AND KICCHIN IS BACK FOR AN UPDATEEEE FOR LION! I MISSED YOU GUUUYS! I really do, finally MIDTERMS are done *throws all reviewers on the floor*! And this means a little more kick and I'm close to getting that yummy piece of certificate saying "YES YOU ARE FREE FROM THIS HELL HOLE, CONGRATULATION FOR SURVIVING COLLEGE" Ahahaha Bubbles9595 would understand this LOL. Sorry for making you guys wait suuuuuuper long for this, but don't worry I already wrote three chapters ahead, isn't that greaaat? Yeah, I was kinda got carried away with how I will deepen the story and ended up writing the two other chapters and now I'm currently working on the Chapter Sixteen. BTW thank you to everyone who is taking time to read LION, especially those who gives time to review! Oh and let's congratulate Bubbles9595 for acing that job interview *gives an anime thumbs up*! It really makes me happy when I READ YOUR REVIEWS! Its my second most favorite thing to do next to sleeping LOL, seriously you guys are sooo awesomeeee~~~ *squeals*

And now, Chapter 13...ARE YOU READY FOR AOKISE? Ahahaha, btw yeah I'm still trying to work my art for this, IDK when I can post it but I'll try my best before we reach the main arc. And yes, AOKISE will got lots of stuffs to sort out, that's for sure. And what do you think will happen now to KAGAKUROOO~~ omg what will Akashi do when he realize Kuroko's been secretly meeting Kagami?! *DRUM ROLLS* Btw sorry if all our pairs seems to be in the slow burning, I just thought that its inevitable since traditions and stuffs in the old times are quite complicated. Hohoho~ So what do you think will happen?

Omg let's read to find out~ and please do leave a review, pretty, pretty pleeeeease *puppy eyes and rainbows* PLEASE? ahahaha, come on really I missed you guys so I hope to read your reviews again and who knows I might do a double chapter...soon LOL?

Chapter 13: Sea Apart

"Heika,"

The familiar voice echoed in the throne room, the Royal Adviser Kasamatsu Yukio stood there in full composure. The man watched the back of the most beautiful creature Kaijo had ever seen after the death of Queen Kise Ryouka. The tall golden clad figured stood there standing and facing the throne silently, his hands traced the details of the golden throne, the cold metal was ever so foreign in his fingertips, and the meanings symbol etched and crafted there had faded. The beautiful golden robe that had slightly draped on his elbow revealed the layered clothing underneath, an intricate designed kimono, the tenga obi which was neatly and gorgeously tied in the front of the layered clothing.

"Heika," Kasamatsu called again, "The delegates from Teiko had arrived in the palace."

"Let them come in."

Kasamatsu nodded. Turning his heels, he went to fetch the guests. It was not a rare sight for a delegate to come and seek the help of the King of Kaijo, ask for alliance and such, however, Teiko is not a simple kingdom or petty empire, Teiko…Teiko is the dream Empire, the Empire of peace and prosperity. And it ultimately shocked that the adviser that such big Empire would send one of their prince to speak with their King to ask for an alliance. There had been connection between the two, but that was a bit long ago. Time had passed, Kasamatsu had never even in his wildest dream upon getting appointed as the Royal Adviser of the Kingdom had though the new Emperor of the Empire of Teiko would even steal a glance at their humble kingdom. However, there he is, the proof of it all, standing proud among his men—Aomine Daiki, the fourth prince of the Empire of Teiko, the Prince of tribe of Too, the famous unstoppable warrior. Wearing a dark colored yi reaching the just a few inches down the prince's waist, tied with a red sash with a tassel paired with a black cotton ku. It fits the man who seemed to be constantly moving around. The man had arrived in the capital today to purposely see the King of Kaijo, a visit that even Kasamatsu had never thought would come—after that incident.

"Welcome to the Golden Palace of Kaijo," Kasamatsu placed a fist against his palm greeting the party, it has been a long time since the King had accepted a guests inside the palace, and let alone let them in to have an audience with him. "I am the Royal Adviser of His Majesty, Kasamatsu Yukio. We gladly welcome you to Kaijo, Imperial Prince Aomine Daiki and your men."

Aomine nodded, he wanted to finish this as soon as possible. He had lots of things to get done with back in Too, the least he needed was an earful of Imayoshi's lectures. The task is simple after all, he just needs to speak with the King, tell him about some stupid promise he made to Akashi—which by the way he had no idea about. He'll know when you say that to him, he said, it is easy he said—yeah, anything and everything seems easy for their eldest brother. The Golden Palace of Kaijo lived up to its name, the columns and pillars of the palace was decorated with gold leaves, and the floor was made of marble, from the side he could spot a few bronze statues as well.

"Come, His Majesty wishes to welcome you."

Aomine didn't need to speak, only Sakurai followed him. The timid and quiet, apologetic bunch of flesh that was Sakurai despite his seemingly inferiority complex is a very skilled soldier, after all he was trained under Imayoshi Souchi's Too's Minister of Tactical Defense. Aomine had faith in the men from the council, he knew they wouldn't send a weakling with him in a task set by the Emperor himself.

The whole palace screamed of luxury and beauty, however something seemed off about it. It felt empty, cold and sad. It didn't match, he thought the women standing in the side lines-probably the servants-wore a smile, they seem very casual about them however, Aomine felt this thick air of indifference in the whole place. It didn't add up. This is the capital of the greatest entertainment and vacation spot, why does the palace looks like someone had just died? They all stopped in front of a double door, it was made of metal and was platted with gold. Two armed soldiers stood in the front, they gave an acknowledging look at the Adviser before they slightly moved apart before announcing the presence there.

"Adviser Kasamatsu Yukio with the delegates of Teiko." One of the soldiers announced before the other pushed open the big door.

Behind that door was the brightest room in the whole palace, Aomine followed Kasamastsu's lead as they step in the room. The windows were tall and broad, the drapes pulled and the early morning sun's rays illuminating the room, the walls were painted in white, the floor unlike the rest of the palace was covered in a red carpet, and in the far back, in a small podium sat the infamous Golden Throne of Kaijo. It was the first time Aomine Daiki was able to be graced with the opportunity to see it, it was carved with numerous butterfly while the seat had a red cushion, and sitting on top of that is a crown. The whole picture slowly came into view as Aomine noticed the figure standing there in the side of the throne, back facing them. It was a tall lean figure in a golden robe and a kimono he thought only Momoi would enjoy seeing a man wear. However, for a moment Aomine hesitated—a man? The tall lean body, and that long golden hair, would a man have such figure?

Kasamatsu dropped to his knees, "Heika, as you requested, I have brought the delegates of Teiko."

"Thank you," was the short reply of the other. Aomine fliched, why…for some reason, that voice—"Welcome to Kaijo." Was the greeting that came next, a cheerful voice.

Aomine's eyes widen at the sight, the figure turned to face them—it was indeed a man, however, his face could be compared to Teiko's fifth prince. It was just…beautiful. It didn't add up, women are the only one thought to be described with the word beautiful, however the Kaijo's King, there was just no word to describe him except that. His eyes were the perfect shape of almond framed with thick dark lashes that accented his amber colored eyes, and his nose and jaws were just perfectly sculpted, and his lips curled into a smile. His skin is white and smooth like milk. And his hair was lazily draped in his shoulders to his front, it was as gold as everything else in the room. One thing Aomine realized by then was that the sun loved the King of Kaijo, he looked like he had been showering in it and it only made him look even feminine which was strange since it usually didn't suite people—not especially a King.

"W-We are from the E-Empire of Teiko," Sakurai staggered as he introduced themselves, "It is our p-pleasure to finally have an audience with His Majesty. I am Sakurai R-Ryou o-of the eight squad of Teiko's Imperial Army, and here is His Imperial Prince." He said as he followed Kasamatsu's gesture.

Aomine only gave the King a casual look, "Aomine Daiki, fourth prince of Teiko and Prince of Too." He said staring at the figure. The King's eyes widen in a fraction, it didn't escape Aomine's fast eyes. His expression changed slightly in surprised. Aomine was taken aback as well, what's with his expression, what is so surprising about his name?

"A-Aomine…"The name slips the King's tongue, somehow Aomine didn't like how that sounded, it sounded like he was being called, being confirmed. The King made a smile, however it was too late to mask the expression he had earlier, his hand shoot up to his neck for some reason. "Aomine-sama…Ah, yes, ah welcome to Kaijo. A prince, huh? Why not the minister of diplomatic affairs, I wonder?" the King chuckled as he lowered his head slightly. "Ah, silly me, where are my manners, I am the ninth King of the Kingdom of Kaijo, son of the late King Kise Yuuki and Her Majesty, Lady Kise Ryouka I am—"

.

.

"Kise Ryouta!"

"Huh?"

"Remember that!"

.

.

"…Denka?" Aomine blinked, what? What was that? He looked around and found the blonde King standing there with a subtle smile in his lips. Sakurai was in his side with a look of concern and nervousness. "Denka, are you alright?"

"Y-Yeah, of course." Aomine answered, what…had he…met Kise before? Looking towards the throne the man didn't seem to look at him like one who had never seen him in a long time. He didn't look like he had met him before. And besides, he doesn't really remember meeting someone with Kise's features…right?

"What must be the reason for your visit, Prince?"

Aomine remembered finally, ah yeah, that one, "His Imperial Majesty would like you to fulfil your promise to him, or something like that." Aomine watched as the King's face turned to shock then, his cheeks suddenly burst in a shade of red, he quickly turned his back on the three men. Kasamatsu raised a brow at the other's reaction, he turned to the prince of Teiko in question however the Aomine only shrugs, he honestly has no idea what the hell the message actually means.

"H-How…d-does it mean Akashi-sama still r-remembers?" Aomine raised a brow at this then turned to Kasamatsu exchanging a look of confusion at the reaction from the King. What was so embarrassing about that promise? The King who stood in grace and beauty just a moment ago had now turned to a childlike state ready to be engulfed whole by the earth from embarrassment. The three men almost jumped from surprised when the King turned to face them blushing furiously. Aomine stifled a laugh, yeah right, King his ass he looks like a child with his cheeks puffed in mortification. "D-Did he tell you about it?"

Aomine blinked as he pointed to himself silently asking the King if he was the one he speaks of. The King nodded. "Uh…No, he didn't. Why, what is it about?" The three men watched in confusion as the King practically exploded from the blushing, "N-Never mind about it!" he said as he marched back towards the throne, he started pacing back and forth making the three confuse. Just what the hell did he and Akashi agreed on?

"Y-You must be tired, y-yes?" Kise said supressing the shaking and his tremble of his body out of his supressed embarrassment. "Ah, A-Adviser K-Kasamatsu would you kindly escort our guests to their rooms?"

Kasamatsu nodded albeit reluctantly. "Of course," he said and turned to the two, "Please do follow me."

Aomine and Sakurai didn't question further the King's action, they decided to follow the Adviser to their quarters. The three slowly disappeared from Kise's line of sight, and as the door closed behind them, the blonde King fell to his knees miserably. Ah, why, of all times it has to be now. He didn't think Akashi would still remember, a memory that had been pushed away for many years. Lowering his head, his long golden hair fell to the side of his face. Of course, Aomine wouldn't remember, and it was the part where it was unfair. He wished that Akashi didn't bring Aomine, of all people. Bitterly the King bit his lower lip. When Kise had finally picked himself up, this has to come, when he had mastered and swallowed his fate, he has to come.

"Could it be the reason behind it is that you wish Daiki to look at you?"

"Eh?!" Kise blushed furiously, he turned away trying to find something to use as an excuse. "A-Ah, I-Its n-not like that, I-I mean A-Aomine-cchi i-is—"

"You admire him."

Kise stopped and stared at Akashi, sheepishly the prince turned to his hands and found himself nodding. It wasn't a question, Akashi was stating it. "A-Am I…obvious?"

Akashi chuckled, "To me yes, to the Empress perhaps yes as well, however to Daiki who has a brain as small as a bird, no. Daiki doesn't know, Daiki would not until you become thorough about it."

"T-Thorough?"

"Yes, expressive I mean." Akashi said, "However, knowing Ryouta-sama, you would not do things in such extent, you still have your dignity to upheld, yes?"

Kise shyly smiled to the crowned prince, "If I become a great warrior someday, do you think Aomine-cchi would like me…as well?"

Akashi only smiled, "I think so."

However, many things had changed. Kise bit his lip, reality hit him hard on the face, life isn't a bed of roses, life isn't as easy as that. Aomine is a part of those things, of the things that had to be sacrificed, along with all the things he once dreamed, for Kaijo, for the ones who died for him, for the blood sacrificed for him, for the Kingdom. Tears no longer flowed in his eyes like they used to, even with the pain in his chest.

Akashi was shock when Kagami had called for an audience with him that morning, he had expected the prince would take a few more days before finally making up his mind. However, when Kagami appeared in the door way of his office he could not tear his eyes off from the fiery eyes of the other, Akashi could not help but smile, ah, yes, this is the formidable power hidden beneath those orbs—was the first thing he realized. Raw determination and power, Kagami Taiga held them proudly in his crimson eyes. That morning he wore something Akashi did not expect, Kagami was wearing a formal clothing, a bright red kimono, a black stripped obi, his haori was something he had not seen worn by anyone aside from the prince—a tiger print haori. His back was straight and the air of authority was raw and seeping from the way he stood there. Akashi could barely recognize this respectable man before him, he is so different from the man who came to palace a few days ago with anger and recklessness like mad tiger's soul within. What changed, Akashi could only ask himself. He had dismissed all his men keeping the conversation private to the two.

"Come have a seat, Kagami-ouji." Akashi said gesturing to the seat, Kagami took the seat and was now facing the Emperor. Akashi raised a brow, something is different with the air around Kagami, it was more collected, it was more composed, despite the raw power in those eyes it was more…subtle? For some reason Kagami looked more like a real tiger now, composed, collected and ready to strike.

"I'm sorry for calling you today, I heard something happened yesterday." Kagami said getting comfortable in his seat. Yes, that's right, he needs to relax, he needs to get his thoughts through and there will be no other way than composing himself.

"Thank you for your concern, however I am as you could see, in perfect condition, people just tend to exaggerate," Akashi said giving the man his ever so practiced political smile, "I assume, Minister Reo is the one who delivered the news?"

"Yeah."

"As expected," Akashi said chuckling, "Worry not, I am quite alright. It is fairly normal to have something like that once in a while, yes?"

Kagami nodded, "Then I'm glad, I really want to speak with you today." He said.

"Is it about the issue with the missing prince?"

"Yes." Kagami quickly replied. "I am still angry," he started. Akashi raised a brow, definitely, he had changed, his voice didn't ring like a loud roar like he used to do back then. He was expressing that he is angry but in a composed manner. Somehow the gesture reminded him of…ah, that's just…impossible, right? "I am angry, my brother was kidnapped by your people. A prince hauled into your ship, and to God knows what those scum did to him."

"Ouji -sama, we had talked about this as I said we had settled the punishment for those men."

"I know," Kagami said, "I know that but my people would desire is not in my fingertips. If one of your brothers were to be killed or went missing as well, I assure you that your people would feel the same bloodlust." Akashi's brows furrowed at the comparison made, he didn't like the thought, if that happened, the bloodlust would not be on the people but to him, all on him. He understood this, he understood what Kagami wants him to know, the feeling of fear of losing his siblings, and the effect of it to the people. Akashi was about to reason with the prince when the man raised his hand to stop the other telling him he isn't done yet. "However, you were right."

Akashi's eyes widen…is he hearing this alright? Was he alright, was he dreaming? For the past few days, he had thought all along that Kagami Taiga had the same huge indestructible ego that the fourth prince had—however, for the first time…he is wrong. Kagami Taiga admitted that he was wrong, Kagami Taiga is susceptible to change, Kagami Taiga will change. The man is dangerous when reckless, but this version is much…frightening. A calm tiger is a thinking tiger, a thinking tiger…catches with absolute precision.

"I was pushed by the emotions I had, I was pressured by the thoughts of my people, when I am, should be, the one who regulates them. You were right, I wasn't thinking. I was being selfish." Kagami said, "If I went to battle, how many lives will be sacrificed for a sin of a few, how many will fall for a cause that would only last till the dawn? Someone wise told me, would you kill a family for a sin made by their father? It made me think, would let my people go to a war that I know we will lose, for a stupid cause to avenge my missing brother? Would my brother want it? Would my brother be happy to see that? No. No, he will not."

Akashi watched in awe as Kagami spoke, it was as if Kagami was being possessed by something or someone, he spoke with such clarity, he spoke like a real KING, not a prince, or a diplomat, this are the words of…a KING. Akashi never believed someone could be a King overnight, he never believed in instant things, those were reserved for people who were born with some exceptional skills, like him or his brothers, however, staring right at Kagami he wondered, was it just hidden deep within or some magical thing fell on him and made him as he is now. Kagami paused, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before opening his eyes. Right then Akashi was sure…Akashi wasn't seeing things, he was sure…for a moment he saw it.

"For sometimes what the people want isn't what is best, it is after all, better to be right than to be good," Kagami said. Akashi could only stare, could it be that he…but how? But he could see it, he could see the way he speak, this words, these are the words he would say. It sent shivers in his spine hearing it from Kagami Taiga, it was a good thing that Kagami Taiga isn't affiliated with him because the two of them makes a frightening, indestructible…pair. "This is happening because they are confused, they don't know what to do. They need someone to tell them what is right. The best decision in my brother's disappearance is not seeking revenge but taking the vacant throne."

Akashi's eyes widen, he knew Kagami Taiga would eventually take the throne however, the way he announced it, the man was like standing right in front of him with his towering height saying, "I shall build a Kingdom greater, better, than your Empire."

"I have decided, to do that I must return to my Kingdom, to where my service is really needed."

"I am quite surprised to hear that your resolve, however, know that I support your decision as well." Akashi said standing from his seat he placed his fist against his palm, a sign of respect, the man was worthy of it. Kagami Taiga, he needed to be wary of this man, in no time, if this man continues on the path he is walking he would be a frightening enemy. "Have my blessings, heika."

.

.

"His Imperial Highness!"

Kuroko turned and found Akashi and Minister Mebuchi, the raven haired man walking a few feet behind the Emperor. Kuroko placed the herb he was holding down back to the table, Furihata who was standing behind the fifth prince immediately was looking at the Emperor's party. Flustered, the brunette quickly bowed his head to the two. Kuroko only made a slight bow to the two. Akashi nodded, and gestured for Reo to give the three of them privacy. The minister nodded and left quietly. Kuroko watched as Akashi smiled at them, the Emperor knew well that today is his lectures with Furihata he wondered what would he be doing here when he knows the two would be quite busy themselves. Furihata was quiet and very reserved about the details of their journey with the Emperor. However, the way Akashi seemed a bit casual around the brunette told lots for the fifth prince. Furihata seemed it tense, ah, but he was always around almost everyone, yes?

"G-Good day Shujo." Furihata greeted.

"Please raise your head Kouki." Akashi said, the brunette raised his head like that meeting the mismatched eyes that smiled at him. Turning to Kuroko the Emperor smiled as well. "Kouki would you mind getting us some tea?"

Furihata turned to look at Kuroko for n=consent, the prince nodded. Furihata dashed to get the tea the Emperor requested without further question. When the brunette was out of sight, Kuroko sighed, "Shujo, what is it this time?" he asked, "You were informed that Furihata needs to be in my court today, you cannot—"

"I noticed, where is mother's gift for you?" Kuroko stiffened at the question, Akashi smiled slyly, just as he thought.

"I…I didn't notice I was not wearing it."

"Are you sure?" Akashi asked, "And I wonder, who gave you that?" he asked as he turned towards the handheld ornament in Kuroko's hand.

Kuroko's grip in the handheld ornament tightened, "I…Its an old accessory I merely thought it suited my clothes today so I—"

Kuroko gasped when Akashi snatched the item from Kuroko's grip, "Oh, old, huh?" he said smirking evilly, Kuroko's expression changed into a pure horror, "Then you would mind if I break it."

"NO!" Kuroko exclaimed, as he try to take it from the other, however Akashi was able to hold him tightly in the forearm, Kuroko hiss in the pain. Akashi raised the object far from Kuroko's reach. "Shujo what are you doing?"

"Its just an old accessory, right you could ask someone else to do something better for you, again, yes?"

"Please, give it to me!"

"Oh, so you react like this towards an old accessory, yet you have forgotten mother's gift? How strange."

"Kuroko-denka!"

The two stilled hearing the voice. Turning, Akashi found Furihata running with a look full of concern. What on earth was he doing in there, didn't he asked the other to go and fetch them tea? The other run towards them, Akashi let go of Kuroko almost shoving the other away. Furihata was quick to catch the prince. Kuroko's eyed Akashi, this scene isn't new, Akashi becomes quite agrresive at some point, this meant something. "Denka are you alright?" Furihata asked in pure concern, he turned to look up at the Emperor, the smile his lips held was now pressed in a thin line, and his eyes—Furihata had never felt so scared that he couldn't stop or turn away, as if once he do his neck will be snapped or his throat will be slit. He knew Akashi is frightening, but this kind of fright was just way over the edge. If looks could kill, he had been long a corpse. The most spine chilling fact was the mismatched eyes exclaimed that he would kill if he has to just to get his point emphasized. Akashi Seijuuro is the embodiment of power.

"Brother please just give it back to me." Kuroko's voice had turned shyly, Furihata didn't know this side of the fifth prince, where did that frightening, cold hearted fifth prince had gone too? He looked so docile, almost like a child pleading for his brother to give back his favourite toy. Kuroko collecting back his composure, stood and looked at Akashi, "Please, brother."

The name always had an effect in Akashi, it was rare that the formal and polite Kuroko would call him again that. It was as if it was his endearment for the other. However, this time Akashi didn't seem to show any reaction, instead his grip on the object tightened. He didn't understand it himself, why was he getting angry at Kuroko, why is he doing this? But the fact that Kuroko is acting like this, his unfeeling, his stoic brother heart cold as ice begging, pleading for a single, average, handmade ornament was surprising. And knowing this was all due to that person. Was he jealous, was he scared Kuroko will be one day taken away, or was it—stop lying to yourself. Ah, yes…it was that. He was still saying it was nothing, this object is nothing yet he was begging him to give it back.

"Shujo please." Akashi blinked, a familiar voice cutting his train of thoughts, it was Furihata. The brunette attendant was holding his brother dearly as if calming down the other. Surely, Kuroko hasn't told this brunette about the ornament if he has not told him, his brother, yet. But he was holding him, asking him as well. Why? Why did he rushed there? Usually attendants and servants would not there come when it was something between the Imperial family in fear of getting punished. The sight somehow reminded him of—

"Seijuuro!" suddenly Akashi felt a warm embrace encased him, he huffed and puffed, anger rose in his system making him see nothing but red. "Seijuuro, my son, Seijuuro calm down."

"Tetsuya…he…he tried to—"

"Its alright, son, its alright."

The sight reminded him how she would place her hand over their shoulders to calm them down, or how she would press them to her side to protect them from the rest of this filthy world. His hand fell to his side. Slowly, he felt the spiral and swirls of random emotion slowly calming down. Without a word Akashi let go of the ornament making sure he didn't give it a force to break it, after all it wasn't what he intended to do. When the item fell on the floor Kuroko was about to go on his knees to pick it but Furihata did it for him. With eyes wide Kuroko looked up at Akashi questioningly. "I don't know how, I would not ask. But he will be departing tomorrow." Kuroko's eyes widen, Akashi knew he didn't need to say the name of the one who gave that to him.

"I-I d-don't know what His Majesty is—"

"Stop." Akashi said, "I know that look, I've seen it before, don't even try and hide it. Stop hiding it."

Kuroko's eyes widen. He was frozen in his feet, without further explanation Akashi turned and took his leave. Akashi thanked his back was now what was facing his brother, it ached and pained him…to see the same look he held in those cerulean eyes.

…That look

…I've seen it before…