Shadow Fire

Silver closed his eyes, leaning back for a moment and giving another sigh. "I haven't been in love either..." he admitted. "But... I know what I feel. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you. You've made me want to change... to become a better person." Opening his eyes, he reached up letting his hand rest on the younger boy's cheek. "I know I haven't been the best person in the world to you..." he mumbled. "But... I promise you... I will never do anything to hurt you..."

Arriving back at the house, Len walked into the guest room, before picking up his things. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to leave again, only he gave a slight grin, before walking into Haru's room. Flopping back onto the older boy's bed, his grin widened.

Giving a soft whimper, Link took a breath and jumped into the water, diving down to press the switch, before returning to the surface and coming back to dry land. The water level lowered, before the strange ticking noise sounded again. Another time limit...

Len took a hold of Haru's hand, giving a bigger smile. I'm so glad... things turned out okay...

The red-haired teen gave a soft sigh, another smile appearing. "It's okay..." he murmured. "You don't have to say anything. I know it'd be hard for you... considering how I've been..."

Link sweatdropped, a strange look on his face. So... I have to get wet again...

Clinging back to Haru, Len closed his eyes, bringing the other closer to his chest.

Silver pulled away, having to breathe. His eyes locked onto the other's. "I love you..." he said aloud. "...of that... I am certain." Snappy, who had woken a few moments ago, gently nudged Cynder, who was sleeping right next to him. "I knew it..."

Len flinched, expecting to be hit, or worse, suddenly widening as he was hugged. In surprise, he hugged back, smiling. "I'm sorry..." he said softly. "I didn't want to keep it a secret... but..." Casting a glance over at Haru, his smile widened slightly, cheeks reddening. "I've another confession..." he said softly. "I... I love Haru..."

Shaking his head, Link ran to the next door, opening it, and entering the next room. A massive pool of water was in the middle of the room, a massive spiked log was supported a little above a floating platform. It was the only way to the other side, but how could he get across without being torn to pieces?

Len glanced down, terrified. Trying to gain courage, he swallowed and continued. "I..." he began. "It's my fault, Koto... I... I'm the... I'm... the Prince of Kiiro."

In the next room, Link encountered a Deku Scrub, bouncing the nuts it spat back at it. "Please forgive me, master!" it yelped. "I'll never do it again! If you spare me, I'll teach you something cool. You will never beat my brothers up ahead unless you punish them in the proper order. The order is... 2 3 1. Twenty-three is number one! Do you think I'm a traitor?" Without giving Link a chance to answer, it bounded away, leaving Link to stare blankly after it.

Silver gave a slight smile, before laying back down, draping his arms around the other boy. "Yeah..." he said softly. "I have you to thank for that. You saved me..." The red-haired teen stared into Ethan's eyes. Before he knew it, his lips caught the younger male's. I'm... in love with you... Ethan...

Belbet gave an impish grin, before the expression faded. Guys had returned from his visit with Lusca, a hopeful look on his face. The ragged man stood up, before leaving Evan's cell. "Guys..." he said in his regal tone. "I trust your audience went well?" The younger boy blinked, before smiling and giving a nod. "Y-yeah..." he said softly. "It did. Thank you, Belbet. Oh, Evan! Thank you for talking to Lusca. He's more determined now."

Len lowered his gaze, a bit sheepish. "It's my fault, Ms. Koto..." he said softly. "I'm the one who ran off, and Haru came to find me." Clinging a bit tighter to the other boy, the blond glanced back at Koto. "Um..." he began. "I need to... tell you something..."

Giving another soft sigh, Link raced for the flame. Bringing out his last Deku Stick, he took a breath and lit the tip, before making a rush back to where he was before. Sure, his bare feet got a bit wet, but at least the stick stayed dry. He managed to get it to light up the web, causing it to burn away quickly.

The blizzard continued throughout the night, although it decided not to interrupt those inside the cave. The morning eventually came with the blizzard long having passed. Silver was the first to awaken, his mind seeming foggy. However, upon realising that he was clad only in boxers, and Ethan laying beside him with arms curled around him, he gave a soft sigh and settled back down. You saved my life, Ethan... Another feeling came to his chest, much like the one he felt in the Radio Tower. Still in Ethan's arms, he finally realised the truth. I'm... in love...

A satisfied grin came to the blond's face as he walked closer to his beloved. "A good fight..." he said softly. "Neither of us was hurt... Anyway, I wonder if this is what Midna wanted?"

Link shook his head in exasperation. Now, he faced another problem. He had to get into the next area, but there was water all around, and only one flame that he could use to light his last Deku Stick.

"Haru?" Len said softly. "I lo-..." Len was cut off as he heard someone familiar clearing their throat.

Snappy remained silent, before curling up and laying down. He kept his glance on the two humans, even as his vision darkened, the water Pokemon falling asleep.

Reaching into the box, Belbet pulled out the last chocolate. With a sigh, he glanced over at Evan, realising the other hadn't had as much chocolate as he did. With a blank expression, he put the chocolate in his mouth, leaned over and pressed his lips to Evan's. Breaking the chocolate in half before pulling away. "So..." he said, after eating his own half. "How do you like my chocolate?"

Bemused, Link got himself to dry land, shaking himself off a bit. The water's surprisingly clear... I'd have thought it would be a bit stinky.

Obviously, the fire mouse hadn't seen the events unfolding, so Snappy nudged him, before pointing to the two humans. "...E...t...h...a...n..." the red-haired teen groaned softly, eyes still closed. "T...h...a...n...k... ...y...o...u..." Silver managed to weakly move his arms so they haphazardly were draped around the other boy, before he lost out to darkness again.

Smiling, the blond leaned up and pressed a kiss to Haru's nose. "I told Rin..." he whispered. "That I would never love again. She always looked out for me. I think... she must have led me to you..."