I'm back, ppl! I've got some good news and some bad news. The good news is
I have finished this chapter while the bad news is, I won't be updating my
fics during the holidays because it's holidays!
I really appreciate the reviews. They inspire me to write! Thank you! I don't know why I'm being so cheerful but who said you need a reason to be cheerful? Okay, okay, let's go through the normal routine like everyone does.
Slam Dunk characters do NOT belong to me. I'm just one of many people out there who happened to be interested to write other plots from the anime.
WARNING! YAOI elements present as well as other elements that aren't really suitable for those below 13, I think. So, read this fic at your own risk. Now continue with the story.
GLADIATOR CHAPTER 6: WHEN TWO PATHS MEET
" I want Sakuragi Hanamichi."
It didn't even take a second for Kaede to digest that short statement. He had known all along that Akira would rival him in anything but never had he bargained with him with the most precious thing in his life. It was clear now that Akira Sendoh wanted Hanamichi for himself. Well buster, you're not getting it this time.
"No."
"Excuse me?" Sendoh was shocked to hear Kaede declining such challenge. Was this the Kaede he knew? His rival? " Is this the Kaede I know? The proud emperor who would never say 'no' to a challenge?"
" Urusai!"
If only glares can kill people, Kaede's glare of hatred would slice through Sendoh's body to ribbons. How dare he even propose that unacceptable challenge? How dare he even suggest handing over his koi to this person who has a stupid smile plastered on his face since the very first day Kaede knew him?
" Think about it, Kaede-chan. It's an opportunity of a lifetime."
It was true. But what if his gladiators lost to Hoshio's gladiators? He knew that his gladiators had been training hard to win the upcoming tournament against Hoshio. But to lose Hanamichi to Mr. Smiley over there.
No way.
Sendoh shrugged. He knew that Kaede would never relent even if he continued to persist him. " In that case, we'll just have to follow the old rules then. If I win, I get Hanamichi and you can do nothing about it but if you win, you can have anything you want from me." Kaede cocked an eyebrow and clenched his fists, wishing that he could wipe that stupid smirk off this baka's face.
" My answer's still no."
The coldness in Kaede's eyes was undeniable but that didn't stop Sendoh from saying," May the strongest, no, beat winner win it all." Then he turned and left an infuriated Kaede all alone.
" K'so, I'll show you!"
Kaede swore and cursed. He was beginning to sound like Hanamichi already. He stopped. He had left his mind unguarded just for moment and Hanamichi's name slipped through the cracks easily. Just thinking about that stupid red- haired baka was enough to play his senses havoc.
" Baka." And Kaede smiled to himself in the darkness of his room.
Damn! I really need to get a life. Hanamichi felt really uncomfortable about his present situation. His mind kept on replaying the image of Rukawa. What's so special about him? Stupid Kitsune! Get out of my brain! No matter what he did, that kitsune would always be there, in every place and every corner.
Hanamichi turned, hitting his hard pillow and tried to get some sleep. It was no use. " I need to get this over with! I can't sleep with that kitsune bothering me!" He got up and put on his clothes. Opening the door slowly, he slipped out quietly, not wanting anybody to wake up or follow him. He was going to head towards the place where he first met Rukawa.
The moon provided him with all the light he needed to find his way. Each step made it harder to continue. His heart was heavy with guiltiness? But so far, Hanamichi had never done anything wrong to Rukawa but why did his heart felt heavy? As if he missed him?
When he reach the familiar wall, he looked up and stood there for a very long time, telling himself that he was dumb to continue this madness anymore. But he had to see Rukawa. It was now or never. He bent his knees and jumped up easily, careful not to alert anybody, he moved through the garden like a panther.
There he was, bathing in the moonlight like some unearthly creature. He was wearing the same white robe when they had first met. Hanamichi couldn't move, couldn't breathe, and he could even feel his heart stop beating. He didn't want to admit it but Rukawa looked so beautiful. The ivory and flawless skin looked so smooth that Hanamichi's hands itched to touch them, feel them. The lips that looked so pliant and vulnerable were parted slightly and his eyes were closed as if he was sleeping.
As if in a trance, Hanamichi's feet moved towards the sleeping figure on the grass beside the pool. Only when Hanamichi bend down to taste those lips did Rukawa's eyes snap open, alarmed. He pushed the stranger who'd violated his lips and was about to call his guards when he noticed who the other person was.
" Hanamichi? What are you doing here?"
Kaede shivered. He didn't know whether to be angry or happy at Hanamichi's presence at the moment but the glint in Hanamichi's eyes made him nervous. He clutched the opening of his robe and murmured an apology before trying to get up but Hanamichi pushed him back down and half laid himself on top of Kaede.
" Kaede."
The huskiness in Hanamichi's voice must've fueled Kaede's passion as well for his arms snaked themselves over Hanamichi's head and pulled his head down for another kiss. Oh, the sweetness and happiness ran through Kaede's veins like lightning. How he'd wish that this moment would last for eternity. But when the end comes.
No!
Kaede shut his mind from the future and let his body do what it craved for. Hanamichi's callused hands slipped through the robe and pushed it down Kaede's shoulders. He pressed wet kisses along the smooth neck, allowing Kaede to help him pull off his clothes. Both of them were breathing heavily, anxious to feel each other physically and mentally before dawn arrived and a new day begins.
~*~*~
The thought of belonging to Hanamichi and the other way around made Sendoh's heart flutter. He couldn't wait another day for the tournament to end. There was still four more days before the tournament begins and he couldn't wait to take what rightfully belongs to him.
" Captain, are all the gladiators ready?" Sendoh asked.
" Yes, Your Majesty. Everyone has been training hard everyday," said Uozumi evenly. " We serve only Your Majesty and loyally."
" Very well then. Keep it up, captain and I will see to it that you'll be promoted."
" I thank you, Your Majesty." Uozumi bowed slightly before leaving.
" Do you really think that barbarian is going to bow down to you?" Sendoh only smiled and nodded.
" I believe that we can reach an understanding where both of us can live together."
" And what if both of you don't?" Koshino taunted. He was angry at Sendoh's action of challenging Kitsuno's emperor and also about the proposal of that blockhead barbarian as a prize.
Sendoh frowned. He didn't understand what Koshino was trying to say. " What are you saying?"
" While Your Majesty is here daydreaming about the red-haired barbarian, Kitsuno's emperor is making out with him." Koshino spat out, making an effort to control his anger. As much as he wanted to separate that red- haired barbarian and Sendoh, he knew that Sendoh won't be happy if that bastard was two-timing him. It would be better if Sendoh knew the truth.
Sendoh was shocked to hear such news. It couldn't be, it's not true. But from the look from Koshino's eyes, it was. Despite the present situation he was in, Sendoh didn't want to show his weakness in front of anybody. Clenching his fists, he said forcefully," I'd like to be alone now, Koshino and I do not wish to be disturbed."
Koshino's anger had dissipated when he saw how sad Sendoh is. " But." Koshino knew better than to continue the talk. It was best to leave Sendoh alone. " As you wish, Your Majesty."
" Koshino?"
Koshino's heart thudded with hope. " Yes, Your Majesty?"
" The tournament will continue as scheduled and so does the proposal, do you understand?" Sendoh said slowly.
The anger and hatred returned and settled in Koshino's heart. It seems that his words weren't convincing enough to make Sendoh forget about that barbarian. Well, he was going to change that. He stormed out of the hall, fuming and plotting 100 ways to kill that bastard!
Meanwhile, Sendoh began plotting to get Hanamichi's favour. So, Kaede-chan has already worked his way through Hanamichi's heart. Well, move over Kaede because I'm coming in whether you like it or not. He'd decided to go see Hanamichi in Kitsuno without announcing his arrival.
It was almost an every day routine. Hanamichi and him would argue and fight over the stupidest mistake but by the end of the day, they would be making love in some secluded area or corner. Kaede was contented with his relationship with Hanamichi and to hell with the consequences.
Kaede could never understand the emotion called love because he was orphaned at a very young age. He had no relatives and no friends to approach to. All he had was servants and his subjects that only obey him and would never dare befriend him. All his life, he'd been so lonely and withdrawn from the outside world, shielding himself in a cocoon inside his heart so that no one could harm him but Hanamichi changed all of that.
" Hanamichi? Why do you like me?"
Hanamichi looked slightly surprised at Kaede's question. Both of them were in Hanamichi's bedroom, after one night of making love. " I don't know. Do I need a reason to love someone?"
" Well, no. I don't know. This is still new to me," Kaede muttered, resting his cheek against Hanamichi's shoulder while Hanamichi put an arm around Kaede's shoulder.
" Same here. I guess I like your honesty."
Kaede's eyes widen in shock. He felt so guilty for not telling Hanamichi who he was, He wished that they met as different people with the same status. A love relationship between an emperor and a gladiator was forbidden. I need to tell him now before it's too late. If he claims that he loves me so much, I'm sure he'll be able to forgive me. Kaede took a deep breath and said," Hanamichi, I."
He couldn't finish the sentence because Hanamichi suddenly pinned him down onto the bed and took possession of his lips. When both of them felt the need to breathe, did they stop but only for a while. Hanamichi's kiss had reawaken Kaede's hunger again and both of them became intimate.
Although we're the most sinful lambs in the world but at least we're happy together.
Two days had passed and Kaede still couldn't find the courage to tell Hanamichi. There was still two more days before the tournament and training was getting more and more intensive and hard to endure but everyone was in high spirits. In order to test the gladiators' fighting skills, Akagi had ordered all the gladiators to battle on another so that they can witness their weakness and improve their strength.
" Miyagi, you battle Kogure. Mitsui, you battle me."
" Huh! Just like old times, eh?" Mitsui smirked.
" Rukawa, you battle Sakuragi. Yosh! Everyone get into position."
Me? Battle Hanamichi? Kaede look at his sword in his hand and then at Hanamichi who stood opposite of him, waiting for him to attack.
" Come on, kitsune! What are you waiting for?!" Hanamichi shouted, his sword in his hand. Didn't he know how painful it was to strike your loved one? Why is he like this?
" Urusai."
" Nani!? I'm going to strike you first, you no good foxboy!" Hanamichi dashed towards Kaede at full speed. His weapon aimed directly at Kaede.
Kaede evaded the attack easily. He knew Hanamichi would never attack him seriously and that wasn't good news. " Fight seriously, will you?! How are you going to face the gladiators from Hoshio if you continue fighting like a kid?"
Hanamichi stared at Kaede with a weird expression. " That is the longest sentence you've ever said to me."
Kaede glared at Hanamichi with annoyance. It was true though. He had never said such a long sentence before because he didn't need to and now his koi could provoke him into doing things that he'd never done before and he liked it. " So?"
Hanamichi chuckled and brushed away his long bangs that covered his eyes. He took another fighting stance and shouted," If I win, I get to do what I like tonight!" Kaede almost blushed. He hoped that none of the other gladiators heard what Hanamichi said.
" Shut up and attack!" Kaede growled. He moved towards Hanamichi in high speed and brought down his sword, only to be blocked by Hanamichi's sword. He jumped back and moved forward again, sending heavy blows towards Hanamichi. But Hanamichi evaded the attacks easily like the way he was taught.
" I'm going to win! I'm the tensai!" Hanamichi laughed and caught off guard, Kaede kicked his legs and Hanamichi fell down, hard. " What the." The tip of Kaede's sword pointed directly about Hanamichi's Adam's apple, his eyes cold with fury.
" You shouldn't be distracted. If I was the enemy, you would've died already." He withdrew his sword while Hanamichi gathered himself up, cursing. " I don't want to lose you." Kaede whispered softly. A drop of tear trickled down his cheek and onto the dirt. " I don't."
Touched, Hanamichi reached out and wiped the tears away. " Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." He smiled and took Kaede into his arms, shushing him and murmuring soft words of comfort. Kaede couldn't help himself. What was the pain in his chest that hurt immensely whenever he thought of Hanamichi leaving him? Is that called love? He couldn't find the answer to his question and he pulled away.
" Sorry."
" Hey, that's okay. You can't use my shoulder anytime. " Hanamichi smiled, making Kaede feel better. When he withdrew his arm, Kaede noticed a large cut behind Hanamichi's arm.
" Your arm! It's bleeding!" Kaede shouted, panicked therefore alerting the other gladiators.
" It's nothing. Ayako can fix it, right?"
" Yup, it's no big deal. He's got worse wounds than this and he'd survived, Ayako said, taking out her first aid equipment and washing Hanamichi's wound with antiseptic. " Oh dear, I must've misplaced the bandage. It must be inside the quarters."
When Ayako got up, Kaede shook his head and said," I'll go get it." And he ran off.
Kaede rummaged through the drawers, searching for a new batch of bandages that Ayako had claimed it would be here. " Damn! Where is it? Ah, found it!" He held the bandage and was about to set off to join the rest of the group when suddenly the door creaked open. " I got the bandages, Aya.YOU!"
The newcomer peered inside the quarters, smiling at Kaede. " Yup, it's me alright. " Sendoh came in without being invited.
" What are you doing here?!"
" Come now, I came to visit my Sakuragi," said Sendoh as he sat down onto an old bench near him. He motioned for Kaede to sit opposite him but Kaede didn't move.
" Get out!"
" So this is how you got near him. Not a very bad trick but effective, I can see."
Little did they know, a dark figure loomed outside of the room, listening to the conversation.
Infuriated at Sendoh's mockery, Kaede pulled out his sword and aimed it at Sendoh. " I won't hesitate to use it, you bastard!"
" Tsk, tsk.You should learn to control that temper of yours or else you'll scare Hanamichi away. If that ever happens, I'll be there to pick him up and believe me, I've got the patience of the world." Kaede tensed involuntarily. But he wasn't about to let Sendoh take away Hanamichi without a fight.
" I'm sure using Sakuragi Hanamichi as a bet in the tournament won't affect our 'friendship'?" Sendoh tilted his head to one side and stood up.
Kaede didn't say anything but stare at the floor, his sword being held limply beside him. " Sendoh?"
" Yes?"
Kaede looked up and said," Go to hell."
" If I did, I'll take you with me, Kitsuno's most talented emperor. And then, both Kitsuno and my country, Hoshio would be at war. Is it worth sacrificing?" Sendoh said as he walked towards the door and pulled it open. " Hello, nice of you to drop in."
Kaede couldn't move or speak. All the gladiators were there with Hanamichi in the middle, holding a cloth that was soaked with blood onto his wound. Sendoh had set him up. He knew that they were there all along and he had revealed the truth in front of them. He couldn't read the expression on Hanamichi's face and the blankness in his eyes revealed nothing he felt at that moment.
" The Emperor of Kitsuno?" Ayako finally whispered, breaking the moment of silence. " His Majesty?"
Kaede just continued stare at Hanamichi, oblivious to every gasp. " Hanamichi."
" Don't call my name. Your Majesty," Hanamichi said in the coldest tone he could muster. He could clearly see how Rukawa winced at his tone but he couldn't help it. He was hurt inside out at Rukawa's deception. " I guess Rukawa is not your real name."
" It's Kaede."
How he hated Rukawa, no, Kaede for his cold reserve. " It's not my position to call Your Majesty's name."
" Hanamichi."
But Hanamichi wouldn't hear anymore. He turned and pushed himself away from the other gladiators and left, wanting to be alone. Kaede frowned. Why wouldn't Hanamichi listen to his explanation? He turned towards Sendoh and pointed his finger at him. " You did this! You set me up!"
" Oh, did I? I thought he knew already. Poor Sakuragi," Sendoh said in a mocking tone. He grinned and left the room, the other gladiators making room for him as he walked away.
Kaede wanted to go after Hanamichi, explain. But he knew that Hanamichi would just ignore him and won't see him again.
" Gomen na, Hanamichi."
A whisper.
Nothing more.
Tsuzuku.(T.b.c.)
A/N:
I know it's rather long because I want to finish a big part of the story before school holidays. I'm sorry, Sendoh fans but I couldn't help it. He's supposed to be the bad guy in my fic and I bet I'm making a good job out of it. Nyahahahaha.
If there are any spelling or grammar errors, sorry. I'm not perfect, you know. But I would like to thank all the people who'd reviewed for me in my previous fics and I look forward into reading another bunch of reviews later. I don't know whether I'll be able to finish the next chapter by school holidays because I haven't even planned how yet. Can you believe that I wrote this chapter for four days without even plotting? Geez, I had to burn a lot of my brain cells to finish this one and I'm not even halfway through the next chapter. * sob *_
So, reviews are very important to me and keep me posted. THANK YOU!
I really appreciate the reviews. They inspire me to write! Thank you! I don't know why I'm being so cheerful but who said you need a reason to be cheerful? Okay, okay, let's go through the normal routine like everyone does.
Slam Dunk characters do NOT belong to me. I'm just one of many people out there who happened to be interested to write other plots from the anime.
WARNING! YAOI elements present as well as other elements that aren't really suitable for those below 13, I think. So, read this fic at your own risk. Now continue with the story.
GLADIATOR CHAPTER 6: WHEN TWO PATHS MEET
" I want Sakuragi Hanamichi."
It didn't even take a second for Kaede to digest that short statement. He had known all along that Akira would rival him in anything but never had he bargained with him with the most precious thing in his life. It was clear now that Akira Sendoh wanted Hanamichi for himself. Well buster, you're not getting it this time.
"No."
"Excuse me?" Sendoh was shocked to hear Kaede declining such challenge. Was this the Kaede he knew? His rival? " Is this the Kaede I know? The proud emperor who would never say 'no' to a challenge?"
" Urusai!"
If only glares can kill people, Kaede's glare of hatred would slice through Sendoh's body to ribbons. How dare he even propose that unacceptable challenge? How dare he even suggest handing over his koi to this person who has a stupid smile plastered on his face since the very first day Kaede knew him?
" Think about it, Kaede-chan. It's an opportunity of a lifetime."
It was true. But what if his gladiators lost to Hoshio's gladiators? He knew that his gladiators had been training hard to win the upcoming tournament against Hoshio. But to lose Hanamichi to Mr. Smiley over there.
No way.
Sendoh shrugged. He knew that Kaede would never relent even if he continued to persist him. " In that case, we'll just have to follow the old rules then. If I win, I get Hanamichi and you can do nothing about it but if you win, you can have anything you want from me." Kaede cocked an eyebrow and clenched his fists, wishing that he could wipe that stupid smirk off this baka's face.
" My answer's still no."
The coldness in Kaede's eyes was undeniable but that didn't stop Sendoh from saying," May the strongest, no, beat winner win it all." Then he turned and left an infuriated Kaede all alone.
" K'so, I'll show you!"
Kaede swore and cursed. He was beginning to sound like Hanamichi already. He stopped. He had left his mind unguarded just for moment and Hanamichi's name slipped through the cracks easily. Just thinking about that stupid red- haired baka was enough to play his senses havoc.
" Baka." And Kaede smiled to himself in the darkness of his room.
Damn! I really need to get a life. Hanamichi felt really uncomfortable about his present situation. His mind kept on replaying the image of Rukawa. What's so special about him? Stupid Kitsune! Get out of my brain! No matter what he did, that kitsune would always be there, in every place and every corner.
Hanamichi turned, hitting his hard pillow and tried to get some sleep. It was no use. " I need to get this over with! I can't sleep with that kitsune bothering me!" He got up and put on his clothes. Opening the door slowly, he slipped out quietly, not wanting anybody to wake up or follow him. He was going to head towards the place where he first met Rukawa.
The moon provided him with all the light he needed to find his way. Each step made it harder to continue. His heart was heavy with guiltiness? But so far, Hanamichi had never done anything wrong to Rukawa but why did his heart felt heavy? As if he missed him?
When he reach the familiar wall, he looked up and stood there for a very long time, telling himself that he was dumb to continue this madness anymore. But he had to see Rukawa. It was now or never. He bent his knees and jumped up easily, careful not to alert anybody, he moved through the garden like a panther.
There he was, bathing in the moonlight like some unearthly creature. He was wearing the same white robe when they had first met. Hanamichi couldn't move, couldn't breathe, and he could even feel his heart stop beating. He didn't want to admit it but Rukawa looked so beautiful. The ivory and flawless skin looked so smooth that Hanamichi's hands itched to touch them, feel them. The lips that looked so pliant and vulnerable were parted slightly and his eyes were closed as if he was sleeping.
As if in a trance, Hanamichi's feet moved towards the sleeping figure on the grass beside the pool. Only when Hanamichi bend down to taste those lips did Rukawa's eyes snap open, alarmed. He pushed the stranger who'd violated his lips and was about to call his guards when he noticed who the other person was.
" Hanamichi? What are you doing here?"
Kaede shivered. He didn't know whether to be angry or happy at Hanamichi's presence at the moment but the glint in Hanamichi's eyes made him nervous. He clutched the opening of his robe and murmured an apology before trying to get up but Hanamichi pushed him back down and half laid himself on top of Kaede.
" Kaede."
The huskiness in Hanamichi's voice must've fueled Kaede's passion as well for his arms snaked themselves over Hanamichi's head and pulled his head down for another kiss. Oh, the sweetness and happiness ran through Kaede's veins like lightning. How he'd wish that this moment would last for eternity. But when the end comes.
No!
Kaede shut his mind from the future and let his body do what it craved for. Hanamichi's callused hands slipped through the robe and pushed it down Kaede's shoulders. He pressed wet kisses along the smooth neck, allowing Kaede to help him pull off his clothes. Both of them were breathing heavily, anxious to feel each other physically and mentally before dawn arrived and a new day begins.
~*~*~
The thought of belonging to Hanamichi and the other way around made Sendoh's heart flutter. He couldn't wait another day for the tournament to end. There was still four more days before the tournament begins and he couldn't wait to take what rightfully belongs to him.
" Captain, are all the gladiators ready?" Sendoh asked.
" Yes, Your Majesty. Everyone has been training hard everyday," said Uozumi evenly. " We serve only Your Majesty and loyally."
" Very well then. Keep it up, captain and I will see to it that you'll be promoted."
" I thank you, Your Majesty." Uozumi bowed slightly before leaving.
" Do you really think that barbarian is going to bow down to you?" Sendoh only smiled and nodded.
" I believe that we can reach an understanding where both of us can live together."
" And what if both of you don't?" Koshino taunted. He was angry at Sendoh's action of challenging Kitsuno's emperor and also about the proposal of that blockhead barbarian as a prize.
Sendoh frowned. He didn't understand what Koshino was trying to say. " What are you saying?"
" While Your Majesty is here daydreaming about the red-haired barbarian, Kitsuno's emperor is making out with him." Koshino spat out, making an effort to control his anger. As much as he wanted to separate that red- haired barbarian and Sendoh, he knew that Sendoh won't be happy if that bastard was two-timing him. It would be better if Sendoh knew the truth.
Sendoh was shocked to hear such news. It couldn't be, it's not true. But from the look from Koshino's eyes, it was. Despite the present situation he was in, Sendoh didn't want to show his weakness in front of anybody. Clenching his fists, he said forcefully," I'd like to be alone now, Koshino and I do not wish to be disturbed."
Koshino's anger had dissipated when he saw how sad Sendoh is. " But." Koshino knew better than to continue the talk. It was best to leave Sendoh alone. " As you wish, Your Majesty."
" Koshino?"
Koshino's heart thudded with hope. " Yes, Your Majesty?"
" The tournament will continue as scheduled and so does the proposal, do you understand?" Sendoh said slowly.
The anger and hatred returned and settled in Koshino's heart. It seems that his words weren't convincing enough to make Sendoh forget about that barbarian. Well, he was going to change that. He stormed out of the hall, fuming and plotting 100 ways to kill that bastard!
Meanwhile, Sendoh began plotting to get Hanamichi's favour. So, Kaede-chan has already worked his way through Hanamichi's heart. Well, move over Kaede because I'm coming in whether you like it or not. He'd decided to go see Hanamichi in Kitsuno without announcing his arrival.
It was almost an every day routine. Hanamichi and him would argue and fight over the stupidest mistake but by the end of the day, they would be making love in some secluded area or corner. Kaede was contented with his relationship with Hanamichi and to hell with the consequences.
Kaede could never understand the emotion called love because he was orphaned at a very young age. He had no relatives and no friends to approach to. All he had was servants and his subjects that only obey him and would never dare befriend him. All his life, he'd been so lonely and withdrawn from the outside world, shielding himself in a cocoon inside his heart so that no one could harm him but Hanamichi changed all of that.
" Hanamichi? Why do you like me?"
Hanamichi looked slightly surprised at Kaede's question. Both of them were in Hanamichi's bedroom, after one night of making love. " I don't know. Do I need a reason to love someone?"
" Well, no. I don't know. This is still new to me," Kaede muttered, resting his cheek against Hanamichi's shoulder while Hanamichi put an arm around Kaede's shoulder.
" Same here. I guess I like your honesty."
Kaede's eyes widen in shock. He felt so guilty for not telling Hanamichi who he was, He wished that they met as different people with the same status. A love relationship between an emperor and a gladiator was forbidden. I need to tell him now before it's too late. If he claims that he loves me so much, I'm sure he'll be able to forgive me. Kaede took a deep breath and said," Hanamichi, I."
He couldn't finish the sentence because Hanamichi suddenly pinned him down onto the bed and took possession of his lips. When both of them felt the need to breathe, did they stop but only for a while. Hanamichi's kiss had reawaken Kaede's hunger again and both of them became intimate.
Although we're the most sinful lambs in the world but at least we're happy together.
Two days had passed and Kaede still couldn't find the courage to tell Hanamichi. There was still two more days before the tournament and training was getting more and more intensive and hard to endure but everyone was in high spirits. In order to test the gladiators' fighting skills, Akagi had ordered all the gladiators to battle on another so that they can witness their weakness and improve their strength.
" Miyagi, you battle Kogure. Mitsui, you battle me."
" Huh! Just like old times, eh?" Mitsui smirked.
" Rukawa, you battle Sakuragi. Yosh! Everyone get into position."
Me? Battle Hanamichi? Kaede look at his sword in his hand and then at Hanamichi who stood opposite of him, waiting for him to attack.
" Come on, kitsune! What are you waiting for?!" Hanamichi shouted, his sword in his hand. Didn't he know how painful it was to strike your loved one? Why is he like this?
" Urusai."
" Nani!? I'm going to strike you first, you no good foxboy!" Hanamichi dashed towards Kaede at full speed. His weapon aimed directly at Kaede.
Kaede evaded the attack easily. He knew Hanamichi would never attack him seriously and that wasn't good news. " Fight seriously, will you?! How are you going to face the gladiators from Hoshio if you continue fighting like a kid?"
Hanamichi stared at Kaede with a weird expression. " That is the longest sentence you've ever said to me."
Kaede glared at Hanamichi with annoyance. It was true though. He had never said such a long sentence before because he didn't need to and now his koi could provoke him into doing things that he'd never done before and he liked it. " So?"
Hanamichi chuckled and brushed away his long bangs that covered his eyes. He took another fighting stance and shouted," If I win, I get to do what I like tonight!" Kaede almost blushed. He hoped that none of the other gladiators heard what Hanamichi said.
" Shut up and attack!" Kaede growled. He moved towards Hanamichi in high speed and brought down his sword, only to be blocked by Hanamichi's sword. He jumped back and moved forward again, sending heavy blows towards Hanamichi. But Hanamichi evaded the attacks easily like the way he was taught.
" I'm going to win! I'm the tensai!" Hanamichi laughed and caught off guard, Kaede kicked his legs and Hanamichi fell down, hard. " What the." The tip of Kaede's sword pointed directly about Hanamichi's Adam's apple, his eyes cold with fury.
" You shouldn't be distracted. If I was the enemy, you would've died already." He withdrew his sword while Hanamichi gathered himself up, cursing. " I don't want to lose you." Kaede whispered softly. A drop of tear trickled down his cheek and onto the dirt. " I don't."
Touched, Hanamichi reached out and wiped the tears away. " Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." He smiled and took Kaede into his arms, shushing him and murmuring soft words of comfort. Kaede couldn't help himself. What was the pain in his chest that hurt immensely whenever he thought of Hanamichi leaving him? Is that called love? He couldn't find the answer to his question and he pulled away.
" Sorry."
" Hey, that's okay. You can't use my shoulder anytime. " Hanamichi smiled, making Kaede feel better. When he withdrew his arm, Kaede noticed a large cut behind Hanamichi's arm.
" Your arm! It's bleeding!" Kaede shouted, panicked therefore alerting the other gladiators.
" It's nothing. Ayako can fix it, right?"
" Yup, it's no big deal. He's got worse wounds than this and he'd survived, Ayako said, taking out her first aid equipment and washing Hanamichi's wound with antiseptic. " Oh dear, I must've misplaced the bandage. It must be inside the quarters."
When Ayako got up, Kaede shook his head and said," I'll go get it." And he ran off.
Kaede rummaged through the drawers, searching for a new batch of bandages that Ayako had claimed it would be here. " Damn! Where is it? Ah, found it!" He held the bandage and was about to set off to join the rest of the group when suddenly the door creaked open. " I got the bandages, Aya.YOU!"
The newcomer peered inside the quarters, smiling at Kaede. " Yup, it's me alright. " Sendoh came in without being invited.
" What are you doing here?!"
" Come now, I came to visit my Sakuragi," said Sendoh as he sat down onto an old bench near him. He motioned for Kaede to sit opposite him but Kaede didn't move.
" Get out!"
" So this is how you got near him. Not a very bad trick but effective, I can see."
Little did they know, a dark figure loomed outside of the room, listening to the conversation.
Infuriated at Sendoh's mockery, Kaede pulled out his sword and aimed it at Sendoh. " I won't hesitate to use it, you bastard!"
" Tsk, tsk.You should learn to control that temper of yours or else you'll scare Hanamichi away. If that ever happens, I'll be there to pick him up and believe me, I've got the patience of the world." Kaede tensed involuntarily. But he wasn't about to let Sendoh take away Hanamichi without a fight.
" I'm sure using Sakuragi Hanamichi as a bet in the tournament won't affect our 'friendship'?" Sendoh tilted his head to one side and stood up.
Kaede didn't say anything but stare at the floor, his sword being held limply beside him. " Sendoh?"
" Yes?"
Kaede looked up and said," Go to hell."
" If I did, I'll take you with me, Kitsuno's most talented emperor. And then, both Kitsuno and my country, Hoshio would be at war. Is it worth sacrificing?" Sendoh said as he walked towards the door and pulled it open. " Hello, nice of you to drop in."
Kaede couldn't move or speak. All the gladiators were there with Hanamichi in the middle, holding a cloth that was soaked with blood onto his wound. Sendoh had set him up. He knew that they were there all along and he had revealed the truth in front of them. He couldn't read the expression on Hanamichi's face and the blankness in his eyes revealed nothing he felt at that moment.
" The Emperor of Kitsuno?" Ayako finally whispered, breaking the moment of silence. " His Majesty?"
Kaede just continued stare at Hanamichi, oblivious to every gasp. " Hanamichi."
" Don't call my name. Your Majesty," Hanamichi said in the coldest tone he could muster. He could clearly see how Rukawa winced at his tone but he couldn't help it. He was hurt inside out at Rukawa's deception. " I guess Rukawa is not your real name."
" It's Kaede."
How he hated Rukawa, no, Kaede for his cold reserve. " It's not my position to call Your Majesty's name."
" Hanamichi."
But Hanamichi wouldn't hear anymore. He turned and pushed himself away from the other gladiators and left, wanting to be alone. Kaede frowned. Why wouldn't Hanamichi listen to his explanation? He turned towards Sendoh and pointed his finger at him. " You did this! You set me up!"
" Oh, did I? I thought he knew already. Poor Sakuragi," Sendoh said in a mocking tone. He grinned and left the room, the other gladiators making room for him as he walked away.
Kaede wanted to go after Hanamichi, explain. But he knew that Hanamichi would just ignore him and won't see him again.
" Gomen na, Hanamichi."
A whisper.
Nothing more.
Tsuzuku.(T.b.c.)
A/N:
I know it's rather long because I want to finish a big part of the story before school holidays. I'm sorry, Sendoh fans but I couldn't help it. He's supposed to be the bad guy in my fic and I bet I'm making a good job out of it. Nyahahahaha.
If there are any spelling or grammar errors, sorry. I'm not perfect, you know. But I would like to thank all the people who'd reviewed for me in my previous fics and I look forward into reading another bunch of reviews later. I don't know whether I'll be able to finish the next chapter by school holidays because I haven't even planned how yet. Can you believe that I wrote this chapter for four days without even plotting? Geez, I had to burn a lot of my brain cells to finish this one and I'm not even halfway through the next chapter. * sob *_
So, reviews are very important to me and keep me posted. THANK YOU!