Blackdragon41
Kings and Crows
Summary:
The dark Grand King Oikawa has most of Miyagi under his reign, his ways of tyranny has ended and he's finally trying to be the king his most loyal knight Iwaizumi Hajime has ever wanted him to be after years of conquest and personal struggle. However, the Shiratorizawa Empire rises to power and has its mind set on claiming all of Miyagi and vanquishing Oikawa and his kind; the Ninmenjuushin.
Cursed heroes of prophecy come in the form of both crows and valiant fighters trying to keep the peace in the Miyagi territory and make a living, they get themselves entangled in the conflict of war and must do whatever it takes to end it or watch neighboring kingdoms and their friends fall.
A/N: Hello there, I would have normally posted another chapter of 'On Black Wings' if I didn't get a bit inspired by a great story from an AU Haikyuu story found on Archive of Our Own (have a new profile there with same username) the inspirational story is called 'Brick by Brick' by Toffle, a really great story that should be checked out. Anyways, so here's like a drabble or one-shot(for now, may become multiple chapters depending on demand.)
Based on the AU Final Haikyuu Quest.
Rated T for blood, violence, gore, and language, possible character death if continued.
...
"It's over Oikawa Toru, the last king of Aoba-Johsai."
Fierce mahogany eyes glared at the man before him, tall and clad in burgundy armor; the powerful general of the Shiratorizawa Empire. "Ushiwaka Wakatoshi." He hissed the name with a pained grin before wiping a thin stream of blood away from the corner of his mouth, the crimson left a faint smear across his cheek but he cared not. He then pressed a hand to his gaping wound on his stomach and held it tight to slow the bleeding; he'd be damned before he dies by the general that he despised so intensely, or at least before him and at his mercy like this. He glowered at the general who sat up high on a striking white horse, it too was garnished in light decorative armor and fabric with Shiratorizawa's colors of white, maroon, and with trims of gold. On the fabric as well as Ushiwaka's breastplate shown a large emblem, a huge white eagle with its wings spread out; in its talons were spears. In the man's hand was a long and silver lance now drenched in blood, Oikawa's blood. Seeing his own crimson infuriated him terribly so, how unfortunate that he miscalculated his own strength after using so much to fight back masses of soldiers to protect his now last band of fighters and while wounded at that. They too were tired, and one of them was even injured pretty badly and to the point of near incapacitation and unable to wield a weapon properly.
He wasn't going to last at the rate he was weakening and neither were his men; not with fresh knights, Shiratorizawa's best that have joined up with their general and haven't even so much as raised a finger at them yet. He needed backup, but as much as he loathed help from outside of his castle or any kind of help period; he was close to desperate which was still a foreign concept to him. Near fraught for the quickest and easiest obtainable support for their sakes that would secure survival and escape, and he groaned in displeasure because he knew who to reach out to in this certain situation. Oikawa closed his eyes and narrowed his focus, hoping that he could find them and fast; and just like that he found them out towards the west and many miles away over the setting horizon. They were far but not without reaching distance.
'Wings, I need you. Now! We're on a high cliff, cornered by one of Shiratorizawa's brigades. … I- I can't protect them for much longer. Do I have to ask? Or say it? B-' Toru halted his current thought and groaned in discontent with a deep indignant frown. 'Beg? Okay, fine then. I'll beseech but just this once! Just- just… Please!? Save my knights!' He plead deep within his mind, the two mid-length horns on his head glowed faintly for a long second; Oikawa then exhaled loudly before grimacing and falling onto on knee with a pained moan. It took so much out of him to reach out over distant lands.
There was gasps and faces of horror among King Toru's knights when their lordship dropped down to an almost kneeling position, it didn't help that a pool of red began collecting at his feet.
"Oikawa?" Iwaizumi stared in shock.
"My lord?!" Kindaichi closed his eyes and gnashed his teeth; he wanted so much to go to his King's side but was too tired to move from his own hunched position, he held his arm tightly and cursed the one who shot him with the arrow that pierced his flesh deeply and weakened his fighting limb.
"This isn't good." Matsukawa said quietly while keeping a sharp gaze on the enemies that were only several yards away. He sneered at the many faces eyeing them and tightened his hand on the hilts of his swords, his eyes bore into the faces of mockery and haughtiness for bringing down a powerful beast-mortal; a demon most call his sovereign. "We're terribly outnumbered and pinned to a wall, and now even our king is on his last leg. How did this happen?" He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen Oikawa on the ground himself.
Toru groaned loudly and slumped forward a little more, he swiftly moved his free arm down and dug his sharp nails into the barren soil to keep himself from hitting the ground; how unsightly to be seen in such a position. Weak, wounded, and dying for a great being such as himself. Just disgraceful, he should have been powerful enough to deal with all of these guys on his own; even with his dark magic alone but something has weaken him and blocked his mana from pooling within. He wasn't healing but getting weaker by the minute, he could feel it in his bones; he was feeling heavier.
"Oikawa? Oikawa!" Shouted Iwaizumi, he slipped off of his dark russet horse and ran to his king with his steel plated armor and shield clanging together from fast movements, he dropped his protective sheet of steel to the ground and kneeled down to swing one of Oikawa's arms over his back to help keep him supported and from falling any further. "You pushed yourself too much didn't you? But there's something else too right? You have never had this much trouble before, ever. What's going on?" He asked worriedly, he was starting to panic but kept most of it contained for the other knights' sake. He has never seen his best friend and king on his knees before; he didn't even think that it was possible with Oikawa being a Ninmenjuushin; a powerful beast in the form of a human, then there's his devastating magic and fearsome spells that made him seem invincible and dreadful to human eyes. It perplexed him that he and his strong knights and even his powerful liege would be at the end of the line, it was terrifying and insane to think about. His whole life went to protecting his friend and his kingdom and now their very lives hung in the balance; Oikawa's looked like it would be the first one lost. But no, he decided that he would die before his king did, even if he had to run at Ushijima himself in attempts to kill him and die in the process; just as long as he didn't see Oikawa dead with his own eyes.
"Their army was too large and I hadn't anticipated that they would target my knights specifically, I had to protect you guys; they found out my greatest weakness and used it against me. Clever pests. I also didn't expect my spies to be turncoats and lead us right into a trap, they've tricked me into believing that there was only a small platoon less than a hundred sneaking into our territory when really there was a brigade of at least two thousand men ready to ambush. We barely got out of there. This whole m-mess is my fault." Oikawa coughed violently and flecks of red spattered to the ground, a trail of warmth escaped the corner of his mouth once again. "I lead us to our demise."
"No it's not! You didn't do anything of the sort you idiot! Don't blame yourself! How could you have known about the spies or the ambush, come on really? None of us could have and neither could you so don't single yourself out just because you're the one leading us!" Hajime countered and readjusted Oikawa to lean on his shoulder for better support, he almost wanted to beat some sense back into Toru's head with his fist king or not.
"I'm sorry."
"Damn it Oikawa, how come you aren't healing fast enough? You should have been on your feet again by now, how did this happen? Normal weapons should be nothing to you!"
"That lance is… no ordinary weapon Iwa-chan, I felt it more than any weapon before and its damage is bl-blocking mana somehow." Oikawa muttered quietly and endured a throbbing pain wracking his body, Ushijima's lance; the rod was of steel but the tip of the spear was something forged and apparently toxic to his body. Maybe there as poison powder coating it? He wondered.
Hajime fretted inwardly but composed himself as good as he could on the outside to keep his childhood friend at ease, by the look on Toru's face he could tell that he used up his remaining powers already and mostly likely for a telepathic connection that would almost certainly be in vain. Toru always made shitty decisions on his own. "You used all of your remaining magic to call out for them didn't you?" Emerald eyes narrowed when the grand king looked away, there was no hiding the truth; Oikawa usually did this when he wanted to avoid a topic in a conversation. "Dumbass! Your power went wasted then. Did you forget that you're still their enemy after everything you've done to them?" He growled. "Why did you waste it!? You could have used the rest of your strength to escape while we distracted so why didn't you dumbass!? Hey!" He shouted when the idiot ignored him and kept his focus on Ushijima and his squadron behind him. "Answer me!"
"I know Iwa-chan, but-" Oh who was he kidding? Oikawa slacked in his posture a bit. He doubted they would show up, he cursed them and used them like tools, he then made the curse twice as bad just for fun, attacked them many times for entertainment sake, and to top it off he had them driven from their homeland as a final act of spite and humility. Most people in all of Miyagi hated them now for what they've become and it wasn't even their fault, they were supposed to be prophesized heroes to end a great war that has yet to happen but were now living curses that take to the skies and bring dread. Now him and all of his remaining loyal were pinned to the edge of a cliff and completely cornered and open for an attack, he was too weak to protect them again and even his body wasn't healing fast enough for transformation for even a second. He would likely bleed out and die soon after taking a forceful spearing by that damn general. But in spite of that he made an arrogant grin, to seem weak was not like him and as the King of Aoba-Johsai; the grand kingdom of this region, he had to remain strong. For himself, for his friends, for his people, and for his dignity. Yet strangely, he held on to a hope that the cursed heroes would show now that they and he shared a common threat. Still, wasting energy for a tough gamble was reckless even for himself. He must have lost too much blood to even begin to think carelessly like that.
"I must have forgotten my place?" He whispered, knowing well that Iwaizumi heard and understood him. Even as a king he had real supremacy and not just of the governing kind; he had more power than any of his knights and armies combined but was foolish to fight alongside his cavaliers instead of staying within the safe high walls of his castle like he should of. But these knights were not only the strongest he had but also his loyal friends of his childhood, Hajime being the one he grew up with nearly his entire life; but to abandon any of them now would be the same as accepting death from Ushijima. He couldn't live with the fact if he escaped and they died, not after growing up around them, going through the ups and downs, fighting by their sides all these years, and now fighting so hard for the ideals and goals they believed in. It was stupid to be out on the battlefield but what kind of king would he be if he didn't protect 'his' people? It looks like his bloodline, magic, nor a title of authority could save them now.
Ushijima lightened his narrowed eyes, even against such a formidable enemy; he had pity but could not spare it. Not this time. "Surrender now Oikawa and I promise to spare your men of death; you however-" He pointed his long spear at the king, the tip was like a large sharp shard of bone painted black and coated in red. "You, I have been ordered to kill by my king; not only does this satisfy my lordship but it is also justice to your selfish and cruel tyranny."
"How dare you." Kunimi whipped the reins of his beige horse into a slow trot and moved up closer to Oikawa and the knight of honor Hajime, the mounted unit pulled up a staff with a large white round jewel embedded on the top. He was steadfast and ready to fight with his imbued magic. "You will not so much as make a single step forward towards his majesty."
"Ahahahaha! What are you going to do with that Aoba-scum, beat us on the head with it?" Tendou mocked from his dark brown equine with a jovial expression whilst cackling loudly. "Your magic is weak, no match for our Semi and his magical books! Right?" He turned around and beamed at the head mage of their company, the magic wielder glared at him from his mount and folded his arms; half tempted to beat a book over the guy's head.
"Selfish and cruel?" Oikawa spoke up. "If obtaining more land to feed my growing people is what you call selfish and cruel then you're highly mistaken."
"Mistaken am I?" Wakatoshi inquired calmly. "You cannot fool me. Conquering lands with an iron fist is only part of your cruel deeds, you have already triumphed over most of Miyagi and I know your thirst for power over all won't end in this province; you're a corrupted dark king that wants the world in your hands. It probably won't be long before you attack our domain, only I'm not going to let that happen."
"Such an accusation." Toru feigned a brief hurtful expression. "Yes, I admit to being a tyrannical ruler for a short while; almost a two years ago and I still would have been one today if I wasn't reminded of the previous king by a convincing friend of mine. But I am not going back there so I don't see why your king acts like I'm trying to twist his arm into submission. I am ambitious yes, but my current interest is of my people believe it or not. Why would I attack the second largest empire in Miyagi and risk losing portions of my army? Too risky and I really don't see any value in your kingdom and its lands anyways."
"Is it then, your people you value? Lies. Have you forgotten the things you've done to 'your' own people that you've forcibly taken and placed under your rule? How about making terrible threats, enforcing heavy laws, raising taxes, forcing bondage, punishing anyone who rebels, killing innocents, and pushing poverish people out of their homes? Does this make you a 'selfless' king? And what about the poorer people that you now call your own, the ones that live on the outskirts of the kingdom and scour the streets for additional work just to get a single loaf of bread daily? What about working them, the innocent like captured slaves? Nothings ever changed for them, more land means nothing but more work and less food while all of your nobles and upperclassmen feed off of the fruit of their labors in those castle walls." His golden eyes narrowed. "I've witnessed firsthand of what you have done, the blood that has been shed on the streets and tainted the soil, the dark magic that have left permanent deep and dark scars on the surviving rebellious and even on the land itself, the sick and twisted minds of the once innocent, and the many orphans that live in makeshift hovels from the conquering destructive battels of your reign. This has all happened recently within the year, you're still a dark merciless king but you deny it. You care nothing for those people you 'care' for and for that I am going to make you pay the price demon. This will be justice."
"You know nothing then! Oikawa has only been king for a short time!" Iwaizumi defended with a growl, he kept one hand on his sword at his side and squeezed the hilt tightly; he would not abandon his king but would defend him with his life, even if to die to defend his honor alone. Sure, Oikawa looked like a terrible king, was pretty self-centered and cold at times, and a shitty choice-maker too; but everything he's ever done was for a greater good even if some people couldn't agree or see what his real motives were behind it all. It took a while for even himself to see it, he even questioned his allegiance when Oikawa attacked peaceful territories and forced them to be governed by him; he killed or punished anyone who fought back or stood in his way. Then there's what he did to the small land of Karasuno and foretold heroes of a legend living within, friends he liked to call them. Iwaizumi and his fellow knights even left their master's side for a short time after their ruler relentlessly fought against the small band of mercenaries, all because they refused to hand over their land and kneel before him. These were good people who have done many things to keep the peace in Miyagi, they deserved reverence before war; but often got into quarrels and battles with Oikawa's soldiers to stop him from taking everything in their wake. Toru eventually got tired of the meddling and took matters into his own hands, he personally fought the heroes and brought them to their knees; thankfully he spared them. However; he did curse them and their own people turned against them as the result, they were banished from Karasuno years ago and even now were still homeless wonderers taking bounty contracts and being sell swords for hire just to get by.
Iwaizumi then decided to confront the tyrannical ruler for those mercenaries and friends of his deserved no such fate, he stormed into the castle ignoring the harsh sentence of becoming a defector and liable to receive death for his abandonment; he was too furious to care and only wanted an explanation and to beat the living shit out of Toru while he could for his actions. However; he stumbled upon a miserable king alone in his quarters, slumped back in a tall chair before a huge dark and empty fireplace. The room was cold as was the atmosphere around Toru in his more fierce battles. He approached his old king and found that there was no tears or spoken remorse; just pain reflecting right out of those eyes. After someone who seemed so happy to acquire more land and punish those who became his enemies; he sure wasn't as contented as he let on. He often wondered if this was why Oikawa always retreated to his chambers to be alone after a battle or victory over the rebellious. To quietly sulk? Couldn't be could it?
Upon confronting Oikawa, the king spoke up before he even got close to him; there he received his explanation for his doings, well for conquering and his rule rather than anything else. He knew his people hated him and he even thought Hajime hated him too, but the knight was quick to reassure that he was only pissed off at him if anything. Even being somewhat relieved to hear that Oikawa's current demeanor didn't change, he spoke of truth and what people feared most; themselves. It was hard to believe that but what the king said made sense, they could be afraid of powerful beings and beasts rising and terrorizing them but would always fear the unknown of their fates and those who are their descendants most. The future of their kind. Preservation. Guidance. Fortitude. Like Oikawa's kind, humans were very ambitious, some craved power, money, and authority more than others; they were in a sense monsters in of themselves but could not see it directly which mad them blind. To lead them for a peaceful era where there is safety and reconciliation; it was going to take time for the physical support and something common in the mental to keep all of the people connected.
…
'Hatred.' The cold word rolled off of the king's dry lips bitterly as he stared blankly at nothing in particular, his head leaning back and to one side on the headrest of the chair and his forearms limp on the armrests.
…
This was coming from a man who only ever wanted to be liked and loved by all, to be seen like a figurehead of greatness and admired! He loved attention and compliments even as a kid, he shot for victory to please the majority of the people and make himself look good in their eyes; taking land to feed them and be their true admirable king amongst them. But alas, he only wanted what was infinitely out of reach. Being a beast would always paint him in a terrible light to many no matter what good he's ever done or what greatness he could ever achieve, being the son of a renowned destructive demon made it even more difficult. He could 'please' most of the people within Aoba-Johsai's territory, but there would always be fear of him and secret hatred behind those nervous smiles for what he is even if his intentions for a great rule were wholesome.
Sometimes this annoyed Toru and he acted out of place for a king and done things that he shouldn't have out of rage, it only made him look more like a terrible ruler. Iwaizumi had to be there to keep him in check and remind him of his position to the people and what his father wanted.
…
"I only want what I can't have. I'm a king and yet there's things I want; that even within 'my magnificent power' won't grant me. Pity isn't it? Taking is easy but not what I really want, it is barely obtainable to me. It's unfair, the band of misfit heroes are loved and revered by nearly all in Miyagi but as a king who's done so much and tried so hard to meet needs and support; I am still hated and belittled by many. Manipulation and possession curses on the people would only make things fake, there would be no freedom then either and it wears off over time. I can at least consider myself lucky to have some people who are true to me. I'll take whatever I can get though. … Iwa-chan, you and my truest of friends, my knights, for your family and the friends of your friends as well as all people alike; I do what I must. That much I owe for your loyalty and kindship with me as the other knights despite my very being, even if our bonds has been beaten, broken, scattered, recollected and put back together with an amateur healing spell and will always have that visible and unforgettable permanent crack. Also, for my father's wish-
Everything I do from this day forward is out of love, even if to be truly hated to keep them all together; for whatever I need to make this kingdom prosper and grow. No matter if some defiant people have to die, or if someone must lose a home and property, or toil in the fields, or be shone their place. They will endure as desired and as desired by my father. There will be peace eventually.
This is no longer just about me Iwa-chan, it took so long to realize it. I always want, want, and want, just like you always said and I mostly ignored. Huge castle, great halls adorned with lavish tapestries and paintings, tons of portraits, rooms filled with jewels and gold, armies at my control, my enemies defeated, people doing as ordered, being the center of the kingdom and having complete command and all I desired. But what I wanted most was to be known and revered by many, I wanted to be great despite my heritage and power. Adored and wanted … to just fit in damn it! But nothing I have or did yields my wish, I might even be worse than the last Ninmenjuushin king. Now I see why my father stayed hidden and kept me in the shadows too; why he died to free the kingdom. Our kind has what humans want power; but we want is what ordinary people have. Connections, friendships, amity, love, and trust. There's not many Ninmenjuushin out there.
I'm seen as a monster and it's true, I had the power to take and so I did but when you and the other knights left and started fighting alongside those crows against my opposition; I was torn. Angry, but torn because my only friends; true connections abandoned me but not without first warning me of my tyrannical rule. I was blinded by my selfishness to see that and was left to sit alone in a quiet and empty throne room like I am now, there's nothing of value in my castle today but you. Nothing, not even when you left and attacked my soldiers did all my possessions have any real meaning. Just emptiness. I had no other friends, just soldiers that listened to commands and obeyed with fear and silence, they still do.
It was isolation and you coming here that woke me up, if I didn't have you and my loyal knights then I could have someone else; just as long as they we're comfortable around me like a real friend would be. However; it's hard to make an outward change when the former self is already painted vibrantly in everyone's head. There's been no successes. So I have decided to end living for myself and begin living for the people who call this kingdom home, maybe then perhaps one day; I will have made a better name of myself and for the Ninmenjuushin. And even if I can't, then I can at least do as my father wished; bring prosperity even if I get nothing in return.
I don't know if you can forgive me for what I've done Iwa-chan, but I at least ask for one last chance. Please, just come back?'
…
The grand King of Aoba-Johsai never looked more human than on that day.
Iwaizumi never felt more like a traitor but it was only because his king kept everything from him and all of his subjects for so long, he eventually gave word to his fellow knights and they pledged to never leave Oikawa's side ever again. No one could ever see Oikawa's pain like he could.
"None of you know nothing." Hajime gnashed his teeth and tensed up.
"Iwa-chan." Oikawa muttered lowly and tore his best knight's attention away from the general. "Of course he knows nothing, I took the place of a dreadful monarch that did nothing but keep to himself and let his people be destroyed by neighboring kingdoms; I made our territory great once again and stimulated the economy with gold and food. But not without first tripping up myself, but at least I corrected my mistakes and put my mind before my people. Everything needed for a great empire is going to have to have sacrifice until it is properly functional on its own; with time and of course; struggle too. Four years has not been enough time, it will require more. No matter what the costs for a better future of Aoba-Johsai, there must be give and take. I don't expect these simple-minded knights to understand so there's no need for trying. They don't know true leadership and the heavy burden it carries, especially for someone like me." He finished with a pained smile wavering towards a frown. His inflicted wound burned and was draining his energy fast.
"What was that?" Goshiki glared and withdrew his dual blades, his eyes held a dangerous look to them.
"The Aoba-scum demon is still cocky and at a time like this, pathetic." Tendou smirked. "What a king?"
"Enough." Wakatoshi waved his lance to the side as in to silence his comrades. "Now rise and concede this battle to be mine, I will imprison your men but make an oath that they shall live and no more harm shall come to them so long as they come quietly. I will even plea on their behalf; for their lives before my lord and ask for mercy. This goes for the rest of your wounded and captured soldiers from the battlefield, not all of them were slain."
"That's quite an offer, how nice of you." He mocked. "Haha… but what a joke." Oikawa scoffed. He knew that if his men were imprisoned then they would never be free and be tortured relentlessly while in chains or put to hard labor and worked to death.
"You have my word Toru." Ushijima said earnestly.
Oikawa found himself trying to laugh but really just ended up coughing mostly, Wakatoshi wasn't fooling anyone but himself. "You say that they'd live; I would personally want nothing more, however we both know that it won't happen. If you take them captive then they would be considered dead, not just from our people but to themselves and eventually in the literal sense." The opposing general gave him a questionable look, it was almost enough to make him laugh again if it weren't for the fact that he was speaking the harsh truth. "They would be in chains and in the dungeons of your master or planted on fields to toil away and driven ceaselessly to work as slaves. But then there's torture and just how many of your men would want to take a jab or crack their knuckles on the faces of their enemies that brought down their fellow combatants? There would be no life for them if surrendered now, just broken and beaten bodies living without purpose and freedom. Besides, I doubt your men spared less than twenty of my one-hundred soldiers."
"I do not know the count of the captured and nor can I guarantee their fates as well as your hand chosen knights beyond the handling of my lordship, there was casualties on both sides and your knights did a fair amount of damage to my platoon; my king is not so lenient but he's not cruel either."
"Then I'm right?" Oikawa grinned with narrowed eyes.
Shiratorizawa's general deepened his frown.
"We refuse anyway!" Hanamaki shouted somewhere from behind Oikawa. "We'll die with his majesty before ever surrendering to you!"
Those words were briefly comforting to the grand king, it's a shame they might not ever be muttered again.
"Very well then. Shirabu, ready your bow should the noble knight try something. The king dies by my hand alone and I'd rather not have anyone in my way, his kind must perish by me as ordered." Shiratorizawa's general said to his bow knight just a few feet away from him. "No one else should have to carry this burden." He said more quietly to himself, a pang of guilt pulled from within his chest. He clenched his spear tightly. "I take it so that nobody would ever have to, forgive me father."
The brunette was hesitant at first with his all of a sudden dejected leader but soon nodded knowing his superior's personal quest. "Of course sir." Kenjiro pulled an arrow out of his quiver, he aimed it at Iwaizumi who shot a nasty glare his way.
"This ends now Oikawa, I have tried for the life of your men but found that even they will fall with you; a fitting end for misplaced but admirable loyalty. It is time to perish King of Aoba-Johsai, stand once more and die honorably or sit there and take defeat lying down; either way there would be one less Ninmenjuushin to do away with from this world."
His smirk faded and he gaped lightly for a long second. "So is that it then? Is that what your egotistical king is truly after?" Toru questioned with a hiss, quite surprised by the statement. "Is it? To kill off all of our powerful race and wear the horns on our heads as trophies?" Oikawa forced himself to stand and grunted as he did but found an arm from his most loyal steadying him. He chuckled lightly to himself and staggered a bit in place from blood loss, he felt a small breeze blow against his thick coat and stream through his hair. "Sounds like he's just trying to kill off the competition for supreme rule since he's human; he's probably making any negative allegations he can think of to mark our heads for the dealings of so called 'justice' just to simply get us out of the way. He's not the most powerful king in the Miyagi territory so it is natural to have the desire to wipe out the stronger and claim the entire land for himself to become more powerful." He could tell the general of Shiratorizawa was vexed by that with the narrowing of eyes. "You're being played Ushiwaka, now tell me, just how many of my kind you've slain already? There are very few ways to kill us off with ease. That tip of your lance looks like bone or possibly a large fang, the true bane of a Ninmenjuushin is that of another Ninmenjuushin; we are our own destroyers and only the strong survive in battle against another but not simply fall because of a mere powerless human and a stick. Why even our mana can be toxic to ourselves, this explains why I feel so poisoned and weak. And to think that all it took to weaken me down to the point of being on hands and knees was the jab of a stupid bone embedded in your lance. Hmm, I wonder who you took it from."
"Silence, I have slain beast-mortals; but only two. You'll be the third. But this weapon of mine was gifted to me by my dear king and with it I pledged to rid this world of monsters; powerful monstrosities that use their abilities, intimidation, dark magic, manipulation, and transformations to forcibly bend humans to their will. Yes, my king does want to rid the world of the Ninmenjuushin; demons he names them, but his intentions are for the liberation and preservation of our kind. You're an example as to why they must all go, why the civilians of Aoba-Johsai live under your rule with little rebellion; no more shall people fear and work for you beasts in human flesh."
'Killing off all Ninmenjuushin because of the actions of a few? Who's the real monster here?'
Toru spat out some blood and wiped away a dribble of it from his lips with the back of his hand. "So then you're going to track down and kill all of us? Complete genocide? Even to those infants who have our blood in their veins? The part Ninmenjuushin? Even the ones who know not of their heritage or those without power? That sounds ambitious and a bit cruel don't you think? It would also be one tough challenge considering how powerful we can become, you are lucky that there are not many of us in this world."
Ushijima sighed heavily but nodded with closed eyes. "Regrettably I will, even to the last infant if I must. I will not let another tragedy of the early kingdoms come to pass again, your kind is dangerous and dreadful; the world has learned more of this from the destruction of Miyagi years ago by two mighty Ninmenjuushin who battled for control of the territory and as large ferocious monsters instead of their human forms with weapons like they should have."
"Yeah, and they're both dead now. One overpowered the other and killed him because he was a terrible leader and thought nothing of the people and ruled them like a vile tyrant; but then the victor slowly died from his deep unattended wounds, so neither really ruled for long. The destruction caused was from their own recklessness, not because they were demonstrating their prowess to gain authority from the humans." Oikawa chuckled lowly but there was no real sense of joy in his laugh, it only masked pain. "The wounded victor was my father and since he proclaimed himself king upon triumph I was immediately set to own the throne next, he died to save the people even though he was a Ninmenjuushin; his intentions were not of himself like the former king. He even commanded the restoration of this land before his passing, he put the rebuilding and sense of prosperity of the people of Aoba-Johsai on my shoulders and I took it proudly. I admit that I got carried away by complete power of authority, but that's in the past now. My dad died to make Miyagi a better place, if not the best. I bet that was something that you didn't know." He beamed haughtily and then winced from a throbbing sensation.
This was unheard of to the general, but alas; it meant nothing in the light of things. Anything with such power and devastation was a threat to life itself, plus Oikawa had not yet paid for the things he'd done; whether it be for the good or ill intent. Many people have suffered and he used his own powers and hands to do it, some would never be the same again, others were mechanically obedient from manipulation and possession; there was no telling if he manipulated his own knights to love and adore him and throw their lives before his. All Ninmenjuushin and their descendants had to go, if to ensure a spot for humanity in the distant future; not all of these powerful creatures would be peaceful. Anything with power like that is too easily corruptible, that is why many regions neighboring Miyagi were ruled by these demons; because they have the power to take by force and the intimidation to prevent uprising. It's why Oikawa himself became a tyrant even when his own dad died to prevent the continuous ruling of one. Power itself was corruptive and needed to be vanquished. "I am sorry about your father and sorry about what I must do to you, but my quest cannot be stopped by mere words and nor can I be convinced. I was not happy to take the lives of the last two Ninmenjuushin and I will find no pleasure in ending you nor anyone who has the bloodline, justice will be served and humanity preserved as promised by my king. Ready yourself Oikawa, I'll grant you the first and final move."
"An act of kindness and sympathy? I would be flattered if it didn't piss me off so much. But fine, I'll accept, first attack goes to me and my men but who knows? You might regret this act of pity."
"We shall see." Ushijima replied sternly.
Iwaizumi picked up his large shield off of the ground and withdrew his silver blade, enough talk. "If it's a fight you want then it's a fight you'll get, we don't need to stand here and listen to pointless reason. Our king isn't human but he can lead us and has made our people prosper, he has brought out the good of the kingdom and has so much at heart now. We won't go down so easily just because of numbers and disadvantages, we'll fight with every last breath and make sure that you die here." He said with contempt, ready to go. He tilted his head to the side a little to see his grand king. "Oikawa." He said quietly, managing to gain the attention of his majesty Toru. "What's the plan? We're too exposed for a full frontal assault and not to mention that he has at least one-thousand men just south of here; likely not even three or four miles away. Ushijima has his strongest hand of knights and at least sixty or seventy foot soldiers and cavaliers behind him. As our last fight I hate to confess; we need to at least take out the general above all else. I know that you don't disagree with this, but it's your call. We move on your words."
Oikawa nodded and looked back to see his remaining soldiers Yahaba, Kyotani, Matsukawa, Hanamaki, Watari, Kindaichi, and Kunimi. Iwaizumi was at his side. His last eight and him nine, nine against a throng of armed forces and one strong general with his best knights; the odds impossible to survive and in his current state his chances were lower than the rest of the knights. How unfortunate and unfair but he still needed to analyze his men to formulate the best chances at bringing down the general and as many as his top men. From the corner of his eye he could see Kindaichi barely keeping himself together, he had been wounded by an arrow and in his dominant bicep at that; the full power of the heavy long sword he wielded would now be considerably reduced as well as any speed if he manages to fight past the pain. That was unlikely seeing as he was still outwardly cringing from the hole in his arm, it would take both arms to wield such a heavy weapon; so the devastatingly effective sword was out of question unfortunately. Even if he managed to, he would still falter and move too slow and be taken down with ease. Likely the second to die right after him.
His gaze then shot over to Matsukawa; a blades men who specializes in wielding dual weapons, two steel swords. Matsukawa wasn't injured so Toru could have the guy allow Kindaichi to borrow one of his and let him use his better arm, however; that would make the blades specialist less effective in combat and the heavy weapon knight would still be too slow with his wound and on his least dominant arm. There was no room for this choice, it was painful but one of his younger knights were bound to fall first and without doing much damage. The guy must already feel like a burden since his expression was already showing it, the overall morale of his knights was very low so the battle would likely end soon with appalling results.
Mahogany orbs move to the other side and in his line of sight was Kunimi Akira; his only light mage and war priest. His staff was already low on magic, the power imbued jewel was losing color and light and he lost his axe during the first clash to save his friend. Regardless, Akira was a little useful and could probably use a his staff for one last blinding attack to give them an upper hand for a short moment at best; better than nothing. Kyotani still had his battle axe and looked ready for fight but like Iwaizumi and Matsukawa, he looked practically exhausted as did everyone else; but those in close range combat obviously had more energy used up and would have to pull out the last of their strength in one go. Still the damages they could cause wouldn't be up to the usual deadly standards even if attacking at the same time to the same person, let alone novice ranked standards seeing as Shiratorizawa's best knights have yet to do battle and would likely defend their leader.
Yahaba was his only bowmen knight and he was practically on his last few arrows, his backup steel blade could help him out but he's still a trainee in close-combat. Watari and Hanamaki were better on weaponry but their weapons were worn and near to the point of breaking or being too dull. Then there's himself, he's feeling completely weakened and barely hanging on to what strength he has left just to remain standing; dying while on his knees was not ever going to happen. There was no mana flowing through his body since what he had left was used up for a pointless plea and his current condition prohibited him to recover any from his gaping wound, there would be no magic to fight with and he's too tired and disoriented for possession and manipulation; which would also require strong focus and being close to his enemies. Damn he felt so useless right now.
Oikawa sighed heavily and inwardly seethed, knowing the current condition of his men made it clear that taking out even one of the opposing knights would be a daunting feat; Ushiwaka; next to impossible. He weighed his options and they weren't pretty. "Damn." He cursed lowly. He wished he had the power to put a rotten curse on Ushiwaka and all of his men as a goodbye present, a really nasty curse like large painful and ugly sores that never heal or turn them into hairy fiendish creatures that crave flesh of the dead. Oh the endless possibilities that he wished he had.
"Come on- already." Tendou dragged out his words and sighed exasperatingly while lurching himself backwards on his horse; nearly to the point of falling off.
Toru and his knights were exhausted and down to their last strength, the odds of coming out of this battle alive was slim-to-none and the damages to a minimal. What a way to go. Embarrassing and infuriating!
"It's your move Oikawa, but wait too much longer and it'll be forfeit; I have patience but my men and king do not. Now choose."
Oikawa sneered. "Shut it Ushiwaka. I'm thinking and it's hard to concentrate while bleeding like this." He hissed, still holding his wound.
Iwaizumi frowned deeply. He could see Oikawa's hand over his abdomen, it was coated in red and tiny streams trickled through the spaces between his fingers to the ground to add to the large puddle. He seriously hoped that the Ninmenjuushin could still think strategically, otherwise any faulty plan could result in a vain death. Without a king Aoba-Johsai will fall to Shiratorizawa, however; there was still the heroes of the prophecy, at least without the powerful general the cursed mercenaries might just be able to save the kingdom yet. He hoped. The band of fighters were pretty promising the last he saw them fight, they even gave Oikawa a surprise and managed to actually hurt him unlike most adversaries. They were tightknit like a family and had determination like one wouldn't believe, and after getting to know them personally; he liked them. Actually, he sort of wished they were there to fight alongside them even if against Toru's approval; it would better the odds at least.
"Hey, what's that?" Yahaba suddenly asked whilst looking over the horizon.
"What's what?" Kindaichi stumbled past Hanamaki's mount while still holding his unattended arm, he blinked and then narrowed his eyes when he saw something black and flying their way in the distance of the setting sun. "Birds?"
Oikawa was immediately removed from his thoughts and shot a glance towards the fading sunlight, with his adept hearing and sight he could suddenly pick up a familiar sound and see black; and for once he was actually glad to be hearing and seeing those wings beating in the wind. They came?! Even weak he felt sudden relief, so much so that he wanted to collapse and just rest from the good feeling of respite. He cared not to be left here and forgotten by the Karasuno crows; he just wanted for his only true friends to be saved from the mess he got them into. Most importantly for his best friend and most loyal; Iwaizumi, to be spared of death on this day.
'About time.' Toru managed to crack an annoyed smile. His grin remained as he turned to face the best of Shiratorizawa's imperial legion and the general, he had chosen his final move. "For my first and final move." He looked back at his knights and then to Iwaizumi for a brief moment. "Retreat!" He suddenly shouted and pointed to the cliff, his smile gone and his expression serious. "To the very edge of the cliff with haste, climb off of your horses and wait for the wings; they'll get you out of here!"
"Wings?" Shirabu questioned and lowered his bow for a moment. "Are they-?" He blinked when the sounds of caws could be heard, he then turned to see huge crows flying towards the soldiers of Aoba-Johsai. He gaped. "They're going to attempt escape?!"
"Escape?!" Tendou leaned forward out of his slumped position and suddenly gawked.
Ushijima's eyes widened and he squeezed the horse reins tightly, he almost couldn't believe it; the grand king would actually pull a stunt like this?! It must be one of the demon's tricks. He sneered and then snorted, he could not allow this to happen; the demon must die at all costs! He whipped the reins and made his ivory horse turn to the side so that he could get a better view of his knights and his small platoon of soldiers behind them. "They're planning to escape with those crows, we cannot allow them to; especially not the dark king! Kill him not but take out the rest, I have to kill Oikawa alone! Archers ready!" He held up his lance and the unit's archers as well as Shirabu readied their bows with steel arrows and took aim.
"Kunimi, cast a blinding spell now! Everyone close your eyes!" Toru shouted before throwing an arm before his face and blocking out a bright and intense light that the mage made immediately.
"Damn I can't see!"
"My eyes!"
"Retain your positions!" Ushijima commanded while rubbing his eyes and blinking repeatedly to see past the afterimage of a blinding white orb, he tried to steady his horse as it tramped in place while shaking it's head in disorientation.
"Shit!" Iwaizumi moved his shield down and continued to stay in place but everyone else was heading towards the cliff end while confused of their king's command.
"Go Iwa-chan!" Oikawa shouted and shoved Hajime back a little and then stepped in front of him. "They won't shoot you if I'm in the way but they won't be blinded for much longer so get going." He said with his head lowered a bit and enough to hide his eyes.
This tone, his actions, Iwaizumi felt himself grow stiff for a short moment before he realized what Oikawa was doing. "Wait one minute! I am not leaving your side and leaving you to die Shittykaw-ahh!" He stumbled back again when Toru turned around and shoved him again, his eyes were still hidden by the bangs of his hair.
"Don't you dare betray my word, not again." He said heatedly. "I know why you chose those crows over me and decided to help them when they were my greatest enemies, back then I was an awful leader. I kept secrets from you and the others, but mostly from you of all people because of my power and pride. I never did mention sincerely how much I cared about you guys and the loyalty you had for me then, I was selfish and thought mostly of myself. I even do that sometimes now."
"You were never selfish to us dumbass!" Iwaizumi retorted and grabbed Oikawa by the collar of his ornamental dark violet cloak, his grasp was tight enough to almost crack the tiny ornate skull that kept the coat tied together. "But you did care and kept that truth hidden; even after being friends nearly all our lives you acted so pompous and bratty but we stayed together, all of us because we were the only family we ever had. All of us were orphans growing up; Me, Kindaichi, Kunimi, Kyotani, Yahaba, Matsukawa, Hanamaki, and Watari, even Kageyama for a while. We were all parentless; all except for you who had at least a father to call your own. Your dad gave us a place to stay because you found us and plead to hold onto us after we became friends! But even when you became king and ruled, you cared enough to give us jobs and pay; you may have seemed to grow a little colder by the world with the passing of time but never once in my mind did I ever believe that you were selfish to us. What you did for us, we could never repay! We probably wouldn't have even lasted on those streets for long if we didn't run into you!"
"Iwa-chan?" Oikawa finally lifted his head and shown the weakness he failed to hide in his eyes.
"You might as well get over it Assikawa. We might have betrayed your orders once and even left you; but me- I will never leave you again as promised, even now. I refuse to watch you die, I'll have to go first; got that!" He shouted and then made a loud snort.
A smile graced his lips, chocolate eyes moved away from the forest green ones boring into him. "Thank you." He muttered lowly. He tilted his head to the side a bit when the wind picked up, he could see that the crows arrived and could certainly hear the loud caws. The giant black birds looked as fierce as he last saw them in those forms and their wings altogether as a group made a heavy gust; their beating arms made some of Shiratorizawa's foot soldiers lose balance and fall to the ground, others on horseback even slipped off or struggled to stay on. The crows' bodies were as big as horses and wingspan the length of a horse and large hay carriage combined. Not so bad of a curse they were under considering that they had more power and now the ability to fly and transform at will, there was some pretty bad downsides but the bigger picture made them out to be useful in tight situations like this.
"Kaaaahhhhhhhaaaaa!"
"Alright, if it's retreating then let's not waste this opportunity." Hajime said while now tugging the king with him, Oikawa however started to pull back once they took a few steps. "What the hell? Come on."
"I can't." Toru frowned deeply. "I am going to die anyways Iwa-chan, I can barely stand right now and I am just so tired. Besides, I called them for you guys; I will keep Ushiwaka-chan busy long enough to allow your escape." He grimaced as a fist came across his jawline and made him stagger backwards a bit, he was not surprised when Hajime hit him. He felt a grasp on his forearm now pull him forward forcibly.
"You never listen, so long as I am alive then you will live!" Iwaizumi fumed whilst fighting dread, the sickening sensation in his stomach made him feel weak after hearing such hopeless words; but he wasn't going to take it though. He didn't even look back at Oikawa as he pulled him towards the remaining knights at the edge of the sheer drop.
"The Karasuno crows?" Ushijima blinked a couple more times and found his complete sight, he then held steadfast and moved an arm up to block kicked-up sand and dirt from getting into his eyes. Through his narrowed orbs he could see a few of the large birds between him and the dark king, three of them were beating their wings strongly to prevent further movement while one crow at a time flew near the edge of a cliff and allowed one of the Aoba soldiers to climb on its back before flying away. "No! Shoot them down before they make an escape!" He shouted aloud but as he looked back he could see his archers struggling to aim their bows with the gusts fighting against them. He growled aloud and held up his spear, he could not fail; not when he was so close to fulfilling his master's wishes. "If you can't shoot then charge!" Ushijima's horse stood up on its hind legs and whinnied aloud while kicking it's front ones. The animal's hooves hit the ground with its reins being whipped it moved forward in a fast gallop; the soldiers behind including the knights fought the gusts and moved forward and picking up pace for a charge. The strong general then came to a stop and swung his lance at the monstrous birds and they scattered from the sharp spear that nearly grazed them. "Karasuno mercenaries, you have no involvement in this fight; but if you continue to interfere then you'll show your allegiance and be brought down as well! Leave this instance, you have been warned!" He swung again and the largest crow with dark eyes cawed loudly before flying at him and dodging the spear and using its feet to make a good push to the horse and make it stumble to the side in attempts for regaining balance, the winged unit then flew right at the group of knights and managed to knock a couple of units off of their horses with its wings before flying upwards.
"Did you see that!? They're attacking us! Enemies!" Satori Tendou cried out while barely hanging onto his horse's saddle and hanging halfway off the ground.
"Well no shit!"Hayato scowled as he slipped off of his horse to get back his shield that was smacked out of his arm.
Semi flipped through one of his magic spell books as quickly as he could and read aloud a magic verse, sparks danced up his extended arm and a bolt of lightning shot forth from his fingertips that he had aimed had aimed at the crow.
A loud caw was made when the lightning connected to the flying beast, it fell some with a show of struggle; small bolts skipped along its form for a few seconds but it swiftly shook it off and retreated back towards the group with a disoriented swaying motion.
The great general swung his lance at the remaining two crows and they dodged easily in having the upper hand of flight but soon retreated when a bolt of lightning nearly hit them.
"Good work Semi." He commended and returned his attention to his prime target. "You're not getting away." He said to himself and lightly kicked the horse's sides with his heels and began a charge at the struggling demon.
"Damn it they're charging, we have to go now!" Iwaizumi kept his grasp on his king and started to pull him towards the end of the cliff with more effort and more swiftly, he was very glad to see the crows and thanked them much mentally.
This was pointless. Oikawa loved the fact that he had someone who cared so much about him and would refuse to ever leave his side again; however, he was only making his trusted knight a target too. He could hear the sound of hooves thundering on the grassless slope, the general was coming right at them.
"Kaaahhhaaa! Kaaahhhhaaa!"
Oikawa looked up and saw a crow with bright auburn eyes flying in place and looking at the charging enemy and sounding an alarm with its multiple cries, it was the shrimp. Toru narrowed his eyes and focused enough that his horns dimly glowed, he kept moving in a slow pace but managed to reach out with what little strength his body could muster; all he needed was just this last connection. 'Chibi-chan! Take Iwa-chan now and get out of here, please?!'
One of the smallest crows of the bunch immediately looked down and then flew right at the ground, Hinata opened up his feet and wrapped his nails around Hajime's shoulders and suddenly lifted with a surprised knight.
"No!" Hajime shouted as he lost his grip on Toru and was sent upward, he quickly turned his head and looked down to see a shitty pained grin and wave goodbye from his friend; it was then that he realized what the idiot had done to get himself free. He looked up and saw orange colored eyes on the bird that had him. "Take me back down there Shoyo, please; Oikawa is going to throw his life away!" He shouted, Hinata squawked back and looked down momentarily at the knight and then the grand king but he went without understanding; only Oikawa could talk to them in these forms and understand them telepathically.
"I owe you so much more Iwa-chan." He said lowly to himself as he watched the crow fly off with his knight of honor who looked like he was trying to pry himself free and shouting down at him with rage and shock. He could also see that Kyotani, Kunimi, Watari, and Yahaba were already on the backs of crows and circling around while the rest loaded up. "I owe you so much." He began again and fully turned around after gazing at that face one last time, he now could see Ushijima Wakatoshi slowing down as he neared him; his lance ready. "I would have become what I hated most if you hadn't been there to remind me, I would have fallen low and quite possibly lower than the first Ninmenjuushin king of Aoba-Johsai. Now live on, not just for me or for our people, but for yourself; you've already proved your worthiness many times and gave up a life of freedom for devoted servitude. You're the best knight; best friend that I've ever known, even when you left you still didn't give up on me. Ha, stubborn and loyal but also good. Where would I be without you Hajime?" Oikawa felt himself chuckle softly for a short moment, he hasn't used that name since he was a kid when he first asked the boy his name. "Goodbye." He whispered as the general stopped several yards before him, his smile fell and he forced himself to remain standing on tired limbs.
"You're not leaving? I am surprised." Ushijima raised a brow before hardening his expression. "Very well, I'll commend your bravery to face death; justice be dealt. Farewell demon." He finished and kicked his horse into a fast gallop with his lance now held out and ready to pierce.
Oikawa stayed in place and held his arms out wide at his sides, he didn't care about dying anymore; although he would be lying if he said Ushiwaka-chan killing him didn't piss him off to no end. Not that it mattered now, he'd rather die by him then let his knights perish along with him. Plus being delirious from blood loss didn't help his state of mind. Toru took a deep breath as the charging general got closer in at such a fast pace, this was it and he was ready to face the sting of death that was only feet away. Although prepared he wasn't truly ready, he would be leaving so much behind, more importantly those who mattered most. It was too late for a change of mind.
"Kaaahhhhaaa!"
His eyes widened and he let out a loud gasp.
A huge black figure suddenly barreled right into the horse's side before impact with the dark king and sent it flying along with its stunned rider, a long trail of crimson spattered throughout the air and on black feathers. The horse neighed aloud as its side was pierced by a beak and its white hide was stained red from the immediate wound, it landed with a strong thud with the general being ripped off quickly and its heavier form crashing against the ground a few feet away and becoming still.
The knights of Shiratorizawa immediately halted and stared on in horror after watching their leader go down, they were speechless.
Oikawa blinked and exhaled heavily, just a few seconds before he could see the spear just before his eyes as well as death ready to wrap it's talons around him; and then it was removed almost instantly. He blinked again to see the crow now picking itself up off of the ground with its feathers ruffled and blood dripping from its enormous beak, it shook itself and most of the blood flung off of the creature. Its eyes were blue, a deep indigo shade which only ever belonged to one person he knew. "Tobio-chan?" He questioned and the crow looked right at him without turning its head, there was no denying who it was with that memorable gaze. He hated to admit, but he was glad to see the younger Ninmenjuushin and glad that he stopped the general on time. Honestly, he didn't expect help or any sympathy from those whom he cursed; they hated him and he nearly killed the heroes once before and terrorized them plenty just out of amusement. He definitely didn't expect Tobio-chan, the one he specifically banished from Aoba-Johsai to save him. He hated the fact that he now owed the half Ninmenjuushin for saving his life. He would have laughed if he could, he wasn't going to get the opportunity to repay since he was dying anyways. He couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing to be dying now. Kageyama's gaze didn't last for too long, he flapped his wings and got off of the ground before taking to the skies.
"Shittykawa! I'm going to kick your ass!"
Those words made Toru stiffen in place for a second and he looked up to the sky to see Iwaizumi now on shrimpy's back and glaring down at him with rage, now he wondered if being dead would be better. Though he was relieved to see him again despite the beating he was going to have to endure if he lived long enough.
"No, this-this will end. You wil-l fall."
"Are you kidding me?" Oikawa winced and turned to look at Wakatoshi now picking himself up and grabbing the lance close by, he looked infuriated and so disorderly while covered in dirt and with ruffled hair. The impact unfortunately didn't kill him, it did however; piss him off very much by the dark look on his face. He got back up on his feet and began a slow walk towards the grand king.
"He's a live!" Shirabu shouted, relieved.
"Damn." Oikawa managed to say with a cough. He noticed that most of the crows were now gone as well as his men, all that was left was weapons on the cliff end and their horses; most of the mounts trotted down the slope to escape the large startling birds. Even Iwaizumi was now nowhere in sight now.
"Kaaahhhhaaa! Kaaaaahhhhhhaaaaa!" It came from below the cliff edge, not so distant. Just maybe…
Okay so maybe dying won't be so bad, just as long as it's not directly from Ushijima. Oikawa grinned and began backing towards the edge with shaky steps, he won regardless of this battle' s end; his knights escaped and there was the heroes who still remained who could protect his kingdom from the Shiratorizawa Empire.
"Get back here." Wakatoshi demanded as he began a partial swift limp towards Oikawa. "Jumping over the edge will make you a coward!"
"Who said anything about jumping? I don't even have the strength for that." He laughed halfheartedly and kept taking slow steps back, out of the corner of his eye he could see the end. He stopped once his feet ran out of space to move, he forced his balance as good as he could manage.
Ushijima's eyes widened a bit and he came to a stop while using the lance as a support for his injured leg. "You wouldn't."
"As a matter of fact, I will." He narrowed his eyes "But before I do, heed these words and tell your precious king Tanji Washijo; the war has just begun." He beamed haughtily and let himself fall back, the last he saw was a stunned general and that expression was priceless.
He could see globules of red flying into the air as he fell head first, he kept his eyes towards the sky for a long moment in his descent and then closed them as the walls of the chasm swallowed him.
"Kahhhaaaaa!"
He felt a sudden and surprisingly softer and sooner than expected impact, mahogany eyes opened to see himself now rising out of the dark crevice while on his back. The sound of wings beating was the giveaway, once again he had been saved by the cursed heroes. The smell of fresh blood that didn't belong to him had taken him by surprise, he turned his head to the side a bit to see a bed of black feathers that surrounded him and on some of those feathers were droplets of crimson. The blood wasn't human so this meant that he was on the back of a certain crow that made an actual attack. It was laughable but he hurt too much to do anything but smile now, he didn't even attempt to look into the crow's eyes because he knew who it was. . "Tobio-chan, finally using your beak rather than your bow? I must commend your enthusiasm for the use of your Ninmenjuushin nature over the human approach for once. Attacking Ushiwaka-chan like that was pretty impressive, you even injured him. And I suppose I should thank you, just this once though so don't get used to it. Thank you." He said dryly. The large crow cawed loudly. "Sorry, out of strength to talk properly. I might even die before you land so best let me rest for now or you'll be held accountable."
"You die and I'll find a way to bring you back to life and kill you myself you suicidal dumbass, so don't you dare even think of letting go! "
Oikawa couldn't surpress the large smile forming on his face, he saw Hinata flying up at his side now with one relieved and quite pissed off knight glaring at him from the crow's back. Iwaizumi was possibly the whole reason why the crows came in the first place, after defecting from Aoba-Johsai for nearly a month's passing he's had plenty of time to get to know them personally and might have even became friends with some of them. Seriously, he wondered where he'd be if it weren't for that wonderful Knight of his. Toru moved a hand up to cover the wound and closed his eyes once more, he felt so light up in the darkening late evening sky with air gently following through his hair and the crow's feathers making a soft whistle. He felt even more at rest knowing that his friends, his loyal, his family were safe, for now. War was only the horizon but that was something to worry about later if he ever wakes up again, which he better or somehow face the wrath of Iwaizumi from beyond the grave.
Looks like dying wasn't a choice. "So- m-mean Iwa-chan." He muttered before darkness took him.