RUSTLE. RUSTLE
Gray's eyes opened slowly. He lay beneath a wide tree, its branches stretching wide like a canopy over a small building. The wind whispered through the leaves, cool against his bruised skin, soothing like a balm. He watched as the leaves fell around him — one by one — shedding from the tree as the breeze passed by.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"These leaves... they fall, and in time, they turn to soil. Just like us humans. Each of them serving a purpose, and yet... the tree makes it look like they're just for show."
He sighed softly, his eyes distant.
"How strange, how a leaf can be so important to the world, and yet no one cares. After all... it's ordinary to love the beautiful, but beautiful to love the ordinary."
A gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"You slept for quite a while. You must've been really tired, huh?"
Gray turned to his left. A girl sat beside him, so close their arms were barely apart. Her voice was soft, almost like the breeze itself.
He chuckled lightly. "Yeah... I guess I was."
But his smile slowly faded. His mind drifted, pulling him back — back to earlier that day…
Gray thought about the earlier day. He closed his eyes. A subtle frown formed on his face. *Remembering*, he was coming back from the academy where he studies. The road was broad enough that atleast two buggies could go through at the same time.
Gray walked on the footpath. As he wore a black coat and black pants that represents the academy he studies in, his blonde hair swaying in the air, long enough to reach his shoulders. His blue eyes shining under the sun. His skin snowlike. As he passed by he couldn't help but glance around, seeing all the shops alongside the footpath, his gaze fell at a bakery, his nostrils being filled with the scent of different types fresh baked cakes.
He thought to himself, a hint of hunger on his face. " I Wonder what, miss Rebeca made for dinner today?" He sighed. The boy kept walking, the air became slightly colder as the sun disappeared behind the clouds that formed in the sky.
"I wonder if it'll rain today" Gray mused to himself. As he looked up at the sky and he kept his pace.
"Thud" Gray bumped himself in a boy who was slightly taller than him, his midnight hair fell in front of his eyes as he murmured to himself. His gaze fell on Gray as he rubbed his head. He wore the same uniform as Gray, but his collar was coloured white, suggesting that he was from a nobel family.
Two more boys with the same uniform and collar stood beside him. As they gave Gray a pathetic look. Gray fell down on his back. A loud thud could be heard. He winced slightly, a frown appeared on his face.
"Ouch, that hurts... Hey, look wher-" before he could finish his sentence, he felt two hands that grasped his collar. the hold was strong and firm, unlike the kids who have white collar. Gray's collar was black, which suggested that he was just another normal student.
"You got a lot of nerve talking to me like that" The boy with midnight hair spoke. his tone was indifferent. A grin plastered on his face. As he held Gray from his collar. Gray tried to break free, but his hold was too strong for him.
The boys beside him gave Gray a pathetic look, as if disgusted that Gray even existed near them.
"W-what are you doing?" Everyone around them watched the scene unfold. Some murmured about the situation. While some gave the look of pity towards Gray.
Gray spoke. His hands clutching onto the boys wrists. his voice trembled slightly, as if he was somewhat shocked about the mess he got himself into. As the young teenager could not believe that he got into this mess.
He took a deep breath- and closed his eyes for a split second and then looked back at the boy again. His voice now more calm and somewhat cold. "I admit that it was my fault that i bumped into you, but just because you're from a noble family. It doesn't give you the right to-"
before Gray could finish his sentence- he felt a shap pain in stomach. The boy who held Gray from his collar has kicked him so hard. Gray fell on his knees 'coughing, one hand on the ground supporting himself. He looked up at the three boys, his tone filled with anger, slight amusement and hurt. His other hand on his abdomen.
"Screw you, you unfaithful piece of rotten meat. how dare you even speak in our presence." The boy who stood beside on the right side of midnight haired boy, spoke. His voice filled with pride and satisfaction as he saw Gray's condition.
His red hair shined as the sun casted slight hint of ray. His brownish eyes looked down on Gray. He leaned down closer to him and gripped his hair. Gray winced slightly. Still refusing to show much signs of pain.
Gray smirked. His tone filled with sarcasm. "So these are the good noble kids from the noble families huh? didn't know you guys had an extra chromosome."
With that. Gray knew he was about to get jumped. He sighed. Staying still, as in return the boy punched Gray's face. His hand gripped Gray's hair so he stays in place, 1, 2, 3, 4..6.
After he punched Gray's face six times. The boy took a deep breath. He let go of Gray and he stepped back. Now he stood with the other two who saw the scene unfold with a smirk on their faces.
"Cough, Cough"
Gray's nose was bleeding. Yet he never said a single word the whole time he was getting punched. Gray laughed coldly. As he wiped the blood off of his face. He got up on his feet and straightened his cloths. As he ran his fingers through his hair.
Three boys who stood just a feet away, saw him laugh coldly, their faces turned into one of disbelief and mild amusement. Midnight haired boy spoke, "You got a lot of nerve laughing like tha-". Before he could finish his sentence, Gray was already in front of him.
Gray stood just a few inches away from him. With a cold voice he said "you're about to find out yourself big guy". Just as he finished speaking. In a split second he fisted his hand and landed a perfect uppercut to his face. The boy did not have the time to react and he fell down on the ground with a loud thud.
He winced in pain. The other two saw this happen. Without wasting time redhead lunged at Gray as he spoke in anger. "You bastard, you think you'll get away with this?". He tried to punch Gray, but with a swift movement Gray moved aside and grabbed his arms. His hold on him tight, hurtful. Redhead screamed. Gray leaned closer to his face. His face expressionless as he whispered coldly in his ear. "Yeah, i don't think I'm gonna get away with this either, ginger boy".
The boy looked completely terrified, the one with midnight hair was still knocked on the ground, and the one who stood at the left side already left. "Please, let... Let me go! I won't ever do this again" he begged, Gray's grin widened as he heard his begging.
"You there, what are you doing?" A voice echoed through. Gray released the boy and looked up. As he saw two guards who were on petroling coming his way, Gray stiffened slightly. The red haired boy smirked. His voice full of satisfaction. "This is what happens when you mess with us"
Gray glared at him before he returned his attention back to the gaurd soldiers. "I guess i can't run huh? I'll get, miss Rebecca in trouble as well if I don't solve this myself. Might as well just deal with it" Gray thought to himself. As he let out a defeated sigh.
"What do you think you're doing? creating trouble like this." The soldier guards approached him. his voice cold and stern-as now they stood face to face.
"I just reacted in self defence, these guys here tried to hurt me". Gray pointed at the red haired guy and then at the midnight haired guys who was now standing up on his feet. As he held his head, "N-no, he tried to hurt us... we didn't do anything. he even knocked my friend unconscious". The red haired guy spoke, as he tried to sound desperate for help.
Soldier guards looked at the midnight haired guy and then at the redhead. As he noticed their white collars. With a big sigh the gaurd spoke, "Three of you are coming to the palace with us. The King will decide what to do with you..."
Their eyes widened. none of them expected it to go this far. but all three of them knew that they had no choice.
After a while, all three of them stood in front of the King. Soldiers stood in the main hall. The King sat at the throne; The King was a middle aged man. He looked like he was in his 30s. He wore white robes and his body was somewhat visible through the robes. despite his age, he was quite muscular. His toned arms, his facial features. Which made him look a lot younger than he already was.
The boys stood there, fear evident on their faces. " Mark Allyson and Henry Varray. This is the third time you both are here- and where is the third one this time?". The boys stayed silent. Their expression became somewhat calm now. Gray was shocked that the king knew these two clowns. His gaze fell on their collars. "Of course, so the King is being fed by nobel families huh?" He smiled. A disappointed look on his face.
He knew that no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't be able to get out of it. Not after he knew that the king was being fed by the noble families. Even in this world human greed was stronger. Just like how it is on Earth. As they say that they are always there to help. But in return they always need something, something that'll satisfy their needs. Gray sighed, he sounded defeated.
"Gray... That's your name right?" The King asked. His attention now turned to Gray now. Gray nodded slightly. As he spoke in his soft yet cold tone. "Yes, my lord. My name is Gray."
"No last name?". King asked. slightly impressed and amused by his manners and demeanor. "Yes, my lord." Gray spoke, his voice calm.
"You do know, what you've gotten yourself into right?". The King spoke. A hint a amusement on his face. Gray nodded- his head bowed Slightly.
"You will bring your gaurdian, or whoever takes care of you". King spoke. His tone became cold, Gray tensed- the thought of, miss Rebecca knowing what he got himself into was too much for him.
"No, father" a soft and tender voice echoed through the hall. The footsteps came closer towards Gray. "He is innocent, he didn't do anything. I saw it all myself". The voice was of a girl. As she made her way through, she now stood beside Gray. Gray looked at her. Her golden brownish hair reached her waist, slightly curled at the end. Her golden brownish eyes sparkeld. she wore a red dress. Long enough that it covered her knees. Her skin snowlike.
"Rose, it's not your matter. Go and play outside". The King spoke, his voice became more gentle as he told her to go out.
"No, father. I saw it all. When I was coming back from the academy. I saw these two boys bullying Gray. His only fault was that he accidentally bumped into them. when he got up in self defence, these gaurds who we on petrol... they just jumped in and took them here without even asking what happened first." Rose spoke in a gentle yet firm manner, her head held high.
At the same time the boys who were standing there stiffened slightly. The one with midnight hair spoke to red haired boy. "If Princess Rose saw us, then we're screwed. It wouldn't matter if we're noble kids". His voice trembled and his face became pale as he spoke.
The red haired boy froze. Not even daring to speak. Gray heard their gossip. A look of disbelief and amusement on his face and a slight hint of smile on his face as he thought to himself. "So the Princess Rose Myre, herself? I wonder why she's taking my side, or even speaking up for me."
"I see, then i suppose we already know who is guilty here. I won't press this matter any further. Gray... I apologise for this, i should've asked you about what happened as well." The king spoke. His voice apologetic yet cold at the same time. His face now showed a hint of softness after he saw his daughter. The King, aka :Caedoran Myre: Not so good King but yet a great father.
Rose heard this- a smile formed on her lips as she rushed towards her father. She then wrapped her arms around him. Holding him tightly. a warm smile on her face. The gaurds and every other member in the palace saw the scene unfold.
'The King felt his daughter's arms around him. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle. His hand patted Rose's head. "There, there sweetie....Thank you for telling me what happened" his voice filled with softness and gentleness. his touch feather like. Rose leaned her head against his hand. As she cherished her father's affection like always.
"Gray, you're free to go now, and you two will bring your parents to me" King looked at the boys who were standing there- All three of them in shock and disbelief, yet Gray had a hint of smile on his face.
Bowing his head Gray spoke in a soft voice.
"I'm greatful that princess Rose saw what happened and spoke up for me. You have my gratitude.
Rose's ears perked. A slight smirk formed on her lips. She stayed quite. her face buried on her father's shoulder. Her arms still wrapped around him.
Just like that...Gray left the big palace. The inside of palace wall was decorated with gold and big paintings. A royal aroma filled the area. Gray kept walking as he watched in awe.
As he was about to walk through the palace gate- he heard the same soft and tender voice again. "Mister Gray." He turned around and saw Rose standing behind him. The tall building behind her casted shadow on her. Her arms crossed in front of her chest. A slight grin plastered on her face.
"Can I join you?" She spoke. Taking a step closer to him. Gray saw this unfold. He stayed calm. A soft smile on his face. His hands tucked in his pants pokets.
"The Princess of the CIFER Country, joining a normal student like me? It seems too good to be true." He spoke. His voice soft and gentle. His eyes twitched because of the bruises on his face.
"Am I not a human as well? Is it a crime for me to be friends with another humans?" She asked. Her voice filled with amusement. She took another step closer to him, now she stood only a feet away from. "Can I?" She asked again. A pleading look on her face.
Gray sighed. his smile widened as he nodded softly. A soft chuckle escaped his lips." Of course, of course. who am I to refuse to the Princess herself?"
Back to where Gray lay under the tree. His eyes fluttered open as now he remembered what happened earlier and who this girl was. He couldn't help but be happy about it. He mused to himself "The Princess Rose herself? sitting beside me huh...?"
"You look deep in thought there, mind telling me what's going on in that blonde head of yours?" Rose who was sat beside him spoke in a soft voice. Their bodies subtly touching. She leaned down to him. A warm smile on her face. "You took quite the beating there". She said as touched the bruises on his face with her delicate fingers.
Gray's face heat up, a subtle blush creeped on his cheeks. He closed his eyes as he tried to stay as calm as possible. As he tried to ignore the fact that his heart fluttered at such a simple gesture. He spoke in somewhat embarassed yet calm tone, "I guess i really did get a little beat up, huh?" He touched his own face.