Persuasion

Alice's POV

"Shun seriously where are we going!?" I exclaimed laughing he held my hand tightly as he led me outside.

I looked outside and noticed it was getting kind of late. I looked to him curiously as he grinned and continued to lead me outside to the backyard. Soon we started to head into a forest. Soon he stopped and turned to me. I noticed the light above the trees as it shined on us as the rest of the forest was a still a little dark. I notice Shun take both my hands in his and then spoke.

"Do you trust me?" He asked me and I looked to him confused.

"What are we-." I spoke, but was cut off.

"Do you trust me?" He said once again.

I stared into his hazel eyes and tried to understand what he met by those words. Either way though, I trusted Shun no matter what. I slowly nodded to him as he smiled to me and suddenly picked me up bridal style. I blushed madly to him, but before I could say anything to him he started to run at lightning speed. I yelped a little by the sudden action as he gave a small laugh and grin to me as he kept running. I noticed though as he kept running, how fast he was going. It was incredible being in his arms like this as he ran. The scenery was beautiful and as I looked behind, I saw his trail as he ran and it looked magical. Soon though he stopped, until he could run no more.

He set me down as I looked around and noticed where we were now. My eyes widen in surprise as we were a little past the forest now. I turned to Shun who grinned and took my hand and led me a little closer in. We stood now in a small flower field with a small pond ahead of us and as I looked up in the sky I notice the sun was shining down on us. I closed my eyes for a moment and let the sun shine on my skin, letting myself become warm. I looked around and there were so many different and colorful flowers around us; they were all just so beautiful to look at. As we drew near to the pond, I noticed how shallow it was. It looked like it could go past my feet, but it really wasn't that deep.

"This place is beautiful Shun." I smiled as he grinned to me.

"I thought you might like this place. I discovered this place when I first needed some space to think. So now I come here when I just need a moment to myself and clear my mind. Now you can come here too if you want." Shun grinned to me as I smiled back.

"This place is amazing, I can't believe a place like this actually exists!" I exclaimed.

"This isn't even the best part. If we walk a little more past the trees, there's something else." Shun said as I looked at him curiously as he led me past the small pond and toward the trees.

As we made our past the tall trees, I noticed we started to come to a dead end it looked like. I looked to Shun, but he just led me on a little more until my eyes widen in surprise. I covered my mouth with my lips as I looked what was a head of me. We were standing on a cliff that over looked the huge deep blue ocean in front of us. I took a small step forward and saw water right below us. The view was incredible, it just left me breathless. What was more astonishing was the sunset that took place before us. Shun sat down as I sat down next to him as he still held his hand in mine as we stared at the sunset together.

"Sunsets like this don't last forever . . . We have to enjoy them while we can." Shun spoke to my surprise as I turned to face him as he stared at the sunset.

"My mom used to say that to me. Before she died I used to worry about her being lonely at lot when she was sick. I was just a kid, but I really cared for my mom and it pained me to see the way she was every day. I had to deal with it all on my own. However, despite everything that was happening, she still could smile . . . She'd say whenever the sun was up she's didn't feel so lonely anymore. That way she could play outside for a little longer." Shun continued.

"Shun," I spoke, but then he turned to me and gave a small smile.

"You know, sometimes you remind me of her. Your kind, polite, selfless, and so much more. My mother meant a lot to me just like you. You're the only two people in my life that I truly could be myself around. That's why I come here and took you here today with me. This place is where I feel like I can be myself. With my mom as I look at the sun and with you right here with me now." He said as he held my hand a little tighter as I smiled to him and slowly leaned my head in his shoulder.

"I would've loved to have met your mom." I spoke as he gave a small laugh.

"I think she would have liked to meet you too." He smiled as he turned to me.

Our faces were so close together and without lips only an inch away, I decided to be bold this time and lean in to kiss him. He immediately kissed back and the kiss was full of passion and love. As the sun slowly began to diminish I felt a little sad it did. However, I knew that tomorrow would come and that sun would be up shinning again which made me feel a little less lonely knowing that just like Shun's mom felt.

. . . . . .

On our way back to the house, Shun carried me once again and ran at lightning speed, but shortly stopped after we got closer to the house. We spent the rest of the way holding hands, talking, and laughing with each other like a normal couple. However, that all ended when I saw a bright light up on the balcony as the figure stared down at us with a grin on his face. I felt Shun's hand squeeze my hand a little tighter as he was unhappy of his presence. Shun kept close to me as we walked toward the house and went inside. We were immediately greeted by Mira, Travis, and Alex.

"What does he want?" Shun questioned as they exchanged looks.

"To see Alice," Travis said as I held Shun's hand tightly in mine now.

"No chance, let's go Alice." Shun said as we made our way upstairs, until we walked up to Leo.

"Leo," I spoke as he slightly bowed to me as he greeted me.

"The Summer King has asked me to escort you to him." Leo spoke, but Shun gave a hollow laugh.

"Over my dead body," Shun spoke harshly.

"No warm welcome then?" A voice said from behind us.

We turned to see none other than the Summer King himself. He was radiating so brightly, but it didn't seem to really bother me anymore. Every time I was near his presence now it just felt warm and sort of comforting. I'm not sure why I feel that way near him, as I'd just rather not see him at all. He walked toward us, until he was close enough to take my hand and plant a kiss on the top of my hand making me blush as he grinned to me. Soon Shun slapped his hand away as Luke laughed.

"I was only greeting her." Luke claimed, but Shun didn't buy it and neither did I.

"What do you want with Alice, Luke?" Shun said getting straight to the point as he grinned.

"This is something that is between Alice and I, not you Shun." Luke replied.

"I already know of you claiming her to be Summer Queen, but you can forget it! As long as I'm protecting Alice along with the Dark Court's services, you will not lay a hand on her!" Shun exclaimed.

"My dear boy, just because you have protection for her doesn't mean we still can't see each other. Especially if Alice willingly comes with me to talk privately. Besides I came here to see Alice not you and she has yet to give me her answer to talk to me." Luke replied as he grinned to me now as I felt nervous.

I looked to Shun who shook his head to me. I looked back to Luke who grinned as I felt unsure what to do. Of course I didn't really want to talk to Luke, but honestly I knew him well enough that he wouldn't leave until he got what he came he for. I looked to Shun and squeezed his hand tightly before I spoke.

"I think I should talk to him Shun." I spoke and Shun looked at me with surprise and in his eyes I could see he was a little hurt.

"But Alice-." He replied, but I cut him off.

"He's not going to leave, unless I talk to him. I'll just talk to him for a little while outside the balcony and then come back straight to you." I said, but he still didn't look to happy.

"Don't worry I'll be fine, ok? Just trust me," I replied with a smile on my face.

He stared at Luke for a moment looking into his eyes, but soon he sighed and turned to me and gave a slight unhappy nod. I slowly let go of his hand and walked toward Luke who grinned to me. I pasted by him and just went straight outside to the balcony. I didn't mean to be rude to Luke, but I just wasn't sure if I could trust him yet. After all he's still Fay and they can be very influential. As I walked outside into the cool night air, I suddenly felt a little chilly. Soon though that cold feeling slowly went away as soon as Luke stepped outside and walked toward me. I looked over the balcony and saw the Moon reflecting off the pond and I noticed how beautiful it was. I saw Luke staring out at the pond too. I was waiting for him to speak, but when he did I was a little surprise by his question.

"Tell me what do you think snow becomes after it melts?" Luke asked me suddenly.

"What?" I questioned as I turned to him as he still stares at the pond.

"What do you think snow becomes after it melts?" He asked once more.

I look at him confused, but then begin to think about the question he asked me. The more I thought about it, the more I realize there's really only one good answer for this question.

"It becomes Spring, doesn't it?" I replied to him and I saw his expression change a little, but he still did not look at me as I continued.

"You would think the obvious answer is water, but that's just not it. Snow does indeed become water, but the real answer is Spring. Spring is the beginning of new life after Winter has passed." I spoke.

Suddenly Luke began to break out in laughter much to my surprise as I stared at him blushing out of embarrassment. Did I answer wrong? Suddenly though he caught his breath and laid a hand on my shoulder and wiped a tear from his eye and spoke.

"You're really something else you know that?" He replied making my turn red as a tomato.

"You're even more interesting than when I first saw you. You were always so kind to both mortal and Fay before you discovered your gift. You always did what was best for other people and not yourself. You saw the good in people even when they had done bad. You look like a weak helpless girl, but you're a lot stronger then you think. After I met you and found out you had the gift, I just knew you'd be my Summer Queen." He explained to me, but that's where I had to stop him now as I looked to him with a serious expression.

"You still believe I'm meant to be Summer Queen?" I questioned and he nodded to me.

"Of course! I have no doubt now that you are the one I've been searching for." He explained, but then I crossed my arms across my chest and looked to him with seriousness now.

"What makes you so sure it's me? How can you be positive it's me, when you thought the girls before me were the one? How can you be so sure I won't just end up like them?" I questioned.

"It's simple you're a very powerful girl whether you know it or not, Summer suits you, and I've fall in love with you." Luke said bluntly as I looked at him shocked and overwhelmed.

I took a step back from him as he continued to stare at me as I looked at him like he was a little crazy, but then I spoke up to him.

"First off as powerful as I may seem, I still have yet to control my powers. Secondly Summer can suit anyone, not just me." I replied, but then he smirked at me and came a little closer.

"I see the way you are when summer comes. You love to feel the warmth on your skin when the sun shines above you. You love nature as I see you grow flowers outside the café. You have a warm smile every time when you great someone. You're radiant just like me even if you can't see it." He smirked, but I shook my head.

"How would you even know about those things about me? Have you seen me before we met?" I asked and he nodded.

"When Shun turned Fay, I didn't know much about him until I heard a rumor that he would still see his mortal friends even after he had turned. I just happened to be passing by when I saw Shun and his friends . . . and you Alice. A breathless warmth flowed from you, I could feel it by just one glance and I knew . . . you were my Summer Queen." Luke proclaimed, but I sighed to him.

"Even though we barley know each other you claim to love me?" I replied, as he grinned as he lifted my chin up to face him making me blush.

"On the contrary, I've known you longer then you think. I've told you I've seen you before when Shun was very new to this world of Fay. Almost I'd say nine months now, you just haven't met me until a month ago back at that café." He explained, but I shook my head to him.

"I'm sorry Luke, but this changes nothing. I will not join your court and become queen. I don't feel the same way you feel for me. I don't hate you, but I just don't you enough. Besides I don't truly believe you know what love really is." I told him as he lifted an eyebrow to me.

"And you know what love is?" He questioned.

"Fay use their influence a lot without even really knowing it at times. I believe the girls you once truly loved, were just lies because of your influence. I don't mean to sound so blunt and rude, but your charm and influence can't work on me. It never will, so please give up on me and find someone else." I replied as I turned away from him and started to head to the open balcony door that Leo opened for me, until Luke spoke.

"You're wrong my dear." He spoke and I stopped and slowly turned back to him as he smiled at me.

"You're wrong . . . I know what love is as I have been in love before. You however, have still yet to fall in love. Soon though, that will all change once you become mine. I can show you what true love is." He replied as he waved good-bye to me.

Without any more words left to say, I left in a haste to find Shun. I wanted to be near him now more than ever. Standing there talking to Luke just made me feel unsure now about myself. I like Shun, not Luke. Shun is the only one for me and he always will be. Soon I saw Shun downstairs by the fireplace by himself. As I walked over to him, he turned and notice me and immediately stood up to greet me with a warm hug. I laughed a little as he held me tight in his arms and spoke into my ear.

"Are you alright, did he do anything to you!?" He exclaimed as I shook my head.

Soon though I felt hot tears escape my eyes and soon he pulled me away a little and looked at me with concern and worry in his eyes. I felt him wipe the tears from my eyes as I gave a small laugh.

"What happened?" He asked, but I shook my head and pressed my face to his chest as he held me close to him as I spoke.

"Nothing happened, I'm just . . . really glad I'm with you right now that's all." I replied.

I felt his strong arms around me now making me feel warm and safe in his arms. As I cried softly on him I felt him stroke my hair making me feel a lot better. Although I'm sorry for Luke, I just can't love him. I mean right now I can't even say for myself that love Shun, even though I care deeply for him and probably would risk everything for him. With everything going on right now, I just don't know what I should do anymore. Soon there was a loud knock at the front door. Shun and I pulled away from each other as we looked at each other confused. Soon as we made our way to the front, we saw Travis already there greeting someone at the door and then turning toward us. I saw Mira and Alex upstairs watching from above. Suddenly I saw someone grab Travis as he tried to fight back.

"Travis!" Shun called running toward him and helping him in the fight.

I watched as they fought against the other Fay's until someone ordered them to stop. Soon the Fay stopped along with Shun and Travis. Mira and Alex came rushing downstairs. Mira went to Travis and comforted him as he continued to stare at someone along with Shun and Alex.

"Fang," Shun spoke, much to my surprise.

He soon came out from the shadows and into the front door as he grinned to us suspiciously. I watched as he observed the room and then laid eyes on me and grinned even wider.

"What is the meaning of this Fang!?" Travis exclaimed as Fang put his hands up in defense.

"I'm sorry for the commotion Travis, but you see I'm here on official business for the High Queen." He explained.

"What business is that!?" Shun frowned as Fang smiled to him and then turned back to me.

"The High Queen has demanded me to bring Alice to her, so that they can talk. Word got out about her little gift and now the queen demands I bring her to her as she knows I know about her where about somehow. I'm afraid Alice must come with me." Fang spoke walking toward me, until Shun stepped in front of him in a flash.

"You're not taking her to the High Queen. You know what she'll do to her!" Shun exclaimed.

"It is none of my business what she does with the girl. I am just supposed to escort her there and go from there. I'm sorry Shun, but I'm afraid I can't deny her request. After all my court balances hers and right now her court is the only one stronger than any of ours. I can't go against her, even for you Shun. My court comes first," Fang replied.

"Then I'm afraid I can't allow you to take Alice from me as she is my top priority." Shun said as Fang grinned.

"Have it your way Shun." Fang replied.

Suddenly I watched as Fang punched Shun right in the gut as hard as he could. I swear I thought I heard bones breaking, but that could be just my imagination. I watched as Shun got on his knees to the ground and started to groan and cough a little in pain. I watched though as he got back up and tried to fight Fang, but his men got to Shun first and he began to fight them. Soon though Fang turned toward me and walk toward me as I watched Shun fight Fang's men along with Travis, Mira, and Alex. Soon Fang was in front of me and I saw his eyes start to glow a deep blood red color as he grinned to me as I was shaking a little in fear, but I put on my best brave face.

"See now everyone wants you Alice. Even the High Queen herself wants you." Fang spoke and suddenly I watched as he pulled something out of his pocket.

It looked like red dust in his hand. Soon he blew the substance into my face and I suddenly began to feel so tired and dizzy all of the sudden. I felt my legs give in, but Fang caught me before I fell. I slowly looked up to him as my vision began to blur and heard him say one last thing to me.

"I'm sorry, but I have no choice." He spoke softly as my vision started to go black and I pasted out.