《The kings power》


 1 Never givin much thought to how I would die

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    I always thought I was the toughest, bravest and strongest warrior the guardian core has. What is the guardian core you ask? Well, its a special unit that protects the king and prince. We give our lives to save them and the people of the crown city. I was running through the woods when I then heard a big roar behind me, I saw out of the corner of my eye a tree come crashing down infront of me. I tried jumping out of the way, but I was to late, the tree comes crashing down on me. Twigs and branches scrape my skin, I felt a pain in my side as I tried to move, when I looked down I saw a thin branch deep in my side, I began to feel dizzy about the amount of blood loss. Suddenly the branch on top of me moved and I was being picked up to look at the monster who I was running from the whole time. Of course my side was killing me. He was a black shadow with deep bloody red eyes, he has no legs because he floats above the earth, but that does''nt make him any less monstrous. We call there kind demons. There are different kind of demons, small, big, ones with teeth, without teeth, ones with long legs, ones with short legs etc. This one, of course, is one of the dangerous tipes of demons, they can spit out lava like it''s nothing. He looked very angry while he was staring at me. I wish I could slice him, but I lost my weapons way back, that is why I was running and not fighting, we learned to always have weapons on us, to never be weaponless, that''s why I''ve never givin much thought to how I would die, because I was never caught of guard, I was always prepared. But I guess I have to start from the beginning so that you could understand my story.@@

 2 The summi

    I was in my room staring at my reflection, my best friend was there with me. She was braiding my hair. She always said she loved to play with it because my hair was a beautifull colour brown, it would always sparkle in the sun. She also said that my hair was soft and it a would let the green in my blue eyes stand out more. Of course I hated that because it would always attract unwanted attention. Some people would say I''m a witch because of it, others would say it''s unnatural and steer clear of me, but I have friends that excepts me for who I am. I sometimes stare at my reflection and wonder how my mother looked like. My grandmother told me stories about her and she always said I remind her of my mother. She was also part of the guardian core, she was one of the mytiest troops we ever had. I never knew much about my father, only that he died with my mother when I was at a young age and my grandmother had to take me in, she took good care of me. She told me how my parents loved me, she could see that I made them truly happy to be together. They loved each other very much, and when I was born, it brought more joy to the family. At that I smiled. "What are you smiling about Snow?" I heard my friend ask, "nothing much, I was just thinking, that''s all" Yuna chuckled, "you think to much, and done, just take a look, I''ve really gotten good at this, don''t you think?" Yuna braided my hairperfectly so that my helmet would fit fine. I turned my head in the mirror to see how it looks, "you like it?" Yuna asks, "yeah, great job Yuna, and thanks" I turn to look at her, "no problem, you know I like to braid it" she said with a smile on her face. "Finnish up, it''s almost time for the summit," she told me. She of course wasalready dressed, she just needed her helmet, then the look was complete. We wore grey uniforms with a pink mantel on the one side, the helmets were also a grey colour, with a pink stripe on the side all along edge. I got ready and headed down to the area were we were suppose to meet up and then we headed to the summit.

 3 The attack part 1

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    We arrived and headed strait for our positions, it was made clear to us on the way here, that we were not here to party, we were here to guard the king and his son. The king was going to give a speech about the deal he made with the empire about peace, many believed that there would never come piece between the two lands. The king and his son, prince Noctis arrived, the crowed was silent, waiting for the king to begin.


    "Greeting ladies and gentleman, we thank you for joining us today, where we will be celebrating the oncoming treaty of peace between....." suddenly the king was interrupted, "you think we will just stand by and do nothing, never! This will be the downfall of us, you, will be the downfall of us, and we will not stand for it!"


    We were surounded by these bandits, almost immediately as we saw them, Cid, our leader yelled, "protect the king and prince!"


    As one we moved to her command I leapt of the building, then everything felt like it was in slow motion.


    When I landed on the ground, my eyes shifted to the side to meet the prince''s eyes, when he looked into mine, he''s eyes widend, first with shock, then, a flicker of concern past in his eyes.


    I gave him a short nod, then everything returned to normal speed.


    We took our fighting stance infront of the king and prince, but what happend next, shocked everyone, including me.@@

 4 The attack part 2

    They threw grenades at us, but that was not what shocked us


    The next thing I knew, I felt strong energy surge through me as I threw up my hands in defence. My eyes was still open, but as the force collided with the bandits, I was threw backwards into the wall behind us, that surrounded the palace.


    I was shocked and dazed at the same time. I was thinking, was that me? Impossible, only certain people who is strong enough have unlocked their powers, and I''m not nearly strong enough to have unlocked mine.


    I tried to stand up straight, but failed miserably.


    I heard voices far away but there was a ring in my ears, so I couldn''t quite hear what was happening.


    Then a strong pair of arms helped me up and surported me. I lifted my head to see who helped me only to look in a very familier dark eyed prince.


    "Can you stand?" He asked, I only nodded, because I knew, if I talked right now, I would only make a fool of myself.


    He slowly let go of me, but the minute I was on my own, my knees gave in, only to be caught by him again.


    "As I thought, you''re a silly girl to think you can stand after that blow" he chuckled.


    Cid then came into view, "thank you, you''re highness for taking care of her, but we can take it from here." She smiled and bowed to the prince before taking me.


    He nodded shortly and went to his father.


    "You caught us quite by surprise today Snow, none of us knew you were strong enough to unlock your power at this stage" she said with asmile on her face, while we walked to the group.


    "Neither did I" I said,"I couldn''t believe it myself, I didn''t even think I had magic to begin with." " Well, I guess it was bound to happen someday" she said, those words shocked me, "w-what do you mean?" She sighed "Well, your father was a very powerful man, everybody feared him for what he could do, of course no one knew he had a child because....¡­.." there was a pause, when she didn''t go on, I asked, "because? Because what?" I feared for the answer, knowing, what comes now, would change the picture I had of my familie.

 5 The truth, and nothing but the truth

    "Becuase," she took a deep breath, "well, because, your mother never told him"


    I couldn''t believe it, my eyes was huge with shock. We didn''t walk any further.


    "You''re lying!" Cid was silent for a moment before speaking. "I know it must come as a shock to you, but it''s the truth. Your mother and I was friends when we first came here, I was the first one who she told about the baby, she was so happy, but when your father left, she was in tears, and she then never got the chance to tell him, because she never heard of him after that."


    I couldn''t believe my ears, I thought my parents were happy, but why would my grandmother lie about it?


    ....


    He turned and walked away to his father after Cid took care of her, he couldn''t believe his eyes when she landed infront of him and he saw the green in her eyes, it was scary at first, but he then saw the beauty in it, and when she hit the wall behind them, he couldn''t help but come to her aid.


    He could see she was trying to be strong in his presence, but he could also see the pain and strugeling in her eyes.


    When he reached his father he looked back and saw that Cid and the girl was talking, but based on their expression, Cid must have told her something serious, because she looked very alarmed.


    When he heard a voice behind him, he snapped back into reality.


    "Let go of me! I didn''t do anything wrong, I was just trying to protect the kingdom since nobody want''s to do it! You can''t arrest me! Surely you must know the king is a fool if he thinks he can sign a peace treaty!" The bandit, who looked like the leader that spoke earlier was dragged away by one of the troops of the garduan core.


    "I should have expected that those people would show up today" the kingtold his son, "but what done is done, nobody can change that now, we can just be thankful for that girl''s power, if it weren''t for her, we would probebly be dead by now." His father turned to walk away, suddenly he stopped, and turned back to prince Noctis, "you did well helping her today son, she is a special person, a promise, to an old friend."


    With that, the king walked away.


    Noctis turned back and saw that this special girl his father talked about, looked like she was in shock, he wondered what Cid could have told her to make her look that way.


    With one last glance he turned away and walked in the direction his father went.


    While he was walking he wondered what his father meant by a "special person, a promise to an old friend." Does he know the girl or her parents? How come he never saw the girl before? All these thoughts were running in his head, and so he decided that he should find out who the girl is, because he''s got a feeling that he is not going to forget her soon.

 6 Why?

    We came back from the summit late afternoon, I was very tired and fell asleep almost immediately.


    When I woke up, the past events came rushing forward, I couldn''t believe what Cid told me, so when we were heading back, I was silent, deep in my thoughts.


    I must go see grandmother about this, I mean, it can''t be true can it?


    Cid must be lying! But, why would she tho? Although she was older than me, about 10 years, she was like a big sister to me. I had a connection with her that I never truly did understand, but now I do, she was friends with my mother, that''s why she always looked out for me.


    I sighed before getting up and headed out to grandmothers place to get some answers.


    When I got there, grandmother welcomed me with a big hug, and of course she could sense something was off, "child, what is it? You look tired and puzzled," she said with concern, "grandma, I have came here looking for answers" she must have known what I was talking about, because as I said that, she sighed and told me to come in and sit down.


    "I know what you must be thinking, how could I lie to you, why did I do it in the first place?" she said as she sat in front of me.


    ''''How did you even know I was here for that?" I asked her, was, she like, expecting this day to come?


    She sighed before speaking, " I knew this day would come, eventually. I also know that because you found out the truth, your power must have been unlocked." I was shocked, "did you know this would happen?" I asked, she nodded, "yes, and I know Cid must have told you about your parents" she looked straight at me, like we weren''t even having this conversation. "Yeah, like my parents never were together, like my father never even knew I excisted!" I raised my voice with anger, how can she look at me like that? Does she even regret lying to me!


    Tears started to form in my eyes, I''m not really one for crying, so I quickly rubbed the tears away.


    "Your mother wanted to tell him, but before your mother could, your father told her that this isn''t going to work, she would only stand in his way from reaching his goal. But I knew there was something else, especially when a few days after the breakup, your father died in a battle, it was like he knew he would die and was trying to protect your mother. Deep down your mother knew that, so when you were born, she stayed a few months preparing for battle against the same person your father has fought when he died, but this time there was an army that was standing behind your mother. Only, it wasn''t enough, he over powered them easily, but what he didn''t realise, was that your mother was able to stab him, but instead of dying, he rose again and awoken these beats that wander our land 28 years ago, people think that if you could destroy him, you can destroy the darkness that is coming to our land, but it isn''t that easy as they believe, there is a legend that the royals believe in, "the kings power" that is what they call it, they believe that whatever is in these tombs, can defeat the darkness if all is collected, but, be warned, these tombs are well hidden among our land, only a very few has been found." She explained.


    I looked at her questionely, why is she telling me this, she surely doesn''t think....


    "Grandma, you can''t seriously think I can do it!" I exclaimed, "I don''t think you can do it'''' she said, but before I can reply, she said, " I know you can do it, I believe in you, but even if you get to him without the power, it won''t kill him, the darkness keeps him alive, you can almost say he is immortal." She whispered the last part, almost like she is scared that the walls have ears.


    I thought about what my grandmother said, but then I remembered the reason why I originally came here for.


    She must have saw the change in my expression and laughed at me. "But it''s not the reason you came here for, I know, ask any questions you might have."


    I immediately thought about the question I wanted to ask the moment I arrived here, "why did you tell me that my parents were extremely happy when I was born, if my father didn''t even know that I excisted?"


    My grandma smiled at that, "your mother told me, that if she does not make it back, I shouldn''t tell you that, especially at your age, but I should create the perfect family that she once wanted to have with your father, in your head, and when the time comes, I would have told you the truth," she explained.


    I did understand why they did it, to not let me grow up in hate, but in love, but that does not mean it didn''t hurt.

 7 Stronger

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    Grandmother and I talked late into the evening, so when I got back it was already midnight.


    We had our own building close to the palace, it was big, but not as big as the palace, we each had our own rooms, which two can sleep in, it was not as fancy as a modern bedroom, but it was simple and nice.


    The two beds is on the left side against the wall and on the far wall is a big enough window, opposite the two beds was our wardrobe. Next to the beds wasa door that leads to the bathroom, it is spacios with a shower and a bath.


    My best friend, Yuna, and I am sleeping in this room, the rest of our friends, divided into two, was sleeping on either sides of us in other rooms. The troops slept in the upper area on floor 2, while the training area was next to the building, but was connected to the first floor where the kitchen and the dining hall was.


    I undressed and took a long bath, I almost fell a sleep and decided to get out before I actually do.


    I got dressed and climbed into bed. That''s when I started thinking, that if I was to obtain this "power of kings" I would have to get stronger, because like grandmother said, if I was to weak, the power will over come me, and I would die.


    The last thought running through my head before I fell a sleep was, that I would train hard every day, become the best warrior just like my mother, and I will defeat these demons and bring justice to my parents, that was my new goal!@@

 8 No time for love

    For two months I''ve been training hard, everyday testing myself to the limits. My power of course haven''t arose again, but I didn''t need it, I became strong all on my own, I trained with the group where Cid would show us new tactics, moves and which weapons to use when.


    When the training is done for the day, I would stay behind and review everything we learned that day.


    Nobody usually interrupts Snow, Cid came in the beginning to see how Snow was doing, but once she saw Snow was doing fine, she stop coming.


    There was a few days when Snow saw that prince Noctis, Cid and a few other people who she didn''t recognise was there. She ignored him, thinking he wasn''t there for her, although their eyes met a few times, she didn''t think any of it, but everytime their eyes met, a weird sensaition of excitement and nervousness would enter her stomach.


    She knew at that moment, she was busy falling for the prince, but she knew he would never fall for her and she doesn''t have time for love, so she immediately pushed away the thought and buried it deep in her conscience and continued with her training.


    Little did she know she already caught the prince''s eyes the moment they met.


    ...


    He came to the guardian core''s place everyday, finding an excuse just to see her.


    She was like a drug to him, everytime he saw her, he wanted more.


    He would sometimes find himself staring at her while she trained so hard.


    A few days after the summit he gathered some information about this girl and found out that her name is Snow, she''s 28 years old, her mother died only a few months after she was born, on a mission fighting against Raf?l.( the guy who killed Snow''s parents and started the darkness) And her father, nobody knows who he is, there were some rumours about "The barbarian king" being the father, they only call him that because of the things he could do, he was feared all over the empire, in battle he is ruthless and cruel, he didn''t show mercy quickly.


    His real name was Arthur, he wasn''t a king, and at that time Snow''s mother and Arthur was in a relationship, but he left her one day and a few days after that, he died fighting against the same person as Snow''s mother.


    From there, her grandmother was raising her into this beautiful woman that she is today.


    He never really talked to her, except in greetings, there would only be a "hello-" and a "goodbye, your -majesty" and that''s that, but today, things are going to change.


    He was used to women looking for his attention, but he never really gave it to them, not because he''s being mean or something, but he doesn''t want to lead them on.


    He always had a clear record when it comes to relationships, he never really fell in love, or maybe he just never found the right girl.


    But now, he knows he found her.


    He finished up what he came here to do for his father and made his way to Snow, suddenly something came whirling directly in his direction fast, like it was aimed at him.

 9 Complicated

    His reaction was quick, thus he could quickly catch the thing that was swirling towards him.


    He had training of his own, he''s father thought it might be necessary, after all he was the crown prince, and there will be many people trying to kill him, so he might just as well learn to defend himself.


    Prince Noctis was natrually good at it, and unlocked his powers at a young age, and from there he was evolving, getting stronger, until his father didn''t have to worry anymore.


    He haven''t practised in a long time, but he''s glad that he could still react fast though, otherwise he wouldn''t have to watch his life anymore, because he wouldn''t have one.


    He caught the thing a few sentemeters from his face, only then he saw it was a dagger facing his way.


    ...


    Snow was practising her aim with her daggers, throwing it at different targets around the room.


    She saw the prince there again, but she ignored him, as usual.


    She thought that he would leave right after he was done discussing things with Cid, like he always did.


    She sometimes wondered why he was here this much, it began happening after the summit. She would also sometimes find him watching her train, like he found it interesting.


    But what she didn''t realise was, when Cid was leaving the prince didn''t follow, instead he made his way to her.


    With her back facing him, she was hitting targets one by one, when she suddenly turned and threw a dagger at the target behind her, not realising that the prince was infront of the target.


    She was too shocked to move or say anything. She didn''t expect anyone behind her, nonetheless prince Noctis, she was even more shocked to see that he caught the dagger only with one hand!


    Cid always would praise her for her speed at throwing.


    "This yours?" It was more a statement that a question, only then she realised she was staring at him like an owl with wide eyes. "Uh, yeah, sorry about that" after she said that, she immediately regretted it. Really, there was nothing better for her to say, he is the prince for goodness sake! "I mean, you aren''t hurt or anything right?" He chuckled, "no, I''m fine" he handed the dagger back to her and said, "you got quite a throw there, I almost didn''t even catch it" he smiled at her, she walked to where her things were.


    He followed her waiting for her to answer.


    "It''s a wonder you even caught it in the first place" she mumbled, "what was that?" he asked, realising she said it out load, she quickly tried to cover it up, "O, nothing, but thanks anyway, could you always do that, or just this once?" She raised one of her brows in question while gathering het stuff.


    He smiled, "Why, don''t believe a prince like me can do it?" "What, n-no, that''s not what I-I meant" she was flustered he thought, how cute. When she saw that he was only teasing her, she quickly said"I mean, that''s not what I meant" she said in a more stern voice. "I know, but I like teasing you, it''s cute to see you flustered" he replied with a smirk on his face, "Is that what you tell all the girls" she asked, acting unfazed, but prince Noctis could see a blush creeping up herneck.


    He laughed and said, "to answer your first question, yes, you are not the only one with training, and your second question, no, I thought everybody knew I don''t lead girls on." He furrowed his brow when he said that.


    Of course she knew that, but why would he then flirt with her? She also knew that he had training, he was at the top of his class, everybody knew that.


    Embarrassed, she said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean disrespect, I know you don''t lead any girls on, and I''m sorry for questioning you," she looked down, not able to meet his eyes.


    He was stunned, he didn''t mean for her to be sorry, he was only teasing her, guess that backfired badly.


    "Hey" he lifted her chin up with his hand, only then did she look at him properly, he wore a light black shirt and trousers, with shoes that looked comfortable to run in, he''s right leg''s trousers were a bit shorter that the left side, he wore dark blue gloves on his left hand that only covered his hand, not his fingers. He''s shirt was longer on the left side than the right, and on top a light jacket that didn''t have sleeves.


    He looked more devilish than a prince, his black hair was messy.


    He never really was a picture perfect prince, stories were always going around that he could be quite a rebel if he wanted to be.


    When he spoke, she returned to his eyes, "look at me Snow, you have no reason to be sorry, ok" he looked straight into her eyes, seeing the beautiful green that made him first intriguid by her.


    She was speechless, how did he know her name, but she quickly forgot about it when she looked into his eyes, it was so dark, you could easily lose yourself in it if you weren''t careful.


    "Ok, but I still feal guilty" she said, "is... is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" She asked hesitantly awaiting his answer, "actually, yeah, if you want to, I want to start training again for my road trip before I become king, but I don''t want to train alone, so what do you say, would you train with me?" he asked.


    She heard about the trip he was going to take, it was to celebrate his freedom before becoming king, and it was only obvious that he would want to train, because he would be exiting the kingdom that was surrounded by a barrier that was keeping enemy forces out and the demons that was lurking on the outside.


    She heard that there was some nasty demons out there, so it would be best if he would train, but she didn''t think he would want to train with her, not in a million years, she was a bit excited, but why now, she asked herself, she had everything planned out so perfectly, why did everything have to become so complicated?


    In the end she said yes. Why? She herself didn''t know, but she knew he wouldn''t be forgotten soon after today anyway.

 10 Telling your best friend you might have caught a certan princes eye.

    Snow retired to her room after prince Noctis left, they were to start training tomorrow, the same time as Snow were to train on her own.


    She couldn''t wait to tell Yuna what happend, she was feeling very excited!


    The prince made a bigger impact on her than she originaly thought.


    She smiled by herself thinking, who would have thought she would fall in love that quickly, and with the prince no less! She laughed out load, but then quickly quited, because if she continued on like this, other people might think she has gone coocko bird.


    She entered her room''s door. She saw her friend lying on her bed while reading a romantic novel.


    Snow headed straight for her bed and landed face first, sighing deep and happy. Her friend of course saw the change in her mood, and just had to ask, "so, what happend that made you so happy?"


    "Wouldn''t you like to know?" Snow replied with a smirk on her face, although Yuna couldn''t see it, she still heard it in Snow''s voice.


    "Well, I am a curios person darling, you should know that by now" she said with the same amount of tease that Snow gave her.


    Snow sat up straight to face her best friend with a look in her eyes, and with that, Yuna knew, a lot of teasing is going to follow before Snow is going to tell her anything about what happend.


    This is how it usually goes if one of them has news to tell, even if it''s gossip or just normal news, they would first give each other a good tease before telling anything.


    "Well as they say, curiosity kills the cat" Snow answered smartly, or so she thought, but Yuna had something better waiting for her. "That may be true, but you should know Snow, this cat has nine lives, or how do think it survived this long?" Snow laughed, "your cat needed more than nine lives to survive this long in the first place" now it was Yuna''s turn to laugh at the comeback Snow had, but yet again, Yuna out smarted Snow with what she said next, "you may have a point, but you should know, that satisfaction brings the cat back, so of course my cat has many lives," both of them laughed at each other wondering how this bickering ended up at how many lives a cat has.


    "But seriously, what happend" Yuna asked, throwing one of her small pillows in Snow''s direction after she regained her breath, "ok, ok, I''ll tell you" Snow said barely containing her excitement.


    She told Yuna everything, not leaving a single detail out, she never told Yuna about prince Noctis in the first place, because she focused on her training and ignoring the prince at the same time, so by the time Snow was finished, Yuna''smouth hanged open of surprise.


    When Snow came into the room so happy, Yuna knew something very good must have happend to change her mood, but she never guessed the good something, wasn''t a something, but a someone, and the thought would have never even dared to cross her mind, that, that someone is prince Noctis!


    Of course she shouldn''t be surprised, Snow was young and beautiful enough to have caught the prince''s eyes.


    She just didn''t expect to see it happening this soon, though, but that didn''t mean that she weren''t happy for Snow, in fact, it was about time Snow caught someone''s eye, and it''s just a bonus that it''s the prince''s eye no less.

 11 sTrainings

    The next day after training with the group, prince Noctis arrived on time.


    The other girls who saw this, was shell shocked, they didn''t expect the prince to train here, because the palace has their own training room.


    But prince Noctis ignored their stares and headed straight to where Snow was waiting.


    Snow looked shy and nervous seeing him approach her. She was very aware of the eyes that followed him as he entered the room and walked towards her.


    She was also very aware that the prince''s eyes haven''t moved from her, which made her shift uncomfortably.


    When she shifted her eyes to his, a small smile came to his lips. She returned the smile looking down to keep him from seeing the blush that creeped up her cheeks.


    "Do you want train here, or at the palace?" He asked Snow when he reached her, "we can train here.... your highness" He chuckled, "what''s with the formalities? You can call me Noctis you know."


    Her eyes shot up, "Only if you want me to" she replied, "of course, we are training partners after all" he said and winked at her, "we can begin when you''re ready" he said, more serious while turning away to warm up.


    Snow didn''t know what to say, that seriousness gave her a feeling that she does not want to make him angry.


    She could still feel eyes on them, when she looked around she could see a few girls was whispering to each other, looking their way. She sighed, great, their obviously gossiping about her, she thought by her self, but she quickly pushed them out of her sight, and focused on her opponent in front of her. She gave nothing away, her expression stayed neutral, revealing nothing as she took her fighting stance.


    Noctis saw her change in expression, and he immediately knew that she has been taught well. He gave her an expression equally to hers, cold but neutral.


    As he took his fighting stance, Snow was confused, although she didn''t show it, she wondered by herself where his weapons where.


    Snow took out her sword, awaiting for Noctis to make his first move.


    Seeing this, Noctis swiped he''s hand hiriozontel, blue lines showed, forming a sword before it appeared in a solid form.


    Snow was shocked and amazed at the same time, before regaining her expression.


    "Ready?" She heard him ask, "ready" Snow replied and gave a short nod.


    In an flash, they moved as one, meeting each other in the middle, locking swords. Both of them showing no hint of warmness as they ducked at each other blows. Each blow more fierce than the previos one.


    Yuna, that was part of the crowd that was watching them ''train'' was amazed. She never saw Snow like this before, probebly because none of them was as good as her, so they were hardly a challenge for her.


    But now you could clearly see the potential that both of them had. As Yuna watched them, the rest if their friends came to her, Cinthea, spoke, "is this a challenge between them?" she asked in awe, Yuna smiled, "no, prince Noctis asked Snow to be his training partner" Cinthea and the group was shocked, "what, when did that happen?" Thea exclaimed, "don''t get worked up Thea, he only asked her yesterday" Yuna explained calmly.


    Cinthea, who got her voice back first, rained Yuna with questions, "how can you be so damn calm about it, I mean, it''s the prince, and how come she only told you?"


    Fay, who said nothing the entire time, spoke up, "Calm down Cinthea, it was probebly for this exact reason why she didn''t tell you, she knew you would react this way, and lets not forget, she is much more closer to Yuna than she is to us" Fay explained, and pushed her glasses up so that it wouldn''t fall of.


    "Well it sure doesn''t look like training to me, it looks more like a challenge" Thea commented, her focus on Snow who had just put some distance between her and prince Noctis, her gaze just as sharp, as when they began, but now with a hint of fierceness in her eyes.


    "Well, they are both top students, the prince is just making sure he can still defend himself when the time arises while he''s out on his road trip." Yuna said, which Fay nodded to.


    Fay is a bit shorter that the rest of them, with two braids that hangs loosely on the two sides of her head, she wears purple glasses that complements her dark blue eyes. Fay is also a bit smarter than the rest of them, but because she is so smart, she could quickly form a new plan when in battle. She is 22, which makes her the youngest.


    Cinthea''s long hair is blond with light curls, which hangs loosely at her sides, she as longer than the average hight for her age, and because she is good at aim, she''s works with bow and arrow''s. Cinthea is the second oldest, she turned 30 this year.


    Thea is very slim, with black hair which hangs on her shoulders, she has good reflexes which makes her good at throwing little things like daggers. She is 25 years old, which makes her the second youngest.


    Then Yuna, she is the eldest, she is 31 years old, she can be calm when others is not, she can usually see the bright side in a dire situation, she is also very good at teasing people, but people think because she is like this, they can walk over her, but they will quickly realise their mistake.


    When they turned their focus back to what was happening in front of them, both the prince and Snow was breathing fast.


    Snow took deep breaths as she was trying to get her breathing under control. Noctis was good, she didn''t expect anything less from him, she just thought because it would be his first time in a long time to train, he wouldn''t be this good already, but she noticed his movement and speed, in the begining it was slow, but as they advanced he suddenly changed, and it was as good as hers.


    She wonderd why he suddenly changed, then it occured to her, maybe he was testing her to see how much strength he can use. But why? Is he afraid that he would hurt her? She immediately felt her heart flutter at the thought.


    She stood up from her crouch position after regaining some control over her breathing.


    When she posistioned her sword in her right hand, she looked at Noctis, she could read nothing from his face, he had no expression, and his eyes showed no warmth in them, almost like he didn''t know who she is, but just a person who should be beated by him.


    Suddenly there was a gust of wind and in a blink of an eye he was in front of her. Sharp gasps were heard from the crowd.


    A flash of surprise crossed Snow''s face.


    She barely blocked him.


    She realised that he ment business, and from the looks of it, he''s not going to hold back any more.


    Ice coldness were then found in Snow''s eyes, even the little bit of warmth that Snow appeared to have, has disappeared.


    If he wanted to play like that, what''s stopping me from doing it, Snow thought.


    When Noctis saw that Snow''s expression changed to something he never have seen before, he was surprised. He, of course knew about the coldness in his eyes, but he thought it always was there, never once thinking that every time he looked at her, that very coldness would turn into warmth.


    When Noctis looked into Snow''s eyes again, it was like something has changed, when he looked more carefully he saw, that Snow''s eyes didn''t have that beautiful ocean blue colour anymore, but instead, an icy blue colour over took Snow''s eyes, the green in her eyes were lighter, you have to know how to look to see it, otherwise you wouldn''t even know it was there.


    For the first time since Noctis saw her, she was truly frightning, if he was someone else, he would have run for the hills, but instead he stayed, because the more he looked, the more beauty he saw in her eyes.


    And in that moment he knew, that this was no ordinary girl.


    Snow could feel something was coming alive in her, something she has never felt before, something cold, almost like a storm was going to explode from inside her at any moment, but not just any storm, it felt like a snow storm, cold like ice, but also beautiful.


    Feeling this new energy, she pushed herself away from him, onto the wall behind her.


    Everyone was shocked to say the least, including prince Noctis. Everyone wondered where this new found power came from, was it the same power she used at the summit? If so, and why was it appearing again only now? All of these thoughts were running through their minds.


    "Rrrraaaaaahh!" Snow lunged at Noctis with such speed both of them was nocked to the ground. They rolled a few times before stopping, Snow was sitting on top of Noctis, each others swords drawn at each others necks.


    Everything was silent for a moment.


    Snow''s eyes turned back to normal as they both lay there, stunned with what just happend, both trying to get their breathing under control.


    Snow lowered her sword seeing Noctis''s eyes. Suddenly she became very aware of how close they were, her cheeks turned into a light shade of pink. She also saw that her left hand was next to his head supporting her, whilest her right hand was holding her sword.


    Embarrassed, she quickly climed off of him, looking at the crowed that was gathered here, she saw out of the corner of her eye prince Noctis also stood up, when everyone saw the fight was over, they immediately began to clap hands, like it was a show especially made for them.


    Snow turned to the prince and said, "I''m sorry, this shouldn''t have happend, I don''t think it''s such a good idee anymore that we train together, and you are already good, so you have nothing to worry about." She felt so guilty, it wasn''t supposed to happen. She can''t even look him in the eye right now. She lost complete and utter control.


    He smiled, "What are you....." before he could say anything more, she interrupted him, "I am sorry.... your, highness" she then bowed and quickly walked off, she couldn''t stand to be near him a second longer, she felt ashamed. What if she couldn''t stop herself and hurted him, or worse...


    She gathered her things before heading of to her room. Her friends who saw this, went after her.


    As for prince Noctis, he was shocked, was she really that ashamed of beating him? Or was she scared because she may have lost control and could have hurted him? Why would she even think that, is it because she has feelings for him?


    He knew she had feelings for him, from the day they first met, and he also knew she had been trying to ignore those feelings. It irked him, and he wondered why.


    He isn''t use to these feelings, and without noticing it, Snow had become a big part of his life.

 12 Getting help, part one

    Snow rushed to her room, still being ashamed.


    She wished she didn''t run out like that, she should have been glad that she matched his skill, but then again, why would she? She almost lost control, she almost hurted him.


    She could still see his eyes clearly, almost like she was still there, reliving the moment. She saw the shock in his eyes, but then again, could she blame him, she would have reacted the very same way as he did, maybe even be afraid. Maybe he was afraid and he was just not showing it, he was known for his calmness after all.


    Still, the thought of him being afraid..... being afraid of her, even if it was just a maybe, it made her heart clench. It felt like a knife is being drivin through her heart, and it''s being twisted and turned.


    She entered her door and went straight to her bed, finally feeling the exsatjion in her body after the adreniline began to fade.


    Snow heard footsteps in the hall out side her room, suddenly stopping before her door. She had a feeling of who it could be and the next moment the door swung open revealing four concerned faces.


    "Snow!"


    "Are you ok?"


    "What happend?"


    "I''ve never seen you lose control like that!" Everyone turned to look at Cynthia, dumbfounded. "Really Cynth?" Yuna asked Cynthia with an raised eyebrow.


    "No, she''s right, I lost control there and almost hurt Noctis" Snow sighed turning away from her friends.


    "Look Snow, I won''t lie, it was scary to see you like that, and even more scary to see the colour change in your eye, but the most importunt thing is, you didn''t hurt him, you hardly even touched him!" Yuna said in a calm voice.


    "Yuna is right Snow, prince Noctis, he avoided your strikes like it was nothing, and he came at you with such speed. I don''t blame you for calling on your powers, I mean like they say, desperate times calls for desperate measures, don''t you think?" Thea said with certainty.


    Snow sighed, thinking over what her friend said, "you may have a point Fay, but what is stopping it from happening again? What if I go to far next time, not stopping?"


    Fay then answered, " Yes, that is troubling, but if we can find someone who can help you control your ability, then, if my calculations are correct, there might be a 79% chance it won''t happen again." She said, with a smile, quite impressed with herself for figuring it out.


    Cynthia, on the other hand, wasn''t that impressed, "Just 79%, and you call that good! I thought you were supposed to be smart!" She exclaimed. Thea then spoke up, trying to defend Fay, "well to be honest, I agree with her, it''s better than nothing, plus, I''m not as smart as Fay, but I think our ods are actually good."


    "Yeah, probably" Cynthia mumbled.


    Yuna, who has been quite the whole time, finally spoke up, "and I know exacly who to ask" with a smile on her face.


    Snow turned around and saw Yuna''s smile, and with that she knew who she was talking about, her eyes widened and she sat up straight at the thought if it, "oh no! Oh, no no no no, not in a million years!" Snow glared at Yuna.


    "Look, if you want stop it from happening again, he is our only option" Yuna explained, " No, I can ask Cid, but I will not drag him into this, I did this the first time, and it was the last time" Snow said, making it clear that she will not ask prince Noctis for help.


    Then Yuna''s expression suddenly changed, from nice and fun to serious and cold, she crossed her arms while staring at Snow directly, "Snow, you say that you don''t want to hurt people yet you are refusing help. I know you want to keep him out of this, I understand that, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help," she said with a stern voice, then her expression softened, "and, don''t forget you will get to spend some alone time with him" she said teasingly and winked at Snow.


    Snow sighed and nodded, agreeing, she knew it was what she had to do, not because she was going to spend some time with him, but she knew, if she was going to control this power, she had to get some help, and deep down, she knew, that prince Noctis was the only person that could help her, but first, she must set things straight with him, because every time she think about what happend, she want''s to back out, to ashamed to face him.

 13 Getting help, part two

    @@


    Snow''s friends left going out to town. They asked if she wanted to come, but she told them she had things to do, and it was true, she was planning on going to her grandmother, she always has the best advice.


    After a few minutes, she arrived at her grandmothers house.


    Her grandmother invited her inside and went to make tea. When she returned she asked if something had happend?


    "Grandmother, I lost control with my powers" Snow said, her grandmother nodded making a humming sound, looking like it didn''t affect her, after looking deep in thought, she finally spoke, "you lost control because you couldn''t control your emojions," she closed her eyes with a soft smile on her lips, "why do ask me that when you already know the answer?" Snow asked with a smile on her lips, but it didn''t quite meet her eyes.


    "For the same reason I want to see you smile, but let''s not forget, although there are still many things that''s not discovered, there are things that I''ve learned from my personal experience."


    "I have wondered how you know so much, but you always said it''s from the folklore''s stories past down generations?" Snow had a questioning look on her face, trying to understand what her grandmother meant by "personal experience".


    "Everything I told you and more is folklore, but I only told you what I knew was true, the other stuff I''m not so sure about, but I think it''s time to tell you everything I know, so that if it is true, you would know what to do. Just remember, like I said before, there is still many secrets that is unknown, and yet to be discovered." Her grandmother said, it looked like she was ready to tell a story.


    Snow liked her grandmothers stories, it was always so interesting, but this looked like more than a silly story, because why did she get the feeling that she might need it in the future?@@

 14 Getting help part three

    That very same evening Snow was heading home, thinking about what her grandmother had said.


    My emotions are the most powerful, it''s the main trigger to my powers. My grandmother knew I was special, the moment she saw my eyes. The folklore''salways said, that if you want to know if someone''s special, the gate way is through the eyes.


    Also, my grandmother explained that when I felt the fear at the summit, the green in my eyes sensed it, and that''s how my powers were activated. She also explained that, the green in my eyes would also find a way to protect me, the most common way was to call on a persons powers like it did at the summit, but there were rumors to be more than one way for it to protect you.


    She said there were three tipes of colours, the red colour was the strongest colour, and it was almost impossible to find that colour, some people would think that it didn''t exist anymore, but if you had that colour, it meant that you would become part of the guardians that protected the "the kings power" once you are ready. Then myne, the green colour is the second strongest, it''s not that common, but you would still find it, that colour mean''s that you would someday become very strong, and your destiny usually is to use the kings power in order to defeat something unnatural in your land, but some people never completed it.


    Then there is the colour blue, it''s common in some lands and although it''s not as strong as the green and red, they still play an important role, their job is to guard the people with the other eye colour, making sure that they complete their destiny.


    Not many people are aware of these things. They stopped believing in this a long time ago.


    She said that prince Noctis could help me, he was the only one that could show me how to control my emotions.


    She explained that the reason he was on top of his class, was that he was able to control his emotions, letting his expression stay neutral at all times.


    So if I could learn to control my emotion, I would learn to control my power.


    I wasn''t thrilled about this, but I had to face him sometime, and if I were to acquire the kings power, I had to control my emotions.


    I arrived at the Guardian core and headed for my room, the sun already had set, I would have arrived faster as my grandmother''s place wasn''t that far, but I chose to take the long path to think about what grandmother had said, and to think about what I would say to Noctis.


    Snow arrived and her friend still wasn''t back, and that would only mean she was convinced to stay out late, so she would probably be back late.


    Snow didn''t bother waiting up, so she climbed into bed and drifted of a peaceful sleep.

 15 Time to control some emotions part one

    The following day Snow woke up with the sun shining through the curtians, she didn''t have training today, because once a week, the troops get a day off to go shopping or just to do what they want, and today was that day, so when Snow woke up, the sun wasn''t that high showing it was still morning.


    Snow turned to look at her best friend''s bed, but instead of seeing Yuna there she saw an empty space.


    Her brows furrowed in confusion wondering where her friend was, just as she sat up straight, the door banged open revealing a drunk Yuna staggering in.


    Snow''s eyes widened, seeing the sight. Yuna wasn''t usually like this, unless the others did something to her.


    Snow shook her head and sighed, it wouldn''t surprise her if that was the case, it''s not like it would be the first time.


    Yuna staggered to her bed and flopped on it, Snow looked towards the door to see if the others were with her.


    She climed out of bed to close the door, and looked into the hallway to see if they were to be seen, but in vain, they were no where to be seen.


    When she looked back Yuna was fast asleep, and laughed softly. Usually when people get drunk they would talk nonsense, but Yuna, Yuna was different, she would say nothing, stay completely silent, and then when she sees her bed she would head straight for it.


    Snow left her friend to sleep because when she would wake up, she would have one hell of a hung over, plus Snow had some things to do.


    She got ready and headed out.


    Snow didn''t know how she could talk to the prince, it wasn''t like she could just waltz in and demand to speak to him.


    Snow arrived at the palace gate, she wanted to turn back, but she knew this is what she has to do.


    She walked to one of the guards that guarded the palace gate, he didn''t look very friendly.


    When she stood before him, he asked in a stern voice, "state your business" Snow''s mind went blank, but she still tried to utter something out, "I-I-I..." just when she thought that fate wasn''t on her side, and was on the brink of backing out, she heard a voice that immediately changed that, "I asked her here" when Snow looked up she saw the prince standing there, but his expressiondidn''t reveal anything, was he mad about what happend yesterday? Well, who wouldn''t be. The guard bowed and had let her through.


    .....


    After Snow had left Noctis had no choice but to leave too, he was confused about what happend. He also didn''t know how to handle the situation, so he had no choice but to head back to the palace.


    He thought about what happend and what she said, he figured that she had felt guilty for losing control, it was obvious that she didn''t know how to control her emotions, and that was where he made the mistake, in the beginning she stayed neutral, not revealing anything, so he began soft, studying her, testing her, seeing how she reacted to his fighting moves, so thinking that she could handle whatever he threw at her, he upgraded his game, and that''s when she lost control.


    He became aware that when he started fighting hard, he forgot all his emotions like he was trained to. So that must have triggerd her to lose control.


    He didn''t mean for it to happen, he was use to fighting like that.


    He arrived at the palace and headed straight for his room, and there he was trying to think of a way how he can talk to her, he had to set things right.


    He just didn''t know how, this was the first time that a girl couldn''t let him think straight. He was also beginning to get nervous around her and he does not like this feeling, he likes to be confident.


    So why does this one make him feel this way?


    He thought about the way she looked when he approached her, she looked so cute blushing. He didn''t miss the way the other girls were gossiping about her, he also didn''t like it very much, because for some reason he felt very protective over her.


    He smiled at the thought, never would he imagine that he might ever be busy falling for a girl.


    If his friends ever found out, he wouldn''t hear the end of it, especially Prompto, the youngest, he''s the one that usually makes the jokes.


    Every one of them is going on the road trip, not just because their his friends, they are also his guardians, that is how their friendship began in the first place.


    So the next morning just as he was about to leave to see Snow, fate brought her to him, he saw her standing there in front of the guards looking nervous.


    He also knew that the guards wouldn''t let her through so he helpt her out little.


    He tried to cut off all emotions, letting his expression stay neutral.


    He looked right into her beautiful eyes, seeing the magic dance in them that makes her so unique. His father was indeed right, she is one special girl.

 16 Time to control some emotions part two

    At that same moment someone saw what was happening from the window, but before anyone could see them, they moved away.


    ...


    Snow made herself up the stairs to where prince Noctis stood. When she reached him, a lock came loose from the bun she made with her hair, but she quickly tucked the strand of hair behind her ear.


    When prince Noctis saw this, he wanted to take the strand of hair out again because she looked so beautiful with it, but he had to control himself, so insteadhe said sternly, "come with me" and walked away.


    That made Snow nervous, because she was scared that she might have offended him, but then why would he have helped her if that was the case?


    Snow followed prince Noctis into the palace.


    The castle was modern yet dark, it had black tiles when you walked in and the walls was covered with white wallpaper. We moved into the hall where the sleeping chambers must be, as it was in the second floor, the hall had a black carpet, and on the walls was dark red paint.


    It was dark, with the ceiling lights being the only source of light in the hall.


    Snow followed Noctis to end of the hall, where he opened his door to reveal a study. Noctis moved aside to let Snow enter and closed the door as soon as she did.


    "I''m glad you came to see me, as I was actually on my way to see you" prince Noctis said with a smile, while walking to one of the chairs and motioned for Snow to sit. "Y-you were?" Snow was shocked, but also a little bit of relieved, "you surely didn''t think I would just leave you after what happend, I mean I wondered why would you just leave like that" Noctis chuckled, he noticed a soft smile appear on Snow''s beautiful pink lips, her lips looked so soft, it must be amazing to kiss it, he thought, but he pushed it away, trying to control himself.


    "I didn''t think you would want to see me, I mean, I did lose control" Snow said looking down for a second before looking up to see prince Noctis looking at her lips before meeting her eyes. "Why would you think that, and remember it was partly my fault for pushing you" Noctis said, and without thinking he had put his hand on her arm, Snow seeing this began to blush deep red, but she continued trying to ignore it, "that actually why I''m here, I saw the way that you fought yesterday, and I was wondering, if you could maybe teach me how to control my emotions?"


    Snow was nervous for his answer, afraid he was going to reject her, but instead a smile began to form on his lips, and what he said next, definitely made her heart flutter, "I would love to, I was actually hoping you would say that, as I could spend more time with you" prince Noctis said winking at her.


    Snow again blushed at his words, and she was glad he wasn''t mad at her, she smiled and asked, "great, when do we start?"


    "How about now?" Noctis replied with a smirk on his lips.

 17 Time to control some emotions part 3

    When the prince suggested that they could start now, Snow thought he was joking, but she was quickly proved wrong when he led her into the training room.


    Is was spacius with huge windows that light shone from, different from the rest of the palace. The floor was made out of wood, while the walls was a light colour brown.


    On the far side was a weapon rack, with different kinds of weapons to choose from.


    When Snow looked up, she saw a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the lights looked like diamonds shimmering in the sun, even though the lights were off.


    "Ok, first we are going to start with blocking out all emotions, nothing can come through to you. You can''t feel anything, because that can cause to lose focus, got it?" Noctis said, letting Snow snap her gaze back to him.


    "Uh, yeah, but I mean, if I came here just to let you tell me that, then I could just as well train on my own," Snow said dumbfounded to which a smile began to spread on the prince''s face, "well we wouldn''t want that now do we?" he replied.


    "Ok, take your stance over there, and when you''re ready, we can begin" He told her, she positioned her sword right and was ready to begin.


    Ok, now, I need you to come at me, but be unpredictable" Noctis stood still infront of Snow, waiting for her to attack.


    Snow thought of the moves in her head, eyes flickering briefly over the places that she plans to attack.


    That''s when she moved, quick and efficient, coming in from the side, and just as she went in for the strike, he caught her by surprise and jerked her arm backwards in a painful position.


    She clenched her teeth together to stop herself from crying out, she was not going to let him know she is in pain!


    "You were too predictable, I could see the move coming from a mile away," the prince said before letting her go, only then did she release the breath she was holding.


    She gave him a look for bending her arm that way, but she still wondered what she did wrong.


    After seeing the look change from pain to angry and then from angry to confused he couldn''t help but laugh a little before explaining, "Your eyes gave you away, even when they flickered to the places for seconds, I caught it, and I saw the pain in your eyes just now" he said, with a small smile on his lips, almost unnoticeable.


    "No kidding" Snow mumbled, Noctis somehow caught it and burst out laughing, when Snow saw this, she was at first startled but then she too started laughing.


    After a few seconds of laughter, they took their stances again across each other, "now, if you don''t want me to figure out how you''re going to come at me, I suggest you don''t show me, so what you''re going to do, focus on me, try to find where my weak point is, when you did that, come at me with lightning speed, but don''t reveal anything on your face." Noctis explained again.


    Snow gave a short nod, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, when she opened them, she focused on Noctis, just like he said, she didn''t hear anything, only her breathing, she tried to find his weak spot, revealing nothing, not moving her eyes even the slightest.


    When she found what she was looking for, she closed her eyes, took another deep breath, and without opening them, she moved with lightning speed, leaving nothing but dust behind.


    When she opened them, she found herself standing before a smirking prince, holding her sword in one of her hands to his throat, and a dagger in her other hand to the back of his neck.


    She smirked, it worked according to her plan, she sheathed her weapons and took a step back.


    "Well done, you learn quick" he complimented Snow to which she smiled shyly, "thanks, I have a great teacher" and then it was Noctis'' turn to smiled, not a small smile, or a fake one, a real, genuine smile.


    "We''re going to go again, but this time, I''m going to be blocking your attacks, so be ready" Noctis told Snow to which she gave a short nod.


    They both took their places across from each other, and Snow repeated what she did last time, but instead she attacked him directly.


    Noctis saw her coming but before he could register what was happening, theywere rolling a few times, ending up with Noctis on top, both swords were drawn at each others throats, just like last time they were in this position.


    Noctis then started figuring out what happend. When Snow came directly at him, she gave him the illusion that she was coming head on, but instead, she moved to the side and tripped him to give her the upper hand.


    Unfortunately, her plan didn''t work out perfectly, because when she tripped him, Noctis grabbed Snow and took her down with him, causing them to roll a few times, but he got lucky landing on top, otherwise she would have beaten him again.


    "Nice move, except it backfired" Prince Noctis said jokingly, "well, if you didn''t have such good reflexes, it wouldn''t have backfired" Snow fired back with equal tease in her voice.


    He smirked at her and just when she thought he was going to stand up, he leaned in.


    "Oh, so you think I have good reflexes?" He whispered in her ear which made her shiver when she felt his breath so nearby.


    "I-I-I didn''t mean it like tha-that" she stammered, trying to contain her emotions.


    The prince liked teasing her, especialy when he could see her blush, she always looks so cute when she''s flustered.


    Noctis got up, and they started training again, every day Snow would come and they would train the whole day, taking a few breaks in between. Sometimes Snow would win, other times Noctis would win. Of course they weren''t serious all the time, they would make jokes here and there, tease each other and sometimes just make each other laugh.


    After a few months of training Snow mastered her ability to control her emotions and learning a few tricks or two, and in that time, she and the prince became very close.


    Someone of course saw this, but they made sure not to reveal anything of what their thinking, keeping their expression neutral.

 18 Would you like to dance? Part 1

    Snow yet again came home late from training. She was exsausted from training day and night, even when they had days off from training, she would make her way to the palace to train with Noctis.


    He teached her well, showing her new moves, new tactics and the little things to perfect her fighting.


    It was yet another day off for the troops, so Snow was making her way to the palace early in the morning.


    By this time the guards knew her and didn''t stop her from entering the castle.


    Snow arrived at the training hall as usual, and went to where Noctis stood, but before she could speak, he said, "What do you say about taking a break and heading out to the carnival today?" Snow didn''t know what to say, she desperately needed a break from training so hard, but the prince was leaving in two weeks, and when he comes back, he will be too busy being king too train with her, almost as if he could read her mind, he said, "look, I know I''m leaving in two weeks, but I also know that both of us need a break, we have been training hard for these past few months, and we deserve to take the day off."


    "I know, it''s just, when you come back, you''ll be king, and then I''ll hardly see you," Snow said looking into his dark eyes, "you''re wrong you know that, I''ll always make time for you," her heart fluttered when he said that, he has become a dear friend to her, and her feelings has been growing towards him,she didn''t show it, but she knew she was starting to fall in love with the prince.


    "Ok, but just this once. I don''t want to waist time when we could be training," she said firmly, Noctis laughed and grabbed her hand, "you''re to responsible, you know that,-" "hey!" and then they rushed off to the carnival.


    When they arrived, it was crowded with people. As they walked around, people would bow and greet them. They spend the day having fun, beating each other in little games. Noctis would tease Snow a few times for losing, but in the next game, she would be far better then him.


    Although they were stopped many times, they still managed to get something to eat and was waiting in the line for a ride, after a half an hour of waiting they finally got to climb on.


    The name of the ride is, Go Round, itgoes around in a circle, so when you''re on top you have a great view of the kingdom.


    "Wow look at the view, it''s truly amazing" Snow commented, when they boarded the ride, Noctis laughed, "is this your first time?" He asked her, "um, not really, my grandmother told me that I was here with my mother once, but that was a long time ago," she explained.


    "Well, today, we''re going to make new memories," he said loud and clear, while spreading his arms above his head with a smile, Snow then laughed and returned the smile. When she turned her head to look up at him, his eyes were closed while his arms were behind his head.


    "I''m really lucky to have someone like him in my life, even if it''s just as friends," she thought to herself. She studied his face a hundred times over, never forgetting how he looked. This time his hair was messed up from the wind that was blowing. He had strong futures, she thought, each one complementing one another.


    She turned her head away before he can open his eyes, because if he caught her staring at him, it would be nothing but embarrassing.


    The sun was beginning to set, Snow picked up. The day really had gone fast. Looks like it''s true what they say, time flies when your having fun, Snow thought.


    She sighed, and that''s when Noctis opened his eyes.


    "What''s wrong, is something bothering you?" Snow heard the prince ask.


    "No, I''m just thinking, that''s all," she replied, but something was bothering her, somehow Noctis again read her mind and said, "I know something is bothering you,-" he sat up straight, and lifted her chin to face him, "- are you worried about me leaving in two weeks?"


    "Something like that," she said trying not to meet his eyes, but he wouldn''t have any of it, he lifted her chin so that he could see directly in her eyes, when he finally caught her eyes he smiled, "you don''t have to worry about me, I will have my friends to protect me, and it''s just for a few weeks, I''ll be back before you know it."


    "What if you never come back, we both have heard about the demons being restless," Snow argued.


    Noctis laughed, "you really are worried about me, aren''t you?" He said with a smirk on his face, "so what if I am Noctis, I have a reason to be you know," Snow said with a glare, to which the prince just laughed again before resting his back agains the chair, his leg were crossed over the other one and he was staring calmly at the sun set, she had a confused look on her face, how can he be so calm about it, he could die out there, or didn''t he even care about any of it.


    "I am serious Noctis," she said, trying to reason with him.


    "I know you are," he said calmly, before returning his gaze to Snow, when he sawher expression that was mixed with anger and worry, he smiled. He couldn''t hold it against her, if she was going on a road trip while these monsters were out there, he would be worried too, he knows that both of them has grown attached to each other for spending so much time together.


    "Okay, how about this," he reached for his neck and unclipped something revealing a neckless, Snow''s eyes widened upon seeing it, the neckless had a black circle where the two chains came together, with a red diamond in the middle.


    The royals liked wearing these things, each one had a specific colour matching to their personalities.


    "Turn around," Noctis ordered, Snow could see he was serious and he was not going to take no for an answer, so she obediently turned around. She felt the neckless coming around her neck and being clipped on.


    She looked down to see the black chain, and suddenly the hair on the back of her neck stood up when she heard Noctis whisper in her ear, "now I will have to come back."

 19 Would you like to dance? Part two

    Noctis then returned to his side of the seat like nothing happend, Snow was stunned at his actions, she didn''t expect him to give her his necklace. Snow hid the chain under her clothes and sat back on the chair, trying to look comfortable.


    Noctis gave her the chain, making that the excuse for coming back, when she alone was more than enough of an excuse, but he didn''t tell her that. Ever since she learned to control her emotions, he couldn''t read her like an open book anymore. He struggled to figure out what her feelings was towards him, he would always do little things to try and figure out, but with no luck, she would always go on like nothing happend.


    Snow looked up and saw the sun had set and the ride was coming to an end, when they climed off, Noctis took her hand and led her somewhere, "what are you-" Snow began to ask, but she was quickly interrupted when she heard the music.


    It was a huge tent, and when they stepped in, it was like a party was hosted here, there was a bar at the far corner, and stacks of hay was placed around the area where people were dancing. It had a merry vibe, with people laughing and dancing.


    Snow looked around and saw three figures walking their way, Noctis must have seen them too, because his eyes were fixated on them, and it didn''t look like he was looking forward to greet them.


    When they were close, out of no where, one of the three, slinged his arm around Noctis''s neck and pressed the prince''s head down until it was under the persons shoulder, resulting Noctis to let go of Snow''s hand, "Arrg! Promto! Get off me!" Noctis said while pushing the guy off.


    "Hey, come now, don''t be such a party pooper!" The guy named Promto joked. It looked like he was the youngest compared to the others.


    "Promto, be gentle, we wouldn''t want the prince dying on us before he can become king because of your little game with him." The guy who spoke, were wearing glasses. The way he spoke looked like he was more mature than the other guy.


    While Promto was joking around, and Noctis being his serious self shot back every time, Snow saw that the third man that came with the other two, was standing on the side watching the others.


    He looked interesting. He had a muscular frame, and on his arms he had a few tattoos, Snow couldn''t make out what they were, but it does look interesting from where she stood.


    Her thoughts were snapped back to reality when she heard a voice speak right next to her.


    "And who is this?"

 20 Would you like to dance? Part 3

    Snow visibly froze upon hearing the voice right next to her, but relaxed when she felt Noctis'' hand slip into hers.


    The man that spoke looked sketchy, almost like there was something sinisterabout him.


    "What''s it to you?" Snow heard Noctis speak with a threatening voice.


    The man smirked looking at them and their laced fingers, before returning his gaze back to Snow.


    Noctis didn''t like the way this man was looking at Snow. Hungry like a lion looking at his newfound prey.


    "My, you sure have interesting eyes young lady," the man commented, that''s when Snow began to feel uncomfortable, she didn''t trust him, and the way he was interested in her eyes, made her shift under his gaze.


    She leveled her gaze to his, not showing what she''s feeling inside. He then gave his disgusting smirk again.


    "And she''s a feisty one too. You must be proud to have her as yours." He said, but before they could respond he turned around and walked away.


    Promto who was watching this go down, couldn''t wait to say something, "Ohhh, so this is the girl, and I quote, ''with the most amazing an spectacular eyes ever'', we have heard so much about you, Noctis couldn''t shut up about you when you first met," he said with a sly smile.


    "Why you little, that us not true, how dare you say....-" Noctis set after Promto while talking, but Snow couldn''t hear more of it, because they were to far away.


    "Sorry for all of that, they sometimes act like children." The one in the glasses said, Snow laughed, "No it''s fine, if I didn''t know better, I would think their siblings," "yes well, all of us is quite close."


    "Of course, I''ve gathered as much, Sir....." Snow left out his name as she didn''t know it, "Ah, excuse our manners, I''m Ignis, that us Gladiolus,-" he pointed to the man still standing on the side, "- and as you know that is Promto." Ignis said introducing everyone.


    Snow laughed, "yes, Promto did introduce himself earlier."


    When Snow turned her gaze back to the front, she saw Promto and Noctis heading their way, laughing and joking around.


    He looks so happy when their around, Snow thought and smiled to herself. Then she thought about the way he hold her hand earlier the evening, he was so protective of her, but it must be because their close. It can''t be something else, can it?


    Snow couldn''t ponder over the thought, because when she lifted her gaze, she saw Noctis headed straight for her, with a very serious facial expression.

 21 Would you like to dance? Part 4

    Noctis came to a stop right in front of her. She wanted to know what made him this angry, so she challenged him with her eyes, looking straight into his.


    "You dare challenge me, Snow?" Noctis said, a small smile playing on his lips, "only if it matters" Snow replied, a smirk forming on her lips. "Is that so?" Noctis said only for her to hear, he then stepped closer to her, "i guess so" Snow said, looking up to him from under her eyelashes.


    She looks so breathtaking when she does that, Noctis thought to himself, she doesn''t even know how beautiful she is, and it''s obvious she doesn''t even notice that there is a lot of men who''s eyes she already caught. He didn''t like it, he could feel the jealousy coming from him when he sees the way they look at her. He wanted to kiss her, marking her as his own, but he knew the timing isn''t right, and he wasn''t sure if she still felt the same way as she did before, so instead he asked, "would you like to dance?"


    Snow was caught of guard, she wasn''t really one for dancing, but before she could reply, he grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor. "Prince Noctis! Wait!" Snow tried to stop him, but they were already starting to dance, "what, don''t tell me the all powerful Snow can''t dance?" Noctis chuckled. "Well, I mean, I-I, I''ve never really learned" Snow said, her face flushed.


    Noctis couldn''t hide his smile for the girl, "well then, it''s never to late to learn, now is it?" He said, still smiling.


    Noctis showed her how to dance, step for step, of course Snow stepped on his toes a few times, but she immediately apologised. The music was thankfully slow, so she could easily learn the waltzbefore learning the other dances that the people were dancing that evening.


    Slowly Snow began dancing more confidently, and that''s when the song stopped, moving on to a faster one.


    Snow danced with Noctis, Promto and Ignis. All of them having a great time laughing, making jokes, and teasing each other, at one stage Gladiolus joined them, and Snow learned that his tattoos were formed because of his power and roll in society, his father protected Noctis'' father, and so did his grandfather, and his father. His family protects the royal family, with others of the prince''s choosing.

 22 Interesting eyes, part 1

    "Wow, I''ve never danced so much in my life," Snow laughed coming to a stop at one of the tables. It was way past midnight when Snow wanted to take a break from dancing all night.


    Everyone was having fun, prince Noctis noticed, his friends really like Snow, especially Promto, he loves her. Even Glad started to have a liking in her.


    "I''m going get some fresh air, I''ll be back in a few minutes" Snow announced, she was moving to the entrances in the back of the tent.


    Noctis who was watching her, heard a voice directed at him, "you really like her, don''t you Nock?" Promto said, "yeah,-" Noctis smiled softly, "but, it doesn''t matter, because I don''t think she likes me," Noctis said looking down. "Why would you think that?" Promto asked questionly, "because, it doesn''t look like it," Noctis answered flatly, Promto chuckled, if his friend only knew. Promto saw the way she looked at him, it was evident that she deeply cared for him, but is wasn''t just because they were so extremely close, one could see she also liked him, but his friend of course was too blind to see this.


    Promto didn''t say anything because he knew Nock wouldn''t believe him.


    A waitress came and they ordered a few drinks, a few minutes later their orders arrived. They drank a bit, talking here and there, making small talks.


    It didn''t last long, as Noctis wondered what took Snow so long, he didn''t want to be a nuisance and he also wanted to give her some space, so he tried to push the thought away. "Urrrgggg," he grabbed his shoulder on feeling a sudden pain, almost falling of his seat. His friends were shocked when they saw this happening, they at first thought he was acting as their was no knife or any weapon near him, but they quickly realised it was all to real.


    Snow breathed in the fresh air, it was great to be in the open, she almost didn''t want to leave, but she knew Noctis would get worried if she weren''t to return.


    So after a few more minutes she decided to go back inside. Just as she turned around, she felt someone push her against the wall, and suddenly something sharp was stabbed into her shoulder.

 23 Interesting eyes, part 2

    "Arrrggg!" a cry came from Snow, she gritted her teeth and closed her eyes trying to reduce the pain.


    The knife was plucked out harshly, but Snow refused to let the pain show and gritted even harder on her teeth. In the next few seconds she was swung from the wall to the grass behind them.


    Snow rolled a few times before landing professionaly on her feet, taking her usual fighting stance. She clutched her blooded shoulder with her right hand, trying to put presure on it to prevent it from bleeding to much, she could feel the warm blood trickle down her arm, and without weapons, she''ll have to stratigise carefully before taking on this unknown attacker.


    It was at that moment that he stepped into the light.


    "You, you''re the one from earlier" Snow said in a accusing tone. He didn''t say anything, but a wicked smile came accros his face not long after.


    Snow began to feel something sinister in the air, and when she looked towards the man, she could almost feel the power radiating off of him, she has never felt anything this strong, but it also felt familiar, in some ways.


    He at first looked like an ordinary person, but then things began to change, things, began to shift. Flaming red patterns began to spread across his body, his ears became pointy like an elves ear. His dark eyes became red as a blazing fire. The short hair that he had shifted into longer ones, he completely changed.


    Snow eyes widened, she never knew this existed.


    "W-who are you?" Snow exclaimed, "no one in particular, but I''ll tell you this, you can call me Demonic." he said with a sly smile, "what are you doing here?" Snow asked, trying to maintain a calm posture, "well, I was just a passerby, but then I saw your interesting eyes. I haven''t seen your sort in over a 100 years, and here I thought that I''ve killed every single last one."


    Snow couldn''t utter a word, she was shell shocked, ''and here I thought I killed every last one''. It kept repeating in her head, what did he mean by that?


    "What do you mean?" Snow asked loudly, demanding answers, "well, how do you think I''ve lived for over a hundredyears?" He answered, a big smile on his lips, like he''s actually proud of killing all those people.


    "Your power is truly something else. Everyone knew what you people could do, stopping the darkness, killing big threats of the world, yada, yada, yada, but no one knew the full extent of your powers, nor did I. After a while I became very interested in your abilities, and so I''ve been experimenting a little. Do you know what I found out-" he gave a wicked smile, before continuing, "- your powers can make anyone stronger, if done and collected the right way."


    Everything began falling into place, and Snow connected the dots, "you killed all of those people for your experiment, to become stronger, more powerful!" Snow roared, how can anyone be this cruel.


    Snow now knew why his power felt so familiar, he took it from other people just like her, she felt disgusted thinking about it.


    Snow couldn''t ponder over the thought, because out of nowhere, he appeared right in front of her, he lifted her up by the neck, choking her.


    "It wasn''t just for my experiments, with every power I collected, I would live longer to figure out what other secrets your power must have," he said with a sly grin, "I must admit, it has been very long since I have had a taste of your powers, and oh do I miss it dearly."


    "You will never have my powers!" Snow said, she has come to far to die now.


    "Silence, little little warrior, you better take a look around, as it will be your last time," Demonic said, squeezing a little harder on Snow''s neck.


    Snow could feel heat radiating of him, she has struggle breathing, and she''s feeling a little light headed, she could feel that she already was losing to much blood.


    The next second, almost sensing her weakness, Demonic activated his power, letting his red patterns flow onto her body, earning a blood curling scream from Snow.


    It was like fire touching Snow''s flesh, it burned her body like a hundred swords was digging into her. She could feel herself slipping away, was this really the end?


    .....


    Noctis was clutching his shoulder trying to contain the pain. His friends was trying to help, but they didn''t know what was going on, until Ignis spoke up, "Noctis do you still have your royal chain?"


    "What does his royal necklace have to do with this, we should try and figure out what the hell is happening to him, and where is Snow, wasn''t she supposed to be back all ready?" Promto exclaimed.


    "That''s my whole point, Noctis, what happend to your necklace?" Ignis asked softly, "I-I, arrggggg, I gave it to-to Snow" Noctis tried speaking, but as the pain was increasing, it was hard.


    "I knew it, Noctis, the moment you gave your necklace to Snow, that was the moment a spiritual bond was made between you two, so when one gets hurt, the other one would feel the same pain as his soulmate." Ignis explained, "well how can we make it stop then," Promto asked in a hurried voice.


    "Ok, Noctis, listen to me, you will have to cut the bond, other wise the pain might be to much for you to handle as we don''t know exactly how the spiritual bondworks," Ignis tried to explain.


    A crowd was beginning to form to see what was going on, and then more people would come to see why a circle has been formed in one place.


    The pain was getting worse and worse as it wasn''t just his shoulder anymore, but he began to feel a burning sensation creep in, making it almost unbearable.


    Ignis seeing the pain his majesty was in, yelled, "Noctis cut the bond, use your power to cut it off now!"

 24 Interesting eyes, part 3

    After a few minutes there was silence, Noctis managed to cut the bond with very much effort. He tried sitting up, but his body still ached from the pain. Not giving up, he pushed himself to at least stand, while leaning against the table. The ache in his body began to go away.


    "Are you okay Noc?" Promto was the first to speak, "yeah, I''m fine, thanks Ignis for helping me out there. How did you even know what was the cause?"


    "I have been studying your royal necklaces for some time now, it was only a theory I had for some time now, but today you just proved it," Ignis explained with a smirk on his face, he was so happy like a child getting a new toy, for finding this out.


    Before Noctis could speak, someone else chimed in, "wait, let me get this straight, you meant to say to me, that you didn''t even know it could work!" Gladiolus, that was silent the whole time, spoke loud enough, making Promto almost jump out of skin.


    Promto was in the beginning, always careful with Gladiolus, he heard that Glad has a little of a temper on him, but as he got to know him, he found out that he isn''t so bad. Gladiolus is the muscle in the group, and also the eldest. Glad takes his job very seriously. He also likes to speak his mind, which usually scares Promto, because Glad never speaks softly, and with his gruff voice, it makes it extra scary.


    The others don''t pay much attention to it, but Promto still isn''t use to the way he speaks.


    "Well, it is true, I didn''t know it would work, but in the end it did, so instead of trying to find fault in the way that I did it, try thanking me," Ignis said in a matter-of-fact tone, earning a mumble from Gladiolus.


    At that moment, Noctis remembered something that Ignis had said, "Ignis, you said, that the moment a gave my necklace to Snow, a bond was formed," Ignis turned his gaze towards Noctis, "Yes, and when one of them feels pain, the other one would feel it too," Ignis answered.


    That''s when realization hit him.


    "Noctis, what is it, you''re very pale?" Promto asked.


    "Snow, s-she.... she...." Noctis struggled to speak, he didn''t know why he didn''t realise it sooner.


    His friends then also realised what he was trying to say, but before they could say anything, Noctis took off in the direction that Snow went earlier in the evening.


    .....


    Snow could feel her body weakening, she lost to much blood, and she could feel her power being drained from her. She wondered if this is how it''s going to end, she didn''t even put up much of a fight so how was she even going to beat Raf?l?


    Suddenly, out of no where, she heard someone yelled, the voice sounded familiar, but she couldn''t think straight.


    She felt herself drop from Demonic''s hand, landing with a thud on the grass.


    She forced her eyes open, her vision was blurry, but she could make out the outlines of the prince and his friends fighting Demonic. Prince Noctis was using full power, not holding back. He did take a few hits, but it was evident that he wasn''t going to give up.


    She tried to keep her eyes open, but after a few more seconds, she couldn''t anymore, and her world fell into darkness.


    After a few more minutes of battle, Noctis got through his defenses.


    He was so angry when he found this guy choking the life out of Snow. His blood boiled at the site of it. His friends was not far behind ant they helped him free Snow from his grasp.


    Noctis didn''t wait a second more and drove his sword right through the guys hart. It wasn''t easy getting through his defenses, because the way he was fighting reminded Noctis of how Snow is fighting, and their power is very much the same.


    Noctis was used to fighting with Snow, otherwise he wouldn''t even have noticed all of these things.


    The guy crumbled to the floor, dead.


    Noctis had a few blood spots on his clothes, part of it was the guy''s blood and the other part of it was his blood. Noctis looked around and spotted Snow immediately, he rushed over and knelt down at her side, her eyes was closed. He checked her pulse quickly, she was still alive, but it was very weak.


    His friends came to his side after making sure the other guy was dead. Noctis noticed the blood on her shoulder and knew that the bond was all to real.


    He gently picked her up in his arms, and said, "we have to get her to a hospital fast, or otherwise she''s not going to make it." The others gave a short nod in agreement.


    "We came here with the Regalia, so it should make it easier for us," Ignis explained.


    They went around the back to avoid any suspicion, and in a few minutes they were in the car, named Regalia. It symbolises freedom and it belongs to the prince, but his friends borrows it from time to time.


    In a few more minutes they were at the hospital, Snow was taking in immediately by the dokters, making Noctis and his friends wait outside.

 25 Sorry

    "Noctis, Noctis! Help me please!" Snow screamed, "you have to help me, I thought you loved me, but how can you let me get this hurt," scars was covering Snow''s face while tears was streaking down her burned flesh.


    Fire was surrounding Snow, but she was alone, blood covered her clothes. She stopped crying after a few minutes and was now facing him, "to think I ever loved you, you let this happen to me, you were so busy talking with your friends that you didn''t even notice that I was away so long." Snow said, hatred was burning in her eyes, a smile began to cross her face, slowly, getting bigger and bigger, but it didn''t meet her eyes, there was something sinister about her smile.


    The next second she began to laugh, her eyes full with evil.


    Her eyes began to shift, from her blue-green eyes, to deep blood, red eyes. She laughed harder, shifting till she became Demonic, her laughter was replaced with his, and so was her body, every trace was gone, being replaced by him.


    Noctis then jolted awake from that horrible nightmare.


    His been having nightmares for the past few weeks since Snow has been in the hospital.


    He kept having the same dreams over and over again, never stopping.


    Noctis got out of bed and walked to his bedroom window.


    He had a king size bed right in the middle of the room. The room was a dark blue colour, with a few chairs and a fireplace infront of the bed. His window led to an open balcony with a great view of palace garden outside.


    Noctis opened his window and stepped out on the balcony. There was a slight breeze in the air that blew in through the window.


    Noctis is wearing a shirt that hangs loosely on his body, showing his muscles clearly.


    He hanged on the railings trying to clear his head. He blamed himself for not getting there sooner.


    Noctis knew that Snow wouldn''t blame him, but everytime he had the dreams, he would just feel guilty all over again.


    A few days after Snow had been taken up in the hospital, Noctis and his friends investigated Demonic, finding out that he didn''t just steel powers from Snow''s kind, but he was a wanted criminal all over the country.


    Snow was unconscious and haven''t woken up since that night. She has lost a lot of blood from the injury in her shoulder, and because Demonic almost took her power, she was very weak. It should take a few weeks for her to recover, if not more.


    The dokters said that if she wasn''t this strong, she wouldn''t have made it. They also said that Noctis shouldn''t expect Snow to wake up after a few weeks, but as she is different, she should regenerate in a record time.


    Noctis gone back to his bed as it was late, drifting off into a restless sleep, yet again.


    The next day Noctis headed to the hospital to see Snow, when he got there a couple of nurses rushed towards him.


    "Your majesty, Miss Snow has just woken up and she is ready to see you" they said with bow.


    Noctis halted in his steps, he didn''t think she would wake up this soon, but after a few words with the nurses, he rushed off to meet Snow.


    ....


    Snow had woken up a few hours ago with a terrible headache. The docters did give her pain killers, but the headache hasn''t disappeared yet.


    She had woken up still dazed and was shocked to hear that few weeks had already gone by, as it only felt like day.


    She wondered where Noctis was, but the nurses told her that he will be back today, just like any other day to check up on her. They said that he was there every morning, waiting for her to wake up.


    Her heart fluttered every time she thought about. He really did care for her, he rushed in to save her, not thinking twice. Even though she was shifting between conscious and unconscious, she could still vaguely make out the way Noctis was fighting.


    Neither him nor his friends was holding back.


    Snow was still daydreaming when the door suddenly burst open, revealing a very worried, but relieved prince.


    Snow, who was sitting upright in her bed, was enveloped in a big hug. Her body was still sore, so the sudden pressure made her recoil in pain.


    Noctis who felt the shift, suddenly stood back, realising that her body must still be sore.


    "Sorry, I guess I forgot a little that you might still be in pain," Noctis apologised. "Don''t worry about it," Snow laughed. She looked towards Noctis, trying to catch his eye, but he didn''t once look up.


    Snow immediately put two and two together.


    "Noctis, why aren''t you looking me in the eye," even though Snow knew the answer, she wanted to hear it from him. There was a moment of silence before Noctis spoke, "Snow, I''m sorry."


    The bruises was shown clearly on her face, Noctis felt a pang of guilt just by looking at it.


    Snow looked at him, she knew he felt guilty for only coming in the last second, and it seemed like he had trouble sleeping because of it.


    She sighed before speaking, "Noctis I know you feel guilty, but I also know, that if it weren''t for you or your friends I wouldn''t be here."


    Noctis wanted to argue, but Snow quickly interrupted him, "look, I can''t stop you from feeling guilty, and believe me, I would probably feel the same way if I was in your shoes, but I''m telling you right here, right now, I forgive you, even if there is nothing to forgive, because you did nothing wrong, but I would also like to thank you for saving my life," Snow smiled at him.


    Noctis was shocked to say the least, but he quickly recovered and returned a smile. It felt like a mountain was lifted off his shoulders.


    "Snow, I would do it all for you again in a heartbeat. You mean more to me that you can ever imagine." Noctis confessed, looking straight into Snow''s eyes.


    Snow was too shocked to say anything. She couldn''t believe her ears, her heart was beating so fast she could almost hear it in her earbuds.


    Almost as if on que to avoid awkwardness, the door again burst open and Promto, Ignis and Gladiolus burst into the room, and following them was Snows friends.


    "Snow, you''re awake!" Promto exclaimed, and in the next few seconds the others was bombarding her with questions.


    Snow was glad for the distraction, as she didn''t know how to reply. Deep inside her she wanted to confess her feelings toward him, but she felt like now isn''t the time nor the place.


    Noctis watched how Snow was trying to answer all their friends'' questions, thinking on what he said earlier.


    What was he thinking confessing his feelings like that, he saw the shock that was written all over her face. She couldn''t even utter a single word.


    He too was glad for their friends'' timing, otherwise it might really have gotten awkward.

 26 Healed, part 1

    As everyone was fussing over the girl, someone stood outside the room in the hospital. Watching them, observing them through the window.


    Snow saw a shadow outside, but when she turned her head, there was nothing.


    It was only the docters and nurses that passed by.


    She must have imagined it, Snow thought to herself. She''s just paranoid, but then of course, who could blame her after what happend.


    Her friends continued to fuss over her, joking with each other, not even once realising the change in Snow''s mood. She clenched and released her fists so often in a while.


    Noctis who was watching Snow the whole time, didn''t miss it, there was something different about her.


    "Guys, I think we should leave Snow for a little while, so that she can rest." Noctis suggested concerned, earning a thankful look from Snow.


    "Ah, yes of course, you must be tired. I apologise for the inconvenience Snow, but we were all so relieved when the doctors called and told us that you made a quick recovery, and that you''re awake and well." Ignis apologised.


    "Yes, we were all quite worried about you, especially when we didn''t see you for the entire day" Fay said, pushing her glasses up.


    "Sorry guys, I didn''t mean to worry you," Snow said giving an apologetic smile, "well that''s all in the past now, all that matters is you get better, it''s so lonely without you in the room," Yuna said, pouting like a little child, when Snow saw this she couldn''t help but laugh at her best friends'' foolishness.


    Everyone said their goodbyes and left Snow to sleep.


    Snow was feeling tired. All of the people talking, and laughing, really took a toll on her. Snow then realised how much strength she lost, and it was going to take a while before she''ll regain that strength.


    In the next few days Snow rested, and when she had enough of resting she would began walking around the room. After that she would walk around in the hospital, the doctors didn''t like this, as she was supposed to rest, but because she was so stuborn, she didn''t mind them much.


    Noctis had to come in after the doctors called him saying that Snow didn''t want to stay in bed.


    When Noctis arrived, Snow was sitting on her bed arguing with some of the nurses.


    "I''m fine, really, you don''t have to worry," Noctis heard Snow speaking, "Miss, it is our job to worry, your wounds have not healed fully and you can not leave them untreated as it could lead to infection," one of the nurses argued back in a pleading tone.


    At that moment Snow spotted Noctis in the door, "Noctis, please tell them that I''m fine and I can leave now," Snow said in a matter-of-fact tone.


    Noctis came in and went to stand beside Snow, she thought that he would talk some sense into the nurses, but it was the opposite, "could you please leave us alone for a minute."


    Snow rolled her eyes and sighed, he better not tell her she has to stay here longer, she thought to herself.


    The nurses left the room, and when the door closes, Noctis turned toward Snow with an expressionless look, before he started talking, "so, would you so kindly care to explain to me why do you want to leave and cause an infection to your wounds" Noctis asked.


    "Because there won''t be an infection, as I will take care of myself," Snow said in airritated tone, these people are really getting on her nerves. She wonderedwhat they don''t understand with, she is fine.


    Again Noctis saw something was different about her.


    Noctis could see that she was getting irritated, but she is acting like a child. "I know that Snow, but do you want to end up in hospital all over again?" Noctis said in a louder voice.


    "My wounds are fine, I am fine, what don''t you get!?" Snow roared, she got up from where she sat, "I am a grown woman, I can make my own choices," she said in a lighter town, trying to calm down.


    "Oh really, is that so, well if you''re a grown woman like you say you are, then stop acting like a child!" Noctis didn''t raise his voice much, but it still had a powerful effect making Snow flinch a little bit.


    They challenged each other with their eyes for a few minutes before Snow sighed thinking this is stupid. "I just don''t want to sit here all day, and Yuna isn''t even here, not of my friends are here, as they are on a mission," Snow said in a softer tone looking down.


    Noctis expression softened, before thinking of something, "Well, if you want company so bad outside the hospital, come live with me."

 27 Healed, part 2

    "What?" Snow gave a little laugh before shaking her head, "you want me to stay with you?"


    "Well, either take it or leave it, so what''s it gonna be?" Noctis said with no emotion, Snow of course didn''t notice it, so after a few minutes of silence she reluncly agreed. She didn''t want to go with prince Noctis, but she didn''t want to stay at the hospital either.


    Snow packed her stuff and waited for Noctis to get back.


    .....


    Noctis arranged that Snow could leave the hospital with making a promise of taking care of her. Noctis explained that she''ll be living with him till her friends get back in a few weeks, and in the meantime he''ll take care of her.


    The nurses was weary of this arraggment, but they didn''t dare tell their prince that.


    A few minutes later Noctis was driving Snow to the palace in the Regalia. As Snow didn''t see it the first time, she was very interested in it.


    Noctis smiled at her while she was looking around. The roof was off and the wind was sweeping through Snow''s hair.


    She really was beautiful looking like that.


    They arrived at the palace and the servants took Snow''s luggage from her.


    "I want you to keep a close eye on her as she is very irresponsible." Noctis told one of the servants, he didn''t like leaving her, but he had buisness to attend with his father and will only be back late


    "Yes M''lord" the servant answered.


    With that Noctis turned around and left Snow in the maids care.


    .....


    Snow was led to one of the spare rooms in the palace. Snow missed Noctis'' company, she knew he was busy with kingdom matters and all, but she still miss him.


    Noctis came in a few times when she was in the hospital, but it was only brief as he was always needed somewhere else.


    Snow entered the room and thanked the maids for carrying her things.


    The room was bigger than Snow is used to. The bed was a queen size bed. The bedsheet begins with the colour purple and then weaves into a blue colour that stops at the end.


    The walls was a light kind of purple with the curtains a light kind of blue.


    Snow was really amazed by the room, it was elegant but yet simple. Across from the bed that was on the left side of the wall, there was a big wardrobe that could almost fit two persons clothes in.


    On the far side of the room was a big window that led to the balcony of the room. Snow opened the window and stepped out to be greeted by the most amazing view.


    On the left side was the mountains that protected them from harm in the early ages, and because of it, they were impenetrable. When Snow looked ahead of her, she could see the forest that was growing on the one side of the palace.


    That was their main source to get wood from.


    Down below the servants and maids was cleaning the well kept garden.


    The servants and maids worked differently in this kingdom, and so are they called two different things.


    The servants work in the kitchen, and would deliver stuff when needed, either to the prince, or like earlier, bring things to the room. When it is dinner time, they would bring the food


    The maids also worked in the kitchen, but they wash the dishes and make sure everything is clean, including the castle. They work in the gardens to keep it in order. The maids was also responsible for the guests if they needed anything.


    Male servants work in the horse shed, with other female maids.


    When their is a celebration coming up, everyone would help set up things.


    Snow knew all these stuff, because when she was little, she liked reading these things. The palace always amazed her.


    She also read that the workers sleeping place, wasn''t as nearly comfortable as the guest bedrooms.


    Snow felt a little light headed and went to her bed. She could also feel a fever coming on as she lay down, and within minutes she was fast asleep.


    .....


    It was late when prince Noctis returned, the sun had already set, when a maid rushed forward.


    "Your highness," when prince Noctis saw the worried expression the maid had, he quickly asked, "what is it, what happend?"


    The maid was nervous seeing the princes expression, "it''s Snow, your highness, she had a slight headach, and light fever,-" when she saw prince Noctis face, she quickly added, "- but she fine now, we maneged to get it under control."


    "Why didn''t you call for me?" Noctis roared, "because miss Snow''s grandmother was here, and she helped with everything and said it wouldn''t be necessary to call for you, your highness." The maid quickly explained.


    Noctis was taken back for a second, he never met Snow''s grandmother, but Snow would always speak highly of her. "Is she still here?" Noctis asked, to which the maid replied yes.


    The maid led him to Snow''s bedroom.


    Noctis was eager to meet Snow''s grandmother.


    When they arrived, Noctis dismissed the maid and knocked on the door, hearing a woman''s soft voice granting permission to enter.


    When Noctis entered, he saw an old woman sitting next to Snow''s bed, when she turned, Noctis could clearly see the resemblance between the two. The nose and the mouth was almost the same. The women smiled at him, and the was thinking that they also have the same smile, and then he definitely knew, this was Snow''s grandmother.


    "So you must be prince Noctis, I have heard many great things about you" She said in a very soft voice.

 28 Healed, part 3

    Noctis looked at the women in front of him, she seemed nice, he thought to himself. "Hallo Snow''s grandmother," Noctis greeted politely to which she chuckled. "Hallo prince Noctis, please, call me Sue." The prince smiled and looked toward Snow, she was sleeping with a cloth on her head. Probably to keep her fever from rising again, he thought to himself.


    Grandmother Sue saw prince Noctis looking at Snow, and she immediately knew that Snow was in safe hands. "She is fine now, prince Noctis, we took good care of her," grandmother Sue spoke.


    "Of course, I wouldn''t worry about that when she is in your hands miss Sue" Noctis replied, still looking at Snow.


    "You care about her," grandmother Sue said. Noctis'' gaze went back to Snow''s grandmother, thinking about what she said, already knowing the answer. "I do, she has become a very important role in my life even though she is different from others, but I guess that is what makes her so special." Noctis confessed. Sue smiled at the words, he wasn''t wrong at all of her being special.


    Noctis saw the women smile, but it suddenly faltered, as if realising something. "What''s wrong?"


    "While I''m here and that I get the chance to talk to you, there is something I want to discuss with you," Grandmother Sue looked worry, so immediately he agreed to talk and they went out of the room. Noctis didn''t know why they did that as they could talk in the room, but he guessed that Snow shouldn''t hear this, incase she woke up sooner.


    When they stepped outside, grandmother Sue turned toward Noctis, "as you might have gathered so far, Snow isn''t just an ordinary girl, there lies great power within her which she still needs to discover," she explained, Noctis just nodded his head, listening what she has to say.


    "Snow has been having fevers since that man attacked her, before you came in, she woke up and told me that she also felt dizzy moments before she fell asleep. I know it sounds like an ordinary thing, but believe me, it''s not. She must be experiencing some nasty side effects of what''s about to come."


    Noctis'' eyes widened, "what do you mean with, what''s about to come?" he asked, "one of her powers must be showing itself," she replied in thought.


    "What!?" Noctis exclaimed, "oh hush, don''t be so surprised, your father also has powers," Sue said, "but that''s different, he has only one, you said, one of Snow''s powers, that means she has more than one," Noctis argued.


    Sue hummed in agreement, before smiling, "but that''s what makes her special, isn''t it?"


    "Yeah, but what is her power?" Noctis asked, "that, we don''t know for sure, but it will show with time. She already has unlocked one of her powers, even though she doesn''t use it much." Grandmother Sue replied. Noctis thought back to the summit where she first used her powers. He wondered what other powers she may have.


    "Unfortunately, that is not the only thing I want to discuss with you," Sue said, looking at Noctis, "there will come a time when I will not be here anymore, and I want to know for certain that she will be in good hands." Noctis looked at her, determination in his eyes, "of course, I will protect her with my life, that, I promise you.


    Sue smiled at the words, she felt peace overcome her, knowing that Snow will be safe, when the time arises.

 29 Powers, part 1

    Snow''s eyes fluttered open, her vision was at first blurry, but it soon came into focus. Snow looked around and saw that she was still in her room, but this time the curtains was closed. Snow tried to sit up, but she immediately felt dizzy and went back to lying down.


    At that moment she heard a chuckle from the balcony, when she moved her eyes, she saw a dark shadow in the doorway.


    "You just woke up, and you already want to start moving again," the voice said, making Snow smile, "well, you know me, never was the one for being silent, prince Noctis."


    Noctis made his way to her side, sitting in the chair infront of the bed.


    "Your grandmother was here," Noctis said, almost looking bord. Snow''s eyebrows shot up and asked "you met her?"


    "Yes, you were right, she is very nice," Noctis said with a smile, which Snow returned.


    "Did you talk long?" Snow asked suddenly, "not really, only for a few minutes," Noctis said, he didn''t want talk about the details of the conversation as he thought it was kind of private.


    When he saw that Snow''s eyes was getting droopy, he laughed and rubbed her hair together to make it even more messy than it was, wishing her a good night.


    The next few days went by in a blur, Snow was sleeping most of the time and Noctis was in meetings during the day, but sometimes when Snow is awake in the evening they would make small talk before both of them went to sleep.


    Every night Noctis would make his way to Snow''s room just to check up on her, she was getting better, Noctis noticed as she could stay up a bit longer in the evening.


    A week went by and Snow was almost fully healed, she would get dizzy here and there, but now she could at least walk. Snow still needed support from crutches when she walked around, but at least she could stay upright.


    It was a sunny day when Snow decided to take a tour of the palace, she hasn''t seen the most of it, only the way to the dining room and then back to her room.


    Snow made herself down the stairs and walked through the halls, admiring the paintings and other decor as she walked past it. After half the day of walking in the palace, not knowing where she is, or where she''s going, she saw a familiar place. The training hall where she and Noctis used to train. She walked forward in quick steps, excited to see a place she knows very well, just as she was about to enter she smacked into an invisible wall.


    "Hmmm, interesting, do you seriously want to get hurt again?" a voice asked behind her, Snow whipped around, seeing the face of the prince. She blushed deep red. She can''t believe he saw that, how embarrassing she thought to herself.


    Seeing her face, Noctis began to laugh, he came back early as his work was done for the day, and thought that he might go and train for a bit, when he saw Snow walking with such speed for a women who''s injured, it didn''t even seem real. He knew about the glass door, as he also mistakened it for an opening, and walked into it a few times, but after the fourth time, he quickly got used to it. He wondered if the coffee stain was still visible, when he smacked into the door the second time, his father wasn''t really impressed with it, but he didn''t say anything.


    Noctis thought that Snow would be a little more careful and see the glass door, but when she didn''t slow down, Noctis knew, here it comes, and sure enough, a few seconds later, a huge bang could be heard, and the door rattled against the impact.


    Noctis could barely hold his laugh when he saw it happen, but when he saw her face, he couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    When Snow saw Noctis laugh at her, she couldn''t help but laugh as well, realising it wasn''t an opening, but rather a glass door. Snow''s smile faltered when she felt the pain in her nose, she flinched when she touched her nose, feeling something warm run slowly down her lip, when she saw what it was, she couldn''t understand why her nose was bleeding. She didn''t walk into the door that hard.


    In matter of seconds Noctis was in front of her, holding her wrist, which was still in front of her face.


    "You''re nose is bleeding," Noctis said inspecting it with his eyes, "oh no, really? I thought it was water that had a colour red which came out of my nose," Snow deadpanned, before Noctis shook his head at her sarcasm.


    He lead her to his room to clean the wound, it only took a few minutes to stop the bleeding as it wasn''t that serious.


    Noctis took his time to clean the blood on Snow''s lip, he first looked at her soft lips, before his eyes trailed up her face to look her in the eye.


    Snow''s heart was pounding with how close Noctis was, she could even smell his aftershave. When his eyes met hers, she couldn''t look away like she always did, it was like a magnet holding their eyes in place.


    " I think it should be fine now," Snow said quickly before something could happen, she stood up and walked to the door. "It doesn''t look swollen, so it should be fine," Noctis commented, also agreeing with Snow.


    Snow opened the door, but just before she exited the room, she turned back, with her hand still on the doorknob, and said, "thank you Noctis, for taking care of me, even when I was sick."


    With that she left the room and closed the door behind her.


    Noctis sighed a little, he wondered what could have happend if she didn''t move away.


    Would they have kissed? Does she even wonder what could have happend? And will he ever win her heart?

 30 Powers, part 2

    *Please note:


    I have changed the previous chapters''last bit a little, so if you don''t understand the next chapter, please go read the previous chapter, and you might understand better.


    Thank you.


    ______________________


    Snow walked back to her room, she thought about what had happend with Noctis, they were so close to kissing.


    Were they even going to? Snow couldn''t help but feel that things were moving to fast, first the carnival dance and Noctis protectiveness, then when he saved her, and now this. It was moving to fast.


    Snow changed her mind of going back as she wanted some fresh air, and walked to the outside in the direction of the woods.


    She walked slowly taking her time while she thought things over in her head. Her whole plan was gone, everything was so clear, so simple, and then this had to happen. Snow was both furious and irritated with herself, why couldn''t she just stick to the plan.


    Snow walked a few meters trying to cool off, she felt most of the time angry, or she thinks it''s anger, and she couldn''t understand why. Her grandmother told her it might be side effects of what happend, but it almost doesn''t feel that way. Her grandmother also kept saying she is very special and stuff like that, although she didn''t hear everything as she was half asleep, half awake.


    In between her grandmother also said a similar thing to Noctis, but just before Snow could hear the end of the sentence, she fell asleep.


    Snow continued to walk in the woods, still deep in thought before she heard a rustle of trees behind her, she looked back with a guarded expression.


    When nothing else seemed to happen, she continued on.


    Suddenly a blood piercing scream echoed through the woods, Snow didn''t think twice before sprinting in the direction of the scream. Her whole body was aching, if only she could fly.


    Snow wasn''t that far onto the woods, so she quickly made it back, only to be met with a scene that made her eyes widen.


    The one side of the palace was on fire, while the other side was left untouched. Screams were heard for miles on, servants and maids was trying to get a way from the palace, leaving only the brave to extinguish the fire.


    Snow thought it was people who did this, but as she was about to find them, a big shadow leaped out of the building, crushing a servant that was standing there, bones crackled under the monster, and as if that wasn''t enough, the thing pounced on an unlucky maid.


    His teeth was sinking into her flesh, her scream was of trying to get away, was silenced when the monster began to carve her up. Her arms and legs was pulled from her body, some were thrown away by the monster, and other parts were eaten by him, her, it. Whatever it is, it''s definitely not human.


    Snow tried to move but, the images too sick. Blood was splattered on the ground, the maids face was half gone, and so was her body. Snow almost wanted to throw up at the scene in front of her. The beast came into the light and Snow could clearly see it now.


    Snow gasped at the thing in front of her. It had the body if a bear, but instead, the flesh of the body looked like it was rotten away, vines was also coming out in parts of the body. To make it worse, it had two heads, one head looked like a deers head, and the other looked like a bears head.


    It''s mouth and teeth was covered in blood, it was evident that the maid was definitely not his first meal.


    To look at the monster made Snow''s blood boil. How dare he feed on people like it''s a normal thing to do. Where is Noctis and the guards?


    When Snow didn''t see them, it triggered something. All the anger she held inside,began boiling out. She felt her body warm up, and the monster must''ve sensed it, because he turned his head in her direction, while licking his bloody lips.


    Right after that, he began walking slowly in her direction.


    "Oh no, today you have picked the wrong day to mess with me," Snow said staring directly at the monster, she felt herself flare up, and when she looked at her hands, it was glowing bright red, almost like flames. That''s when she could feel the power within her, she looked up with a smile, but it wasn''t a friendly one.


    The monster than took a step back, almost looking shocked at what was displayed in front of him, but he didn''t back down. Instead he almost looked happy for the challenge. That''s when he ran towards Snow.


    Snow didn''t wait a second longer, she lifted her hands and a bright flame red ball exploded from her hands. The creature didn''t expect it, and was too late to dodge the attack, the ball of flame enveloped the monster. It screeched until it died, leaving only dust behind.


    Snow heard a growl behind her, so when she turned around, she saw a few of the creatures friends stalking toward her. Snow smiled at the scene, "you finally came to play, hey?"


    One of the monsters looked past her and saw his friends'' dust lying on the ground, he than roared like lion, before sprinting in her direction, with the others short on his tail.


    ''''Looks like all of you want revenge for your friend, but then you shouldn''t have attacked us in the first place." Snow said, taking her fighting stance. She readied her powers. The creature was nearly where she stood, before Snow jumped up in the air, doing a summersault and while still in the air, with her body upside down touching the monster only briefly, but that was enough to set it on fire. Snow landed a few meters on the ground from the burning creature.


    Just like the previous monster, it turned to dust when it was burned.


    The other creatures stopped in their tracks when they saw what had happend, but Snow wasn''t going to stop there, these things needed to die before they hurt anyone else. She formed a small ball of fire in her palm, it glowed bright red and orange, before flicking it to a nearby monster. The others began to back away as their friend started to burn. "Some friends you are," Snow sneered. After hearing this the monsters began to advance on her, Snow didn''t like them being this close, and decided it was enough playing around.


    She used both of her hands, starting from the ground going up, making a sort of barrier around her. Just when the monsters thought it was all, Snow''s eyes went blazing white like snow, she pushed her hands out, and the barrier she made, went crashing into the monsters, burning them to ash.


    Snow breathed in and out, coming back to normal. The fire was gone, and so was the monsters. Maids and servants came out of hiding, and and those who was working to stop the fire was also done.


    Noctis stood behind Snow, he saw the way she handled the monsters with her powers.


    He was in the study working when he heard the screams and glass being broken. When he came out, the palace was crawling with the monsters. He took them out quickly with the help of the guards. His father came to help as the king also had training. With that they''ve driven the monsters out the castle. Noctis went searching for Snow, only to find her fighting monsters with the newly found power that her grandmother talked about.


    She smiled at the sight, he was proud of her, and it looked like the workers was too. His father came to stand beside him, "well, would you look at that, she really has her fathers blood in her, not that I ever doubted that," the king said, earning a confused look from Noctis, "you know who her father is?" "of course, he was a good friend, once a guardian of mine too," Noctis'' father replied with a smile, "we had great memories together, before he decided to go fight rising problems," the king said and with that he turned away, "wait, aren''t you going to go meet Snow?" the prince asked, "I will, when the time is right," his father answered.


    Noctis knew his father was a riddle on his own, so he has gotten use to it by now, but he still wondered what his father knows that he doesn''t, other than who Snow''s father is. Noctis has an idea of who it could be, but his father will conform it when the time is right, just like he said.

 31 Mysterious, part 1

    Snow looked around, she couldn''t believe what she just did, it was the most amazing feeling ever, she has never felt so alive.


    A smile began to form on her lips, and when she turned around she saw Noctis leaning against the wall, returning her smile.


    He looked proud of her, but he also had some cuts and bruises, Snow noticed.


    "Snow!" Someone yelled, and when Snow turned around, it was none other than Cid, the guardian core''s leader.


    "Hey Cid, what are you doing here?" "What do you mean, what am I doing here? Have you been oblivious to the whole attack on the palace? Cid asked, Snow just smiled at her and shook her head.


    "Cid, you''re here, is the others with you?" Noctis spoke while walking in their direction, "yes sir, everyone is out here to check the perimeter and make sure whatever attacked the kingdom is gone," Cid answered, bowing to the prince, "the kingdom?" Noctis'' brows shot up, so it wasn''t just them that got attacked, it was the whole kingdom. "Are the people safe?" Noctis asked Cid, "yes sire, there was no injuries as far as I know," Cid replied.


    Snow saw how they talked to each other like she wasn''t there, and at one point they walked off to discuss further details, ignoring her completely.


    The workers smiled as Snow passed them, thanking her for her hard work. She went back to her room feeling exhausted, but only after one of the maids got her a new set of crutches.


    Snow thought that after the fight her body would not need something to lean on, but it must''ve been the adrenaline that kept the pain away.


    When Snow''s head hit the pillows, she was thrust into a deep sleep, where dreams become reality.


    ...


    Noctis sat in the study with his father and Cid, they were discussing what had occured today in the kingdom.


    "Where could the monsters have gotten in?" the king asked, more to himself than to the others, "we don''t know yet your majesty, the troops are investigating the matter as we speak," Cid answered truthfully.


    "They are the ones that is called demons right, but aren''t they supposed to be more like a shadow?" prince Noctis asked, the stories he heard about these things was nothing like the ones he saw today.


    "There are different kinds of demons, some are like we have seen today, others are like the stories you''ve heard from travelers," the king answered.


    After a few minutes of silence, the king spoke, "they must be getting stronger."


    Noctis looked at his father in puzzlement, "what do you mean?"


    "The demons never got in before, but now they didn''t just get in, in one place, but all over the kingdom," Cid explained, the king just nodded, still thinking to himself.


    "So if they get stronger, shouldn''t we do the same?" Noctis asked looking at both of them, "it''s not that easy son, the barrier isn''t like a weapon, it can''t be upgraded, that''s why I can''t figure out how they got in, because even though they get stronger, the barrier should withstand any attack."


    "What if someone let them in?" Cid suggested, "an inside job, that''s a bit risky isn''t it?" the prince said in-a-matter-of-fact tone, "not when he can get away with it," the king stated.


    "Yeah, but still, we would have known if it was someone on the inside," Noctis argued, "you can never be too careful son," with that the king silenced his son.


    "Okay, let''s say it was someone on the inside, who? The borders are patrolled everyday, and all the other kingdoms know not to mess with us," Cid stated clearly, she couldn''t think of anyone that wants to do them harm.


    "What about the empire, they''ve had it out for us for a while now," Noctis asked, "not possible, we''re going into a truce together, they wouldn''t risk it over an old feud," the king reasoned, "you just said we can never be too careful, dad," Noctis said.


    "I agree with the king, but you also make valid points Noctis, it wouldn''t be the first time that they would try something like this, but I don''t think that they would give up on the chance to finally have peace between the two lands," Cid stated.


    "If they ever wanted peace in the first place," Noctis said, earning both, his father and Cid''s full attention.


    "Noctis, I thought you were on board with the truce?" The king asked, "I was, and still am, but that doesn''t mean I trust them fully, until the day that they sign the peace treaty with no trouble, I might consider giving them a chance," Noctis stated, making them understand him clearly.


    "Alright, if that''s how you feel, I''ll respect that," the king said in a soft tone.


    Noctis, Cid and the king were still talking for a few more minutes before they started to head off in different directions, Noctis feeling tired of fighting and then arguing with his father, went to his room.


    He cleaned his cuts and bruises and let a maid bring him some wine, after that he went to lie down and fell asleep.


    Cid went to help the investigation as it was their top priority now.


    The king sat in his armchair and gazed out the window at the smoke that was coming out of the buildings, it made it evident to one what has happend there that day, and the king knows that it will not be the last time that someone will see buildings on fire.

 32 Mysterious, part 2

    Snow woke up the next morning feeling fresh as a daisy. The previous day''s event felt like it happend light years away.


    Snow''s body also felt refreshed, like a she came out of a long bath.


    Only then did Snow realise that she didn''t take a bath yesterday and headed straight for the bathroom.


    For a few minutes she sat there, before climbing out. Instead of her usual uniform, she switched it out for a light dress.


    It was a light colour blue which went down to just above her knees. The neckline reached her neck and the sleeves only touch her shoulders.


    The dress shows her curves and edges perfectly without sitting too tight.


    Snow made her way down to the dining hall finding Noctis there with a few documents, when he looked up, his eyes widened just for a second before returning to normal.


    "What is it?" Snow asked looking down, nothing was showing to much as there wasn''t any openings in the dress, "nothing, I just didn''t expect you to wear that, you always wear your uniform," Noctis explained, she really did look nice in that dress, he thought to himself.


    Snow only laughed and took her seat at the long table. The servants brought in the meal and left to continue with their every day work, leaving Snow and Noctis in silence.


    "Are you busy today?" Snow asked, trying to break the silence, "unfortunately yes, my work as has been doubled because of the attack yesterday, so I''ll probably work late tonight," Noctis answered with a sigh, not looking up from his work.


    "But, I might be free tomorrow," Noctis said, looking up from his work with a smile. He really wants to spend time with Snow as it has been a long time since they got together, but he has to finish his duties as prince before he can go on his trip.


    "Sure, I can wait," Snow said feeling a little down, "maybe I can go into town and visit the market to pass time."


    That made Noctis look up, "are you sure you''re up for that?" Snow nodded, "my body is much better, I can walk without the crutches and without any help," she said, "that''s good," Noctis answered, before continuing with his work.


    The rest of the meal went by in absolute silence, the only thing you could hear was the person eating.


    Just when Snow was about to excuse herself as she was finished eating, the prince spoke, "I almost forgot, there will be a ball in a few days time, and I would like it if you could attend, I have already asked the seamstress for a dress for you, so the only thing you can do is maybe go for a fitting."


    Snow was only shocked for a second before thanking him for the invition and excusing herself, she also said that she''ll be there. Snow was very excited and nervous at the same time, she has never been to a ball before.


    After a few minutes Snow was riding in a carriage. Firstly she was going to the seamstress who is making her dress. Noctis gave her the address and after that she''ll just walk around the market.


    When Snow arrived, she could see the dresses that was displayed in the window, it was absolutely stunning. She entered the shop and was greeted by a very friendly lady, it looked like she could be in her sixties, if Snow was not mistaken.


    "Welcome dear, with what can I help you?" the lady asked, "Hallo Miss, prince Noctis said that he ordered a dress for me and told me to come here for the fitting to see if everything sits alright," Snow said politely, "Oh yes, that''s right, come with me," The lady said with a soft, loving smile.


    Snow followed her to the back where the fitting room is, "prince Noctis gave me some measurments to work with, so just put on the dress and I''ll work from there, okay dear," the lady said, giving Snow some space to put on the dress.


    It was a dark sleeveless red dress, with black patterns above the red material. With the dress came a little black cape that drapes over the shoulders, giving it an elegant look.


    Snow stepped out of the fitting room, earning a bright smile from the seamstress.


    "You look absolutely stunning my dear, the colour suits you well," the lady said, making Snow smile, "thank you miss, the dress itself is very lovely and beautiful."


    The lady went on working on the dress, making it fit perfectly.


    After what Snow thinks is a half an hour, the lady takes the dress back to make the finishing touches. Snow left the shop thanking the lady and went off to the market.


    There she walked and looked at what the people are selling. Snow noticed how some of the people looks at her or how the shopkeepers stares at her while she walks past them.


    Snow stopped at one particular shop, it''s sells jewelry, but this one particular necklace caught Snow''s attention. The jewel was a dark violate colour, making it look so mysterious, yet dangerous all together.


    "Pretty aren''t they?" a voice said next to Snow, when she looked up, she saw a guy, right about her age, maybe older, standing next to her.


    He was wearing a leather jacket with worn-out jeans and his dark hair was a complete mess.


    "I''m sorry, have we met before?" Snow asked, she eyed him sceptically because he did not look like a guy she would usually hang out with.


    He just smirked, before saying, "course not, otherwise you would''ve remembered me." Snow snickered, "I would have remembered you, how so?"


    "Well, lets be honest, I''m too handsome to be forgotten."


    That made Snow laugh, she can''t believe this guy, "excuse me, who are you?"


    "For me to know, and you to find out," he said with smirk, before he turned around and walked away.


    He''s a real jerk, Snow thought to herself, and thinking he could be mysterious, now that''s just an added bonus.


    "You better watch out for that lad, girl he''s a real lady-killer. No one can escape his bad boy charm," the shop keeper told Snow, he had a muscular frame with a big beard.


    "Oh, well, don''t worry, I can handle him," Snow said self assured to which the shopkeeper only nodded.


    Just as Snow walked away, she heard a voice yell, "hey get back here you thief, that doesn''t belong to you!"


    Snow whipped around just in time to see the thief run away with what looks to be one of the necklaces that Snow saw at the shopkeepers hut.


    Snow immediately set after him.


    She ran as quick as she could, waiving through the people and finaly began to catch up to where he was.


    Just as he was about to enter an alley, Snow used her new found power to stop him, creating a firewall between the two buildings.


    The guy turned around, taken back at the fire that came out of nowhere. The people around them stood there shocked, they didn''t know what to make of the situation, they knew about the higher ups having powers, but as far as they knew, she wasn''t one of them.


    Snow walked closer to where the man stood, "I believe that belongs to someone else, or am I mistaken?"


    After recovering his senses, a smirk began to form on his lips. When it looked like he was about to run of again, Snow quickly formed a fireball in her hand, ready too shoot, "I wouldn''t do that if I were you," Snow said to the man, "what are you gonna shoot me?" the man said teasingly.


    "You wish," Snow sneered. At that moment the man thought Snow was distracted, and tried to make a run for it, again, but Snow was ready, she shot the fireball out of her hand, and it collided with the guy''s back sending him flying.


    Snow made sure not to hurt him to bad, only to knock him to the ground and it looks like it worked. The guy''s shirt was a bit burned, but at least he was still alive.


    The guy tried standing up, only to be stopped by one of the guardian core troops that handle these kind of matters.


    "Great job Snow, you really hold him off for us, maybe you should come and join our department, we could really use more people like you," one of the members praised her.


    Everyone has seen how Snow trained with the prince that day, and they were really impressed with her.


    Snow smiled and thanked her for the compliment, she also offered to take the necklace back to the owner.


    While walking back Snow began to think about what the guardian core member said, and the more she thought about it, a plan began to form.


    By the time she gave the necklace back, a complete plan had formed in her head. She really liked taking that thief down, so what if she could do that more, help the guardian core out a little, without anyone really knowing it''s her.


    And tomorrow night, will be her first night, because tonight, she is going to find everything she needs.

 33 Vigilante, part 1

    Snow sat there quietly waiting for something to happen.


    It''s her third night out there, and it has been nothing but exciting. Snow already saved a couple of people, and had already earned the name of, ''the black vigilante'' or just, ''the viligante'', either way, Snow has a reputation to uphold.


    Snow can feel the breeze enter her black hoody, her hair hangs loosely at her sides.


    The hoody makes part of the bodice of the outfit, the length of sleeves touches Snow''s hand while it hangs loosely at her sides


    Snow made sure that the skirt wasn''t too long so that she could easily move.


    Snow is sitting in a crouched position on a rooftop building as it is easier to spot things. She thinks back to where she first appeared to a man trying to abuse a girl, she smiled at the thought, he thought she was a demonic creature.


    People can really think of absurd things if karma is upon them.


    While Snow was waiting, she got out a piece of paper that she saw in the newspaper. It read:


    "Hereo or Foe? That is what everybody wonders, with her black hoody and soundless black boots, she saves everyone who is in danger. We don''t know much about her, or where she comes from, but what we do know is, she''s already got a name, vigilante.


    She first appeared two nights ago, and it looks like she''s going strong.


    Should we welcome her with open arms, who is this girl, and who will she save next?"


    Snow read it a hundred times over, smiling every time. There was a sudden crash nearby, making Snow''s smile falter. She made her way to where she heard the crash, there she saw round-a-bout six men breaking into a store.


    Snow jumped off the building where she stood on, coming to the entrance of the store.


    Seeing the shadow of someone behind them, the thiefs quickly turned around. They wore masks so someone couldn''t recognize them.


    One of them came forward, his arms was covered in tattoos,"what are you doin'' here vigilante, we ant got no place for the likes of you." Some of the others laughed, thinking he was real funny.


    Snow of course didn''t say a word, she wasn''t bothered at the fact that they were mocking her. With the hoody on her head, she kept her head slightly down, but she can still see clearly.


    Some of them made more jokes, forgetting about why they are there in the first place.


    "You look pretty good with that short skirt and light socks," one of them commented making Snow roll her eyes, they are really the definition of idiots, she thought to herself.


    "Lets see who is under this hoody," one who snuck up from behind tried to pull of the hoody and reveal Snow''s face, but unfortunately for him, Snow knew he was behind her, and before he could even touch her, Snow spun around, grabbed him by the collar and threw him into one of the shop''s racks in front of them.


    He groaned before sitting upright, Snow could hear him curse under his breath, but she didn''t bother to hear what he had to say.


    Out of the corner of the room there came a chuckle, "well, what did you expect would happen? You can''t go revealing faces that aren''t meant to be revealed," the voice said, before stepping into the light, he too wore a mask, but his bright blue eyes shone clearly through the darkness.


    It looked like he was the leader of this idiotic group, but at least he doesn''t look as clueless as the others, Snow noticed.


    "Did you get everything we came for?" the same voice asked the others, in a calm tone, to which they all nodded, "well, are you going to wait for her to catch you?" he deadpanned, before all of them scrambled to get the things they stole.


    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you," Snow spoke for the first time, "oh yeah, well, what are you going to do about it?" the man with the tattoos asked, he really has a big mouth, Snow thought, time to shut him up.


    Snow slowly took out her sword, taking her time doing so. She gave it a swing or two, before it came resting in her hand at her side.


    Then one of them roared and everyone came charging at Snow, all except one. He was still standing in the corner unfazed of what is happening in front of him, and by the time Snow had knocked every one of them out, he was gone.


    Typical, Snow thought, the leaders are always so full of them self, leaving the others behind so that they could get away.


    The guardian core troops arrived minutes after, finding them tied up, but Snow is nowhere to be seen.


    She sat on a nearby building, watching the scene in front of her. Snow sighed inwardly, the guardian core is always so late, but then, where would all the fun be if they arrived on time.


    Soon after Snow took off in the direction of the palace, not seeing a guy move into the shadows.


    He was watching the whole thing, he knew who the vigilante was, he had to keep an eye on her for a while, just like his master told him too.

 34 Vigilante, part 2

    Snow came in through the window of her room, she leaves it unlocked when she goes out and locked when she''s back.


    She quickly undressed before someone saw her and hid her clothes in it''s usual spot under the loose floor bords.


    Snow flopped down onto her bed exhausted, thinking about that guy who stood there calmly like it was an ordinary setting.


    He didn''t seem bothered at all with the fact that the others was going to get caught, guess he doesn''t care much about other people, as long the job gets done, Snow thought to herself. That was the last thought as she drifted into sleep.


    Yet again Snow was met with an army waiting for the chance to take her down, but as Snow had dreamt this before, she knew what was going to happen, even more she knew that she wasn''t herself, but the king.


    She had her own mind, but not her own body.


    Everything is the same every night, she''s being spoken too, but she didn''t recognise the voice, or the other people in the room.


    They made the same old threats, before ordering the solders to kill her. Snow always end up killing them as she was much stronger, but that''s where her fate would end, as someone stronger would go against Snow. In the begining it looks like Snow could win, but the other guy had other plans, and ends up killing Snow after all, the same way as all the other times he would kill her.


    Snow tries to get a different outcome, but it never works, her fate is sealed, and there is nothing she can do about it.


    So when Snow wakes up, she''s breathing hard and is covered in sweat. She usually gets up and goes towards the balcony, letting the wind sweep through her hair.


    The dream feels real every time, Snow can remember the first time that she dreamt it, and it wasn''t pleasant.


    She jolted awake with the impact the sword made when it pierced through her heart.


    Snow even had to check for any markings or scars that could have been left behind.


    Snow breathed in the fresh air, trying to forget the nightmare. A little bit of light began to show, Snow noticed, the sun must be busy rising.


    Snow went back to bed seeing the light, it always helped her to sleep peacefully.


    When Snow woke up again the sun was high, she slept better than a few hours ago, so she got dressed quickly and made her way down the stairs for something to eat.


    Today Snow wears a black leather skirt with the same leather jacket, her dark blue blouse is tucked in her skirt, to avoid it from hanging.


    When she came in the kitchen, the staff was already busy with preparations for the ball. One of the maids showed Snow the food that has been left for her, on Noctis'' order.


    It''s toasted bread with eggs and milk, which was still kept warm. Snow smiled at the thought of Noctis still thinking about her.


    They were supposed to spent time together, two days back, but one of the servants came to inform Snow that they''ll have to make it another time, as something important came up.


    Snow was beginning to see less of Noctis as the days went on.


    Snow finished her food and was about to head out for a bit of practising with her powers, when Noctis stepped into the room, Snow did make it past the dining room, but there she stopped when she saw him.


    Noctis saw Snow and smiled at her, "Snow, I''m glad you''re up, did you get the food that was left for you?" Noctis asked, to which Snow nodded, "good, and don''t forget your final fitting for the ball, which is tomorrow night," Noctis reminded her. Snow was grateful as she actually forgot about it.


    Before Snow could say thank you, the prince had to leave again.


    Snow headed to the dress maker and was greeted with a lovely smile.


    Snow saw that the dress was exactly the same, but this time the cape was almostpart of the dress, it was linked at the front, almost looking like it was laces. Then the cape still drapes off the shoulders, becoming one with the dress on the backside. It''s still two pieces, but it looks like a one piece, as the cape is the same length as the dress, and both these pieces could reach the floor.


    "It''s beautiful," Snow commented, while running her hands down the material, "thank you, my dear, I worked hard on the dress to be finished in time," the seamstress said with a gentle smile.


    The lady continued to make sure the dress is perfect and sits well at all the right places for the next evening, when everything was perfect, she told Snow that she could fetch the dress tomorrow morning.


    Snow said goodbye and was on her way back to the palace when she saw a shadow behind, when she looked back, no one looked suspicious, but Snow got the slightest feeling that she was being followed.


    Snow rounded a corner and took a couple more steps, before looking back again. She tried to see if there was someone who looked the same as before, but she couldn''t know for sure if it is that person.


    Then, still looking back she took quick, long strides and into a nearby ally, but because she wasn''t looking where she was going, she bumped into someone. When she looked up, her eyes widened, "you! So you''re the one who''s been following me," Snow accused.


    "well, I''m flattered that you think that I''ll follow you, but you might want to look at someone else before you accuse someone you barely know," he said, before a smirk formed on his lips.


    Snow glared at him,"I have every right to be suspicious of you," "Oh? How so? You''ve only met me at the market once," he asked in mockery, "well, let''s see, one you''re weird, two, you''re ignorant, and three, you don''t want to tell me your name," Snow answered angrily.


    "Well, if you wanted to know my name so bad, why didn''t you say so," he said, still smiling at Snow, not in the least affected that she''s angry or irritated, "the name''s Nate," he said, not waiting for her to answer.


    "Well, that''s great but I need to go now," Snow said, noticing that Nate''s arm is still around her waist. When she tried to peel it off of her she looked up and looked straight into his dark blue eyes. When she didn''t move, he arched a brow while looking at her, making her snap out of her gaze.


    Then she quickly peeled him off, turned around and walked away without saying anything.


    Snow could feel her cheeks burning while walking away, and she''s almost certain that she heard him laugh.


    She can''t believe him! He really thinks that he could charm her, well, he has another thing coming for him, because two can play that game, she thought while storming off to the palace.

 35 Games

    Snow was walking around the market with an objective.


    Nate was irritating her with his games and she decided she''s going to join this little game of his, and beat him at his own damn game. That was yesterday and today she is going to show him what''s what.


    Snow had already picked up her dress and the servant that came with her took it back to the palace.


    As Snow walks around, her mind wanders toward the discussion she had with Nate, he told her he wasn''t the one who followed her, but who else could it be, then again, it defnitaly was a total coincidence that she ran into him in the alley, so that wasn''t at all suspicious, Snow thought sarcasticly.


    She touched the charm around her neck, she always keeps it tucked under her clothes so that no one can see it, and it has become a habit of always touching the stone when Snow is in thought. Ignis did explain it to her how it works, and that one can only feel the other ones pain, if the necklace is being worn by one of them. Snow only takes it off when she is out stopping crime, because things can get real messy if Noctis feels the same pain and asks questions about it later.


    "It''s becoming a habit of seeing each other," a familiar voice said behind Snow which made her smile, just the devil I want, Snow thought.


    When she turned around, she saw a smirking Nate stand behind her, "just don''t get use to it, Nate."


    When Snow said that, he laughed, "don''t count on it, Frosty."


    Snow''s eyebrows shot up, "Frosty? What kind of name is that?" "Well, you''re not one for jokes, you seem a bit cold and I heard you go by the name Snow, so I think it suits you," Nate said.


    Snow only rolled her eyes and wondered if this guy ever stopped smirking.


    At that moment someone spoke behind Snow, making her smile, "is everything alright here, Snow?" Noctis asked, giving her, her ice cream.


    She knew Nate would be here, and she also did say she had an objective.


    Noctis also asked her if she wanted to spend the day together just relaxing, so Snow had put together a plan, and it looks like it''s working.


    Nate''s smirk is gone, finally, and his eyes is narrowed while looking at Noctis.


    "Yes, everything is fine, Noctis, I was just catching up with Nate, he is a good friend of mine, which I haven''t spoken to in a long time," Snow said, still smiling her victory smile.


    Nate''s smile quickly returned, "yes, I have missed her company, one can not stay away from a beautiful girl like herself."


    Snow''s victory smile faltered immediately as he said those words, and it turned into an icy glare, which was directed at Nate.


    Nate didn''t seem bothered at all, and he only smiled like he didn''t just cross the line. Snow wasn''t going to lose to this blockhead, so she quickly had to form a counter attack.


    "Thank you Nate, but I think your pick up lines are a bit outdated, you should really get up to date with what the say today," Snow said with a smile, Nate didn''t have anything to say, and he probably could have said something, so Snow wondered why he didn''t.


    "We should probably get going, otherwise we won''t get to do the things that we wanted to do," Noctis said, breaking up the silence.


    "Yes, of course, Nate it was nice to see you again, and we''ll probably see more of each other," Snow said, giving Nate a hug, "just remember, two can play a game," Snow whispered in Nate''s ear.


    When she leaned back, Nate smirked at her, and said, "I''m looking forward to it."


    Noctis not hearing what Snow had told Nate, thought that he was revering to what Snow said just before she hugged him, but Snow knew different.


    She only smiled and nodded once before they walked away. Once they were out of ear shot, Noctis said, "I don''t like him."


    Snow laughed, "you don''t like him? Or you don''t trust him?" she asked with a smile, "both," Noctis answered, "or is it that you''re just jealous?"


    "Me? Jealous, of what, of him? Ha! It looked like he just rolled out of bed, and not alone might I add," Noctis answered shaking his head.


    He was not wrong, Nate''s hair did look messed up, and his clothes had wrinkles in them, so he might have a point.


    They continued to walk around untill the sun almost set before they headed back to get ready for the ball.


    Snow was glad she could show Nate that he can''t charm everyone, and that she''s not going to fall for his dirty little tricks. Maybe he''ll finally leave her alone, but she highly doubt that, he''s the kind that doesn''t give up on what he wants, but unfortunately for him, this is the one time he won''t get what he wants.

 36 The ball, part 1

    Snow stood in front of the mirror admiring her dress.


    The seamstress really did a good job, Snow thought, while turning around.


    "You look absolutely beautiful, Snow," Yuna said enthusiasticly, making Snow smile.


    She and the others came back from their missions today, surprising Snow when she and Noctis came back.


    From there everyone got ready for the ball, Noctis knew they would be coming back today, so he arranged everything for them. Everyone was welcome at the ball, as it was Noctis'' farewell ball, because in two weeks he''ll being leaving for his roadtrip.


    "So, are we ready to go?" Fay asked seeing that Snow was done getting ready, they all nodded and headed down to the hall where the ball was held.


    Snow''s friends was walking in front of her, they too had stunning dresses, but all of them said none was as good as Snow''s dress.


    The wooden door opened, revealing the people who already arrived, "we are so late," Snow whispered, coming into view, and it was as if everyone sensed she was there, because slowly people turned and looked in their direction, some was whispering to each other, others were just looking at them.


    "And this is why we are always late, girl-" Cynthia giggled, coming into view, "for the grand entrance," she sang, before walking off to greet the people.


    "I guess she''s right," Thea said before walking off in a different direction than Cynthia.


    That''s when Snow saw him, wearing a blue suit and talking to some rich people. His devilish hair is combed back neatly, and for once he doesn''t look like the devil prince that that everyone knows.


    When Noctis looked up, his smile appeared immediately. By that time some people looked away, and went back to their conversation.


    The prince excused himself and went toward Snow. She tried not to look at him coming her way, but it was hard. Some girls were getting excited when the prince was heading their way, but as he passed them, their smile faltered. They were staring at his back to see where he is headed.


    Snow finally looked up and saw the prince standing in front of her, smiling a soft, small smile.


    She curtsied in respect, greeting the prince, "your highness."


    Noctis did the same, "Snow. I''m glad you could make it, you look absulutaly stunning tonight."


    Snow smiled at the compliment, she could feel herself slightly blushing at his words.


    Noctis then suddenly lifted his hand and slowly tucked a lock of hair behind Snow''s ear.


    Everyone was shocked at the prince'' open display of affection towards the girl. The other girls shot daggers toward Snow, but she didn''t even notice.


    She gave Noctis a small smile, trying not to look too shy. She didn''t know how to react at his action, but one thing she knows for sure, is that made the butterflies in her stomach flutter.


    She looked into the prince'' eyes, and it made her breath hitch in her throat.


    Noctis held up his hand, asking Snow to dance, that made the girls go crazy, they couldn''t believe what they saw, the prince is asking a lowlife to dance.


    Soon Snow and the prince were on the dance floor dancing a Waltz. This reminded Snow of the carnival, when Noctis showed Snow how to dance, and she was particularly glad that he did.


    Everybody just watched how the two danced, none of them making a move on joining them.


    "Why is it just us dancing?" Snow whispered, her eyes was darting around, never staying on one place for too long.


    Noctis chuckled, "it''s how it works, there is always an opening dance, where the prince and a girl of his choosing, must be the first to dance, then when they are finish dancing the Waltz, everybody else can dance."


    Snow only nodded in understanding, returning her eyes back to the man in front of her, "and you chose me, knowing full well I can''t dance."


    "Of course you can dance, what was I busy teaching you at the carnival then?" Noctis asked, smiling.


    "It''s been awhile." Snow stated.


    "Well I think you''re doing just fine." Noctis said, making Snow smile.


    They continued to dance untill the song ended, when they were finished, the people clapped hands and after that the couples began to dance, and then the ball was in full swing.


    Noctis led Snow through the crowd to somebody that he would like Snow to meet.


    Snow wondered where Noctis was taking her, well aware of the fact that he hasn''t let go of her hand.


    They stopped behind an oldish man, Snow knew he was on the old side because of his gray hair, his back was toward them, speaking to someone who Snow didn''t recognise.


    She tried to see if she could locate her friends, but she only saw Yuna, who gave a thumbs up after she danced with the prince. Snow could still feel some eyes burning into her back.


    Snow heard a voice that broke her out of her thoughts, "father, I would like you to meet someone," Noctis said, catching the man in front of them'' attention.

 37 The ball, part 2

    Snow''s eyes widened when she heard what Noctis said.


    She automatically tried to pull away, but Noctis'' hand just tightened its grip, holding her in place. She couldn''t think of a good enough reason that Noctis would like to introduce her to his father. She is just a mere person that guards his and his son''s life.


    When the king turned around, his face lighted up like a christmas tree. There was almost a tiny sparkle in his eyes, that Snow knew wasn''t there before. She wondered why he looked so glad to meer her.


    When Noctis saw that his father turned around, he began to make introductions, "father, this is Snow, Snow this is my father."


    "The one with the extraordinary abilities, yes I''ve heard so many great things about you, Snow and I''m so delighted to finally meet you," the king said, smiling.


    "Like wise, your majesty." Snow said curtsying.


    "You don''t have to bow to me dear," the king laughed, making Snow smile shyly.


    "Noctis has told me about your eyes, but its truly magnifisent seeing it up close," the king said.


    "Thank you, your highness, but not all people would agree with you," Snow said politely.


    ''''Nonsense, but you are quite right, they always see what is strange, but not what''s beautiful," the king said, taking a wine glass from the tray, that one of the servants carried.


    ''''Your majesty, might I have a moment of your time, please?" a guy came forward, he looked to be in his fifties, and very rich.


    The king nodded and said his goodbyes, and saying it was nice to meet Snow, before going with the man to talk.


    Not long after the king left, Noctis'' friends appeared with Snow''s friends. It turned out they found each other and was hanging out together when they saw Noctis and Snow talk to the king.


    "The big introduction, hey Noc?" Promto asked, with a big smile on his face, making Noctis roll bis eyes.


    ''''Yes, how did it go Noctis, I hope it went according to your wishes." Ignis asked, more serious than Promto did.


    "I think it went well, my father already likes Snow, so I kind of expected it to go well."


    "Wait, you planned this?" Snow asked, surprised.


    "Not exactly, I wanted to introduce you to my father for awhile now, but I decided just now to actually do it," Noctis explained.


    "Wow! It''s so romantic," Cynthia exclaimed, smiling to herself.


    Snow smiled and shook her head at her friend, Cynthia is really a romantic person, Snow thought to herself, while the others just laughed.


    The night went on peacefully for a change. The guests started to go home around midnight, and so did Snow and her friends.


    Noctis said that Snow''s friends can stay over, and so can his, so it then turned into a sleepover.


    Snow''s friends got mattress'' to put in her room for the night, so that they could stay in one room.


    Noctis and his friends also stayed there untill it was far into the morning hours, playing games, before they also went of to bed.


    "Snow, you are so lucky to have the prince being interested in you," Thea said playfully.


    "He''s not interested in me, we''re just friends," Snow countered, making everyone groan.


    "What?" Snow laughed.


    "Girl you are so blind, how can you not see he likes you," Cynthia asked, putting popcorn in her mouth.


    All the girls were lying in there beds, propped up on their arms.


    "I believe Cynthia is correct, Snow, for once. The prince is smitten by you." this time it was Fay who spoke, the others all hummed in response, it was only Cynthia who rolled her eyes at Fay''s comment.


    "You guys!" Snow laughed at her friends, then she got an idee.


    Suddenly a pillow went flying across the room, smacking Cynthia square in the face. The popcorn that she had went flying in different directions.


    "Hey! Who was that?" Cynthia exclaimed. Everybody else burst out laughing, because Cynthia''s well kept hair, was standing in different directions. Even after they changed into their nightgowns, her hair was still miraculously in place.


    Fay, who also laughed at Cynthia got a pillow in the face, "what was that for!?"


    "You laughed at me, and you seem like the type to do something like this," Cynthia said, dusting her hands off.


    Almost like Cynthia expected it, Fay threw the pillow, but then she ducked and it hit Thea instead.


    Thea threw the pillow off her, not looking where she''s throwing it.


    The pillow hit Yuna''s bowl of popcorn sending it flying directly at her, but unfortunately Yuna couldn''t get out of the way fast enough so the bowl of popcorn ended up in her hair and clothes.


    That''s when everything started, pillows were flying, the popcorn that was left were scattered, and only laugh''s could be heard. In the end Cynthia found out who started it, and everyone was attacking Snow left and right.


    When it ended, the girls hair was out of place, their beds wasn''t were it was supposed to be and the bedsheets was mixed with each other.


    They quickly just tidied up a little bit, making it at least look neat, before each of them drifted of to sleep, with a happy smile on their face

 38 Guardian Core, part 1

    Snow and her friends decided to go back to training, as Snow was fully healed and her friends are back.


    Noctis told Snow she could stay, at leats untill he leaves.


    When they arrived, some of the girls were already busy warming up and they turned to look at who came trough the door.


    "Looks like its becoming a habit for people to stare." Yuna said, stopping to look around.


    "Just don''t mind them, we''re here to train, remember." Snow said, walking past Yuna to go to her usual spot.


    "You''re girl who danced with the prince right?" one girl came to ask Snow.


    Snow turned around to face her, and she looks rather young, not older than 21, Snow thinks.


    "Well, it depends, the prince danced with a lot of people last night."


    The girl hummed in response, "but you were the girl who he danced first with."


    Snow nodded and saw the girl giggling with her friends, before another one said, "you are so lucky," and twirled a piece of hair around her finger.


    Snow only smiled and saw Cid walking through the doors.


    "Okay everyone places please, I''m glad you''re back Snow, we need everyone we have left, because as you know, the recent attacks has injured a lot of our members." Cid said while walking to the front of the room with confidence.


    Snow wished she could have that confidence like Cid.


    Everyone took their places and began training after Cid finished talking.


    Yuna and Snow trained together for a while before Snow went on her own. They practised their throwing, defence, and offence. Also how to stand their ground.


    Snow checked the clock to see that and hour has passed, and she is already sweating.


    "Bang!"


    A load sound could suddenly be heard, making everyone stop with what their doing. Then someone came in running, panting hard from the run.


    "Cid, we''re..... we''re under attack..... again, the demons, they''ve.... they''ve gotten through the barrier!"


    Cid stood still only for a moment, then she began yelling orders.


    "Lia! Go get Athena, tell her to get her troops out there and make sure the civilians are safe."


    "Right."


    "You,-" Cid pointed to the girl who came in to alert Cid of the demons, "go inform the king and prince if this."


    "The rest of you,-" she turned to us, "head out, and go take care of those demons!"


    Everybody jumped to action, gathering weapons and putting on their armer. One by one they headed out.


    Snow was one of the first to get out. She headed for nearest demon, thinking this should be easy as she already knew how to defeat them. As Snow rounded the corner, she was met with a demon, but not the same tipe as before.


    This demon was big, at least seven stories long, and he was most definitely not thin. To make matters worse, he was completely made out of stone.


    "We got one, big, fat ugly monster on our hands."


    Snow turned around and saw Cinthea stand behind her. She had her crossbow in her hand, ready to shoot when needed.


    The demon must''ve heard her comment because before Snow could reply, he gave a big roar, and came stopping toward them.


    "Cinthea, I think you made him mad." Snow said, trying to keep her balance.


    "What? It''s not my fault he''s ugly," Cinthea said.


    The demon then pulled a big rock out of the ground and threw it at Cinthea out of anger being called ugly.


    When Cinthea saw this, she screamed and covered her head.


    Snow felt a familiar energy inside her growing. She felt herself moving in front of Cinthea, throwing her hands up and realising that energy that she felt.


    The rock came to a stop in mid air. When nothing hit Cinthea, she looked up.


    "Oh wow, Snow, it''s the summit power."Cinthea said, all of her screaming being forgotten.


    Snow only rolled her eyes and focused all her attention on the rock, still floating in the air.


    She pushed her arms forward and threw the rock back to demon. He didn''t expect this, so he was to slow to dodge the rock. It smashed against his stomach and the rock broke into tiny pieces.


    Cinthea bended over laughing, then went silent looking up, with a new found look in her eyes.


    "lets do this." she said with a sly smile, pulling out her crossbow and in one swift move she aimed it and shot at the demon. The arrow hitting him between the eyes.


    Snow fired a ball of fire at him, sending him a few steps back.


    Suddenly a blue streak was seen. This person was flashing here and there, making cuts where ever he goes.


    He then came to land next to Snow, when he sheathed his sword, the demon went crumbling to the ground.


    "Its so nice for you to join us, you''re majesty." Snow said smiling.


    "Its nice being here Snow, sorry for not coming sooner, me and my father had some run ins at the palace." Noctis said, turning to Snow.


    "Its fine, Noctis, I take it you took care of it?"


    "Of course, that''s my speciality." Noctis said with a sly smile.


    Snow only nodded looking for any more demons to deal with. A short time after that Noctis headed off to deal with other monsters.


    Snow and Cinthea also went their separate ways not soon after.


    Snow saw Yuna and a few other people fighting a similar demon as she and Cinthea did.


    Snow jumped from the rooftop she was on and landed next to Yuna.


    She helped them to kill the demon and wanted to start moving on to the next one, but Snow got this gnawing feeling something wasn''t right. When she turned around to face Yuna, whom was talking to the others, something caught Snow''s eye.


    When she looked into that direction, Snow saw how the demon still moved. She looked back toward Yuna, the people she talked to was walking away.


    Snow looked back and forth between Yuna and the monster, but when she was certain he was still alive she wanted to warn Yuna. Before she could do that Snow saw how he lifted his hand and aimed it at Yuna.


    Snow became very alert, and yelled at Yuna to watch out, but she didn''t hear. Snow was already on the move trying to get Yuna''s attention.


    Lava came out of the demon''s hand, aimed straight at Yuna.


    "Yuna!"

 39 Guardian core, part 2

    When Snow yelled Yuna'' name, she finally looked in her direction, but it also made her see what was aimed at her.


    Then everything happened so fast, Snow saw that Yuna wouldn''t get out of the way quick enough, as the ball of lava was very close to her, so Snow tried calling on her powers, but neither of them would come. Snow held out her hands, trying to get her powers to work.


    The lava was right in front of Yuna, she looked toward Snow again, her eyes betraying her fear, but a soft, sad smile was on her lips, showing that she knew what was coming, and excepted it. Snow couldn''t except it, it was then that Snow felt the energy leave her body, enveloping Yuna.


    But it was too late. The lava hit Yuna with full force, sending her flying backwards. When she landed with a thump on the floor, she was unconscious. One could see the burn marks on her skin, it was all over her body.


    Snow who was on her knees at the time, trying to regain her breath and strength, looked up and saw Yuna on the ground. She leapt up and sprinted with the little energy she had left, toward Yuna.


    Snow fell down out of exhaustion in front of Yuna, she didn''t know where to touch her. Yuna was burned all over, and it wasn''t a light burn, you could see the raw flesh.


    Snow began to sob, she felt that she let her friend down, but she also couldn''t understand why her powers didn''t work, was she too weak to even protect her best friend?


    Then healers came into view, inspecting Yuna. Snow felt someone grab her arm and pull her up, trying to get her away from Yuna.


    "No!" Snow struggled against his grip, she didn''t want to leave her best friend.


    "Snow stop! You can''t help her now, she is still alive, we''ll meet them at them hospital." the prince said.


    Reluctantly Snow stepped away, knowing that Noctis was right. Snow tried to hold back her tears, but one still escaped. Noctis saw this and wiped the tear off with his thumb. Snow looked at him with watery eyes, before he pulled her in for a hug.


    Snow couldn''t help but cry. She threw her hands around his neck holding him tight, she didn''t care about people walking by.


    Noctis held her with equal tightness, he couldn''t even think of what she must be going through, if one of his friends must get hurt like that, he would go mad.


    After a few minutes of crying, Snow let go of Noctis. She was embarrassed to say the least.


    "It''s okay, you don''t have to hold back anything, especialy your tears and pain." Noctis said while holding her face in his hand.


    Snow smiled a sad smile and nodded.


    "Good, now go back to the palace and get some rest."


    Snow''s eyes widened at his words, how dare he tell me to go back, Snow thought, angrily.


    "I can''t go back, my best friend is injured, and you expect me to just go back like nothing happened." Snow exclaimed.


    "I know that Snow, but there is nothing we can do for her now, we can only wait. You''re tired and must go back, there is no point in waiting around and torturing yourself if you know she won''t wake up soon."


    There was some truth in his words, Snow was tired, but she didn''t want to leave her friend when she needs her the most. Snow shook her head.


    "I can''t go back, I must be there when she wakes up," Snow said, not ready to give up just yet.


    Noctis sighed, he knew once she made up her mind, there was no convincing otherwise.


    "Fine,-" Snow smiled, "-but only for a little while, then you will go home." Noctis said, turning Snow''s smile into a scowl.


    "Fine." Snow said, sighing, it''s better than not going at all, Snow thought.


    "I will arrange a carriage then you go on, I will meet you there as I have things to settle here and reports to gather on the attacks of today." Noctis said, making Snow nod.


    Snow couldn''t say that she wasn''t disappointed, but she knew he had work to do, so she didn''t dwell on it.


    Snow slowly made her way to where the carriages where parked. To be using your powers like that could be really tiring, Snow thought to herself, maybe that''s why she couldn''t call on her powers fast enough, because she might have worn them out, but could that really happen, Snow wondered. She''ll have to ask her grandmother about it when she sees her again.


    "Well that was depressing." a voice said behind Snow.

 40 How is she? part 1

    He stood in front one of the buildings watching the guardian core do their job. Snow was there fighting alongside her comrades. The demon fell down, looking dead, but their types are usually the sneaky ones.


    He was right, the monster lifted his head and used his hands to shoot lava at one of the girls.


    He heard Snow scream the girls name. It seems she is very close to this girl Yuna. Yuna looks scared and just before the lava hits her, she is enveloped with a light, maybe an invisible shield, but he couldn''t be sure, but it still seems too late as the lava hits Yuna and sends her flying backwards.


    In seconds Snow is at her knees in front of Yuna, tears streaming down her face. He looked away. He didn''t want to see Snow cry, it makes him uncomfortable.


    Instead he looked in the direction of the demon, eyes blazing. He hated every one of them. All they do is kill, and today was just another example of that.


    He took out his own dagger and in a flash he was on the monster. He would have to work fast, otherwise someone might see him and it would only cause unnecessary suspicion. In a swift move he cut the demons throat, and disappears before anyone can see him.


    Still hiding in the shadows he saw Snow passing by with tears stained on her face, he sighed before coming out of the shadows.


    ...


    Snow didn''t have to turn around to know who it was.


    "Nate, what are you doing here?" She asked ignoring his comment.


    "What, I wanted to know what all the fuss was about." He shrugged before falling into step next to her.


    Snow hugged herself, feeling a little chilly from the slight breeze passing through.


    She saw the carriage that Noctis send for her. He is so kind, she can''t help but fall further for him.


    "Earth to Snow."


    "What?"


    "You heard me."


    Snow realised he was talking to her, then her eyes widened, because he was holding the carriage door open for her.


    "Sorry, I wasn''t... listening." Snow was distracted with the way Nate''s leather jacket clung on his body, revealing some of the muscles he had, but she quickly looked away before he could get any funny ideas, blushing a light red.


    Nate noticed it and a smirk began to form on his lips.


    "So I''ve noticed."


    Snow only rolled her eyes and stepped into the carriage, to her surprise Nate stepped in after her.


    She didn''t think a guy like him actually had manners, or that he would step in after her into the carriage.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Sitting in the carriage, obviously."


    "I can see that." She snapped.


    "Then why are you asking? I thought you were supposed to be smart." Nate snickered.


    Snow''s blood is boiling, she is very irritated right now, and her on coming headache is only adding petrol to the fire.


    He was the one who came to her, walked with her to the carriage, and then stepped into it along with her.


    "If you''re only here to irritate me, I suggest you leave, because I''m not in the mood for an argument, especially with you." Her voice was like venom from a snake, but it didn''t move Nate at all.


    "As much as I like to bicker with you, no, that''s not why I''m here."


    His words caught Snow off guard.


    "Then why are you here?"


    "I don''t know, I guess you needed company."


    Snow almost laughed.


    "You''re kidding me right, I needed company."


    "You were the one who was crying, not me."


    Snow laughed, before turning serious.


    "Get out."


    The door opened again and the coachman''s head appeared.


    He was an old man with hair at the sides of his head making his head in the middle bald. He wore a suit with the crown city''s crest on his right pocket.


    "Miss, sorry to let you wait so long, are you ready to depart for the hospital?"


    Snow wanted to say no so that Nate could get out, but he interrupted her.


    "Yes, we have waited long enough, thank you very much."


    All of his manners long forgotten it seems, Snow thought. The coachman looked toward Snow for conformation that they could leave. She only nodded because she knew Nate would never get out and she doesn''t want to fight either.


    The coachman nodded before closing the door. Just after a few seconds the carriage jolted into moving.


    "You would really fit in with the rich people just fine with your manners." Snow deadpanned.


    "I know right, that makes one wonder why I''m not rich yet, or maybe I am, and you just don''t know that."


    "Right, yeah, you''re definitely not bluffing." Snow rolled her eyes, but a small smile still maneged to appear on her face.


    Nate only smirked, not saying anything. Snow rested her head against the window. It''s the first time they actually talked without bickering.


    The ride went on in silence, each one in their own thoughts.


    The carriage stopped and the coachmanopened the door. Snow got out and Nate followed. They made their way to the front desk, Snow asked the receptionist if they brought Yuna in yet, only to be told to take a seat as they are still busy with her.


    "She has some very bad wounds, and it will take a while before you could see her." She told Snow.


    Snow only nodded and went to take a seat. She could feel the tears threatening to escape her eyes. She can''t understand why her barrier didn''t protect her friend.


    She felt Nate''s presence next to her, but chose to ignore him. She was propped up with her elbows on her knees and rested her head in her hands.


    A voice broke her away from her thoughts surprising her about the gentleness it held.


    "Are you okay?"


    Snow sat up and rested her back against the seat, turning her head towards Nate.


    "Well, I''m as okay as I can be I guess."


    Nate nodded, not saying anything. Snow appreciated the silence, because she didn''t feel like talking.


    It felt like as if hours went by, and at one point Snow fell asleep on Nate''s shoulder.


    He didn''t seem to mind, because he knew she was tired. He could see that she was in and out of it in the carriage. It took them a lot longer to get there because of the damage that was delt in the attack, but they still made it in record time.


    The doctors was still busy with Snow''s friend. If he could guess, they are best friends, because it seems that they care an awful lot for each other.


    Nate looked down at the sleeping Snow. She really is something else. She''s easy to talk to and is interesting in different ways. It''s actually nice to have a girl who doesn''t throw herself at you, but it''s also strange.


    Nate has to resist the urge to lay his head on top of the girl''s, because that would just be inappropriate, and what if other people sees them, then her reputation will be ruined.


    Nate smiles, hell, his reputation would be ruined if someone he knows would see him with a girl.


    His thoughts was broken when someonecame to stand in his view. When he looked up, it was one of the doctors.


    Nate gently shook Snow, because he knew that she would want to hear this.


    When she opened her eyes, it was first full of confusion, then when she saw that she was sleeping on his shoulder her eyes flew open and she sat up straighter than before. Her cheeks was flushed a bright red, before she met the doctor''s eyes.


    Nate took a lock that came loose, and tucked it behind her ear from the side.


    "You okay?"


    Snow only nodded and looked up at the doctor.


    When she spoke, it was evident that she just woke up.


    "How is she doctor?"


    The doctor shifted from one foot to the other, Nate could see he was debating on how to tell Snow the news.


    "She''s......."

 41 How is she? part 2

    "She''s....." The doctor began, but stopped then slowly exhaled.


    "It''s not going well."


    Snow let out a shaky breath. Tears was on the brink of her eyes.


    "The details." Nate snapped. He stood up to be the same height as the doctor, while Snow stayed seated.


    "Yuna is in a very bad condition. Her burn marks are severe, but there is something that we found on her skin. The tests shows that it looks like a barrier of some sort."


    Snow''s head snapped up.


    "If it''s a barrier, why didn''t it protect her?" Snow voiced her thoughts.


    "It did, because if it weren''t for that barrier, she would certainly be dead now. Yes, she still got hurt, but it still saved her life, in some ways. It bought her more time."


    "What!? What do you mean with it bought her more time?" Nate asked. Snow also stood up, her hands were shaking so badly that Nate had to take her hand to try and steady it.


    "I know it may seem hard for you, but there is still a chance that she''ll survive."


    "Survive what?" Snow asked softly.


    "The coma." The doctor said looking away.


    Snow breathed in sharply, and a tear slowly slid down her cheek.


    "How serious is the coma?" Nate asked.


    "Its like any other coma, it can take years to wake up from."


    "I don''t care, what''s the chance of survival? You said there is still a chance, so what is it?" Nate snapped. He is trying to remain calm for Snow''s part, but his temper is running low. Part of the reason is because of the lack of sleep. They''ve been sitting here for over five hours.


    "fifteen percent." The doctor answered.


    Snow gasped and her knees gave in. Luckily, because Nate held her hand, he could easily catch her before she could fall. He gently held her in his arms before he set her down on the chair. Nate stood up again. Tears were streaming down Snow''s face, one could see she was desperately trying not to cry, but the pain must''ve been too much for her.


    "How is that even a chance of survival!? That is nothing, Yuna might as well be dead!" Nate yelled.


    "Yes I know, but it''s better than nothing." The doctor said, trying to calm Nate down.


    "Are you kidding me? Fifteen percent is hardly something." Nate scoffed.


    "I know, but maybe with the barrier around her, the chances might increase."


    "Really? And how is that?" Nate snickered.


    "It''s magic and power, it could mean anything." The doctor said, it seems that he is getting irritated at Nate.


    "Right, yeah, that''ll definitely help her." Nate deadpanned.


    The doctor wanted to say something about his comment, but Snow interrupted him.


    "Isn''t there anything you can do?"


    The doctors eyes softened a little.


    "We are doing the best we can, but it''s still early to see if it''s helping her in any way."


    Snow only nodded.


    "Why don''t you go home and rest, you''ve been here a long time. We''ll call you if there is any changes." The doctor said before turning away, not waiting for an answer.


    Snow hugged herself, while deep in her thoughts. Once in a while a tear would escape from her eyes, running down her face.


    Nate went to sit down next to her. He had put his arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her.


    Snow leaned in with Nate''s touch and rested her head against his chest. She knew no one could prevent what had happend, but she still feels guilty. She wondered what would have happend if she called on her powers in time. Would Yuna be safe? Would she be out of harms way?


    Snow sighed, its pointless to think about things that would never happen. She knows that all she can do is hope and pray that she''ll wake up, no matter the odds.


    "We have to go." Nate said quietly, while rubbing her hair gently.


    He never would imagine in a million years that he would be here, in a hospital, comforting a girl.


    Nate pulled away, clearing his throat. He didn''t like the way she makes him do things out of the ordinary.


    Snow understood why he pulled away. He doesn''t usually do this, Snow was quite surprised when he comforted her, he didn''t seem like the type to do so anyway.


    Snow stood up, she knew he was right, she can''t sleep here, nor do she want to. She thought about when she woke up, she still can''t believe she fell asleep on Nate''s shoulder, or that he left her there. But then again, he would do something like that, that''s the type of man that he is.


    Snow heard hurried footsteps, when she turned around, her friends came walking down the hall hurriedly.


    When they saw her, they rushed their way over.


    "I''m so sorry we only arrived at this time, we only heard about it a couple of hours ago, and then we had to wait for the carriage to arrive, and with all the debrise in the road, it took us a while to get here, but we came as soon as we heard." Cynthea explained.


    "Only a couple of hours ago? We have waited longer than that." Nate said, lifting his brow.


    "What do you mean? Noctis said you left just before we did?" Thea said, confused, she looked between Snow and Nate.


    "But he did not tell us you left with someone else, Snow." Fay said, voicing everyone''s thoughts.


    Nate only shrugged.


    "Noctis had stuff some stuff to do, so Nate came in his place." Snow explained.


    "The doctor was here." Nate said, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "What...what did he say?" Cinthea carefully asked.


    Snow looked away, not meeting their eyes. She could feel the tears appearing again.


    "She''s in a coma." Nate simply said.


    "Nate!" Snow gasped, she can''t believe he would put it so mildly.


    The rest looked at him with wide eyes, neither of them saying anything.


    "What? If that boyfriend of yours didn''t hold them up, they would have been here to hear it themselves." Nate shot back.


    "He isn''t my boyfriend." Snow snapped.


    "Could''ve fooled me."


    Snow only rolled her eyes at his comment, when she looked at her friends, they shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.


    "We should go, it wouldn''t help staying here. You can stay at the palace, I''m sure Noctis wouldn''t mind." Snow said.


    "Yeah, just until he holds them up again for a couple of hours." Nate snickered.


    "Goodbye Nate." Snow said ignoring his comment while walking away, but she couldn''t stop the smile that appeared on her face, soon after. Even though it was a sad, tired smile, it was still a smile.


    Her friends followed her, they also smiled, but it didn''t meet their eyes. Snow felt for them, she really did, but she couldn''t help but wonder why Noctis told them only a few hours ago, and not immediately when she left, and why say that she left the same time they did, when she didn''t.


    Then Snow thought of something, he said he would be there shortly, but he wasn''t, so where was he then?

 42 Blue and lavender, part 1

    Snow opened her eyes and was met with her blue and purple room. She, at first couldn''t remember what happend, but it didn''t take long till she did.


    She remembered the attacks, Yuna, the coma that followed, and when she and her friends arrived at the castle.


    Snow didn''t know what to expect when she arrived, but not ever in her right mind would she have expected to see what she saw.


    When Snow and her friends arrived at the castle, Noctis was sitting in the dinning area surrounded with papers.


    He looked up once to acknowledge Snow, before going back to work.


    She directed her friends to their rooms before entering the dining hall.


    "What are you doing?" Snow asked, she was tired and not in the mood for an argument, but she got this feeling that it''s exactly what''s going to happen.


    "I''m working." Noctis answered, not looking up.


    "I can see that." Snow snapped.


    "Then why are you asking such stupid question when you can clearly see what I''m doing?"


    "I don''t know, why did you tell Cynthea and the rest of my friends that I only left a couple of hours ago, when I clearly didn''t." Snow said, glaring at the prince.


    Noctis sighed and lifted his gaze.


    "I thought you might need some space, but if I knew that you would go with that Nate fellow, I would have personally went along."


    Snow brows shot up, the guards must''ve told him about that, but that isn''t what bothered her.


    "I didn''t need space, on the contrary, I needed my friends!" Snow shouted.


    "Calm down Snow, I just wanted what was best for you." Noctis stood up, and walked to where she was.


    "Really? Could have fooled me." Snow said, recounting what Nate said to her earlier.


    "Look Snow, I don''t want to fight with you. You''re obviously tired and cranky, but I am truly sorry, I really thought you needed space, but I see that I was wrong, and that I needed to be there for you." Noctis said. He had put his hand on her shoulder.


    Snow nodded, looking to the floor, not meeting Noctis'' eyes.


    "How is Yuna doing?" Noctis said removing his hand.


    Only then did Snow look up at Noctis as he was taller than her.


    "Not so great, the doctor said it''s a very small chance of survival." Snow said, her voice breaking, she could feel a single tear sliding down her face.


    "Oh Snow, don''t cry." Noctis said, wrapping Snow in a hug, which she returned. The tears were now flowing from her eyes.


    Snow and Noctis stood there for a couple more minutes, before he broke the hug.


    "Go take a long shower and then you go climb into bed, okay. You need to rest after today. Your powers took a lot out off you."


    Snow nodded and went to her room. She took a long shower and when she came out, there was blue and lavender roses in her room, with a card on top of one of them.


    Snow opened the card and what was written in it, shocked her.


    "My fascination grows toward you, likethis purple lavender, when it is planted. You are mysterious like the blue roses that is enchanted.


    Hope your friend gets better soon."


    Snow turned the card around to see if anyone signed it, but there was nothing.


    Snow then climbed into bed and fell asleep.


    Snow heard a knock that broke her thoughts of the day before.


    "Come in."


    The door opened and revealed the face of her friend, Cinthea. She was still in her nightclothes, but that never stopped her friend before, so Snow doubted that it will stop her now.


    Her eyes were puffy and had bags under it. It was evident that she''s been crying the entire night.


    Snow patted the seat the next to her and Cinthea went to sit in it. Snow put her arm around her friend shoulders to try and comfort her, and not a moment later she heard Cinthea sniff.


    Neither of them said anything, they sat there for a couple of minutes, then the door opened and Fay and Thea walked in, without nocking.


    "Sure, walk on in." Snow mumbled, removing her arm. Cinthea lifted her head to see who it was, wiping her eyes with her hand.


    They look a lot better than Cinthea does, Snow noticed. Thea stopped in her tracks, making Fay bump into her. Fay shot her a glare but when she saw her expression, she followed Thea''s gaze toward the window. That was where the roses were situated on the dresser.


    "Where did you get these?" Thea asked, walking towards them.


    Cinthea followed Thea with her eyes, when she saw the roses, her eyes widened.


    "I don''t know, when I came out of the shower last night, I found the roses and a card with it, but it wasn''t signed by anyone." Snow answered.


    Thea nodded and went to sit next to Snow. Fay went to sit next to Cinthea, still not saying anything.


    "How are you holding up?" Thea asked Cinthea, patting her knee.


    "I''m fine I guess, but I want to get to the hospital as soon as possible."


    "Are you sure that is wise, especially with how emotional you are on the moment." Fay said, finding her voice.


    Cinthea nodded, staying firm.


    "Would you mind if I come along?" Snow asked.


    "No of course not, I would like some company."


    "Then I will come along." Fay said, pushing her glasses up.


    "Me too." Thea said.


    "Okay, so we''re all going, lets meet each other in the hall in about an hour and a half." Cinthea said. Only then did Snow hear how thick her voice was. Snow then understood why Cinthea wanted to get out of the room so quickly, she was on the verge of tears again.


    The rest of them only nodded, and before they left the room, they gave each other a group hug.


    Snow got up and ready to meet her friends in the hall in time. She stopped in front of the roses, admiring them for the first time. It was beautifully arranged and the roses complemented each other very good, she took one of the roses and brought it to her nose to smell the scent.


    It was a sweet scent and it tickled her nose a little bit, but not much to let her sneeze.


    "I see you like the roses."


    Snow whirled around to see who was talking, and she gasped in shock.


    "What are you doing here, and how did you get in my room?"

 43 Blue and lavender, part 2

    "Is that how you greet all of your friends, princess?" Nate asked, he was sitting on the bed, his arms stretched out behind him, holding him up, ignoring Snow''s question.


    "Princess? So it was you who bought the flowers, and who said we were friends? Now, I am not going to ask you again, how and why are you in my room" Snow countered.


    Nate only smiled, before answering.


    "No, it wasn''t me who bought you the flowers, but now I know what to get you if it ever comes to that point, and the people who work here was so kind enough to let me in."


    "Oh really, and I take it Noctis doesn''t know that you''re here."


    ''''No, why would he?"


    "It''s still his palace, you know."


    "Don''t worry, I haven''t forgotten." Nate said, smiling a crooked smile.


    Snow rolled her eyes and held the towel around her more closely. She turned her back on him and opened her dresser''s drawer while taking out something to wear.


    Nate seemed to be silent for a moment, but it didn''t last.


    "Of course, I forgot that we''re more than friends now, since you thought my shoulder was a nice pillow and fell asleep on it."


    Snow didn''t know at first what he was talking about, but then she remembered her last comment when she asked him who told him they were friends. She could hear the teasing in his voice, but that didn''t stop the blush from creeping up her neck. She heard the bed creak and then footsteps that followed. She busied herself more, before pulling out a blue tank top and jeans. Then she saw out of the corner of her eyes a shadow next to her, when she looked up, Nate was standing there with on of his hands on the dresser, supporting himself.


    "You aren''t going to wear that to a hospital are you?" He asked, referring to Snow''s choice of clothing.


    Snow looked at him then at her clothes.


    "What do you mean? What am I supposed to wear?"


    "I don''t know, girls are the ones with the sense of fashion, but shouldn''t you go for something a little darker, like black, or something?"


    Snow''s eyes widened when she realised what he meant.


    "My friend isn''t dead!" Snow exclaimed.


    "Yet."


    "No! She isn''t dead, and she won''t be dead." Snow said, emphasizing the ''be''


    Nate sighed before turning away from her.


    "Fine, believe what you want, but we both heard her chances of survival last night." He said over his shoulder, before walking away to sit on the bed again.


    "I''m going to get dressed." Snow said, walking off into the bathroom again, closing the door behind her.


    If she knew Nate would be in her room, she wouldn''t have went out with just a towel around her body in the first place.


    "Fifteen percent is still a chance, it''s better than nothing." Snow said from the bathroom.


    "It is nothing!" Nate groaned inwardly.


    "Don''t say that." Please, Snow said that last part in her head, the subject felt a bit touchy for her, but she didn''t want to cry now, especially in front of Nate. She also wanted to stay strong for her friends, she felt that she now carried that responsibility on her shoulders.


    Snow came out of the bathroom, dressed fully this time.


    "It''s just facts, but I''ll keep my mouth shut if you want." Nate looked at Snow, still looking amused.


    He stood up and walked towards Snow, stopping in front of her. Snow looked into his dark, blue eyes, and for the first time she actually looked. It was dark a blue, almost like the deep ocean, but something in it, seemed off. There was mischievousness in his eyes, but also... hurt? Like he lost someone dear to him, and even though it looked like he healed on the outside, a person couldn''t say the same for the inside.


    Snow looked away, realising she has been staring at him for a long time. She didn''t know where to look, so she instead looked at the floor.


    Nate lifted her chin so that he could look her in the eye.


    Snow knew the close proximity they were sharing, but she couldn''t find the will to move. She didn''t have feelings for him, but it was like he has put her under a spell.


    Nate caressed her cheek in small, slow circles. Snow blushed at the touch, which made Nate chuckle.


    "You''re so cute when you blush."


    Snow''s eyes widened, then suddenly the door opened, her eyes snapped to who walked in, and Nate lowered his hand.


    "Hey Snow, I heard..."


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    When Snow saw who it was, she went pale. Noctis walked in with Snow and Nate still so close to each other, and he made no sign to move away.


    Noctis stopped in his tracks, his eyes widened before returning to his usual posture, but this time burning flames of anger was evident in his eyes.

 44 Blue and lavender, part 3

    "What the hell is he doing here?" Noctis growled. He clenched his fists, not looking at Snow, but directly at Nate.


    If looks could kill, Nate would be long dead, Snow thought.


    Nate put his arm around her shoulders, smiling his usual mischievous smile.


    "Prince Noctis, a real pleasure." Nate said, not moving his arm. Noctis took a step forward, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed.


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    "You keep your filthy hands off her." Noctis said in a low voice. Snow felt the chills running down her spine, she did not like where this is heading, so Snow took a step forward pulling out from Nate''s embrace.


    "Noctis calm down, nothing happened. We were just talking." Snow soothed him.


    "Talking? Just talking?" Noctis laughed, "Don''t make me laugh Snow, go tell that to a two year old, maybe he would believe you."


    Snow opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.


    "Hey, don''t talk to her that way." Nate said, stepping infront of her, shielding her from Nocts'' piercing gaze.


    "And don''t you tell me what to do, I''m your prince, know where your place is." Noctis shot back.


    That made Nate laugh, he crossed his arms, and glared at Noctis.


    "Please, if you can''t respect anyone, why should I respect you. So don''t even think about having a talk about respect with me. Your majesty." Nate said sarcastically, doing a small bow, just to spite the prince more.


    Snow wanted to stop Nate from talking further, and to tell him off for going to stand in front of her, but before she could do that, there was a flash of blue. Nate was pinned to the wall by Noctis.


    "Noctis! Stop!" Snow yelled, trying to pry him off of Nate.


    "Have I, or have I not told you to know your place. You are in my home, disrespecting me, so I suggest you keep your mouth shut, and stay the hell away from her!" Noctis shouted.


    Nate only glared at him, then as if realising something, a smile creeped up on his lips.


    "Ooh, I get it, you''re jealous. You''re jealous that I was there to comfort her in the hospital, instead of you. You''re jealous that we spend so much time together, and that her whole world doesn''t evolve around you anymore."


    "Nate, stop talking." Snow warned, but they both ignored her presence.


    Nate snickered, "It really bothers you that maybe one day, I''ll be the one that she wakes up next to in the morning, that my ring will be on her finger, and not yours. And that maybe, just maybe, she''ll love me, instead of you."


    Snow was stunned. She did not expect that, but before anything could really register, Noctis punched Nate through the jaw, letting him go. Nate''s arm went back to punch Noctis.


    "Nate, don''t you dare." Snow said, she didn''t think that he would actually hurt Noctis, but this could end very badly for him, and she really did not want a fistfight in her room, because she would be the one that would have to clean up the mess, and her friends is probably waiting for her downstairs.


    "You must be so glad that she''s here," Nate said, lowering his arm. He stretched his jaw a bit, before glaring at Noctis, "If it was up to me..."


    "Enough." Snow snapped, interrupting Nate, she was getting sick of this constant fighting and she really needed to get going.


    Both of them looked at her, as if remembering that she''s still there.


    "Look, I''ve got something to do, and I would really appreciate it if you both could just leave, and leave each other alone while you''re at it." Snow said, glaring at them both.


    "If it''s as you wish, princess." Nate said, earning a glare from Noctis, it was obvious he did not like the idea of the nicknames.


    Nate saw his response and smiled at his reaction. Snow rolled her eyes because she knew Nate did it on purpose.


    Nate shoved his hands into his pockets, walking past Snow. His eyes only briefly met hers, but that was too long for Noctis. When Nate was out the door, Snow was the one who got glared at.


    Snow''s eyes darted from one place to another, before coming to rest on Noctis'' piercing gaze.


    "What?" Snow asked, she couldn''t understand why he looked at her like that when he was supposed to leave.


    "I could ask you the same thing. I came in here because I heard your friends talking, only to find you and that guy in here doing who knows what."


    Snow laughed a little.


    "Really Noctis? Did you not hear me before? We were just talking." Snow said crossing her arms, returning his glare.


    "I heard you load and clear, Snow." Noctis said in a softer tone.


    "Then why aren''t you listening, Noctis?"


    "I am listening. If anyone here isn''t listening, then it''s you."


    "Excuse me?" Snow scoffed, "how am I not listening? No, you know what, I don''t have time for this. My friends are waiting for me downstairs and I have better things to do than argue with you. If you have something to say, you can wait untill I get back."


    With that Snow turned around and walked away, leaving Noctis standing in her room, but before she turned around, she could''ve sworn she saw something flash in his eyes, something like hurt.


    Snow made her way down the stairs and was met with three questioning stares. Snow only shook her head and walked past them, straight out the door and on her way to the carriage.

 45 Regret, part 1

    At the hospital Snow and her friends sat at Yuna''s side in silence. They haven''t spoken to each other since this morning. Fay was busy reading a book, while Thea was playing with a ball she found somewhere.


    Cinthea is with her friend, holding her hand, and is fighting to keep the tears at bay. Yuna was covered with bandages, from head to toe. Only her eyes, mouth and nose was left open.


    Snow stood at the window with her hands folded behind her back, watching the world, deep in thought.


    "It really bothers you that maybe one day, I''ll be the one that she wakes up next to in the morning, that my ring will be on her finger, and not yours. And that maybe, just maybe, she''ll love me, instead of you."


    The words kept repeating in her head, over and over again. Could that really happen? Could she really love him instead of Noctis? Does she even love Noctis to begin with? She knows her feelings towards Noctis is strong, but could it be that strong? Why is she even questioning this? She was so sure in the beginning, could it be that she might fall in love with Nate?


    No, never. Her feelings for Noctis is real, and that will never change, and if she loves Noctis, then so be it.


    Snow didn''t realise that one of her friends was talking to her, when a ball hit her square in the head.


    "Hey! What the hell?" Snow exclaimed whirling around. Thea has a playful expression on her face, so it is evident that she is bored, Snow did not know why, as one of their closest friends was in a coma.


    "Well you wouldn''t have been hit if you''d just pay attention." Thea said, standing to get the ball.


    Snow sighed before speaking.


    "I''m sorry, what did you say?"


    Thea shook her head and went to sit back down next to Thea, who hasn''t looked up from her book yet.


    "No, no, no, I''m not repeating things, this is not a dress rehearsal, you should learn to listen the first time." Thea said, going back to throwing the ball against the wall.


    Snow rolled her eyes. Thea usually did that when she was either in a bad mood, or in a very irritating playful mood.


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    "I''m going to get some coffee." Snow announced, only then did Fay look up from her book.


    "I think I am going to accompany you, if you don''t mind." Fay said, pushing her glasses up and closing her book. Snow nodded, then Fay stood up and followed her out of the room, but not before looking back at Cinthea who hasn''t moved from her spot next to Yuna, with a sad expression on her face.


    "So what is it going on with you?" Fay asked when they reached the coffee shop across the road.


    "I don''t know what your talking about." Snow laughed nervously, to which Fay raised her brow.


    "I think you do, you just don''t want to tell me."


    "That''s not true." Snow laughed.


    They reached the counter and ordered the coffee they wanted, they also got their friends coffee, thinking they might need it.


    "So? What is it?" Fay asked again, taking a sip from her coffee. They went to sit down at the window seats.


    "Did you only come along to interrogate me?" Snow asked with a small smile.


    "No, I came along because you would have been lonely, and I only asked because your my friend, and other than Thea, who is only interested in that stupid ball of hers, and Cinthea who is too busy keeping her tears away, I actually pay attention to what is going on around me." Fay explained, but when Snow didn''t answer, she continued, "Does it have something to do with that handsome, young fellow that came out of your room this morning?


    Snow was currently looking down at her coffee, going along the edge in circles, when her head snapped up at Fay''s words.


    "How did you...? Did he...? Did you...?" Snow stumbled, before shaking her head as if to clear the shock, "Did you see him go into my room this morning?"


    "No, unfortunately not, but I must ask, what happend that his clothes was ruffled like that?" Fay asked again. Snow lowered her eyes, before answering.


    "Noctis walked in when he was there."


    Fay''s eyes widened, before a smile crept up her face.


    "Bet that went really well."


    "Tell me about it." Snow mumbled, "what made it worse was Nate stood really close to me, making it look like he was about to kiss me."


    At that moment Fay took a sip from her coffee, so when Snow finished her sentence, it resulted her to choke on it, almost spitting it back in her cup.


    "Are you okay?" Snow asked, concerned, to which Fay just waved her question away. She was too busy coughing to really answer. When she got the cough under control again, she spoke.


    "What was he doing that close to you?" Fay asked, almost taking another sip, but before the cup met her lips, she sat it back down, and pushed it away.


    Snow furrowed her brows at the display, but didn''t say anything about it.


    "I don''t know exactly, we were arguing about whether or not Yuna would make it, and then... well... you know." Snow tried explaining, but only ended up blushing.


    "Right. So let me guess on that moment Noctis came in, and he must''ve saw the two of you, got jealous, and attacked this Nate guy, am I right?"


    "Yes." Snow sighed.


    "And you did not move away because...?"


    "I don''t know, I think apart of me didn''t want to move."


    Fay gaped at Snow. She can''t believe what Snow is saying.


    "Now that''s why I didn''t drink my coffee. I got a feeling I might want to keep away from it just until we''re done with conversation, for my sake and for yours."


    Snow laughed a little. Her friend can really have a sense of humour when the time is right.


    "Do you have feelings for Nate?" Fay asked Snow directly.


    "No, of course not. My hart belongs to Noctis, you know that."


    "Yes, I thought I knew that, but based on the recent events, I''m proved wrong."


    "No, no." Snow said quickly, shaking her head. Fay eyed her a moment before speaking.


    "Well alright, if you say so, but just know, if you want to talk, I''m always here."


    Snow only nodded, before both of them stood up and walked back to the hospital.

 46 Regret, part 2

    When they got back, Thea was standing outside looking grim.


    "What happend?" Fay asked immediately when she saw the state Thea was in. Her head snapped up when she heard Fay''s voice.


    "Yuna... Yuna had a setback. Cinthea is in the bathroom trying to gain control over the tears again. I tried to talk to her, but she wouldn''t have any of it." Thea looked down, not meeting their eyes.


    Snow felt a pang of regret. None of this would''ve happend if she''d just called on her powers on time. Then Yuna would be okay, Cinthea wouldn''t be such a wreck, and Snow could go back to training with her friends, just like it was before.


    When Thea looked up, tears were visible in her eyes.


    "Oh Thea, don''t cry, everything is going to be alright." Fay said, wrapping Thea in a hug and giving her the cup of coffee that they bought for them. Fay sniffed once, before thanking her and taking a small sip.


    Snow didn''t know what to say, so she only excused herself and ran out of the hospital. The sun was now behind dark clouds, illuminating the way Snow feels. Dark, sad and unforgiving.


    She walked the streets absently, hugging herself. Snow doesn''t know how long she has been walking, it was noon when she left the hospital, but it feels like she has been outside for ages. She heard a thump next to her, but she barely even registered it until it spoke right next to her.


    "What is a princess like you doing out here in a place like this?"


    Snow whirled around to see where the voice came from. Then there, against the wall, stood the last person Snow wanted to see, wearing a black leather jacket and black jeans. A sliver necklace hanging from his neck.


    "I could ask you the same thing." Snow said, after taking a quick look at what he meant. It seemed that Snow wandered down town. It is the part of the city where all the stories come from. Not the fairytale stories one would normaly think off, but the the stories where all the bad things happen. Snow knows better than to come here, no one in their right mind sets foot in down town.


    Nate smirked, before speaking.


    "I would have teased you about the fact that you''re following me, but based on the state that you''re in, I take it that your hospital visit didn''t go so well."


    Snow raised a brow at him.


    "How did you know I was going to be there?" Snow asked, "I could have been at the gym."


    "Right, and you would definitely go the the gym in a tank top and jeans." Nate revered to the clothes that Snow wore for the day. She looked down, and saw what he meant. She blushed, because she knew that she just said a very stupid thing.


    "Oh, and lets not forget, you walked all this way, because you forgot how to get back to the palace."


    "Okay, you made your point." Snow said, exhaling slowly. "What are you doing out here anyway?"


    "I''ve had some business to attend to." Nate said, pushing himself from the wall.


    "Out here?" Snow asked, eyeing him.


    "Never judge a book by its cover, princess." Nate smiled crookedly, before coming to a stop in front of Snow.


    "Will you stop doing that?" Snow said, narrowing her eyes at him. He laughed softly, a real smile playing on his lips.


    "Doing what?"


    "This. Whatever this is." Snow gestured around her. Her hands were still moving when, suddenly Nate caught both her hands in his.


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    ''''What are you doing?"


    "You just gestured to all of me." Nate said softly, but not a complete whisper, so that only Snow can hear.


    "I did not!" Snow exclaimed. A chilly breeze came up, making Snow shiver. Nate looked up at the sky, almost studying it.


    "Looks like snow is coming."


    Then it occured to Snow that the seasons had changed, and it is now winter.


    "I can''t wait." Snow said, also looking up, forgetting that Nate still has her hands in his.


    "What? You like the snow?" Nate asked looking at Snow.


    "Who doesn''t?" Snow gave a soft smile.


    "Of course you like the snow, it is your name after all." Nate muttered under his breath.


    Snow rolled her eyes, but she couldn''t stop the smile appearing on her face. Snow pulled her hands free from Nate''s and folded her arms to try and keep them warm.


    "You''re an interesting guy, Nate, I''ll give you that."


    Nate smiled. He has a beautiful smile, Snow thought, but quickly perished the thought, before it evolved into something more.


    "And you are a beautiful woman, Snow, I''ll give you that."


    Snow gaped at him, she could also feel a blush appearing on her cheeks.


    "Smooth, Nate, real smooth."


    She stepped back to put some space between them, but before she could take another step, Nate held out one of his hands.


    "Come with me, your day might have been bad, but that doesn''t mean that your night should be too."


    Snow seemed to consider this for a moment. She would give anything just to forget for a while, even if it means spending time with Nate and she really doesn''t want to go back to the palace and pick up her conversation with Noctis, where they left it off this morning.


    "Okay." Snow said uncertainly, placing her hand in his, "but where are we going?"


    Nate smiled, leading Snow to the nearest rooftop.


    "You''ll see. It''s gonna be a lot of fun, don''t you worry, princess."


    "You always make me worry."


    "Oh, so you do worry about me." Nate glanced back, smiling. He climbed onto the rooftop, then helped Snow so that she doesn''t get hurt.


    "Thank you, and yes, actually, I do worry about you, because you seem to get into trouble a lot."


    Nate laughed again.


    "Well, that''s me for ya."


    Snow smiled at his words, she turned to look around and saw a couple of rooftops further down infront of them. They weren''t that far apart, so maybe she could make it to the next one, Snow thought to herself.


    "So I take it we''re not here for a picnic." Snow said, looking at Nate, who was already watching her with a smirk.


    "Well no, of course not, but but we can arrange that for next time."


    "Next time?" What makes you think there will be a next time?" Snow asked, one of her hands on her hips.


    "I don''t think. I hope." When Nate said that, hope flickered in his eyes. Snow would have missed it, if she wasn''t searching his face to see if he was lying, or playing her for a fool.


    "Now-" Nate clapped his hands together, "enough talking. I saw you eye these rooftops earlier, probably asking yourself if you could make the jump, so I''m asking you now, can you make the jump?" Nate spoke lowly in a low voice, making Snow laugh at his attempt on trying to be a presenter on some sort of show.


    "So this is your idea of fun?"


    Nate shrugged.


    "It''s enough to clear a head."


    Snow nodded, then she turned her gaze toward the rooftop infront if her. She closed her eyes, gathered her thoughts and strength. I''m definitely going to regret this, Snow thought, and then she ran.

 47 Regret, part 3

    Snow gave one big lunge, souring through the air. In that moment, with the wind all around her, she could see half the kingdom, with lights shining out of homes with families enjoying the little food they can get in these parts of the kingdom.


    And just little further Snow could see where the line of broken houses stopped, and where a new line of different houses began. They are the homes of the rich, where food is a never ending source.


    Snow landed on her feet on the next rooftop, instantly missing the feeling of the wind all around her. She looked back to where Nate stood, smiling confidently at him.


    "Think you can jump better, Nate?" Snow taunted.


    "I know I can do better than you, princess. You forget, I''ve been at this for a while."


    Nate jumped and soured through the sky. With his sliver necklace tucked inside his shirt, and his black leather jacket flapping behind him, he landed a few feet infront of Snow.


    "How is that for you?" Nate said, smiling broadly, obviously very pleased with himself. Snow rolled her eyes at him, not saying anything.


    "What? Is the princess mad that she got beaten?"


    Snow gave a little snort.


    "In your dreams." She scoffed.


    "You should watch out then, my dreams usually come true." Nate said smirking.


    Snow surpressed a laugh, but settled for a smile, shaking her head.


    "The competition is not over yet." Snow said, her gaze wandering around the area. "You never did say what you were doing out here," Snow said, finally letting her gaze rest on Nate.


    Nate watched her for a few seconds, and Snow wondered what he was thinking the whole time.


    "Oh, you know, this and that." Nate waved the question off, stuffing one of his hands in his front jean pocket. He let his gaze wander over the area.


    Snow lifted her brow and crossed her arms.


    "And that is?" Snow asked, she tried to hide the suspicion in her voice, but that didn''t stop the train of thoughts that entered her mind. She knew Nate wasn''t a saint, obviously, but he wouldn''t be involved in illegal stuff would he? Not that she can actually be certain, as she doesn''t know him that well.


    Nate''s smirk returned when his gaze stopped at Snow.


    "I can see the gears turning in your head, princess." Nate said, twirling his finger in a circular motion to emphisize his point. "Come on, we still have a competition to get on with." He turned his back on Snow before she can say anything else, and leaped to the next building that was a bit higher than the one they were standing on. The vines almost completely covered the building, and it looked like it might crumble down any moment.


    Snow decided to drop the subject, because she could clearly see he didn''t want to talk about it.


    The sky was completely covered in dark clouds, and it might just be that Nate was right, rain and snow was on its way, and the strong gust of wind that blew in from the North, was just more evidence to prove it.


    Snow also leaped of the building, and to put more power into her jump, she did a single somersault, before landing on the next building. This time, landing right next to Nate.


    "Not bad for a princess." Nate teased.


    "I''m not a princess." Snow growled, shooting daggers at Nate, which, of course doesn''t affect him all, it only caused him to smile bigger.


    "But you will be someday." Nate said, giving one step toward Snow.


    "You don''t know that," Snow said, giving a step back, as she didn''t want to lead him on or anything, "And any way, it is a competition." She brushed past Nate and moved toward the edge of the building. She could see broken windows on the next building to which you could easily grab onto. The distance between the two buildings was wider, as a road separated them, but that didn''t stop the plan that was beginning to form, and what made it easier was, the hight of the buildings was the same.


    "Really now? And what does that mean." Nate''s voice came up behind Snow, as he also made his way to the edge.


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    Snow turned around with a mischievous smirk and glint in her eyes.


    "It means I always win." Snow dropped of the edge, arms spread out. Nate rushed to the edge as he didn''t quite make it there yet before, and peered down to see Snow gliding down the building before pushing herself off with tremendous strength and grabbing onto one of the windows'' edge on the next building.


    Snow then made her way to the top, and lunged the last bit of the distance that was left, before landing on her hands on the edge and doing a cartwheel, landing on her feet again.


    She turned back to see Nate standing near the edge, with his mouth half open in amazement, before turning it into his usual smirk.


    "So we''re bringin'' out the big guns now, aren''t we?" Nate shouted, smiling one of his very rare smiles.


    He took a few steps back to get a running start. His face was serious as he calculated how far the jump is, and then he ran. He stepped on the edge of the building and lunged himself into the air.


    Nate soared through the air, but the strength that he had put into the jump, wasn''t enough. He missed the edge of the building by a couple of centimeters. He began to tumble toward the ground, but didn''t make it far when he suddenly stopped. Nate felt magic surround him, and when he looked around he saw that he was floating in the air.


    "Need a hand?" Snow asked from above. She was lying on her tummy with her hand stretched out. It was her turn to smirk, but it didn''t last long as Snow began to grit her teeth.


    "You never cease you amaze me, princess." Nate grabbed Snow''s hand and, with the help of her powers, she heaved him up onto the building''s rooftop.


    "Yeah well, I don''t know if I could''ve hold you much longer." Snow heaved. Both of them was lying on their back. Nate sat upright watching Snow catching her breath.


    "You''re still weak." Nate said softly, but he didn''t ask, he stated.


    "Yeah, my powers haven''t completely restored yet. I really tired them out yesterday." Snow said, also sitting up. "To think, it was only yesterday that my life came crumbling down. It feels so long ago." Snow''s gaze slowly wandered around her.


    Nate watched her closely. He could see the burden she was bearing on her shoulders and wished he could help her somehow, but she keeps him at arms length. Nate sighed before pushing himself off the floor


    "Come on, I didn''t bring you here to dwell on the past and blame yourself for what happend."


    Snow looked up at Nate and saw that he had extended his hand toward her. She hesitated slightly before taking his hand and Nate helped her up.


    From there they jumped from building to building, laughing, joking and teasing each other. Sometimes they would show off to each other, and also fail a couple of times, but that did not stop the fun they had, and soon Snow forgot the pain and sorrow she felt earlier that day.

 49 Goodbye, part 1

    ***


    Previously on the Kings Power:


    *"How is she, doctor?"


    "It''s not going well. Yuna is in a very bad condition. Her burn marks are severe, but there is something that we found on her skin. I know it may seem hard for you, but there is still a chance that she''ll survive."


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    "Survive what?" Snow asked softly.


    "The coma." The doctor said looking Snow directly in her eyes.*


    -------


    *What happend?" Fay asked immediately when she saw the state Thea was in. Her head snapped up when she heard Fay''s voice."Yuna... Yuna had a setback."*


    --------


    *She looked at herself in mirror. Her face was still red from the blush, and her hair was messed up. She put on her nightgown and tried to make her hair presentable. Then she thought, why do I want to make myself pretty for him, he is just a friend. When she thought back to Nate, her heart began to beat faster and her breathing picked up. Her palms also began to sweat a little. No way, she thought, I can''t be feeling something for him, I mean everyone warns me about him.*


    ------


    *Their lips crushed together, and Snow threw her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss, she felt his hand go to her waist.


    Nate and Snow pulled away, looking into each others eyes, Snow can''t believe what just happened, she and Nate just kissed.


    "Wow," Snow said, her arms still around his neck.


    Nate laughed, "I''ve been waiting a long time to do this."


    Snow smiled, "Oh believe me, I know."*


    --------


    *"Those flowers on your dresser, I lied, I did send them."


    Snow''s eyes widened, "What? You send them?"


    Nate looked away, while a blush appeared on his face, "yeah, I mean, and I''m glad to know you like it though."


    "Why didn''t you just tell me?"


    "I don''t know, I guess I didn''t want you know that there are different sides of me. I always show people the one side, and that is the only side they get to see, but with you, it makes me want to show you all my sides, the good and the bad."*


    --------


    Present:


    Snow woke up with an arm around her waist. She turned around to face Nate and saw that he was still asleep, so she carefully lifted Nate''s arm and sat up. She looked back at Nate. He looks so peaceful, Snow thought, I wouldn''t mind waking up like this every morning. Wait what am I saying? Just last week, I was head over heels for Noctis, and now I''m developing feelings for Nate? Is it possible to like two guys at the same time? Snow shook her head and sighed, she then crept out of the room and walked down the hall. Snow felt really refreshed. She didn''t feel so exhausted like yesterday. Snow suddenly got an idea, she stopped walking, and held out her palm. She concentrated and then suddenly a bright flame appeared. She could feel the power running through her, it was a warm tingling sensation that stretched throughout her whole body. The flame started out small but then the it grew until it was the size of her hand. A smile appeared on her face and she watched the flame in awe. I will never get use this, Snow thought, then she made the flame dissapear. I wonder what else I can do, she thought. Then she lifted her hands and concentrated again until a red glow surrounded her hands. She looked around and saw a few vases with flowers in them standing on the floor. She lowered one of her hands and directed the other one in the vases direction. Snow then concentrated on the vases, and it was not long when she saw the same red glow appear around the vases and then they began to lift off the ground, floating mid-air.


    "Cool," she whisppered. She made the vases float toward her and then back again. She made them float higher then lower, before she put them on the ground. The glow around the vases and her hands disapeared. Snow lifted her hands, and thought, I have to see what else I can do, but first I gotta get food, because I''m starving. She made her way down to the kitchen, and what she found truly shocked her.


    Everyone was there, except for Yuna, of course, but the thing is everyone looked like a bus had hit them, except for Noctis. He looked like his usual self, wearing a light black shirt and trousers, with shoes that looked comfortable to run in, he''s right leg''s trousers were a bit shorter than the left side, he wore dark blue gloves on his left hand that only covered his hand, not his fingers. He''s shirt was longer on the left side than the right, but without his usual light jacket without the sleeves. He looked almost like the first time they met, when he came to her and proposed that they train together, but he didn''t look like his normal self, none of them did. Cinthea was sitting at the kitchen table, and it looks like she''s been crying. Actually it looks like all of my friends has been crying. Their eyes were bloodshot and they were staring into nothingness. When Snow stepped into the kitchen Thea and Fay''s heads snapped up, eyes wide with shock, before Thea ran and to Snow, hugging her. Snow knew something terrible happend, because of Fay''s behaviour, she is the youngest of them all. Cinthea stood up abruptly pushing her stool back, glaring daggers at Snow.


    "What''s going on?" Snow asked, with a look of confusion on her face.


    Fay''s face was buried in Snow''s shoulder, while sobbing, but looked up when Cinthea spoke.


    "What''s going on?-" Cinthea''s voice began to raise, "That''s all you have to say? Where were you last night? Some of us were worried sick you know, but it doesn''t seem like you care, because you keep disapearing!"


    "Cinthea, calm down, Snow is a grown woman, she can come and go as she pleases," Fay intervened.


    "Not if her friends need her, Fay!" Cinthea turned her icy glare toward her.


    "Can someone please tell me what''s going on?" Snow asked loudly enough to draw Cinthea''s accusing gaze from Fay back to her.


    "It''s Yuna. You know the set back she had yesterday, it was worse than we thought." Thea explained.


    "Worse how?" Snow asked, trying to look everyone in the eye, but none would meet her gaze.


    "Worse, as in...-" Thea''s voice began to break, before leveling her gaze with Snow, "she didn''t make it, I''m so sorry Snow."


    Snow could feel the colour draining from her face, her eyes wide with shock. She could feel the tears, beggining to slide down her face.


    "No. No, it isn''t true, you are lying to me!"


    "Snow, I know this is hard for you. You and Yuna were very close, but we would never lie to you about this." Thea said, walking toward her, engulfing her in a hug.


    Snow numbly hugged her back. When they broke apart, Cinthea still stood there, eyes cast to the ground, fists clenched.


    "When did you guys get the news?"


    "Earlier this morning. The doctors were working to keep her alive all night, until it was to late." Cinthea answered, "I''m going to my room, it was a long night and I''m really tired."


    Cinthea brushed past them, not meeting anyone''s gaze.


    "She really is mad at me," Snow said, walking toward the kitchen table and sitting in the stool where Cinthea sat.


    "No, I think she is just hurt and disapointed." Noctis said for the first time.


    "Noctis is correct, we have all suffered a great loss, losing one of our best friends is a terrible tragedy." Fay explained.


    Snow only nodded. It all felt so unreal. My best friend is dead because I couldn''t protect her. I was so caught up with being in love, I didn''t take my training seriously, so I didn''t get stronger, and that resulted me losing my best friend. Snow thought back to that day.


    The day of the tragedy:


    *Snow looked back and forth between Yuna and the monster, but when she was certain he was still alive she wanted to warn Yuna. Before she could do that Snow saw how he lifted his hand and aimed it at Yuna.


    Snow became very alert, and yelled at Yuna to watch out, but she didn''t hear. Snow was already on the move trying to get Yuna''s attention.


    Lava came out of the demon''s hand, aimed straight at Yuna.


    "Yuna!"


    When Snow yelled Yuna'' name, she finally looked in her direction, but it also made her see what was aimed at her.


    Then everything happened so fast, Snow saw that Yuna wouldn''t get out of the way quick enough, as the ball of lava was very close to her, so Snow tried calling on her powers, but neither of them would come. Snow held out her hands, trying to get her powers to work.


    The lava was right in front of Yuna, she looked toward Snow again, her eyes betraying her fear, but a soft, sad smile was on her lips, showing that she knew what was coming, and excepted it. Snow couldn''t except it, it was then that Snow felt the energy leave her body, enveloping Yuna.


    But it was too late. The lava hit Yuna with full force, sending her flying backwards. When she landed with a thump on the floor, she was unconscious. One could see the burn marks on her skin, it was all over her body.*


    Present:


    "Snow? Earth to Snow."


    Snow was yanked back to the present. She felt something wet on her cheek, and when she wiped her face she saw it was a tear.


    "Snow are you okay? You were just like staring into space and then a tear just rolled down your face." Thea asked.


    "No, I''m not okay." Snow''s voice cracked, a few silent tears rolled down her face.


    "I know, I''m sorry, that was a stupid question." Thea took one of Snow''s hand and gave it a squeeze. Snow only nodded, not knowing what to say until a thought accord to her.


    "Why aren''t you guys angry at me?" Snow asked, looking at each of them.


    They first looked at each other before Noctis answered.


    "We knew how hard it must have been for you to see Yuna like that, and we also know that you blame yourself for her injuries, and now probably, her death. So it''s understandable if you wanted to be alone."


    Snow nodded, thinking this over. If only I was alone.


    "I wasn''t alone, exactly." Snow said, carefully. She knew they were going to be mad, especially Noctis, that''s why she''s going to play it safe and leave the part out where Nate spend the night, and the part where they kissed, because she didn''t want to lose his friendship.


    Noctis stepped away from the counter, as he was leaning against it. Fay and Thea went completely still, watching Snow with wide eyes.


    "What do you mean? If you weren''t alone, who were you with?" Thea asked.


    Snow took a deep breath before answering. She knew it would be better to lie, to tell them that she was in a coffee shop surrounded by people, and to avoid seeing Noctis'' face when she tells them. Snow didn''t know how Fay and Thea would react, but she has to tell them, she just hope that they would understand.


    "After I ran out of the hospital, I was wandering around, and I ended up down town-"


    "Wait, what were you doing down town? You know that is a dangerous place, Snow! What if something happened to you? You could''ve easily been killed!" Noctis interrupted Snow, his gaze shooting daggers.


    "Calm down, Noctis, Snow is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. No one could harm Snow even if they tried." Fay told Noctis, before turning back to Snow.


    "Tell us what happened then, Snow."


    "I found Nate there."


    "What!?" Noctis yelled smashing his fist against the table, but Fay hold up her hand to silence him. Thea was watching the whole thing with wide eyes, not saying a word.


    "Nate was there? What was he doing there?" Fay asked more calmly, but Snow only shrugged.


    "I don''t know, as far as I could tell he wasn''t doing anything."


    "Alright, but he was the one with you right?" Fay said looking Snow in the eyes.


    "Yes. Yes he was."


    Noctis stormed out of the room, and left the rest with an eerie silence. No one said anything for a few seconds before Thea spoke up.


    "Well, that sure was something, and I think I''m also going to go to my room, this whole thing made me quiet tired, so please excuse me." Fay got up and walked out of the room.


    "I think I''m also going to go." Snow said, getting up and walking out of the room.


    She returned to her room, closing the door behind her. Without any warning she burst into tears, sliding down against the door, until she was on the floor.


    "Princess, is that you?" Nate came out of the bathroom, wearing his own clothes, but stopped short when he saw Snow sitting on the floor, crying.


    When Snow heard his voice her head snapped up.


    "Nate! I didn''t know you were still here." Snow quickly got up, wiping her eyes. She doesn''t know how he got over to her so fast, but suddenly she was engulfed in a big hug. Feeling Nate''s warmth around her made her cry again. She buried her face in his jacket and continued to cry.


    After, what felt like a long time, Snow quieted and Nate pulled away, resting his hands on her shoulders. He looked at her with concern.


    "So are you going to tell me what happened?"


    Snow nodded and went to sit on the edge of the bed, Nate sat next to her, and then she told him everything that happened, when she finished, his eyes were wide with shock.


    "Damn, princess, that''s just horrible." Nate lifted her chin, so that she could look him in the eye.


    "I truly am sorry for Yuna, and for the way your friends are treating you, you don''t deserve it." Nate wrapped his arms around Snow, kissing her head.


    "It''s okay, it''s not your fault, besides, you''re the one who''s actually sticking around."


    "Of course, but your friends will come around, I''m sure of it."


    Snow sat up straight with a smirk on her face.


    "What? No sassy comment?"


    "I can always throw my sympathy away, you know. Go back to my sexy, uncaring self." Nate said, making Snow laugh.


    "There she is. I love it when you smile." Nate said, making Snow blush.


    Snow and Nate talked for a bit longer before he said that he has to go. They shared a passionate goodbye kiss, before Nate leaped from her balcony, disappearing from view. Then Snow went down to the kitchen, again to get herself the meal she didn''t get before.

 51 Goodbye, part 3

    ***


    Previously on the Kings power:


    *"There is a legend that the royals believe in, "The Kings Power" that is what they call it, they believe that whatever is in these tombs, can defeat the darkness if all is collected, but, be warned, these tombs are well hidden among our land, only a very few has been found." Snow''s grandmother explained.


    ---


    *"Hereo or Foe? That is what everybody wonders, with her black hoody and soundless black boots, she saves everyone who is in danger. We don''t know much about her, or where she comes from, but what we do know is,


    she''s already got a name, vigilante. She first appeared two nights ago, and it looks like she''s going strong. Should we welcome her with open arms, who is this girl, and who will she save next?"*


    -----


    *"Lets see who is under this hoody," one who snuck up from behind tried to pull of the hoody and reveal Snow''s face, but unfortunately for him, Snow knew he was behind her, and before he could even touch her, Snow spun around, grabbed him by the collar and threw him into one of the shop''s racks in front of them.


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    He groaned before sitting upright, Snow could hear him curse under his breath, but she didn''t bother to hear what he had to say.


    Out of the corner of the room there came a chuckle, "well, what did you expect would happen? You can''t go revealing faces that aren''t meant to be revealed," the voice said, before stepping into the light, he too wore a mask, but his bright blue eyes shone clearly through the darkness.*


    ----


    *It''s been three days since Yuna passed away, and today is her funeral.*


    ----


    *"How have you been doing?" Noctis asked her, when he reached her.


    "I''m fine."


    "I''m glad." Snow didn''t know what to say to him. She could feel the tension between them.


    "Listen, Snow, I just want to apologize for the way I''ve been acting. Before Yuna''s death, and then ignoring you after her death. I should''ve been there for you, and I''m sorry for that." Noctis searched for Snow''s eyes. She didn''t expect him to do that. She didn''t expect anything from him.


    "It''s alright, I know you''ve got a lot of things on your plate." Snow smiled a small smile, she missed his friendship.


    "I will see you tonight, Snow, then we can talk properly. There is something I want to discuss with you." Noctis told her before moving on to talk with his father.*


    ---


    *Noctis'' pov:


    The day before:


    Noctis sat in his father''s study, with his father and Cid. They have been busy investigating the recent robberies that is occuring all around the city, The Black Vigilante helped catch some of the crew members, but she has been MIA for a few days now, so they can''t rely on her to catch the leader of the group. Cid questioned all if them, but turned up with no information. Only one of the guys, with the "too much tatoos" as Cid described, had run his mouth about their little operation. Apperentaly there is, as they call him, "The Big Boss", he is the brains of the whole thing, but he wouldn''t give any names. Then there is his right hand man, which we are most interested in, because he is the one in charge when they rob a place. He goes along to make sure they get what they need, and to make sure everything goes smoothly. Other than that, he didn''t reveal anything else.


    "Sir, I got the report on the robbery that occured three days ago, just like you requested." Cid told the king, handing him a piece of paper.


    Noctis'' eyes widened, "What robbery?"


    "There was a robbery Down Town late afternoon, they only stole food and a few other things needed for basic living." Cid filled him in.


    "Why didn''t I know about this?" Noctis demanded, looking between them.


    "My son, don''t you think I haven''t noticed how you are losing the only girl you have ever loved, because of this, and even if I have told you, what would you have done. We didn''t have the report yet."


    "You could have still told me, I will be king in a few months, when you retire, Father, I have the right to know what is going on in my kingdom."


    "Yes, you are right, but it is still my choice if I want to include you in things." The king told his son, making it clear he will not argue with his son on this topic.


    Noctis hated when his father did this. He wanted to be part of everything. He wanted to show Snow that he can be a king, and maybe one day she can become his queen, but she has to have faith in him to be a good king. His father is right, because he wanted to prove himself to Snow so much, he lost sight on what''s important: spending time with her. Instead he was too busy, and that led him to be rude toward her, and making her think that he doesn''t care about her or her feelings. Now Nate saw the perfect oppurtunity to come between him and Snow, Noctis thought bitterly. Then realisation struck him, Snow told her friends that when she wandered around, she ended up Down Town where she met Nate, and that was around the time the robbery accured, from what Cid has told him.


    Noctis had to talk to Snow about this, she has to know who he might be.


    ***


    Snow''s pov:


    Present:


    When Snow got home she said goodbye to her grandmother and immediately went to her room. She didn''t bother to undress and just fell face first on her bed. It did not take long before she fell asleep.


    When she woke up the sun had nearly set. Only then did she undress into more comfurtable clothes, and headed downstairs to find something to eat. When she arrived in the kitchen she found Noctis already making something for him to eat. He turned around when he heard someone in the kitchen.


    "So you finally returned back to the living. Welcome." He turned around propping the slice of bread in his mouth.


    "I didn''t know the crown prince ate bread. I thought you only ate royal food." Snow snatched one of Noctis'' pieces of the counter and into her mouth.


    Noctis only smirked.


    "Well, look at that, you''ve been living with us for almost a week and a half, and you still don''t know me as well as you think."


    Snow rolled her eyes before turning to make food of her own.


    "Your majesty, the king has requested your presence in his study." The king''s right hand man and Commander of all the troops in the Crown City came into the kitchen. Snow only saw him a couple of times, but never talked to him. He had a scar on his left eye, with his head shaved bald. She heard rumours that he was the best fighter of his generation, but has never seen him in action.


    Noctis sighed. He finished his bread before following the Commander.


    Snow sighed, there he goes again. Always off to royal duties. She finished up and then decided to go train for a while before dinner. She went to the training room and picked up a sword from the weapons rack. She practised her stances and her basics of sword fighting. After a while her mind began to wander.


    Snow stood in front of Yuna''s coffin. Yuna''s hair was loose around her. She was dressed in a sleeveless dress with soft make-up, just like she always wanted. Her burn marks was still covered with bandages, a request made by her parents. Snow thinks it is an odd request, but she respects their wishes, whatever they may be. Snow took one last look at her best friend, a single tear rolling down her face, before she moved away.


    Snow saw her knuckles turn white from gripping the sword. She remembered how Yuna''s parents cried the whole time. She knows that they don''t blame, that it couldn''t be helped, but Snow wishes that she could take away their pain.


    Then suddenly Snow screamed slicing her sword sideways. She felt energy leave her, and for a moment it was quiet, until Snow heard cluttering and the sound of things falling to the ground. When she looked around her, she saw things were sliced in half. Then she realised that when she sliced her sword, the energy she released, must''ve sliced the things all around her.


    Snow looked at her hands, studying them. She sat on the ground with her legs crossed. Why couldn''t she save Yuna? She didn''t have the energy that''s why, a voice told her. She tired out her abilities too quickly, and strength has a role in it too, because how stronger you are, the longer you can fight in battle and the more energy you have to use your abilities. Snow sighed, she went to lay on her back, spreading her arms next to her. She looked up to the ceiling. After all the training she put in on her own, and with Noctis, it still wasn''t enough. She could still not save a person she cared about. Will she ever be strong enough? Snow closed her eyes.


    Yes. I have to. I have to master all my abilities. I have to become stronger to protect my family and friends, I can''t go through this again. I have to. For Yuna, because she would want me to live up to my full potential, and I don''t know how yet, but I will obtain the Kings Power and stop the demons that roam this earth.


    Snow got up with fierce determination. I will become the best warrior just like my mother.


    "Miss Snow, I''m sorry to interrupt, but the food will be ready in an half an hour. I just thought you would like to know." One of the servants told her.


    "Yes, thank you." Snow cleaned up before heading to her room to shower before dinner. I guess the training will have to wait, Snow thought.


    Snow quickly showered and dressed into more appropriate clothes. Then she made her way to dinner.

 52 Goodbye, part 4

    ***


    Previously on The Kings Power:


    *When she posistioned her sword in her right hand, she looked at Noctis, she could read nothing from his face, suddenly there was a gust of wind and in a blink of an eye he was in front of her. Sharp gasps were heard from the crowd.


    A flash of surprise crossed Snow''s face.


    She barely blocked him.


    She realised that he ment business, and from the looks of it, he''s not going to hold back any more.


    If he wanted to play like that, what''s stopping me from doing it? Snow thought.


    When Noctis looked into Snow''s eyes again, it was like something has changed, when he looked more carefully he saw, that Snow''s eyes didn''t have that beautiful ocean blue colour anymore, but instead, an icy blue colour over took Snow''s eyes, the green in her eyes were lighter, you have to know how to look to see it, otherwise you wouldn''t even know it was there.*


    -----


    *Out of the corner of the room there came a chuckle, "well, what did you expect would happen? You can''t go revealing faces that aren''t meant to be revealed," the voice said, before stepping into the light, he too wore a mask, but his bright blue eyes shone clearly through the darkness.


    It looked like he was the leader of this idiotic group, but at least he doesn''t look as clueless as the others, Snow noticed.


    Then one of them roared and everyone came charging at Snow, all except one. He was still standing in the corner unfazed of what is happening in front of him, and by the time Snow had knocked every one of them out, he was gone.*


    ----


    *Present:


    That night Snow sat on one of the building rooftops in the Down Town. Most of the crime stuff happens here. She surveyed the area. Nothing seems out of place.


    Like they read her mind, Snow saw suspicious looking men walk down the street, speaking in hush tones. When one of them looked behind him, she saw that they were wearing masks.


    Snow decided to follow them to see where they are going, and besides they tegnecally haven''t done anything wrong... yet.


    She followed them into the city, before they stopped in front of a grocery store. Again? She wondered, why does everyone want to rob a grocery store? What about the weapons store? Surely they would have more value than food.


    Snow watched how they broke the glass and entered the store, she then dropped soundlessly to the ground, making her way toward the store. She has to be careful, if she wants to capture these guys. They can''t go running off before she has caught them.


    Snow looked through the window and saw that they were stuffing the bags full of milk, cheese, bread, etc.


    Snow furrowed her brow in confusion. What on earth could robbers need those for.


    Snow moved to stand in the doorway, making the robbers look up.


    "Oh man, it''s The Black Vigilante. I thought boss said that she wouldn''t be on duty tonight." One of the robbers said, backing away.


    "Damn, that boss. His head is too much in the clouds to be relied on." Another one said. He pulled out a knife from his pocket, "guess we will have to take care of her. Go. Inform the boss that she is here, he is in the other room."


    The other also pulled out weapons, while the one who seemed to be scared ran to the other room to go get the boss.


    Snow smiled, she just struck golden. The boss that got away last time has appeared again, and this time he won''t get away.


    The guys lunged at once, but Snow didn''t waver. She merely lifted her hands, feeling the power. A red glow appeared around her hands, before she released that power. That same red glow appeared around the men, lifting them into the air.


    "Wha... What is this?"


    "It must be sorcery. She''s a damn witch!"


    They all were talking at the same time, going on how she is a witch. She even might have heard they called her a demon in disguise. Snow rolled her eyes at their comments.


    Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone lift their hand, when she turned her head, something came flying at lightspeed toward her. Stop, she yelled in her head. Snow shut her eyes closed, but when she didn''t feel anything hit her, she opened them up again. The knife was floating mid-air, centimetres from her face. She saw the same red glow around the knife. Everybody was shocked.


    That was too close, Snow thought. If it weren''t for her powers, she would have had an knife in her head.


    Snow glared at the robbers. She had just about enough. Their eyes widened, but didn''t have time to say anything before they were flung to the back. Things went crashing, making a lot of noise. Snow''s eye caught the mirror against the wall, and was shocked to see the blue in her green eyes glowing, but quickly faded away when she heard footsteps coming from behind her. When she turned sideways she saw the leader and the other robber.


    The leader looked surprised to see Snow, before he regained his composure. He looked around at the mess, shaking his head. Snow heard him sigh and curse at the same time.


    "Get the stuff out of here, we can''t lose these supplies." He ordered the other one.


    The leader looked around, grabbed some tin cans and threw them at Snow. Snow wasn''t expecting that to happen, so she barely dodged it. When she looked back she saw he was on the run.


    "Damn it! It was just a deversion, I can''t believe I fell for that, but you will not get away from me this time!" Snow sprinted after him, he looked back to see if she followed him, when he saw she was gaining on him he ran faster.


    "Hey! Stop!" Snow shouted after him. When she saw he wasn''t going to slow down, she created a fireball in her hands which she threw infront of him. He made an abrupt stop throwing his mask off, which seemed to be on fire.


    "I got you now." Snow smiled lifting one of her hands up and before he could take another step, she froze his body so he couldn''t move. Then she turned him around so he could face her, but because she didn''t control his face he still wouldn''t look at her. Snow walked toward him in slow, deliberate steps. Something about him seems awfully familiar. It was dark, so she still couldn''t see his face.


    "Who are you?" Snow asked him, but he didn''t respond, his eyes were glue shut. Snow then uses her powers to force his face toward her, she made a fireball in her hand so she could see his face, but at that moment when she saw him, she wish she didn''t.


    "N-Nate...?" Snow released all her powers, making him fall to the ground. Only when she said his name, did he open his eyes. Snow took a step back, it felt like someone punched her in the stomach.


    Nate stood up, looking Snow in the eyes.


    "I know what you must be thinking, but I promise you, it''s not what you think." Nate took a step forward, but was blocked by Snow''s magic.


    "Do not come any closer." Snow warned, "It''s not what I think it is? It looks exactly what I think it is! You are stealing from other people!" Snow yelled, she felt the anger rise within her.


    Nate only stood there.


    "Please, princess, let''s get out of the street before somebody sees us, then I''ll explain everything." He pleaded.


    "No. What is there to explain? I think your actions has explained enough." Snow glared at him, daring him to take another step, her voice was dripping with venom.


    "How long?" She asked, looking him in the eye.


    "What?"


    ''''I heard one of your men say that they didn''t expect me to come, that you assured them I wouldn''t come. So how long have you known that I was the Vigilante?" Snow took off her hoody, revealing her face, she tried to control her anger, but only barely.


    "I didn''t know. I suspected it was you-"


    "How long?" Snow demanded.


    "Since that night that you captured my first crew."


    Snow was shocked. She didn''t know what to say. She felt light headed.


    "Was it all lie?" She whispered, more to herself than anyone else.


    "No!" Nate quickly said, he stepped forward and gripped Snow''s arms.


    "Nothing was a lie. Everything I said, and and did, was real, Snow. My feelings for you is real. You have to believe me." He was pleading with her.


    Snow shook her head.


    "Why should I? You''ve had many chances to tell me who you are, and that you knew who I was. I trusted you! I trusted that you showed me who you really was. You said that you are showing me a side that no one else saw, but there is more than one side to you. There is still sides of you that I do not know of!"


    Snow waited for him to say something, anything. He didn''t. He only stood there, eyes cast down.


    "You''re right. I didn''t tell you who I was, but neither did you. I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want you to look at me differently. Everybody already looks at me like I''m a thief, but when you didn''t I, couldn''t bring myself to tell you."


    Snow didn''t know what to say. She understood his reason why he didn''t tell her, but the betrayal was still there. How does she know that there isn''t anything else that he has been hiding from her.


    "Look, Nate, it''s getting late. I think I''m going to go back to the castle, please don''t follow me." Snow told him, she put the hood back on her head and jumped on the nearest building, from there she headed toward the castle.


    When Snow reached her balcony window, she carefully opened it and went inside. She took of her clothes and changed into her nightgown.


    She heard her stomach rumble and knew she was hungry again. I''ve never ate this much food in my life, Snow thought, I wonder what could affect my appetite so much.


    When Snow entered the kitchen Noctis was there. He was on his way out.


    "Snow. What are you doing here at this hour, it''s past midnight?" Noctis looked surprised to see her.


    "I was hungry, so I wanted to grab a bite to eat." Snow told him.


    "Again? It must be your powers."


    Snow turned around, a confused look on her face.


    "My powers? How so?"


    "You see, when I first started using my powers, I got tired really quickly." Noctis took a seat at the kitchen table.


    "And why is that?" Snow asked him, also taking a seat to eat her food.


    "You use your energy to conjure your powers. When you don''t have enough energy, your powers have a weak effect, or no affect at all, in other words, you can''t even use a simple technique to defeat your opponent. That''s why you need to fulfill your energy through eating or sleeping. It depends on the person, some people sleep, others like you, eat, some even uses pills to stock up their energy, but that is not very healthy or good for your body." Noctis explained


    Snow nodded her head. She understood that part.


    "But what if I don''t have food, can I still sleep it off?" She asked.


    "Of course, but it won''t restore all your energy, because your body needs food to restore all of it. Same goes for me, I can eat all I want, me energy won''t be fully restored, because my body needs sleep, understand?"


    "I think so. Isn''t there a way to control how much I eat, or to control how long I can go without eating?"


    "No, but it of course depends on how much magic you used, if you only used a little, you will eat a little, and you may go longer without eating, but if you used a lot of your powers, you will have to eat a lot to restore your energy, and you won''t get to go a long time without food. And remember, the stronger you are, the more energy you have, so it all depends on how strong you are."


    Snow sighed, so this is just another sign for her to get stronger.


    Snow ate her food in silence, deep in thought, she thought about Nate and about the robberies. I don''t know how I didn''t see it before, I should have recognised him the first time we met.


    "-ow. Snow."


    "Huh, what? I''m sorry, did you say something, I wasn''t listening."


    "Yeah, I figured. Is something the matter?" Noctis asked her, looking at her with concern.


    "No, no, it''s nothing. What did you say?"


    Noctis sighed, "I said, there is something I wanted to discuss with you. I wanted to do it before dinner, but as you know I was in meetings until after dinner, and when I finally got out, I heard you already retreated to your room for the evening."


    "Oh? Right, I forgot that you wanted to talk."


    "Look, Snow, please don''t be too mad when I tell you this, I don''t know this for sure, it''s only a hunch." Noctis told her, taking a deep breath.


    "Sounds serious." Snow said, waiting for him to speak.


    "Well, here''s the thing. I think Nate is involved with the robberies that has been going around the city."


    Snow''s eyes widened.


    "W-what?" She couldn''t believe her ears. Not this again.


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    "Look, Snow, I know this is hard to hear-"


    "You knew?" Snow stood up, making the chair screech, ''''how long have you known?"


    "I figured it out a few days ago when Cid told me that there has been another robbery this weekend, and I remember that you told me that you found Nate there, so I put two and two together."


    "I can''t believe it. How did I not notice these things, was I that blind?"


    "What are you talking about Snow? Are you telling me you knew? Is that why you looked so depressed when you came in here? Have you been seeing him?" Noctis now also stood up, resting his hands on the table and glaring down at Snow.


    "I-I..." Damn it. Now he is going to figure it out, and I didn''t want to tell him this way, I would have preferred not to tell him at all, right now.


    "So you have been seeing him." Noctis stood up straight, "have you slept with him too?"


    Snow could hear he was trying to control his anger, and it''s understandable, but what he just said was unacceptable.


    "Excuse me? What did you just say? Did you seriously just suggest that I would sleep with him? What the hell is wrong with you?" Snow''s voice began to rise, if she wasn''t angry before, she definitely is now.


    "Well, why wouldn''t you? You''re obviously smitten by him." Noctis looked at Snow with disgust, "it wouldn''t surprise me."


    Snow froze. I can''t believe he just said that. She was shocked to her core. How dare he say that. Snow felt a sudden energy come alive within her. She clenched her fists, feeling the power trying to spark it''s way out. She glared at Noctis, feeling the power in that glare. She saw his eyes widen, looking at her with utter shock, he almost looked scared, but only for a second, when his own power reacted with hers. A blue glow surrounded his body, electric sparks sparked every few seconds. His hair stood upright, lifted by the blue glow.


    That''s right, his power is electricity.


    "How dare you insinuate that I slept with him." Snow''s voice sounded different somehow, echo''s followed as she talked. Her voice sounded deeper. All around them things started to float. Blue and red energy began to rise above them. Each trying to gain the upper hand in the room.


    "We only kissed! That is all!" Snow yelled, her red energy began to over take his blue energy, lifting everything to the roof. Snow felt so much energy within her, but it also feels like she is slowly losing control.


    "What is going on in here." A voice boomed in the room making them both lose focus and drop everything to the ground.


    Snow felt like she had full control over her conscious again. What just happened, she thought. It felt like I was consumed with anger.


    When she turned to where the voice came from, she was overwhelmed with shame.


    "I hear your yelling from my room, and my room is not even in this wing!" The king said loudly. He did not yell, but spoke loudly so that they could hear him loud and clear, ''''and then I come here, and hear some more yelling and see you two provoking each other with your powers." He fixed them with a stern glare.


    "Forgive me your majesty, for losing control." Snow bowed in shame.


    "I except your apology, Snow, but it''s not your fault. I heard what he had said to you." The king directed his glare toward his son, "That is not how a son of mine behaves."


    Noctis couldn''t meet his father''s eyes. The king excused Snow, saying he wants to talk to his son alone. Snow retreated to her room, I can''t believe I did that, Snow thought. I was so angry, I almost lost control, again. But this was different from last, the more power I used the more power I had. My conscious felt like it was slowly fading away, piece by piece, like something was eating it. Snow entered her room and collapsed on her bed, drifting to sleep.


    *Noctis pov:


    Her eyes... it was glowing a bright blue, just like that other day when I got carried away with training. The air also felt like it dropped several degrees, and the power radiating off of her was immense. I have never felt this kind of power before.


    "Noctis." Noctis'' head snapped up at the sound of his name, his father glared at him.


    "How many times have I told you not to test her? She is not someone you should mess with, especially when she gets that angry!" The King raised his voice. Noctis understood what his father said, he did warn him, countless times.


    "I''m sorry father, I was just so angry. I mean what does she see in Nate? He is going to hurt her, I mean he already did." Noctis felt a tear roll down is face.


    "My son, I know it is hard to watch the person you love, love someone else, but do not forget, you were the one who pushed her away, even if you did not mean it. Remember when her friend was in the hospital, she needed you, and you told her friends not to go, so you could be alone with her. It was a good plan, but then you got so busy with your royal duties, you didn''t have the time to go to her, and you know who was there? This Nate, fellow. He was there for her, and when she got back, instead of apologising to her, your ego got the best of you and you pushed her away for good."


    His father''s words struck him like lightning. The realisation dawned on him that it was his fault that she is in love with Nate. I pushed her away and into his arms. I am so stupid!


    "Father, what have I done?" Tears were rolling down his face.


    "You made a big mess for yourself, and now you will have to find away to get out of it, and make her forgive you for what you just said. I only pray that she will, and that you have not lost her forever." The King held his son''s face in his hands, wiping the tears, before walking out of the room.


    Noctis did not know what to do, he really messed up this time. He walked out of the kitchen and went to his room. Thinking about how on earth he is going to fix this.

 53 Things arent always as they seem, part 1

    ***


    Previously on The Kings Power:


    *"Damn, that boss. His head is too much in the clouds to be relied on." Another one said. He pulled out a knife from his pocket, "guess we will have to take care of her. Go. Inform the boss that she is here, he is in the other room."*


    ----


    *"N-Nate...?" Snow released all her powers, making him fall to the ground. Only when she said his name, did he open his eyes. Snow took a step back, it felt like someone punched her in the stomach.*


    ---


    *"You''re right. I didn''t tell you who I was, but neither did you. I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want you to look at me differently. Everybody already looks at me like I''m a thief, but when you didn''t I, couldn''t bring myself to tell you."*


    ----


    *"Look, Nate, it''s getting late. I think I''m going to go back to the castle, please don''t follow me." Snow told him, she put the hood back on her head and jumped on the nearest building, from there she headed toward the castle.


    ----


    *"You use your energy to conjure your powers. When you don''t have enough energy, your powers have a weak effect, or no affect at all, in other words, you can''t even use a simple technique to defeat your opponent. That''s why you need to fulfill your energy through eating or sleeping. It depends on the person, some people sleep, others like you, eat, some even uses pills to stock up their energy, but that is not very healthy or good for your body." Noctis explained*


    ----


    *Have you been seeing him?" Noctis stood up, resting his hands on the table and glaring down at Snow.


    "I-I..." Damn it. Now he is going to figure it out, and I didn''t want to tell him this way, I would have preferred not to tell him at all, right now.


    "So you have been seeing him." Noctis stood up straight, "have you slept with him too?"


    Snow could hear he was trying to control his anger, and it''s understandable, but what he just said was unacceptable.


    "How dare you insinuate that I slept with him." Snow''s voice sounded different somehow, echo''s followed as she talked. Her voice sounded deeper. All around them things started to float. Blue and red energy began to rise above them. Each trying to gain the upper hand in the room.


    "We only kissed! That is all!" Snow yelled, her red energy began to over take his blue energy, lifting everything to the roof. Snow felt so much energy within her, but it also feels like she is slowly losing control.*


    ----


    *"How many times have I told you not to test her? She is not someone you should mess with, especially when she gets that angry!" The King raised his voice. Noctis understood what his father said, he did warn him, countless times.*


    ---


    Present:


    Snow woke up the next morning. Dread filled her stomach thinking about what happened the night before. She can''t believe Noctis said that. Snow sighed before climbing out of bed. She got dressed and headed down for breakfast. When she got there she saw that Noctis and the King was already seated. Luckily Noctis sat on the other side of the table while the king sat at the head. Snow took her place at the table in silence avoiding Noctis.


    The King must have sensed the awkwardness in the room because he tried to lighten the room with small talk.


    "Did you sleep well, Snow?"


    "I did, thank you your majesty for asking."


    The king nodded with a small smile on his face, "it is my pleasure, Snow."


    "And you, my son? Did you sleep alright?"


    "I slept fine, father." Noctis didn''t look up, instead he kept playing with his spoon.


    The King sighed and then they waited in silence for their breakfast.


    When it arrived they began eating without a word. The scraping of spoons against the foodbowls was the only sound you could hear in the dining room. When they finished, the servants took away their dishes. Snow was about to excuse herself from the table when the King stopped her.


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    "Snow, wait. This... atmosphere in this house will not be tolerable. I will not live like this in my own home! So I have decided that we will have dinner tomorrow night, and both of you will attend."


    "But father-" Noctis began, but was quickly interrupted.


    "I don''t want to hear it. This is not up for discussion, Noctis. You two will make peace, even if we have to sit here all night, this atmosphere will be no more!" The king glared at him, daring him to speak. When no one did, he stood up and walked out of the room.


    He can still demand respect in the room, even after all these years. Snow looked at him in awe, before she too stood up and got out of the room. She didn''t spare Noctis a single glance.


    Snow entered her room and went to her drawer. She took out her workout clothes, and as she turned she heard a tap against the window.


    "Nate?" Snow''s expression grew darker as she opened the balcony window.


    "What are you doing here?" Snow crossed her arms over her chest.


    "Please Snow, just let me explain."


    "Look Nate, I''m not in the mood for this, and I''m going to the training room to train, so please go." Snow turned to leave, but was stopped when Nate grabbed her arm, forcing her to face him. He wasn''t forceful, in fact his touch was gentle, spreading warmth throughout Snow''s body. Only then did she realise how much she missed his touch.


    "Snow please. Please just let me explain, if you still feel the same afterward, I will then leave you alone."


    Snow felt conflicted emotions. She really wanted to hear him out, but she didn''t want to get hurt again, because that seems to happen a lot lately.


    "Alright, I give you one minute." Snow relented. Nate smiled gratefully, he stretched out his hand, willing her to take it.


    "What are you doing?"


    "Well, I told you I''m going to explain, but you will have to come with me if I''m going to do that."


    Snow carefully took his hand and he immediately pulled her close, snaking his arm around her waist.


    "Damn it feels good to have you close again." Nate looked Snow in the eyes.


    Snow admit it did feel good to be in his arms. She rested one hand on his chest, looking deep into his eyes. His ocean blue eyes. All her anger and hurt vanished away. She felt safe in his arms, like she never wanted to leave. She looked down at his lips, it''s a light red colour, she noticed. It was like gravity pulled them together. She felt his lips on hers, crashing together. Their kiss was deep, and passionate. Snow flung her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss even more, Nate held her tightly against him, like there was no tomorrow. When they finally broke apart, their breathing was ragged.


    "Forgave me that quickly, Princess? Or did you miss me that much?" Nate smirked down at her.


    "You jerk! I have not forgave you yet. You still need to show me why you lied." Snow swat his chest, trying to get out of his grip, but he would not let go.


    "It won''t help trying to pry yourself out of my grip, because I''m never letting you go again." Nate whispered in a gruffly manner. Any argument Snow had was then immediately washed away.


    "And I never want you to let me go." Snow rested her head against his chest, sighing inwardly. I am where I''m supposed to be, she thought.


    "Now come on, even if you have forgive me, I still need to show you this." Nate turned around and picked Snow up on his back, all in one swift movement.


    Snow laughed and looped her arms around his neck.


    "You know I can jump further across the rooftops than you right?"


    "Ha! Please, I''d like to see you try." Nate looked back at Snow, a smirk on his face.


    "I already did!" Snow laughed.


    "No. No. I let you win there, but just this once, can you take us to the next roof?" Nate scratched his head in embarassment, making Snow laugh.


    "Of course. Hold on."

 54 Things arent always as they seem, part 2

    When Snow and Nate arrived at their destination, she saw that they were Down Town again, but this time they were standing in front of an old gate, between two buildings. Snow could hear noise coming from the other side, and wondered what it was.


    Nate saw her standing there, staring at the Gate. It was rusty, but had a beautiful pattern at the top, which consisted of metal vines and roses.


    "Come on." He beckoned, but when she didn''t budge, he took her hand, intertwining their fingers. She looked down but didn''t pull her hand away. He then led her through the gate and when they rounded the corner, Snow''s eyes bulged out of her head.


    Children was running about, chasing each other and laughing. Women were doing their laundry, and chatting with the person standing next to them. Snow looked at these people with wide eyes. The children wore clothes that was ragged and worn out. She wondered why they were so hidden from the world, then a thought dawned on her.


    "They''re refugees." Snow whispered.


    "Yes, they are. These are the people who lost their homes due to the Demon attacks."


    "Where are all the men?" Snow noticed that there wasn''t any man in sight.


    "Well, some of them are in the woods, cutting trees to get firewood for the night, and well, others died protecting their wife and children." Nate explained, a solemn expression on his face.


    "Oh." Snow looked at the nearby children, so some of them lost their fathers or their mothers, or even both.


    "How long have they been staying here?"


    Nate shrugged, "only a couple of years."


    "Only a couple of years?" Snow gaped at this image in front of her. "How have you stayed hidden so long?"


    "Well, the King doesn''t care about this part of the city. No one ever comes here, and this place is well secluded, you''d have to know that it''s here to find it." Nate crossed his arms.


    "How did you find this place then?"


    "I live here." Nate turned to her with a smile.


    Snow furrowed her brow, "but you''re not a refugee."


    "No, and not all of them are. Some, like me, who is from this city, lost everything in a demon attack a few years ago." Nate gazed at the children. Snow could see hurt and vulnerability in his eyes. Now she understands where it came from. He lost everything, along with these people, and nobody is doing anything about it.


    "And you all just lived here since? How do you feed everyone?" Then Snow realised something. "The robberies. That''s it, isn''t it. That''s how you take care of everyone."


    Nate nodded, ''''You''re quick to catch on, princess."


    "Why didn''t you tell me? I could have talked to the King, I could have helped you." Nate shook his head.


    "That''s just the thing, I didn''t want anyones pity. I didn''t want you looking at me the way you''re doing right now. If I was to show you, I wanted you to be proud of what I have done here, and besides, the king won''t take care of us, so we have to take care of ourselves." Snow nodded her head in understanding. She understands where he is coming from, even if she is a little upset that he didn''t tell her sooner, but she won''t hold it against him, because she wasn''t exactly forthcoming either and he is showing her now.


    "You know, you sound a lot like those bad guys that tried to stop the Summit, and almost blowing up the King in the process." Snow laughed. Nate was watching her expression closely, and looked relieved when she made a joke.


    "No, that was my boss and my partner." Nate put his arm around Snow''s shoulder, while they walked around.


    "Wait. So that was you? You could''ve killed him!" Snow turned to glare at him.


    "First, no. That was my partner, I wasn''t involved with that. Second, that wasn''t real bombs, it was smoke bombs, just enough to scare the king and delay the whole thing, but we didn''t think there would be another magic-user." Nate winked at Snow.


    "So, you knew who I was when we first met at the market?"


    "Yes, and no. I recognised you, but I couldn''t quite figure out from where, until I saw you in action."


    "Why did you want to delay the summit?"


    "My, my, so many questions today."


    Snow gave him a pointed look before he sighed at continued.


    "We don''t trust the Empire."


    "That''s all? But they''re going to sign a peace treaty.''''


    "That''s just it. We have been at war with the Empire for fifty years. Why call the war off now?"


    "Maybe because the know they are going to lose. We aren''t the only ones with demon problems."


    "You''re right, but I don''t think that''s the reason for calling cease fire." Nate was quiet for a moment, all most as if he was choosing his next words. "Do you remember that story of Troy?"


    "Yeah, we learned about it in history. What about it?" Snow furrowed her brows together.


    "Do you remember that horse statue they made which the King thought was a sign that they gave up?"


    "Yeah, and then the youngest prince told them they should burn it, but they didn''t listen to him. I always thought the King was a fool, because he didn''t listen to his eldest son the first time around and that got the prince killed. One should think he ought to have learned his lesson, but when he didn''t listen to his youngest son''s words, the King paid with his life and the great city of Troy fell at the hands of the Greeks."


    Snow saw in Nate''s eyes he was both impressed and proud.


    "You know quite a bit of your history, don''t you." Snow shrugged, but a blush began to spread over her cheeks at the intensity of his gaze.


    "But what does that have to do with..." Comprehension dawned on Snow when she figured out what he was trying to say. "You think that the peace treaty is their way of getting into the city?" Nate nodded.


    "It makes sense when you think about it." Nate said, Snow could feel the colour draining from her face.


    "We have to warn the king, surely he must know it''s a trap!"


    "I agree, but the empire will arrive here in two weeks when that prince is going on his fancy road trip. There isn''t much time left, if any."


    Snow rolled her eyes at the bite Nate took toward the prince, but chose to ignore it. She didn''t want to think about him after last night. It still hurts to know that he thinks of her that way. They started out as friends, although they both had feelings for each other, but with his duties and her training they grew apart.


    "We still need to warn him, though." Nate nodded, deep in thought. Snow hook her arm with Nate''s, earning a grin from him.


    "Nate?"


    "Hmm?"


    "You told me you had a boss and a partner?"


    "Yes?" Nate answered, watching her from the corner of his eye.


    "So you''re not the boss of this little operation?" Snow laughed, "and here I thought we had our own little Robin Hood."


    "Ha ha. Very funny." Nate rolled his eyes, "I am the leader of my own group. We are the ones who get the resources to feed this place. My friend, who is also my partner, and his group, were the ones to bring protection and to make this place feel safe, but since that dumb fool got captured, we don''t get those things anymore."


    "What about your boss? What does he do?"


    "He''s the one who orchestrated this whole system and keeps it in check. His got his own group who guards this place, and makes all the plans to advance us, and to make us better."


    "I didn''t see any guards when we came here." Snow furrowed her brow, looking around to see if she could spot them.


    "That''s the whole point. If you can''t see them, then outsiders can''t get suspicious and come snooping around where they''re not suppose to."


    "This whole thing is like a big secret organisation and your boss is the brains behind it."


    "Exactly."


    "Wow. I never would have imagined that you, Nate, the bad boy, would have such a big heart." Snow kissed his cheek, laughing.


    "And you are queen of it." Nate picked her up and spun around, making Snow laugh.


    "Nate!" A voice yelled, "stop making out with that girl and come put your muscles to use."


    When both of them turned it was an old lady who called him.


    Nate sighed, "I''m coming, Mrs Potterson." He walked away, giving Snow a quick peck on the lips. She watched him move toward the the lady who called him. The woman looked tired and worn out, physically. She had on an apron, wiping her hands on it. She looked on with a scowl, and when Nate finally reached her, she looked like she was going off about something. Nate was over all tall, but with the old lady standing next to him, it looked like he was towering over her. Snow laughed at the image.


    "Ohhhh, you''re pretty." Snow turned around, and looked down to see a girl standing in front of her, with glossy eyes and red hair, braided into two braids.


    "Aww, that''s so sweet of you." Snow crouched down to look the girl in the eye, "but you know, you are just as pretty, maybe even more so."


    The girl gave a big smile. ''''Really?"


    "Really." Snow laughed, "now tell me, what is your name?"


    "Annabeth."


    "It''s nice to meet you Annabeth, my name is Snow."


    "Snow? Oh, you''re the girl who Nate can''t stop talking about. He said you were very pretty."


    Snow blushed, but she decided to laugh it off."Did he now?"


    The girl nodded her head. "Yeah, and he said that he''s going to save you from the evil prince."


    Snow laughed again, I wonder what else he said to this child.


    "Hey, Annabeth, who is your new friend." An older boy came walking toward them, he didn''t look older than 8.


    "Brother, it''s Snow, the one Nate''s always talking about." The girl told him. He looked at Snow with a sceptical gaze, before turning his focus back to his sister.


    "Yes, I see, but mother is calling us, so come on." He took her hand and led her away, but she turned around and waved at Snow.


    "Bye Snowflake" She yelled. Snow gaped at the girl, and spun around when she heard a voice behind her


    "Snowflake? I should remember that one." Snow turned around and saw Nate walking towards her.


    "Yeah, well I hear I''m quite popular, since you can''t stop talking about me." Snow smirked, making him blush.


    "Where did you hear that?" Nate cleared his throat, his eyes darting everywhere.


    "From Annebeth." She smiled at his awkwardness.


    "She''s a child, she must''ve heard wrong."


    Snow laughed, "You''re right, that must be it." She shook her head at him.


    "Come on, before anyone else wants my help." Nate quickly took her hand and led her toward one of the rooftops.


    "Who was that lady, anyway?" Snow asked when they reached the top. The roof had two walls, the rest of the sides had no walls.They sat on the edge with their legs dangling over the rooftop.


    "Just some old, mean lady. Nobody even likes her, but she the gets stuff done." Nate shrugged.


    Snow nodded, she gazed at the view in front of her, eyes locking on the castle. The sun was high in the sky, making the crispy air a little more bearable.


    "Snow, what is it?" Nate asked, touching her arm.


    "Oh, it''s nothing, I was just deep in thought, that''s all." Snow shook her head.


    "It''s more than that. I can see it. Talk to me." Nate put his hand on her chin, forcing her to look at him.


    Snow took a deep breath, "Noctis and I had a fight last night, because he figured out what happened between you and me, and then he accused me of something."


    Nate''s face grew dark, "what did he accuse you of?"


    Snow recounted what happened the night before and with every passing moment Nate''s face grew darker. By the time Snow was finished, Nate was beyond angry. He jumped up and began pacing the roof.


    "That bastard! He had no right to accuse you of such things!" Nate yelled. Snow stood up and put her hands on his shoulders to try and calm him down.


    "Nate, please calm down."


    "Calm down? Snow, how can you tell me to calm down? That ''''prince" needs to learn some manners. You don''t talk to a woman that way. No matter how angry you get! What''s our relationship got to do with him anyway?" Nate yelled. He began pacing the roof. Snow let him, because then he can get out all his anger.


    After a while, Nate finally stopped pacing, and went to lean against a wall, sighing.


    "You know, I''m surprised that you didn''t have a remark about what Noctis said, and in any case, I thought you would gladly except the fact that people think we are sleeping together."


    Nate opened his eyes and looked at her. He shook his head. "No, this time... this time it''s different, somehow. You''re a good woman Snow, innocent and pure, and I can''t let people like him tarnish your good name. I won''t allow it. For some reason I don''t want to disturb you."


    "You won''t, if we decide to do it, it would still be my choice." Snow walked over to him, standing directly in front of him.


    "No." Nate whispered, shaking his head. "It''s not the right time."


    Snow nodded. She agreed with him. It didn''t feel like the right time, but she couldn''t help but wonder when was. She was scared that when she is on the hunt for The Kings Power, she might not make it back, and then she might never have a special, intimate moment with him.


    "But that doesn''t mean that I haven''t thought about it." Nate had a lopsided grin on his face. Snow swatted him on the arm, laughing. Thank goodness he didn''t see my worry on my face, Snow thought, but also realised that she would have to tell him. She didn''t know when, and to think that she would have to leave him here, made the thought of leaving unbearable. He would want to come with, but she can''t allow that. That would make her even more worry. She had to know that he was safe. Here, in the city, but after what he said about the Empire, she wondered if he was safe here after all.


    Nate suddenly spinned them around, switching places. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes. Snow wondered what he was up to now. Their close proximity made her heartbeat sped up. It pounded so loudly in her ears she was scared he could hear it. She saw his eyes flit to her mouth, like he was asking for permission.


    She felt herself move forward. Like magnets their lips came crashing together. Nate put his hands on her hips, pulling her toward him. She felt his hands moving along her curves, squeezing at the right places. Snow moaned against his lips. Her hands traveled up his torso, moving along his chest, and then his broad shoulders. She felt him shudder and it pleased her to know that she could get a reaction out of him, but she wouldn''t stop there.


    Heat began to build as their lips moved against each other. Nate moved down her neck, sucking and licking the exposed skin. Snow began to tremble. She clutched his dark hair in pleasure.


    She then pushed herself against him, slowly grinding him. He moaned loudly, one of his hands clutched her bum, as she moved against him. Their lips found each other again, hungry and full of passion.


    Snow gasped as he lifted her of the ground, wrapping her legs around his waist. He took advantage of the moment and slipped his tongue into her mouth, making her moan against him.


    Nate pushed her up against the wall, kissing her neck and moving lower. She leaned her head against the wall as Nate made his way down. He planted a kiss between her breasts. He lifted his head, meeting Snow''s eyes, she was breathing fast and her core was on fire. With his one hand under her bum supporting her, his other hand slowly undid the first button of her blouse, then the second. When Nate looked down, his breath hitched in his throat. Snow was wearing a lacy bra. His fingers moved over one of her breasts. Snow gasped again, clutching his hair and tightening her hold around Nate''s waist.


    Nate undid the rest of her buttons. Then he captured her lips again, hands roaming her body. Their tongues moved together as one. Snow''s hands clutched his back, pressing her body to his. Nate tried to unclip her bra, but Snow stopped him, resting her forehead against his, both breathing hard.


    "We need to slow down." Snow told him and heard him sigh.


    "You''re right, as usual." Nate lifted his head, a sad smile on his lips.


    Snow untangled herself from him, buttoning up her blouse. She already missed his warmth.


    Nate took her hand, enterwining their fingers, before going back down.


    Before they made it to the gate, they heard a voice call.


    "Nate, is that you?" They turned around and saw a young woman walking towards them. She too looked tired and worn-out, making her look older than she really is. Her brown curls were made in a ponytail, bouncing back and forth as she walked. She must''ve been beautiful in her days, without all the dirt and hard working days.


    "Hey, May." Nate shifted uncomfortably.


    May looked at their locked hands and then she looked between them, a wide smile spreading across her face.


    "Nate, you didn''t tell me you were bringing your girlfriend home."


    Wait, girlfriend?


    Nate groaned, "I was just showing her around, May."


    The woman named May, laughed. "Well, are you going to introduce me?"


    Nate sighed. "May, this is Snow, Snow this is May, my aunt."


    Snow''s eyes widened in shock. She didn''t know that he had any family left.


    May laughed again. "Nate didn''t tell you he had any family left, did he." She stick out her hand, and Snow took it to shake it.


    "I''m sorry, you just caught me off guard."


    "It''s alright, he never tells anyone that he has family." May smiled warmly.


    "Yeah, well, we were just about to leave." Nate turned around, tugging Snow with him. Snow saw sadness enter May''s eyes at Nate''s coldness.


    "Bye, it was nice meeting you." Snow told her.


    "You too, Snow." May smiled at them.


    When they passed the gate, Snow turned to him with a glare.


    "You didn''t tell me you had an Aunt."


    Nate only shrugged. "There wasn''t much to tell, and now you know."


    Snow gaped at his indifference.


    "You could have been nicer to her." Snow said crossing her arms. Nate sighed, running his fingers through his hair.


    "I know, but it''s better if I don''t let people in, that way I won''t get hurt."


    Snow took his hand, intertwining their fingers. "You let me in remember."


    Nate gazed at their hands and nodded slowly.


    They walked to the castle in silence and by the time they reached it, the sun was on the verge of setting.


    When they reached the castle''s gate, both of them stopped. A thought occured to Snow.


    "So... I''m your girlfriend now, huh?" Snow looked up at Nate, watching him. A grin had appeared on his face.


    "Now that''s quite an upgrade right, from dating to being in an official relationship." He pulled her toward him, with one arm around her lower back.


    "We weren''t even dating in the first place. We never went on a date, remember"


    "Oh really, now what do you call that little picnic we had up on the roof?"


    "That wasn''t a date."


    "Ooh, you wound me, princess." Nate made a dagger-thrusted-into-his-heart motion. Snow rolled her eyes at him.


    "No, but seriously, Snow. Will you...I-I mean do you want to..." Nate stammered which made Snow laughed, she leaned in and whispered.


    "I''ll think about it." Snow said, smiling seductively.


    "Think about it?" Nate''s brows shot up.


    "Of course. I can''t let you get me that easy."


    "Course not. That would be too easy." Nate smirked making Snow laugh.


    "Thank you, Nate, for today." Snow blushed when she thought about their steamy moment. Nate smirked when he saw her. He pulled her closer and leaned down to whisper in her ear.


    "It is my utmost pleasure, princess. Although, there are many more times to come." Snow blushed at his words.


    She tried to pull away, laughing. "Not just for that you know, for showing me the truth about what you do."


    Nate hummed in response and kissed her temple.


    "Nate, are you going to let me go?"


    "Not if I can have it my way."


    Snow laughed. "Well, not today." Snow stood on her tippy toes and planted a kiss on his lips. Nate smiled down at her. The look in his eyes made her knees weak. She couldn''t explain what it was, but it made her feel good. There was a smoldering look in his eyes. Snow untangled herself from Nate''s arms and stepped back.


    "Goodbye, Nate. I will see you in two nights time."


    "Only in two nights? Why not tomorrow night?"


    Right, I haven''t told him that the King ordered me and Noctis to have dinner with him to make up.


    "Well, the King kinda ordered me and Noctis to have dinner with him tomorrow night." Snow told him. Nate''s brows shot up.


    "So you''re going to go, then?"


    "It''s not like I have a choice, really."


    "Alright." Nate nodded. Snow heard the reluctance in his voice, but she''s glad that he understood and that they didn''t have to fight.


    Snow waved a kiss goodbye. She gave on step back, before she felt fingers around her wrist and being pulled back. Lips crashed together, and Snow felt Nate''s tongue enter her mouth. She moaned against his lips. Her knees felt week, and she was glad to have his one arm steady her, while the other was burried in her hair. When they pulled back, Nate whispered. "Just as long as his majesty remembers to keep his royal paws of off what''s mine."


    Snow rolled her eyes at him, stifling a laugh. ''''Goodbye, Nate."


    She walked away from him, hearing him laugh. She is finally happy and now she''s going to have to leave him, and not knowing if she is going to come back frightens her. She feels so at ease when she is with him, joking around and playing with each other, and the hot make out scenes that comes with it, surely makes is worth while. Snow blushes when she thinks about his mouth on hers, their tongues moving together. What they did earlier, or what they were going to do shocked her. Nate changed her in ways she never thought possible. She never would have done that with Noctis, or anybody else for that matter. His touches always electrifies her skin, where ever he touches.


    Snow smiled, thinking about him, and that''s when she knew. She was falling, and falling hard for this caring badboy. Never in a million years would she have thought that she would feel this way for someone like him, but she''s glad she did and she couldn''t be happier.