It didn't take long for her to get exhausted. Lyn knew this would happen, eventually. After all, she's never had to use her blade for such a long time before. Lyn felt Kazuya reach over and placed his hand on her face,"... you're sweating a lot, Lyn..."

Lyn laughs lightly, " Indeed this isn't attractive. What an unsightly appearance. I didn't want you to see me like this," Lyn noticed his growing worried expression. But she shook her head and placed her finger in his lips and shook her head, "I cannot allow you to fight anymore Kazuya."

What her brother is most likely after is Kazuya displaying his full abilities. Usually, one would regard that as an honor. But now Lyn knew of the hate directed towards Kazuya; she cannot let that happen. Before he could even get a word in edge-wise though, the walls crumble. Lyn immediately bolts up and laces their hands with each other once again, "Kazuya, this way.."

...…..

When Lyn felt that she could no longer muster her strength, her knees go wobbly, but she didn't hit the ground, Kazuya caught her. "Are you done being stubborn? This would have ended a long time ago if you just let me fight."

Her cheeks flushed red realizing what he meant. Right, she's the one prolonging this fight. But Lyn thought if she put an end to it herself, then Kazuya would not need to fight her brother.

"So stubborn," Kazuya's lips brushed against her forehead, and he gently kissed her. Oh!

Lyn felt the tears well up in her eyes, "Don't cry; I'll be okay."

"Kazuya."

Kazuya smiled, "Stay put right over here okay?"

Lyn nodded and with those words said watched as Kazuya swiftly left. After she stopped her tears, she exited the small room and leaned on the pillar outside. Kazuya stood in the center, eyes shut and then — a stream. It was like a stream of beautiful colors wrapped around him. The surrounding colors seemed to dance. The other assassins looked at Kazuya with wide eyes - yes they must have noticed it too. Such a crushing wave of power, making it hard for anybody even just to stand.

Kazuya took a few steps forward, and she noticed the assassins looks on their faces. They were hesitating, but somebody murmured, "It's the Prince orders," and once again charged towards Kazuya.

But it was futile, that person landed on the ground in the blink of an eye. Lyn didn't even notice when he moved, but he did. The man on the ground clenched his stomach in his pain and rolled over, "Gurghhh."

The others followed in suit, not willing to give up. However Kazuya simply snapped his fingers, and the surroundings around the assassin's - the ground shuddered and crumbled, fell. Soon they were buried behind some rocks. Lyn's eyes go wide, the whole time she observed Kazuya. He's strong, in just a matter of minutes, no seconds; he ended everything.

Strong. Kazuya is powerful.

This power, it's far higher than her brothers. Maybe even her eldest brother?

"Stop hiding you cowardly Prince."

At Kazuya's words, the familiar figure of her brother appeared, "I'll give you two options Sound Kingdom Ambassador. Leave now and never see my sister again, or stay and…" Kotaro trailed off, as he pulled his blade from his sheath.

Lyn's eyes go wide horrified, "Wait? Aren't you going too far?" What's wrong with him? He's never gone this far before. Does brother intend to kill Kazuya?

But, she recalled the strength she just saw a few moments ago. The one who is in trouble here is brother. Sure enough, Kazuya raised his hand and once again the ground seemed to tremble.

"That power, a man like you doesn't deserve it."

Kazuya didn't seem amused; he wore a strangely cold look in his face. It surprised Lyn; she's never seen him look so coldly like this before.

In a flash second, the two were exchanging blows with their blades. The whole time her gaze remained fixed on Kazuya, though he used his weapons now. Lyn could still see the beautiful colors following him. The colors seemed to dance around him.

"How beautiful," Lyn mumbled. She knew this was hardly the time for such a comment. But the more Lyn saw Kazuya's power, the more she thought how beautiful the light was. A beautiful and bright light. A sonic wave of different sound lengths. So this is what Kazuya mentioned before, about the Sound Kingdom being different. Lyn understands now; it's no wonder people see them as dangerous. This is a power that people in the Mist Kingdom, no the whole Empire has seen before.

Lyn knew that Kazuya was holding himself back too. She watched as her brother struggled to block Kazuya's attacks, in the process of blocking them - the pressure of the sound waves around Kazuya seemed to send cuts across Kotaro's body. Lyn realized it was due to the intense movements of Kazuya's blade, that the sound waves followed.

"A man like you," Kotaro started, "I won't accept." Her brother's words were cold, but the look on Kazuya's face was a lot colder.

"You're a pitiful man," Kazuya commented.

Before any more words could be exchanged though, both blades were raised in the air by a yellow light. Lyn too felt herself getting pulled away by the light but not towards the air. She hits somebody's back.

"Mother!" Indeed, it was none other than her mother - the 38th Queen Orthez. Mother didn't say a word to her and carefully moved her aside. Lyn immediately noticed the restraint on her feet and understood.

"Kotaro, I did not permit you to act alone."

"My apologies. But this kid was overstepping his boundaries."

Mother's gaze fell on her, and she smiled, "It's not our call to make this time. Tell me, Lyn, what do you want me to do with this boy?" Lyn hadn't heard her mother refer to her by name in a long time. For a moment she was overwhelmed but looked towards Kazuya.

"Leave his matters to me!"

Orthez gaze didn't waver, as she said, "You'll take full responsibility?"

"Yes."

The older woman chuckled, "Indeed, it seems like you've changed since I last you. Very well," Orthez lifted her hand and Kazuya's sword returned to him. The restriction binding her feet was removed, and she rushed over.

"Kazuya? Are you okay?" Lyn asked.

Noticing the wound on his face, she took out her handkerchief and wiped the wound, "It's bleeding."

Kazuya laughed, "I'm fine. Didn't you notice? Your brother got the most damage."

Lyn looked over at where her brother was, a frown appeared on her face, and she turned back to Kazuya. "He deserved it."

"My cute sister--"

She shot him a glare, "Go away! You're not allowed to call me that for at least a month."

"H-hey wait.."

Kotaro protested.

Lyn harshly interjected, "3 months."

Her brother doesn't say any more, and Lyn quickly returned to addressing Kazuya's wound. He wore his usual bright grin. Just now, what was with that strength? She's never seen anything like it before. Lyn felt his hand touch her cheek, "Ah."

"So, was I cool?" Kazuya asked. A huge grin spread on his face. Is he an idiot? Is he going to ask her that now?