Your plethora of lovely reviews made me smile and if you've hung onto this despite the delay then I appreciate you sticking with me. I adore every one of you who decided to give this story a chance.
The night becomes still again, except for Kuroko's heartbeat still thudding hard inside his chest.
Once he is clothed and on dry land, he lies back against the grass and lets them prick away at his flesh. The fireflies are rather dull tonight and so is the moonlight he gazes upon. The stars shed not a tear in the sky.
His gaze betrays none of his disdain but his body heats up with anger and confusion.
I am questioning everything I have ever been taught.
Somewhere far away, the chirp of crickets pierces the heart of stillness.
I thought that the gods were always benevolent.
Perhaps they are also not perfect.
Maybe all this time, my point of view has been an illusion.
A ghostly breeze ruffles the trees. Wilting cherry blossoms rain from the branches.
Perhaps I've only seen the world the way I wanted to see it. Or, which is more likely, the way others have wanted me to see it.
The breeze tickles the tufts of his hair, and he exhales the cool air from his nostrils.
My very purpose was to serve the gods. It was to be my pride, my duty, my passion. And it still is - but things have changed. I have changed.
What was truly frightening was how much one could change in a short amount of time.
The Teiko gods are still the greatest. They still have all of my devotion.
But I now believe all of them have the capability to be cruel.
How abruptly his spinning world has now come to a stop, how quickly his thoughts now take on a new direction. Maybe humans and gods are more alike than he'd previously thought.
Forgive me, Seirin. I am sorry.
The bruises mysteriously fade, but Kuroko feels as if they left something deeper than a mark on his skin.
He has spent the night bathing in the sacred springs meant to cleanse one of sin, but now he feels more tainted than ever.
Kirisaki Daiichi was a kingdom of prosperity before the plague. The aristocratic gardens were nestled among wide, sloping hills and glassy skies that would rarely see the sun. Every house was built to ensure the maximum of comfort and the people here never wanted for anything.
Until recently, that is. Kirisaki Daiichi does not look the same to a traveler who had passed by in its earlier days. Most of the pretty houses have their shutters drawn and windows closed. Those that are not crumbling due to weekly and daily riots risk becoming the next targets of the starving, angry mobs.
And one god from above watches it all.
He is the god of sin, the bringer of all things foul, the god of plague. The Plague of the Seven Sins as some dub it was born from the tips of his fingers.
It wasn't to be this way. This didn't have to happen. Had his people stayed faithful to his worship, he would have spared them from the plague born of his making.
But thus they'd gone ahead and worshiped the Teiko gods. Teiko. Just thinking about their shared powers makes Hanamiya cringe. The title of emperor meant nothing since he gave that much power to the other gods - they are supposed to be his subordinates.
When Hanamiya ascends to the throne, he will overthrow anybody with power until he alone controls the center of the universe as it was meant to be. Then those Teiko brats who dared to get in his way, who dared to force him into exile take over the throne after that snotty piece of shit Sanada finally was overthrown.
Akashi Seijuro will pay for taking what belongs to Hanamiya. The latter's lips curve into a smirk as he observes an orchard of fruit trees catching on fire.
Burn, my lovelies, burn. See the desolation of your actions engulf your village in flames. Pay the price for not worshiping me as I deserve. Die the slow, agonizing deaths you have earned. Every last one of you will perish for your misdeeds. No water. No mercy.
And no Generation of Miracles.
The sickly flowers of devastation are always in blossom within the kingdom of Kirisaki Daiichi.
The dawn is still young, but he feels very old and very exhausted as he ascends up the steps of the temple. Shuutoku is a kingdom of many, but this mountain is rarely visited. Rumors are that the gods allow no mortal to visit, ever.
Strange enough, today the God of Fortune does not spend the day gazing into his lagoon. He has done much of that recently, and he has seen what he needs to see.
The summit of the shrine rests atop a layer of mist that hasn't quite reached the clouds but remains as close to the heavens as can be. The labyrinth of mist sometimes hides the treasure within the temples from the world's prying eyes.
The mist shimmers when sunlight embraces dawn in the first kiss of a new sunrise. The rays penetrate through layers of sparkling material and crystal to place gentle touches on the coffin within. If a mortal was ever granted this vision, they might think it the most eloquent greenhouse they have ever seen. But the interiors aren't filled with mere vegetation.
Jewels, rare trinkets, antiques of gold and precious metals collected over centuries amass in collective and respected rows. A rather impressive lion statue sits over the east wall, pouring a stream of fresh water into its fountain below.
Flowers of every kind blossom, at their most radiant despite the centuries that have passed, for these are no ordinary flowers but ones cut, picked, and cared for by the god himself. Every single minuscule scar on his fingers and the time it takes to bandage them are worth it.
But to say he regrets nothing would be a lie.
The pinnacle of his regrets lie within the heart of the coffin itself. It is one befitting of a god, yet the beauty inside it is neither god or immortal. But the coffin keeps his body from decay and confines the fragile wisp of his soul in everlasting crystal.
Midorima had had many qualms about making it crystal. On one hand, he wants to be able to see the face of the one he had once adored so much. On the other, there are simply not enough pieces of his heart left to be torn into pieces again.
The face has been fading over the years, he's noticed. The once clear, sharp image of the young man has seemingly melted and become one with the crystal.
The flowers remain prim and beautiful under his hand. Some of Midorima's especially devote worshipers have also included a gift for him in their tributes. At their best, humans could be magnanimous and compassionate. His mouth goes dry as he remembers some of the things they have done for him over the years.
His hands tremble as they touch the coffin for the first time in a very long time. It almost feels as if he's breaking the sacred veil the universe worked so hard and long to put up between them.
Almost.
It succeeded all too well, and the hands of fate are as cruel as they are majestic.
In the present, Midorima arranges the new flowers with the old. The lucky item for Scorpios today, a vase of belladonna, is placed into its awaiting spot.
The caged one was like a belladonna himself: deadly but beautiful, all too beautiful for the God of Fortune to handle. Not only did the former once possess the very manifestation ofpassion, but his soul was every bit as piercing as his silver eyes. Midorima remembers them, for to him they are as timeless as the beads of spring rain stirring a connection with the damp earth.
"Even after all this time, your captivation of me has not loosened its grip," he says softly, a lump in his throat for the image of the young man burned into his mind.
He need not make sure no one else could hear since the only one here with him is the petrified young man. Then again in the matter of essence he really is alone, for the preserved crystal body contains no soul within its glittering depths.
"If given the chance, I would join you in a heartbeat. There has been nothing more that I have...desired over the centuries. No matter the grandeur, the life of an immortal is swathed in isolation. In no way are my thoughts dependent on you nor is my rationality concerned with your existence, but this one phenomenon seems to make an exception for nothing.
I've had time to consider many destinies over the centuries, and I have come to a conclusion that there exists a despair in my own that is like no other. Man may propose and the gods do dispose, but it is fate that ultimately reigns. Now I follow fate but what fools we both were - what idiosyncratic values we shared.
Despite all this, I cannot say I ultimately regret the brief amount of time we shared together, as it was intended by fate, and perhaps in repugnant ways changed us both for the better. And in this way I grieve with dignity. The strongest ones need not always come out triumphant.
You were strong in your own way. This I acknowledge[SH7] and attribute as one of your greatest qualities. It takes a tremendous amount of skill to battle for the greater good, but it takes just as much to battle against a perceived illusion of one.
Your courage is not lost to the stars, my love. I will ensure that your memory lives in my care for centuries to come." And with that he presses his taped fingers on the glass, through which he can see the young man's encased face in a subdued blur.
As always he leaves with a heavy heart. As much as he wants to believe his words can reach through time and space, he must accept that all this time he has been talking to nothing more than a lion of stone.
"Akashi."
The addressed god does not turn around, but a small smirk ghosts his lips as his eyes engage in conversation with the full, round moon.
"Shintarou. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Midorima gracefully leaps from his cloud wisp until he is standing on the same branch as Akashi. The Emperor of the Gods is not known for his height but his drawling presence simply commands the attention of anyone, be they mortal or immortal.
"I will speak all that crosses my mind, should you be in the mindset to hear my words. They may not be uplifting, but they are most certainly candid."
"I should hope that you will, my oldest friend. Speak your heart out to me."
"Your obsession with the boy has stepped over the line, nanodayo."
Akashi turns to Midorima, smiling. The green-haired god notes that while the smile is by no means bitter, it certainly does not lack bite.
"Ah, always the honest one, Shintarou. I already knew exactly what you had to speak to me about, but might I inquire why you are making this more urgent than necessary?"
"Your wrath is building to dangerous levels inside of you," Midorima says, looking straight into the much feared eyes of the Emperor god. "This could indicate a storm brewing for Rakuzan, not to mention everywhere else..."
Akashi turns to bore his eyes, one crimson one golden, straight into the soul and core of the other god. "Might you be suggesting that my control over my own kingdom is inadequate? Shintarou, are you implying that I am... incompetent in my power?"
"You know that is not what I mean to say, Akashi," replies Midorima, "And I daresay you understand exactly what I am trying to tell you."
"Do tell, then," says Akashi, amused, "I would like to hear what words lie foreboding on your tongue."
Midorima's lips curve into a most unsightly frown. "The Kuroko boy is not worth your pursuits, Akashi. You understand what happens when we mix within the affairs of mortals."
"I wouldn't exactly say I have been pursuing the boy, Shintarou," Akashi's voice is pure velvet, "I must ask you to choose your words more precisely. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings now, would we?"
Midorima is silent. The wind stirs the stray wisps of their hair, and the night seems to heave a sigh with the weight of the universe within its damp soul.
"I have loved once," the green-haired god says, occupying his fingers with tape after a long moment. "And it was no pleasant matter."
"Love," Akashi hums the word on his tongue, and bites, "Something intangible that most mortals seek but only few have ever found, and still the fewer got to keep. Well, would you look at that? Despite the number of centuries that have passed, wonders never cease. It is the only thing I have never had in my possession, and therefore I desire it more than anything."
"Love does not always find those whom desire it. More often than not I would add, nanodayo."
"A challenge I am more than willing to accept." Akashi's lips curves into a rather chilling smile, his voice raspy and eyes lit with desire, "By the end of this, Tetsuya will weep for the love of me. He will not be able to live without my presence and guidance in his mortal life. His world will come to revolve around me, and everything of his I will not only own but consume within the entirety of his affection: heart, mind, body, and soul."
Midorima's eyes flash in fury; he could not remember the last time he'd seen the Emperor of the Gods like this. "You treat it as if it was nothing more than mere power," the former sneers, "It is a cursed fate of the stars; it demolishes all chances of escape once it has you captured within its grasp. Even if you are somehow able to survive, their scars will mark you for eternity."
He cocks his head to side, pushing up his spectacles with taped fingers, breathing hard. "You have never known the meaning of love, Akashi."
"Tsk, I would not have expected such brashness from you, Shintarou." Akashi tilts his head to the side, his tone carrying a rather mocking essence. "You are wrong in that I have never known its meaning. There are hundreds of millions of mortals who pray and worship me on a daily basis. There are those who dedicate their shrine to me alone.
Their love for me surpasses the amount of your stars in this universe, Shintarou. And yet the certain love I seek is different from those of adoration. The love I seek is unyielding, burning, absolute passion. It cannot be found within any mere mortal."
(In Midorima's mind, he didn't see what made the Kuroko boy so special. He is rather ordinary, if Midorima says so himself. And he does, just not aloud.)
"I would imagine that kind of love to be more than mere power, nanodayo."
"There is no power that is mere. Power is power, and only those who know how to make use of it are the ones who can lead themselves to fulfillment. I am absolute, and all bows under my hand. Love and power are no exceptions, they will both end up in the palm at the end."
"I beg to differ," Midorima can't help but blurt out, and bites his tongue when he receives Akashi's expression. He changes course. "I will not argue anymore with you, but at the end of all this, you will see truth as it has always been there."
"And to what merit can you make of that, Shintarou?" Akashi's voice is sharp, yet amused. "My eyes see all. I make no mistakes and leave behind no regrets."
"So you say, Akashi, but what of the others that want to claim Kuroko Tetsuya? What if fate has other plans in store for you, nanodayo?"
Akashi smiles the smile of upcoming battle and blood lust. "Then I am prepared to fight for what is mine."
Midorima narrows his eyes in scrutiny. "You will battle fate?"
"If fate dares to defy me, I will ensure to teach it a lesson it will never forget. I am Emperor of the Gods, and should fate veer a different course other than the one I have chosen for it, I shall gouge out its eyes as a symbol of atonement and offer them to you."
Midorima's eyes are wide, staring at the Emperor of the Gods with disbelief. He harbors no doubt that Akashi means every word he has spoken.
The latter's lips curve into a line of triumph. "Do not make me repeat myself Shintarou, for my words are absolute over all, even the stars."
And that is how Midorima understands the conversation is over. "Very well then, Akashi." His voice is soft-spoken, a shooting star that will hit nothing in its time.
So the night goes as fast as it comes, and the stars evidently fade for no one.
SLAP!
Both Kise and Aomine's mouths hang open at the vision that is being displayed by Midorima's lagoon.
The God of Beauty and the God of Heroes peer for a closer look to verify if a patch of red was really forming on Kuroko's cheek. Even from up in Teiko they can hear the sound ricochet off the walls of the torch-lit room, throwing harsh shadows around like cannon-fire. A spark has just been ignited by someone who has lived in the shadows his entire life.
Kuroko bites the inside of his cheek, somewhat numbing the pain of the delivery as the occupants of the room stand in shock stemming from what they just witnessed. Nobody is quite sure what to say (including the two watching gods), but as per some sort of tradition it is Riko who breaks the silence.
"Was that really necessary?" She sounds conflicted, directing her stare towards the hand of the slapper.
Prince Hyuuga shifts uncomfortably but his voice comes out steady. "Disobedience can be regarded as traitorous behavior. I have to draw the line somewhere, Riko!"
"Well you don't have to slap him in front of practically the entire court! Physical punishment is performed by rather uncouth kingdoms, remember?"
"I must ask for your silence," Hyuuga says, "Gods only know what else to do with this temple sweep. It must be some form of treason to play with kingdom ties like this."
"That's not written in the rule books," says Riko, rolling her eyes, "And anyways if you're going to do a slap, at least make it a good one. That was so damn weak!"
As everyone shifts their stares onto the priest's daughter, Izuki chimes in, "His slaps have never echoed his true force. At least not until now."
"Izuki Shun, I will end you - "
"Ahh but Hyuuga, my lord, you haven't even finished your breakfast yet," Izuki says sweetly (and all are staring at him thinking he has finally cracked, although the prince knows he already did a long, long time ago), "You can always chew him out after you've devoured your main course."
This causes confusion among the room. Hyuuga feels his eye twitching like no tomorrow. "Shut up, Izuki." His tone stuns the buzzing court into silence once more.
"You know, Aominecchi, I can't believe the sharp-eyed man just made an innuendo in front of the prince's entire court, ssu ~!"
"Shut up, Kise, I'm trying to listen!"
"You don't have to be so mean, Aominecchi!"
"And you don't have to be so perverted, Kise. Good gods, I'm glad I am one so I don't have to pray to you[SH9] ."
"How cruel can your words get, Aominecchi?! You're almost as bad as the prince that slapped Kurokocchi!"
"Oi, don't compare me to the bastard who hits people for not getting into political marriages!"
"What are the two of you doing at my lagoon, nanodayo?"
The blond and tan god turn to face the God of Fortune who sprouts a rather large and visible vein on his forehead.
"Midorimacchi! We were just watching mortal drama unfold, ssu ~! The prince of Seirin was being mean to Kurokocchi because he didn't want to marry a foreign king."
"If I were the altar boy though, I'd go ahead and hop aboard the wedding bells plan," says the God of Heroes and War, stuffing his pinky into his ear as far as it could get, "That dense king is probably the hottest offer a boy like that is ever going to get. Let him grope his ass, ride the king's pecker a couple times, boom he gets filthy rich quick."
"So vulgar, Aominecchi!" Kise screams.
"Keep your perversion away from my lagoon, nanodayo!" Midorima shouts, jabbing Aomine with a taped finger.
"Oi!" grumbles Aomine, swatting it away. "I was just making a point."
"The world doesn't need points like yours, Aominecchi," Kise snaps, "I'm sure we'd all prefer if you kept them to yourself. Besides, Kurokocchi can do so much better. He doesn't need anyone else if he has Akashicchi."
"I don't think that's any of your business, Kise," Midorima remarks, perhaps just as sharply, "Frankly, I am quite insulted that you two idiots would sneak to my lagoon the brief moment I am gone."
"You never leave your lagoon, ssu ~! And you rarely ever let us use it as it is."
"Tch, you're stingy with it," Aomine replies, making a face as his pinky digs into something deep.
"Aomine, I have never seen a habit that revolts me so - "
"Hello everyone!" A giant yawn erupts as a pile of clouds move themselves aside to reveal the face of a gigantic violet god.
Midorima splutters. "Murasakibara, were you - were you napping in that pile of clouds?"
"Yep," the God of Plenty and Harvest replies happily, suppressing another yawn, "And I think I have some leftover corn harvest in the front pockets of my robes."
The Gods of Fortune, Romance, and War could only stare as the God of Harvest munches away on his own creation.
"Oh, Kurokocchi is speaking now!" Kise points out, and all four of them turn their attention back towards the lagoon.
"Sumimasen," says the altar boy, "Normally a broken promise is nothing more than an abhorrence most abominable, however in this case I must commit hypocrisy. It is for the greater good that I ask to dissolve the arrangements of this union. I was visited by a god last night - "
"Preposterous! You must not tell such lies in the front of the prince's court."
"I beg your pardon, but I am not lying. The Emperor of the Gods himself - "
"No one has ever reported coming face-to-face with a god! And to think you have the nerve to say a god visited you!"
Whispers ring across the room. "Did he say he was visited by the Emperor of the Gods himself?"
"Poor thing's not used to this much attention that he suddenly gets delusional."
"He's gone mad."
"Shit, he's really getting the short end of the stick in that court," mumbles Aomine.
"Poor, poor Kurokocchi! I'd go down there and give him a big hug just to prove all those meanies wrong!"
"Aka-chin has allowed none of us to go down there unless it's for plague-related necessities," Murasakibara's voice comes muffled from him chomping his corn, "He says he wants us patrolling Teiko in every given moment."
"The life of the party as always," Aomine remarks dryly. Midorima's eyes narrow as they zone in at the bronze god.
"No one is to go near Kuroko Tetsuya," he says firmly, doing his habitual routine of pushing up his spectacles, "Unless they wish to incur Akashi's wrath."
Three pairs of eyes flash towards him in surprise.
"What are you even talking about, Midorima?"
"I see no reason to hold back my words. Akashi harbors a persistent...interest within the boy to the point where he has made multiple visits to Seirin in person."
"I wish I got to visit him!" Kise whines in the background. "Ouch!"
"Sorry, Ki-chin." Murasakibara draws back his elbow, not sounding very sorry at all.
"Something is happening in the lagoon!"
The four gods turn their attention back to the waters where faint ripples are beginning to appear.
"The gods wish me not to wed at this time." If the room was making him unperturbed, Kuroko certainly was not showing it. "I cannot go against the wishes of the gods. As long as Seirin still thrives under their protection, I wish not to anger them. I am sorry, Kagami-Sama, Hyuuga-Sama." And he bows the lowest he's ever bowed in his life because he has never felt so low before.
"King Kagamicchi is really, really red," Kise points out. The little ripples on the surface become a tad more erratic, the gods could feel the tension in the room escalate to new levels.
"Your disobedience is unacceptable, Kuroko," roars the Prince of Seirin, "I knew I was being too lenient with my ruling. No Teppei, don't you dare interject any of your opinions this time. Your advice has done nothing for me but allow my subjects to be indulged carelessly at any given leisure. I am still the sovereign of this kingdom and therefore you all shall still abide by the laws."
"Hyuuga, you're starting to sound like a tyrannical dictator already," yawns Izuki, waving a hand around, "Lighten up a bit! You're measuring your ruler status with obedience but you shouldn't take everything so personally."
"Um Izuki, I don't know if this a right time or place - " begins Kiyoshi, setting a large hand on Izuki's shoulder.
"Both of you shut up this minute!" snaps Hyuuga. For a moment, he looks as if he's about to fly into a berserk rampage and unleash all of his wrath upon the kingdom.
Then the moment fades as quickly as it comes, and he's rubbing his flushed face with one hand while the court looks on in stunned silence.
"That kingdom has problems," mutters Aomine and the other three agree with him, but none of them can tear their eyes away.
Kagami looks incredibly embarrassed as well. He scratches the back of his head and makes no eye contact with Kuroko, who is busy looking elsewhere anyways.
"Hyuuga, really, it's fine. I have a long trip ahead and I can stop by another kingdom. I already said I won't hold anything against you guys, so we can just forget all this ever happened."
"Kagami, with all due respect, this is about disrespect and disobedience. Treachery must be addressed and receive proper punishment."
"I beg your pardon, Hyuuga," Riko cuts in, "But I don't really think disagreeing with being forced into a political marriage can be considered treachery. It may not be the politest thing to do but it's not anywhere near as bad as you're making it out to be. By and by, it is not in Seirin's principle to force anyone to do something against their will."
"In my kingdom, whenever we disagree on a matter, we all take a vote," Kagami adds, "Majority wins. We may not be able to please everyone but this way at least we know we're taking the majority into consideration. That's the way a democracy is run."
"Come to think of it, it doesn't sound like an all-around bad idea," Kiyoshi rubs his chin, "What do you think, Hyuuga?"
"I don't know anymore," mutters Hyuuga, "Do as you please. Obviously this is not exactly the kingdom I had envisioned."
"Now, now, don't be a spoilsport," Kiyoshi smiles at him, "Your opinion still very much matters! All the important decisions are made by you, and that will never change. Shall we take a vote, everyone?"
Murmurs of agreement ring out among the court.
"Hang on!" Hyuuga interjects, and all eyes turn toward him. "Won't it be a little silly to vote whether Kuroko gets wedded or not?"
"That's not what we're voting for," Riko snaps, rolling her eyes, "Well then! All those in favor of Seirin upholding its principles of free will, raise your hand high into the air!"
The four gods watch as the room unanimously hold their hands up (including Kagami).
"Well, it's decided then," Kiyoshi announces cheerfully, "Court dismissed. You are dismissed as well, Kuroko. Come on Your Highness, I will see that you are off to a safe journey."
"Yay! Kurokocchi was saved!" cheers Kise.
"Tch. I still say he would have been better off marrying the king," scoffs Aomine, "But whatever, he's an idiot. At least Akashi has got more brains than him."
"Why, I quite appreciate the sentiment there Daiki," says a smooth voice from behind them.
The four gods spin around to acknowledge the Emperor, the God of War bearing a particularly red face.
"Akashi..."
"Akashicchi!"
"Akashi, nanodayo."
"Aka-chin, welcome back."
Akashi nods at Murasakibara. "What has been the purpose of your little gathering here at Shintarou's lagoon?"
"We were watching Kurokocchi renounce his engagement," Kise replies, a little too bubbly, "As the God of Romance, I approve! He and Kagamicchi don't pair well together romantically - it would have been an unfortunate mismatch."
"Do be quiet, Ki-chin. Your voice sounded so annoying and high-pitched back there."
"Murasakicchi! Why so mean?!"
"What has become of Tetsuya?" Akashi inquires, particularly toward Midorima.
"Seirin has approved of his relinquishment, and he has currently retired to his temple," the God of Fortune replies, pushing up his spectacles. He sends an incredulous look Akashi's way.
Akashi's rather thin lips curve into a line. "Good. Daiki, Atsushi, I need you two to scout the skies for Hanamiya Makoto. Rumor has it that he has recently been seen overlooking the wreckage of Kirsaki Daiichi. Combine your forces and defeat him, but bring him back alive."
Aomine's veins thrum with excitement at the prospect of a mission that did not involve the plague. Even Murasakibara seems to perk up.
"Yes, Aka-chin!" He does a salute a god of giant stature really should be more careful about.
"You can count on us, Akashi," Aomine says, a large grin painting his face. He and Murasakibara only exchange glances before they teleport locations with a soft whoosh.
Akashi turns to the other two. "Shintarou, Ryouta, I need you to stay at Teiko and maintain order. Continue your medical research and Ryouta, you are to assist Shintarou in any way he asks. I will be traveling from kingdom to kingdom aiding those with plague, so contact me only in the state of an emergency."
"Yes sir, Akashicchi!"
Midorima's reply is more calculated, more hesitant. "Very well then, Akashi. I will do as you ask, nanodayo."
"Excellent. Oh and do be sure to keep an eye on Tetsuya during my absence. A particularly dear friend of his, Ogiwara Shigehiro, is in dire need of medical attention." And with those words Akashi departs.
"I think it's kind of adorable the way Akashicchi is so set on protecting Kurokocchi! Don't you agree, Midorimacchi?!"
But Midorima remains silent as the two make their way to the Teiko library near the fountain (constructed of a brilliant marble with endurance, in courtesy of the God of Fortune and Wisdom). Kise, on the other hand, continues to chat away about everything underneath the sun.
"-Midorimacchi, are you even listening to me? Midorimacchi? Why are you going into the history section? Shouldn't we be hitting up the medical section instead?"
"Studying a topic without studying its origin is an action akin to that of a fool." Midorima's fingers skim the majestic rows of shelves until they come to rest on a large leather-bound volume entitled The History of Teiko.
Kise whistles. "Wow Midorimacchi, that sure is some ancient script."
Midorima tsks. "It was completed not even a few centuries ago. That shouldn't be a long time to you, Kise."
"Should I take that as a compliment or an insult?!"
"Take it as whatever you want," Midorima replies, "I may need some time to translate some of the old writing. I hate to ask this, but do you think you have the capabilities to handle the lagoon for a bit?"
"You bet!" Kise replies brightly, though his eyes narrow into slits of determination. "I will keep an eye on Kurokocchi and police the world at the same time ssu~ !"
But Midorima's attention diverts back to the book; if there be any treasury of answers they were sure to lie somewhere in here. The pages are old and yellowing, filling his nose with the scent of old books and leather-bound promises time was scarcely able to keep.
"It's time I discover where you come from and what spell you cast over our emperor, Kuroko," the God of Fortune mutters as he dives into the legends of the past.
"Hyuuga, you can't stay in bed forever," Izuki says, tugging at the prince's covers, "You have to go and eat something now."
"Go away Izuki. I made a fool of myself today and everyone will remember it for the rest of my life. I've lost so much face as prince."
The first thing that pops into Izuki's mind is a brilliant pun, but he decides to bite his tongue instead. "Why did you yell so much?"
A bitter chuckle emits from underneath the covers. "Since when do I not yell all that much? I'm used to it. As a figure of royalty I must have command over my own kingdom now mustn'tI?"
"I think everyone likes the way you run it," Izuki says, "You're never tyrannical, and you've still never allowed yourself to be overtaken by power. You came close today actually, but you held on. I'm still proud of you."
"... Well, it's not difficult to make you proud," Hyuuga says, though his words bear a hint of a smile.
Izuki grins. "That's very true, my prince. And the way you run Seirin may be different than that of any other kingdom, but to me it doesn't even feel like a kingdom - it's like we're all one big family."
Hyuuga sits up. "That's surprising...hearing it from you."
Izuki sits beside him on the soft mattress. "Is it? You know it is true, and just about everyone thinks it." He reaches for Hyuuga's hand. It is larger than his own and warm within the palm.
"Do you think he might be upset with me?"
"Who, Kuroko? Nah, he seems more like the type who'd be upset at himself."
"Typical Seirin boys," Hyuuga chuckles weakly, but Izuki throws an arm around his shoulder, beaming.
"How about we go for some warm miso soup and that imported tea you got last week?"
"That actually sounds quite scrumptious right now," Hyuuga says, removing the covers, "Ah, let me just find my shirt. Can you step out for a minute and close the door?"
"Actually, I'd rather stay right here." Izuki's grin is large and dopey, even when Hyuuga's pillow hits him.
"Shut up Izuki!"
Izuki chuckles. "Hyuuga, you only need to ask. Of course I'd love to stay the night as well."
The thunderstorm outside makes it even harder for Kuroko to fall asleep. His thoughts are filled with the occurrences of the day, and try as he might he cannot rid himself of several maddening emotions burning within him.
Each streak of lightning dims the fading ember of his heart. The prospect of marriage seems like such a distant shore, still the waters prove to only get rougher the closer he gets.
It is the time of the night for one to toss and turn in the regret of everything they have ever done or said. The memories are swallowed by vortexes of infinity and dreams are warped into the tapestry of the cosmos.
Kuroko is having none of it. Do not blow this situation out of proportion. I am stronger than this.
Everyone has done things they regret. Everyone has lost faith in something good they once believed in. That doesn't mean I should stop believing in myself. That doesn't mean everything I believed in was a lie. It just means I should open my eyes and allow myself to accept the truth that comes with the past being gone and done.
If my faith gives me a sense of purpose and belonging like no other, then by it I will stick and life I will go on to live.
And it's okay, is Kuroko's last thought as he finally drifts off, if the gods act a little human sometimes. After all, everyone must do it from time to time.
But a good night's sleep is the last thing Kuroko gets this evening.
Some instinct within him wakes him up in the middle of the night. Light hits his eyes at a harsh angle, and he blinks a few times before he can register the overall picture.
How come there is light? I blew out all the candles before going to sleep.
He glances up.
And almost screams.
A face hovers a few inches above his own, but it clearly is not the Emperor of the Gods. It doesn't look like it belongs to any god, for it consists of two enormous voids that seem to be filled with everything and nothing all at once as they are being devoured by the jaundice that makes up the man's complexion. Although the man is ruggedly handsome, he shows many signs of virulent toil.
Internally Kuroko takes a breath. How despicably shallow he is being to base his judgement off of someone's physical appearance. He makes a commitment to himself in that moment: he is not to ridicule anyone for something they cannot change.
"Who are you?" he asks neither kindly nor unkindly in his soft, daily monotone. He scoots back in order to retain a little personal space.
A large, terrifying grin rips across the gnarled lips. "Why, I'm simply your average homeless man seeking shelter for the night," the mans says, his deep tone sickly sweet, "Surely a kind boy like yourself can offer me some food and a place to sleep?" A hand reaches toward Kuroko's cheek. "Perhaps some sympathy too..."
Kuroko immediately draws back. "I beg your pardon, Stranger-san. There is always plenty of food and drink provided in our temple, and Seirin Temple would be more than happy to offer you accommodation for the night. But since we are mere strangers, I must respectfully ask you to maintain both of our personal spaces."
I wonder how he got in if the temple doors are always locked at night. Could it be ...?
"Tsk, tsk. I must say I was expecting a boy with more eagerness," the man says, "But you have a defiant air about you. I suppose that will have to do."
Kuroko feels an icy tremble down his back. He was not one for violence, but his eyes scan the proximity for anything he can use to defend himself with should the occasion arise.
The man seems to know exactly what Kuroko is up to and tosses his head back in a chortle of vehement laughter. "Your obvious intentions are performed in vain, little mortal. I can sense your anxiousness from where I stand. Let me introduce myself then - Hanamiya Makoto, God of Sin and bringer of the Plague you all have become so well acquainted with."
He holds out a hand in mockery of Kuroko going still, but the blue-haired temple-keeper snaps out of his reverie just as soon as he sinks into it. His hands clench into fists at his side. The god is blocking his only exit, and he doubts anything in the room can defend himself against the powers of a god.
So he stands still. He will do his best to reason with the god. And should it be necessary, pray to Teiko. He can also ring the large bell that overlooks the roof. But can he really attempt to outrun the god onto the second floor...?
"I must admit that I've been wanting to meet you for awhile, Kuroko Tetsuya. Some bird whispered in my ear that you have been eating out of the great Akashi Seijuro's palm for many months now; I'd be simply delusional if I didn't become interested in you."
"I beg your pardon, Hanamiya-Sama," Kuroko responds, "But you must have been delusional if you were talking to birds."
An icy tension settles about the room as the god's lips curve into a cold smile. "Beautiful, just beautiful," he applauds slowly, closing the distance between them with every meticulous step, "I see that every bitch does learn from its master. Too bad he has taught you nothing about defending yourself from the other gods. What a cruel web he's gotten you into; you've both been wasting your time."
A blast emulates from the god's fingertips, quick and blinding and Kuroko is flat on his bottom, rendered immobile.
"No wonder you remain symptom free even after I allowed my vapors to plague the air that you breathe during your sleep. I should have known that damned Akashi would have applied some sort of protective barrier over you - most likely around the pressure point on your neck, that's where it stands the most powerful. But no matter. I will still have you in the end."
Kuroko's heartbeat has hastened to many leagues per minute since this encounter. He says a few quick prayers in his head and hopes that they have been heard. No matter how futile it seems to be, he will not lessen his hold on the little hope he needs to cling onto.
This is a god - but he is a monster of one, a monster with sallow skin and bulging eyes the hue of dirty rainwater bearing its teeth at him.
"You may think you have won tonight." Kuroko is relived to hear he can still speak. The sound of his own voice gives him a tiny dose of courage. "But good always triumphs over evil. Ultimately, it doesn't matter how many victories you gain or lives you take, you will never be a god to be respected if you dwell only upon our misery and suffering. Oh, and I am not a bitch." Blue flames burn inside Kuroko's eyes. "But something reassures me that karma is."
Hanamiya's eyes stop twinkling and his lips curl into a sneer. "I am so done with little bakas like you. You may be protected from me physically, but I have a trump card to ensure I get to feast upon your pain and the pain of all your Teiko friends!"
Kuroko is freed from the telekinetic immobility and he hits the ground with a dull thud. His immediate response is to reach for a candlestick - if he can just send some hot wax the other's way - buy himself some time - even if it's mere seconds, time always counts -
Hanamiya's tongue slithers like that of a serpent, his laughter a wild man come to stake his claim. "I will rip you to pieces, and when the time comes, I'll decapitate your little emperor too. Behold, little one - my trump card."
Kuroko doesn't even manage to grab onto the candlestick before he feels himself rendered immobile again. But this time something is different. Something is off. A sinister green haze seems to be swallowing his body - and though it causes him no physical pain, a dull headache begins to pound away at his temple. It's all coming from one little green stone the god clutches in his hand as if he is praying with it.
Kuroko holds onto his head and tries to move - tries to do something, anything for relief - opens his mouth to speak - it is all futile.
Hanamiya's cackle slices through the night as he vanishes from Seirin Temple, making sure to extinguish every single source of light on his exit.
Kuroko is left to revel in his own horror as he feels nothing more in his legs, arms, head, chest. His expression remains silent and dispassionate, composed. But in that moment, that is the last thing he feels as everything within his entire existence fades away into the cold stillness of stone.
"Midorimacchi! Midorimacchi!"
Midorima's head snaps up, the rim of his eyes rather crimson from conducting his studies nonstop.
"What is it, Kise?" he snaps as the blond bursts into the library, sending his pages of translations fluttering. "HEY!"
"Oops, sorry about that Midorimacchi! But you've got to come quick! Something awful has happened to Kurokocchi!"
Midorima is adamant to denying it later, but at that moment he shouts, "WHAT?!" And proceeds to follow Kise to the lagoon, not even bothering to pull away the hold Kise has on his arm.
"It's Kurokocchi!" Kise practically wails. "I've already sent word to Akashicchi, I fear I may have been too late! I was so focused on researching the cures that I didn't even notice anything happening until it already happened! I'm a terrible guardian, Midorimacchi, I really am!"
Midorima glances over into his lagoon, but sees nothing besides a crowd in chaos at the Seirin Temple. He crosses his arms. "If you would stop your blabber and actually speak to me like an intelligent being about what is going on, then perhaps I could be of more help in the matter."
"Kurokocchi was turned to stone!"
Midorima's arms fall to his sides. "What? How is that possible?" he sputters.
"The god of plague did it," Kise attests, his voice somehow composed enough to string his sentences together, "Haizaki has been busy sorting out the dead since the beginning of the plague. We have heard littlefrom him which means he is too preoccupied to mess with us anytime soon. Who else could it be besides the bringer of this plague?"
"Hanamiya has wanted to strike at Teiko for a very long time," Midorima states thoughtfully, "This would have to be a perfect example of a revenge attempt to unhinge Akashi. Additionally, Hanamiya is the only one to possess the power of turning one to stone."
"What kind of sick power is that?!"
"It stems from an ancient power derived from a Gorgon," Midorima explains, "In our present day, it is rumored to be in the form of a small emerald. But should it come into that form, its powers can only be used once, nanodayo."
"The Seirin people were talking about smithereens of bright green at the Kurokocchi statue's feet!"
Midorima's eyes narrow. "Then it must have been him. No one else in this world possesses a Gorgon emerald besides Hanamiya Makoto."
Kise narrows his eyes as well. "Then he better be prepared for a goddamn showdown. Let us find Akashicchi!"
"No, it is better if we stay here," Midorima objects, "If we leave Teiko unguarded, that would be a mistake on our parts. If you have sent a message to Akashi, it is likely that he is on his way as we speak."
"I sure hope so," Kise mutters, narrowing his eyes at the skies around them.
"Let us take the best course of action," Midorima says, "Which is to fulfill our respective duties in the time that we wait for Akashi to return. That would make the most efficiency out of everyone's time. Besides, I am just about finished with my translations. If my studies add up with the periods of history, then it will be an enormous revelation we come to."
A tremor slices through earth, sea, and sky. The whole world tingles. The kingdoms of Seirin, Kaijo, Shuutoku, Touou, Yosen, and Rakuzan feel the magnitude of the god's rage.
It is absolute suicide if one dares to mess with Teiko.
Akashi's fury is silent but livid. He does not scream his head off. He does not curse everything in sight. Instead, his knuckles whiten and his heterochromatic eyes disappear from sight beneath his bangs.
No one in Kirisaki Daiichi is to be spared from his wrath. In due time, the ruins of Kirisaki Daiichi will remain only as legend, but it will heed as a warning to anyone who dares to consider challenging the authority of the Emperor of the Gods.
"The corrupt people of Kirisaki Daiichi will be human no more. They will weave webs for their homes and devour vermin for sustenance instead," he tells Kise, Murasakibara, and Aomine, "Show no mercy."
He would have sent Midorima as well to complete the circle, but he is intrigued by what the God of Fortune tells him.
"If you happen to remember that Kuroko was found on the steps of Seirin Temple as a baby," Midorima says, calmly and solemnly looking Akashi in his fuming eyes, "I believe I have discovered the origin of his emergence. Tell me Akashi, what do you recall about the Phantom Sixth God?"
Apologies for delay, but I want y'all to know just because I do write gift fics once in awhile doesn't mean I will abandon this story =) I hold it dear to my heart and after the plentiful feedback I've received, I am more than grateful for some of the feedback you have left me. I'm excited to announce the next update will be sooner than this one as I already have Chapter 4 mapped out. Depending on its length, it might be the kickstarter chapter to quicker updates!
I will always do my best to keep the characters in character as much as possible, since this is an AU I do have to make a couple tweaks here and there to move along the story. Boy does crap go down!
Here's a little more of background info. implied in the story:
~Midorima's lagoon works well to see mortals and lesser powers, but it is a lot harder for it to detect a god. It would be more efficient for the Teiko gods to use it to help victims (and in Akashi's case keep an eye on Kuroko) than to use it to try to find sneaky Hanamiya.
~Hanamiya's emerald is acquired from the famous Gorgon Medusa, henceforth it can turn people to stone. But it only works once, as Midorima said.
~Kise, Midorima, Murasakibara, and Aomine have never personally met Kuroko yet, but since Akashi spent a lot of time watching him from Midorima's lagoon (xD make of that what you will) and Kuroko prayed often, they have all gotten a chance to witness Kuroko's character.
~The following is my answer to why Kagami felt relieved that Kuroko denied his marriage in the last chapter:
The proposal is done more out of obligation for his country than anything since he is pressured by his council members to find a partner to establish a balance/stability of power (and Kagami's council is similar to the American system of government where the majority holds the most influence and one party having too much power is seen negatively).
Though Kuroko has little power or social standing to offer, he is the one to tour Kagami around so the latter feels the most comfortable with him out of everyone in Seirin. Kagami is embarrassed and relieved when Kuroko rejects him because he doesn't want to feel as if he is forcing Kuroko to do something. He's essentially prioritizing Kuroko's benefit over himself because that's the kind of king he wants to be. But the two did just meet for awhile ago; it was a mutual respect and strong friendship at best. Needless to say, it proved to be awkward on both of their parts.
Please continue to inspire me and tell me how I am doing. I ALWAYs look forward to hearing from you guys and from now on, will try to reply to every review, comment, or question. Thank you all so, so much! =^.^=
And here's a little preview of the upcoming chapter as a thank-you:
"I have discovered an ancient incarnation that may be able to revive Kuroko," the god states gravely, "But the consequences will be immense."