5. We know Better

"Seijuro, no matter what happens, know that I love you so much." Says the woman with long red hair, stroking his frightened son while the carriage they are in reaches the bumpy road. Ruby eyes looked at his mother intently before shivering at the cold.

He had not understand why his mother suddenly woke him up, dressing him in white dress shirt, black shorts and suspenders (which was not exactly the type of winter clothes he had in mind) and then here they were, leaving Rakuzan in fast pace. "Mother, what's going on?" he asked but more tears were shed from her golden eyes. "You have to be strong" A sudden forced hit the back of their carriage. "Love your abilities, there is beauty in it. Never let fear conquer your heart."

"Mother-?!"

CRASH!

Time slowed down and gravity hit them hard. The carriage fell to the side cliff of at least 15 feet, crashing to the nearby creek. The young red head was shielded by the lady's cold body; blood tresses all over. He could not scream, he could not cry or hugged back for he was too spent and tired. All he could do was welcome the darkness evading his thoughts.

"Crap, you killed the other one."

"There's no gold or anything valuable in there. This is a waste of time!"

"Ugh," the red head groan and all unfamiliar faces turned to him. "There's one alive!"

"Heh, we can sell him. Take him to the wagon."

Seijuro was unceremoniously dragged and thrown into a spacious wagon. He cursed when the pain from his backside jolted and then tears streamed. His mother was dead and it was all, all these unknown idiots' faults.

He was upset, hurt and so angry that he felt the tingling sensation between his fingertips. Ah yes, that's right. He had magic, magic his mother taught him to use in dire need. Though his hands were tied up, red ice froze all over and Seijuro panicked upon losing control. The frost turned into an ugly spike in color of blood. "Oh no!" Seijuro tried to stand up but wobbled. Jumping from the wagon was a good idea right now but them finding out about his magic will constrict him more. "Please stop, please stop."

He chanted like a mantra but the ice grew larger. He closed his eyes shut; everyone and everything was going to freeze again and his mother was definitely not around to help. If only-

"Calm down." A mellow voice surprised him. He gasped and saw a teal head boy no younger than him in clothes of rags. He had captivating, luminous aquamarine eyes but held a soft smile for him. "You have to take a deep breath, and let your fear go. Exhale."

Seijuro arched an eyebrow but did as he was told. All of the sudden, his heart rate drop and so did the freezing in the wagon. "Thank you. I'm sorry for not noticing your presence awhile back."

The teal head shook his head. "No, I'm used to it."

"But you're cold." Seijuro crawled to his space and sat near him, giving him a bit of body heat though he was freezing himself. The smaller boy however had noticed this and chuckled. Blue flames lit at the smaller boy's rope and burned slowly. From his palms; he created a spec of heat and removed Seijuro's ropes. "How did you do that?" ruby eyes glinted in fascination. "I thought I was the only one who had magic."

"Magic?"

"Yes. Ice magic." Freckles of snowflakes danced around his fingers. "My name is Akashi Seijuro of Rakuzan. You are?"

The boy seemed hesitant to introduce himself but warmed up to him. "I'm Kuroko Tetsuya... of Seirin."

"What? You're Seirin's prince? I never thought they had a child."

The child did not reply but nodded. And then curiosity hit Tetsuya.

"Were you supposed to be sent to Teiko?"

"Teiko? Why would I be sent there?"

Tetsuya looked at him alarmed. "Akashi-kun, could it be that you are not aware?"

"Aware of what?" the temperature became cold again.

"...The kingdoms are in war."

"Akashi!"

Heterochromatic eyes opened and his body immediately sat up. His surroundings became clearer; he was lying on a sofa with furry blankets on, figures of people he knew stood by the fireplace trying to get warm and is that snow by the window panes? "It's still early December, why is it snowing?"

Someone harshly pulled his collar and hazy eyes met with silver ones. "That's the first thing you ask after waking up? I didn't know Heika could be so STUPID."

"Mayuzumi-chii!"

"That was uncalled for. Should I crush him, Aka-chin?"

Then memories rushed into the red head's mind. Tetsuya and flashes trying to overturn and rewrite every memory he had with him. "AAAHHH!" he clutched his head tightly and everyone panicked. "Calm down, Akashi." A stern voice with words he remembered woke him up. Shuzo though looking sick and pale scanned the room and pushed Shugo who was helping him away. "I need everyone out of the room for a moment."

"No! We're not leaving Akashichii like this!"

"I agree with Ki-chan."

"Leave."

"Akashi, what are you saying-?"

"I said leave us." Seijuro's voice was stern. "I have a lot to ask him."

Everyone was reluctant since the two they were leaving were obviously sick to the bones but if it's involving the key to knowing Tetsuya's whereabouts, they followed. The doors closed, signaling their time to talk. "Where is Tetsuya?" he asked hoarsely and the sick king shook his head. "He disappeared after you fell into the ice waters hours ago. Don't worry; Kagami his king's guard had already answered everyone's question. Apparently no one in Seirin, not even his proclaimed fiancé know of his abilities. That leaves me and you."

"Did anybody see?"

"The ice you created? Fortunately only I and Haizaki were at the view. The rest, Kuroko covered the visible surroundings with his fire."

Seijuro's hands clenched at the fur blanket. How like Tetsuya to sacrifice his image for his. "I remember parts of things. I remember meeting him after we were captured by thugs on our way to Teiko."

"Yes, you both escaped by working together. But in months prior after learning of your mother's death and the war, you've grown depressed. According to Kuroko, you almost froze the entire staff due to your uncontrolled emotions."

"Stay back!" the red head trembled against the corner of the room whilst red spikes grew from it. "I- I don't want to hurt you."

But the boy in front of him was unfazed by the cold. Instead, whiffs of blue flames radiated from him as he clasps unto Seijuro's hands. The warmth was greedily sucked but Tetsuya didn't mind and hugged the red head tighter. "It's okay, Sei-kun. I won't be frozen like the rest."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

The rest of their days were calm and playful to the point that they were inseparable. The king who had known of their abilities had allowed them to share a room, despite knowing the fact they are the ones always making a mess out of ballroom or kitchen floor. Though the two denied it; the massive evidence of red snow and burnt edges says so otherwise. On some occasions when their etiquette lessons began, complaints followed.

"A prince should is full of charm and grace. He shall wear clothes of his suit, no matter how heavy or uncomfortable. His posture is regal, untouchable and well dignified." Says a huge lady with fitted dress and a long nose, fiddling with the black teaching rod on her nimble finger. "His subjects should never see him in times of disgrace."

Tetsuya did his best not to yawn or looked bored so he followed every word the weird tutor says. He sat in a composed posture whilst his finger gripped on the porcelain tea cup. He never understood why the pinky must be raised. Plus he hated the smell and very much prefer vanilla over this. But bored aquamarine eyes caught sight of a certain red head by the window pane high up in his pony. He had a mischievous glint on his eyes and Tetsuya could not help but giggle.

"I beg your pardon?" the weird lady glared at him. "A prince does not laugh. Smile occasionally, but laugh is a must not." A gust of cold wind suddenly charged at the lady, freezing her skirt upwards and shamelessly exposing her bloomers. She shrieked like a banshee before running off and Tetsuya's laughter became louder.

"Don't listen to her." Says Seijuro upon opening the window pane. "Tetsuya should laugh more."

To that, the teal head blushed and nodded. "I'm envious. How come Sei-kun is doing horse ridding while I'm stuck with dining etiquette?"

Suddenly, red whiffs of snowflakes invaded the room and levitated Tetsuya towards the horse saddle. With an oomph! He was seated at the back of Seijuro and he automatically locked his arms around the red head's waist. "Sei-kun, that was dangerous!"

"Ah, that hurts my feelings. Do you not trust me, Kuroko?"

"... of course I trust Sei-kun. Just try not to scare me next time."

"Next time." He echoed and he rode away, feeling the wind in his air while Tetsuya let out a childish shrieked

But those screams later turned to laughter until their clothes turned dirty.

"A prince must NEVER let his silk be soiled. Let it be a small stain or a speck of dirt!" Says the head of the maids at the two dirt ridden boys. Though Tetsuya looked guilty, Seijuro was bored. "Now come along, time for a bath." The grip she had on the Seirin prince however was unnecessary, angering Seijuro. They had not fully recovered from the thug incident and to be touched hasrhly still bought bad memories. "We know better." He says and froze the bottom of the nanny. "Wait until I tell the king!" She screamed and the two sprinted off towards the kitchen. They were obviously tired and hungry and some food will do them justice.

"Kuroko, get on my shoulders." Says Seijuro and the teal head complied. This habit was developed the partners in crime had developed. Tetsuya then reached for the jar of cookies and a bottle of vanilla flavoring. When the red head hoisted him down; ice manipulated itself to reach the needed utensils. "I'm envious of Sei-kun's powers. Everything I touch would burn."

The red head stopped whipping what seems to be cream before cupping both sides of his cheeks. "This magic would only be a curse without Kuroko's flames." He then kissed Tetsuya's temple. "Now let's get to that new recipe I learned. The flavored ice they make are called milkshakes!"

"Yeah." The blushing boy nodded. After munching on their new found goodies, they hid at the lower part of the table when they heard footsteps of the servants. "Ne, Sei-kun did you know? Princes aren't suppose to say the word underwear?" The last word came as a whisper.

Seijuro almost chocked on the milkshake. "Kuroko, your taste for learning new things are very odd. We don't need to learn about nonsensical things. We know better."

"Sei-kun is sometimes childish." he took a bite of the cookie. "But I know you'll be a great king someday."

"Don't you want to be king too?"

A shook. "Not really, I want to travel the world with Sei-kun. If not, I want to be by your side."

Seijuro tried his best not to blush but looked at those aquamarine eyes with promising orbs. "Then let's."

"Tetsuya was never one to give in anyways." Chuckled Seijuro before covering his eyes, unaware that tears were already rolling down. Shuzo understood and looked away. "It was obvious you two just clicked. I remember the staffs and father dealing with you guys escaping etiquette lessons."

The atmosphere lightened up. "You have no idea." Seijuro then pushed the warm blankets away and sat properly. "You obviously know a lot of what happened between us. Can you tell me more? My memories are quite fazed."

Shuzo nodded. "Aside from the mischievous deeds your partner in crime committed, there's more. Do you remember what happened when you fell off the cliff?"

"MONSTERS!"

A stone was thrown from the Meiko prince and then to the teal head. The fragile boy was knocked down and blood dripped from his forehead. "STAY AWAY YOU MONSTERS!" and more stones.

Tetsuya did not dodge anymore, as he was already tired. He was careless to have shown Seijuro his new fireworks technique but the Cliffside turns out to be open as another kid had followed them. When the teal head made sparks at the wrong timing, creating a wave of failed fire, it must've scared the kid. But Seijuro who had seen the blood became angry. Calling Tetsuya a monster was one thing, but injuring him was another.

A huge whiff of red spikes was formed from his left hand SWISH! He angrily directed the red magic at the boy who all he saw was burning ashes. That's right, people who hurt those he love should just PERISH.

"Sei-kun, DON'T!"

the cry of his friend woke him from his trance and the next thing he knew, his magic shot Tetsuya's chest whom his body protected the bully frozen behind him.

"No!"

Anguish was what he felt until he found out that his magic was redirected towards him. He didn't have time to blink when it struck his left eye hard. The pain was excoriating but knowing the ring he gave Tetsuya redirected what was suppose to kill him made Seijuro smile. The pain got worst and he wobbled backwards before gravity defied him.

He fell from the cliff.

"SEI-KUN!"

'Don't shout, Kuroko. It'll hurt your throat.'

But the teal head jumped after him without hesitation. "Tetsuya no!"

But the call of his name motivated the teal head further. With the boost of his flames; he reached Seijuro and hugged him. He flipped their positions in a knick of time and his back slammed against the water first.

The red head was losing his consciousness as the waters swallow the both. But not yet. Not when Tetsuya was hurt.

His remaining strength got them both back at the shore. "I'm sorry." He stroked the teal locks of the boy beside him before giving a chaste kiss on the forehead.

"Akashi! Kuroko!"

The king's voice was all the assurance he need before passing out.

"So long least that I didn't get this from a troll's kiss."

Shuzo laughed. "Trust me they're real. Kuroko says so."

"What else did he tell you? Did I lose my memory because of the ice shard? I don't remember much after losing consciousness and somehow, it feels like some of my memories were lies, replaced to block me remembering my powers."

"...That you have to ask him yourself." Then the king let out a wheeze cough. "Now that your well, get out and find him."

Seijuro nodded and ran out of the room, despite the rest of the Generation of Miracles stumbling from the wooden door as of caught eavesdropping red handed. "I'll be back as soon as possible. I pushed him into doing this, it is my responsibility to clear his name." The red head bravely announced to the panicking people. Among them was Shigehiro distributing blankets to the younger civilians. Why was it snowing a bit hard? Though December, no snow was suppose to come at earlier week.

No. None of that was of importance. Tetsuya was first priority. He called for a horse and for someone to fetch his necessary belongings (which was suspiciously heavier than expected).

He hoisted himself up and position himself at the saddle. "I'll bring him back, I promise." He sent an apologetic look at Shigehiro who nodded acceptingly.

"Heika!" Chihiro ran towards him. "There's a snow storm coming around the kingdoms. We need you back at Rakuzan as to the others in their respective kingdoms."

"Eh! That's unfair, Tetsu-kun needs help." Says Satsuki though a bit stunned of the truth.

Chihiro was to protest when he was suddenly lifted by the purple hair giant. "Go, Aka-chin. I'll hold him off."

"Put me down! This is uncalled for! Oi, Akashi!"

Again heterochromatic eyes looked apologetic. "I leave Rakuzan in your hands. For a while." With a heave of the lash, the horse sprinted away with the king and everyone burst into praises. Yet cut short when Shugo came out with a pale face. "Nijimura is down!" Healers came rushing in and to the rest panicked. A snow storm and they were short one leader. Worst was Shuzo completely unconcious.

"Crap, what should we do? We have to get home but we can't leave Teiko like this." Shintarou rarely cursed but times like these threw his composure. Since Tetsuya's power was exposed, could the winter be the side effect as of following the prophecy?

"I'll stay in Teiko."

"Like hell I'm leaving you alone here, Satsuki!"

"But Dai-chan-!"

"Allow me." A suave voice cut them the fiancee's quarrel. All eyes turned to the figure in disbelief. "I may not have training like all of you but I ran several divisions in our company."

"This is a kingdom your shouldering.".says Ryota sternly but the man persisted. "I can do it. Besides, if the snow storm struck here first, who knows about surviving the cold best than an ice harvester."

They were still relucant but time was running out. "We leave Teiko in your hands, Ogiwara Shigehiro."

A sinister smirk formed. "I'll do my best."

Okay guys, I really need suggestions on this for the next chapter... WHO GETS THE LET IT GO NUMBER? AKASHI OR KUROKO O.O ?