#Fushimi's Sword would probably still be crumbling a little too

[ridiasfangirlings]

I had this random thought while I was reading your fic Spectrum (which was really good btw, it honestly felt like it could be part of the series to me and I loved it so much and would love to see more!) like can you imagine Saruhiko being chosen as the Green King and Yata's reaction to that? Any thoughts on that scenario?

At what point in the timeline are we talking here, like maybe AUwhere the Slate doesn’t get destroyed but Hisui still dies and thenFushimi becomes King afterward? Like imagine Shiro finds some way forthe Slate to ‘revoke’ someone’s Kingship (maybe something similar tothat abdication thing Munakata was talking about with Mikoto in S1that no one ever spoke about again) and because Hisui relies on hisKing powers to live this effectively kills him. In the aftermaththere’s still something of a mess though because people are stillmanifesting Strain powers and maybe the Slate is really unstablebecause Hisui managed to release so much of its power. Fushimimeanwhile is struggling to deal with his three powers, havingdifficulty with keeping all three powers in check especially with theSlate so unstable. Then one day he’s out on a mission where Homra isassisting Scepter 4, Fushimi’s chasing after a Strain when he hearsYata’s voice from nearby crying out in pain. Fushimi stops hispursuit without even thinking about it, almost instinctively runningtowards the sound of Misaki’s voice, and he rounds a corner to seeYata being attacked by several strong Strains. Yata’s doing his bestbut he’s bleeding and clearly faltering, Fushimi just jumps in with acomment about Yata being unexpectedly weak. Yata grins a little andis like shut up monkey it took you long enough and soon they’refighting side by side. Suddenly one of the Strains launches thisstrong attack towards Yata, Fushimi yells out Yata’s name and runsbut he’s too far to block the attack and even so he throws his knivesand tries to call on his power.

Suddenly green electricity shoots up out of nowhere, forming a circlearound Fushimi’s feet and a barrier of green blocks the attack onYata. The Strains freak out as electricity begins to crackleeverywhere and Yata’s just staring in shock as this green Sword ofDamocles appears above Fushimi’s head. The sight causes everyone elseto come running too, like maybe thinking Hisui is back somehow, andthey all find Fushimi just standing there surrounded by a tornado ofelectricity. Munakata and Anna both step forward to help calm himdown and Yata’s just freaking out worrying about Fushimi and not surewhat the hell just happened. Fushimi would probably not be very happyeither, especially because here he just accepted that his place tobelong was in the Blue clan and now suddenly he’s the Green King andit’s like can he really be in Scepter 4 anymore. I could also seethis leading to some rumors that Fushimi really was a traitor andMunakata just said he was a double agent to help him save face, likehe had the aptitude to become Green King so maybe that’s the realreason why he joined the Greens. Though the people who know Fushimibetter would probably defend him, I could see Yata getting pissed atanyone in Homra who dares to suggest that Saruhiko actually didbetray his clan and it’s a strange reversal, that the person whoalways used to call Fushimi a traitor is now his staunchest defender(Yata himself will admit that he’s grown though, and that heunderstands things better now).

Meanwhile I think Fushimi would be having trouble getting used to hisnew powers, like he was already being overwhelmed by his three colorsand now he has King powers on top of that. Imagine Anna and Yatacoming by because Anna wants to help Fushimi, Munakata’s also beenassisting him but Anna especially knows what it’s like trying to getused to this sudden new power and she wants to make sure Fushimiisn’t pained by it. I think Fushimi’s biggest obstacle would be thathe feels like he doesn’t have anywhere to belong again, he can’treally see Munakata as his King if he himself is a King and the clanwhere he finally felt comfortable isn’t really his clan. Idon’t think there’s any way he’d ask Yata to be his clansman either,so certain that Yata loves Homra so much he would never agree tochange clans even for Fushimi and Fushimi isn’t going to ask just tobe rejected. (Oh and then imagine jungle’s servers just randomlystart coming to life again and suddenly Fushimi finds himselfattracted to it without knowing why, beginning to rewrite the code tosee if he can find a way to use his skills to take the parts ofjungle he hated and excise them even as he tries to see what can beborn out of the remains of what’s left.)

#Fushimi Saruhiko #Talking K #okay but how much would this piss off Sukuna #that the traitor Fushimi takes over Hisui's Kingship #Fushimi wouldn't be much happier about it #especially after he just found a place to belong #and now he doesn't know where he should be again #Fushimi's Sword would probably still be crumbling a little too #bc his mindset is still a mess

[1-lightofjustice]

Choice and Fate

Preview :   

("I made it in time to be with you at your final moment and share your destiny. I am satisfied with that.") -July, 1999

("It may come to be that you'll share my destiny and have to die with me." "Then so be it.") -December, 2013

Two Kings, two knights, and their shared destiny.

Pairing : Fushimi and Munakata, Habari and Zenjou. No romance but a very deep bond

Tags : Metafiction, Angst with Happy Ending, Zenjou Gouki P.O.V

Notes : I was re-watching Side Blue Seven Stories, and boy do I fangirling hard when Zenjou talked about "shared destiny" (It's the same word, unmei!). Especially since Munakata and Fushimi's secret plan is my favorite thing on K : ROK. Then when I read about previous Blue clan's tale, it occurred to me that Habari/Zenjou/Shiotsu really has some similar dynamic with Munakata/Fushimi/Awashima. Responsible and doting beautiful King, serious and disciplined Lieutenant and second in command, and the wild card "can't wear their uniform properly" private force of the King. Their situation is also somewhat familiar, but of course in Munakata/Fushimi/Awashima's case, they ended with happy ending *pats Zenjou and Shiotsu*

Link of this fic on ao3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/31751149

Throughout the surprisingly long life of a Zenjou Gouki, he has encountered many crazy situations. Hell, he managed to see the Kagutsu Crater incident right in front of him and stayed alive. But what happened last night can be included in one crazy thing that happened in front of his eyes after a long time.

It started with him following his current superior (not King, Munakata Reisi is never his King) to a small plain room. It was furnished exceedingly modestly, having only a desk and a bed. Zenjou thought that this boring place must be the perfect place to discuss something like a secret plan. Munakata seemed to notice his thought, informed him with a light tone.

"This is my private room. Not many people know about this room, so it will be convenient for our secret meeting.[1]"

"So you really have a place to rest. I've heard rumors about you are some kind of creature who doesn't need sleep." surprised Zenjou. Zenjou has heard many rumors regarding what a bizarre creature the current Blue King. From he has an infinite set of glasses to he lives inside network and doesn't need rest, because no single person ever see him in any condition except straight and sturdy. Although, he also never saw Habari slept either.

He wondered if that was Blue Kings' stubborn trait, to never let people see their crumbled form even on the brink of their death. Yes, he already knew the state of Munakata's Damocles Sword, but the current Blue King's eyes never waver in fear of his own fate.

Just like Habari on that damned day...

A disapproving tongue click voiced his thought, also turned his attention toward its source. Entered a lanky boy with a scowly face that maybe can rival Shiotsu. Of course, he knew immediately the identity of the boy. Fushimi Saruhiko, the number 3 of current Scepter 4. The wild card of the King, Munakata's favorite [2], who has given authority to act freely as his liking [3], much to the discipline Lieutenant Awashima's frustration.

("Zenjou, don't just face the enemy head out! I ordered you to wait, didn't I?!"

"So what? Habari said it's okay, didn't he? You're too stuck up, Shiotsu..."

"Sigh... Habari, you're too sweet with Zenjou.."

"It's fine, isn't it? This guy does a better job when he runs freely.") [4]

"As weird as he looks like, Captain is a human too. Obviously, he does things like resting and sleeping like the rest of us. He just works all the time like a moron and spouting nonsense like King doesn't get tired or something like that." Fushimi's sarcastic quip brought him back to the present. Zenjou has to tell Shiotsu that as delinquent as his past self, this boy is way way worse than him.

At least he never called Habari a moron.

Captain didn't look offended at the insult, though. He greeted the boy with his usual amused tone.

"Ah, Fushimi-kun, you finally came. Have you finished your work?"

The boy shrugged and sat on the only chair in the room, facing Munakata who was seated on his bed. Zenjou himself was content to stand leaning on the wall, away from any of them as possible.

"Tsk, after the alliance agreed on Silver King's plan, I have so many things that have to be prepared. You are the one who asked me to come to your room after today's work is over without getting noticed by other people. Do you realize how wrong it sounds?"

Munakata only smiled at Fushimi's insolent words.  

"I'm sorry, but there's something important that I have to discuss with you in secret. It's related to Silver King's plan that we've heard this noon. After listening to that, I am planning to make a backup plan in case his plan is failed."

Backup plan...quite a natural move for the current Scepter 4's Captain. For a Blue King, he had a quite pessimistic mindset. Once again, Zenjou ascertained that Munakata is not the same as his bright and optimistic Habari.

But, a doubtful thought entered his mind. Was Habari indeed always optimistic?  Suddenly he recalled his conversation with Habari about birds dropping, and Zenjou mulled, maybe Habari knew about his upcoming tragic fate earlier than he thought. [5]    

Fushimi looked at Munakata with a curious gaze, devoid of worry or mistrust upon Captain's words.

"You think his plan will be failed?"

"I can't say that his plan will surely fail, but for a King who runs in shadow all this time, it's weird for Green King to make such an open attack. I have a feeling that Green King has something on his sleeve and it potentially can mess up Silver King's plan."

"Why didn't you say something at the alliance meeting earlier?" asked Fushimi, fully aware that the usual Munakata Reisi should not hesitate to say anything on his mind at the earlier alliance meeting. Munakata pushed his glasses in a somewhat weirdly embarrassed gesture.

"Because I'm still not sure what is Green King's hidden trick so so that my suspicions can seem like paranoia for no reason. I also don't want to discourage other Kings before the battle. Anna-kun is still a child and Isana-shi seems to...have quite a weak mental strength. Besides, the fewer people who know about my backup plan, the better."

Fushimi scanned around the room, seemed to have just realized the absence of Lieutenant Awashima and other Scepter 4 members.

"Lieutenant and the rest of Scepter 4 members are not included in your plan?"

"Yes, I just need you, Fushimi-kun, and you, Zenjou-san. I don't plan to include other clans either but I can't control their action. Is there any more question?"

Looks like finally the curious youth ran out of his questions. Zenjou himself refused to say anything unless he was asked directly.

"Alright then, will the two of you hear what I have to say?"

Zenjou felt a sudden deja vu. Three of them, a king and two wild cards, this situation mirrored their meeting before Kusuhara's avenge mission.[6]

"Fine, let's hear about your plan."

"If our defense on Mihashira tower is defeated and the Slate gets stolen by Green clan, I need you to enter Green clan, Fushimi-kun."

Zenjou froze upon hearing the sentence. He threw his full attention toward Munakata, to see what kind of face he made after uttered such a crazy task. But Munakata didn't seem going to take his words. The current Blue King switched his gaze at the boy Fushimi, who had an unnaturally speechless look on his young face.

"Infiltrate Green Clan, get as close as possible to their secret quarters and the Slate, then give us chance to attack them."

Fushimi's shocked face lasted for a few minutes. Then he finally found his voice to spoke up.

"Let me get this straight. You want me to be Green King's clansman. That means betray Scepter 4. Betray  you ."

Munakata maintained his unshakable serenity.

"Yes, we will have a fake quarrel in front of everyone and you are supposed to leave me in anger."

The youth gradually lost his shocked face. In exchange, his mouth morphed into a twisted grin, and he let out a quite long crazed laugh. Captain just stared at him in silence with no intention to stop his subordinate's bizarre action. In the end, the boy regained his composure and threw Munakata a bitter smile.

"I see, it's such a fitting job for a traitor like me."

Munakata lowered his gaze, but his voice remained steady.

"Indeed you are the only one who can do this task, not only because you have switched clan before, but also I have complete faith in your ability to fulfill this mission."

"Faith, huh..."

Hearing his favorite subordinate's mocking tone, the Scepter 4 captain stood up and walked to the table near the boy. He gently put his hand on the table and spoke softly.

"But I understand that it's not an easy task to accept so you have all night to consider this. In the morning, please give-"

"I'll do it."

"Fushimi-kun?" Munakata's composure shook a little, jolted at Fushimi's resolute words. The person in question stared his Captain head-on with a determined expression.

"I accept this mission. Truly annoying, but I understand the importance of the backup plan, and your plan seems logical enough."

"Fushimi-kun, I advise you to think about this matter carefully. This is a mission with no guarantee that you would return alive. You can refuse it."

"Tsk, don't you say that you have faith in my ability?"

"I have absolute confidence that you can perform this task successfully. But after Green clan is aware of your espionage, you will be trapped in the middle of enemy's territory alone, especially since this mission is kept as a secret from everyone except me, you and Zenjou-san."

Fushimi took his eyes off Munakata and looked at Zenjou, as if just noticing the veteran's presence in the room. He looked at the scarred man slightly annoyed, probably because he didn't like other people to see his last (maybe) mental breakdown.

I don't want to see it either, kid. I don't even know why I am here.

"I understand to keep it from Lieutenant and others to make my betrayal will look real, but why does Zenjou-san is included in this plan?" protested Fushimi, not caring a little bit about Zenjou's demonic popularity. Then again, that kid once (maybe) deliberately passed him and taunted him with his own Captain's condition [7].

Truly no wonder that he's Munakata's favorite.

"After you give a chance to attack, I plan to confront Green clan and Zenjou-san, I need you to be my only companion."

If before Zenjou froze, now he felt like he was being doused by cold water. No one in the room didn't understand the hidden meaning of the Blue King's sentence. Munakata walked toward Zenjou and stared at him sternly, signified how serious the situation that Zenjou was getting into.

"I do not plan to include other Scepter 4 members since Awashima-kun and the rest should handle clan's matters in my absence. Zenjou-san, I will rely on your ability to give me the best possible protection while facing Green clan."

So he refused to say outright about the elephant in the room, huh. How hilarious. Voicing his thought, the youth snorted sarcastically.

"Pft, best possible protection, isn't he your executioner? Or what do you call him? Your Sword of Damocles, part of your destiny."

Wow, ain't that familiar words. So the boy overheard his conversation with the current Blue King on Kusuhara's avenge mission. Munakata didn't mind his subordinate's provocative words at all and firmly addressed the elder man.

"Zenjou-san, are you willing to accompany me and obliterate any threat that can harm humanity?"

Zenjou-san was well aware that the said humanity's threats meant by Munakata are not only about Green Clan and their grand plan. Munakata planned to push his Weismann's level past its limit to face Green clan, and when his Damocles Sword is at the risk of getting down, his life will be the obstacle that must be removed to prevent massive destruction.

(”Zenjou, you will always do the right thing. You will cut what needs to be cut.”)

"I will cut anything that needs to be cut."

"That's good then" nodded Munakata, who seemed satisfied at the confirmation of his own execution.

Silence engulfed the small room. Neither of them intended to open break the ice, probably busy with thoughts of each great burden on their shoulders. After a few minutes, the boy spoke up with an amused yet depressed tone.

"Lieutenant will not be happy about this."

"I bet she won't," chuckled Munakata softly.

"If somehow we can survive in the end, she will choke us with massive ankos."

The boy suppressed his giggle. He was aware of his impending fate, the high possibility of his death with his King...

And he laughed.

On  that day , didn't he also laughed at the possibility of his death alongside Habari? Wait, no, he laughed about how angry Shiotsu to be left alone and has to handle all the mess after their death. And in the end, Shiotsu still had to take care of all Scepter 4 matters because Zenjou after he cut his own king is truly dead in everything but breaths.

Glad that Shiotsu isn't obsessed with anko. Not that he dislikes anko, though.

Captain's chuckle disappeared, seemed that he didn't enjoy Fushimi's newest humor.

"Fushimi-kun, are you sure-"

Fushimi stood up to silence Munakata's mouth, fixed his eyes to his Captain steadily.

"Shut up, I said that I will do it, didn't I. Just like you said, I am the only one who can do it. Instead of nagging me, you should think about yourself."

Fushimi turned around, refusing to face his Captain. The boy muttered petulantly.

"....I am not the one who will walk toward a practically suicide plan."

Munakata sat back on his bed, staring at the room ceiling.

"Your mission has a very high risk, it can be considered a suicide plan, though. It may come to be that you'll share my destiny and have to die with me."

"Then so be it."

Seeing the despairing scene unfolding before his eyes, Zenjou looked away, hard. He didn't like it. The scene he saw right now, is too similar like on that day.

("I made it in time to be with you at your final moment, and share your destiny. I am satisfied with that.")

"Well, there's nothing left to discuss, right? Then I'll go, there are so many things that need to be prepared for tomorrow's plan, also for this new backup plan."The boy hurriedly walked toward the door, still refuse to turn back and saw his Captain.

"Fushimi-kun?"

"Yes?"

The current Blue King took his eyes off the ceiling, focused his attention at his subordinate's back.

"If there's a time when you can choose your fate, please choose the best option for your safety."

The boy was silent for a few moments. Then, still with his back to his Captain, he grabbed the doorknob

"I'll keep that in mind."

The door was opened, and Fushimi was ready to walk out of that room. But, he turned back facing Munakata and stated with a soft yet clear voice.

"When the time comes, I have a feeling that my body will do what I think it's right to do, reason doesn't matter. Just like that night when I stepped to your side. So, I can't promise you anything that I myself can't understand."

"I see... Then, whatever your choice later, do not hesitate."

("Do not hesitate, Zenjou.")

"Yeah, I will not regret it."

I don't understand. Why did I must kill you that time, Habari?

The former right-hand of late Blue King silently watched as the youth's figure completely disappeared from the room. The current Blue King rose from his bed and also walked to the door.

"The meeting is over. Looks like we have so many things to be prepared, aren't we, Zenjou-san? Or do you have any questions?"

Questions? He has so many of them. He felt like he didn't understand anything at all. Blue Kings. Munakata.

Habari.

But there's one thing he had to make sure of.

"You will not let the boy share your fate, aren't you?"

Munakata just smiled softly and walked out of the room, as if his smile is enough for an answer. But the right-hand man of the late Blue King understood the meaning of that damned familiar smile.

The answer is as clear as the blue sky.

King, Zenjou thought, is truly the cruelest being.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

As Munakata predicted, Mihashira's plan was failed and Green clan succeed in stealing the Slate. As per Munakata's plan, he had a nasty verbal fight with Fushimi and the boy left in anger (he wondered how much it was acting and how much it was their scream to each other for the last time). Then, just like Munakata's prediction, the boy managed to be Jungle J-ranker, the current Blue King was fired from his job, and the rest of Scepter 4 were not allowed to leave home base.

The final stage had been prepared.

"I wish I knew what they were thinking, both Captain and Fushimi-san!"

A young energetic blue clansman's voice of frustration echoed in his ears, while he accompanied the Captain walked toward Green clan's base. Funnily, he wondered the same. He glanced at the current Blue King, hoped to catch a glimpse of emotion regarding his impending death. But the current Blue King walked straight as usual, there is no hesitation in his steps and his regal posture.

Habari, when you stood straight facing my sword, surrounded by destruction, what were you thinking?

Did he think about his duty as King to preserve society?

Did he think about his fate to die for everyone's sake?

Did he think about the benefit of his disappearance?

Is it... Is it so wrong for Zenjou to think the opposite?

To think that the world can crash and burn as long as he can be on his King's side?

("The country would be destroyed."

"I see... None of my concern. I fight with you, I die with you. That's all I need to do. Let Shiotsu take care of the rest.")

Losing on his thought, and let his body automatically slashed anything that came across their path, he halted when Munakata suddenly stopped in the middle of the road.

"Now we wait."

Wait, for what?  

Zenjou got his answer quickly after. The road in front of him trembled and shifted. Green clan members around them yelled in panic, confused why and how the gate of their secret base was opened.

But the former right-hand of late Blue King understood. The boy did it. He chose to stay on his King's side and fight for his sake, disregarding his own life.

This means that for the boy, opened the gate for his King is the right thing to do.

Again, he hurriedly took a glance at the King beside him. The Blue King smiled softly, relief in his eyes tingled with immeasurable fondness.

"Fushimi-kun. You have done it."[8]

("That's right, Zenjou. That's fine.")

As if his mind wasn't already filled with painful nostalgia, a familiar person appeared from the gate. Ootori Seigo, the Gray King, another person who lost his everything because of Kagutsu Crater.

"Good grief, the gate really did open. Nagare's foresight is quite accurate."

Of course, the Gray King acknowledged Zenjou as Habari Jin's right-hand man. It's been 14 years ago, but no one will ever forget everything that happened in the middle of Kagutsu Crater. Not that he had any business with Ootori Seigo, now.

He was Munakata's problem.

As the Gray King summoned Damocles Sword, Munakata also summoned his. The broken Blue Damocles Sword clashed with the solid Gray Sword.

The Blue King unleashed his sanctum, pushing his Weissman level.

Green clan had been aware of the boy's infiltration.

The countdown of their death has begun.

So far, everything has gone according to Munakata's plan. But then many unexpected things happened. The first was the arrival of the red and white clansmen who entered the entrance that had been opened by Fushimi. Indeed, the Blue King had said that he cannot control the movements of other clans, but what happened after that certainly completely deviated from Captain's prediction.

Scepter 4 members, who were supposed to be confined in their home base, disregarded the orders from above and came to assist their King. For a supposed genius, Munakata is truly stupid to think that he stopped being their leader after he was fired. As if any clansman will accept that a single piece of paper dictates them to abandon their King.

("Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, Civil Registry Department, Annex 4 is just a facade. Our true identity is the proud Scepter 4 clansmen of Blue King, Munakata Reisi").

Supported by his clansmen's sanctuary, the Blue King rose from adversity and managed to turn the tide. In the end, he succeeded to land a fatal blow on Ootori Seigo and made his Damocles Sword disappeared. Every blue clansman rejoiced for it before suddenly Munakata's whole body crackled with uncontrolled Blue power.

Scepter 4 Lieutenant suddenly rushed to his side and prevented other people to come closer to her King.

"Everyone, stand back. You too, Zenjou-san."

Not too long ago, he challenged Lieutenant Awashima to kill her King. He didn't really think that it had to be her job to slay her King and stop her King's Damocles Sword. Maybe he was testing her. Maybe he was just annoyed because she nagged him about his role in killing King in the past (not that she was worse than Munakata about that). Maybe he was a little resentful because people like her remembered him best as the person who was credited with stopping Habari's Damocles Down by killing his own King.

No matter what reason, it was clear that Awashima took his words seriously. She immediately went to Munakata's side and kept everyone away from him.

"I am his lieutenant. If necessary, I will..." declared Awashima firmly, But her hands were shaking, indicating the heavy feeling raging in her heart.

("Zenjou, as always, you never do wrong things. You will cut what needs to be cut.")

The current Blue King just kept calm with his crackling body. Maybe he already gave up on controlling everything that happened around him and allowed himself to go with the inevitable flow of fate. What did he say before? 'There are times when you want to throw out reason and let fate take its course'.

"Awashima-kun, when the time comes, do not hesitate."

("Do not hesitate, Zenjou.")

Too focused on what was happening, no one noticed the gray king's departure from his previous place. Zenjou just noticed it for a while, and let him be. With the old man's battered body, Ootori couldn't do anything except mustered his last strength and limped toward his purpose of life.

"At least, he can die where he wants."

Which is certainly couldn't be said for Zenjou. All he can do is to live and observe the next tale of Blue. Blue that did not belong to him.

Wild power in Munakata' body was intensified. Crack in the huge blue sword grew exponentially. Lieutenant Awashima strengthened her grip on her sword, gritted her teeth.

Will history repeated itself?

Will the right hand of the King, the most devoted clansman of Blue, killed her own King?

Suddenly, crackles that enveloped the Blue King stopped. The broken Sword of Damocles disintegrated into blue sparkles, diluted in the clear blue sky. Lieutenant Awashima drastically relieved her tense posture, utterly grateful painted her pretty face.

Munakata himself didn't show any sharp change of expression. With the same serene and peaceful smile, the former Blue King whispered softly.

"It seems my life has been spared."

"Captain!"

Munakata turned his back facing his Lieutenant. He noticed the strong woman's refreshed face, as if she was just relieved from a huge burden and all is well. That's exactly what happened, indeed.  

"I must admit that I was a bit curious to see if Awashima-kun would be able to slay me. However, I appreciate your efforts. Thank you."

Asshole. Even just after be free from the brink of certain death, the young captain is as cynical as ever. The Lieutenant's emotion didn't change much, but if someone looked closely, a spark of anger flashed her eyes.

"With all due respect, Captain. Your gratitude alone will not be enough."

"Huh?"

"Excuse me!"

A loud, well-deserved punch, streaked Munakata's baffled face. Zenjou snorted, silently cheered.

Serves him right.

He was truly satisfied to accompany Munakata today.

A huge earthquake shook underneath them. The Scepter 4 Captain in everything but an official title (not for long) quickly ordered his clansmen to evacuate. He himself stayed in the place he stood, stared forlornly at the remnant of Green Clan base below him. Come to think about it, Munakata had been staring at the Jungle entrance ever since he defeated Gray King.

As if he dropped something precious in there.

Do you regret hoping that he doesn't share the same fate as you, now that you survived?

Suddenly, a green light appeared behind him, carrying the bruised but clearly alive Blue's youngest clansman. The newly former King turned around, and finally met his private soldier's eyes for a long time since their hurtful (fake) quarrel. There are so many things that happened to them, so many things that should be discussed, but the youth casually spoke up, as if they're in a normal day of normal daily Scepter 4 life.

"Mission accomplished, sir.."

"Well done."

Seeing the serene scene in front of him, Zenjou suppressed the bitter envy in his heart.

If only he and Habari's situation ended up like them...

Kagutsu bastard... if he wanted to destroy everything so much, he should destroy the damned Slate when he was at it.

0000000000000000000000000

"So, have you found your answer on the last incident?" asked a man with a scary face beside Zenjou. His name is Shiotsu, the former Lieutenant of Habari's Scepter 4 and Zenjou's closest comrade after Habari. They were on a drink together in the same oden store as the last time [7].

"What answer? I was simply watching the current Blue King." replied Zenjou while sipping his drink. Shiotsu scowled.

"You certainly watched him because of  that time . You said that you want to understand Habari after all.[9]"

Smoothing his frown, Shiotsu raised his glass and pondered.

"To be honest, I am curious too. How did he feel when he stood between his own life and massive destruction? How did he feel when he asked you to kill him?"

"Habari didn't ask me to kill him. I chose to do it."

The bespectacled man suddenly stated, put his glass down slowly.

"That's my answer I guess."

"What?" perplexed Shiotsu. Zenjou Gouki is the absolute loyal dog of Habari Jin. For him to admit that he chose to kill his King... the former Acting Captain of Scepter 4 couldn't believe his ears.

"On the recent incident with Munakata, The Blue-I mean former Blue King didn't ask Awashima to kill him. Still, she rushed to his side, just like I did in the past. She's prepared to do what needs to be done, for Scepter 4 and society's sake. On the other hand, that boy Fushimi chose to risk his life for Munakata, opened the gate that became the entrance for Silver King and his alliance to enter Jungle, and indirectly caused Munakata's Damocles to disappear. Both of them didn't move because of command. They just did what they think is the right thing to do, without hesitation."

Zenjou took a dejected breath, and continued calmly.

"At that time,  maybe it happened to me as well. All Habari did was to let me do my choice and accepted his fate."

Shiotsu was silent, stared at Zenjou's contemplative look. The former guard dog of Blue King's face was melancholic just like how he always is while thinking about their King, but he could feel that finally, his closest comrade found peace in himself.

"I see... Then, did you regret your choice?"

Zenjou smiled wistfully.

"Part of me still wants to die alongside him on that day, but I will try not to regret what's already happened."

Shiotsu still remembered the days after the Kagutsu incident. Zenjou's blank hopeless look, as if his soul went with his king to the afterlife. Zenjou who left Scepter 4 right after Habari's death, and withdrew from everyone. Zenjou who refused to come out, and chose to grieve in silence.

Looking that his friend's sorrowful yet serene smile, Shiotsu felt very grateful that his friend was still alive and sat in his side.

"Good for you, Zenjou."

Looking at his comrade's unusual fond smile, Zenjou chuckled.

"So you can make a smile with that scowly face, Shiotsu."

"Shut up. I was born with this face, but you and Habari's recklessness certainly didn't help me to hold back my scowl."

Zenjou let out a crisp hearty laugh. Then, as if he had just remembered something, he grinned.

"Speaking about recklessness, Lieutenant Awashima is also not happy with both the current Blue King and his boy's recklessness. She's so angry when knowing that they literally walked toward suicide plans without her knowledge, intended to leave her alone to stay in Scepter 4 HQ and handle Clan's matters after their death. The discipline Lieutenant punched his superior and tried to break the boy's back with her hug."

Hearing that, Shiotsu couldn't help but snicker. Oh, he knew the feeling of that Lieutenant's frustration and exasperation very damn well.

"Of course she is, and they deserved it."

"On  that day,  Habari left your side to face Kagutsu alone. I also followed him and tried to die with him. To think about it, perhaps we both could be that reckless because we know that you can survive and take care of the rest of matters after our death. Like Awashima, do you ever feel angry-"

*BUGH*

A hard-boiled punch followed by a back-breaking hug answered Zenjou's question.

Reference :

[1] Case Files of Blue volume 2 chapter 3

[2] Fushimi Saruhiko side story

[3] Days of Blue Chapter 4

[4] Side Blue Oneshot- A Dog Reminiscence

[5] Zenjou Gouki ~ Dog Droppings, Bird Droppings

[6] K Seven Stories Side Blue

[7] K Countdown Chapter 6 : Damaged Blue

[8] K Return of King Manga Chapter 12

[9] K ~ Seven Stories ~ Piece 7: Habari Jin

#k project #Fushimi Saruhiko #Munakata Reisi #zenjou gouki #habari jin #Awashima Seri #shiotsu gen #scepter 4 #Zenjou Gouki P.O.V #angst with a happy ending #My fic

[ridiasfangirlings]

What wouldve happened if yata became the red king instead of anna? Would homra still get back together? What if he had a damocles down?

Okay but Yata having a Damocles Down and then Munakata has to kill him and that triggers Munakata’s Damocles Down and the someone has to kill him (I’ll take ‘How To Traumatize Fushimi Saruhiko’ for 100, Alex). I wonder if Homra would rally around Yata the way they did Anna, the interesting thing here I think is that Yata’s been trying so hard after MK to be the one who still 'holds on’ to Homra, who wants to keep the memory alive even though everyone else has split apart. There’s that whole part in the pre-MK drama CD where after Mikoto’s death Yata’s trying to like suggest activities the clan could do together and just desperately trying to keep his spirits up to convince himself that Homra isn’t breaking apart, that Homra won’t be broken, but everyone else just gets upset with him for trying to fake a time that won’t ever come back. But then if Yata becomes King he really can hold Homra together in his own way, really try to be a point for everyone to rally around, and I wonder if just him awakening as King would be enough to do that. I think at the very least the 'main’ members would likely join back up, just as they did for Anna (I tend to headcanon that all those random nameless Homra guys who showed up at the end of S1 all leave after Mikoto dies and only the main cast and alphabet squad actually do choose to follow Anna, which is why we never see any of the other random members at any time in ROK). Yata might be a little bitter at them though, like I could see him just yelling and crying that no one wanted to hold Homra together before this and now here they are all crawling back but he’s also really grateful, just wanting to live up to Mikoto and find a way to keep Homra alive.

I also feel like that could be one of Yata’s biggest problems as a King, I feel like where Anna found her own way of Kingship Yata would very much be trying to 'be’ Mikoto and it’s hard for him to accept that the Homra he creates doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of Mikoto’s Homra (though I could also see him coming to realize how hard it was for Mikoto to be King, that all this time that Yata thought Mikoto was so cool and strong Mikoto was actually caged in and miserable, longing for his own freedom any way he could get it). I think Kusanagi would do his best to help guide Yata in that respect and probably Anna too, just the two of them trying to help him navigate what kind of King he wants to be and reminding him that this is his Homra now and he’s his own person, he doesn’t have to try to live up to Mikoto or become Mikoto, Yata alone is the one everyone chose to follow and that’s enough.

If he had a Damocles Down that would pretty much just be bad for everyone. I think Yata would have trouble keeping himself stable – this is one of the reasons why I was never entirely down with all the 'Yata becomes Mikoto’s successor’ fics that happened after S1 aired – like especially the first time he sees Fushimi I could just see his Weismann levels going all over the place. In fact their relationship would be in even more of a mess, like Fushimi can’t fight Yata on even territory anymore but he still can’t stop himself from wanting Yata’s attention either. I can see Kusanagi even telling Yata that he needs to stay away from Fushimi because being near him clearly makes it harder for Yata to control his powers and he can’t afford to lose control here, Yata tries to agree but he can’t exactly remove himself from Fushimi’s life either. Oh imagine if that’s part of what led to the Damocles Down too, like Fushimi starts taunting Yata, Yata loses control of his powers for just like a split second but in that moment he really badly hurts Fushimi, which in turn causes Yata’s emotions to just go wild and suddenly his Sword is crumbling and his powers are going out of control and he doesn’t know how to stop it. (And honestly in that situation everyone probably is pretty screwed unless Kusanagi’s willing to pull a Zenjoh and take Yata out. Otherwise Munakata could do it, but killing one more King would trigger his Damocles Down and then we have to hope Awashima can kill him, and pretty much no matter what it isn’t going to end well.)

#Yata Misaki #Talking K #yeah if Yata has a Damocles Down they're all dead XD #tbh Anna was probably best case scenario Red King #like Munakata can only kill so many Kings you know #wait why is he having to kill everyone anyway why isn't immortal Shiro killing Kings #go be useful Shiro put an umbrella through Iwafune's ribs or something

[ridiasfangirlings]

I know I did a recent ask of Kuroh raised by Kamo in Scepter 4, so this might have some similarities. Like imagine Munakata finds Kuroh shortly after becoming a King (oh maybe in this AU it's like planned by Ichigen that Munakata will adopt Kuroh, he asks Munakata to come visit him and it's while walking to Ichigen's place that Munakata comes upon Kuroh and chooses to adopt him). I could totally see Munakata proudly raising Kuroh as a member of Scepter 4, Kuroh would probably end up learning swordfightng from Awashima or Zenjoh in this AU and he's still extremely polite and everything. I think Kuroh would be very grateful to his savior the same way he is in canon, he respects Munakata greatly and wishes to emulate him in all ways. Kuroh would probably end up with some of Munakata's hobbies too, imagine him sitting there for hours trying to work on super hard puzzles even if they’re beyond him just because Munakata can, like Kuroh wishes to live up to Munakata's expectations. When he's little he and Munakata can even do the puzzles together, like Kuroh sits next to Munakata and watches in awe as Munakata perfectly puts each piece in its correct place.

S1 then would probably end up somewhat differently, I wonder if Kuroh would even be the one initially going after Shiro. I feel like he would end up more as regular swordsman troops but he wants to be something more, like imagine him having some low key jealousy of Fushimi for being Munakata's odd job guy and Kuroh wishes he could be that useful. I feel like Kuroh would have a mixed relationship with Fushimi because on the one hand he would not at all approve of the disrespect Fushimi shows to Munakata but on the other Kuroh is aware of how much trust Munakata puts in Fushimi and Kuroh wishes to know what it is he lacks that Fushimi has (imagine Kuroh one day just coming up to Fushimi all polite and bowing as he asks Fushimi to please explain to him what Kuroh can improve upon in order to continue to be useful to Munakata and Fushimi's just like 'eh?' all annoyed because he has no idea why the Captain's kid is being so weird to him all of a sudden). When the whole mess of S1 goes down Kuroh is at first assigned to stay with the normal troops and he's not able to do much else – maybe when he meets Shiro here it's not at the start of everything but actually like mid-series, Shiro still sees the video of Colorless in his body killing Totsuka and spends a few episodes trying to figure out what happened and in the end he still ends up at the stadium and is saved by Neko's illusion. All of Scepter 4 is taken in except a clear-minded Kuroh, who goes after Shiro on his own to administer justice. That's when he starts to hear Shiro's side of the story and becomes all torn because he feels a strange connection to Shiro and Neko but he also has his extreme loyalty to Munakata, I think he would be trying to convince Shiro to turn himself over to the Blues because they can handle him best.

Then when ROK happens I think if Kuroh was in the Silver clan by then or even just simply friends with Neko and Shiro he would be torn, because he wants to be loyal to Munakata but he's also extremely concerned about the state of Munakata's Sword. I feel like he would spend a lot of time trying to convince Munakata that they all need to work together to find a way to stop Munakata's Sword from crumbling and feeling upset and frustrated because Munakata is so intent on following his ideals to the end regardless of the consequences. This maybe makes Kuroh rethink some of his own ideals too, that he's for so long simply followed Munakata's beliefs but now he sees something in Shiro's more 'free' approach, that this may be the only the way to save the person he loves and isn't that more important than simply following rules and justice blindly.

#Yatogami Kuroh #Talking K #imagine Kuroh as a tiny Munakata though #smiling so proudly whenever Munakata does something dorky #omg would Kuroh learn how to sparkle #he would want everyone to be respectful to Munakata #imagine him trying to help everyone join Munakata's bonding sessions #handing out little tickets to everyone or signing them up on a clipboard

[ridiasfangirlings]

What if fushimi worked in habari's regime? And when munakata personally goes to recruit him too :D

I feel like Munakata would have a hard time recruiting Fushimi, ifFushimi was there when Habari’s Scepter 4 collapsed he’d probably beall bitter about the place he belonged being destroyed and wouldn’twant to risk that again. Say in this AU the time periods are a littlecloser together from when Habari died versus when Munakata awakened,so Fushimi’s older than in canon but not by quite as much. He’s oneof the younger members of Habari’s team – the only ones younger arethe Minato twins, who were only given power as a concession to theloyalty of their parents and Fushimi was one of the people who arguedagainst giving children the power of the Blue King, Habari justlaughed and noted that Fushimi’s technically still a child himself.Like in his current incarnation Fushimi mostly works solo missionsfor Habari, Habari’s always trying to kindly nudge him towardsworking more with the entire force but Fushimi’s reluctant to try andwork together with anyone except maybe Habari himself. Fushimi inthis AU was raised by Niki the same as in canon but of course therewas no Yata to save him, maybe instead Niki turns out to actually bea Strain and Scepter 4 comes to capture him, they find him in themidst of tormenting Fushimi and Habari ends up inadvertently adoptingthe kid when he realizes how much damage Niki did to Fushimi, plusthe fact that Kisa clearly has no desire to take care of the kid inNiki’s absence. Fushimi then grows up seeing Habari as his savior andfeeling that he was to work for Habari as a way to pay back his debtfor being rescued, like he can’t even quite believe Habari saved himout of the goodness of his heart, Fushimi’s always waiting for theday he becomes useless and Habari abandons him. He’s entirely loyalto Habari and Habari only, feeling like the only place where hereally belongs is at Habari’s side.

Then the Kagutsu incident happens, Fushimi is sent on a separatemission while Habari leads the force after the deteriorating Kagutsu.The truth though is that Habari sent Fushimi on a fake missionbecause he was afraid of what the outcome of the Kagutsu missionwould be and wanted to keep Fushimi away from the chaos. Fushimi istherefore halfway across the city when Kagutsu’s Sword falls, he seesit from a distance and immediately reverses course, heading towardsthe destruction. He gets close enough that he can see Habari’s Swordup in the sky crumble and then fall, Fushimi keeps running towards iteven as he braces himself for what will surely be his death when asecond Sword falls. Instead nothing happens but Fushimi can feela stab in his own heart. Several minutes later he arrives to find aone-armed and bleeding Zenjoh cradling Habari’s dead body. Fushimithrows his own sword down and turns, storming off. He never goes backto Scepter 4, isolating himself, believing that Habari sent him awaybecause Habari didn’t trust him to handle the whole Kagutsu mess andfeeling like the one place in the world where he belonged has beentaken from him, another precious thing burned to ash.

A couple years later Munakata shows up at Fushimi’s door, smilingcalmly as he asks if Fushimi would like to invite him in for tea.Fushimi was the hardest member of Habari’s remaining clansmen tofind, having basically isolated himself from the world for a coupleyears, plus there was very little information on Fushimi in Scepter4’s systems in general. Fushimi knows exactly who Munakata is andbasically tells him to fuck off, Fushimi has no interest in followingany King ever again. Munakata maybe leaves that day but comes backthe next and the next, Fushimi gets increasingly more pissed eachtime but Munakata is relentless, Fushimi is a talented person and asfar as Munakata is concerned other than Zenjoh Fushimi is the onlyother member of the old Scepter 4 that Munakata feels there is a needfor in his organization. Maybe he eventually gets Fushimi to agreebut Fushimi’s terms are strict, he won’t work with anyone, he takesonly solo missions and he won’t ever call Munakata ‘King.’ Munakatais amused by such a thing and agrees, but tells Fushimi that Munakatafeels he will, in time, come to see Munakata as his King.

#Fushimi Saruhiko #Talking K #Fushimi would have so much trouble going to another clan if his was destroyed #especially if he did see Habari as his King #Munakata intends to change his mind though #Fushimi would be even more against bonding in this AU #like he doesn't intend to even speak to anyone besides Munakata #and then his character arc is all about him coming to find that Munakata can be his KIng too #also imagine he has this burning hate for the Red clan bc of what happened with Kagutsu #when Mikoto's Sword becomes unstable Fushimi's totally in the just stab him and be done with it camp #like fuck if he lets another Red King destroy everything