Chapter 10: The Crimson Dawn
Chapter 10: The Crimson Dawn
Kuroko blinked his eyes, found himself staring at the carved ceiling of their quarters he and his husband both shared. He threw back the quilt covers, sitting upright on the king-sized bed. He glanced at his husband's sleeping form. It was rare that Kuroko was awake before Akashi. It was a first. He planted a kiss on Akashi, a fond smile was evident. Just as he was about to grab his walking stick and step out of bed, he was pulled from behind, the momentum had sent him crashing back on the soft covers, back in the arms of his husband.
Kuroko had reddened. He was filled with disconcertment, flustered and startled with shyness and nervousness, staring into the depths of his husband's clear vermillion and amber colored heterochromatic irises. "Where's my good morning, Tetsuya?" Akashi had flashed a grin.
"Why are you pretending to be asleep, Sei-kun?" The imperceptible erubescent colors had slowly tinted Kuroko's pale cheeks. It was a sight Akashi often enjoy, observing the thousands of expressions displayed from teasing his beloved wife. Tetsuya was his world. No one will take it away from him, regardless who it is, even if it were the divine Gods he served.
"Because it's fun watching you being so cute," Akashi had pulled Kuroko into a deep kiss. Akashi guided Kuroko to the windows, the curtains were pulled back. The rare couple witnessed the rise of the crimson dawn, which is said to rise once a millennium. The crimson dawn has been preached as the symbol of beginnings, legends and myths were passed down through generations had hailed the crimson red dawn, evoking special memories of the ancients and drawing their full strengths from them.
It was a feeling they both knew well. The long-awaited time is near. It was a perfect time to end everything, once and for all.
Chambermaids had helped the couple in bathing and dressing, making sure everything was perfect for a new day. Kuroko was dressed in Akashi's chosen favourite kimono for his wife, a pale blue silk kimono adorned with a floral pattern embroidered by a famous kimono embroiderer. His hair was combed, freeing split ends and entangled strands from his hair, a hair accessory with the famous Akashi clan symbol was fixed onto the soft strands of his cyan pale blue hair. The loose collar of Kuroko's kimono had revealed Kuroko's black leather choker, the mark of the master burnt deep into the back of his neck along with his mating teeth marks nearer to his shoulder.
Akashi donned his usual red and black silk kimono, the symbol of the Akashi clan adorning the cloth. In Teiko only the successor and their respected wife has the right to wear the mark of the clan on their back, the symbol of the Akashi clan represents powerful strengths and complete victory. Akashi had smiled, glanced complacently at his wife's elegant appearance. He wrapped an arm around Kuroko's waist, another hand holding gently onto his right hand. Tremors had reverberated, sending vibrations throughout the lands of Teiko. Kuroko and Akashi were snapped out of their little world. The invasion had started. The main forces of the miracles, Kise and Aomine had barged into their quarters.
"Akashi! The invasion has started!"
"Seems like it," Akashi's reply was cut short, the tremors and had returned, started again with stronger quakes. Akashi lifted Kuroko into his arms. "Stop them. It's a little off chart, tell Seirin to be ready in their positions. It's time we effectuate our plans. Forewarn them, Atsushi's impenetrable barrier has been broken." Akashi had commanded Kise and Aomine. The miracles nodded, ran off to inform their forces for takeoff. Seirin were flabbergasted, but had managed to get their forces ready to defend the empire. Akashi on the other hand, had folded Kuroko's walking cane and departed from his personal quarters with his wife in his arms.
"Sei-kun, put me down! This isn't the time to fool around!" Kuroko had protested. The empire will eventually need the unique strength of the Kuroko clan. He just knows it.
"I'll leave you in Shintarou's care. Please don't overestimate your abilities and try to defeat the enemies." Akashi warned Kuroko. "Your legs won't be the only thing I will take away the next time." Kuroko gulped. Akashi was Kuroko's love, a d he was also Kuroko's nightmare. They entered the library. Sure enough, Akashi's advisor was seated in Kuroko's favourite seat, a long rifle was placed across the window.
"Shintarou." Akashi had greeted his advisor. "I'll leave Tetsuya in your care." Settling his wife in an empty chair, Akashi gave Kuroko a kiss on the lips and vanished. "Don't worry, Tetsuya. We will win this war."
"Of course, stupid." Kuroko had huffed, dissatisfied he was not allowed to fight on the battlegrounds. He saw military troops led by Aomine Daiki, charging against the human soldiers and defending enemies from proceeding into the sacred lands of the empire. Everyone had an equally important role to play, failure to accomplish means death. Unlike human soldiers, the people of Teiko possess strong vitality of life forces. They are strong, Teiko military forces are even stronger. Teiko will not go down easily. It's not easy to infiltrate the heart of Teiko, the great palace of Rakuzan. Protecting the palace gates were the assassination force, led by Kise Ryouta.
Midorima had sighed. He had known it was necessary. He aimed at the armies of soldiers, had taken them out with a single bullet. The veteran shooter of the miracles, Midorima Shintarou. He possessed great accuracy skills, leaving humans and spirits alike astounded of his lightning shooting, earning his nickname The Lightning Prosecutor. The terror of his skills was said to bring forth the death bringer, it shows itself to souls who have defied the ancient laws, judgement was brought upon them. He was solely the man the master of Teiko recognized his skills and knowledge, which was the perfect choice to be his advisor. Kuroko was impressed. It was the first time Kuroko had seen the rigid and stiff advisor displaying his skills.
Kise and Aomine had ran to the barracks, where the soldiers reside. They had instructed the forces just as Akashi had commanded. The battalions of troops marched into the battlefield, with a sole purpose of defending their beloved empire. No human would survive the inhumane forces of Teiko. Aomine stood in the front lines, the leader of the military forces. He drew his sword from the scabbard, raised high in the air, its gallant sharpness shone under the crimson dawn.
"CHARGE!" Aomine had roared, wearing a mask of a thousand warrior, leading his soldiers into the battlefield.
The soldiers raised their weapons, had attacked upon their commander's words, the enemy forces were ambushed. It was a fight of spirits. The humans stood no chance. They were decimated in mere seconds. Their ambush battalion was led by land of Josei. Their military strength wasn't their strongest points. Kagami had drew his sword, clashed against the commander of Josei. They were devastated to see the forces of the peaceful Seirin had joined forces with the inhumane Teiko. Kagami was a strong force who possess the power of a hundred men. He had the natural intensity of a wild tiger. Kagami was rumoured to become the next general, was nicknamed The Formidable Tiger. His extraordinary natural gift to jump great distance into the heart of a battle and destroy their forces from the inside had made the man named Kagami Taiga terrifying. Josei had faltered at the sight of Kagami standing in their way.
"Traitor!" They had cursed.
Seirin does not share your distorted philosophy, lowly dogs of Kirisaki Daiichi.
Akashi had appeared, hovering over the middle of the battlefield, a godly feat only a spirit of Akashi's caliber is capable of. He had sent thousands of soldiers blasting away in one blow. That's Akashi for you, the miracles had thought. "Master Akashi, what should we do?" Hyuuga had paled at how inhumanely strong Akashi's prowess were. It was pale in comparison with the people of Teiko. Seirin then realized. Akashi wield the strongest in Teiko empire. He was undefeatable. Akashi's cold, frozen stare had pierced through the measly delegated numbers of soldiers. It finally dawned on humans. Humans are not meant to flout against the legendary empire of Teiko.
"This is just an ambush team. Daiki, take your squad, find them! Every last one of them." said Akashi. "They must be scrutinizing somewhere, waiting for the best chance to squash us. Too bad, that's not possible, when I am your enemy!"
Aomine yawned. "Fine, Akashi. Hey, you guys. Follow me!" Aomine commanded the sky troops, mainly consisting of ancient tengus, mountain protectors of To'ou. Like the spirit foxes of Kaijou, tengus are also divine spirits serving as messengers of God specializing in combat and warfare, powerful military forces had kept Teiko away from harm for a millennium. The horses had neighed, had heeded in response to Aomine's commands who taken lead of his battalion and charged forward, through the entrance and crossing into the borders of Teiko. The hundreds of horses thudding hoofs on the solid ground, following their commander. Upon reaching the borders, just like Akashi had speculated, the entire forces Kirisaki Daiichi prepared were hiding and waiting. Seeing the face of the miracle, The Invincible General, Aomine Daiki had intimidated them, the enemy had faltered, taking steps backwards. Aomine had a furious look on his face.
Kirisaki Daiichi, along with the three southern empires of the alliance pact were waiting for them. Among them, was a face Teiko harbored hatred for, their undying pledge of resentment. The face of the man named Kisaragi Amaya. Amaya had shivered, under the intensity of the man who had cursed him twelve years ago, the day Kuroko Tetsuya had been sacrificed to the legendary empire of Teiko.
"You!" Aomine had growled. He had his sword drawn, pointing its deadliest sharp edges at the enemy its master had had identified as a threat. "How dare you show your face here again! Haven't you got my warnings into your thick skull? The next time I see you, I will kill you!" Aomine had charged into the enemy territory, aiming for Amaya's head. Aomine had clicked his tongue when the pathetic human named Amaya had escaped the swing from his deadly weapon. No, Aomine told himself. It was something else. He had a very bad feeling. Amaya, didn't possess combat skills claimed useful on the battlefield. He swore he saw Amaya's figure had vanished in a split second and reappeared one step ahead of his sword.
"What did you do?" Aomine had growled like his personality had inclined to. "You didn't inherit the spiritual strengths of the Kuroko clan. It's impossible."
The enemies had shot an arrow at the feet of the horses, causing the poor steeds to neigh and blared in fright. The sky troops had leaped off their horses, oscillating their gallant black wings, the distinguished features of a tengu. "General Aomine. Look around you. There are hundreds of veteran warriors around here. Especially we from land of Seiho, specialize in defending our land." The general of Seiho had advised. "You're suffering. Your face shows the frustration and anger. This is nice. I like it." He was the new appointed general selected for the purpose of this war. His talent had shown unbeatable to none. His name was Tsugawa Tomoki.
Aomine felt a cold rush of wind passing through him. Aomine looked back. It can't be! Aomine retreated his soldiers. They had been tricked. It wasn't his imagination. Soldiers of Shinkyo and Senshinkan had infiltrated Teiko. Teiko is in danger! Aomine and his squad prayed they will be able to make it before it becomes too late. Teiko had retreated from the borders, back the way they had came from. He could not believe he had let an entire force from Shinkyo and Senshinkan slip by without him noticing. Something is not right.
"Aomine-kun, I think I've found the source." Imayoshi said. "Remember Kuroko's warning? His half-brother was captured by Kirisaki Daiichi." Aomine's eyes had widened. Mayuzumi Chihiro. He must be the reason. Damn it! Kuroko was right. They had made full use of Mayuzumi's vanishing skills and slipped past To'ou's aggressive battlefront. With just one addition of a member of the Kuroko clan, Aomine could not believe the flow of the battle can change so drastically. It makes him wonder what is the true identity of the mysterious Kuroko clan.
The enemy forces remained at the borders had smirked. Everything was perfect as planned. The tyrant ruler of the Kirisaki Daiichi was the only soul daring enough to step into the battlefield and lead the forces to victory. He was a seasoned warrior. A smile had crept onto his face. Aomine's troops are going to carve a pathway for us. "After them!"he bellowed, commanding the troops into action. His existence on the battlefield was essential, possessing an IQ of over two hundred. He was the genius warfare tactician. Although his foul character had rubbed people in the wrong way, he deeply cares for his people. He made a vow, promising Mayuzumi he would win this war. Albeit Mayuzumi appears to be impassive towards the war, he had personally felt Kirisaki Daiichi shouldn't go to war at all. If they had won, they would have gained invaluable assets; losing the war means death. The master of Teiko would not be so generous to let go people who had harmed his empire, just like any ruler would do. After all, everything was Kisaragi Amaya's mistake.
Kuroko and Midorima had noticed the sudden numbers of enemies flooding from the back entrance. Midorima had slowly taken them down, one by one. He had clicked his tongue at the never-ending numbers of countless enemies. Kuroko had taken his place in the next window. "I will crush them all. This must be Chihiro-nii san's work. He is capable of bestowing vanishing techniques onto others. It's not impossible." Midorima had protested, claiming Akashi had left him in his care, not to defeat enemies. Although Kuroko may possess invaluable assets to end the war, he was the esteem beloved wife of the Teiko master. Kuroko could care less. Kuroko had raised his fingers into a certain position, aiming at the numbers of enemies crawling on the grounds of Teiko floors below.
Heed my pledge. What I seek is Fire, Homura.
Inferno blaze of flames had shot from Kuroko's fingertips. Midorima had stared at Kuroko, entering into a state of discountenance. He could feel the intense heat pouring from Kuroko's fingers, the flames had fogged the glasses of his fugacious vision. Midorima was stupefied, frozen from absolute shock. The enemies gathered near the palace of Rakuzan were defeated in one blow. Midorima's hypothesis had suggested Kuroko's true strength could be parallel to Akashi.
Mayuzumi had sneaked into the land of Teiko with no problems. He found Kise's assassination squad guarding the palace of Rakuzan. They had infused spiritual energy for battle, and their weapons ready. Kise had glared at Mayuzumi. "Who are you?" Kise noted the similar characteristics of someone he knew well. He possessed the same white delicate skin and pale cyan blue hair. Kise frowned. This person...is a guy, right? The way he was dressed had stirred puzzlement among Kuroko's bodyguards.
"There's no need for you to know." The trespasser had said. "Let me in." The sudden shock of fire which had abruptly landed from the top of the tower and defeated the countless numbers of soldiers in one blast had startled soldiers from both sides. Mayuzumi had frowned and scrutinized the heavy damage, the prime mover of the fire blast. Kise and his fellow squadrons had panicked, fearing another wave of heat. They sighed in relieved when there was no second helping of heat wave raining down on them.
Mayuzumi had reached the final stage of his comprehensive deduction. "A fire spell of Homura. There is only one person I know who has inherited the elemental techniques of the Kuroko clan. I see Tetsuya is hidden somewhere within this castle. Let me pass, you dog of Teiko."
Kise had clasped his hands together in a tight punch. "No can do, you slave of Kirisaki Daiichi. Guys, protect the palace!" Kise had commanded, the guards baring their fangs against one measly unarmed individual. "Name yourself, and what is your purpose here?"
Midorima had dragged Kuroko away from the window to avoid being intercepted. They both had knew Kise's efforts were short-lived. Mayuzumi would use his invisibility and sneaked into the castle, just like how he got through the fervent eyes of the military forces guarding the entrance. Akashi must have been very furious, they had sighed. Mayuzumi's vanished figure had panicked Kise and the squadron. Kise had ordered his subordinates to find the intruder immediately. They were filled with feelings of trepidation, horrified at the thought of possibility if anything were to happen to Kuroko, fearing their master would never cease his resentment towards humans ever again.
"This is where you have been hiding, Tetsuya." Mayuzumi had reappeared behind Kuroko and Midorima. Midorima had unconsciously ran from his sniping position had wedged himself between Mayuzumi and Kuroko. "This doesn't sound like you. You're not the type to sit here and do nothing when people important to you are dying on the battlefield." The half-brothers had taken their time scrutinized each other. Mayuzumi had saw the crest of the Akashi family on Kuroko's kimono, had intended to take him hostage to spill the whereabouts of his half-brother. The awkward silence had filled the room. There was a brief silence, before Mayuzumi continued. "What happened to you? With one blast of your elemental technique, I suppose you could even stop this stupid war effortlessly. And Teiko has that absurd OP boss character which every manga has, the master of Teiko."
Midorima was horrified. A human possessing so much power, capable of stopping a war was unheard of. He had begun to wonder if the Kuroko clan was even human to begin with.
Akashi had been observing the entire scene from the top of the tower. Witnessing Kuroko's immense blast of fire, and the appearance of Mayuzumi Chihiro, Akashi realized he had come to see Tetsuya. He had brought enemies into Teiko, slipped past the aggressive vanguard of To'ou. Akashi must admit Mayuzumi Chihiro is special, as someone who belongs to the same clan as Tetsuya. But with their current military strength, their abilities will not be enough to stop Teiko. Daiki will be back soon, and their forces will return to their maximum capacity. Akashi had left the defending to Murasakibara and Seirin, setting off to deal with something more important at hand. He had marched into the palace of Rakuzan, the place he had chosen to keep Tetsuya away from danger. He had soundlessly appeared behind Mayuzumi.
"Oh, I see you have brought your comrades into the enemy's nest." Akashi's sarcastic remark had ghosted Mayuzumi out of his shell. Mayuzumi had jumped out of his skin, turned back and glared at the smugness of the mighty Teiko master.
"W...who are you?" He had uttered feebly. He felt his energy had been drained by half.
"Chihiro nii-san, since long time ago I know you have weird habits. I'm not trying to be impertinent at your hobby, but what on Earth are you wearing?" Kuroko had asked deliberately as he, Midorima and Akashi had gazed at Mayuzumi's outrageous appearance. Kuroko's observant eyes had never let his prey nothing slipped past his scrutinizing judgement. Mayuzumi's appearance had consisted of him donning a gray dress which barely reached his thighs. His makeup was visibly painted skillfully on his pale skin, along with jewelry and black, delicate fishnet leggings and high heels. "Are you trying to become a woman?"
Mayuzumi had flushed, rose colors had crept visibly onto the surface of his cheeks, feeling the growing warmness spreading from his face. As if all eyes were fixed on his body, Mayuzumi had felt small and humiliated. Mayuzumi knew better, putting aside such intense emotions. The Kuroko clan were veterans in keeping their emotions in check, their deadpan personality adapting to every situation they encounter.
"What about you, Tetsuya?" Mayuzumi had a huge scowl on his face as he questioned Kuroko. "Now that I take a closer look at you, aren't you dressed in women's kimono? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?" Mayuzumi had scrutinized his younger half-sibling's appearance. His hair had been longer than the time he had last saw him. His hair accessory had caught Mayuzumi's sharp observant eyes, possessing same ability as his half-brother. It had adorned the crest of the Akashi family, just like his kimono. Mayuzumi had entered a state of disquietude, harboring unsettling and disturbed feelings for his half-brother wearing the enemy's crest. "Why are you wearing the Akashi crest? You're acting weird, Tetsuya. This isn't like you. Tell me, what happened to you?! You could've escape easily with so half of the military force sent to the frontlines!"
Mayuzumi had stared into his half-sibling's own deadpan stare. "Were you threatened? Hypnotized? It's not like you to let off a war happening in front of you just like that!" Kuroko had struggled against Mayuzumi's iron grasps, his ankle chains had clanked against the chair he had been seated on. Mayuzumi had frowned. Where did the clanking sound come from? He had looked down, finally noticing the ankle chains bounding his legs. Chains. Mayuzumi had a disapproving look, horrified his failure to notice the chains on their first glance. His skills had gone rusty.
"Calm down, Chihiro nii-san." Kuroko had sighed. He had Midorima draw a chair for Mayuzumi at their table. Mayuzumi had found it inconceivable. The world is at war, Kuroko was just settled peacefully in the library of his captive's den. Mayuzumi guessed Kuroko must have felt hopeless trying to escape. Strong bodyguards were guarding the palace's every entrance. His inner schemata had found it weird. Kuroko possessed spiritual strength of a thousand soldiers. His elemental spells were nothing to belittle of. He was born with the greatest vitality among members of the Kuroko clan. He was special, even among the clan the world had labeled as special and different.
Akashi had sneaked behind Kuroko and embraced his beloved wife, giving Kuroko a startled yelp in surprise. The Akashi crest adorned on his kimono had probably gave away his identity. Mayuzumi had jumped to his feet and wedged between Kuroko and Akashi. "Be careful! Get away from him, Tetsuya. He must be trying to use you as warfare collateral." Kuroko had sighed. He stretched his arm and pulled his brother back into his seat.
"And I said that's not it," He had corrected Mayuzumi for the umpteenth time.
Akashi had cuddled Kuroko within his embrace, his smugness had crawled and etched itself onto Akashi's expression. Mayuzumi didn't want to believe it, but he had a very bad feeling what kind of revelation Kuroko had decided to unveil. Kuroko had sighed as he gazed out of the window. Countless soldiers had invaded, and countless soldiers were injured. Their hearts were screaming feelings of agony and sorrow. Midorima was quietly observing with his undivided attention to the scene playing in front of his eyes, serving as Akashi's hands and legs. Depending on Mayuzumi's answer, the war could end differently.
"Did you know, Chihiro nii-san, when we lost our clan, our uncle hated and feared us. He was terrified we would come back to kill him when our powers have truly awakened. He said: The world has no need for monsters One monster is a sign of a curse. Two monsters are symbols of tribulation. You will never see your brother ever again. Sacrificing me to Teiko was just a part of fate. I never hated Teiko." Kuroko began his tale. "In case you're asking why, Teiko had raised me like their own child sharing their flesh and blood. Teiko is my family." Kuroko had smiled, his words were filled with love. A feat Mayuzumi never knew he had within him. Mayuzumi was the opposite of his half-brother. Taken into an unsettling and edgy environment of royalty and nobles, Mayuzumi couldn't love anyone...no, he did love someone. He was more than willing to bow to that man's wishes and desires. It was also the reason he was willing to wear dresses, makeup, jewelry, high heels...etc. It was ridiculous, for a man.
"It still doesn't explain why you are sitting here, and wearing that bastard's crest. You do not belong to him. You are not his property." Mayuzumi had unrepentantly pointed his finger at Akashi. "You are a warrior, just like I am." Mayuzumi had scowled at the couple cuddling together.
"Everything in Teiko belongs to our master, Akashi Seijuurou." Midorima had readjusted his metal framed glasses with a soft click. "Only the respectable partner approved by out master bears the mark of Akashi on his back. And certainly, they are not seen as properties of the Akashi clan." Mayuzumi was stupefied and frozen on the spot. He could not grasp the pragmatic understanding of Akashi's advisor. Midorima had sighed.
"This is why I hate incompetent fools."
"Wha-" Mayuzumi had protested, he was interfered by Kuroko. He had rose from his seat and banged his fists on the table. The books on the table Kuroko had left last night after his daily reading sessions were sent flying.
"Please do not fight here. This my beloved library." Kuroko had interrupted their little argument. Akashi had agreed. He didn't wish to see his beloved empire to be destroyed with additional damage more than necessary. "To answer Chihiro nii-san's last question, to put it simply, I guess it's because I belong to the Akashi clan." Kuroko had replied nervously. His fingers rubbing the ends of his chin tenderly, effectively avoiding Mayuzumi's famous cold stare. Mayuzumi had turned pale. He had wavered. What is this feeling... I have a very bad feeling. He had stared at his half-brother with his newfound profound ardours.
"Why?" Mayuzumi's deadpan reply had emerged. "You belong to the Kuroko clan. You are the last successor. How can you incapacitate to a demon clan, and the Akashi clan of all things? Who will succeed the clan?"
Kuroko blushed; roseate colors had tinted Kuroko's pale cheeks. He was twitching nervously in his seat. "I can't walk, Chihiro nii-san. I am not like before." Kuroko had admitted. The rare sight of Kuroko's visage displaying feelings of disquietude had begun to appear. Kuroko's inner self ran wild in circles. Akashi had chuckled. It was almost time for him to take over. He had grabbed his wife closer to him, mouthing him words of assurance. Mayuzumi had been puzzled at his half-brother's sudden fit of nervousness. Kuroko's legs had always been strong. He had been appalled his half-brother had lost his ability to walk. It now explains the existence of a walking cane resting against the wall. Mayuzumi was pretty sure none of them had needed the existence of a walking aid. Teiko consisted of spiritual beings. Humans are seasoned warriors with perfectly honed skills. There was no way anyone would need a walking aid. The people present in the library were only his half-brother and the Teiko master's advisor, Midorima Shintarou.
"What actually happened to you?" Mayuzumi had asked in a quiet voice. He had been horrified that his guess was on spot. There was a high chance that his half-brother would never be able to walk the earth alone. "Is it related to you incapacitated to the demon clan?"
Kuroko had laughed, nervousness was evident in his voice. "Why are you so depressed? It's nothing much. I can still fight, Chihiro nii-san. It doesn't matter if I can walk or not. You should know, I can fight even without walking into the battlefield. It's not yet time for us to appear on the battlefield yet. You know it well, and you still pester me on it."
"What about the crest? Don't you know the meanings of crest? Wearing another clan's crest represent a abandonment and betrayal!" Mayuzumi had warned. "And I'm still not letting go what happened to your legs. Spill it. Everything. Without leaving anything out." His efforts to convince his half-brother to return had been in vain. Kuroko did not appear to be interested nor harbouring intentions to leave the Teiko master at all. Kuroko's odd behaviour had piqued Mayuzumi's curiosity. The small child who used to adore and listen to his every word had defied him. He had wondered the kind of life Kuroko had led till now, influencing Kuroko to the extent that Teiko had replaced his personal priority of importance.
His half-brother's attempts of avoiding eye contact at all cost was also discerned as another cause for concern. "That's..." Kuroko had muttered, his discomfiture exacerbating, refusing to look into Mayuzumi's cold stare. Kuroko's composure was becoming undone. Kuroko did not possess affinity for humor. And lying to his blood-related brother was out of the question. It was definite Mayuzumi had realized the missing piece of puzzle bears considerable value, and Kuroko possess the key to that missing puzzle. Mayuzumi felt he was close. Very close to elucidate the truth Kirisaki Daiichi had kept him away from.
"He's not betraying anyone." Akashi's deep, gentle voice spoke. His voice had startled Mayuzumi. He stared at Akashi, deciding it was a hallucination or his imagination. He had never heard of the mighty Teiko master had stooped to his level, speaking to a lowly human like him. It was unheard of. "Tetsuya had chosen this path of his own will. We are a divine empire serving the will of the heavens. Do not group us the same as those idiots out there ravaging my beloved backyard." Akashi had pointed at the reinforcement invaders had summoned through the glass windows, breaking through the great entrance of Teiko.
"Oh? Aren't you trying too hard to be involved? It's fine for you to sit in your throne and watch the show, Your Highness." Mayuzumi had displayed extreme shrewd derisiveness, the true self of Mayuzumi Chihiro. "This is between me and Tetsuya, Your Highness." Kuroko and Midorima had shown faces of concern, highly overstrung over the invisible raging battle between Akashi and Mayuzumi. The intense perturbed feelings were unfazed, both sides were disinclined to surrender. The rift of awkward silence gradually increasing turbulent and disturbed were evident in the air. Kuroko and Midorima were left with questionable choices, glancing from the Teiko master to Mayuzumi Chihiro. Akashi's revelations had left Mayuzumi stupefied, his husk of a human was frozen pale on the spot.
"Tetsuya is my wife."