“There’s quite an incline here so be careful on the way up,” Seulgi stated as she walked in front of the group leading them up the rocky incline.

“Try not to trip grandma,” Yeri teased looking back to Joy who was walking with extreme caution up the hill.

“Kids these days have no manners,” Joy grumbled low enough for Yeri to hear who laughed at Joy’s plight however due to laughing Yeri lost her balance causing her to trip over the littered rocks, Irene quickly turned around and saved her sister from falling down on the rocks. Doing a quick check to make sure her little sister was well they continued the walk with Irene checking up on Yeri as they walked up. “That’s karma for you,” Joy said laughing as Yeri shot daggers at the older girl as they continued up the mountain now in a concentrated silence.

“Stop,” Seulgi commanded stopping still, looking left and right the others immediately stopped behind her as the sound of rubble was heard even though they weren’t moving, surely by stopping the sound would have stopped unless there was something following them Irene thought as she watched Seulgi turn around taking off the bow that was attached to herself and an arrow from her the arrow quiver that was always attached to her hip. “Duck!” Seulgi yelled with that the three girls complied and ducked; Seulgi drew back the bow and arrow and effortlessly shot at the big horn, which leapt towards Joy. The arrow soared through the air piercing it’s way to the target planting itself firmly in to its heart causing the creature to immediately fall down its whimpers dying out as its life left its body. Seulgi took out another arrow and aimed the bow up in the sky this time, a splash of brown making itself seen in the blue sky. A screech was heard, a battle cry alerting Seulgi of a large bird an eagle which she needed to kill or it would take one of them. They were already low on time she didn’t need another problem on a danger infested mountain. Another screech to the left with quick thinking Seulgi immediately turned to the left and let the arrow go, these eagles seemed to disappear all one could see was a splotch of colour the only thing alerting an individual of their presence would be their screeches. Seulgi took out another arrow and shot it again in the same place to make sure the eagle had been hit, and as luck would have it Seulgi thought she managed to slay the eagle as she watched the body of the eagle show drop down to its certain demise.

“Wow,” Yeri said looking up at Seulgi with a look of admiration in her eyes, Seulgi just laughed and put her bow away strapping it away safely.

“Let’s get going,” Seulgi turned around and continued the trek up the mountain leaving a gaping Yeri behind and a proud Irene.

“I didn’t know she was that cool,” Yeri said causing Joy to scoff lightly which in turn caused Yeri to look back at the taller girl.

“I’m cooler,” Joy said childishly causing Yeri to laugh, Irene chuckled as she heard what the youngest were saying, she did have to admit Seulgi was great with a bow and arrow her skills making Irene feel safer in the younger girls’ presence.

“That was pretty impressive,” Irene said as she walked a little faster to be closer to Seulgi a point Seulgi remained oblivious to.

“It was nothing,” Seulgi bashfully said as she chuckled lightly climbing up a boulder and then outstretching a hand for Irene to take, Irene appreciatively took the outstretched hand and was hoisted up, Seulgi then helped Yeri on the other hand Joy said she didn’t need Seulgi’s help, however she nearly fell off the mountain if it wasn’t for Seulgi grabbing on to her hand at the last minute.

“Old people find it difficult to climb,” Yeri said before walking away causing Joy to whine in the background.

“They’re getting along well,” Irene commented as she walked beside Seulgi who looked behind and saw Joy and Yeri now peacefully talking.

“Wonder how long it’ll take for them to start running after each other again?” Seulgi chuckled as she looked back up the mountain, the journey was going well for them as they woke up early in the morning the events of what could have happened last night being ignored by both Irene and Seulgi, the latter who found it more appealing to walk in silence than to approach that topic. After all nothing was going to happen in the first place so why think about it Seulgi reasoned looking over to the girl who seemed to be in deep thought as she carefully made her way up.

“You know last night,” Irene started causing Seulgi’s heart rate to suddenly speed up at the rate of lightning, Irene however didn’t seem to notice as she continued on. “Did you mean it when you said you would protect us all?”

“Yes,” Seulgi admitted without an ounce of hesitation prevalent in her voice as she looked over to Irene who now made eye contact with her.

“Thank you for that Seulgi you’re a great friend,” Irene said turning to look at the path to make sure her foot didn’t slip. Seulgi took a few deep breaths attempting to remain calm as the girl she liked had just friend zoned her. Irene seemed indifferent as she smiled her way up the mountain whilst Seulgi felt like each step as getting harder and harder to take, why did it seem like Irene was going to kiss her last night? Why did she feel like everything would be fine if they had kissed?

“Le..t’s.. let’s take a break here we’ve been walking since the early morning,” Seulgi said walking to the side and sliding down against some rubble, thudding unceremoniously against the floor as she felt her heart begin to ache. The others seemed oblivious of Seulgi’s current state as Yeri and Joy happily sat down taking a water chugging competition whilst Irene laughed at them telling them to calm down before she sat next to Seulgi invading her personal space as she placed her head on Seulgi’s shoulder.

“You’re pretty comfy Seulgi,” Irene commented as she wrapped her arm around Seulgi’s snuggling in to the girls side, Seulgi felt her breath hitch in her breathing suddenly becoming laboured. Her thoughts were polluting her mind as the simple gesture caused a mild panic for Seulgi, she just friend zoned me now she’s being all touchy Seulgi thought sighing out loud.

“How long till we get to the top?” Yeri questioned looking up at the walk they still had to complete.

“The goal is tomorrow afternoon.” Joy replied looking over at a comatose Wendy. “Her heart rates fine, she’s doing well.” Joy said easing Yeri who was looking on worriedly at Wendy feeling guilt prick it’s way up her chest.

“She’ll be fine right? Wendy’s a fighter she has to be fine.” Yeri muttered, Joy looked at Yeri sympathetically, seeing her devious friend sad ached Joy more than she would care to admit.

“With you by her side making this trip she’ll wake up in no time.” Joy said causing Yeri to smile as she looked up at the older girl and engulfed her in a hug, a hug that both shocked and pleased Joy.

“So a member of Vesalis said the princesses are not with them?” Suho questioned his mind shrouded with a thousand more questions as he saw the queen nod at the question. It seemed a lot to fathom thinking he had been searching in the wrong direction for so long.

“The soldiers have been sent on a wide scale search to look for them but we cannot be sure where they are.” The queen replied as she looked over at the map on her desk, the world was vast so where could three members of royalty possibly go in two days?

“What of Vesalis?” Suho questioned his brain drifting off in to a thousand different scenarios of what could happen to the girls.

“They are also searching for them it seems the three could be of bargaining quality to them, that just means we must act quicker than them.” The queen stated crossing off areas on the map where the girls had not been detected.

“If those with magic cannot find them how could we do so?” Suho sighed rubbing his temples the frustration in his voice clearly evident.

“We have hope and a united kingdom which does not run on fear, we can prosper much more than those creatures who feast on fear. We stand united my son, whatever may come we protect our family and kingdom that is the way of our land.” The queen spoke each word leaving resonating within Suho inspiring him once more to have the faith that was slowly dwindling.

“I shall speak to Yunho and see what the current strategy is and what we need to change, then tomorrow I shall set off with a group of men.” Suho stated to which the queen simply nodded her head as she watched her son leave the room, once the door had closed the queen slumped in her chair and heaved out a sigh. The events of the day were becoming more intricate, what had happened to the three? Are they safe? Why did they run away? Too many questions swarmed the queen’s mind as she sat looking out of the window greatly missing her husband as she stared at the moon. Her most stable support system was murdered right before her very eyes each time she closes her eyes the memories replay constantly, how she would love to join him once again but she couldn’t, not with her three girls missing and her kingdom on the brink of destruction. She would power through this, she had to power through this, for her family.

The group took refuge on the hill after a long walk till the sunset, the last rays of sunshine saying goodbye as Joy prepared their food. The walk was simple, a few animals would make their presence known so either Joy or Seulgi would slay them the former enjoying the slaying much more as she tried to impress an anti magic Yeri.

“Magic is great you can wield many different abilities depending on your rank.” Joy said to Yeri who cautiously took the first bit of food and thanked the heavens nothing was wrong with the dish.

“How do you know which rank you are?” Yeri asked genuinely intrigued by the world of magic.

“Oh is a short squirt interested in magic.” Joy teased causing Yeri to playfully shove her, whilst Seulgi and Irene watched the duo in silence enjoying the meal. “Well you’re born in to families, the highest ranking families are the ones which rule the land and those with few abilities are the poor.”

“What are you?” Yeri questioned to which Joy simply leaned in closer to the younger girls face and smirked.

“None of your business.” Joy couldn’t help but laugh as Yeri began to whine.

“We should go get some rest now, we finish the journey tomorrow.” Seulgi stated to which Joy and Yeri agreed and made their way to the tents as Yeri questioned Joy over her rank.

“What is her rank?” Irene questioned startling Seulgi for a moment; the girl had forgotten Irene was sat right by her side.

“She has many abilities and is a strong fighter with an equally strong magical core, her family is one of the highest ranking officials in the land.” Seulgi replied carefully listening to Joy who was still teasing Yeri in the tent.

“What about you?” Irene questioned, even if the question was expected Seulgi couldn’t help but still be surprised, looking to the side she saw Irene was fully facing her body was leaning in to Seulgi’s causing the girl to momentarily compose herself before answering.

“I’m.. I’m a nobody.” Seulgi replied causing Irene to frown, how could someone like Seulgi be a nobody? The reply made no sense to Irene, however looking closely at Seulgi, she saw the younger didn’t want to talk about her past so she would leave it for now.

“Well for a nobody you are pretty amazing.” Irene said causing Seulgi to laugh, her cheeks turning red as she looked at Irene smiling at her.

“Thank you princess.” Seulgi said as she kept her eyes trained on the fire in front of her as she warmed up her hands, Irene moved slightly so she was leaning against Seulgi causing the girl to stiffen slightly before relaxing as she felt Irene wrap her arms around her lightly.

“Do you know anything about what’s happening in the kingdom? Are mother and Suho safe? Are the people safe?” Irene questioned hoping somehow Seulgi would know so her thoughts would ease themselves.

“I’m sorry Irene but I don’t know.” Seulgi replied to which Irene simply nodded her head against Seulgi’s shoulder, it was wishful thinking on my part Irene thought to herself. “But if I were to guess I’d say everyone’s fine your army is pretty amazing maybe as amazing as me.” Seulgi said causing Irene to laugh and feel slightly better, it’s true the army is amazing and both mother and Suho can fight their way through anything Irene thought looking up at the sky admiring the stars.

“Our whole friendship started because of star gazing.” Irene said causing Seulgi to fondly smile at the memories. “What were you doing the first time I had seen you in the bushes?” Irene questioned she had never brought it up but it was slightly confusing what the girl was doing hiding there.

“To be truthful I was just testing your security but nobody saw me enter or leave except you.” Seulgi replied causing Irene to laugh.

“I think we need better security in that case.” Irene stated mentally noting it down so she could speak to her mother about it.

“You do I didn’t even use magic to enter.” Seulgi said remembering how she jumped past the guard in ease and climbed down the walls as if she were at a playground.

I’m glad you weren’t caught though.” Irene admitted looking up at Seulgi who now turned her attention to the shorter girl. “You’re somebody I can rely on thank you for being there, and if you ever need me I’ll be just there.” Irene replied pointing up at the moon remembering the time when her father had done the exact same thing to her when she was younger, now the sky felt like a safe haven to her even looking at it would calm her down.

“That’s pretty far away.” Seulgi muttered causing Irene to laugh as they continued to stare up at the moon, it was indeed far away but it was the only place the people of the world truly shared without a war, the sky in Irene’s eyes was peace.

“I’ll also be right here.” Irene said pointing at Seulgi’s heart causing Seulgi to blush, the implications left Seulgi slightly baffled but she couldn’t help but feel happier than she had the whole day.

“That means I’ll also be right there for you too.” Seulgi said pointing at Irene’s heart to which the older girl smiled and nodded as long as the two were there for one another there was nothing more Ire could have possibly wanted at that moment in time.

“As long as they’re beating we’ll be with one another till the end.” Irene muttered as she leaned her head in to the crook of Seulgi’s shoulder as the duo continued to look at the sky. The thought of any wondering monsters or fear of the unknown completely gone for this moment, right t now is was just the two of them and the sky that brought them together.