Author's note: Wythras is a fictional country. Tenma is the adopted son of the king, making him the prince.

The grand white palace in the heart of the capital was a beacon of the future and hope for the people of Wythras. But for the younger prince, it is home, has been for nearly a decade.

A soft sigh left Tenma's lips as he passed the gardens. Servants were bustling around while preparing the place for his older brother's homecoming and celebration for his soccer team's win in the Europe League.

He wished to be as good as him one day. And to do that, he has to go back to Japan and attend Raimon Jr. High. But his mother is reluctant to let him return to Japan and play soccer there.

"There are good schools in Wythras where you can play soccer. Why do you want to go back to Japan?" She would ask whenever he brought this up. And Tenma would launch into another rant on how he needs to go to Raimon for the symbol drawn on the ball that saved him and Sasuke all those years ago.

His step-father was more amendable to the idea though, despite how unconventional it is for the royal family of Wythras to send a child so far for school. But Raimon has had a solid reputation for 10 years thanks to its soccer team. And his brother, Abel is supportive of his dreams. When he was not away for soccer tournament, he would be teaching Tenma the basics and convincing his mother to send him to Japan.

"Arion!"

Tenma squealed as someone hoisted him up from behind and swung him around. "Put me down Abel! Or I'm going to hurl all over you!"

His older brother chuckled and complied. Spinning around, Tenma gave his brother a proper hug. "Congrats on your win in the Europe League."

"Aw, thanks little brother." Abel, Tenma's handsome brother, grinned and took a step back to examine him. He had sun bleached brown hair, tan skin and mirthful green eyes. His physique was incredibly tall and athletic given his career in the soccer world. "I see you've grown taller. Anything happening since I've been gone?"

Tenma's face became a little downcast. "Mama still won't let me go to Japan to study. And Raimon's intake for this year is nearly closing."

"Sorry to hear that." Abel patted Tenma's shoulder comfortingly. "What about Father, what did he say?"

"He's been busy with the parliament. But he told me not to be discouraged. That things will work out somehow."

"I see." Abel sighed. "It's about the insurgents, right?"

"Yes. Father is getting worried about it."

Abel pinched the bridge of his nose. He shook his head and offered his younger brother a smile. "No use for us to worry about it now. I want this party over with so that I can show you my new moves."

That visibly perked Tenma up. "Yes! I want to see Wave Breaker! You used it at the last minute during your match with Italy's team! It was so cool!"

"Aw shucks. I just got desperate, that's all. I didn't exactly plan or practiced it." Abel rubbed his nose sheepishly.

"That only makes it cooler!" By now, Tenma was jumping in excitement.

"I know. By the way, been practicing hard?"

"My dribbling's getting better. But my shoots need more work." Tenma rubbed the back of his head.

"That's fine. As long as you're having fun. I'll see if I can help you convince your mother to send you to Japan while I'm back."

"How long until you have to go back to your team?"

"Not for a while." Abel shrugged. "We're currently off season. And depending on the insurgent situation, I might not go back next month if Father needs me here."

"Stop all this depressing talk, now is a time for celebration."

Tenma and Abel immediately straightened and bowed at their father, or step-father for the former, the king of Wythras. "Father."

The king of Wythras approached his sons and gave his eldest a proud look. "Welcome back Abel. The guest will be arriving soon. Make sure you are presentable to them and no talks about the insurgents."

"Yes Father."

"I will see you two later."

Tenma and Abel shared looks and broke out into giggles. Abel patted his brother's shoulders again and headed to his room to get ready.

It was later that night that Tenma and Abel were able to get away from the party as it died down with the guest leaving and made a beeline for the field at the back of the palace. The king and the queen were quietly watching from the sidelines as their sons started a mini game of taking the ball from each other.

"I hope you have reconsidered your decision against letting Tenma study in Japan." The king spoke quietly to his wife.

"I cannot risk him finding out about Tenma. It's bad enough that he is in control of the youth soccer scene. But once he finds out about Tenma, I dare not think about how he will use him as he is using Yamato now."

The king sighed at that. "Sayuri, do you ever wish that you went back to stop him? I know that you have suffered all these years, knowing that you left your other son with him."

"I can't stop him. I tried and he attacked me. It was a miracle he didn't realize Tenma was in the room that night." Tenma's mother suddenly winced and pressed a hand against her head.

"Another migraine?" The king asked in concern. "You have been having them more frequently in the recent months."

"I am fine." Sayuri waved him off. "I will be better with some rest."

The king looked at you doubtfully. "If you say so."

Not even five minutes later however, Sayuri's migraine went from a throbbing pain to akin a sword stabbing her brain. With a pained cry, she collapsed and the king barely caught her.

"Sayuri!"

"Mama!" Tenma and Abel abandoned their game and rushed over to the queen. Tenma's mother was unresponsive to them and now unconscious.

"Call an ambulance!" The king snapped at a guard that came to investigate the commotion.

"Yes sire!" The guard rushed off to do as commanded.

"Mama." Tenma whimpered as he touched her face. Flashbacks of that night appeared before his eyes as he recalled the last time he saw his mother bleeding and unresponsive...

Eight years ago

The yells outside the closet were growing intense. Tenma whimpered as he hugged Sasuke closer. The puppy was a quiet comfort for him. His mother had pulled him out of bed and put him and Sasuke in the closet, telling him to keep quiet and not come out until she told him to.

A sudden bang made him jump as something crashed into the closet doors. The yelling became louder and this time he heard his mother gasping in pain. Tenma had enough. He had to help his mother!

But pushing the door prove futile. Peaking through the gaps, he saw people trashing his mother's room. And one person was not doing anything but sneering down on his mother. More harsh words were exchanged.

Tenma curled up in a ball and covered his ears. He just wanted them to leave. Leave him and his mother alone!

Suddenly, everything was quiet. Tenma peaked out again. The men seemed to be looking at something while his mother was lying on the floor with her hand outstretched towards the thing that they were holding. The men pointed at her and the one who was hurting his mother kicked her in the head. She crumpled into an unmoving pile and the men left.

Finally, Tenma was able to push the closet door open. He crawled towards his mother, tentatively shaking her. Sasuke licked her face to try to wake her up but she still was not moving.

"Mama! Mama! Wake up!" But there was still no response. He shook her harder. "Mama! Help! Help!"