Akakuro is the main pairing but other ships will be featured

Prologue- Inspired by Mythology

Between the rough landscape of a land far away exists a little village called Seirin, tucked away among steep mountains and winding valleys. Villagers have often found survival to be a struggle, until one day, where legend has it that the Gods of the Great Mountain of Teiko - way, way high in the heavens - looked down at Seirin with pity, and each bestowed a gift of their specialty upon the little village. Over the years, Seirin thrived underneath the crowned monarchy to become a kingdom of trade and goodwill.

They built a temple out of gratefulness, and while not as extravagant as some of their neighboring kingdoms, it was a most prosperous temple as it was showered with magnificent offerings. This generation of gods became known to the people as miracles, and were beloved throughout the land. It is said that the people of Seirin are very religious to this day.

Passed down from generations, stories often revolved around blessings the gods had originally bestowed upon Seirin. A strange rumor emerged some years ago that there may have been a sixth god- The Phantom God - whom also had a hand in Seirin's blossoming prosperity. But the identity of the god is not known to this day, and it is known that speaking of the sixth god is forbidden (The five main Gods of Teiko are Seirin's saviors, and one did not want to seem ungrateful about inquiring for the sixth god)

Kise-God of Beauty and Romance who taught the people of Seirin about celebration, culture, art, theater, and romanticism

Midorima-God of Wisdom and Fortune who built Seirin's first school, library, and medical hospital

Aomine-God of War and Heroism who blessed Seirin with a century of peace

Murasakibura-God of Plenty whom fertilized the steely lands of Seirin so that harvest could be plentiful

Akashi-King of the Gods and the God of Power, who appointed a royal family and blessed their kin with the gift of leadership

The First Night

Tetsuya...

Tetsuya..

Tetsuya.

Kuroko Tetsuya jolts awake from his slumber, feeling the unfamiliar presence even before he opens his eyes.

The first thing he sees is his broom, right by the altar where he'd left it after he swept for the night. The altars and each of their respectable pillars were clean and pristine, just the way he is instructed to keep them. Eloquent bouquets were arranged in complex, aesthetic arrays of flowers and candles, chalices of water hanging from threads of pearls to keep the former flesh and beautiful. Kuroko Tetsuya was a young man who'd lived his entire life at the temple. Keeping it tidy for the gods is a familiar chore.

But never would he have thought that he would witness the presence of a god before his very eyes..

Standing in front of him in the dimly-lit temple, however, was none other than the God of Royalty himself. The vibrant hair, the fair skin, the bulging catlike eyes that seemed capable to stare someone through, the faint halo that enveloped his whole being with an ethereal glow. Throughout his lifetime, Kuroko had seen many paintings and sculptures depicting the great Akashi Seijuurou, but apparently no mortal creation can do a god justice.

Akashi Seijuurou was a god of many things, such as monarchies, royalty, and kingdoms, but more than anything he was known as the Emperor of the Gods. To have such a rank among even the gods is something beyond comprehensible; striking, in fact. Power beyond power.

Kuroko had never been a master of words, and now he fears he never will because looking at the god seems to have rendered him speechless. The real Akashi looks almost identical to the versions of him illustrated in art and yet nothing alike at the same time. The paintings have never radiated as much presence, never commanded as much attention.

The softly-lit candles lighting up the temple offerings only serves to highlight the structures of Akashi's absolutely-godlike face, every shadow and curve and cheekbone. Looking upon the god almost makes Kuroko ashamed of the art he had been amazed by many a time before.

Those eyes didn't leave his face, kept on staring straight at him, as if they were trying to devour each and every last one's Kuroko's secrets. Not that there were many to be found in the first place.

Kuroko's eyes flick away for a second before meeting Seijuurou Akashi's straight on. The latter arches a brow, before an amused smile flits across his face.

"Do you know who I am, little mortal?"

Kuroko shivers, a gesture that is not caused by gusts of wind that cannot penetrate the bolted doors of the temple at night. His Adam's Apple bobs, seemingly wedged in his throat, a sight that he notices does not escape Akashi's eyes.

"Akashi Seijuurou," he whispers to no audience in particular. The addressed god smiles upon his face of obvious recognition.

"This should not be such a colossal surprise for you, Kuroko Tetsuya," he croons, tongue caressing each syllable of Kuroko's name, "For you are such a meticulous worshiper that we were bound to meet by fate one day."

If velvet took its purest form it would be in Akashi's voice, Kuroko thinks. Soothing and firm at the same time, with a faint echo that reflects centuries of wisdom a god such as himself most likely possesses.

"Are you so surprised that you have been rendered speechless? Speak, Tetsuya. I wish to hear your voice." The god's echo is chiding, commanding, demanding.

And then Kuroko suddenly finds his own voice echoing in the unoccupied space between pillar and altar. "Sumimasen, Akashi-Heika," he says, "An altar boy like myself rarely has the chance to be in the presence of a god. I have no idea what to say or do, especially as I am recovering from my shock."

To his great surprise (and relief), Akashi merely laughs. "Your sense of humor is rather dry, but does not fail to amuse me so," he says, eyes scanning over Kuroko, who self-consciously draws his fraying robes tighter around his lithe form, "Tell me, are you also the servant of a king?"

"That is a very high rank that bears no relation with me, Akashi-Heika."

"Ah, perhaps then a companion to the prince."

"Prince Hyuuga Junpei is waited on by General Kiyoshi Teppei, Aida Riko, and other keepers of this temple," Kuroko answers, polite as ever, "I am merely a boy who keeps it tidy for them."

He thought that Akashi would have been satisfied that he wasn't trying to make himself seem more important than he was, but Kuroko could not hide his shock when furious scarlet-and-gold eyes meet with his own.

"So then, mortal, are you stating that you would be of nobler rank if you were servant to a mortal king rather than the Gods of Teiko?" Akashi's eyes glittered in the dim glow of the candles, and Kuroko becomes aware of the danger he is surrounded by. "You dare compare your servitude to me with that of common mortals?"

A chill runs down Kuroko's spine. If things continue down this path, this night would not bear a good ending for him. He'd heard rumors about the temper of the gods and how ruthless they could become when angered.

"Sumimasen, Akashi-Heika. I have led you to misunderstand the meaning beyond my words, and I did not mean to anger you. Please accept my sincerest apologies and let me explain myself.

"The whole of Seirin is indebted to you and the other Gods of Teiko. Our small mountain town could not have flourished if it was not for this generation of gods. Your blessings have become legendary, and we live upon the miracles you have bestowed upon us. We may never be able to show the depth of our gratitude, but we hope to uphold your blessings for generations to come.

As for myself, I am no exception. I did not wish to offend you by appearing to seem more important than I am, for I am just an altar boy who owes the kind temple keepers a great deal. With that said, I am grateful for the humble fortunes and opportunities I have been given, both by your power and the kindness of my dearest friends and teachers.

What I meant was that in our kingdom, personal servants of the king and his family are highly regarded. I am not important in the world of status and ranks, but I will always tidy your temples to the best of my meager abilities. Though most people often do not notice my presence, I personally consider my job necessary to maintain the dignified communication between god and worshiper. I am proud I have a chance to do something, albeit small, for the gods whom we owe so much to and whose presence we are very blessed to have within our lives."

Kuroko enters a deep bow and ends up looking into now amused eyes. The thudding of his heart ricocheted throughout his eardrums, and how grateful he was to have heard so many stories of the gods' greatness.

"That was perhaps the most I have ever heard you speak, Tetsuya, in all your years here. You have received quite the education from your friends of Seirin." Akashi muses, a smile grazing at the corner of his lip which is, in itself, more than Kuroko had dared hope for).

"You... forgive me, Akashi-Heika, but I was not aware that you have heard me speak before."

"No, I have never spoken with you directly before tonight," says the god, eyeing Kuroko with rapt interest, "However, you of all humans must speculate uppon the vast amount of prayers we receive day and night on Mount Teiko. I have heard the desires of all in your kingdom. You mustn't worry, the vanilla crops shall flourish plentifully this season." Akashi smiles, not unpleasantly and Kuroko finds himself blushing, for it was just last night when he had prayed to the God of Plenty, Murasakibara Atsushi.

"I had no idea Akashi-Heika can hear prayers to other gods as well."

"Actually, Atsushi told me about it. He found your stutters quite...endearing." A flash of something unrecognizable seems to pass through the scarlet and gold eyes.

Once again Kuroko feels his cheeks heating up and discovers he was mindlessly playing with his own hands this entire time. He really didn't step outside often.

"Please accept my apology, Akashi-Heika. Tonight I pray only for your forgiveness." He bows once more to convey the depth of his apology.

"Rise, Tetsuya," the god answers, and somehow it feels more intimate the way Akashi answered his prayer with his name, "You are forgiven, for the moon is generous tonight and so are the gods. I come not without purpose. It recently occurred to me that I had never paid this temple a personal visit. I come by moonlight to avoid too much...commotion, but since I have never stepped foot inside, I know naught of what tranquility this place has to offer. Perhaps you will indulge me?"

Kuroko blinks. "I beg your pardon, Akashi-Heika-"

Akashi interrupts, his voice suddenly sharp and poisonous like that of a viper's hiss. "Are you questioning my authority, Tetsuya? I would not have thought it possible of a mere altar boy to question a god, especially when concerning a new temple. I suggest you not to anger me, for not many live to tell the tale after they have angered a god..."

"I do not mean to question you at all, Akashi-Heika!" Kuroko says, a little too quickly, "I merely did not understand what you ask of me. Do you wish me to give you a tour, Akashi-Heika? We have tours on Mondays through Fridays, every mid-morning. But seeing you here now, I am not one to refuse the will of so powerful a god. I will give you a tour of our temple dedicated the gods, Akashi-Heika, in the hopes that they do you the justice they were meant to." He offers the most rigid, most polite bow he's ever performed in his life. "I am in your care, Great Akashi-Heika, as the mortals of Seirin have always been."

Small as the village was, Kuroko rarely even left the temple. He supposes he could always catch up on his sleep tomorrow. Besides, after meeting a god tonight Kuroko wasn't sure when he would be able to fall back asleep again.

He isn't entirely sure what to do with Akashi's hand held outward, so he proceeds as he would the priest and bends to kiss the palm. He forces himself to immediately forget the warm tingly sensation that shoots through his veins when his lips connected with the hand of a god.

To his surprise, Akashi slightly inclines his head, and after a brief moment of staring Kuroko takes the offered arm and gently, oh so gently, takes the god to the inner passages within the temple. Candles guide their way down the rather hollow corridors.

"Please forgive our lack of decoration, Akashi-Heika. Seirin's temple is relatively new, and we have yet not been able to take the necessary measures to transform the passageways to looks of your liking," Kuroko says, his voice echoing. He feels very small in this new world made up of light and shadow and god.

Much to his relief Akashi merely hums and gestures for him to continue.

"The front doors are usually bolted at night to keep thieves out," Kuroko finds himself saying, grabbing a candle for good measure. Akashi arches a thin brow in amusement and Kuroko quickly adds, "Not that there have been many. All those were found and punished accordingly by the prince."

Akashi seems satisfied, and Kuroko's heart begins to thump faster in his chest at their approaching destination. I, Kuroko Tetsuya, am linking arms with a god! Oh Ogiwara-Kun, my friend, if only you could see me now!

"The gardens is what the others call Seirin's trump card," he points to a pair of beautifully polished, ornate doors, "If you wish to visit, Akashi-Heika."

The honorific is starting to annoy the god. "One should always save their trump card for the grand finale," Akashi replies, in a rather bored tone, "Every temple I have come across offers pillar, stone, and altar. I am interested in the varying offers on the altar, however. Show me the proof of Seirin's worship."

"I would be happy to, Akashi-Heika." Kuroko leads Akashi down an alternate set of passages that somehow gives off a more intimate vibe than the other ones.

"I admit, Seirin has built quite the impressive temple," Akashi says, and his voice echos in the emptiness of Kuroko's ears, "Frankly I am convinced your people holds the Gods of Teiko in high regards, a pleasing discovery."

Kuroko allows himself a small smile beside the god who seems to glide along his steps. "Our constructors built two separate shrines for worship," he explains, "The first upon entrance is where most go to pray. We light candles and grow flowers in honor of the gods, and a lot of them are small offerings from the people who coem to pray. The other shrine is where most place their offerings. The Prince considers this a sacred practice, one not to be valued lightly and therefore built in the internals of our temple."

"Your prince certainly has taken this into deep consideration." There is Akashi's sultry tone again, this time more amused than ever.

They come across the second room shortly enough, the high oak doors framed by gilts of gold and tiny scraps of gemstones (though Prince Hyuuga hated to admit how Seirin couldn't yet afford the bigger jewels yet).

The second shrine is a room smaller than that of the first, but plagued by far less pillars. In their place are smooth slabs of altars and intricately-carved blocks of wood, filled to the excess with various offerings, gifts, candles, and flowers. Even so, it was rather spacious. Ottomans of velvet red and roman couches line the walls, however only occupying minimal space. Carvings, masks, and paintings of ubiquitous sizes and shapes bring the stone walls to life, all of them depicting in one way or another the greatness of the gods.

"My, my," says Akashi, looking up into the ceiling where a great mosaic spreads over the ceiling. He turns to Kuroko, who looks both relieved and pleased. "How charming."

"I am glad you seem to be pleased with our temple, Akashi-Heika," Kuroko says, and his chest swells with a burst of pride despite himself, "Our prince stated it is his biggest pride and joy."

"Your prince seems to have a way with words, Tetsuya." As do you...

A stream of moonlight peers through the little chips of window within the mosaic ceiling. It cascades down almost like a rope of luminosity that was made to highlight the tousles of messy blue hair.

"Akashi-Heika, forgive me for not asking earlier, but would you like anything to eat? Or drink?" Kuroko suddenly feels shy, for it was not often that he forgot his basic manners. He turns his head to the side waiting for the god's reaction, and a faint pink coats the apples of his rather plump cheeks.

How precious, Akashi muses. "Ah, usually the gods dine upon ambrosia and great meats. I must admit that mortal food is still that of a foreign wonder to me, perhaps what you could call a cultural difference."

Kuroko tries, he really tries not to cringe or crack an amused smile. But of course he is good at controlling his facial expressions with anyone but this god.

Akashi smirks at him, and Kuroko finds his heart beating furiously in relief.

"Tetsuya, perhaps you are afraid of me?"

Kuroko could feel the ruby and amber eye burn holes into the back of his neck that simultaneously make the little blue hairs there stick straight up. He has to reply quickly, for as much power as the emperor of the gods possessed he seems to have very little patience with go with it. "Akashi-Heika's presence is majestic on a level that can also be considered intimidating for someone like myself, who is so used to solitude. Forgive me, Akashi-Heika. I find myself wishing not to offend you."

A chuckle, deep and low and rumbling from somewhere deep within the god's chest. "Fear not, Tetsuya. It would be difficult for you to offend me."

Kuroko finds himself opening his mouth to ask a series of questions, but none of them comes out. Instead, he remembers that he had offered the guest food and drink. Though he was provided with a difficult reply, Seirin's temple did always pride themselves on brewing a cup of tea for the weary traveler. "I'll go make tea. It won't be anything close to good wine, but our tea leaves are organic. We...we grow them ourselves." He hurries out of the room, leaving the god in the sanctuary of the altar room.

The fresh night air invades his nostrils, and Kuroko lets out a deep breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding in. The stars hang heavy and abundant in the sky, sprinkled like dewdrops over the vast expanse. The night air is crisp, the last of summer's remnants being blown away by young autumn's gentle winds.

Kuroko knows this garden by heart, for it occupies occupies a mighty sentimental chunk within it. He collects the leaves tinted with the sharp scent of mint, roots ground fine as powder, fat berries that resembled jewels. He mixes them into a little ceramic pot and uses the old hollow gourd lying on its side to add a fresh scoop from the Fountain of the Miracles, for no waters taste like its waters but that's only a rumor, albeit one worthy to test (as long as Riko didn't find out).

He lights a small fire under it, a small prayer hovering on the edge of his lips. This is a ritual he has performed thousands of times, and the pot barely whistles when the tea is ready. Kuroko scoops the mix of earth and hot water into the finest pot they had (which was just a rather plain, dark gray pot of clay), and then pours the rest of the water onto his little fire which goes out faster before he could blink. He adds the tea onto a small tray with matching cups and blank kerchiefs and carries the heavy display back into the altar room, where Akashi has taken a seat on one of the roman couches, settling his feet on the nearest ottoman.

"I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Akashi-Heika." Kuroko kneels on the clay floor in front of Akashi, and holds out the tray as he would if he were the servant of a mortal king.

He gasps as a simple wave of the god's hand has the teapot tipping in the air and pouring the most seamless of streams into the two cups. One flies into the hands of Akashi while the other presents itself before Kuroko, who takes it after a bit of uncertain staring.

The god drinks to hide the smile on his face. Interesting how it has been awhile since the last time he has cracked one let alone this many smiles all in the duration of a single night.

Seirin's tea indeed leaves something impressive as it runs down one's throat. Even before the first sip, one could smell its delectable aroma, savor the sweet fragrance of the mint leaves and berries harmonizing with the rich succulence of earth. Its taste is likewise and leaves behind an aftertaste of fresh rain showers.

"What an exquisite flavor," hums Akashi, taking another very refined sip and afterwards patting his mouth neatly with the air of a mortal aristocrat, "I am surprised, Tetsuya. Your tea managed to exceed my expectations."

Kuroko sips his quietly, already having had it many times over. Though he supposes the waters from the Fountain of Miracles was the real game changer in this case. It was the first time its waters had ever been used for drinking, and Kuroko proceeds to tell Akashi so.

"Is that so?" Akashi muses. "Interesting. Very interesting indeed. Where is this Fountain of Miracles, and may I ask how it received its name?"

"The Fountain of Miracles is the centerpiece of Seirin Temple's gardens, and it is named after the Gods of Teiko, Akashi-Heika," says Kuroko, "Just about everyone in town contributed to its building in some way. Legend has it that its waters flow directly from Mount Teiko itself, but please don't be angry Akashi-Kun, I'm afraid it's only a legend people like to tell around here. But the people of Seirin built it in honor of the generation of gods, who bestowed blessings upon Seirin for it to flourish. They wanted to show their eternal gratitude, and in so, they dubbed the Gods of Teiko as the 'Generation of Miracles'."

If he were to be honest, Kuroko would be a bit proud of himself. Who knew that days of touring also lent him the opportunity to tour for a god? One of the very gods the fountain was to honor?

This time, Akashi did not try to hide his smile. "And you took from its waters to serve my drink, yet you sip it with your own lips as well."

Kuroko's blush was so faint that it could not have been seen if it wasn't for Akashi's All-Seeing Eye. "Sumimasen, Akashi-Heika," he begins immediately, setting down his teacup. He often did not know the right time to say the right things, and this was unfortunately one of those times. If he had the time right now, he would utter prayer after prayer to still be free of curses by morning.

"You look so tense, Tetsuya," Akashi murmurs, beckoning a finger to him. Kuroko is at his side almost immediately, and he looks Akashi in the eye not with a frightened look but a very hesitant apprehension.

"I did not mean to do anything that would offend you in the slightest."

Akashi clicks his tongue. "Kuroko Tetsuya, as I have stated before, it will not be particularly easy for someone such as you to offend me."

"Why?" Kuroko blurts out, unable to contain his curiosity. "Why someone like me, Akashi-Heika?"

Akashi's laugh echoes in the hollows of the altar room of Seirin Temple, brief and not without twinkle. "Because you have something about you that..intrigues me. You have very little presence, yet you stand your ground. Somehow, you keep your head. I quite admire that."

Kuroko's cheek flushes, for it wasn't every night that a god told you they admired you. Somehow, he felt as if the god was actually teasing him in his own subtle way.

"I would like to see this Fountain of Miracles sometime," Akashi says softly, tilting his head in the softest of angles, "And see for myself if it lives up to its name."

"I can show Akashi-Heika to the garden, if he likes."

Akashi waves his hand. "There is no need for that tonight. My purpose here has been fulfilled. Tetsuya, may I commend you for being the most... informed altar boy that I have had the pleasure of encountering."

This time, Kuroko does a better job of hiding his reaction to the praise.

"Soon, Ryouta will lighten the skies. Seirin Temple has a hospitality I quite admire, Tetsuya. Your hospitality was more than welcoming. I shall return again. Until then, Seirin has the blessings of the gods."

And with the finality of that statement, Kuroko blinks; all traces of the god vanish into the night, and the temple is silent once more.

It takes a very long time for Kuroko to fall asleep that night, largely due to all the prayers he said before his eyelids finally drooped down.

The Morning After

"You used water from the Fountain of Miracles?!"

Kuroko winces and tries to cover his head as Aida Riko struggles to come at him with her giant paper fan, her arms being restraint by Izuki Shun and Kiyoshi Teppei.

"Sumimasen, Riko-San," Kuroko whispers, his voice softer and smaller than ever, "The well was out of water, and the temple is locked during the night. I only thought the tea might appease Akashi-Heika."

"KUROKO! How thick do you think I am? The Emperor of the Gods wouldn't show himself at Seirin Temple just like that!"

"But Riko-San, I really did meet Akashi-Heika. He talked to me, and then he wanted me to show him around the temple. So I gave him a brief tour and then I-"

"KUROKO, what's gotten into you?! I'd never have taken you for this compulsive of a liar, making up all this just so you could have a sip of that water-"

"Now, now, calm down Riko," says Kiyoshi, who unsuccessfully tries to hide a grin, "Kuroko is a gentle soul. There is no need to yell at him."

"Yes, Riko-San," Izuki adds with a wink, "Straining your voice would also not be very soulful of you."( Perhaps it was only in Kuroko's imagination, but both Kiyoshi and Riko's eye twitches.)

The priest's daughter resumes her usual calm demeanor and turns to regard Kuroko with an ever-serious look. "How much did you take?"

"About a gourd full," Kuroko answers with immediate honesty, "Akashi-Heika drank most of it. He really seems to enjoy the mint flavor."

A vein pops on Riko's forehead, but luckily for Kuroko Kiyoshi notices immediately.

"Perhaps Kuroko here just had a realistic dream last night," he says, ruffling Kuroko's hair fondly with the familiar gentle smile of his, "You know how hard the boy works. They do say the hard workers dream the sweetest, don't they?"

"I'm not sure if I would call that the sweetest dream I've ever had, Kiyoshi-Senpai," replies Kuroko, his hair more mussed than ever, "However genuine it feels, there is a possibility it could also have been the most detailed dream I have ever dreamt. Dreams are incredibly enigmatic."

Izuki mutters something to himself, but in that moment no one pays him any attention.

"In that case Kuroko, keep in mind not to drink or take water from the Fountain of Miracles from now on. You wouldn't want to anger the gods, trust me. Riko, Izuki, why don't we bid Prince Hyuuga good morning?"

Izuki is interrupted before he can crack another joke.

"Very well then, Kiyoshi. Kuroko, you may start on your breakfast as soon as you finish your sweeping." And with that, the priest's daughter sweeps out of the temple with her nose in the air, muttering something about young boys and their dreams under her breath.

"Don't worry about her," Kiyoshi whispered in Kuroko's ear after Riko's departure, "She had a rough night after a fight with Prince Hyuuga."

"KIYOSHI!"

"Argh, coming!" The General threw a sheepish smile at Kuroko before stepping out of the temple.

And so for the rest of the morning, Kuroko sweeps Seirin Temple spotless, though nothing could sweep the events of last night from his mind.

Second Night

Tetsuya. Tetsuya.

"Welcome, Akashi-Heika. I was wondering which day you would come back." Kuroko bows lowly and respectably, and does not get up until he hears Akashi say rise.

"Ah, Tetsuya. We meet again on consecutive nights."

"Akashi-Heika is always welcome any day and night to his own temple. May I offer Akashi-Heika some refreshments?"

"Actually, Tetsuya," Akashi says, the velvet in his voice sweet and refined as ever, "I can offer you something this time."

Kuroko thinks he is too young to be losing his hearing. "I beg Akashi-Heika's pardon?"

"It is simple. Last time you offered me a drink, and so this time I can offer you one as well."

Kuroko still couldn't wrap his head around the thought. "Akashi-Heika brought me a drink...?" he all but whispers. He lets out a breath, for he has a feeling that the smile grazing Akashi's face is not often seen.

The Emperor holds up a small, peculiar round-shaped gourd. It is very smooth to the touch, not quite red but not quite brown either, and the liquid inside sloshes as he is handed the canteen.

"T-thank you, Akashi-Heika," Kuroko takes a moment to examine the gourd, because he just has to admire it. "It is beautiful." A god had no reason to poison an altar boy, unless they were cruel like the god of sin and wishes suffering upon their people. Not knowing what in the world to expect, he takes his first sip.

Blue eyes widen once the liquid meets his tongue and a shudder runs through his being; it was love at first taste. Kuroko tastes the golden honey of flower blossoms, the pure fresh water of Mount Teiko's rain, the ambrosia of the gods. If life itself had a taste, this would be it. Everything came together in that one little sip - the depth and mysteries of life, the nobility of friendship, the expanse of the universe, the unconditional love of parenthood. The tea brewed from the Fountain of Miracles was already forgotten in the back of his mind. Nothing in his life could ever compare to the taste of pure, sweet heaven.

"I assume it suits your tastes?" Akashi breaks his reverie with a knowing smile. "Atsushi keeps the vanilla beans plentiful year round, but I have never been too fond of sweets. He calls this creation a milkshake. It is made from the beans of the vanilla plant and then mixed with sugarcane and fresh milk. Although I must admit the milk of the gods is a different matter than that of mortals."

Kuroko can not, will not utter a single word until he drinks to his heart's content. He sips from the gourd over and over again, relishing in the way the sweet, creamy substance sparkles down his throat.

He keeps drinking until the last drop is drained and licks around his lips for the final taste. Only after the epiphany of his satisfaction did he notice the god watching him with a smile.

"Uh, sumimasen, Akashi-Heika," Kuroko inclines his head slightly, his bangs falling forward to conceal the faint pink flush coloring his face, "Thank you very much for the...the..."

"It is called a vanilla shake," the words roll off Akashi's tongue like honey, "And it is a simple creation, fitting for one with a sweet tooth. Is that not you, Tetsuya?"

"Akashi-Heika is very knowledgeable about me, even if this is only his second time meeting me in person," Kuroko comments, peering into the gourd to see if there were any drops remaining.

Akashi's left eye glinted in the darkness. "I see things that no one, not even gods can see. I am absolute, Tetsuya. Always remember that. Now, show me this garden of Seirin."

Akashi hadn't said it, but he seemed to leave that night being impressed by the gardens of Seirin Temple. He continues to visit for a third, fourth, fifth night until it had been about a lunar cycle since he'd met Kuroko.

He didn't want to spoil Kuroko too much, but he found himself amused by the display of gratitude Kuroko shows with each of his gifts. Not all of them were extravagant (at least to Akashi, not befit to be offered to a god) but each of them contained an amount of value that could rival even the prosperous kingdom of Rakuzan (a faraway kingdom that Akashi seemed to be quite fond of).

Kuroko's home had always been the temple, ever since he had been found on its steps as a baby, and soon enough the altars glittered with precious coins and rare gems.

"Akashi-Heika," Kuroko says one day as he bows politely, "I thank you ceaselessly for the gifts, but I am afraid I do not know where there would be enough room for another statue."

"Ah, are you perhaps tiring of statues, Tetsuya? Do their ancient marble not captivate your eyes? Does their handiwork, crafted by that of a god, not please you?"

"They are the most extraordinary statues I have ever laid my eyes upon, Akashi-Heika. Sumimasen, I apologize for being so rude, but I simply don't see how I can fit another one of those in Seirin's garden."

"Do not be sorry. Atsushi made them, but he will understand." Akashi clucks his tongue, and the statue immediately vanishes out of sight. Kuroko still feels a little dazed by it all. A god bringing him gifts!

"Akashi-Heika need not bring such wonderful gifts everytime. Seirin is spoiled enough as it is."

"Ah, but these are trifles for a god like me. After all, mortals and gods do share things in common, do they not? Of course Teiko's hospitality must live up to its name."

"I see, Akashi-Heika. In that case... I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but do you happen to have any of the vanilla milk to spare? The one you brought that one time?"

The temple is silent for a moment, until the twinkling sound of Akashi's laughter fills its corridors, the most musical and vibrant sound Kuroko has ever heard.

"You truly are a fascinating mortal, Kuroko Tetsuya."

"Thank you very much for the compliment, Akashi-Heika. No one is more generous and gracious than Akashi-Kun."

From that day on, Akashi would cease to bring Kuroko anything but vanilla milkshakes as presents. He made sure to do it sparingly, because Atsushi informed him (while munching on sweet corn) that too much sugar can be damaging for a frail human body.

Kuroko prays just as much as he did before, perhaps even more now. He keeps quiet about the god's late night visits because he believes that no one will take him seriously anyway. And this was the first time in his life that something like this happened to him. He got to keep something to himself for once, and it actually felt nice.

Every seventh day, when most of the village folk come, Kuroko sometimes would lead the prayers usually led by the priest. The old man seemed to be fond of Kuroko just like his daughter and the rest of Seirin Temple was. (He didn't do it super often because the priest didn't want Seirin to have a heart attack every time they finally manage to notice Kuroko.) Aside from sweeping, he began exploring some of the books Riko brought to him from the prince's library.

"I don't know how I can thank you for all these books, Riko-san," he says to her one day. The priest's daughter beams at him and finishes lighting the last altar candle for the night.

"You're a hard worker, Kuroko. You deserve a chance to get to know the outside world a little more as well. Why don't you step out of the temple more often? It's not like we force you to stay all day in here or something."

"I do visit the outside, Riko-san. I go outside to scatter seeds for the birds every two mornings, and sometimes I take a nap in the sun. Now I have your books to take with me to read."

"Kuroko, I'm talking about actually leaving the temple grounds. When was the last time you've been in town? Have you ever even been around Seirin?"

"I went with your father to the market one time."

"Kuroko, that was years ago!"

"Four, actually."

Riko sighed. "I'm worried for you, Kuroko. You turned eighteen this January, you are a man full-grown that shuts himself within the walls of the temple day and night. It's not a bad thing to have faith, but shouldn't someone like you...have other interests?"

"I'm perfectly fine inside the temple, Riko-san. Thank you for worrying, but you needn't. Indeed it's not a bad thing to have faith, but one can never have too much. My life revolves around my faith. I'm very grateful to your father and everyone who helped raise me, for I shall know no other home than this temple. There's not much for me out there, as you know. People rarely notice me, and on the special occasions they do, they never remember me. I am like a shadow."

Riko opens her mouth to protest, but Kuroko continues on. "But in no way am I grateful. I have wonderful friends and a good home. I've never wanted for much and I'm very content with my days. Sumimasen, Riko-san, but I will have to decline your request for going out of town unless it is a special missionary trip or a personal request from you or your father. And thank you very much again for the books. I will treasure them."

As Kuroko politely dismisses himself to read in the garden, Riko finds herself wondering if Kuroko had always seemed happy. Or maybe it was just her. Prince Hyuuga had been fraying on the last of her last nerves these days, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd been this unsettled.

Either way, the Prince won't miss those books that he never even touches.

"Tetsuya, you seem to be in a rather good mood this evening."

"Oh yes, Akashi-Kun. I read a couple of books today in the garden." Underneath the cool shade provided by the beautiful cherry blossoms with falling petals.

"Ah, is that so? I did not take you to be someone literate."

Feeling insulted at the god's (obliviousness) bluntness, Kuroko turned his face away from Akashi and back towards the glittering night sky. "Priest Aida taught me the basics, and from then on I taught myself."

"Really now? You never manage to surprise me, Tetsuya."

"Is that a bad thing, Akashi-Kun?"

"..Not at all. It is most unexpected, but certainly memorable. I have never met a human like yourself."

Akashi had been very glad when Kuroko started ending his addresses with kun instead of heika. The others were also acknowledged with heika, and for some reason it didn't sit well with Akashi when Kuroko used it with himself. Kuroko had insisted the first time he'd used it had been completely accidental, but it kind of stuck after Akashi had insisted upon its use instead of the other one.

Kuroko turns the other way so Akashi could not see the faint flush creeping up his neck. "Akashi-Kun ought not to praise my individuality so much, because so much of it is not real. I'm sure Akashi-Kun is aware of my weak presence. To the people of Seirin, I am not a face they will ever likely remember or even notice. It is something I am used to, and yet when Akashi-Kun praises me, I feel as if I am a impostor because I am nowhere near as special as Akashi-Kun makes me out to be."

Had the words came out of anyone else's mouth, they would have induced Akashi's wrath at such negligence. But coming from Kuroko, it sounds more like a bitter acceptance than a cry of pity. Still, Akashi, the Great Emperor of the Gods of Teiko, could not fathom what it must be like to be ignored (whether by purpose or accidental) even for a single day.

"Tetsuya, do you realize how much you underestimate yourself? Just because others do not see what you can offer does not mean it is not real. Even Rakuzan's altar boys have never given my shrine the amount of dedication you have and yet the petty approval of other mortals really impact your state of being so much? My eyes let me see everything, Tetsuya, and I see you clearly. I am sure you are aware that it is impossible to please the world. But if you must know, the Gods of Teiko acknowledge your name."

Kuroko turns to stare at Akashi. "The Gods of Teiko acknowledge my name?" He repeats, dumbstruck.

"Indeed, Tetsuya." Akashi smirks at him, and Kuroko feels something leap wildly inside himself. "My Fellow Gods of Teiko all have heard of your existence. Why, just the other day, Ryouta was lamenting how you only ever pray to me now."

Akashi says this with so much smugness that Kuroko would have felt indignant if he hadn't blushed. "My apologies. I was not trying to upset any of the Gods of Teiko."

"My point is that you give yourself far less credit than you deserve. Ryouta swears he will one day visit your shrine."

Kuroko pales. More gods visiting Seirin Temple in person...?

"Of course, he must attest to his duties first. Being the God of Beauty and Romance, he undoubtedly has his plate full." Akashi chuckles, and his shoulders move to the music of his laughter.

Akashi-Kun could also be the God of Beauty, Kuroko thinks to himself. He wonders if Akashi always had his plate full as well, being the Emperor of the Gods and all.

"I do not know what to say. I am honored to be known by the Generation of Miracles," Kuroko says, and he rises from his chair to bow to Akashi.

"Arise, Tetsuya. The Generation of Miracles respect you and the level of faith you place in them."

"Seirin is blessed to be in the care of the Generation of Miracles." And he means that with all his heart, and Akashi tilts his head, giving Kuroko a small smile that seems to light up the entire sky.

That night, though Kuroko still doesn't understand why Akashi would talk with someone like himself, he comes to realize that nobody had ever appreciated his company before or made him feel as wholesome, or human, as that the Emperor of the Gods Akashi Seijurou did.

The next couples of nights, Kuroko spends a little time, just a little, running a hand through his hair and fixing his appearance in the reflection of the fountain. (He sprinkles the mint leaves with its dewdrops as well.)

"Tetsuya, this seems very unlikely to be a soup cooked by that of mortals."

"I believe Murasakibara-Heika bestowed it upon us a long time ago, but it is not one of his most well-known gifts. Prince Hyuuga calls it peasant food, but it is what we commonly serve to those travelers who have less to get by with. It is cooked with tofu, the most comforting food we have." Kuroko was rather proud of his tofu soup recipe since having cooked it so many times for the less-than-fortune travelers who needed a meal.

"To think that we dine on the finest of rice, wine, and meats, and thus overlooked something as nourishing and nutritious as this."

Kuroko smiles a little bit in spite of himself. "Perhaps Akashi-Kun finds simplicity to be a precious rarity, for I am sure that Mount Teiko must be filled with many a rich sight and sound."

"Indeed it is," Akashi muses, a twinkle in his eye, "But even on Mount Teiko it does not rain tofu soup."

Kuroko laughs softly and proceeds to refill Akashi's cup with fresh tea. Strewn among their fine woven picnic blanket are a porcelain vase stuffed with chrysanthemums, a couple of rose-scented candles, an empty gourd that used to contain vanilla milkshake, a pot of steaming tofu soup of course, and a golden bowl brimming with fat grapes.

Akashi thinks that he could get used to this. Even on Mount Teiko, nobody had fed him grapes by hand and wiped his mouth with their little kerchiefs afterward. He often had to refill his tea by himself. These mortal kings certainly knew what they were doing by employing servants and altar boys.

A night breeze comes along and rustles the soft tousles of Akashi's hair, Kuroko notices. The moonlight is serenading, illuminating the tall bridge of Akashi's nose and his luminescent, godly face. There was something about the god, something in his eyes that never ceases to entrance him.

Kuroko breaks the silence. "There must be something special about Seirin Temple if Akashi-Kun has been visiting for months."

Akashi slightly inclines his head to the side, and Kuroko feels those vixen-like eyes inspect every each of him. "Perhaps," Akashi muses, "Every temple often houses something precious within its inner walls." A breath escapes through his lips in the crisp night air, and Kuroko closes his eyes, eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks as he feels long, warm, tingling fingers softly caress them. He feels his face glower pink, and Akashi's chuckle as the god pulls his fingers away, and the gentleness against Kuroko's cheek is no more.

Kuroko gently dips his hands again in the basin filled with water from the Fountain of Miracles, before popping another grape into the god's waiting mouth (and blushing profoundly when Akashi's lips seem to hover on his fingers a little longer than necessary).

Akashi smirks at him and takes another sip. Kuroko is pleased to see that Akashi seems to be pleased as well. That night, when Akashi bids him another farewell, Kuroko doesn't dip his right hand in the cleansing waters of the fountain.

"I heard it was pretty bad."

"It's sweeping through kingdom after kingdom."

"Seirin could be next."

Kuroko continues his sweeping but keeps his ears open the not-so-whispered conversation between Furihata, Kawahara, and Fukuda. News had spread rather quickly that a most deadly plague was ravaging across the land and from kingdom to kingdom. Where the plague had originated from, no one knew. But those who succumbed to it were known to fall prey to hacking coughs, fatigued body, delirium, and eventually death, for very few were able to survive it. It was passed from close contact through the air. Not much else was known other than that it was still seemingly a distance away from Seirin.

"My neighbor had in a sister living in one of the infected places," Fukuda says urgently, his voice laced with somber excitement, "She caught it immediately and died. The next day! I've heard that she ate herself to death before the plague could have really done a number on her-"

"I heard that someone else in this one place slept with most of the town before he died, both men and women. I mean it's not like it matters because there's people who prefer either but him, it was like he didn't care who they were, as long as they had two legs he was going for it! Then again not many were willing to because he was sick and after he passed he gave them all the plague-"

"That kind of serves him right, doesn't-"

"No, because I've heard someone like him wouldn't be able to help it! This plague is very mysterious. People are eating and sleeping themselves to death! I heard one man suddenly got mad at his neighbor for something that occurred many generations ago between their families, and he murdered her, before he died of the plague themselves!"

"I've heard about this plague too," chimes in Kuroko. The three young temple guardians jump in surprise and turn to gawk at the altar boy.

"Kuroko! W-when did you get here?"

"Where did you come from?"

"Oh my God, you gave us such a fright!"

"Sumimasen," Kuroko mutters quietly, not really sounding like he means it. "I've been here this entire time."

Their eyes widen all at once. "Oh, so Kuroko has heard of the plague has well?"

"Yes," Kuroko says as he eyes a particular difficult patch of dust, and with effort manages to sweep it underneath the rug. If they were irked by this, the other temple guardians of Seirin make no fuss about it.

"So do you think it's true, what they say? That it could come to Seirin in a matter of time?"

"I honestly don't see why it wouldn't be true, Furihata-Kun," Kuroko responds, and the others exchange terrified glances. Furihata turns back to Kuroko, his usually-kind eyes wide in alarm.

"But how come, Kuroko? Do you-do you think we all are doomed?"

At this statement, the others are practically trembling from head to toe (Kawahara begins sweating profusely through his upper lip). Kuroko blinks as he simply stores the broom and dustpan in their usual space.

"No, Furihata-Kun. The plague has no prejudice against its victims, but it seem as long as one keeps their distance from those who are infected, they will be spared. Priest Aida has also said not all those whom are infected will die. So there is a fifty percent chance of survival granted to all its victims."

"But that means that there is a fifty percent chance of death as well!"

"Perhaps so," Kuroko muses, "But other factors may play a role as well. We often overlook the tiniest of details, and sometimes those are our greatest downfalls. Moreover, we as mortal human beings tend to waste away time pondering over past mistakes and death, and the more we bemoan them, the more likely we can fear them."

The three young men are struck speechless. Kawahaga looks as if he wants to interrupt Kuroko but isn't sure what he could say in the middle of this moment.

"Isn't it better to utilize your time, perhaps learning new verses of poetry? Watching the dance of the cherry blossoms in the breeze, reading in the garden? Life is precious, and so we should spend time doing things that are precious to pass our time. Good evening, Kawahaga-Kun."

And with that, Kuroko sweeps out of the temple to watch the cherry blossoms dance, leaving the three young men to gape after him.

"Is it just me," Kawahaga scratches his head, "Or has Kuroko become more... philosophical over the past few months?"

"I didn't know that was a part of your vocabulary," Fukuda pipes up, earning him a gentle chuckle from Furihata.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

They leave the temple chuckling, but Furihata decides that Kawahaga has a point. Also, he was either going crazy or Kuroko seems to have a lingering scent of vanilla that wafts throughout the temple.

"And so another night passes, Akashi-Kun."

Kuroko is on his knees, head bowed low during his night prayer to the gods. "Tonight marks the sixth week of your last visit. I am sure that you, as Emperor of the Gods, have many a duty to attend to. Therefore I bid you another night of grace, good cheer, and serenity. May your blessings and goodwill be with Seirin for yet another long night."

Thunder pounds the roof the temple, and rain batters all of its windows. It is a windy night, a chilly night, and Kuroko has lit the small fireplace in the altar room, where he'd currently made a bed for himself for the night. "May the Gods of Teiko be with Seirin," he finishes his prayers. As he crawls onto his futon to sleep, a particular streak of lightning makes his vision flash- and he wonders if sometimes the rain, the thunder, the clouds are just as lonely up there as he feels down here.

Way down here.

"Everyone, I have big news!"

Riko bursts into the temple, short hair wild and cheeks flushed with the dark colors of autumn air. She quickly hands her scarf to Mitobe, a silent, tall, and gentle giant (whom nobody could remember when he was not a temple guardian).

It was the seventh day after the storm.

"She was skipping," Koganei, another temple guardian, mutters under his breath, "Her news must be very urgent, don't you agree, Mitobe?"

A nod from Mitobe later, everyone (except Riko) is staring at Izuki, the Court Jester who is muttering under his breath, "Urgent news Riko-San must purge, purgent news we must hear urgently..."

(Luckily for him, Riko doesn't hear him.)

"I have just received news from Prince Hyuuga that a king from a faraway kingdom is about the visit! He is a newly crowned king, so young, around the age of a new temple guardian... He is coming from a land with a name that many people of Seirin are not able to pronounce-"

"Riko-san?"

Everyone jumps, as they step back to reveal a boy with tufts of blue hair who had been standing here the entire time.

"Uh, yes, Kuroko? What is it?" Riko asks, trying to hide her frustration at being interrupted.

"Forgive me, as I may be wrong, but I was told that the king is to be passing through Seirin on his way to visit another kingdom. I heard that he did not originally intend to mark Seirin as destination-"

"Very well, thank you, Kuroko," Riko cuts in, "As I was saying, he will be visiting us along his way regardless if Seirin is his intended final destination or not. Now I believe that we-"

Kawahaga raises his hand and speaks without being addressed. "Is it that kingdom where they serve meat and lettuce on the same piece of bread? I think it's called a hamb-"

SMACK!

Everyone glances down at the Kawahaga now sprawled on the floor, holding his head from where Riko smacked him with her (deadly) paper fan.

"As I was saying," she continues with a hmpf! and a hand on her hip, "This is a very special occasion. Prince Hyuuga wants Seirin to give - A...Am... the kingdom that is coming! - the warmest welcome it can. And that means I need all of you to pitch in! Seirin's religion is our pride and trump card. As a result, the temple must be spotless." (Furihata and Fukuda gulp as she shoots a meaningful glance their way.)

"It times out perfectly, because the king will be arriving on the day we hold our mass prayers! In celebration, Seirin will be offering its finest gifts to the gods, and the visiting king will be here to witness it all!" Riko squeals, much to chagrin of the rest of those whom were standing in the room.

Koganei leans on his tiptoes to whisper into Mitobe's ear, "She's only excited because this is the first time in a long time that something big is going to happen. Nothing ever happens in Seirin. I'm not saying that's an entirely bad thing, Mitobe, but just imagine with news of the plague spreading far and wide everyday- "

"Koganei." Riko turns to addressed person with a rather terrifying smile on her face. "Care to shout that aloud so the rest of us can join in on your fun?"

"R-Riko-s-san- please h-have mercy-"

"Can it, you baka!" Riko shouts out of pure frustration, "If I hear one more word about the plague I will slap the daylights out of you! The plague may be real but the gods always take care of Seirin and its people! 100 years of peace! Don't make me suspect that any of you would dare question our benefactors!"

The room was silent, and then a chorus of "Yes, Riko-san" appears. Riko heaves a sigh.

"Good!" she says triumphantly, then proceeds to produce a long list out of nowhere. "This paper has all your assigned duties for the next couple of days. Now get to work!"

General Teppei makes a joke later that evening as he is cleaning the mantelpiece. "Riko-san secretly rules behind Prince Hyuuga," he whispers to Kuroko, his signature smile in place.

Izuki overhears and says something about the heftiness of 'measuring up', but Kuroko is too lost in his own thoughts to listen. 100 years of peace. The gods always take care of Seirin and its people.

Is that true, Akashi-Kun? Please, please let that be true, Akashi-Kun.

I'm so sorry if I ever did anything to wrong you. I know I'm only one mere mortal to you, Akashi-Kun. But you are the god of everything to Seirin Temple... to me. I just would like to know what I've done.

I'm wondering, Akashi-Kun. And waiting.

Kuroko spends the next couple of nights with plenty of blankets and warm tea, but on the nights where he tossed and turned and could not get to sleep, he came to realize that there was nothing colder than dismal feeling of loneliness.

Kuroko meets a man with piercing eyes and the strangest eyebrows he's ever seen on the day of the king's arrival. The whole of Seirin gathers at the temple in prayer and honor of the gods, really, they're using the king's passing through as an excuse to produce another holiday mass for their beloved Teiko Gods. Not that there was anything wrong with that.

Kuroko had been ordered by Riko to sit in the garden, due to him catching a cold a couple days before. ("I'm sorry, Kuroko, but I don't want anything spreading to anyone else. You know how wary some of your fellow temple keepers are regarding the plague.")

Kuroko didn't mind. He was used to being forgotten by everyone that it didn't even bring him very much sorrow anymore. The garden is sanctuary while the others are in deep prayer, and since he'd finished praying about fifteen minutes ago, he finds it a pleasant occasion to pick up from where he left off in another volume of legends.

He is reading in the garden by himself when the stranger stumbles in, looking rather confused and then alarmed.

"Why is there a floating book in the air?!" the stranger all but shouts.

It takes moments for him to see Kuroko and another for him to get over his initial shock.

"The hell? You a ghost or something?"

"If I was a ghost, I would feel fairly uncomfortable in a temple, don't you think, Stranger-Kun?" deadpans Kuroko, looking the tall, well-dressed stranger in the eyes.

As the stranger mulls over this statement, Kuroko stands up, shakes briefly on his legs that'd fallen asleep, and bows in the traditional style of Seirin introduction. "My name is Kuroko Tetsuya. I am the altar boy of Seirin Temple, and it is an honor to welcome you to Seirin."

"An altar boy, huh?" the stranger grins and flashes row upon row of gleaming white teeth at Kuroko. The stranger has hair the shade of burgundy, the color of the expensive wine Kuroko understands that Prince Hyuuga likes to drink. It silences Kuroko for a moment as he is reminded of someone else who has red hair, only in a more striking vibrancy. Kuroko bites his lip and wills his internal self to gain control again.

"Altar boys...haven't really ever met too many of those. Still, I'm glad I'm speaking to someone seemingly important from Seirin." The grin only stretches, and to someone who isn't used to red eyes or those eyebrows, the stranger might have looked terrifying.

"I wouldn't place myself as someone of too much importance," Kuroko again deadpans, and says the words without much sorrow, "I still don't know your name, Stranger-San."

"Oh, that's right, isn't it? Well, Kuroko Tetsuya, I return all your greetings right back at you," the stranger mock bows, "I am King Kagami Taiga, and I have come a long way to formally declare war on Seirin."

The day seemingly grows icy in an instant as chill after chill runs down Kuroko Tetsuya's spine. He feels numb and a surge of panic, all at once.

What happened to Seirin's century of peace?!

As this is my official first ever fanfiction based off an anime, I will do my best to keep everyone in character (while adapting them to face certain situations if necessary). This is only an introduction to the enormous saga I have in mind, and thank you so much to those who made it this far through their reading!

I would really appreciate any and all feedback as a new writer. I ship Akakuro (as well as several other pairs) to no tomorrow and would love to know what you guys think of this, as well as things I could have done to make it better. I don't have a Beta yet, so I apologize beforehand ^_^

I am a huge fan of KNB as well as several others including Shingeki No Kyojin (Attack on Titan), Free!, Tokyo Ghoul, Black Butler, etc., so certain characters from other shows might make an appearance in this story!

If you're confused about anything at all, and I mean ANYTHING, feel free to ask questions! I love interacting with people, especially when we share a common interest :D I'll answer all questions in the next chapter which will not nearly be as long as this!

Speaking of which, here's a mini teaser for the next chapter:

"He does not love you," hisses the Emperor of the Gods, fury evident in his tone, "Mark my words, Kuroko Tetsuya. You will remember not a single trace of him once he is gone."

You can also reach me on my Instagram: AphSnkLover, or my tumblr, InglenookPoetry

Until next time, my friends! I don't own anything KNB or Greek Mythology!