma was long and hard. He made me train with a fake sword, his distaste for my Intetsu was clear as day. So a training sword was all i could use against his device, most of the time my sword would break and I would have to get another one. We did this from sunrise to sunset, it was through this hard training that I learnt perfect vision. Master Ryoma had refused just like any other tutor to teach me technique so learnt to copy him, to watch his movements to the smallest detail and match them. Yet because I never used my device I could never beat him.

As I train with master Ryoma during the day I learn there was more I could learn from others using my Perfect Vision. So i watched matches and studied the swordsmen movements. Slowly i made my own style. A style to trickery, a style which tricks my opponent into thinking they can win but I beat them with their own moves, mimicking each step which they take and counter. If i could not counter I would use the irregular guard I taught myself to use and after 6 long years. I would final get to make the next step in my life.

On the 6th year of our training Master Ryoma took me to the place he had found me on that fateful night. He handed me one training sword and said. "Your blade is your life. If you defend yourself you will die like the dog you are but if you beat me just this once I will take you far away from here to a place I know you can find the happiness you don't deserve."

His swords had filled me with fear as I held the wooden sword. I had never beat him, the wood sticks had alway broken and i would have to run to get another one, today however their were no extras this time I knew I was going to have to hope i got lucky with my first trick or I would be dead.

So I charged forward foolishly and went for a jab to the neck. Master Ryoma blocked it with ease and the sword broke. My heart broke with it. I could feel my end coming I was frustrated that it was going to end like that after all the work I put into becoming what I was. It was then it clicked in my head, I didn't care if he hated my Device it wasn't this burden to bare it was mine. It was my blade my Intetsu and so I drew it. Summoning the handle into my hand and drawing the rest of the blade like a samurai would I held the blade in my two hands and quickly blocked the strike he brought to my neck. I held his blade their as I look at hard as I could for a 12 year into his eyes. He looked down at me and smiled. "It's about time you brought it out. I wanted you to learn that your device belongs you and no matter what people think of it you should believe in it with all your heart. Now this fight isn't over."

I blades crossed again i blocked every attack he threw thanks to my perfect vision i knew his style like the back of my hand but it wasn't enough. I could feel my body weaken and slow but i wanted,no needed, to win that fight so i dug as deep as i could into each strike until it happened. With a blink of an eye my body glowed with a soft blue glow, Master Ryoma was shocked and confused. I had grown faster and stronger able to move twice my normal speed and too fast for a old man such as himself to match.

For me I could see no colour, hear no sound and feel no emotion. I was like a demon from the depth of hell with a single goal of death. I got the upper hand and saw my opening so I took it. I moved behind him and made a fast strike to his legs. If i had kept my device in physical mode it would of removed them by i switched it to phantom mode so it past through them but it hurt like hell.

Master Ryoma fell to his knees from the strike and dropped his sword. He turned his head to look at me. His face grow into a large smile and he burst out laughing. I smiled back for a few seconds before i passed out.

/Ryoma's private jet./

When i awoke I was in a strange room.. With no idea where I was or where i was going I shot up to a seating position I looked around and saw no one around. I began to panic, but then after a few seconds Master Ryoma stepped into the room with his hands behind his back. He looked at me with a smile. "Good your awake I have some news. But first I guess you want to where you are."

I nodded quickly, Master Ryoma chuckled at this. "Hahah. No need to panic boy. We are on my private jet heading to a small empire in the corner of Europe, The don't speak japanese so you better read this and learn as much as you can before we get their. Mainly try and to learn how to be polite you how to hello, yes, no, please and thank you . I have a friend that has agreed to take you in."

I nodded not having much of a choice in the matter. I then spoke weakly "You said you had some news."

Ryoma nodded. "Yes, I told you the first and main bit of news i had for you but i also think i should inform you as my student that Ikki Kurogane is dead as I agreed to with his father 2 years ago when I told about his desire to leave."

Ikki looked confused his young mind not able to make sense of what he was being told. "I don't understand I'm not dead."

"No your not boy. You are Ikki Kibou not Ikki Kurogane who is now dead do you understand."

I nodded however at the time I still could make sense of what i was being told. Ryoma then left the room without a thought I remind in bed my body feeling weak, I did as I was asked and looked through the book i was given trying to learn the words i was told. I did this until we landed.

/Vermillion castle./

Master Ryoma guided me to the door of the castle. I went over the 5 words I had learnt on my way over here. We got to the large door and Master Ryoma knocked twice. A maid opened it and spoke in the lands langue. Master Ryoma replied in the same way and guide me in. we walked into the main hall then walked down a hallway to the left, then we entered a small room where a middle age man with crimson hair and beard sat behind a desk. He spoke however spoke in japanese to master Ryoma. "I understand the boy doesn't know Norwegian yet so I'll speak in Japanese you him to understand."

He paused and look straight at me as he spoke. "I don't want him here. But a deal is a deal yes, is a promise. He may stay until he can go back home to Hague academy. That's 3 years correct."

I grow with anger when I heard him, he was not better than my own parents but I kept my mouth shut and put my fake smile on. I had learned long ago to hide my emotion from even myself. I glanced at Master Ryoma and saw him nod. "Yes. All of his care and tutoring will be covered by my self with a fixed sum each month and if and when I die before he goes to hague my fortune will go to you if not the remaining money will go to him. Correct is that acceptable I mean all you have to do is keep him in a room and feed him. You'll hardly know he is here."

The other man nodded. "Ok boy what is your name I am Sirius Vermillion. Emperor of Vermillion."

I was scared out my mind so I sounded fairly pitiful when I spoke. "Ikki Kur….Kibou. Ikki Kibou."

I looked to Master Ryoma he softly nodded to me. I then looked back at Sirius who was glaring at me. He huffed and stood. He didn't say a word as he lead us out the study. We headed up 2 floor of and pasted many door. The last door was to be my home. He opened it and we stepped inside.

It was like a apartment. It had seating space and small kitchen and then a bed. I looked around, all i could think about was training so as looked around I thought about the changes i was going to make. It was when Sirius spoke did i stop doing this. This is your room for the next 3 years, as you are to stay under my roof you are to follow my rules and they are as follows. 1. You do not leave this room unless told to. 2. You can make changes to it as long as you don't cause damage. 3 you can train in here but again don't cause damage. And finally rule 4 do not speak to my family if you see them from your balcony which overlooks our garden then ignore them or return inside. Is that understood."

"Ja" replied coldly i say Master Ryoma smile a little and Sirius remain unfazed.

"Good. your tutor will arrive next week, you will have 3 lessons a week every week until you leave." I nodded in understanding. "Now Ryoma come let us discuss our business."

"Ok goodbye Ikki I hope to see you again. You were a very good student."

"Thank you master Ryoma for everything." he nodded to me and i looked to Sirius who was walking out. "Takk skal du ha Sirius"

I didn't see Sirius reaction as he had his back to me and i did really care as in a few moments i was left alone. As soon as i was i moved to room around until I had enough space to train and summoned Intetsu.

That was all i did for the next week practise, i kept trying to redo what i did in my fight with Master Ryoma but i could never do it. At the end of the week my tutor arrived. Her name was Kristian Johansen she was a middle aged women with light blond hair, she had a kind look on her face and she spoke with a thick accent. She introduced herself and then helped me move the room around so she could teach me. She taught me all the basic things they would teach in school so I wouldn't miss anything in my solitude. Also taught me how to speak and write Norwegian and how to cook using the kitchen. we became fast friends or as much friend as you can with your teacher and that was what my life had become. It was either training, learning or reading the books Kristian had brought me.

It was like this for 6 months. 6 month i lived my life peacefully in my room in the Vermillion castle. That was until she came knocking.

It was a day like any other when Kristian wasn't coming. I would start the day by making breakfast, the servants brought me spare ingredient instead of normal food at Kristian request. Then I would read a book for a few hours before lunch then I would train until dinner then train some more before reading again an hour before I would go to bed. However on that day my training was interrupted by a knock on the door. When i opened it I saw Stella Vermillion aged 12 with a bandage wrapped round her head and sweet smile plastered on her face. She spoke sweetly and friendly as possible unaware of the trouble she could get me into. "Hello my name is Stella, What yours?"

I shock my head, the fear my family put in me for breaking rules surfaced. I just wanted to get out her away from there. "I shouldn't be talking to you please go away."

I tried to shut the door but she stopped it with a burning hand. It turned out she was stronger than me. "I just want to know your name. I hear you from the garden."

"Ikki now please go away I don't want to get in trouble."

"OK Ikki bye." Stella then ran down the hall the sighed and closed the door. I began practising again hoping to rid myself of fear. It hadn't work. I didn't sleep that night too scared of what might happen tomorrow.

My fears were realised the next day as Sirius came charging into the door grabbing me by the tuft of the top and lifting me in the air his eyes looked like the were burning. "I told you not to talk to my family did i not and what did you do. You spoke to her, you spoke to Stella now she wants to duel you what did you say to her."

His voice was filled with rage and he spoke in japanese so I would understand him. " I'm sorry. I tried to tell her to go away, told her i wasn't aloud to speak to her, she insisted, she wanted to know my name that was all I said to her. She said she heard me from the garden. I'm sorry for breaking the rules please don't hurt me… I'm sorry."

Sirius looked at me with sorrow. He put me down and sighed, "I see now why your grandfather wanted to get you away from your family. Alright, Stella my daughter is a blazer like you. She has more magical energy than you and will likely beat you. Yet she want to duel you, seeing as it was her idea i have to let her do it order for her to get over this dream of hers. Come boy."

So then after 6 months I left the room i was trapped in. he lead me to the garden I had overlooked for that time but then we headed past the garden and down some stairs to an open arena. It was a sandy burnt place but I could see this where I was going to duel Stella. She was fully clothed ready for a fight. I was dressed in my PJ. Stella laughed at the sight of me I smiled about it too. I entered the arena battlegrounds and Sirius stood at the top, watching us. I summoned Intetsu she summoned her device Laevateinn.

"Begin." was all Sirius spoke as Stella charged at me. I blocked her attack and kept blocking using my perfect vision to learn her style. After a few blocked strikes her confidence grow and she fought she had the fight won. I soon changed that as I went on the offensive using her own skills against her. She was shock I learned it so fast. The fight became a stalemate. It went on for 20 minutes before her father stopped it we both stood their sweaty and worn out a smile on our faces.

"That...was...fun" I said breathlessly.

"Yeah…" Stella replied also breathless

Sirius walked down into the battle area spoke in norwegian so we would both understand. "I can see that you are both well skilled and equally matched. Ikki how would feel about training with my Daughter."

I replied in norwegian so Stella would understand me. "I would very much like that sir thank you."

He nodded, "and you stella how would you feel about Training with Ikki"

Stella jumped up and down and then hugged my arm. "Yes..yes...yes"

I smiled at her happiness and i enjoyed having her hug my arm. Her father did not which me made clear with a cough. Stella let go of my arm and looked her father for what he was going to say next. "Alright then Stella, Ikki from this day on you are to become training partners. You will train together 2 days a week OK."

We both nodded then Sirius spoke again. "Good now Ikki I will show you back to your room so you can get dressed and stella you keep practicing."

We did as we were told I however took a glance over my shoulder to look at her before returning to my room. My time at the vermillion castle from that day on became some of the best years of my life. Over the course of 2 and half years me and Stella had gone from training partners where we taught ourselves our noble arts and became stronger as magical knights. To friends where she would take me to the city and show me around we would have fun and mess around like the children I told her about my past. I found I could open up to her, tell her anything and then puberty hit and we saw each other much differently, It was on my 14th birthday, which was now the day I was renamed, that I confessed to her and she returned my feelings. We kept it a secret for short time but then things started to grow. When i had 2 month until I was meant to marry me, she said yes and it why 1 month before i was leaving we stood before her mother and father.

Although I had become something of a son to the two they didn't like what we confessed. I said the words and Stella gave me the strength to say them. "I Ikki Kibou have asked your Daughter Stella Vermillion to marry me. I come here asking for your acceptance."

"Ikki you have to understand that you marrying our daughter will cause some problems for our nation, you are a man with nothing the country will gain nothing from your wedding." Stella mother spoke softly and kindly.

I nodded to her understanding what she had said I looked at her father who was expressionless. "Ikki you are 15 and will be returning to japan in 1 month. She is 14 and in 2 years will ready to marry, Like my wife had said I would of like it to be someone who had something to proved us. So a marriage between you and Stella is next to impossible."

Stella then stepped forward. "But father I don't want to marry anyone else. I love Ikki. I want to go Japan with him next year."

Sirius jaw dropped when she said that. "Stella do you understand what it is you are saying."

"Yes father I do. I mean no offence to my older sister but she can marry someone of worth when she finds the one she wants but have other dream for our kingdom. We have no magical knights, no one to protect us from other ones that may attack. Ikki has already sworn his loyalty to you for when he graduates but that is just one knight." I squeezed her hand as she spoke.

Sirius and Stella mother closed their eyes sighed. Stella mother spoke first. "Stella please may you leave us."

Stella was about to protest but I shock my head and silently told her to just do as she was told. Once she left Sirius spoke. "Ok Ikki firstly i want you to know that the Hague academy have already failed you. Your test came back and they found out about your past. I believe they will try and fail you."

I nodded "I understand that and accept it. I will find a way to prove myself and you already know of the power I have even if a test can't prove it."

Sirius nodded. "Yes of course. I just wanted to make you aware. Now for the next thing I want you to know is that your master or should I say great great father died of old age 2 years ago. As of our agreement I took the money however I put it in a bank and the money had tripled what it once, your great grandfather and mine name has got you into the academy until you graduate to dropout but with the money you won't need to work or get loans now on to the final matter, Stella. I have watch you over the last 2 and a half year and from what Kristian tells me you are the perfect man for her you two might not see it but you calm her as she keeps you standing. So as foolish as it is I will allow the marriage to go ahead on one condition."

My eyes widened at the thought it could be possible for our marriage to be accepted by Stella parents. "What is it I will do anything."

Sirius looked at me with a hardened face. "When you go to japan lose connection with Stella she will know what going on you can tell her but we will too so don't worry."

Stella mother finished the deal. "If when she is 15 a year after you have left and not spoke or seen each other she still decides she wants you then you may have her to be your wife."

I looked at the them with a smile and a nod. "I agree but I have a request."

The pair nodded as if they were ready to hear it. "I have these rings one for me and one for Stella it is a simple band of silver nothing grand but will leave it with you now give it to her with the deal we have made. If i can not see or speak to then this ring can be her connection to me if she sends it back to me in the academy before the year is up then I will give up on our wedding. It can be your message to me."

Stella mother smiled. "Thats sweet and i like the idea. Sirius do you agree."

Sirius nodded and smiled I bowed and left the room Stella entered after i left and returned to my room.

/1 hour later./

Stella rushed in and slapped me. "What were you thinking. Not being able to talk to each other for a year it'll be torture."

I smiled and saw her wearing the ring. "I know but i did get that ring enchanted but a knight in japan it's what's known as a love ring. I'll come off by the one you love who wears the pair or if you stop loving me it will break and your parents can send me the halves. Only you know that, I won't believe it unless it the two halves of his exact ring and remember it'll be torture for me too.

"OK I'm going to miss you," Stella said on the verge of tears.

"And ill miss you" I told her as I brought her into a hug.

We spent the rest of that day and the last month together be it hugging, kissing, going on dates studying or training we never left each other's side. When it was time for me to leave Stella didn't stop crying, that was the last I saw her for a whole year.

/1 year later./

I had woken up early and went on a extra long run that day i had so full of energy it had been a year since i had seen her. But i saw it on the news that she was to coming to Japan to study and I knew what that had meant. I returned and jogged up the stairs I didn't know what room she was going to be in or what time she was going to arrive so I choose to wait and try and find her later little did i know what I was jogging to.

I opened the door to my room and headed towards the bath when I saw someone standing in the main room stretching. The light reflected off her crimson hair and I knew who it was. "Stella?"

Stella jumped at the sound of my voice and turned to me. She smiled brighter than she ever had and ran towards jumping into my open arms. We kissed of what felt like hours even if it was only minutes. We were together again and now it was forever.