Leaning against the wall, Ryoken slowly made his way forward while avoiding the eyes of others. He knew what Spectre said, but he couldn't just go along with it. Taking a shortcut through a secret passage, he arrived at the other side of the castle. However, the moment he stepped out, he came face to face with that person.

"Your highness?"

"Well, this is awkward. Somehow I manage to avoid everyone but you, Playmaker." He smiled.

"What are you doing here? You should be in bed resting."

"I'm going to hunt down the assassin from the other day."

"Forgive me for saying this, but isn't that the dumbest thing to do?"

"Hm, yes. But you can't expect me to just lay around, hoping the knights would catch him. I can protect myself even if I'm hurt."

"..."

"Anyway, what happened to your hand?"

"Oh, it got burnt while I was putting out the fire at the warehouse with everyone." He said while gripping it tight with his other hand.

"Does it still hurt?"

"Just a little. It's nothing compare to your wounds."

"So... I don't suppose you'll pretend you didn't see me and just let me leave."

"I think it would be pointless to convince you to go back when you have already made up your mind."

"You really are different. In that case, would you accompany me? There is a place I want to go. And don't worry, if something happens, I'll protect you."

"It'll be my honor."

A few moments later...

"This is the place you wanted to go?" Asked Playmaker. He didn't expect the one place the young prince wanted to go despite his injures to be the royal garden.

"Yeah. These flowers bloomed a few days ago, but I couldn't visit them, so I thought why not today. Don't tell me you don't find them beautiful."

"No, not at all. It just amazes me how you still have the mood to enjoy something so fragile consider how vulnerable you are here."

"Well, there is no point in stressing myself." He smiled. "Beside, if I did end up being killed, I want these flowers to be the last thing I see. They might be fragile but that doesn't mean they can't be deadly at the same time."

"I see." His face grew dark as Ryoken leaned down, taking a sniff. At the same time, a small ball of light gathered in his pawn as he moved his right hand behind his back. As he tightened his hand, it took form and transformed into a dagger with a jade handle. "I'll honor your final wish."

"Huh?"

It was then the image of the blade reflected in his eyes as the petals took the air with the breeze. Quickly leaned his head to the side, Ryoken pulled out his sword and blocked Playmaker's attack.

"I can see how you manage to live this long. Your reflect is good."

"Just who are you?!" He shouted out while swinging his sword, forcing the emerald eyes teen to jump back.

"I told you, didn't I? I'm the Grim Reaper."

With that said, he charged at the prince. Sparks were flying while the sounds of blades clashing echoed in the air. Little by little, their wounds opened and their clothes were stained red while the pain forced them to groan. However, they just kept on going like two wild beasts fighting over a piece of fresh meat. As Playmaker jumped back, dodging Ryoken's blade, the pendant hidden inside his shirt flew out and caught the prince's eyes. The moment he saw it shone under the warm sunlight, he froze. Noticing the opportunity, the emerald eyes teen once again approached him and had the dagger where his heart was. Just one small push and it would have pierced his heart, yet, the young prince didn't move and just kept on staring at him with blood dripping from the side of his mouth.

"Why did you suddenly stop? After everything, it's weird you just decide to give up."

"Where...did you get that?"

"What?"

"Where did you get that?" He asked while moving closer, ignoring the fact the dagger was just inches away from ending him. "That earring."

Playmaker found it strange, but when he saw the look in his eyes, he couldn't help but answered.

"I was a slave once, and this one boy gave it to me as he promised he comes back for me and rescues me from my master. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to meet--What are you doing?!" His eyes widened as Ryoken hugged him out of the blue.

"So you were alive after all." The teen hugged him tighter. "Sorry I couldn't...keep...my pro..." And everything turned black.

And another chapter done! Yay!

To one of my readers, I glad you enjoy the story, but you don't need to comment you like the pairing every single chapter. You sound like a robot. I hope this doesn't offense you whatsoever.