Two horse riders slowly moved along the crowd's pace in town until they came to a halt in front of a weapon merchant's store. The grey haired man dismounted from his brown furred horse before giving her a gentle pat on her head.
"Stay here," he softly mumbled before he made his way into the store.
Meanwhile, the raven haired rider hummed upon noticing several eyes observing them silently, curious about the two strangers in their town. Hibiki had made sure his cloak hid his twin swords, which were strapped around his waist. His gaze looked at the Imperial Palace, where it stood majestically while the sky above it was filled with fireworks of different colors and designs.
'To think there would be a day where the kingdom's emperor will be a kingdom's downfall,' he mused before he noticed several of the palace's soldiers heading towards him. Hibiki sighed inwardly as he took one last glance at the festive skies above the palace.
Once the soldiers reached the store, they gave him a wary look as they examined Hibiki's form. The raven haired horse rider gave them a small smile, "What can I do for you gentlemen?
"We've received several reports of two suspicious outsiders at the weapon merchant's store," one of the soldiers answered. His eyes sharply locked onto Hibiki's, who looked relaxed, which was far too strange for someone facing four large built soldiers.
"Me... Suspicious?" Hibiki echoed as if amused, "There is nothing suspicious about me or my companion, who is in the store." He dismounted before removing his hood, revealing his long black hair and a pair of sapphire orbs.
"Blue eyes..." one of the soldiers blinked in surprise, "A Kuroko...?"
Hibiki chuckled at the soldier's remark as he shook his head, "I'm afraid not, gentlemen. I'm not one of the Kuroko Clan's people."
"You're not from around here, are you? Show me your access pass," another soldier ordered, drawing a sigh from Hibiki's lips.
He grabbed at the said passes underneath his coat. His sapphire eyes did not miss the wary and alert look on their faces. Or the way their hands prepared to unsheathe their swords.
"Relax. Here's my pass," Hibiki handed the soldier a small wooden pass. On it was his family emblem, an embroidery of a soft blue flower, similar to the chrysanthemum flower with petal of leaves in black.
To Hibiki, the four soldiers reactions were hilarious when they quickly bowed to him, their voices panicked, "Lord Hibiki of the Minoru Clan, we apologize for our behavior!"
They straightened up as one asked, "Lord Hibiki, are you here for the Crown Prince's coronation? If so please allow us to escort you and your companion to the Imperial Palace."
Hibiki's silly grin quickly slipped off to be replaced by a smile, "It's fine. I did arrive unannounced."
His sapphire eyes glanced at the palace before his gaze returned to the dumbfounded soldiers. Soon a grin appeared on his lips again as he rubbed his chin, "Well... I'm not exactly here for His Majesty's coronation. I'm merely passing by while I'm on one of my trips."
The raven haired swordsman hummed, "Would you mind if I asked you not to mention to anyone of my presence here? Not even my dear father and brother."
The soldiers hesitated at one point, but they also knew that the young lord of the Minoru House had a strange habit of disappearing to travel across the vast land, since he was child. Sometimes no one could find information on his whereabouts until he would return home, which resulted in the young lord getting an earful from his older brother.
"If that is what you wish then we will," the soldiers gave him a short bow before they excused themselves. Once they disappeared from his sight, Hibiki let out a heavy sigh.
"That was close," Chihiro commented as he exited the store and approached the black haired swordsman, whose face looked exhausted. Carefully, the archer strapped a quiver, full of arrows, onto the horse's belt, "It's not like you to use your family's pass. Your brother will be delighted if he knows you finally used it."
Hibiki's shoulders slumped slightly at the archer's comment.
"I know," he answered with another sigh.
Then, with one try, Hibiki mounted his black furred horse as he pulled the hood over his head again, hiding his black hair. He tightly held onto the reins, "Sooner or later, we will have to use everything we have to get out this land."
"Alive," he emphasized the last word. He sighed, "Such a heavy topic doesn't cut out for me." He shifted his gaze towards the grey haired archer, "Are we done getting all the things we needed?"
The grey haired archer nodded in response as he gently patted his horse before he mounted her.
"Then let's get out of here. HYA!"
Kicking the horse's side, it signaled their departure from the land. They left the capital as the horses ran deep into the forest.
"What happened to the cherry blossom trees here...?" A tall violet haired man pondered to himself as his purple orbs roamed around the garden, which was once filled beautiful trees. He wore a traditional white kimono with a dark purple pants, a lighter made white kimono jacket, lined with purple inside, loosely on his shoulders.
He lazily walked down the hallway while his eyes were focused on the garden. The soft silk purple fabric shifted with each step he took.
"I wonder where Tsukichin is? Maybe she knows what happened to the trees~" He mumbled to himself until he felt someone walk into him. A soft yelp had brought his attention to the person before him.
He shifted his gaze from the crimson flowers to the small woman in front of him, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to walk into you..."
Atsushi immediately noticed that the woman's shawl had fallen onto the ground. However, it wasn't her fallen shawl that had caught his attention but the color of her hair and eyes.
"Tsukichin...?" He frowned slightly as he took a good look at the teal haired woman before him. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened, "You're not Tsukichin. Who are you?" His lazy voice was replaced by a sharp and dangerous tone as he grabbed hold of the bluenette's arm.
"My lord, please let go of my arm. You're hurting me..." she pleaded as the violet haired man gripped her wrist tighter.
"Atsushi, let her go," a cold sharp tone intervened as a dangerous presence suddenly appeared behind the tall man.
Atsushi, who sensed the dangerous presence, figured that he better heed the crimson haired man's warning. Slowly, he let go of the woman's wrist before he turned around, "Seichin..."
His eyes narrowed as he watched the strange woman run to the crown prince's side. Atsushi wanted to do nothing more than to click his tongue in distaste, but he knew his place.
Seijuurou smiled after shifting his gaze from Hazuki to the tall man, "So, you're back after your long journey to the outer land. I'm glad to see you attending my coronation, Murasakibara, Atsushi of the Purple Clan."
However, Atsushi's sharp gaze never faltered at the smaller man's presence, "Seichin, who is this woman? Where is Tsukichin?"
The crimson haired prince knew that the heir of the 4th Clan, Murasakibara, Atsushi was extremely close the Kuroko Clan's Princess. He remembered how Tetsuki had often spoiled the purple haired man with homemade delicacies whenever she had the time to visit him at the Purple Province where the main house of the Murasakibara Clan was located.
Seijuuro also knew that Atsushi had not been informed of the latest incident in the palace due to his absence for the past few months.
A sharp piercing glare was thrown at the taller man, "Atsushi, I won't allow such disrespect to the woman I have chosen to be my consort. You shall respect her as you do with me."
Atushi's lips parted as Seijuurou's words repeatedly played in his mind, "Consort...? What are you saying Seichin? This woman here is not one of the Kuroko's... She's not Tsukichin... Where is Tsukichin?"
It was then, Atsushi noticed the forest green haired advisor approaching them. Taking the chance of distraction, the Prince and his soon-to-be-consort excused themselves to prepare for the coronation.
Atsushi quickly turned around, raising his voice, "What did you do to Tsukichin?!"
Seijuurou halted in his steps as he coldly stated, "She's dead, Atsushi. I've witnessed it firsthand."
From the corner of his golden orb, he glared at the latter, "I believe I've said enough. I shall see you later, Atsushi." Before briskly leaving.
Shintarou, who had been watching the scene unfold before him, finally spoke as soon as the other two disappeared from their sights A questioning gaze was directed at him by the heir of the Murasakibara Clan, "Shinchin care to explain what is going on?"
The advisor swallowed the heavy lump in his throat, he knew that he had no choice but to explain the situation to the 4th Clan's heir. If anything goes wrong then, the kingdom would lose more than half of their military support from the Murasakibara Clan, who also guards two of the main gates that lead into the kingdom.
His patience was wearing thin when the advisor drifted into his own train of thoughts, "Well...?"
The latter slowly shifted his gaze from the wooden floor beneath him to Atsushi.
"His Majesty Seijuurou," Shintarou trailed off, "Is no longer betrothed to the late Princess Tetsuki..."
Atsushi frowned as he echoed, "Late...? What are you saying...?"
Shintarou took a deep and heavy breath as he lied, "Princess Tetsuki is dead."
The teal haired princess and the five fox servants were preparing lunch for everyone in the house. Tetsuki was on her way back to the kitchen when she noticed a familiar shade of black and grey locks finally returning their short trip to the capital.
Hibiki was the first one to dismount from his horse as soon as he saw her as they approached the home of the nine-tailed fox, Kise, Ryouta. The princess smiled gently as she bowed, "Welcome back, Lord Hibiki, Lord Chihiro."
The swordsman frowned as he lowered his hood, "Tsuki-chan, how many times do I have to remind you to stop calling us with honorifics. We're friends aren't we?"
He was displeased nevertheless. Chihiro followed behind him as he quickly tied the horse's rein to a nearby tree, where there was a water stream.
"But..."
"You might as well listen to him, Princess. He won't stop nagging you about it until you give in," Chihiro added as he grabbed hold of a large heavy leather bag, strapped onto the horse's side.
Hibiki chuckled softly, "Ah, my dear friend knows me all too well."
He nonchalantly wrapped his arms around the princess as he rested his chin on top of her head and instantly the scent of vanilla filled his senses.
"Too well, quite unfortunately," the archer retorted without giving the latter another glance.
Hibiki pouted childishly, "Man, that's cold."His shoulders slumped a bit.
Tetsuki sighed softly, she knew what the two men had said was true. In such a short time, she had made friends with people she had never before in her life. Yet, now, she owed her life to them.
The only request they had for her was for her to call their names without honorifics. Tetsuki had also learned, today, that the two of them had been friends for a long time. However, the vibe the two men were giving to one another was a master and servant relationship despite being so close to each other. Chihiro seems to be everywhere Hibiki went , may it be within his sight or just a few feet behind. His hands always prepare to unsheathe the short blade from his thigh.
She blinked in surprise for a moment before realizing that they had brought many things. Tetsuki quickly scurried over to Chihiro's side, offering a hand to hold onto the groceries that she had requested for earlier.
Right as she was about to grab hold the bag, Hibiki took it away while smirking. He dangled the bag high up in the air, out of her reach, "Well, what do ya say?"
He waited for her answer as he amusingly watched the well-mannered princess's soft expression change into a frown every now and then.
Chihiro glanced over at the two before he sighed and grumbled, "He never changes."
Without another word, he handed over the other bags to Kisa, who had just arrived at the veranda to assist them. The fox then excused himself to bring the supplies to the kitchen while the archer simply took a seat on the wooden floor as he continued to watch the two.
"Hi-Hibiki-san..." Tetsuki uttered underneath her breath, but Hibiki pretended that he had not heard her. He brought his face closer to hers, a sly grin splayed on his lips.
"Eh... I didn't hear you~" He childishly teased the innocent princess.
A soft pink tint spread across her cheeks. Her voice was slightly louder than her previous try, "Hibiki-san..."
The swordsman's sapphire orbs immediately softened as he genuinely smiled, "There you go. It wasn't hard to call us by our names," he gently ruffled her soft teal locks.
However, Tetsuki remained silent despite the smile on her pink lips as she watched Hibiki walk away with the groceries in his hands. Something about him was intriguing to her. He had sapphire orbs which were only supposed to be inherited by the bloodlines of Kuroko. Everyone in the Kuroko Clan has a pair of sapphire orbs except for those who had married into the Clan.
But the raven haired swordsman had denied his relation to the Kuroko Clan, but Tetsuki still doubted Hibiki's words.
'His touch, his words, his warmth... everything feels and sounds so familiar yet I can't remember where I once felt them...' Tetsuki's gaze never left the raven haired man, 'Just who exactly are you, Hibiki-san...?'
A soft and quiet voice broke her train of thoughts, "Stop thinking about it too much."
Chihiro stood up from his seat as he unfastened the lace of his black leather boot. Hibiki had already disappeared into the house while Chihiro was here, straightening his back.
It was as if he was able to read what was on her mind.
"It's better if you don't pry too much into his past," he added before he stepped onto the veranda barefooted.
Tetsuki's sapphire eyes widened slightly, curious at the grey haired archer's warning, "Why...?"
Her curious question had earned her a sharp, yet blank gaze.
"There are things in the world that should be left alone. Not only for your sake, but for their sake as well," with simple words, Chihiro left her on her own in the front yard.
Not only had they kept her from harm, but they had treated her as if she would break with one touch. The princess understands the reason behind their gentle treatment but...
'At this rate... I'll still be the weak princess that everyone knows...'
The bluenette looked at her bruised and injured hands. She had spent an entire night trying to get her form right but her strength was just not enough for the low bow that Chihiro had entrusted to her. Not only was she weak, she had fallen asleep the moment she had leaned against the beam of the veranda. Only to find that the grey haired archer had brought her and the wounded Daiki back to their perspective rooms.
Her small shoulders slumped as both of her hands fell to her side. A soft whisper escaped her lips, "I'm so pathetic..."
"No, you're absolutely not pathetic or weak, my dear princess," a certain blonde haired nine-tailed fox, who had been watching her the moment she went into the yard to welcome his two guests. His sudden presence had startled the bluenette as he began walking towards her until his steps stopped right before the petite princess.
No matter how many times Tetsuki gazed upon the nine-tailed fox, his beauty never ceased to amaze her. Ryota glanced at the bruises and cuts on Tetsuki's small pale hands then looked at the wavering faith in her sapphire eyes.
"Don't think so low of yourself, Princess," his words gained Tetsuki's attention, who met his amber eyes.
"I have lived for thousands of years and not once, have I met a princess who is willing to sacrifice this much," Ryouta gently grabbed both her hands as he looked at the once smooth hands, as he traced his thumb on her skin.
His amber gaze softened, "These bruises and cuts are proof that you never gave up. Failing makes you weak, but getting back onto your feet makes you even stronger."
A smile graced his lips, "You've endured an enormous amount of pain - physically and mentally - in such a short time Princess. You're stronger than anyone I've known in my life. So no matter what you do, I will never look at you as a weakling," he cupped her face in his hands, "That is my promise to you."
Tetsuki's sapphire orbs softened as she leaned into the gentle warmth radiating from his hands, "Why are you doing so much for me, Lord Ryouta...?"
She gently held his hands.
Ryouta's amber orbs gaze at the beauty before him. Suddenly, his amber eyes sadden as he slowly pulls his hands away from the princess before he turns away from her, "Don't stay out here too long Princess. It is rather chilly this afternoon."
He walked to the veranda of the house before his fox servants immediately bowed to him as they followed behind his steps into the house.
A ghostly smile formed on Tetsuki's pink lips as she gazed at her hands, 'Lord Ryouta is right... no matter how many times I've failed...'
Soon, she followed the fox's steps into the house, 'I must never give up.'
"Ah...Atsushi-kun, it has been a while. You've grown." a man whose hair were pitch black yet his orbs were clear sky blue who was in his 50's approached the tall violet haired man.
Atsushi turns around the moment he heard the older man's voice , "Hisao-sama. Indeed it has." he greeted. He smiled at the man whom he respected for his entire life. His lavender colour orbs gazed silently at Hisao's features. The teen had noticed the man's thin frame, pale skin and those dark eye-bags underneath his eyes, "You don't look well..." he trails off.
Hisao chuckled lightly before he sighed soon after, "I haven't been able to rest properly after what has happened to my beloved daughter."
His sapphire eyes saddened and his smile slipped off.
The taller man's lips pursed into a thin line, "Hisao-sama..." he bit his lower lip, "About Princess Tetsuki... I believe she is stil-"
The loud sound of the gong echoed throughout the Imperial Palace's yard, causing all eyes to look at the empty seat of power, widely known as the Phoenix's Seat.
"Crown Prince Seijuurou of the Akashi Clan, has arrived."
The front yard of the palace turned deathly silent as the soldiers began straightening their backs before bowing down to the man whom they would soon call their Emperor.
As soon as their eyes caught sight of the crimson haired man, who strode towards the throne, they bowed in the presence of a royal member. No one dared to utter a single word or take a glance at the young man, whose demeanor was intimidating and condescending. Seijuurou approached the steps to the seat with his chin held high and proud.
The fine and soft fabric of Seijuurou's crimson layered silk robe brushed against the crimson and gold carpet with an embroidery of the Sacred Phoenix as the foot of the carpet made especially for the Crown Prince's Coronation. His outer kimono was a white layer with a design of the outline of the crimson phoenix on the ends.
After Seijuurou took his seat in the Phoenix's Seat, only then everyone's head rose and gaze upon the young man who seated proudly before them.
Standing in the first row, among the ministers and officials who were invited to the coronation was the five representatives - Kuroko, Hisao, from the Black Clan, who was the current head of the Clan and also the father to the kingdom's most cherished princess, Kuroko, Tetsuki, who was assumed dead. A man who is in charge to govern the kingdom's agricultural and finances.
While Murasakibara, Atsuhi from the Purple Clan attended on behalf of his ill father, they are the only two clan within the Seven Colored Clan who watch over the kingdom's borers and security for its people. It has been said that, if the kingdom were to be in conflict with the Purple, there is a possibility the Ruby's will lose in battle in term of strength and numbers.
Midorima, Satoru, the head of the Green Clan, who was in his 80's still looked as if he was only in hi 50's. Despite his old age he reigns over the province until he could deem that his son, Midorima, Shinatrou, is ready to take over his place as head. They are the clan where most of the members often excel in the Imperial Examinations.
With the previous head, Haizaki, Shougo, murdered in an incident, the only bloodline of the main family who survived the massacre was his younger brother, Haizaki, Shoichi, from the Silver's who represents the province and his late brother. They are a clan assigned to the gold and iron mines around the kingdom. However, as of right now, there is no news in regards of the next successor.
Last but not least, Hanamiya, Makoto, of the White Clan, also known as the Colorless Clan. He was a man whom everyone in the rest of the Seven Colored Clans were wary of. His sly smile and eccentric behavior made everyone put a certain distance from him. A dangerous man, they said.
And that day, all of them gathered to give their blessings and approval for the Crown Prince's inheritance towards the throne and as their master who governs above them. Little do they know it will be their unforgivable mistake.
"The Coronation of His Highness Akashi, Seijuurou shall commence!"
The gong, once again, rang throughout the courtyard, commencing the ceremony as four of the palace's shikigamis appeared before the crimson haired prince as they knelled on their knees. Each of the Shikigami's held something in their hands as they offered it to their one and only master.
Atushi, who was watching from below, was slightly surprised by the Shikigamis, which had been considered as myths passed down from generations to the next, 'I never seen the coronation before but I guess they're the ones, Father has mentioned before.'
He frowned slightly, his gaze never left the four palace shikigamis.
'The Four Shikigami who protected the Four Regalia, signifies power, strength, wealth, and health for the man whom they have chosen as their master and the one who will rule over Teiko... How did SeiChin get his hands on them...?'
Seijuurou smirked when his gaze met Atushi's purple orbs. He knew what the purple haired man was thinking. How did the meek young prince get his hands on the Four Shikigamis who protected the Four Regalia for the kingdom's emperor, was the question he assumed Atushi was pondering about.
'I am no longer the Akashi, Seijuurou whom you once knew Atushi. The weak prince has given up on the kingdom and the princess he once cherished,' his hetero chromatic eyes sharpened as he looked straight at his advisor, Shintarou, who slowly placed the crown on top of his head before lowering his head, 'And now... it all belongs me.'
The forest green haired advisor swallowed the heavy lump in this throat before he turned around to face the kingdom's people, "With the approval of the Five out of Seven Colored Clans, I hereby announce, Emperor Akashi, Seijuurou the Ruby's Clan as the 122th Emperor of Teiko!"
Everyone who was present was in awe yet perplexed.
"Five...?" one of the ministers echoed.
"There is a rumor about the head of the Blue and Gold Clan's refusal to approve of His Majesty's accession," another added as they whispered silently to one another.
"I can understand why the Aomine Clan refused after their only heir was being accused of reason but the Gold Clan... No one has seen them for hundreds of years..."
"I don't understand why they never replaced the Gold Clan with another. If they vanished and refused to serve the chosen emperors then they should be removed from the Seven Colored Clans."
Whisper after another began to roam throughout the crowd. Atushi could only glare daggers at the crimson haired emperor while the rest of the representatives gave their blessings to Seijuurou. It remained that way until it was his turn.
The tall man knelled down with his gaze on the red carpet beneath him as he calmly spoke, "Your Majesty, I have come today to represent my father, who is the current head of the Murasakibara Clan, who reigns over the Purple Province."
He could feel the sharp and cold gaze of the former prince drill into the back his head.
"Yes, I believe that your father, General Akio, is currently bedridden due to a serious injury from a battle with the pirates at the harbor. I hope he is doing alright," Seijuurou replied. He knew that Atsushi was refraining himself from speaking out of line in front of everyone who was present at the ceremony.
"Your Majesty," Atsushi paused for a moment, "Today is a glorious day where you should not need to worry about my father's condition. He is currently recuperating and his condition is improving as we speak."
Atsushi shifted his gaze towards the man before him, "I, Atsushi Murasakibara, on the behalf of the Murasakibara of the Purple Clan, congratulate you on your coronation. We're honored to serve you during your reign as the Emperor of Teiko, Your Majesty.
As much as he wished to retaliate against the newly appointed emperor, Atushi knew his place as the sole heir to the Clan and was aware that his people would be danger if he does.
"Thank you. I'm glad that you are more than willing to serve both me and the kingdom. I couldn't be any more prouder to have you as my friend." Seijuurou smirked, the moment Atsushi gaze returned to his. A gaze filed with hatred and hostility.
It was Makoto's turn to face Seijuurou, when Atushi halted in his steps, "Your Majesty."
He turned around, gaining the attention of everyone. His tall and intimidating presence had made Makoto take a few steps back.
"As you know, currently there is no priestess within the palace for over five hundred years. However, do know that the Founders in the heavens are watching. They will see what you have accomplished on the backs of sacrifices you have made," Atushi trailed off as his gaze sharpened, "Only then, I shall allow myself to join the late Princess Tetsuki."
His words had brought many questions to the people around them. Makoto, who knew the meaning behind Atsushi's words, immediately stepped forward, "Lord Atushi, you can't possibly be sayin-"
The former emperor frowned before he smiled, amused, 'So, you want to play...'
"You're right," Seijuurou paused for a moment, "I want you to watch, Lord Atsushi of the Purple's. However, the heaven that only watches over the Earth has no use to me. I do not wish for the powers of the Gods, but the powers of the people."
"Not only that, I shall drive out all the traitors within the kingdom in order to restore this land to its former glory. Should anyone stand in my way, I will crush them!"
The crimson haired emperor's voice echoed throughout the courtyard as everyone stood in awe. Seconds later they cheered, "LONG LIVE EMPEROR SEIJUUROU! LONG LIVE THE KING!"
Seijuurou's gaze shifted towards Atushi, who was glaring daggers at him, 'You asked for it, Atushi.'
"My people," he spoke again, "Today, I would like to introduce all of you to someone who is extremely important to me."
Shintarou's head snapped up at the Emperor's announcement, 'He can't be serious...'
It was then, a woman whose hair was a shade of teal and resembled a certain teal haired princess from the Kuroko House of the Onyx Clan, walked towards Sesijuurou who held her hands firmly. She was adorned with golden jewelry and hair pieces. Her kimono a deep scarlet red and at the edges filled with the pattern of crimson butterflies.
"I present to you, Lady Hazuki of the Hanamiya House. She will soon to be my wedded wife," Seijuurou's announcement had brought everyone to confusion.
"Your Majesty, what happened to Princess Tetsuki of the Kuroko Clan?" A minister asked. He feared for his life when he noticed the death glare cast unto him by the Emperor. Those who were standing around the father of the said princess began sending Hisao a few questioning looks.
"Yes, it is all what you are thinking. I, Akashi Seijuurou, for the one I love, is breaking the taboo that has banded the Akashi and Kuroko Clan together for thousands of years."
The dark and cloudy sky above them suddenly roared lightning upon the announcement. The thunder struck the trees nearby, frightening everyone who stood in the open as they ran for shelter.
A sharp pang of pain cut through her chest, causing her to lose grip on the plates in her hands. They shattered onto the floor as Tetsuki collapsed onto her knees. Her body trembling in fear and pain as she struggled to hold onto the edge of the table. Kisa and the other two foxes hurried to her side, before she could fall onto the sharp fragments of the plates scattered on the floor.
Hibiki, who had been feeding the horses at the stable, was the first to arrive to the kitchen when he heard the crash.
"What happen-"
His sapphire orbs widened when his gaze fell onto Tetsuki, whose face was scrunched up in pain while her hand clenched at the fabric of her yukata near her chest.
"Tsuki-chan!" Hibiki quickly rushed to her side and gripped her shoulders, when he noticed the three foxes were struggling to hold her from crashing onto the sharp floor.
The raven haired man frowned when he heard her labored breathing, "Tsuki-chan, what's wrong?!"
Tetsuki winced in pain while her left hand held onto Hibiki's arm. Her eyes were squeezed shut in pain. It felt as if her heart was being ripped apart by the one she loved and held so dearly.
"Hibi...ki...san..." she managed to choke out.
"Lord Hibiki here," Kisa handed over a clean cloth to the swordsman who was perplexed by the small fox's actions.
Hibiki's orbs widened slightly as soon as he noticed a dark stain of blood, on her pale pink yukata, spread slowly staining Tetsuki's hand that pressed at her chest, 'This is... no...'
Suddenly, someone in an annoyed mood approached the kitchen as he pushed open the half-opened sliding door, "I hope you all know that I can hear this commotion from the other side of the house."
"I believe I've reminded you lot to keep it down when you're preparing meals..." the blonde haired nine-tailed fox halted in his steps. He frowned when he saw the blood stain on Tetsuki's yukata on her chest.
Ryouta shifted his gaze from the princess to Hibiki with a questioning look. The swordsman gently gathered the bluenette into his arms before he rushed out of the kitchen. Seconds before he passed by the nine-tailed fox, Hibiki growled lowly, "To think he would stoop this low...I'll never forgive him."
At that moment, Ryouta could not move. His amber eyes were wide open as he stared at Tetsuki's blood on the floor. Suddenly, a loud noise of thunder startled the fox who quickly strode towards the veranda as his voice trembled, "It can't be..."
Atushi watched the thunder slice through the gloomy skies down to Earth. Quickly, he turned around as his voice rose in volume, "Your Majesty, you can't be serious!"
Another clap of thunder slammed onto the concrete ground, "You mustn't do this! The Founders made rules for a reason!"
He was immediately silenced when Seijuurou sent a sharp death glare at him as he growled, "I will do as I see fit. Right now, Lady Hazuki si the only one for me."
The young emperor frowned as he strode towards Atushi before he spoke underneath his breath, "Are you so against my decision that you're willing to put your clan at risk to end up just like the Aomine Clan...?"
Seijuurou shifted his gaze from the shattered ground to the taller man, "Atushi."
Atushi's purple orbs widened, "So it was you..."
He watched the crimson haired emperor smirk at him.
"They deserved it," he turned around leaving the taller man speechless, "If you oppose me, I will kill you no matter who you are," Seijuurou eyed the giant, "Know your place, Atushi."
Seijuuro returned to the side of his so-called beloved consort, Hazuki.
When the thunder died down, the ceremony continued with the last representative from the Hanamiya's, who reign over the Colorless Province, "Your Majesty, on behalf of the Hanamya Clan, I congratulate you upon your coronation to the throne and your engagement to our Hazuki today, we are here to serve you. Each one of us are yours to command."
Makoto lowered his head, "We're more than honored to carry out your first order as the Emperor of Teiko, Your Majesty."
Seijuurou chuckled softly as he rested his cheek onto the knuckles of his left hand, "Well then..."
He eyed his forest green haired advisor, who stood by his side, then to Atushi who was glaring daggers at him. A sly smile formed on the emperor's lips.
"My first as the Emperor of Teiko will be..." He trailed off as he hummed softly, everyone else was inwardly praying for their lives, "To annihilate all the members in the Kise of the Gold Clan. Also the teal haired woman must be killed. They have the nerve to create such a disgusting being who masks as the late Lady Tetsuki."
Hazuki's eyelids lowered upon the emperor's word, while she bit her lower lip. She was started slightly when her eyes met Atushi's sharp and disgusted gaze directed towards her.
Suddenly, Seijuurou addressed his people once again, "I promise to each and every one of you, including those that die, shall not die in vain in our effort to return our kingdom to its former glory!"
Both, Shinatrou and Atsushi watched the scene unfold in horror. Seijuurou's words had won over the people, not only making him a stronger but a formidable man to oppose. The violet haired man gritted his teeth as cheers from the officials and soldiers, around him, rang throughout the court.
Seijuurou smirked at Atushi, 'I won, Atsushi. There is nothing you can do without affecting your clan's safety now.'
The cheers continued on as the newly appointed Emperor stood high and mighty as he smiled proudly.
'Now, let the fun begin.'
Chihiro's mood soured as soon as he reached Tetsuki's bed chamber, trails of blood were painted on the tatami floor. His childhood friend, Hibiki, was pressing a cloth, now stained with crimson blood, onto the bluenette's chest.
Tetsuki was breathing heavily as sweat trickled down her jaw line and her face scrunched up in pain as she laid on her futon. The swordsman quickly waved at Chihiro, the archer-healer, whose brows were furrowed upon the short glance Hibiki gave him. He knew what it meant, a silent message.
'I'm begging you, please help her!'
Ryouta arrived a little later as he stood still at the bamboo door.
Without hesitation, Chihiro opened the collar of the princess's white yukata, revealing her soft smooth skin yet the males who were in the room weren't fazed by her exposed skin, but their expression soured even more. Chihiro's blank grey orbs widened the moment he recognized the angry bloody mark of an incomplete moon on Tetsuki's chest. A soft gasp soon escaped from everyone else's lips as their eyes widened in horror.
Everyone in the room knew what the mark meant.
"The prince, he..." The archer trailed off.
Hibiki's clenched hands trembled with pure rage as he clenched spat, "That insolent brat, how dare he do this to her?!"
The angry mark of the sacred emblem, which holds between the Akashi's and Kuroko's, began to glow crimson as blood trickled down. Tears rolled down Tetsuki's cheeks as she struggled to reach for Hibiki's trembling hands, "Ple-Please... hating him won't d-"
A pained cry escaped her pink lips as the pain intensified.
The raven haired man bit his lower lip in frustration as he watched the pure hearted princess defend the man, he hates, even when she was in pain. Hibiki gripped her hand tightly, "Why?"
"Why are you still defending him when he causes you so much agony and pain?!" Tears of frustration escaped the corner of his eyes.
Trembling, Tetsuki shifted her gaze to the swordsman as she smiled, still in pain, "Because... I loved him..."
Her eyelids slipped shut as the emblem marked her pale skin.
Quickly, Chihiro ordered Ryouta and Hibiki to hold down her wrists as he pressed both hands onto the her chest. A voice echoed throughout the place as a silver glow covered Chihiro's and Tetsuki's body, "Chihiro Mayuzumi, no matter how many times you try such a curse cannot be removed. Only the heir of the Akashi's and Kuroko's can remove it."
All eyes stared at Chihiro in disbelief at what they had just heard. Hibiki was the first one to speak, "Chihiro, I don't care what you have to do. If this mark forms a complete form on her, she'll be done for!"
He clenched his teeth as he growled, "No... all of us will be done."
Ryouta's lips formed into a thin line upon Hibiki's words. He had never expected it would go down this way.
Meanwhile, Chihiro knew that what they're facing right now was out of their reach. Not even his strength could stop the curse. It was not a normal curse, it was a curse which sealed the marriage between the Akashi and Kuroko's heirs. Heirs who were to wed one another. The purpose of the curse and the seal was unknown - all due to the fact that no one had ever broken the taboo rules until now.
'Surely there must be another way to stall the curse from completing,' Chihiro pondered as he tried to heal the wound, which refused to heal no matter how many times he tried.
'I'm amazed at how stubborn you've become ever since you've mingled with the Minoru's brat. I have picked such a troublesome master to serve,' the voice echoed in his head before it ended in a soft chuckle.
'If you insist...' it paused before continuing, 'All you need is a drop of blood. However, it cannot be just any blood... it needs to the blood of the ...'
Hibiki frowned with concern when Chihiro went deathly silent. When the archer's blank gaze shifted to look at him, Hibiki asked, "Chihiro, what's wrong...?"
Chihiro's face darkened slightly as he hesitates to utter what Byakko had just told him, "I can stall the curse... but she needs your blood." He couldn't look at Hibiki, the last thing he wanted to do was to hurt and sacrifice the man.
"Take mine," another voice interrupted behind them. Standing by the door frame was Daiki. Drops of sweat rolled down his neck, the wounds on his tunic was healing, but he was in no condition to move around despite the amount of healing Chihiro had done on the former guard.
The archer shook his head, sighing softly, "If only I could, but she needs Hibiki's blood more than anyone else in here."
The swordsman gazed at his childhood friend, before he smiled. Hibiki pulled out the short blade, which he kept strapped onto his tight, "It's alright, Chihiro. I'm willing to do this her... and everyone."
Without hesitation, he made a cut on his arm and let his blood drop into Chihiro's open palm, which was quickly pressed onto Tetsuki's chest. The mark glowed a bright crimson red as Chihiro quickly sealed it partly with Byakko's powers.
Hibiki grunted in pain as the same mark slowly appeared on the right side of his chest, brunt into his skin. The process took a long time before Tetsuki's pained screams slowly died down, only to be replaced by labored breathing from Hibiki, who curled up into a ball on the tatami. The fox's servant quickly covered the princess's body with a blanket while Chihiro hurried to his childhood friend's side.
"You're so reckless," he slowly healed Hibiki's wound, which he had inflicted on himself.
Hibiki chuckled softly as his breathing slowed down before he grunted, "You're the one to talk..."
His vision faded in and out when he tried to take a good look at Tetsuki, who immediately lost consciousness after the ordeal.
"Thank goodness..." Hibiki breathed out in relief before he slowly fell asleep. All the exhaustion he had endured for the past few weeks had finally caught up to him.
Chihiro sighed, shaking his head, "I'm never allowing you to go through this again..."
He brushed Hibiki's long raven bangs aside, "Forgive me..."
Slowly, Chihiro pulled the latter's left arm and swung it over his neck. With one try, he balanced himself with the smaller man's weight as he stood up. It was then he noticed a certain nine-tailed fox had remained silent throughout the ordeal, his amber eyes silently gazing at the unconscious princess.
Chihiro made his way towards the door, still supporting Hibiki's weight, "I don't what your plan is but I'm not going to make Hibiki or the Princess goes through anymore pain. Once is enough."
Ryouta meet his blank grey orbs, "Even if it means running away...?"
The archer narrowed his eyes as his grip tightened on Hibiki, "Yes, even if we have to run away."
Chihiro looked straight at Ryouta's amber eyes as he firmly said, "Death is something we must avoid at all costs."
The archer shifted his blank gaze up towards the ominous dark skies, "The Red Emperor has made his first move... it won't be long before he finds us."
He glanced at the fox, "It would be best if you have your people leave this place before it's too late. Now, if you'll excuse us, I have to bring Hibiki to his room."
Ryouta bit his lower lip, 'You don't need to tell me that,' he eyed the bluenette, 'I know the importance of one's life...'
His amber orbs shined sadly as he gently brushed the soft teal locks from her cheeks.
"I'm the one who's pathetic, my dear princess..." he mumbled softly, unaware that Daiki was silently watching them.
"Your Majesty, the whereabouts of the Kise Clan is still unknown and no one has been able to find them over the years!" Shintarou kept up with Seijuurou's fast pace.
Seijuurou chuckled softly, "That's where the regalia's will come in handy."
Each servant bowed their heads as soon as they saw Seijuurou, their kingdom's newly appointed emperor, strode along the hall towards the palace's front yard. Walking at his side was his consort, Lady Hazuki, and his head advisor, Shintarou, who was walking a few feet behind the two.
The forest green haired advisor's eyelids lowered as he looked at the smaller man, whom he called, Emperor Seijuurou Akashi. Shinatrou abruptly halted as he gazed at the garden, which were once filled with colorful flowers and blooming cherry blossom trees. The beautiful garden once filled with gentle laughter from the teal hair princess of the Kuroko's Clan and her companions had vanished.
Shintarou tightened his grip onto the notebook he carried around with him, 'In the end... I couldn't do anything.'
He looked at the hundreds of soldiers, from the Hanamya's and Akashi's Clan, before him as they stood on guard. Seijuurou turned around with a sly smile curved onto his lips, "Well, I'll be counting on you to keep things in order while I'm away, Shintarou."
The forest green haired advisor bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will make sure not to disappoint you. Have a safe trip and we shall await for your return."
He could hear the sound of Seijuurou's smirk as he kept his head low.
The former physician bit his lower lip as he watched them depart along with the crimson haired emperor, 'Ryouta of the Kise Clan, I beg you to protect the princess with everything you have...'
He gazed at the night sky, 'She's the kingdom's last hope.'
Ryouta's hand, which held a cup of tea, abruptly froze as he frowned. His ears twitched as they focused on the faint sounds of the animals in the forest, screaming for help. Quickly, he got onto his feet and made his way towards the front of his home where the sounds grew louder by the second.
"It can't be..."
"MY LORD! THEY'RE HERE!" Yukio appeared behind him, breathing heavily as he knelled.
Within a mere minute, the forest that has always been so gentle and kind to his people was being burnt down by the enraged flames. His lips parted in shock as he watched the animals, which lived in the forest, flee into the opposite direction.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps were heard running towards them, "RYOUTA! WE MUST LEAVE NOW! THOSE FLAMES ARE FROM SUZAKU!"
Hibiki quickly seethed his swords to the straps around his waist as he grunted softly from the pain on his chest. He turned around, "YUKIO, GET HIM AND YOUR PEOPLE OUT OF HERE! I'LL GET THE PRINCESS!"
He hurried into the house while the grey haired archer was seen getting the horses out of the stables.
However, to escape alive was not an option when soldiers drew closer to the house. Arrows of flame were shot towards the home, setting it on fire. The Kise Clan's guards hurried to evacuate those they could hope to save.
"CHIHIRO! GET TSUKI-CHAN!" The raven haired swordsman shouted to the grey haired archer who was in the opposite direction of the house. Hibiki, then, hurried to where Daiki was since he had assumed that the injured taller man might not be able to escape safely without someone assisting him.
Things took a turn for the worst for Chihiro when he saw that the other part of the house was set in flames. He clenched his teeth before he ran as fast as he could through the halls. Suddenly, he heard a faint sound of Tetsuki's scream. The archer's breathing hitched when he noticed the bamboo sliding door was in flames.
"TETSUKI!" He shouted as his grey orbs frantically searched for the bluenette. Chihiro's blank orbs widened when he finally caught glimpse of the petite princess, cowered at the corner of the room.
"CHI-CHIHIRO-SAN! WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Tetsuki cries out as she tried getting close to the doors, but quickly stepped back when the falmes began eating the room away.
The archer knew that if he were to touch the flames, he would be engulfed by it and burnt to crisp. Chihiro grit his teeth, 'I have no choice...'
Within seconds he summoned the only one who would be able to save the princess.
"BYAKKO!"
With a loud roar, a large white and black stripped tiger appeared next to Chihiro. The white tiger glowed white and gazed at the fire it before it looked at the archer, "The flames of Suzaku..."
"Suzaki is now our enemy and the Master of Suzaku is hunting us down. We need to leave this place but not without the princess. Get her out of there!"
Byakko growled before it ran into the walls, purifying the flames into freezing cold ice but it wasn't enough to hold the ceilings above them.
"TETSUKI! HURRY!" Chihiro grabbed Tetsuki's wrist and pulled her out of the bed chamber as quick as possible before the ceiling fell onto them.
Tetsuki collapsed onto Chihiro as soon as they escaped their near death experience. The grey haired archer quickly recovered and stood up before stretching his hand towards her to grasp onto.
With everything she has, Tetsuki tried to stand up but she was still fatigued from the ordeal she had endured yesterday evening. Her hands trembled but without hesitation she grasped his outstretched hand. He immediately pulled her into his arms before making his way towards where his horse was.
The bluenette's sapphire orbs frantically looked around, searching for anyone else left behind. Chihiro answered her unsaid question, "They've already escaped. We'll meet up somewhere else. Right now we have to hurry!"
He helped her up onto his horse before he followed suit, mounting the horse before the soldiers could catch up to them.
Tetsuki's sapphire eyes widened in horror when she saw Kisa, one of the five foxes who serve the nine-tailed fox, was stabbed. Yet all she could do was watch as Kisa struggled to smile through his pain, "Please... don't be sad... everything... we did... I thank y-"
Another spear was stabbed into the small fox's back, silencing the youkai.
"KISA!" Tetsuki's tears rolled down her cheeks, her hand stretched out towards the small fox, while the horse galloped as fast as it could.
"PLEASE WE HAVE TO SAVE THEM!" She begged Chihiro, but it was futile. One after another, innocent youkais were being slayed before her eyes. Anyone who knew the kind princess could hear her soul breaking into pieces as death played its role before her eyes.
"Please... please stop," she begged but her words fell on deaf ears.
It was until they passed by a certain figure, Tetsuki's breathing hitched as she saw his lips twist into a cruel smirk and his hetero-chromatic eyes glint mischievously.
'Please... don't do this... stop Sei...'
"THERE SHE IS! GET THEM!" one of the soldiers yelled as he hurried towards them as arrows began to rain onto them. The white Sacred beast roared and the soldiers fell backward when an ice wall appeared before them but it all soon vanished.
Chihiro shielded Tetsuki, "I need you to hold onto the reins for me."
Without waiting for her reply, he placed the reins into her small hands before he turned around to grab his silver bow. His voice hurt her ears as he shouted, "BYAKKO!"
With a loud roar , the white tiger soon disappeared and his silver bow began to glow white. The archer then pointed his bow to the sky before he let go of an ice arrow which had form within his finger. The moment the arrow reached its peak more arrows began to form, splitting into hundreds, before it showered down onto the soldiers below. The touch of the arrow froze each soldiers, who came in contact with it.
Chihiro took this moment to turn straight forward and grab the reins back from her hands, "HYA!" The brown furred horse ran deep into the forest. Away from the eyes of those who want them dead.
The rain began to drop , which soon turns into a heavy downpour. No one could hear the pleas of a kind-hearted princess. Her pain and anguish were covered by the rain.
Ryouta stood, rooted, to the ground as he watched the crimson flames engulf his beloved home. He couldn't do anything when he saw the massacre fall onto his clan members. Each youkai tried to flee, but failed when the soldiers had surrounded the entire place.
Behind him, Hibiki was helping Daiki with calming the horses. The tanned man murmured something to him.
"Don't worry about Tsuki-chan. I'm sure she's safe with Chihiro," he replied to the navy blue haired man's question. The swordsman frowned when he gazed at the once peaceful village. Hibiki soon noticed that Ryouta was about to make his way down the hill.
The blonde haired nine-tailed fox halted abruptly when he noticed a blade at his neck, "My apologies, Ryouta, but I cannot allow you to go back."
Hibiki's sapphire eyes sharpened, "The princess needs you and as the head of the Gold Clan, you cannot die in vain. Your people have sacrificed their lives just so you can escape to safety. Don't waste their efforts and deaths, Ryouta."
Ryouta clenched his teeth as he helplessly watched one of his henchman cut down. Anger and sadness filled him as he clenched his hands, his knuckles white. He bit his lower lip, fighting between the decision to run down there to save his people or to escape. It was difficult decision for him as he looked away, shutting his eyes, only then Hibiki pulled his blade away.
"Thank you."
The sound of a horse neighing filled the air, causing Hibiki to stand on guard as he repositioned himself, ready to slay anyone who dared to touch them.
"HYA!"
Only then, they were put to ease when they instantly recognized the voice. Chihiro heaved heavily as he pulled at his reins, slowing the black furred horse. He looked disheveled as he dismounted.
Daiki was the first on to jolt up and hurry towards Chihiro's horse.
"What happened to her?!" He examined the frail bluenette, who seemed to have suffered minor burns and injuries on her once smooth skin.
The grey haired archery sighed heavily as he held the unconscious teal haired princess, who was leaning on the back of the horse, "We barely made it out alive. The soldiers were on our tail if I hadn't stopped them."
Chihiro sat down on a nearby rock, tired, "Things were..."
He paused as he ran his hand through his grey locks, "Unbearable for her..."
Daiki stayed silent as he wiped the traces of Tetsuki's tears from her cheeks with his thumbs, "You've suffered so much already Tetsu... You don't deserve anymore sadness..."
Everyone's eyes saddened as they watched Ryouta put his soft silk cover onto Tetsuki. Hibiki pushed himself up before he turned around, observing their surroundings, "From the looks of it, it'll be better for us to leave this place before they find us. We're not in good condition to fight them if they were find us."
The swordsman glanced at Ryouta, who has been staring at the village, the fox had once called home.
"Come on. Get on the horse," he motioned towards Daiki as he helped the latter mount the horse while Ryouta mounted another horse.
"Where are we heading?" Daiki shifted slightly, uncomfortable of having to hold onto another man's waist.
Hibiki replied, out of thought, "It's a little bit far down of Southwest but it's better than here. Plus... it's been a while since I've visited that place."
The tanned man frowned, "Huh?"
Hibiki tightly held onto the reins as he glanced at Daiki, smiling, "To my home."
Chihiro immediately frowned at his answer. The latter noticed the frown on his childhood friend's face. Hibiki smiled, trying to ease Chihiro's worries, "Everything is going to be alright, Chihiro. You don't have to worry about me."
Chihiro's grip tightened on his reins, "I understand..."
"Well, let's go," Hibiki gave a soft kick to the horse's side. He was soon followed by Chihiro, who had the unconscious Tetsuki leaning against his chest.
The nine tailed fox glanced at the place he and the strays, he called family, had stayed and lived for thousands of years. He bit his lower lip when his ears picked up the faint sounds of screams coming from the village. Ryouta shut his eyes as his hands trembled on the reins he was holding onto. Everything began to overwhelm his senses until a certain voice cut into it.
"Ryouta."
The said man's eyes slowly opened as he shifted his gaze from his trembling hands to the raven haired swordsman, who had made his way back to him without the fox noticing. Hibiki smiled apologetically, "Let's go...?"
Ryouta gave his village a final glance before he nodded and followed the two horse riders deep into the woods. As he rode deeper in the spirits bid farewell to him, who had been protecting them all these years.
"Goodbye, Lord Ryouta. We will never forget everything you have done for us."
Suddenly, they heard the heavy steps of horses and soldiers drawing near causing the three quickly move along. The spirits began to form a protective barrier from the roots of the tall large trees around them.
Hibiki hurried his horse to speed up, despite carrying an injured man with him, "HURRY! CHIHIRO! RYOUTA!"
"Flee, our beloved Lord Ryouta. Please free yourself from the chains that bind you to your past. Remember, no matter where you are, call out for our names and we shall appear to protect you and those who are important to you."
Ryouta knew that if he were to turn around and help the forest spirits, he might die in vain after the effort his beloved companions had done to make an escape route for them. He clenched his teeth as he hurried to catch up to Chihiro and Hibiki, "I'm sorry..."
A pearl of tear rolled down his cheeks as he repeated his words before fleeing into the deeper parts of the woods.
A spirit, whose form was similar to a human woman, appeared as she watched her beloved nine-tailed fox escape from the route she had opened up for them, "Please don't cry, my beloved Lord Ryouta. We love you as much as you love us. We will never forget you."
The spirit turned around as she faced the human soldiers from the Hanamiya and Akashi clan.
"And, we will do everything we can, to see you live your life once again!"
The roots of the trees grew bigger as it swept away soldiers. The gentle soft green spirit slowly turned into a murderous black aura spirit as she raged, killing anyone who dared to pass through her barrier.
That day, when the moon shined bright in the midnight black sky, countless of innocent lives were lost. Bloodshed of the innocent stained the Earth as the sky wept while the rain swept away all traces of bloods and unforgivable sins.
"Well, we're lucky to even have the supplies we brought from the capital," Hibiki unfastened the straps around the leather bags, which he had strapped onto his horse's belt earlier.
He eyed the contest but his smile slipped when he noticed it was barely enough for the five of them, "But these supplies aren't enough. At most it'll last about three days, unless we make a stop in one of the nearby towns. However..." he trailed off as he shifted his gaze towards Daiki, who was leaning against Chihiro's black furred horse.
Soon his gaze moved onto Ryouta, who had been staring at the bonfire ever since they had arrived at an area within the woods of the human's territory. His amber gaze was empty. He no longer shows his intimidating expression. He was lifeless.
Only the silent grey haired archer had been moving about to the river stream to replenish their water supply.
'There's not much we can do when they're like this,' the raven haired swordsman sighed softly before he began throwing some more dry wood into the bonfire.
A soft groan escaped Tetsuki's pink lips as her eyelids fluttered open. Her sapphire orbs met the bright stars in the dark night sky above her as her vision focused. Slowly, she shifted her gaze towards the person who was crouched next to her.
"Hibiki-san..." Tetsuki slowly pushed herself up with support from Hibiki's hands.
"Here, drink this. You'll feel better," he handed her a cup of water, which Chihiro had filled with water from the stream.
Her small hands trembled as she grasped the metal cup, "Are you alright...?"
Hibiki's eyelids lowered and his smile slipped from his lips when he saw Tetsuki's movements halt at his question. He chuckled to himself as he sat on the ground, "What am I asking? Of course you're not alright. No one is."
"Ryouta saw his family slayed right before his eyes, while Chihiro and I couldn't do anything to save them," a heavy sigh escaped his lips, "We barely saved ourselves even with the help of the forest's spirits and youkais from the Kise Clan."
He paused for a moment, "That's how weak we are..."
Hibiki gazed at the night sky above them. It was the bitter truth thrown like cold water onto them. The commotion earlier had taught them that they weren't strong enough to themselves, let alone others.
Tetsuki was unable to retort to the swordsman's words. She knew that what he said was true and that they, themselves, were barely able to escape from the soldiers. Her gaze roamed from Daiki, who was fast asleep, to Ryouta, who looked barely alive after what had happened earlier. Everyone was tense and silent, except for the sounds from the creatures in the unknown forest they had fled into.
Chihiro tapped the raven haired man's shoulder. His voice low as he murmured, "Hibiki, I need to have a word with you."
Tetsuki's gaze fell onto the rolled up map in the archer's hands until Hibiki stood up. Immediately, her eyes caught sight of a certain emblem on the right side of his chest.
"Hibiki-san! Your chest..." she trailed off in surprise.
Hibiki blinked in confusion before he noticed that his collar was left undone, due to the commotion earlier. Quickly, he brought both of his collar together.
"Why would you have the mark...?" Her sapphire eyes blinked in question.
He exchanged looks with Chihiro, who remained stoic, before he forced a smile onto his lips, "I'm sorry Princess... but there are secrets that I must not let anyone know."
The swordsman shifted his gaze from the bluenette to the bonfire in front of him, "Not even you..."
He paused for a moment, "It would be best for you to get more rest, Princess. We will have a long journey ahead of us soon." He quickly excused himself as he began discussing with Chihiro about a safe route for their long journey, near the flowing stream of water.
"You should listen to what he said," Ryouta mumbled quickly without looking at her, "We are no longer safe. Everywhere we go... we might lose our lives."
The teal haired princess had not missed his dull amber eyes before he had shifted, showing his broad back to her. She bit her lower lip as her vision blurred.
Tetsuki's grip tightened on the metal cup as she stared at the liquid inside, 'If only I...'
Her sapphire orbs saddened as the memories of Kisa and the others being slayed, without mercy, played through her mind. She had watched them go through a painful death as she and Chihiro escaped for their lives, leaving everyone behind but themselves.
...
Chihiro, who had been keeping an eye on the princess, shifted his gaze towards his childhood friend who was leaning against a tree. His eyes gazing up at the moon above them.
"The Emperor... he was there. The princess saw him," Chihiro spoke as he focused on the map in his hands. He knew what he had mentioned had attracted the swordman's attention when he heard the shuffling of fabric on dry leaves.
"He was the one who had ordered the soldiers to chase after us. If I hadn't summoned Byakko... I'm sure we would be..." the grey haired archer trailed off.
Another sigh escaped Hibiki's lips, "Things are gradually changing for the worst..."
He sipped his cold drink before he mumbled softly, his sapphire eyes looked sad, "Hey... Chihiro do you think we'll make it in this life time?"
The grey haired archer rested his hands on his lap as he stared at the sprawled map. He shut his eyes for a moment before he replied, "I don't know..."
...
Days had passed since the massacre of the Kise Clan's village, which was protected by numerous layers of barriers. Barrier that were easily broken by the Emperor's shikigami's as they slayed hundreds of youkais to death. The word had spread throughout the kingdom, but no one knew what the Emperor's true intention was.
Meanwhile, in a certain bed chamber...
Seijuurou pushed himself up, hovering over Hazuki's exposed skin as his hetero-chromatic eyes locked onto hers, "Stay with me forever."
He gently embraced the teal haired consort in his arms, "Tetsuki..."
Their clothes had been left forgotten on the floor. There was nothing that covered their naked skin from one another.
Hazuki snaked her arms around the emperor's body as she smiled while burying her face into the crook of his neck, "Always my dear Seijuurou..."
A grunt of pain escaped her lips when he thrust deeper into her as she held tightly onto him, while her body movements began to sync with Seijuurou's. The room was soon filled with nothing but loud grunts, moaning, and pleading.
Little did the young sadistic emperor know that he was playing right into someone's hands.
REVIEW please? .
First arc done. Second Arc soon will begin on chapter 11. ^^
Thank you for reading!