“—that I’d always be with you, as long as you have it.”

The days have gone by and the only thing that gave him comfort was the subtle movement of his lover's chest going up and down. Their usual joyful faces have been diminished respectively into that of a dying one and a grieving one.

Jodeus sighed as he clenched Brytos's hand, fearful that if he so much left his touch and sight, Brytos will end up turning to dust and be scattered to the winds. So he refused to let go, even when his stomach would cry and threaten to eat his insides.

There was no trace of who had killed his mother and cursed Brytos. If the conjurer was nearby they would have been long gone by now; disappearing into the shadows, unshackled by this crime. And all Jodeus could do was think about it. To have come so far just to ruin what they had, who could have done it and why?

His eyes dropped down to look at their entangled hands. "Wake up," he whispered.

The Alumnus entered the room and saw both souls in a similar state as they were weeks ago. During those days, Jodeus had refused to eat or bathe; anything that would have required him to leave Brytos' side, even for a second.

To make it worse, he did not speak or nod. So hearing actual words out of his mouth was a slight relief, albeit the grimness of it all. If this was prolonged, Brytos will not be the only one to leave this earth.

So with a half-solemn look, he brought news that he knew would raise his hopes.

"I have inquired with my neighboring friends…" he walked over to his side and presented a folded letter, "While I do not have the proper healing necessities to treat someone with this much difficulty. There is not much I can do in this circumstance..."

Jodeus remained still as the Alumnus continued, "I cannot promise anything, however, I cannot say it is entirely hopeless to save him."

This got his attention, and his eyes filled with confusion and the tiniest bit of hope.

The Alumnus knew that Jodeus was in no vigor to do something as drastic as he was about to suggest. Never was. And yet he offered the letter, knowing how the next few events would undoubtedly cause a massive disorder that would affect the entire fate of the Tanzanite.

The material of the letter was thick and abrasive, and as Jodeus examined it thoroughly, the telltale crumbs of white sand sprinkled on his arm. The torn wax seal was not familiar in any way, shape, or form but he got an idea of where this was from. 'Could it really be?'

"Mera. An old acquaintance of mine in the Uvites, whom I have confidence in— on both her skills and mercy, have agreed to assess this plight," The Alumnus paused, "this just may be his saving grace, however..."

Jodeus heard the unsaid: crossing the border, let alone any contact with the other kingdoms was considered a taboo, as it had been for many generations within the Tanzanites. And he'd be carrying this task all by himself.

His grip tightened. Ever since he was a child, he had never set foot outside the wonders of his own home…and now, he would have to set aside his comforts and everything he always knew. If he didn't, he would lose everything he loved.

With him, the only child, missing or presumed dead, there would be no heir to claim the throne. Whatever would happen next could possibly be the end of the reign of his family and if words were to spread, his name would be mirrored forever in history; as the prince who betrayed his people just to be with an opposing outsider.

Could he gamble on the people's future without much to bet but his own strength which had always been fragile; so much that he couldn't even save the love of his life from this horrible predicament?

He knew that he was never the best fighter, it was always Brytos. His eyes darted between the letter and Brytos' pale body. If there was a chance, he should take it, no matter how difficult and slim it may be. If it was him in this very bed, Brytos would move heaven and earth to save him.

"Life has its risks, no matter where you are in it," The Alumnus said as if he could read his mind. "All you have to do is think about how you'll face it…you have always been the best thinker in your class."

"I was usually the 'only' one in my class."

The Alumnus shrugged,

"I have prepared everything you need. If my memory serves me right, it takes two oceans to cross. I will suggest you leave tonight 'after' you have eaten and rested, or else you 'will' die before even reaching the border."

…

Jodeus lied on a gurney beside Brytos, unable to leave his lover's side. He stayed there, wide awake despite the Alumnus' instructions, unable to sleep as he just stared at Brytos.

He was to leave tonight, but he had no plan in mind.

All that had happened continued to relive itself in his mind. Every time he closed his eyes he would see everything burning. The village, the forest, everything all up in flames. He could still hear the screams, his people's screams of anguish, ringing in his ears.

The kingdom was in ruins, he knew that he was needed out there with the cavaliers, with Natiya and his father, instead of here. But he couldn't bring himself to, and yet, he couldn't help but feel guilty.

With all this in mind, could he even truly bear to leave the kingdom after all that has happened? The people, his people needed him more than anything. The kingdom needed him more than it ever had. Would he be able to stomach the guilt of leaving all of this to the King? To his father? Especially now that…

He had lost his mother, who didn't come short of anything.

And here he was, repaying her sacrifice by betraying his own people. Although he tried to justify himself, his mother was one to preach about doing anything and giving everything for love.

With the thought of leaving everything behind, he glanced at Brytos' unconscious state. Scratches. Burns. To think that they used to sleep in peace.

The questions started to drown him again. Should he go? Or should he stay and abide by his duty as an heir?

If he were to go could he even find the courage to tell the King? Would he just sneak away at night, just to avoid his father's questions? If he were to leave, would the King understand or would he despise him enough to disown and exile him?

And if he were to stay, would Brytos survive? The Alumnus had told him that Brytos is on the brink of death but what if there were even an infinitesimal chance of him surviving, would he risk his lover's life to help his kingdom?

A small sound from Brytos pulled him out of his dwelling. He couldn't bear to look at the pain on his face.

…

"Ouch!" yelled Jodeus as a sharp branch sliced his arm, the blood gushed through the clothes and he started to panic.

Brytos flew down to check on him, wondering what had stopped their game of chase so early on. He grabbed Jodeus's arm roughly, then sighed. "I thought it was something serious, it's just a slice…"

"I'm bleeding!" he exclaimed, red-faced. "You're just built differently…"

Jodeus winced as he dabbed a piece of wet cloth, which he had ripped from his sleeves, on his wound. It had stopped bleeding now but it was still painful. He screamed as Brytos landed beside him, carrying a full bag of jars and potions.

"Have you stolen these?!"

"What? You said you were bleeding! So I brought everything," he laid the bag and placed the jars upright.

Jodeus had no idea which one to use, he reckoned it wouldn't be safe if he experimented on his wound. Either way, he thought it was kind of Brytos to have risked getting caught just to make him feel better.

"So this is where you'd run off to after my classes," said a voice. They both jumped, and Brytos flew up, readying his flames in defense.

"Calm down, children. I won't hurt you… but Young King, I must say, I am quite disappointed. Did you not trust me enough to have told me?" The Alumnus asked as he stared at them, genuinely concerned.

Brytos continued to glare, gnashing his teeth at him, his wings spread out as he tried to scare him away. Jodeus stayed on the ground, unable to even look him in the eye, feeling guilty. When none of them answered, he continued,

"A Carnelian? Interesting. How did you, young sir, have passed the border?" he asked politely, looking up at him.

It took a while for him to consider speaking, he looked at Jodeus, who only nodded at him. He stayed put in the air, readying himself in case he gets attacked by this stranger. He thought back on how he got there exactly, not exactly sure himself.

"I was…flying and then I came here,"

To his surprise, The Alumnus only let out a hum, not bothering to ask any more questions. He before approached Jodeus, who held out his wound for him to see, and with a swipe of the Alumnus's hands on his wound, it healed completely.

Brytos looked in awe, letting his wings calm down until they disappeared on his back. He walked over to Jodeus to get a clear look at his arm. There was no scar or swelling. It was like he was never hurt in the first place.

"Now, I think you better bring back what you've stolen," he said politely with a smile.

Jodeus nudged Brytos, who only pursed his lips.

They went back to the Alumnus's clinic, where he had stolen the jars. Jodeus offered a hand but the Alumnus only shook his head, discouraging him from doing so. "He must do it himself, it is his responsibility." he simply said.

Brytos didn't mind not having any help, it was only a few jars after all. More so, he found the old man a bit odd and interesting. "Are you what they call a wise man?"

"If you say so," he said, which didn't make sense to either of them.

Jodeus walked beside him, watching Brytos stumbled to balance the jars in his embrace a few steps right in front of them. "Would you tell mother and father?"

"No. It is not mine to tell,"

Jodeus pursed his lips, that's right, he'd have to tell his mother and father soon. But he knew that outsiders were not allowed in and yet…

"How did Brytos get past the border?"

"It is as he said. He simply flew in."

"But how?" he asked, wincing as Brytos cursed out loud as he dropped another jar.

"The border had simply welcomed him to our home, and that alone means a lot more than you think. If he wasn't welcome, his body would've dragged down on the ocean the moment he tried to enter."

Jodeus beamed at the thought, he always knew that Brytos wasn't as bad and scary as he looked. A bit rough and insensitive at times, but he knew he didn't mean to.

"What is wrong with these jars?!" Brytos growled.

The Alumnus gave a small chuckle, he had enchanted the jars earlier to move on their own and slip out of his grasp when he least expected it, a light punishment for what he did. Although, he didn't stop Jodeus as he ran to help him carry the jars. It seemed like he couldn't bear to see him this way.

"Go away! I don't need help!"

"Stop being so stubborn!"

They bickered as they fought over the jars and with a red face, Brytos agreed to let him carry half of it. They walked over the large roots and branches, getting much closer to the castle now. The Alumnus lived between the castle and the forest, so there was a slight risk of him getting caught.

"Why not rat on me?" asked Brytos,

"Do I have a reason to?"

Brytos thought hard, "Well… I'm an outsider,"

"No, you are one of us, young Brytos," said the Alumnus as he entered his hut, which looked like a greenhouse as it was full of medicinal herbs and other brewing potions laid on the table. Scrolls and other artifacts sat on the shelves. And one empty cupboard where they placed the jars back in their place, carefully laying the potions down.

The Alumnus cut the silly enchantment off before it could jump off the cupboards, he then turned at the two of them, they seemed to be interested in all the things in his humble house. Jodeus had never been here before, and Brytos had, yet he pretended to be in awe.

He was actually thinking about what The Alumnus had said, he tried to hide the smile growing on his face, and instead pointed at one of the top shelves.

"Why do you have so many weird rings?" he asked, they all turned to look at where he was pointing at.

"These are not simply weird rings, these are predatory plants and they are alive," he grabbed one from the top shelf, presenting it to them. It was a sluggish green with purple dots on it.

Jodeus peered at it, agreeing with what Brytos had said. It was weird and ugly. "Plants?"

The Alumnus placed the ring on the ground and gestured for them back away before chanting something under his breath. Then to their surprise, the ring had morphed into a plant, it had green teeth and purple eyes. It tried to snap at them but they had backed away. It couldn't seem to walk, thank goodness.

Then he had turned it back into a ring before it tried to bite their heads off again.

"That was gross." "That was cool," said Jodeus and Brytos at the same time.

…

They both sat on the ground by the lake, eating food that Brytos had hunted, he coughed to get Jodeus's attention, who raised a brow at him, his mouth full.

Brytos took something out of his pockets; it was round, small, and so smooth that it reflected the light. Jodeus swallowed his food down, admiring the garnet gem on top of the ring. He had seen his mother and father wear the same thing, could it be?

"This is called a Promise," he explained, his garnet eyes shimmering through Jodeus's questioning ones. He then reached for his hand and slid the silver band on his ring finger, it fitted in perfectly.

Jodeus examined the ring close to his face, "What are you promising me?"

Brytos looked up, "Well…that I'd always be with you, as long as you have it."

…

Then The Alumnus entered the room, looking him in the eye, awaiting an answer.

Jodeus gave him a final nod.

…

The Grand Hall was where the royal traditions took place, it is where the King and Queen sat as they ruled over the kingdom. It is also where the Tanzanite Stone hung above them all.

The large doors closed behind him, echoing throughout the castle. He took in the whole place, having never seen it so deserted before. He passed by the columns of water that were constantly in motion. He ignored the three thrones on the marbled platform.

'If I get my blessings, I could survive out there. I'll have a chance to save Brytos'

Jodeus looked up at the murals on the marbled ceiling. From above, the royals leered down at him with scrutiny. And if he stared for too long, it seemed as though the Old Kings were using their blessings to sway the painted sea. But that was impossible as they were all deceased.

But something did stare down at him. He stared back at it, watching it glow at the very center of the murals. Despite having spent countless times in the throne hall, he had never spoken to the Stone. But this time he could feel the Stone beckoning him.

And he listened closely,

'I have been expecting you

As I expected your father,

As I did with countless other Kings and Queens

But are you prepared to accept me?'

"Yes," he said, trying to not tremble so much. The Grand Hall rumbled as it spoke to him, but without assessing even further the Stone had simply told him,

'You have not proven yourself

You are not prepared'

Those words felt like a stab in his heart.

He looked up at the Stone, eyebrows furrowed. "Not ready? But I am!" he exclaimed, however, the Stone did not respond.

His mother's pale face flashed in his mind, the arrow piercing through her, and embracing him for the last time. He gritted his teeth and dug his nails into his palms as he clenched his fists. Brytos was waiting for him, he needed to save him.

"Give me my blessings and I swear I'll prove myself!" he yelled, his voice ringing in the deserted hall like he was the only one there.

But still, the Stone didn't respond. Instead, its glow diminished, as though it had gone back to sleep. Jodeus felt himself grow angry, so he asked again, feeling the slight hope in his chest waiver. And like a fool, he asked again. And again. And again.

But… the Stone was right. How could he even think he was prepared? He was angry and trying to grasp the single hope that was left.

He always fear that he simply wasn't the King he sought to be, and the Stone had just proved it.

"How will I prove myself…" he trailed, tears threatening to fall. Brytos would die and it would be because he wasn't capable to save him.

Jodeus didn't even notice the door opening until he heard the echo of someone approaching him, their footsteps echoed on the marble floor as they made his to him but then they stopped. He didn't have to turn to know who it was.

He waited until he spoke, letting the sound of the water columns break the silence between them.

"I was wondering where you were," his father spoke slowly, unsure and regretful. "And then I went to see The Alumnus."

That was when Jodeus turned to look at him. However, he didn't feel as afraid as he thought he'd be. His father had a grave look in his eyes, but it wasn't directed at him, he looked as though he was disappointed with himself. That he was to blame.

"I've always wanted to tell you,"

"Why him, why someone of the same kind who killed your mother?" he asked, his voice dark and broken.

"He needs me, Father," Jodeus feigned strength as he spoke, failing miserably when his voice broke. "Please, I cannot live without him." he wiped his tears before they could fall.

Nerune didn't respond.

So he continued to speak, almost in a whisper, "I'm leaving Tanzanite,"

Jodeus walked slowly and without even raising his head to see, he was sure that a look of disappointment was painted across his father's face. But just as he passed by him, the doors closed on their own.

"Please, let me through."

"I will not allow you to leave. If you truly want to, you'll have to go through me."

Jodeus's ears twitched at the sound of the sword being drawn. Their eyes met, and to see that grave look on his face pained him greatly. The sound echoed in the chamber and it seemed as though the whole place had gone dark.

From behind his father, was the only thing that lit the room, the Stone had once again, awoken.

He touched the hilt of his dagger and scoffed.

'I understand now… '

Jodeus lunged at Nerune, striking his dagger at either of his limbs but his hands trembled as his father's sword clashed against his own. He struggled to find an opening as his father kept deflecting his own strikes nonstop. He screamed as his father sliced his shoulder as tried to block one of his swings, but it wasn't deep. It was simply a paper cut, Brytos was going through worse.

Every attack Jodeus threw was easily evaded by his father, his movements were fluid as he avoided and blocked his dagger with his own sword, effortlessly doing so.

Nerune struck Jodeus in the nose while shifting his sword to his left hand. He was temporarily dazed after the hit, forcing him to move aside, almost tripping at his own heel. But he shook his head and wiped the blood from his nose before looking up at his father again.

Their eyes met and his father's eyes were dark azure, stoic and unnerving. It was something he rarely saw his father do. The water columns in the grand hall rushed like a waterfall, it was loud and angry.

'Maybe it made it easier for him to fight me,'

But he understood how he felt despite the blank facade. He ignored the chill in his spine and quickly struck with all his strength, glaring down at him.

Once again, his attack was deflected, he stumbled far this time.

Recovering, Jodeus scurried towards his father, his chest heaving and his neck dripping with sweat. When he saw another punch coming, he ducked and aimed at his ankle, only to get knee-d in his stomach. Standing up, he gets punched in the face again, reeling back from the blow he received.

The second he recovered his footing, he attacked again, swinging his dagger, desperate to hit his father anywhere. Stab after stab. Slash after slash. Every time his dagger came close to even nicking his clothes, his sword would always be there to deflect it, making it difficult to land an attack.

Jodeus felt that it was impossible to hit the king until he finally landed a slice.

It was luck and he knew that. Unfortunately for Jodeus, the King quickly forced him aback by hitting him in the stomach with his elbow. He tripped on his heel and fell on the ground, heaving. The heat of his body embraced him.

He took a deep breath, "Damn it," his lips trembled. 'He needed to win this.' The garnet of his silver band shimmered on his finger. 'He needs to help Brytos.'

The blood dripping from his father's thigh made Jodeus' heart heavy with guilt, but he pathetically tried to push it down. Instead, he tried to see the wound as a chance of winning against him, but it wasn't working.

"Let's end this," said his father, lowering his sword. However, that didn't make Jodeus feel any better. He closed his eyes, hearing the sound of the water column unchanged, it was still rushing like crazy but it fluctuated, as though it was unsure.

He stood up, struggling to get back up on his feet. "No," he said. He felt angry and frustrated at himself. He wanted to win, he wanted to prove that he was capable, and yet… there was a cold spark in his chest.

"I'll prove myself!" the cold spark was getting bigger.

Nerune only shook his head but didn't raise his sword. It seemed like he was done with fighting. But Jodeus wasn't done, he was thirsty and tired but he refused to give in. Brytos's life rested on his hands, even if it gets bloodied, he was going to save him.

"So let me through!"

As they both stood below the Stone, Jodeus felt a cold feeling pass over his chest, just where his tattoo was. He gripped his dagger's handle until his knuckles turned white,

He made his dagger into a saber, feeling the power surging in his chest. Its blade of ice sharpened into a point and he swung as hard as he could. The slice of his blade created a whirl of ice that flew far at the very front of the room, slicing his own throne in a diagonal cut.

His father didn't wipe the blood off his face, instead, he stared at Jodeus with wide eyes. The sword in his hands fell from his grasp, and the sound of metal clanging to the floor echoed throughout the hall. Nerune felt his knees weaken as he felt the flake of snow land on his nose.

"Caera," His voice was unheard by anyone but him. The water around him rippled and the water columns calmed down.

Jodeus lunged at him and with his blessing, he created a plow of snow, something his mother used to do when he wanted to play, but the snow was meant to entrap his father, and it did.

He raised his sword up to his head, ready to strike down.

'What am I doing?'

In a moment of clarity, he stopped his sword in mid-air. His arms trembled as he stared at the crown of his father's head, he was bowing at him, his own father was giving up. So he let his saber turn back to its dagger form and turned away.

He raised his head up at the Stone, which glowed gracefully above them. Then he asked it once again for his blessings. With an empty feeling, he waited until the Stone had granted him his wish, and when he finally received it, it wasn't as fulfilling as he thought it would be.

"The kingdom needs its King." Jodeus refused to look at his Father, only turning his head to acknowledge him, fearing that if he saw the King vulnerable, he might not be able to leave the castle.

"And it has you, Father."

…

The Alumnus stood by the foot of his bed, where Brytos lied almost lifeless, he didn't ask how it went, which Jodeus was thankful for.

"I'm going to Uvite," Jodeus said, his voice filled with determination, and The Alumnus nodded in reply.

"Good," The Alumnus nodded to himself again, "Now with the issue of bringing Brytos along with you," he made his way to where Jodeus was standing and offered his palm up like he was expecting something. When he was met with Jodeus' questioning gaze, he almost chuckled at himself. "I can infuse his life force into the ring he gave you."

Jodeus nodded–ignoring the lingering question of how the healer knew about the ring–and took the ring off, handing it to The Alumnus with no questions asked. The healer thanked him silently before walking back to Brytos' side. "I advice you to step back, Jodeus,"

The Alumnus hovered a hand over Brytos' chest and closed his eyes, "Μετατρεψτε εναν ανθρωπο στην καθαρη ​​του μορφη" He repeated the chant over and over, placing the ring on the hand hovering over Brytos.

"Μετατρεψτε εναν ανθρωπο στην καθαρη ​​του μορφη" The room began to warm up, a soft, warm light emanating from Brytos' chest.

"Μετατρεψτε εναν ανθρωπο στην καθαρη ​​του μορφη" Fiery wings unfurled beneath him, scorching the sheets under him.

"Μετατρεψτε εναν ανθρωπο στην καθαρη ​​του μορφη" As The Alumnus continued to chant the incantation, Brytos' human body started to become aflame. Jodeus could not believe his eyes when his human body started to turn into a full phoenix. And in a flash of light, his body dematerialized into smoke, leaving only a beautiful, fierce flame where Bryto's chest laid, under The Alumnus' hand.

"Μετατρεψτε εναν ανθρωπο στην καθαρη ​​του μορφη" After The Alumnus' words, the large flame dissipated into a small, calm flame under his palm

"Δέστε αυτή την καθαρή μορφή με τη μορφή ωμής στοργής" The Alumnus opened his eyes, his indigo eyes now light blue, almost white, emitting a faint glow.

The small fire, suddenly animated, floated its way to the levitating ring, infusing itself into the small, red gem. A warm glow started to come from the ring, visibly too warm to even touch before it returns to normal. The Alumnus closed his eyes again and when he opened them, they've returned to their normal hue.

Jodeus made his way to where The Alumnus stood, still dazed from the scene that took place before him. He handed him the ring.

The gem was 'brighter' than it was, the hue reminded him of Brytos's own garnet eyes. And the warmth, it was the familiar feeling of being close to him, the warmth that came from the ring perfectly mimicking his lover. The sight and feeling of the ring almost made Jodeus tear up as he wore it on his finger.

"Thank you, Alumnus." His voice was filled with sincerity, despite his eyes still locked on the ring.

"It is my pleasure, Young King. I still hope that I could have had the necessities to heal your lover but alas, this is all I can help you with. And I do apologize for telling the King about him. Although it wasn't my place, I thought that it may spare you the pain of telling him." The Alumnus excused himself, leaving Jodeus in the room.

He grabbed the pack that the healer had prepared for him and ran to his room. He wanted to feel as if he was armed to the teeth with necessities so that he would not fear that he would run out of anything, at all.

Looking at the Tanzanite map in his hand, he nodded to himself before heading back to the castle.