Kurogiri felt himself begin to awaken apart of him thinking what strange dreams he had been having and swore no more spicy foods before bed. But as he was coming out of his slumber he felt a pain in his head and he grimaced grasping at where it hurt. He had a black eye from when he had been punched by Chisaki and was having difficulty opening his eye.

"Don't sit up so soon. You've been unwell." a man's deep voice spoke.

Kurogiri thought strange it doesn't sound like my son's voice for it was far too deep to be Tenko's. Till he came out of it and saw the sleepy face of Shouto Aizawa the town bookseller. Although he had a deep look of concern on his brow.

Some of Aizawa's cats were in bed with Kurogiri cuddled up around him sleeping.

"You've been sick with a fever for a few days now. Yamada found you unconscious in the woods and tied to a tree. Do you remember what happened to you?" Aizawa asked him while Hizashi gave a nod.

Kurogiri attempted to sit up once more. Aizawa and Hizashi slowly helped him sit up and then offered him a cup of tea. One of the cats jumped off the bed due to the movement.

Kurogiri thought to himself collecting his memories. Though the pain proved difficult he took a few sips of tea and started coming back to himself. 

"Yes, I remember now. Tenko was kidnapped by a beast and I was going out to rescue him. Chisaki was there he was going to help me save Tenko, but he thought I was lying and betrayed me. He...he's after my son. Oh, I don't know what's worse that terrible beast holding my son hostage or or that cold blooded Captain." Kurogiri lamented gazing at his teacup.

"Are you saying Kai Chisaki the war hero did this to you?" Aizawa asked in surprise or as surprised as Aizawa was capable of being.

"Yes, he became angry with me accused me of fabricating it all and then he punched me in the face and after that it's all dark." Kurogiri said wincing as he felt his bruised eye.

"Well, now that I think about it those knots the ropes were tied with were pretty expertly done as if done by a soldier." mused Hizashi to himself stroking his goateed chin.

"You said he tied me to a tree?" Kurogiri said in shock recalling what the man had said earlier.

"Yes, you were completely unconscious tied to a tree with a high fever, might I add." Hizashi said.

"Yes, Chisaki is little more than a town bully running about scared of germs." mused Aizawa as well. "I never would have thought him capable of this."

"What do you mean by he's after your son? Did he kidnap him?" Hizashi asked shocked for he hadn't been to the village in months.

"No, he wants to marry my son. I told him I would never allow it. Not after the way he behaved and especially not now. Not after what happened." Kurogiri said more determined.

"Well get some rest, Kurogiri. Your welcome to stay here as long as you want." Aizawa said. Hizashi agreed.

"No, I can't. Tenko needs me but first I have to expose Chisaki for the brute he is." Kurogiri said.

Kurogiri set the teacup aside attempting to stand by putting his legs over the side of the bed and in the movement he caused the other cats to run off. Then he stood up but lost his bearings and Aizawa and Hizashi caught him.

"Alright, I suppose you are right. I will rest awhile longer, but then I need to get out of here and get the towns support to punish Chisaki, and rescue my son." Kurogiri said sitting back down feeling a little sheepish.

"Of course, Kurogiri. We will help you." Aizawa said grasping his shoulder.

It had been a little over a week since Kai had left an unconscious Kurogiri in the woods. He also hadn't seen Tenko in quite some time. Which wasn't always so unusual as Tenko would avoid the unwanted attention posed by the villagers and their gossip as much as possible. He just chalked it up to the boy playing hard to get.

No matter

 Kai enjoyed a challenge. After all the harder and more challenging the prey proves to be to hunt down the sweeter the meat, in the end.

Kai was thinking about Tenko more and more in particular lately because...

Kai had had a dream about Tenko which was so vivid he still couldn't get the fantasy out of his head:

He was strolling through the village as normal nodding his head towards his admirers and stopping to chat of his latest exploits. He was gazing at his reflection in a mirror admiring his visage. When a frantic Tenko came running up to him eyes wide and tear filled. Kai was surprised. After all he had never seen Tenko look so emotional and vulnerable before. 

He kind of like it if he had to admit it.

"Kai, I-I need your help." a breathless Tenko asked.

This took Kai by surprise as well as Tenko almost never came to him for help. Well this was a first at least.

"Of course Tenko. I will help you with anything you need." Kai said clasping Tenko's hands within his own.

"Kai my father. H-he is gone. I don't know what to do." he said voice choking on tears.

"Kurogiri? Your father? Why whatever has happened to him? I only just saw him the other day." Kai asked feigning ignorance all the while. He remembered abandoning Kurogiri in the woods. While not a proud moment for him still it was no loss as far as he was concerned. 

"I-I don't know. He just left the house one day and hasn't returned since but.." Tenko took in a breath. "They found his body in the woods. They said it was the work of bandits or wolves."

At this, Tenko completely broke down in tears, burying his face in his hands and doubling over as if he would sink to the ground. Kai couldn't help but feel vindicated his plan had worked. Tenko had no one and was completely vulnerable. He was but a boy still. 

Now it was time to step in and play the savior. Kai lifted Tenko back upright to his feet once more.

"Don't worry Tenko I am here. I shall help you from now on." Kai said. He wiped a few tears from his cheeks. Taking note of how red his eyes were.

Then Kai opened his arms wide in a coaxing manner directed towards Tenko. "Come here." he said in a gentle voice.

Tenko hesitantly entered his arms at first but then grabbed onto him tight trembling in Kai's arms. Kai enveloped the boy in his arms pulling him close. He felt the boy's tears as they dripped onto his shirt soaking through. Kai lifted a gentle gloved hand patting the back of Tenko's head in a comforting manner.  

"There, there, Tenko you'll be OK. Let me take care of you from now on." Kai said.

Kai pulled back only to tilt the boy's chin up and then leaned forward into a kiss. His lips were soft and warm and he pulled the boy in his arms in tighter further devouring him. 

He pulled away to look at a breathless Tenko in his arms lips swollen from being kissed, eyes red with tears, and tear stained cheeks. He lifted his hand to wipe the tears away.

"Do not worry Tenko put all your trust in me. I'll take good care of you." Kai spoke before leaning in to steal another kiss and not pulling away anytime soon. He could feel Tenko reciprocating to his kisses and took the opportunity to explore his mouth. His tongue about...

Till he had been snapped out of it much to his chagrin. He glared at Kurono for disturbing his dream who had approached him about a matter which he cared not for in the least. 

"Kai, I really don't think we should have just left Kurogiri in the woods like that." Kurono said feeling guilty.

"Nonsense. Do you think I regret any of the people I killed during the war. He had a sickness preventing me from what I wanted. People like him have to be stopped." Kai said tugging on his gloves.

"Hari, when people stand in your way. You have to take care of them." Kai said matter of fact when he saw the look on his friends face.

"But he wasn't an enemy on a battlefield. He was our neighbor. The father of the one you want to marry. How do you think Tenko will feel if he found out what you have done?" Kurono added.

"And he won't find out will he?" Kai said giving his friend a threatening look causing Hari to recoil for a brief moment.

"No, Kai." Kurono said averting his gaze forlorn. "He won't find out. Least not from me."

Really, Kai thought to himself, something would have to be done with his friend as he had such bad timing and often. Maybe he should arrange a match for him at least provide him with a distraction. Then he wouldn't constantly be on his case all the time. He couldn't have some alone time. Oh, well no matter, when he and Tenko are wed he would probably have less time to spend with his right hand man and would spend it with his new bride instead. Kai smiled beneath his mask at this thought. 

Yes, that's exactly right.

He and Kurono had been out for a days ride and hunt. He had quite the haul of trophies, Which he had dropped off with his steward to have cleaned and preserved. He decided to end the day with a few drinks at the tavern along with Kurono. As it had started to rain heavily and Hari was being a let down.

When they stopped in the tavern that evening for a nightcap, removing their soaked cloaks, they were in for a surprise as all eyes in the pub had turned towards them. Not that being the center of attention was a surprise. Oh no, Kai was quite used to it as he used it to brag of his glory days in the army, wins on the battlefield, or prey that had proved a particular challenge. He was no wallflower by any stretch of the imagination.

No, it was who was seated in the Tavern that caught him off guard.

Their seated at a table was none other than Kurogiri himself.  A mug set before him. He was the picture of health. He wore clean clothes and his hair had been neatly pulled back in a pony tail. A far cry from the frazzled, old man he had been a week ago. Although, he looked pale and was spotting a healing black eye and looking a bit peeved as well. His yellow eyes were in narrowed slots as he set eyes on Chisaki. 

He wasn't alone as Shouto Aizawa and Hizashi Himada were seated with him as well. They too had glares on their faces when they saw Chisaki enter. Several other villagers had been about him as well who also looked up to glare at their entrance.

He recognized them as Gran Torino, Hakamada Tsunagu the town tailor, and Taishiro Toyomitsu the baker. Even Giran the bartender and owner of said Tavern looked up from where he had been cleaning tankards to shoot a judging look at him. Kai found this surprising as they had always enjoyed his tales in the past. And Giran he had been known to present Kai with free drink because of the hunting trophies he brought in which adorned the walls of the tavern and filled the plates of the diners.

Kai then realized he would have some explaining to do and had to think fast to talk himself out of this one. Seeing as many of his biggest supporters were considering switching sides. Why even some members of Shie Hassakai were giving him looks. 

Why, he hadn't expected Kurogiri to reappear into his life once more.  He could sense Hari's surprise as well and only hoped his companion and confidante wouldn't sell him out in the end. He was well aware of his companions guilt over what he had done.

Kurono Hari on the other hand, was instantly over come with the guilt of leaving Kurogiri all over again. But he couldn't help the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over him when he saw Kurogiri alive and well sitting in the tavern. He felt a nudge from Kai and he looked up at him for the briefest of moments, till he saw warning look in his eyes, telling him to play along. He sighed wondering what he would have to do this time. 

Honestly he was really starting to question his loyalty to Kai at times, but he still held out hope that his affections would be acknowledged eventually, and if lying before the village was what he had to do then so be it. 

"Chisaki, did you try to kill Kurogiri?" Giran the bartender asked.

"What is this all about?" Kai asked testing the waters of the tavern noting the tension that filled the room. "I'm simply here for a glass of ale after a long days hunt, the same as all of you. So why do I feel...judged?"

"Kurogiri here says that you left him unconscious in the woods over a week ago after you punched his lights out." Toyomitsu replied with a judging tone.

"That is correct. Chisaki Kai punched me in my very face and then tied me to a tree leaving me to my death and this is the proof." Kurogiri said gesturing to his bruised face.

"His story was awfully convincing." Giran the bartender added a look of suspicion in his eyes.

"Yeah's" and "That's what he said." and nods of agreements went up among the rest of the tavern dwellers.

Kurogiri simply sat their looking somewhat smug. Adjusting his arms upon the table to get comfortable. He had always been an honorable man, he raised his son and performed his job. He provided much of the ale and mead served in this very tavern. He had told his tale leaving out no details nor embellishing either.

Hence why so many had sided with him going against the town hero. 

Kai now knowing what he was up against decided to spin a tale for the occupants. It was vital he remained innocent in the towns eyes and that Kurogiri looked the fool. He believed he had done no wrong. He had simply eliminated an obstacle in his way.

"Kurogiri, why thank goodness you are alright, my friend." Kai said stepping forward to rest a firm hand on his shoulder Kurogiri looked miffed at this but made no show to shove the offending limb from his person. After all the truth spoke for itself regardless of what act he played. 

"I told you you shouldn't have gone off on your own looking for Tenko like that. Obviously you hurt yourself running off in that manner." Kai said gesturing to the healing black eye and creating the illusion that Kurogiri had been stubborn enough to go off on his own.

"Why, Kurono and I have been crawling the woods searching for Kurogiri. After he wondered off during our search of the woods some days past. Which is why we have stopped in for a nightcap  and to relax after a trying day." Kai said addressing the rest of the tavern. 

Stepping back he wrapped an around Kurono and pulled him in close. It was a display to prove his point but also to get his friend on board with him. He squeezed Hari's arm extra hard to silently force his agreement.

"No, you didn't you left me to the wolves!" Kurogiri accused standing from his chair and pointing at Kai. 

The people of the tavern had their full and undivided attention on what was taking place right now.

"Kurono you were their, tell these people the truth." Kurogiri beseeched him.

"Yes, Hari my oldest, dear friend tell these good people the truth." Kai said clasping his hands onto his shoulder and gazing into his eyes.

Hari cleared his throat slightly caught off guard by all the attention, affection from Kai, and being put on the spot. 

"It's true. We went with Kurogiri into the woods to help him look for his son Tenko. But we never found him we just rode around in circles. Finally Kurogiri got angry and he stormed off alone into the woods. We tried to stop him but it was dark and we lost sight of him." He finally finished. 

He couldn't believe he fabricated this whole story for the town. But it was for his friend whom he loved with all his heart. He hoped by backing him up this would prove his never ending devotion.

Kai would love him for this. Wouldn't he?

"See, I have a witness to back me up and after all, what reason would I have to abandon Kurogiri in the woods? I am an upstanding citizen of this town after all, I fought for your safety. Also, Kurogiri is the father of my intended. Why would I jeopardize such an important relationship." Kai said looking around seeing the doubt come to the eyes of those present.

Kurogiri wanted to argue in regards to the intended part but was cut off.

"It is clear Kurogiri you must have a sickness of the brain. Perhaps you should get some rest." Kai said looking him in the eye with a knowing look on his face.

Kurogiri couldn't believe what he just witnessed as suddenly everyone he had won to his side switched their alliance. Only Shouto and Hizashi remained to back him up.

Kurogiri shot up from his seat "I have witnesses to back me up Hizashi found me and Aizawa nursed me back to health." he argued.

"I have proof." argued Hizashi who had sat patiently till now. Standing upwards holding up a length of knotted rope. "When I found Kurogiri he had been tied up with this. This is the knot of a soldier and you, sir are a former soldier are you not?"

"He was sick. From being exposed to the elements." supported Aizawa.

Kai glared at the rope with a hatred for a brief moment till his expression softened. "Oh, come now those knots could have been tied by anyone. The woods are crawling with thieves and highwaymen. Are their not soldiers in this very tavern as we speak?"

Nods of agreement went up amongst the denizens of the pub.

"I have a far more reliable witness and an alibi compared to Kurogiri." further argued Kai placing his hand on Kurono's shoulder. "Hizashi hasn't been in town in months he doesn't know what has been going on. And Aizawa he couldn't stay awake to save his life. Not to mention Kurogiri supplies them with free ale. Of course they would believe Kurogiri's story." Kai dismissed.

Aizawa and Hizashi did not appreciate this slander on their character as they glared and argued back.

"Clearly, Tenko has run off. After all he was always reading about far off lands and Kurogiri hasn't been taking it well fabricating this story." Kai said folding his arms across his chest.

"Anyway, the man is mad raving about beasts and castles." included Gran Torino.

"I can't believe we almost fell for his stories." replied Taishiro shaking his head in disbelief.

"Well, I'm sorry we doubted you, Chisaki." said Giran offering him his hand which Kai shook firmly.

Kai looked at Kurogiri with a knowing look at that moment.

Kurogiri sat in disbelief as suddenly all the people he had convinced to join his side were now aligning with Chisaki save for two people. He had hoped that Kurono of all people would speak the truth and not defend such a repulsive young man. After, all he had always proved to be a level headed young man but Kurogiri had been wrong.

Obviously, he wouldn't have help in retrieving his son anytime soon. Once again he worried about his son. He would have to keep this atrocious young man away from his son. If he ever saw him again.

Kai whispered to Shin Nemoto one of his associates "I need you to fetch the asylum keeper. Tell him to come to the tavern I have a business proposal to discuss."

"Of course Chisaki." replied Nemoto. Who left on horseback right away.