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Chapter Text

"You look wonderful, Princess."

Momoi studied her reflection in the ornate mirror before her. She wore a simple pink dress tied with a yellow obi, and her favorite blue shawl to complete her attire. Her long pink hair hung lose, framing her eyes of the same color. It wasn't that she looked bad but…she wasn't sure the look was quite right either. She wanted to look her best whilst still giving the impression that this was her everyday normal appearance. An impossible task, surely. But one she needed to get right, if she wanted to impress him…

"Forgive me," her servant tried again, interrupting her thoughts, "but you should proceed to the courtyard soon…" she knew Ogiwara was concerned that she would be late for her formal appearance to welcome everyone to her sixteenth birthday festivities to be held later this week, but at the moment she didn't really care. This look was all wrong.

"No. This isn't right. Where is that chintz?" she demanded, shrugging her shawl carelessly to the floor. She pushed past her maids with the intent to search the tables for it. If you wanted something done right…

Her desire for the chintz was forgotten as soon as her father entered the room. He was a short round man, currently dressed in his red and purple robes. Ogiwara and the maids bowed respectfully as Momoi rushed up to greet him.

"Father! What about the ceremony?" she asked. Momoi knew she was already well beyond being fashionably late; surely her father should still be in the middle of it. He wouldn't have time to come visit her, unless it hadn't started yet…

"As you can see, it's already over," her father stated, though his smile didn't leave his face.

"Oh no…I'm sorry…I'm…" She had promised her father she would be there. She'd let him down. And all those people who'd come to see her…

Her father laughed good naturedly. "Well, no matter. It was a mere formality. There is no need for you to appear before the people." Her father had always been overly protective of her, and she knew he thought keeping her out of the spotlight also helped keep her out of harm's way. Normally she would have protested (she loved being the center of attention after all) but today she thought it might be a good thing that she'd missed the ceremony.

"Um, Father…isn't there something odd about my hair?" she asked, finally coming to a conclusion as to what had bothered her about her look. It never wanted to be tamed. Her hair had always given her trouble. Her father's hair was short and always well groomed; making her wish she had inherited his looks instead.

Her father looked surprised at her sudden change in topic, but quickly set out to reassure her. "Of course not! Your beauty surpasses that of any jewel-"

"Yes, that of my face," she replied, her mood instantly improving. "I believe I was born with quite a cute face," she said, twisting a lock of her hair around her finger. "But why must my hair be so unruly? It won't behave at all!" she wailed, flailing her arms to exaggerate her point.

Her father looked unsure of how to handle her outburst, but he seemed to eventually settle for third party opinion. "That's not true at all. Isn't that right, Aomine?"

Momoi froze. She hadn't even known he was there. "Yes, King Genta," she heard Aomine's voice answer. She turned to see him bowed respectfully on the floor towards her father. "Who would ever say that the princesses' hair looks strange? If anything is not right…" he said finally lifting his gaze and glancing towards her, "…it would be her brain."

"Quiet fool!" she demanded, throwing any objects in the immediate vicinity at Aomine's face. They were effortlessly deflected. "Father, do something about this impertinent cretin!" she continued to insist, intent on getting some sort of revenge for his remark.

Her father ignored her plea. "Now, now…Aomine has been your friend since childhood," he said, putting his hands up in an effort to placate her. "And he is one of the five generals who protect his castle. He is the Wind Tribe's-"

"I don't care! If you need guards, pick someone more loveable!" She said as she grabbed a china teacup on a nearby table and hurled it towards Aomine with all her might. He caught it easily.

"Speaking of loveable, shouldn't you be trying to look more loveable yourself?" Aomine asked her. "Lord Kuroko has already arrived, after all."

"Y-you should have said so sooner!" Momoi chided, abandoning her futile quest of nailing Aomine in the face. If her beloved Kuroko was already here… well then there was only one thing to do. She quickly deserted her present company in favor of going to see him.

"Kuroko? Is that why you were concerned about your hair?" King Genta asked his daughter's retreating figure. He didn't get a response. "But why now?"

"Who knows," Aomine lazily answered, helping himself to some of the tea and snacks that had been prepared for the princess.

Momoi, meanwhile, was making a run for it. She'd hiked up her dress and was sprinting full speed to the guest chambers where Kuroko usually stayed. Several of the palace guards called out to her as she sped past, but she paid them no mind. All she was concerned about was Kuroko, her most precious childhood friend. It had been so long since she'd last seen him, but today she'd finally get to…

In her hurry, she ended up running into someone she first assumed to be a palace guard. At least, until she heard them speak.

"Whoa, there." Momoi would know that voice anywhere. She looked up to see kind blue eyes complimented by short spikey hair of the same shade. Kuroko. "You're as energetic as ever, Princess Momoi," he greeted her. "But I must ask, why the rush?"

"I-I heard you had arrived, so I came to meet you…" It sounded so childish. She had wanted to impress him, show him that she had grown into a proper lady. It appeared her plan was off to a rough start. Kuroko smiled and reached up a hand to pat her head. "How considerate of you," he thanked, looking amused. He's still treating me like a child… she lamented.

"A-anyway, you can stay for a while this time, can't you?" she asked blushing slightly. Don't let him notice, don't let him notice…

"Of course. I came to celebrate your birthday this week, after all," Kuroko said, making an exaggerated bow. "You're going to be sixteen…you really have grown up. Anyway, where are King Genta and Aomine?"

That's who you care about!? Not me but…

"I need to say hi to them. I'll see you later, Momoi," he said to her before taking off towards the king's chambers, leaving her alone.

"He treats me like a child…a child! And I perfumed my clothes with my finest incense all morning! I applied only the highest quality lotions and makeup…"

"And they've all gone to waste," commented Aomine, who was lazily munching on some of her snacks he'd pilfered. She hadn't notice him pop in out of nowhere.

"You be quiet!" She scolded him. But she was too depressed to be truly angry. Stupid Kuroko… She missed how things had been before, when they were younger.

"Momoi what's wrong?" a much younger Kuroko asked her.

"Go away!" her younger self scolded him. She just wanted to be left alone…

"I heard you haven't been eating lately," Kuroko persisted, reaching out a hand to her shoulder in comfort. "King Genta has been worried-"

"QUIET!" she shouted, smacking his hand away. And then she began to cry. But as always, Kuroko knew just how to comfort her. He took off his outer robe, more like a jacket really, and draped it over her head. "It's all right," he told her. "This way you can cry and no one will see."

And cry harder she did. "I haven't been able to sleep without Mother beside me!" she confessed. Kuroko looked at her solemnly. "I'd heard the Queen recently passed away," Kuroko started, "…I'm so sorry Momoi," he told her. Momoi continued to cry her heart out. It hurt Kuroko greatly to see her in pain, but he didn't know how he could help her. But after a few minutes, he came up with something.

"I know! I'll be your mother, Momoi! But first you need to eat," Kuroko said, pulling a fruit out of one of the many folds in his robe. "You can have this pear of mine." His kind gesture was interrupted by a growl from his stomach. And despite herself, Momoi laughed.

Kuroko had stayed true to his word, even accompanying her to sleep just as her mother had. "I'll hold your hand until you fall asleep, just like the queen did," he told her. "If you shed tears, I'll wipe them away so no one will see. So please, smile tomorrow!" he said, as cheerful as ever.

Momoi reflected fondly on the memory. Stupid…my heart was beating so loudly it made it harder to sleep. But then, Kuroko was always so kind…

The next morning, Momoi was determined to claim Kuroko's attention. She'd woken up early and had the servants prepare some of Kuroko's favorite treats for them to share. She just knew this plan was going to work. Bursting through the door to his guest chamber she greeted in an overly cheerful voice:

"Good morning, Kuroko! I have some of your favorite treats! Would you like…to…" she trailed off. His rooms were empty. Trying her best not to get discouraged, she set out in pursuit of him. She passed a few more of the guest rooms before running into her father, who was being trailed by Ogiwara. "What's the matter, Momoi?" her father asked her. Clearly he could tell she was upset. It was Ogiwara, however, who was the one who discerned why. "If you're looking for Kuroko, he's with General Aomine. I can take you to them, if you'd like."

"Please do!" Momoi implored. Having Aomine there as well wasn't ideal, but at this point she'd take whatever time with Kuroko she could get. Her father looked uneasy with her request, but decided he would come with them as well. Momoi followed the two of them to the training grounds, where they found both Kuroko and Aomine on horseback, with a quiver of arrows strapped to their backs.

"No fair Aomine! How could you set me aside and have fun with Kuroko?" Aomine was supposed to be her bodyguard. And she certainly hadn't given him permission to go run around with the object of her affections.

"Now, now…they haven't seen one other in some time either," King Genta pointed out.

Momoi would have had a retort for that, but the boys had set off and she didn't want to miss seeing them in action. Kuroko's horse was in the lead, likely due to the fact that Kuroko himself was so much smaller and lighter than Aomine. As his horse approached the target, Kuroko knocked an arrow and let it fly. It landed in the ring outside the bullseye. Not to be outdone, Aomine quickly shot an arrow of his own at the same target. It hit dead center. Both men reined in their horses. "Well done, Aomine," Kuroko congratulated him.

"You were pretty good yourself, Lord Kuroko," Aomine replied.

"Next time I'll strike dead center as well," Kuroko remarked, holding up his bow and mock firing an invisible arrow. The image looked gorgeous to Momoi. "I want to do archery with Kuroko too!" she declared. Her father's reaction however, would have made one think she'd asked to become a bandit. "No!" Her father pleaded with her. "You mustn't handle weapons! I don't even want to let those two use them…"

"Then you use them!" Momoi demanded.

"But I would get hurt," her father reasoned, casting his gaze off to the side.

"You coward!" Momoi cried, "You know, you're just…"

"Momoi!" Kuroko had ridden over to where she was standing. "If you want, I'll let you ride with me."

"Okay!" she eagerly agreed, quickly running around to Kuroko, much to her father's horror. "Kuroko!" her father shouted close to anger, but he was ignored as everyone was focusing on getting Momoi onto a horse. Even Aomine had dismounted in order to help. "Relax. We'll both hold on to you," Kuroko reassured her.

"But could you hurry it up a little?" Aomie complained as he tried to boost her up to sit with Kuroko. "You're so heavy that I might die if I have to support you any longer."

"Be quiet or else!" she threatened, turning her head to give an absolutely menacing glare to Aomine. Kuroko, however, chose to ignore their bantering. "Don't worry," he told Momoi, reaching out a hand to help her up. "You like horses, don't you?"

"I-I do…" Momoi blushingly replied as the two males settled her on the horse in front of Kuroko. But I like Kuroko more.

"Just entrust yourself to me," Kuroko said, as he urged the horse forward into a walk. She had assumed Aomine would ride alongside them, but he had decided to cool off his horse and take it back to the stables himself instead. They had gotten about a quarter of the way around the arena when Momoi had a horrible thought.

"You seem accustomed to this," she started. "Have you ridden with lots of women before?"

"Ah…" Kuroko answered with a strange look on his face, "that's…"

"I'm right aren't I!?" Why did I even ask? I should have known…

"You're mistaken," Kuroko quickly assured her. "There have been a few discussions of engagement but nothing is decided yet. Let's not talk about this, okay?" he pleaded. "I don't want to burden you with things outside of your concern."

He's treating me like a child again. I need to fix this. "I-I've had offers of engagement too!" she blurted out.

Kuroko stopped the horse. "Really? From whom?" he asked surprised.

"A-Aomine, for one." Idiot! Out of all the names I could have given him, Aomine's makes it too obvious that I'm lying! I can't help it that I haven't been involved in any real engagement discussions, and Aomine is the only one I could think of who's close to my age…but we don't even get along at all! "Um…I meant…" Momoi started to correct herself, but Kuroko beat her to it.

"I think that sounds nice. Congratulations!"

This is too cruel!

"You're too cruel Kuroko!" Momoi wailed out loud in the dining area later that day while she was waiting for the servants to prepare dinner for her and her father. "How could you believe that lie!" she moaned, dropping her head into her hands.

"Your marriage may not be a lie after all," her father spoke up. "It would only be natural for you to be betrothed by now."

"No!" Momoi cried. "I want Kuroko to-"

"You can't have Kuroko!" her father shouted at her. Everyone present in the room froze. Momoi recovered first, moving to stand so she could look her father in the eye. "Princess, don't-" Ogiwara warned her, but the words burst forth out of her mouth anyway.

"I don't want to hear you speak of my love life. I'm-"

"Momoi I have always given you what you desired," her father interrupted, his tone solemn. "Beautiful hair ornaments, earrings, a royal villa and a flower garden…I would give you anything that is not a weapon. But no matter how much you wish it, I cannot give you Kuroko. You are the princess of the kingdom of Teiko. The man who marries you will become the next king."

"Kuroko is of royal blood…" Momoi started, but her father interrupted her again.

"True," her father agreed, "but it is my duty as king to choose my heir."

"Kuroko is a fine man," Momoi said, her voice shaking. "You're a cowardly king who is too afraid to touch a weapon."

"I am indeed a cowardly king." Her father sighed, turning away. "Your mother was captured and killed by insurgents. Such dangers go hand in hand with being a part of a king's family. That is why I have chosen not to remarry." He turned back towards his daughter and locked his gaze with hers. "You want Kuroko to be happy, do you not?"

"I don't understand. I don't understand at all…" Does that mean it's all right for the man I marry to meet with misfortune? Am I not allowed to be happy? Unable to deal with her emotions, Momoi fled the room.

She ran all the way until she reached the courtyard, when she slumped to the ground in a secluded area to cry. But even if Father did allow it, in Kuroko's eyes I'm still the same child I was back then. "Kuroko and I were never meant to be," Momoi sniffed, burying her head in her arms. Even as distraught as she was, she heard someone's footsteps. "Who's there?" Momoi demanded. She didn't want to see her father right now, and if a servant had stumbled across her crying like this, she needed to make sure they wouldn't report to her father about it. But no one answered her. "Aomine, if you're playing a prank on me again, I'm not in the mood!" she scolded. But it wasn't Aomine who reached out from behind the corner. It was a man she didn't recognize. But she knew one thing; this man was most likely her enemy. No, no it can't be… She quickly got up and ran back in the direction of her father. "Your mother was killed by insurgents…" She had to get away. But it was unlikely she could outrun him, especially as she was in a dress. When she turned the next corner, she ducked into the first room she came across, and threw her body against the door as a barrier. The room was dark, so she didn't think he'd check for her in here, but she wasn't going to take any chances. But in the darkness, she missed someone grab her from behind, and cover her mouth with their hand so she couldn't cry out for help. She tried desperately to anyway, while trying to claw their hand off her mouth. "No! Someone please…someone help!" And when she finally was able to move their hand down enough that she could scream, she called not for her father, not for her bodyguard, but… "KUROKO!"

"Momoi?" She turned to look at her "attacker" but was able to make out their features even in the non-existent light. "Kuroko…?"

"I'm sorry. Did I frighten you?" Kuroko asked her. "I did come in without warning." He moved away from her for a moment to turn on the lights. But when she continued to sit on the floor immobile, he became concerned. "Momoi…?"

"…A strange man came after me…" she said finally. Kuroko went to open the door and take a quick look around. "There's no one there," he told her when he had come back.

"That can't be! I…" They ran away. A castle guard would have said something…. She wrapped her arms around herself and tried to shrink as small as she possibly could. "Momoi!?" Kuroko immediately knelt on the floor next to her, but she didn't even notice. Were they targeting me? Because I'm the king's daughter?

"Momoi," Kuroko called gently to her, wrapping his outer cloak around her as he had done when they were children. "It's all right," he told her. "I'm here."

"K-Kuroko she sniffed, before abruptly pushing him away. "No…I can't be with you…"

"Why not?" He asked, clearly hurt.

"Because…" If you stay with me, you'll be in danger.

Kuroko stood up slowly and walked back over to the door. "If you'd rather be with Aomine, I'll take you to his quarters," he said softly. "He's your betrothed, isn't he?"

"That's not…" Momoi started, a flood of tears coming on. No Kuroko, that's not it…you don't have to leave…so…

"You don't need to hide it," Kuroko told her. "I'm sure Aomine would be angry if he knew the two of us were alone here."

"Kuroko, I have always…!" She forced out before dissolving into an inconsolable mess of tears. I can love you can't I?

"Let me walk you to your room,"Kuroko said, ignoring her earlier outburst. "I'll call a guard."

Momoi stood up and reached out for him, "K-Kuroko, I…" She couldn't have been more surprised when he smacked her hand away. It was something he had never done before.

"I'm sorry," Kuroko said, though he sounded more monotone than apologetic. "Please don't come close to me. I may make a mistake."

"…Huh…?"

"That is, a moment ago, it sounded as if you were saying that you…"

"And if that wasn't a mistake?" Momoi asked. He was looking at her as though she were a ghost. "If that weren't a mistake would that upset you?" she asked again.

"…I can't let this happen," Kuroko said eventually. "I can't let myself see you as a woman."

"So what was I until now?" she asked curiously.

"Huh? Oh, well…a younger sister, perhaps?" he answered sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"I knew it…" she mumbled, hiding her face behind her hands.

"I'm sorry," Kuroko apologized again, running his hand through his hair. "I'm unfamiliar with things like this…"

He…he's actually blushing…! Emboldened, Momoi decided to press further. "So you're engagement was a lie then?" she asked hopefully.

"I just meant such discussions had come up," he said, twisting his thumbs together nervously. "I'm not engaged yet."

It's now or never. "Kuroko, do I look like a woman to you?

His eyes kept darting nervously between her and the door. Eventually though, he did speak, looking at the door, "At the least, I could not sleep holding hands with you anymore. My nerves would prevent me from sleeping," he said turning back to her.

She let out a small laugh. "Well, that's fine. If you've given me even the slightest consideration, that's enough for now." I still love Kuroko, Father. I may not know anything about kings or kingdoms yet, but…just being by his side is my greatest happiness.

Five days later, her birthday banquet was held at the castle. Many nobles and emissaries from various regions came to give her their regards.

"Sixteen years old," her father commented to her. "How much you have grown!"

"My hair still won't cooperate," Momoi whined. "I wanted to wear it up today," she complained.

"Or maybe not. You're still only concerned with your hair…" her father lamented.

She didn't even bother with a reply, as she saw Kuroko waving to her from the other side of the room. "Coming, Kuroko!" she called.

"Momoi, wait!" her father called after her. She spared him only a brief backwards glance before continuing on to her destination.

Kuroko led her out of the palace and into the courtyard. "Why did you bring me out here?" she asked.

"Close your eyes and hold out your hand," he told her. She did as instructed, and felt him place something cool in her palm. "You can open them now." Her sight revealed an ornate hair ornament in the shape of a flower. "I thought it would suit you so I wanted to give it to you personally," Kuroko told her smiling.

"My hair…it's unruly and it won't behave at all…this wouldn't look right on me," Momoi said sadly.

"I disagree. I love your hair, Momoi," he said reaching up to run a strand through his fingers. "It's beautiful, like the sky at dawn."

How simple am I? Just like that, I suddenly love my hair!

"What are you two doing?" Momoi's bodyguard asked, once again appearing out of nowhere.

"Aomine!" The two shouted in unison, both jumping apart.

"His majesty is looking for you, Momoi," Aomine informed her, crossing his arms.

"Is that so? Tell him I'm resting in my room," she replied, heading off to do just that. The mood had been ruined with Aomine's arrival.

"I figured this was what was going on," Aomine said when Momoi had left. "I'm sure you could persuade the king, Lord Kuroko."

"You misunderstand, Aomine. And would you stop calling me 'Lord'? Just call me Kuroko, like you used to."

"I am well aware of my place. But more importantly, do you not sense something?" Aomine asked, turning his head to survey the influx of guest continuing to enter the palace. "I can't place it clearly, but something feels off…like something evil has made its way into the castle."

Kuroko placed his hand on his chin and titled his head to the side. "Now that you mentioned it, Momoi said something similar. It may be wise to keep an eye on those entering and leaving today."

"Understood. I'll increase security in the courtyard. You stay with the princess," he said dashing back towards the banquet hall.

It was late, and Momoi had been cooped up in her room for hours now. She hadn't originally planned to stay there this long, but it had started raining heavily and she didn't feel like getting soaked. She was currently looking at her reflection in the full length mirror attached to her wall. Kuroko said he loved my hair. But as happy as the recent memory made her, the feeling was quickly doused by another memory. No matter how you wish it, I cannot give you Kuroko. Momoi felt sure that if she could just talk to her father again, she could change his mind. She had been able to about everything else, after all. Determined, she decided to brave the rain and seek him out. I can't forget Kuroko. I'm sure father will understand.

Although she ran to her father's room as quickly as she could in the rain, she still arrived in front of the door thoroughly drenched. She noticed the door to her father's chambers was already open. That's odd…a guard should have closed it from the rain. She took a quick look around, but there were no guards in sight. How careless not to post guards here…come to think of it, I don't remember passing a single guard on my way here. Momoi was afraid. But she figured she would be safer with her father than she would be standing in the rain alone. She pushed open the door and entered her father's quarters. What she saw made her blood freeze.

She saw her father, being stabbed through his chest with a sword. "Father…" As the assailant pulled the sword out, her father fell motionless to the floor, and Momoi screamed. "FATHER!" She ran to his side and moved to hold his head in her arms, but stopped at the sight of the pool of blood that was forming around him.

The other person in the room spoke up. "Oh…you were still awake." Kuroko. "K-Kuroko, quickly, call a doctor…" she begged.

"King Genta will not wake again," Kuroko stated, eerily calm. "I killed him." It was then Momoi finally noticed the sword in his hand and the blood on his clothes. And what happened next was a blur.

"It's too quiet," Aomine stated from his guard post outside the courtyard.

"Here," Ogiwara offered, handing him something to drink. "You must be tired from patrolling this place non-stop.

"You're considerate as always Owigara," Aomine said, taking the drink offered.

"Are you sure it's alright for you not to be with the princess though?" Ogiwara asked. "I mean, you are her bodyguard."

"I wouldn't want to interfere," he replied simply. "The princess is with Lord Kuroko."

"Then, her feelings have finally reached him!?" the servant asked excitedly.

"Who knows?" He took a gulp of the drink. "I'm sure it's only a matter of time though."

"You know the two of them well, don't you?"

Aomine sat down on one of the steps. "I've been watching them for a long time. I just…well, how should I put it? I want them both to be happy," he finished, looking up at the night sky.

Momoi, meanwhile, had been thrown to the ground in the training area by her own castle guards. "Prepare, Princess," one of them spoke, drawing his sword. "All of this is for the Kingdom of Teiko."

Momoi was too shocked in horror to even attempt to run. It had to be a bad nightmare, none of this made any sense. I loved no one but Kuroko since we were children…how could he be capable of something like this? The guard brought down his sword to end her life. And in that moment, she could only scream. "KUROKO!"

But it was not he who saved her. Rather, it was her bodyguard, who dove in like lightning and swung his halberd in an arc of vengeance. After dispatching her would be assassinator and several of the nearest traitorous guards, Aomine raised his weapon at the one to whom he'd had the princess entrusted. "What of the meaning of this…Lord Kuroko?"

Chapter Text

Earlier, outside the palace…

"Then no one has noticed yet?" The captain of the guard asked his subordinates.

"No sir. The honored guests and civil officials are all drunk from the party and fast asleep."

"I see," the captain replied.

"Only General Aomine's movements are cause for concern," the solider continued.

"Who is cause for concern?" Aomine asked, coming out of hiding and striding angrily towards the gathering of soldiers. "Why don't you tell me in detail?" The group drew their weapons, and Aomine charged.

Earlier, in the king's chambers…

"K-Kuroko, quickly, call a doctor…!" Momoi screamed, desperately reaching towards her fallen father's body.

"King Genta will not wake again," Kuroko stated, eerily calm. "I killed him." It was then Momoi finally noticed the sword in Kuroko's hand and the blood on his clothes. And even as she stared at him horror shock, her voice still spoke in denial. "What are you talking about? Y-you aren't someone who could do this…" Not Kuroko. Not my beloved. Not to my father…

"You don't know how I've lived for this day." His voice was devoid of all emotion, his expression blank as he shattered the world she knew.

"W-why…?" Momoi asked. "My father cared for you since you were a child…"

"I know," Kuroko said. "I loved King Genta too, even though people whispered that he was a coward who hated conflict. I used to believe that was what made him kind," he said as he paced to the other side of the room. "However, I was wrong. That wasn't the case." He turned back to Momoi. "Do you remember my father, Harasawa? Ever since my father was young, he was courageous and intelligent. He grew into a man who always led our armies to victory. Everyone wanted him to become the next king, and no one doubted that he would. However ten years ago your father, not mine, was chosen as king of Teiko. No one understood the former king's choice of successor. My father was the rightful heir to the throne, so why would he choose the weak Genta? But my father kept smiling. He said the throne was no big deal to him, and that he would continue to fight on the front lines to protect this kingdom and its people. I was proud of my father, and had great respect for him. Someday I hoped to stand alongside him on the battlefield, and offer my life to him. But for reasons unknown, Genta assassinated my father after he succeeded the throne."

"You're wrong!" Momoi shouted. "Harasawa died in an accident…"

"That's the official story. But Genta stabbed my father to death with a sword. Genta, who was thought to hate weapons and avoid conflict, killed my father with a sword," Kuroko said as he raised his own bloodstained sword up, casting eerie shadows in the dim light. "Do you understand?"

"No…it's not true…" Momoi cried desperately, no longer sure if she was trying to convince Kuroko or herself.

"It's the truth. I have avenged my father, and to honor his final wish I will become king of Teiko."

It's not true…this is a dream…a nightmare…after all Kuroko…you smiled so kindly when you…when you gave me this hair ornament… Momoi started to cry, soft sobs that eventually turned into all out wailing.

"I wasn't expecting you to be awake in the middle of the night. I heard you hardly ever visited the king's quarters," Kuroko told her, though whether this was supposed to be an apology or a continuation of his earlier speech she was unable to guess. "Why did you come, Princess Momoi?"

"I wanted to tell him…" Momoi choked out through her tears. "I wanted to tell my father…that I could never forget you…" she said between sobs. Kuroko's eyes widened, and he made a sound as if shocked. But it was only for a moment, before the door opened and a strange man entered flanked by her guards.

"Lord Kuroko, everything is ready," the strange man with glasses said. "You've achieved your long cherished desire at last." Momoi couldn't help but feel this man was disconcertingly familiar, though she was certain she hadn't met him before. She tried to think of where she could have possibly run into him, and the thought of being chased entered her mind. Earlier then…it was him…and then when Kuroko found me in that room…no… The man paused and took note of the scene he was greeted with. "Did the princess see you do it?" He asked Kuroko finally. The blunette remained mute. "Well I suppose this will make things quicker then," the stranger said. "Kill her, Lord Kuroko. You must silence her before she has the chance to speak of this."

"K-Kuroko…?" Momoi begged. Nothing. No emotion showed in those blue eyes of his. No love, no pity, not even hate. Just indifference. He sighed and closed his eyes briefly before taking a step toward her with his sword raised. She tried to escape but her path was blocked by the guards. Mad with her desire to live, she crashed over the table in her escape attempt, knocking over the books and candle lamp that had been set atop it. They hit the floor, and the rug caught fire. "Put it out!" the stranger shouted. "We don't want anyone to suspect anything!" The guards hastened to obey his orders, and moved towards the rug and away from the door. It was the chance that Momoi needed. She ran out the door and into the night. She was vaguely aware of hearing Kuroko's voice ordering the guards to seize her, but it only spurred her to run faster. The person that killed my father and is trying to kill me…is not Kuroko! He is not my beloved Kuroko! He has to be someone else…he has to be! As she turned a corner she was met with the sight or more guards, and as she changed direction they chased after her. She was able to make it all the way to the courtyard, but tripped on the stone path slick with rain and fell. And there, they caught her. "Prepare, Princess," one of them spoke, drawing his sword. "All of this is for the Kingdom of Teiko."

Momoi didn't even attempt to run again, too consumed by her grief. Did Kuroko hate me? Since we were young, I…I only ever loved Kuroko. I didn't ever ask for much. As long as I could see his smile, I was happy. The sword was brought down to end her, and she could only scream through her tears the name of the man who consumed her thoughts. "KUROKO!" But the final blow never came. It was blocked by the one warrior who had not turned traitor, Aomine.

"I knew you would be with Lord Kuroko tonight, so I tried to stay out of your way," her bodyguard informed. "The guards who were supposed to be on watch are all gathered here. There are people I don't recognize too," he said turning a hate filled gaze on the strange man from earlier, who shrank back under Aomine's intense glare. "What's going on here, Lord Kuroko?" She had never heard him speak the name with such bitterness.

"A-Aomine…?" You…came back for me…? You…didn't abandon me…? You…are really here…? He glanced back at her, before turning around completely and dropping to her level. "I'm sorry for leaving your side, Princess Momoi."

"Aomine…Aoimine, are you on my side!?" She wanted desperately to believe it, yet she was no longer sure she could believe in anything anymore. After all, the one she had trusted above all others was…

He looked dumbfounded for a moment, before smiling softly. "The king told me to protect you," he said standing back up and turning to face Kuroko and the guards. "And I will obey his orders!" He cried, brandishing his weapon.

"Withdraw, servant," the stranger spoke. "You are standing before King Kuroko, the new master of Teiko castle."

"Who's the master of what now? I've got a bad feeling about this, but I have to ask: Lord Kuroko, where is King Genta?"

Silence, and then… "I just sent him to hell."

SLAM! Aomine brought the butt of the weapon down so hard it cracked the stone path below. All the soldiers backed up in fear. "Are you drunk!?" Aomine screamed, looking positively feral. "That's going too far, even for a joke."

"Ask Princess Momoi. She confirmed the king's death with her own eyes."

That was all it took for Aomine to charge and lock blades with Kuroko. "Tell the truth!"

"I'm not lying," Kuroko said, desperately trying to push Aomine's blade back.

"Kuroko! You're telling me you killed your king!?" He cried swinging his blade in an arc that was barely dodged. "You killed our kind king!?" He charged, forcing Kuroko to retreat to the safety of the soldiers.

"Lord Kuroko," the stranger started, but he was cut off by the bluenette. "Stay back. If you get any closer, you'll lose your head. The man standing before us is General Aomine. The heart of Teiko castle, and one of the five generals…the Thunder Beast of Teiko.

"Why, Lord Kuroko?" Aomine asked again. "Are you trying to usurp the throne? No…you're not the type to fixate yourself on that kind of thing. Yet you turned your sword on our kind king who detests weapons? Your pride allowed that!?"

"…Kindness?" Kuroko said bitterly. "This kingdom has no need for a weak king!" And with that, he charged. Their battle was fierce. Blows were exchanged, and ground was gained only to be given up shortly after. They were evenly matched.

"General Aomine," the stranger mumbled thoughtfully. "The grandson of Elder Kagetora, he rose to lead the Wind Tribe at a young age. It's said a single blow from his blade is like being hit with lightning, earning him the name of Thunder Beast." He stopped his musing when he heard Kuroko cry out; Aomine had managed to spear his right shoulder. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, he motioned to one of the guards before addressing the two locked in combat. "That's enough!" he shouted earning their attention. He inclined his head towards Momoi, who now found the sword of a guard pressed against her throat. He signaled the other guards, who quickly surrounded Aomine. "Lay down your weapon, Thunder Beast. Or I kill the girl." Grinding his teeth in irritation but having no other choice, Aomine threw his weapon towards one of the soldiers, nearly nailing them in the head. "Lord Kuroko, are you alright?" the stranger asked. But before he could receive an answer, Aomine spoke.

"Kuroko. Was the Kuroko that I saw an illusion? I thought I could entrust you with the Princess."

"Fool," the stranger spat at him. You may be a general, but you are still young. At this rate, the kingdom of Teiko will fall into ruin before long. For you and Princess Momoi, who have indulged in peace at the castle, there is no way you could imagine Lord Kuroko's feelings-"

"Quiet, Imayoshi," Kuroko said simply. The man bowed and retreated.

"What does that mean?" Aoimine asked.

"It means the Kuroko that you knew never existed," the bluenette said, walking towards the general. "Should anyone stand in my way, I will cut them down," he said raising his weapon above Aomine, "no matter who they are." He ended by bringing his sword down swiftly, an almost invisible distance between its tip and Aomine's nose.

I don't want to hear this…I don't want to hear any of this anymore… Just as Momoi was giving up, an arrow sailed between her and her captor. It was all the distraction Aomine needed to reclaim his weapon, grab the princess, and make a run for it.

"After them!" Imayoshi shouted. "Don't let them escape!"

Aomine ran, cutting down any guards that crossed his path. He kept going until he heard Owigara shouting. "Aoime, this way!" Aomine followed him, princess in tow. "Were you the one who made that shot, Ogiwara?"

"Yes, I-" He started, but was interrupted by Aoime. "Take the princess and follow me." Ogiwara knew enough to do as he was told. Aomine dispatched several more enemies, before he suggested they find a place to hide. They eventually took cover behind the wall of the palace garden. Aomine panted trying to catch his breath, and Ogiwara took the time to voice the question he'd been dying to ask. "Princess…is the king really dead?" She nodded mutely, tears streaming down her face. "I'm sorry…I just couldn't believe it," Ogiwara told her. "Until just awhile ago, he was smiling so happily about your birthday…"

"It's only a matter of time before they find us," Aomine interrupted. "We need a plan. If we're caught, they'll kill us."

"Kuroko and the guards are gathering in the castle," Ogiwara said. "I'll secure an escape route for you. You two have to get away from here."

"But-"

"Don't worry about me. I promise I'll get away." Aomine nodded his agreement, and the plan was put into motion.

"They're around here somewhere. Find them!" The captain of the guard ordered.

"Six guards in front of the rear gate," Aomine counted. "More are waiting nearby for an ambush."

"I'll draw them after me. Use that opportunity to escape," Ogiwara said, taking Momoi's shawl from her and putting it around his own shoulders. "Take care, Princess." Saying that, Ogiwara ran past the guards.

"There she is!"

"Over there!"

"Don't let her escape!"

As predicted, the guards abandoned their posts in favor of pursuing the "princess". Once most of them had given chase, Aomine took out the remaining few and pulled Momoi through the exit. As they made it past the castle borders, Aomine could here arrows fire, and Ogiwara scream. Momoi made to run back, but Aomine pulled her onward.

"They seem to have escaped into the mountains," Imayoshi said frowning. "I will organize a party to search the mountains immediately."

"General Aomine was raised in the prestigious mountain village of Tōō. Even if he is slowed down by the princess, it will be difficult for the men of the castle to find him," Kuroko informed.

"Momoi, do you need to rest for a bit?" Aomine asked? She continued to pant heavily, but said nothing. Aomine took that as a 'yes'. They sat in silence for awhile, before the princess finally spoke. "…Is Ogiwara dead?" Aomine looked at her, unwilling to answer. "Am I going to die too?" she asked. "Will Kuroko kill you as well?"

"I don't have a life to give to that piece of trash." I still can't believe it… Aomine thought. I can't believe King Genta died, and left the princess alone. You good for nothing king. And Kuroko…

"…Please don't die Aomine. If you die…I won't forgive you…"

Silence. Minutes passed, and eventually the princess succumbed to slumber.

"I'm sorry. I had them comb the mountains all night, but they still haven't found anything," Imayoshi apologized.

"How are things inside the castle?" Kuroko asked.

"People are beginning to notice something is wrong, and unrest is growing. What would you like to do, Lord Kuroko?"

"Let's go Princess. We need to keep moving."

"…During the party, even though my father was crying tears of joy, I didn't utter a single word of thanks to him. Where am I supposed to go now, leaving my father behind?" Momoi said crying.

Aomine pulled her into a hug. "We'll go anywhere, as long as it means you'll live. That is how you can thank your father."

My sixteenth birthday…on that night I lost my family, my home, and the people I loved. But I will live…to repay my father's love, and my friend's kindness.

Chapter Text

They had wandered through the forest for what felt like hours before Momoi finally collapsed.  Aomine immediately ran over and knelt beside her.  “Shall we rest for a while?” he asked her.  The princess didn’t answer him.  Aomine moved her so that her back rested on a nearby tree. 

I’ve watched her for a long time.  Aomine thought to himself.  The princess has never known uncleanliness or pain.  But now…  He looked at Momoi, who was covered in dirt and leaves from her fall, and desperately trying to catch her breath.  It felt like he had failed her.  His thoughts suddenly drifted elsewhere, to 3 years prior…

3 years ago

Aomine had been munching on an apple, when his snacking was interrupted.  “Boy,” Elder Kagetora scolded him, “I told you to attend today’s clan meeting.” 

“You’re the only one who needs to attend the meeting, Elder Kagetora,” Aomine stated.  “Besides, I can’t be bothered to listen to King Genta’s happy go luck nonsen-”

“FOOL!” Kagetora interrupted him.  “Don’t call me ‘Elder Kagetora’!  We’re family!” 

“That’s the part you’re upset about!  We aren’t even related by blood!”  Aomine shouted back. 

“Blood?  In the face of love, blood is powerless!” Kagetora declared, grabbing onto Aomine who had been trying to escape.  The two of them struggled for a moment, before they were interrupted by King Genta.

“Now, now,” Genta tried to pacify them.  “If you two keep fighting, Teiko Castle might blow away.” 

Elder Kagetora immediately dropped to all fours in reverence.  “I apologize, King Genta.”  Aoime held up both hands in a gesture of surrender and apology.  Uh oh…I called him “happy go lucky.”

“It’s alright,” King Genta declared.  He then turned to Aomine.  “It’s been awhile, Aomine.  Momoi’s been lonely since you stopped coming by to play.” 

“A commoner like myself can’t just walk into the castle freely,” Aomine declared, making sure his body language conveyed the proper reverence. 

“Don’t worry about that,” King Genta told him.  “I’m always happy to see you too, you know.” 

Aoimine laughed awkwardly.  “You happy go lucky liar.” 

“Happy go lucky?” King Genta inquired, leading Aomine to realize he had accidently said the last part out loud.  Kagetora immediately began to beat Aomine over the head with his staff. 

“What were you thinking!?” Elder Kagetora demanded?

“But it fits, doesn’t it?” Aomine said as he tried to defend himself, with little success. 

“There’s no need for violence, Kagetora,” King Genta said, beginning to pale at the display.  Elder Kagetora immediately dropped to his knees once more, and bowed in apology and reverence.  “Aomine’s honesty is what I love about him,” King Genta continued.  “Here, have a steamed bun,” he said, placing the treat in Aomine’s hand.  Aomine stared at it, dumbfounded.  “So, Aomine,” King Genta asked him, “would you stay at the castle permanently as Momoi’s bodyguard?” 

“Your Majesty,” Aomine sighed, “I find nobility to be a terrible bother.  If I served at the castle or became a general, I wouldn’t be able to take long naps at home.”   Aomine turned and started to walk away.

“Aomine,” Genta called after him, looking troubled.

“You hate weapons, don’t you?” Aomine asked without stopping or turning around.  “Then good luck finding such a precious rarity: a guard who can protect without a weapon.” 

“Aomine…” King Genta sighed in defeat as the young man left. 

Frankly, I don’t want anything to do with nobility or the royal family, Aomine thought to himself as his feet carried him towards the castle.  The way they probe each other’s intentions and tear each other down is ridiculous.  The king has no sense for danger either.  And the main reason I don’t want to come to this castle permanently is…

“Aomine!” Momoi cried happily, as she ran towards him.  “Hide me!” she demanded, quickly running behind him. 

…When I’m around the princess, I lose my mind. 

“Princess Momi!” A noble’s voice echoed.  “Where are you?  Princess Momoi!” 

Aomine turned behind him to glare at the princess.  “That’s no good, Princess Momoi.  You can’t keep playing your pranks.” 

“That’s not what I was doing.”  As she explained the real reason behind the recent events, Aomine’s eyes widened in surprise. 

“Huh?  He’s courting you?”  Momoi nodded, and Aomine burst into laughter. 

“It’s true!”  Momoi stated.  “His name’s Takao.  He keeps visiting the castle to give me gifts, and inviting me to play with him.” 

“The son of the Fire Tribe’s chief, huh?”  Aomine mused thoughtfully.

“He’s awfully persistent,” Momoi pouted. 

“Then why not tell him you have your heart set on Kuroko?”

Momoi blushed and turned away.   “But he doesn’t feel the same.  If I said that, Kuroko would hear about it.” 

“That’s not my problem,” Aomine said with a sigh. 

“Don’t make it sound like such a bother!” the princess demanded. 

This is why I hate coming to the castle.  “Then you’ll have to find a way to get along with Lord Takao.”  Aomine turned and walked away.

“…You’re so cold, Aomine…” the princess’s voice trailed after him.  “Kuroko would never say that.” 

“Then go cry to Kuroko and ask him to protect you!” Aomine snapped.  He ran out of the castle grounds before Momoi could formulate a reply. 

Aomine ended up back with Kagetora.  “Let’s hurry back to the clan mansion, Elder Kagetora,” Aomine said. 

“What are you so irritated about?” Elder Kagetora asked him curiously.  “And I told you to address me as family.” 

“I’m not irritated.”  The lie sounded hollow even to him. 

“You are irritated,” Kagetora said, getting up and leaving Aomine by himself.   Aomie was only left alone with his thought for a short while before he felt something land on his hand.  Confused, he saw it was a small rock. 

“Princess Momoi…?” He questioned, upon turning to see who threw it.  “What are you doing here?”

“Here,” she said, coming to sit beside him, and laying out an array of snacks.  “I’m sorry about this afternoon.  You got angry because I was acting helpless, right?”  She gave a self-depreciating smile.  “I’m the princess of the Kingdom of Teiko.  Instead of complaining, I’ll do something about it myself.”   She abruptly stood up and turned to leave.  “Bye.”

“Hey-” Aomine called after her. 

“You can have the snacks,” she told him.  “I’m bribing you to reconcile with me.” 

Aomine watched her go, picking up an apple as she disappeared out of site.  This is why I want nothing to do with the princess. 

Sometime later, Aomine happened to eavesdrop on a conversation. 

“At this rate, the clans will gain power, and the king’s power will wane,” a solider stated. 

“Should we really be letting that cowardly king handle this country?” another soldier asked. 

They’re really letting him have it.  Aomine thought to himself.  Considering the kind of king he is, I guess it’s no wonder…  He’s a nice guy, but if I succeed Kagetora and become a general, I’ll be the royal family’s dog.  He thought back to the conversation where King Genta had asked him to be a bodyguard for the princess.  You wouldn’t like that, Your Majesty.  I’m…

“No!”  Princess Momoi’s voice cut into his thoughts, and he turned to see her yelling at Lord Takao.  “I won’t go to the Imperial Villa with you.” 

“Don’t be so cold,” Lord Takao said.  “Won’t you show me the way there?”  He grabbed her hands, and Momoi tried to pull back.

“Let go!” Momoi demanded. 

Aomine frowned.  They’re so annoying.  If only Kuroko were around…

“Someone should stop him,” Aomine heard one of the soldiers say. 

“But he’s one of the heirs to the Fire Tribe,” another soldier spoke up.  “One wrong move, and…”

“Then go get the king!” the first soldier demanded, and the second one ran off to do so. 

Nobles are truly bothersome creatures.  Don’t get involved.  Aomine reasoned with himself.   Leave them be.  Otherwise, for the rest of my life, I’ll…

“Let go!” he heard Princess Momoi scream again, as Lord Takao dragged her closer to him.

“You really are adorable,” the son of the Fire Chief told her.  “When you struggle with a kitten’s strength, it makes me want to touch you more.” 

Something in Aomine hardened, and he found himself striding in their direction. 

“That’s enough!”  Momoi stated, trying to push herself away from Takao. 

“I agree Lord Takao, that’s enough,” Aomine stated, as he forcibly removed the other male’s hands from the princess, throwing him aside before reaching out and placing a hand on Momoi’s shoulder.  “Are you all right?” he asked her.

“Such insolence!” Lord Takao stated.  “How dare you so casually touch the princess!” 

“And who gave you permission to touch the princess?” Aomine demanded of him. 

“Watch your mouth,” Lord Takao warned him.  “Do you know who I am?” 

“It doesn’t matter.  I’ve known her far longer than you have.  And the princess is already spoken for,” Aomine said, glaring at him. 

Momoi clung tightly onto Aomine, and Takao looked between the two of them in dawning horror.  “Wait…do you mean to tell me the princess is betrothed to you?” he demanded? 

Seeing a way to quickly end this conversation, Aomine took advantage of Takao’s incorrect assumption.  “Of course.  When the princess and I were children, we pledged to spend our futures together.  Right, Princess?” 

“Eh?”  Momoi looked at him in confusion.  Come on, play along…

“Princess, there’s no need to be shy,” Aomine said, wrapping his arms around her in a loose hug.

Momoi finally got the hint.  “N-not in front of other people,” she said, pretending to be shy. 

“Princess, do you love him?” Takao asked, incredulous. 

“Y-yeah,” Momoi decalred, wrapping her arms tighly around Aomine.  “I love him!  I really love him!” 

Hearing those words coming from Momoi did something to Aomine’s heart, fake though he knew they were.  Apparently, it did something to Lord Takao’s heart too.

“I refused to accept this!”  Takao screamed.  “You may have pledged your futures to one another, but I am the second son of the Fire Tribes general, Eiji!  You’re just a nobody,” he said, thrusting a finger in Aomine’s face. 

“You’re wrong.  I’m the Wind Tribe’s next general, Aomine.  The king personally appointment me to be the princesses bodyguard.  Are you still going to object?”  Aomine asked him. 

“Then show me your true strength,” Takao demanded, immediately moving to unsheathe his sword, only to be stopped by King Genta’s firm hand and the blade.  “Your Majesty!” Takao cried out in shock, seeing the blood dripping from the king’s hand. 

“Don’t do that,” King Genta told him calmly, titlting his head towards the sword.

Lord Takao sheathed his blade quickly.  “I’m so sorry,” he said, bowing to the king. 

“It’s all right,” King Genta said.  Lord Takao quickly bowed and apologized once more before taking his leave. 

“I had no idea you two felt that way about each other,” King Genta said to the two of them after Lord Takao had left. 

Momoi quickly pushed herself away from Aomine.  “F-Father, this is a misunderstanding,” she tried to explain. 

“Still, after what we said, I doubt he’ll be back,” Aomine stated. 

“Aomine, I’m so glad you’ve come around to the idea of being Princess Momoi’s bodyguard,” King Genta said happily.  “I knew I could count on you.” 

Aoime sighed, then smirked.  “I don’t come cheap.” 

King Genta nodded, then bowed to him.  “Please…look after Momoi.” 

Aoime nodded, then knelt on one knee before the king.  “As you wish.”   The king smiled and took his leave, Momoi trailing behind him still desperately trying to explain the situation. 

Geez.  I can’t seem to leave this father and daughter well enough alone.  Besides, this king is no coward. 

Present Day

King Genta…are you still watching over us somewhere?  Aomine wondered.  He looked over at Princess Momoi, who had finally fallen asleep, and wiped a stray tear from her cheek.  I will protect your daughter as promised. 

Momoi meanwhile was dreaming of a memory of her own. 

Her father was kneeling in the snow, covering his face and crying.  “Don’t cry father,” a young Momoi begged him.  “Even if mother is gone, I’m still here.  You’re not alone, father.”  But her father’s crying did not cease, and Momoi looked up at the falling snow, at a loss for what else to say.  “And I have Kuroko,” she added. 

“Momoi!”  Suddenly her dream turned in a different direction, and a young Kuroko called out to her.  “Look there’s snow!” 

“Yeah,” she said distractedly, thinking that she was forgetting something important. 

Kuroko quickly rushed to cheer her up. “Look I made a snowball,” he showed her.  But the princess remained lost in thought.  He tried again.  “I made a snowman this time!”  But still, the princess did not break from her thoughts.  “Momoi…”

“I’m doing great!” Momoi suddenly exclaimed.  “I need to stay cheerful, so my father won’t cry,” she declared, twirling around in the snow, only to step on someone.

It was a young Aomine, laying in the snow.  “You’re heavy,” he told her.  “Princess watch your step.” 

“Aomine!” she gasped in shock.

“Yay, it’s Aomine,” Kuroko cried out, as enthusiastic as ever. 

“I was in a good mood too…” Aomine sighed. 

“Why are you laying down there?” Momoi asked him. 

“I was engraving proof of my existence on the earth,” Aomine deadpanned. 

“Huh?”  The two of them stared at Aomine in confusion. 

Aomine sighed again.   “When the ground is white with snow, it’s human nature to want to lie down in it.”   Kuroko gasped in delight, but Momoi threw a snowball at Aomine’s head.

“You’re the perfect target for snowballs,” she declared. 

“Really,” he said wryly, before proceeding to hurl a bunch of snowballs of his own at the princess, who responded in kind. 

“Way to go Aomine!” Kuroko cheered from the sidelines.   “You’re both so full of energy!” 

Momoi’s dream sped through her memories, until it stopped on one of her sick in bed.  Kuroko and Aomine were at her bedside, along with a nurse.  “I’m so sorry Momoi,” Kuroko told her.

“I guess playing outside in the snow was a bit too much for the princess,” Aomine said.  “I’m sorry, Momoi.” 

“If you rest and take your medicine, you’ll get better,” the nurse told her. 

“Where’s father?” Momoi asked. 

“His majesty is busy right now,” the nurse informed her, “but he will come to see you soon.” 

“It’s okay Momoi,” Kuroko told her.

“When he hears you’re sick, the king will come running.”  Aomine added. 

“You two can leave now,” Momoi told them.  “If you get to close to me....” 

“It’s fine, we feel great,” Kuroko reassured her, though both their faces were flushed from the cold.  “Our bodies are really warm!” 

“I played so hard, I can still see snowballs,” Aomine declared proudly. 

Her dream fast forwarded slightly, to a point where Kuroko and Aomine were now both sick as well, laying in bedcots beside her.

“No wonder I saw snowballs flying around me…” Aomine muttered. 

“Don’t you two need to leave?” Momoi asked them.

“Apparently, it’s best for us to recover here, so we don’t spread our illness,” Kuroko informed her.  “But since I’ve been holding your hand while you sleep, nothing has changed.” 

Momoi blushed and hid her face under the covers, while Aomine shot straight up.  “You’ve been doing what?” he demanded.  “I’m leaving.” 

“Why?” Kuroko asked him.  “We can all hold hands,” he stated, reaching his other arm out towards Aomine. 

“You can’t be-” Aomine started, only to be cut off as the door to the room flew open and Elder Kagetora burst in. 

“Boy, I heard you threw snow on the princess and made her sick,” Kagetora scolded, face terrifying. 

“When there’s snow lying around, it’s only right to throw it!” Aomine declared. 

“I ought a give you a whipping for talking back to your elders like that!” Kagetora started, but was interrupted by the nurse. 

“General, that’s enough,” the nurse scolded Kagetora.  “They’re sick!”  Elder Kagetora hung his head in shame and left.

“I think I’ll stay here after all,” Aomine declared.  “If I go home, he’ll kill me.” 

“Kagetora is the head of the Wind Tribe, isn’t he?” Kuroko asked.  Aomine nodded.  “I really admire him,” Kuroko continued.  “I had no idea you two were related.” 

“I’m an orphan,” Aomine stated.  “We aren’t blood relatives.  I’m only his adopted son.” 

“But Kagetora came to see you,” Momoi said.  “That means he must love you like family.” 

“I don’t know…”   They were interrupted again as Harasawa entered the room. 

“Father, what are you doing here?” Kuroko asked. 

“Is there something wrong with a father coming to see his ill son?” Harasawa replied. 

“You’ll catch my illness, father,” Kuroko said, but he looked pleased all the same.  Momoi for her part hid under the covers.

Kuroko’s father is so scary and strict.  Kuroko is nothing like him.

“You think your illness could defeat me?”

“No!  But I know this is a busy time for you,” Kuroko answered him. 

“And that’s why you must beat down this illness quickly.”

“I will!”  His business finished, Karasawa left.

“…His intensity is amazing,” Aomine commented after Karasawa had gone.  “I think my fever has gone down already.” 

“…That was scary,” Princess Momoi agreed. 

Kuroko for his part just beamed.  “Today is a happy day.  I’ll do my best to beat down my illness!”

“Go to sleep idiot,” Aomine scolded him. 

Father… Momoi couldn’t help but notice that her own family was nowhere to be seen.  It hurts…why won’t you come see me?  Don’t leave me alone! 

The next day, the nurse brought in trays of food for the three of them.  Aomine devoured his greedily, but the Momoi didn’t even touch hers.  “Princess, please at least take one bite,” the nurse begged her.  Momoi refused.

“Momoi, you have to eat something,” Kuroko pleaded. 

“Otherwise you’ll get even uglier,” Aomine said, but even his teasing remarks didn’t light their usual fire within the princess.  The two boys looked at each other worriedly, when suddenly they heard someone speaking outside the door.

“His majesty still hasn’t come yet?” the guard asked. 

“No, I told him about the princess but…”  the nurse’s voice said.

“This is the king we’re talking about,” the guard stated.  “Perhaps he’s too afraid of the illness to approach his own daughter.” 

“Quiet!” Kuroko shouted loud enough that both the guard and the nurse could hear him. 

“He is the king after all,” Aomine added.  “Even at a time like this, he’s hard at work.  I respect him.” 

Momoi smiled.  “Yeah!”  I’m sorry for thinking I was alone. 

When night fell and the three of them had gone to sleep, they were awoken by the growling of Princess Momoi’s stomach.  “Momoi, are you hungry?” Kuroko asked her.  I’ll have something brought to you,” he said, ringing the bell near their beds for assistance. 

A servant returned with a bowl of chicken porridge.  Momoi’s face lit up instantly, and she happily took a bite.  Her happiness was short lived, however, and she quickly spit it back out.  “This is disgusting!” 

Momoi’s father suddenly appeared in the doorway.  “It really tastes that bad, huh…” 

“Father!” Momoi exclaimed happily.

“I made that,” her father told her.  “I thought I’d prepare your favorite food to make up for not coming to see you sooner.  I made it according to the recipe, but…” 

Momoi looked from her father to the bowl of porridge, then quickly began shoveling the rest of the food into her mouth. 

“Huh?” King Genta said surprised.  “I thought it tasted bad?” 

“It tastes terrible!” Momoi said, but she smiled and kept eating.  Everyone else smiled along with her. 

“We’re all better now,” Princess Momoi said. 

“You sound disappointed, Princess,” Kuroko noted.

“Not really!”

“Well I’m disappointed,” Kuroko declared.

“Because you can’t sleep next to the princess anymore?” Aomine asked. 

“I can sleep next to the princess anytime,” Kuroko stated, causing Momoi to blush.  “But I wish the three of us could have stayed together with our colds forever.” 

“Even if we aren’t sick, that’s easy enough,” Aomine stated.  “We can always stay together.” 

“You’re right,” Kuroko agreed with a smile.

“Kuroko, Aomine, come again tomorrow,” Momoi asked.  “We can play together, always.” 

Suddenly dark storm clouds moved in, and Momoi found herself alone in her dream.  “Huh?” the princess wondered aloud.  “There’s no one here.”  She searched around in the dark fog for a while, and spotted her father’s back in the distance.  “Father!” she cried, happily running towards him.  But just as she reached him, he fell lifeless, covered in blood.

Momoi looked up to see Kuroko as she remembered him the night he had killed her father.  Eyes blank, robe soaked in blood, and the sword that had murdered her father in his hand.

Present day

Momoi awoke with a start.   It was midday, and she was in a forest, alone.  Her memories rushing back to her, she quickly looked around for Aomine, and was relieved to see him approaching her. 

“Did I startle you?” he asked.  “I went to get water.” 

Suddenly overwhelemed with emotion, Princess Momoi began to cry.  The promise that the three of us made to stay together is broken. 

By the time Momoi had stopped crying it was late evening.  Aomine had started a fire over which he’d cooked some fish he’d managed to catch, but the princess didn’t take one when offered.  “You should eat something,” Aomine told her.  “I don’t know how often we’ll be able to secure food going forward.”  Momoi’s expression remained blank.

She’s growing weaker, Aomine thought to himself.  And it’s not only her physical strength.  Given everything that’s happened, she still can’t face reality.  Will the princess stay like this forever?  She doesn’t eat.  She only walks if I pull her along by the hand.  She’s like a lifeless doll. 

Are you happy, Kuroko? Aomine thought bitterly.  You tainted the time we spent together, and destroyed the princess we treasured.  Does that satisfy you? 

“We’ll rest here for today,” Aomine said the next night.  For the first time, the princess seemed to have a reaction to something, as she realized she no longer had the hair ornament that Kuroko had given her for her birthday.  She began looking around, then dashed back the way they’d came in search of it.  But she had not paid attention to the path when they’d traversed it the first time, and she quickly found herself hopelessly lost.  Every shadow seemed to startle her, and every sound brought back an unpleasant memory, whether it be of her father’s corpse, or Kuroko’s empty expression. 

Suddenly, she heard a hiss, and turned to see herself face to face with a snake.  The Kuroko you knew never existed, it’s hissing seemed to say.  Suddenly it moved to strike, but it was swiftly cut down by Aomine, who had finally caught up to her.  “Are you alright?” he asked her.  She nodded mutely.  “Why did you run this far?” he demanded.  “Do you want to die!?” 

The absence of the princess’s answer allowed the sound of more hissing to reach their ears, and they looked down to see that they were being swarmed by snakes from all sides.  “Damn it,” Aomine muttered, “is this their nest?”  As the snakes moved to strike almost as one, he quickly scooped up the princess in his arms, and made a mad dash back the way they came.  He felt one of the snake’s sink their fangs into his leg, but he did not slow despite the pain.  He was however, unable to stop a pained noise from slipping out. 

“Aomine…”

“Keep your mouth shut and hang on tight,” he warned her, as he raced across the uneven terrain.  “My job is to be a weapon so that you can live.  This is nothing.” 

The snakes dropped their pursuit fairly quickly, and Aomine took the time to tend to his leg once they’d gotten back to the spot he’d originally wanted to camp.  “Aomine, I’m sorry,” Momoi started, but she was cut off as Aomine shoved the hairpin she’d been looking for in front of her face.

“Is this what you went back to find?” he asked her.  She reached out to take it from him, and he took that as answer enough.  “I can’t forgive Kuroko,” he told her, “but more than that I want you to live.”  To find that, you made a move for the first time since we entered these mountains.  If it can give you the strength to stay alive, I don’t care what it is or who it came from. Even if it’s causing you to cling to feelings that will only bring pain. 

Back at Teiko Castle

“I see,” Kuroko said.  “You haven’t found them.

“Shall we send more men after them?” one of his guards enquired. 

“No, leave them.”

“You’re allowing them to live!?”

“Now that they’ve left the castle, they can’t do anything to stop us.  Besides, there’s something we must do immediately.”