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Arthur woke up. Still fifteen, still a prince, and still fascinated. Every now and then, he would watch the new recruits train from his window. Oliver came in once and watched with him. "Got a crush?" He teased.

"Nonsense, we're both boys!" Was his reply. It wasn't until that morning though, that he had decided to take part in the happenings below. He had combat training as well, and was allowed to take part in the knights' training.

He entered the sunny court yard, covering his eyes from the sunlight with his arm.

"Good morning, mon prince." Francis waved from across the sparing yard. Next to him stood the young boy, who bowed his head to the prince with respect. "Are you here to train with us today?"

"I am." Arthur pulled on a pair of leather gloves. "It has been some time since I've had a good brawl."

"Is that so?" Francis smiled. "Did you want to help with the younger knights? They could use the practice." The royal guard offered.

"If they think they can handle me." He said with a cocky grin.

"The boys can handle themselves, though I'm sure they will find you to be quite the challenge." Francis smiled, his hand resting on Alfred's shoulder. "Boys!" Francis called. The four rushed to the captain's front, standing at ready. "Each of you are to duel with the prince, until he is satisfied." He turned to Arthur. "Pick one of the four, if you will."

"Who thinks they can take it? I'm pretty good with a blade."

Ivan stepped forward. "I can take you."

Arthur raised his blade. "Alright then." He smiled. "Come at me then."

Ivan nodded with a smile on his face, drawing his own blade from its sheath. He didn't last more than three minutes before the prince had the boy on the ground.

"Gracious... What have you had these knights training on Francis?"

Francis frowned. "I told you they could use the practice."

"I can help you if you'd like... Anybody else?"

"Yao, how about you give it a try?" Francis suggested."Now Arthur, try to help them, don't just beat them."

"Of course... Now that I understand what you want." Arthur observed the boy who stood before him. "You're agile... I'm guessing you strategy relies more on speed and momentum rather than strength. A lighter weapon would do well for you."

Yao nodded and took a fighting stance. His eyes sharpened; he was prepared for a fight. He had watched how the prince moved, so now he could predict some of his moves.

"Come on now, don't be shy." Arthur grinned. Within thirty minutes, he had them all compromised and heavily criticized. "Keep that in mind. You're all skilled, just not well rounded." He tapped his chin. "Though I believe..." He looked to Alfred. "I have one left." He raised his blade. "Let us see what you have."

Francis cut in. "Non, I don't believe that would be the best of ideas as of this moment." He pushed the tip of Arthur's blade away. "It is much too dangerous."

Arthur glance back and forth between them and some other knights muttered from behind them. "If he doesn't fight how will he improve?" He pulled Francis closer. "What exactly is wrong?" He noticed Alfred deflate, and Arthur felt bad for implying something was 'wrong' with him.

Francis glanced between the prince and the young knight. "You have seen firsthand what he can do, and you have also seen his limitations. What I am worried about is either him overpowering you, or his strength giving out."

Alfred raised his head. "I-I want to try... I want to improve. Please, Francis?"

"This is against my better judgment, but I suppose... But if I tell you to stop," He looked at both of the boys. "You had damn well listen."

They looked at each other, then at Francis. Arthur looked at Alfred. "Sounds like you need to work on controlling your strength I suppose..." He pointed his blade at the other. "Let's begin." He smiled "Your footing is already wrong."

Alfred frowned, feeling like he had already lost. "Sorry." He mumbled under his breath, changing his stance and correcting his footing. He brushed his blade with Arthur's, getting a feel for his opponent.

Arthur smiled. "It's fine... Just remember your training." Their weapons clang together with his first strike. Arthur whipped his blade around and met metal again, everything was going smoothly. Alfred had corrected his footing but didn't look entirely confident. He was controlling himself well until one strike got through his blade before he could parry, and stopped right next to his ear, cutting a piece of his hair. Arthur was in no way ready for what happened next.

Alfred's body acted on its own, he couldn't feel himself anymore, everything was dark. This feeling, it has happened before. His blade moved faster than it had been; he was able to ward off Arthur's blade to the side, giving him an opening. With speed and grace the pommel of Alfred's sword connected with Arthur's stomach, sending him stumbling to the ground.

Arthur fell on his back side, the wind completely gone out of him. His eyes went wide, and in a moment, Alfred was on top of him. Was this really the same boy who was fighting with incorrect footing and blushed like mad at a simple compliment? Francis grabbed for Alfred, pulling him off of the prince. Gilbert held back the other knights from interfering. "Stop!" Francis called, Alfred thrashed back and forth like his life depended on it. "Alfred stop!" Arthur stared wide eyed.

"What's...going on?"

Francis held the boy tightly, "Alfred, Alfred calm down. Everything is alright mon cher. There is no need for you to fret." He attempted, "He- I'm sorry Arthur. Are you alright, are you hurt?"

Arthur watched as Alfred stopped thrashing and blinked a few times. "Wh...-what happened?" Alfred said, he voice weak.

Arthur watched the other boy with wide eyes. "What the bloody Hell was that?" He muttered.

"I- Did I hurt you?" Alfred glanced at Arthur his eyes full of sadness. "I'm sorry." He collapsed in Francis's arms.

Francis lifted the boy from the ground, cradling him in his arms.

Arthur stared wide eyed. "I knew he was strong but...you didn't say he turned into a monster!" Antonio helped Arthur up off of the ground. The other knights stared; apparently this was a first occurrence for them as well. "Where did you get this kid again?!" He noticed Alfred look away as if he was ashamed. And were those tears? "He's completely different from a moment ago...what's wrong with him?"

Suddenly a slap landed on the prince's face. His eyes went wide and he turned to look at the offender. Feliciano stood there with stern eyes, the others stared at him in awe at what he had done.

Feliciano balled his fists. "I don't care if you're a prince or not; think about what you say! He didn't mean to! You have no clue what he may have been through and no idea what's going on! Don't you DARE call him a monster!"

"Stop." Ludwig muttered, pulling Feliciano back toward the group.

"That's not right!" The boy called at the prince, his voice cracking.

Arthur stared at everybody around him. There was complete silence aside from Ludwig trying to calm the younger boy. He looked back at Alfred, then at Francis. "Does my father know about this?"

Francis nodded. "Yes he does."

Arthur looked at him. "I don't believe you...but I won't say anything. I hope you know what you're doing Francis." He looked at Alfred again. "What happened?"

"I-I don't know." He stuttered, his voice sounding weaker.

Arthur cocked an eyebrow. "What do you mean you don't know? You don't remember?"

"I black out. I don't know why..." He averted his eyes.

Francis cut in. "Something inside him takes over when he has reason to fear for his life. Usually he is fine during training because he knows it's fake, but your skill must have scared him." Francis paused to gather his thoughts. "He becomes stronger, more agile, and fiercer. He cannot seem to control it, but we are working on it together." He shifted Alfred's body, trying to find an easier way to hold him up. "This is why I didn't want you to fight him...I wasn't sure how he'd react." Francis looked at Feliciano. "Now I know you were only looking after your friend, but there are punishments for what you have done boy."

Feliciano looked down. "Right...I accept them..." He looked at the prince and bowed. "I'm sorry...I wasn't thinking...but I don't regret saying what I said." He finished with a stern face.

Arthur looked at the red head. "Go easy on him." Was all Arthur could said as he turned and stalked away.

Feliciano tore himself from Ludwig and ran to Alfred. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Thank you for worrying about me...I'm sorry you're in trouble because of this." Alfred looked at him with sorrow in his eyes.

"Do you think you can stand Alfred?" Francis asked.

"I think so..."

Francis set him down. "Feliciano...you are going to have to come with me. I'm sorry boy...I do hope you'll forgive me." His hand pressed on the boys back. "The rest of you can continue with practice."

Feliciano looked at Francis and gulped. "R...Right..." He hung his head and gave the other knights a glance before leaving with Francis. Ludwig watched and gulped. He looked at Gilbert. "What is the punishment for something like that?"

"Usually for raising a hand against the royal family…" He sighed. "Thirty lashes. But Feliciano is so small...I'm sure he'll find an alternative punishment."

"Or at least fewer lashes." Antonio added.

Ludwig chewed his lip. "Do they...remove his shirt for lashes?"

"Usually, but he may not even get the lashes."

Ludwig paled. "Of course...well." He cleared his throat. "Let's continue our training."

Gilbert placed his hand on Ludwig's shoulder. "Everything is going to be alright."

"Never mind." Ludwig said coldly. "Let's just keep going."

Arthur did feel bad for Feliciano's punishment. He was only defending his friend. And perhaps Arthur shouldn't have said such things about the boy. He sighed, looking out his window again. Francis came to talk to him a few minutes later. "Did you hear me Francis? I'm going to be a terrible king...I think I need to go apologize." He turned to Francis with a worried expression plastered on his face; he was wearing nearly nothing again as the sun set past his window.

"Well you recognized your mistake didn't you?" Not many people can do that...I didn't punish him...he was so young and small...I couldn't bring myself to do it..."

"Good...I would feel awful otherwise. But I still want to...apologize...what's with the face Francis?"

"Sorry...I'm only...I'm sorry I put you in danger earlier."

"That wasn't your fault; I ignored your advice... It was my fault if anything...I'm going to apologize. First to Feliciano." He put a cloak on before exiting and making his way to the knight's chambers. "Thank you Francis...I would be a terrible person, if you had never reminded me to have a conscience."

Francis bowed his head. "Did you want me to go with you?"

"Only if you feel the need. I feel like it would be more sincere if I went on my own though." He trudged down the stairs without looking back and soon found himself in the knight's quarters. Names were carved in small wooden plaques next to each door. He took a breath in front of Feliciano and Ludwig's room. "Feliciano? Ludwig?" He called. No answer. "Are you in there?" Nothing. He pursed his lips. "I'm coming in!" He called, and opened the door without a thought.

Feliciano was sitting in a chair with Ludwig behind him, examining his back to make sure he hadn't been hurt, the red head's shirt was thrown on a nearby bed. But Feliciano was not a he, the loose bandaged over her chest revealed that. Feliciano blushed and grabbed a blanket, covering her breasts. "I can explain! Please don't tell anyone!" She said franticly as Arthur stared.

"I...wha...it..." Arthur blushed. "This group is just...f...full of surprises isn't it?...You're pretending to be a boy?" He twitched as he met Ludwig's wide eyes. "I...only came to apologize for earlier...but I guess you're not hurt huh... I'll...go then." He started closing the door, his face still red. "I-I won't tell anyone." He stuttered before closing the door completely.

Alfred sat alone on his bed mulling over the events of the day. How did he allow himself to do that? And to the prince! He had just stated improving. He sighed, falling back into his bed, head colliding with his soft pillows.

There was a quiet knock on the door. "Alfred?"

"Come in." He called from his place on the bed.

Prince Arthur entered, shutting the door behind him. "Thank God you answered."

"Is something wrong?" Alfred stood up and bowed to the prince, then blushed as he noticed his own undress.

"Nothing... I just wanted to apologize for what I said earlier." Arthur leaned against the door with a sigh.

"No, you shouldn't be sorry. I-I hurt you. I can't control myself. I-" He stopped.

"... That didn't give me the right to call you a monster... Feliciano was right in what s-he did."

Alfred looked to the ground. "But I am a monster." He clenched his fists to his side. "I don't remember what I do when I black out, but-" He sighed. "I-I can't stand it!"

Arthur looked at him sadly. "Well... That's why you're learning to control it right?" He sighed and looked away. "Don't get down on yourself. You're an amazing person."

"How can you say that? You don't even know me."

He blushed. "Sometimes... I can just tell... You're just... I don't know..." He sighed. "I'm sorry... But listen... If you need anything... erm..." He held his hand out for the boy to shake. "I'm right here... So... Friends?"

Alfred skeptically shook the others hand. "I- well... Thank you."

Arthur cocked an eyebrow. "What? You seem like you think I can't be trusted."

"I-It's not that, it's just that... I ..." He looked away. "I could hurt you..."

"Well...Kings have to be brave right? ... and so do knights, so keep a stiff upper lip."

"Right." A small smile formed on his lips as he took the prince's hand.

Arthur smiled at him; a tad nervous, he would admit. "Good luck..." He turned and left.

They didn't see each other for some time, until they crossed paths in the library a month later. Nothing had changed, Alfred was still training, and still lacking a roommate and Feliciano was still a boy to everybody but Ludwig and the prince. When they saw each other in the library, they talked for some time, not about anything in particular.

After that they met two other times, and it had become something of an unspoken ritual to meet in the royal library's fiction section, where they would sit on the window seat each night after training and lessons, talking about mindless things. By the time Arthur really took the time to consider how odd it was, Alfred had been there for half a year and winter had rolled over the kingdom.

One particularly cold day, the two were sitting next to the fireplace rather than the window.

"Say...Alfred when did this become a regular occurrence I wonder?"

Alfred smiled. "It seemed to happen out of nowhere huh?" He leaned his head back against the wall.

"Well I can't say I don't enjoy it...I will say I never expected us to become so familiar with each other." He smiled.

"I know what you mean." He pulled his knees to his chest. "It's kind of chilly in here." He said letting out a large puff of air.

"Yes, I must say the palace is miserable during the winter." He sighed and yawned. "I think it's about time to find some extra blankets..." He looked at the other. "Shall we go on an adventure?"

Alfred nodded, pushing himself to his feet, "Definitely time for blankets," He held out his hands to help the other up.

Arthur took them and stood. "We could always ask the maids to get some...but where's the fun in that." He whispered with a grin

"There is no fun in that." He laughed. "Do you have any clue as to where they'd be?"

"Huh...there is a big hallway near the servants quarters with a bunch of rooms used for storage... It's kind of creepy down there but I think it's the most likely choice."

"Creepy how?..." He looked at the other with fearful eyes.

Arthur grinned. "You scared of ghosts?"

"N-no. Of course not!"

Arthur grinned quietly. "Then let's go..." He turned and went for the hallway. Alfred was so young and childish; it was funny...and a little cute...

Alfred trailed behind the prince wearily. "It's really dark..." His eyes darted back and forth between the walls and what was in front of them. The hall was cold and narrow, with tall stone walls surrounding them. "I should be used to this by now..."

"Oh you're fine. The palace can be a bit scary, especially at first. Plus...most castles..." He paused for dramatic effect, then turned and looked at Alfred with a sly grin, waving his fingers towards him. "Are haunted..."

"You're lying!" He stepped back. "T-that's not true... Is it?" He could already feel his hands shaking. He closed his eyes and balled his hands into fists. 'I can do this.' He encouraged himself.

Arthur looked at him, a little worried, before reaching out for the other's hand. "I was only kidding with you Alfred... Don't psyche yourself out okay? We don't want you blacking out."

"I won't..." He took a deep breath. "No ghosts?" He laughed nervously.

"Of course not. I was just being silly. I have never even been in here before. To be honest I'm a bit scared of the dark...and it's dusty...it feels creepy, but I can assure you there are no ghosts."

Alfred gripped his hand. "I'll protect you!" He said, even though he was half frightened to death himself.

Arthur laughed aloud. "Oh I'll never be afraid again." He said sarcastically. "You're quiet the character Alfred."

Alfred chuckled. "Of course you'll never be afraid again. I am a hero you know?"

"Of course you are." Arthur laughed. Before he knew it they were in the hallway, and entering the first closet. Arthur poked around for a moment before spotting a pile of thick blankets atop a chest. "There!" He said excitedly

"You found them?" Alfred peeked through the door too. "How many should we take?"

"I'll take two for myself," Arthur glanced at Alfred. "Take as many as you want."

"I guess I'll take two also." He smiled sheepishly.

"Good." Arthur handed Alfred two blankets and then took two for himself. "Off we go the-AH!" He yelled and dropped the blankets he carried when something in the corner fell over and landed with a crash, a cold mist filled the air it seemed, and the door squeaked shut.

Alfred clung to Arthur. "What was that?!" His eyes darted left to right.

"I...I don't know..." He called out into the darkness. "This isn't funny!" He yelled. No answer, only the slide of crate across the floor. Arthur shivered and whispered to Alfred. "Do you remember what direction the door is in?"

"I-I think it's this way." Alfred pulled the other until his hand brushed against the cold stone of the wall. "I think we can feel our way."

Arthur gulped and pressed them both to the nearest wall, feeling for the door. More noises came form the darkness as Arthur groped for the door. He whispered. "Alfred...I found the door; I'm going to open it, run on three okay?"

He nodded. "Yeah." He held tight onto Arthur's hand.

"One...Two...THREE!" He opened the door and they both bolted away, without the blankets. Needless to say, they didn't mind asking the maids for blankets after that.

Alfred was still shaking with fear. "What do you think that was? Was it truly a ghost?!"

"I don't know...Maybe somebody was trying to scare us!" The two had retreated to Alfred's room.

"Maybe... but who?" Alfred hadn't let go of the prince's hand since they ran away from the utility room.

"I don't know...But I'm fine with believing that somebody was in there..."

"Me too." He pouted. "Why would someone do that?"

"Oh, I don't know...some people think that kind of thing is funny..."

"I guess you're right but still…" He crossed his arms, finally releasing the others hand.

It was only then Arthur realized they had been holding hands. He brushed the thought aside and stood with a sigh. "Well I best be off to bed." He said lightly.

But he had no idea how much that day would eventually mean to him.

December 3rd, half a year of knowing each other and the day they first held hands.

Thank you for sticking with us thus far. Hope you enjoyed reading. We will try to get the next chapter up soon!
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-Through the Loop