Forbidden Love

by UnknownEntity0

(Flash): "Astral." A soft and gentle voice called out. "Who's there?" I said glancing around the darkness. "Did you forget me?" She asks as her voice quivered as if she was about to cry. "Who are you?" I repeated once more to the darkness in an annoyed tone of voice. She took a shaky breath. "I'm..." (Flash) I snapped my eyes open and clutched my forehead. Who is she?

39. 39

Note: I fast forward the time a bit. So it's been two months since the memory seal wore off.

---

Astral's POV:

(Flash):

"Astral…"

Where am I? I thought as I looked around and saw a river. Wait… I blinked and rubbed my eyes a couple of times then looked down at my hand in shock. How is it that I can see? Did it wore off?

"Astral…"

I froze as my breath hitched. It can't be her. Just then, I saw a person's figure, standing with her back faced towards me. It just can't be her. It's not possible!

"Astral, do you not recognize me?" She asks in a soft voice.

I clench my fist. "Who are you?"

She turned around to face me as I stumbled back. That face… her hair… those eyes… I shook my head slowly as I took a few more steps back. "Who are you?"

"I'm Astrid." She said as she took steps towards me.

"You're lying. You are not her!" I exclaimed as I clench my fist. She is dead.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at me. "How could you not recognize me?"

I resisted the urge to hold her while still clenching my fist. She is dead. "Did our time together mean nothing to you?" She asks as more tears streamed down her face.

I bit my lip. "I…"

"Were you lying to me when you said that you love me?"

My eyes widen. "That's not true!" I shouted as I started to walk up to her.

"Then why did you say that I was lying?"

"You… I saw you fall off a cliff into the River of Forgetfulness." I started. "How-"

She smiled. "Even though I fell off a cliff, it doesn't mean that I'm dead." She walked towards me. "My love, I have been looking for you for the past two years now."

She placed a hand on my cheek as my heart rate accelerated. Is it really her? "I-Is it really you?" I stuttered out in disbelief as I brought a hand up and stroked her hair. Can I really believe that you came back? Can I have hope again?

She nods as more tears formed in her eyes. "Astral, it's really me. I'm Astrid."

Can I really hold onto this little hope? Is she telling the truth?

My heart rate soared, I leaned in closer to her as our lips were millimeters apart. Astrid.

"Astral, stop!"

I snapped my eyes open as I turned in the direction of the voice. Lily? What is she doing here?

"Lily?" I ask in confusion. "Why are you here?"

She stood at a distance from us, breathing heavily as she looked at me. "Astral, you have move away from her!"

I tilt my head in confusion as I removed my hands from her. "Why?"

"Because she's not Astrid!" She exclaimed as I look next to me in disbelief.

"Do you honestly believe her, my love?" She ask softly. "I'm telling you, I'm Astrid."

"I…" It's not like the both of them to lie about this but what is this uneasy feeling?

"Stop lying to him!" Lily exclaimed as she glared at her. "Astral, you have to come over to my side."

"Do you not recognize your friend, Lily?"

"Why would you say that I am lying?"

"Because you are!" She said. "You are definitely not Astrid."

She turns to me. "You believe me right, my love?"

"I…" I trailed off, not knowing who to believe. Who do I believe in this situation?

Her eyes widen as she glared at Lily. "Why are you hesitant? Do you not love me anymore because of her?"

"No, I still-"

"Astral, trust me! She is not her!"

"You be quiet!" She shouted. "It's your fault that you seduced my lover while I was gone."

"And to think that I was actually friends with you." She chuckled.

I widen my eyes in shock. Since when did she get so cruel?

"I did not seduce him."

"Say all you want, Lily but we both know that he loves me more than you." She narrows her gaze at her. "In fact, your just a replacement-"

"Stop talking!" I shouted at her as she stared at me in disbelief. How could she say that?

"Astrid, Lily is not and will never be a replacement for you." I said calmly.

"How could you say those things to her? Did you forget that she's your friend?"

"You are defending her?" She exclaims in shock. "Do you really love her more than me?!"

I bit my lip in frustration. "I-"

She laughs as she turns to her. "What did you do to him?!"

"I didn't-"

"He's changed."

I changed? No… I didn't change.

"Astrid, I didn't change over the years."

"Then why are you defending her?"

"Did you forget that I am your lover?" She asks while cupping my face. "Or do you not love me anymore?"

I smiled. "The love that I harbor for you is still there."

"Then why are you defending her? If you love me then you have to defend me, not her." What?

I took her hands away from my face and slowly backed away from her. "You've changed."

"You weren't like this in the past." I stated as I backed away.

"I've changed? No, it was you who changed."

She snaps her gaze back at Lily. "I bet it was you who changed him didn't you?"

"I-"

"I wasn't the one who changed." I said calmly, looking at her as I increased the distance between us. I don't even recognize you anymore.

"Who are you?"

She tilted her head. "What?"

"You are not her. Just why are you pretending to be her?"

"You are going to believe her instead of me?!" She yelled. This is definitely not Astrid.

"Yes."

"Why? Why won't you believe me?"

"First of all, there is no possible way that you can be alive and second of all, you're not like this."

"Well, you try escaping death and wandering this world to look for the one you love. It's been two years, of course I changed."

True but there is no way that she can change that much… "Stop lying to me and tell me the truth, who are you?"

She laughs as she walks closer to me. "You really do love her huh?"

She summoned up a sword and pointed it directly at me as I backed away. "Astral," She said with tears in her eyes. Why is she like this?

"Why on earth are you like this?" I ask quietly as I stared at her. How could she change so much?

She smiled through her tears. "You are the one who has change. Do you not realize how much you love her? You once said that you only love me," She said with a shaky breath. I did say that did I?

I looked down in guilt and clench my fist.

"But now, look at you?" She said walking closer. "Not only you have a new lover. That new lover is my friend!" She shouted in anger.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" She exclaimed as she puts a hand up to her chest. "I feel betrayed, sad, anger, and disappointment."

"I…" I whispered as I trailed off, not knowing what to say to her. I feel so guilty… is it really wrong of me to find a new a happiness?

She exhaled as she blinked her tears away. "Astral, you will pay!" She yelled as she flew towards me with a sword aimed towards my chest.

I closed my eyes and waited for the impact. I could have easily dodged but this is my fault to begin with. If I didn't want to find a new happiness then none of this would have happened.

Have I really done wrong?

(Stab)

…

Why do I not feel a sword in the middle of my chest?

I opened my eyes to find Lily, with a sword piercing through her back as she shielded me from its impact.

"Lily!" I lowered her down into my arms. Why did she do that?

"Why? Just why did you-"

"Astral," She said in a labored breath. "This is not your fault."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at her. "What do you mean it's not my fault? If I-"

"It's not wrong to look for a new happiness in times of darkness and despair." She said weakly. "You don't have to feel guilty for anything, my love."

"But-"

She slowly brought her hand up to my face as tears dripped down towards her body. "Just promise me this, honey."

"Anything!" I said gripping onto her hand.

"Promise me," She said weakly while coughing out blood. "Promise me, that you will be happy."

"H-How?" I stuttered with tears still rolling down my cheeks. "How do you expect me to-"

"I want you to find a new source of happiness."

"I can't! How can you-"

She placed a hand to my lips. "You always can find happiness. You just have to allow yourself to be happy."

"Please, promise me that you will find a new source of happiness." I… How can I? My happiness is you and only you. How do you expect me to do the impossible?

"Promise me, Astral."

"I-I promise." I said quickly as I tried to use my powers to heal her wound but she stopped me.

"Don't." She said, shaking her head. "Don't waste your power on me."

"No! I will-"

"Astral, I know that even with your powers, this wound is too deep for treatment."

"Don't say that! I-I will-"

She coughed up blood once again. "Astral," She cupped my face weakly. "I will always love… you."

(Flash)

"No no no!"

"Don't you dare die, Lily!"

"How on earth do you expect me to find a new source of happiness?!"

"Astral, wake up!"

"I beg you, don't leave me, my love!"

"You must wake up!"

"How dare you do that to her! She was your friend!"

"Astrid… You will pay for what you've done to my beloved!"

"Astral! Wake up!"

"I beg you! You must wake up!"

"It is time for you to pay!"

"ASTRAL!"

Lily? I snapped my eyes open, breathing heavily as I sat up with my hand on my chest. What happened?

Why can't I see… Oh yeah, I'm temporarily blinded. "Astral?" My eyes widen as I turned towards her voice. Could it be? I tackled her in an embrace, burying my head in her shoulder. Lily… you are alive!

"A-Astral?"

"Can you stay like this for me?" I asks her quietly. "Just for a little while? That's all I want, my love."

I can feel her hand grip mine as we stayed in that position and closed my eyes. Lily, thank goodness that you are alive and well.

Eliphas' POV:

"Hey Enna!" I exclaimed while searching the potion closet. Is this it?

She sighs. "What is it?"

"I think I found it!"

"Honey, are you sure you found the right one this time?"

"We have been searching in this closet for about 20 minutes and-"

I flew up to her and handed the potion to her. "I'm positive that this is the right one." I said confidently.

She tilt her head as she read the label. "Body switching potion…"

She looks at me. "Where did you-"

"It was towards the very back of the closet in the corner." I said as I sat down for a rest. Has it only been 20 minutes? It felt like hours.

She sat down next to me. "Now that we have this, we could give it to the doctor and hopefully he will find a cure!"

I nod. Yup! "I wonder though," I said, pondering. "Who would have the guts to drug them?"

She shrugged. "I don't know."

"Want to break the news to our son?" I ask while standing up and walking out of the closet.

"Yes, he should be up by now."

"Of course he's up. It's 10 in the morning!"

She looks at me in concern. "Don't you think it's odd that he's sleeping in so late?"

He's usually an early riser but… "You worry to much, honey," I said as we walked towards his room. "Maybe he's just tired these days."

She bit her lip. "I hope that you're right."

"Good morning, mom and dad!"

"Morning to you as well." We said to our daughter.

"Father, have you seen Astral anywhere?"

"He's probably in his room, sleeping." My wife responds.

"Why do you ask?" I ask, looking at her.

"We were all concerned because he didn't show up for breakfast." Derek said as the rest of them approached us.

That's not like him… "Then have you seen Lily anywhere?" My wife asks them as they shook their heads.

"We don't know." Star said. Hmmm…

"Have you checked his room?" I ask as their eyes widen. Seriously? They didn't even bother to check his room?

"His room totally slipped our minds." Maria said sheepishly.

All of us facepalmed as we flew towards his room. Is Lily not awake either?

"Who are you?" I heard my son exclaimed. "Why are you pretending to be her?"

We all turned towards each other in confusion. Huh?

We opened the door to his room to find him whimpering, with his arms flailing in every direction as she sat there, trying to get him to wake up. What is going on?

"What is happening?" Estella ask in confusion as we shrugged.

"Don't you dare die!"

She shook him gently. "Astral, please wake up!"

"No, how can I be happy without you?"

"My love, you are having a nightmare. You have to wake up!" She said desperately as she once again shook him gently. A nightmare?

"How long has he been like this?" Brandon asks as he looked at the scene.

Lily turns to us. "Since this morning."

"Is that why you didn't come down for breakfast?" Star asks.

She nodded. "I have been trying to wake him up since 7 am but no matter what I do, he won't wake up." She finished sadly. This is an interesting occurrence indeed.

"You are not her! Who are you?" He shouted while flailing his arms as she grabbed his wrists tightly to avoid getting hit. I have never seen him like this before.

"Open your eyes!"

"No no no no no no no!" He screamed as he thrashed around.

"Don't you dare die, Lily!" He said as tears flowed down his face. Lily? Dead?

"Astral, I'm alive. All you have to do is open your eyes!" She exclaimed as she shook him once again.

"H-How could you do this to me?" He asks in a strained voice. "How could you kill your friend like this? Do you enjoy watching me suffer?" He yelled as more tears streamed down his face. Kill?

"Your majesties," Zach said. "Has he had nightmares where he can't wake up from before?"

Hmm… there was this one time but it hasn't happened since then… We shook our heads. "No, not that I know of." My wife said.

"Will father be okay, Aunt Star?" Serenity asks while holding her hand.

She smiles as she pats her on the head. "He will be fine. Don't worry." Hopefully that is the case.

"If you hate me that much then kill me! Why did you have to let me live? Why?"

"Astral! Wake up!" She shook him roughly.

"Astrid, why did you change so much?! Just what on earth happened to you?" He asks while breathing heavily. Astrid?

"You killed her! Is it so wrong for me to find a new source of happiness in times of darkness and despair?"

"A new source of happiness in times of darkness and despair…" I muttered as I trailed off, looking at my son still thrashing around in his bed. Is that what he is feeling guilty about? Does he think that he can't and doesn't deserve to be happy after what happened to her?

"I beg you, you have to wake up!" She said in desperation.

"Do you think that I honestly won't kill you?"

"Although you used to be my lover, you changed and killed the person that I love the most!" He said in a cold voice while his eyes are still closed.

"Astral! Wake up!"

"Astrid… you will pay for killing my beloved!" He said in a low yet sad voice as tears streamed down his face.

"Astral! You must wake up. I beg you, open your eyes!"

"It is time for you to pay!"

"ASTRAL!" She shouted and shook him roughly as he snaps his eyes open. He was panting and breathing heavily, clutching his chest. That was some nightmare.

He stayed silent as he stared straight ahead at a wall. I wonder what is he thinking…

"Astral?"

He blinked as he turned towards the sound of her voice as I could see tears welled up in his eyes.

He suddenly tackles her into an embrace, burying his head in her shoulder while closing his eyes and his arm wrapped around her neck tightly.

"A-Astral?" She said in shock.

"Can you stay like this for me." He asks her quietly. "Just for a little while? That's all I want, my love." That tone of voice… he rarely begs anyone to do anything for him. The fact that he's using that tone of voice with her means… What on earth did he dream about to make him react this way?

They stayed like that for a couple of minutes with Lily patting his back. "Lily," He said quietly. "I have a question."

She smiles. "Ask me anything."

"Is it so wrong to find a new source of happiness in times of darkness and despair?" He asks quietly as her eyes widen.

We looked at each other sadly. It's not. It's not wrong to be happy. All you need to do is let yourself to be happy.

She gently shook her head. "No, it's not wrong to be happy."

"But, what if that happiness comes at the expense of others happiness?" He asks after a moment of silence.

Our eyes widen. Why is he asking that?

"Why are you asking that, honey?" She asks softly while stroking his hair.

He stays silent. Does it have something to do with that dream?

"Let me give you an example," He said, still resting his head on her shoulder. "What if-"

"All I know is that happiness is a choice. You shouldn't sacrifice your happiness for the sake of others." She responded. "This is your life, Astral."

"But what if-"

"You ask this question because of her," She said while closing her eyes. "Am I correct?"

He nods. Astral… it's been two years. Why are you still holding onto her? Can't you just let her go? If you keep doing this then… I look at Lily. It will be unfair to her. "You shouldn't sacrifice your own happiness for someone else." She finally said quietly. "Nor you should sacrifice others happiness to please yourself."

"Happiness is a two way streak. If that person loves you then they would want you to be happy regardless of which decision you chose."

"Why?" He whispers softly. "My happiness cause that person pain. How can they be happy?"

She smiled as she broke the embrace and stared at him. "Because, when you love someone, their happiness is all that matters to you." She said as realization appeared on his face.

"Didn't you say that a few days ago in the hall?"

He sat there, staring at a wall, in deep thought. Son, you can't keep holding onto her like this.

She sighs as she stood up. "I will give you-"

"Stay." He said as he held onto her hand.

She stayed silent as she slowly removed her hand from his grip.

He tightens his grip on her hand. "Why won't you let go?" She said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" She shouted as her back turned to him. "I thought that I could tolerate you thinking of her. I thought that I could share you with her and be happy at the same time but it turns out that I'm selfish."

Oh dear… "Should we say something?" Estella asks.

We shook our heads. "Let's just watch this play out." Derek said.

Lily's POV:

I sigh as I stood up. "I will give you-"

"Stay." He said as he held onto my hand.

I stayed silent as I slowly removed my hand from his grip. This pain… it hurts!

He tightens his grip on my hand. "Why won't you let go?" I said as tears formed in my eyes.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" I shouted with my back turned to him. "I thought that I could tolerate you thinking of her. I thought that I could share you with her and be happy at the same time but it turns out that I'm selfish." Why am I like this? He's just thinking about her. Where is all of this sadness coming from?

I blinked my tears away. "I-I'm sorry for yelling so suddenly." I said getting flustered. What is going on with me today? "I should get going." I said with a lump in my throat as he wrapped his arms around my waist, preventing me from walking away. Does he want me to stay? But why?

"Why?"

"Why don't you let me leave?"

"Why do you want to leave?" He asks quietly as I stayed quiet. Because you are thinking of her.

"Because you are thinking of her…" I said, trailing off. Speaking of which, why do I want to leave and feel this way when he thinks about her?

I sigh. "I thought that you might need some space to sort things out." I said as I removed his hands from my waist. This sadness… why am I feeling such pain? Is it because of that he's thinking of her?

"Lily, I already told you and I will tell you again. You are in no way a replacement for her." I know that I am not a replacement for her. I know that! But why am I feeling this way?

He tightens his arm around my waist. "I know that you know that but-"

"Do you know how I'm feeling right now?" I ask softly. "I hate to admit this but I'm selfish!" I exclaimed. "I thought that if I give you some time, you would forget about her but I was wrong. Do you know how painful it is to have the man you love think about another woman like this?" I said quietly, clenching my fist.

"It's been two years since her death, Astral." I said gently. "It's also been two months since the seal lost its effects."

I took a shaky breath to calm myself. "Although that you are beside me, I know that you are thinking of her everyday."

I clench my fist. "That, I can understand. After all, she was your first love but I can't keep watching you do this to yourself!" I exclaimed.

"I can't keep watching you suffer because of her." I said softly.

"However, today's events crossed the line. Do you know what happened today?!" I ask as I turned around to face him. He just stood there, staring at me. Why is he? Oh yeah, he's temporarily blinded.

"You were screaming and shouting because of her since 7 am this morning!" I shouted at him with tears rolling down my face.

"And to make matters worse, no matter what I said or how I said it, you wouldn't wake up. All I could do was watch you suffer in your nightmare. Did you know how I felt at that time?" I whispered.

"Physical harm like slitting your wrist is one thing but emotional sabotage and harm is a whole other thing." I said firmly.

"At least with physical self harm I could actually keep an eye on you and stop you from doing anything reckless and dangerous but with emotional harm, I can't do that." I walked closer to him and cupped his cheek as he looks at me.

"Why?" He whispered softly. "Why can't I emotionally sabotage myself? Why won't you let me?"

Why? He's asking me why? I looked at him in disbelief. "We had this conversation before, you cannot live like this."

"You cannot just put up a happy facade to show the world. You absolutely cannot live like this any longer!" I said, raising my voice at him.

"Why?" He shouted. "Why must I wake up?! Why must I live-"

(Slap)

I glared at him. How on earth could he think like that? "How dare you slap me! Do you know who I am?!" He shouted while holding his bloody cheek. Of course I know who you are, my love but you are not in your right mind right now.

(Splash)

"What are you-"

(Splash)

"Stop it!"

(Splash)

"Are you awake?" I ask as I stared at him, soaking wet on the ground.

(Splash)

"Why?" He asks in a broken tone. "Why must you wake me?"

He chuckles bitterly. "I really am a failure. I can't even protect her."

"You are not a failure." I said quietly. You are everything but a failure.

He glares at the sound of my voice. "Oh really? I can't even protect her. I can't even protect the woman that I love!" He exclaimed while laughing maniacally. He! The woman that he loves? I thought as anger rose in my body.

Before I can stop myself, I summoned up a sword and threw it on the ground next to him. "If you want to die then go ahead. I won't stop you if this is your wish." I said in a cold voice. No! What am I doing?

"Lily!" Crystal exclaimed as she got held back by her parent's. "Are you crazy?!"

"Astral," Maria exclaimed. "Don't you dare touch that sword!"

I ignored the side conversation that's happening and focused my attention on him. "Go ahead. If you want to die so badly then die." I said as I clench my fist. He's not really going to do it right?

His hand starts to feel around for the sword and lifts it up as I clench my fist even tighter. Don't do it!

He slowly lifts it up towards his neck as my breath quickened. Don't you dare do it! Don't you dare! Astral, what happened to your rationale and logic? Is all of that gone because of her?!

I stared at him intensely as he places it on his carotid artery. Don't! Did you forget your promise towards me?! Did you forget all of it?

He met my gaze. His eyes… can he see me? Astral, don't you dare die! I clench my jaw as tears rolled down my cheeks and my heartbeat accelerated. Why did I have to let my anger get the best of me?! Why?

A loud cry from our son rang throughout the room as he stops and looks towards the source of the noise.

(Clang)

He drops the sword on the floor next to him as my legs gave out and I fell on the floor. Thank goodness!

"When was the last time that you actually cried?"

"Two months ago when the seal wore off." He responded quietly, looking down.

"Two months ago? Have you been suppressing your sadness all these months to put on a happy facade for all of us?" I ask in disbelief. There is no way that's possible right? I would have saw through his act.

"Most of the time." He admitted.

(Slap)

Why? Why didn't he tell me? I glared at him as more blood trickled down his cheek. "Why?"

He stayed silent as he looked down at the floor. Why? Why didn't you tell me? Why do you always endure pain yourself?!

I tackled him into an embrace with tears rolling down my cheeks. "Why?" I whispered in his ear. "Why do you keep torturing yourself like this?" I ask in a broken tone of voice as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Is she that important to you?" I hiccuped. "Can you really not forget her?"

He stayed quiet as I stifled a sob. "I thought that I could share you with her. I thought that being by your side was enough." I said quietly.

"But I quickly realized as time went on, I want you all to myself. Call me selfish if you want but I don't want to share you with anyone. Not even with her." I'm sorry Astrid but let me be selfish just this one time.

"I'm sorry." I said hugging him tighter. "I'm sorry for slapping you."

I could feel his hand pull me closer to him. "What are you apologizing for?" He whispers gently.

"I'm apologizing for-"

"You woke me up from my nightmare." He said as I could feel his breath on my neck, making my heart accelerate. What? But…

"Aren't you angry that I-"

He shook his head and broke the embrace as he places his hand on my cheek. "You made me realize something really important today." He said softly.

"What did you realize?" I ask, staring at him. That I am selfish?

He smiled. "I have been holding onto her for way too long."

"Ever since her death, I always felt like I didn't deserve any happiness." He said gently as a couple of tears leaked from his face. My eyes widen. What? How could he think that?

"When I was happy, I felt guilty. When I laughed, I felt guilty."

"Even when I was with you, I felt guilty." He said, stroking my cheek. What? He feels guilty?

"Why?" I whispered. "Why did you feel guilty?"

"Because… I just can't forget her." I knew it.

I took a shaky breath as tears clouded my vision once again. I always knew that he can't forget her but why does this hurt so much when I hear him say it?

He moved his fingers to wipe my tears gently. "Lily, you made me realize that I have to let her go."

My eyes widen at his words. I made him realize that?

"The past is in the past. Holding onto her only brings me pain."

He smiles. "And, you have made me realize something else that I can now say with confidence." What is it?

He leans closer to me, making my heart skip a beat as our lips are inches apart from one another. "W-What is it?" I ask as I could feel a blush rising.

"I could say with confidence that you are the only woman in my heart from now onwards." He whispers. Really? He… what about her?

"What about-"

"She's the past, now is the present. I can't keep living in the past like I did these last couple of months anymore."

He slightly smiles. "I intend to enjoy the present from now on." He leans closer towards me, closing his eyes as I did the same with mine. Just before our lips connected, I heard him whisper a phrase. "Every single moment that you are in my life. I will enjoy it to my full extent."

"I love you, Lillian. You and only you." He whispers as our lips connected. Did he say what I thought he said? He said that he… I smile and wrap my arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.

Astral's POV:

"Do you know how I feel right now?" She shouted with her back turned to me. "I thought that I could tolerate you thinking of her. I thought that I could share you with her and be happy at the same time but it turns out that I'm selfish."

She blinked her tears away. "I-I'm sorry for yelling so suddenly." She said getting flustered. "I should get going." She said as I immediately wrapped my arms around her waist, preventing her from walking away. I don't want you to leave.

"Why?"

"Why don't you let me leave?"

"Why do you want to leave?" I ask quietly as she stayed quiet. Is it because I'm thinking of her?

"Because you are thinking of her…" She said, trailing off. I knew it.

She sighs. "I thought that you might need some space to sort things out." She said as she removed my hands from her waist.

"Lily, I already told you and I will tell you again. You are in no way a replacement for her."

I tighten his arm around her waist. "I know that you know that but-"

"Do you know how I'm feeling right now?" She asks softly. "I hate to admit this but I'm selfish!" She exclaimed. "I thought that if I give you some time, you would forget about her but I was wrong. Do you know how painful it is to have the man you love think about another woman like this?" She said quietly, clenching her fist. I'm sorry for bringing you all of this pain. I truly am sorry that I can't forget her.

"It's been two years since her death, Astral." She said gently. "It's also been two months since the seal lost its effects." I know but…

She took a shaky breath. "Although that you are beside me, I know that you are thinking of her everyday." I can't keep doing this to her. This has been unfair since the very beginning…

She clenches her fist. "That, I can understand. After all, she was your first love but I can't keep watching you do this to yourself!" She exclaimed. I…

"I can't keep watching you suffer because of her." She said softly.

"However, today's events crossed the line. Do you know what happened today?!" She asks as she turned around to face me.

"You were screaming and shouting because of her since 7 am this morning!" She shouted at him with tears rolling down her face. Since 7 am? I couldn't wake from my nightmare for 3 hours?!

"And to make matters worse, no matter what I said or how I said it, you wouldn't wake up. All I could do was watch you suffer in your nightmare. Did you know how I felt at that time?" She whispered.

"Physical harm like slitting your wrist is one thing but emotional sabotage and harm is a whole other thing." She said firmly.

"At least with physical self harm I could actually keep an eye on you and stop you from doing anything reckless and dangerous but with emotional harm, I can't do that." I could feel her hand on my cheek as she said that. Why can't I do that to myself?

"Why?" I whisper softly. "Why can't I emotionally sabotage myself? Why won't you let me?"

"We had this conversation before, you cannot live like this."

"You cannot just put up a happy facade to show the world. You absolutely cannot live like this any longer!" She said, raising her voice at him. But why? What good will it do if I show my pain to the world? It's not like you will be able to understand it!

"Why?" I shouted as anger rose. "Why must I wake up?! Why must I live-"

(Slap)

I felt a hand slap my cheek forcefully as blood dripped down it. She slapped me? I thought in shock as I held my cheek. "How dare you slap me! Do you know who I am?!"

I then felt cold water thrown onto me at a fast rate. Why is she doing this? What's the purpose?

(Splash)

"What are you-"

(Splash)

"Stop it!"

(Splash)

"Are you awake?" She asks.

(Splash)

"Why?" I ask in a broken tone as I slumped on the floor. "Why must you wake me?" Why can't you just let me live in the past? Why must the seal wear off? Why can't it last forever?

I chuckle bitterly. "I really am a failure. I can't even protect her."

"You are not a failure." She said quietly. Stop trying to cheer me up. I know what I am.

I glare at the sound of her voice. "Oh really? I can't even protect her. I can't even protect the woman that I love!" I exclaimed while laughing maniacally. That's right! I am a failure. I can't even protect her. I can't even keep my promise towards her.

She threw something on the ground with a clang. "If you want to die then go ahead. I won't stop you if this is your wish." She said in a cold voice. Did she just throw a sword on the ground?

"Lily!" Crystal exclaimed as she got held back. "Are you crazy?!"

"Astral," Maria exclaimed. "Don't you dare touch that sword!"

"Stop it you two!" Brandon exclaimed.

"Brandon," Maria said in shock. "She just offered him a sword. Usually, I wouldn't worry this much but he's not in his normal state right now!" She exclaimed.

"Trust me." Star said. "He won't do anything reckless."

"Mom, let go of me!"

"Astral, don't do anything dangerous! Death is not the only option!" Estella exclaimed.

"You have to calm down." Derek said.

"How can you be calm about this?" Crystal asks.

"Crystal, Estella, Maria, just trust us," My mother said.

"Astral won't do anything." My father said. How can you be so sure, father?

"Go ahead. If you want to die so badly then die." She said. Death? What an interesting idea.

My hand starts to feel around for the sword and lift it up. Will this help with the pain?

"Dad, Let go of me!" Crystal said.

"Astral! Don't do it!" Maria exclaimed.

"He won't do it." Zach said quietly. How do you know?

"How do you know?" Derek asks.

"You have to trust Lily," Zach said. "She knows what she's doing."

I slowly lift it up towards my neck. Death huh? Such an easy thing to do.

"Mother," Serenity said. "What are you doing? Stop father right now!" She shouted. Sorry, but turns out that I am selfish.

"Don't worry, he won't do anything." That is where you are wrong.

She sniffled. "Father!"

"Dad! This is your son that we are talking about." Crystal said. "Aren't you-"

"Crystal," My mother said gently. "Don't you know him at all?"

"He's not the type to do reckless things." Star said in hopes of calming them down.

"But he's not-" Maria started.

"Trust her." Zach said.

I placed it on my carotid artery. If I slit my throat, then it's instant death.

(Flash):

"Promise me, that if I am gone one day," She said while resting her head on my shoulder. "Promise me to keep living and be happy."

(Flash)

I…

(Flash):

"Promise me that you will find a new source of happiness."

(Flash)

How could I?

(Flash):

"Happiness is a choice. You can always find happiness if you just let yourself be happy."

(Flash)

Let myself be happy? Can I really do such a thing?

(Flash):

Where am I? I blinked and saw a figure standing in front of me. How is it that I can see?

She turned around and my breath hitched in my throat as I stumbled back. H-How? Am I dreaming? Is this another nightmare?

"Astral, this is no dream." She said softly as she walked towards me. Can I hold onto this little hope that I have left?

"Is it really you this time?" I ask as I looked at her in disbelief.

She nods and slightly smiles. "Yes, it is really me this time."

My heart rate accelerated as I ran up to her only to get pushed away forcefully. What?

"Astral," She said while summoning up a sword.

"What are you doing?" Why is she doing this?

Suddenly, a monstrous looking door with chains appeared behind her as a sword appeared in my hands. What? What is that door doing here? Why does it seem so familiar?

"This door behind me is the door of destiny."

"That door…" I trailed off as I looked at it. "It appeared in my dreams these last few days…" What is it doing here?

"What is that door doing here?" I ask in confusion. "And why are we both holding swords?"

She looks at me sadly. "You must destroy this door."

My eyes widen. What? "But if I destroy that door then everything between us will-"

She nods. "That is exactly why you must destroy this door."

I shook my head rapidly as I threw away my sword. "No way. There is no way am I doing that."

"That door represents everything that happened between us." I said as tears welled up in my eyes. "It was because of that door that I met you. It all started because of that door."

"If you are asking for me to destroy the one thing that represents everything that happened between us, I'm sorry but that I absolutely cannot do."

"You must do it. That is your destiny."

"I refuse!"

She closes her eyes for a moment then opens them. "What about Lily?" Why is she asking?

"Don't you love her?"

I bit the inside of my cheek. "I…" How am I supposed to explain this to her…

"Don't you want to escape this pain?" She asks as I widen my eyes.

"I…"

"Don't you want to love her fully without feeling guilty?" Yes but…

"Astral, you can't keep holding onto me like this." She said. "You have to move on and find a new happiness. We both know who that source of happiness is." That new source of happiness… Lily.

"The only way to move on from this and escape this pain is to destroy this door." I…

"I-I can't." I said clenching my fist. "If I do that then you will-"

She smiles. "It's time to let me go, my love."

"But-"

"If you keep living like this then it's going to be unfair to her."

I went quiet at her words. It really is unfair for her if I keep living in the past.

"But I don't want to-"

"Astral," She said walking towards me while tossing her sword to the side. "It pains me to say this but I can tell that you truly love her."

"I-"

She places a finger on my lip. "If you keep holding onto me then one day you will regret it."

I looked down. Will I really regret it if I keep living like this?

"Astral," She said as I grabbed her hands. "Astrid, how can I destroy something that brought us together?" I ask softly as I looked into her eyes.

"Honey, you can't keep holding onto me like this." She placed a hand on my cheek. "Our relationship ended two years ago when I died. Now, you have to let the past go." I know but… I… I… I clench my fist. This is for the best.

I looked into her beautiful pink eyes as tears clouded my vision. "Can you do me one last favor?" I ask quietly.

She smiled sadly as I could see tears leaking from her face. "Anything, my love."

I took a deep breath to steady myself. "Can I hug you one last time?" I ask desperately as more tears rolled down her face.

She nods as I gently held her in my arms. I wrapped my arms around her waist as she wrapped her arms around my neck with a sob. I don't want to do this…

"I-I don't want to do this." I stammers out as tears rolled down my cheeks while I rested my head on her shoulder.

"I know, my love but you must." She whispered as I could feel tears dripping on my shirt.

"Do I have to?" I ask after a moment of silence.

"Yes, you must. You can't keep living like this." She lets out another sob as she hugs me even tighter. Astrid… I really don't want to though.

We slowly let go of each other as I kissed her forehead trying to stifle a sob from coming out of my mouth. This pain… I'm sorry.

We backed away from each other as I grabbed my sword, hands trembling as I looked at her one last time. I'm sorry, Astrid.

"Astral, it's time." She said with tears dripping down her face. "Destroy this door for your future."

My hands trembled as I closed my eyes and clench my jaw. I'm sorry, my love. I opened my eyes to meet hers. I… I can't…

"You must…"

"I…" I trailed off as my breathing rate accelerated. Calm down. Calm down.

I took deep breaths to steady myself. She's right, I must destroy this door. "Astrid," I said clenching my sword tightly.

She smiled as more tears flowed down her face. "Do it, my love."

"I'm sorry." I said as I destroyed the chains binding the door. A bright light shines out from it as I hear her voice emanating from all around me.

"Astral, you have successfully passed this test." Test?

She slowly floats down and appears before me. I blink in shock at her. Astrid? How is she alive? I destroyed the door already… and did she say test?

"Test?" I ask in confusion looking at her still in shock.

She nodded. "Indeed.

"You have successfully destroyed this door and in thus, secured your future."

I looked at her, still reeling from shock. How? What? Huh? "I uh…"

She smiles. "I bet you have a lot of questions right?"

I nodded. "Yes, yes I do."

She sighs. "Very well then. I will start from the beginning." She said as she waves her hand and a gust of wind appears. What? I rubbed my eyes and looked at her. Huh?

In front of me was no longer her but instead a black haired woman with bright blue eyes and pale complexion that made her look ethereal. She seemed around 18 or so. I don't understand what's going on anymore.

"Who are you?"

"I was the person who saved you from falling into the River of Forgetfulness two years ago."

My eyes widen. So that's why Waltari said that they found me unconscious at the top of that cliff… but wait! "Astrid! Did you save her as well?"

"Yes I did."

"If you saved her then she's still alive!" I exclaimed as I held her shoulders. "Where is she?"

I shook her shoulders in anticipation as she gently removes my hand. "I can't tell you that. All I can tell you is that she's alive and well." Thank goodness that she's okay!

I let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness." But if she saved her then why didn't she… "If you saved her then why didn't you-"

"You still don't realize?"

I tilt my head in confusion. "Realize what?"

She starts to walk as I followed next to her. "Although you and Astrid both like each other, she is not your fated soulmate." Soulmate?

At my confused expression she elaborates. "Everyone in this universe has a soulmate." So if she's not my soulmate…!

"So you-"

"I did not harm her just to break you two up if that is what you're thinking right now." She said calmly.

"So why did you-"

"I did mention that this was a test did I not?"

"You were testing me if I could get over her?" I said with confusion.

"The higher ups wanted me to test you on your integrity and personality." Higher ups?

We stopped walking as I narrowed my eyes at her. "Higher ups? Just who are you?"

She stares at me. "You still don't remember who you are?"

"What?" Remember who I am?

"I do remember who I am. I'm the Prince of Astral World." I said confused by her words.

She shook her head and sighs. "Yes, but I wasn't talking about that identity."

"Then what identity are you talking about?" I ask as I looked at her.

She leaned closer towards me and my eyes widen. "What are you doing?"

"You honestly don't remember who you are and what your purpose is?" She asks in disbelief. Purpose? What is she talking about?

I slowly shook my head as she backs away from me. "No…" I said, trailing off.

She stays quiet for a bit. "Does the name… Athena ring a bell?"

Athena? Hmmm… Athena… I shook my head. "No." I replied after a moment of thought.

She frowned. "So you really don't remember me?"

"We have met?" I ask as I took a closer look at her. I never saw her before though…

"Yes, we met a long time ago." She replied.

A long time ago? "How long ago?"

"A really really long time ago." Yes but how long ago?

"Were we friends back then?"

"Friends? We had more of a master and servant relationship than friends." Master and servant relationship?

"Master and servant relationship?" I ask in confusion.

She nods, confirming my words. "A long time ago, you and saved me from a very bad fate. So I became your servant to repay you and mistress." A bad fate? Mistress?

"Mistress? Who is this mistress that you speak of?" I ask in confusion. Also, I saved you?

"You really don't remember anything huh?" She said as she looked at me. "A long time ago, you and Lillian saved me."

My eyes widen. "So you refer to her as mistress and I as master because I saved you?"

She nods. "Yes, do you honestly not remember anything from 1,000 years ago?" Did she just say 1,000 years ago?

"Did you just say 1,000 years ago?" I ask in disbelief as I slowly flew back a couple of steps. 1,000 years ago? But I'm only 18.

"That's enough, Athena." A voice from behind me calls out. I turn around and notice a silver haired man around his 19 or 20 years old with grey eyes and a pale complexion similar to hers.

"If he doesn't remember anything then we shouldn't overwhelm him with information." He said looking at her as he kneels before me.

"Greetings, your royal highness."

"You may rise." I commanded as he stood up.

"Who are you?"

"Your highness, I am Nathaniel and I'm also your servant." Servant?

"Since when do I have servants?" I ask in confusion. "Are you two sure that you have the correct person?"

They both nod. "Master, I would recognize you anywhere."

"Did I also save you as well?"

"Actually, the Princess Consort saved me."

I blinked. Princess Consort? "Princess Consort? Since when do I have a…" I trailed off as a thought clicked. Does he mean…

"By Princess Consort, do you perhaps mean Lily?" I ask to confirm my suspicions.

He nods. "Yes, master."

But we aren't married though… and she saved him? "Are you two sure that you have the correct person?" I ask once more.

"Yes, we are certain." She said as she turns to him.

"See? I told you that he doesn't remember anything from 1,000 years ago."

"Looks like his memory hasn't returned after all. Although, I find it a bit peculiar, isn't his memory supposed to return when he's 18?"

"I know, it is strange indeed." She said pondering. "Do you think that something went wrong when they descended to this world?"

He nods. "That could be it. Have you tried to unlock his memories?"

"No, that's way too dangerous. Do you know what damage that could do? I will not do anything to harm the both of them." She said glaring at him.

He sighs. "Alright, I guess we will wait until their memories return." His eyes widen. "Oh, have you tried to talk to her royal highness?"

She shook her head. "Not yet. Besides, how will I even explain to her about this? Not to mention their identities and their purpose."

"You have a point. Plus, if his memories aren't back yet then her memories might not be back either."

I blink at the conversation in front of me. What are they talking about? Purpose? Memories? Identities? 1,000 years ago? Master and servant relationship? I don't understand any of this.

"Excuse me," I said as they both turned to me. "Sorry to interrupt but what are you two talking about?"

"Your highness," He said walking up to me. "Do you honestly not remember anything from the past?"

"Well, I did have amnesia if that's what you're saying."

She shook her head. "No, not from this past." This past?

"What past are you talking about?"

"I-"

"Athena," He said loudly. "We are not supposed to reveal anything until they remember."

"But-"

"Do you dare defy the orders of the Emperor and the Empress?" He asks sternly as she shuts her mouth. Emperor and Empress?

"Your highness, please forget everything that she just told you."

"Why?"

"You aren't supposed to know about this until you remember everything." He said glaring at her while she whistled innocently.

"I don't get it. What on earth am I supposed to remember?"

They purse their lips. "I apologize but we have received orders to not tell you."

"Is it from the Emperor and the Empress?"

They nod. "Yes, your highness." Well, if they are following orders then I can't blame them for not telling me. Just who is this Emperor and Empress?

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Who is the Emperor and Empress?"

They looked at me in disbelief. "Master, you honestly don't remember your own-"

He quickly covers her mouth with his hand. "You don't need to know about that just yet." He said as she struggled. Huh?

He sighs as he removes his hand from her mouth. "Athena, you're not supposed to reveal anything!" He exclaimed, glaring at her.

"Well, I just can't believe that he would forget about them!" She retorted.

"Me neither but that's what happens when a person descends." He said with a frustrated sigh.

She suddenly embraced me into a tight hug, wrapping her arms around my waist as I stood there. Why did she suddenly hug me? Should I hug back?

I slowly patted her back as she wraps her arm even tighter. "Athena!" He exclaimed in shock. "Do you know what you're doing right now?"

He kneels before me once again. "Your royal highness, please forgive her for-"

"Nathaniel, it's fine." I said calmly as he rose. After all, it's just a hug.

"Do you know how much I missed you?" She said quietly as I patted her on the back. "I thought that I will never get to see you ever again."

I blinked. Never get to see me again? I smiled. "Well, I'm alive aren't I?"

"Mhm. I'm very glad that I got to see you again, Astral."

He gasp and looks at her in shock. "Athena! Are you in your right mind? How can you call him by his name?"

I tilt my head. "Why isn't she allowed to call me by my name?"

"Your royal highness, if the Emperor and Empress finds out about this then-"

"So who will you listen to? Me or the Emperor?"

He gulped. "Umm…"

I sigh. "You two don't have to refer to me by my title. Just call me by my name if you wish."

"But-"

"After all, you said my name a bunch of times before, right Athena?" I looked down at her, still wrapping her arms around my waist.

"Yes, but that's because that was a test." She muttered quietly.

"Who cares if that was a test. I would like you two to refer to me by my name if you want to." I said softly.

"Really?"

I slightly smiled. "Really."

"Astral, I missed you so much!" She exclaimed gently as she hugs me closer. This hug isn't that bad.

"I know, Athena," I said as I patted her back.

"Nathaniel missed you as well," She said as his eyes widen.

"What? No, I did not miss you when you were gone." He said looking away with his arms crossed.

We chuckled. "He might say that but on the inside, he misses you and mistress."

"Ah, so he's a Tsundere."

"Sort of but without insulting other people."

"Don't listen to her, Astral. She's lying!" He protested.

I laughed. "Sure…" He obviously missed me.

A thought occurred to me. "I know who you two are but who are you?" I clarified.

"I can't tell you about that. The Emperor-"

"Alright. Don't worry about it."

My eyes widen. "So are you sure that you can't tell me where she is?" I ask the both of them as he sighs.

"Athena! Did you tell him Astrid is still alive?" He asks in disbelief, looking at her.

She nods, still hugging me. "I just had to tell him. He looked so desperate to know." She responds.

She looks up at me. "Does she mean that much to you?" Why is she asking that?

"Yeah, she was my first love after all." I said after a few moments of thinking.

"But you can't-"

I smiled at her. "I know," I said softly. "I won't keep living in the past anymore."

"I'm just happy and glad that she's safe."

"Thank you, Athena, for rescuing her." I whispered as I hugged her tighter.

"You don't need to thank me, Astral. Ensuring your happiness is what I do."

"Anyway, you should head back." He said.

"Athena, that's enough hugging for one day."

She hugs me tighter. "No."

He sighs. "Let go of him."

"No!" Wow, she must really like hugging me.

"Athena," He started.

"No! I haven't seen him in forever!" She whined as I stifled a chuckle.

"Yes, but you can't keep hugging him like this."

"Why not?"

"He's been here for way too long, he has to go back." Really?

"I don't want you to go!" She whined.

"You two can always visit me right?" I ask them as they nod.

"Yeah, we can always visit you. So Athena, stop hugging his royal highness." He said sternly.

"Aw!" She slowly lets go but not before she gave me a peck on the cheek, making my eyes widen in shock. What?

He sputters in shock, opening and closing his mouth like a fish, staring at her like she committed an unforgivable crime. "Athena!"

"You…" He trailed off, still reeling in shock at what she did while I looked at her.

She avoided my gaze with a seep of redness on her face. "A kiss on the cheek is considered a friendship kiss right?" She asks quietly, still not meeting my eyes. Yea. It's considered a friendship kiss.

I blinked and nodded slowly. "Yeah, it's usually considered a friendship kiss between friends."

"Did you not like it?" She asks quietly looking down at the floor.

My eyes widen. "That kiss was unexpected that's all."

"Don't worry about it." I said with a slight smile.

She beams. "Really?"

"Yeah, no need to worry." I replied, ruffling her hair a bit.

We looked back at him. He was still in shock about that peck on the cheek. It's just a peck on the cheek. Does he have to look so shocked?

"Ahem," He cleared his throat. "Well, it's time for you to get going, Astral."

He waves his hand as a gust of wind starts circling around me as they walked off into the darkness.

"Don't worry your highness, we will definitely meet again." He said as a bright light shine in front of my face, making me shield my eyes.

(Flash)

I blinked. What on earth just happened? Just who are those two? I felt something sharp against my neck as I heard struggling. Ohhhhh. I was about to slit my throat.

"Let me go!"

"Don't do it!"

"You still have a lot to live for."

"He won't do it, you three."

"Father!"

I turned towards the sound of Lily's voice. Let's see, if Athena is not lying then Astrid is still alive somewhere. Plus, I destroyed the door so that means that…

"Brother!"

"Father!"

"Astral!"

"Don't you dare do it!"

All of a sudden, Phoenix starts to cry loudly as I drop my sword with a clang. I can't believe that I was about to do that.

(Clang)

I drop the sword on the floor next to me as I could hear a thump in front of me and sighs of relief.

"When was the last time that you actually cried?" She asks.

"Two months ago when the seal wore off." I responded quietly, looking down.

"Two months ago? Have you been suppressing your sadness all these months to put on a happy facade for all of us?" She ask in disbelief. Yup.

"Most of the time." I admitted as a hand slapped my cheek forcefully making it bleed again. Why am I getting slapped so much today?

(Slap)

"Why?"

I stayed silent as I looked down at the floor. Because I don't want to burden you all with this.

I felt a person tackling me into an embrace. "Why?" She whispered. "Why do you keep torturing yourself like this?" She ask in a broken tone of voice as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I'm sorry.

"Is she that important to you?" She hiccuped. "Can you really not forget her?" I…

(Flash):

"Astral, you can't keep holding onto me like this." She said. "You have to move on and find a new happiness. We both know who that source of happiness is."

(Flash)

I stayed quiet as she stifled a sob. "I thought that I could share you with her. I thought that being by your side was enough." She said quietly.

"But I quickly realized as time went on, I want you all to myself. Call me selfish if you want but I don't want to share you with anyone. Not even with her." Lily… I thought in shock at her words. Can I really be happy? She's right. I have to let her go and move on. I can't be living in the past anymore. I took a breath. The past is in the past.

"I'm sorry." She said hugging me tighter. "I'm sorry for slapping you."

I pulled her closer to me. "What are you apologizing for?" I whisper gently.

"I'm apologizing for-"

"You woke me up from my nightmare." I said.

"Aren't you angry that I-"

I shook my head and broke the embrace as I place my hand on her cheek. "You made me realize something really important today." I said softly. Well, you and Athena did.

"What did you realize?" She ask.

I smile. "I have been holding onto her for way too long."

"Ever since her death, I always felt like I didn't deserve any happiness." I said gently as a couple of tears leaked from my face.

"When I was happy, I felt guilty. When I laughed, I felt guilty."

"Even when I was with you, I felt guilty." I said, stroking her cheek.

"Why?" She whispered. "Why did you feel guilty?"

"Because… I just can't forget her." I always felt guilty because of her that I can't love you to my full extent. But not anymore, I promise that I will love you from now onward.

I moved my fingers to wipe her tears gently. "Lily, you made me realize that I have to let her go."

"The past is in the past. Holding onto her only brings me pain." Plus, it's unfair to you.

I smile. "And, you have made me realize something else that I can now say with confidence."

I leaned closer to her with our lips inches apart. "W-What is it?" She ask, stuttering.

"I could say with confidence that you are the only woman in my heart from now onwards." I whispered.

"What about-"

"She's the past, now is the present. I can't keep living in the past like I did these last couple of months anymore." Thank you, Athena for making me realize that and thank you Lily for all that you have done for me.

I slightly smiles. "I intend to enjoy the present from now on." I leaned closer towards her, closing my eyes. Just before our lips connected, I whisper a phrase. "Every single moment that you are in my life. I will enjoy it to my full extent."

"I love you, Lillian. You and only you." I whisper as our lips connected. I promise that from now onwards, I will cherish and love you to my full extent. You will be the only woman in my heart from here on out.

Zach's POV:

She sighs as she stood up. "I will give you-"

"Stay." He said as he held onto her hand.

She stayed silent as she slowly removed her hand from his grip. Why is she removing her hand?

He tightens his grip on her hand. "Why won't you let go?" She said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Do you know how I feel right now?" She shouted with her back turned to him. "I thought that I could tolerate you thinking of her. I thought that I could share you with her and be happy at the same time but it turns out that I'm selfish."

She blinked her tears away. "I-I'm sorry for yelling so suddenly." She said getting flustered. "I should get going." She said as he wrapped his arms around her waist, preventing her from walking away.

"Why?"

"Why don't you let me leave?"

"Why do you want to leave?" He asks quietly as she stayed quiet. Good question, why does she want to leave?

"Because you are thinking of her…" She said, trailing off. Ah, so she's jealous?

She sighs. "I thought that you might need some space to sort things out." She said as she removed his hands from her waist.

"Lily, I already told you and I will tell you again. You are in no way a replacement for her."

He tightens his arm around her waist. "I know that you know that but-"

"Do you know how I'm feeling right now?" She asks softly. "I hate to admit this but I'm selfish!" She exclaimed. "I thought that if I give you some time, you would forget about her but I was wrong. Do you know how painful it is to have the man you love think about another woman like this?" She said quietly, clenching her fist. So, she's not jealous… she's just hurt.

"It's been two years since her death, Astral." She said gently. "It's also been two months since the seal lost its effects." Astral… you can't keep living in the past like this.

She took a shaky breath. "Although that you are beside me, I know that you are thinking of her everyday." No wonder she's hurt…

She clenches her fist. "That, I can understand. After all, she was your first love but I can't keep watching you do this to yourself!" She exclaimed. Doing what to himself?

"I can't keep watching you suffer because of her." She said softly. Me neither!

"However, today's events crossed the line. Do you know what happened today?!" She asks as she turned around to face him.

"You were screaming and shouting because of her since 7 am this morning!" She shouted at him with tears rolling down her face.

Our eyes widen as we looked at each other. Since 7 am? He couldn't wake from his nightmare for 3 hours?!

"And to make matters worse, no matter what I said or how I said it, you wouldn't wake up. All I could do was watch you suffer in your nightmare. Did you know how I felt at that time?" She whispered. She must've felt helpless.

"Physical harm like slitting your wrist is one thing but emotional sabotage and harm is a whole other thing." She said firmly. I furrowed my brow in confusion. Emotional sabotage?

"At least with physical self harm I could actually keep an eye on you and stop you from doing anything reckless and dangerous but with emotional harm, I can't do that." She walked closer to him and cupped his cheek as he looks at her. He was harming himself emotionally?

"Why?" He whispered softly. "Why can't I emotionally sabotage myself? Why won't you let me?" Because you can't live in the past like this. She's gone!

She looked at him in disbelief. "We had this conversation before, you cannot live like this."

"You cannot just put up a happy facade to show the world. You absolutely cannot live like this any longer!" She said, raising her voice at him. So he's been hiding his pain… I sigh. We must he endure it himself?

"Why?" He shouted. "Why must I wake up?! Why must I live-"

(Slap)

She glared at him. "How dare you slap me! Do you know who I am?!" He shouted while holding his bloody cheek. Hopefully that slap will snap you out of this.

She summoned up a bucket of water and threw it on him, drenching him in that water. Why is she doing this?

(Splash)

"What are you-"

(Splash)

"Stop it!"

(Splash)

"Are you awake?" She asks as she stared at him, soaking wet on the ground. She's trying to get him to wake up.

(Splash)

"Why?" He asks in a broken tone. "Why must you wake me?" Because you can't keep living like this.

He chuckles bitterly. "I really am a failure. I can't even protect her."

"You are not a failure." She said quietly. Exactly, you are not a failure!

He glares at the sound of her voice. "Oh really? I can't even protect her. I can't even protect the woman that I love!" He exclaimed while laughing maniacally. I looked at him sadly. Does he think that makes him a failure? She was ambushed. Plus, he was wounded.

She suddenly summoned up a sword and threw it on the ground next to him. "If you want to die then go ahead. I won't stop you if this is your wish." She said in a cold voice. Is she crazy? Why is she provoking him into doing that?

"Lily!" Crystal exclaimed as she got held back by her parent's. "Are you crazy?!"

"Astral," Maria exclaimed. "Don't you dare touch that sword!"

We all held them back. "Stop it you two!" Brandon exclaimed.

"Brandon," Maria said in shock. "She just offered him a sword. Usually, I wouldn't worry this much but he's not in his normal state right now!" She exclaimed as we all held them back.

"Trust me." Star said. "He won't do anything reckless."

"Mom, let go of me!"

"Astral, don't do anything dangerous! Death is not the only option!" Estella exclaimed.

"You have to calm down." Derek said.

"How can you be calm about this?" Crystal asks glaring at us.

"Crystal, Estella, Maria, just trust us," The Queen said.

"Astral won't do anything." The King said with his fist clenched.

"Go ahead. If you want to die so badly then die." She said as she clenches her fist. He's not really going to do it right? Of course not, this is Astral.

His hand starts to feel around for the sword and lifts it up as she clenches her fist even tighter. No!

"Dad, Let go of me!" Crystal said as she tried to get out of her parents grips.

"Astral! Don't do it!" Maria exclaimed as we held her back.

"He won't do it." I said quietly as I looked at him.

"How do you know?" Derek asks.

"You have to trust Lily," I said. "She knows what she's doing."

He slowly lifts it up towards his neck as I clench my fist. Don't you dare…

"Mother," Serenity said. "What are you doing? Stop father right now!" She shouted as tears welled up in her eyes.

The King places a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, he won't do anything."

She sniffled. "Father!"

"Dad! This is your son that we are talking about." Crystal said. "Aren't you-"

"Crystal," The Queen said gently. "Don't you know him at all?"

"He's not the type to do reckless things." Star said in hopes of calming them down.

"But he's not-" Maria started.

"Trust her." I said.

She stared at him intensely as he places it on his carotid artery. My breath hitched. Is he really going to…

"Let me go!"

"Don't do it!"

"You still have a lot to live for."

"He won't do it, you three."

"Father!"

He met her gaze. She clenches her jaw as tears rolled down her cheeks. Don't do it! I clench my fist even tighter as I stood there. Don't you dare slit your throat!

"Brother!"

"Father!"

"Astral!"

"Don't you dare do it!"

All of a sudden, Phoenix starts to cry loudly as he drops his sword with a clang.

(Clang)

He drops the sword on the floor next to him as Lily's legs gave out and fell on the floor. Thank goodness!

"When was the last time that you actually cried?" She asks.

"Two months ago when the seal wore off." He responded quietly, looking down. Two months ago?

"Two months ago? Have you been suppressing your sadness all these months to put on a happy facade for all of us?" She ask in disbelief. How is that even possible?

"Most of the time." He admitted. Really? He must be a very good actor.

(Slap)

She glared at him as more blood trickled down his cheek. "Why?"

He stayed silent as he looked down at the floor. Why? Why must he endure this pain alone? Why didn't he tell any of us?

She tackled him into an embrace with tears rolling down her cheeks. "Why?" She whispered. "Why do you keep torturing yourself like this?" She ask in a broken tone of voice as she wrapped her arms around his neck. You have to stop living in the past! Stop torturing yourself for her, Astral. When will you accept that she's gone?

"Is she that important to you?" She hiccuped. "Can you really not forget her?" If you don't stop living in the past, it will be unfair to her. I know that she means a lot to you but you can't change the fact she's dead.

He stayed quiet as she stifled a sob. "I thought that I could share you with her. I thought that being by your side was enough." She said quietly.

"But I quickly realized as time went on, I want you all to myself. Call me selfish if you want but I don't want to share you with anyone. Not even with her." Lily… I thought in shock as I looked at him. Why isn't he reacting?

"I'm sorry." She said hugging him tighter. "I'm sorry for slapping you."

He pulled her closer to him. "What are you apologizing for?" He whispers gently.

"I'm apologizing for-"

"You woke me up from my nightmare." He said. Exactly, you shouldn't apologize for that. Without you, he would still be stuck in the past.

"Aren't you angry that I-"

He shook his head and broke the embrace as he places his hand on her cheek. "You made me realize something really important today." He said softly. What did he realize?

"What did you realize?" She ask, staring at him.

He smiled. "I have been holding onto her for way too long." Finally!

"Ever since her death, I always felt like I didn't deserve any happiness." He said gently as a couple of tears leaked from his face. My eyes widen. What? How could he think that? Everyone deserves happiness.

"When I was happy, I felt guilty. When I laughed, I felt guilty."

"Even when I was with you, I felt guilty." He said, stroking her cheek. What? He feels guilty?

"Why?" She whispered. "Why did you feel guilty?"

"Because… I just can't forget her." Of course.

She took a shaky breath as tears clouded her vision once again. We all look sadly at her. Lily…

He moved his fingers to wipe her tears gently. "Lily, you made me realize that I have to let her go." Really? Finally! Now he can stop suffering and living in the past right?

Her eyes widen at his words. "The past is in the past. Holding onto her only brings me pain." Good job, Astral. Looks like you finally realize it.

He smiles. "And, you have made me realize something else that I can now say with confidence." What is it?

He leans closer to her with their lips inches apart. "W-What is it?" She ask as we could all see a blush in her face.

"I could say with confidence that you are the only woman in my heart from now onwards." He whispers.

"What about-"

"She's the past, now is the present. I can't keep living in the past like I did these last couple of months anymore."

We all smiles at each other. I feel so happy!

He slightly smiles. "I intend to enjoy the present from now on." He leans closer towards her, closing his eyes as she did the same with hers. Just before their lips connected, I heard him whisper a phrase. "Every single moment that you are in my life. I will enjoy it to my full extent."

"I love you, Lillian. You and only you." He whispers as their lips connected.

I quickly covered Serenity's eyes as I smiled at them.

"Sir Zach, I want to see as well!"

I chuckled. "No."

"Why not?" She whined.

"You will get to see it when you're older." I said as I smiled at her.

"But why not now?" She asks as she tried to remove my hands from her eyes.

"You are not old enough to witness this." I said while covering her eyes even more.

"It's just a kiss though."

"Do you even know what it means?" Maria asks as she walked over towards me.

"Yup! Father said it's a way to express affection and love towards the people that you love!" He said that?

"What is this about kissing?" Star asks in confusion as I removed my hands from her eyes.

"Sir Zach won't let me see father and mother kiss!" She whined as we all laughed.

"What's going on, Serenity?" Lily said as she guided Astral over to us.

She ran up to them. "Sir Zach won't let me see you two kiss."

"Why do you want to see us kiss?" Lily asks in confusion.

"Because I'm curious." She said. Curious? Why is she curious about that?

"I want to see how it feels!" She exclaimed as we all widen our eyes. Oh wow.

"Why would you want to know that?" Astral asks in confusion.

"I'm curious to see how it feels!" She said gripping his hand and swinging it back and forth.

Her eyes suddenly lit up. "Father, can you kiss me?"

Our eyes widen once again as we stood there, shock at her words. Did she just say that?

He ponders her words for a bit. "Where?" He asks with suspicion in his voice.

"The same place where you kiss mother. The lips!" She exclaimed excitedly as their eyes widen.

He stays quiet while going into deep thought as we all looked at her. "Mom," Crystal asks. "Is this appropriate?"

"Well, as long as it's nothing more than a quick peck on the lips then it's fine." She responds.

"Besides," The King said. "This is the perfect time to teach her about boundaries." He said as we nodded. True.

We looked back at them.

"Well…" He trailed off, probably still in shock about her request.

"Do you not love me?" She asks sadly as I could see tears in her eyes.

His eyes widen as he picks her up. "Of course I love you." He said gently.

"Then why won't you kiss me?"

He bit his lip as he sighs. "Fine but only a quick peck and nothing more okay?"

"Yay!" She exclaimed as she smashes her lips onto his and closed her eyes. Oh wow, I wonder what he is feeling right now.

He stood there, still as a rock as her lips press against his.

We all looked at each other in confusion. It's already passed a couple of minutes. Why isn't she breaking the kiss?

"Ahem," Lily cleared her throat. "Serenity, that's enough." She said.

"No." She said, still kissing him.

"Why is that?" Brandon ask confused.

She said nothing while silently kissing him as he stood there very still. I am curious, what is he thinking at this moment?

"I think you should end the kiss." The Queen said looking at them.

No response. We all sigh. Does she really like kissing him that much?

Suddenly, he turns his head towards the side to break the kiss between them. "Serenity, that was more than just a quick peck."

"I know," She said as he lowers her to the ground.

"So," Crystal said. "How was it like to kiss your father?"

She tilts her head a bit. "I like it!" She said happily. Well, it was a kiss after all.

"What did it feel like?" Estella asks.

"It felt nice."

She turns her attention towards him. "Can I kiss you again?"

"Why?"

"Because I want to!"

"But why?"

"I like your lips on mine." She said innocently as our eyes widen.

"How about I kiss you on the forehead?" He suggested as she shook her head.

"No, the forehead is not as good as the lips."

"How about the cheek?"

"No, the lips!"

Lily sighs. "Serenity,"

"Mother, is this what a kiss feels like? No wonder you like kissing father so much." Her eyes widen as she looked away from him.

We all chuckled. Good job teasing them! I thought as I ruffled her hair.

"Anyway, can I kiss you again?"

He closes his eyes for a couple of minutes then opens them and sighs. "Do you really like it that much?"

She nods. "Yup!"

"Okay." He said as he lifts her up and she kisses him again.

We all looked at each other. "Are you sure this is okay?" Estella asks the King.

They nodded. "Yeah, as long as she doesn't open her mouth then it's fine."

We looked back at them as his eyes suddenly widens and he turned his head away. "Serenity, why did you open your mouth?" He asks quickly as he lowers her down. She did?

She tilts her head in confusion. "But you open your mouth to kiss mother all the time."

Her eyes widen. "How on earth do you know that?" Yea, how does a child know that?

She giggles. "I might have spied on you more than one occasion."

She said as we all laughed. My my, so sneaky.

"Anyway," He said, "That's enough kissing for today."

Maria's POV:

"But why?" She whined as we all sat on the couch.

We all sigh in frustration as they tried to explain personal boundaries to her for the last 5 minutes with no avail. Who knew that it could be this hard.

"Serenity," Lily said gently. "I already told you. Don't open your mouth when kissing your father."

"Mother, you do it all the time. So what's the difference if I open my mouth?" She asks as in confusion.

"That's because your mother and I have a romantic relationship."

"So I can't open my mouth when kissing you because I don't have a romantic relationship with you?" She questioned.

They nodded. "That's right."

"Ok."

"Also," He said. "Don't make it a habit to kiss everyone on the lips."

"Why is that?"

"A kiss is only reserved for those who are closest to you." She said as she nods. "Like you and father?"

"Mhm."

She furrows her brow. "But mother, aren't you close to Sir Zach, Brandon, and Derek as well?"

She nods. "Yea, I'm their friend."

"Then why don't you kiss them?"

Our eyes widen as she stammers. "Y-You don't just go around kissing everyone you see." She said, still in disbelief at her words. "Plus, they are my friends."

"So you can't kiss friends?"

She blinks. Well, I guess it's a matter of comfort and how close you are with that friend.

"It all depends on if your friend is comfortable getting and receiving a kiss from you." He said, explaining it to her.

She slightly nods. "So you can kiss a friend on the lips?"

Their eyes widen. We all looked at each other. Can you kiss a friend on the lips?

"I'm wondering that as well," Estella said. "Can you kiss a friend on the lips?"

"I guess that you can," The Queen started.

"Again, it all depends on what you are comfortable with but just to be safe, I would stay away from giving friends lip kisses." The King advised as we all nod.

"Yea," Crystal said. "They might get to wrong idea and develop feelings for you."

I looked back at the conversation with the three of them.

"There are tons of places to kiss friends. The forehead, cheek, hand, but the lips are often seen as a romantic gesture." She said.

"Why did you ask that?" He asks in confusion.

She turns to him. "Because, father, you kissed Lady Estella on the lips."

They both sigh as we all turned to Estella. Oh yea, why did she have to bring that up?

"That was an accident." He said.

"An accident?" Her voice laced with confusion. "So what is seduce?" Why is she asking that of all things?

"Seduction is when a person tempts you into doing something that you don't want to do." He calmly explains to her after a moment of silence.

"So she forced you to kiss her?" Not exactly…

"Seduction is different from forcing." Lily started. "It's like enticing someone to do something against their free will."

She blinks. "Ok," She puts a hand under her chin in deep thought. "How did she seduce you?"

All of our eyes widen. What is it with the questions today? And how did we get on this topic? Weren't we on kissing before?

"You don't need to know that." He said after another moment of silence.

"Why?"

"Because you are not old enough." Lily said gently as she frowned.

"Lady Estella," She said turning her head towards her. "How did you seduce him?" She asks as her eyes widen and looked away.

"You don't need to know about that." She mutters quietly.

"So back on topic," Lily said as she turned her head back to her.

"Don't go around kissing everyone one the lips." He said sternly.

"But why?" She still doesn't get it?

"It's an intimate gesture that you only display with the ones closest to you."

"So no kissing friends on the lips?"

"I would say no." Lily said looking at her.

She turns her head towards Astral. "So does this mean I can kiss you again?" What is with her and kisses today?

"Did you forget about your mother? You can kiss her as well." He said as she looks towards Lily.

She shook her head. "No, I only want to kiss you!"

"Why is that?" She asks her looking hurt.

She panicked. "Don't get the wrong idea mother, it's not that I don't want to kiss you but father's lips are better." It is?

"It is?" She asks looking at him.

She nods. "But if you never kissed me then how would you know in comparison?" Lily asks. Good point.

She ponders her idea, went up to her and gently places her lips onto hers. Awwww, this is such a cute and innocent gesture!

After a couple of minutes, she broke the kiss between them and sat back on the couch. "How did that feel?" Lily asks her.

"It felt warm and fuzzy." That's love.

She smiled. "So which do you like more?"

"Hm…" She went into deep thought. "I like them both!" She exclaimed happy as we all smiled.

"But…" She trailed off.

"But what?" He asks.

"I like father's lips more!" She said as she went over and grabs his hand.

He laughs and picks her up. "Why is that?"

"I don't know but I like it more."

"Can I kiss you again, father?" She asks quietly as he nods.

"Sure, sweetheart." He said with a smile as she places her lips onto his and lingers there for a few minutes.

We looked over at Lily as a smile graced her face. Who wouldn't smile looking at this adorable scene?

"This sure brings back memories, right Eliphas?"

We all turned towards the King and Queen. What memories?

He nods. "What memories?" Crystal asks in confusion.

They blinked. "Don't you remember when you were little, you kissed me on the lips as well?" He ask as she widens her eyes in shock.

"I did?"

"Yup." The Queen said. "It was such a cute gesture between a father and his daughter."

We looked back at them with her lips still on his.

"Although the only difference is that when you kissed me," The King said. "Your lips didn't linger for this long."

She had a shocked expression on her face. "I did?"

They nod once again. "Yes, yes you did. You wouldn't stop until the age of 7." The Queen said.

We looked back at them, still kissing. Is it supposed to be this long?

"Is it supposed to be for this long?" Derek asks concerned.

"Well, it's just an innocent kiss." The Queen said.

"As long as they both feel comfortable with it then there is no set duration." The King said looking back at them. I guess they have a point. He is her father after all.

She kissed him for a couple more seconds then broke it with her smiling at him. "Thank you father!"

He smiled as he ruffled her hair. "No need to thank me."

"Hey Astral," Star ask looking at him.

"Yes?"

"Did you ever kiss mother and father on the lips when you were little?"

He has a confused expression on his face. "No, I don't think so…" He trailed off.

"Why do you ask?"

"Out of curiosity because apparently, Crystal kissed them on the lips." Oh.

They laughed. "Star, don't you know your older brother at all?" I ask while laughing.

"No," The Queen said. "He never kissed us on the lips."

"The cheeks, yes but not the lips." The King said with a slight smile.

Lilith's POV:

"Mother," I said as I saw a vile in her hand. "What are you holding?"

She looks down and smiles. "We found the body switching potion." There is a such thing as that?

"No way…" Crystal said in disbelief. "Let me see!" She exclaimed as she took the potion from her and read the label.

"Body switching potion…" She trailed off looking at our brother.

"I never thought that potion actually existed." Brandon said.

"Me neither." Maria said, still in shock.

"Crystal," Astral said. "Can you read the instructions on the bottle?"

"Of course." She said while looking at the bottle. "This potion will swap two people whoever drinks this for a certain amount of time. If you want a longer duration then increase the amount. Use at your own risk."

"So I was right," He said. "There is no antidote for it." What does he mean?

"What do you mean there is no antidote?" Maria asks in confusion.

"If there is an antidote then Zach and I would still be stuck in each other's bodies."

We all nodded at his words. True.

"Crystal, are there any known side effects of consuming this?" Lily asks as she reads the bottle once more.

"Yup. Note, may cause dizziness, drowsiness, personality changes, temporary blindness, anger, and, or you may be stuck in each other's bodies forever if consume too much." Wow… thank goodness that they didn't get stuck forever.

"Thank goodness that we didn't get stuck in each other's bodies forever." Zach said with a sigh of relief.

"I agree." Astral said. "So, me being temporarily blinded is a side effect from the potion."

"Yes, but don't worry, we will-" My father started to say but got cut off.

"No need, father."

"What?" My mother said. "But-"

"If this is just a side effect then it won't be forever. With time it will wear off."

They nodded. "But still…"

"No need to worry. Being blind isn't all that bad." He said in hopes of reassuring them. It isn't?

"What are the pros of being blind?" Estella asks.

"Firstly, being blind heightens your other senses. It could help me with numerous of things such as fighting and or detecting an intruder." He said. True. That's not that bad.

"Ok but when will it wear off?" I ask in concern.

"I don't know but I tend to make the best out of this situation." He said as he rubbed his eyes in pain. His eyes must hurt again.

Lily quickly summoned up the bottle of eye drop as she gently removed his hand and plops in each eye one drop. He closes and blink rapidly.

"How is it?" She asks while holding his hand in concern.

"I'm fine." He responded as we all sigh in relief.

"Now the bigger question," Derek said. "Who on earth drugged them?"

We all shrugged. "I don't know."

Lily looked at me in suspicion as I sigh softly.

Inside of the mind link:

"Ok, before you ask, I didn't drug them."

"Are you sure? I mean like you drugged Astral and I before so…"

"I know but he is now my older brother. Why would I harm him?"

A beat of silence passed through the mind link as she thought things over.

"If it isn't you then who else is there?"

"I don't know but I can guarantee that I did not drug them."

"Ok, I believe you."

"How is Star doing?"

"She's fine. You have nothing to worry about."

"Ok, we should get out of this before anyone gets suspicious."

"Alright."

Outside of the mind link:

"I honestly didn't know who could do such a thing." Estella said as all of them went into deep thought. Could it be Don Thousand? Speaking of which, he has been awfully quiet lately. I wonder what he's scheming…

"Well," My older brother suddenly said. "Whoever drugged Zach an I are probably long gone by now so it's no use to find the culprit." He has a point.

"My love, what time is it?"

She glanced at the clock. "It's 4:30." Why is he asking that?

"Do you want to go along with me?"

She smiles. "Of course." She said as she stands up, guiding him towards the door while still carrying their son.

"Where are you two going?" I ask curiously.

"We are visiting the shelter for the poor and injured." He said. Shelter for the poor?

"Do you usually go there?" My mother asks.

"Every month on this day I visit them to see if they need anything." That's awfully generous of him.

"And you never told us about this?" Crystal asks.

"I was afraid that if others knew about that place, it could be in danger since my life has always been in danger over the years." Makes sense…

"Mother, can I come with?" Serenity asks while tugging her shirt. That might not be the best idea.

"Why?"

"Because I want to see what the poor is really like." She said. "Plus, I want to help them."

We smiled at her words. Who knew that she is so kind?

They stayed quiet, mulling over her words. "Are you sure you want to come with?" He asks looking down at her.

She nods. "I want to see how it's like to be poor."

They smiled. "Okay, you can come along as well." She said while ruffling her hair.

"Can you guys take care of Phoenix for a bit?" She asks as he started to cry loudly.

"Shhhh… it's alright, Phoenix… I'm here…" She bounced him up and down as gently whispering to him.

"Father, why can't we bring him along?" He's just a baby.

"He's just a baby and his immune system is weak. If we bring him along and he gets sick then that won't be good." He said gently.

"Phoenix, I'm here… shhhh… your safe…" She whispers, rocking him back and forth hoping he will stop crying.

"But he's vaccinated against illnesses right?" She asks. Is he vaccinated?

He nods. "Yes but-"

"Astral, he won't stop crying." Lily said desperately.

He places a hand under his chin. "Ok, he can come along." Our eyes widen at his words as he suddenly stopped crying and giggled. Wait…

"He can't come with us." He said.

Phoenix starts to cry loudly in her arms once again.

"You can come along."

As soon as those words left his mouth, he stopped crying and starts to coo in her arms. Does he want to go with them as well?

He sighs. "Father, I think that he wants to come with us!" She said excitedly.

"Darling, what do you think? Should we bring him along?" He asks her.

She ponders for a bit. "Well, as long as he is vaccinated against illnesses then it should be fine right? Plus, I don't think that he's going to stop crying if we leave him here." It should be safe if he is fully vaccinated.

He stays silent as Serenity swung his hand side to side. "Please, can we bring him along?"

"Alright." He finally said after a moment of silence.

"Mother, father, we will be back soon." He said.

"Okay, be careful!" My father said as they walked out the door.

A shelter for the poor huh? He really is kind.

Derek's POV:

A shelter for the poor… He will make a fantastic king one day. "Estella," I said as we walked down the hall.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to go on a walk with me?" I ask as I looked at her. Too late to back down now.

She smiles. "Of course. Where shall we go?"

Hmm… let's see… "How about the park?" I suggested.

"Alright!" She grabs my hand, making me blush as we ran out of the palace and towards the park. I'm actually going on a date with her!

We walked around, holding hands and looking at the scenery. Wow, this place is sure nice.

"Have you ever been here before?" I ask as we walked.

"I have been here once with Astral and Lily." I frowned. Why does his name always come out from your mouth?

"Oh? When was that?" I ask in curiosity.

She puts her hand on her chin. "About one year ago I think."

She turns to me. "Why do you ask?"

"I was curious." I responded. "Was it that time when you pretended to be his maid?"

"Yup," She said as we sat down at a table next to each other. I softly sigh. Of course.

She looks at me with concern. "Something wrong, Derek?"

"No, why would you ask that?"

She grabs my hand and slowly unclenches it. "Because you are clenching your fist."

My eyes widen. How did she know that? I wasn't even aware that I was clenching my fist.

"Tell me," She said softly. "Is something the matter?"

Should I tell her? Wait, why am I feeling this way when she mentions Astral? "About yesterday, did you honestly not feel anything about that kiss with him?"

She tilts her head. "Why are you asking that? I already told you that I was forced into-"

"I know that but did you honestly not feel anything for him?" I ask desperately, looking at her.

"No, I don't feel anything for him besides gratitude." Gratitude?

"Derek, nothing happened that night besides that kiss." She said confidently. I know that but…

I bit the inside of my cheek. "I know that but…" I trailed off. Me and my irrational fear.

She smiles as she grips my hand. "I honestly feel nothing for him besides friendship. The one that I love is you." She said looking into my eyes as my heartbeat accelerated.

"You don't care that I'm illegitimate?" I ask quietly as she places her head on my shoulder.

"Why would I care about that?"

"Who cares about your position or title. Love isn't about status. All I know is that I love you for who you are." She whispers. "Whether you are rich or poor, I will always cherish you because you are Derek."

My heart soared at her words. She… did she say that… she did… "Estella…" I whispered in shock at her words as I put one of my arms around her shoulder.

I smiled and looked at her. "I love you." I gently kissed her on the forehead as we held hands and look at the scenery.

"I love you as well." She whispers, making my heart skip a beat.

Who knew that I could find someone that actually loves me. Estella, I promise that I will cherish you. I promise.

Estella's POV:

A shelter for the poor huh? He will make a great king one day. "Estella," He said as we walked down the hall.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to go on a walk with me?" He asks as he looks at me. My breath hitched. A walk? As in only the two of us? Also known as a date?

I smile. "Of course. Where shall we go?"

"How about the park?" He suggested.

"Alright!" I grab his hand as we ran out of the palace and towards the park. I'm actually going on a date with him!

We walked around, holding hands and looking at the scenery. This place hasn't changed a bit since the last time.

"Have you ever been here before?" He ask as we walked. Yup.

"I have been here once with Astral and Lily." I said happily.

"Oh? When was that?" He ask in curiosity.

I put my hand on my chin. "About one year ago I think." It was around one year ago.

I turned towards him. "Why do you ask?"

"I was curious." He responded. "Was it that time when you pretended to be his maid?" Why do I get the feeling that he's jealous?

"Yup," I said as we sat down at a table next to each other.

I look at him in concern. "Something wrong, Derek?"

"No, why would you ask that?"

I grab his hand and slowly unclench it. "Because you are clenching your fist."

His eyes widen. "Tell me," I said softly. "Is something the matter?"

He stayed quiet for a moment. "About yesterday, did you honestly not feel anything about that kiss with him?" So he is jealous.

I tilt my head. "Why are you asking that? I already told you that I was forced into-"

"I know that but did you honestly not feel anything for him?" He ask desperately, looking at me. No, I only felt gratitude.

"No, I don't feel anything for him besides gratitude."

"Derek, nothing happened that night besides that kiss." I said confidently.

"I know that but…" He trailed off.

I smile as I grip his hand. "I honestly feel nothing for him besides friendship. The one that I love is you." I said looking into his eyes.

"You don't care that I'm illegitimate?" He ask quietly as I leaned my head on his shoulder. Why would he ask that? Does he think that I won't love him anymore just because he's an illegitimate child?

"Why would I care about that?"

"Who cares about your position or title. Love isn't about status. All I know is that I love you for who you are." I whisper. "Whether you are rich or poor, I will always cherish you because you are Derek."

"Estella…" He whispered in shock at my words as he puts one of his arms around my shoulder.

He smiled and looked at me. "I love you." He gently kissed me on the forehead as we held hands and look at the scenery. My heartbeat accelerated as his lips touched my forehead. Derek…

"I love you as well." I whisper as a blush dusted my cheeks.

I promise, I will cherish this happiness for as long as possible.

Brandon's POV:

I let out a sigh as I roamed the palace hallways. Where are Derek and Estella? Did they go somewhere?

"Hey Brandon!" A voice says behind me as I turned around.

"Hey Crystal." I said as she walked beside me.

"What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, I was just wondering where Derek and Estella are."

Her eyes widen. "I just saw them fly out the front gate. If we hurry, we could spy on them!" She said quickly as we fly off to find them. Hm… where could they possibly be going?

"Where are they?" I pondered as I looked around.

"Look! There they are!" Crystal said pointing at them, walking. Are they…?

"Are they on a date?" I ask as we hid around the corner to avoid them from seeing us.

"It sure looks like it." She responds as we listened into their conversation.

"Have you ever been here before?" Derek ask as they strolled.

"I have been here once with Astral and Lily." She has?

"Oh? When was that?" He asks in curiosity.

She puts her hand on her chin. "About one year ago I think."

She turns to him. "Why do you ask?"

"I was curious." He responded. "Was it that time when you pretended to be his maid?" Ohhhhh.

"Yup," She said as they sat down at a table next to each other.

She looks at him with concern. "Something wrong, Derek?"

"I get the feeling that he is jealous of my brother." Crystal said as I nodded. I agree.

"No, why would you ask that?" He asks.

She grabs his hand and slowly unclenches it. "Because you are clenching your fist."

His eyes widen. "Tell me," She said softly. "Is something the matter?"

He stays quiet for a moment. "About yesterday, did you honestly not feel anything about that kiss with him?" I thought that they cleared everything up yesterday.

She tilts her head. "Why are you asking that? I already told you that I was forced into-"

"I know that but did you honestly not feel anything for him?" He ask desperately, looking at her. Well, it was a kiss after all. How can you feel nothing after a kiss? Not that I would know what a kiss feels like but still.

"No, I don't feel anything for him besides gratitude." Gratitude? For what?

"Derek, nothing happened that night besides that kiss." She said confidently.

"I know that but…" He trailed off.

She smiles as she grips his hand. "I honestly feel nothing for him besides friendship. The one that I love is you." She said looking into his eyes. You better believe her.

"You don't care that I'm illegitimate?" He ask quietly as she places her head on his shoulder. Why would he ask that?

"Why would I care about that?"

"Who cares about your position or title. Love isn't about status. All I know is that I love you for who you are." She whispers. "Whether you are rich or poor, I will always cherish you because you are Derek." Wow…

"Estella…" He whispered in shock at her words as he puts one of his arms around her shoulder.

He smiled and looked at her. "I love you." He gently kissed her on the forehead as they held hands and look at the scenery.

"I love you as well." She whispered.

We looked at each other. "Wow." She said.

I nod. "Wow is right." I said in shock. Is love really that powerful?

"Is love really that amazing?" She asks me.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I have never been in love before."

Her eyes lit up. "We should ask my brother to have him describe how love is!" That shouldn't be hard considering that he's in a relationship right now.

"Okay, let's wait until he gets home." I said. I wonder what he's doing right now?

Lily's POV:

"Hey Astral," I ask as we stopped at a building. "Is this the place?"

"Well, I can't see but I-"

A guy came out and kneeling in front of us. "Greetings, your royal highness," That answers my question.

"You may rise," He said as he rose and we entered the building.

My eyes widen at the scene. People were lying in bed, injured, and moaning in pain. Children were running around, giggling and laughing. Wow… why are so many people injured and sick?

"Your highness, what brings you-"

"Father," Serenity said tugging on his sleeve.

"Yes?"

"Is this the place?"

"Yes, this is the place." My lover said.

She tilted her head and noticed kids playing in the corner. "Mother, can I go play with the others?"

I smiled and ruffled her hair. "Of course you can!"

"Yay!" She exclaimed as she ran towards the kids.

His eyes widen as he kneels before us again. "Princess Consort, please forgive me for my rudeness." Princess Consort?

My eyes widen as we looked at each other. "You may rise."

He stood up and looked at us."Your highnesses, what brings you here today?"

"I-"

"Your highness!" A young girl around the age of 15 shouted as she ran and tackles him into a hug.

"You came back!" She exclaimed as she hugs him tighter.

My lover smiles "Of course I came back, Elizabeth."

"Did you know how much I missed you?" She asks quietly as she wrapped her arms around his waist as he patted her back. Aww, who knew that she missed him so much? I thought as a smile graced my face.

I heard a sigh coming from the person standing next to me. "Elizabeth, that's enough hugging."

"But dad!" She whined while hugging him closer.

"Did you forget that this is the Prince?"

"So?" She tilted her head in confusion.

She then looked up at him. "Do you not like me hugging you?" She asks quietly as he strokes her hair.

"I don't mind it."

"Yay!" She exclaimed as she rests her head on his chest.

I looked down at my arms to see my son sleeping peacefully as I stroked his hair. His hair is sure soft.

"Astral?" She said as her father looked at her in shock.

"Elizabeth!" He exclaimed. "Where are your manners? You can't-"

"Caden, it's fine." My lover responded. Ah, so his name is Caden.

"What is it, Elizabeth?" He asks smiling.

"I love you!" She said quietly as I could see a blush forming on her face.

Our eyes widen. Did she just say that she loves him? I looked at her in shock as the room went dead quiet. Everyone just stared at us with shocked expressions on their faces.

I looked back at Caden who looked like he was going to have a minor stroke or heart attack. "E-Elizabeth…" He trailed off, probably not knowing what to say. I don't even know what to say either…

His smile fades as he broke the hug between them. "Elizabeth," He said gently as she grabs his hand.

"What is it?" She asks happily.

"I don't see you in that way." He finally said after a couple minutes of thinking.

She blinks at him. "Why?" She asks as tears welled up in her eyes. This is going to be rough… I could already tell.

"I already have someone that I love." He said gently as he tried to remove his hand from her grip but she grabs onto it tightly.

"You already love someone?" She asks in disbelief as more tears fell down her face. "You're lying!" She shouted angrily as her father's eyes widen.

"Eliz-" He started to say but I gripped his arm.

"Your royal highness, I am so sorry that-"

I smiled at him. "No need to apologize, Caden. Plus, it's your daughter's feelings after all."

"But-"

"Just let him handle this." I said as we looked back at my lover and her.

"I am not lying to you." He said calmly.

"I know that you don't like me because I'm poor and not wealthy." She said as his eyes widen. "No need to make up an excuse." It's not like that.

"Love doesn't have anything to do with status."

"Well, if that's the case then why don't you love me?" She asks.

He stays quiet, probably choosing his words to let her down gently. "I told you, I already love someone else."

"Is she better than me? Is she more beautiful than me? Does she love you more than I do?" She asks as tears streamed down her face once more. Um… I looked over at him. He had a conflicted expression. I feel like there is no right answer to her questions.

"Umm…" He trailed off, not knowing how to answer her.

"Why won't you give me a chance to step into your heart space?" She asks in desperation as my eyes widen. A chance to step into your heart space… wasn't those the words that I…

"It's not that I won't allow you to step into my heart space," He said after a moment of silence. "It's just that someone is already in my heart space." He said gently.

She stayed quiet with an unreadable expression on her face. What is she thinking? All of our eyes widen and gasps as she suddenly smashes her lips against his. You! I clench my fist tightly. How could she kiss my lover?!

His eyes widen as he pushed her away wiping his lips with the back of his hand. "Elizabeth, please be mindful of what you're doing."

"Did you honestly not feel anything when I kissed you?"

"No, I did not feel anything." He responded as she tackled him towards a wall. Breathe. Breathe. I must be calm. Don't do anything reckless.

"Elizabeth, stop it!" Her father shouted as I grip his arm tightly.

"Don't." I said glaring at her.

"Your highness, I am so-"

"It's not your fault." I managed to say while clenching my fist even tighter. I have to keep my anger in check. Calm down.

"Elizabeth," My lover said. "Do you know what you are doing right now?"

"I know very well what I'm doing, Astral." She said softly as she whispers in his ear.

"Why are you doing this?" He asks in a cold voice.

"Because I love you of course. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I loved you." She said, leaning closer to him. That is not love. Forcing yourself on someone isn't love.

He sighs. "This is not love."

"Why do you say that?"

"The fact that you are pinning me against a wall when I rejected you says it all." He stated. Exactly!

"I do love you." She exclaimed. "Why won't you believe me?"

"Then let me ask you a couple of questions." My lover said. "What do you love about me? How well do you actually know me?"

She stayed silent for a couple of minutes. "I love you because you are kind and generous towards the homeless and the poor." She began. "I love that you all see us as equals and that you're not arrogant just because you are a Prince."

I summoned up a chair to sit on as Serenity came up to me. "Mother, are you okay?" She asks in concern.

I smiled at her. "I'm fine." I replied as I looked back at them.

"I'm flattered that you think that way about me but once again, I do not see you in that way." He said.

"Why won't you give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me?" She ask in desperation.

"I already have-"

"I know!" She shouted. "I know that you already have someone that you care about but why can't you just give me a chance? Maybe I can replace her in your heart." She said quietly.

"No one can replace her." He said firmly. "She is irreplaceable in my eyes."

I smiled as my heart skipped a beat. Aw, he sure knows how to make my heart skip a beat.

He sighs in frustration. "You are only 15 years old. You still have your whole life ahead of you. Why waste your time loving someone who won't be able to reciprocate your feelings?" My love asks her.

"Because I truly love you." She said quietly as she leaned towards him as he quickly turns his head to the side.

"You know that forcing me to kiss you and pinning me towards a wall is a form of sexual misconduct right?"

"Elizabeth, for the last time, I do not see you in that way. I already have someone that I love." He said calmly.

"You honestly don't feel anything for me?" She asks as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"I do not." He replied as she sniffled, still pinning him against the wall. I kind of feel bad for her. Even though she kissed him, I can understand why she loves him.

"Elizabeth," My love said gently. "One day you will find your true love. That love isn't me though."

"I'm sorry that I can't return your feelings." He said as more tears dripped from her face.

She stares at him and grips his wrists even tighter. "Let me go."

"No."

"I'm serious, let go of me."

"No." She said with tears in her eyes.

"Let go of my wrists."

"No."

"Elizabeth, I will ask you nicely one last time, let go of me." He stated calmly.

"No."

"I'm sorry but you forced me to do this." My love said as he yanked his arms free as the force of it made her fall on the ground.

The people there took her to her room, considering that she was still in shock about this whole thing. I feel bad but forcing isn't love.

I stood up as Serenity ran up to him. "Father, are you alright?"

He smiled. "Yes, I'm fine."

Caden kneels in front of us. "I apologize for my daughter's actions, your highnesses. I-"

"Don't worry about it." He said waving a hand, dismissively.

"But-"

"It's fine. She is still a minor after all so it's not like I could give her a punishment or anything." I said.

"Thank you, your highnesses." He said as he rose.

"Astral-"

He placed a finger on my lips to silence me. "Quiet."

"Is there something wrong, your highness?" He asks us as the rest of them grew more quiet. There must be something wrong.

Suddenly, a sword flew in aimed directly at my love. He quickly summoned up a sword to block him. "Lily, I need you to protect them." He said quickly as he spun around to attack the intruder.

"Everyone, come over to this corner!" I commanded as everyone moved into the corner of the room.

"Mother, will father be okay?"

I looked back at the fight with him blocking each attack with his sword. Even though he can't see, he can still fight. My love is sure impressive.

"Don't worry, he will be fine."

She frowned. "But his eyes…"

"Your highness," Caden said. "Is there something wrong with his highness's eyes?" He ask in concern. Well, it won't hurt to tell them right?

"Astral has been temporarily blinded." I stated as all eyes widen.

I looked back at the scene and saw the attacker take out a pouch. What's in that pouch?

He opens it, revealing a bunch of rattlesnakes and threw it in his direction. Rattlesnakes?

My eyes widen. "Astral, rattlesnakes!" I shouted in alarm as my son starts to cry.

"Shhh… I'm here, Phoenix…" I calmed him down while directing my attention back to the fight.

He sliced through each one of them as the attacker suddenly threw a rattlesnake towards me, making my eyes widen as I pushed everyone out of the way. I have to do something but I'm holding Phoenix. I backed away in a corner as the snake flew closer. Uh-oh!

"Mother!"

"Your highness!"

I have to protect him! I used my body to shield my son as Astral flew towards me rapidly and clenched the snake in his hand.

"Are you okay, my love?"

I nod as I looked at him. "I'm fine."

My eyes widen as the snake suddenly bit the back of his hand, making him drop it and slash it with his sword. Oh no…

My love threw his sword towards the attacker, hitting him square in the heart, making him die instantly.

"Your highnesses," Caden said as he rushed up to us in concern. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." I responded as I turned towards my lover. "Astral, are you-"

"I'm okay." He interrupted. Liar! I took his hand and pointed at the bite. "Then what is this? You got bitten by a rattlesnake." I said in concern.

"You worry too much," He said. "I feel fine." I narrowed my eyes at him as his lips changed color from pink to a dark shade of purple.

"That was a rattlesnake!" I exclaimed as I held his hand. I… what do I do? Um…

My eyes widen as I brought my mouth closer to the bitten wound. "Lily, what are you-"

He gasps. "Are you trying to suck the venom out?" He asks as he tried to jerk his hand free but I gripped it tightly.

I spat out the venom on the ground as I breathed heavily. "That was the only way I could think of to help you."

"Do you know how dangerous that is?" He shouted. "You could-"

"I know but there was no other way." I responded.

Astral's POV:

"Your highness!" That voice… She tackles me into a hug.

"You came back!" She exclaimed as she hugs me tighter.

"Of course I came back, Elizabeth." I responded.

"Did you know how much I missed you?" She asks quietly as she wrapped her arms around my waist as I patted her back.

I heard a sigh coming from the person standing next to me. "Elizabeth, that's enough hugging."

"But dad!" She whined while hugging me closer.

"Did you forget that this is the Prince?"

"So?"

"Do you not like me hugging you?" She asks quietly as I stroked her hair. I don't mind hugging her.

"I don't mind it."

"Yay!" She exclaimed as she rests her head on my chest.

"Astral?"

"Elizabeth!" He exclaimed. "Where are your manners? You can't-"

"Caden, it's fine." I responded.

"What is it, Elizabeth?" I ask smiling.

"I love you!" She said quietly. My eyes widen at her words. She loves me? Since when?

I could hear everyone stop talking instantly as she said that. Looks like I have to play the role of heartbreaker again. This never gets easier no matter how many times I rejected someone.

"E-Elizabeth…" He trailed off, probably not knowing what to say. I don't even know what to say either…

I broke the hug between us. "Elizabeth," I said gently as she grabs my hand.

"What is it?" She asks happily. This is going to be bad. I have never rejected a minor before…

"I don't see you in that way." I finally said after a couple minutes of thinking. Honestly is the best policy.

"Why?"

"I already have someone that I love." I said gently as I tried to remove my hand from her grip but she grabs onto it tightly.

"You already love someone?" She asks in disbelief. Yup. "You're lying!" She shouted angrily at me. I guess this reaction was to be expected.

"Eliz-" He started to say but got cut off.

"Your royal highness, I am so sorry that-"

"No need to apologize, Caden. Plus, it's your daughter's feelings after all." I heard my lover say.

"But-"

"Just let him handle this."

"I am not lying to you." I said calmly.

"I know that you don't like me because I'm poor and not wealthy." She said as my eyes widen. "No need to make up an excuse." It's not that. I already have a lover!

"Love doesn't have anything to do with status."

"Well, if that's the case then why don't you love me?" She asks.

I stayed quiet. She's in denial. What should I do now? "I told you, I already love someone else."

"Is she better than me? Is she more beautiful than me? Does she love you more than I do?" She asks in a sad tone as I could feel tears dripping onto my hand. Um… I feel like there is no right answer to her questions. If I say that Lily is better than I will end up hurting her even more but if I say the opposite then she will have false hope.

"Umm…" I trailed off, not knowing how to answer her.

"Why won't you give me a chance to step into your heart space?" She asks in desperation as my eyes widen. A chance to step into your heart space… wasn't those the words that Lily said?

"It's not that I won't allow you to step into my heart space," I said after a moment of silence. "It's just that someone is already in my heart space." I said gently in hopes that she will give up on me.

She stayed quiet as she suddenly smashes her lips against mine, making my eyes widen. I felt her tongue trying to enter my mouth as I kept my mouth shut. I have to break this kiss!

I pushed her away wiping my lips with the back of my hand. "Elizabeth, please be mindful of what you're doing." I can't believe that she kissed me without my consent. Not to mention that she's just a minor…

"Did you honestly not feel anything when I kissed you?"

"No, I did not feel anything." I responded as she tackled me towards a wall. Why is she doing this?

"Elizabeth, stop it!" Her father shouted.

"Don't." My love said.

"Your highness, I am so-"

"It's not your fault." She said as I could hear the anger rising in her voice.

"Elizabeth, Do you know what you are doing right now?"

"I know very well what I'm doing, Astral." She said softly as she whispers in my ear. Really?

"Why are you doing this?" I ask in a cold voice.

"Because I love you of course. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I loved you." She said as I could feel her lean closer to mine. That is not love. Forcing yourself on someone isn't love.

I sigh. "This is not love."

"Why do you say that?"

"The fact that you are pinning me against a wall when I rejected you says it all." I stated.

"I do love you." She exclaimed. "Why won't you believe me?" Does she even know what love is?

"Then let me ask you a couple of questions. What do you love about me? How well do you actually know me?" I ask her.

She stayed silent for a couple of minutes. "I love you because you are kind and generous towards the homeless and the poor." She began. "I love that you all see us as equals and that you're not arrogant just because you are a Prince." Really? I'm flattered but I don't love her.

"Mother, are you okay?" Serenity asks in concern.

"I'm fine." She responded. Really? I'm getting pinned to a wall yet you are fine about this? I thought in disbelief.

"I'm flattered that you think that way about me but once again, I do not see you in that way." I said.

"Why won't you give me a chance to show you how much you mean to me?" She ask in desperation.

"I already have-"

"I know!" She shouted. "I know that you already have someone that you care about but why can't you just give me a chance? Maybe I can replace her in your heart." She said quietly. No one can replace Lily.

"No one can replace her." I said firmly. "She is irreplaceable in my eyes."

I sigh in frustration. "You are only 15 years old. You still have your whole life ahead of you. Why waste your time loving someone who won't be able to reciprocate your feelings?" I ask her.

"Because I truly love you." She said quietly as I could feel her lean towards me so I quickly turn my head to the side. Why is she so persistent?

"You know that forcing me to kiss you and pinning me towards a wall is a form of sexual misconduct right?" I could have you in prison if I wanted to.

"Elizabeth, for the last time, I do not see you in that way. I already have someone that I love." I reiterated calmly in hopes that she will let me go.

"You honestly don't feel anything for me?" She asks. Nope.

"I do not." I replied as she sniffled, still pinning me against the wall.

"Elizabeth," I said gently. "One day you will find your true love. That love isn't me though." I feel guilty. Especially rejecting such a young girl like this.

"I'm sorry that I can't return your feelings." I said. Well, I successfully broken another girls heart.

She grips my wrists even tighter. "Let me go."

"No."

"I'm serious, let go of me."

"No."

"Let go of my wrists."

"No."

"Elizabeth, I will ask you nicely one last time, let go of me." I stated calmly. I already rejected her. I really don't want to use force against her too.

"No." I internally sigh. Why? Looks like the hard way is needed.

"I'm sorry but you forced me to do this." I said as I yank my arms free as the force of it made her fall on the ground with a thump. Did I use too much force?

Serenity ran up to me. "Father, are you alright?"

I smiled. "Yes, I'm fine."

"I apologize for my daughter's actions, your highnesses. I-"

"Don't worry about it." I said waving a hand, dismissively.

"But-"

"It's fine. She is still a minor after all so it's not like I could give her a punishment or anything." She said.

"Thank you, your highnesses." He said.

"Astral-"

I placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "Quiet."

What is that noise? It sounds like a sword…

"Is there something wrong, your highness?" He asks us as the rest of them grew more quiet. It is definitely a sword… are those footsteps I hear? They are around their mid 20s if I go by their steps…

Suddenly, a sword flew in aimed directly at me. I quickly summoned up a sword to block the attacker. "Lily, I need you to protect them." I said quickly as I spun around to attack the intruder.

"Everyone, come over to this corner!" She commanded as everyone moved into the corner of the room.

"Mother, will father be okay?"

I managed to predict his moves and block his sword. Being blind really does enhances my other senses.

"How can you still fight when I blinded you?" He asks in shock as he blocked my sword. So he's the culprit.

I grunted as I blocked his attack and did a backflip. "You should never underestimate me." I said. "Just who are you?"

"Like I would be foolish enough to tell you that," He said as he attacked me once more.

(Clang)

We attacked each other as our swords clashed, making him breath heavily as I took his sword from him and threw it against a wall, lodging it.

"Not so tough now, are you?" I mocked as I attack him head on while he ran around, trying to dodge my sword.

"Oh? Don't worry little Prince, you will get what's coming to you soon."

I furrowed my brows in confusion. What does he mean?

"Don't worry, he will be fine."

"But his eyes…"

"Your highness," Caden said. "Is there something wrong with his highness's eyes?" He ask in concern.

"Astral has been temporarily blinded." She stated.

I had my sword in my hands as he suddenly stopped attacking me. Where is he? I could hear a bag opening. So he is still here… probably somewhere in front of me. But why is he opening a bag? And is that… hissing I hear?

"Astral, rattlesnakes!" My love shouted in alarm as my son starts to cry.

"Shhh… I'm here, Phoenix…" She calmed him down. Rattlesnakes?

I sliced through each one of them. "Seriously? You couldn't even fight me fair and square?" I ask as I sliced through more of the snakes.

"Who sent you?" I ask in frustration as I sliced through them. Was it the Barians?

I could hear him pick up his sword and ran towards me as I blocked his attack in the nick of time. "Huh, so my intel is correct, you really don't remember anything."

I breathed heavily as he sliced my palm, making me stumble back in pain. Ow! "Just tell me who sent you." I ask as I attacked him once more. "Was it the Barians?"

I heard him laugh. "No,"

I could hear his footsteps all around me as he ran in circles. If it's not the Barians, then who? Is this just a normal assassin?

He… what is he…! I jumped up in the nick of time to avoid getting slashed as he growled. "Even without your memories and eyesight, you can still fight like this?!" Memories?

"Memories? What do you mean?"

"Enough chitchat!" He attacked me with his sword from above as I dodged it once again. "Let's see how the Emperor will react if I kill his only son to the throne." Son? Emperor?

I grunted. "What are you talking about?"

"Does the name Millenia ring a bell?" He ask as I dodged his sword. Millenia?

(Pulse)

"Argh…" I clutched my head in pain as I blocked his sword once again. Millenia? Why does her name sound so familiar?

I dodged his attack and shook my head. "Who is Millenia?" I ask as my head aches. Why is her name making me react like this?

"Just what on earth are you-"

"Mother!"

"Your highness!"

My eyes widen. Lily! I closed my eyes as I heard the hissing noise coming from the corner of the room as I rapidly flew there.

I have to protect them! I managed to grab the snake with my hands as I let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness!

"Are you okay, my love?" I ask in concern.

"I'm fine."

My eyes widen as I feel the snake bite the back of my hand, making me drop it and slash it with my sword, wincing in pain. Rattlesnakes are venomous.

I threw my sword towards the attacker as I could hear a sword piercing his body. That's what you get for trying to harm my love and son. I thought as I suddenly felt a dizzy spell course through me. Uh-oh… I have to keep it together.

"Your highnesses," Caden said as he rushed up to us in concern. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." She responded. "Astral, are you-"

"I'm okay." I interrupted as I tried to control my breathing rate.I could feel my hand being lifted up. "Then what is this? You got bitten by a rattlesnake." She said in concern. Nothing gets past her huh?

"You worry too much," I said. "I feel fine." Oh god, I feel dizzy… No, I have to keep it together. I can't faint now…

"That was a rattlesnake!" She exclaimed as she held my hand.

My eyes widen as I feel her lips press against the bite. "Lily, what are you-"

I gasp in realization. "Are you trying to suck the venom out?" I ask as I tried to jerk my hand free but she gripped it tightly. I have to stop her! If I don't then… My head throbbed in pain as I shut my eyes. It must be the venom.

She spat out the venom on the ground as she breathed heavily. "That was the only way I could think of to help you."

"Do you know how dangerous that is?" I shouted. "You could-"

"I know but there was no other way." She responded.

"We have to head back now." I heard my lover say weakly.

"Are you sure that you will be okay?" Caden ask in concern as I gripped Lily's arm tighter. I feel like I'm going to fall…

"Yes, we will be fine."

"Goodbye your highnesses."

We walked a few steps out of the building as another dizzy spell over took me, making me shut my eyes, breathing heavily in pain. I absolutely cannot go unconscious right now. No way…

"Astral?"

I breathed heavily. "I-I'm fine." I replied weakly.

"Father, you are looking pale and your lips changed color." Serenity pointed out. That's because of the venom.

"Let's head back to the palace quickly." She replied breathing heavily as we flew back.

"Y-You shouldn't have done that."

"What else was I supposed to do in that situation?" She replied.

I clutched my throbbing, pulsing head as another wave of dizziness hits me, making me stumble back a few steps. I feel so weak…

"Astral!" She shouted as she steadied me with her arm.

"I-I will manage… Let's head… back." I said with gasps of breaths as we started to fly back to the palace.

Inside the palace:

I was gripping her arm tightly. I… I'm so… tired…

"Honey, just hang on," She said as she guided me brought the hallway. I'm trying… feel so tired…

I manage to let out a tiny nod while trying to fight the urge to sleep. I… cannot… sleep… have to… stay… conscious…

"Astral?" I can hear someone say as she walked closer to me. It's definitely a female… but who?

I shut my eyes tightly as I felt another surge of dizziness pass through me. So… weak… dizzy… need sleep…

My breathing grew heavier as I could feel myself falling into someone's arms. Who?

"Astral!" She shouted my name as I went limp.

Crystal's POV:

I wonder where they are? It's been hours since I last saw them… I thought as I walked the halls in deep thought. Could something have happened to them? I shook my head. Impossible.

"Aunt Crystal!" Serenity called in panic as she ran up to me and dragged me by the hand. Why does she sound so scared?

"Serenity?" I ask in confusion. "Where's Lily and Astral?"

"Father is hurt!" She exclaimed as my eyes widen. Hurt? As in wounded?

She dragged me by the hand down the hall as I saw my brother being supported by Lily. Why does he look so pale? I walked closer to them. "Astral?"

"Oh thank goodness that you're here." She said in relief.

"Lily," I stated as I looked at her complexion. "Are you okay? You're looking-"

"I'm fine." She said quickly. "Can you holding my son real quick?" She said as she hands me their son. What?

I looked at my brother, pale with beads of sweat dripping from his face as his lips are purple. My eyes widen. Purple? Why are his lips purple?

"What is-"

All of a sudden, he fainted as she lowered him to the ground. "Astral!"

"Astral, wake up!" I shouted in alarm. What am I supposed to…!

"Doctor! Call a doctor in quickly!" I said in panic as a butler flew out of the palace.

"Astral, wake up!" She said in desperation, slapping his face gently.

I sigh to calm myself. "Now is not the time to panic." I said as I took deep breaths. Okay, my brother just fainted. Calm down. Calm down.

She placed his arm around her shoulder. "I need to get him to his room." She exclaimed weakly as I helped her lay him down on the bed.

I went over to the crib to place Phoenix down as I stood there, looking at him. How did this happen?

"How did this happen?"

"Long story short, he was bitten by a rattlesnake." She exclaimed as my eyes widen. A rattlesnake? How did that happen?

The door flew open revealing everyone including my parents. Their eyes widen. "What do you mean he got bitten by a rattlesnake?" My mom ask in panic.

"There was an intruder and he got bitten by a rattlesnake trying to save me." She admitted as she slumped on the bed, breathing heavily. Ohhhhh, so that's why…

"Lily," Maria said. "Are you okay?"

She put a hand up to stop her. "I'm fine." She replied weakly.

We all looked at her in disbelief. She's so pale. There is no way that she's fine.

The door opens yet again as he rushed in. "Greetings your-"

"Stop it with the formalities and check on my son." My dad said quickly as he flew towards my brother. His eyes widen. "Has he been poisoned?" He asks in alarm. Close.

"He got bitten by a rattlesnake." Star said.

He looks panicked as he dug through his bag. "Where is it?!" He muttered. Where's what?

"Can you administer the antivenin?" My dad asks as he looked up at him.

"I really want to but unfortunately, I ran out of rattlesnake venom to make the antivenin." He said quickly as we all stumbled back in disbelief.

"I-If we can't get the antivenin…" Brandon said, trailing off.

"Then can you get the venom?" Derek asks as he shook his head, looking down.

"Where can I even get the venom of a rattlesnake from?" True…

"I have a question," Lily suddenly said as all eyes looked at her. "If someone was bitten, is the venom still in that bite?"

He nods. "Yes, there is still venom in that spot where he was bitten." Why is she asking that?

"Will it be enough to make the antivenin?"

He stays quiet, pondering her words a bit. "Yes, that should be enough."

I narrowed my eyes at her. What is she planning?

She suddenly summoned up a small bowl and took his hand. What is she…! My eyes widen as she sucked the venom out from the wound and spit it in the bowl. She… doesn't she know that's dangerous?

She hands it to him. "Will this be enough?" She asks weakly as he quickly nods.

"This is more than enough but Lady Lily are you-"

"I will be fine." She said, looking more pale. "Just go make the antivenin."

He quickly left as we all stared at her in disbelief. "Lily…" Zach said in disbelief.

"Mother," Serenity said, holding her hand. "Are you okay?"

She smiled slightly. "I'm fine. Don't worry." Liar!

"Cold…" We all turned our heads towards the sound the his voice as my brother shivered. "Cold…"

Cold? My eyes widen as I looked at them. This must be the venom!

"Cold…" He mutters once more as Lily drapes a blanket over him. "Cold…" He shivered violently under the blanket as she held his hand firmly, massaging it to hopefully warm him up.

My mom summoned up more blankets as she handed them to her and she drapes them over my brother. "Cold… so cold…" He mutters weakly as she massages his hands yet again. How is he still cold? He has like 3 blankets on top of him…

We all looked towards her, clutching her head with her hand. "Lily, maybe it's best if you-" Estella started.

"I will be fine." She responds still warming up his hands. "Besides, how can I rest when he's like this?" Lily…

Lily's POV:

You have to live! I thought as I rubbed his hands to warm them up. You just have to! "Cold…" He mutters and shook under the covers. This isn't working… I have to find another way to warm him up.

The door opens as I snap my head towards the door. "Is the antivenin-"

"No, unfortunately it's not going to be ready for a while but…" He trailed off as he took out a small pill and hands it to me. Huh?

"This pill will hopefully ease the symptoms a bit." He said as I looked at him in disbelief.

"He's unconscious right now. How do you expect him to swallow this pill?" I ask.

"You might not know this but even if he is unconscious, he can still swallow." My eyes widen. Really?

"Really?" The King asks as he nods.

"Yes, your majesty."

He turns towards me. "I also have prepared liquid medicine." He said as he placed a small bowl on the table. "The pill and this has to be give to him in order for his symptoms to decrease."

I stayed quiet at his words. "And are you sure that this will help?"

He bit his lip. "I'm just guessing…" He's just guessing?!

I sigh as I turn back to my lover. How am I going to do this? I took the pill in my hands and tried to put into his mouth. Why won't his mouth open? Come on, honey, open your mouth! This is serious. I tried to forcefully push the pill without bruising his lips. I got to find someway to open his mouth…! My eyes widen as I plopped the pill in my mouth and chewed it to little pieces.

"What are you doing?" Lilith asks in confusion.

I smiled as I leaned closer to my love and kissed him. I used my tongue to forcefully open his mouth, putting the little pieces in. I knew this would work. I lingered for a few seconds then broke the kiss.

"Ohhhhh." Crystal said in understanding. Yup.

"Cold…" He trailed off, still shivering as I rubbed his hands with mine. How is he still cold?

"Is this normal?" Maria asks in concern.

"Yes, it's normal for him to react this way. After all, it's a rattlesnake bite."

"S-So c-cold…" My love stutters as he gripped my hand, breathing heavily with beads of sweat dripping from his forehead. His hand… why is it suddenly colder?

I rubbed his hands even faster to warm them up. "Astral," I exclaimed while using my breath to warm up my hands. "C-Cold…"

"When is the antivenin going to be ready?" The Queen said, looking at him in concern.

"Your majesty, it's not going to be ready until tomorrow." He said nervously.

Tomorrow? "Did you just say tomorrow?!" We all exclaimed in shock.

He stumbled back nervously. "Your majesties, making antivenin is a painstakingly long process."

"I get that but is there any way to speed up the process?" Brandon asks.

He shook his head. "No, unfortunately there is not."

So he won't get the antivenin until tomorrow? I looked back at my lover, still shivering underneath all of the blankets. I… I have to do something to help him!

"Doctor, you go get working on the antivenin." I said as I rubbed his hands once again.

"Lady Lily, I noticed that you look a little pale. Are you sure that-"

"Thanks for your concern but I'm fine." I said. "Just hurry with the antivenin."

He quickly excused himself as I warmed my hands to rub his hands yet again.

"Do you want us to take over for a while?" Zach asks in concern.

"C-Cold… very c-c-cold…" I rubbed his hands once more. No, I just will not leave him like this. Plus, it's my fault that he got bitten by that snake.

I turned towards him with a slight smile. "No, it was my fault that he is like this in the first place."

"But your-" The Queen started ask she looked at me in concern.

"I will be fine, your majesties."

I turned back towards him, still shivering as I rubbed his hands. This isn't working. I need to find an alternative heat source…! My eyes widen as I looked at him. That's it!

I turned towards them. "It's getting late. You should all head to bed."

"What but-" Crystal said as I pushed them out of the room.

"I have a way to stop his body temperature from dropping." I said as they widen their eyes.

"You do?" Derek asks.

"What is it?" Lilith asks as my face flushed. Sharing body heat…

"I-I can't tell you." I stammered out with my face probably red as a tomato.

"Why not?" Maria asks curiously.

"Because… I just can't tell you!" I said quickly.

I met the Queen's gaze as she nods. Does she know what way I'm talking about?

"Ok, that's enough." His mother said interrupting the questions. "If she doesn't want us to know, we shouldn't force her into telling." She said as they all groaned.

"But-"

"No buts." She said smiling at me.

"I'm curious as well," His father said pondering. "Just what way are you talking about?" He asks as I looked away.

She elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow!" He exclaimed. "What was that for?"

She sighs. "Mother," Serenity said, holding onto my hand. "What will you do?"

I stroked her hair. "I can't tell you."

She tilts her head. "Why?"

"Umm…" I trailed off. How am I supposed to get out of this one?

"Serenity," His mother said. "I will tell you later." What?

I looked at her as she winks. "Anyway, we should all leave. It's getting late after all."

"But-"

"Goodnight!" I said quickly as I shut the door. That was close. I looked back to the bed. "C-Cold…"

"Astral," I walked up to him, holding his hands. I looked back at the bowl of medicine. Oh yeah, he's supposed to drink this along with the pill. I picked up the bowl, sipped the medicine and kissed him, opening his mouth to get the medicine in.

I broke the kiss with a smile as my heart rate accelerated. "C-Cold… S-So cold…"

"Astral!" I held his hands and almost jumped back. It's freezing!

I took off my clothes leaving my underwear as I slowly climbed into bed beside him. W-Why am I so nervous? I took off his clothes and tossed them on the ground, leaving on his boxers. I could feel my heart beating quicker as I looked at him.

"C-C-Cold…" I felt his hand again and hugged him tighter. "Astral," I said as I draped the blankets over us. "You must live." I whispered as tears dripped down my face.

"C-Cold…" He shivered.

"You have to live, my love!" I hugged him even closer as more tears dripped down from my eyes. "You have to persevere until tomorrow." I whispered as I wrapped my legs around his, in hopes of warming him a bit. I know you can hear me, my love. Please, live. You must live!

"Cold…" He mutters as I pulled the blanket closer to our bodies. Although rattlesnake bites are rarely fatal, without the proper treatment and antivenin… I took his hand and looked at the bite. The skin around it is turning purple. Plus, if his body temperature keeps on dropping like this… I thought as tears clouded my vision. "Astral,"

He shook, breathing heavily as I wrap my arms around his chest. "You are going to be fine, my love." I whispered as I rubbed his shoulders. "Cold…"

I used my powers to turn off the lights, pulled the blanket even closer to us as I pressed my body up against his. Astral, you must live…

Unknown place:

Athena's POV:

I looked in the mirror at my master and mistress. I have to help them!

"Athena," A voice said walking up besides me. "You know that you can't interfere with this."

I glared at him. "I know that but just look at him!"

"If I don't do anything to help then he will-"

"Do you think the Emperor and Empress will allow that to happen?" He asks. "Plus, this is their test."

I looked back in the mirror and purse my lips. "I know that, but still…" It just feels wrong to just sit here and watch while they are suffering…

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know that you care for the both of them," He started. "Truth to be told, I care for them as well but we know what happens if we interfere with their lives."

"I know but-"

"This afternoon, you already revealed our existence to him."

"Nathaniel, I didn't have a choice!" I exclaimed. "He was about to slit his throat!"

"Don't you know him at all? I said not to act recklessly."

"But-"

"Was this afternoon's yelling not enough for you?"

I shut my mouth. He sighs and looks at me. "Look, I know that you care for them, mostly for the Prince," He started as my eyes widen. What?!

"No, I care for them equally!" I exclaimed as I looked away.

He smirks. "Oh really?"

I nod. "Yup."

"Then what was with that long hug and that kiss on the cheek this afternoon?"

"I-I told you! That was a friendship kiss." I stammered. "Plus, I haven't seen him in a long time." I said as I could feel my cheeks heat up. That wasn't even a kiss. It was a light peck.

"Sure…" He trailed off, not believing what I just said. Why wouldn't he believe me?

I glared at him. He sighs. "Athena-"

I exhaled deeply. "I know what you're going to say." I looked back at Astral, sleeping peacefully next to her.

"Then why do you keep-"

"He saved me from getting struck by heavenly thunder." I said quiet. "How could I not feel anything for him?" I clench my fist.

"I understand but he already has a-"

"Yes, of course I know that." I said, unclenching my fist. "But feelings just don't go away that easily."

I glanced at Nathaniel. "Don't you also have feelings for-"

"I see her only as a mistress." He said quickly. Sure…

I smirked. "Said the person who once proposed to her only to get rejected."

His eyes widen. "I thought we agreed not to touch on that subject again." He glared at me.

I shrugged. "It was you who started it."

We both sigh as we looked at the mirror once more. "We both love people that we can't be with." He said sadly as I looked at him. "Yea, but I'm happy with being his friend."

"Really?"

I nod. "Really. Seeing him so happy with her makes me happy as well."

He blinks in shock. "I never knew that you can be so…"

"So what?" I ask curiously.

"So kind and understanding." He finally said as I shot him a look.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I said with a hint of anger in my voice. Does he honestly think that I can't be kind and understanding? The nerve of him…

He gulped. "Nothing. It was a compliment." He said quickly.

A moment of silence between us as we looked at them. Why is love so painful?

"So are we supposed to just watch over them?" I ask.

"Yeah, we are until further notice."

"But what's the use of watching if we can't do anything to help them?"

"I know but it's not like we can go down there and help them or anything." He exhaled softly. "If we can do that then maybe they would get their memories back and would remember."

Yeah, if we could do…! My eyes widen as I stood up. "That's it!" I exclaimed excitedly.

"What is?"

"We could go down there to help them!"

He stood up in shock. "Are you out of your mind?"

I shook my head rapidly. "We could get permission from the Emperor and Empress to go to Astral World to help them restore their memories. I don't think they will deny us from helping them out a bit."

He stayed silent, probably pondering my words. "Are you sure that descending will be a good idea?"

I tilt my head. "Why wouldn't it be?"

"It's just that their lives are looking good right now. If we go down there then…"

"Are you afraid of interfering too much will have the opposite effect?" I ask as he nodded. I guess that's a valid reason…

"You have a point but I have to get to the bottom of this. Don't you think it's odd that their memories haven't returned?"

"Yes, but-"

"If their memories start to return then they might think they are going crazy." I stated.

"We have to descend to help them work out their memories."

He stayed quiet once again. How can I convince him…? My eyes widen. "Plus, you get to see her again." I said as his eyes widen.

Any minute now… 3… 2… 1. "Ok, I agree with you." He said. I knew this would work!

"But, we have to get permission." He said as I nod.

"Of course," I exclaimed as we looked at them once more. Astral, Lily… wait for us. We will help you restore your memories.

Unknown place:

? POV:

My eyes widen in anger as I slammed my fist on the table loudly. "What did you just say?!"

A guard shook nervously as he kneeled before me. "The assassin we sent to kill the Prince has died, Princess." He said in nervousness. Darn it!

I glared at him as I slapped him, making blood trickle down his face. "Pathetic little underlings!"

He quietly excused himself as I sat down on my throne with my head in my hand. How? How can he kill him without his memories? After all of these years of waiting, I finally found him yet he doesn't remember anything about-

I threw my sword at the door as a voice rang out. "My my, what's gotten you so grumpy today?"

I clench my fist and glared at her. "Don't test me today, Luna."

She walks towards me with a confused expression. "Millenia,"

I snapped my gaze towards her. "Don't you dare call me by that name!" I shouted.

She sighs. "That's your name. What else am I supposed to call you by?"

"You can call me anything but that name." I said, trying to keep my anger in check. That name…

(Flash):

"Miss,"

"Miss,"

"Miss, wake up."

A gentle voice called out above me as I fluttered my eyes open to meet those unique heterochromatic eyes. Those eyes…

He slowly helped me up from the bed as I looked around the room. "Miss, are you alright?"

"Where am I?" I ask curiously as I took a closer look at my savior.

He has light blue hair, pale skin, and mismatched eyes. So… he's the one who saved me?

"You are in the palace." He said while pouring me a cup of water which I graciously accepted.

I choked the water down at a fast rate making me choke as he rubbed my back. "Careful!" He said in alarm.

I coughed a few times as a result. Note to self: don't drink water that quickly.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." I replied as I looked at him. Now that I actually look at him closely, he looks ethereal… beautiful…

"How did I get here?" I ask as he sat down on the bed.

"I found you unconscious outside in the cold so I brought you in here."

I nodded. So he doesn't know anything about my real identity. Well, that certainly makes hiding it a whole lot easier.

"Miss, just out of curiosity, what's your name?" He ask as he looked at me.

My eyes widen. What is my name?

I clutched my head in pain. Why am I so dizzy? And what am I supposed to say? My parents left me nameless.

He panicked. "Are you okay, miss?"

I nodded. "I'm fine." Can I tell him the truth? It won't reveal anything would it?

He looked at me with concern radiating from his eyes as he tilted his head. I bit my lip. Those eyes… they look so genuine…

I swallowed. "My parents never named me." I said quietly. "They didn't even have a chance to name me before they died." Well, it's the truth.

"I'm sorry that happened to you." He said, consoling me. "You must be in great pain because you never saw them." He said sadly, looking at me in understanding. What is with that look in his eye? Does he not have parents also?

I took a steady breath. "Yeah," I said quietly. "I never even got the chance to see them."

"But they gave me this life and I intend to live it properly." I said with a smile as he looks at me in shock. Why does he look so shocked?

After a moment of silence, he smiles and stroked the side of my hair. "Thank you." He said softly.

I blinked. Why is he saying thank you? "Why?"

"Why do your eyes express so much pain and sorrow?" I ask.

He stays quiet, probably pondering if he can trust me or not. "I've lost someone very dear to me as well." He said quietly.

My eyes widen. So, that's why he looked at me with such understanding…

I brought my hand to his back and pats him. He looks surprised but doesn't remove it. "I'm sorry that happened to you."

"It's fine. It's in the past anyways." Who did he lose?

I gulped. "If you don't mind me asking," I said cautiously. "Who did you lose?" I ask softly. Maybe I shouldn't have ask that question…

"My mother." He's the same as me.

He blinks and smiles. "Anyway, you don't have a name right?"

I nod. "Well, that won't do." He said, pondering as he puts his hand under his chin. "Do you want me to give you a name?"

My eyes widen as a smile graced my face. Really? "Really?" I ask in disbelief.

He nods. "Yes, really."

"Let's see… what is a good name for you…" He ponders as he looked at me and notices my locket. What is he…

He slowly brought his hands towards it. "Where did you get that locket?" He ask in curiosity.

"It was the only object that my parents left me." I admitted.

"This might be an unreasonable request but can you open it?"

I furrowed my brows in confusion but opened it anyway. Inside the locket was one word: Millennium.

Millennium? I still don't know why my parents left me this… I looked up at him as he smiles. "I got it!"

I tilt my head, looking at him. "Got what?"

"Your name." He said excitedly. "Do you know why your parents left you that locket?"

I shook my head, still confused. "No,"

"They must've left you that locket for a reason. Inside it is engraved Millennium." He started. I still don't get what he's saying.

I blinked at him blankly. "I don't get it."

"Millennium. That must be your name." He said calmly as my eyes widen. That's my name? So… they did name me!

"Millennium…" I said in awe. I finally have a name!

He smiles. "Although…" He trailed off, looking at me. Although what?

"This is just my opinion but I think the name Millenia suits you better."

"How?" I ask in confusion.

He shrugs. "I don't know but to me, it suits you."

It suits me? "It has the same meaning as Millennium yet it's somehow more… you." He said, trailing off.

"Huh?"

"I don't know, I just think that the name Millenia suits you more."

I nod, contemplating his words. Millenia… you know what? It does sound better than Millennium…

I smiled at him brightly. "It's settled then, my name from now on will be Millenia!" I grabbed his hands out of excitement as I giggled. "I finally have a name!"

He laughs as he ruffled my hair playfully. "Yes, you do, Millenia."

I won't have to go nameless anymore! "Thank you…" I trailed off. I still don't know his name yet.

He smiles. "My name is Astral." Astral… what a unique name!

"Thank you, Astral for giving me a name!" I exclaimed as I hugged him. He stiffens at the unexpected hug but pats me on the back.

"No need to thank me Millenia!"

(Flash)

"Millenia!" She shouted as she shook me by the shoulders. What?

"What is it?" I ask as I removed her hands from my shoulders.

She looks at me with concern. "Are you-"

"I'm fine."

She sighs and sat down with me on the throne. "Were you thinking of-"

"I wasn't."

She looks at me sadly. "Millenia, you weren't like this before. I don't like seeing you this way." She said gently as I clench my fist.

"I told you, do not call me by that name! My name is Millennium. Not Millenia!" I said, raising my voice a bit.

"You will always be Millenia no matter how much you try to deny it." My sister said as she holds my hand. Why is she so stubborn! "Listen, we both know him. Do you think that he could have-"

I glared at her. "He betrayed us, Luna!" I blinked the tears that were forming in my eyes away. "I trusted him but what did I get in return?"

"I know but-"

I yanked my hand from her grip and paced around the room. "But nothing." I said quietly.

"Don't you know him at all?" My sister asks as I halted. Apparently, not as well as I thought.

"Does he really seem like the type of person who would do that?"

No, at first he didn't seem like that type of person at all. Not until that day when he was the one who stabbed me. "All I know was that he was the one who betrayed us. He was the one that almost killed me all of those years ago. He's a cold, heartless monster and I for one, trusted him!" I yelled looking back at her in fury with tears dripping from my face.

She stayed silent at my words. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths. "He will pay for betraying me, for manipulating us." I said quietly in an emotionless voice as I walked out of the room.

Astral… if all of my assassins can't kill you… I clench my fist. I will personally kill you if that's what it will take for you to fall!