I'M ALIIIIIIVE, ahahaha sorry guys for making you wait unnecessarily long. I got sick and stuffs but I'm okay alright now which is A+ awesome. For all our first time readers, hey, hi, guys, and thank you for choosing to read LION! I sincerely hope you are having fun reading LION and I hope I dont bore you with all the looooong time I am mostly out. And guys omg guuuuys we're so close to 250 reviews I've never had that many reviews before, you are all A-MAZIIIIING with sparkles and all the pretty gorgeous things, thank you for supporting LION all the way!
Thank you to all our reviewers, and to answer a query btw I just kinda wanted to clarify since I forrgot to write that part *please dont kill me* the chapter where Furi was punished when something happened to Akashi, it was because neither Furi nor Akashi mentioned Himuro's involvement, and as the punishment happen and was given during when Akashi was asleep basically the blame was forced on Furi. I'm sooo sorry for forgetting that part-pleasedontkillmeyeeeet. Thank you everyone who reviewed last chapter to Inner Demon, Julissa Sora, Aliza , FionaEve-chan(thank you for reading it, I'm sooooo glad you liked it despite it making you cry), kroscetish and LittleShyCloud. And thank you for all the inputs guys, I will try my best and fix those stuffs *scratches head*.
So yeah, I wont be holding you back any longer, and here's Chapter 36 which I hope you will like! And please do review when you have some time *winks*
Chapter 34: The Wrath
When the Miracles were born they were said to be born out of war, they were because war existed, they were born to either win it or prevent it. Normal people felt inclined to believe it, after all their gifts seemed to benefit the Empire especially in the time of war. In terms of strategy and abilities, Teiko had known to be invincible. The large population and the well-trained armies were for one, then there were the four princes and the Emperor. That was why it was said that anyone who dare threatens the throne of Teiko is either out of their mind or suicidal.
Unknown to many, the Miracles who were born out of war or as they said it, never wished for it. Though their heart could turn into stone in the battlefield, they knew the wrist and had seen it many times before. The bloodshed would replace the red of the Empire, and they had to carry in their shoulders the names and lives of the men they killed, of the children who would be left fatherless or orphaned, of the sacrifices of their decision.
War felt the same to everyone.
The sky that was bright a moment ago was filled with heavy and dark clouds, and for the first time after so long, the Crimson Palace of Rakuzan was filled with the call for war, a loud banging of the drums and trumpets screaming for an assembly of the men. The people left their home to gather in outside, confused and scared. The mothers quickly gathered their children as the armies marched back to the palace with urgency, while father secured their home.
As everyone prepares for the incoming war, a lone chariot paves towards the Emerald Palace. The horse's hooves resounded on the dirt with hurry. There was no time to waste and the occupants of the chariot knew this well, it wouldn't be very long until he shall be called to lead the army of the Emerald Palace to war. However he would not have that until he had secured himself of what he prices the most.
When the chariot stop right at the gates of the palace, the prince quickly climbed down and ushered the head priest down. The raven haired was completely unsure of what is happening, why he brought back to the palace.
"What are we doing here Shin-chan?" Takao asked as he found two of his female attendants and a Miyaji running towards them. "There is a war out there!"
"I know." Midorima said. "And that's why you need to return here."
"What?" Takao asked stepping away from the other, "I-I don't understand, b-bit i-if there is war, shouldn't I be—"
"You should be safe at all cost." Midorima said pursuing his lips.
"No…And what do you expect me to do, just sit here and wait for the news of your return? Or the end of this war?" Takao shook his head, "Do something, ask the Emperor to stop this!"
"You don't understand, and that is why you cannot stay in the capital either."
"Then tell me what I don't understand!" Takao roared angrily. "Tell me what I don't understand about how one can love someone so much and wish to destroy everything they have, to love someone so much and yet…"
Midorima felt bad for Takao, he knew that he had seen what happened before the alarm of the palace rung. Takao stared at Midorima, his silver blue eyes boring right at his green eyes searching for answer.
Midorima's lips moved as he shut his eyes out as if bracing himself for the bitterness of the words, "The thing about betrayal…they never come from your enemies."
Betrayal is always painful, perhaps it was what Akashi felt, he isn't sure but if it is, then he understood his pain, perhaps not thoroughly but to be betrayed by the one you cared for the most, there was no measurement enough to scale his pain. It was the thing about betrayal, it will never come from the ones you already know is willing to trade your soul for a piece of corn chip. Betrayal hurts because it always comes from the ones you trust, the one you care the most, the one you never expect to. In Akashi's perspective he was betrayed by his brother, his own blood and flesh, the same young man who he thought would never leave his side, to the same boy whom he cradled in his arms when he was born, to the same boy who stayed with him and mourn with him when their mother died, the same hand he held when they're father took his final breathe, and by a man whom he gave his whole trust that he doesn't in regular basis, the man whom he confided when he could not speak to anyone else, to the man whom he thought made him see clearer.
In Akashi's perspective he was abandoned by the people whom he trusted, there was nothing he felt but rage and pain. And perhaps he might never understand that kind of pain and for that he felt frighetened, because this war may take the only thing that prevents him from feeling the abandonment of the world, in the arms and warmth of those silver blue orbs.
"Shin-chan please…" Takao begged as he stared at Midorima, his voice trembling.
Midorima shook his head one last time and gripped Takao's upperarm, "You will be safe here. No one would think that the Head Priest of the Empire is residing in a lower house such as the Emerald Palace, stay inside until my return."
"How am I supposed to sleep at night that I know you are out there fighting a war? We need to convince your brother."
"It is too late." Midorima answered, "It has begun."
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"His Highness has returned!"
Turning around Kiyoshi's quickly ran as he found a familiar sight, a face he somehow had felt he would never had the chance to see again. Wrapped in blanket and looking slightly confused and scared was his youngest son, Kiyoshi took the child in his arms and kissed the mop of his brown locks. He swore to himself that whatever decision his children would make in the future he would gladly support them, he believed in their own ability to take care of themselves even if most of the time the decision they make hurts him as their father.
When Furihata left the palace, Kiyoshi respected his decision, took it in like a bitter pill down his throat. He buried his worries and concern with his smiles and carefree gesture, he did not want to be away but if it was what he needed, if it was what he felt was right then so shall it be. He stayed there in hope of the day that when he found himself perhaps he shall come around. Even as a child Kiyoshi had always taken quite a special precaution on the youngest, unlike Kagami, Furihata was not brought in a safe environment, he was confused of his own origin, people expected less of him compared him to his older sibling.
"My son, you're back." Kiyoshi said as he pulled away and placed a hand over the brunette's shoulder. "How are you? How did you find your way here?"
Kiyoshi's eyes stared silently at the brown orbs staring right at him it was sad almost pained, Kiyoshi's eyes widen as he found the words in those brown orbs he had known for so long. He had seen it many times like that before but not as pained as now. Raising his head the former King watched his eldest son march in as his loud and heavy footsteps resounded in the halls of the palace. He saw a fire in his eyes he had not seen in many years.
Instinctively the former King pulled his youngest son behind him as he gestured to the attendants to take care of the prince.
Behind the young King the his party followed him, the air and smell of bloodlust emanated from the group. Kiyoshi stiffened as he watch his son walked towards him, there was a fire of rage and pain in his eyes.
"Your Highness!" Aida Riko quickly greeted the King as she went down in her knees.
"Gather all our men!" Kagami's voice resounded loudly, "Call everyone, all our allies as well, we have a war to win."
The word struck the former king like a lightning, he gasped and turned to look at the eyes of his own son, there was no hint of jest in them. the red of his eyes were like the red of the blood mixed with wine, his fire was nowhere close to the gentle and comforting warmth but rather his fire was like the fire of the forest in an angry summer, wrathful.
"What is happening?" Kiyoshi asked his son.
"War." Kagami replied gruffly. "Teiko had betrayed us."
Kiyoshi narrowed his brows in confusion, "But I thought you have talked with them I thought you were there too—"
"They betrayed us!" Kagami repeated, "They took Kouki! They…they kept him and…"
Kiyoshi pursed his lips, somehow he didn't understand but his anger felt strangely directed somewhere else. It felt wrongly pointed to Teiko. Somehow…it seems like it was as if he was angry at someone not to Teiko. Was it to Akashi or perhaps to—before Kiyoshi was able to finish his thoughts, the King had slipped pass him and started directing orders.
"Aniki, please listen to me this is a—"
"Stay out of this!" Kagami exclaimed at Furihata who tried to reason with him, "You will stay inside this palace and would have nothing to do with this war."
"Please you have to listen to me!"
Furihata's plea fell to deaf ears as Kagami stormed pass him, the guards quickly ran to pull Furihata out of the King's way and to his room. Kiyoshi watched as the reunion he wished for so long had to be like this. he could barely watch their exchange of words, it wasn't like this before, did the time they spent away from each other had destroyed what they had when they were younger?
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"What is this?" Aomine asked as he marched in the halls, behind him looking distressed and confused is his consort. The loud drums and trumpets still resounded in the palace like an angry roar of a predator. The urgency and something else was thick in the air. It has been so long since Aomine had felt and scented this in the air, so long that it made the fourth prince's skin crawl in bitter memories.
The raven haired minister and council of Too turned to face the Prince with a curt bow to the royalty.
"Isn't that the signal for war?" Aomine asked his voice laced with confusion.
"It is." Imayoshi said his expression dark and serious. "Direct orders from His Imperial Majesty."
Aomine's eyes widen, "What? He didn't tell us anything."
Imayoshi frowned as he looked behind Aomine where the King of Kaijo and the Prince's consort stood looking completely shocked and confused. It was understandable, even Imayoshi himself was shocked at the sudden direct orders from the Emperor, and a blatant declaration of war to boot, usually it would take days until the Emperor declares a war, especially when this is only after the wedding ceremony of his own brother. It was almost strangely unlike the man.
"His Majesty declared war, it was not to be questioned." Imayoshi simply said, if the Fifth Prince was not able to ask questions, what more are they?
Aomine was lost, why would they declare war all of a sudden, why were they not informed, it was unlike his brother. Akashi was never the kind of man who fancied quick and abrupt decisions, not like this. something was amiss and somehow that made Aomine hesitate.
"Aominecchi?"
Aomine blinked out of his trance as he felt a warm hand on his arm, he turned to look at Kise.
"I will come with you." Kise said with determination.
"What?" Aomine almost exclaimed. "No, you're not even obliged to—"
"I'm married as well to this land as I am to you." Kise cut him off. "It is my obligation as an ally of this Empire, a part of it and as the consort of the Prince of Too. I am a King, I can fight."
Aomine pursed his lips thinking of the odds, he knows Kise is not weak but nothing is assured in the battlefield, is he ready to see him injured just like then? A few weeks ago he was just lying unconscious in the floor in the palace of Kaijo and Aomine almost lost it, was he ready to swallow that fact, to see him injured again?
"He is right." Imayoshi interrupted, "Unfortunately, he is a part now of Too, and as your consort he has equal obligations in protecting this Empire he married himself into. He is a former King of Kaijo, we did not even force him into joining this war, and he volunteered."
"Aominecchi, didn't you vow, I am your equal?"
Aomine sighed, "I know, I'm just…alright."
Imayoshi nodded, "We shall discuss the strategy at the outer courts, all generals had been assembled."
"All?"
Imayoshi nodded, "He shall oversee this again, as usual."
Aomine raised an eyebrow, "Who exactly are our opponents?"
"The Kingdom of Seirin."
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"Muro-chin."
Himuro blinked out of his trance as he turned to look at the tall purple haired prince of Yosen. Himuro shook his head with a smile in his lips hiding his worries knowing fully well what the young man is about to ask. Murasakibara rarely spoke much, unlike his brothers his fluency with language had never been excellent, but the tone of his voice make up for it. Himuro spending almost half of his life by the side of the prince had learned the differences of the way he spoke, even if it was the same word—his name.
"I am alright." Himuro replied before briefly looking towards the balcony of where he is temporarily residing in the Crimson Palace, from the window of the room he could see a line of soldiers marching towards the outer court where the yard of the palace is.
"You're not."
Himuro sighed, he had forgotten, it wasn't just him who had learn so much about Murasakibara but the prince as well to him. He raised his eyes to meet with the lilac eyes of the Prince, he looked genuinely concerned of the other. The large hand cupped the side of Himuro's face.
"Something is bothering Muro-chin." Murasakibara said almost whispering.
"Yes." Himuro said as he took the large hand in his smoothing over the back of it with his thumb. He traced his skin with his fingertips lightly. "Are you not?"
"What do you mean?" Murasakibara asked.
"Does it not concern you, this war?"
There was a short silence before the prince answered, "It does."
Himuro hummed and nodded his head.
"I don't like it." Murasakibara replied.
"Nobody does." Himuro said quietly, "I'm sure your brothers don't like it either."
"Then why do they still do it?" Murasakibara asked with a hint of bitterness in his words, his muscle tensed.
Himuro shut his eyes, "Sometimes pain makes us do something we don't mean to, we find ways to appease it and sometimes we don't like it but we find a way to satisfy it. It's like a fire," Himuro placed a hand over the prince's chest, "here, and sometimes in order for that fire not to consume us we try to feed it something else."
"Feed it…with other's pain."
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As the plan was explained to the soldiers and generals in the outer court, a lone shadow watched from afar, quietly. His lips quivered, he had done this so many times, he had sullied his hands with blood of many people before, however this time it felt wrong, despite his vow to their own mother, despite his love for his brother, it felt wrong. He had never hesitated to hold and unsheathe his sword before, he had never thought twice when his brother had given him an order, not until now.
Was this a punishment as well for his betrayal? To kill the man he loved with his own hands? Was this Akashi's way of punishing him, was this his revenge after all his lies?
Was this even his brother at all?
Kuroko gripped the sheathe of his sword perched in his side, he bit his lips remembering his words to the prince of Seirin. He was naïve to think that Akashi would not know, he was naïve that he thought he could continue with the lies, that Akashi would see pass the lies with the affection he had for the prince. He should have known, he is the one who had been with Akashi for so long, or perhaps the Emperor's favour of him had made him forget about it, his utter despise of lies. This what is exactly what he feared about the Emperor's love of thee Prince, it was not deep enough to forgive.
His love is wrathful.
And so is war.
Furihata Kouki is truly both a cure and a curse to Akashi Seijuuro.
The wind blew loudly shredding the last remaining of flowers of the cherry trees as the last gong resounded.
Heaven and earth were after all, never meant to touch.
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Inside his consciousness it was dark. There was no floor or ceiling, it was just dark. His perception of time is impaired, he never recognize what time meant, time were for humans, time is an illusion made for humans, and he wasn't one. What was he? He didn't know. All he know is he is Akashi Seijuuro, his youngest brother has the most beautiful set of azure eyes that would rival the color of the sky in a cloudless summer afternoon, he has a second brother who loves to read, a third brother who loved sweets and had seems tower above most of the people, and his narcisstic but very skilled fourth brother. He was born on a winter night.
Since he was born he was trapped there in the darkness with no one to talk to, with knowledge he could speak of but no one hears him—or was usually shut out. He didn't understand what smell is, what tactile feels like, what music really sounds like. He was alive and not at the same time. He saw everything and felt everything, heard everything through the body of Akashi Seijuuro, a complete different yet the same Akashi Seijuuro.
He understand that the Emperor Akashi Seijuuro felt repulsed of him, he calls him a monster, he hates and fears him just like everybody else, just like his mother, just like his father, just like the priestess. A monster, a beast with no body of his own, no memories of his own.
He was cradled in this empty space with emotions he did not own, feelings he doesn't understand, sometimes anger that he didn't know what for. It was heavy, painful and confusing. Every faces that appears before him were fake and envy smiles. He warned Akashi SSeijuuro about them every time, he told him and screamed to him hoping it would save him from the pain, hoping his cries would save him from the pain as well.
Then he came one day, and he didn't know, it was just peaceful suddenly. When he felt his hand from Akashi, he felt real, it felt real. It was as if for that brief time he is true, like he was truly peaceful. He didn't understand, but he always doesn't understand he just know and he knows it was peace. It was like heaven touching earth for the first time, and he saw them in his eyes, the serenity, the warmth and the calmness. And for so long he remembered what it felt like to sleep, to close his eyelids and be comforted.
However he knows it was wrong, something is wrong with the peace that was Furihata Kouki. He didn't fit into the picture. It was totally wrong. But he hears the calm drumming of the Emperor's heart, and like a sweet, sweet poison he gladly drunk it to drown all the years that they both felt empty.
"What are you humming?" The heterochromatic eyed Akashi asked his mirror image who was leaning against the floor head titled to the endless ceiling.
The red eyed Emperor stopped and looked at the man standing before him, "Are you sleeping? Is that why you are able to be here?"
"It is extremely exhausting to have a body."
The other chuckled humourlessly, "It is not having a body that feels exhausting."
"Then elaborate."
"It is having feelings." He answered.
"You were humming, what is it?"
"A folk song."
"You love music."
"It keeps occupied."
"What is it about?"
The red eyed Akashi chuckled again and looked at his mirror image,
"A beast."