Pinkshuchan: LALIHO! Hey, Pinkshuchan here! Once again, I have another chapter of Prince of Damonen up at a quick time. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 15

Better or Worse

Golden sunlight shined on the green canopies of the trees, revealing morning. The people of Erden were preparing for something else, almost like another celebration. Usagi was confused. The moment he met up with Misaki, who like Usagi changed back into the clothes he wore when they first met, he asked him of the people's actions.

"The celebration is two parts," Misaki explained, "Last night was the first half, thanking Mother Nature for what we have and performing the story of her life. Today is the second half; embracing what she gave us and enjoying ourselves with a festival."

"I didn't know the celebration last night was the telling of a story," said Usagi.

"A lot of travellers don't. Mainly people from Erden know of the story. The first dance with the dancers showed the people that lived here before Mother Nature appeared and though it may not really look like it, they were showing how Erden was a wasteland at first. The bit with myself singing was when Mother Nature came to Erden and changed it into the paradise that it is today," Misaki began to blush. "T-Then the dance between you and I was when Mother Nature met her true love; Reisende. And then the rest is the happiness people felt afterwards."

Usagi froze at that name. "Reisende? Why does that sound familiar?"

Misaki looked over at him. "Maybe your memories of your mythology are returning? It wouldn't necessarily help too much though. My father told me that Reisende played an important part in many mythologies in different ways. In the case of Erden mythology, Reisende was a traveller who came to Erden and fell in love with Mother Nature. They lived happily together. However, due to the fact that Reisende couldn't stay in one place because of his sense of justice to protect Elementar, he had to leave Mother Nature time and time again. It didn't bother Mother Nature though. She would always wait for him."

The silver haired man chuckled. "Sounds like she was really dedicated to him." They began walking to where everyone else was to be involved with the next part of the celebration.

The scene was mesmerizing. Past all the trees led to giant waterfalls on tall rocks and a lake where people were swimming. There were still some trees here and there where people were swinging on vines and jumping in the lake from there. It was so much for Usagi to take. Misaki took him by the hand and led him farther on.

The entire time they were there, Usagi saw something that he had never seen before. The people with Erden, whether relative or acquaintance, treated each other like family. It was something he never known could happen, especially when he still lived in…

His eyes widened. He couldn't remember the exact place he lived in, but he was remembering things about his life. He left home for something. What it was he wasn't sure. He made sure to tell Misaki everything with what he remembered.

"I'm glad that you're remembering," the princess replied, "You don't remember everything though, right?"

"Not yet," the silver haired man replied, "But I can feel my memories returning piece by piece. I wouldn't be surprised if after a few days, I'll remember everything."

Misaki smiled. "That's good. But as you said… You've never had any memories doing good things with your family?"

"I think my family and I never got along well in the past."

"Let me guess; it's something like 'Your mother was never around, you barely got to see your father considering his role in life, and you had some older brother who you never got along with and probably still don't today."

Usagi stared at Misaki. "That's exactly it! It's like you know who I really am."

Misaki fell back a little. "That was only a lucky guess! I didn't actually think that would be your life. I'm sorry."

The silver haired man only shook his head. "It's fine. To be honest, and pardon me for bringing this subject up, but I remember your older brother mention something about something happening ten years ago that caused everyone to lose their loved ones, including your parents. If you don't mind me asking, what exactly happened? Isn't Erden a peaceful continent?"

"It is, but…" Misaki looked down. "Ten years ago was something very scarring. I really don't-!"

Usagi shook his head. "It's fine. You can tell me when you're ready. Although, I think talking about it may make things a little easier, especially if needed."

Misaki looked up at him and gave a small smile. "I'll remember that."

Suddenly, they heard something. Usagi prepared to protect Misaki, although not sure if it would turn out the same as last time when it was him that needed to be saved. But it wasn't anything like he expected.

Two men came towards them; their attire looked similar to the soldiers. One of them ran over to Misaki while the other just walked, not really caring. The one that ran to Misaki took the princess' hands into his own and sighed in relief.

"Princess Misaki!" he cried, "Thank goodness you are alright! Sumi and I spent the entire day looking for you. It wasn't until another soldier found us that we found out that you had returned safely. I was sure your brother would've killed us for not looking out for you better."

Misaki smiled at him. "Todo, it's okay," he replied, "I made it in time for the celebration last night. Too bad you guys missed it."

It was Todo's turn to smile. "Of course, your Highness. It was a shame to miss the performance of our princess on his 18th year."

"Yes, such a shame," said the other guy, Sumi. However, Usagi could hear a little sarcasm in his voice. Misaki nor Todo noticed it though. However, Misaki pulled back a little and introduced Usagi. After pointing what little he knew of him, just by the fact that he was some sort of traveller who forgot his memories, Todo was wide eyed.

"Princess Misaki," said Todo, "While we were searching for you, we encountered two men who said they were looking for a companion of theirs. Your new friend here could be that missing companion."

Misaki smiled and looked back at Usagi. "Did you hear that? If these men Todo was talking about really some companions of yours, you might just get your memories back today."

This was a possibility. The thought brought joy to Usagi. If he met with someone who knows him, his memories should return to him easily. He hoped they were people that really know him.

Todo smiled and looked down at Misaki. "Princess, we also came to tell you that your brother wishes to talk with you since he didn't get the chance to properly speak with you after the celebration last night since it was so late. Don't worry; I will escort your friend to his possible allies."

Misaki gave a nod. "Usagi, I'll meet you afterwards at the place we first met. You remember the way, right?"

It was Usagi's turn to nod. "I'll see you then." Without another word between them, Misaki left to see his brother. Once the princess had left, Todo escorted Usagi to the ones that were believed to know him. The entire thing was too exciting for Usagi and yet he was feeling a little nervous.

They finally reached the men that Todo was talking about. One of them was a calm man with raven hair and dark gray eyes, carrying lots of weapons on his back and belt. The other was a more aggressive and kind of demonic looking man with cinnamon hair and red eyes. Looking at them, Usagi could feel some familiarity with them. But he couldn't remember who they were. He felt like he could trust them though.

The men looked at Usagi and looked glad to see him. The calm looking man gave a smile while the aggressive looking one gave a glance before turning his head, almost as if he was holding back tears. Usagi walked over to them. Who knows; he could get his memories back just by talking to them.

"Hello," he greeted them, "You both know me?"

The aggressive looking man glared at him. "You idiot! What the hell kind of question is that? Why would you think otherwise?"

Usagi just grimaced. "I'm sorry, but I have lost my memories. I don't remember exactly who you both are but I feel like we have met before."

"Memory loss?" the calm man asked, crossing his arms in thought, "It's understandable. You did fall from quite high up. Obviously something else would've happened to you if not death," He looked at Todo. "I hope you don't mind but we are going to quickly borrow him." Todo shook his head and the three left so they could talk about Usagi's memories alone.

Usagi learned that his real name was Akihiko. He was prince of Damonen before he grew to hate that life and left to obtain freedom for himself. He even learned of the men that he was talking to; the calm man being Miyagi, a blacksmith and weapon master from Stahlern, and the aggressive one was Hiroki, the last survivor of Feuern due to experimentation. The information they gave helped Usagi, now recognizing himself as Akihiko, remember more information.

By that conversation alone, Akihiko had remembered everything. He was travelling through all the continents, searching for the five items needed before returning to Damonen and face his brother in order to have true freedom. From a visit with a woman named Aikawa, he also had to search for five allies of the different continents to join him. He already had Hiroki from Feuern and Miyagi from Stahlern. Erden, Ozean, and Kurbeln were left. He was filled with joy the moment everything returned to him.

"I remember," he cried, "It's good to remember everything again," He began smirking. "I guess that means I'll get that kiss from Misaki sooner than later. I need to go see him."

Before anyone could say anything, Akihiko began running to see Misaki. Miyagi sighed in relief and joy before looking at Hiroki, who appeared distressed. "Hiroki?"

"Isn't Misaki the name of their princess?" he asked.

Miyagi did remember that that was the name of the princess. He was going to ask about what the problem was with it until he realized what had just happened. The older man's words about Akihiko able to possibly win a princess, something that Hiroki was worrying about, may have come true. And considering Hiroki's own feelings for the silver haired man… "Hiroki, I…"

"It's probably just one sided on Akihiko's part," Hiroki replied, "After all, the princess, despite being a princess, is male, right? Most males would prefer a woman over a man, even with them being feminine, right? He probably promised Akihiko a kiss out of pity for losing his memories."

But the older man could tell that whether or not there was truly something going on between Akihiko and Princess Misaki, Hiroki was experiencing denial, the first sign of grief. Although the thought of Akihiko falling in love was wonderful, he couldn't help but worry about Hiroki, going through hurt and pain like he had just been rejected. Miyagi didn't know what to do.

Back with Akihiko, he went his way to reach the hidden flower garden, where he first met Misaki. He couldn't wait to tell the boy about his memories returning and to feel the princess' soft lips on his again. He finally managed to make it to the garden before sunset. As expected, Misaki was there waiting for him. The latter noticed him and gave him a melancholy smile before walking over to him.

"Misaki-!"

"Usagi-!"

Both realized that they had spoke at the same time. Akihiko chuckled while Misaki just blushed. "Go ahead," the silver haired man replied, "You go first."

Misaki shook his head. "No, I couldn't. You had something to say first."

"It can wait. I don't mind. I would love to hear what you have to say first."

"You looked quite anxious to say what you wanted to say."

"Well, so did you."

"Really Usagi, I don't mind-!"

"I insist!" Akihiko was serious. "Whatever you have to say is probably more important. Something involving your talk with your brother or with the soldiers that returned."

Misaki kept shaking his head. "No, it's not that," He began fidgeting with his fingers. "My brother didn't have much to say, just congratulations. It's just… I had been thinking about what you said; about hard times to be best talked about when you need it. Would it really help? Would you not feel bothered about it? I don't know… I want to get it off my chest but…"

Akihiko just smiled. Sure, he really wanted the kiss at this moment, but he was willing to delay it if it meant he could listen to what was troubling his beautiful Misaki. "If it would make you feel easy, I would love to listen. Spill everything your heart wants to say." The princess lowered his head for a bit before looking back up at him and nodding. They went and sat by the river before Misaki began explaining things.

"Well, you said that you wanted to hear about what happened ten years ago," he began, "It was a hard time for me; for everyone in Erden. An outsider would probably not understand the pain. It was unlike anything that had ever happened. It's a sad piece of history."

The silver haired man wrapped his arm around the boy. "If it's too hard, you don't have to say anymore."

"I want to tell you, Usagi! It's probably silly and naïve of me to think this when we only met almost about two days ago, but when I'm around you, it feels… I don't know. It's something I've never felt with many people. The closest I've had to this feeling of… I don't know, it's like comfort, was when my parents were still alive. Like I could just say anything. Ah, but I don't want to burden you with it!"

"I told you I don't mind," Akihiko repeated, "If you want to tell me, then tell me. Let me hear everything and let me comfort you."

Misaki gave a deep breath. "Erden had always been a peaceful continent. Never had we ever been in any fights with any of the other continents. If there were any wars, Erden would help out as the peace making continent and keep things calm. However, ten years ago was different. Erden was under attack. We barely survived. It was because of the people that fought for Erden that we are still here today. My parents were involved.

"What really hurt the most though is that considering my powers, I couldn't save them. If I was given the chance to reach them in time and heal them, maybe they would still be here. Hurts even more that… hic…" Tears began to fall from big emerald eyes. "My… My powers can heal but they… sob… cannot… sob… revive the… hic… dead… sob…"

Akihiko stared at Misaki with a pain in his chest. He pulled the younger into an embrace. Misaki didn't push him away. The moment Akihiko held him, the boy also held on to him as tight, not wanting to let go. This continued on for a bit before Misaki's tears let up.

"I'm sorry," he replied to the silver haired man as he pulled away, "I just… Why couldn't I have saved them by killing killed by the demons?"

Eyes widened as Akihiko heard what Misaki just said. "Demons?"

Misaki just gave a sniff. "Demons following orders from what I heard was a Damonen Knight attacked Erden and killed all our loved ones and almost destroyed Erden. Why did it have to be this way? What would've been gained from attacking us?"

Akihiko was silent. Damonen attacked Erden? For what purpose? Surely it had not done anything to cause all this bloodshed, could they? He would not believe so. With everything he had seen with his own eyes, Erden was a loving continent that treated everyone, even travellers, like they were family. So then why?

As he was deep into thought, Misaki stared up at him. "But I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get like that. I hope it didn't bother you."

"Not at all," Akihiko replied once he gulped down the lump that was in his throat from everything, "I'm just happy that you would tell me. I want to get rid of anything that may distress you."

Misaki gave a melancholy smile. "Thank you, Usagi. So…" He moved a little more comfortably. "You had something to say too?"

"Uh, yeah," Akihiko replied, not really feeling all that enthusiastic about it, "Well, what I wanted to say was-!"

"Ah, wait! You met those people Todo was talking about, right? Were they people you remember? Did they help you regain any memories?"

"Uh… well, they were familiar…" He was staring deep into the beautiful orbs that looked like emerald dew drops. Not long ago, they were filled with tears caused by the demons summoned that killed his parents. They were now looking at him with excitement, hoping to hear that Akihiko had regained his memories. But what would those eyes look like if he told Misaki that he too was from Damonen? Would they still look at him that way? Not receiving a kiss from it was the least of his problems; if Misaki found out he too was from Damonen, it was possible that the boy would not want anything to do with him.

Akihiko sighed. "Familiarity is not enough though," he continued, "I'm getting closer but…"

Misaki's eyes changed to concern. "You mean all that was for nothing?" he asked, "You still don't remember?"

"Don't worry," Akihiko assured him, "Once my memories come back for certain, I will let you know," He held Misaki close once again. "Is it alright if we stay like this for a bit?"

"Usagi?" Misaki spoke up, "What's wrong? You looked so happy and now you look like you're about to break. Was my story really so much of a-!"

"No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?" Misaki pulled away so he could look at Akihiko straight in the eye. "Usagi, remember what I told you before? I'm not as naïve as people think. I can tell that something is bothering you. I told you what had bothered me, using your advice. Why won't you do the same thing?"

"Because there's nothing to talk about," He stood up. "I'm heading back to the castle."

He began walking away, leaving a concerned Misaki behind. When he disappeared from past the trees, the princess lowered his head. "Usagi, what the hell?" he muttered, "Can't you trust me?"

But Akihiko was going through more pain. He hated seeing the face Misaki made when he wouldn't tell him what was in his mind but he had no choice. He couldn't tell Misaki the truth. He didn't want to lose him. He sighed in frustration and hurt. He had thought that because Misaki said so, getting his memories back would make him feel better. But that was not so.

It only made things worse.

Pinkshuchan: Aw! Really sad, huh? I'm bawling myself because of what happened. How long will Akihiko go on with hiding the truth to Misaki before finally coming out? How will Misaki respond once the truth is revealed to him? Read and Review!