Once upon a time, there lived a phantom prince. In his past, royal guests, servants, and even his personal bodyguards had a tough time knowing where he is. The prince was always told to hold a stronger and more noticeable presence or else he will not be able to lead the kingdom.
The prince had several friends. His closest friends were his personal bodyguards plus his garment coordinator. They had all been trained to protect the prince with their lives. Everyday, at least two of his bodyguards were ordered to accompany him wherever he wonders. Yes, wherever.
"Kurokocchi! Your father sent me here to tell you that dinner is almost ready!"
"He'll be there in 15 minutes!"
"Ah, Momocchi. Are you perhaps making Kuroko a new dress?" The soldier stepped into the royal chamber.
"Yes, Tetsu-kun requested to have another gown made for his next disguise. Tetsu-kun, why don't you show Kise?"
"I refuse."
"So mean! I was even the first one to figure out your first crossdress disguise." Kise's comical tears came down in streams.
"It still feels embarrassing to show myself in such a state."
"Aw, come on Kurokocchi. I'm sure you cute!"
"... Just a peek. Then I'm changing."
"Thank you, Kurokocchi!" Kise's face was glowing with happiness.
Kuroko unlocked the change room's door, stepping out with his usual poker face.
The pink gown consisted of the usual frills and lacing that people would find in fancy dresses. Along with the light blue veil material and silky pink cloth, his hair colour match the the dress colour to make him look like cotton candy.
"You're so cute, Kurokocchi!"
"No matter how many times I wear this, it still feels embarrassing."
"Not at all, you're always amazing pulling these disguises off!"
"Thank you, Kise-kun. Momoi-san, is there anything left to add for this gown?"
"No, everything is all set in order."
"Thank you again, Momoi-san. I will be changing and heading off to dinner. Kise-kun, please tell my father I will arrive shortly."
"Roger!"
The blonde swordsman left the room and walked down to the dining room.
"Momoi-san, there's one more thing."
"Yes, is something wrong?"
"How long has it been since the last royal party?"
"Um, let's see… 3 months I suspect."
"Then the next one will be in a week. I will be sneaking out of the castle in the midst of the party. Please prepare me an escape plan by then."
"Understood."
"Kanpai!" Soldiers clinked their mugs in celebration of a very successful hunt. One of the tables consisted of Kagami, Takao, and Furihata.
"Man, that was so much fun!"
"Kagami, you got so much game today!" Furihata said in admiration.
"That's because all wild boars and beasts came running to him!" Exclaimed Takao.
"No, you were only being reckless Takao."
"Shin-chan! Where did you go? You disappeared after the hunt."
"Royal duty called. Anyway, Furihata, Commander Hyuuga called you."
"Really? Then I'll see you guys later."
"Later, Furi!"
Midorima sat down on a chair beside Takao's. The hawk boy noticed a new expression on the green haired megane which he was about to ask until he saw Kagami stuffing his face.
"You are the youngest promoting commander yet your food etiquette represents a four year-old."
"Food gives you strength. Besides, it didn't seem like you were trying when you summoned your plants."
That caused Midorima to lose a straw.
"First of all, they're roots. Second, unlike you, I can't afford to waste all my magic energy in fighting when I have other jobs."
"Like guarding that phantom prince?"
"That's one of the jobs, yes."
"Who's this phantom prince?"
"..."
"...eh?"
"How long have you been in this kingdom Kagami?"
"About 10 years."
Bakagami. Is what Midorima and Takao both thought.
"Kuroko Tetsuya. He's the only son of the royal family who is nicknamed the phantom prince for his lack of presence. You're telling me that you've been in living in this kingdom for 10 years and you don't know anything about him?"
"Nope."
"It's to be expected. It's bakagami after all."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean!"
"Well, I have to go. I have more royal duties to fill out. Takao, don't drink too much."
"Oh, is Shin-chan worried about me?
"Anyone would be worried if their partner drank too much and get a hangover after. Idiot."
With back facing Takao and Kagami, Midorima walked away.
I'll never get tired of teasing him.
"Hey Takao."
"Ya?"
"I think I'm drunk."
"Woah, already? Pffft, I thought you'd be the type to handle this kind of stuff. I'll go get some water and help you get to your room"
"Thanks."
"I see you were having fun at the party, Shintarou." Akashi stared out of the castle window. The moon was yet to be full.
"It was only one successful hunt. I don't see the point in throwing such a large celebration."
"Perhaps not. Although your expressions are disagreeing with you."
"You never miss to see an action. As always."
"Or else I would not be absolute."
"Of course."
"Now let us discuss why you're here." Akashi turned to face Midorima and placed a document folder on his desk.
"I received news from Commander Kasamatsu. It seems that there was an assault in the eastern area. We don't know who the culprits are yet but we are suspecting that they're from the Kirisaki Daichi clan. Their clan is known for their sneak attacks and feints. Doing a small assault like this one is almost nothing to them. The main question would be, why would they do this? You will help the commanders and I solve this case. Whoever the culprits are, they are certainly planning for an even bigger assault."
"Understood. Anything else?"
"Yes, there is one more thing." Akashi stated, seeing that Midorima was ready to leave.
"Someone was murdered from the assault."
Midorima widened his eyes.
"They were probably trying to tell us that this death was only the beginning."
"But who had died?"
"Kiyoshi Teppei."
(A/N): I know I have other stories to update but I was kind of itching to write this one. I will have more time soon to update my Vanguard fic but I want to see how I can go until I reach a big writer's block for this story. Review if you want. It would be nice to have some good feedback...