OMG SORRY FOR MAKING YOU GUYS WAIT FOR SOOOO LONG, Exam week came in and I needed to defend my position in the Dean's List! Anyhow all is well now, which is OMG ITS ALMOST CHRISTMAAAS, have you started with your Christmas Shopping yet? Actually I haven't yet. LOL My poor family members and friends, BUT NO I SHALL BE ABLE TO GET A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THEM SOON! Kyaaah the smell of winter and Christmas without worrying about school is refreshiiiing! Anyhow, WE'RE BACK FOR MORE UPDATES FOR LION! Akashi and Furi are really getting chummy, ne? OH, and OOOH I must mention this before anything else *whispers in your ear* yes, Murasakibara will show sooooooooon LOL, he'll be involve as we dig deeper!

OHOHOHO I shall not make everyone wait any longer, so I shall start by thanking EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU, yes, You who are reading this, THANK YOUUU for choosing LION and giving time to read this, especially to our reviewers bella-chiin, cynthiacyvon, AJ, Serket Girgam and lastly to notebooker! I hope you guys like this...AND PLEASE REVIEW AGAAAIN I LOVE YOU ALL! THERE WILL BE MORE OF THE COUPLES SOONER! I am even excited myself to start writing them, despite all these new ideas getting on me its like ASDFGHJKL CHRISTMASSSS IS THE MOST CREATIVE SEASON FOR ME HHAHAHAHAHHA! SO BEWARE I MIGHT START DOUBLE UPDATING SOMETIME THIS HOLIDAY SEASOOOON.

Also, consider that as my birthday tributeee-Gosh, I'm getting old. SOOOO YES, PLEASE DO LEAVE A REVIEW FOR ME-THE BIRTHDAAAY BABY lol! AND IN EXCHANGE I WILL PUBLISH A SHIZAYA FANFIC FOR ALL SHIZAYA FANS OUT THEEERE!

Chapter 22: Tunes of Yearning

Furihata blinked as he turned towards the hallways visible from the garden, somehow the wind felt slightly different. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, but something felt like approaching. Akashi was saying something but the brunette was fixated on the fact that something felt strangely unfamiliar, but of course not unwelcoming. The petals of the plum trees' flowers flew up with a quiet hushing noise and the sound of the bushes swaying. Without a warning the peaceful music of the nature was accompanied by something else—the brunette attendant gasped as he realized this, the Emperor was starting to play his flute.

The tune was strangely calming, it almost sounded like the earth calling towards them, it didn't sound any different from the low whispering of the wind, or the calming flow of water. Furihata watched in awe, it felt like it was some kind of sorcery. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the man playing the tranquil music. How can someone with eyes that could burn a hundred degrees into your soul produce a sound as calm as the waves in the sea in a beautiful calm summer evening? Akashi was indeed a mystery, he is a paradox, his eyes were cold and blank, his words were fierce and harsh, the color of his hair looked like the color of fresh blood spilled, but he was none of those in nature, he is kind with his brothers, he thinks sometimes a little too much of others, he asks barely enough for himself and he was sometimes unsure.

With the Emperor's eyes closed, Furihata had noticed how long his lashes were. They were a bit darker than his hair, and he looks awfully calm. Well, the man was often composed, but there was something different about him tonight, it was the way his shoulders were a bit slack, it was the fact that his eyes were closed and the tension of his authority was wiped—he looked like a simple man just like that. And the air around the man couldn't help but bring Furihata at ease. He always felt like he was being watched by Akashi, being inspected or observed, but tonight he felt like Akashi just wanted to be there with him.

Was it an incorrect notion, Furihata asked himself as he continues to listen to the music, is it wrong to feel at ease and elated by the fact that the man wanted him here? Maybe it is indeed wrong, he is in terms of social status pose no grounds to do so, however, something stirs him and tells him that this much is alright, this much is…fine.

When the music stopped the brunette didn't even realize it, Akashi however even with his eyes closed felt the change of air around the other. Looking across him wehre the brunette sat quietly, Akashi found him staring at his lap where the bamboo flute rested. What has gotten him so quiet?

"Kouki."

Furihata almost yelped in surprised as his name was called again with that ice cold and silk smooth voice, "Y-Yes?"

"What is the matter?" Akashi asked. He was pretty sure nothing could put the other at such state if it's not troubling him.

Funnily, just as Akashi thought the brunette would, the other started chuckling awkwardly as he bowed his head apologetically, "I-I'm very sorry!" he exclaimed his cheeks tainting red, "I-I-I didn't mean to space out, i-its nothing of i-importance."

"I see." Akashi replied, however, he knew deep inside that it was a blatant lie.

"T-That was a-amazing A-Akashi-sama!" Furihata said smiling.

"Do you think you can try that?" Akashi asked the brunette.

"E-EH?A-Already? B-B-But I-I was—"

"Not paying attention?" Akashi decided to complete the statement before slightly shaking his head, however rather than annoyed he felt a smile tugging his lips. The statement made the brunette red in embarrassment, he is just like an open book, showing his emotions all too easily like that. "It's a simple music, later if you have learned to play that I shall give you a reward."

Furihata's eyes widen at the last word—a reward, somehow his cheeks felt like they were on fire, what was he thinking?

"A-A reward?"

Akashi nodded and chuckled, "Do you like it, the music that is."

Furihata nodded, "Y-Yes…w-what i-is it called?"

"Tunes of Yearning." Akashi replied, "It is still basic, Tetsuya likes that song and when he was younger he would only sleep if someone plays him that song."

Furihata chuckled, "I would have never thought."

"Indeed." Akashi answered.

Furihata's smile was contagious that the Emperor couldn't help but smile back. The man wondered if he ever realized that he had improved his speech, Furihata was less tense around the Emperor recently, his stuttering came to a minimum, though he was still a bit jumpy and seems to be always in a state of shock of whatever Akashi would say, he is starting to be comfortable around the scarlet haired man. Maybe it was a natural for the brunette to be shaky and often nervous. Furihata is unlike others, the brunette does not conceal himself in the pretentious smile nor does he try and sweeten his words just to get to Akashi's good graces—though it may often tick something inside the Emperor, it made him realize that this was what he wanted.

Akashi Seijuuro had been brought up be guarded, cautious, sceptic of everyone, for he was taught that people naturally hides behind a mask, a mask that conceals their true intentions and for that he must be careful. It was exhausting trying to be the man who drew the line, it was tiresome to always be waiting for what will be the next move of the enemy, it was tedious to try and unravel others, but all those were unneeded when he was with the brunette. Furihata looked at him straight in the eyes and despite with his shaky voice answered with all truthfulness. Meeting FurihataKouki for the first time felt like the wind of change did blew pass him, Furihata didn't gave him the tedious work of trying to figure out who he was, Furihata displayed his whole soul to the Emperor—a dangerous game indeed.

At times Akashi couldn't help but to think just how someone likeFurihata was able to survive in this kind of world. People like him most often than not were used, their kindness abused.

And maybe that was why he thought—ah, yes, FurihataKouki is special.

"How about you Akashi-sama, what was your favourite music?"

.

.

.

Clink!

Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow, for the umpteenth time of the day he heard that strange sound again. The day was almost over and everyone have been busy with the preparation of the coronation ceremony in a few days, and since the arrival of his son and his party, the strange sound could be heard almost every single waking hour of the day. But it was only Kiyoshi who seemed to notice. The man didn't voice his curiosity thinking it could something, or it was his mind making up something, because there is no way that thing could be here. Well not until today. Today Kiyoshi couldn't simply keep it to himself, something really was earning him that sound.

"What's up?" The crimson haired prince walked towards his father who was deep in his thoughts for the first time.

Kiyoshi was standing in the corner for the whole time merely watching as the rest of the consultants talked about how the throne room would be decorated with his lips pressed into a thin line, the crowned prince couldn't help but to feel curiosity as to what could put his father in such state. The man rarely ever tried to think deep about anything unless it concerns Seirin and the citizens. Surely he isnt thinking of the upcoming coronation ceremony, he was all smiles and laughs when Kagami returned to announce his decision, he even hugged him much to the prince's charging.

"You're quiet." Kagami pointed out.

Kiyoshi was about to answer his son's question when suddenly—

Clink, Clink!—the sound echoed again, this time coming closer to him, louder and louder as his son approached him. Then it clicked to the brown haired man's mind, the noise was in synch with his son's movements.

When his father didn't answer Kagami furrowed his eyebrows, "What?"

"Do you…are you…do you have bells with you?" Kiyoshi asked. The question however elicited the strangest reaction from his son—a blush spread across his son's cheeks and his eyes darted everywhere except his.

"Y-Yeah…w-what of it?" his son grumbled.

Kiyoshi raised a brow, "Why are you blushing?"

"AM NOT!"

"Yes you are."

Silence fell between them until Kagami gave out a sigh scratching his cheek a bit. Kagami sighed and reached down to the inside of his coat where a pocket was right at his chest, "Here." Kagami said as he showed his father the item.

Kiyoshi's eyes widen at the sight—

"Where did you get this from?"

Kagami somehow panicked and brought the item close to him as if the older man would steal it, "W-What is it to you a-anyway?"

Kiyoshi looked at the item again, there is no way there will be anything like it. And how did that item get in his son's hands?

He couldn't remember how long was it, it was way before his eldest son's was born, Kiyoshi was still young then, Seirin was a new Kingdom then. Kiyoshi always admired the kindgdoms in the East, most especially the biggest and most powerful of them all. And he was young then, untameable and very much adventurous; he wanted to meet the couple behind the rise of the greatest empire in the world. One day he found out that the Empress of Teiko was pregnant of her and the Emperor's first son, and as someone who admired the two, he wanted to congratulate them—personally. It was when that item was born.

It was a commissioned work, a bracelet, the bells were specifically made to made a distinct sound, not irritating but more of a sound of chimes. The rings were engraved with distinct designs and it was plated with gold. However, it turned feminine that he intended. It was a gift for the Empress' son and to be able to hand the item, Kiyoshi sneaked out of Seirin and boarded an ordinary ship along with the commoners and with only Hyuuga at his tail, the minister gravely objected the thought of an unannounced visit to Teiko, however Kiyoshi wanted to go there as someone who admires the Imperial Couple not as a King or anything.

The Empress received the gift without probably knowing that the man who gave it to her was a King. Kiyoshi could still remember how the Empress looks, long teal blue hair, and eyes that looks like they were made of glass. So it made the man wonder now, what is his son doing with a gift he gave a woman years before the birth of his child?

"Where did you get that?" Kiyoshi found himself asking.

His son blinked in surprise, "W-Well i-if you must know…it was given to me by…uh…the fifth prince of Teiko…kinda like a gift since we're…uh…you know, friends?" Kagami answered his father as he blushed in a deeper shade of red.

"The…fifth prince of Teiko?" Kiyoshi asked in surprise.

"Ah, it's such a shame, it will look good on a little girl's wrist." The Empress said when she saw the gift of the man to her child. "If the Gods bless us with a daughter, rest assure this will be worn by her until the day of her matrimony."

"Yeah, why?"

Kiyoshi blinked in surprise, "Well that bracelet was something I gave to the Empress of Teiko as a gift for her child."

Then it occurred to Kagami—

"This was a present by my mother to me."

"He…did say something like that." Kagami said making Kiyoshi stared at his son.

"He?" Kiyoshi asked raising an eyebrow, "And…he gave it to you?"

Kagami nodded.

"Taiga…do you happen…are you and this prince…together?"

Kagami suddenly felt his face burning a hundred degrees, he wasn't supposed to break the news yet to his father until after the crowning ceremony, however—Kagami shifted his gaze to his father's eyes, his brown eyes stare at him questioning, however there was no anger or sense of rejection from him. Kagami looked around and as soon as he found no one else were paying attention, the to-be-King turned to his father again before sighing and rubbing the back of his neck, "Uhm…yeah…h-how did you k-know?"

Kiyoshi was shock, not due to the fact that his first born is having a relationship with a prince or the fact that he had met this person just a few weeks ago—but due to the fact that someone actually took his son's interest. The former King had almost lost his hope that his son would ever find someone to settle with—the gender doesn't matter actually. Kiyoshi was the kind of father who didn't mind what his children decides, it was the same with the issue with Furihata, when his second son left as well he didn't stop him despite knowing this, he didn't sent anyone after him, it wasn't because he does not care—he cares a lot for them actually—but rather he didn't want to stop his children from doing what they feel is right. If Furihata feels like it was right to leave, then so shall it be. And now Kagami choses a prince and so shall it be.

It had been very curious thing, what was the fifth prince of Teiko like, how could he take the interest of his almost asexual son who was practically oblivious of women who flaunts themselves on him and has zero to no interest to anything that is not food or sword fighting.

"Well…that item was something I gave their mother as a gift years ago." Kiyoshi finally answers.

"Eh, that doesn't answer my initial question—"

"She promised to give it to her daughter and have her wear it until the day of her matrimony." Kiyoshi said emphasizing the last word, "So…are you...to ask the fifth prince for his hand?"

Kagami averted his eyes blushing, "Well…yeah…does…does that bother you?"

Kiyoshi was quiet for a moment making the red head nervous, seeing this Kiyoshi was convinced that his son really meant this. And knowing his son, he never really makes final decisions until he is sure of it—Kagami was the kind of person who rarely gave much thought with decision unless it was important. Kiyoshi chuckled, he remembered the tiny son he had back then, back then Kagami's world was centered with his younger brother. To him who lost his mother in a very early age, all he had was his younger brother.

Kiyoshi shook his head and placed a hand over Kagami's shoulder, "May the Gods give you their blessings."

Fate has it's own ways with bringing fated people together…

...

Loud steps resounded in the palace, with a heavy and anxious heart the fourth prince marched in the forbidden hallways of the Court of Peace and Earthly Tranquillity in that hour of the night, following behind him were Imperial Guards who for the moment the prince stepped in the gates had been stopping from taking any step further. Normally as per the Emperor's notice the Court of Peace and Earthly Tranquillity is closed to everyone except for the Emperor himself at a certain hour in the night, this was to preserve the holistic and purity of the chambers where the women of the Palace stays and as the former court for the Empress and currently where the fifth prince resides. Only due to special circumstantial notice will be the Court be opened, however this is not to be known outside the Court.

There had been many cases like this before wherein the Court had been a secret refuge, unfortunately twice it catered the one that the fourth prince is looking for.

In many cases of people getting allowed to stay in the Court of Peace and Earthly Tranquillity, the approval of the Emperor and the Empress is needed, unless both had agreed upon this, no one—especially of outside of Teiko could and should take refuge in the court. And once inside the Court, no one else is allowed to come into the Court in the evening except those that are needed, in this case only medical personnel that the second prince sent and the fifth prince allowed. Not even the Emperor this time could casually come in.

"Denka!"Another one of the guards called, "Please listen to us, we will be severely punished if the fifth prince or anyone else has known of your presence here tonight!"

The commotion was starting to cause a much unneeded attention. Momoi who was directing sa few tasks for the female servants found the commotion from the hallways where she stood. Leaving her post, the pink haired informant run to the navy haired prince.

"Dai-chan!" she called effectively stopping the navy haired prince. "What are you doing here?"

Momoi ran to him and stood in front of the prince, usually it was not allowed that a woman stands in front of a man, much especially of a royal birth, however, Momoi is a special case especially for Aomine. The two were of the same age,Momoi was the closest to a sister the prince had. It was also twice that they were fixed to be wed to each other but the two violently reacted saying it disgusted them because it felt like they were to be married to a sibling.

Momoi stared hard at the prince's midnight blue eyes, "Dai-chan you can't be here!"

"Move."Aomine said staring back at the other. "I don't need your lectures now Satsuki, move it."

"No!" Momoi stubbornly interjected, "You listen to me! His Majesty will be very angry about this! And Tetsu-kun as well! Go back now!"

Momoi stared at Aomine in hope of getting some senses into that airhead of his, however she was only rewarded by a cold stare. It was something he had never seen before, there was anger in them, fear and anxiousness, his eyes felt like sharp knife inches away from your throat.

" ."

The word and the tone Aomine used would surely make anyone move their body away, it sounded like a death threat. Without knowing Momoi moved aside and Aomine continued walking briskly towards the main quarters. Momoi couldn't help but merely turn and watch the broad back of Aomine. It used to be enough, the mention of Akashi used to be enough for Aomine to be scared to defy anything, but this Aomine was braver than that. For so many years he had known the second prince there was only twice that he had looked like that, first was during the exile of that consort's son, second was something that involved sending Kuroko to slay the spies that went to Teiko—all of those involved his family, but today, Momoi was sure those eyes shined differently.

The second prince continued walking towards the main chambers where the main quarters were, it is where the Empress used to live, it is second to the biggest facility in the whole palace, with its own garden inside and a small hallway that passes through the main court unto the Phoenix Court, now it is where the fifth prince resides. As soon as Aomine reached the front two Imperial guards who were standing by the door moved their spears across each other creating a barricade for the second prince.

"We were told not to let anyone in." one of the guards said making Aomine frown and grip into the sheath of his weapon.

"I need to see the fifth prince now." Aomine said.

"Apologies but we're not given permission to let anyone in Denka."

Aomine was about to release his weapon when a soft noise resounded behind the closed door. Before Aomine could move he found the door sliding open and revealing the fifth prince. Kuroko raised his head to look at Aomine straight in the eyes behind those crossed spears. The two guards pulled their weapons allowing the teal haired prince to take a step closer.

"Visitation is not allowed." Kuroko simply said pulling his white haori closer to his body, "Have I not informed you of this?"

Aomine scowled knowing fully well that he does know this however chose to ignore this for a reason, and he knows that his brother knows this as well as he does.

"Also, please kindly remove your hands from your weapon or I might assume you are posing threat to me…and to my guest."

Aomine reluctantly removed his hand from his weapon. "I need to know what is happening."

Kuroko sighed and turned to the open door before returning his eyes to his brother,

"I will be frank…the situation is not in his favour."

Aomine almost gasped at the revelation, "N-Not…in his favour—"

"Before you jump into any conclusion, that does not guarantee anything." Kuroko said, "Though the situation is not in his favour, it does not mean we cannot save him."

Aomine closed his gaping jaw and let the other continue.

"There is a very extensive infection within his wounds perhaps it was due to the travel, upon removal of that infection we will be able to soon perform the much needed operation to close the wound." Kuroko said seeing his brother's facial expression slowly becoming relaxed, "I have contacted Midorima-denka to get the medicines that we might be needing to perform the operation. Do you have anything else to ask?"

Aomine stared at Kuroko for a moment before replying, "Just how sure are you that he will make it?"

Kuroko remained passive and answered honestly, "Normally with the extent of the injury and amount of damage to him, a quarter would be too much."

"But didn't you said that—"

"Are you doubting my skills?"

Aomine was silenced with those words.

"I do not belong to the six prodigies of Teiko for nothing Aomine-kun."