"You're not going to slip back into that cold, emotionless survival mode again, are you?" he asked, visibly concerned. Of course, he understood it was a traumatic experience and that it would take time to process—something only alcohol seemed to help them forget temporarily—but he hoped things had improved at least a little.
Amu sighed and glanced at Nagi with a troubled expression. It was all still too fresh. To them, it felt like it had just happened, considering they'd been unconscious. The pain she'd felt from his fire was indescribably horrible. "I'm trying not to let it show too much," she said softly, giving a faint smile as she poked his nose with her finger.
"You don't have to pretend. I understand," the blonde said, lowering his gaze for a moment as a quiet, somber sigh escaped his lips. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "I'll just keep bringing up your bizarre preferences so you won't have time for dark thoughts."
Her cheeks turned red as she averted her gaze, arms crossing defensively. "I'm never going to live that down, am I?"
"Of course not," he teased, glancing briefly at Nagi.
The purple-haired man sighed, his thoughts returning to the present. He understood Tadase was trying to distract her and that he should help. Draping an arm around Amu's shoulders, he pulled her closer. "Don't get your hopes up. That was a one-time thing."
"I'm not getting my hopes up!" she retorted, turning toward him. Their eyes met—hers embarrassed, his teasing.
"Sure, sure, little one," he replied, winking playfully.
She couldn't even deny they'd started it since it was her idea in the first place, making her blush even harder. Then, as if recalling something from earlier, she pointed at Tadase. "He was the one who mentioned a second round! You can't hold my drunken nonsense against me!" A desperate attempt to salvage her image.
Tadase blinked in surprise, but before he could respond, Nagi interjected with a sly grin. "And here I thought you didn't like the idea of being with three people. Am I growing on you?" He stuck his tongue out, exuding confidence.
The blonde raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "She was the one who wanted to know." He wasn't about to take the blame. If it were up to him, it would never happen again.
"Looks like it's on you, Amu," Nagi shrugged, ruffling her hair.
"Idiots…" she muttered, pouting as she headed for the door. "We should get started with cold-weather training anyway." She sighed again, this time heavier. "If you hadn't caused so much trouble, you could've just warmed us up with your magic."
"Well... it would still drain my life force, and the point is to make sure you're safe even if we're apart again." His expression darkened briefly. He rarely used his magic as it was, but now that Amu had outright forbidden it, it weighed heavily on him.
"Of course… You should avoid it altogether." She hesitated, guilt bubbling up for even thinking about it. Every bit of his life force spent was too much. "Actually, no. You must avoid using it entirely." Her resolve to find a way to suppress his magic permanently was stronger than ever.
They left the room and headed to the dining hall to join the others for breakfast. The meal was modest for most, given the circumstances.
"You seem to have recovered quickly," Yoru commented, his tone still cold and distant.
"Not really…" Amu sighed, staring sadly at her plate. The good mood Tadase had forced upon her lingered momentarily, but it felt out of place.
"Listen," Tadase began, his voice firmer now. "I know what happened isn't something you can get over in two weeks, but we need to pull ourselves together. We've got a long road ahead, and—" He paused, glancing at the cat-like boy. "You want to bring Ikuto back as soon as possible, don't you? That won't happen if we let our emotions and experiences hold us back."
"It's only been two weeks for us on the outside, but for them, it feels like yesterday," Yoru snapped, shaking his head. "Miki couldn't even sleep last night because of those memories."
"I'm sorry.." Amu murmured, poking at her food.
"This is my fault," Tadase admitted. "I spent all night trying to distract them..." A mix of guilt and selfishness lingered in his tone.
Amu sighed, looking around the table at Yoru and the others. "I understand how you feel—really, I do." Her voice softened as her gaze dropped. "But time won't wait for us… I have to free Ikuto and suppress Nagi's magic."
"Never asked you to," Nagi muttered, his displeasure evident as he shrugged.
Ignoring him, she continued, "I know it's all my fault. If I could figure out who I am and what I want, neither of you would've made those impulsive decisions that night." Her fists clenched beneath the table. "But it's too late now, and I can't waste any more time. I won't ask for your help; take all the time you need. I'll even take Aruto so he doesn't burden you. Just… please, don't hold me back just because it seems like I feel fine already. I am also willing to accept any punishment after all of that." Her voice wavered, but her determination was unshaken.
The room fell silent as Amu looked down, her heart heavy. Did they hate her now? If so, she'd accept it. She had to keep going.
"I'll still help you," Su broke the silence, taking Amu's hand. "We'll find a way to get through this tragedy together." Her voice was no longer as empty or cold, though her usual gentle smile remained absent. "I'll take care of Aruto while you're away."
Amu couldn't stop the tears as she hugged her friend. "You don't have to do this. Take care of yourself first."
"I can handle both," Su assured her with a nod.
Amu smiled faintly before turning to Yoru. "I don't know when we'll leave or how things will be by then, but it might be better if you stay here—for yourself and for Miki." She hesitated. "Of course, it's your decision. I'm in no position to demand anything."
"We'll see," he replied with a sigh, glancing at Miki. Deep down, he knew he needed to let go of his resentment toward Amu. He had to help her otherwise he couldn't meet ikutos eyes anymore.
"Hey, Amu," Tadase interjected, trying to shift the conversation. "Since when are your fire and wind magic so strong?"
"I think it was just an exception caused by intense anger and grief," she admitted. "But my magic is improving—I practice every day!"
Tadase smiled, ruffling her hair. "I believe in you."
"Stop running away all the time," she murmured, hugging him and letting some of her burden fall away.
"I'll try," he whispered, stroking her hair gently.
"Promise me..," she said, pulling back to look into his eyes.
Tadase hesitated. If he ever thought it would be better for her, he'd leave.
"Promise..," Nagi echoed. He also didn't want to bother with all those escalations anymore.
"And you too," she added, turning to Nagi. "You also stay and forget whatever nonsense you two were planning yesterday." She felt a pang in her heart recalling their conversation. How could they even consider dying.
"Maybe I don't want to stay with you," Nagi teased, raising an eyebrow.
"That's different, but don't bother lying to me. I'll see it in both of your eyes if you're just trying to leave under some pretense," she said, her expression growing sadder. Why was it so hard to get this promise?
"Listen, as long as you keep sticking your pretty neck into all sorts of nooses, I'll be there to pull it out in time. I'm not going anywhere," the lilac-haired one shrugged. Simply put, as long as she kept putting herself in dangerous situations, he would be there to protect her.
Both of their gazes now rested on Tadase.
"I... but... what if it's better for you? What if keeping some distance helps you get a grip on your feelings in the end?" he said, glancing away. If he made a promise, he wanted to keep it, but he couldn't be sure in this case.
"It's not better for me... I'd miss you, be sad, and distracted..."
Her eyes gleamed with expectation.
The blonde sighed heavily. "Fine, I'll stay."
"That's not a promise," she said, crossing her arms.
Tadase pointed incredulously at Nagi. "He didn't make any promises either."
"Nagi isn't the one constantly trying to run away. Besides, he was clear enough." The lilac-haired one hugged her from behind, resting his head on her right shoulder so he could grin at Tadase. "I promise to stay as long as the little lady wishes."
Tadase narrowed his eyes and sighed. "I promise I won't try to leave anymore unless you want me to." His eyes met the golden gaze of the other.
"Thank you," she said softly, smiling.
"Come on, get over here." Nagi kept grinning as he tugged at a corner of Tadase's clothes, pulling him closer until he could wrap his arms around him over Amu, sandwiching her between them and making her blush immediately. The blonde sighed helplessly. "What's this supposed to be now?"
"Group hugs to lift the mood," Nagi declared with a grin.
Tadase shook his head, sighing again as he placed one arm around Amu and the other around Nagi, letting his head rest briefly on the pink-haired girl's.
"We're not alone here, and this doesn't exactly match the atmosphere…" she murmured awkwardly between them.
"We're not doing anything wrong. The others can join if they want," Nagi replied defensively, glancing around.
Su hesitated for a moment before actually accepting the offer and approaching, prompting Nagi and Tadase to create enough space for Amu and Su to see each other. Shortly after, the two hugged, and Ran joined in as well. Both let go for a moment, allowing their tears to flow freely. Amu stood quietly and patiently, holding them close.
Miki watched the others silently. She longed for a hug, too, but mostly from someone specific. Yoru noticed her glances and sighed before reluctantly pulling her into an embrace. He wasn't in the mood for this, but he had to admit that it eased the weight on his heart a little. The blue-haired girl buried her face in his chest, letting out a few sobs as he gently stroked her head in comfort.
It was just a small step for everyone, but it was a step toward healing.
In the following weeks, Nagi repeatedly dunked Amu into cold water, hoping to gradually increase her tolerance. Of course, the water's temperature dropped only little by little—he didn't want her to get sick. At first, the pink-haired girl doubted this method and hated having to enter the cold water wearing nothing but her underwear. However, over time, she noticed it was becoming more bearable. Unfortunately, the relief didn't last long, as Nagi would make the water colder whenever it started to feel tolerable.
Amu occasionally tried to lie, pretending the water was still cold enough, but Nagi was adept at reading her body language and always knew when she was beginning to adjust.
Afterward, she was always greeted with a cozy blanket to wrap herself in and warm drinks. Often, she could enjoy some closeness with Nagi and Tadase, who would help warm her with their own body heat.
Amu and Tadase often sat together on the couch under the blanket, with her snuggled against him as he held a book in one hand. They'd begun looking through funny and cute picture books together while cuddling, and it always made them giggle. One such moment was interrupted by Nagi joining them.
"I think that's enough for now. We've already lost quite a bit of time," he said. Though Amu rarely showed it, he knew she was growing impatient, and he couldn't blame her. He only hoped the cold training was effective since the high mountains would subject her to constant snow and cold, not just occasional bursts.
"You two look like an old married couple."
"Jealous?" Tadase teased with a grin.
"Obviously." Nagi crossed his arms behind his head.
"Then come here," Tadase replied.
Nagi hesitated for a moment before sitting beside Amu, though he stayed outside the blanket. "We should probably get going soon."
Amu lifted the blanket briefly and pulled the lilac-haired one underneath, drawing him close. "If you say so. I'm just waiting for your go-ahead," she said calmly, looking at him.
"There's not much more we can do…" Nagi sighed, a bit despondent. "We'll definitely find you warmer clothes, though."
"I'm sure there's something. There's a lot of clothing in my room," Amu mused. Most of it consisted of elegant, wide dresses, but there were also summer dresses and thicker winter-appropriate ones, along with scarves and small shawls. Currently, she preferred the simpler dresses, as the wider ones were impractical despite their beauty.
"Yes, I think that'll be the least of our concerns."
"Then I'll start packing. We should be able to leave tomorrow, right?" She smiled lightly and slowly withdrew from the blanket to stand. What kind of trial would Sylph have in store for her? She was both curious and nervous.
After Nagi confirmed with a nod, she disappeared into her room.
The next day, after breakfast, Amu changed. She wore a floor-length gown in a deep red shade, adorned with elegant details. The bodice hugged her figure closely, while the skirt flowed in soft, cascading layers, accentuated by fine ruffles that added a graceful touch. Delicate gold embroidery adorned the red fabric, giving the dress a regal elegance.
Over the dress, she wore a black cape with a fluffy white fur collar, perfect for colder temperatures. The cape was decorated with intricate golden patterns that also lined its hem, giving it a majestic appearance. The dress's long sleeves ended in white lace at the wrists, harmonizing with the overall look and adding a romantic, intricate touch.
The color scheme of black, red, gold, and white enhanced Amu's regal aura while also emphasizing the warmth of her winter look. She wore no flashy jewelry—the delicate golden accents on the cape and dress acted as subtle accessories, making the outfit shine. She looked elegant, strong, and graceful.
"I should probably save the cape for later since it's still warm here," she said, spinning around a couple of times before folding the cape carefully and placing it in her bag.
"It suits you well, little mouse," Tadase said with a gentle smile as he watched her.
Amu blushed slightly, though it was more due to the nickname than the compliment. She wasn't sure if she preferred "little mouse" or "little one," and besides, she wasn't as small or cute as a mouse—she was to be taken seriously!
"Hopefully, it's as functional as it is pretty," Nagi said with a shrug.
"It is!" she assured him.
"So, who's coming along?" the blonde asked, waiting for her response.
Amu tilted her head, looking at him in confusion. "You two, of course?" She didn't understand the question but answered anyway, dismissing it. She walked over to Su and smiled gently. "Are you sure I shouldn't take him with me?"
The green-haired girl nodded, handing Aruto to Amu to say her goodbyes. "It's been a few weeks now. I can handle it. Ran has recovered a bit and is helping out."
Amu took her son and cradled him gently. "What about Miki?"
"I'm slowly getting better." The blue-haired girl joined the small gathering in the entry hall, Yoru by her side.
"That makes me happy," Amu said with a smile, though she looked down. Her relationship with the two had cooled since the incident, likely because she restrained herself and let none of her inner turmoil show. Despite her explanations, she probably came across as lacking empathy toward Miki and Yoru.
"I can come along," Yoru offered.
The pink-haired girl shook her head. "Stay here and continue recovering. I think everything we need to know, Nagi and Tadase already do." She glanced briefly at the two, receiving nods of confirmation.
"We also have books about the North with us, but Tadase's general knowledge should suffice, and I've brushed up on mine with a few books," Nagi added, watching Yoru. He wasn't sure what his feelings toward Amu were right now.
"If you say so, then I'll stay here," he replied, knowing he wouldn't be much help anyway. Besides, he had never been to the north himself, so he was just as unfamiliar with it as the others.
"Undine?"
Amu sighed and shook her head. She hadn't managed to summon her yet. Was Undine still resting from the rescue or simply unwilling to make contact? Either way, Amu knew she'd have to face the upcoming trials on her own strength.
"Take care of yourselves," Su said, hugging Amu and the others briefly.
"We will," Amu smiled, planting a kiss on Aruto's forehead. "And you better behave this time! Or I'll tell your dad everything, and he definitely won't be proud of you."
Aruto grimaced, his hair's blue roots already grown out by about four centimeters in just nine weeks. She was relieved she wouldn't have to constantly dye his hair; with his rapid growth, it would have been exhausting. Finally, she handed Aruto over to Su and grabbed her bag.
"See you soon," she waved to everyone before leaving the castle, with Nagi and Tadase trailing behind.
"I really hope Yoru and Miki eventually come to terms with this and stop resenting you two for not letting it drag you down," Tadase admitted, still feeling partly responsible for the animosity, as he was the reason Nagi and Amu seemed to bounce back faster.
"They'll get over it. I think Yoru will feel better once Ikuto is back," Amu said confidently, convinced everything would work out in the end.
The journey to the north was arduous and long. In a small village where they decided to rest, they realized they needed a mode of transportation.
"A carriage is too impractical and conspicuous," Nagi said, raising his arms and shaking his head.
"But if she can't ride, we have no other option," Tadase sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Shouldn't she have learned that from you? Riding is such a noble thing, isn't it?"
"No one thought it necessary to teach me," Amu said with a slight frown. "I was supposed to court Tadase instead of playing with horses." She had wanted to learn back then, as she liked horses, but even in her previous life, she had no experience with riding.
"Then she'll just ride with me," Tadase conceded. Nagi was right about the impracticality of a carriage, and riding would be much faster.
"Why with you?" The purple-haired man crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.
"Because I'm the only one who's properly trained. You just sort of taught yourself… but we can take turns. I'm only thinking about her safety."
Lately, Nagi's jealousy had been more apparent, and it was becoming tiresome.
The purple-haired man sighed. He had started learning about horses to speed up deliveries at the inn back when that was still a thing. Aaron had eventually stopped the deliveries because the effort wasn't worth it.
"Fine, you're right," he said, rolling his eyes and approaching a man working in the nearby stable.
"Give them one of my horses?" The man wrinkled his nose. The noble status of Amu and Tadase was evident in their attire, and the man had no love for nobility. "The kingdom should be well-equipped. Besides, you can't expect any empathy or help from their kind."
Noticing the contemptuous look, the pair turned away uncomfortably.
"I get it," Nagi began, glancing between them and the man. "I'm from the poorer districts myself." He smiled warmly. "But they're different. They're trying to make the world better, even if we have a long way to go. Please, help a fellow soul from another poor district."
Nagi held out a small pouch. "I don't have much gold, but it's yours. These two have nothing left; they're not part of the nobility anymore."
The older man inhaled deeply, rubbing his temples. "Keep it. You can have two horses, but make sure they come back unharmed. They're lucky to have you, boy. Without you, I'd have refused."
Relieved, Nagi beamed and bowed. "Thank you so much! We'll take good care of them."
He returned with two horses—one black and one white. Handing the reins of the white horse to Tadase, he smirked. "Perfect for your princely demeanor."
"I'm not a prince..." Tadase muttered.
"Thank you, Nagi," Amu said, giving him a quick hug.
"He really doesn't like you two, even though he doesn't know you. You and Ikuto have a lot of work to do if you want to improve the nobility's reputation."
"Understandable. I don't like my family or myself much either. But Amu will surely lead the kingdom to a brighter future," Tadase said softly, lifting her onto the horse.
"Me? That's Ikuto's job."
"He'll rule alongside you. The days when queens had no say and were just there to bear children will end," Tadase said, placing a hand on the horse's muzzle to calm it.
The farmer, observing, sighed. His animals could sense bad people, and this one wasn't bad.
"She could have done it with you too," Nagi said, shrugging as he mounted his black horse.
"While my parents pulled the strings in the background? I don't know…" Tadase sighed. Of course he would've cared about amus opinion and would've listened but with his parents in the background they wouldn't have been more than figures in a game of chess.
Finally, he climbed onto the white horse, sitting behind Amu. Wrapping his arms around her to hold the reins, he ensured she wouldn't fall.
As Nagi rode ahead, Tadase glanced back at the farmer and nodded in gratitude before following the purple-haired man.
"Maybe there's still hope after all," the older man murmured reluctantly as he returned to his work.
As they rode northward, the chill of the air deepened, and Amu shivered despite her warm winter clothing. She felt awkward and tense, gripping the saddle in front of her as she tried to adjust to the unfamiliar feeling of being on horseback. Tadase, sensing her unease, tightened his hold around her waist, pulling her back against him.
"Relax, Amu," he murmured, his voice steady and comforting. "I won't let you fall."
Amu glanced over her shoulder, feeling her cheeks warm despite the cold. She could see Tadase's calm expression, his eyes focused forward but softened with a slight smile. "Sorry… I'm not used to this," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.
He chuckled softly, his breath visible in the cold air. "You don't have to apologize. It's not easy at first. Just lean back into me if you're feeling off-balance. I'll handle the reins."
Amu took a deep breath and nodded, relaxing just a little as she let herself rest against his chest. She could feel the steady beat of his heart, the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. For a moment, the bitter cold faded, replaced by a comfortable warmth that spread through her.
"See? Not so bad," Tadase murmured, his voice gentle.
Nagi, riding a little ahead, glanced back and caught sight of them. With a smirk, he slowed his horse, letting the two catch up. "Are you two comfortable back there?" he teased lightly, raising an eyebrow.
Amu quickly straightened, but Tadase only laughed, not letting her pull away. "She's getting used to it," he replied with a grin, giving her a reassuring squeeze around her waist. "Right, Amu?"
Amu, feeling her cheeks grow hot again, tried to stammer a response, but she couldn't hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah… I think I'm starting to get the hang of it," she managed, her voice steadying.
Nagi chuckled, his gaze warm as he looked at them. "Good, because we still have a long way to go. And maybe by the time we reach the north, you'll be a pro, Amu."
As they continued, Tadase's arm around her remained steady, and Amu found herself no longer focused on the awkwardness of the ride, but instead on the quiet comfort of the journey. The snow-laden trees passed by, and the three of them rode on together, with nothing but the sound of horses' hooves and their soft laughter breaking the silence.
As they continued riding through the frosty landscape, Amu found herself becoming more relaxed, letting the rhythm of the horse's steps soothe her. Snowflakes fell gently around them, dusting the ground in a thin, powdery layer. She started to notice the world around her more clearly—the way the trees seemed to glitter with frost, the way each breath she took was a little cloud in the air.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Just a few steps off the trail, a small rabbit with thick, white fur hopped out from behind a bush, its nose twitching as it foraged for food beneath the snow.
"Oh, look! A rabbit!" Amu whispered excitedly, pointing it out. She twisted slightly in the saddle, trying to get a better view without disturbing Tadase's hold around her waist.
Tadase chuckled, following her gaze. "You're easily entertained, aren't you?" he teased, though his tone was warm. "But yes, it's a winter hare. Sometimes they also appear in our homeland during winter, but here in the north, where it's mostly snowy and cold, they're often around. They blend in perfectly though and are hard to spot."
The rabbit paused, ears flicking as if it had noticed them. Then, with a quick twitch, it bounded further into the snow, leaving a trail of tiny prints behind.
"Aw…" Amu sighed, watching it disappear. "It was so cute. I wonder if there are more around here."
Nagi, who had slowed his horse to stay close, overheard and turned back with a grin. "Amu, you realize we're headed into a frozen wilderness, right? It's not exactly the safest place to get distracted by every little creature you see."
She shot him a playful glare. "It's called appreciating the journey, Nagi. Not everything has to be about where we're going."
Tadase laughed softly, giving her a gentle squeeze. "She's right, you know. Sometimes, taking in the little things keeps us grounded." He leaned in closer, his voice a low murmur near her ear. "Besides, I don't mind the distractions."
Blushing, Amu looked away, focusing on the snowy landscape once more. "Well… I think it's nice to notice things. Besides, it's peaceful here—when else will we get to see things like this?"
As they rode on, the forest seemed to open up, revealing more animals here and there—a fox with a bushy tail slipping through the trees, birds puffed up against the cold, even a small family of deer grazing quietly. Amu's eyes sparkled with each new sight, and for a little while, she felt as if their journey had transformed into an adventure of its own.
Nagi, glancing back at her every now and then, rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "If this keeps up, Tadase, we might have to set up camp just so she can watch the animals."
Amu grinned, nudging Tadase's arm. "You wouldn't mind, would you?"
Tadase shook his head, smiling down at her. "Not at all."
She grinned confidently and cheekily stuck her tongue out at Nagi. Of course, she had no intention of stopping just to watch animals. After all, they had a mission, but there was nothing wrong with admiring nature along the way.
"We've been traveling for a while, and it's getting colder. We should be close, right?" She leaned a little more firmly against Tadase's chest. The cold was biting and relentless; she had definitely underestimated it. Still, her lined dress and cape kept her mostly warm. The blond boy tightened his grip around her and rested his head on her shoulder for a moment.
The small group continued riding through the wintry forest, and the silence, which had seemed so peaceful before, was gradually becoming eerie. The wind, which had started as a gentle breeze, now grew stronger, swirling thick snowflakes across their path. Amu felt Tadase holding her a bit closer to shield her from the increasing cold. Nagi, riding ahead, glanced over his shoulder with concern, his eyes on the clouds growing darker and more menacing.
"It looks like a storm is coming," he murmured, his voice filled with worry. "We should find shelter before it gets too bad."
Tadase nodded. "Riding through this blizzard would be too dangerous. We need cover, and soon."
Amu glanced nervously at the rising snow swirling around them and clung tighter to Tadase. The cold seeped into her bones despite her thick clothing, and their visibility was rapidly declining.
Suddenly, Nagi seemed to notice something. "Up ahead, between the trees! A small cave – we could take shelter there." Without hesitation, he steered his horse toward it, and Tadase carefully followed, guiding his horse through the increasingly dense snow.
When they reached the cave, Tadase gently helped Amu off the horse. By now, the storm was in full force, icy winds howling around them, and the snowflakes stung their skin like needles. Amu clung to Tadase until they were safely inside the small cave, finally escaping the raging storm.
Inside, it was dark and cold, but at least they were out of the wind. Nagi dusted the snow from his clothes and began gathering firewood conveniently scattered in the cave. "Lucky break," he murmured, offering Amu a reassuring smile. "At least we can start a fire here."
Tadase sat down next to Amu, gently draping a blanket over her shoulders. She could feel the comforting presence of the two boys—Tadase, calm and protective on one side, and Nagi on the other, who kept giving her encouraging smiles, ensuring she didn't feel alone. Both had a presence that gave her warmth and security as the storm raged outside.
When the fire finally crackled to life, Amu leaned back, feeling the heat slowly thaw her stiff limbs. The closeness of the two boys made her heart race—it was almost overwhelming. Tadase's quiet, reassuring smile made her feel safe, while Nagi's subtle humor lifted her spirits, even in a situation like this.
"How long do you think we'll be stuck here?" she asked, gazing at the flickering flames. Her voice was soft, as if she didn't want to disrupt the quiet moment.
"As long as necessary," Tadase replied gently, placing his hand over hers. "The important thing is that we're together."
Nagi grinned, scooting a little closer to Amu. "It could be worse than being stuck here with you two," he said with a wink and a smirk. Then he shot Tadase a teasing look. "Bet you were hoping you'd finally get rid of me out here."
Tadase rolled his eyes and gave a faint grin. "Idiot."
Amu chuckled softly, watching the familiar banter between the two. For a moment, the blizzard outside felt like a distant concern, and she felt equally protected and valued by both of them. Her heart raced as she looked at them, the warmth of the fire enveloping them all.
It wasn't long before Amu, leaning against Tadase, drifted off to sleep. Between the hissing wind and the crackling fire, her soft, steady breathing was faintly audible. Tadase smiled briefly, then sighed and glanced at Nagi.
"You've been pretty moody lately."
Nagi looked at him, puzzled, tilting his head. "Why do you think that?" He could already guess what Tadase was implying but tried to feign ignorance to avoid the topic.
"Well... When we set out, it really bothered you that Amu would be riding with me. That's not like you." He paused, watching the fire flicker in front of him. "And then, shortly after, you were playful and cheerful again."
Nagi sighed, remaining silent for a moment as he stared into the flames. "I'm only human... Of course, it gets to me when she's always so close to you and feels more distant from me." It had always hurt him to see Amu in someone else's arms, but he was better at hiding it because he didn't want to burden her further with his jealousy.
"More distant from you? That's all in your head," the blond boy replied, shaking his head.
"She's barely with me anymore. Always with you," the lilac-haired boy sighed, dejectedly drawing circles in the dirt with his finger.
"Maybe so, but before, she spent months only with you. Her feelings for me might be old, but they're still newer compared to yours." Tadase tried to console him, though he understood Nagi's feelings all too well.
"I don't think that'll change. Her connection to you is just deeper—not just because of her past life but in this one, too. Her whole upbringing has been shaped by you," Nagi sighed again. He knew it would all lead to Ikuto in the end, but he hadn't expected to feel so distant from her so soon.
"Take her with you on your horse tomorrow. I can also try to push her more in your direction," he said with a heavy heart, as he enjoyed his time with Amu, but Nagihiko was a friend he didn't want to see so down.
He smiled sadly and shook his head. "She should decide for herself, it's fine." His gaze wandered to the cave entrance, where with a little concentration, the snowflakes could be seen passing by in the dark. "Just don't hold it against me if I come off a little jealous every now and then," he said, awkwardly scratching his neck.
"Are you sure? I can help you..." The blonde's gaze rested on Nagihiko.
"Yes, it's fine," he put on his usual smile and nodded confidently.
"Suppressing emotions too much isn't good... but if that's what you want..." Tadase sighed and leaned back a little more against the wall, closing his eyes. "We should sleep."
Nagi agreed and lay down on the floor, closing his eyes. It didn't take long before the two of them were peacefully asleep.
The pink-haired girl woke up first and stretched while yawning at the same time, causing Tadase to slowly wake up as well. Her golden eyes rested on the fire, which was now only weak, and then moved to Nagi. "Why is he lying there all alone? I hope he didn't freeze..." The corners of her mouth turned down, and her eyebrows showed concern.
"He was closer to it than we were. I'm sure everything was fine," the young man behind her murmured sleepily while rubbing his eyes. He could hardly tell her that Nagi had wanted some peace and quiet.
Amu tilted her head and walked over to Nagi to kneel in front of him, then gently poked his nose with her finger. The still-sleeping young man unconsciously waved his hand in front of his face to get rid of the disturbance, but when the tickling and poking didn't stop, he slowly started to wake up. His long eyelashes slowly fluttered upward, and his orange eyes locked onto her familiar golden ones. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, realizing that he must have been lying on one side the whole time because his right shoulder hurt quite a bit.
"What's going on?" he murmured quietly, slowly sitting up. The girl felt him over and nodded in satisfaction when she found that he didn't seem to be cold.
Nagi looked judgmentally at Tadase, who raised his hands defensively in front of him and shook his head. He had nothing to do with it.
Amu noticed his confusion and explained her concern about the weak fire, whereupon Nagi finally smiled and ruffled her hair. While he found it sweet that she was worried, he would have preferred more sleep.
Once everyone was a little more awake, Nagi prepared breakfast while Tadase went to the cave entrance. The snowstorm had subsided, and the horses seemed fit and ready.
"If nothing goes wrong, we should arrive today," the purple-haired one remarked after breakfast while he packed the things back into the saddlebags. "The closer we get, the more cautious we should be. They are, as I said, very aggressive," he sighed, not particularly looking forward to dealing with the harpies, especially since he wasn't allowed to defend himself or the others.
"Can I come to you today?" Amu smiled kindly at Nagi. However, he gave Tadase another judgmental look. Just after he had suggested sending her to him the night before, she was now standing in front of him?
The blonde shook his head and raised his eyebrows, signaling that he had nothing to do with it. Nagi sighed. "Fine then."
"If you don't want me to, I won't force myself..." she looked helplessly from left to right.
"No, no, you just surprised me a little. But there's no fine lady's seat with me," he stuck his tongue out at her and grinned mischievously. Amu raised an eyebrow and swallowed. "Why?" She tilted her head and looked at him, puzzled.
"You'll see," he winked and, in the next moment, lifted her onto the horse, so that her legs were on each side of the animal.
"Nagi... I probably have more experience with this..." Tadase had an inkling of where this was going and was worried about Amu.
"I'll keep an eye on her," Nagi assured.
The blonde sighed and got on his horse. Amu, on the other hand, swallowed nervously at this brief interaction. Finally, Nagi sat behind Amu on the horse and wrapped his right arm around her securely. "Hold onto the saddle, okay?"
The girl nodded and pressed herself a little more against his chest. "And tighten your thighs, that will give you extra stability."
Nagi waited a moment to make sure Amu was sitting properly before taking the reins. "Ready?" he asked, a playful grin spreading across his face. Amu nodded hesitantly, but she held onto the saddle as instructed.
"Slowly, okay?" she murmured, nervously looking over her shoulder at him.
"Slowly," Nagi repeated amusedly as he started the horse. It began with a slow trot, which soon transitioned into a smooth gallop. Amu gasped, her hands tightening on the saddle as she tried to adjust to the movement.
"I've got you," Nagi said calmly, his voice close to her ear. His arm around her waist held her securely, which slowly eased some of her tension. The speed felt intimidating but also exciting.
After a few minutes, Amu began to relax. Her hands loosened from the saddle, and she even dared to sit up straight. The cold wind whipped against her face, but instead of feeling unpleasant, it felt liberating.
"This isn't... so bad," she murmured, mostly to herself.
Nagi grinned broadly. "See? You just have to trust me."
Amu slightly tilted her head to look at him, and a shy smile appeared on her lips. Then, with a sudden decision, she released the saddle and stretched both arms wide, like wings. "This feels like flying!" she exclaimed, laughing, her face glowing with joy.
Nagi watched her with a soft gaze as he skillfully guided the horse, keeping it steady and still holding onto Amu. "You're crazy, you know that?" However, his words sounded more admiring than reproachful.
Meanwhile, Tadase had been maintaining the speed of the three of them, staying beside them and watching Amu with concern. He didn't want her to fall off. Gradually, however, his concern eased, as Nagi seemed to be holding her securely.
Amu was so caught up in the feeling of freedom that she only noticed Tadase when he effortlessly passed them. She lowered her arms and blinked in surprise. "How does he do that so effortlessly?" she asked, half impressed, half envious.
"Our former prince is just a natural," Nagi said dryly, but couldn't suppress a grin.
Tadase threw them a quick glance over his shoulder. "That's called years of training. I know, big words for you." He grinned and urged his horse to run a little faster. A good distance ahead, he stopped briefly and made the white horse leap into the air while still firmly seated. Nagi rolled his eyes. "Show-off."
Amu laughed, a clear, cheerful sound that cut through the cold.
"Hold on tight, okay?" He spoke softly in her ear as his grip around her waist tightened slightly. Amu furrowed her brows and swallowed but leaned a little more into his chest, now holding onto the saddle again.
The lilac-haired man smiled and used his legs to urge the horse forward, making it accelerate.
Amu felt a bit intoxicated by the speed and a little nervous, but she continued to trust Nagi. It only took a few moments before they found themselves next to Tadase again. "You don't need years of training for speed."
The blonde raised an eyebrow and sighed, shaking his head. He hoped Nagi knew what he was doing, because at high speeds, control could easily be lost.
For the rest of the journey, they rode side by side, maintaining their high speed. Amu relaxed more with each minute but still held onto the saddle.
They reached the foot of the mountain, where a long road seemed to stretch steeply upward. Nagi gently slowed his horse down until it finally stopped. He carefully lifted the pink-haired girl off the horse's back and led the animal into the nearby forest to tie it up, hidden from sight. Tadase followed him and did the same. With horses, they would have been too conspicuous, so from now on, they had to walk. Additionally, the Harpies would only startle the horses.
"The road looks endless," she looked up dejectedly and sighed.
"Well, we can't avoid it, unless you happen to have a Harpy lover we don't know about," Nagi grinned and winked at her playfully.
"Idiot..." she rolled her eyes and started walking.
The two men followed her after a glance at the mountain and sighed as well. They really didn't feel like taking this route.
"I should have worked out more at the castle," Amu gasped, looking back at the distance they'd covered. They had probably done about half. She sighed again, thinking about her world. With Ran, it would have been so much easier, but she was no longer in her old original world either.
"Why are you two still so fit?" Her tone was a bit whiny, her lips pouting. At least Tadase, as a prince, wasn't exactly physically active.
Just as Tadase opened his mouth, a strange feeling overcame him, and he grabbed Amu, pulling her off to the side of the road. "I hope your illusion is good... veil us." While saying this, he also reached for Nagi and pulled him closer. The pink-haired girl blinked in confusion but quickly understood that Tadase didn't have time for questions and did as he told her.
She made a circular gesture with her hand and created an invisible barrier with her illusion magic, which made them appear invisible. At least in theory. She had never used it before.
The sky darkened for a moment, and with a loud flap of wings, a wyvern landed right in front of them, which almost immediately shrank until only two familiar figures stood before them. Amu swallowed, her eyes widening. However, Tadase and Nagi reacted immediately. The lilac-haired man held Amu at the waist while the former prince covered her mouth.
"Why do you want to land here already? Have you seen the road?" complained the blue-haired one.
"I have to do something for my figure too, and it probably won't hurt your endurance either," the blonde woman laughed and started walking.
"My endurance is just fine," he rolled his eyes.
He seemed more human now, not as cold, but emotionally, he was still the same. He had adjusted his behavior to Dia's wishes not being a mute puppet anymore,since her wishes were automatically orders. He glanced at the blonde ahead and then back at the road, sighing in annoyance.
As she had gained a little lead and he had a moment of silence, a feeling suddenly overcame him, causing him to furrow his brows. He looked precisely in the direction where Amu and the others stood and immediately noticed a shimmer.
Another glance, and he recognized what was behind the veil.
He glanced briefly at Dia, who was walking ahead unfazed, then approached the three of them, standing right in front of Amu. He took her chin between his thumb and forefinger, moving it back and forth with a condescending look.
Tadase swallowed, feeling his heart beat faster. He saw the coldness and emptiness in Ikuto's gaze. How could he forget that for Ikuto, it was easy to detect and break illusion magic? After all he had the best seats during the show at the castle. On the other hand, he didn't know who was coming. It was only a sudden feeling of danger that overcame him so that he acted.
Ikuto kept holding her chin, his fingers cold and demanding. His gaze briefly scanned her face before he raised his free hand and, with bored elegance, examined his nails. "Do you even realize," he began softly, almost casually, "that I'm supposed to kill you?" His voice was cold, yet amused and threatening, as he wiped an imaginary speck from his nail and looked at her again.
Amu wanted to speak and protest against Tadase, but he was afraid Dia would notice. After all, Ikuto was speaking quietly. Finally, he sighed and let go of Amu, hoping she would use her reasoning. Nagi looked at him briefly in shock, but then also let go.
Her breath was quick, mixed with emotions—what Dia had turned him into, the emptiness in his eyes when he looked at her and spoke to her, the fear of what might happen, the fear of being discovered. She stared deeply into his eyes but no longer recognized him. She couldn't see the old Ikuto in him anymore.
The blue-haired man examined her from head to toe. "You better not cross my path again, little sheep."
Amu looked at him with the same condescending expression and raised an eyebrow.
"Wolves like to eat sheep," he licked his lips and grinned darkly.
"Ikuto, what are you doing down there? Is something wrong?" The blonde had finally turned around and called down from a distance.
The blue-haired man rolled his eyes and let go of Amu before Dia even turned around.
"I thought I saw something, but I was mistaken," he shrugged.
"Then get up here already," her face expressed her displeasure with a brief eye roll, and shortly after, she turned around and continued on her way.
"Why are you defying her command?" Was he still in there somewhere? Why didn't he just kill her?
"It would be too boring that way. Besides, her exact words..." He paused briefly to imitate her voice. "Kill her if she gets in our way again." He glanced at Dia. He probably didn't have much time left. "In my opinion, you're not in our way right now."
He looked at her again with disdain, from top to bottom. "But don't forget, wolves like to eat sheep." With those words, and a dangerous undertone, he finally turned and followed Dia upward.
"I... Ikuto..." Her voice was shaky and sad as she watched him leave. The way he took the words so literally and twisted the command, it had to mean something, didn't it?
"You shouldn't run into him until you're ready... or the worst could happen," Tadase placed a hand on her shoulder. "He made his warning clear with that metaphor."
"It's probably for the best..." Nagi also agreed that another encounter could be fatal.
"Such nonsense," she brushed Tadase's hand off her shoulder and turned away. "I know him inside out. He wants my body," she rolled her eyes, but then took a deep breath and tried to calm down. They were only worried about her.
"His statement didn't suggest anything else. At least for now. So, what could happen to me that hasn't already happened?"
Tadase pressed his nails into his palm and looked away before taking a deep breath. "It still wouldn't exactly be a pleasant experience, would it?"
"I'm not avoiding him because of that. If I happen to run into him again at all..." she looked up the path, her gaze fixed on ikuto. "Besides, this has to be a sign that he still feels attracted to me, that he's still in there... so it probably won't happen anyway."
"You're a beautiful woman... it could also just be that his new self finds you attractive too..." Nagi didn't want to destroy her hope, but he didn't want her to become reckless either.
"Who knows..." she sighed sadly. Was he lost for good? When Dia took him, she could at least briefly recognize him in his eyes. This time, she couldn't. She shook her head. "He twists her command so that he doesn't have to obey it right away. He's still in there, even if unconsciously..." However, another question pressed forward. Why were the two of them walking around so confidently here?