Prologue

I gripped Mom's arms as I walked down the stairs. Dad was home.

Closer and closer to the bloody scene, a scene that drew the audiences' attention.

The last six elements kings of shadow, light, fire, wind, water, and earth were deceased, and now, new kings are chosen.

In the Stadium, the center of all the kingdoms, the new kings will be chosen at 12. This year though, in the year 0004, it was different. It strayed from the ordinary. There was only one king candidate. All the other kings died mysteriously, and the last six kings had died before they could make more beings.

Ren was the last prince, at the perfect age of becoming king. He was ready to take on the position while receiving training by the Secondmaster, an immortal that has taught kings since 0000.

Of course, the Secondmaster was at the grieving ritual, next to Ren. He was always needed, as a 12 year old must learn from somebody.

Each step down matched my heartbeat, and I glanced fearfully at the smoke coming from the coffin.

As a 12 year old, knowing what was inside of the coffin hurt my heart. Yet another voice, a second me, kept on urging me to become braver.

So childish. I'm so childish. People die. Why must I be so scared?

I hardened my resolve, but it faltered again.

People die.

What was the reason? Why must people die?

The natural cycle.

I answered my own questions, trying to put off the fact I was going into the front lines of the audience. I passed archangels, elves, Snarkles, and humans. The mermaids were watching in a telepathic system.

The king was an archangel this time. I am too, which meant he would attend school at the Academia, school for archangels, and resonates in Saphira.

"Hey, watch out!" A man with long ears glared at me when I accidentally bumped into him. As he turned, long silky green hair moved along with him. "Watch where you're going," he hissed.

I bowed low, my silky black hair moving along with gravity. I was always complimented for my hair.

"I'm truly sorry, sir. I didn't mean to." I apologized with the best sincerity I could muster.

Mom also dipped her head and murmured a small apology as well.

Mom had always taught me since I was little to be formal, and keep a small reputation. Not let people notice me. That was the safest option, and will always be the best option.

The elf let out a 'hmph' and turned his back to us, his attention back on the ceremony.

I dipped my head one last time despite the fact he wasn't looking at us and continued down the stairs. My foot touched the bottom level, my hands gripping Mom's. Many peoples' heads were bowed, in mourning. The ones closest were standing. It was a true loss.

Ren looked up and roared what would be said at every new kingdom ritual, but rarely answered to. "Would anyone dare challenge me?!"

The citizens could challenge the new king, but people rarely did. Only those on the same level as the princes granted the power of genes from their creator (the kings), would have the ability to challenge the six kings, either one of them. Of course, this year was different. There were no other princes, and even if there were more than six, the princes rarely fought. They knew their hierarchy, Mom had told me.

It surprised me when a brave voice, small but clear, rose from the front crowds. "I would like to challenge you."

The whole place, every single Human, Snarkle, Elves, Beasts, and Archangels, fell silent. A fog of confusion and shock fell over the crowd, all because of one brave boy.

An archangel, supposedly around my age. He stepped out into the open, carrying a crystal sword, staring at Ren. "May I?"

The boy had bright silver hair and golden eyes. He was facing Ren, and I was on the sidelines in between the two.

He was looking at Ren though, an obvious challenge shining through his crystalline eyes.

"Yes, you may." The answer was expected, an answer that you had to say. It was just the cause of that answer that was unexpected. Ren's crimson eyes bored into the boy's eyes, obvious fury showing.

This year was truly abnormal.

Those who had the nerve to challenge the kings, chosen by the previous kings, would duel until one wins. It would be like this case, as well. As much as things have changed, these things won't change. Just like every single time, the challenger would end up in the Underworld.

A flash of light appeared, and the silver-haired boy had suddenly seemed to teleport to his enemy, causing a fit of surprise from Ren. A black sword, like a polar opposite of the boy's, was pulled from thin air by his side. The sound, unlike any metal, screeched through the air. The crowd of all those of Yan watched on, all watched, intrigued. Mom even had wide eyes, darker black eyes watching the fight intently. The screen showing mermaids had them staring into the transmitter, not willing to miss even one moment.

The sound disappeared, followed by another screech as Ren jumped up and attacked from above. Pure white wings sprouted from his back, and the silver boy blocked it after getting a little cut. Even so, he let out a little scream.

Pain infliction weapon, obsidian?

There were those in the world, made from important stones, made from the Mise, designed solely for some person.

It seemed the other boy's weapon was also enhanced, as it withstood another enhanced weapon. Diamond.

A small spark lit inside of me while I watched the screeching and blood. I could feel that amethyst weapon calling to me, something that was locked safely in my home, where nobody knows, able to come out at will. But of course, that would be unnecessary and would draw attention.

Who was this mysterious boy, and how had he come into possession with an enhanced weapon, and had power matching of future kings?

My attention was directed to the fight again, adrenaline rushing over me. Blood flashed, a small smile was pushed down. If only I could join it… it would be so much fun. This fight was important, yet I still couldn't get out of my thoughts. Nice, peaceful, unreal thoughts.

If only I could fight them. But I was 12, again. They were 12. Three 12-year-olds, fighting with enhanced weapons? Absurd to many adults, of all genes. It would draw attention. Would come in the way of future deeds if I would like to do something…

Someone grunted, and the tension in the crowd suddenly dispersed. Another someone let out a small gasp, and I whipped my attention back to reality. Has the fight ended? Of course, I didn't need to look to know the ending–

My mouth parted as I stared at the scene. Were my eyes tricking me? I was so sure that Ren would win, yet… he was the one on the floor, glaring up at the challenger.

"I surrender." A small voice, filled with uncontrollable anger but silence to the point where only people close, on the sides, could hear.

The diamond sword pointed at Ren's neck was removed and disappeared. His sword also disappeared, as enhanced weapons had abilities to come and go at will.

The challenger heaved up and down, the only sound in the otherwise silent crowd. Then there was a moment of pure silence, filled with tension.

A small clapping appeared in the crowd and broke it after a few seconds. It came from behind me as everybody's eyes bored into the origin of the sound, as well as me.

An old man, an elf, had oblivious eyes and a kind smile was slowly clapping. He looked genuinely happy.

I react as fast as I can and quickly shush him. "You can't do that! You're going to die if you do that! Ren has a bad temper." I waved a hand over the man's face. "Don't keep on doing that." I didn't care if this was drawing attention to me or Mom was tugging me back. I had a soft spot for old people of all kinds.

The old man nodded, and slowly parted his hands. "Ok."

Another stretch of silence.

Suddenly, everybody scattered. It was chaos. Chairs were flipped, the screen projecting the mermaids fluttered out, slowly people started disappearing. They streamed out of the Stadium. The boy, seemingly, had disappeared.

Mom pulled on my sleeves, urging me to leave as well. "An angry heir is very dangerous."

I also moved my legs, obedient to Mom's command. When the sunbeams hit my face, I immediately sharpen my eyes.

Where was the other boy? The mysterious boy, who had the power to challenge the heir and win. What would happen, now that the mysterious boy disappeared?

"Mom. Can I try to find someone?" Of course, I asked for permission, as an obedient child would do. I glanced up to Mom, begging her with my eyes. Curiosity was part of a child's personality, and I was a child. I could not just ignore that tugging feeling inside of me, aching to know more.

"Oh, honey…" Mom hesitated, looking down at me. "You know it's dangerous… and I have a responsibility to keep you safe."

I bit my lip, understanding yet still, that curiosity inside of me, gnawing… "I know, Mom. But please. I'll come back in 5 minutes, and besides, everybody's leaving. Nobody would kidnap me." I paused for a second, and then looked up at her. "If I meet Ren, you know I will survive," I whispered in a quiet voice.

Mom sighed and patted my cheek lovingly. "Ok, but stay safe. Come back in 5 minutes straight."

I nodded my head, and looked around, passing the Transporters that were flying away. I ran off. "Where are you, diamond boy?"

The time was ticking in my head, as I constantly surveyed the area. Tiktok. Tiktok.

3 minutes left.

"Where is that boy?!" I grumbled in frustration. Only now I realized five minutes searching for a small boy — amidst many fearful people – was too little time.

A flicker of silver caught my eye, and immediately I directed my head towards the direction. "Diamond boy?" A small murmur escaped me.

A boy, not as small as I expected, but identical to the one who fought Ren, was standing next to a brown Transporter. It was one of the old models.

Small, clear tears were streaming down his cheeks as he stood there, unrelenting to move.

Intrigue took over me. It was interesting how a small silver boy, about my age, who is able to defeat Ren, would be this fragile.

Poor, poor, thing. "Hello. My name is Chunami Mizuki! Nice to meet you. What are you doing here?"

A flicker of irritation found its way to my heart when he ignored me. He intrigued me, yes, but crying kids (even if I was one) was not something I particularly enjoyed.

I smiled, trying to come off as welcoming and happy. "Hello!" I tried again. "My name is Chunami Mizuki. Is there anything you need?"

Still, tiny droplets of tears rolled down his cheeks.

What would make such a powerful boy feel despair? Much less waste precious tears?

"I-I'm…" I perked up, eager to listen to whatever else he's going to say. "Shama Chitou."

I knit my eyebrows. "Excuse me?"

His lips quivered, and resaid it, this time more clearly. "I'm Sana Chikao!"

Oh. That made more sense. "That's great!" I smiled even bigger.

At least I know you're not mute.

I know it was rude and selfish of me to be bitter, but even though I was a master of concealing my emotions, I was easily angered. "What are you doing here?" I tried to pry more information out of the fragile boy.

"I'm w-waiting for my grandpa… he's not coming!" He sniffled a little. "He told me to fight that other boy, I did, and then he said we can leave! I don't get it…"

Unease. That was what I was feeling. "Perhaps he had a green sweater and a ruffled hat?" Please don't say yes. Please don't say yes. Please don't say yes…!

"Yes."

I bit my lip. Now, this is going to be a little hard to say, but everything bad would come out eventually.

That grandpa of his was the one who clapped. Which meant there was only one possibility of where he would be.

"I'm so, so sorry. But he's dead." I was going to butter the truth up, but the ending would be the same. That soft start would only make him even more heartbroken.

A few more of those precious tears rolled down his cheek, and it looked like he was about to break.

But suddenly Sana narrowed his eyes on me. Has he finally come to his senses? Death was only a peaceful thing, a release to those in pain. It was useless to feel sad for something that was already gone, and couldn't be changed.

He disappointed me again. "No! I don't believe you! He would die that easily! When he took me, he promised!"

Took him? Was that grandpa not his blood grandpa? This situation was so interesting. This boy was so interesting. It made the time I spent on him worth it…

Oh, wait. Time. That ticking time was still there… Coincidentally, there were only 13 seconds left.

So I did the only thing that would result in a win-win (for me, of course), even if it ended in an almost-lost for Sana. I grabbed his wrist and pulled him with me as I ran back to Mom.

12, 11, 10, 9… it was harder to run with Sana there, struggling as well, but it worked… 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!

I ran into Mom, huffing. A smile graced my lips. "Right on time!"

We were the only ones left in the area, so the yells of restraint that Sana yelled out were useless. (AN: This is such a great 'and that's how I met your mom' story >.<)

"Let me go! I want to find grandpa!"

I sighed. "Mom, as you can see-" I beckoned at Sana. "-Sana, which is his name, wants to see if his grandpa really is dead. We have to go back to the building."

"The clapping one?"

I nodded.

"... sure. But then you have to promise we will go back home. The only reason I'm agreeing to this is because you have someone with the power equivalent to the heir's." Mom stared pointedly at Sana.

He stopped whining, and gratefully (if he hadn't, I might've just killed him. No one disrespects Mom) smiled. "Thank you, ma'am!"

She knit her eyebrows at him and let out a stiff nod.

Sana ran towards the Stadium's main doors, Mom and I rushing to keep up with him.

Mom abruptly stepped in front of us and peered in. "Wait, let me see first."

I nodded and stepped back, but when Sana didn't do the same thing, I pulled him with me.

After a few seconds, the look on Mom's face made me immediately step back. It's bad, isn't it?

She used an arm to shield us from whatever caused the horror on her face. "You guys shouldn't see this. You're still children, after all." Mom pursed her lips and looked sympathetic towards Sana. "All I could say is that your grandpa is dead if he's the one clapping."

I nodded and looked at Sana. "Erm…." I don't know how to comfort people, nor do I feel any actual pitiful emotion towards Sana, which would make it more difficult to comfort him.

He did look like he was about to cry, his small hands balling into fists at his side. "Grandpa…"

Small silver eyes stared down at the floor, and a few droplets of tears rolled out. "Grandpa… oh grandpa…"

Mom and I stayed silent for a while until I couldn't handle it anymore. "He's dead, all right? It's that simple; it's just a loss of human life. Death is release from the world. Living is much harder than death, so if you ever loved your not-so-real grandpa, then be grateful he's dead!" I huffed in and out, not caring that more tears were streaming out of his eyes. What part did he not understand?

Mom glared at me. "You will not say that to a boy, you got it? That's disrespectful! Sympathize, even though god knows you don't have that ability."

I bit my lip. Mom's mad at me. I didn't want Mom to be mad at me. It was very important to keep the person I loved the happiest. I bowed my head and apologized. "I'm sorry, Sana. You are only a boy, so you have a lot of potential in your life. There are many things you haven't experienced yet. I shouldn't have said it." Even if I was his age, his level of sensitivity was different from mine.

I paused for a second, looking at his reaction. Nothing. "Um…. how about you live with us?"

I glanced at Mom, asking for permission. She let out a hesitant nod as if coming up with the decision on the spot.

"So?"

Sana sniffled a little bit and looked up at me with big, innocent eyes. "Really?"

It's working! I bobbed my head up and down in excitement. "Yes! We would make you feel at home!"

He stood up straighter and stared directly into my eyes. It was almost blinding. "I want to live with you guys. It's a shelter… and I have no one else… and you guys seem like nice people!" A small smile, a break from his tears, appeared. "Thanks!"

I smiled softly at him. Such an innocent boy, oblivious to the cruelty of all the peoples of the six kingdoms.

"Great!" Mom smiled at him as well. "Your dad would be very happy if a new child joined our family. Come on, let's go home!"

We walked back to our Transporter, a black, medium-sized vehicle. I climbed into the back row and held out a hand to Sana. "Come on! Let's show you your new home!"

He pursed his lips and reached out with his hands, ready to move onto his next phase of life, and I welcomed a powerful kid into the family, as a new brother.