Bold Souls

Brothers

Blake

Noah trembled under me still in shock, despite that I already pulled away tye dagger from his neck. The palace's security seems to be shitty... Or is it just my room? We should check this with Denali in the morning. I set up and pulled Noah up as well. I pat his head and he shivered.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. - I said smiling at him encouragingly. His big, blue eyes widened at me and in a low voice he asked.

- Are you really my brother? - Good question. In reality I'm the creator of this world. But obviously I can't tell him this. Right now I was his brother.

- Yes. What makes you doubt that? - I asked and he directed his glance at the floor.

- Your aura and mana changed. It used to be pure red, but now it can turn into black. - I forgot about this detail. Although he didn't seem like it, Noah had immense magical power and mana from a very young age. He was considered a genius and the next leader of the Magic tower. But his mother and my disappearance forced him to be the future Emperor. I shrugged.

- Are you still the same as you were three years ago? - he looked at me again and I could almost hear the grinds in his mind.

- Well...I'm still Noah. But.. - he looked at his hands that grew, and I felt the power from him. Suddenly he chuckled.

- I guess I've changed a bit! - I pat his head again and smiled at him.

- Just like I did! Many things happened to me in the past years and there are fragments of my memories I haven't recovered yet. Despite all of that, I'm still your big brother. - Noah hugged me and the feelings Blake had for him came to the surface. Suddenly I felt emotional, I had a little brother and a family that missed me. My heart clenched when I remembered what future is awaiting this sweet, little boy and than realization hit me. It doesn't have to be like that! Blake is alive! I'm alive! I can change the main story since this game is evolving based on the main character's decisions, and in my story, I'm that main character.

- Noah, what do you want to do when you grow up? - he looked at me confused and his jaw dropped.

- What's it? - I asked and even in the dim light I saw him blush.

- No one ever asked me that. Since you were gone, everyone took it decided that I'll be the Emperor. - I saw the discomfort in his body language.

- But I'm back, so that's not your burden to carry, unless you want to. - Noah's eyes filled with tears.

- If I wanted to, would you step back and let me be the next Emperor? - Not the question that I've expected. I've nodded.

- Yes, and I'd be there next to you during your journey to help you, if that's what you really want. - Noah smiled confidently and his hand were clenched in fists.

- I want to be a Mage! The best one! The strongest one, and I want to be the one who stands next to the greatest Emperor and helps him! - his smile was so heartwarming. I knew the feeling he felt, it was the same expression I've made when I received my first contract and bonus. It was the feeling of liberty.

- Are you sure? -Last chance to make up your mind! - He chuckled and gently pushed me.

- I'm sure! I can't lead that much people and I'm horrible at politics as well as swordsmanship. You were born to be our next Emperor and I'd gladly serve you when the time comes. - I stood up and kneeled in front of him with my hands on his shoulders.

- We will be allies, not master and servant, but equals in our little world. - I've extended my hand to him and he shook it. After that Noah jumped into my embrace giggling. That's when I heard a soft noise from the dark corner of the bedroom. I pushed Noah behind me and grabbed my dagger.

- Reveal yourself! - I ordered and when her figure stepped into the light I put the dagger down. Her silver hair was almost shining in the moonlight that came through the balcony, windows. Her red eyes sparkled and she clapped her hands together.

- Nice to see that the future of the Empire is secured in such great hands! Can't wait to see what you two would build! - she said and I knew from the proud smile on her face that she meant it. And this was the best feeling I've experienced in my both lives.

- When... How? - Noah mumbled and I noticed that he was staring at Denali in disbelief. She walked to us and gently poked the tip of Noah's nose.

- Did his Highness really think that you could sneak in within my watch? - Noah shook his head.

- I didn't see you at the door! - he said and Denali chuckled pointing with her thumb towards the balcony door.

- You didn't check all the doors, your Highness. - Noah looked at me and stepped ahead. He bowed a bit and with a childish excitement said.

- Please, just call me Noah when it's the three of us! I really want to get to know the lady who saved my brother! - Denali looked at me as if she was waiting for permission. Well this is new... I nodded.

- It would be my pleasure, Noah. - she said and Noah yawned.

- It's time to sleep. You can stay for tonight Noah. Go to bed! I have to talk about something with Denali. - he looked at me curiously.

- I'll be there in five. Shush! - I said and he climbed onto the bed and pulled the blanket till his nose. I nodded to Denali and we walked to the balcony.

- Sweet kid. - she said on her mother tongue.

- Yes. I want to accept my father's proposition if you agree with it. I would like to have you by my side and keep you safe as well. - Denali blushed a bit but giggled.

- May I remind you who was there for the rescue just a moment ago?

- I wasn't in danger.

- But you could've! I've kept you alive for three years! Of course I want to enjoy the fruits of my suffering and hard work! Count me in!

- Okay, but just to be on the same page. I'll never order you around. You are still free and I'm going to have your back no matter what you do. - Denali hugged and and gave a peck on my cheek.

- I've never doubted that, not even for a second! Let's go to sleep as well, tomorrow is going to be a new exciting day!

- Good night Denali! - she climbed up on the railing and smiled from the edge of the balcony.

- Good night, my Prince! - and she jumped over to her own room's balcony.