Prologue
Twins: The general term used to refer 2 offspring from the same pregnancy.
No matter how many books and numerous definitions he read, there was never any indication of twins denouncing an evil omen. Born with hatred. Lived with rejection. Despised for their presence. Denied of their status. The dark looks from villagers that plainly stated "you are not our prince. Never were. Never will be." All could not be a coincidence. The great epidemic falling on the southern lands, followed by the great famine in the west. A religious war between small groups of inhabitants in northern lands as well as an economical depression in the east. What hath he done to be damned to such a fate? What had he doth to have a twin brother?
He had been ready – bring this country in becoming the perfect Utopia. To become one of the most powerful man. To feel the pride and glory. All those who see him will grovel. All those in hearing upon his name will speak of his great deeds. Instead, he was left to wonder up agony, gossips, blood and other horrendous things all because of his otōto.
Hao Asakura scanned the horizon with cold eyes. The large estate still was quiet in the early hours. The sun was not up yet and the birds did not sing. The land's residences were still asleep. Huddled in their warm blankets waiting for the bright new day. He couldn't sleep. Today would be another one of those days. An endless day of challenges to face and conquer.
Hao is not stupid. He was well aware of the masks people wore which very well hid their dark desires. Their long trailing court robes provided perfect large sleeves to hide multiple weapons, waiting for the most perfect opportunity to be unleashed. Fake smiles, followed by 'Good day denka. how are you today denka? Isn't the weather wonderful denka? Hope you have another prosperous day denka.'
Denka, denka, denka. Hao found himself disgusted at this term. He could no longer appreciate the beauty and high status this term applies to. Sure back then when he was small, he'd feel proud being called 'the highness'. However now, it is only a name, a form of addressing one of higher power - a prince to be exact. Oh no but do not mistaken, it is not the crown prince. He barely deserves to be called 'denka' let alone being the crown prince – 'kôtaishi'
A line of light shone over the mountains, turning the sky into hues of blue, pink and bright yellow – signaling morning had arrived. Hao sat on the railings of alarge balcony, leaning against one of the cold bloody red columns. Jet black eyes flickered to a small movement in the courtyard below. Near the garden's nishikigoi was a small figure. Despite the darkness he recognize the dark form – Anna. What a terrible taboo he was committing. Sneaking into a lady's house like a predator, waiting for his prey to appear. Cheeks slightly red from the morning coldness, she sat beside the lily covered water. She had a roll of paper in her hands and a paintbrush as she started to paint the koi fish swimming near her. Layers of lavender, maroon, pink and white, pooled around her making up her juni-hito. Her long golden hair left untied, streaming down her back carrying a faint smell of Jasmine. He had learned to love the delicate flower. The flower known as "the gift from god" gave off a fragrance that matched her perfectly.
The way she smile softly when the morning bird hopped up to her, was so brilliant it would have made any person fall in love. She looked so radiant sitting peacefully in the quiet garden it stole his breath. The pure and untouched skin haunted him.
Yes – this woman was gorgeous – the breathtaking picture of beauty. Like an angel who had fallen from the heavens. And in his wildest imaginations he would dream it would be his arms in which she would fall into.
Everyone was restless. It was time. The heir was about to be born. The next king. The next generation to continue the bloodline - Asakura. The birth of the heir meant glory. The Heir meant receiving all land, titles and wealth. That is – if the child was a son.
Tap Tap Tap .
Emperor Asakura was most restless of all. Still recovering from the moment when his wife suddenly grabbed him by the hair and shrieked 'pain pain!'. He couldn't help but let his feet tap on the ground in anticipation – something an emperor should never do in the presence of the court. Such indecent behaviour would never be allowed! Of course he was most delighted in learning the birth of his child is coming after 9 months of waiting. Happy he no longer had to put up with his wife's sudden mood swings and complaining about her tired feet. But man! The suspense of childbirth was killing him!
Tap Tap Tap Tap.
Emperor Asakura was not the only one anxious. The Imperial court was also waiting for the news. This would be their third child. If this were to be a still born –like the first two- or be a 'Hime' the empress would no longer be able to bear her name. Reaching her thirties, the empress would no longer be considered fertile to produce a heir.
Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap.
On the other hand if kami-sama does approve and grant her a son, she would keep her status and gain even more power – especially being the mother of the crown prince. Of course in their current state of waiting, all they were thinking was – someone make Emperor Asakura stop that blasted tapping!
...
Who ever knew childbirth was this difficult. Although this was her third time, the pain was so immense it took every ounce of her to stop from screaming her throat out. Empress Asakura had prayed everyday that this would be a son. If not the emperor would be allowed to take a concubine and the son of the concubine will become the legitimate heir. Imagine! A mere concubine being able to gain more power than the empress herself! The shame, the disgrace, the humiliation! Her thoughts were interrupted when her lady in waiting once again reminded her to keep 'pushing'.
'I know!' she growled inwardly. 'Mikihisa! What have you done to me?'
.:l~*~l:.
By the age of three, his intelligence allowed him to walk, talk and accomplish anything a 10-year old child could. His ability in memorization and quickness in learning new materials proved to be great use. In other words; he was simply a child prodigy. However this does not mean he was approved by others. He was never the special one, instead all eyes were on the one he hated most, Yoh.
Yoh received loads of praise and compliments from just being able to recite a single verse in a poem. Yoh received a room fit for the crown prince with at least 30 followers and servants at his heels. All the ministers, cabinet members and even ambassadors wanted to someday serve this young master. Yoh received all the attention from their parents. Yoh this, Yoh that, - it was only the beginning.
On the night of his fifth birthday was when the nightmare really began. According to tradition, the first child in twins would be sealed away or executed and thus the younger one would become the heir or rival among other brothers for the throne. It wasn't rock science for Hao to realize he was going to die. Only five years to live – he had no future. All the work done to make his father proud and approve of his existence was wasted. It was for certain, the council of elders had already made this choice the moment he was born, and had waited 5 years/ 60 months/ 1825 days/ 43800 hours/ 2628000 minutes for this day to finally come.
He was even visited by an assassin – a birthday present from his dear father. However a father that had not even visited his own son ever since its birth could not have known what a child prodigy this child really was. With expert swordsmanship Hao reduced the attempted assassination to nothing more than a bloody room and a dismantled body. At least something came in handy and was not wasted. Not to mention the hilarious looks Hao saw from the elder's faces the following morning, was absolutely priceless. The boy, whom they thought were finally gone, was alive and well. It was then Hao was determined, by all means he would do whatever it takes to climb to the top. And anyone who stands in his way will be the first people on his list to be removed.
.:l~*~l:.
The sun had rised above the mountains, reflecting on the roofs & pagodas of the estate. The earth was starting to come to life. A sudden movement startled Hao. The hatred built as Hao watch Anna gracefully rose to greet Yoh. Smiling ever so softly and cheeks blushing slightly she leaned into Yoh's warm embrace and allowing him to tangle his fingers in her luscious golden curls.
She looked extremely shocked when he just burst into her quarters one morning. Her lady in waiting racing after him in an ocean of ruffled robes.
'Asakura-Shinno, excuse my rudeness however, what you are trying to accomplish by bursting into my home in such a fury state? Mind you are disturbing the peace of this holy land.' Her voice shook from a hidden anger and anger as she whipped her head in his direction. Even with a shoji screen Hao could see she still in her night attire. Anna's left hand searched around her, looking for anything that would protect her if this man were to suddenly become violent. He was always mysterious ever since the first time she met him, in other words; who knows what this man would do, he is capable of doing anything in order to get what he wants.
'Anna, I have heard of your impending marriage to Yoh. What is the meaning of this? Explain yourself!' Hao icily hissed under his breath. He stood a hair away from the shoji screen that separated her from him.
'You heard correctly, I have accepted Yoh's marriage proposal.' She answered icily.
'What were you thinking Anna? I proposed for your hand in marriage 1 month ago and now I hear you are going to marry, of all people, my otōto?'
'I have no need to answer your question Asakura-Shinno. Refrain yourself from stepping into my property. I am sure you are aware no man may step into my estate other than my fiancée. And last time I checked you aren't my husband-to-be, therefore kindly escort yourself out of my property.' Hao's nerve finally snapped. In his anger he ripped through the shoji screen, grabbing her shoulders in effort to shake her awake and realize the mistake she made. In the next few minutes there was absolute chaos. Next thing he knew, he was flat on the ground with his face pushed towards the wooden deck. He had failed to notice one of the lady in waiting calling for the royal guards. The ladies circled their mistress while a dozen guards had secured him to the ground muttering 'apologies denka'. With great effort he raised his eyes towards his beloved 'Don't compare me to him, Anna. Don't leave me, you are more important to me than anyone else. I-'
'Please don't.' Her voice was so soft, he could barely hear her. 'This is a choice I made, please respect it, Hao.'
Hao's eyes darkened giving this drop dead gorgeous, handsome and calm man a demonic look. Hao whipped his head away from the couple, hands curling into a tight fist.
'Nii-sama, do you have any clue as whom might have left this on my desk earlier today?'
'A Western playing card? How strange, although I have seen these cards been used in fortune telling.'
'That probably explains how the pattern gives me a strange feeling.' Yoh glanced at the thin piece of cardboard. Hao chuckled.
'I'm not surprised. It's the Ace of Spades, known for its association with death.'
'Well, I'm pretty sure I'll still be around for a long time. Anyhow thanks again nii-sama! I shall be taking my leave now - onward on my quest to finding the owner of this card!' Hao watched Yoh skip towards the doorway with the card held high. The black suit reflected the light making the black seem darker than it already is.
'Yoh,' Hao's voice suddenly became dead serious. Yoh stopped in his tracks and turn his head back, puzzled at his brother's tone. 'Becareful of hidden snakes otōto.'.
The Ace of Spades is waiting.
It was decided ever since they were born this would be a competition to stay alive - a game in which the survivor takes all. A gamble, Hao was willing to bet his life on to rid of the person he hated the most and become highest man in the country. And when he is done, he will be a step closer to being a god.
'I will never surrender anything to you Yoh. Especially not her.'
otōto(san) 弟さん – little brother
Hello! First fan fiction! having a bit of fun here and there. Please forgive the grammer - it's horrible!
Ahaha just having a bit of fun in the end - in fortune telling the ace of spades represents death. *wink*
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