Thank you very muuuch for Guest-san who reviewed and helped me out a lot! I'm very sorry if you guys had been having hard reading because I always forget important guidelines here in FF, if Guest-san would have not helped me out with those detail I wouldn't have woken up from the trouble I have been causing you guys. SO WITH A NEW DETERMINATION, I shall try and take those words at heart so for the betterment of LION and my on-going works! Again, THANK YOU VERY MUCH GUEST-SAN I OWE YOU BIG! And don't worry I do understand that you mean well, and yeah those words really helped me a lot! I will do my best to avoid those things from here on! And for cynthiacyvon kyaaah thank youuuuuuu~~~ Hohoho imagine Kouki playing an instrument for the Emperor is just asdfghjkl~~~! Ahahahaha pardon my wild imagination hohoho, btw hope you like the chapter update. And for those who were asking 'Does Kasamatsu have feelings for Kise-heika?" OHOHOHO YOU WILL NOW IN THIS CHAPTER~~~ARE YOU READYYYY?

AHAHAHAHA btw, hope to see you guys revieeew! I missed you...and btw BELATED HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Review pweeaaase?

Chapter 21: At All Cost

Kasamatsu Yukio knew him the moment he was born, being the only son of the Royal Adviser of King Kise Yuki he was quite close to the Royal Family. The moment he was born the whole Kingdom celebrated—finally a heir to the throne—a prince was born. They held a lantern festival and called it the Festival of the Sun, it was called so due to the color of the prince's eyes and hair—golden yellow. Kasamatsu was there when the King first held his son in his arms, a smile was in the man's face, the King loved his son.

Kasamatsu Yukio was born in an elite family, closely tied with the Kise family and the Kinzo family. One way or another every male first born of the Kasamatsu clan were to serve the Royal Family, it had become an unspoken tradition. And for years and years, they have proven their worth. Despite the change in lineage the Kasamatsu clan remained to be Kaijo's trusted lines of advisers and knights. Kasamatsu Yukio assumed the title of his father the moment the heir was born. He had become the boy's unspoken knight, it was a role given to him the moment Kise Ryouta was born. However—

"It is alright to be concerned of him." His father once said, "However, remember that our loyalty doesn't lie on whois in the throne—but on the throne."

The Kasamatsu family served the Royal Family—not the Kise family, so long as they are treated and they held the crown they will serve them. It was the same with Kise, if ever one day Kise dies or is overthrown…he shall be reminded of his role. Honestly it was an unfair thought, he was raised with Kise, he stood there watching the blonde infant in its crib, played with the child day long, he went where the child would be, and for someone to simply say that he should not be attached to him is difficult. It wasn't that simple.

Slowly the infant grew and he looked just like his sister, some even say they might be twins—and only Kasamatsu could tell the difference between the two when they try to play the classic switchy-roo. Saying Kise is an energetic kid was an understatement as well, he was…a bouncing ball of energy. He couldn't stay put in a single area for an hour, he was constantly running around. And he had this smile so much like the Queen Ryouka, and just like her—no one can simply hate him. He has this way that he could squeeze into anyone's heart and Kasamatsu Yukio was no different.

"Eh, could it be you like Ryou?"

Kasamatsu remembered that day when the princess suddenly said to him, mixed of bewilderment and embarrassment filled the boy, "W-What are you saying Y-Your M-Majesty, t-there's n-no way I would have something like that to the young Prince." Kasamatsu said he could feel his face flushing with heat.

"Eh did you just stutter Kasamatsu-kun!"

"I-I did not."

It was impossible not to like him—Kasamatsu perpetually told himself, perhaps it was just because of the thought he spent so much time with the blonde prince. However sometimes he didn't understand himself, he would have thought he would like a woman close to his mother's personality, quiet, elegant and graceful—Kise Ryouta was none of those. He was spontaneous, random, he was loud and mischevious. Graceful would be the last thing you would use to describe the prince. He would play with mud if there was. He watched Kise silently in the background, years and years—until the death of the Queen.

He was too young to understand then about the cruelty of the game of survival in the throne, all he understood was Kise Ryouta was in pain. The prince who was always lively was there crying. He cried as his sister attempted to calm down her spitting image. Kasamatsu could offer no words of consolation—it was forbidden for him to meddle with these things, he was told never to get attached and once he come close, he knows he would be drawn and it will be impossible then to leave the void that was Kise Ryouta.

Security became tight around the King's children since then, Kasamatsu was forbidden to see them—not even a glimpse was given to them. All he had were a few words from the King or from his Father. Then suddenly one summer day, Kasamatsu Yukio came with his father who went to consult the man about the incoming threats to the heir of the throne. And his eyes widen as the King spoke there, however being a child, his opinion didn't matter. And he knew it was for the best as well.

Kise was sent somewhere, he didn't know where or how far the place would be, he didn't even know if the prince had any guards with him, and that thought kept him up for days. There was a limit as to how much he should be concerned of the prince, it was a given note, he had practiced this over and over. His father's words replayed in his ears, they work for Kaijo not for Kise family, he shouldn't be this much of worried of the prince, it was the King's decision after all. But days went on and Kasamatsu couldn't stop thinking; had he been eating fine, were the people wherever he was sent was treating him good, do they know he doesn't like carrots, was he getting enough sleep, did he get injured somehow?

And then one day, it occurred to the young man, if he was stronger…would they still send Kise away? If he had been stronger, more capable of protecting the prince would they still entrust Kise's safety to someone else? Maybe it was his fault, maybe because he wasn't enough. If he had been stronger maybe Kise didn't have to leave.

Days without the blonde prince's energy in the palace made the whole place looks sadder than it already was, all Kasamatsu could ask for is the day when he finally arrive home.

But the day Kise arrived back in the palace—he wasn't the boy he spend days with.

It was a starless night, when Kasamatsu awoke from his sleep, from an unexplainable reason his chest felt tight and he couldn't sit still. He stayed up until dawn. When the sun starts peering through the horizons, he heard some frantic noises outside, curiously the young man went to ask around—

"The King's party hasn't responded to any of our signals since last night!"

Kasamatsu's father slammed his fist against the pillar, "Why haven't you been concerned then, how long had it been since reports had stop coming?!" he exclaimed.

"A-Almost six hours ago, s-sir."

"Idiots!" he exclaimed louder this time, "Gather all our men! We shall head there now!"

The young man wasn't able to do anything but to wait, he waited there in the palace silently praying to spare the Kise family of any ill fate. But his prayers were in vain. It was proven when the prince returned to the palace, and he was no longer himself.

Dead. The whole royal family killed except for the prince, with a downcast expression the prince narrated to Kasamatsu's father the events that took place in that monastery. The King and everyone else there including the monks were killed, the princess disguised herself as him by cutting her hair and hiding the prince inside the closet was killed as well. The culprits left thinking they have killed the prince. And the prince stayed there in the closet until help came.

For the young man, Kise Ryouta barely returned. Kise Ryouta…died with the rest of those people. No smile graced his lips for days, he refused to eat, nor see anyone. He cried himself to sleep. He thought it was his fault that those people died, as if they died in his 'stead. And the young man found nothing to say for him, he couldn't say he understand his feelings, nor does he know what to say.

He could only watch him from afar, just like then.

The death of the royal family brought Kasamatu's father grief, he felt as if he failed to see that moment coming, he let his guard down, he repeated over and over until he went to the prince and told him that to redeem his remaining pride he wanted to leave the his title. The prince respected the man's decision and let him do as he wish.

And then, one day, Kise declared that he will take the throne—right then at that very moment. Everyone cheered, they wanted the prince to do so, they believed only Kise could continue what his family had already started. Kasamatsu agreed, Kise despite all his flaws is a good leader. However…when Kise said those words, he didn't look happy at all. He was far from what Kasamatsu would have imagined the prince as he would declare himself the King. He looked like a dog accepting a leash he wasn't used to but had to. His lips were turned upwards, he was smiling, but his eyes were dead. His eyes were sad.

Kasamatsu couldn't even bring himself to say anything. How hard was it to lose everything? It was something he didn't have any idea about, which was why he couldn't say anything. He was…a humble commoner and Kise was the prince—no, the King.

Whe Kise ascended to the throne, he was shock to learn the King decided that he shall be his Royal Adviser. There was so many others Kise could have chosen, it doesn't necessary had to be him, especially after his father's resignation to the position. Kise offered the position to him with another of his fake smiles. Though Kasamatsu knew that smile was only to deceive him that the King was alright, he couldn't help but to think selfishly.

"This is the only way I could be close to him." Those words were deep within his chest, he didn't voice them out, nor did he admit it out loud to himself. But he knew it. Kasamatsu Yukio agreed only because he wanted to be by his side.

It was ironic, he was swore to his father never to be loyal to only one person, he swore to have only his loyalty to the kingdom—but he was already sucked into the void, and there was no returning.

Years passed, Kasamatsu thought he was contented with how things were going. Kise was only busy with affairs of the Kingdom, no women, no other things. And they were always together—even if he didn't look at him any more than how he would look longingly outside the window. He first thought it was something that has to do with the incident that night, perhaps the prince longs for his lost family, but when 'that' person came there right at the palace's gate, everything made sense.

Kise's eyes widen at the sight of that man, a prince of a neighboring empire. His skin was dark and he was taller the blonde King, his eyes were the color of a starless night. And Kise's eyes shifted from shock to embarrassment, then to sadness. His eyes…came alive at that very moment, something that Kasamatsu had never seen in so many years. And in a short time that person spent with Kise he unravelled him like an obvious trap, he solved the riddle that was Kise Ryouta within a couple of hours which for Kasamatsu couldn't even do even after years of spending with him. And Kise in return looked at him with eyes he had never looked to anyone before.

Even if he was so close…he never looked at him like that.

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Usually it was Mebuchi Reo who accompanies the Emperor, however due to the man attending something that night, it was Hayama Koutaro who was standing next to the scarlet haired man. To the other's utter surprise, instead of planning for the coming of the so called special guest, the Emperor was busy inspecting the instrument in his hand. From the looks of it, the instrument is one of those given to children when they start learning the bamboo flute, a typical and simple bamboo flute. In the desk sat a much splendid version of the instrument. Hayama didn't know what was happening but the Emperor somehow looks…excited.

What makes the Phoenix Emperor this excited by just looking at a simple object? For all he knew the man wasn't seeing any courtesans, and surely if ever he is, no courtesans would be using something that looks terribly like what a kid would use. And to be unusually elated at this hour, what could be the reason? The Emperor usually would realize Hayama's curiosity as the other had a habit of boring his eyes on his subject, but the Emperor doesn't clearly much more interested in the small item in his hands. It was just strange.

Hayama was alerted when the Emperor stood and grabbed the two items with him. "Come Koutaro, I would like some fresh air." The Emperor said and walked pass Hayama.

The question pops out in the yellow haired man, why would the Emperor walk around the Court at this hour? He was doing something out of his normal routine yet again, usually he would be waiting in his office reading through a few books or reports, if he doesn't feel well he would have said he would be going straight to his room to rest. Never once he had said that he would prefer to walk around. The next question is, what does he intend to do with those flutes? Despite the numerous question, the other decided to keep those to himself for the simple reason that it was too late to get in the nerves of the Emperor. He would love a good night rest in his room not in a dungeon.

Surprisingly their walk was indeed, just a stroll. Akashi was quiet all throughout. Perhaps he just needed something to get off his mind? Hayama was starting to get dizzy with all of the probabilities in his head, until he felt a shiver run in his spine due to the cold.

"Shujo, it will be cold soon, we have to get back soon." Hayama said. His voice pierced through the silence of the court.

However he was only responded with an intake of breath from the Emperor. Akashi turned to him with a frown, "It is always cold at night."

"Y-Yes," Hayama almost slapped himself with the thought of choosing that word of all, "what I mean is, it is already late we should head back."

Akashi's frown deepen making the other flinch feeling as if he had stepped on a mine. Akashi was about to say something when the two heard a rustle somewhere. Akashi waited while Hayama's senses were heightened in fear for the Emperor's well-being, he gripped the sheath of his sword ready to defend the man. The two shifted their gaze and found a silhouette of someone running towards them. To Hayama's surprise he found that person as a brunette he hasn't seen around before.

"Who are you and what is your purpose to be here at such hour of the night?" Hayama asked as he revealed his sword and pointed at the brunette who stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw them. To Hayama's surprise the Emperor took a step forward and raised his hand gesturing for him to put his weapon down. "S-Shujo this person is—"

"Furihata Kouki." Akashi called the brunette's name and the other raised his head.

The so called Furihata Kouki is a new sight for Hayama Koutaro. How did this plain looking guy become acquainted with Teiko's most powerful man? The brunette was even obviously trembling!

"Your duty tonight has ended Koutaro." The Emperor said shocking the man.

"B-But Shujo I cannot leave you alone! It would be dangerous!" Hayama exclaimed.

Akashi frowned yet again as he turn to face Hayama. "Does this man," Akashi pointed towards the trembling brunette, "looks like someone who could kill me?"

Hayama chocked at the statement, the answer was no. Obviously the smaller guy is in no way in the level that could defeat the Emperor. Akashi Seijuuro is the first son of the previous Pheonix Emperor, the man who united Teiko, and the Mistress of the Sea—obviously he isnt someone so simple that you could kill with some simple poison or dagger. You need to be in the level of either the fourth prince or the fifth prince to do that. But still—

"But Shujo what if something happens and I—"

"Do you take me for someone incapable of defending myself?" Akashi asked this time sounding annoyed, "Do I look weak Hayama Koutaro?"

The use of his full name made Hayama's danger instinct ring in his ears—stop questioning His Highness and just leave! His inner voice was then starting to beg him to go. And as clearly as it seems, it was the best thing that he should do—leave.

"I-I understand." Hayama said, "But please do call us if something goes out of hand."

Akashi did not answer and watched as the other bowed his head as he excused himself. He supressed a sigh escaping his lips, he didn't need someone to tag along, especially when he was only with Furihata. The Emperor waited until Hayama was nowhere within his line of sight before turning towards the brunette who was shifting his weight from left foot to right.

"Did he scare you?"

Furihata blinked in surprise at the Emperor's question, "A-A bit…yes."

Akashi chuckled, "You seem easily intimidated."

"Uh…I guess?" Furihata mumbled. He was shock to find the man pointing his sword at him, it always never failed to scare everything out of the brunette. Swords and weapons scream violence, and Furihata was never a fan of it. "D-Did I…make you wait for too long Shujo?"

This time Akashi didn't hold back his sigh as if freely exposing his displeasure towards that statement. "What have I told you about calling me?"

"I-I'm sorry!" Furihata bowed his head, it wasn't easy though. He was getting used with the honorifics and now he was asked to change that. And it was embarrassing as well, no one calls him using his name in the palace, not even his brothers. The thought made the brunette flustered.

"Come on Kouki." Akashi said as he started walking, "We shall start your first lesson in music."

…

There were lots of things Furihata was wondering, that includes why did the Emperor decided to teach him music all of a sudden. And if he did want him to learn, why was he personally teaching him? Furihata watched Akashi's back as he followed the man close, his scarlet hair look ablaze even under the night sky. It was indeed beautiful. It was much contrast to the youngest, the fifth prince's, his looks like it was fire while Kuroko's hair looks like the clear blue sea. It made the other wonder who among his parents possessed the vibrant color.

"You are awfully quiet tonight." Akashi said breaking the silence between them.

Furihata fidgeted, should he say or not? Akashi led them to the garden, and he slipped into one of the seats in the marble gazebo. Furihata was amazed as he looked around, he hasn't looked carefully before, nor did he ever thought of coming to see the garden at night, it was more breath taking than it was in the morning. The plum trees and their flowers looked like they were glowing and were lighting up the garden. A wind blew and the petals shredded as it surfed with the current of the wind creating an ethereal scene before the former prince turned attendant.

"Pretty." Furihata couldn't help to admire the sight before him.

"You and Tetsuya are awfully similar." Akashi said as he watched Furihata standing and watching the garden with wide eyes. "Some would prefer the scene of the garden in the morning, however only you and Tetsuya would say otherwise."

Furihata blushed as he was clearly compared to the fifth prince—the jewel of the crimson palace. "T-Those words w-will be w-wasted on me, and I-I am in no way comparable to Kuroko-denka."

Akashi shook his head, "Of course you wouldn't let me at least say that would you?"

"I-It is the truth." Furihata said as he stepped into the gazebo.

Akashi smiled at him and placed the instruments in the table. The brunette watched as Akashi pushed further the simpler looking instrument. "This will be yours from now on." Akashi said quietly. "Come sit Kouki."

Furihata bowed his head meekly and slipped into a seat facing the Emperor keeping his head low. Akashi's eyes were still the most emotionally straining thing, it was the way the man looks at people, the way he literally stares at you. Though Kuroko had the similar habit, Kuroko's eyes were blank and usually when he stares it really seems like he was merely, plainly, calmly watching, but Akashi's eyes were like inspecting, dissecting you, and implementing his authority over you as he stares at you. The past few days were still not enough for the fidgeting brunette to be used of this kind of behaviour from the scarlet haired Emperor. But he knows Akashi Seijuuro does not mean for him to feel that way. Was it Kuroko's influence on the Emperor?

"Take it Kouki." Akashi told brunette.

Furihata took the instrument in his hand, the material felt smooth against his slightly calloused hands, and though it looks simple, something told Furihata it wasn't that simple. Something was special about the instrument.

"Treat it as a present from me." the word struck the brunette causing him to snap towards the Emperor. Akashi didn't look bothered or concerned at all with what he just said, however Furihata Kouki was a different story. The brunette was gaping at the Akashi in shock, as he looked from the instrument then to the man as if asking if he was serious. And as if the man had heard his internal screams Akashi sighed and said, "Yes, I am serious."

"B-But I-I am n-not—I mean I-I can't t-this is, I-I-I'm just—"

"Giving that to you has nothing to do with your social status Kouki, stop sputtering nonsense and accept it."

Furihata stared at Akashi with wide eyes and mouth hanging open. In the end Akashi will not let him refuse, does he? Furihata bit off his remaining complaints and decided to accept what was inevitable, which of course taking the gift.

"T-Thank you very much! I-I will take care of this A-Akashi-s-s-sama."

Akashi was taken aback as he heard Furihata used his name for the first time since that day he told him to do so. He found himself smiling, "Rather than that, you should instead learn quickly." He said.

Furihata found himself chuckling, oh the pressure felt like it will be the death of him. Unknown to the brunette the man sitting across him was staring at him, supressing all the internal urges to do something stupid—like telling him his laugh sounded like wind chimes on a summer night. He looked glowing and the sight of the brunette chuckling with his smaller and tanned hands curled to his lips in attempt not to show too much of him made the Emperor wish he could have any way to capture this fleeting moment. Then at that moment something made the Emperor stop with the thought of fondness towards the brunette—

Since when did Furihata Kouki have that court manners? Akashi at least have seen a number of commoners—men at that, and they don't laugh the way Furihata would like a well-mannered noble. Only women would do that. But…he was always with Kuroko, could it be that Kuroko merely rubbed off him, or did the fifth prince taught him of court manners as well? Well it is not important, is it?

"Shall we begin?"

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The cold and slightly salty sea breeze whispered soundless against the skin of the fifth prince, it has been so long since he had actually board a ship and be this close to the island where their mother was born. Kuroko would however want this in a better day, today he had to be here for something special. Standing there in the deck and with the keen eyes of the fifth prince he could see a small fishing vessel close. Aboard the ship were a few of the medical personnel from the Crimson Palace, and Midorima's trusted men in the field of medicine, among them as well were number of the Imperial Guards and the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well. As the ship inched closer to the other vessel, Kuroko removed the hood off from his head, there was no need for it anymore, at this distance from the port no one would recognize him anymore.

"Denka," Kuroko heard Mebuchi called him. "all preparations are done."

Kuroko nodded as he pulled the cloak closer to himself, after his brother's ascension to the throne he thought that a day that he will be sent to this kind of task would never come. He hated the thought of boarding a ship and using this route in particular, it was only used for emergency, and the last time he was asked by Akashi to use this route was during a war against some petty kingdom. The fear slightly crept into him thinking about that, could this be an omen? Kuroko quietly waited in the deck. The head priest hasn't said anything yet, perhaps he was only overthinking?

The ship sped up and approached the vessel, it was a petty fishing vessel. It looks old and at first glance, no one would suspect that a two people of royal birth are aboard. Kuroko raised his hand to tell them to anchor down, the vessel slowly decreased in speed and stopped right next to the smaller vessel. Slowly a familiar figure emerged in the deck, the sight somehow washed relief in the fifth prince's system. However, even from afar Kuroko could see the fatigue in his figure. A plank was placed between the gap enabling the prince to greet his younger brother.

"You do not look good, I see no reason to ask you how are you fairing." Kuroko said in his usual tone. Aomine nodded. "Let us have the King transferred, I am sure that is the only thing that would put you at ease."

The crews of the smaller vessel all emerged at Mebuchi's command to have them all identified, they all line up and bowed before Kuroko. Kuroko turned to the crews and gave them the signal to get the guest to their vessel. In a few moments the medical team emerged with a blonde young man being carried in a stretcher, following him was a raven haired man. As soon as the man looked terrified and concern of the blonde.

"He must be the Royal Adviser of Kaijo." Kuroko stated. Aomine nodded in affirmation. "And the King of Kaijo…he looks just as how I imagined him, however I would have him rather not in this state."

As the King was successfully boarded into the vessel, it was momentarily stopped for Kuroko to have a look at him first. The wound was still slightly bleeding almost staining the man's thin white yukata. His lips were slightly cracked in places indicating dehydration and his skin was pale now. His body is under a lot of stress due to the wound.

"Have you found the weapon used to inflict this injury?" Kuroko asked. Aomine shook his head.

Kuroko turned to the Royal Adviser and slightly bowed his head, "We must take His Majesty to Crimson Palace, he shall be staying with me—rest assured of he will be safe." The man almost jumped as he found Kuroko's presence, he blinked and realize who the man was and quickly went down to his knees and bowed his head. "Welcome to Teiko, Royal Adviser Kasamatsu Yukio-san." Kuroko greeted, "I do hope there is a much more pleasant way we could have met, after all I wanted to speak with Kise-heika. I am the fifth prince of Teiko, fifth son of the former Emperor to his betrothed the Lady of the Seas."

"I am most humbled that His Imperial Prince recognizes me." Kasamatsu said, "I am sure His Highness feels the same way. If only he was of better state he would love to have met you."

"We shall do our best to improve His Majesty's state—meanwhile Shujo would like to have a word with you once we arrive to the palace." Kuroko said, he gestured to the medical team to bring the king to the cabin before turning again to Kasamatsu, "Also I must warn you, the Court where His Majesty would stay is an exclusive area of the Imperial Palace, it is a perfect place to hide him, though his safety is warranted, enabling to see him would be regulated—even to you, sir."

Kasamatsu turned towards where they were taking Kise and closed his eyes—

"I understand, do what must be done, at all cost."