AN: I really should stop publishing new stories without completing/updating my other ones. *bows deeply* I'm terribly sorry about that but I can't help it! That said, I'll be slowly going into a hiatus since my major exams are coming in about a few weeks' time. *Sobs* I hope I'll do well for it. I really want to re-watch Knb but *sigh*.

Anyway, this will most probably be an Aomine x OC fanfic. There will be some hints of one-sided Kise x OC initially but we'll see how that goes!

Enjoy~!

Warnings: Unbeta-ed, OOC-ness?

Disclaimer: Knb's not mine... although I really want to squish Tetsuya's cheeks and mess up his hair ~

Tension sizzled in the air; the former members of Generation of Miracles stiffened as they watched the scene in front of them. Right from the start, Midorima had already figured out that Kagami was a full-blown idiot given the way he'd boldly challenged them despite the guaranteed outcome. But this… The red-headed bastard brought the word stupidity to another whole new level.

They were gathered outside the stadium where the Winter Cup was taking place: Midorima, Kise, Aomine, Murasakibara and Kuroko. The five of them had received instructions from the Emperor himself and no one dared to defy him. That was until Kagami Taiga had shown blatant disrespect to the King, Akashi Seijuuro himself. A calloused hand reached up to push the bridge of his spectacles upwards – a habit he'd formed whenever the green-haired man was nervous. Cool emerald eyes glanced at his former captain who held out a palm towards him.

"Shintarou, do you have a pair of scissors?" A smooth velvety voice murmured, concealing the hidden intent behind those words.

Midorima passed him the requested stationery, only to blink when Akashi lunged himself at Kagami whose eyes widened at the sight of the sharp object lunging in his direction. As the owner of such quick reflexes, Taiga could have avoided the attack if not for a pale delicate hand which shot out to grab the edge of the scissors. He let his eyes trail downwards, landing on a… small female that looked eerily akin to the man who'd just tried to kill him. Kagami gulped as the already simmering tension began to boil around them.

"Sei," a soft gentle voice called out disapprovingly, her hand clenching the weapon tightly. Her own pair of ruby orbs shimmered brightly under the sunlight with a plethora of emotions raging within them albeit her cool countenance.

From the side-lines, everyone held their breath as Akashi Seijuuro locked his gaze onto the female, a hint of annoyance barely evident on his face. An emotion… that somehow resembled awe and respect swelled up within Kagami's chest as the young woman met the psychotic man's stare unflinchingly. After what seemed like an eternity, the two finally broke apart with the unknown female glancing up to make eye contact; studying Kagami closely.

He resisted the urge to shiver under the intense stare that she bore at him. During this interval, the mysterious girl widened her garnet irises slightly, surprised at what she had learned from her interaction with him.

Unbeknownst to the two of them, the aura around Aomine darkened significantly as his eyes never left the female. Sensing the change in atmosphere around his former light, Kuroko glanced at the man curiously and noted the crease between his eyes. A sign of possessive jealousy, Kuroko thought to himself. Could it be that despite the exterior that he displays around them, Aomine had never once gotten over Yuna?

Kagami, unable to tear his eyes away from her beautiful ones, then noted how her garnet gems trailed downwards his body, perhaps analysing his stats the same way Riko and Momoi did. A crease appeared on his forehead as a scowl etched itself on his lips. Her examination of him was disconcerting. Wait, he didn't even know her name to begin with!

Everyone, except for Akashi, blinked as her soft pink lips quirked up at the sides in amusement; a bemused smirk decorating her porcelain face. The young girl snorted in an utmost unladylike fashion, murmuring the words:

"…eyebrows…"

Twitch.

"Kagami-kun, your left eye is twitching rapidly." A voice commented.

It was not the first time in his entire life wherein Kagami cursed himself for inheriting such thick eyebrows. His lips turned downwards even further, ire evident on his face despite the slight pinkish hues on his cheeks. Kagami shot a glare in his friend's direction, growling. "Oi, who's side are you on?"

"Ah!" A high-pitched cry stole his attention from the pale bluenette. It was Kise.

"Yunacchi! Why did you do that!? You could have seriously hurt yourself! Why are you still holding onto the scissors!?"

Kagami watched, flabbergasted as Kise – the goddamned energetic blonde – rushed over to the girl and gently pried the sharp object from her tight grip.

"Ryouta," Yuna called out disapprovingly as the idol fussed over her well-being like a mother hen. "As you can see, I'm perfectly unscathed. And don't… mess up my hair!" She turned to glower at the blonde who was ruffling her hair, tugging at it. Everyone knew that no matter how close you are to Akashi Yuna, her beautiful strands of red hair was off limits.

Only her twin brother, Akashi Seijuuro, and well… ex-lover, Aomine Daiki were the only few whom she'd given permission to. Speaking of which… a low, threatening growl had erupted from the tanned man. Yuna shot him a quick glance; the dangerous look of fury on his face sent unwanted (or so she thought) tingles down her spine.

Daiki…

"Yuna, pass me those scissors, will you?"

The said girl let out a soft sigh of resignation. "Let me. I'll do it for you."

Everyone watched as Yuna reached out fondly to brush the deep red locks of her brother's hair. Raising her hand to his face, she gently trimmed his fringe with unadulterated tenderness.

"Kagami-kun, despite my sister's interference, I have no doubt that you would be able to dodge that attack. In light of that display of grace, I'll forgive you this time. However, there will not be a second chance. When I tell you to leave, you leave. In this world, winning is everything. Winners are affirmed completely and losers are denied completely. We've…" He nodded at Yuna who turned to face the man he was talking to. "I've never lost at anything before, and I never will. Because I always win and I am always right. I show no mercy to those who oppose me, not even to my own parents. Only Yuna is given the right to defy me. Well now, it's time for us to leave. I just wanted to say hello to everyone."

As Akashi turned his back on everyone, Yuna followed suit. Sympathy and remorse were bubbling in her chest. Her beloved brother had changed completely after that round with Atsushi. The younger sibling was perceptive enough to even sense that there was something undoubtedly wrong with her brother. It was almost as if he had a double personality. Despite knowing that, Yuna was still willing to follow her brother; her love and concern triumphed over her logic and this meant that she was willing to follow her brother to the end of the world even at the cost of her own happiness.

But Yuna firmly believed that deep down somewhere in her brother's mind and soul, Akashi's true side was hiding in the dark abyss of his consciousness, waiting and waiting. As his sister, it was her role to bid for time. She will do that, no matter how much her brother was hurting, because the time to pull him out of that hell would eventually arrive.

And that opportunity would come in the form of Kagami Taiga – the fool who had just brazenly opposed the Emperor. That said, Yuna would keep her own thoughts to herself, plotting and concealing… She did not like it for it was mentally draining. But for the sanity and well-being of her brother… Akashi Yuna would do anything.

"What? Don't be ridiculous, Akashi! You summoned us just for that!?"

They both stopped. The Captain of the Generation of Miracles turned back to glance coolly at the tall man. Beside him, Yuna clenched her fists tightly. She needed to run; she needed to flee from the man who held such a great power over her own tiny vulnerable heart. Just listening to his low baritone voice alone could make her chest clench tightly in deep anguish. With her back facing towards Aomine, the only tell-tale sign of her facade shattering was the storm raging within her ruby depths; the vision of a wild fire blazing furiously.

As if sensing his beloved sister's distress, Seijuuro decided it was time to end this. "No. I actually wanted to confirm something, but after seeing your faces, I realized that there was no need. No one has forgotten our promise. Everything's fine then. The next time we meet, it'll be on court. Come, Yuna. Let us leave."

The two members from Rakuzan climbed up the stairs with an air befitting of an Emperor and Empress respectively, leaving their former team members staring at their turned backs. Once they were gone, Aomine rushed forward to grip Kise's shoulder. Topaz eyes devoid of their usual glint of mischievousness met brewing sapphire orbs unflinchingly.

"Aomine!" came Midorima's annoyed voice.

"Aomine-kun!" Kuroko tensed, ready to intervene when deemed necessary.

"Don't touch her!" The ace snarled, his voice dangerous enough to send chills down Kagami's spine. Never had the red-head seen the other showing such intense emotions. "Don't you dare touch her, not on my watch!"

"I can do whatever I want, Aomine." The blonde shot back, his own repressed emotions threatening to break free. "She came to me when she could have gone to you. You turned your very back on her. You weren't there to see how badly wrecked she was... I did. And it was all because of you. If anyone else deserves a second chance with Yuna, just know that… I wouldn't let you take it away from me again."

"Kise!" He all but roared at the man. Aomine was ready to punch the model but he was held back by the damned frog and tiger.

"Go, Kise-kun."

Kaijou's ace turned his back on them as he took long strides back to where his team currently was. Determination and devotion burned in his cool topaz eyes. Once he was in the locker room, his members looked at him worriedly.

"Kise, you okay?" Kasamatsu asked, earning a small nod from the man. "C'mon, let's get ready.

XXXXXXX

"Yuna-chan~!" Hayama made his way over to her with a grin etched onto his face. Noticing that the younger Akashi was unusually silent, the energetic man peeked at her brother inquiringly. Even Mayuzumi was piqued enough to break his gaze away from his book to watch the scene.

"Yu-chan," Reo peered down at her closely, his motherly instinct showing. Her entire body was tense unlike her usual collected self. It worried him slightly.

In Rakuzan, it was of common knowledge that the Akashis were the precious gems of the basketball team. Whilst Akashi was the one to guide them all to victory, Yuna had wormed her way into their hearts with her warm smile, burning passion and her loyalty. She was the light to their deepest, darkest shadows. If anyone touched a single strand of her, he'd incite the wrath of the Rakuzan basketball team and the King of the Court, Akashi Seijuuro himself.

"I'm fine." Yuna said, making eye contact with both Reo and Hayama. "It doesn't matter. What's most important is that our upcoming match is against Shutoku and this means that we'll be going against Midorima who'll no doubt make full use of his ability as the Shooting Guard. There's no doubt that this will be a tough challenge. However, as you all have been under the guidance of both the Emperor and Empress of the Court themselves, I have faith in you all – that we will prevail."

"…Yuna-chaaaaan! You are just too cute!"

"…"

A moment of silence ensued between the members of Rakuzan High until a certain blonde lunged himself in the direction of the red-head with the full intent of embracing the said girl in a tight hug, only to meet the ground with his face as Yuna dodged Hayama's attack skilfully.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

"Hayama, behave." The said man let out a small whine as the effeminate male smacked his shoulder, letting out an exasperated sigh at his team-mate.

Yuna's lips quirked up at the endearing sight. As usual, everyone never failed to lift her mood – even if it's by a slight bit. She knew how over-protective the men were and as such, they weren't told of her complicated past with both Aomine Daiki and even the blossoming model, Kise Ryouta. Yuna was especially grateful for Ryouta's constant presence in her life even though his schedule was packed with his modelling career as well as school. Yet, be there for her as he was, she could sense the change within him as well.

They all started to think for themselves – the members of the Generation of Miracles that is. Teiko's guiding principle had poisoned their minds starting with Daiki. Her biggest regret was that she hadn't been able to do anything for the cobalt-haired man who was sinking deeper and deeper into the dark abyss of his heart. The ace had caused her an unimaginable amount of despair; ashamed to say, Akashi Yuna had been on the brink of depression when he was no longer the man he used to be. If not for the illuminating sun of which that was Kise Ryouta, she couldn't fathom being happy – not while her lover was suffering because of his own power.

"Let's go. The match between Touou and Seirin will be starting soon." Akashi informed his team-mates who nodded.

And together as one, they made their way out of the VIP room and headed for the seats.

XXXXXXX

It was the semi-finals match between Kaijou and Fukuda Sogo High. So far, Seirin has been winning every single match and what was more surprising was the fact that they'd managed to defeat Touou High and this means that Aomine Daiki, the ace of Generation of Miracles, have lost. Yuna had been blatantly surprised at how strong Seirin had grown. The one man she'd set her sights on and who replaced Daiki's position as Tetsuya's shadow, Kagami Taiga, had once again surpassed her expectations.

Personally, Yuna was exceptionally curious about the other red-head. There was something about him – something that drew others in. Was it perhaps his warmth? His drive for excellence and passion for basketball? Back when she'd first seen the red-head, she was astounded by his growth and improvement. One could say her analytical skills surpassed even Imayoshi's. At one glance, Yuna could tell a player's current stats and how he moves on the court; she could tear them apart with just her eyes alone, break them down, come up with a new move set that could crush his defense.

She pursed her lips as she watched the members gather on the court with Ryouta standing out from the rest of his team. She was worried. Ryouta would go against Haizaki this round. As perceptive as she was, Yuna could sense the imminent hostility between the two players even from her side of the stadium hall. The silverette had gotten on everyone's nerves, especially Ryouta's. His condescending attitude had Ryouta glowering at the other man in disgust. When they'd agreed to a match wherein the stakes were a tad bit too high for Yuna's liking, her heart had almost flung to the ground once she was informed of their showdown.

XXXXXXX

That fool… she had murmured to herself, unaware of how her blood-coloured orbs simmered in unadulterated rage, causing her messenger to cower in fear with a hint of sweat forming on his forehead and trickling down to his neck. Yuna had stalked predatorily to the indoor hall akin to an alpha on a hunt. The scarlet-haired female knew she needed to stop them both before things got too late.

But alas, it seemed that fate wasn't on her side that day. Yuna had chanced upon Ryouta by accident when he was rushing out of the court. The Akashi was not an idiot. Her brisk stride accelerated into a full-out sprint. Slamming the door open, she glowered at Haizaki whilst storming up to him. A snarl had ripped out from her throat as Yuna struggled to maintain a hold over herself. Everyone stood on high alert at the scene – Midorima and Aomine stiff and ready to act if necessary, Murasakibara turning to glance at them sharply, no longer staring at the juniors with disinterest and lastly with Seijuuro reaching into his pocket to finger the sharp scissors.

"What the fuck were you thinking, Haizaki Shogou!?" Yuna growled out, her fist clenched so tightly that it started to draw blood.

"It was the loser's idea, not mine. Why, is Your Highness all ruffled up because I've made your pretty lover cry?" He sneered downwards at her, exploiting the advantage that he held over her.

"Fuck you – how dare you…"

Somewhere during this conflict, her entire frame had started to tremble from her fury. A voice in her mind whispered Yuu-chan, let me deal with that man. He'll hurt you.

She noted how there was a sudden glint in the silverette's eyes as if he was plotting something. It was unnerving, disconcerting, infuriating. His gaze made her feel dirty – made her feel as if…

"Hey," Yuna glared hotly as Haizaki tilted her chin up with his disgusting fingers. "How about you get together with me instead? Hmm… Sounds like a great idea. Why don't you leave your loser and come with me?"

That had elicited a guaranteed response: she had just punched him straight in the face with all the strength that she could muster in her small fist. Whilst her stature was small, Yuna certainly packed her punches for she'd been a black belt in judo. Haizaki was left crippled on the floor, clutching his broken – he had a hunch that it was broken considering the continuous flow of blood – and groaning in pain.

The silverette was about to glower at the young female who had the audacity to punch him when he saw it; the flashing hint of copper gold that shone within the deep rubies of her gaze. Throughout his entire life, there were only a few instances in which Haizaki was scared shitless and this encounter had just been added onto that list.

Never – never – had anyone seen this side of Akashi Yuna; not even her beloved brother, Akashi Seijuuro, did. The young lady was sneering disdainfully at him, her countenance devoid of the usual calmness and warmth that she was often seen with. The vice-captain of Teiko Middle School was currently exuding a threatening aura; one which promised humiliation and revenge.

"You have gone too far, scum."

Midorima resisted the urge to shudder at her icy tone. The man almost felt sorry for Haizaki – well, almost – for he was stupid enough to push her until her control shattered. It seemed as if the entire sports hall had dropped to a temperature that could freeze any liquidity. One of the second-stringers seemed as if he was about to pee in his pants.

"This is a place only for those befitting of the court. One where you do not have a place in. As of this moment, Haizaki Shougo, you are strictly exiled from the court of Teiko Middle School. You have erred gravely, committing the foulest deeds that anyone could have done in my vicinity. You have hurt someone dear to me - be it Ryouta, Daiki, Seijuuro, Atsushi and even Nijimura – the matter of fact is that you had just hurt them and I will not let things slide."

"Being the vice-captain doesn't give you the respon–" Haizaki was cut off by a sharp mocking laugh that chilled him to his bones.

"Oh," Yuna smirked condescendingly at him, turning her nose at up him. "Brother…"

The said captain nodded; considering that he already has had plans to dismiss the delinquent for quite some time now. He inclined his head towards her and the devilish smirk his sister was sprouting widened. Akashi knew full well what she'd wanted to do. It was always like this; no words were required. If it was anything else, it was that she'd addressed him formally – something distant to them.

Haizaki fought down the urge to gulp as she leaned forward and slammed her foot down onto his chest. Another pained groan escaped him; rage and humiliation boiled under his skin. Not once had anyone treated him this way – not even his parents had dared to.

And it was all because of Kise. He snarled inwardly, promising retribution.

"Besides, you don't like basketball. There's no reason why you'd want to stay… Oh, hang on. I just thought of one: to pick up girls. That brings me to… you've hurt Ryouta… Haizaki Shougo, I'll let you up under one condition: and that is to go down on your knees in front of Kise and apologise for hurting him. Will you?"

He growled at her, causing her to put more pressure on his chest. Damn, the girl is serious.

"Yuna," came Seijuuro's voice, effectively gaining the red-head's attention. "That's enough. I believe Haizaki's smart enough to get the message. You've done well. Now, let me take over."

She acquiesced but not before sneering at Haizaki. "…you know where to find me later, Brother."

XXXXXX

Watching from the side-lines and peering down at the court, it seemed to her that she had failed to alter Haizaki's disgusting personality. The man – his hair wasn't silver anymore – had whacked his team-mate in front of everyone. He didn't care that the entire audience was watching with bated breath. He just didn't care and that simple act of violence was enough to set her blood on fire, something that only Haizaki was capable of.

For a second, Yuna felt a tinge of pity for his team-mates for having to put up with his horrid attitude. She was gripping at the railings subconsciously. Yuna treated anyone who used such actions on the court with disdain – whether be it his own teammates or opponents. Such players do not deserve the privilege of participating in an esteemed competition such as the Winter Cup itself.

The match between Seirin and Kirisaki Daichi was something that caused most of the audience to be appalled at the foul play and dirty tricks used. They had even angered Tetsuya – those foolish fools… Yuna had never once doubted Seirin's abilities, not even when they'd lost to Touou back at the Inter High. With both Tetsuya and Kagami in the team, she was sure Seirin would prove themselves to be an obstacle.

Time was ticking; Kaijou wasn't doing very well at the moment. Yuna followed their movements with her scarlet eyes, never once taking her eyes off Ryouta. Her full lips turned downwards slightly as she realised that Haizaki was deliberately taunting the young blonde. Nevertheless, she continued to place her faith in her best friend, knowing that he will ultimately prevail in the end.

However, Ryouta managed to get himself back on track with the help of Tetsuya, copying the moves of every single Generation of Miracles – Shintarou's three pointers, Atsushi's defense, Daiki's flexibility and free form shooting and even Sei's Emperor Eye. Something akin to pride swelled up in her as Ryouta started to shine brightly on the court with eyes on him. The young blonde had even adopted her own agility and wit. Her skills proved to be of tremendous aid to the player as he manipulated his moves with a level that could only match hers.

Yet her premonition came true as Yuna watched Haizaki slammed onto Ryouta's foot with the intent of hurting him.

…

"Ryouta!"

…

From the other side of the hall, Kuroko's shoulders stiffened slightly, drawing Kagami's attention to him curiously. The pale male was all too familiar with that voice and considering what just happened...

"...Haizaki has just unleashed the monster."

Just as the other members of Generation of Miracles glanced at their former vice-captain, Kuroko raised his hand to point in Rakuzan's direction. Curiously, Kagami trailed his eyes over to the young woman standing by the railing and his jaw dropped. "What the…"

Kuroko nodded as he pursed his lips nervously. Everyone knew how Yuna was awfully protective over Kise, so much so that she'd expelled Haizaki from the team. The memory has been ingrained into his brain; he was unable to forget how wrecked Kise was, inciting Yuna's wrath.

Right now, even from afar, Kuroko could sense the murderous aura emanating from the young red-head. Noticing how her eyes (now tainted with a hint of gold eerily like Akashi's) concentrated on Haizaki and Kise, Kuroko almost felt a tinge of sympathy for the former for he had once again triggered the side of Yuna that nobody dared to. The jacket on her lithe shoulders even fluttered slightly in the air notwithstanding the absence of wind. The Phantom's own blue eyes alternated between the court and Yuna whose brother now stood behind her, placing a hand on her shoulders as if to restrain her.

Her sharp cry seemed to have elicit something from Kise. His moves were even more powerful; fuelled by Yuna by his side. Regardless of the pain shooting up his foot, Ryouta's quicker, more flexible, more accurate. This is Yuna's special ability – just by her presence alone, she could boost her team's morale in great leaps and bounds irrespective of the obstacles they're facing. And coupled with her sharp wit and speed, together with Akashi Seijuuro, they brought both Teiko and Rakuzan to victory.

Kaijou triumphed in the end; with Ryouta's golden head standing out yet still blending in with them. There was a warmth spreading through her chest; tingling slightly. Yet, that was not enough to subdue the boiling rage and concern towards both Haizaki and Ryouta respectively.

"Go, Yuna. There's still some time left before our game starts." Her brother gave her a small smile – one that was reserved for her only.

"…We'll crush our next opponent."

And Akashi Yuna turned and stalked through the halls, leaving people parting in her wake as they glanced at her.

I'll greatly appreciate it if you leave a review behind! It makes me really happy :) ^~^