Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket, never will
Note: This work is fiction and there will be slash.
Read and enjoy :D
"Russian."
"Small things can be dangerous too, ya'know?"
Chapter one: Change
Prey's are baddass.
In the animal kingdom, there are predator and prey, day and night. While a lion is the king and a wolf the guardian, prey's are masters of deception. Though they might not have the biggest claws or the largest teeth, they were intelligent and adaptable. They didn't simply head on into a fight just to show dominance-No. Prey analysed, they weighed their options, poisonous substances building on their fingertips.
Deadly.
Len considered himself a prey, he did have a habit of running away when things got too hot. Sensing danger came naturally to him, overwhelming instincts like neon headlights. In a way, it could've been considered cowardly, only a fool would turn their back on something they'd should face, building a disillusionment of reality. But it was better safe than sorry, better safe than dead. Thus the reason why he was currently evading twelve men with glocks and knives on their body.
"Catch him!"
"Don't let him get away!"
He ran. Ignoring the excruciating pain throbbing in his left arm. The shouts began to grow louder, making his legs burn with energy. Squeezing into the crowd of people Len pushed anyone that got in the way. He jumped, sliding down the stair handles before leaping off and doing a front flip. Left, right, twist, fake, zigzag, twirl. Len's top priority was simple: Escape. He didn't want to face the chains that held him back anymore.
Leaning his body Len squeezed into the doors before they gave an audible shut. Len couldn't see them anymore, he couldn't hear their shouts. All he did was to try and achieve his goal.
He ran and never looked back.
Years ago
"You can't seriously leave him with me! I'm a―"
"Please Xandra, I...if I take him with me you'll know what they'll do!...Please."
"...Rian."
Two-year-old Len is smarter than most children his age. He watched every movement he could and listened at his surroundings, taking in all the information; soaking it like a sponge. Many would call him a prodigy and he humbly denied it. He just calculated more than most. So when his mother brought him to the States he couldn't help but be slightly surprised, especially when a twin of her came by. Everything went rather smoothly yet a few hours later the two started arguing.
Adults were so confusing.
Len sat on the couch, watching at the rather odd scene in front of him. His mother, Rian as most people called her, is a beautiful woman with bleach blonde hair unlike this 'Xandra' who had sunny bright hair. Maman, what he usually called her, has an elegant and rather dainty beauty whilst Xandra is more strong and well, fierce. But the two had the same charismatic grins, so they have to be related.
Xandra sighed, sitting next to Len and patting his head, "Alright, I'll take him for the time being. But you better be back."
A relieved look bloomed on Maman's face, "Thank you."
Maman looked at Len with a longing expression before engulfing him in a hug. They stayed like this for a while and then she cried. Seeing a child cry is, no matter how cruel this will sound, quite common. Anyone sees a child cry almost everyday whether for an unimportant cause like getting a new toy or their pet dying. An adult crying his completely different. They did not sob nor whine instead it was silent with tears cascading down their cheeks. A sorrowful expression overcome their faces and their eyes...the saddest of them all. A quiet, far away look with regret. Always regret. So when Len saw his mother crying, he was terrified.
"Maman wha's 'appen?"
"Oh...Len."
Not to mention the way they talked, always short never explaining.
The boy patted her on the back, "Don' cry Maman."
Maman cupped his cheeks, "Be a good boy for Aunty Xandra, kay?"
Oh, so that woman is his Aunty. Funny.
"Why?"
"Maman just has to go for a while, I promise I'll be back."
"'Ere?"
"Back to Europe."
"Pwomise you'll come back for me?"
"Promise."
She left.
Leaving Len with her.
Turns out the woman's name wasn't really Xandra, it was actually Alexandra Garcia. And clearly not mother material. The young woman acted like a teenager, which was quite expected for someone like her; a person living her life. Len couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. He practically crashed into her life and she was what? Still in college? Nevertheless he was still only two-year-old so he can't really do much.
Xandra pretty much glared at him, hands on her hips. Though the glare didn't seem hostile, more like frustrated. She massaged her eyes and sat on the floor, back against the couch, "I'm stuck with you," she whispers, "And I have basketball practice great just―oh shit! Practice!" Len watched in amusement as the young woman scrambled to put her jersey on, not bothering to have any decency. She tied her hair and grabbed her bags ready to open the door before she halted.
"Shit. I forgot about you," the two had a staring contest, "You know what? I'm bringing you with me!"
Adults were so amusing.
Len clenched his fist tighter onto Xandra's jacket as she made sharp turns and jump every so often. It wouldn't be surprising if she was a gold medalist with the speed and accuracy she was going in. They finally reached a large building and Xandra seemed to get faster, every so often people would give them an odd glance but other than that Len paid no attention. Reaching two double doors Xandra burst them open and huffed in exhaustion. Looking up, Len saw a fearsome woman with her arms crossed and a not so happy expression on her face.
"You're late Garcia."
"I know," Xandra huffed, "but I can explain! You see my sister came by today, without telling me and now I have to babysit my nephew."
"Last time I checked Garcia this isn't 'bring your kids to practice' day," the woman gritted out.
"Please coach! He's prodigious and I promise he won't make a hassle, I mean look at him!" Xandra brought him up to face this Coach. His sunset coloured eyes blinked in curiousness, looking straight through chocolate-brown eyes. He tilted his head, "'m Len!"
A chorus of 'awws' echoed the gym. Coach's brow twitched (sucker) before sighing. "Fine, put him on the bench. But if he's trouble he's out. Got that?"
"Yes Coach!"
Xandra placed him on a quite comfortable bench and gave him a warning stare, "Don't do anything stupid."
"mkay."
So Len watched as they practiced, sometimes he could see the members looking his way. Basketball is...it's quite an amazing sport. It can't be played individually and the will power the players had is incredible. He was pretty sure that when members jumped his eyes would be sparkling. It looked as if they were flying. Len felt himself gaping, he wants to play this sport. Leaping off the bench he grabbed the lone basketball on the side and started bouncing it up and down with two hands.
"Here," said a soft voice, "this basketball is smaller use this one."
Turning to the speaker Len saw a very pretty woman, not as beautiful as Maman, but almost there. She wasn't as developed or tall as the girls playing on the court but she had a dainty beauty. Her eyes were quite slanted and had dark irises. She had short black hair with bangs that barely covered her right eye. Her skin was lighter than most people he'd seen here and she was holding out a blue and orange miniature basketball.
"My name's Ritsu Himuro, what's yours?"
"'m Len Garcia!" he paused, "Why aren't you playin?"
"Ahhh..." Ritsu looked back at the players, "I'm just a water girl, how old are you Len-chan?"
He held out two chubby fingers, "Two, 'nd what do you mean 'water girl'?"
"I don't play basketball."
"Why?"
"I just...I'm not as good as the others," crestfallen Ritsu tried her best to not look at Len in the eye. Only for her cheeks to be cupped by chubby hands. A determined look on the younger's face, "Don't say that, keep pratice and you'll be good. I can get Xanda' to help."
"Xan―do you mean Alex?"
Len nodded, "Un. So don't look sad Ritsu," a bright heartwarming smile crawled itself up onto Len's face and Ritsu didn't know whether to smile or cry that somebody believed in her.
She decided to smile.
"You're smart for your age you know that Len-chan?"
"Course, I'm calculative. Hey Ritsu?"
"Hm?"
"Teach me how to play basketball!"
"Uhhh! Why didn't I bring enough money for a cab?"
Len shrugged, playing with Xandra's golden hair, braiding it like what Maman used to teach him, "You're fault for dashin out of da house."
Xandra gave an annoyed moan as she kicked a random can on the street, "Oh shut up brat―"
"Maman says swearin bad."
"―why are you so smart anyways? It's not normal."
Len chose to ignore that and instead looked at the sky. There were no stars which was kind of strange due to the last place he lived had so many stars. He leaned deeper into Xandra's back. He and Maman used to travel a lot and honestly, he loved it. He met many new people, tasted delicious cuisine and saw different things almost every month. Now, it's different he's stuck here in California, US of A.
His mind went back to Ritsu Himuro. She was a nice young lady; beautiful, kind yet lacked confidence. Speaking of which, "Hey Xandra, do you know Ritsu Himuro?"
"Ritsu? The water girl? OWH! Don't pull my hair."
Len scowled, "Don't call her that."
"Water girl?"
"Un."
Names, are important. They hold identification, it's amazing how a single word can actually shape your very existence. Even amnesiac people have names because before they lost their memories they were somebody. The more names they have shows the importance of a person like the character that Maman used to always talk about; Gandalf, he has many names. It kind of irked Len when people call others by rude aliases like 'water girl'. Though it's true that Ritsu Himuro is a water girl, she works very hard and is in need for respect.
"Why do you wanna know so much about her anyways?" she muttered.
Len beamed, "She's teachin me basketball!"
"Oh really?" Xandra question in a very clear, 'I'm not interested' tone.
"I promised that you get her in team."
"That's good to-WHAT!" she set him down, ignoring the other people passed by. She rubbed her eyes, something that Len noticed she does a lot when frustrated, "Len, look. It's not that easy getting on the team okay."
Len puffed out his cheeks, call him spoiled but he always got what he wants and he sure doesn't want this to be the last time. Whenever he was with Maman, she would always try her best to give him things. Of course Len didn't ask for anything extravagant. Just mediocre subjects that makes him happy, "I said my word."
"It's harder than-" Xandra paused, looking at him and at the same time trying het best to ignore the whispers, "-shit. Are you crying?"
Len instantly looked away, "No I'm *hic* not."
Xandra mentally groaned, this was so unfair. Why did her sister have to leave a brat like him with her? "Oh come on! Fine I will!"
"Really?" Len quickly perked up.
Xandra sighed, "Yes. Now shut up."
"mkay!"
Len tugged at the oversized shirt that Xandra gave him. It was orange with this weird symbol on the front, at least it was comfortable. He sipped his milk and looked out from the window. Months had passed since Maman left him with Xandra. He managed to properly dribble a basketball and even met Ritsu's younger brother, Tatsuya. Every now and then Len would practice with Alex's team mates. And it turns put that Ritsu really did have a talent in basketball; as a point guard. She managed to get into the second string with Xandra's help and Len couldn't be more proud. But as time flew, Len began to grow more worried.
Maman didn't call him.
In his eyes Maman is the perfect mother, she sacrificed everything for him. Weren't mother's supposed to call when they leave their child?
Adults are confusing.
"Hey you okay?" Xandra asked whilst turning on the television to watch yet another one of those cartoon shows. She seemed to be warning them more lately, especially the ones that had the ninjas. And what language were they speaking in anyways? Chinese?
"No," he answered truthfully "'m not."
This made Xandra pause and muted the channel. She took a seat in front of him "What's wrong?"
"Maman," Len managed to choke out, "When's she comin 'ome?"
Home. The word didn't sound foreign to him anymore. Many believe that home is where the heart is. And Len couldn't agree more. He felt at home here with the new precious people he made; Xandra's half-hearted sarcasm, Ritsu's oriental smiles, expanding Tatsuya's vocabulary, the doting team mates and heck, even the coach. But home didn't feel like home because there was no Maman. No mother to look after him. And it scared Len even further when she saw a frown overtaking Xandra's face.
"I'll call her now so don't you worry squirt."
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
"The number you are calling is―"
"Don't worry," Xandra assured, "She's probably busy. I'll call her again later."
Len smiled, he wanted to feel reassured but why did he have a gut wrenching in the bottom of his stomach? More days passed but the phone was never answered. He could see that Xandra is also getting worried. She looked like ever before but her eyes also looked distracted, worrying both Len and her team mates. They now sat on bench watching a game of street basketball with Ritsu. But as the game went on Xandra didn't bother looking up from her phone once.
"Alex you should take a break..." Ritsu whispered.
Xandra shook her head "Nope, just a few more―" RING!
Len looked away from the game his eyes widening "Who is it?"
The blonde grinned at him "Your Maman!"
His smile widens "Gimme!"
"'Kay, calm down squirt, here."
"Hello Maman! I miss you! Where have you been?" the boy asked.
"Len...I miss you too...please give the phone to Xandra."
"mkay."
Len would be lying if he said that he isn't disappointed. He waited for so long for Maman to answer and he didn't expect this. The light hair boy puffed out his cheeks, it isn't fair. Many people keep saying about how life is tough and that you need to earn to get, it's a true fact but he's two for goodness sake! Prodigious, yes, still two though.
"I'm at the basketball courts...yeah, why?" Xandra paused and immediately tensed, "O-okay, Len your mother needs to speak to you."
"Yes Maman?"
"Len be a good boy promise?"
"I will. Will you come back?"
"...I love you Len."
"Mama―" BEEEP!
Xandra carried him and turned to Ritsu, "We have to go, see ya Rits."
"So soon?"
"'Fraid so, bye!"
"...Ja ne."
When they arrived at the flat Xandra quickly went into action. She locked all the doors, closed all the windows and took of her shirt to where this vest thing before putting it back on again. Xandra tied her hair into a high pony tail and opened several drawers. She took out knives, hiding them in her pockets and shoes. Finally, the blonde took out a gun, checking the magazine before putting it in the holder.
Xandra kneeled down to his height, "I want you to go to my room and whatever happens don't come out. Clear?"
Len stayed silent, nevertheless he walked towards Xandra's room.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Who knew that the ceiling could look so interesting? With the textures, the slowly crippling paint and the details a ceiling could be a piece of art. He wonders the amount of time and effort a person would put in it. Len sighed, swinging his feet at the edge of the bed whilst frowning. It was incredibly boring. Boredom is certainly the root of all evil. There was literally nothing fun to do. Len wouldn't call himself a boring person say so, intellectual and calculating yes but boring no? He could have fun like every other kid but that's it; Len isn't like every other kid. He's prodigious.
BANG!
Maybe he spoke too soon about boredom.
Len instantly sat up straight, hearing the muffled sounds coming from the other side of the room. There shouts, screams, more gun shots, bone cracking and others that would be too hard to explain, even from inside the room he could smell both the blood and sweat of the people outside. Curious, he opened the door just a tiny bit and saw Xandra fighting four men twice her size an it was clear that she was loosing. Len gripped his shirt, he knew that Xandra told him to stay inside but still.
"Where is he," the man pointed the gun to her forehead.
"Not. Here." she gritted out, spitting on him.
The man saw red, getting ready to pull the trigger, "NO!" Len shouted, the boy ran towards his aunt, opening his arms and shielding her, "No, she's family!"
"Le-" he quickly cut her off, "I'll do anythin! Leave her 'lone!"
An unexplainable expression plastered itself on the man's face, he kneeled down and engulfed him in a hug but before Len could do anything else, he saw black.
An abyss full void.
Present
Len stared at the apartment in front of him. The building looked like any other though a bit rundown with it's slightly broken roof and chipped walls. A small garden was in the front covered with multiple of flowers, enlightening the dull area. Grabbing his bags and suitcase he opened the mahogany door. A small smile graced his lips as he began to take of his shoes. Len muttered a small 'tadaima' and walked in.
The room is small; a kitchen (a cheap stove) was in one corner and a small coffee table sat in the middle of the room, there was only one surprisingly clean bathroom and a decent sized bedroom with a single mattress. It was different from what he was used to. But different is a good thing. It'll be a change and no one will ever find him. Japan after all, is on the other side of the world.
"Home sweet home," he whispered.
The white hair boy began to unpack his things only to pause when he held the white uniform. In the next few weeks he'll be going to Teiko Middle School. Len was thankful that he managed to get a few thousand dollars before he came here. Exchanging it for yen the first thing he did was buy clothes, second was to enter a school and thirdly this apartment. The money will only last for a few years, three at most, so he needed to start working as soon as possible; something low and not eye catching. It was a new life, a new start, something fresh. He was entering as 'Len the poor boy who managed to get a scholarship' now all he needed to do is to not attract any attention. Grabbing his other suitcase Len unzipped it revealing piles and piles or armoury. Better safe than sorry.
He needed to do some redecorating.
But first: grocery shopping.
'Now,' he thought, 'I'll need groceries, pieces of wood and a security system-
"Watch out!"
Len blinked and out of instincts he placed his hands in front of him catching a...bright orange basketball?
"Sorry! Didn't see you there," said a deep voice. Len had to look up to see the speaker; a tall young man with chestnut-brown hair, a friendly face and sharp eyes.
"No!" Len quickly replied making the giant step back in surprise ,"My fault, I apologise," Len winced at his slightly chopped and probably much too formal Japanese, if there was one thing in the world that Len was terrible at, it would be this language. Kanji? Katakana? Hiragana? He was more proficient in European languages than those of Asian, his tongue just didn't roll correctly. He clenched his fists, if he was still back there 'not paying attention' could've cost him his life.
The giant -as Len dubbed him- grinned, "Nahh, I should be sorry. By the way name's Kiyoshi Teppei, say, you're not from around here are you?"
Len shook his head and slightly blushed, "Scholarship. I transfer from Europe. Tasogare Len."
"Wait, if you're from Europe then why do you have a Japanese last name?"
"Mother Japanese. Only learned language a few months ago."
Surprise flashed in Kiyoshi's eyes, making Len felt slightly guilty. He did only learn the language a few months ago but his mother isn't Japanese, leading to more lies. Something he is accustomed to but will never get used to.
"Hey do you want to play basketball with me Tasogare?"
Len nearly grimaced not used to being called by his 'fake' last name. The formal use reminded the boy during his time with them, "Please, Len. And basketball...?"
If Len was a lesser person he'd melt at the sight of Kiyoshi's grin, "Then call me Teppei, and yup basketball the greatest sport in the world! Well, in my opinion."
He gave a thoughtful look, "Is that so?"
Len could recall the times when he played against his guards and the tall people that came over from time to time. Living in Europe, Len was more used to sports such as football, tennis and horseback riding. Due to his rather short height for a basketball player, Len was slightly limited nevertheless even so he could still jump. He looked at the orange ball and sighed before giving his signature smile.
"Sure, why not?"
Len dribbled the ball while heading over to the court. He took a deep breath in and closed his eyes. Kiyoshi―now Teppei, is bigger than him . Givining him the upper hand; with his height Teppei could easily block him, make dunks, rebounds and if he were in the wrong side of the court, Teppei could effortlessly make shots. The injury from a few nights ago didn't help the situation at all since Len is left-handed. But even so Len can still jump.
He gave the brunette a soft smile, "Let's do our best!"
Not waiting for an answer Len dashed forward only to be blocked by the tall giant. This scene made him think of training when his tutor made him fight against numerous of men three times his size. Not loosing his cool the white hair boy was about of left only to pause and turn at the sudden flexing in Teppei's muscles. If this was a different situation Len would've pierced his pulse, however this was a friendly match and it seems that Teppei had already figured out his initial plan. So he did the unexpected. Len threw the ball over their heads.
Teppei smirks, "Ba-"
He never got to finish his insult as Len ran as fast as he could reappearing in front of the ball and catching it, twisting his feet he turned around and jumped.
Kiyoshi Teppei knew he was tall for a middle schooler. That's why he tried out basketball. At first it was only because many people said his height is perfect for it but slowly, as he began to play more games he could feel the thrill and the adrenaline that rushed through his veins. It wasn't long till Teppei fell in love with the sport.
When he first met Tasogare Len he couldn't help but feel slightly suspicious. Though having an Asian last name he looked nothing Asian with his snow white hair, tanned skin, double eye lids, a straight nose and well- everything about him. He was a scrawny guy, short, probably around 150's. So he had no idea why he invited the shorter to basketball match. Teppei knew not to judge a book by it's cover and he was right. Len is amazing; agility, speed, flexibility. And just as Teppei was about to go serious something amazing happened.
He jumped.
It was as if a bird just flew, wings wide and soaring―
Teppei couldn't react.
SLAM!
―the boy's a Small Giant.
Len's feet touched the ground, the basketball bouncing lonely in the now silent court. The white hair boy turned around to look at him in the eyes. In that very moment Teppei felt an ill intent radiating towards him, those once warm sunset eyes turned to a near molten red.
'What- what is this?'
Len didn't mean to pour out killer intent. Honestly, he hadn't meant go in the flow but feeling the rush, it excited him. All he wanted was to escape everything, go through them and win―
He blinked, closing his eyes before calming himself down.
"I'm sorry," Len apologised, "I not mean to."
"What..." Teppei trailed, "That...was amazing."
Eeeehh?
"Huh?"
Teppei literally beamed, "It was awesome! You were like zoom, zig zag, fake, bang, jump and you flew! You're like a Small Giant when you did that! And afterwords you were like badass! What school do you go to?"
"Teiko, first year."
"Awww...we're not in the same school...but that means we can be rivals!"
Rivals...as in basketball rivals? As in a basketball team that played in tournaments meaning pictures that will get uploaded on the Internet. His face being scanned indicating the chance that they'll find out where he is! Caught...and everything would go into the trash, everything would be futile. He'd have to go back to that terrible life with too much bloodshed for one his age―any age really.
Len frowned, he could―wouldn't have that at all. The boy worked to hard to escape that lifestyle and he wasn't going to be shackled anymore, even if it meant sacrificing his happiness, "Ah...sorry Teppei cannot be rivals."
"Waaah? How come?" Teppei had a disappointed look. The 'what a waste of talent' silently hung in the air, but the duo chose to ignore it.
"I do not join basketball."
"Aww and here I thought a rival would come out. Well call me if you ever change your mind, we can still play outside of school."
"Un."
"Let's exchange phone numbers ne?"
"Un, here you go," Len handed his very cheap but easy to use phone to Teppei while the other handed him a sleek device to type his phone number in. Once done, they gave their phones back and Len smiled, "Well I leave now, need shopping. Hope we meet again."
"For sure! See ya Len!"
Living in the underworld for so long, Teppei was like a breath of fresh air. Even with the façade the brunette kept on to Len he felt so innocent, so youthful. Everything felt so brand new and he loved it! It was a brand new start.
He chewed and swallowed the hamburger, it certainly tasted different from the western ones, good nonetheless. Currently sitting at a fast food restaurant called 'Maji', Len analysed his surroundings. The place is crowded, full of people all ages, he had been lucky enough to get his own table just by the windows. A terrible place if bullets were to assault the joint but with his fast reflexes he could manage to dodge and when attacking it'd be good since―
Len slapped his cheeks, earning odd looks, this was supposed to be a brand new start!
"Excuse me is this seat taken?"
"Ah no―" Len momentarily stopped and gaped at the giant in front of him. He was huge, taller than Teppei! What was with all these gigantic people in Japan? Is it the food? If so, Len needed to eat more!
"Do you mind if I sit here?" the young man asked politely.
"Un, I d-don't. I am Tasogare Len, pleasure meet you. Call me Len," he gave a short bow making the other loom a bit surprised.
"Nijimura Shuzo, nice to meet you too Len-chan."
Len glanced at the definitely older male; dark hair, light skin, grey eyes, and a cool almost dark knight aura around him. He has a sharp and calculating gaze, something good when fathering info on an enemy. He looked like a college student―wait a second did he call Len with the suffix 'chan'? As in an honorific that is usually given to people you are close to or younger girls in general. Does that mean..?
"Nijimura-san, un, what did you call me?"
"'Len-chan' why?"
"Why you put 'chan'?"
Nijimura blinked in surprise "You don't like it? I thought most girls your age do..."
"Nijimura-san, I'm a boy."
"Oh ok―WHAT!" Maybe the boy isn't as calculating as Len thought he would be. The scene was quite comical actually, the other's jaw was dropped and many people had no shame in whispering. Len scratched the back of his head and smiled, "Unnn~ we don't want attract no good attention."
Nijimura stared at him and whispered, "But how...?"
Len's smile twitched "Genetics," he stood up from his seat, "I leave now Nijimura-san, see you."
Just as he was about to go he felt someone tug at his sleeve, "Len-kun," Nijimura began, "If you want call me Shozo, and yeah hope we meet again."
"I-I hope so too Shuzo and it's Len. Do svidaniya [goodbye]."
Japan is weird.
Not in a bad way, Len thought as he placed the grocery on the floor. The country felt so different, aside from trying to avoid the yakuza, Japan felt safe and no one knew who he was. So there weren't snipers in almost every building that's trying to kill him. People like Teppei were hard to come, where she came from others were only 'kind' for survival or a hidden agenda. But Teppei seemed sincerely full of love with basketball, maybe not the facade he wears, yet the passion in his eyes would burn when he played. Everything felt so different and he liked it, Len loves change.
He stared at the plastic bag full of food and necessary equipments before unzipping his suitcase. Full or artillery and combatants that were given from that person. Sometimes, change can be difficult. And sometimes, no matter how hard a person tries...
... it's hard to let go of the past.
To be continued
Soooo whatcha guys think?