How do you love someone without getting hurt
How do you love someone?

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The echoing clang of the swords clashing together as the guards practiced sword fighting rang in my ears. On the right you could hear the "whiz" of the arrows as the men practiced shooting from their bows. I could hear shouts and groan from the soldiers; mostly in frustration.

I watched as the men slashed their sword right to left moving in formation as they practiced again and again.

I did not blame their tired and sweaty faces. Training was hard. Perseverance and patience was the only way to get through training, but I could see in many of the men eyes determination.

I smiled proudly as I watched my brother train the men. He walked around the men who were in a fighting stance critiquing and yelling at them. I could hear the dreamy sigh of my ladies whose eyes were glued on my brother.

Me and my brother made eye contact and his brown eyes softened at me as he gave me one of his goofy and crooked smiles. That was one of the things I didn't understand about my brother. He could be so serious and then the next moment be funny and adorable. He was strange and prefered to use his fists than head but nevertheless, I loved him.

I suppose I could understand why all the girls loved him. He was a "lady's man" I guess. He was a big flirt to them and could also be sweet and adorable at the same time.

I diverted my attention from my brother scanning the training center. I spotted one of my brother's friend, Eugene. A skilled and cunning assassin he was. He often had missions to assasin dangerous people by the king himself. I did not talk with him nor did he with me, but he was quiet, reserved and cold. He hardly spoke at all, in fact I had never seen him speak at all. He was with the archers standing in front of the targets as the men struggled to aim their arrows at their target.

I winced as the arrows flew towards the targets, some of the stray arrows went straight towards him, but not once did an arrow touch him; he was too fast and quick before the arrow could even touch him.

Eugene was tall and broad, and he always had a unreadable face. His dark brown eyes were always guarded filled with no emotions, his eyes were always suspicious filled with dark and broken secrets that were to hidden to deciper. He had a refined jaw with a muscular body, from the years of harsh training as an assasin. Eugene was good looking and he was attractive too.

I turned my head my attention now focusing on Damon. I shuddered slgihtly by the look of him feeling the dark magic . Damon, was different. Very different in our kingdom. For one, Damon was a demon. A very beauitiful and handsome demon, in which he had a tall and slender figure. He had blond yellowish hair that was short. He also had the clearest blue eyes that glittered with malice and coldness.

Demons were common in this world and were only a few of the many mythical creatures. There were different clans for a demon. Each clan with their own unique power or specialty on something. But it also wasn't usual to see a demon. Us, humans didn't mess with them because of their extraordinary power and strength.

Demons were also one of the darkest and most powerful of the creatures. Not only for their super human strength of hearing and sight but also one of the masters in magic. But not any magic; magic that though was extremely powerful, but was also dark and evil.

I did not know much about Damon or how him and my brother, Lukas met, but one thing I knew for sure was that I was much to frightened to approach him. But I trusted my brother and if my brother trusted Damon then I trust Damon.

Then there was Apollo. I sighed softly as I watched him combat a soldier with ease and swiftness. Each of his hit and move with quickness and technique from the years of hard work and training.

Apollo had dark brown luscious hair with a chiseled and refined jaw. He had perfectly sculpted eyebrows and he was unforgivingly attractive. His dark brown eyes glittering full of unreadable emotions. He was tall and broad with muscles protruding out of his chest. He stood there his head held high with arrogance and confidence as the soldier's sword fell to the ground with a clatter.

I would be lying if I said he wasn't handsome. He had a cold aura around him that only made him more mysterious and devilishly good looking.

My eyes widened and I bit my lip when his face suddenly turned our eyes making contact for a split second. His icy pit-less dark umber eyes met my soft kind ones. I nearly fell out of my chair in awe and embarrassment.

I broke the gaze turning my head flushing, unable to contain my red cheeks. I didn't dare to look up at him again, and I could still feeling his burning gaze on me.

I sighed in relief when he turned away. I refused to look back at his direction, because of the fear that he would catch me staring at him again. Not to mention that I was blushing like crazy and my heart was beating against my chest nervously.

"Crystal!" called a voice, as I turned my head towards the sound thankful for a distraction.

I smiled as I saw my younger brother, Ryker approaching me. He grinned at me excitedly as he sat next to me, his eyes in awe as he watched the soldiers fighting.

"Good Morning Ryker." I said to him softly, "Your up pretty early."

Ryker pouted, "I didn't want to wake up, but I couldn't sleep with all this yelling," he replied, his eyes never leaving the soldiers, "That'll be me someday right?" he asked curiously, "I want to fight alongside Lukas and his friends Damon, Eugene and Apollo."

I laughed, "Of course but I'm sure it'll take longer before you can start actually training the soldiers." I teased, "You'll have to grow taller and exercise more."

"I do exercise." he muttered, "Eating is a great form of exercise because it exercises your jaw."

I rolled my eyes suppressing my laughter it was hard to think that Ryker seventeen, only one year younger than me yet sometimes he acted like a child.

"They are so good at fighting." Ryker continued eagerly, "Do you think I'll ever be as good as them Crystal?" he asked, "I want to fight alongside my brother Nathan." he said sighing softly, "Nathan, is the best brother I could ever ask for."

I hummed thoughtfully, "I'm sure you'll be just as good as them." I replied. Ryker, was good at fighting. In fact I often passed him practicing alone during his free time. Sometimes I'd see Lukas helping him out. Sometimes I would even see Nathan helping him.

I would watch from the distance as Nathan glared at Ryker telling him what he was doing wrong over and over. I could see the hurt in Ryker's eyes, though he never admitted. Nathan cared for Ryker that's for sure but he didn't show it that easily.

It was rare to see Nathan. He was different, no longer was he the soft hearted brother I knew but now he was secretive and cold. I hardly even saw him and if we did we never spoke to each other. There was a distant scary look that was always in his eyes as if he wasn't really here.

Then there was the oldest, Brayden. His jealousy over Lukas was easily seen. As the elder of brothers it is expected that he take the throne of the kingdom. However, father chose Lukas as the heir.

I'll never know the real reason why of why father chose Lukas but I do know that Brayden and father never got along. Brayden liked war and wanted to destroy those who discriminated them. He wanted to be the best and only the best; no matter what it would take.

Father was more of a peaceful and quiet man. He didn't believe in war unless it was absolutely necessary. He was thankful for what he had and believed that if he was to gain power then let it be in the will of the gods.

After Brayden found out that father chose Lukas, he became angry and cold. Especially towards Lukas. He became manipulative and harsh. The bond that was created was broken, beyond repair.

It wasn't always like this though. I can still remember the nights us siblings did when we would sneak outside the palace and go around the marketplace to watch the festivals and eat food. When we would sometimes just be together and talk. I missed those moments and seconds and wished that I could repeat every single moment we spent together.

It made my heart break to see our family falling apart.

"Are you alright Crystal?"

I blinked yelping in surprise to see Ryker's face inches from mine staring at me worriedly.

"Are you sick? Should I call the doctor?" he asked frantically, his eyes clouded with worry. He touched my forehead, "Maybe you have a temperature?"

I shook my head smiling at Ryker's concern, "I'm fine." I replied standing up, "I'm just going to walk around for a bit."

He frowned not convinced, "Are you sure your alright?" he asked cocking his head curiously.

I nodded giving him a sad soft smile. I didn't want to worry him or give him anymore stress.

He didn't look convinced but he nodded before he marched towards me giving me a warm hug, "Don't worry," he promised seriously, "I'll always be with you and protect you always."

I hugged him tightly smiling softly at his attempt to cheer me up.

Perhaps I was just too softhearted and gentle but it broke my heart to see my family this way. I sighed as I walked away from the training grounds. I began to walk towards the gates. The guards bowed as I passed the palace gates.

I begin walking around slowly scanning the busy and noisy market. I glanced around looking at each of the different people. Some girls with beautiful heavy ornaments around their hair with their hair fashionably styled while others with simpler clothes and a simple braid.

Many are selling jewelry and ornaments. The jewelry sparkle under the sun showing off its vibrant color and beauty. Some are selling food. There's a sweet smell lingering in the air from the sweet homemade cakes mothers have made or fresh ripe fruit that leave a nice smell in the air.

I spot a group of young children laughing and talking as they passed each other a ball. Their clothes old and torn covered in dust, but their eyes lighted with joy as they played. I envied that and wished me and my siblings could still do that.

I continue looking around the marketplace when a bracelet catches my eye.

There was a young girl perhaps my age selling alluring and beautiful bracelets. One bracelet in particular catches my a eyes. It is made up of a pink soft colored stone. Its a simple one compared to the other pins that sparkled and showed off its different bright and elegant colors. In the middle lays a dazzling white gem symbolizing the purity and beauty. The bracelet is stunning and I cannot take my eyes off of it.

We make eye contact and the girl smiles warmly at me holding out the bracelet towards me. I shake my head but she insists.

I take the beautiful bracelet holding it in awe. Its simple really, not bright and dazzling as the other one, but I like it.

"Its suppose to mean that it will bind you and your lover together forever, even after death." she said. She holds up another one, its the same design as the one in my hand, the only difference is that the stones are black. Her eyes twinkle with mischief, "Perhaps a prince or warrior might have caught your eye or perhaps you have captured a prince's heart," her voice lowers, "Your highness."

I can't help but laugh, and the girl looks pleased at my reaction. I can't help but ask how she found out.

"Well your dressed much nicer and more elegant than some of the richest girls in this village." she said her eyes twinkling, "Not to mention that some of the palace guards are starting to show up your majesty."

My face flushed realizing how much attention I'd drawn. "I really just came to just relax not to become the center of attention." I replied truthfully.

She laughed, "Well their not the only ones whose paying attention." she replied giggling as she pointed to a group of young men finely dressed staring at us, "Your majesty."

I ignored the men, looking at her again, "What's your name?"

The girl seemed taken aback before answering, "My name is Grace, your majesty."

I shook my head, "Please don't call me your majesty in makes me sound old, call me Crystal instead." I said a soft smile grazing my lips.

She nodded hesitating before speaking, "I hope I don't sound rude, but your much more different than I imagined you to be." she paused, "I expected you to be full of yourself and arrogant like many of the girls in the village, but your nothing like I expected." she said sincerely, "I'm proud that us villagers have a princess like you."

I laughed softly, hiding a smile, "I'm not much different than you are." I said quietly handing her back the bracelet, "Here."

She frowned, "Are you sure you don't want it?" She asked. She tried handing it back, "Take it as a gift your high- I mean Crystal." she grinned at me, "Surely there must be someone who has captured your heart."

"There is." I say to her softly smiling as I thought of Apollo.

She wiggled her eyebrow making me laugh, "Oh?"

"What about you?" I asked, "Is there anyone that has captured your heart?"

She snorted unladylike and I bit back a smile, "Me?" She laughed, "No." she said deadpanned.

We looked at each other before we burst out laughing.

She placed both of the bracelets in a small pouch giving me a wide grin, "Well if you ever change you mind, I'll have it ready."

"Thank you."

-

Here is the first chapter of Wabi-Sabi!! I really hope you liked the first chapter! Tell me what you think in the comments and if you enjoyed it please vote too! I know in this chapter you didn't see any of\ interaction with her and Apollo but I promise in the next chapter there will be. I'm am super excited to begin writing this story and I hope you guys are just as excited as I am! This is how excited I am to begin this story. Also If you see any spelling mistakes please tell me because I'm not perfect.

Also I absolutely love that gif of him of Jin Han😍.

-NerdyWhale