KYAAAAAAH YES AT LAST I AM BAAAACKKK! Actually tomorrow is an important exam but since since I LOVE ALL let's go update LION first! hahaha actually I can't focus since I've been dying to update LION almost last week, but I got no time-I've been mourning over the fact that one of our professora was playing"who-gets-good-grades-einie-meanie-minie-moe" style with our grades and it was really fcked up when I reralized that. My seatmate has 86 percent in our major exam but in her official grading sheet she only have 81 whilst another seatmate of ours who has 84 percent in our major exam has a grade of 86 in our official grading sheet, and there is me who has 85 in our major exam but ends up with a grade of 83, and I have the same grade with a student who got less than 74 percent in our exam-imagine our amusement on how our professor magically did that. Strange, huh~ yeah fucking strange. Then when our classmate came to him asking about our grades and then he started saying "Oh I'll look up to that later" a few days after that he said "Oh you're 86 sorry, I'll just add that to your average." now there's where the magic starts guys. HOW ON EARTH IS HE SUPPOSED TO ADD THAT TO OUR 'AVERAGE' WHEN OUR GRADES ARE COMPUTER GENERATED meaning you input grades from each term and the average is computed by the computer-YOU CANNOT ADD anything on it. SO yeah I'm basically pissed because the people that dont go to class get higher grades thn those who sits in his classes listening to him mocking the shit out of every single one of us. So yeah I dont have any will to go to his class-but worry not even its out of my will I still do. And I'm dying to ctually post an update because that is the only thing that relieves my stress.

AND SINCE I'M BACK *pulls my swivel chair and sits in front of you*How did you find the last chapter? Hahaha yeah, unfortunately that has to be HOW Akashi meets Furihata, hmm, what do you think happen? Oh and YES YES YES, THE BUTTERFLY ARC IS COMING CLOOOSE! And who is excited to see Kise in LION-I AM lol, I mean I've been picturing him in my mind since the start of this series, I've been like "how will I put Kise in the story, what will he look like?" Basically he's one of the characters I had to conceptualize very thorough, you will know when he comes in the light. Also there will be LOTS of surprises in stall, Takao's dream actually held most of the clues about the whole conflict of the stories. Hahaha, we will reveal them soon! And now let's continue where we left of! What's going to happen to Akashi and Furihata? Thank you for Guest-san for noticing a few errors here and there I did some changes with Furihata's name, also I'd like to explain myself I naturally intended to write his name differently here, however I noticed I got one part there wrong so thatk you for pointing them out, if you didnt I would have ended up with the wrong translation for everyone, so thank you I have changed them and placed a footnote on Chapter 9. Thank you to Hinonoona-san hahaha yes Kise will be here REAL SOON. If we get lucky we there will be a chpter with three ships in it LOL. And to AJ-san hahaha let's see about your theory soon, ahahaha, and what will be Kagami's reaction when he finds ou he is actully befriending Akashi's younger brother, hohoho~~!

ARE YOU READY? YOOOSH! Let's start with Chapter 11! Don't forget to leave some loves for LION, yes a review, maybe a fav or a follow? AHAHAHA Kicchin isn't choosy, so go on anything makes Kicchin really happy! BTW anyone here has AO3? Yes Cerberos-san had invited me and I made an account there, though its kinda no difference with my post here, but I'd be happy if you give it a kudos there LOL! Thank you Cerberos-san!

And now~~ENJOOY!

Chapter 11: Ready to Run

"SHUJO!"

Akashi's eyes widen, before he could realize it he felt a hand tugging his wrist and pulling him down from his horse. It was when he saw it in his peripherals, a fast moving object—an arrow! He let his weight fall forward, resisting wouldn't help if not would only worsen. Turning his eyes forward his eyes fell to the person who just saved him, eyes closed and his brown locks slightly tousled and were slightly dancing with the speed of their movement. Akashi realized a free fall towards this boy would either break this boy's ribs or his skull, with all the remaining momentum Akashi has, he slightly shifted his weight and placed a hand in front of him. In the background he could hear the screams of the Imperial Guards and the people, it came painfully slow.

BLAG!

Akashi groaned as he used his hand to avoid falling flat towards the brunette, his wrist felt like he had it bad, however, he realized another thing, a hand was holding his other wrist. Blinking he found the brunette under him breathing heavily. When the brown locks opened staring right at him, he found himself as if being swallowed by the colors of earth. The boy looked at him in panic, "S-Shujo!" he exclaimed, Akashi moved letting the other move into a sitting position. "Are you alright?"

Akashi hesitated for a moment if he should tell him about his wrist, however the commotion behind them came to light, Akashi thought it was something small compared to the real threat. Also, that made him wonder, is it possible that Furihata was the first one to see the arrow coming? "I..I am alright." Akashi replied. Akashi stood and held his uninjured hand to the brunette, "Come on, stand."

Furihata nodded however didn't take the man's hand and stood on his own, looking around his eyes widen upon landing somewhere.

"What are you seeing?" Akashi asked.

"S-Someone trying to get you, h-he's here!"

"Fuirhata-dono!" A guard called his attention running to their side, "Furihata-dono the culprints are here, would you take His Highness somewhere safe?"

"Huh b-but w-what i-if they c-come after us I-I don't know how to fight!" The brunette objected, he didn't know this was part of his job. However…

"From now on, you will be assigned to look after my brother…Shujo."

"H-His Majesty's…brother…T-The Emperor?" Furihata asked in disbelief as he stood there in the garden with the Fifth Prince, it was the morning when he was due to transfer to the inner courts. So this why he was being trained for a lot of things? This was why Kuroko was teaching him so much about medicine, was he due to become a nurse in the inner courts?

"Yes." Kuroko answered, "Will you take care of him, Furihata-kun?"

"W-Why do you…believe in me so much, I-I am was a prince of a far off kingdom, w-what do you know about m-me, w-what if I…what if I wish him harm?"

Kuroko shook his head, "I believe in your heart."

Kuroko gave him kindness, Kuroko believed in him, that he will keep his word. Kuroko gave him a chance to become to live the life he always wanted, a normal life. The only way to repay him is to do his job, to do what was he promised, to be man enough to do what is expected of him. He is no longer a prince, he is no longer encased with all the rules of what he should do, this time, he will move, he will stand for people who cared and showed him kindness—not because someone said so, not because it was his responsibility, but because this was what is right.

"Come with me Shujo!" Furihata found himself saying, he grabbed Akashi's hand and turned towards the guard, "If by sun down we are have not returned please send out a search party, Kuroko-denka would know where to search."

The guard nodded, "Please take care of his Majesty, Furihata-dono!" The man said, "We will certainly capture the culprit!"

Without asking any further, Furihata pulled towards the crowd, Akashi didn't speak anything watching as how Furihata moved in this kind of situation. He lacked the some strategic thinking, he thought, however he couldn't say this is actually effective. Furihata's hands were calloused but not rough as how someone who had been training for a long time would be, there was a certain gentleness that he couldn't quite put a finger on, it made him wonder just how long had he been training under Kuroko's supervision. Kuroko is strict for all he knows, training under him would sustain you more than calloused hands. The chaotic crowd barely noticed them pressing and making way between the commoners. Furihata's gripped tighten around his wrist, he was slightly shaking, how strange, was he nervous? Despite all the ruckus, Akashi had remained calm, for some reason he just know he will be safe. He didn't know, he just felt that way.

The brunette wasn't fast in his feet, his feet were clumsy, twice he almost tripped with his own limbs, Akashi didn't realize how much he is paying attention to the other's behaviour. He had never been never been this keen, sometimes he purposely watches someone's behaviour for a practical reason, but this time it was different. He barely noticed how he seems to notice the structure of his body was a bit too lean for someone who works day and night in the palace.

Akashi decided not to ask the other where they were going, he didn't know much about directions anyways, even if he said this was his domain, he never really took it by foot, much less running from someone. Furihata took a sharp turn and they continued running, at one point Akashi wanted to ask the other if he actuall know where he is taking him but beat himself to it and just followed. Taking another turn to an alley, Akashi was shock to find themselves in a wide expanse of fields of wild grasses, they…got out of the main city that fast? He blinked, just how long had been Furihata Kouki been living in the capital to know so much about it? Something really wasn't adding up about this boy, he thought curiously. He let him lead him the way, looking ahead he realized they were heading towards the woods. What is Furihata Kouki planning?

.

.

.

CRASH

"I-I'm sorry your highness!" Kuroko accidentally broke the cup in his hand as the attendant delivered a message from the party that had taken the Emperor out for a tour. The poor servant in panic quickly leaned down picking up the pieces that had fallen on the floor. His blood was rushing fast in his veins, biting his lower lip in attempt to calm himself Kuroko tried to think of the reason why this would happen. Who would dare target the Emperor? The news was surely delievered to him delayed, they knew he would be upset knowing this, he needs to calm down, he told himself. Nothing comes out of letting his anger run first than his logic. Furihata is with his brother, that fact slightly made a knot in his chest come lose. First things, first, his brother and Furihata's safe return is the top priority. Where would they be?

Endless possibilities, there were lots of places the two would go, but where…where would Furihata go? Sinking back to his seat Kuroko collected his thoughts, where would someone like Furihata bring his brother to ensure his safety, somewhere he would know that many wouldn't? Two hours…Kuroko thought, if by two hours Furihata and his brother does not return, "In two hours…prepare a search party." He said his hands in his lap. Akashi always said that, in two hours, at least two hours before he would send a search party if something were to happen to him. Though he knew the man is a capable man of protecting himself, Kuroko as his position had always been the one in charge of his brother's safety, it was almost his second skin.

The attendants all scurried away delivering his decision to the rest of the inner courts. Kuroko could only pray for their safety, and Akashi to be patient towards the brunette. Sighing, he realized this news wouldn't be good for Aomine who was sailing aboard, nor Midorima who according to his sources only got out from his task. Murasakibara wouldn't be happy about this as well.

.

.

.

Akashi stared at the brunette on his knees trying his best to catch his breath. The Emperor honestly didn't mind running that far, he isn't a feeble spoiled rotten Emperor after all. He once trained among many great fighters before, running isn't something he'd like to do often but he didn't mind. However the brunette seems a different story, he looks like he'll surely faint any moment now. Looking around Akashi realized they were in the Northern Woods of Rakuzan, a small suburbs behind the bustling capital, due to rumours of it being hunted people usually stay away from it—well surprise, Furihata is one of the few who doesn't know that. As silence fell between them Akashi thought of what happened earlier, that voice…that voice was eerily familiar, and for some reason he felt his spine crawl just hearing it. He couldn't put his finger but he didn't like it, it stirred something in his stomach, a bitter angry feelings. If Kuroko was there he would have identified who it belonged to swiftly, the other had such remarkable skills in remembering people's voices. However, it wasn't bad that Furihata Kouki was with him.

"Maybe it would be best to rest." Akashi said to his attendant who was sweating a bit too much. Furihata blinked as he looked at the scarlet haired man, the man despite all the ruckus had managed to look composed and calm, as if he was the epitome of grace. "You look like you need it."

Furihata stood remembering he was no longer a prince, there was no need for rest. However, his limbs betrayed him as the adrenaline rushing in his muscles a moment ago had died down making it ache in his weight and he groaned as he bend. "I-I can s-still—"

"You would only make this worse for both of us if we continue on with you and your exhaustion." Akashi pointed out. There was no need to fret after all, he knows Kuroko will find a way to look for him and Furihata. Akashi watched as Furihata took his word warily as he sat there. He did a good job for someone who looks strangely average, he wondered if it wasn't Furihata who was with him, could that arrow pierced him? It wouldn't kill him, surely he would see it a fraction of seconds right before it make a damage, that enough would enable him to avoid any severe injury, but Furihata who doesn't know that was fast enough to pull him into safety getting him unscratched.

Now he thought of it, Akashi looked at Furihata who sat slightly shivering from his sweat being dry in the open air, Akashi noted that he should tell him to find somewhere to bathe and rid himself of the impending pneumonia, how did Furihata saw it right before anyone could? "How did you spot that arrow coming towards me?" Akashi asked with a hint of suspicion. It was his nature, someone who had lived inside the palace their life constantly a target for almost all types threat it had become normal to be warry and suspicious of everyone, even with the fifth prince by his side.

Furihata looked up at the Emperor he felt an involuntary squeak escaping his lips, which he failed to supress even with placing both his hands over his lips. He quickly turned his gaze away, his mismatched eyes were frightening, it felt like an invisible hand cups his face demanding attention and absolute obedience to him. What should he tell him, will he believe him?

"Remember…when dealing with His Highness, however difficult it is to speak the truth, do so. He doesn't take lying very lightly."

"I…I just…I didn't feel good." Furihata answered almost in a whisper.

"Look at me when you speak or I would assume you are lying, Furihata Kouki."

As if in impulse Furihata had no choice but to look straight at those mismatched eyes. He was shaking, he felt like he was being examined from head to toe by his eyes. However the longer he looks at them, he saw something deeper. The red in his eyes looked more subtle, however, the gold looked like it was cold water in winter, frozen and unfeeling. "I-I'm sorry!" Furihata bowed his head in apology, "I-I didn't mean to b-be i-insolent b-before H-His Majesty!"

"Then speak."

"I…I just…felt something wrong."

"Felt?" Akashi raised a brow, "And how is this even related to your ability to see that attack?"

Furihata bit his lower lip, summing up all his courage he look up at the Emperor, "I-I…I somehow became…a bit anxious, I-I kept l-looking around without me noticing what I was doing. T-Then I-I saw him, uhm, wait, uh…I'm not really sure if it's a man or a w-woman, I w-was looking around then saw someone up there in the r-roof."

"Do you always feel that way? Are you always anxious?"

Furihata wanted to say yes since almost at anyone's presence except his older brother he felt like some puddle of goo, however, the anxiousness bubbling right then in his system was different. It was different kind of anxiousness than when he was asked to stand in front of the ministers, or the council, or the anxiousness when he had to speak out in front of their people. Then it clicked, the feeling of anxiousness he felt earlier was the same feeling he had when he was kidnapped, when he was blindfolded—the anxiety brought about by fear. Akashi raised his brow at the other seeing the changed in his expression, he found Furihata's hand clutching the material of his clothing in his chest, he was looking a bit paler than he was a moment ago. Akashi didn't push it, the way his action and his broken words earlier was enough. Furihata has some kind of strange and special sensitivity to danger, it was rare for someone so plain looking to have such rare talent. Could it be…could this be what Kuroko saw in him?

"Have you rested enough?" Akashi asked, the brunette raised his head to meet his gaze, "We should get going."

Furihata stood nodding as he started walking with the Emperor in the woods. The tall trees in the woods has surprisingly huge trunks, its leaves were of darker shade, and the smell of fresh water didn't escape Furihata. In the few days he spent inside the outer courts he was trained to smell and differentiate many things all at once. He hasn't perfected it yet, however Kuroko had told him the most necessary is to locate any water sources. Fresh running water has this cools inviting scent, and that was what Furihata could smell. Usually villages are found near water sources as what Kuroko taught him, finding where the water is could be a great help. However from the faintness of it the source is still quite far. Nervously looking at his side he stole a glance at Akashi, thinking about it he does look a bit like the fifth prince, but there eyes were different. Kuroko's eyes were big and blue as the color of the sky and snow while Akashi's eyes were gold and red, blazing and aggressive like a wild fire. Kuroko was polite, slightly mischievous, however Akashi is uptight, a bit too polished, demanding, controlling, frightening. Yes, frightening tops all of that. However, despite feeling so small under his gaze Furihata couldn't seem to fathom how he could calmly walk on foot in this thick lush forest. Furihata envied and admired the power his eyes held and his composure. Akashi Seijuuro was a frightening man however the same air of authority he reeked off that made the other feel that way also made him admire the man. If he had only been born with such he wouldn't have scurried away from his people and the crown, he would have embraced it. However, he was…he was nothing but a flesh wrapped in nerves and clumsiness.

The walk was uneventful and afully quiet between the two until Akashi stopped in his tracks making the his attendant do the same thing, "Can you hear it?" Akashi asked looking ahead.

"Uh…what is?"

"The water."

Furihata listened carefully and realized what Akashi is talking about, indeed, there was a sound of running water nearby, probably a small falls. Akashi walked ahead making the brunette follow him hastily. Pushing through the thick bushes and tall wild grasses, they found themselves at the bottom of a small falls and a river freely flowing. Furihata gaped at the beauty before them. The small falls looked beautiful in the sun making it glisten and a small arc of rainbow forming from the vapors reflecting the sun's light. The rocks were small and were dark in color, however the water was pristine and clear, blue indicating it was evident cold.

Picking up a stone nearby Akashi stood and remember something, he turned to Furihata who was dumbfounded at the sight before him, brown eyes were brighter than ever, lips slightly agape and curved in an amused smile. "It would be a good time for you to take a bath don't you think?" Akashi found himself asking.

"EH?!" Furihata found himself saying, he suddenly felt self-conscious, does he stink? "I-I'm s-sorry I-Id-didn't realize t-that I-I was already smell so awfully, I-I'm so sorry Y-Your Highness!"

Akashi stared at the other for a moment before he turned supressing a laugh which he realized he failed miserably, what was he thinking when he told him to bathe? Does he really think he thought he smells? What an amusing person, and to apologize for it, what a strange person. The strange sound bubbling his throat felt foreign, however it didn't felt undesirable. Turning again to face Furihata he found the other this time with a light red designing his cheeks as he puffed them trying to look like he wasn't affected by his sudden reaction, it made him look like a child with all honestly. He didn't know what possessed him, it was as if his facial muscle had forgotten the promise him made with himself, he…was smiling as he looked at Furihata. "Of course not." he said.

Furihata was baffled, he was staring wide eyed at the Emperor, he was smiling…not the one he used when he greets his people. Furihata had seen that kind of smile many times, delegates who came to their palace back in Seirin wore the same smile, however the one Akashi was wearing then was different, there was no deception in it. Even his eyes were smiling—both of it, his cold golden eyes sparkled like the gold of the sun in the afternoon. And as humiliating it is to admit, Akashi Seijuuro looks breath taking in a genuine smile.

"You will get sick if you do not take a bath, your skin is covered in sweat." He pointed out composing himself. He could still feel that bubble in his chest, somehow Furihata's figure in his eyes looked a bit brighter now. "I will go and leave some marks so that if ever the search party had already been set out they would find us."

"I-I could do that S-Shujo! I-I mean t-that's m-my job a-as your—"

"Your job is to follow my order Furihata Kouki." Akashi said, however this time there was less tension in his commands, "If you fall ill on me, you will be unable to perform your duty so do as I say. I am not foolish enough to get lost in the woods of my own Empire."

Furihata blushed feeling he had made a mistake speaking, "T-Then I…will do so."

"Good, I will be back." Akashi said before leaned and picked up four more rocks and turned his back to the brunette, however he has stopped in his tracks just after a few steps, "I trust that in my absence you wouldn't have drowned yourself."

SO MEAN!—Furihata exclaimed in his head.

.

.

.

Akashi inspected the mark he did, when they were younger this were his past time he would secretly get stones from their mother's garden and bring it to their sickly younger brother and taught him as a past time how to stack and balance this items without breaking its form. It was easy to miss, however…he knows Kuroko would never miss something like that. That was enough, he thought, it was now time to head back and check on his oblivious brunette of attendant. For all he knows he might really drowned himself in fear of him, his loyalty to Kuroko is amusing to the point that despite all that shaking and trembling he still served him as the fifth prince instructed. Really, Kuroko's ways of bending people in his will is amazing, using his fake innocence and beauty beyond grace people quickly swoons over him. It was the danger of Kuroko's existence, just like their mother's. His beauty could make a whole Kingdom bow to his feet, and aside from that he is wise, adaptive and talented in ways some still have no idea, which of course Akashi had preferred. Pushing the thick grasses aside, Akashi's eyes widen at the sight he found.

The slightly sun kissed skin glisten under the sun and with mixture of the cold water, mousy brown locks looking slightly longer and dripping, his frame slightly lacked muscles most men had, shoulders were defined but not very broad, it was in right proportion. His lower half from his hips down was dipped in the water, from the clear water Akashi could see the plain white nagajuban the other wore, somehow the other had pulled off the sleeves revealing his naked upper half. His shoulders and back—Akashi's eyes widen as his eyes fell on the other's back, scars…they were scars that looked like a marks of whipping. It was still a bit red and some had this ugly purplish color tainting the beautiful canvas that was his back's perfect curve. Akashi is a man of art, he appreciates aesthetic when there is, and there it is right in front of him. He cursed himself for not realizing this earlier, however Akashi told himself that maybe that was good, that way it meant that this art only belonged to him alone.

Akashi didn't realized how close had he came towards the other until he had extended his hand, and touched the skin, he saw Furihata gasped at the contact and turned to him—wrong move, Akashi's eyes widen at the sight of Furihata wearing nothing to cover his chest and the rest of the upper half of his body. The sight somehow made the Emperor forgot how to breathe, he had never seen anyone in such vulgar state however…he couldn't deny the fact that it didn't mind it at all. He didn't feel this is by anyways scandalous. The hollow in his shoulder was tad bit too deep, and his ribs were poking out in his skin, was he even eating properly, Akashi couldn't help but think. Tracing the line to his neck, Akashi found a small trace of the same mark in his back reaching slightly close to his throat. It made him grimace.

"Y-Your Highness!" Furihata exclaimed in shock, realizing his position he scan the river bank for his clothes, spotting them he maneuverer towards them feeling uncomfortable. Before Furihata could touch his clothings he heard Akashi saying something he didn't understand, when he looked up he found the Emperor had turned his back and was now facing the bushes. Could it be that he was giving him time to actually put his clothes on? The culture in Seirin has come to a point undressing isn't that of a big deal anymore, well…for men that is, they were a bit on the liberal side after all, Furihata dried his clothes from excess water and changed into his dry clothes. Finally after getting everything done, he turned to Akashi's figure.

"I-I'm sorry f-for making you wait Y-Your Highness, w-we could proceed now to our way."

Akashi turned and looked at him from head to toe making the brunette blush, it didn't help that Akashi graced him with a smirk, "Come on now then." he said. Furihata nodded and followed Akashi. Before silence falls between them Akashi took the chance to ask about the marks he saw from the other's back, what a waste he thought, who would even dare do to his skin. "Furihata Kouki,"

"Y-Yes Shujo?"

"Where did you get the scars in your back?"

Furihata's eyes widen, he suddenly had the urge to touch the marks—the ugly marks, however…it was the proof he worked hard. Biting his lips he felt unsure how to answer the Emperor. "I…It was…punishment…" The last word came almost in whisper however, Akashi clearly heard it.

Punishment…Could it be that Furihata Kouki was…a slave? That would make sense, his frail looking body, his sensitivity to danger, and his scars. Thinking about it, before Aomine's departure to that far off Kingdom, he remembers the task about the investigation on the kidnapping of the prince of Seirin also involved slaved trading. It clicked and snapped in Akashi's mind. Could it be he was one of the few who weren't able to be returned to their families? Akashi realized the weight of his words all too late, Furihata had his head lowered even more now, his eyes never meeting Akashi's way, he kept rubbing the side of his neck where the mark snaked over. He probably thinks he is repulsed by his appearance. Well yes, he is a bit angry and disappointed by the fact that the scars tainted his skin, however—

"Raise your head Kouki."

Furihata's eyes widen at the mention of his first name. Raising his head he found the Emperor was looking right at him, this time he didn't feel frightened, the intimidation gone replaced by a melting gaze, like he was looking at a beautiful art piece. His felt frozen in place, he could held his breathe as he saw Akashi raising his hand. Closing his eyes bracing for a slap, or a shove or punch that didn't came, instead he felt a warm fingertips grazed ever so slightly close in his cheeks, cracking his eyes open he found Akashi looking at him. Then he felt his hand brushing the strands of his slightly damp hair revealing his left eye to the others. Akashi couldn't help but admire the color, the same color that fuels the fire—wood, the color of earth, just like his personality, plain and average but humble and innocent.

"Do you even see the worth of these gems?"