1 The Knight and the Silver Prince

During the winter year, a cursed fate was created. Vann was 8 when he met the 10 year old Atlis- who seemed like a ruler already even at such a young age. Atlis saved Vann at that age. He held his hand out to the starving orphan that stole from him, and appointed him as his personal knight. 

They grow up together and become very close. Oftentimes, Atlis would go find Vann and take him into the caves to explore and tell him things he doesn't want anyone else knowing about. And Vann would always listen and follow in return, without complaining. 

Vann was always treated kindly. Atlis enjoyed sparring and fighting with Vann. Vann never lost a spar as obnoxious as that was to Atlis who did wish to knock him on his bosom just once. 

"The day you win is the day I die, my prince." Vann would say to his partner.

It agitated the prince to no end, but it was true. Vann was the best swordsman his land had to offer. Quick, smart, and strong. He could take on 5 people at once if he really wanted to. It was something Atlis used to boast about, but now, it was down right irritating. 

One day after they sparred, Atlis and Vann went to the caves and walked deep enough in to find a stream. The sole light they had, Atlis put out in the water and sat down. The glow bugs lit the cave and he laughed a bit and started talking about when they get older and what the future held for them.

Vann was half listening as he was more focused on how beautiful Atlis was and an idea popped in his head subtly. He kneeled down in front of his prince and muttered. "You talk so much." 

And just like that, Vann silenced him by pushing their lips together. Atlis was taken aback by a kiss that was long overdue. He fell back immediately, abruptly ending the kiss. Vann just looked at him with his calm eyes that were usually annoyed with the world... he didn't say anything and leaned in for another. Atlis stammered and looked away, hella embarrassed. It didn't stop Vann from his advancements; he already made his move and wasn't backing out. A kiss upon his neck, his cheek, then a grazed upon lips once more. 

Atlis was not disgusted by this. No, he was absolutely thrilled. As the kiss went on, he eventually kissed back and let Vann do whatever he liked. Vann didn't go far. They only shared the heated kisses and soft moans. After things calmed down, Atlis sat up with Vann and was just flustered. Vann snickered at him before smoothly saying, "you taste better than any woman", which made Atlis kiss him one more time before he got up saying they were definitely in the cave for too long. 

The two of them stayed in a 'secret relationship'. Altis learned he enjoyed being a bottom with a night of lots of ale. Vann actively sought out Atlis even during the daylight hours sometimes and bent him over a table. Sometimes, it's the other way around. They were healthy and happy. Atlis made sure Vann was always by his side. Vann made sure he was always well trained so he could protect Atlis. And his training paid off until the end.

There were many times someone tried to assassinate Atlis, so they were cautious. The two of them required to go into the city for a business deal, no one but the other party knew they were going to be there, and Atlis made sure to dress like a commoner. But this assassin was different. He was very familiar with those two, and Vann was absolutely no match.

When the assassin attacked, Vann defended Atlis with great skill. He was able to cut the assassin's chest and the assassin fell, limp. Vann and Atlis made the decision to return immediately due to the assassin being someone they know. As the two were heading back, the man who was left for dead got up with ease and ran at Vann. Vann was able to turn around and blocked the attack easily, but the assassin played dirty. They had a hidden blade and stabbed Vann with it.

Vann was stabbed in the stomach with a secret blade. and was cut clean open right in front of Atlis. Atlis stood there horrified as the murderer laughed and licked the blood off his blade. Vann couldn't stand on his own two feet anymore let alone hold a sword but he resisted the urge to falter and fall to the ground, he was barely holding his weapon but stood his ground. His job was to protect Atlis- he didn't want the prince to die. Not now... no. He deserved to live... 

The assassin was going to also going to murder Atlis but something stopped him. He turned around and left immediately as if he was being called back somewhere. 

Atlis grabbed onto Vann and tried to stop his bleeding. He didn't want him to go. Oh gods please don't do this. No, no.

Vann's legs gave out and Atlis helped him down and called for someone to get a doctor immediately. He needed to be saved. He couldn't let Vann die.

Vann looked at Atlis whose calm nature broke into a mess he was desperate. His tears fell onto Vann's as he tried to keep him awake as he tried to keep him talking. He made sure he could cover the wound the best he could but the Armour was in the way. Vann talked back as well, letting his last breaths in this world count and told Atlis: "Looks like… I finally lost… I'm the one who should be crying..... I'm... leaving you behind. I'm sorry..."

"Atlis… I…"

"Vann, stop talking please… you need your energy."

Vann's hand moved to grab Atlis's arm, he continued. "Become the king… and make this kingdom a place… where no one needs to murder or steal to be happy. For my next life… I love you, Atlis."

Atlis gripped his lover's hand, quivering. He shook his head and moved down to kiss Vann one last time. "Vann, please…."

"I… love… you." Vann said softly once more.

Once Vann passed away, Atlis locked up his emotions and decided to finish what his father started. In 2 years, Atlis claimed the throne and took the family's pet. He led armies and peace. He destroyed the border and made peace with the other nations and expanded his territory. 

By the age of 33 he wedded his empress to keep peace in his country. Atlis was at peace in some way, but still missed his personal knight… something always felt missing. When Atlis was 48 he left the country on a winter trip… and met a poor old man being harassed and slandered. 

He too was old, but still had enough integrity in him to pull over and aid the man in need. The years of experience came in handy handling the scoundrels. After, he aided the man; he made sure he was taken to the closest village, fed, and healthy. 

It impressed the old man. The great hospitality and generosity Atlis displayed. So much so, the old man decided to reveal himself as a god and rewarded Atlis with a single wish.

Atlis was taken back. He...he could wish for anything…? Would it come true? Would he remember it coming true? He stayed silent for a moment before he decided on a wish. A selfish wish.

"I wish I can always meet Vann and always fall in love with him in every life. Please… and I want to protect him. I'd rather die first than watch him die again."

And like that, the cycle started.