The Voice of You and Me

18

      "She made a slight misjudgment. She challenged you to a game without my permission. Then ended up being defeated on her own stage. She needs to reflect on her actions." the small avatar said. You felt frozen to the spot as you watched the Green King roam freely across the computer screen as if he was looking around the room. Then he stopped and stared straight where the two of you sat.

"The middle schoolers from two years ago have grown into capable clansmen. How delightful." he said with a sinister laugh as a smile grew on the avatar's face. Within an instant, the cords from the computer started to crackle with green sparks that grew and grew. The sparks didn't just reach the computer, but to all the wiring within the apartment which caused the room to be a dangerous cage of green electricity.

"Get behind me!" Saruhiko shouted as he shielded you away from the danger.

"...Eh?" the Green King said while the avatar faced the front door. With a loud creak, the door to the apartment opened as a man stepped in.

"I suggest that you pull back, Green King. May I suggest you take your leave now? For someone whose expertise is hiding in the shadows seeking for chances to meddle in other's affairs, isn't this quite a disadvantage situation?" Munakata said while crossing his arms like an upset parent before reaching for his sword.

"Is that what you think? It's a pity." the Green King replied as his avatar clapped his hands together and made more sparks.

"My, my. Fully motivated, aren't we? It's indecorous for several kings to raise their Swords of Damocles in a place like this. But I see it's inevitable." the Blue King replied as he removed his sword from it's sheath. The avatar flinched as if realizing a mistake then sighed.

"Ah, I see what you mean. Indeed it's to my disadvantage. Most regrettable." he replied and the sparks died down until they were almost completely gone. As the sparks started to fade, the Green King turned to you and Saruhiko and said, "Fushimi Saruhiko. I will keep your account active. Please log in whenever you feel like it. And I would enjoy it if you made one, (y/n) (y/l/n). Farewell." And with that, he and the sparks vanished. You sat quietly as Saruhiko grabbed his PDA and burnt it to a crisp.

"....Why are you here?" Saruhiko asked as he turned to face the Blue King who stood quietly.

"Regarding the revolt initiated by the Minato brothers, I suspected it to be agitated or assisted by JUNGLE. Infecting a Homra member's PDA, which was yours, should be a part of their plan. But that was merely my speculation. It turns out that JUNGLE's objective was to win you both over." Munakata answered.

"Is that why you're letting us off the hook? You're really something aren't you? To think that you can do these sort of things nonchalantly." he replied

"Well, aren't you something as well. To purposely lure that guy out....are you not afraid of kings?" the Blue King questioned.

"...I...am not afraid." Saruhiko answered. Munakata turned to you for a response so you gave a small nod. He looked between the both of you for signs of it being a lie, but found none.

"Our single dormitories are well stocked with furniture, electrical appliances, and everyday commodities. You can use them freely. Please pack only your basic personal belongings. Would twenty minutes be enough? And I suggest you head to your apartment and pack as well, Miss (y/l/n). I will wait for you outside." he said then turned for the door. Once you registered what he had said, you quickly jumped down from the top bunk and rushed towards him.

"W-wait! I never said I accepted your offer...." you said while looking at your shoes. Munakata placed a hand on your shoulder.

"If I remember correctly, you said you would come if I convinced Fushimi to join. And I have no intention of only gaining one valuable piece. So, please head home to pack." he told you with a smile. You blushed at what he meant then nodded in understanding. He nodded in return then headed for the door once more.

"Wha...ha? Wait! What are you planning to do? I was merely asking whether it's possible to change clans...." Saruhiko said while leaning over the bed's edge. Munakata sighed.

"If you have time to talk, please hurry up and pack. I would prefer not to stay long. An unpleasant man is on his way here." he replied. You gave him a confused look before you realized who he meant. With that, both you and Saruhiko rushed outside to see Mikoto standing against a pole smoking a cigarette.

"Why..." Saruhiko mumbled to himself. Munakata calmly reached where the three of you stood before noticing the Red King was already here.

"You are here because you are worried for your clansman, aren't you?" he asked.

"Heh." Mikoto said with a smile on his face.

"Since it's a rare opportunity, I'll make things clear. My subordinates were inefficient in tracking down Minato Hayato and Akito. It is possible that an unknown entity well-versed with our information network is aiding the twins in secret. Therefore, I'd like to borrow someone from your clan who's familiar with informants of the underworld along with someone who knows their way around. Regarding the trouble caused by your clan, we would not pursue the matter. Besides, inviting the King of another clan into his home is surely the decisive factor in destroying trust among your hotheaded bunch." Munakata explained in order to not cause trouble.

"No, wait! You were the one - !" Saruhiko started to say, but was cut off.

"You are so full of reasons. Fushimi. Reasons don't matter. What do you want to do?" Mikoto said.

"Fushimi Saruhiko. Let's start over formally. Would you join my Scepter 4?" Munakata asked. You took a step back in shock. The two kings were both fighting over who would get Saruhiko and you couldn't help, but be sorry for him. The boy looked overwhelmed and unsure. Softly, you placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a smile.

"It's ok. Just be honest." you told him. He nodded in understanding and took a deep breath. For a moment, nothing happened until you watched Mikoto toss his cigarette to the ground and crushed it under his foot.

"...I see." he said then walked away. What? you thought as you watched his form disappeared from view. You tried looking for some kind of sign as to why he left then barely caught the reason. Saruhiko took a step toward Munakata.

"Well, now that that has been decided, there's still one more thing." Munakata said then stood in front of you.

"(y/n) (y/l/n), would you like to join my Scepter 4?" he asked with his hand stretched out towards you. You gave a warm smile then nodded in agreement. The Blue King smiled as well then began to walk away as he said, "Please pack as soon as possible and head to our headquarters. I assume you two have some things to work out." With that, he was gone.

"......You spoke with him, too, didn't you?" Saruhiko asked as he stood their quietly. You nodded.

"Yeah. I would've accepted his offer sooner, but....." you started to say, but stopped yourself and began to blush. He stepped closer to you.

"But what?" he asked. You felt your face get very red as you turned away from his gaze.

".....I didn't want to leave your side. I thought if I took his offer then you might still be with Homra and hate me....." you explained feeling embarrassed. Silence was your only response as you waited for what you said to sink in. Before you could react, Saruhiko wrapped his arms around you in a tight embrace holding you close.

"I could never hate you. No matter what you chose. And I'm happy you're staying with me." he said in a soft voice. You smiled and returned the hug just as tight and you couldn't be happier.