Hey all! Here is chapter 29! I hope you are all ready for this! The awesome battle will commence. Sorry if my action writing sucks. This was my first time writing action so go easy on me. Or rip me apart. Whatever, it's all good with me as long as y'all are happy!
I'd like to think my beta reader heichousheadphones ( ) for taking time from their busy day to help proofread all these chapters. Hurray!
Without further ado here is chapter 29!
The Duel
Tadashi woke with a start. What awoke him was the screeching sound of the dungeon door echoing loudly through the halls as whoever it was entered through it. Tadashi's heavy eyes fluttered open as he blinked away his fatigue. His body still felt heavy and his mind still cloudy but he felt much stronger than he had before taking his nap. He lethargically rolled to face the door to find Kuroo standing guard right in front of him while Bokuto stood closer to the door ready to attack. Tadashi sobered up quickly as he sat to get a better look of the cell door.
"What's going on?" Tadashi's asked, his voice scratchy and tried. He glanced at a pitcher of water placed on the table just beside Bokuto but chose to hold off on it for now.
"Good to see you're awake, Foundling." Kuroo greeted with cheer, though his eyes never left the door. "You feeling any better?"
"A bit, I guess," Tadashi quietly replied with a big yawn, several of his joints cracked as he did so.
"I think they are coming this way," Bokuto commented, his attention still on the door.
"Who?" Tadashi reluctantly asked, though he had an idea of who it could be.
"No worries, Sea Star. Who ever it is, if they try anything we will cream them!" Bokuto cheered as he took notice of Tadashi's mild fear.
"We won't let Atsumu touch you again," Kuroo added, his tone laced with a dark growl.
Tadashi looked to the two. He once again felt lucky to have such good friends. If it were not for them he wondered if Tsukki would have even been able to make it here on his own. Tadashi made a mental note to show his thanks to them once this whole fiasco was over.
Just then the knob to the cell jiggled before the door swung open. Bokuto and Kuroo both stood defensively in front of Tadashi as Tadashi did his best to not show any fear. Osamu and Aran step through the door. Both had their hands up to show they had come in peace. Tadashi's felt himself grow small as the two took notice of him being awake.
"I'm glad to see you are awake, human," Aran calmly commented. Tadashi replied with a small nod as he averted his eyes to the table by Bokuto.
"What brings you two here?" Kuroo not so kindly asked. He held his ground as he did so, not trusting the two demons even a bit.
"We have come to tell you that your prince has arrived," Osamu lazily replied. He seemed bothered by this errand. "We have also come to make sure the human is ready for the duel."
"Tsukki is here?" Tadashi whispered, unable to stop himself. His heart swelled with warmth knowing that Tsukki was once again nearby. He longed to see him in person again.
"Thanks for letting us know, but we will stay here with Tadashi," Bokuto said with a dark chuckle. He too wasn't about ready to let the two demons near Tadashi.
"The thing is, to make it fair for both sides, we demand that we also escort Tadashi to the duel," Osamu drawled in annoyance. He seemed like he wasn't in the mood to deal with Bokuto and Kuroo at the moment.
"We aren't letting either of you near Tadashi," Bokuto growled.
Normally Tadashi would be a ball of nerves in a standoff like this but with Tsukki so near and Bokuto and Kuroo by his side he only felt little bit afraid. He had even found the courage to look directly at Osamu without flinching. This seemed to upset the demon but he didn't vocalize it.
"Well, unless you want Atsumu to come down here himself than I advice you cooperate with us," Osamu snapped as he leered in Tadashi's direction. "I don't even know why magical creatures such as yourself would associate with such a thing," he added in a bored but sour tone.
"Why you little-" Bokuto growled as he made for his sword. Kuroo only just stopped his friend from drawing his sword, though he too stared daggers at the fox demon.
"Listen, Fluffy," Kuroo hissed as he looked to Osamu. "We aren't letting you anywhere near our friend."
"Fine by me," Osamu huffed as he returned Kuroo's lear with one of his own. "As long as you don't mind us calling this damn thing off and just doing your friend in," he grumbled with sass. Tadashi went stiff as Kuroo and Bokuto bother faltered.
"I will stay here with one of you two to ready the human and the other should go to meet with your prince," Aran calmly cut in before things could escalate more. He seemed to be the only one with the least amount of emotional investment.
Kuroo and Bokuto reluctantly exchanged looks as they weighed their options. Was it worth arguing with these two only to have Atsumu show up? Tadashi looked between the two before stealing a glance at Aran. The demon was quite large but was the only one who had shown any sort of compassion towards Tadashi during his stay.
"I'm fine with that," Tadashi meekly piped in. Kuroo and Bokuto both turned to look at him almost as if they had forgotten he was awake. They then looked to each other once more, having some sort of silent conversation.
"I'll stay here with Tadashi and you go greet the prince," Kuroo nodded.
"Right," Bokuto confirmed.
"Great, you come with me then," Osamu curtly demanded, addressing Bokuto. Bokuto looked as if he wanted to snap back at the demon but for the first time wisely held his tongue. Akaashi would be proud.
Tadashi glanced once more at Osamu. A part of him worried for Bokuto's safety if left alone with this demon. He quickly reminded himself that Bokuto was no weakling and could handle himself. "Be careful," Tadashi said with worry as Bokuto readied himself to leave.
"Now worries, Star Boy," Bokuto reassured with a smile. "These furballs have nothing on me."
"Thats what you think, fishy," Osamu mumbled under his breath as he waited by the door.
"And tell Tsukki I miss him," Tadashi added with a fierce blush.
"Will do, lover boy," Bokuto teased. Tadashi couldn't help but smile. "And you take good care of him while I'm away," Bokuto added as he turned to Kuroo.
"Of course," Kuroo purred with a deep bow.
"Can we go now?" Osamu snapped before marching out of the cell.
"See you two soon," Bokuto saighed as he followed Osamu.
With Osamu and Bokuto now gone Tadashi found himself looking awkwardly between Kuroo and Aran. He felt worry wash over himself once more. The duel was due to start soon. Tadashi hoped that Tsukki was ready. He could never forgive himself if something were to happen to his love.
"Hey, Foundling, you all ready?" Kuroo softly purred. "Are you still feeling sick?"
"I'm just worried," Tadashi reluctantly admitted. He longed to see Tsukki but another part of him feared to see his love fight.
"Everything will be okay," Kuroo reassured. "Kei is a strong fighter and as smart as they come. Before you know it, we will be walking out of here all together and safe."
"Yeah…" Tadashi weakly replied as he did his best to smile. He wanted to believe Kuroo but his worry just wouldn't shake.
"The duel will start soon but for the meantime you can rest," Aran calmly cut in. Tadashi eyed Aran reluctantly as the demon spoke. He still didn't fully trust him.
"It's alright, Foundling," Kuroo hummed in agreement. "You'll need rest for when we make our trek back down the mountain."
"Right," Tadashi said with a small smile, Kuroo's kind optimism taking effect on him. He did his best not to focus too much on what could go wrong as he laid back down. Closing his eyes, he wished with all his heart that Tsukki would pull through with the win.
For the first time ever in his life Tsukishima could not sit still. He paced the small waiting room Suna had instructed he and Kiyoko to wait in while they prepared for the duel. The rest of their party had been lead elsewhere to watch the fight. They only allowed one person to join Tsukishima while he waited. Tsukishima could feel it. He could feel Tadashi's presence in the castle and it drove him crazy. He was sick and tired of waiting and he just wanted to get Tadashi back by his side.
"Prince Kei, wouldn't it be better for you to relax just a bit," Kiyoko calmly commented as she watched the prince pace.
Tsukishima let loose a low throaty growl only for it to turn into a sigh. He sighed even louder as he took a seat on the couch next to Kiyoko. He rubbed his face as he quietly grounded in hope to focus himself. If he went out there like this he was bound to make a mistake. He couldn't risk it. He had to win this for Tadashi's sake.
"Relaxation and focus is your best ally," Kyoko carried on. "Chikara, Noya and Tanaka have also taught you well. I feel like this battle may end in our favor."
Tsukishima couldn't tell if this was just her attempt to comfort him or if Kiyoko genuinely meant it. He glanced over to find her smiling softly at him. "Right, relax," he sighed as he closed his eyes to focus. He took a deep breath through his nose and out through his mouth. He repeated the action several times. With each exhale his nerves lessoned and his mind became more focused.
"Better?" Kiyoko asked once Tsukishima opened his eyes.
"Much better," Tsukishima confirmed as he rubbed the handle of his sword. It was a sword he had borrowed from the hunters. They had dubbed it the best of their collection and insisted he use it. Kiyoko had adorned it with an unbreakable spell as well as a weight charm to make it even easier to weild.
The two sat in another moment of silence as Tsukishima calmly examined the handle of his weapon. Despite the silence neither jumped when the door to the room swung open. They bother looked up to find Osamu and Bokuto enter. Bokuto smiled widely upon seeing Tsukishima and Kiyoko.
In one movement, Tsukishima stood and made his way to Bokuto. "Tadashi! Where is he?" He sharply asked as he glared at Osamu.
"Prince Kei, good to see you too," Bokuto joked. His smile faltered as he took notice of Tsukishima's sharp eyes. The Prince was in no mood for jokes. "Sea Star is fine. He is safe with Kuroo," Bokuto chuckled reluctantly. He had never seen the prince quite as scary as he looked now.
"Why aren't you three together?" Tsukishima flatly grumbled. He had recalled them promising they'd stay by Tadashi's side until the duel.
"It was for Star Boy's best interest if Kuroo and I split up like this," Bokuto vaguely explained, not wanting to get Tsukishima anymore worked up than he currently was.
"Best interest? What do you mean?" Tsukishima asked as he leered at Osamu once more.
"What he means is my brother isn't against canceling the duel and just eating your stupid friend if we don't do as he says," Osamu replied with a snear.
If looks could kill, Osamu would be dead. A dark aura could be felt from around Tsukishima as he shot daggers at the demon. "What gives you the right to talk about my Tadashi like that," Tsukishima growled in such a tone that even Bokuto jumped back a bit.
"All I'm saying is he isn't worth all this fuss," Osamu shrugged, thought he seemed to be making sure a generous amount of distance was left between himself and Tsukishima. His glanced from Tsukishima's demonic glare to his tightly clenched fists.
"Thank you for bringing Bokuto to us," Kiyoko calmly cut in. She placed a calm hand on Tsukishima's shoulder as if to remind him to stay calm.
"Right," Osamy replied as he looked to the sea witch. "The duel will start soon. Stay here and we will come get you when all is ready," he explained. Before any of them could reply he left the room in a hurry. Perhaps he had gone a bit too far with taunting the sea prince.
"Wow, Prince Kei, and I thought you were scary when you threatened to kill me," Bokuto joked as he watched the demon leave the room.
"Shut up, Bokuto," Tsukishima sighed as he sat back down on the couch. He couldn't let himself lose it like this in the duel. He had to stay focused no matter what Atsumu might say about Tadashi.
"Tadashi is doing well, you know," Bokuto said with a broad smile. "He wanted me to tell you that he missed you," as he spoke he wiggled his eyebrows up and down. "And while he was sleeping he even said your name a few times."
Tsukishima felt his cheeks go red as his heart rate increased. He couldn't tell if Bokuto was lying or telling the truth. Regardless Tsukishima didn't care. He felt a new rush of power pump through him. No matter what, he had to free his lover.
Tsukishima inhaled through his nose and exhaled through his mouth as Osamu lead him through the large wooden door frame that lead into the arena. Bokuto and Kiyoko had opted to follow behind Tsukishima and act as backup if things got unfair. Osamu insisted that it wouldn't happen but Kiyoko and Bokuto weren't convinced. The two, along with Osamu, waited at the door frame as Tsukishima walked out into the center of the arena.
Tsukishima's amber eyes leered as he took notice of a cocky Atsumu already waiting for him in the center. The demon smiled wickedly as Tsukishima approached. It took everything in Tsukishima not to draw his sword and attack the demon here and now. He glanced to the side to see that his friends, aside from Bokuto and Kuroo, were seated around the arena in stone bleacher like seats.
Yachi sent the prince a nervous wave, doing her best to hide her worry. Tsukishima nodded in reply to her greeting. Noya and Tanaka whooped and cheered in excitement causing some of Tsukishima's anger tofocus on them. Almost like a mother, Chikara quickly silenced their cheering. Tsukishima took notice of how Akaashi's worried eyes shot around the arena until they landed behind Tsukishima at the door frame. Akaashi almost visibly relaxed leading Tsukishima to believe he had caught sight of Bokuto.
"Good to see you decided to show," Atsumu taunted in a smooth hum.
"Where is Tadashi?" Tsukishima flatly replied. He wanted to make sure his love was safe and sound before following any rules they might throw his way.
"Well, now, nice to see you too," Atsumu chuckle in amusement. "My little human snack is safe and sound, don't you worry."
Tsukishima knew what the demon wanted and he wasn't going to give it to him. He would keep his mind cool and focused not matter what Atsumu had to say.
"I don't get it? Why you would do so much for a dumpy human like him," Atsumu hummed in mockery. "I must admit though, his energy is simply the best and I bet his soul is going to be divine."
Tsukishima's glare didn't falter. Atsumu could say whatever he wanted but Tsukishima wasn't going to budge. He would not lose to this demon.
Just as Atsumu was about to spout another unwanted comment the doors to the seating area clicked open, catching the attention of everyone. Both Tsukishima and Atsumu looked to the bleachers to find Aran enter. Tsukishima's heart when light and warmth pumped through his veins as Tadashi slowly followed in after the demon. The warmth quickly faded as he took notice of how tired and worn Tadashi looked as he stumbled behind the demon. Twice Kuroo helped Tadashi as he stumbled over his own feet, helping support him as they made their way opposite to where the others sat.
Aran lead the two to where they'd be seated during the battle. As Tadashi went to sit, he looked down over the battlefield and immediately took notice of Tsukishima. In a flash and with a burst of energy even Tadashi didn't realize he had, he was at the rail.
"Tsukki!" He desperately called out as he leaned over the rail.
"Tadashi," Tsukishima replied with much longing as he took two steps towards his love. He watched as Aran gently pulled Tadashi back from the rail. It angered him to see the demon touch his lover.
"Tsukki, please be careful," Tadashi's tried voice echoed through the arena as Aran and Kuroo helped him into his seat. It took everything in Tsukishima not to jump the railing and scoop Tadashi up here and now.
"Gee, thanks for wishing me luck, too," Atsumu frowned, catching Tsukishima's attention yet again. "And I took such good care of him. How rude!"
"After this fight, you're going to wish you'd never met him," Tsukishima cooly replied.
"May I have your attention," Aran called out, now standing at the railing himself. "We are about the start the duel between Prince Tsukishima Kei and Atsumu the Demon Lord. This will be a non lethal duel. The first to give up or the first to lose their ability to fight back will be the loser. The two fighters may fight in whatever means they can but are not allowed any outside help once the duel has commenced. The winner of the duels get their reward," His voice boomed as he turned, using a hand to show off Tadashi. "For Atsumu it is the joy of eating the soul of the human Tadashi. For Prince Kei, Atsumu must set the human Tadashi and his soul free. Will Atsumu and Prince Kei please get into position. On my mark you may begin."
The arena was silent with anticipation. Yachi looked as if she was about to lose her lunch while Tanaka and Noya looked as if they were ready to jump over the rail and start fighting alongside Tsukishima. Fortunately Chikara had them restrained. Akaashi looked to be stiff with anxiety. It wasn't his lover on the line but Tadashi and Tsukishima were still his friends. From the entryway Bokuto and Kiyoko both sat ready to fight if Atsumu show any signs of attempting to lethally hurt the prince. Up in the bleachers Tadashi looked as if he was about to cry on the spot. His body shook as he tightly gripped Kuroo's hand. He didn't want to see his love get hurt.
"Go!"Aran's voice cut through the thick silence.
Like lightning, Tsukishima and Atsumu both drew their swords. The sound of metal on metal echoed throughout the arena. Noya and Tanaka hooted and cheered at the intense action while Yachi shrieked in terror. Atsumu and Tsukishima both stumbled back after a rather violent block. The two paced as they sized each other up. Atsumu's normal cool attitude faded with each passing second. Tsukishima's focus only heightened.
"I guess the little prince really does know how to fight," Atsumu chuckled in frustration. Tsukishima wasn't going to bother himself with idle chat. The lack of reaction didn't seem to sit well with Atsumu. "Let's see if you can handle this" he growled as he went in for another atack.
"Tsukki!" Tadashi practically shouted as he watched Tsukishima narrowly dodge the demons attack. Tadashi's heart beat heavily against his ribcage as he did his best not to pass out from the distress. He prayed that Tsukki would make it out unscathed.
With the sound of his lover calling his name, Tsukishima lunged forward to execute a few attacks of his own. This seemed to surprise Atsumu for he audibly gasped as he narrowly donged the attacks. The next thing Tsukishima knew the demon was tossing fireballs at him that Tsukishima barely blocked off with his blade. He should have known the demon would use magic. Kiyoko had warned him of it. Tsukishima backed off as he calculated a way around both the fire and the demon's blade.
Painting, the two fighters squared off once more. They both caught their breaths as they paced around each other in a circle. Atsumu smiled in annoyance, almost as if he hadn't expected Tsukishima to last this long. Tsukishima returned the smile with a leer and a menacing frown. He had height on the demon so maybe some intimidation would help in his favor.
"You're tougher than I expected," Atsumu panted. "A work out like this will make that dumpy human's soul taste all the better," he growled.
"I'm afraid you won't be touching Tadashi ever again after I've won this duel," Tsukishima replied in a level tone.
"Well see about that, fishy," Atsumu spat as he went in for the attack.
"Bring it, cotton ball," Tsukishima sharply replied as he got ready to counter.
It happened quickly and at first Tsukishima hadn't realized it had even happened. He stumbled forward as he felt a sharp pain on his left side. He looked down to see his clothes soaked in blood. He quickly turned to face a smiling Atsumu. Unsure of the actual damage, he did his best to ignore the pain.
"Tsukki! No!" Tadashi's shrieking voice filled the arena as he jumped from his seat to the railing. "Atsumu, please don't hurt him," he begged in sobs. Tsukishima did his best to not let the desperate cries of his love distract him.
"Looks like fishy isn't quite ready for land fighting," Atsumu teased, seemingly proud of the outcome. "And here I thought we were going to have a good fight."
"It's not over yet, fluff ball," Tsukishima growled as he found his footing once more. He was not ready to give in yet. The gash on his side looked bad but he could still fight.
"Tsukki, please stop. He'll kill you," Tadashi still pled from the bleachers. His cried went unheard for Tsukishima was not going to give up this easy and Atsumu was enjoying himself a bit too much.
Atsumu and Tsukishima found themselves pacing once more. The adrenaline running through Tsukishima's body canceled out the pain he otherwise would have been feeling. Cuts and scrapes can heal but if he lost Tadashi then his heart would be broken forever. He was not about to give up.
"I don't understand how a powerful magical creature like yourself would waste your time with such a pathetic human," Atsumu sneered as he faced off against the prince.
"Maybe if you grew a heart, you'd understand," Tsukishima cooly replied.
"That human you love so much is nothing but a weakling," Atsumu carried on sourly. "It can't fight and it has no magic. I could snap it's neck with my little finger if I wanted to. The only thing it's good for is a meal."
Unbeknownst to Atsumu, all his smack talk against Tadashi fueled Tsukishima's fighting will. The demon would never understand their love but that didn't matter to Tsukishima. He wasn't going to let Atsumu hurt Tadashi ever again. He was going to use this fighting will to win back his Tadashi here and now.
"Tadashi may not be physically strong, Atsumu," Tsukishima growled as he readied his sword for another attack. "But his heart is stronger than anyone I've ever known and I won't let you get away with what you've done to him," He hissed as he went in for the attack. Atsumu scowled as he too lunged forward with murderous intent.
"Tsukki!" Tadashi's crying voice filled Tsukishima's heart and soul with power as the two swords clashed.
With a slash and a strong thrust, Tsukishima knocked the sword from Atsumu's hand. It flew high and landed far from where they stood. Not even giving the demon a moment to think, Tsukishima went in for another attack. Fire flashed at Atsumu tried to defend but Tsukishima was too quick and cut away the fire with his enchanted sword. One, two, three slashes and Atsumu now found himself sporting angry gashes of his own.
Gasps could be heard from the seats. Yachi shouted with fear while Noya and Tanaka whooped. Kuroo hummed like a proud father at the Prince's skill. Tadashi watched in both shock and wonder as Tsukishima overpowered Atsumu. He hadn't expected this from Tsukki. Aran stood up in worry, ready to stop the fight here and now.
With a loud thud, Tsukishima had tripped the fox demon, landing him on his rump. With the point of his sword to the demon's throat Tsukishima readied to end it then and there. He didn't want this demon to even so much as have the chance to touch his Tadashi ever again.
"Wait!" Atsumu cried as he put his hands up in surrender. "I give up! I give up!" He spat as he guided the point of the sword away from his throat with his index finger.
A moment's pause as the stadium filled with silence.
"Tsukishima is the winner!" Aran's voice run through the arena as Yachi, Tanaka and Noya all cheered from the bleachers. Bokuto could be heard whooping from the door entry. Tadashi hugged Kuroo around the middle as he sobbed in relief.
"Lord what is wrong with you" Atsumu grumbled as he scowled at Tsukishima. "Sorry, but your stupid human's stupid soal ain't worth losing my own life over," He hissed as he stood up, brushing the dust from his rump. "Dumb fish people," he mumbled darkly.
Tsukishima stood in shock from a moment. Had he really done it? Had he really won Tadashi his freedom? He looked to where his lover sat to see Tadashi sobbing with joy as he now hung over the railing. Without a second though he ran to where Tadashi sat.
Before Kuroo could react, Tadashi climbed onto the railing and jumped down into the arena. Tsukishima sped up just in time to catch Tadashi in his arms. He almost collapsed in relief at finally having his lover back. The feeling of holding Tadashi's warm solid body against his own left Tsukishima so light and happy, not even the most poetic of words could describe it. The two spun in joy before collapsing to the ground with Tadashi safely in Tsukishima's lap.
"Tsukki, thank goodness you're okay," Tadashi sobbed into Tsukishima's neck as he held his lover close.
Tsukishima's long elegant fingers gently combed through Tadashi's hair as he allowed Tadashi to sob into his neck. "Thank goodness I have you back," Tsukishima replied in a shaky but happy tone.
Pushing Tadashi back a bit he pulled his lover's face from his neck. Tadashi made a questioning sob as he looked up into Tsukishima's eyes. Cupping Tadashi's cheek in his hand Tsukishima admired his lover. Large tears streaked down Tadashi's freckled cheeks. Tsukishima could not help but softly smile causing Tadashi to break out in a grin of his own.
"I missed you, Tsukki," Tadashi choked, his tears now subsiding as his bright smile only grew.
A rare soft smile settled on Tsukishima's lips. He needn't say anything for his eyes alone told Tadashi all he needed to know. Gently and tenderly, Tsukishima leaned down to plant a gentle kiss upon the lips of his lover. Without any hesitation, Tadashi eagerly returned the kiss. The kiss was so gentle and sweet that both men felt a comforting warmth spread through their bodies. The joy they both felt in that moment was a joy neither would be able to explain but both knew the other shared.
Chapter 29 is done! The Yama and Tsukki have finally reunited! They got to kiss! Squeeeee! It felt so nice to write that! It was such a pleasure to write this as a whole chapter! Once again sorry for the crappy action writing :P Now all that is left is for Atsumu to free Yama's soul. Will the demon do it? Will he take back his word? Will Tsukki have to go up against a final boss? CALAMODY ATSUMU! There is only one way to find out so stay tuned.
Yeah so here we are! Chapter 29 over and just one more chapter to go! Are you guys ready? I am so sad that this is almost over. I had way too much fun writing this and I am just so flattered that so many of you have hung around this long. Thank you! It pains me to end it this fic but all good things eventually come to an end. I hope you have all enjoyed the ride. I will have chapter 30 up same time as always next week.
Thank you all for the follows, bookmarks kudos and reviews. I love hearing from you all. I'd love to know what you think of this fic so even if you are reading this years from now feel free to leave a comment. You know it will make me smile and who knows, future me may need that.
Welp, for the last time for this fic I will see you all next chapter.
