Disclaimer: All characters in this story belong to Fujimaki Tadatoshi, creator of 黒子のバスケ/ Kuroko no Basuke / The Basketball Which Kuroko Plays.
A/N:
i. Woah! Thank you for all your kind reviews for 'Bloom, Flowers of Blood and Madness!'. They made me really, really happy! Thank you! ^-^
ii. I've been wanting to write a wing fic since ages ago, and I finally gone ahead with it! Therefore, you guys get a chaptered wings!fic this time. Please enjoy.
Angels fall
And the Reaper laughs
Rising from the world of deaths
To reap souls of the damned
Hear, hear!
Heed thy warnings
For I am coming
.
Kuroko twitched, slowly raising his head.
Bright blue eyes stared through the bars, at the empty hallway.
His massive black wings trembled in anticipation, but he did not move from where he was huddled against the wall in the corner of the room.
He remained within the safe cocoon of his wings which were wrapped around him snugly.
A new one has come.
Soon enough, voices drifted over to Kuroko. Loud, heavy footsteps steadily approached Kuroko's room.
Kuroko waited.
Two large men stopped before his room, they were dressed in identical lab coats and black pants. Only their shirts differed.
The man on the left pulled out a large ring filled with thin, metal plates, going through them thoroughly to find the key to Kuroko's room.
It took some time, but the man managed to find the correct key, sticking it through the scanner and with a sharp click, the lock opened. The man harshly pulled the gate open.
The man on the right finally moved then, reaching behind him and grabbing hold of something.
Kuroko stared at the flashes of red as whoever it was struggled against the man's grip.
But the man won, dragging the person out and roughly throwing them into the room. The person stumbled, falling to the ground with a soft cry of pain as the person fell on his wings.
Kuroko did not move to help.
He shifted his gaze from the person in his room to the two men. They shuddered the moment Kuroko's eyes met theirs. They quickly averted their eyes; the man on the left hurriedly slammed the gate close, and fumbled with the keys.
Kuroko watched the man's fingers shake as he attempted to lock the gate once more.
Losing interest, Kuroko stared at the person curled up on the ground, who was carefully holding on to his wings. The person was trembling.
The two men quickly ran away the moment the lock snapped into place.
There was a drastic change from the person before him right after the two men had left. The person shifted into a comfortable sitting position, his entire posture radiating confidence, all earlier trembling gone. The person turned his head to the only other person in the room: Kuroko.
Kuroko observed the person.
Vibrant red hair and heterochromatic eyes.
He has come.
A small smirk danced on Kuroko's lips, hidden behind his black wings.
Akashi Seijurou.
Akashi stared at the person before him. The massive black wings startled him a little; he had never seen anyone with such large wings before. The wings completely covered the person, leaving only the top half of his face and hair visible. The person's light blue hair gently shifted in the slight breeze from the artificial air blowing in from the hallway. The person stared at him, eyes unreadable.
Those bright blue eyes watching him made him uneasy. A little miffed, Akashi focused hard on the person.
His gold eye glowed softly, and the pupils of both his eyes narrowed into slits. Multiple bright rings of red circled around the narrowed pupil in his gold eye.
Suddenly, Akashi jerked back. His pupils dilated back to normal and he stared at the person in shock.
The person's blue eyes shone with amusement.
Who was the person before him? Normally, Akashi would see a bunch of images and would know all about that person whenever he uses his ability on them. But the person before him…all he could see was a deep, frightening darkness. If he had used his power any longer, Akashi felt was though he was going to be trapped in that darkness forever.
"Who are you?" Akashi questioned.
The person's wings shifted slightly, and Akashi could finally see his face.
"Kuroko Tetsuya." The person responded.
"Akashi Seijurou." Akashi introduced himself. Eyes narrowing, Akashi asked, "What are you?"
Kuroko smiled at Akashi.
"I am the same as you."
Was Kuroko mocking him? Anger bubbled within Akashi. "Do not mock me. What are you?"
But Kuroko only continued to smile serenely at Akashi, and repeated his answer. "I am the same as you."
Akashi's eyes flashed, and he stood up, towering before the still huddled Kuroko. His wings, red speckled with gold, trembled, spreading out to their full length.
"Do not lie to me. You are not the same, there can never be someone who is only completely filled with darkness. Even the most horrid criminals are not like you."
The smile never left Kuroko's face, but instead, it widened. Akashi unconsciously took a very small step back.
"I am the same as you."
Akashi twitched. As angry as he was, Akashi was never one to be foolish. He knew that he would not be able to get Kuroko to answer his question. Not only that, but Akashi somehow knew that Kuroko was not one to be trifled with.
Calming himself, Akashi tucked his wings close to his body and turned away from Kuroko.
He chose instead to survey his surroundings.
There were two beds to his left, stacked on top of each other with a short ladder separating them. As he studied the beds, he heard a very soft chuckling. Akashi refused to face Kuroko.
The laughter ceased, and Akashi nearly jumped when a soft voice suddenly spoke.
"Feel free to choose whichever bed you prefer. I have yet to pick one."
Akashi moved closer to the beds, and with a single flap of his wings, he gracefully settled himself onto the top bunk.
Akashi glanced around from where he was seated, and finally looked towards where Kuroko was. He stared down at Kuroko from his bed.
Kuroko merely smiled up at him. The massive wings rustled and shifted. A pale hand emerged from the black cocoon, followed by an equally pale arm.
Kuroko pointed to the wall opposite the beds.
"There is a sliding door built into the wall. Behind the door is the bathroom. The bath and the toilet are separated."
Akashi nodded once.
The pale arm was hidden once again.
Kuroko tilted his head at Akashi.
"It's quite spacious. The facilities are impressive for a laboratory dealing with human experimentation."
"Impressive? This entire room is smaller than my closet." Akashi refuted.
"It is small indeed. And very dull. If you wish to have a different wall colour, simply request it and they would change it."
Akashi stared at the grey walls of the room. No, not exactly a room. A prison cell is much more accurate.
He shrugged. "It does not matter. You can change it if you want."
"No, I am fine." Kuroko shook his head slightly.
Akashi stared at Kuroko.
"How long have you been here?"
Kuroko blinked.
"About two years?"
Akashi stared, incredulous.
"You have been here for two years, yet you have never chosen a bed of your own?"
Kuroko shrugged.
"I do not see the need for one."
Akashi was rendered speechless.
No bed, for two years? Has Kuroko remained in that position for two years whenever he rested?
Kuroko suddenly focused, eyes staring at the bars of the prison cell.
Akashi turned his head to look as well, but there was nothing.
There was the sound of rustling and Akashi turned his head towards Kuroko.
Kuroko's wings slowly unfurled. Akashi stared, there was something strange with that simple action, it was almost…majestic.
Kuroko stood up, wings tucked close to his body. They were so large that they trailed across the floor as Kuroko took a few steps closer to the bars.
He stopped then, and looked up at Akashi.
"It's time for lunch. Will you be eating?" Kuroko asked.
Lunch. Akashi started considering. While he was not very hungry, perhaps he could use this time to familiarise himself with the other residents.
"Where will we be eating?"
"In the dining hall." Kuroko replied.
Akashi nodded. He jumped off the bed, landing softly and soundlessly onto the ground with help of his wings.
Just as he finished tucking his wings close, heavy footsteps approached the room they were in.
A single man this time, also dressed in a lab coat and black pants. Another 'scientist'. This man did not look into the room, just quickly unlocking the lock and then he promptly walked away.
Akashi's eyes narrowed.
"Kuroko, why do the scientists here all seem to fear you?"
Kuroko smiled, but did not answer. He walked towards the bars and pulled them open. He turned back and gestured for Akashi to follow him.
Akashi let out a soft exhale, and simply followed after Kuroko.
Kuroko led them to the dining hall, and Akashi walked behind Kuroko, taking this time to examine Kuroko's wings.
Kuroko held his wings up, spread out partially to prevent them from trailing against the floor. They looked really heavy, but Kuroko carried them effortlessly.
Akashi stared at the black wings. Little lines of blue ran between his feathers. Kuroko's wings were very pretty, but also extremely ominous. His wings looked alive, with the deep black feathers and the blue lines, it was as though there was a constant thunderstorm raging in his wings.
And Akashi also noted at Kuroko was around his height. His large black wings gave him an intimidating aura, causing a false impression that Kuroko was huge.
Kuroko turned his head to face Akashi, and Akashi stared into those knowing eyes. Kuroko had obviously noticed Akashi scrutinising him, but did not stop him from doing so.
"We have arrived." Kuroko gestured to the large double doors before them.
Akashi nodded, stepping up and slightly ahead of Kuroko to push open the doors.
Akashi strolled in confidently, sharp eyes quickly scanning through the people in the dining hall. There were five very long benches, vertically arranged in the middle of the room. And to the upper right, there were many circular tables. On the opposite side, were small rectangular tables. Those smaller tables were mostly for those who wanted to either dine alone, or in small groups.
All chairs looked comfortable, with specially designed backs to accommodate their wings. And right at the very front, was a large buffet spread.
Akashi also watched how the scientists who were standing near the large windows tense up when they caught sight of Kuroko. A hush fell upon the previously noisy dining hall.
"You can pick a table. Or would you prefer to dine alone?" Kuroko asked softly.
Akashi considered it. Based on the reaction to Kuroko, Akashi could guess that either Kuroko was greatly feared, or he was some kind of outcast.
Either way, dining with Kuroko would mean that Akashi could eat in peace without anyone any random stranger approaching him.
"I will dine with you." Akashi decided.
Kuroko nodded.
Akashi chose a simple rectangular table, not too far away from the windows, but far enough to avoid the burning noon sun.
Kuroko showed him where the plates and utensils were, and all the while, Akashi could feel the stares of the residents watching his every move.
He ignored them for now, getting himself some soup and bread. He was about to reach for some salad as well, when Kuroko lightly tugged him back. The movement was concealed by Kuroko's large wings.
"Do not touch the salad. It's not safe today." Kuroko whispered into his ear.
"What do you mean?" Akashi asked, keeping his voice low.
"I will tell you later. Avoid the salad and meat."
Akashi frowned, and his brows furrowed slightly. But he nodded.
Kuroko filled his own plate with food and they headed back to their table, sitting opposite each other.
Kuroko silently began to eat, and Akashi did the same.
Slowly, Akashi could feel that the eyes watching him were decreasing.
"Akashi-kun." Kuroko murmured softly, continuing to eat as though he had not spoken at all.
"Yes?" Akashi returned, equally soft, mimicking Kuroko's actions.
"You are well aware that this is a laboratory, yes?"
"Of course."
"You should always be careful of what you eat. During every meal, those scientists will slip drugs into the food we are given to test them out on us."
"Why?"
"Because we are special. Being of the Ave race, we have wings, Akashi-kun. Ordinary humans do not. Because of that, many laboratories have been created to capture us and place us under surveillance."
"Capture, huh. I wasn't captured, just thrown out by my family into this place."
"Is that so?" Kuroko hummed.
"How can I tell the difference between what is safe and what isn't?" Akashi questioned.
"If it's you, you should be able to know it instinctively."
"What do you mean by 'if it's me'?"
"You are strong, your power is strong. Those with exceptionally strong powers will be able to naturally avoid the food that has been meddled with. A survival instinct, I suppose."
Akashi stared at Kuroko.
"But I could not tell earlier."
"You are not used to this place yet. Soon, once you have stayed here for over a week, you would be able to tell. For now, I will help you until you are able to do it on your own."
Akashi nodded.
"The drugs within the food do not act up instantly. Only after a few hours would you notice, and by then, it would be too late. Your only choice then would be to ask for help from those scientists."
Akashi frowned.
"Would you like some water?" Kuroko inquired.
"Yes, please."
Kuroko stood up, leaving his empty plate on the table and went back to the buffet table.
Right after he left, a person slid into the space beside him.
"Hey! I've never seen you before, you're new, right? What's your name?"
Akashi stared at the person. Black hair, slate blue eyes and an overly cheerful personality.
"Akashi Seijurou." Akashi raised an eyebrow. "You?"
"Kazunari Takao." Kazunari replied cheerfully.
His face suddenly turned serious. "You are that new kid who was thrown into the same prison cell as the black demon, right?"
"Black demon?" Akashi asked.
"Kuroko Tetsuya, also known as the black demon." Kazunari pointed towards Kuroko who was at the buffet table.
"Why do you call him as such?"
"Because he's really scary! Really, really scary! He's really strong and he has never once been drugged by the scientists at all, even when he first came. Even I had been drugged." Kazunari flopped onto the table.
"Just because of that?" Akashi raised his eyebrows.
Kazunari propped himself up with his arms.
"It's not 'just because of that'! Do you know how difficult it is to find the ones to avoid? And once you are drugged, the pain is excruciating. It's like you're being melted down in a boiling pot. Eventually, you have no choice other than to beg those damn rats to save you."
"Rats?"
"The scientists." Kazunari huffed impatiently. "Even the hailed Miracles were all drugged at least once."
"Miracles?"
"Yeah. The ones with the strongest powers here. Those scientists created that title. Anyway, you can meet them later, since they usually dine late. However," Kazunari glanced at Kuroko, "Kuroko Tetsuya is not a miracle. He is a monster. He has never been caught, never been experimented on. Those damned rats all fear him because they do not have the opportunity to 'study' him. If they are not careful, they may all end up dead, including us. Even this building could blow up."
Akashi frowned.
"What is his power?"
Kazunari shrugged. "Dunno."
Akashi stared.
"You do not know what power he carries, yet you are extremely fearful? Your fears are unfounded."
Kazunari blinked at Akashi. "Actually, I think you might be another monster as well. You are completely fine even after staying within his presence for a prolonged time. Yeah, you're a monster too."
"Whatever do you mean?"
Kazunari sprang up from the table, rushing through his words the moment he saw Kuroko returning.
"Anyone who comes within an arm's length of him either go crazy, or end up mutilated for no reason, which results in lost limbs or wings. And the worse is to spontaneously combust. The person would be burned down into ashes even before they realised that they have died."
Kazunari sprinted off right after, leaving Akashi to stare after him.
Kuroko lightly placed a cup before Akashi. "That was Kazunari Takao, wasn't it?"
Akashi nodded his thanks to Kuroko, sipping the cool and refreshing beverage. "Yes." He replied. "What drink is this?"
"Some kind of juice. Don't worry, it's safe. I thought that you would have preferred something light and chilled after your thick soup, so I spent some time contemplating which you would like best. Do you like it?" Kuroko blinked at him.
Akashi smiled a little.
"Yes, it's good."
Kuroko returned his smile.
Akashi studied Kuroko. Was he really a monster? Other than the large, black wings, Kuroko was actually easy to get along with. Excluding the fact that there were times when Kuroko infuriated Akashi by avoiding his questions.
A mildly sweet scent drifted over to Akashi. Akashi recognised the scent of vanilla. He glanced at Kuroko's cup.
Vanilla tea?
Kuroko, supposedly a really scary demon, was drinking vanilla tea? Somehow, the image did not go together with what Kazunari had just told him.
"Who are the Miracles?" Akashi asked.
Kuroko blinked at the sudden question. "Miracles? Are you talking about those with strong powers? Hm, if I remember correctly; Kise Ryouta, Murasakibara Atsushi, Aomine Daiki, Midorima Shintarou and Kagami Taiga."
Kuroko tilted his head at Akashi.
"Do you want to meet them?"
Akashi hummed.
"I do not mind."
Kuroko glanced around the room, and those who had been sneaking peeks at their table immediately avoided his gaze, some even running out of the dining hall.
"They do not seem to be here. You can meet them later, at the resting rooms then." Kuroko shrugged.
"Resting rooms?"
Kuroko nodded.
"Basically, a living room. Equipped with the latest entertainment and all. From morning till night, the doors will remain unlocked so you can go wherever you wish. Today was an exception, from tomorrow onwards, as long as you are staying in the same room as I am, the doors will be unlocked. I will show you around later."
Akashi simply made a soft noise in acknowledgement.