Welcome to chapter 3, I hope you like it! (also…ah…I am so sorry it has been a long time since the last update. Time got away from me.)

The Politics of Asylum

Chapter 3

Kuroko's nap went undisturbed until the alarm he'd set beeped with polite insistence that it was time to wake up. He stretched out an arm to turn it off, absently noting the room had stayed warm despite the diminished sunlight. He stretched slightly and contemplated just burrowing back into the covers and pretending he'd overslept. It was tempting. The bed was very comfortable and he was tired, it wouldn't be such a stretch of the imagination for him to claim exhaustion.

But then he remembered Haizaki was there. He stilled, his brain piecing together memories and clues, trying to puzzle out a reason for the highly independent cat shifter to have voluntarily joined a clan like Akashi's. Then again, he had to wonder at Akashi's willingness to take him in – Haizaki had never had a reputation for playing well with others. Kuroko's mind called up a scene from the top of a remote mountain, Haizaki standing bloodied and grinning as he surveyed the carnage around him. He was one of the few shifters that was just as dangerous in his human form as he was in his shifted state, he wasn't averse to using weapons or cheating if the occasion called for it. Perhaps even more to the point, he possessed a preternatural talent for setting his opponents on edge.

For all of that, Kuroko didn't dislike him. Haizaki was undisciplined and dangerous, but his raw talent was outstanding. And he wasn't all bad. Kuroko and his master had stumbled onto the rampage by accident – what they later learned was Haizaki's revenge on a group of poachers that had been active in that area. It wasn't quite justice, but it wasn't entirely beyond understanding either. Having nothing to keep him there, Haizaki had attached himself to them and been their unofficial companion for a while. It was during this time that Haizaki had come to see Kuroko's talents.

Kuroko closed his eye for a moment, trying to recall something that suddenly seemed important. He couldn't remember what it was, but he had a sneaking suspicion it was going to cause trouble for him. He opened his eyes and let out a short breath, before getting up and going into the bathroom to refresh himself. When he was done, he went out into the hallway and preceded to retrace his steps from this morning to find the dining room.

Nobody had come to escort him this time, so he assumed that the cats had decided he was to be trusted at least that much. He walked the route more slowly than he had this morning as he looked around. The house was painfully tasteful; there was not an item out of place or anything that took away from the image of aristocratic heritage. Akashi might not be actual royalty, but his family was close enough to it in both human and shifter circles that the distinction was minor at best.

He paused at an alcove that featured a small art collection. His eyes were drawn to an antique painted screen – it wasn't an overly large piece, probably no bigger than a typical magazine. If a human visited Akashi's home, they would take it for a fanciful depiction of a wild cat. But Kuroko knew better. There was nothing wild about that creature, it was a predator that had complete control over its world. It was there in the nearly amused expression on the cat's face as it seemed to survey the landscape with eyes that saw far more than a lake and field. The artist either was a shifter, or had seen one of their kind and wanted to capture the image. Kuroko smiled. Akashi's family was like that, they took pride in their control and he couldn't help but imagine they took particular joy in showing items like this to humans, who could only politely admire it while wondering why it was deemed to be so worthwhile.

Kuroko moved on, he didn't want to be late, but he imagined he would have time to explore the house more thoroughly during his stay there. It was something he looked forward to, as his prior visit had been restricted to the outside grounds. Kuroko's master at that time hadn't been interested in staying long, they were merely paying their respects before continuing their journey.

He caught the murmur of voices conversing well before he actually arrived at the dining room. Kuroko wasn't terribly surprised when they stopped talking briefly at his appearance, but they resumed easily enough after greeting him. He nodded politely, seeing that Haizaki had indeed been summoned. Haizaki was scowling, apparently he didn't want to be there either. Kuroko took the seat next to him. While nobody was so blatant as to stop and stare, Kuroko knew they were being watched.

Haizaki raised an eyebrow at him before he spoke quietly, "You must have caught their attention to drag me into the picture. I never get singled out to eat with them and I'm not sure I should thank you for this honor."

Kuroko shrugged apologetically, he couldn't really help it. "I'm sorry for any inconvenience, Haizaki-san. It was not my intention to cause trouble."

They didn't continue their private conversation. For one, they knew there wasn't much they could say without drawing even more attention to themselves. For another, they were being engaged by the others at the table and of course had to direct their attention to the meal itself.

Akashi was patient, he didn't immediately launch into a series of questions and had instructed Momoi to hold back as well. He kept the conversation light and amiable, a perfect example of a host making his guests feel at ease. If Kuroko hadn't been prepared for this, he might have fallen into the trap. But when Akashi finally, after a lengthy span discussing the upcoming Shifters' Council meeting, turned his gaze toward Haizaki and Kuroko, neither of them were particularly surprised.

"I understand you are rather the hero of the hour in the eyes of Shintaro's niece for your bravery regarding your meeting with Shogo today. An unexpected reunion for you both, or so I gather. How did the two of you first cross paths, I wonder? I know you have travelled with assorted clan affiliations Kuroko. But you, Shogo, I didn't think you'd had much experience abroad." His speech was pitched as everything politely interested, but there was no doubt he expected an answer.

Haizaki scowled at the question – he didn't like anyone prying into his business. Unfortunately, one of the downsides of affiliating with a clan was that you had very little, if any, of a right to secrets, especially from your leader.

Kuroko answered for him, having anticipated Akashi would ask something along these lines. "Haizaki-san's willingness to be a member of a specific clan is a fairly new development. As a solitary shifter, he was free to roam. We ran into each other by chance when my master was traveling through an area at the same time Haizaki-san was there. My master at the time was not someone that held high regard for separation between different shifter clans so Haizaki-san's whim to travel with us was no problem."

Akashi levelled an unreadable gaze his way and Kuroko couldn't stop the slight uneasiness that swept through him at the other's regard. Akashi then nodded, a slow movement that seemed to convey he understood rather more than Kuroko had intended to convey. Haizaki's muted scoff next to him seemed to reinforce that.

Akashi took a small sip of his wine – a deliberate pause – before replying and redirecting. "I see. Tell me, Kuroko-kun…how did you like your time among the bear clans of Shikoku?"

Kuroko couldn't stop the slight tightening of his lips at this question, one he had not anticipated. It would seem Akashi had been digging into his background. The shifters in the bear clan hadn't been cruel, but they weren't exactly warm either and Kuroko had been unhappy there. The bears respected strength in a variety of forms, but they hadn't seen much of anything worthwhile in Kuroko and he'd been treated more as a pet than as an ally. The gruff shifter who held his contract had been largely disappointed with Kuroko, but stubbornly held the contract out of some misplaced pride. When the aging shifter finally released him, Kuroko had been relieved.

"My master was a respected member of their clan. I experienced many things courtesy of his position." Kuroko's voice was neutral and his comment was deliberately ambiguous. Kuroko's kind weren't always allowed to pick their contracts, but Kuroko had gone willingly – it had simply been a mistake in the end. However, he was not one to complain unduly, so Kuroko had no intention of giving Akashi any particulars of his time there.

Akashi's smile was fleeting and sharp, giving Kuroko the impression he had confirmed something despite himself.

Haizaki, who knew of Kuroko's time in the bear colony, also seemed to sense they were on dangerous ground.

"Eh, what's the big deal Akashi? We've all been around a long time. Not so surprising some paths would cross, is it?" Haizaki's question was consciously light – the thread of amusement designed to attempt to force Akashi to change directions or risk looking unduly suspicious.

Unfortunately for Haizaki, Akashi cared little about such things. He looked at Haizaki for a long moment and Haizaki was not the only one that sensed Akashi's weighing whether to send him out of the room. When he deigned to speak, Akashi's speech was gentle and all the more cutting because of it.

"The wolves suffered a grave attack in defense of him. We are now charged with his protection. I do not consider it ill-advised to know something of Kuroko-kun's background, particularly where there might be those in his past that conspire against him."

Kuroko's throat seemed to dry up at this and he reached carefully for his water – he noted with a kind of absent awareness his hand did not shake - and drew a refreshing sip.

"Akashi-san, if you are uncomfortable with my staying here you only needed to say so. I can go elsewhere; it was not my intention for you to feel this arrangement was undesirable." Kuroko meant this sincerely. He had traveled enough to know of various hiding places and he was good at blending in. His offer was immediately turned down.

"Kuroko-kun, I would not dream of having you leave now. Until the wolves are ready for you to return, I believe the best place for you is where I can keep a close eye on you." The intensity of Akashi's gaze seemed to increase and it sent Kuroko's guard into high drive. Kuroko was not imagining the soft purr that underscored Akashi's reply; it was something the powerful shifter did purposefully after all.

It seemed to put the others on edge as well and as Kuroko looked around the table he saw there were looks of curiosity and puzzlement – what was going on with their leader?

There was silence for a brief moment, an uncomfortable strained sense nobody quite knew how to break. But then Kise chimed in.

"Besides, you'd break the kits' hearts if you didn't play with them again. You should stay a while."

A startled chuckle left Aomine's throat at this bit of nonsense, but it served its purpose and the mood lightened a bit.

Kuroko blushed a little but smiled and nodded his agreement. He usually got along well with the children of whatever shifter community he was contracted with, and had often been in charge of protecting the small ones in less peaceful areas.

Midorima, however, was watching Akashi with something close to concern. What had Akashi discerned that afternoon that had put him in this mood? Perhaps sensing his regard, Akashi turned to look at him and Midorima reflexively tensed at the calculated amusement he saw there. Akashi was planning something, or so it seemed.

This suspicion proved itself to be true when Momoi lifted her head as if in a sudden realization. "I nearly forgot to mention it, but Riko-san and Hyuuga-san will be returning tomorrow with more of your things and for a visit."

Midorima absently noted Kuroko's pleased smile at this news, but he was more intrigued by Akashi's expression. He looked like a child who couldn't wait for the next big festival – momentarily, at least before resuming his more typical composed look.

Akashi didn't ask him to stay, but Midorima took the liberty of doing so when finally, the meal was over and the others got up to go about their evenings.

Akashi raised one shoulder and let it drop in an unhurried shrug. "Yes, Shintaro? Is something troubling you?"

Midorima adjusted his glasses before replying – a nearly automatic gesture as he thought about his reply – but he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to engage Akashi in this mood.

"Akashi, what brought on this display tonight? Kuroko is not wrong, Haizaki would have been free to travel as a lone shifter. It's not unreasonable their paths would cross. You seem…fixated, for some reason."

Akashi looked down at his hands that were clasped lightly together as they rested on one leg. He was trying not to show his smile; one he knew was comprised of outright amusement as well as anticipation.

"Shintaro, let me simply assure you that I have not gone mad. I came across some information in an old journal today that I think will be useful. And…I have a strong suspicion as to what Kuroko's large cat is. I expect to confirm it tomorrow when his friends return to ensure we haven't eaten him yet."

Although he knew better than to ask Akashi for more information, Midorima was curious as to what Akashi had discovered for him to be this way. He'd even admit to assuming Akashi's guess was most likely correct, Akashi's anticipation suggested it would be interesting at least.

Midorima nodded in acknowledgement. "Then I hope tomorrow is what you expect it to be."

Akashi slid a sly glance his way. "So reserved, Shintaro. Cheer up. I can promise you this – the visit tomorrow will not be a dull one."

He did not like the way Akashi said that. However, Midorima simply nodded and withdrew. He had more research of his own to do anyway.

Akashi leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of anticipation that had been building in him all afternoon ever since he'd read a very particular entry in his grandfather's journal. His grandfather had not met Kuroko, but the shrewd patriarch had met another of Kuroko's kind, and he'd dutifully recorded the experience for generations to learn from. If it was true, and Akashi had no reason to imagine his rather stern grandparent had the inclination to write something so fanciful if it were merely rumor, then Akashi was all too ready to add his own contribution to the family chronicles.

Kuroko, on the other hand, was focusing on seeing his friends tomorrow. It had only been a day, but it had felt much longer. Despite his nap that afternoon, Kuroko fell asleep quickly – having dismissed Akashi's odd intensity as simply par for the course.

Haizaki was not so fortunate. He was currently cornered by Aomine, Kagami, Midorima, and Momoi. Kise was on guard duty, and Murasakibara had gone on to bed as he had to rise early for breakfast preparations. Of the four who had him, he rightly kept his wary attention focused on Momoi. He knew that he, Kagami, and Aomine were well-matched physically, so a brawl between them could go either way. Midorima – while no slouch in the combat department himself – would not pick that as his first option. He only had to fear the acerbic man's insults – not something that particularly bothered him. It was Momoi, of the sugary sweetness and piercing intelligence, that he was worried about. She was Akashi's best intelligence agent and she had not earned her place in Akashi's inner circle by her looks – considerable though they were. He also knew from experience she was deceptively strong; he'd learned that to his cost when he'd first joined Akashi's clan.

Momoi was perfectly aware that Haizaki didn't trust her and rather than waste time in an attempt to persuade him otherwise, she simply smiled. "Akashi-kun hopes that you will be so kind as to share your knowledge of our guest." The alternative was implied, but seemed to practically weight the air between them. Haizaki could volunteer, or…he could still tell them, just with greater difficulty.

Haizaki smirked, he knew exactly what she meant. He leaned back against the wall, they were gathered near the door that led to the courtyard and so had plenty of privacy. It wasn't lost on him that it was chosen deliberately, it would be much easier if their discussion became violent to move outside from this location than many others. He wasn't afraid of them, but he knew that if he refused to cooperate it would only draw more attention to the issue. He had his own secrets he'd rather not share. Still, Haizaki needed to proceed with caution – he was hardly the type to just blurt out Kuroko's story, either.

"I really can't tell you much more than you already know. He's quiet, polite, and possesses some interesting skills. We're not exactly best friends." The words were true enough but fooled none of them into thinking that was the entirety of the matter

Surprisingly, Midorima asked the next question. His voice was thoughtful and it seemed he was drawing his own conclusion even as he asked. "Why did you join this clan, Haizaki? We knew you were a loner before coming here, but what made you want to change?"

Although Haizaki didn't notably flinch, there was the tiniest degree of coolness in his eyes in response to Midorima's question. "I answered that during the ritual of inclusion. I don't need to repeat myself."

The others paused and stretched their memories trying to recall. The ceremony was not a terribly common occurrence in other communities as most shifters stayed with the clan of their birth. Akashi was rather unusual in that he had allowed others to join. Even so, they hardly had the ceremony every week. Haizaki's addition had been exceptional – he had arrived, cocky and arrogant, but covered in wounds that even with their rapid healing abilities looked only days old. He hadn't begged or even been especially humble asking to stay, and Akashi had seemed amused by him.

"You said you thought it would be funny to try." Aomine's statement was abrupt and seemed to reflect all of their surprise. Usually candidates would say something about wishing to add to the honor of Akashi's reputation or that they were fleeing an unwelcome circumstance in another clan. Haizaki had smirked and offered his statement without hesitation or any hint of remorse.

Haizaki smiled mockingly and gave a half-shrug to indicate his lack of caring. "And so it has been. My mother ran away from her community before I was born and we lived on our own. It suited me. I had no intention of ever aligning myself this way. But my reason for coming here had nothing to do with Kuroko, so I really don't know what you want me to say."

Momoi had her arms crossed at her waist – a posture that might seem defensive on anyone else – but the coldly analytical light in her eyes showed she was thinking of something herself.

"What skills of his would you particularly note as interesting, then?" The question was offered cheerfully, as if asked in passing. Her eyes had not yet warmed, though her lips were tilted upward in a smile.

Haizaki stretched his lips in what might be a smile of his own, but was far closer to a grimace. "He can shift into different species, that's not enough for you?"

Her foot began tapping, slowly, deliberately, and in a steady rhythm that expressed her willingness to spend as long as necessary on this issue. "Please do not be difficult, Haizaki-san. We're not asking you to betray anyone, this is simply for informational purposes."

He felt trapped and it was such a novel circumstance that Haizaki was having trouble recalling the last time it had happened to him. Kuroko could look out for himself, he was not worried on that score. Yet Haizaki was still reluctant to share the story of their past. Kuroko had helped Haizaki at great risk to himself, he didn't want to offer up a secret that would end up trapping the Komainu somewhere he didn't want to be. Kuroko had mentioned it only once in passing, saying that it was one of his few fears. Haizaki – as selfish as he could be – recognized he owed Kuroko a debt and did not wish to repay it so shoddily.

Finally, he just expelled a sharp breath before answering. "Ask him yourself. It's not my secret to share."

Momoi beamed at him. "So there is a secret after all. Very well, that's enough for now. You may go, Haizaki-san."

Everyone turned to stare at her with a mixture of incredulousness and curiosity. But she kept her smile in place, nodding encouragingly when Haizaki took a step away from the half-circle that had loosely formed around him.

Haizaki husked out a laugh that was very reminiscent of his cat form and padded away, not one to question his good fortune.

Her remaining companions, however, were not quite so sanguine about the matter.

"Satsuki, why'd you do that?" Aomine's frustrated growl was underscored by a sense of resignation; he knew Momoi better than most and understood she would have had a reason.

Midorima adjusted his spectacles in silence, but the intensity of the look he shot her way indicated his own wish to know why she had cut short the interview.

She was still smiling, but it had taken on a sharper, more anticipatory character. "I'm surprised at all of you. We learned what we needed to for now. Haizaki-san is at least somewhat attached to our guest. For someone that is a relative loner here, doesn't that suggest something interesting to you? We may not know the particulars yet, but we will. He wouldn't tell us more yet anyway, no matter how satisfying it might be to fight. We'll wait."

Kagami stared at her, flabbergasted and annoyed. "Kuroko already suggested they were friendly. If that's all you wanted to know this was a waste. He's been pretty open except for not wanting to share all of his forms."

The serene pink of her eyes didn't match the arch of her lips. "Kagamin, you don't seriously imagine he's been open with us, do you?" She shook her head in amused disbelief. "He's good, but he's not better than me or Akashi-kun. I don't think he's outright lying, but he's not as simple as you seem to think he is."

With a pert wave, Momoi took her leave, calling out behind her, "Just keep your eyes out, everyone. Akashi-kun expects regular reports after all."

Aomine, Kagami, and Midorima were left in stunned silence. Momoi was scary sometimes. But they just nodded and dispersed. They couldn't do much else for the moment anyway.

The next morning broke bright and clear, with every indication of being a glorious day. Akashi had left instructions that the wolf shifters should be shown in as soon as they arrived. He was eager to see if he could prove his suspicions and wanted confirmation as quickly as possible.

He was pleased, then, when the wolves' delegation arrived promptly after breakfast. They were meeting in a room that had at some point in the past been appointed as an informal parlor – it had groups of seating arranged in cozy clusters and windows that let in the soft morning light. He recognized the same four that had accompanied Kuroko here the other day. They had a chest that would fit comfortably on a bookshelf with them. Akashi looked askance at it – was this the totality of Kuroko's belongings, then?

Kuroko had been notified of their arrival and he entered shortly after they did, a pleased look on his face. Akashi was intrigued, it was such a slight change but still conveyed the depth of his feelings for them. Kuroko looked at the chest and nodded, but it was not lost on anyone that he did not immediately take it. Instead, the box sat ignored – the wood was clearly old and showed a patina from many years of use.

"Riko-san, Hyuga-san, Kiyoshi-san, Izuki-san, thank you for coming to visit me here." It was a simple greeting, but you would have to be far less observant than anyone present was to miss the smile in those words.

The two cat shifters weren't offended, it was obvious Kuroko wasn't saying he hated it there, only that he had missed his friends. But behind Akashi's genial smile, he was keeping his anticipation tightly reined in.

Everyone had claimed seats but refreshments had been declined, the breakfast hour was too recent a memory. Riko and Hyuga sat together on a settee, with Kiyoshi and Izuki in chairs to their left. Akashi was across from them, seated in a high-backed chair that might as well have been a throne for all the dignity he radiated. A low-set table was in the center between Akashi the wolf leaders, its lacquer design showcased a scene from a farming village. Kuroko was to the right of Riko and Hyuga in a delicately framed antique chair that was covered in an abstract brocade decorated in rich gold and silver thread. Akashi had only wanted Midorima to join them, and he sat to Akashi's right.

Akashi was pleased, these arrangements had worked out perfectly and he had not even had to suggest it. He could see the wolves were puzzled that he had chosen to meet them with only one member of his clan to attend him, but Akashi didn't need a larger audience for this. If he were correct, it was something to be carefully relayed only when the time was right.

Midorima, for his part, was extremely suspicious of Akashi's motives at the moment. It wasn't that he doubted their ability to handle their visitors – diplomatically or in a fight if it came to that – but Akashi was being entirely too congenial. Akashi was listening to their small talk with all the apparent fascination he normally reserved for plotting his next scheme, chiming in with a polite enthusiasm Midorima rarely recalled seeing before. Although it made Midorima edgy, he had little choice but to wait to see what would happen. He pushed his spectacles up as he glanced around. He thought the wolves were foolish to be so conspicuously affectionate but he allowed for cultural differences.

Kuroko could tell Midorima was uneasy, but he didn't understand why. This visit was another part of their negotiations, a modest folder with a draft of the arrangements even sat inconspicuously on a sideboard near the adviser. They were all expecting to hash out more details today, in addition to allowing Kuroko the opportunity to visit and for them to bring him the chest. Even so, it was making him wary as well. Kuroko didn't know what was different this morning, but he could sense Akashi seemed to be waiting for something.

Whether Akashi planned for it to happen in this way or not, his moment arrived when Riko very casually asked Kuroko if he was fitting in well – a rather bold question in the face of two of his hosts – but she wasn't particularly worried about hurting their feelings.

Kuroko answered in the affirmative, "Yes, Riko-san. Things have gone well so far. I am very appreciative of the trouble everyone is going to on my behalf."

Kiyoshi laughed heartily at that – he was so typically cheerful that it was difficult to go a whole day without hearing his deeply ebullient joy. "Is that so? That's good to hear. Some of the others had a bet on whether they'd have eaten you yet, or whether you'd gotten to them first."

There was a shared smile among the wolves, one that Akashi noted before he softly interjected, "But Kuroko-kun has a friend here, he hasn't had a chance to tell you that yet, but we were all surprised to see he knew a member of our community. He and Haizaki-san have had quite the reunion, haven't you, Kuroko-kun?"

The name was not unfamiliar to any of those that knew Kuroko. While they did not precisely jerk in alarm, there was a noticeable, if brief, stillness as each of the four visitors shot a quick, furtive look his way. Kuroko's expression was serene, telling them without words that nothing was troubling him about this.

"Yes, it is true that I did not expect to find Haizaki-san here, but it is always nice to see old friends. I am glad of the opportunity, Akashi-san." He was genuinely unconcerned, Haizaki was not someone that was there to hurt him. Kuroko didn't expect Haizaki was willing to go to extreme lengths for him, but they had a connection that would afford Kuroko some consideration from the elder shifter.

Midorima pursed his lips, aware that Akashi had thrown that out as a gambit. He was surprised that Akashi did not seem disappointed with the result, it appeared to have been ineffective to him. An unusual miss for Akashi. However, as Midorima looked at Akashi, he couldn't help but wonder why Akashi seemed pleased rather than thwarted.

They had a few more minutes of idle chatter before Hyuga cleared his throat. "I suppose we should discuss your conditions for protecting Kuroko now." He said it without particular heat, but his frustration still colored the sentiment.

Akashi nodded, turning to Midorima briefly. "Shintaro, would you mind handing the draft to me, please?"

Midorima straightened in his seat when he saw the nearly feral light of anticipation flash through Akashi's eyes. His question was courteous and the intonation gave nothing away, but Midorima had known Akashi far too long not to catch that expression and know what it was. He looked at the others, realizing none of them had seen it. Internally, he shrugged. He couldn't stop Akashi from doing whatever this was and handing him a folder was harmless enough.

Akashi nodded his thanks when the folder was in his possession. He, in turn, placed it on the table in between himself and Riko and Hyuga, for the leaders to pick up at their convenience. They did in short order, opening the thin volume and extracting several pages.

They looked up in consternation but Akashi murmured in what was meant to be a reassuring fashion, "By all means take your time and look it over as much as you like."

His wording was slightly odd, was that an implication there was something they needed to search for? Akashi's expression had reverted to an inscrutable politeness that would not crack until he was good and ready.

Riko and Hyuga nodded to one another and began reading. While there were several pages, it really didn't seem as bad as they had expected. Akashi's deal stipulated that the cats associated with his compound would protect Kuroko – a request instigated by Kuroko's currently contracted clan – in exchange for some financial incentives, priority consideration for any alliance requests at Shifter Council meetings, and "would render aid in support of the protective efforts if deemed necessary by both the cats and wolves."

It seemed…relatively generous, actually. Akashi hadn't even mandated they ally with him on all issues at the Shifter Council, merely that they give him 'priority consideration.' The financial incentives were high, but not outrageous. Akashi's clan was taking a relatively big risk by doing this after all. And he'd left them a loophole that clearly indicated they would not be forced beyond their resources, as both of their sides had to agree it was necessary.

Silently, they passed the papers to Kiyoshi. He was not formally their co-leader, but the affable male was a strong resource for them. He showed a rare moment of seriousness as he read over the documents, searching for a trap he couldn't quite see. Finally, he shook his head and handed them to Izuki. He was the smallest of the wolf contingent, but his sharp eyes flew over the wording, pausing where they all had – not entirely certain why it bothered him, but knowing it did.

Once Izuki was done, he carefully tapped the papers back into place and said only, "Have Kuroko look at it."

Kuroko looked startled at this suggestion, but as the papers were passed back around and handed to him, it made sense. It was a moment of inclusion, indicating they considered him part of the group rather than one to make arrangements around. He felt a radiant warmth spread through his body and he smiled hesitantly as Riko handed him the proposed contract.

As soon as his hands closed around the folder, though – Kuroko knew something was wrong. Everything in him that was oriented toward protection was registering a high degree of alarm. He looked questioningly at Akashi, who was looking back at him contemplatively, as if aware Kuroko had experienced a stronger reaction than was normal.

"Well, Kuroko-kun? Have a look." It shouldn't have been quite the taunt it sounded like, yet there was little mistaking that's what Akashi meant.

Kuroko studied the pages intently, trying to see what had caused such discomfort with the others. It took Kuroko a moment to find it and he frowned once he did.

"Akashi-san, is this also a way of excluding Riko-san and Hyuga-san, or the wolves entirely, from coming here to see me? If you deny that their presence here is 'necessary aid,' – is that to keep them away?"

Akashi tapped his fingers against the armrest of his chair for a moment before he answered, "Yes." It was offered unapologetically - merely a declaration of intent.

The room seemed to freeze. It was all he said but the implications of it made even Midorima look at his leader in shock. Contracts between shifters were held accountable to the Shifters' Council. If Akashi filed this, and then the wolves' violated it – they not only owed him 'priority consideration,' at any hearing of the council, but they would be heavily sanctioned for not living up to the terms of an agreement that was born of their needing a favor, not Akashi. The council, known for their strict, conservative views, would come down harshly on the wolves.

Riko reacted first bursting out with, "Why on earth would you do that?" She sounded angry and confused, and she was not alone there.

Akashi folded his hands loosely in his lap, unconcerned by her ire. "I never lie. But I don't have to tell the strict truth, either. I've admitted that possibility is there, you're not going into this agreement blindly. It is still your choice to sign it or not. I will warn you though, that particular clause is not subject to negotiation."

The wolf shifters looked at each other – clearly at a loss. Akashi wasn't going to tell them why he'd included such a strange provision, that much was obvious. But they weren't sure if it was a risk they could take.

Kuroko spoke up next, "Riko-san, Hyuga-san, perhaps it is better if I hide on my own." This was their ostensible back-up plan after all.

They exchanged worried glances and Akashi's voice was heard easily despite his quiet tone. "I wondered at that – this strange behavior all of you demonstrated by coming here first. Logically, you would have kept Kuroko hidden until we'd already reached an agreement. But you brought him with you, left him here in our care, and were content to pay a steep price for him to stay here. I didn't understand it until I read a rather enlightening journal entry my grandfather recorded."

Akashi stood and all eyes stayed on him – Kuroko and his friends were wary, Midorima was resigned – he walked the few steps over to Kuroko and stared appraisingly down at him.

"Komainu…lion-dogs…you were trying to hide in plain sight, weren't you? You've got a lion. At the very least, you share my cat form, if not some of the others. That's why you're here, I'm one of the few lion-shifters left in Japan. You need to recharge somehow, don't you?" He asked it, but Akashi's words weren't really questions.

Kuroko stilled, but met Akashi's eyes with a fair attempt at calmness although he was incredibly uneasy that Akashi would know this. "Yes. That and the wolf are the two shifter-forms we're born with. There is no contract necessary to acquire them."

"Show me. Now." It was quite rude of Akashi to demand such a thing and even Midorima let out a startled exhalation.

"No, we need to leave. Kuroko, go get your things. We'll figure something else out." This from Hyuga, whose voice sounded strained but resolved.

Akashi didn't acknowledge what the leader said, he had his eyes firmly trained on Kuroko, daring him not to do as Akashi wished.

Kuroko stood, Akashi didn't move back so they were closer than they had been so far. Akashi deliberately sent a tendril of his shifter's aura toward Kuroko, sharing the faintest echo of a sun-warmed coat and heavy, muscled limbs confidently carrying their owner through high, dry grasses as intelligent, aware eyes surveyed the kingdom at hand. Kuroko nearly recoiled, he hadn't been so close to a lion in so long, he'd been unprepared for the viscerally powerful connection. Lions, shifted or not, were generally terribly arrogant thanks to their cultural indoctrination of being "kings." Kuroko had almost forgotten, but it was a trait he hadn't inherited.

He had to lock his knees for a moment, but then Kuroko nodded his acquiescence. Only then did Akashi step back to allow Kuroko space to move. Kuroko went to the other side of the room; it was certainly a large parlor, but he didn't want to accidentally knock anything over when he shifted. Everyone was staring at him, he could feel the tension and anticipation in the air.

Although it had been a while since he'd used this form, it was one that felt nearly as natural to him as his human state, and Kuroko slid into his lion shape with greater ease than he had shown them the other day. When he was done, he sat on his haunches, his front paws placed directly in front of him.

Akashi waited only to clear the space of the chairs before he shifted himself. As he approached, Kuroko was hit with an overwhelmingly powerful aura – Akashi muted this when he was in his human form, but he was holding nothing back now and it was all Kuroko could do not to offer Akashi his throat in submission. He couldn't do that, Akashi was not his master and he could not show himself to be so easily intimidated. His posture remained the same - not aggressive, but not grovelling, either.

Kuroko was just over three hundred pounds in this form. Akashi was closer to four hundred, if not a little over. He was taller than Kuroko as well, his mane darker, and his lethal grace inherent in every step. But Akashi didn't attack him, something none of them knew if he would try or not. None of the spectators had even wanted to breathe, afraid to break the fragile status quo.

Instead of attacking Kuroko, Akashi stared at him, speculation clearly evident on his face even as a giant cat. He switched back and stood. "A white lion. How unusual." It was a casual comment, yet it somehow seemed so much bigger than that.

Kuroko wasn't an albino – his eyes stayed the same light blue he had in all of his forms. But even among the Komainu, this coloring was rare. He correctly interpreted Akashi's return to human form as permission to revert himself, and Kuroko mirrored Akashi's movements as he stood to face the other lion-shifter.

Akashi kept his eyes on Kuroko even as he spoke to the leaders of the wolves. "I'll drop the financial considerations. The other two items stay, as naturally, will Kuroko." He spoke with finality; Akashi did not entertain the faintest expectation that they would really leave with Kuroko. Until the jackals had been dealt with, or Kuroko recharged enough, Kuroko had to stay here. Akashi understood that now and so he knew he had the upper hand.

Kuroko was terribly confused. Akashi wasn't forcing the wolves to cancel their contract with him, so Kuroko did not understand why he was doing this.

Riko and Hyuga conferred with quiet voices, but it was clear they had little choice. Kuroko could hide on his own, if it came to that, but it was safer to leave him here. They signed the revised papers in a halfhearted fashion after the financial clause was removed. The hugs they exchanged before leaving seemed a little more somber than was strictly warranted.

Midorima excused himself, a quiet murmur of apology. He knew he would speak with Akashi later, but something about this experience did not sit well with him and he needed to be away.

Akashi collected the contract, a smugly pleased half-smile in place. Kuroko was still standing, a little shell-shocked if truth be told. Akashi went to the door, stopping to look back at him.

"It's not my intention to harm you, Kuroko-kun. You are not a prisoner here and in most cases you may do what you like. But I will be keeping an eye on you nonetheless." Pausing, his eyes shot over to the wooden box the wolves had brought for him. "And I would encourage you to keep that secured away, if it's what I think it is. I understand why they'd bring your contract here, but in all honesty, they're practically begging me to steal you from them." He offered a small, amused nod before exiting, leaving Kuroko alone in the parlor.

Kuroko felt himself run cold at the casual implication of Akashi's words. For Akashi to accurately guess what the box was meant he had greater knowledge of Kuroko's kind than he or the wolves had expected. Kuroko went to pick it up, sensing the magical aura that just barely escaped from the container. It was comforting to have it, but the wolves hadn't brought it to him just for safe keeping. It was an ultimate failsafe. They wanted Kuroko to have the option to destroy it and be free of them if he needed to run. Kuroko didn't want to do that though and it made his heart heavy to even think of it. Kuroko sat down on the settee that Riko and Hyuga had occupied mere moments before, cradling the box to his chest. Despite Akashi's words, he felt afraid and alone. It was not a feeling he'd experienced like this in a long time. He had to think about all of this, and carefully. He didn't want to make the wrong choice; it was just difficult to know what that might be. He stayed there, undisturbed from his thinking, for a long time – certainly long enough that the room grew cool from the sun shifting away from it.