Third Pov

Riso was getting restless. The palace was too quiet and too busy all at once. All the King's engagement preparations were being carried into the palace, sculptures and colourful drapings galore. But with her father on her mind, she tried to stay out of the way as much as possible.

Being a civil servant was her goal, but she tried to milk the experience of being around the Royal Guard. When morn broke, she got dressed and prepared to make her way to the wall. There were protests being dismantled, and she wanted to see for herself.

As she was about to leave her quarters, Yunoa had his hand clenched in the air, about to knock on her door.

Not this again.

"Good morning, Miss Na," he said with an awkward smile. "I was just thinking of you."

Riso gave an awkward laugh. "Good morning, Lord Hira. What an honour it is to be in your thought. Has my father returned?"

Yunoa made a weird face. "Uh...no. I wanted to ask you something. Would you...like to be my date for the engagement party?"

How could she possibly think of that now. There were so many other things happening. She needed to speak to Sir Alan-her father said he was one of the only safe people to speak to out of all the Guards.

"Uh...thank you so much, Lord Hira. But as you know...you have to speak to my father first to ask for permission..." she trailed off, hoping it would discourage him.

"I know. I don't know much about his mission...but I'm not sure if he'll be back in time to grant me permission to escort you."

That was what Riso hoped for. But Yunoa Hira was a lord, and she, nothing but a soldier as Vaea put it. Refusing him was not an option.

She smiled. "I cannot act ahead of my father, my Lord. But what I can do in the meanwhile... is save you a dance. Is that alright with you?"

He scowled, as if she had offered him scraps. "That's okay...I guess. As long as you dance with me first. And preferably only me."

"I'll do my best."

"Where are you off to?"

"The Guards posts," she said, hesitating a bit. She hoped he wouldn't follow her. "I want to shadow some of the Kingsmen. I have some friends back at my fighting house who want to work for the Guard. I was thinking of getting them some tips."

"I'll walk you then."

Riso tried to walk fast, but with Yunoa's leisurely pace she knew she'd be subjected to a conversation she could not escape. Like future Consort, his beauty was a waste. Riso tried to focus on the greenery instead as they crossed the palace grounds, inching closer to the towering walls in the distance.

"Are you excited for your first ball?" He asked her. "I imagine it must be a nice break from all the knit and grit."

Riso shrugged. "I am excited, but I'll be even more excited once my father is home."

Yunoa sighed. "You and I both. But you don't have to worry about Marshall Na. He's the strongest guy around."

"I'm not worried, per say. It would just help to know what he's really up against."

She wanted to lighten the weight off his shoulders so badly-but Augus was not a man who would ever be honest about needing help. He'd also never let her help. If it were up to her father, Riso would not even be here.

"Yeah, the festivities feel a little ill-timed with all that's going on," Yunoa said, rubbing the back of his head. "We would have had it earlier, if it weren't for those stupid rebel attacks."

Now that's what she would gladly talk about. "Rebel attacks?"

"My other sister was kidnapped by these group of rebels, along with the Captain of the Guard. It delayed the engagement party for a bit and caused all kinds of nonsense."

Riso kept quiet for a moment. That was something she'd have to ask Alan about. Augus didn't have enough time to explain everything to her, but she knew these rebels were important to him.

"Worst part is...the eldest Prince is a part of it. He's completely turned to the dark side."

"I'm sorry about your sister," Riso said with a frown. "I'm sure you're worried for her safety."

"Nah, not really. Misty can handle herself...I'm just scared of them influencing her. And what they really want with her. They're insane. The whole lot of them. They managed to radicalize the Prince."

And by the sound of it...her father too.

"But we'll get them back. All of them. The King has many plans and you know he never loses," Yunoa said confidently.

Riso frowned. Indeed, Vaea never lost. Which made Augus going against him extremely nerve-wrecking.

They reached the barracks close to the end of the wall first. There they saw Sir Hanu scolding a group of younger Guards.

"Sir Alan and Sir Brim, I warned you of swapping positions! The Guardsroster exists for a reason! Do you wish to spend a week in the dungeon!" He yelled.

Alan?

Riso looked at the men. One had blue hair and blue eyes and the other had black hair. Riso remembered her father mentioning that Alan had blue hair. His head was bowed and he had a baby face, like a puppy who got put out into the yard.

Riso made her way to the three of them and Yunoa lostly followed. "Where are you going?"

She ignored him, planting herself infront of the senior Guard. "Good day, Sir Hanu," she said with a salute. "May I request one of your men to show me around everything, please?"

"Good day, Riso. Of course. You, Little Boy Blue, you show Miss Na around. Do something worthwhile with your time," Sir Hanu said with a brief glare before shoving Alan at Riso.

Alan's eyes went wide as he was stumbled infront of her. Yunoa quietly fumed behind her.

"I thought I could show you around, Riso," Yunoa said. "Do you think me to be incapable? I work with the Guard too. This guy's a nobody. He can't tell you anything."

Goddess, why was he so offended by everything! "Of course not, my Lord. I simply want the experience of the inexperienced. I'm a nobody too, you know. I'm still in training." She tried to save herself, but Yunoa's scowl only deepened.

"Yeah, but you're Marshall Na's daughter. And I've seen you fight. You're way better than most of these rookies."

"Except they have passed the Guard entry exam...and I have not. All I want is an honest review of everything from the average, you understand?"

Yunoa in fact, did not understand. Riso internally groaned and walked up to him, flashing a bright smile. Yunoa immediately faltered and cleared his throat.

"Do not miss me too much, my Lord. When I'm done here, you and I will spar in the garden."

"You promise?"

Riso put her hand to her heart. "I swear it."

Yunoa dropped his scowl as quick as it formed, a sheepish smile replacing it. "Alright. I will see you later."

He sauntered back toward the palace, turning around every few moments to make sure Riso was still watching him walk away. She waved at him until he was far enough and dropped her smile as quick as she could.

"Needy bastard," she grumbled, then turned to Alan. "You know who I am?"

"O-Of course. Y-You're Marshall Na's daughter. H-How can I help you?" Alan said, blinking an awkward amount.

"Relax, don't be so nervous," she smiled. He was actually adorable, it didn't even feel like they were the same age. "I want you to tell me about my father and the rebels."

Alan's face paled. Crap, did she get the wrong Alan?

"My father said you were the only Guard I could trust. Which means he trusts you. Unless...there's another Alan around here?"

"N-No. It's me. What do y-you want to know?"

"Tell me about the people my father is risking his life for."

***

"Are you ever going to leave this room?" Captain Jared asked with disgust.

Malia was glued to her sketchbook again, glaring slowly at Captain Jared as she scribbled. "You're bothering me again. Shut up."

"Ashamed that you kissed the traitor Prince? Why? You are made for each other."

"Shut up!" Malia shouted, her face going red against her will. Captain Jared smiled tauntingly. He was getting too comfortable, forgetting that he was a hostage.

After Halo had kissed her, Malia awkwardly could not handle the exchange that came after and Halo understood he had to room with Finn. It wasn't her fault, being kissed after fighting with Sina and Misty had done damage to her brain. She wasn't meant to think that much about anything.

But how she couldn't stop thinking about it.

It played over in her mind like a song that wouldn't stop. She felt every second of it over and over. What was simply a harmless crush in her brain had somehow manifested into reality. Halo liked her back. And now Malia didn't know the next step.

Despite the emotions running through her, Malia had bigger things to focus on. She blinked back at her book, having drawn up all the plans to get to Vaea, having to scrap the biggest one because it involved Misty-and clearly that wasn't happening anymore.

"You are a terrible leader," Captain Jared said. "What kind of leader doesn't greet their crew in the morning?"

"I'm gonna shove paper down your throat for breakfast if you keep talking! Stop annoying me anyway! Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Like what?" Captain Jared spat. "You kidnapped me and are holding me hostage! All I can do is annoy you!"

"Argh!" Malia groaned and stood up, stomping over to Captain Jared and meaning to punch him in the face. At that moment, Halo walked into the room.

"Good morning, is everything alright?" He asked, looking at Malia with her fist raised in the air. She lowered it slowly, hiding it behind her back and straightening up.

"I'm fine."

Halo smiled amusedly. "Are you sure?"

Malia's cheeks flushed and she could feel it, turning around in embarrassment because she knew it was visible. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Come for breakfast. The table is set."

"I'll be right there."

Malia didn't hear the door close behind her. She turned back around slowly, and Halo was still there waiting for her. Malia couldn't hide her fear of facing Sina any longer. A deep frown set on her face and its like Halo knew exactly what it meant.

He leaned against the door and shot her a softened look. "Sina isn't upset with you. And neither is Misty."

"I don't care if she is," Malia said with a scoff. "Only person who has the right to be mad is me."

Why was she worried anyways? She was right. Sina sided with Misty over her. Misty was the one who broke her word. She shouldn't be hiding in her room because of it. Even if Jack was right about everything he said, it didn't change the fact that she was owed an apology.

You know what. Screw it.

She rushed past Halo to get to the table, taking a swift seat next to Finn. Halo sat down next to her and Sina and Misty were right across the table, eating bread rolls. They paused and froze mid-bite when seeing Malia.

"Rise and shine," Finn said, smiling like he knew something he shouldn't. Halo probably opened his big mouth. "Almost thought for a second you were missing breakfast."

"And why would I do that?" Malia scoffed, picking up a whole roll of bread for herself. "I need to keep up my strength for when I get my mother back."

The mention of her mother seemed to dampen the mood at the table instantly. Sina put down her food, looking straight at Malia. "Do you have anything to say to Misty?" She asked, though she might as well have demanded.

Malia rose an eyebrow and turned to Halo, who looked away awkwardly. So much for Sina not being mad.

Her stare at Sina turned defiant. "Like what?" She said.

"Like sorry for trying to sacrifice you to save my mother," Sina pressed.

"Its still early in the morning," Jack said.

"That's kind of what she promised me, so I don't think I have anything to apologize for," Malia fired back.

Sina's eye twitched. Did she really wanna fight here and now? Malia wouldn't back down.

"You're unbelievable," Sina shook her head.

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"You tried to blackmail her into being bait!"

"She agreed to it when she asked to join us, are you deaf!"

"And then she changed her mind!" Sina stood up from her chair, leaning over the table.

Malia stood up as well. Misty put her head in her hands and sighed.

"Have I ever broken my word to you, Sina?" Malia asked coldly. "Have I ever broken my word to anyone? I risked my life to go back to Kiribati just to see my mother at the community hall. Just to show her I was alive. Misty swore to me I could use her however I saw fit when she joined us. Then she took that back. Why exactly is she here, huh?"

"Same reason I'm here. The same reason everyone's here. To take down Vaea. Not to be your personal pawn, Malia."

"Is that what you think is happening?" Malia laughed bitterly. "You think I'd risk her life for nothing? You have no reason to doubt me like this! I've never messed up to deserve this!"

"Alright, that's enough," Halo said, standing up as well. Finn started moving the sharp utensils off the table and away from Malia.

Sina scoffed. "You're right, you never messed up. But you messed up when you couldn't respect someone else's autonomy. Its dishonouable."

"You know what else is unhonorable? Breaking your word after someone risked everything to bring you with them."

She picked up her plate and touched Misty on the shoulder, prompting her to do the same thing before they both left the table and went to their rooms.

Malia grit her teeth, feeling tears at bay. But she swallowed them. And she shoved a large piece of bread in her mouth, swallowing that whole as well. It ended up sending the tears pricking out of her eyes anyway.

"Screw this," she muttered under her breath and took the entire roll before leaving for her room as well.

The men at the table sighed.

"We need to make them get along again," Halo said. "Immediately."

"I spoke to Malia. I made her understand that Sina doesn't hate her." Jack said.

"Pretty sure she needs more convincing after that." Finn muttered.

"But who's in the wrong here?" Jack asked genuinely. "Because I agree with both of them."

"I agree with Malia," Finn said confidently. "Vaea has her mother. Malia wouldn't let anything happen to Misty. Why can't she just do what she said she would do?"

"You can't blame her for being afraid," Jack said. "Malia would obviously protect her...but there's not even a plan here. Its just too much of a risk."

"We just need an alternate plan," Halo said with a heavy sigh. "And we can only do that with Augus' help."

"Is he back at the palace yet?" Finn asked.

Halo shook his head, his face lining with worry. "No clue. He hasn't sent me a message since our communication about the train ambush."

"He probably hasn't gotten a chance. He's still with that Rogue Ranger," said Jack.

"Its the King's engagement soon, isn't it?" asked Finn. "I reckon we start planning ahead."

"Our brains and brawn are currently livid with each other," Jack pointed out.

"Yeah, but we got brains and brawn too. Halo's lived in that palace his whole life, we can think of something! Let us men do the planning for once. Right, Halo?"

Halo frowned as Jack and Finn looked at him expectantly. He promised Malia he would give her that opportunity. Finn was right. He needed to step up-now more than ever.

"You're right. Let's send Augus a message and get to work."

***

Augus

They returned to the palace on a completely different train route, but Augus barely stayed awake for the journey. He dreaded the conversation that awaited him.

His first trip was to the palace physician, who bandaged the long scar Halo left on his chest. He was told to report to the throne room when he stepped foot onto palace grounds, but Vaea surprised him with an appearance right as he was patched up.

"You look defeated, Augus," Vaea said with an unsettling smile, taking a seat on the bed. Augus was about to get up to kneel, but Vaea waved him down. "There is no need. You are hurt."

"I failed again, your Majesty," Augus sighed. "Perhaps this is getting too much for me. Malia Lui was at the scene, she-"

"I know, Augus," Vaea interrupted, his smile growing.

Augus frowned. "Sora already told you?"

"No. I knew she would be there. That is why I planted her mother's wheelchair and nothing else in the shipment."

Augus felt the colour draining from his face. His tongue suddenly felt swollen and dry. Vaea knew all along? But that meant...did he know Augus was the mole?

"She's dead," Vaea said with a sigh of relief.

"What?"

"The container was rigged with Runes that were enchanted with Potion powder. If she got her hands on it, let's just say...she won't have any hands anymore."

Augus' Moon Ranger communicator had died so he had no way of reaching the group while he returned. He had no idea if they were alive or not. If Malia was dead...that meant Halo was too. Or at least if he survived, he would be gravely injured.

"And so anyone who was with her was blown to smithereens as well."

"Your Majesty...how did you know this would happen?"

"I always think ahead, Augus. Malia Lui is like a fly on my wall. We know how each other thinks, I will admit that. Now I know if she survived, she would be trying to kill me after this. So I await it. I yearn for it."

Augus stared at Vaea in disbelief, trying to hide the disgust that wanted to seep through. After everything he had seen...his stomach felt so hollow and dizzy.

"I hope she comes to see me if she survived," Vaea said with a smile. "I wish to cut open her heart."

"Your Majesty...why did you have me go along? To that...place?"

"The camp?" Vaea let out a laugh. "Why do you look so shaken up? You know those are enemies right?"

Augus nodded with no words. As much as he could, he tried to keep the image of that man's legs snapping in half out of his head. But it replayed against his will.

"What do you think?" Vaea took Augus' hands in his. "I did well for myself, right?"

Augus nodded, his neck feeling strained as he did. "You are preserving your throne well, your Majesty."

"I want you to join me. I know how hard you fought on this mission. Sora told me. I see your wounds. You came back alive, and for that I am glad. I want you and Sora to oversee a place like that for me. But a big one-the one that matters to me most. You must be my wings."

Augus knew this was coming. He felt his whole world crashing down around him. He'd be an aid in even more horrors. His scorecard for a peaceful afterlife would soon be null and void. His guilt would not purify him.

Augus looked at Vaea knowing what he needed to do. It got to a point where he felt it pulsing in his ears. He was not even hearing the conversation anymore.

"But for now...I want to enjoy my engagement. What do you say?" Vaea said. "We need a break, right? To simply not think of the opposition, but to be in love?"

"Of course, your Majesty."

"I really enjoyed Riso's company while you were gone, Augus. What an exceptional young woman you have raised. I hope to have her around more often."

Augus stiffened. "I'm afraid that will not be possible, your Majesty. Riso is leaving as soon as your engagement ends."

He would put her on that damn train himself. Far away from here. Far away from YOU.

Vaea grinned largely. Too many fucking smiles on this bastard. "Not until your ceremony."

"Excuse me, your Majesty?"

"You have been through a lot. I want to honour you, Augus. For being the man to me that you were to my father. I thought you'd abandon me, but you're still here. You still care."

Vaea came in and hugged him. Augus winced, his eyes wide as he patted Vaea slowly on the back. Tears burned his eyes as everything started to weigh.

"Thank you. You were more of a father to me than he was, honestly."

"I'll always be there, your Majesty."

"I know."

Vaea pulled away, and there was a real softness in his eyes. "If only Halo had believed in me the way you do."

Augus knew he was going to be sick. As soon as Vaea left, he stumbled toward the physician's cupboard. There he saw bottles of disgusting alcohol, not fit for consumption, but he didn't care. Augus ripped the tops off and downed each bottle.

Feeling the burn in his throat and stomach match the one in his heart, it destroyed him. He sobbed to himself, dragging his arms into the books on the physician's desk and seeing them fly.

How could Vaea do this? How was he meant to go on? He had to make sure Halo was alive. If he wasn't...what would he...

He checked the Communicator and it had one bar. On its lowest.

"Fucking Hell!" Augus shouted and tossed a bottle into the wall, sending it shattering. He had seen human horrors-beyond his comprehension. He had seen people who no longer looked like people. He wasn't built to see that. Maybe it made him weak, or maybe it made him human. But Augus never wanted to see another slave castle ever again.

The door suddenly opened, and Riso and Alan slowly walked in, their jaws slackening as they looked at Augus in his maddened state.

He was shirtless, the bandage across his body like a fashion statement. He stood barefoot like a savage, and now he still smelled of pungent alcohol.

"Father," Riso breathed, her face fallen. "What is going on?"

"Sir Alan...charge this with yours," Augus said, tossing the communicator to him. Alan caught it with both hands.

"Marshall Na... are you okay?"

"We have to kill the King. And I'm going to make sure it happens."

Augus and Riso looked at each other. Alan was frozen. Despite his words, she did not even seem to flinch, or dispute it.

"Get Malia on our radar," Riso said. Augus frowned-he did not remember telling her about Malia. "Alan told me all about her and her friends. She's Taker of No Shit, right?"

"She's also Get Into Shit," Augus let out a broken laugh. "And there's a big chance Vaea blew her up."

"No way," Alan said, frightened. "Does that mean...?"

"There's a chance this was all for nothing, yes."

"He's not human," Riso blinked at the floor, then immediately tended to her father. "Father, is there anything we can do? Please lie down."

Augus felt himself going slowly, the alcohol hitting him heavily. Riso set him down onto the bed and put him on his back, letting him stare at the ceiling. It waved at him.

"I...get...Halo."

Alan handed the communicator to Riso, slowly backing away. His heart hurt and he couldn't hide it from his face. "Your dad is my hero. I joined the Guard to work under him. I can't...see him like this."

"No, please don't leave," Riso turned to him, her eyes pleading. They were glossing over and Alan glued himself to the floor. "I can't be alone with him like this. You're the only other person he trusts, Alan. Please?"

She held out her hand. Alan's constitution crumbled and he placed his hand in hers, the both of them huddled together as they watched Augus fall.

Riso grit her teeth. "Vaea needs to die so my father doesn't have to play double agent anymore. I'm sick of this. No one deserves this."

"You're right." Alan muttered. He wondered if there was still hope.

***

Halo

After countless times of ringing Augus, Halo started to worry. He paced endlessly, not even able to enjoy his food as he roughly went over the plan over and over. Jack and Finn watched him like they were hypnotized.

"Alright, stop pacing!" Finn snapped. "You're freaking me out."

"I don't want to get yelled at," Halo said, then nodded at Jack. "Go get the girls."

"I don't want to get yelled at either!" Jack protested.

Halo swallowed apologetically. "As your Prince I order you that you go and call the girls."

Jack scoffed and shook his head. "Playing that card is crazy!"

Finn looked at Halo with narrowed eyes. "Are you sure about this, Halo?"

"You're the one that told me I'm capable of coming up with a plan!"

"I don't mean that...I mean telling these crazies the plan. Ever thought maybe we should take things into our own hands?"

"And leave Malia out of it? You want to die?"

"What about me?" Malia said, strolling in with her arms crossed. Despite the scowl on her face, her braid swung over her shoulder and she leaned on her hips, temporarily distracting Halo from the pressure on him. His eyes drifted to her lips for a second, and he inappropriately thought about how nice it was to kiss her.

I'm just a man after all.

"This better be good," Sina muttered when she walked in alongside Misty. Sina saw Malia and immediately refused to make any more eye contact, her eyes settling on Halo with scrutiny.

"Well?"

Halo took a breath, puffing his chest. "I have a plan to kill Vaea."

Sina and Malia stared at him expectantly. "Well...hurry up!" They both said, scowling at each other when they realized they said it simultaneously.

"Augus should be back at the palace by now. He's going to let us through the dungeon, where we will pose as nobles attending Vaea's engagement. You all will be in charge of taking out the lights and Guards, and while you cause a distraction, Malia and I will drink potions, steal Vaea into a secluded area and then kill him."

"Just that easy huh?" Sina said, narrowing her eyes. "And what happens after?"

Halo exhaled harshly. "I will temporarily cease the Crown."

Everyone gasped. Halo had been vehemently against ever ascending to the throne. But he was doing it now because he knew it was the only resort left.

"Temporarily," Halo reminded them all with a sharp tone. "I'm going to fix all this crap. I'll get rid of all the slave castles, get the Kaua out of Kiribati and bring back your family, Misty."

Misty's eyes lit up with those words.

"And after that...I'll bring back the Elders and dismember this monarchy for good."

"What?" Everyone chorused. Misty stepped forward in disbelief.

"Dismember the monarchy?" She echoed. "But Halo, why? Don't you see you're the leader this country has been dying for!"

"I'm no leader, Misty. And Kukoa has surpassed the need for a monarchy. This much power shouldn't be in the hands of one person. Its not worth all that crap."

"You'd be destroying thousands of years of tradition," Misty shook her head. "Kukoa has always had her King or Queen. You're the one with a benelovent heart and a pure head of white hair, Halo."

Halo grit his teeth in frustration. "The right person would want to rule this island. I'm only doing the right thing by saving my people, but I will not give up my freedom for this Crown. I am above it. I always will be. The power belongs to the people, that's it. They will decide who will rule."

Malia smiled at Halo, the biggest smile she ever had. Never had she felt more proud.

"People who can't even agree on anything?" Misty asked, frustrated. "What if you make things worse?"

"That's a great plan, Halo," Malia said, her hand slithering around his bicep softly. "I'm proud of you for staying true to yourself."

Misty shook her head at Malia. "Of course you would side with the idea of total anarchy."

Malia had been waiting for her to say something. Honestly, one wrong move and Misty was getting bodyslammed.

"Halo's right, power belongs to the people," Malia smirked. "You just don't like the idea that nothing will uphold your riches when this all falls through."

"Misty is not that kind of person," Sina stepped in, irritating Malia. She smiled insincerely.

"Right, Sina. And you know Misty so well."

"I know her just as much as you know Halo. And we both know you couldn't wait to smack your lips on his!"

Malia gasped. "You bitch!"

She shoved out at Sina and Finn and Jack immediately got in the middle, separating both livid women. Goddess, Halo thought this would appease them both!

"At least Halo can pull his weight, name one thing Misty has done since she got here besides be everyone else's problem!" Malia screamed.

"Misty hasn't bothered anyone, but you have!" Sina yelled back. "And nice to know that once someone stops being useful to you, you'll just treat them as disposable. Real nice, Malia."

"What the Hell are you on about! Didn't you hear me, she was never useful!"

Sina knocked Jack on the nose and shoved him off of her, then walked right into Malia's face where Finn had his arms locked around her's to keep her encaged.

"You're mean, Malia," Sina said with tears in her eyes, shaking her head.

"I didn't know it was mean to tell the truth now."

"Isn't it enough to want freedom for everyone? Does she have to risk her life for you, is that the only way? Because if so, what are you gonna do the day one of us can no longer fight for you? The day where only our hearts are enough?"

Halo stood helpless. He no longer knew what this fight was about.

"You're fucking kidding me, right?" Malia scoffed. "Sina have you lost your damned mind?"

"Sud was useless too, you invited him to rob the Regal House!"

"Need I remind you he fucking betrayed us and got your tree house blown up?"

"You guys, what is this fight even about?" Jack asked in defeat. "Seriously?"

Sina frowned. "Malia wants everyone to be utterly devoted and willing to die for her, when only our hearts should be enough. Pushing for more is cruel."

"Yeah, you've lost your mind," Malia said, trying to stand up straight in Finn's arms. "A good heart isn't going to bring all those people back, Sina. A good heart isn't going to take down Vaea. A good heart isn't going to save my mother."

"And what about Halo?" Sina pointed accusingly. "His heart is good, and thats why he's taking the throne even though he doesn't want to and then giving away the power. Do you think he's gonna kill his own brother? No. He expects you to do it, Malia. Because he doesn't have the heart to."

Halo rose an eyebrow but said nothing. Why were they dragging him into this?

Malia smiled, but it was hard, filled with no joy as she looked at her best friend, whose philosophies had just become so far removed from her own.

"Halo doesn't have a good heart, Sina. He has a brave heart. He's still willing to fight, no matter how scared he is. And that's what actually matters."