HELLO AGAIN EVERYOOOONE, and I am baaack after some few weeks LOL yeah. Thank you very much again for everyone who has been giving LION loooots of love! I know everyone is eager to see Furihata and Akashi finally meeting, and you know what's great? IT IS HAPPENING SOON! *drum rolls* To shia naru I am reaaally sorry for making you wait for to long and confusing you, but YES this is surely an AKAFURI fic, the Midotaka and the other pairs are there to build up the corner stones of the story, they actually provides the foreshadowing for the main plot. So which means, YES WE ARE CLOSE TO GETTING TO THE SERIOUS PAAAART lol, and do I hear people asking for some Aokise as well? AHAHAHA your wish has been granted! Ahaha, yes there will be AOKISE here as well *winks* To Belncaz thank you very muuuch, the inspiration to Takao's story is one of the characters in Akastuki no Yona, I've recently watched it and found that one character background story really interesting, when people fears something instead of the real purpose of it, because I think in real life that is what actually happens, people actually fears the gifts and they treat it like a curse. To AJ-san ahahaha, yes let's see what Midorima has planned! And about Aomine's mission LOL hohoho what is it indeed, and you'll know soon enough who owns the butterfly arc! To Hinonoona ah, yes its quite similar, I incorporated almost the same concept with one of the characters in Akatsuki no Yona where the power given to the children from the village instead of treating as gift, people started fearing them having a misconception about the powers of the owner and they shooed him away and locked away. Ahahaha and about Kise, its a secret for now, but SOON you'll know. And to Bubbles9595 ahaha looks like everyone is pumped up with that last part! We'll know soon! Thank you for everyone who has been patiently and diligently waiting for LION! I hope you never get tired of giving your thoughts for it! BECAUSE I'M SUPPPPER HAPPY!
Anyhooow,let's get back to the topiiiic~~ WELCOME TO CHAPTER 8! we're closing in to the fateful meeting of the peasant and the Emperor! But what about the Hawk Child, will the second prince be able to fulfill his mission or is he bound to death as what was foretold? READ TO FIND OOOOUT!
Oh please review as well! Love you guys!
PS. Oh btw guys, who watches Haikyu here? Damn, I only started like a few weeks ago, I feel so left out *sobs in the corner* But seriously, its a nice sports anime, I wish they make a season two SOON. Oh and I'm planning on doing a angst themed fanfic for it, ahaha, to those who had watched the anime, any suggestions?
Chapter 8: Unpredictable
It was a rare occurrence to see the fifth prince out of the Court of Peace and Earthly Tranquility, it was rare to see him walking casually in the outer courts where the Hall of Women were, usually it was filled with women who serves the palace, but sometimes they make exception—in secrecy. The prince upheld the order in the Hall of Women since there was no one else to do so, it was as if after the death of the Empress all her duties was shouldered by the fifth prince. However being a man himself, the fifth prince was uncommon to be seen there personally, usually he would call upon a meeting with the head of the attendants in the outer courts, he would then give and sort out the tasks to be done and the head attendants would implement the said task. He would only show up personally when there are important announcement or events, and all those time he was wearing a veil covering from half of his nose down. The servants and women all stood there in awe as for the first time in a long time, the fifth prince was walking in the outer courts in broad daylight without anything that hid his face. They watch in amusement, his face was indeed worthy to be called the gem of the Crimson Palace, white as ivory skin, and icy blue eyes just like the snow in the mountains of Shuutoku during the coldest winter, and his hair which were adorned with golden hair ornaments were as blue as the sky in a clear summer in Too, he was like the gentle breeze as he walk pass them, there was the air of royalty yet there was this distinct grace and subtleness in his movements, like a skilled court dancer. For a man to have such beautiful and delicate features, it was no wonder why the late Emperor was so keen on protecting the youngest prince. He was wearing a black kimono with golden prints of what seems like a kitsune engulfed in his own fire, the beautiful color contrasting his ivory white skin made him look even more feminine that intended, however instead of getting disgusted of a man looking feminine the women in the outer courts were brooding over the fact that no women right there could pull such beautiful kimono as the fifth prince could. His skin looked like it was made of porcelain, he looked like some ethereal being walking a barren land.
Everyone bowed their heads to the prince, the lower rank attendants knelt to the ground, hands on the ground as they bowed their head against it. They were still far bit early to be standing up in the presence of such beauty.
"Denka." Momoi Satsuki greeted with a smile. She was one of the few who were allowed to actually look at the prince casually. She had grown up in the Palace, her mother who was the head priestess during the reign of their father, the late Emperor, however after the death and Akashi Seijuuro's ascension to the throne she decided to take a different path, instead of the calling of priestess she became an informant of the palace, and the Emperor's most trusted source of information. She is one of the head of the Hall of Women, she took over the training of the court dancers and priestesses in training. "It's a rare sight that you show yourself in the Hall of Women. Could it be that you have finally found someone you've set your eyes on?"
The prince bowed his head slightly, his hair ornament making pleasant clinking sound as he did. "As much as I want to make you happy Momoi-san, no, I haven't set my eyes on anyone yet." The prince said, "However, I believe I am supposed to visit my supposedly apprentice?"
The informant chuckled, the five princes whom grew up with her seems to have it difficult to actually find someone they would set their eyes on, they were all born in such harsh reality and uptight rules. It wasn't as if they have such huge standards, they were just unsure, the person who is brave enough to break the tall walls these brothers built around themselves is yet to appear. Momoi wished to witness that moment. "Ah, yes, shall I escort you to where you are heading then?" She asked.
"Of course." The prince curtly replied.
"Its rare to see you here, a lot of uncommon things are happening all at once, I'm starting to fear this might be an omen of the end of the world." she joked.
"Please, Momoi-san that is a mere exaggeration, I wish to get the trust of my apprentice, it is only polite to show myself to him, yes?"
"Ah, then how about the coming of the Prince of Seirin, here?" she asked, "That's one surprised me. Who would have thought? Have you met him, yet?"
Kuroko didn't know if it was right to say, yes he did spoke to him personally but the Prince of Seirin didn't know that he is the fifth prince. "I guess you could say that." The fifth prince answered.
"Oh, my, my, what does he looks like? Is he charming at all, he's Westerner, he must be very tall! I hear the late King is quite famous for his towering height, does he looks like King Kiyoshi? Hmm, I wanted to see him but I'm quite busy myself."
Kuroko tried to think of the best and briefest way to actually describe the crimson haired prince, "He is…quite stupid."
"EH!" The informant exclaimed, she felt a cold sweat rolling down the side of her head, the fifth prince as always is upfront and frank—a bit too frank sometimes. "That's quite a way to describe a heir of a throne, so do you think Seirin's future would be cloudy in his hands, then?" Momoi's was shock when he saw the prince paused to think, what's this…was he actually considering things? The fifth prince has always been a good judge of character, and people were mostly like an open book, when he says a person is stupid the next thing wouldn't go far from that statement, it is almost never that the prince would actually needed to contemplate the next thing he would speak of.
"No," the fifth prince said, "I think he would be a great King."
Momoi was surprised there was no hint of sarcasm in the fifth prince's words, the fifth prince rarely ever praised anyone. And hearing him say that, there was no doubt, the Prince of Seirin is one of a kind. There was no further need for description, the way the fifth prince's eyes shone was enough evidence, the Prince is a force to be reckoned with.
Momoi stopped as he found the prince stopping at the sight before them, a long table was placed there in the courtyard. They could smell the scent of herbs and medicinal plants, on the corner of the table stood a strict looking woman, the head of the pharmaceuticals of the Crimson Palace. With careful eyes the woman watched as the young brunette stood there watching the boy name every single one of the items before him. Silently the fifth prince watches the brunette as well, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. He seems very serious when he said the words that day, serving him and doing all it takes. Up until then Kuroko wondered why would a prince, a heir to the throne would want to disappear, some would kill to have the throne, so what made Furihata Kouki any different? Was it cowardice? Or was it…something else?
"Ah! Y-Your Highness!" The woman exclaimed finally realizing his presence, in great guilt of not giving earlier respect to the prince she bowed her head lowly, "Forgive my impudence!"
"It is quite alright." Kuroko said raising his hand to tell the woman to raise her head. The woman did and the prince nodded before turning to Furihata whose eyes were now comically as big as saucers. "I have come to see the progress of my apprentice."
The brunette blushed as he realized the situation, he was taught on his first day how to address the Imperial Family, kneeling down and bowing his head in humility the former prince turned peasant and gypsy greeted the prince, "G-Good morning Y-Your H-Highness."
"Come, and stand up Furihata-kun." He said trying to sound as casual as possible to the brunette.
"He is doing very well," the woman said, "he has a very big potential. He is quite an interesting child, Your Highness."
"I-I am…m-most humbled." Furihata said as he bent down, Kuroko was about to say something when he realized the strange markings in the exposed skin in the nape of the brunette, under his plain white kimono and gray colored hakama.
"I would like to speak in private with him, would you excuse us." Kuroko said without further ado, "Follow me Furihiata-kun."
It was Furihata Kouki's first time ever seeing the fifth prince in his usual clothings and his face revealed. He looks so beautiful, not womanly beautiful but the kind of beautiful you would call nature. It was as if the heaven conspired to make him so stunningly perfect. His skin was flawless and almost identical to those porcelain dolls he sees coming from the East. And his eyes were the most beautiful shades of blue he had seen. To how come such beautiful creature exist is beyond his understanding. The prince led him to a small room passing by a few women who were busy cleaning up the hallways. For the past few days Furihata realized the difficulty of a life of someone who was raised and born to serve the palace, those who weren't born with the power and money had to work their bones out till their body withers and dry. Furihata Kouki had been blind of this truth for sixteen years of his life. It was a shame. As one of the attendants opened the door for them to step in, Furihata bowed to the two women standing by the door. He was a mere freeloader without title in the outer courts and these women had been polishing the floors, opening the doors and doing the laundry of the palace for God knows how long, they were clearly of higher rank and respect was called for.
As they both stepped in, the door behind them was closed. The Prince took a seat and gestured the brunette to take the vacant seat before him. With a meek bow of acknowledgement the other did as he was told.
"How was your stay, I hope you are quite alright with your small room, I know it is quite unfortunate for a prince to needed to stay in a shady room in the back of the Hall of Women." The prince started.
"No, please do not call me that anymore, I'm no longer a prince." Furihata replied. "And there is nothing wrong about my room, it is only due for a peasant like me, I should apologize to the women of the court, my presence might have been disturbing them."
"Silly, a man should not speak too lowly of himself compared of the other."
"I…might want to disagree with that Y-Your Highness…" He said in a quiet voice. Seirin held such big respect towards women after all. They were taught as children that women should be treated as equal that of men.
"Hm?"
"I-I mean, w-with all due respect, t-the women in t-this court are far more capable that I am of today. Women are a-amazing…they know lots of things a-and…they are very sincere and honest about their emotions, they are s-strong in their own way as well."
Furihata bit his lower lip, damn why does he has to be so fcking loud mouth, why can't he keep his opinion on himself! He always gets in trouble because of it. He bet the prince is angr—Huh? Looking up he found the fifth prince with a satisfied smile in his lips, "I knew you wouldn't fail me Furihata-kun." The teal haired prince said, "You have such beautiful sets of value, I admire that."
"T-Thank you…Uhm…w-were you uhm…testing me?"
The prince smiled, "No, I already know you would say that." He said before turning his attention again in the small mark exposed in the brunette's nape. "How was their treatment to you?"
This time Furihata tensed, "T-They…T-They were…very…nice to me."
Kuroko was stunned when the boy said those words, his eyes widen at a fraction. This is the time to tell him about the marks in his backs however, the boy chose not to speak of it. He could see almost the same bravery this boy has and his older brother. Just what kind of upbringing did they had back in Seirin?
"I see." Kuroko said, "Then, I think it is time for me to personally handle you."
"Eh?!" Was the other's stunned response, the beloved fifth prince was willingly going to handle a no one like him? "B-But I-I am—"
"I wouldn't take no for an answer Furihata-kun."
"T-That's not what I mean, I-I mean, H-His H-Highness is quite busy and I am just no one for you to actually give that much of attention."
"That's not what I want to hear, but anyways be ready, you shall transfer to the inner courts tomorrow morning." Without a word or two the prince stood and left the gaping servant there. Ah, yes, someone like him would a refreshing air in the suffocating life in the inner court. Shaky, nervous and a really genuine person, a first time in the inner courts, Kuroko couldn't wait to see him actually serving in the Inner Courts.
As Kuroko saw Momoi standing there and waiting for his return he quickly approached her. "Ah, so that's your apprentice, where did you found him? And what are you even teaching him?"
"Herbal treatment and medicine." Kuroko answered briefly, "Momoi-san, I have a favour to ask of you."
"Anything for Testu-kun!"
"Could you give this to Furihata-kun before he goes to bed tonight," the prince pulled out from the sleeves of his kimono a small bottle with a dark colored ointment inside, "also would you kindly, let the people in the court know that Furihata-kun isn't a stress reliever, would you look out for him?"
Momoi blinked and nodded not fully understanding what was happening, when the prince started to walk away with his attendants, she was left there hanging. Looking at the bottle in her hand, her eyes widen in shock as she smelled the familiar scent of the ointment. The Black Lilies ointment was always carried by the fifth prince, the distinct and slightly fragrant smell of the ointment was something she had come to familiarize herself with. It was the best medicine for removing scars for women and anti-venom, the ointment is a good anti-septic for wounds. When they were younger Kuroko would come to her room in disguise of a simple visit whenever she gets a whipping from her mother, he would bring the ointment and let her borrow it to heal her wounds completely.
As if it wasn't strange enough that one night the prince came late brought a shaking and scared brunette and asking the Hall of Women to adopt the boy and let him stay there for a while, treat him as one of the servants as well. The boy didn't speak much, he is constantly jumpy and shaking. He didn't seem like someone who would seem to capture the eyes of a very graceful and artistic son of the Lady of the Sea. However there was something in those slightly frightened brown eyes—determination, Momoi assumed it was the reason why despite all the aforementioned the prince took the boy in. Or maybe it was the limitless kindness of the teal haired prince. But it took more than a kindness of the heart for the prince to actually do something to this extent, Momoi looked at the bottle again. The late Empress made the ointment for the fifth prince who used to be a scrawny child who usually caught himself tripping and wounding himself while playing with his older brother. The medicine contents and procedures was only made known to him by the Empress, until then no one in the palace is allowed to produce or try to recreate the medicine, and he gave the medicine to no one except for his brothers and Momoi.
There is certainly something special about this boy, this Furihata Kouki.
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The dark room was still and quiet, it has been eighteen years since he last saw this place and it didn't change a bit. The smell of the raw bricks and mold filled the stuffy air. But no longing were seen in the face of the man standing there, instead was anger. How can one simply disobey him? His son, the petty little lame excuse of a life, the one who had caused the death of his wife, his beloved wife—just who does he think he is to disobey him of all people? Anger filled the man even more as he found a familiar looking cloak settled in an old wooden stool in the corner of the room. Of course he'd know, he was already speaking as if he knew where Takao is. Taking the material in hand, he cluthched it tightly, Takao isn't done yet with paying for his sins, he couldn't leave the village, he must not. A sinful child, a curse like him shouldn't be allowed to be seen by the world, he is made up for this darkness and that is all he could have.
"Father?" He heard his daughter called him, "Father…brother is—"
"You have no brother." Was his stern reply, "That monster dares to escape…and with that man to boot!"
"Father why won't you just let him go we have no use of—"
"NO!"
Takao Shizuka stood there stunned at her Father's exclamation, he didn't understand what sin his brother did for him to be treated like this by their father at most. Her brother obediently took the punishment for a crime he didn't commit, for a crime that wasn't his fault. For many years her brother didn't harbour any ill feelings towards them, and that was made it more painful to look at him, because he never hated them for the things they did to him. She knew her brother was different, but he isn't evil, he loved as much as they did, he cried as much as they did. But there was nothing she could do against the words of their father. For years her Father never called him by the name their mother gave to his brother, instead he called him a monster. Darkness in human skin, it was unfair, her brother never got to defend himself. He didn't want to be the way he is. He didn't wish for those eyes. But all that their father understood was his wife died upon the words of her brother. It wasn't Onii-san's fault was all she wanted to say those years. Her brother deserved more than what he has right then, he didn't deserved this life, he deserved…freedom.
"Call all the men in our village, now!"
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There is just one thing that made Midorima Shintaro hesitant in taking any task that includes an indigenous group. Their mother, the late Empress was born of an indigenous community of minority, when she came to the palace with the late Emperor himself, the man made it so that the community where she came from would be protected, for this is the land and culture in which the Lady of The Seas was born. He made a law that aimed to protect and preserve the unique culture of every indigenous group for the later generations to see. The law states that the culture of the land shall be implemented on the within the vicinity of the tribe's territory and the laws of the mainland would be null and void within the territory. This means simple—no laws apply inside an indigenous group's community, no title or merit will be given, not to even to a prince like him. And that was why he was hesitant, because he knew that if he had to resort to this kind of action, his safety would no longer be assured. However, Midorima Shintaro refuses to lose—
Never to the likes of these people!
Moriyama is taking the usual route out of the forest with two horses, the other one was being led by the other. The plan is simple, Moriyama just have to mislead the people into thinking that he and Midorima were taking the usual route, animal prints is easier to be found. Moriyama will distract the people probably chasing them. But Midorima knew one way or another they'd see them too, and he is ready to give them the fight they seek, but he won't…and will never give them the Hawk Child. Midorima unconsciously held the smaller wrist tighter as they continue to walk as fast as his long limbs could take them. The Hawk Child seems a bit frightened it was obvious with the look he was giving Midorima, however, he wanted this as well and Midorima knows that.
"Come with me."
"Wha—"
Midorima looked at the other straight in the eyes. Instead of directly leaving he let Moriyama go ahead of him while he return and persuade the other to come with him. This is one of the moments when the outcome will depend solely on the Hawk Child, and to be honest Midorima was counting on it that he would say yes, because he doesn't really know what to do. The only thing that he held for was the look the Hawk Child is giving him right then. "Come with me, I'll take you outside." He said, "If you come with me, I'll free from this curse."
"That's…no, i-its impossible." He murmured, "A-A lot of people tried and yet no one has ever succeeded, w-what…w-what made you think you can?"
"I know I can." Midorima said firmly, "I am the wind of change you are looking for, what is your decision, will you build a wall, or are you going to make a windmill?"
"B-But if f-father found out then—"
"I am ready, I know the risk, and I'm taking it." The prince said with an iron will, he stared at the other. "How about you?"
"I…You…why are you so, are you not afraid of dying? They will search for me, my father will never let me escape."
"You can when you are with me." Midorima said, "I will give you your wings."
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"How long till we reach the end of the forest?" Midorima asked in between his panting, "Can you still run?"
Takao nodded, "It's a few more miles, a-are you sure about this?"
"Are you really supposed to ask me that now?" Midorima said clicking his tongue, "There is no way you are backing out on me right now or I will shoot you with my arrows you imbecile."
"Wha-! Hey that's no way for a prince to speak!"
"Will you shut up?"
"NO! I thought you were nicer!"
"You thought wrong idiot."
Takao scowled at the other, he had realized this side of the prince way before but he just refused to see it, or more accurately he decided it was some kind of shell, like his mask. To protect himself of the people who may use what's behind that thing. Even with his harsh words, the hand holding his wrist is gentle and warm, something he hasn't felt for many years, like a warm feathery wings telling him it will be alright, wings that swore to protect him even without the needs of words. The outside world is both exciting and frightening, what lies behind is unknown, what he might see frightens him, however not ever knowing scared him even more. It scared him that the same hand holding his wrist and leading him out of this woods might be the same hands that will held and choke his throat. People are unpredictable and it scared him, knowing he has no idea what they can or how they think is scary.
"Stop shaking." Midorima said making the silver blue eyed raven haired young man look at him, "They won't catch us, I won't let them."
Takao stared at the other, his eyes flashed him an image, it was a younger version of the prince, his long slender fingers were calloused and filled with cuts in his other hand was a bow, when the image disappear he found himself staring at the beautiful emerald green eyes that reminded him of the beautiful forest in the morning of May that burns with determination like a cool flame, he is serious about everything he just said. The cool flame in his eyes shined as if he was ready to risk it all—all just for this moment. That kind of determination was what brings most people to their deaths and it frightened Takao even more, he was the kind of people who would welcome death with open arms—just like his mother.
I don't want to lose someone like him, I refuse to lose anyone anymore.
"Kazunari…"
"Huh?" Midorima asked the other, "Did you say something?"
"My name…is Kazunari." Midorima stopped listening to the other, "My name is Takao Kazunari, a name given by mother. It is written with the characters that read as building harmony."
Midorima opens his mouth to say something but nothing came, he didn't really know what to tell the boy. Instead he grabbed his wrist and pulled him with him again. Perhaps Midorima didn't know what it meant for the other, but for Takao his name was all that he had that was truly his and telling it to someone was like entrusting all of his to him. And that was what exactly he did. He was giving Midorima his fate now. "You are free to call me by my name." Takao heard the other said barely above whisper which made Takao smile, "I assume you know my name already." Takao nodded.
Their journey continued on as Takao became Midorima's eyes in the thick and vast forest. They need to get out of the forest, the territory of the village extends to the end of the forest until they are within then the people could chase them and if they get caught—no, Midorima didn't even want to think about it, if he would fight, who will look after Takao? Knowing himself, Midorima knows he will fight until there will be none left of him, and with all honestly he didn't want to resort to that. It was such a conflicting feeling, he doesn't want to die yet however he couldn't swallow the thought of these people getting Takao again and for that he was willing to risk it all. He doesn't really know why, but his brain and senses seems to be conspiring about this matter. Was it his fear of failing a simple task such as retrieving someone and bringing it safely to the capital, or was it just the mere thought of someone being held down when he could have been much more?
"Shin-chan!" Midorima's eyebrow twitched at the name, did he just called him what he thought he called him? Stopping and turning towards the other he was about to say something when he saw the fright in the eyes of the other. Takao tugged the hand holding his wrist, "S-Shin-chan…t-they're here, t-they're close…s-so many of them. W-What should we do?"
"How close are they?" Midorima asked.
"They'll be here in less than a minute."
Midorima paused, he could hear the footsteps as well, they were closing in, and…they were out-numbered, it was obvious that they have already found out that Moriyama was a decoy. Surely they will be armed, if worse comes to worst Midorima will have to fight them in a fist, his arrows will not be enough, he has enough confidence with his abilities however, what will he do about Takao? Swallowing a lump in his throat he pulled the other to his back, "Can you make it out of this forest on your own?" he asked as he drew his bow and an arrow.
"I-I can b-but what about you?"
"You want to see what the outside world is like, right? Then do as I say."
"And what about you?"
"Do you take me as a weakling?" Midorima scoffed, "I am not the prince of Teiko for nothing, and I am not the head of Shuutoku just for a show, when I say run do as I say, don't give me more trouble than your people are already doing." Taking something from the sleeves of his clothing Midorima took Takao's hand and placed there the item, "Take this with you, trust no one aside from me and Moriyama-dono, don't think, just strike, leave as fast as you can do you understand me?"
Takao hesitated, should he just leave him like that? Should he…really be leaving him on his own, even with those words, Takao hesitated. He knows Midorima can take care of himself yet…he was scared—
"RUN!"
In shock and impulse Takao found himself running away from the scene. Midorima didn't dare look at where Takao is going, he stood there as one by one he found the villagers coming in sight with spears and weapons in hand. Midorima raised his bow and arrow and aimed at their shoulders and thighs. As he let go, the arrows made swift sounds as it pierces the air. Three, four, six, ten, and more fell as Midorima continued firing his arrows. He needs to narrow their number even more as the y close the distance. Midorima stepped back, but he knows it wouldn't be long until he would finally grow short of arrows.
And just like that he fired the last arrow, disposing his bow to the ground Midorima with one swift motion he took out a spare dagger he kept with him, he dashed to the enemies without hesitation. He wouldn't, and cannot fail now. Takao will be waiting to get him to the capital, he told him he would bring him his wings. With eyes trained to know every single veins and weak spot in the human body, Midorima aimed for the vital spot and cut them. There was blood staining his hands now, another came from the side and the prince dodge by crouching and from his position stabbed his attacker upwards right at the man's diaphragm. The man choked with his own blood, spitting some on the prince's clothing, however it was least of his concern then. Pushing the man away Midorima was attacked again, they kept coming and it was getting difficult to focus for him, unlike someone else, he could only see one view at a time and he didn't notice a figure approaching him from behind.
It was too late when Midorima realized a figure looming over him, turning around his eyes widen, a man was standing there a sinister grin plastered in his face, his hands were raised in the air with a long metal stake aimed at him. He didn't have time to realize the way his heart raced in shock and fear coursing in his vein then.
Is this it? Is this the end?
"Oh what happened?"
The young Midorima raised his head to find the Empress looking at his bleeding fingers, with a swift motion he hid his hands behind his back looking away. "Shintaro? Shintaro what happened with your hands?" The Empress asked again.
"He cut himself from training archery Mother." The five years old teal haired prince said who was standing behind his older brother, Midorima turned to the younger prince and frowned and cursed his ever unwavering loyalty to their mother.
"Oh is that true, denka?" Midorima nodded. "May I see?"
Midorima showed his injured hand to his mother who took out a white handkerchief and wiped them clean, "I'll bandage them for you later," she whispered, "Why are you training so hard anyways? It isn't your job, unless you wish to be a general just like your younger brother Daiki-denka."
"But…I wish to protect Mother…"
She flashed a small smile as she pulled the small hand close to her lips and kissed the fingertips, "You have such a beautiful heart, my son. But I know one day you will find someone else to protect, one day you will be someone else's light, lead them out of the darkness with these hands."
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It was like everything went slow motioned, he saw a hands in the side of the man's head, unblinking Midorima watched the hand gripped the familiar dagger tightly, there was no hesitation in the movement. His fear of the earlier predicament dissolved in swirls of emotion, awe and fear. Anyone who might be watching the scene unfolding before the prince would feel the hair in the nape of their necks stand to its tips, there was no mercy, not a hint of doubt—
SPLAT!
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Drip
Drop
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Blood, there were blood dripping on the grass beneath them staining green with red. Midorima blinked, his legs almost gave out at the fast turn of events, the man staggered as he bleeds out, the side of his neck was left open with a painfully made stab. It was clear that the one who did it has no experience at all, however to do something needed more than precision but guts and courage. The man made a choking sound as he dropped his weapon and clutched the bleeding wound in attempt to stop the bleeding, but it was futile the man fell on his knees and fell face down eyes wide open, unmoving. Midorima stared at the man standing behind him, he had never expected to see that look in those familiar silver blue eyes, they were cold and absolute, it glinted almost the same way the fifth prince's eyes did whenever he holds his katana. There was no hesitation or fear that was just there a few moments ago.
"Ta…kao."
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