Chapter 3

"Prince Touya," Isamo said, knocking on the door. "What is it," Touya asked, opening the door. "There's somewhere here to see you," Isamo replied. "Who is it. You know what nevermind send them away," Touya said. "Prince Touya, he holds the family emblem. The young man said he needs to speak with you," Isamo said. "Where's father," Touya asked. "His Majesty is away from the palace right now," Isamo replied. "Have him wait in the garden. I'll be there in a bit," Touya said, then shut the door. Isamo left and took the man to the garden to wait for the prince. "Prince Katan, why are you here now," Touya asked, walking over. "I know I wasn't supposed to come back, but I need your help," Katan replied. "With what," Touya asked, crossing his arms. "There's a beast in the Fire Kingdom. it's killed countless villagers. My brother was unable to stop it as our fire abilities do nothing to it. He asked King Shimizu for help but was denied help. You're the only one I can think of," Katan replied. "Here, take this and shoot it at the creature with a bow. Once it touches the creature, it will freeze, then shatter," Touya said. "Thank you," Katan said. "You should leave now. Be sure to use the tunnel," Touya said. Katan nodded and then left quickly. Katan returned to the Fire Kingdom and stopped the creature with the strange object that Prince Touya had given him. Once the creature was killed, Katan returned to the palace.

"Prince Touya, welcome," Kaen said. "I see my father informed you that I'd be coming in his place, Prince Kaen," Touya said. "Yes, please follow me," Kaen said. Touya followed Kaen to another room. "Prince Kaen, you know the reason behind me coming here right," Touya asked. "Of course. It seems my brother has caused some trouble in the Ice Kingdom. I know my younger brother likes to do what he wishes and has no real concern for others. I also heard that he stole your family emblem, " Kaen replied. "Father didn't mention the family emblem," Touya said. "Wait here a moment, I'll have the butler fetch my brother," Kaen said, then left. "Prince Touya, why are you here," Katan said, entering the room. "My father sent me here because of you," Touya replied. "What did I do," Katan asked. "He claims that you have caused problems in the village. He apparently thinks you stole the Shimizu family emblem," Touya replied. "I promise you I haven't done anything wrong here," Katan said. "Oh, it seems my brother was already here," Kaen said, entering the room. "Kaen, I've done none of those things that I was accused of," Katan said. "I would love to believe you, Katan, but unfortunately, I don't. You always cause us problems with the Ice Kingdom. Now Prince Touya is here because of something you did. King Shimiz's letter said you must go back with Prince Touya and receive your punishment," Kaen said. "Kaen, I really didn't do anything wrong," Katan said. "You stole the Shimizu family emblem and possed as a member of that family. Katan that's punishable by death," Kaen said. "I wouldn't do that," Katan said angrily. "Katan, you are to return with Prince Touya and receive your punishment," Kaen said. "What no, how can you say that. You said yourself that I'll be killed for something that I didn't do," Katan said angrily. "I have already agreed with King Shimizu that you would return with Prince Touya. Maybe you could beg them to spare you, but I doubt King Shimizu will listen," Kaen said, then left. "Prince Katan, please come with us," Knight one said. "No chains," Touya said. "Prince Touya, he's under arrest," Knight one said. "That may be so, but he's the second Prince of the Fire Kingdom. No chains," Touya said. They left and made their way back to the Ice Kingdom. Katan was immediately tossed into the dungeon upon arrival. Later that night, Touya went out to the dungeon. "Prince Touya," Katan said, getting up. "I've delayed your punishment for a few days," Touya said. "Why would you do that," Katan asked. "You are a prince from the Fire Kingdom, and I believe you when you say you haven't done anything. Plus, I gave you my family emblem, so I'm partially to blame," Touya replied. "I don't understand you at times," Katan said. "Prince Touya, it's time to go," knight one said. "Are you going somewhere," Katan asked. "I'll be gone for a few days. Once I return, your punishment will be carried out," Touya replied, then left.

"Let's go, prisoner," Knight One said, opening the cell. "Where are you taking me," Katan asked. "To see King Shimizu," knight one said. Katan went with the knights to the palace. Along the way, he heard people talking about Prince Touya and his return early that morning. They were saying that Prince Touya was injured during the fight against the creatures. Katan saw ice and snow everywhere, even though it was spring. "Enough stand back," knight one shouted. "Don't spread rumors about the first Prince," Knight Two shouted. Katan was tossed to his knees before the king. King Shimizu got up from his throne and walked towards the prisoner. He pulled out a sword and raised but was stopped before he could swing it. "Father, wait," Reika said, running into the room. "Why are you here, Reika?" King Shimizu asked. "Mother sent me. Touya's getting worse, Father," Reika said. "That's impossible that medicine should've worked. It's always worked before," King Shimizu said. "Brother won't take them. He's refusing to even though it'll help. Touya's wound isn't healing either. Mother is worried," Reika said. "Your Majesty, Prince Touya wants to speak to the prisoner," Kenji said. "What why," King Shimizu asked. "He said it's important. He also said that the prisoner is Prince Katan from the Fire Kingdom," Kenji replied. "Very well but leave his chains on," King Shimizu said. The knights pulled Katan to his feet and followed Kenji to Touya's room. "He wants to speak to Prince Katan alone," Kenji said, stopping the knights. Katan went into the room to see Touya sitting in bed alone. "I figured your family would be here with you," Katan said. "Just come here," Touya said. Katan came closer, and Touya removed his chains. "What are you doing," Katan asked. "Would you rat...cough...her be killed...cough...here by my father," Touya asked, coughing. "Are you actually injured. I heard people talking while I was being dragged here," Katan said. "Does that matter now. You need to leave," Touya asked. "If I leave, I won't have anywhere to go," Katan said. "If you stay here, you will be killed," Touya said, then started coughing. Katan saw ice expanding from the bed. "Are you injured at all," Katan asked. "No, I just used to much of my abilities that my body can't handle it. My people are probably suffering from this harsh winter cold," Touya replied. Katan looked out of the window at the kingdom. Snow continued to fall as Touya had lost control of his powers. Ice formed on the window seel. Katan touched the ice, and it melted instantly. "Maybe I can help you," Katan said, turning to him. "How co...cough...uld you...cough...help," Touya asked, coughing. "Watch," Katan said as he placed his hand on the table. Touya watched as the ice melted instantly just by Katans touch. "May...cough...be you can help," Touya said, coughing. "Are you going to be alright," Katan asked, walking over. "Yes," Touya replied. "Here, take my hand," Katan said. "Why," Touya asked, coughing. "Just trust me," Katan said, reaching out his hand. "Ok," Touya said, coughing. Touya reached out his hand and took Katan's hand. "Close your eyes," Katan said. Touya closed his eyes, and blue flames appeared around him. The flames didn't hurt or burn him but rather simply stayed there for a few minutes before disappearing. "Katan, what are you doing," Touya asked. "Look," Katan replied. Touya opened his eyes to see all the ice had gone. "Come here and look," Katan said, helping Touya out of bed. Touya looked out the window only to see that the ice had melted. "How did you do that," Touya asked. "With my power, of course, how else," Katan replied. "You're quite powerful then. No one has been able to stop my powers," Touya said. "How are you feeling now, Prince Touya," Katan asked. "I feel fine," Touya said, surprised. "My powers are different from my brothers. It destroys things as well as heals those who need it. It can also restore things as well," Katan stated. "Impressive," Touya said. "Prince Touya, the King is coming with some knights," Kenji said, knocking on the door. "He must have noticed that the ice melted," Touya said. They listened as Kenji tried to stop the king. "Your Majesty, Prince Touya is still speaking with Prince Katan," Kenji said. "It's time for the prisoner to receive his punishment," King Shimizu said. "Your Majesty, you can't go in there right now. Prince Touya is still speaking with Prince Katan," Kenji said. "Enough now move," King Shimizu said. One of the knights grabbed Kenji and tossed him aside. "Father, what are you doing," Touya asked. "Take the prisoner away," King Shimizu said. "Father, wait," Touya said. "Enough Touya, he's committed crimes against our kingdom and must be punished for it," King Shimizu said. "Father, look around for a moment," Touya said. King Shimizu looked around the room to see that the ice had disappeared. "Your Majesty, all the ice has melted," Knight one said. "Did you finally take that medicine," King Shimizu asked. "No, that medicine doesn't help at all, and you know that. It only makes it worse. Eventually, I recover on my own," Touya replied. "Touya, you are to take that medicine," King Shimizu said angrily. "I will not," Touya said coldly. Katan watched as the king and prince argued. "Prince Katan, come with me please," Kenji whispered. Katan looked over at Touya, who nodded slightly at him as he continued arguing the king. Katan snuck off with Kenji without anyone taking notice. Kenji led him to the garden and asked him to wait there. Kenji returned to Touya's room just in time to stop the king. "Your Majesty, Prince Touya needs his rest. Please refrain from beating him," Kenji said, blocking him. "Your Majesty, the prisoner escaped," knight one said. "Find him," King Shimizu shouted. The king turned back to Touya and Kenji before leaving angrily.

"Prince Katan," Touya said, walking over to him. "Prince Touya, what happened," Katan asked, concerned. "I'm alright, but first you need to leave. My father is determined to punish you for those crimes," Touya replied. "I have nowhere to go. My brother doesn't seem to care if I live or die," Katan said. "I know somewhere you can go," Touya said. "Where," Katan asked. "I'll take you there, follow me," Touya said. Katan followed Touya out through the tunnel and into the forest. Hours later, they arrived at a small village in the middle of nowhere. "This village doesn't belong to either Kingdom's, so you should be safe here. I've stayed here a few times during my travels. Here, keep this with you. The villagers here are very friendly," Touya said. "You still want me to keep your family emblem," Katan asked. "Yes, there's a couple here that will help you. Just show them the emblem and tell them I sent you here. They are good people so you can trust them. I have to go back now, but remember to help out if you can. These villagers work in fields there, so they may ask you to help out," Touya said. "Thank you for all your help, Prince Touya," Katan said, bowing. "Don't mention it and take care," Touya said, then left. Katan sighed, then headed down to the village. The villagers greeted him warmly with friendly smiles. Katan told them that he was looking for a couple that could help him. Finally, someone led him to the house he was looking for. He knocked on the door, and a young woman opened it. "Hello, can I help you," the woman asked. "Hello, I'm a friend of Prince Touya. He told me that you and your husband could help me," Katan replied, showing her the emblem. "Come inside. My husband will be home soon," the woman said, stepping aside. "Thank you," Katan said. "Have a seat, and I'll make you some tea," the woman said. Katan sat in the chair next to him, waiting for the woman to return. She entered moments later with some tea and bread. "Here you are, sir," the woman said. "Thank you," Katan said, taking it. "What's your name, young man," the woman asked. "Katan Enoki," Katan replied. "You're the second Prince of the Fire Kingdom," the woman said, surprised. "Yes," Katan replied. "What brings you here, Prince Katan," the woman asked. "I was framed for crimes I didn't commit. Prince Touya said this place should be safe until it calms down," Katan replied. "I see. Well, Prince Touya is a friend of my husband, so we will help you," the woman said. "Emi dear, I'm back," a man said, entering the room. "Yuto, this is Prince Katan. Touya sent him to this village to seek out some help. Poor thing was framed and is on the run," Emi said, getting up. "Prince Touya sent him. Are you sure," Yuto asked. "He carries Prince Touya's emblem," Emi replied. "I see. Well then, Prince Katan, what was that you were framed for," Yuto asked. "I was framed for theft and causing chaos in the Ice Kingdom," Katan replied. "Come with me," Yuto said. Katan followed Yuto into another room. Katan looked around before looking back at Yuto. "You may use this room for the time being. Change into these clothes. It's better to blend in here. Nobody will suspect anything as this village is filled with people from both kingdoms. Place this on your head when you go out. It'll hide your hair," Yuto said. "Thank you," Katan said. "You can help out in the fields," Yuto said, then left. As time went on, Katan stayed in that village helping the villagers and even defending them from monsters. Yuto taught Katan many things and even how to act like a villager. The villagers loved having Katan around as he was friendly and helpful.

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