Disclaimer: I do not own Knb.

Also, although they're altered to fit in this, some things and/or personas, events are inspired by the Game of thrones.

Akashi's character path is partly inspired by Daenerys Stormborn. Story has a side AkaKuro romance and maybe some other pairings.

Setting: Medieval

Chapter 1

'The dragon.'

.

Summer will end soon enough, and childhood as well.

.

Chilly, morning breeze enveloped the golden capital that stood proud before all those who tried to diminish it's glow. Nightingales synchronizing more purely than anywhere else in the world. Two ruby eyes beheld the most precious sight in a boy's mind. Dulcet poem, over and over and over again- this will all be like a mold in his hands one day. He is to reign and take his rightful place as an emperor one day.

"Excuse me, my prince, but your lessons are waiting." his head barely turned on such frivolous protest of his caretaker. There was a small nod, after which he returned his attention to the nightingales. 'A prince born in fire' gazed softly at the city that was stretching even further than his inhumanly sharp, precise eyes could see. Akashi Seijuuro, emperor's only son and heir, knew that he couldn't just gaze and admire forever, and thus making this moment sweet like the precious nectar he once tasted, for one day he will have to secure his throne and supremacy.

"Shall we begi-"

"We shall begin when I say so, Nijimura-san." he was quite cognizant of his status. The night young Seijuuro was born, at least that's what he's been told, his mother had died. Father was away, and only came back when Seeijuro was three- that was the first the he's seen his face, he was waging one last war before the peace was attained. His father had won, of course, it was understandable by itself. But back here, a fire broke in the golden city, many people died. Ashes, dust and nothingness scattered , for everything bare that fire touched- could never remain.

His lungs constricted for the first time as the red beast ravaged the city. It was complicated delivery, his mother drew her last breath only minutes after his life had only begun. Midwife that was holding him glanced at the city, only seeing- flames. Panic had found it's way into the emperor's palace and Seijuuro's safety was the first priority.

Thus earning him the name of 'fireborn'.

The more he grew, the more they realized he truly was a 'fireborn'. His eyes were precious red stones, red as the purest, most enchanting fire, his hair wild and sharp, as red as blood. Blood that was spilled that very night he was born.

When Seijuuro was five, a child gifted with sharp intellect and capable beyond his age, he had learned of his father deal with other countries to preserve peace. It was a treaty, or something along that, Seijuuro thought, that kept emperor secure on his throne.

'But a true emperor needs not an approval from others. True emperor grasps the power and supremacy he desires so.'

"Nijimura-san..." he called his tutor, who was waiting the unmanageable royal for their lessons. "Do you think father has grown meek? Too meek to keep a steady hold over the iron throne." Seijuuro's red eyes threw a look, gazing into Nijimura's very soul. Prince had something special about him, he was magnificent beyond an ordinary human, beyond even his father. He was a dragon, dragon born in fire.

"He who sits on the iron throne holds an unimaginable power, my prince. Your father-."

"My father has done nothing but petty alliances with other powerful families. Who's to say they won't betray him one day and take the throne for themselves?" young Akashi spat, glint of disapproval in his ruby orbs.

"You should not speak about the emperor in such manner, if he's to hear you..." Nijimura shook his head.

"The last great war was almost eight years ago. Other powerful bloodlines are growing unruly. After Imayoshi Shoichi had taken over the lands in the west, he's been doing nothing but provoking the Capital. He's clever, that one. People like him need to be reminded of absolute power the iron throne should posses." Akashi glided his small, pale hands over the marble stone.

He was right, Nijimura mused. Such perceptiveness, and at such young age of seven. But as the time passed, his fear of the ambition that glittered irresistibly in Seijuuro's eyes, had only grown.

"If the rebellion starts, who's to say my father will come out as a victor? On the contrary, if it were me..." young prince sighed.

Akashi narrowed his eyebrows, nightingales had stopped singing. He was just a prince. Powerless, yet. He remembered the first time he had seen his father, people yelling love and loyalty, unbearable noisiness that spread trough the city... His father sitting on that tall, metal chair, shaped by the swords of the fallen enemies, his father looking supreme, powerful, absolute... Where had it diminished? Was his father's time long over?

"Nijimura-san, I want to play chess." he turned, tilting his head lightly and observing his mentor.

"But you always win, my prince. You're ruining my pride. " raven haired man shook his head smiling politely.

Nijimura clattered his feet against the floor, this was scandalous, if emperor was to find out they were eavesdropping...

However, he was unable to prevent the prince from doing whatever he desired, as the time passed he grew more and more proud, absolute in his doings. Months ago, he heard him speak ill of his father for the first time, now it was a common thing. Every new move from the other families, young Akashi took personally, as an attack on his claim of the iron throne.

"Imayoshi Shoichi aligned with the Wakamatsu family and, if our informant heard well, they're starting the rebellion in the west." one of the council members spoke. Seijuuro pressed his small body against the cold stone to hear better, frown on his face growing.

"We are in a good relationship with Imayoshi family, I don't see a reason..."

'My poor, naive father.'

"Also, the slaves are...their requests are growing, if there was to be a go for revolution inside the capital we're..."

"The slaves are slaves, and they're to remain so!" his father yelled, strict voice echoing trough the hall.

"When I become the emperor, there will be no slaves." Seijuuro pressed his lips firmly, giving a look akin to a warning to Nijimura.

"Why is that young prince?" the tutor fixed his robe, because Seijuuro was saying quite liberal and unlikely things. He often talked about new, reformed empire once he becomes an emperor. But he brushed it aside as idealist's dreams, child's dreams...what Akashi wanted was an utopia of triumphant empire that stood above all others, with him on the iron throne.

"People should be born equal. Look at those pigs sitting around that table and trying to defend the iron throne. Their minds are so shallow, who is to say they're better than any slave. I will take those who are most competent, by their minds, not their blood."

"We need to be prepared, your Highness, when the Wakamatsu family declares war. Imayoshi's will most likely fall on their side too. Merchants on the south coastline are unhappy with the present situation too, we can expect their swords as well. They are currently led by Kasamatsu Yukio who is said to be capable man."

"We will be prepared." he heard his father's answer.

"Father should have prevented their alliance in the first place." Akashi said his nonchalant voice echoing trough the empty hall.

"Stop this unsightly thing." Seijuuro took a step outside his carriage, heavily guarded by well-trained knights. His personal guard consisted of eight men, and he was also followed by Nijimura who was not only knowledgeable man and a medic but he was also trained in martial arts.

People hummed his name with their fickle voices, clearing the path before him. Seijuuro squinted his eyes, he didn't want to look at the sight he was presented with. A boy, no older than him, was chained, his body as if resting against the wooden plaque. He was almost bare, and judging by the yells of a approval, it was public whipping. The red parallel marks on the creamy white back whispering of the muttered cries boy produced. He couldn't see the boy's face, only a mess of a baby,cerulean blue hair that gave the owner an air of lightness,something Akashi remembered from the painting of angels.

"He's a slave accused of practicing witchcraft, your Grace." a man stepped forward, he wasn't the one holding the whip though.

Akashi squinted his ruby eyes, this needed to be dealt quickly and efficiently.

"Did he have a fair trial?" his voice echoed trough the street, everyone was silent. He realized in that moment, why everyone moved out of the way...people were afraid of him, afraid of the royals.

He didn't want just that. If they're only afraid, that means his father had done an awful job at ruling over the land. Akashi wanted to be both admired and feared, loved, loved to the bone with undying loyalty and followed to the end of the world.

"Well...he's a slave..."

"Slave or not, every man in this empire deserves a fair trial. Unchain him this instant." Akashi furrowed his brows. He heard small talk in the background, this was unheard of. For a prince to stand proud defending a mere slave.

"Nijimura, see that he is brought the the palace of justice and judged fairly." His gaze flew to the raven hair. Nijimura nodded, ordering two guards to pick up the boy and see that prince's orders are executed.

A moment before entering the carriage his eyes met the light moonstones, emotionless yet soft gaze of a boy he had just saved. The boy was indeed his age. Seijuuro could barely hold back a gasp, his skin was glowing against the grey streets, he was Galatea brought to life. Boy might be a slave, but he shone brighter than all royal sons and daughters. The boy was taken away, cheers but also shouts following him.

"You did a good thing, Prince. Fair and just." Nijimura sat across him in the carriage.

"I want you to find out who is that boy, Nijimura-san."

Raven hair didn't question nor answered that, for the prince was always ten steps ahead.

"What were you thinking?" Akashi impassively stared at his father, father whose fearfulness was long lost. He wasn't usurped upon hearing his father wanted a word with him after returning to palace. Seijuuro calmly sat across the table were he used to sit so long ago when times were prosperous and his father loved spending time with him.

"To make such foolish move for the sake of a mere slave! You are a prince Seijuuro, and it's not like you to do this. You've always been smart and sharp!" His fater's voice was irritating him, the old man had the nerve to...

"I did what was just. If you payed them respect they deserve maybe they wouldn't rebel. You, as all kings, forgot...slaves and small men carry the empire on their shoulders." Seijuuro stared at his hands.

"Slaves are slaves! They are here to serve, we owe then nothing." the rage, the roar...it didn't have any effect on him.

"You will retire to your chamber Seijuuro, and you aren't allowed to leave the palace until you realize your mistake."

"So, am I to leave the palace once it is in ruins from your and council's incompetent reign?"

He knew the words were insolent, harsh and punishable by death. His father gaped, not believing his very son, his only son was criticizing him. Emperor Akashi always knew his son was excellent but that he'd grow this proud this quickly...Rage climbed up his spine and curled around his mind, he was...

"I HOLD THE IRON THRONE. I AM SON OF AKASHI BLOODLINE, THE DRAGON. I AM YOUR FATHER, YOU WILL SHOW ME RESPECT, SEIJUURO."

Seijuuro stared blankly until he was forcefully taken away by guards and showed to his room.

That very night, the council heard the news...the rebellion had started.

The war for the iron throne, that will paint the land in crimson, had started...

.

I hope I didn't make Akashi too OOC...

At first I imagined this as oneshot but I realized it's better if I make it more detailed and it will end up as short story...(hopefully)

Reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed, I want to know what you lovely readers think... :3