Conquered Hearts
Chapter 10 – Worry
Read the first chapter for disclaimer and story informations.
A/N: Hello there, everyone. Here's another update. I'm sorry for the tardiness. As always, here are the replies to anon/non-member reviews I had gotten:
Guest: God, let me give you the hug instead, because your words are so kind and they flatter me so much. I'm not that great, there are still flaws in my story, but I really am glad to know you enjoy it. Here's an update and I hope you enjoy it.
Mrs. MalasLogin: Thank you for your review! Kise really can be very sexy at times, right? *grins*
Uchizaki: Kise will certainly play along, but I'm not sure he will accept Aomine's advances ... at least not willingly just yet. Thank you for your review!
Anon, guest and Vee : thank you for your review. Here's the update. I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Special thanks go to my beta, Manzzeii, as always. You are one amazing and kind beta. I'm so lucky to have you. For all my readers, be it new or old, I thank you all too. Writing this story isn't exactly easy for me, but your supports make me want to keep writing. I hope I manage to present the best chapters for your enjoyment.
Worry stole sleep away from Midorima. The King's Regent was already wide awake, even when the sky outside was still dark. The sun wouldn't be up for another three hours, at the very best. Midorima didn't do anything, simply lying on his bed with eyes wide opened, gazing at the high ceiling of his room and occasionally turning to watch Takao's peaceful sleeping face beside him. He let the cold wind caressed his naked skin from where the blanket had been pulled down. Midorima never minded cold much and Takao needed the blanket more than him anyway.
The green haired man sighed ever so slightly. He tried to close his eyes, because he knew with the journey ahead, he would need to get as much rest as he could. Still, his mind was a chaos filled with worrying thoughts. It was a miracle he could even get the two hours of sleep he had. Although, it was also thanks to Takao who had seen how worried he was and proceeded to chase all thoughts away from Midorima's mind using pleasure.
"Shin-chan, it's still too early to wake up," Takao's sleepy mumbles jolted Midorima slightly. The Shuutoku knight squirmed under the blanket, rubbing at his sleepy eyes before gazing up at Midorima with a fond exasperated smile. "I'd want to distract you again, but I don't think I have the energy right now."
"I'm alright. You just get back to sleep. We know how annoying you are when you're lacking sleep." Midorima scowled, although he didn't pull away when Takao snuggled up closer to him. In the darkness, Midorima always let his guard down. He even allowed his hand to gently caress Takao's dark hair in an almost fond gesture, feeling each strand slipping from between his fingers. Midorima wouldn't admit it out loud, but sometimes, he was truly grateful for Takao's constant warmth beside him.
"But Shin-chan gets even crankier when he doesn't get enough sleep. You will need an annoying me to handle that."
"Shut up, Takao."
Takao snickered, but he did shut his mouth for a second, opting to rest his head against Midorima's chest instead. He was still sleepy. The silence that surrounded them after was slowly lulling him back to sleep, but from the tension in Midorima's body, Takao knew the other man wouldn't go back to sleep anytime soon. He sighed, resigning the sleep he longed for, because there was no way he would be able to leave Midorima alone.
"King Ootsubo will be pleased to see you, Shin-chan."
Midorima scoffed awkwardly. He doubted Takao's words. While it was true that Teikou's—and Midorima's, personally—relationship with Shuutoku was great, helped with the intimacy Midorima shared with Takao, but even then he knew Ootsubo often felt exasperated with him. Midorima was not ignorant. He knew most people wouldn't agree with his way of thinking, but he didn't care much about it. He appreciated the way Takao was trying to strike a conversation, though, since it made him think of something else besides the worry gnawing inside of him.
"I'm just grateful I won't meet with Sir Miyaji."
"Ah, but Miyaji-senpai has surely missed you! He often said it wasn't fun without anyone whom he could throw pineapples at!" Takao's laughter was louder this time. Miyaji was another knight from Shuutoku. He was also Takao's mentor, but he didn't like to be called as a teacher and had told Takao to call him senpai instead. Miyaji was probably the knight with the foulest temper in Shuutoku and he had this love-hate relationship with Midorima. Whenever Midorima met Miyaji, they would certainly argue. So it really was a blessing for everyone that Miyaji was currently being assigned in Touou and that Hayama Kotarou was the one who would meet with him instead.
"I still don't understand where he gets all of those fruits from." Midorima's lips curled into a smile, hidden by the darkness around them. Miyaji had the strange habit of throwing hard or spiky fruits at him whenever he was really annoyed.
"I think it's Sir Kimura who supplies him." Takao answered in cheeky tone. He marveled at the low chuckle Midorima let loose in response to that. It was not easy for anyone to make Midorima laugh and Takao would always be proud with any sound of mirth he could pull out of the too-serious regent.
That moment of mirth lessened the tension between them even when silence once again greeted both men. They were not sleeping, because by now it would be impossible for any of them to go back into their dreamland. They were simply enjoying each other's company and the calm before the storm. They both realized the situation they were still in and once the sun greeted Earth, both would have to return to the cruel reality, away from the comforting warmth of a lover's embrace.
"Why does King Akashi care so much about Kise?" Takao had never truly understood that. While he could admit Kise was a very great general—he could even be called the best at times—but he was just that, a general, someone who could always be sacrificed when the situation turned dire. Certainly, Kise's position was not important enough for the king to directly plan a counterattack on his stead. Never had Takao met any kings who would go that far for their general and he knew Akashi wouldn't do it just for anyone either.
Midorima could understand Takao's confusion. He would certainly think like Takao too, if he hadn't known the whole story. Akashi had always implied that Kise's secret should never leak to anyone outside the small circle who needed to know about it and Midorima respected that order. However, Takao was someone he could trust. Takao would never betray Midorima and he might actually be a strong ally in this war. Surely Midorima could give him an answer to that curious question.
Shifting his body to gaze directly down at Takao, Midorima observed the faint line of his lover's face that he could see even with the darkness engulfing the room. Takao's eyes were trusting as they gazed back at Midorima, so full of adoration and fondness that for a second Midorima's breath hitched. He didn't know what he had done to deserve Takao's devotion to him, but he would always be grateful for that. There was no word exchanged between them, but then Takao's eyes crinkled as a warm smile curved his lips. Apparently, even without words, Takao could read Midorima's thought easily. Just like how he could read Midorima's true feelings beneath his cruel words.
It was at that moment Midorima chose to trust Takao. He wasn't Akashi, he couldn't say for sure his decision would be the right one, but this time Midorima wanted to trust his heart instead of his logic. Being around Takao too much obviously had softened him. Midorima could already imagine Akashi's mocking smirk if he ever knew this. Taking a deep breath, Midorima once again gazed at Takao, but this time his expression was serious. Takao seemed to sense the change in the mood, because his smile faltered, his expression kept neutral.
Midorima opened his mouth, "Takao, what do you think will happen when a king rapes someone?"
xXXx
The sunlight fell right on Kagami's cheek, disturbing him from his restless sleep in the Touou's prison. He opened his eyes with a groan; cursing both the sun and the cold wooden bench he was lying on, for it had given him nothing but tense muscles. Kagami sat up, stretching his body to the best he could with both hands tied securely. His muscles protested the movement, but Kagami ignored it, knowing fully it'd be better to endure pain now rather than letting his body be sore all day long.
It was a brand new day. Kagami couldn't help but to snort mockingly at his own thought. A new day indeed. Too bad it was not a great new day.
Heaving a sigh, he then decided to walk around his small prison, to let his blood circulated normally after sitting and lying still for far too long. He stopped just under a hollow on the stone wall which also worked as the only window in the prison. He looked up, hoping he would be able to see something that could give him a clue as to what would happen with him and Kise now.
All that he could see was the bright blue sky. Sardonically, Kagami thought it wouldn't be too bad to die in this kind of weather. He had always wanted to die in such a nice day like this.
"It's a nice day, isn't it?"
Kagami wasn't even surprised when he heard Kuroko's voice now. He had already gathered that whenever he was caught in trouble, most likely it would be the teal haired man who came to him first. It was frustrating, but still better than facing Aomine, he guessed. Kagami tilted his head slightly, acknowledging Kuroko's presence, but he didn't turn around or say anything else.
Kuroko didn't seem to mind it as Kagami could hear his soft footsteps coming closer to his cell. "Kiyoshi-san has been very worried about you, Kagami-kun. I suggest you go and apologize to him once you're released from prison."
"Once I'm released from prison?" Kagami repeated in astonishment. Kuroko's words finally managed to make him turn around, eyes wide with disbelieve. "What does that mean?"
"It means you will be released from prison soon, of course." Kuroko blinked innocently. "Did you expect anything else?"
"Did I—No, never mind. The people in your kingdom are insane. Now I'm certain about it." Kagami almost threw his hands up in exasperation if he didn't remember they were still tied up. "I took part in an assassination attempt to the king. Pardon me if I had expected an execution waiting for me outside!"
"There was a talk about that, but the king and Prince Aomine agreed to spare you of execution. After all, you were just acting accordingly, to quote Aomine-kun's words."
"So I will just be released from the prison after aiding an attempt to kill the king, after killing and injuring your kingdom's guards, without being punished? I feel so special."
"Of course not. You will still be punished, but your punishment will be decided by Aomine-kun, since you are his soldier. I'm sure Aomine-kun had told you that his army is immune from the kingdom's law."
Understanding dawned on Kagami. Of course, getting away with such heavy crime unpunished was impossible. Kagami had known this, but he had never thought he would escape execution. Apparently, he really had to adapt with the strange custom of the Touou's kingdom. It seemed that Aomine's words actually had big influence here, probably equal with that of the king's. It was curious and Kagami inwardly took note of that.
"So has he decided a punishment for me yet?"
"Yes, he has," Kuroko's face was still as expressionless as ever, but Kagami swore he saw those twin pools of sky blue glinted with something akin to sadistic pleasure. It sent shiver down to Kagami's spine and his ominous hunch was proven true as Kuroko continued, "Aomine-kun has decided that as your punishment, you will be my swordplay mentor and that means you will have to accompany me whenever I want."
"Oh, great. Can't he be merciful and just kill me right away?" Kagami groaned, because being around Kuroko for long time would certainly destroy his sanity.
Kuroko's lips quirked into a small smile. "He might. After all, he had also scheduled a duel between you and him once you've regained your strength."
"Is that the real punishment?" Dueling certainly felt like a more appropriate punishment than teaching Kuroko swordplay. In a duel, it was not impossible for Aomine to win and kill Kagami fair and square. Not that Kagami would lose easily against Aomine, of course.
"No, but Aomine-kun said it'll be better if he give you a chance to fight against him in a duel. That way, you may actually be satisfied and actually start to behave when he defeats you."
"He's such an arrogant bastard. It'll be interesting to see his face when I make him kneel down in front of me."
"I doubt that will happen, but that does sound interesting." Kuroko said in deadpan tone. He then tilted his head slightly. "So, do you want to get out from here or are you still enjoying your stay in our prison?"
"There's no way I will enjoy being confined here! When will I be released?"
"Right now." Kuroko took out the keys from his pocket, dangling them in front of Kagami's astonished face.
The teal haired man wasn't laughing, but Kagami knew Kuroko was taking some kind of adverse amusement from teasing him. Oh, well, Kagami would let him have his fun for now. After all, he still needed Kuroko to get out from the prison and, besides, he could always humiliate Kuroko later when he was teaching the other of swordplay. He couldn't do anything but to accept that punishment, so he might as well enjoy it.
xXXx
Aomine stood in front of his big window, gazing down at the center of the town square. The people were gathering there, making a circle of crowds with three people right in the center. Aomine's navy orbs were focusing on those people, one who held a leather whip in hand and the other who was forced on a Judas chair by a guard from behind. From this distance, Aomine could only catch the glimpse of blond head bowing down, unmoving even when the whip went down in a harsh lash.
The sun was high in the sky, the heat must be unbearable for Kise since he wouldn't have any chance to shy away from the blazing heat and that could be even more painful than the whipping he currently received. Aomine clenched his fists, hating the unexplainable pain throbbing in his chest. He knew the punishment he gave was perfect. If he had suggested anything lesser than this, Imayoshi might not accept it and then Kise wouldn't be excused from execution. He was basically saving Kise's life with this.
Logically, Aomine knew all that, but still he was furious and, if he had to admit, guilty for what Kise had to endure.
The knock on his door was a welcomed distraction. Aomine tore his gaze away from the window, away from the sight of Kise's battered body, and called out to his guest.
When the door was opened, Momoi calmly stepped in. She was smiling faintly when she saw Aomine, but it was nothing like her usual warm smile. This smile was restrained, as if she was trying to hold back her temper—which was not all that different with Aomine's, actually. Momoi could see the gears in Aomine's brain work fast. It made her smile curl wider. She noticed the moment Aomine knew he was in trouble, for his face actually went slightly paler at that, and it brought out a certain satisfaction in her.
"We need to talk, Aomine-kun."
Aomine couldn't hide the way he cringed. Momoi would never call him Aomine-kun unless she was really mad or annoyed at him. Judging from the way her pink orbs were blazing as they gazed at him, Aomine would say Momoi was beyond that. She actually looked furious enough to chew Aomine's head off—literally. Knowing what was best for him, Aomine nodded wordlessly, gesturing at her to come closer.
"What had I done this time?" Aomine asked in resigned tone.
"I think the question should be, what hadn't you done?" Momoi huffed, coming up to stand beside Aomine and immediately noticing what he had seen moments before. Momoi's anger faltered and for a second, her face turned worried. It seemed that the situation was far more serious than what she had previously thought. "You need to explain everything to me, Dai-chan."
"What is there to explain, Satsuki? What do you want to know?"
"Everything," Momoi repeated firmly. "You can start from explaining why Kise Ryouta is here and why you're so protective of him."
"Isn't that obvious?" Aomine raked a hand through his hair. "I won against him in the battle and then I took him as a spoil of war. Thus, he is my prize, my possession. I'm just bad at sharing and letting anyone else touch my possessions. That is all."
"Alright, I will accept that," Momoi relented. She knew Aomine wasn't lying when he answered. "but now you have to tell me the true reason, Dai-chan. I know you. You have never protected anyone else like you protected Kise Ryouta. He is just a spoil of war; there is no need for you to care so much about him. There must be something that made you change like that and you will tell me that reason."
Aomine grunted noncommittally. He hated it when Momoi was being nosy around him. He could understand why she was worry, because even he, himself, realized he was acting different around Kise, but how could he answer her question if he didn't know the answer either? He sighed, trying to collect his thoughts. Thankfully, Momoi was kind enough to wait until he could find the words to satisfy her.
However, the silence only stretched on and on until finally Momoi huffed in exasperation. Sometimes, Aomine could be infuriating. "Tetsu-kun told me that you are intrigued by his power, since he was the first person who could fight almost equally against you and that you want to fight with him in a proper duel. Is that right?"
"I did tell him that." Aomine shrugged, neither agreeing nor denying Momoi's statement.
"But there's something more than that."
Momoi nodded decisively, certain with her prediction. Aomine could only roll his eyes. Sometimes, he hated how sharp his childhood friend could be. He crossed his arms on his chest, unconsciously defensive. He had never liked it when someone was trying to talk about feelings or something deep with him. Aomine wasn't good at talks like that. Sadly, Momoi was brutally blunt when she wanted to, probably influenced by Kuroko, and so she continued ruthlessly,
"You don't see him as a spoil of war, Dai-chan. You see him as something more than that. You might be attracted by his power and skill at first, but now things had changed. This Kise Ryouta attracts you, doesn't he? There's something about him that makes you want to protect him and that's why you're acting different around him. Now tell me, what is it that attracts you so?"
His eyes, Aomine wanted to say. He wasn't really sure whether what Momoi had said was right or not. He still thought that all he wanted was to know the true extent of Kise's power in a duel first and foremost, but Kise's eyes … they were different. They showed determination that never ended. They showed the will to never give up, no matter what punishment he would receive. Kise was strong, stronger than anyone else Aomine had ever met, both mentally and physically. Aomine couldn't help but to respect Kise and that was why he would never let him be killed by anyone else. If Kise should be killed, it would be by Aomine's hands only.
That was what Aomine wanted to say to Momoi, but the words stuck in his throat. He couldn't tell his childhood friend any of that, half because of his ego and half out of shame. Who would guarantee Momoi wouldn't laugh at him if he had said the truth? No one; and Aomine hated nothing more than being ridiculed by others. Aomine kept his silence, glaring defiantly at Momoi.
Both of them held each other's gazes for a moment before Momoi rolled her eyes. Aomine was being stubborn and she knew he wouldn't give her answer even if she nagged continuously at him. It didn't matter, though. Momoi could easily take Aomine's silence as an answer.
"So now you want to conquer his heart too?"
Aomine glowered at her, because the question was just too sudden—too unexpected. Momoi giggled under his glare, completely unfazed. She decided to let the matter go for now as she just grinned and patted Aomine's shoulder fondly after that. When she looked up at him, the smile on her face was warm and fond, like always. There was silent understanding when their eyes met, words exchanged within the silence, and Aomine would always be grateful to have her as his friend-cum-conscience.
He gently took her wrist and kissed her palm to show his gratitude. Her smile softened as she let him hold her hand for a moment longer. When he finally let go of her hand, it was with a murmured, "Thank you," and they both knew exactly the true meaning behind it.
xXXx
Hanamiya was having fun. In front of him, Kise Ryouta, Teikou's top general and one of the best generals in the nation, was screaming in pain every time the whip in Hanamiya's hand lashed at his tender skin. The pained scream would only intensify whenever the guard behind Kise pushed the fallen general onto the Judas chair and Hanamiya relished in the heartbreaking sound.
This was what Hanamiya loved the most, destroying people who were once put on high pedestal. He had always believed that no matter how strong a person was, once they were broken, they were only garbage.
Once he was satisfied enough with his work, leaving red, bloody marks all over Kise's body, Hanamiya curled up his whip. Kise had fallen completely silent now, having not enough strength to even let out any sound louder than a whimper. Hanamiya's lips curved into a satisfied smirk.
"Not so high and mighty now, General Kise Ryouta," he drawled as he took a step closer to Kise, using his coiled whip to push Kise's chin up so he could stare at Kise's unfocused eyes, "you are lucky Prince Aomine still protects you, but let's see how long it will last. For now, enjoy the rest of your punishment."
There was no response from Kise, but that was alright. Hanamiya hadn't expected any. With one last malicious smirk, he let go of Kise. Hanamiya nodded at the guard behind Kise before walking away, the crowds immediately making way for him as he walked pass them. Hanamiya was known to be merciless when he was giving out a punishment and the people of Touou kingdom knew he wouldn't hold back even to them. Thus, no one was brave enough to get close to him—except for one person.
"You look far too happy, Hanamiya."
Hanamiya halted his steps when Kiyoshi blocked his path. The soldier still had his usual warm smile on his face, but it just pissed Hanamiya off. Out of all Aomine's soldiers whom Hanamiya had ever had the unpleasant chance to know, Kiyoshi Teppei was the most infuriating of them all. Hanamiya loathed everything about Kiyoshi, especially his stupid smile. Too bad he couldn't just stab Kiyoshi to get rid of the annoying peasant.
"Am I not allowed to be happy?"
"Of course that's not what I mean," Kiyoshi had the audacity to actually chuckle at Hanamiya's words. "It's nice seeing you smile sincerely for once, even if the reason for that smile is so macabre."
"I will take your words as a compliment," Hanamiya shrugged lightly. He continued onward, hoping Kiyoshi would catch the hints and leave him alone. Sadly, Kiyoshi had simply stepped aside for a moment before deciding to walk beside Hanamiya, ignoring the cold glare he received for that. "Don't you have anything to do, Kiyoshi?"
From Hanamiya's tone, he might as well say, "Get lost, you trash," but of course Kiyoshi ignored it—once again. Hyuuga had always told him how dense he was, anyway. "Not at the moment. Kagami is with Sir Kurokoso I am free right now. What about it, do you want to have a drink at the tavern? We can always spar after that, Hanamiya!"
"Why would I ever go with you? You can go alone or perhaps take one of your beloved friends along. Stop bothering me." Hanamiya hastened his pace, hoping to escape from Kiyoshi and his annoyingly cheerful attitude. Being around the other would only give him a headache. What happiness Hanamiya had moments ago was now gone without a trace.
"Oh, don't say that," Kiyoshi said lightly, suddenly grabbing Hanamiya's hand before almost dragging the other towards the most popular tavern in town.
Hanamiya, once the shock of feeling Kiyoshi's warm skin touching his fell off, cursed under his breath. He tried to release the hold Kiyoshi had on him, but to no avail. Curse Kiyoshi and his iron grip. "I swear I will kill you in our next spar, Kiyoshi."
Kiyoshi grinned widely. He knew Hanamiya had more or less resigned his fate for now if he said that. Kiyoshi didn't doubt Hanamiya would certainly try to go through with his words, but he wasn't that worried since his skill was almost equal with Hanamiya's. The grin could still be seen on his face even when they both finally entered the tavern. Kiyoshi greeted the owner—who had known him quite well from his frequent visit—and once again dragged Hanamiya to sit beside him.
With a sigh, Hanamiya did as Kiyoshi wanted, but his glare still hadn't faltered even the slightest bit. He turned towards Kiyoshi, "You're paying for the drinks."
"Alright!" Kiyoshi beamed as Hanamiya scoffed and ordered the strongest drink to the owner. He didn't mind paying, since it was a rare chance for him to spend time with the other. Hanamiya usually would deny his request firmly, sometimes even using violence to make Kiyoshi leave him alone, so he would cherish this moment—because Kiyoshi rather liked spending the day with Hanamiya, despite his venomous mouth and attitude.
xXXx
When the night came, the tavern was only getting even more crowded. A lot of knights and travelers were staying there, filling the warm, familiar tavern with loud chatter and boisterous laughter. The owner always enjoyed speaking with the knights and travelers, since they would always bring interesting stories with them. He knew almost all of his customers, having seen their faces so frequently, and so he immediately took notice of a newcomer—a traveler, judging by his worn out cloak—who was sitting far on the back corner of the tavern. He couldn't see the face of the traveler since he had his hood up, but the owner could sense he was dangerous and no one in Touou would be stupid enough to get near danger. So he observed silently, keeping an eye but making sure he wouldn't need to get close to the traveler.
Little did the owner know that the traveler was actually a noble knight from Shuutoku who had been sent as a spy to Touou. Miyaji Kiyoshi had been very careful while doing his duty, keeping low profile and unnoticed, until now. Miyaji hated the fact he would have to go to the most popular tavern in the town, but he needed to meet with the annoying Hayama Kotarou from Teikou and God knows Hayama wouldn't be able to find him if their meeting place wasn't a well-known one.
Miyaji knew the owner was suspicious of him, but that couldn't be helped. The Touou people were always good at sniffing spies and traitors, but Miyaji was not a greenhorn. He knew that as long as he didn't attract the attention of the royal's knights, his secret would never be revealed. Still, it was annoying to wait without doing anything. Miyaji grumbled before gulping his drink. He knew it was not a good decision to drink while on mission, but he would need the alcohol in his system to tolerate Hayama. The Teikou's knight always could get on Miyaji's nerves.
Two travelers in hooded coats stepped into the room just when Miyaji was about to go up to his room. The tavern immediately fell silent, everyone's eyes watching the two newcomers. The tension raised as the travelers walked in, their steps light, just like trained assassins. One of the travelers walked towards the owner, pulling down his hood to reveal a man with light hair and disarming grin. Immediately, the tension in the room lightened. Everyone returned to their conversation, no longer wary about the strangers once they figured they were not a threat.
"Pardon me, kind sir, but I'm looking for my friend. You may have seen him, he's quite tall and he wore grey cloak with hood up."
The owner grunted an affirmative before pointing at Miyaji who had been simply watching everything. Hayama's face immediately brightened when their eyes met, before he thanked the owner and walked towards Miyaji's table, his companion tailing along silently.
"Sir Miya—"
"Say my name any louder and I will kill you faster than you can blink, Hayama." Miyaji glared at the idiot. Truly, he couldn't understand why King Akashi had to send Hayama, as he was too loud and reckless to be a spy.
"Ah, right. You are a spy." Hayama whispered with wide eyes, as if he had just remembered what they were supposed to do there. "I apologize."
Miyaji rolled his eyes, because Hayama's face didn't seem regretful at all. He grunted and nodded towards the two empty chairs in front of him, signaling for Hayama and his companion to sit down. Once they did so, Miyaji's attention was focused on Hayama's companion. His eyes met with grey ones. Miyaji blinked in surprise before smirking wryly, "Well, this is unexpected. The situation must have been very dire if King Akashi even sent you here, Sir Haizaki."
"He just didn't want to take any risk." Haizaki drawled coldly. His eyes scanned around the tavern once, taking notes of the people with weapons on them and the amount of royal knights there. "Quite a crowded place you chose, Miyaji."
"Yes, I'd thought Hayama was going to come alone, so I picked the one place that wouldn't be missed, even by someone like him. If I had known you were coming along too, I'd have chosen somewhere far more secluded. Pardon me."
"It doesn't matter, does it? Besides, this is not too bad. No one will suspect us as anything more than ordinary travelers here," Hayama grinned confidently before his eyes turned serious as he leaned forward and asked, "So, what news do you have for us, Sir Miyaji?"
Miyaji turned his gaze towards Hayama, seeing the full focus the other man had, and had to admit Hayama was a good knight. He knew when to get down to the job. "Sir Kise is certainly here, being held as a prisoner. It was true that he had attempted to kill King Imayoshi in his presentation and his punishment was held in the town square just today. He was not executed, though. He was given the Judas chair and whipping instead. His punishment was over just as the night replaced the day. I don't know where he is being held now, but I think he's not in any danger for now."
"The Judas chair, the Touou people sure are cruel." Hayama whistled.
"Kise would be able to handle it, you don't have to worry about that," Haizaki commented. "What about Kagami? Have you heard anything about him?"
"Sir Kagami is now one of Prince Aomine's soldiers. He is also pardoned from his crime in helping Kise. I haven't seen him around, but I think he's still alive and well." Miyaji leaned back on his chair, a faint frown on his face. "They both get away with barest punishment, actually. That is quite strange."
"We need to get more news about them, then." Haizaki concluded. "Do you have ways to slip into the castle?"
"Yes. I've found some passages that aren't used anymore, but the guards are still patrolling around sometimes."
"That is fine. Hayama would be able to get pass the guards."
Hayama grinned. "Of course. That will be easy for me. Just show me all the passages and tomorrow, I'll gather information inside the castle for us."
"Oh, great, now I have to accompany you for the whole night. What a joy." Miyaji said sarcastically.
"Sir Miyaji, you are so cruel! It's just one night. There's nothing wrong with accompanying me, right? I swear I won't annoy you too much!"
Miyaji snorted. "Well, at least you realize you are annoying. Fine, but if you do anything strange, I will throw a pineapple at you."
To be Continued …
A/N: Not much AoKise's interaction here, because I don't have the heart to describe Kise's punishment vividly. This chapter revealed something important enough for the story's plot, though. I wonder if anyone can figure what it is. Anyway, next chapter will be fully consist of AoKise, since they need to actually talk for once. I hope you enjoy this and thank you for reading!