I have terribly made everyone wait and I'm very sorry about that. But now fret noooot, I may be able to finish uploading the chapters by the end of October, wow I can't believe this story had been going for a close to a year now. Thank you to everyone is still supporting me and those who are new and reading my works. I hope you will continue to support my future works. Also if I may add, this chapters and the following chapters maaay be subjected to change. I missed you guys a lot and I hope you guys are not bored of waiting.
This year I would be able to seee Baozi and Hana, and it's a huge thing for me since they are make our ships into life and they are rel life couple and I'm just excited af. Anyways, enough with me fangirling over them, I just wanna say thank youuuu to everyone who has been with us here in LION since the beginning and those who hasn't given up despite the loooong wait.
Anyways, the folk song Akashi has been mentioning is a song called The Beast, it's original version was sung by Hatsune Miku but I prefer the English version of Nano. It's a really sad song and IDK I liked it somehow its a spin-off of the Beauty and the Beast. Just to prepare you guys for the next chapter maybe you could listen to it, I promise you wont regret it...except for the feels LOL. Anyways, I GTG because well, I'm supposed to buy ticket for the convention. See youuuu! I hope you like it though its late and pleaaaase revieeew!
Chapter 38: Immortal Rain's Reverie
It rarely rains in Seirin, though there were parts of the land where rainforest grows, the capital is known for its almost hellish humidity during summer where almost no rain falls. During rainy days however, the capital's biggest dilemma would be the seemingly unending rain and strong winds. Whenever rain comes, the night before the air would be cooler, but this time it was different. As the rain drips from the heavens down to the bleak soil, no mercy were blessed to the souls of the men who stood waiting and bracing for the war that will be written down in the history of Seirin, if there ever remained any of the Kingdom after.
The sound of the rain was a requiem to the brave souls with uncertain futures ahead. Today might be the last fight some of them would do, no one could truly tell.
The King stood in the first line, next to him is a young general who at that very moment was holding and looking down on a small locket. Despite the usual poker face the warrior had mastered throughout the years, Kagami could still read the man's expression, perhaps for all the time he spent with the expressionless teal haired prince, the King had become fairly good with reading deep seated emotions.
"Who is it?" Kagami asked his voice piercing through the silence.
The young general's lips turned to a small smile, "My wife, Your Highness." He said as he handed Kagami the locket.
Kagami took the item in his hand with care, the cheap accessory says nothing of the price of the memory of what is inside. A beautifully sketched image of a dark haired woman is encased in the small locket, she is smiling.
"Your wife is beautiful." Kagami said as he returned the item.
"We're expecting a daughter in two months." The man replied as he looked ahead, "When she is born, I want her to see peace, and for that today I will fight."
Kagami stared at the man for one longing moment, for that brief second he remembers the first time he saw his father went to war. That day his brother was sleeping soundly in his room, oblivious of all the pain and anguish of war.
"Father, where are you going?"
"No where."
"Are you going to war, just like Aida-san said?"
The King turned to his son and placed his hand on top of his youthful head, the head that shall be wearing the crown in the near future.
"I want you and your brother to live in the world without fear of the food you are putting in your mouth would be poison or not, I want that world for you, for your brother…for the people." Kiyoshi knelt down to level of his son. "To fight for the future you desire for the betterment of others, it is the greatest honor."
"And if you die?"
Kiyoshi smiled, he understood the worry off his son, despite being young and despite everything that the council of ministers told about him, Kiyoshi believed that his son thinks just like a royal blood. Even at such young age, Kagami had been brought up to the harshness and reality of war and becoming a royal blood.
"People die in wars. But at least I died for a cause." Kiyoshi placed a hand on the prince's head, "In time I don't return, look out for your little brother."
"You will return to them." Kagami whispered before looking at the man, "Even if it kills me, I will bring you back to them…alive."
"Y-Your Highness t-that's—"
"Your daughter, you have to see her, tell me her name."
Kagami smiled one last time, as he heard the incoming sound of the horses.
It has begun.
The sun didn't show itself in the horizon covered with the thick gray clouds. The troop all faced forward welcoming the march of death before them.
The color of their uniform were almost similar to the color of the Seirin's army, however standing proudly behind the marching army is the familiar symbol of the half phoenix in full flight. Their number were impressive as usual, however what Kagami didn't expected is the man riding in the first line—the Emperor himself, next to the man almost fading into the background if not due to the black veil hiding the rest of the face from nose down is the fifth prince—Kagami would never be wrong about the fifth prince. He knew him even with his face hidden.
"Don't hold back!" The young general shouted.
The Seirin's army shouted back with fierce and fire.
Kagami looked at the sight before him, he imagined before dying in a war, fighting fiercely with a sword in one hand, drenched with the blood of his enemies and of himself. Kagami imagined the day he would die, he would die protecting something, he imagined death would be bleak. He didn't knew death would be beautiful, he didn't knew death would dress himself as a lover, a quiet and comforting warmth, a wise prince and gentle words.
Death is indeed quite deceitful.
"Fight until there is none left!" The young general shouted, "Fight until the lost drop of your blood, for Seirin!"
"For Seirin!" The men shouted back.
Kagami saw the glimmer at Kuroko's eyes for a second and before the man could start he beats him to it and raised his sword over his head.
"For the Kingdom of Seirin!"
.
.
.
"The Emperor has been acting strange lately." Kise said as he looked ahead, today marks a battle he would never forget. It could end up with a death of someone he treats as part of him, a part of Aomine. As the rain pours down from the gray clouds above them as if the heavens understood the hearts of the people, Kise placed his palm facing the sky. "I somehow feel sad."
"You dislike war that is why you feel sad." Aomine said as he stood next to Kise as he pulls his horse along. "When you get used to it, you start to feel nothing."
Kise turned to look at Aomine, his eyes were looking ahead. Everyone could have been fooled to think Aomine indeed felt nothing, his lips were pressed in a tight line, there were no trace of obvious sadness, or regret in the man's eyes, but Kise knew better. The blonde King took the navy haired prince's hand in his, taking the space between his fingers as he pressed himself close to his arm. People always taught that the five sons of the former Emperor of Teikou were gifts of the Gods of War, and they were born to rise victorious in every way. Aomine being the explicitly gifted with skills in battle, had always been thought to be a monster hungry for nothing but victory and the blood of his enemy, surely as a child people expected him to hunger for it, to feel nothing but excitement in the face of war.
But Aomine just like everyone, is a human.
"It is not weakness to feel." Kise murmured.
"It is why I shall continuously find a need for you to be with me." Aomine said as he squeezes the warm hand in his. "You feel too much, and I don't."
"I wish we could fall asleep and wake up when its alright again." Kise said closing his eyes. "I'd love to believe that ignorance is a bliss."
Aomine shook his head. Even how much he wanted to fall deep into that fantasy, the prince knew the truth. The things that people fear, the things that makes people weak, that ails them, it doesn't disappear just because one closes their eyes, they may not see it, they may not feel it anymore, but the fact that it is there will never change.
"Your pain will not go away just because you close your eyes to it, the things that frighten us will not go away and disappear just because you close your eyes to it, you merely don't see it." Aomine said. "When people you love die, you can deny it for all you want, for as long as you want, but the fact that they will not come back is unalterable."
"Don't speak like that."
"Tetsu won't die…and he will not allow Akashi to die either." Aomine said with a firm voice. "I don't worry about whether or not they will get out of that war alive. I know they will. It's not being boastful it is merely stating the facts."
Kise looked at Aomine, the young king had not known that Kuroko is brought to battlefields as well. All those years he saw Kuroko as a fragile and dearly love prince, his hands held herbs and flowers, he speaks with special delegates, supported his brothers in the side lines. Kise never thought that the quiet and composed prince he knew once as a child would be on par with Aomine when it came to skills using the blade. Kise had never seen Kuroko fought before, but somehow the confidence and trust that the fourth prince shows to Kuroko's ability is enough.
Aomine had seen many people fight, he knows almost everything when it comes to fighting and combat, to be regarded by him would mean a lot.
However, unlike Aomine, Kise felt frightened. Somehow, despite knowing Kuroko and Akashi getting out of that war in one piece, something deep seated inside him told Kise that it would not be the same. He doesn't know what exactly it is, but something had been amiss since their departure from Teiko. It was as if a piece of them were forcefully torn off them.
"Then what are you trying not to close your eyes to?" Kise found himself asking.
If it is not their death that he is afraid of then, what is?
"Didn't you ask me the same question before?" Aomine said almost in a quiet voice. "'Would I be the same man you met after everything?' I fear that this war would take a large piece of my brothers I once knew. This war is different from all those we once fought, I just know."
"I'm sorry…" Kise muttered. He felt helpless, there was inevitably nothing he could do, if Kuroko nor any of his brothers could not talk Akashi out of the war, then no one else can…or so he believes. He wanted to assure Aomine that everything would be alright, but that is something he doesn't really know. They both know how cruel the world can be, they had both seen it and they didn't want to expect it would be any kinder to them. "How I wish I could be of help."
"Just stay with me."
"Until I am no longer needed."
.
.
.
Kiyoshi knocked once again in his son's room. He bet he doesn't know that his older brother had gone out to war that morning as he was not allowed to know it. Opening the door to the room he found the brown haired prince standing and gazing absently at his window. Furihata's room is suituated behind the castle and all it could show the young brunette is the garden, a deceiving image of peace concealing the reality.
"I hope you don't mind I visit again today." Kiyoshi said slipping into the room and closing the door behind him.
The brunette turned around to look at his father. Kiyoshi's carefree façade almost fell when he saw the dark circles under his son's eyes. It is obvious he haven't got a good sleep since his arrival.
"Pardon, were you resting?" Kiyoshi asked as he walked towards his son.
"No, I…I was thinking." Furihata said. "Where is Aniki?"
Kiyoshi paused for a second before deciding on an answer, "Out for the war."
Furihata's eyes widen, his mouth opened then closed again when he found no words. He turned to the window sadness suddenly painting his face.
"There is truly no use in mulling over what already transpired." Kiyoshi said putting a hand on Furihata's shoulder. "You've paid enough regret for the things you've done."
"It's not enough," Furihata answered, "for the lives that will be taken from here on now, it will be all my fault. I shall be carrying the weight of the pain for the ones they will leave behind."
"That is not the only reason why you feel that way, yes?" Kiyoshi said retracting his hand from his youngest son. He had known Furihata for so long, the young boy is never the best when hiding his feelings, it always shows in his eyes and gestures. "You are guilty but not only because of this."
Furihata didn't answer. His heart felt like it weighed twice his body mass, every night he would be reminded of that moment when Akashi marched into his room and grabbed him, it was the exact opposite of the eyes he looked him with. He took for granted his kindness, he took for granted the moments they shared, the secrets they talked about under the night sky. He should have known better, he had all the chances and yet he didn't let go, when Akashi pulled him in he grabbed him and cling to him like a stupid that he is. He should have let go, he should have run away, but he didn't. he was naïve to think that his secret shall be forever safe.
He betrayed Akashi.
He betrayed the man who took him out of trouble every single time, he betrayed and lied to the man who never once hid anything from him.
"When I left Teiko, I left with someone hating me so much." Furihata said quietly. "I understand though, I would have been angry as well if I were in his shoes. When I looked at him it was just…hate."
"You don't want him to hate you…because that person is important to you."
Furihata nodded meekly, "But I destroyed everything."
Kiyoshi looked at Furihata, the boy stopped speaking and tears started streaming down his face. He knows unlike his older brother Furihata is very open about his tears, his emotions are easily tapped, his heart easily wounded. It was why Kiyoshi had once thought that it was better that Furihata would stay in the palace, in that sense the hurt of the outside world, the anguish and the pain of life he didn't have to see or feel, he would live a happy though oblivious life. But that is a dream for a father who wishes to trap his son, and Kiyoshi would rather not have that. The truth is no one could truly protect anyone from getting hurt.
"Perhaps he truly doesn't hate you."
The prince's creased his eyebrows in confusion.
"What do you mean father?"
"Sometimes when we are confronted with hurt people resort to hate." Kiyoshi answered.
"But isn't that what people should do?"
Kiyoshi shook his head and took his son's hand in his before placing it in his chest.
"When people are hurt, especially by the people they love so much it becomes much easier to hate, because hate is so much easier to deal with than love, especially disappointed love." Kiyoshi explained. "When you hate you get this illusion for a moment that you would not need them, that once you rid of them you will be freed of the feelings in there, it is easier than to explain and tell yourself why you still love them despite everything, despite the betrayal, despite the hurt, it's easier than to hold on."
"Father I…"
"There is a very thin line between love and hate." Kiyoshi said retracting his hand from his son. "I don't think that person's love is disappointed though, I think you just have not told him yet and somehow he is trapped in this idea that you bait him and used his feelings for you to get what you wanted."
"H-How did you—"
Kiyoshi chuckled, "I've known you since you were a child, no distance or time could ever make me know you any less."
Kiyoshi smiled sadly, his words were like water splashed in the muddy floor revealing what really lies underneath. The prince lowered his head, with trembling hands.
"What is he like?" Kiyoshi asked.
Furihata chuckled humourlessly before looking out in the window, "He is not as easy as the Fifth Prince, he is used to getting followed, he is used to getting things the way he wants them to, he stares a lot and sometimes he scares me." Furihata pressed his lips in a thin line, he closed his eyes remembering the teasing smirk, the all-knowing tone, the small smiles, the longing gaze he would look at him with, he remember the fire of his eyes. "He taught me to play the flute, he calls me by my first name, he believed in me even if I was a clumsy servant then, he…he was a kind man despite all that thick skin and royal mask he would wear."
"And you love him?"
Furihata bit his lower lip. He never wanted to admit it, but right now there was no reason to hide it. The brunette nodded.
"Even if I should not." Furihata whispered. "I should have drawn the line."
"There will be no use for pinning the fault to yourself." Kiyoshi said quietly. "There is truly no right or wrong decision, there is no righteous path, there will be only people who try their best in the world where it is far easier to do worst."
Furihata lowered his head to his father, he may not be Seirin's best King, but for them, for his son he is the only, and irreplaceable father. In the world where its far easier to leave and deny, their father had always choice to turn and face things with a smile. Furihata raised his head with a smile in his lips while his eyes streams down with tears, when he first met Kiyoshi, he barely understood what was happening, the woman who gave birth to him just suddenly told him that this man was his father. She dropped him to his arms like an unwanted toy, and the man despite having all the options to deny him, to deny a child of some average woman, a commoner, instead took him and wrapped him securely in his arms. He didn't ask for proof like most people did, like what most logical people would.
Kiyoshi always smiled at him, and despite all his unlikely differences between him and Kagami, despite being an incompetent child as himself, Kiyoshi refused to give up on him. Even when he left him, even when he caused a war that could end the very Kingdom the man built with his blood and sweat his hands were still warm.
"Thank you…for everything." Furihata said smiling.
.
.
.
.
The rain had stopped but the darkness that looms over them does not seem to plan on leaving. The sound of metal clashing against each other had become the battle tune. Blood splashes over the ground beneath them leaving a trace of history for the ones who will be left behind, body after another falls to the ground. The puddles of rain water slowly turn red yet none of them notice this, no one had any time look down.
Even with Teiko's massive number, the passion and almost unbending will of the other party made them almost look as if their skin were made of iron itself. Some of their soldiers were soaked with blood of their own but they would refuse to go down without taking with them one or two of the opponent's men. Watching these men brought flashes of memory to Kuroko who stood behind the line, next to him was Akashi who looked at them passively. The teal haired prince found his stomach churning at the sight that might have been the very same sight when the young soldier Ogiwara Shigehiro died.
Soldiers were made to pledge their life on the name of their Kingdom and regent, death would be an honor. But the truth was not all that.
There are people they will leave behind, a mother, a child, a lover, or friends, and for them honor holds nothing but meaningless words when the one they love is not there anymore. No amount of recognition and honor could replace life and that is the whole truth.
"Do you want to turn back now?" Akashi said without looking away.
Kuroko bit his lower lip.
"Does this make you sick?" Akashi asked once more.
"Yes." Kuroko answered closing his eyes but gripping the sword in his side even more, "But I won't leave you if that what you want to prove."
Akashi scoffed but didn't say anything anymore. He smirked and pulled his horse into charging into the heated battle. It was time and Kuroko knew this. He closed his eyes for one last time.
"I hope you know I do love you…Kagami-kun."
.
.
.
Himuro turned his eyes towards the gate when he heard the sound of carriage. His eyes widen when he saw the familiar carriage of the Emerald Palace. When the palace guards quickly stopped the incoming carriage the door opened and the men all wielded their weapons but all of them quickly dropped it off upon realizing who the person inside is, all of them went down to their knees with respect. Himuro gasped when he saw the white and orange hanfu and a mop of raven hair.
"T-Takao-sama!" Himuro exclaimed.
Takao turned to Himuro and recognized him from Aomine and Kise's wedding, his eyes started welling up with tears as Himuro ran to him with pure concern.
"Call the attendants the head priest has visited!" Himuro said to one of the guards who quickly dashed away. Himuro turn his eyes at Takao assessing his condition, he could have been attacked on his way to the palace. To his relief no wound or obvious injury could be seen.
"Are you alright?" Himuro asked, "Didn't the second prince hid you in the Emerald Palace? You were—"
Takao shook his head as tears started streaming down his eyes. Himuro felt his chest tightened at the sight. He looked absolutely broken which could not mean good news.
"T-The…the war is going to end today."
Himuro backed away completely taken aback, he didn't sound so happy about it but why? Himuro waited for the rest, Takao moved his lips, his voice quivering as he said the words he never believed he would hear today.
.
.
.
"It's lunch time Kouki-ouji—"
Crash!
"Kouki-sama is gone!"
The maid ran outside quickly, the room where the prince should have been is now empty, the window shattered in pieces and the curtain tied in the foot of his bed extended in the window hanging down. Kiyoshi ran to the now opened room of his son and stood in the doorstep of the room where he had been only an hour ago. His body froze at the sight before him. The former King hesitantly stepped in the room when he noticed something lying on top of the table with a flute on top of it.
Kiyoshi removed the flute and took the folded paper in his hand. When Kiyoshi unfolded the paper, his eyes widen. He dropped the paper as his hands and body felt numb.
"Dearest Father,
Please forgive me. This one last time let me set it right."