OMGGGGGGGGGGG SOOO HAPPY TO BE BAAACK! And welcome to the latest chapter update of LIOOOON! We got tons of reviews last time which was GREAAAT so thank you again everyone! BTW guys have you read neko-nya's Yellow, oh god I've never cried SOOO much until after reading it. To those who haven't read it, please do give it a shot especially if you're an Aokise shipper. Gosh, its a must now LOL. Btw guys check out my twitter account for updates on all of Kicchin's current on-going fanfics, its on my profile btw.

ANNND back to the main topic which is LIOOOON. I'm getting excited to write the blooming action of the story, just what is going to happen to the main pair, what fate awaits Furihata with Kagami's planning of getting Kuroko's hand in a wedding, what would be Akashi's reaction after learning Furihata's punishment, and what kind of new chapter shall the Aokise pair bring forth? Is this the start of their happy ever after or merely a calm before the storm? ARE YOU EXCITED, because I am! Hehehe, thank you everyone for dropping a review, I wont be able to mention you guys one by one this time because I have unfortunately an anatomy assignment waiting for me to notice it LOL, but know that I totally LOVE them. I actually read them when I lose motivation and keeps me going! Thank you everyone, PROMISE, i would mention everyone next update *crosses heart*!

And since Ara-ara-san had mentioned,for our interaction corner- WHAT is your favorite LION quotes, dialogue or lines?

PLEASE leave a review, a follow or fav *winks*

Chapter 27: Offer Gold

Eyes wide in shock and happiness Kasamatsu stood from his seat almost knocking off the bottle of ink placed in the table. A servant stood there with her head bowed lowly before the adviser. Relief washed over his body that was made rigid with all the worry and concern he spent for the state of his king for the past few days. He knew this news had been greatly delayed, he was informed that he might not be the first to know of the King's recovery accordingly to Kuroko, this was to ensure that before the man sees the other he would be in his best condition. And to be told this news, it meant another thing, it meant that now he will be allowed to meet the King.

Putting everything aside, the adviser went on his way to see his King. Today marks the end of those sleepless nights and long days spent thinking of the King's condition. He will be able to see him. It took a lot to agree on the conditions that the fifth prince had set for him, however when it is Kise's life at risk what he couldn't sacrifice would mostly likely be the question. He would be ready to even give up his name and his position if it meant saving the life that had shined upon his.

The hallways that seemed tad bit too long when he first arrived in the palace had seemed ever shorter. He followed the lane of the servants of the fifth prince, all female servants of the palace resides in the hall of women inside the fifth prince's court, he knew it was common courstey to ask for assistance, however he couldn't contain the longing for those blonde locks and painstakingly sweet smile. Ignoring the complains of his legs nor his mind that was reprimanding him about his manners and how wrong it is to be running around a sacred ground reserved for women and the gem of a palace he isn't a part of, the adviser made his way towards where the King should be.

And just like that, just like the sun peering finally behind the thick clouds after a stormy day, as the Kasamatsu Yukio catches his breath, a figure from emerged from one of the chambers. He couldn't almost recognize the figure, he looked brighter as if truly the sun has emerged from its slumber. Kise stood there with a much shorter hair, with an artic blue kimono that complimented the color of his skin perfectly, matched with a white haori with golden butterflies adorning it, the lavish obi that was tied in the front reflected the King's spontaneous nature. His short hair was adorned with pearl hair ornaments with a tassel of gold chord. He looked even more beautiful, his eyes that were the color of burning amber and his hair that was made his predecessor famous for its golden colour, the same colour of their kingdom's symbol, flourishing and ever elegant.

Without hesitation, Kasamatsu run towards him, even if he had changed his hair, even in many years or days of not seeing him, he would remember that smile, that face, those eyes—

"KISE!"

The female servants behind the blonde turned quickly towards Kasamatsu with alarm in their eyes as they sense the rushing figure, however with one hand Kise stopped them from doing anything hastily. With a smile Kise couldn't help but feel relief to finally find the dark haired adviser.

As soon as the adviser was arm's length from the King, he threw off all his uptight rules on formalities and traditions by engulfing the blonde in a tight embrace. For a moment all the panic that was suppressed back then flooded his system as he felt the other's warmth. He is alive, he's back, he whispered to himself. Kasamatsu broke the hug and stared at the other's tears streaked face.

"I-I'm so glad Kasamatsucchi!"

Kasamatsu sighed at the other's sight and slowly inched away from the King, "You were a pain in the ass, did you know that?"

Kise nodded as he lifted a hand to wipe his own tears. The urge to do this for the King was strong, but Kamatsu kept his hands in his side.

"You cut your hair."

The mention of the word made the blonde's face flush. Kasamatsu had known, behind the golden locks was a story he wanted to forget, he always did it to run away, he hid it as if wanting to forget it, but he knew that it was something that the blonde could never do. The faint scar told everything that Kise Ryouta had hidden for so long. That even in such long time, it may slightly be hidden behind his hair, it may heal but it would remain there. And it was a painful truth Kasamatsu Yukio had to live to see.

"I…did." Kise answered with a hushed voice. "Kasamatsucchi…would it be okay…if I—"

Kasamatsu laughed cutting the King short. Kise stared at his childhood friend and adviser as his laughing fit seemed to be coming to no end, until it dissolved into shallow giggles. However, once Kasamatsu's eyes raised to meet Kise's face he felt a painful stab in his heart as he found the sight awfully sad. Why was he smiling, however his eyes were screaming in pain.

"I knew it." Kasamatsu said trying to laugh off the pain slowly seeping in every fiber of his flesh. He was going to say, it wasn't he? Kise was going to tell him that he chose Aomine. He's going to tell him that the reason that someone was able to take advantage of him that moment was he was thinking of telling the tanned skin prince his thoughts, the real ones. It was so painful that he couldn't help but laugh at how stupid he had been all this years, what has he been thinking, what has he been doing, was he actually thinking Kise could see him more than a friend, did he ever think that he could pose as rival to Aomine Daiki?

"Kasamatsucchi…what are you—"

"No, no." Kasamatsu said smiling, "I just thought that this would come sooner or later. I knew you felt for that way from the start."

Silence fell between the two. Kasamatsu could slowly feel the agonizing throb in his chest. It was time that he stop denying thee truth behind his eyes, both of them, Kise and him. Kise has to stop denying the fact that he does not feel for the fourth prince of Teiko and him…that Kise would ever return his sentiment, because, yes, he doesn't, and wont.

"Did I startle you?" Kasamatsu asked, "You're all grown up now, with those kind of things, you should know what to do now, yes? You're not just a King for a show."

Kise smiled and nodded…and that was the most painful unsaid goodbye for Kasamatsu.

Sometimes…some love are not realised, some love aren't meant for it, some love remains quiet. And that was a kind of tragedy most stories refrain to tell, they were stories that was kept within, these were the stories people tell at their deathbed with the hand of their grandchildren at placed on top of theirs, because sometimes the effort and time you spend with someone isnt just enough. You could fan the ice to give them cold, you'd chop firewoods and make a bonfire to give them warmth, then someone would come with the wind of winter behind his back, with saint elmo's fire in his fingertips and that person would chose that person over you.

It hurts, but what can you do?

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"Mn."

Cracking his eyes open, he was welcomed by a familiar scent of his room. Turning his head to the side he found a freshly picked flowers adorning the bedside table, however the arrangement made the Emperor furrowed his eyebrows. Where was the sloppy arrangement of the flowers, it didn't look familiar at all, no…actually it did but…why was he the one doing these? Lifting himself up, Akashi felt every muscle in his body ache. Just how long had he been sleeping, it felt as if though he had slept for more than enough.

Sitting up, the Emperor reached to comb the scarlet locks. He had a strange dream, as if he had remembered something from the past, he felt a huge hole in his chest, his mother….their beloved mother. The truth was his eyes were strange, they've only told the people that it was a symbol of prosperity and the God's favour to him but truly it was more of a curse. When he was born a the priestess foretold that the Gods shall give him favour above all of the first born in the whole kingdom, however along it a lion shall quietly slumber within. The moment he was born, they understood what it meant.

His eyes.

He was indeed exceptional in almost all field just like what was told, however along that was the throbbing soul that seems to be sharing his body. At first it went on but as he grew up, he felt him growing along with him, stronger, clawing up in his consciousness. Keeping calm had always do the trick, and that was why his mother had Kuroko retain in his side. He was the one tasked to share the burden that was due for the Emperor to bear, the mental affliction caused by the numerous people trying to end the Emperor's life was thought to be lessen if it is terminated before it could cause harm. Kuroko's assurance and skill had always been effective to calm him down, however as time pass, this way had not been entirely effective.

Akashi realized that Kuroko was his heart, when he is calm so he is. Kuroko had tried to void himself of his feelings, at first this came unnoticed to him, after all his brother had been rather placid ever since…but as soon as he realized this, it scarred Akashi. Kuroko had sacrificed his emotions for him to be at peace. But it wasn't right, and he knew Kuroko is an entirely different person to him.

He knew that Kuroko wanted him to realize this soon, actually he had all along, he just refused to believe in anything other than Kuroko. Because, after all…what else did he ever had?

Did Kuroko feared that he would never want to marry, or trust anyone again? It was funny to think that his youngest brother is actually in grave fear that he might die without a heir, actually he didn't mind, Midorima could have a heir, as a second son his eldest son would be—is possibly, the one that would moost likely inherit the throne, if not then, Murasakibara or Aomine…or even Kuroko's. The fact is that despite how trivial it is, Kuroko had himself worried over it.

Or maybe it wasn't trivial at all.

Not being able to trust anyone did sound quite inhuman for him.

Carefully, Kuroko tried his best to slowly make himself and the Emperor accustomed to presence of other people, through taking personal attendants for the Emperor. But it failed numerous times. Akashi was simply not amused by the fake smiles and all the stupid pleasantries just because he was the Emperor. They were people with great background who chose to kneel before him to have his favour…all to be on his good side.

And then amidst that was him.

Akashi wouldn't lie, he hated the idea of Kuroko getting another one after the fail attempts. He just couldn't stand another one, he couldn't stand to stay another day in the same room with someone who merely submits himself completely to Akashi, those kinds of people were not real. They were bound by their selfish motives and every time Akashi's eyes look at theirs, the slumbering lion whispers to him with an all knowing voice; "Disgusting, so many lies." He couldn't breathe with the constant whinning of the voice in his head, he felt dizzy in the same room with those people. He couldn't tell the fifth prince though, he knew he would be very frightened if he found out that the presence inside him had already gone pass to the point it could speak.

But then, somehow he was different. The moment his eyes met with those cinnamon colored eyes something strange happened, the voice in his head was quiet and peaceful as if a cold breeze of spring suddenly blows in his cheeks. There was no malice in those eyes, gentle and warm like the ever giving Earth, and as if he was bound to be there his name was written with the words to describe the Akashi family's most known feature—red spririt—Kouki.

Akashi wasn't prepared for it, he didn't see it coming at all, the ever annoying voice in his head that constantly tattled what was going to happen never spoke a word whenever it is about Furihata. Whenever he was with the brunette, the voice seems to die down in his head strangely submitting to the perky and oblivious kindness of the other. it was strange, but Akashi liked it a lot. Whenever he was with the brunette, there was peace, a peace he had not known of for too long. He didn't see it coming, he didn't see how slowly he was becoming smitten by the simple gestures of the brunette and his bravery, he didn't realize how desperate he was becoming to be more than an employer and Emperor in the eyes of the other, or how much he had been wanting all his attention to his.

Recently however as he lay himself to sleep a small voice in his head would murmur a question—

"Is he going to leave too? Like the others?"

It sounded like a wounded animal, not the fearsome spirit of a lion that the prophecy speaks of. And every time Akashi would comfort the other with the thought that Furihata wouldn't do something like that. But in the back of his mind and probably the lion knew as well, that despite all of that…no one knows truly about what could happen. Akashi knew that if Furihata leaves his duty with the right reasons, he would be dismissed, it was the fear that cuddled with him at night.

Then Himuro just knew how to press his buttons.

Akashi could still hear the raging echoes of the scream of the other in his head, his rationality was clouded by the cries of the others, clawing in his consciousness ever so forcefully. He had become stronger and Akashi could barely kept the other consciousness from taking over. It took a toll on him…greatly, he was only glad that he was able to contain himself before he could have hurt the stupid specialist and most importantly Furihata.

When the door made a sound, Akashi expected to see the brunette coming in to check on him, however someone else came in with his entourage. Kuroko stepped into the room and bowed his head to his older brother, the attendants from the hall of women were with him, behind him was Momoi.

"I see that you've finally gained consciousness brother."

Akashi twitched at the word, strangely it was rare that Kuroko actually addresses him as brother, ever since after his ascension to the throne the prince who had lived in the courtly manners had always addressed him as the Emperor.

Akashi nodded acknowledging their presence. A female servant poured Akashi a glass of water that made him cringed. What on earth is happening?

"How long have I slept?"

"Almost a day now." Kuroko answered.

Akashi was offered the glass of water however something held him back. He imagined a scrawny sun-kissed skin hand doing this, not a fine lady-like hands. Turning away from the servant Akashi looked up at Kuroko.

"I see that Momoi is here with you too, is there an immediate matter?" Akashi asked as he slowly climbed off the bed. Kuroko walked up to get his brother's red haori and as soon as the Emperor was on his feet, he draped them over his shoulder. Akashi walked pass his brother and took a sit in an empty seat facing Kuroko.

"Yes." Kuroko answered plainly, "It's very fortunate to actually find you awake now."

"Tell me then."

Kuroko and Momoi exchanged look before Kuroko decided to break the news.

"First, Kise-heika had woken up, just yesterday. Message of his condition was given to the royal adviser Kasamatsu Yukio this morning after ensuring there is no complication on His Majesty's health." Kuroko said, Akashi merely hummed. "The second matter is preferably something that Aomine-kun should speak with you personally."

"Daiki is in Rakuzan?" Akashi scoffed, "Well isn't that strange, wasn't he supposed to be back in Too?"

Kuroko shook his head, "You knew him, nothing could stop him."

Akashi stood and nodded, "Then I shall take it that I must have an audience with them as soon as possible, yes?"

"Correct."

"Then I must have to change, please excuse me."

Kuroko bowed his head acknowledging the man's wishes.

As Kuroko and his entorauge leaves, a tray of untouched food was left in the room. Akashi barely spared it a glance as he went about changing. Somehow despite the fact that it was the most favourite dish that his personal attendant would make him he didn't feel like he would want it now.

When Akashi was sure that Kuroko was nowhere close by he placed a hand over his chest, he could feel the frantic beating of it accompanied with the panic of the other's voice in his head—

"HE'S NOT WITH THEM, WHERE IS HE? WHY ISNT HE WITH THEM?"

Akashi closed his eyes and found himself deep within his consciousness, it was a dark empty room but he could see his mirror image standing there pacing back and forth, he could here the shackles and the iron making an unbearable sound. When the image turned to face him, he was taken aback with the panic in his eyes, he looked like a pitiful child, without any warning the other pounced on him grabbing his arms.

"WHERE IS HE? K-KOUKI, WHERE IS KOUKI? You should have known. Where is he?"

Akashi stared at the image before him, the reflection of him in those heterochrmatic eyes had both red eyes. Perhaps this was his way of differentiating himself from him. Akashi couldn't bare the look at the other, he had come to acknowledge him as his brother—a part of him that was born the moment he did. And perhaps this was the true him as well.

Drunk and intoxicated in the idea of affection, vulnerable, child-like, scared and bounded.

Where…is Kouki indeed.

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"Are you alright?"

Kuroko stopped at the question, clutching the sides of his clothes the fifth prince shook his head. "I'm not sure if I am even doing what is right."

Momoi smiled softly.

"Nobody truly knows what the right thing to do is." She replied, "Now is not the time that we should be gloomy, yes?"

Kuroko raised his head and nodded. That's right. Today marks a great fold in the history of both Teiko and Kaijo, today Kaijo marries into the great empire of Teiko.

SEIRIN

Kiyoshi glanced at his son who sat in his throne quietly watching the whole ordeal before him. A banquet was being held, unknown to many of the attendees is the reason behind the gathering. Kiyoshi could see a slightly anxiety in his son's features, however just like the King that he was he tried to show his calmness and composure. Today he knows that many of the ministers would probably press the matter of marriage to his son, in Seirin's situation it is not a matter of choice, it is a must. Marriage calls for sharing of wealth and expanding territories, which what the kingdom needs. Unfortunately it is the kind of responsibility, it is the weight that comes with the crown.

Kiyoshi's eyes darted towards Kagami's trusted friend and pseudo-guardian, Hyuuga Junpei, the man was currently conversing with a tall man with hair of gold. When the blonde caught the former King's gaze, his sharp eyes pinned to him. It was only for a second but Kiyoshi felt an unpleasant feeling in his gut. Kiyoshi caught the brief upward turn of the man's lips forming a smirk, and for a second his mind flashed a very sinister image of the past, his long forgotten injury suddenly hurting.

"You okay?"

Kiyoshi pulled himself off his reverie at the sound of his son's voice turning to his son he shook his head faking a smile. "Of course, I just thought I saw someone I know."

Kagami huffed. "Of course you do."

Kiyoshi turned to the two again, however to his surprise the two were now walking towards them, his internal instincts were screaming for him to prevent the tall blonde man away from his son—his father's instincts. However there was no ground for this feeling, he couldn't possibly use the excuse that his gut says so, even as a seasoned warrior that he was, it was still no way to reason, especially to someone of nobility. The man's strides were proud, confident, full of himself, and his eyes shined with arrogance, and his body told the reason why. He's a great warrior.

Kiyoshi stood in his seat as soon as the two approached him, unable to supress his body's response, his body rigid, his muscle protesting under his skin. As if sensing the same, his son stood from his throne, however unlike Kiyoshi with much calmness.

"Your Majesty." Hyuuga bowed his head to his former King and current King. Gesturing to the man next to him, Hyuuga introduced the man, "This man is the heir to the throne of the Kingdom up North, Jabberwock, Prince Nash Gold [1}the Second."

The man smirked and kept his head high.

"The next King of the Kingdom of Jabberwock, Nash Gold the Second."

As soon as those words his lips Kiyoshi's eyebrows furrowed at the man. The Kingdom of Jabberwock never had a good history with many other kingdoms, they were known for their patronization for the black market, slave trade and more. As soon as the expression appeared in Kiyoshi's face, Hyuuga quickly made a small gesture with his hand asking the former king to let his son handle it.

Kagami hummed, "Welcome to Seirin, Prince."

Crimson met blue and Kagami felt this strange force telling him this man is not to be trusted, at all. His blue eyes were nowhere close to the fifth prince of Teiko. His eyes were cold, but not cold like that person's, instead of the peacefulness of winter you'd feel as if you were were gazing at a thick wall of plain ice. His smirk was not helping either. Kagami noticed a black ink marking in the side of his neck under the collar of his doublet, a tattoo.

"I heard you went on a journey to the East to meet with the Emperor of Teiko." The prince started not even bothering to mask the cockiness in his voice.

"Yes."

"Oh." The man said faking his amusment, "Then how come you've settled to diplomacy?"

Kagami's jaw stiffen as the topic was off-handed brought up. His eyes narrowed sharply at the man.

"We have settled in an agreement." Kagami answered, "I do understand that you dislike the Eastern kingdoms and Empires, however I do not see the reason for me to share the same sentiment. They have made a clear point that they have already made the perpetrators pay for the crime."

"And the prince?"

Kiyoshi felt the need to cut in however, he was quickly stopped by Hyuuga. It was not a matter that they could simply slip in. Only Kagami could do this, Kiyoshi being title-less now holds no ground in speaking with a price of a big kingdom, the same goes for Hyuuga.

Kagami's eyes darkened at the mention of his brother, "What of him?" Kagami's tone deepen unconsciously, he could feel something burning in his inside, the desire to revert to his violent self was strong.

"What of the prince? Was he found at all? Did they tell you of his whereabouts?"

"Why are you so interested?" Kagami snapped back.

"I am merely pointing that democracy between the Eastern is like digging your own grave Your Highness."

"And your grounds to speak of it is?"

"Oh, why? Don't tell me you trust those monkeys."

Kagami felt something snapped inside him.

"You don't da—"

"That is enough."

Kiyoshi's voice vibrated in the space between the two. Kagami noticed the fist he had in his hand, he quickly took a step back. He was lucky his father was able to stop him, or someone might have left the banquet with a broken nose…or more. Kiyoshi grabbed Kagami's upper arm and pulled him farther from the prince.

"As the father of the King, I speak." Kiyoshi said before slowly turning to the blonde prince, "Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

"No, that is all." Nash said with a smirk. "Thank you for sparing me your time."

As Nash turned to walk away, he raised a hand…

"We'll be meeting again soon Your Highness."

Kagami convulsed in anger, he wanted to punch the sunlight out of that arrogant smirk. And what on earth was he trying to get at? He was speaking as if he knows something, and the look in his eyes…he didn't like it. It was as if he was planning something, something unpleasant.

"Are you alright?" Kiyoshi asked.

Kagami nodded, he needs to calm down. People like that exist, people who can push all the right buttons to you by simply breathing. Taking a deep breathe Kagami tried to collect himself.

"Yeah."

"Don't let it get to you." Hyuuga said as he pats the King's back.

"I know that much."

Kiyoshi smiled at his son, "Well then…are you ready to tell them the news now?"

With a determined look Kagami nodded at his father. The man placed his hand over Kagami's head, a gesture he had not done for so long.

"Good luck son."