Chapter Text
Kimetsu was what the land, sky, and underground were called. It separated into different kingdoms with the oldest being the Ubuyashiki Kingdom, who ruled a small part of land, and the Sun Kingdom, that ruled the sea, sky, and most of the land. The two royal families granted with special abilities. The kingdoms were in harmony for years until it was ruined.
Muzan Kibutsuji, a distant prince to the Ubuyashiki family, became a demon, murdering the Sun Kingdom’s royal family. The dark prince wished to be King of all the land, wanting to rule all those who oppose him. However, he was cursed to never be in the sun as he sunk to the underground, creating his forces. Whispers say his home is a part of a different world, called the Infinity Kingdom.
Without the Sun Kingdom, the Ubuyashiki Kingdom fell next. No one knew where the remaining family of the Ubuyashiki bloodline had gone. It took years for the land to finally began to separate. It formed five different kingdoms, almost a mocking form of the former Sun Kingdom. Stone, Wind, Flame, Water, and Thunder Kingdoms.
The Stone Kingdom ruled the undergrounds. Filled with people capable of lifting and moving the earth. They held no blood King or Queen as they governed themselves, as the practices of the former stone users were non-existent. However, those connected to the former royal family were believed to be the most powerful users.
The Water Kingdom ruled the seas. The royal family were capable of calling out to the sea, moving water and using it as it’s weapon. The citizens sought no use to use their abilities, that were far weaker than those of the royal family. A kingdom protected by a dome undersea that kept travelers away as they served to protect their people from another threat from approaching. They were isolated.
The Thunder Kingdom ruled the lands infested with lightning and thunder as the royal family were capable of using the lightning to their own use as it gave them lightning speed. They were able to manipulate the weather freely of their kingdom with the permission of the Wind Kingdom.
The Flame Kingdom ruled the burning lands as it remained close to volcanos and heats that were impossible to live in if it wasn’t for the power of the royal family. They tamed the flames, cooling when possible, and healing the lands. With their flaming hair and eyes, the royal family were powerful in strength.
Finally, the Wind Kingdom, who ruled the skies, capable of creating a kingdom on the clouds. The royal family were capable of manipulating the winds, weather, and creating storms in whatever form they liked. They were ruled by a kind-hearted royal family.
As peace came, so did the passing of secondary genders. Alpha, Omega, and Betas were the categories others fell under. As traditional as a few kingdoms became, none of them judged the lower class, seeing them as equals. Male and female alphas were seen at the top, capable of impregnating omegas, betas, and other female alphas. Betas were capable of the same as well as carrying pups. However, omegas could not, they were useful for reproducing.
Male omegas were seen as rare.
With secondary genders and the ability to use these different abilities, it came with a darker side. Human trafficking and groups designed against the royals were created. Rumors being that Muzan’s forces were behind these horrible groups.
Then came arranged marriages to protect these royal family blond lines. It caused alliances to keep certain kingdoms close as others were closed off as well as tearing apart morals on kingdoms.
It led to the fall of the Wind Kingdom. A kingdom ruled by the kind-hearted was ruined when the family gave birth to a horrible child.
King Kyogo, an alpha, was a man who deserved no respect. He manipulated his Kingdom, forcing them in harsh labor and taxing their lives until they were in debt. It caused the Wind Kingdom to grow isolated as Kyogo sought those who followed his agenda. It ruined the royal family, tainting it.
Soon, the King would marry a noble girl, clueless of his demeaning acts. The thought of love was only a dream to Shizu that she thought she finally found it until the King revealed his true colors. After the marriage, Kyogo shut down the Wind Kingdom’s alliances, forcing kingdoms to pay dues to their kingdom to keep the peace.
As rich as the Wind Kingdom was, it could never be rich in heart. The Wind citizens were stuck in low-ridden villages in poverty.
Still, Queen Shizu tried to retain peace, helping whenever she could, but even she couldn’t do anything to reverse her husband’s actions. All she could do is prepare for the arrival of her future baby.
Queen Shizu, an omega, gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Sanemi Shinazugawa, a boy with lavender colored eyes and fluffy white hair. The Kingdom’s citizens saw this as a sign of good fortune. The boy was different than his father. There was a kindness in those eyes. Shizu loved her baby as Kyogo hated the boy.
Accusing his wife of cheating, he refused to accept this child even if it was his blood son. His hatred only grew when the boy presented as an omega. The child was extremely protective, protecting his Mama from his father’s abuse. Sanemi didn’t care if he became his father’s punching bag. If it meant his Mama was going to be okay, he’ll rest his body to protect her.
His protectiveness only grew when his Mama gave birth to his baby brother, Genya. He swore to protect his baby brother. He swore to protect his future siblings as his Mama gave birth to five more kids. All so similar to their Mama than their bastard father.
Sanemi protected his siblings even when they showed weaker wind abilities than him. Genya was only capable of minor power as his body couldn’t handle the harsh conditions it came with controlling their powers. They were as weak as the civilians. He was the only brother capable of handling the full force.
As the eldest son, he had to protect them. Once he turns twenty-one, he’ll be King. Once he’s king, he’ll help his family. He’ll help his people. He won’t let his father win.
He should’ve known he wouldn’t always be capable of taking care of his siblings. He shouldn’t have made so many promises.
Just a few months shy of his 21st birthday, Sanemi spent his afternoons helping his Mama take care of his siblings, studying, or practicing his sword skills with his royal guard. Considering his siblings were busy with their tutors as Genya was busy practicing his arrow skills. He heard rumors of Genya working with a swordsmith to develop a weapon solely for him.
“Your mind seems to be stuck in the clouds, Prince! You should be focus on me!”
Masachika moves, steadily, causing the winds to push under Sanemi's feet. It aimed to disarm him and lose his footing. However, Sanemi only leaps upwards, walking on the air beneath his feet. "I am focus, Kumeno, you should have more faith in me." Sanemi moves forward, knocking Masachika off his feet. His guard only grins, "Sure, you were focused. Also, didn't I tell you to call me Masachika?" Sanemi hums, tilting his head. "I'll only accept if you call me by my given name and drop the formalities." He extends his hand for his friend to take.
The black-haired male only laughs, taking his hand. "There's a reason none of your guards stay, Prince. Your father hates those who don't hold formality. He may care very little about you, but he won't be afraid to cut my head off for something small." Sanemi scoffs, as if he cared what his father thinks. Still, before he could say anything.
There was a rotten smell in the air. Sanemi stops. “Sanemi?” Masachika grew concerned. The beta reached to grab his friend’s shoulder, but the white-haired male moves. “Sword skills are over. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He sword clatters to the ground as he rushes off.
Masachika would’ve followed, but he had his own tasks to do or else the King would have his head. All he hopes for is that Sanemi would be okay. He grabs Sanemi’s sword, putting it away as he always does.
Sanemi should’ve known better than to leave his siblings in the castle alone when their mother was busy. He should’ve known better than to leave them alone with this monster around. As he passes the servants and maids in the great halls, he follows the scent to one of the halls closest to their private quarters which stressed him the most.
“You damn brat! Pick up your mess!”
The omega almost stops in his tracks when he sees one of the generals hovering over his younger sister, Sumi, who was shielding Koto, his baby brother. Sanemi grits his teeth before announcing his presence.
“Who are you to order one of the royal family, General?” Sanemi hides his growl as the General turns to face him. “Prince Sanemi,” he greets, moving to grasp Sanemi’s hand to give a kiss of gratitude and respect. Sanemi hated formalities. He hated the appointed General alphas his father would appoint.
All of them were traditional.
“I was only telling them to clean up. You do understand? Even if they’re royalty, they have an image to uphold.”
Sanemi pulls his hand away, glaring.
“Uphold an image? For whom? No one is here except you. You are not allowed in these sections of the castle.”
The General begins to stutter before Sanemi cuts him off.
“Leave or I’ll have you stripped of your title. I do not deal with men who harm children.” He sees the man finally return his glare, his scent spiking in anger. It wasn’t hard to assume this man has never been spoken with so much disrespect, especially from an omega.
However, this man had no time to lift his hand at him before he was stopped by an unseeable force.
“What?”
The General was confused, almost surprised when he couldn’t use his weaken ability. Sanemi moves closer, grabbing the man by his collar. “Hurt my siblings again, and you’ll wish I was far kinder.” He shoves the man away. He would gladly challenge this brute, but the Alpha scrambles away.
Sanemi sighed, relaxing. He turns back to look at his two siblings.
“Sumi, Koto, are you two, okay?”
Sumi nods her head. “We…We’re okay.” Her voice trembles as she was hiding her fear.
Sanemi moves to sit on the floor, not caring it was improper. Improper, proper, Sanemi hated all of it. Still, he focuses on his siblings.
“Where’s Shuya, Hiroshi, and Teiko?” He knew Genya was with his swordsmith at the moment. Sumi offers a small smile. “They’re currently inside Genya’s quarters. He told us that we could stay in yours or his room.” Sumi leans to his older brother’s side. “We only exited the room, because I thought it would be Mama coming home. We didn’t think we would see one of Father’s generals out here.”
As scared as the two kids were, they relaxed with their brother. Sanemi ran his hand through Sumi’s hair. “Next time, if something like this happens again, call out for me or one of the workers. They’ll alert me, and I’ll be here.” Sumi nods her head. Sanemi guided his siblings back inside Genya’s room.
Outside of the abuse of their father, this was the normal of his life. He spent time with his younger siblings. Some of them even staying by his side. Sanemi may have hated his secondary gender, but there were times like these where he didn’t mind who he was.
Koto and Shuya stayed close to his side on Genya’s bed. Koto was mostly in his arms as the boy would snuggle closer. They had always said he smell like their Mama.
Sanemi would’ve enjoyed this comforting moment if it wasn’t for Teiko speaking up about one of her lessons.
“Big brother? Our tutor said you’ll be marrying soon,” Teiko says, out of nowhere. Sanemi stops, narrowing his eyes. “What do you mean?” Marriage? Where did that come from?
Teiko glances at her brother. “He said because of your status as an omega, even as King, you would have to find a mate.” Sanemi wanted to be rude and scoff, but he couldn’t. Koto squirmed, the air becoming slightly sour from his growing anger. The omega controlled it before his other siblings noticed the smell.
“Even if it’s true, all of it is just tradition,” Sanemi confesses. He quirks an eyebrow as he smiles. “There’s no mate capable of handling me. Plus, why would I want to have heirs when I have my adoring siblings.” He squeezes his arms around Koto and Shuya who whine.
Teiko smiles. Before she could say anything, Sumi beats her to it.
“If you were to get married, I think you’ll be the prettiest bride. Teiko and I would put flowers in your hair with the jewels Mama owns.” Sumi seemed excited. Sanemi didn’t mention his discomfort. As much as he wants to keep up this facade that nothing bothered him. There was always that upsetting feeling that coursed through him.
No matter how much he ignores it, it’ll always be there.
Teiko isn’t wrong. His tutors explained this to him as well. He would have to find a mate to keep the bloodline going. Even if their people could use wind abilities, none of it came close to the strength of a royal. His siblings were far too young to be thinking about mates. Genya is barely 15, and he doesn’t want his brother thinking about that.
Unlike him, Genya was an alpha and the rest of his siblings were betas.
He was the only omega.
It was his duty to find a mate and keep the bloodline strong.
It made feel Sanemi sick. The sickening reminder of his father's words only sunk deeper into his mind. Was that all he was good for? Providing heirs to continue a bloodline?
Still, he forces a smile. “Of course, Sumi. You and Teiko can do that if I do find a partner.” Sumi and Teiko seemed excited as they were chatting about the different hairstyles and jewels for Sanemi. They were asking what flowers he would like to have.
As his eyes trailed to the side, he ignores the irking feeling. He’s the eldest. It’s fine…as long as it’s him and not them, it’s fine.
Later that afternoon, Sanemi went to his bedroom. He flopped down on the bed, groaning. He turned over to look at the ceiling. Why were things so difficult? He thought about sleeping, resting and preparing himself for tomorrow, yet his mind trailed off. Just a few more months and he’ll be 21. Once he’s 21, no longer will his father be an issue.
He smiles, Mama would be happier with him no longer in the picture. His siblings wouldn’t have to walk around the castle as if they were walking on shattered glass.
Before he could fall asleep, his room’s handle clings. Immediately, Sanemi sits up. He wasn’t expecting anyone. Even his siblings knocked beforehand, so who could this be?
“You irresponsible brat!”
Him.
His father entered his sleep quarters, shutting the door behind him. “How dare you speak to the Commanding General that way!” Sanemi almost covered his nose at the awful stench that entered his room. Great. He now has to open a window to air this out. He moves to his feet as he crosses his arms.
“He shouldn’t even be close to our sleeping quarters!” Sanemi almost shouts. He isn’t surprised that the General had gone and snitched. It made him want to laugh. So much for alphas being described as tough, brute machines. They were nothing like that.
All so pathetic.
“He is the General! He does as he pleases!” Kyogo shouts, matching Sanemi’s volume. “Who are you to command as you please?”
Sanemi growls, “I’m your son, you bastard! Even if I hate that, I am the future King.” Kyogo’s glare hardens, “King? You are a spoiled brat who won’t accept their place! Your behavior towards the General will make others assume you’re nothing but a whore, acting on emotion that he's offended you!”
Kyogo stepped into his son’s space, ignoring Sanemi’s discomfort. There’s that same smile on Kyogo’s face whenever he’s able to say something disrespectful.
“Or are you just like your mother, opening her legs as she pleases?” He whispers, mocking Sanemi.
“Don’t talk about her like that!” He shoves his father away. His father moves, grasping his wrist yanking him close. “You dare shove me? After I just tell you the simplest truth that your mother is so ashamed of confessing.”
“You’re a liar,” Sanemi growls. “All you do is lie!” He tries yanking his wrist, but Kyogo refused to let go.
“You’re just like your mother,” Kyogo mocks. “Pathetic creatures made for only one purpose. To give birth and be only an Alpha’s pet. That’s what you are, omega, a bastard’s pet.” Kyogo releases his wrist, knocking him down to the ground. Once again, his father was looming over him.
Just like always, he walks towards the door knowing he has the last word. Sanemi’s nails dug into the wooden flooring, ignoring the splintering feeling. He refused to let his father have the last word like always. He moves to stand, his glare hardening as his scent grows sharper, causing his father to face him.
“Once, I’m of age, I will have you fucking gone!” Sanemi shouts, puffing out his chest. He isn’t afraid of this man. He’ll protect his Mama and siblings. He’ll protect this Kingdom from Kyogo’s cruel actions. As he stood his stance, he should’ve anticipated his father’s next move as he hits the ground again.
“How dare you speak to me that way, omega,” Kyogo hisses. “Know your place. You are beneath me.”
Sanemi gritted his teeth as he holds back his growl as his father grasps his hair. Yanking his head to meet his heated gaze, Kyogo glares. “You think I’ll let you be king, you are joking.”
Instead of spiking fear, Sanemi only spits in the man’s face. Kyogo drops the boy as Sanemi laughs, bitterly.
“No matter my secondary gender, I am still the destined king once I turn 21,” Sanemi spits out. “Nothing can change that.” Lavender eyes glared as he held no fear. He challenged his father’s stance, daring him to start anything. Even if he was an omega, he wasn’t going to fall to his knees and beg for forgiveness.
Before Kyogo could say anything, there was a knock at the door. Soon, a guard enters, bowing his head.
“My sincerest apologies, my King, but the Princes of the Flame Kingdom are here. They acquire your presence on a political issue,” the guard informs. Kyogo narrowed his eyes. “Take them to the Great Hall. There must be a reason they’re here.” It was unexpected for the royalty to travel without a King or Queen to discuss political matters.
“Of course, my king.” The Guard leaves as Kyogo takes one last look at the omega.
“Clean up your quarters. Guests are here.” He turns his back, shutting the door. Sanemi growls before pushing himself to stand.
As his anger festers for his father, his mind couldn’t help but feel curious on why the princes of the Flame Kingdom were here. There should be no reason. Before he could dwell on it, his door opens.
“Nemi?”
Immediately, Sanemi’s anger disappears. Genya was standing at the door. His younger siblings were following behind. “We heard yelling. Did father–?” Distressed rolled off in waves as they were able to catch onto the scents in his room. Sanemi forced his scent to grow a little more on the sweet side as he interrupts his brother.
“Genya, I’m okay.” He goes to comfort his brother as his siblings enter his room. Sanemi dismayed his interest on his guests. He needed to comfort his siblings. With Mama busy, he had to comfort them.
“My apologies, I didn’t mean to keep you waiting,” Kyogo bows as he stands before the two Flame Princes. “I didn’t think we would be receiving a visit from King Shinjuro’s heirs. How may we be at service, Prince Kyojuro and Prince Senjuro.” Kyogo’s hospitability seemed off.
Senjuro wanted to voice to his brother, but Kyojuro only beats him to it.
“There's no need to bow!” Kyojuro’s voice is loud and voided of his nervousness. He had no reason to be nervous. He’s heard the rumors of the Wind Kingdom and their royal family. He’s seen the villages surrounding the Kingdom. All of it was closed off. If he wanted the King to hear his words, he couldn't be nervous.
“We are equals after all,” Kyojuro says, offering his own bow. “The reason for our visit…is to ask for your support in our waging war against one of Muzan’s high commanders. Upper Moon Three, Akaza, has sought out on attacking my home kingdom. Our forces are no match against his.”
“What you seek is an alliance?” Kyogo crooked an eyebrow. “To gain the attention of one of Muzan’s top commanders is practically second to no chance. How did you manage to seek that attention?”
Kyojuro’s smile wavers. “We have no idea. All we know is that he seeks to take control and rule the Flame Kingdom in Muzan’s name.” If Kyogo knew Kyojuro well, he would’ve heard the lie in his voice. Senjuro knew. He wished he didn’t. It was wrong to find the lie in his brother’s words.
“If this war is as deadly as you’re describing, why is your father not discussing these affairs?” The Flame Kingdom held the strongest warriors, second to the Stone warriors and Wind soldiers, so this is surprising. “As the King, he should be contacting his allies to provide aid.”
“We don’t…We don’t have contact with our allies,” Kyojuro admits. They all their former allies after his father’s actions and choice to isolate the Flame Kingdom. Plus, no kingdom wanted to involve themselves in the affairs dealing with one of the Upper Moons. No one wanted to deal with the twelve Kizuki Generals.
All of them were choosing to be distant.
“My father is unable to come here and say his piece. I’ve been standing in his place as King, almost more than a decade.” Kyogo wasn’t unfamiliar to young royalty becoming Kings or Queens early. However, it was surprising that this was coming from the Flame Kingdom.
“If we choose to help, this will lead to a full-blown war,” Kyogo finally says. “The Twelve Kizuki will be after the Wind Kingdom as well. What are you willing to offer in exchange for our aid?”
Kyojuro didn’t think he would get this far. He barely had any lucks with the other kingdom. A part of him was hopeful. Maybe, this would be the turning tide.
“We…We don’t have much to offer, but anything you and your kingdom needs, we’ll be at service.”
Kyogo would’ve rejected already. If a King cannot make up their mind, they’re indecisive. Kingdoms are ruled by kings and queens capable of making a decision and standing by it. However, he stops himself when he sees no mating bite on Kyojuro’s neck.
If he recalls properly, Kyojuro is, at least, nineteen or eighteen years old. He is one year younger than his son. His son…oh how Sanemi mocked him. Maybe he’ll learn his lesson now instead of in the future.
“Prince Kyojuro, if you don’t mind me asking this improper question, but have you found a mate yet?”
Kyojuro’s eyebrows narrowed, not understanding what Kyogo was leading too, but still he answers.
“No,” he replies, there was no time for him to find a mate if he’s busy with ruling a Kingdom. Why did it matter?
Still, Kyogo had a grin on his face. How incredible was fate.
“No mate, you say?”
Kyojuro didn’t understand that tone. “How about instead of a trade, we make a deal,” Kyogo offers. “In exchange for our help, you will marry my eldest son. Prince Sanemi Shinazugawa is my omega son and would be quite fitting of a mate for you.”
An arranged marriage was what Kyogo was proposing.
The Flame Prince stood in disbelief. He knew it was common with other kingdoms, but not for his Kingdom. They were told to find those who matched who they wanted in a mate. To hear that the King of the Wind Kingdom was proposing this deal, it felt unreal.
Senjuro was already shaking his head. He reaches to his brother’s arm, trying to pull him out of his thoughts. His brother couldn’t possibly be thinking about accepting the offer.
“Brother, I don’t think–”
“As acting King, the decision falls on you,” Kyogo interrupts, cutting Senjuro short. “An alliance like this doesn’t happen quite often in my Kingdom.” He extended his hand, waiting for Kyojuro to accept his deal.
A part of Kyojuro wanted to reject the offer. He didn’t want to talk about the possibility of an arranged marriage if the other person in this arrangement isn’t present. None of this felt right and yet, the irrational voice in his mind was telling him to accept.
They needed all the help they can get. They needed forces to overturn this war against Akaza and his troops. Kyogo was offering his support, his armies. Plus, they had the advantage in the sky. Akaza wouldn’t be able to stop his attacks. All of it only came with a price of taking the Wind Kingdom’s Prince as his mate.
If he rejects this offer, he would be choosing the live of one person over the lives of his people.
“I…I accept,” Kyojuro answers, shaking the King’s hand.
The smile on Kyogo’s face did nothing to help his nerves. He releases the prince’s hand, clasping his hands together. “We can draft the arrangement tomorrow during a dinner. You’ll be able to see your newly bride tomorrow. Until then, have a safe journey home.” He turns his back to them. “I can wait to see King Shinjuro soon.” He exits the room.
Kyojuro felt as if he sold away his soul.
“Aniue?” Kyojuro glances over, seeing his little brother’s concern. “Are you okay?” Kyojuro bites down on his lip. At this moment, he doesn’t know how to answer that statement.
“L…Let’s go home, Senjuro. We have a dinner to attend to tomorrow. Hopefully, father will be willing to attend.” As the stay-in King, Kyojuro walks off with his little brother following. There was so much to think about.
They had a Flame Kingdom to return to.
Sanemi expected to spend the rest of the evening alone after his siblings had gone to their rooms. He ignored the burning sensation on his cheek from his father’s slap. It frustrated him. No matter what he did, his father always had the upper hand. He needed to figure something out. He sighed.
He won’t be able to think of anything. Just…hopefully he can rest and think about this whole ordeal. Maybe he’ll speak to Mama.
As he was prepared to sleep on an empty stomach, his door was opening. Sanemi’s hands gripped the bedsheets. He doesn’t need to look at the door to know who it was. He thought the man had enough. Why bother him? Still, he sits up, seeing his father shut the door behind him with a painted smile on his face. Something about the smile on his father’s face sent chills down his spine.
Why was he smiling?
Did it have anything to do with the visit from the Flame Kingdom?
What did they offer him?
Kyogo approaches his son, standing only a distance as he reveals a small bottle of alcohol, serving himself a glass. “You know, son, you gave me a lot to think about after we spoke.” Kyogo swirls the mixture before offering a glass to Sanemi, setting it down on his nightstand, not letting the omega stand on his feet. It kept Sanemi sitting on the bed.
“But…you’re right, omega,” Kyogo taunts. “You would be king by your twenty-first birthday…that’s if you’re present. However, you will not be. As I am the acting King, you have been assigned to marry the eldest prince of the Flame Kingdom. All to retain a newly alliance.” Kyogo took pleasure in seeing the seething anger coming from the omega.
“You’re sick!”
Sanemi couldn’t believe this.
He clenches his fists, the roaring wind begging to be let out as he growls. “You traded your son just to make an alliance! I won’t do this! I won’t let you do this.” Even as he moves to stand, he was forced away by his father’s own power. A hand clenched around his throat as Sanemi struggled to get away. He couldn’t move as his father forced him to look him in the eyes.
“Oh, but I can,” Kyogo holds back his laugh. “I’ll do whatever I can.” He smirks, seeing Sanemi struggle. “It’s pathetic that you think you can overpower me. You’re nothing but a weak, pathetic omega.” He drops Sanemi to the bed. He almost frowns seeing the handprint on Sanemi’s neck.
“You should be lucky to marry,” his words mocked him, “Unruly omegas aren’t favored by no one. The only thing going for you, is your title…and your power.” Kyogo turns around. “That’s all you’re good for. No doubt your husband would agree. Hopefully once you’re with them, they can teach you to have manners. Enjoy your glass and sleep well. Tomorrow, you’ll be joining your husband and his family for dinner.”
As the door shuts, Sanemi felt an uncontrollable rage. “Fuck! Fuck!” He didn’t care if it wasn’t mannerly to act this way, but he slammed his fist into the ground as the wind around him clashed against his things. Even with the ability to use the wind, he felt powerless.
What can he even do?