AAAAAND WE'RE BAAACK FROM YET AGAIN ANOTHER UPDAAAAAATE, WHOOOOA I'm feeling lots of rush in my system since this is officially going to be the opening chapter for the newest arc! I'm really excited to write the upcoming chapter, however, unfortunately I need to attend summer classes this semester, I have to start training, I'll be spending summer with kids with special needs and I maaaaaay not be very quick with the updates, but dont worry I WILL UPDATE, one way or another LOL. Anyhooow, I would be changing lots of stuffs this includes the responses for the reviews, I may drop PMs instead, or you may see it after the whole story at the A/N, and thank you to Lionel-chan for the review last time it was really great hearing from you and really, thank you, I was practically grinning all the while I'm reading your review. Thank you for your suggestions and inputs, it really helped me notice stuffs and all. BTW, guys for those who wants to BETA-READ, actually I'm looking for beta-readers for LION and MtBK, so if any of you guys are interested, just shoot-I dont really know how beta-readers works so PM me, maybe? ahahahahaha I'm sorry I'm awkward and all.

This is the opening arc for the main event so I hope you guys tune in and I hope it keeps your blood rushing, LOL, everyone seems interested in Haizaki. As you all know since my first fanfiction I had made it my personal mission to either kill Haizaki or just have you guys hated him the way I hate him, ahahaha. But yeah, I pretty much like the way he has some kind of bad blood with Kise and Akashi being the one to pull him out of the GoM he was like a Miracle that was NOT entirely a miracle(I dont think I'm making sense anymore). Anyhow, I know I've kept you guys waiting for a long time, so I guess I'll keep this short now, please dont forget to revieeeew!

Chapter 30: Gold's Eclipse

One of the most interesting ceremonies in the Empire of Teiko is it's wedding ceremonies among the Imperial family, especially when it involves another kingdom. The parties first must seek the approval and blessings of the Emperor—unless it is the Emperor himself. If it is indeed the Emperor himself, the only opinion that would be heard is the opinion of the head priest or priestess, unless a special rule is given to the Emperor upon the moment of his descent to the throne, this case is the fifth prince's approval. Aside from the Emperor, other children under the Imperial lineage must perform the wedding on both Empires' or Kingdoms' capital as a sign of respect to the tradition of the two separate entity, while the ceremony itself would symbolize the unity of these two separate entities

Any matrimonial ritual in the respective empire or kingdom where the ceremony is being held must be followed as well, this would include wearing the clothes appropriate for the ceremony accordingly to the tradition and culture of the empire or kingdom, exchanging of vows on both occasions is also a must, and at least one representative from the kingdom or empire must be with the couple from the beginning to the end of the ceremony, they will serve as a witness to prove that the ceremony did in fact happen.

Kaijo would be the first kingdom ever to be wed to the Empire of Teiko since it was formed, the excitement is could be seen in the eyes of the people in the capital, people had started decorating their homes with golden butterflies made of different materials in celebration of the joining of hands of the fourth prince of Teiko and the King of Kaijo. After the wedding in Kaijo, the couple would return to Teiko to repeat the ceremony in the Crimson Palace and announce officially to the citizens that the Kingdom of Kaijo is now officially a part of the Empire. From the many ways of conquering kingdoms to expand the territory, weddings were far the most pleasant way.

However, due to Kise's previous attack the ceremony in Kaijo decidedly is simple with the heads of the family and one chosen member of their family to attend. Any of Kise's remaining family members from both his father's and mother's relatives are not allowed to come. In a form, it is as well as a punishment. The palace was decorated in the brightest colors, the once quiet palace was filled with life in a long time.

Kise stood in his room staring at his reflection in the full length mirror. The white kakeshita was accented with a gold uchikake which was secured in a pale yellow obi. The elaborate designs of the uchikake kimono were butterflies in various sizes painted carefully as if it were alive in the hems from the front to the back reaching at the sleeves. The kimono was known to be first worn by his great grandmother, then his mother all during the same ceremony. The great pride swell in Kise's chest as he quietly pictured his sister and mother standing by his side, they would surely be happy if they were here with him.

"Heika, Emperor Akashi would wish for an audience with you."

Kise blinked, he had almost forgotten that Akashi had went all the way from Teiko to become Aomine's witness. The older male's name still makes Kise a bit nervous, he is going to be his brother-in-law after this day, it still is new for the blonde. "Please let him in." Kise said, he placed a hand over his chest feeling it drumming quite loudly.

The door opened slowly revealing Akashi Seijuuro, a calm look painted his façade. The man wore a black kimono with bright red camellia decorating the hem of the kimono paired with shadow gray haori, there were no marks of the man's title in any of his clothing aside from the aura of authority that seeps from his bright heterochromatic eyes. In his hand was red wooden chest.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything." Akashi said quietly.

Kise blinked and bowed his head in complete humility in front of the Emperor and his to be husband's older brother. He went down on both his knees in a seiza position before putting both his hands the ground and bowing his head against them. "Your Highness, please."

Akashi smiled at the blonde, "Raise your head Ryouta, there is no need for that, its merely the two of us."

Kise nervously went back to his feet as he watched Akashi look around the room, the preparation room is a vacant parlour, gifts from the guests had piled up in the room, from flowers to expensive vases and silverwares. Akashi couldn't help but have a smile in his face. "I hope Daiki had been behaving himself with his stay with you."

"H-He's been quite his usual self, but yes, he was more…"

Akashi chuckled, "Of course, what would we have it is Daiki after all."

Kise felt his body trembling slightly, his fingers slightly trembling. He had never spoke with Akashi alone since he had reunited with them after his stay in Teiko years ago, back then Akashi was a prince just like him, but now Akashi is the Emperor of the biggest Empire known in their history, the youngest, the brightest of them all, he couldn't help but feel nervous in his presence.

"You are nervous." Akashi pointed out.

Kise nodded despite the words obviously is a statement, "I…t-this is the biggest leap I would take since I have taken the crown."

Akashi placed the red chest on the table in the middle of the room with graceful movement before he turned to Kise, "You are able to make the prince with the biggest ego fall in love with you, what else can you not do?" Kise chuckled, he knew Akashi would is trying his best to make him less nervous which is quite working well. "He didn't make the wrong decision."

Kise smiled humbly, "Thank you Your Highness."

There was silence in between them, it was not awkward but rather peaceful as if they were testing the waters.

"You are not wearing the Imperial Family's crest." Kise said out of the blue, he didn't meant to be rude and Akashi knew it. He just pointed the strange occurrence, after all the Emperor was expected to wear the insignia everywhere he goes.

Akashi nodded, "Yes. I came here not as the Emperor, there will be a time when we meet again and then, I would be the Emperor, but for today I came as Akashi Seijuuro, eldest brother of the groom."

Kise smiled in gratitude. Akashi had always loved his siblings so much, he had taken the role of a father to them right after the death of their father which was a bit too soon for anyone's liking. And perhaps due to Aomine's rather reckless personality he had come to be this quite concerned of the other. Akashi never forgets his role as a brother to his siblings.

The blonde walked over to where Akashi stood, he looked at the chest, the Imperial Family's insignia was carved in it. "It is a gift." Akashi said to Kise as he stood next to the blonde. "Open it."

Kise hesitantly lifted the lid revealing a stunning pearl necklace. Kise gasped at the beauty of the white pearls, he lifted them with his fingers feeling the round shapes of each beads in his smoothing against his skin. They were white as ivory and smooth as the most expensive silk.

"They're…beautiful."

"If its not much, we would like to ask you to wear it on the ceremony." Akashi said. "They were chosen and blessed by Teiko's Head Priest, pearls are said to be mean purity and integrity, perfect to be worn during this kind of celebration, yes?"

Kise nodded and quickly placed the piece of jewel around his neck.

"With the gifts of our Head Priest we found out that you were born under the star of The Twins, pearls are said to bring protection and luck for those who are born under the star of The Twins."

"Your Head Priest is correct." Kise said in shock, "I was indeed born on under the constellation of The Twins."

Akashi smiled and nodded, "They look perfect on you."

"Thank you."

"Now, shall we let not let your to-be-husband wait any longer?"

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.

The wedding ceremony started with much of excitement in the air, everyone waited to catch a glimpse of King in his wedding clothes, everyone knew of the beauty possessed and passed over the royal family. When the double door opened, and the trumpets resounded in the room, everyone's eyes fell towards the door as the entourage quickly filled the room led by the witnesses, Kasamatsu marched in wearing western white military uniform accented with silver accessories and chains, his hair was combed back, as Kasamatsu reached the middle of aisle, the second witness started walking in, Akashi in his black kimono walked in with confidence, everyone stared at him in awe. It is the first time in history that the Emperor of Teiko had set foot in the Golden Palace of Kaijo. Following the witnesses, is the spiritual intervention, the monk with his praying beads soon followed as Akashi reached the end of the aisle. Akashi stood with Kasamatsu in the right side of the foot of the altar.

The monk stood in the middle of the altar behind the throne, in his right is the sword of Too, a heirloom given to every head of the tribe of Too, the blade is made of molten silver and carbon, it was made to withstand heavy blows, in the handle were intricate designs, if inspected thoroughly a panther could be seen holding the tanzanite stone set in the middle of the handle, on the left is the crown Kaijo, the simple design almost contrasted the lavish design of the throne itself, a simple crown with three diamonds on the front, the middle of the two were a quarter bigger than the others.

"From the Phoenix Empire, Teiko, the fourth prince and ace, and prince of the tribe of Too, His Highness, Aomine Daiki."

Akashi couldn't help but smile as Aomine's name is announced, Aomine walked in wearing a white military uniform almost similar to Kasamatsu's except his were more intricate and lavish, the white jacket had small patterns that could only be visible through close inspection, however they glisten in under the light, a golden rose was pinned in his left chest that accompanied a small chain that crossed towards the first button to his right. Akashi couldn't help but to let out a simple quiet chuckle when he saw a flash of yellow in his brother's ear, it made sense, he noticed earlier during his visit with Kise the blonde was wearing a blue stud earring in his left ear.

"Is something wrong?" Kasamatsu whispered to Akashi.

"No." Akashi replied hiding his smirk with his hand.

Soon Aomine was standing in front of the monk a few feet from Akashi and Kasamatsu. Aomine turned towards the door and a small smile grazed his lips as he saw Kise nervously stepping in the doorway waiting for his name to be called.

"The son of the late King of Kise Yuuki and the beloved late Queen Kise Ryouka, the bearer of the crown of Kaijo, His Majesty, Kise Ryouta."

Aomine stared as Kise walked slowly towards the altar, a nervous smile plastered in his lips, he could tell that the blonde was as nervous as he is. But nonetheless he looked beautiful, the light peering from the window behind the throne made him look as if he was shining, his amber eyes looked as beautiful as the first time he saw them. The people stared in awe at his to-be-consort, they had never seen him in his short hair and this was the first that he is an occasion that is officially labelled as public occasion, however despite the change of appearance everyone were still mesmerized by his beauty, children that were brought by their father stared at the King as he walked peacefully.

"He looks just like his mother."

Aomine turned to Kasamatsu who whispered those words, he looked at Kise with longing eyes. The man had been very kind to Kise, and it was not a secret to Aomine that he loved Kise as much as he did, however despite his feelings for the blonde he remained true to his duty, to support the King whatever it takes, even if it meant tearing his heart in pieces.

Aomine had only once seen Kise's mother in paintings, and he could only say little to the thought that Kise looked like his mother. One thing was for sure though, wherever she is, she would be proud of him, of the man he had become, of his heart and kindness, of his sacrifices and his tears, of everything he had become. Kise lifted his head as he stood just before Aomine, his amber eyes meeting his midnight eyes, that brave and kind soul that he had always longed to hold since they have departed as children.

"Let the ceremony begin!"

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.

.

Kuroko sat quietly in the garden where he first met the crimson haired young man that has now proven himself irreplaceable in his heart. Kuroko sat in the same spot where he sat when he first saw him that fateful night, his traced the outline of the handheld ornament that the young man gave him, a fox. He never thought he would come to like someone like him, at first he seemed obnoxious, his personality is so close to his fourth brother that it was almost laughable, he had sworn never to like someone who is anything remotely close to what his fourth brother is like. They were what his eldest brother called, a walking headache.

But Kagami Taiga in all those obnoxiousness is a kind man with soul of a warrior. He is entirely different from his older brother, he is had a fire in his eyes that never seems to be inextinguishable, a kind, warm but still a fire. He liked his simple words, he liked his truthfulness, his kindled soul and his courageous heart.

He liked how he loved him; he loved him with patience and understanding, with a smile that never withered, with faithfulness that does not waver despite the distance. Kuroko had never loved so much and so strongly as before, and somehow he realized that loving so strongly like this is in itself is painful. It was a different kind of pain when he lost Ogiwara in a war, it was not painted with regret but a different kind of color. It felt like gray, pale and sad.

Kuroko closed his eyes a drop of tear fell on the paper settled in the table, he never expected to fall in love with Kagami Taiga, and he never expected his brother to fall in love with Furihata Kouki as well. It was as if fate is playing with them.

He would have to choose when time comes.

Dearest Tetsuya,

Tomorrow I expect that we'll be arriving to Teiko, I have sent a formal letter to your brother to inform of him of that.

I haven't asked you as well if my memory serves me right, and I think its best that I do ask you that important question when we come meet again. I would like to hear it from you. With your voice.

I hope you haven't gotten tired of waiting for me yet.

I missed you so much that couldn't wait to see you again.

You are always in my mind, remember that.

Kuroko gripped the handheld ornament as he pressed it to himself, tears spilled quietly in his eyes, he begged the Gods who might be listening to him to give him strength.

It will inevitably happen one way or another, and then…and then he have to choose—his duty or the man he loves?

.

.

.

The ceremony started with blessing the couple, the next would be the exchanging of symbols. Kise placed the golden crown in Aomine's head as symbol that he too, from today shall be known as Kise's equal in governing Kaijo, Aomine handed the sword of Too to Kise as symbolizing that he shall be known as the half of Aomine, he and Aomine shall be known as one entity of governance and power over the tribe of Too. The exchange of symbols were followed by the exchanging of vows, Aomine's vow was simple and barely rehearsed, so much like him, while Kise's vow was sweet and kind like himself. And lastly for the vows to be made a pact, it was sealed with an kiss. The hall was filled with claps and cheers.

Kasamatsu watched almost in brink of tears, from today on he is officially making the butterfly leave him for another home, a safer, sturdier home. He couldn't have Kise to himself as much as he did before, and he would have to accept that the hand that would held Kise first wouldn't be his anymore. He chuckled over himself, he couldn't believe he was this courageous to even let Kise put him as witness. He is insane, he told himself, nobody watched the wedding of the person he loves with someone that isn't him, nobody but mad people do that.

And he is mad—madly in love.

Even until then.

But the curtain closes for him, and that was the truth he had long accepted.

After the ceremony, the guests proceeded to the banquet in the palace's great hall. The hall was filled with lively music, a group of children performed a folk dance that made everyone smile even the hard hearted constituents. The newlyweds sat on a different table in the facing the rest of the guests. The guests started walking towards the couple presenting themselves and offering their congratulations. Slowly the hall was filled as the nobilities of far off kingdoms started arriving, people turned their heads to the new parties but welcomed them nonetheless.

Akashi decided to congratulate his brother, with Mebuchi Reo who had accompanied the Emperor in his journey at his tail, they walked over the couple making Aomine smirked.

"I'm glad that you have finally grown yourself into a man, my dear brother."

Aomine chuckled, "It makes my skin crawl when you call me that, you only call Tetsu with that."

Akashi shrugged almost uncharacteristically, "Well what can I do, he is my favourite."

Mebuchi who was standing behind him suppressed a laugh while Kise merely smiled. Aomine laughed out loud, it was never a secret that honestly, Akashi favoured Kuroko among the four—well, everyone favoured Kuroko, who wouldn't when he looks so much like they're sweet mother? When the laughter died down, Akashi smiled at the two. A silent congratulation from the man was clearly delivered to the newlyweds.

As Akashi excused himself, Mebuchi bowed his head to the two, and both turned away only to see a sight they both never expected to see.

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.

.

Gasp

Takao blinked the book in his hands fell as his fingers felt numbed, for a moment he saw a flash of image in his mind, a golden moon shrouding the brightness of the sun, and everything else was turning pitch black. It was the same moon he saw in his dream. Takao flinched, his head suddenly felt painful. He quickly leaned against a post to support his weight. It didn't feel right, it felt like something bad is going to happen.

"A-Are you alright?!"

Takao turned to where the voice came and he found a brunette running towards him. His eyes were strange, it was kind and warm but at the same time something deep within those eyes told Takao he isn't what he really is.

"Are you alright?" the brunette asked again.

Takao stared at him, a cat. He could sense a cat, a young feline, charming and subtle.

"Yes." Takao said as he pulled himself upright.

The raven haired head priest and Midorima traveled all the way from the Emerald Palace to the capital in preparation of the ceremony Takao would be preparing for, as the head priest he shall be the one to facilitate the wedding ceremony for Imperial family. Midorima left him to study the ceremony that he will have to do and he found solace in an empty hallway, only now to be assaulted with those eerie images in the back of his mind.

Takao smiled kindly at the brunette, he had seen him, and basing in his clothes, he is most definitely not a palace guard.

"Should I call anyone?" the brunette asked, the kind young man hesitated for a moment but nonetheless touched Takao's upper arm as if aiding him to stand, however as soon as his skin touched Takao's, the raven haired young man's eyes widen.

"Uhm…a-are you…alright?"

Takao stared at the brunette, he couldn't believe it, it made sense now. Takao stared hard at the boy, he had seen that same animal before, it was the same in his dream, he thought it was merely just a kitten…but it isn't.

A spirit animal. Through the course of his studies, Takao had come to understand, the animal representation were what most people called a spirit animal. And despite the huge chances of people getting the same spirit animal, there were little chances that the spirit animal would look and feel exactly alike. Takao unconsciously found himself backing away. Kuroko's spirit animal was a white fox, an artic fox with powder blue eyes, Midorima's brother Aomine is a black panther with dark blue markings and eyes, while Midorima is a green eyed cheetah, some people may have the same spirit animal, but none would look exactly the same, or feel the same. Takao was sure that this cub is the same one in his dreams.

"I-I'm sorry I-I didn't mean to be insolent I-I was just—"

"W-What is your name?"

Furihata stared at the man and it only occurred to him who the man is, it is the head priest that the second prince came with. He suddenly felt the guilty for touching such man with high position in the society, the attendant quickly fell in his knees in apology and respect to the man.

"F-Forgive my insolence H-Head Priest," Furihata bowed his head lowly on the ground, "M-My name, my name is Furihata Kouki."

Takao knelt down quietly and with trembling fingers, Takao reached to touch the brunette's cheeks and suddenly his eyes were filled with images. Takao saw the sea, a ship sailing towards the ports of Too, a man wearing a military uniform standing next to tall blonde prince, a smirk painting his lips, then he saw a beautiful katana it was aimed at a man's neck, furious crimson eyes, and a jade ornament crashing on the hard floor with a loud sound. Takao pulled back staring at Furihata.

"The tiger cub…it is…you."

A/N:

REVIEWERSSS THANK YOU VERY MUCH

psychobubbles, ahahaha we'll see about that on the coming chapters if we rainbow-senpai can make an appearance, and to Yuki578, asddfghjkl ahahahaha the name reminds me a lot of stuffs, personal stuffs actually, I'm sooo happy you liked the last update, and to Ara ara-chan AWWW I MISSED YOU, ahahaha, I wont stop writing especially with lovely people like you reviweing and supporting me, thank you soooo much! And I'm glad that you liked it, hope you liked this new update as well Ern Estine 13624 thank you soooo much! Maiokoeahahaha and that is the main question and we'll know that in the following chapters, the real question is if he did see him, what awaits everyone? I hope you like today's update! And to Lionel-chan thank you for that review, your insight really helped me to see my work on a fourth wall, which is really amazing. What I liked about Furihata's character is its flexibility since there is little to none known about him so its really easy to manipulate, for this fanfic I made him like a guy who kinda had too much heart for his own good, the kind of guy who is conflicted over what he wants and what the others wants that he thinks he needs to put first. I decided to use indirect words when I write in his point of view to show the conflict and confusion that he was having. Though I like his character I must admit in this fanfic he probably is the most challenging one to write a POV of, probably next to Akashi when he exhibits his multi-personality. And thank you as well for giving lots of love and for reviewing and I'm supeeer happy you liked it! And lastly Another-Jane-Doe no problem, I missed you lotssss and thank you for reviewing! Ahahaha yes he did mention brother, and noooow the fun begins.

Thank you again reviewers, and those who gave LION a fav and a follow! You guys are suuuuper awesoooome!

WE'RE CLOSING IN TO 200 reviewssss thank you guys so-sooooo much!