Each day blurred into another till she could only remember spending days in Leafenia. Himeno was getting stronger, she could feel it. Practicing with her new powers was likes stretching muscles that had never been used before. At the end of each session, her body was weary and her clothes clung to her body from perspiration.

Stumbling to the ground on one hot afternoon, Himeno moaned as the center of her body ached. Wolfgang let out a huff. "Good grief, girl, you need to work on stigma. Otherwise, you'll be too exhausted in a fight and lose."

Himeno rose to her feet once again, she felt her clothes melt away; it came almost naturally now. The white skirt fell about four inches from her hip bones, the front of the dress was snug around her little frame. A crown of flowers was balanced on top of her free, red hair. Wings almost transparent sprouted out of her back, the slight tinge of the clearest white like first fallen snow.

Today she was practicing against multiple opponents meaning the older Leafe Knights and Wolfgang was fighting against her. Himeno felt her energy soar as Wolfgang leaped in front of her with his claws extended. She waltzed out of the way with quick steps while she drew her bow-now transformed into a sword. Hitting him flat on the back, she watched him wince before falling; he was now considered "dead."

Goh, Sesame, and Kei came up, surrounding Himeno. She flashed them a smile before her sword transformed into a fan. With a flick of her wrist, a heave of wind violently rocked up while a cloud of dust swirled. When the fog of dirt had cleared, Himeno saw the trio had stumbled a bit. She ran up before swinging up in the air, catching Goh on his shoulders. She used his broad shoulders to shove him into Kei. Sesame was faster, dodging effectively while his companions were in an undignified tumble.

The younger Leafe Knights, who were sitting in the outskirts of the clearing with Takako, cheered on while Mannen booed at Sesame for being quick on his feet.

Taking advantage of Himeno's distraction, Hayate aimed his sword hard against her neck as if he was swinging a bat. Himeno couldn't believe his speed. She dropped gracefully, nearly doing the splits to avoid being hit. Her body was already aching with all the effort from defeating the first three opponents.

Sesame took advantage of her momentary fatigue and swung his sword in her direction. Rolling out of the way, she managed to get about four feet away from both of the two Leafe Knights. The men turned towards her and she didn't think about it. Himeno felt all her energy pulse through her body, attempting to escape. She held out her palm in defense and the echo of energy struck the two men sending them to the ground.

Feeling drained, Himeno fell to her knees. "We're done," she breathed.

"I'm very impressed, Lady Himeno." The familiar voice was soft, welcoming. Whirling her head around, Himeno caught sight of Zarek, Prince of Shadows.

"Hello, Prince Zarek, this is an unexpected surprise," Himeno smiled at him. He took a few steps closer toward her till she was practically kneeling in front of him. He offered his hand, Himeno gratefully took it.

As she heaved up, Prince Zarek had other ideas. He took her hand once again, grazing her bare knuckles across his lips. When they stood in front of each, he leaned in more. "I'm happy to see you again," he whispered, his breath caressing against her ear and the side of her neck.

Himeno stumbled a step backward; a blush was threatening to burn her skin. An easy grin was on her face. "It's nice to see you, too, Prince Zarek."

"You must drop the formalities, Himeno," he pressed. Himeno nodded.

The other Leafe Knights eyed Hayate as his expression grew darker. Wolfgang huffed out at the exchange.

Still gripping Himeno's hand, Zarek turned to the eyes from across the clearing. "Brother," he called. Dragging Himeno, Zarek went over to Hayate. "Hayate, how are you?" Zarek questioned.

Hayate's glower just lay on the hand that snared Himeno's wrist. "I've been better," he murmured. Himeno, in concern, put her free hand lightly on his shoulder. "Did I hurt you?" She demanded worry began to pucker in between her eyebrows.

"Not intentionally," he honestly told her. She turned to the rest of the party. "Did I pass?" Goh whooped while Kei gave a quiet applause.

"Of course, you passed. That last move was unheard of, just flick of your wrist and next thing you know Sesame and Hayate are on the ground. That is so awesome," Goh boomed. Wolfgang rumbled. "Your mother could do that, too. She said it was the pulsing energy from the plants and her own body synchronizing and combining energy to strike an enemy. Very impressive."

Sesame gave his praise before going to meet a frantic Takako. Himeno felt Zarek's grip on her wrist loosen before she managed to wiggle her hand free. Hayate, who was acting strangely, was exchanging causalities with his brother. His eyes were tense, his body was strained. Himeno wanted to just come up behind him and hug his waist to relieve some of that pressure.

Himeno started to numbly walk to where the younger Leafe Knights sat. "Did I hurt them badly?" She asked quietly to Shin. The child with his beautiful gold locks shook his head.

"No, Hayate is just being sad. I guess he's homesick," Shin considered.

Mannen glanced at Shin. "I don't think he's homesick, I think he's just angry cuz Himeno beat him so easily, I would be angry."

Hajime shook his head. "No, he would be happy for Himeno. He would be happy when he knows when Himeno can defend herself."

Himeno bowed her head on her thighs. She was so tired, her body throbbed. Her head was pounding. She could feel the world become smaller and smaller in her vision. Her eyes fought to keep open.

Opening her eyes with shock, she realized she was cradled in Hayate's arms. This is where she wanted to be forever. In his warm protection, Himeno felt secure. "You are weak right now," he confirmed. Himeno shook her head. Her tongue felt too heavy to respond.

He cupped one of his hands to fold against her inside knees and another to support her back and neck. Though, Himeno wanted to lift her head, her neck rolled against arm till her body was limp.

"Damn it, a fever is starting to spike. Wolfgang, Himeno's sick; let's take her back to our home. She shouldn't be outside." He bowed his head to touch her clammy cheek. Himeno didn't remember anything else.

IV.

Hayate bowed his head. His brother was in love with Himeno. He wanted to marry Himeno. Zarek, the heir to the Kingdom of Shadows, was going to wed the girl Hayate loved. He could not bear calling Himeno his sister.

Sitting next to her while she lay in his bed, he knew how much he loved her. He knew there would be never enough time to love her. She had always been his flower; he wanted to shelter her and keep her from harm's way. He wanted to be stronger than what he really was so that he could protect her. As he watched her groan and shiver in his bed, he knew that was where Himeno was meant to be: next to him only.

Hayate stroked Himeno's feverish cheek. She curled into his touch, probably because it cooler than her skin. Dabbing a wet cloth on her head, Hayate sighed. She was always getting in some sort of trouble.

Recalling the conversation merely an hour ago, Hayate felt sick himself…

Hayate had just been blown away by the surge of energy. He felt his body go numb as he tried to stand up. His back burned from impact. A spike of worry zinged through his body as he saw Himeno fall to her knees but alarm started to build as he saw the unmistakable shape of his brother.

Zarek had not changed in the last six years. He was still powerful; he still had the slightly smug look on his pale face. The only thing that was different was his blue-green eyes were filled with dark desire as he stared at Himeno.

Watching his older brother grab Himeno's hand and placing those possessive kisses on her delicate hand, Hayate's body went from numb to ice. He watched as Himeno's eyes were heavy-lidded in an obvious haze as Zarek looked with sheer adoration. He eased his way closer to her like an animal stalking its prey. Hayate couldn't hear the words but he could tell from the way the two were so close that something had gone on at the castle of Shadows, something Himeno didn't tell him.

She had smiled at him; the gesture was like the clouds were pardoned so the sun could shine just for Zarek. Hayate felt a stab of jealousy for his brother; he should have been the only one to see such a smile.

Zarek approached Hayate and his whole world had turned dark. Zarek, with eyes brimming with delight, began to exchange fluent friendliness before telling Hayate his intentions:

"What do you think of Lady Himeno?"

Hayate felt instantly wary. "She is someone who I respect deeply. I think dearly of her."

Zarek pondered for a moment, his hand rubbing the bottom of his chin. "How do I go about courting her? I want Himeno for my wife. I think she'll be the ideal queen for the Land of Shadows."

If Hayate was wary before, he was positively livid inside. He would not help his brother in this endeavor! Himeno was his. Hayate did not share. "Zarek, I will not help you trap Himeno into a marriage. I refuse," he told Zarek stiffly.

At that moment, Hayate watched Himeno cradle herself in a ball. He felt something strike his heart. He knew that something was not right. As soon he scooped her into his arms, everything began to make sense in his world. The fatigue and conversation with Zarek seemed to melt away as he held her in his arms. Her body molded perfectly against his figure. She shivered against his chest, his heart fluttered.

Himeno moaned, bringing Hayate back into reality. "What happened?" Her voice was hoarse. He looked at her. How was it possible that she could be so sick but in his mind she was still stunning?

"Be quiet, tulip head! You're sick," he told her playfully. He ruffled her hair, feeling the rough silk through his fingers. Her face was red like a tomato causing Hayate to be a bit frantic. "Your fever is spiking up. Just relax," he soothed.

"Your hands are cool. Feels nice," she mumbled. Those amber eyes were already starting to droop. "Hayate," she breathed. His hand still on the bed, her hand took his into her feeble grasp.

Standing over her, he thought about the kiss he had shared with her when the snow of happiness and miracles fell. God, how many times had he thought about that kiss? It would be burned in his mind forever.

He leaned over the bed, Himeno's eyelids twitching as she slept. Sweat beads trailed down her neck to those thin collarbones. Gently, Hayate caressed her warm forehead with his lips. He tasted the fever against his mouth. The salty sweat clung to his parted lips. She sighed as if contented before letting go of his hand.

Hayate turned and walked away from his bedroom. Before going out of the doorway, he stopped. Looking at her in his bed sent a tingle of sensations coursing through his body. His heart shuddered and his resolve grew in that moment.

"I'll never let you go."