The empire of Teiko consisted of five districts, each ruled strictly by a miracle. Kise and Aomine began to explain the topography and the horizons of Teiko. The five districts were Kaijou, Toóu, Shutoku, Yosen and Rakuzan. Rakuzan was the heart of Teiko, where the master resides. Kuroko who belongs to the master, resides in Rakuzan as well. Kuroko had no powers to venture the lands of Teiko like the rest of the individuals in Teiko. Only with the master's exclusive permission Kuroko is granted access to venture outside Rakuzan.
Akashi truly despise humans. Akashi was famous for his terrifying personality and interests throughout the lands. He tossed away Kuroko's belongings which had reminded him the curses of humans' greed.
"You do not need them. From now on, you are to wear what I have chosen for you. My orders are absolute, you're not allowed to defy me, Kuroko Tetsuya."
Aomine and Kise gave instructions and homework, on days Kuroko did not have lessons, he could be found reading books in the library. Kuroko did not dare to challenge the devil master. He finally came to a conclusion that the choker was like an identity within Teiko. In the mornings, Kuroko trains swordsmanship, archery, horse-riding and several other physical training with Aomine. Kuroko admits Aomine was a very skilled warrior even among Teiko, which Akashi had selected him to become one of the miracles. In the afternoon, he takes fundamental studies such as ancient history and social studies with Kise. Kise was well versed in fundamental interactions and ancient history. Spirit foxes were revered as Guardians which had protected the spiritual world. They are well versed in the spirits who resides in the spiritual world. Humans who have gotten lost or entered the spiritual world with ill intentions were deceived and tricked, their bodies were found dead the next day.
Murasskibara sometimes brings snacks during lessons for Kuroko in hope he would eat more. Kuroko's small appetite was worrisome, which had resulted in the detailed research of nutrition, and publishing of several health journals contributing to the quality of academic research. Murasakibara had tried various types of food, which had the opposite effect on Kuroko. His research had provided Teiko a general idea of humans' needs, which was necessary for devils to raise a human among themselves, had unlocked Murasakibara motivation to cultivate Kuroko into a healthier individual. His discovery of Kuroko's fondness of vanilla shakes had opened a new light to motivate and improve his diet, which he had jumped for joy. Kuro-chin had finally showed interests in eating, Murasakibara had commented.
Kuroko was the only child who age. From a young child, Kuroko had matured into a teenager. Midorima had presented his worries to his master. They were well versed in human capability, especially the mortality rates of an average human. "Akashi, what are you planning?" Midorima had dared to ask the master. "Kuroko won't live long. He would soon grow old, and leave this world one day, as a human."
Teiko had realized the affection both Kuroko and their master had for each other. The servants had noted often they had discovered Kuroko and Akashi silently spending time with each other, often sharing the same table in the library. Although they had exchanged less than few words a day, anyone could tell the affection they had for each other was not something simple as family love. There wasn't a single soul who had saw their master with a gentle smile. The young child which Akashi had carefully raised had thawed the ice within the devil's heart. Kuroko had grown up watching the back of the man he loved protecting Teiko empire. At the age of ten, Akash had personally trained Kuroko techniques, discovering his talents and skills, transforming him into one of Teiko's best assassins. Akashi had become someone who was even more important than Kuroko's own life. Kuroko had vowed to protect Akashi and Teiko to the best of his abilities. Akashi was his saviour, teacher, mentor and his fated partner. Akashi had chained Kuroko his body and heart to Teiko, sealing all routes of escape, ultimately becoming someone solely belonging to the devil master Akashi-sama.
"I'm not planning on letting him go. He has been mine since he was offered to me all those years ago." Akashi quietly sipped his tea. "I've made it so he can never escape from me. I've felt it ever since he had first come to Teiko, Shintarou. He is mine."
"Then you better be quick." Midorima took a last sip of his tea and rose from his seat. "Before he is tainted by someone else." Midorima quiet footsteps faded down the long hallway.
The miracles had felt the day where Kuroko would join them was drawing nearer. The miracles had observed their master snapping at everyone, and anyone who would try to hook with Kuroko. It won't be long now. Kuroko had matured into a fine adult. He was more than capable of protecting himself than most humans could. The miracles had felt the humans had unconsciously threw away a talented capital. Because of their greed, they had rather sacrifice their kin. But they were wrong. Kuroko Tetsuya will never return to the human lands. He would become humans' greatest enemy and bring forth the lands to their downfall.
It was then when Kuroko had turned fifteen. It was also the day of the full moon. It is said that spiritual beings draw power of the full moon and are at their strongest on days of the full moon. "Kuroko, what do you think of Teiko?" Akashi had asked.
"It's been my home for a long time, Akashi-kun." Kuroko had a confused look when he had obediently replied Akashi.
"Then, what you do you think about me?" Akashi asked.
Kuroko chuckled. "What's with you today, Akashi-kun? Of course I love you, Akashi-kun."
"Do you love me hard enough to sacrifice for me?" Akashi caressed Kuroko's soft bangs. "Do you love me strong enough to spend your lifetime alone, separated from your kind?"
Kuroko took hold of Akashi's hand. "I will. I have grown detesting humans. They have done nothing but cursing me and my family. But you are my light, Akashi-kun. Without you, I wouldn't be here. I love you, Akashi-kun."
"Even if you have to spend a millennium without ever aging?" Akashi questioned.
"I grew up loving you. Akashi-kun and Teiko were all I could love. Although Akashi-kun is scary at times, people just tend to misunderstand. See, you're not scary at all." Kuroko smiled at Akashi.
Akashi took Kuroko into his embrace. "You're mine, Kuroko. No, after today, you won't be Kuroko anymore." He held Kuroko like a princess.
"What are you talking about? And where are you taking me?" Kuroko was very confused and embarrassed.
"You will know soon." was Akashi's only reply.
Akashi paused his systematic footsteps in front the great entrance to the palace bath. The miracles had waited for Akashi patiently and had greeted their master upon his presence. "The ritual is ready, Akashi." Midorima had informed Akashi.
"Congrats, Tetsu." Aomine had winked.
"Kurokocchi~!" Kise had whined.
Midorima did not have any comment.
"Eh~ good for you, Kuro-chin~" Murasakibara was stuffing his face with snacks in his hands.
The huge bath was soaked in the red essence. Kuroko was filled with shock, observing the state of the great bath had become. Akashi tightened his hold on Kuroko, stepped into the crimson red water, submerging Kuroko into the water. Kuroko screamed as fear accumulated as he wondered what had happened to the waters in the bath.
"Akashi-kun!"
Kuroko felt as if air had left had left his lungs, his bodily functions have slowly ceased their functioning. What happened? Kuroko could barely see as the redness from the waters had accumulated around Kuroko, obscuring his vision.
"From now on, you're Akashi Tetsuya."
Akashi joined Kuroko in the waters, held Kuroko in his arms. Kuroko's pulse fragile body was giving out was becoming weaker and fainter by seconds. "What's happening......Akashi-kun?" Kuroko could barely muster energy to even whisper. Akashi knew the crimson waters was harmful to humans. But it was necessary. Akashi's fangs had elongated. His tilted Kuroko's head to the left, revealing his pale, delicate skin. Without another second wasted, Akashi had plunged his fangs deep into Kuroko's neck. That fated night was the first time Teiko heard Kuroko's shrill scream.
Devils like Akashi possess powers and strengths to turn humans into the very being they are. Their fangs are coated with poison which are harmful to humans. Humans call these devils 'vampires', spirits who feed on blood. Kuroko had passed out in Akashi arms due to the sudden extreme pain. The Akashi family were descendants of vampires, making them the closest to humans. They were also said to be the most dangerous spirits among the residents in the spirit world. There were many families descended from the ancient spirits of vampires. Many had been scattered, no longer a tribe of vampires still living and dictating the present. Some do not remember their identities as vampires, some vowed to destroy humans, Vampires could be found living among humans, some fell in love with humans and had a family of dhampirs. Human greed did not change even after centuries of surviving. Many spirits and devils met the sad fates at the hands of humans, similar like Kuroko had experienced. They inherited the cursed lives of vampires, humans had blamed them for destroying their lives, including the cause of epidemic diseases. They believe spirits and devil bring curses and misfortune to the powerless humans, and claimed monsters do not possess feelings, all they are capable are the inborn callous nature they were cursed with.
[Bring your friends close, keep your enemies closer.]
"Tetsuya...." Akashi caressed Kuroko's messy bangs. Akashi bit his wrist, taking his own blood into his mouth. He kissed Kuroko, invading deep into Kuroko's territory and transferring his blood and feeding Kuroko with his blood. Kuroko had stirred, the rich taste of blood awakened the burning sensations of his taste sensors. Kuroko's strength depleted, the ritual had used his stored strength to turn Kuroko, leaving him no remaining strength to go against his master. The ritual was successful, under certain conditions the power of the moon and darkness will grant the blessings transforming into a vampire, robbing the human of their divine blessings of the Gods. The night of the full moon grants access to the spirit world, where the portal opens with the divine powers from the moon. On nights of full moon, spirits from the spirit world roams Teiko, where the borderline between the human world and the spirit world intersect.
"Welcome to the spirit world."
A cold chill blew over the lands of Teiko. Spirits and devils alike celebrated in joy. Their master had chosen his mate. Our new kin was born.
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