Chapter 1

"Shimo, what's the matter," Reika asked. "I don't want to go with brother," Shimo replied. "Did you tell mother and father that," Reika asked. "Yes, father said it's good for me to stick to brother, but he's so mean," Shimo replied. "Why don't we go see brother together and ask him what he thinks," Reika said, holding out her hand. Shimo took it, and then they headed for their brothers room. When they got there, they saw a maid run out of there crying. Reika stopped the maid to see what was going on. "Hana, what's wrong," Reika asked. "Princess Reika, I made a mistake when helping Prince Touya. He got mad and yelled. He threatened to fire me," Hana replied in tears. "I'll talk with him. Why don't you go help Yasu in the dining hall," Reika said. Hana bowed then left quickly. "I don't want to go in there," Shimo said. "Amaya," Reika said. "Yes, Princess," Amaya said, bowing. "Take Shimo to his room, please," Reika said. "Right away, Princess. Come Prince Shimo," Amaya said. Shimo left with Amaya to his room. Reika knocked on Touya's door and waited for an answer. "Touya, I want to talk to you," Reika said. "Go away, Reika," Touya said. "Brother, open the door," Reika said. "No, just go," Touya said. "Princess Reika," Isamo said. "Yes," Reika answered, turning around. "The King and Queen would like to see you," Isamo said. "I will go now," Reika said, then walked away. "Prince Touya, the King and Queen would like to see you as well," Isamo said, knocking on the door. "I'll go soon," Touya said. Isamo left and returned to his duties.

"Where is Touya," King Shimizu asked. "We informed him your majesty," Isamo replied. "Calm down, dear. I'm sure he'll be here soon," Queen Shimizu said. "He's late. I requested his presence 20 minutes ago," King Shimizu said. "I am here, father," Touya said, walking over. "Where have you been," King Shimizu asked. "In my room, father. I was busy," Touya replied. "You were supposed to do your training today. I was informed that you never showed," King Shimizu said. "My apologies, Father," Touya said, bowing. "You're useless and a disgrace to the Shimizu family," King Shimizu said. "I learn from you, father," Touya said, looking at his father. "Watch your tounge boy," King Shimizu said, smacking him. "Father don't," Reika said, stepping between them. "Go do your training, Touya, and take Shimo with you," King Shimizu said. "Yes, father," Touya said, bowing. Touya grabbed Shimo's hand and led him out of the palace. Touya took him to a small training area. "You will train here with the other kids from the kingdom. Wait for me here once you've finished. Don't wonder around," Touya said coldly, then walked away. Touya left and headed to another training area. Shimo finished his trianing and waited for his brother to return. He ended up waiting for hours before leaving to find his brother. Shimo had been searching for a while when a group of men approached him. "This kids' family must be loaded," guy one said. "I'd say he is," guy two said. The moment he tried to grab Shimo, his hand froze and shattered. "Ahh," the guy screamed in agony. "Shimo, I told you to stay put," Touya said coldly. "Shit, it's Prince Touya. Let's get out of here," guy three said. The group of men ran off immediately after. Shimo stood there crying and trembling in fear. Touya grabbed his arm and led him back to the palace. At the palace, Amaya took Shimo to his room to help him change. Shimo told her what had happened, and she went straight to the King and Queen. Prince Touya was punished for what had happened.

"Your Majesty, we found this man wondering around the kingdom. We believe he belongs to the Fire Kingdom," knight one said. "Lock him away in the dungeon," King Shimizu said. "Yes, Your Majesty," knight one said bowing. They took the strange man to the dungeon and left him. Moments later, Prince Touya arrived to deal with the prisoner. The prisoner glared at Touya in annoyance. "You should bow before the Prince," Knight one said, hitting the man. "Enough," Touya said coldly. "Prince Touya, our job is to keep the prisoner in line and to make him speak," Knight two stated. "Both of you leave," Touya said, annoyed. The knights left as they were told, leaving Touya alone with the prisoner. "You shouldn't have sent them away," the prisoner said. "What's your name," Touya asked coldly. "Katan," the man replied. "You are away that you have broken the laws by coming here," Touya asked. "I'm aware I just don't care," Katan replied. "You're really daring, aren't you," Touya asked. "It seems to be that way," Katan said, standing up. "It appears that the rumors about the second Prince being a rogue is true," Touya said coldly. "Your personality matches your reputation, that's for sure," Katan said. "Prince Touya, his majesty, wants to see you," knight one said. "I'll go now," Touya said, leaving. Katan stood in the cell smiling as he watched Touya leave. Touya arrived in front of the king and bowed slightly. "You wanted to see me, father," Touya said. "It seems that the second Prince of the Fire Kingdom has disappeared again. Only this time, he hasn't returned. Prince Kaen has requested our help. Touya, that prisoner in the dungeon might be Prince Katan," King Shimizu said. "Father, the prisoner in the dungeon is Prince Katan. I had someone confirm his identity," Touya said. "Have the knights take him back immediately," King Shimizu said. Touya took some knights and headed back to the dungeon. "Prince Katan, get up," Touya said. Katan stood up and approached the cell door. "Prince Katan, we will take you back to your kingdom," knight one said. Knight two opened the cell door and moved aside. "Don't come back here," Touya said, then left. The two knights took Prince Katan to the edge of the Fire Kingdom and then returned to the palace. They reported to King Shimizu and Prince Touya.

"Father, stop," Reika yelled, running over. "Stop her from coming over," King Shimizu shouted. A knight grabbed Reika by her arms and held her back. "Father, please, whatever brother did. I'm sure he's learned his lesson," Reika begged. "Get her out of here," King Shimizu shouted. The knight dragged Reika out of the room. Reika ran into the queens room. "How can you let father do that to Touya," Reika shouted angrily. "Reika dear, what on earth are you talking about. Your brother and father went to the training grounds," Queen Shimizu said. "Father is downstairs beating Touya right now. How do you not know any of this," Reika said. "Father's hurting, brother," Shimo said, upset. "No, dear, your father loves all of you. He wouldn't hurt your brother," Queen Shimizu said. "Mother," Reika said. "Enough, Reika, you're upsetting your brother," Queen Shimizu said. Reika left the room and went into her room. A couple hours later, she came out to see Shimo walking down the hall alone. "Shimo, where's your nanny," Reika asked. "Mother said she's unwell today, so she's resting. Sis is father really hurting, brother," Shimo asked. "I know what I saw Shimo, but don't worry. I'm sure Touya will be alright," Reika said. "Why does father hurt him," Shimo asked. "I'm not sure. How about we go to the garden," Reika said. "Ok," Shimo said, taking her hand. They headed out to the garden to look at the flowers and relax. When it started to get dark, they headed back inside. Shimo got ready for bed before heading off to bed. Reika went to Touya's room to check on him. "Touya, are you in there," Reika asked, knocking on the door. When Touya didn't answer, she started to leave but stopped when she heard a thud. Reika opened the door to see Touya laying on the floor. She looked around and saw a butler walking down the hall. "Aoto, get a doctor," Reika yelled. "Right away, Princess Reika," Aoto said, then ran off quickly. Reika ran over to her brother and knelt down beside him. "Touya, wake up," Reika said, shaking him. "Reika," Queen Shimizu said. "Mother, he's burning up," Reika said. "Where's that doctor," Queen Shimizu asked. "He's here, Your Highness," Aoto replied, rushing over with the doctor. They got Touya into bed and left the room so the doctor could examine Touya. When the doctor came out of the room, he sighed. "What's going on with him," Reika asked. "Prince Touya will be just fine. I've treated his wounds and gave him some medicine. Let him rest and let no one disturb him. Fetch me if he gets worse," the doctor replied. "I had no clue he was injured," Queen Shimizu said, surprised. "His wounds are constant with the use of a whip and a small dager. Inform his majesty to take it easy with the punishments," the doctor said. "So father really does hurt, brother," Reika said. "I'll take my leave now. Remember to let him rest," the doctor said, then left. "Mother," Reika said. "Your father loves your brother very much, but you know Touya has a temper," Queen Shimizu said. "Mother, you can't be serious. Touya may have a temper, but he always does as Father says," Reika said. "That's enough, Reika. Your father cares about all of you now get ready for the party," Queen Shimizu said. "Brother's unwell, and you're still going to throw that party," Reika said. "This party is for your brother," Queen Shimizu said, then left. Reika went back to her room to prepare for the party.

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