Wow, this much support in the first chapter. I know it's nothing big in general but... it is for me. I sort of feel bad though, I did my best and yet this chapter seemed to be a bit rushed, I tried to do what I could but it still... ended up like this, I hope it meets your expectations though.
There have been some unexpected... twists in this story which I didn't ask for, if in case there's confusion, please read the author's note at the end, I hope it helps you... even for just a bit.
Thank you for those who favorited and followed this story: AoiAkumaNeko, Cirucci, DiamondLightHQ, HeteroChromium, MehLikey, Nisha93, PandaWarlord, SnowTime, Twenquelv624, blackfairy30, yukinome23, ryoka-chan, BloodyZombie, kuroshiroryuu, MirrowLight, Pendraco, Riddikuluss, Yume Kurai, cookiemond, harley kush, and stephomi~
And thank you to the reviewers, really! They made me really happy :3 And I'm glad to hear your thoughts about this, sorry I am unable to reply though, I'm... sort of scared of replying, because what I reply always ends up the same -_- Unfortunately, I'm not really good with replying, in reality or in Fanfiction. Mentions: .7, Riddikuluss, Puncakegoddess, MehLikey and that Guest who haunts me at school (not anymore, we're at vacation :P) and at fanfiction, yes coach, I'm talking to you.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke. If I did then the GoM would be fluffier towards Kuroko.
Note (last one, I promise): I know Kise is slightly annoying at first, but he'll warm up soon ;) Hope you bear up with me, since well... I decided to change my view on him a bit, there's this side to him beneath all that fluff and this is actually my first attempt writing his serious side.
And with that, conquest start~!
"Kagami Taiga... was it? Could you please just leave me alone after this? I'm really busy... are you... a fanboy? Aren't you being a bit cocky here? Here I am, about to listen to what you have to say and you stand there reluctant, so please, after I hear the order and do it, I don't want anything to do with you anymore."
"Hell no, you stupid dense blonde! I am not an effin' fanboy! Besides, it's not like I want to do this-"
"Kagami-kun, is there really no other way to go around this?"
At the bluenette's suggestion which flashed through his mind with their mental telepathy, Kagami Taiga scratched his head, and he fired a glare at the blonde, namely Kise Ryouta, who shot him with an equally threatening one in return. The two continued their glaring contest which Kuroko couldn't help but sigh to, he did not sign up being a conqueror to get into trouble with his life.
I bet you're wondering what exactly happened, let's look at the events before this all happened, shall we?
Recess.
A period of time which students look forward to, feeling satisfaction as if they are rewarded with a short period of time for recreation as a reward for their hard spent hours in the classroom having to cope up with boring lessons.
Also a time of school hours which loners dread, and our conqueror was probably no exception to this rule.
It's the usual daily routine of life, and the fact that he is now a conqueror seems to change nothing. As usual, he either grabs a book to read or sips on his beloved vanilla shake, which he enjoys very much for company.
He looks at the other corner of the classroom, where a lot of people have gathered around his fellow companion, Kagami Taiga, and he couldn't help but feel spite for fate. He knows however that this is not Kagami's fault but his own, for in the end, it depended on how the person really was.
That's just how different we are...
It's only been an hour and a half since he actually transferred, and here he was easily making friends. It was as if the world was mocking him, saying his efforts to try to fit in were futile.
That didn't mean it was too late though, for he was given a chance to start anew. He looks at his black wristbands which he wore on his two wrists, and he knows that they definitely meant something, there was definitely a reason why he was chosen.
He exits the said classroom and gets obsessed with the novel he holds, it's how he spends his time and passes his days, it's like his air. Books are his solitary friends, and he doesn't see what's wrong with not wanting to get hurt.
He doesn't see what's wrong in entrusting his heart to someone, or at least something.
"Oi, Kuroko, don't leave me alone in that classroom, it's damn scary in there!" He hears from behind, only to see Kagami Taiga slapping his back hard – was that a greeting? Perhaps, but he wasn't in the mood for it, if anything, he was mad – or maybe jealous.
"Kagami-kun, isn't it best for you to stay where you are most welcome? Besides- you should be thankful that the class accepted you without hesitation."
"Tss... what are you saying, you idiot?" Kagami facepalmed, and Kuroko looked up at his partner in confusion, questioning his statement. If anyone was the idiot – if he remembered right – it would be Kagami himself.
"What should I do to make you understand that you're the only one I actually feel comfortable being with?"
There's this moment when you're friend acts weirdly, and in this case, he's an angel, and he's pulling an angelic expression in what is usually on his face – a glare, mix that with slight embarrassment and you get Kagami Taiga's behaviour right now, it creeped Kuroko out to the bone.
"I- I mean, you know... since you've been chosen, the demons might target you at any moment... and you know, you might end up getting in danger and we all wouldn't want that, I wouldn't, saving people is a pain in the ass... You really can't live without me, huh, Kuroko?"
"Really, Kagami-kun? It seems like the other way around if you ask me..." The shorter of the two teased, and even without looking, he could pretty much guess Kagami's expression by now.
"O-Oi!"
It was by any means – true. After all, Kagami Taiga all of Kuroko's homework for his (Kagami's) first day of school (in Kuroko's case, second), not to mention they were seatmates and Kagami always looked to Kuroko with a pleading expression, asking him about what the answer was to the teacher's question to avoid looking dumb.
"Now, Kagami-kun, we wouldn't want me telling you on to the teacher do we?"
Kagami screamed with disbelief, he just couldn't believe it. He didn't know why he was ever so scared by that, if his comrades in Heaven and the demons had heard about this, his pride would be screwed.
He was actually losing in an "argument" with this person with absolutely no social life – not to mention he was practically Mr. Invisible.
Now this is why he learns a lesson to not get on Kuroko Tetsuya's nerves (though he didn't exactly do that), for you would get an equally painful answer to your retort.
And so recess passed just like that, and he had to admit – that was one heck of a fun recess.
Teikou Academy had this habit of being different from other schools – and it wasn't on purpose, it just... happened, for of course, it was this elite school established by the combination of brilliant human minds.
Just imagine how brilliant the idea was to Kagami for the whole third day of school to be spent on getting to know your chosen club.
He was fired up, terribly. He could still remember those days when he would run recklessly and wildly to the club room in anticipation – but then again, those all happened back when he was truly alive.
Well in this case, it wasn't a club room, it was a gym.
It had been awfully convenient that all the targets in the list belonged to the basketball club and how he loved basketball in his past life – so of course it was a given that Kuroko was to attend the same club as him, for everything was just right there. How convenient was that?
"Say, Kuro-"
He didn't get to continue when he saw that his fellow partner was... well, looking terribly happy-go-lucky in his own almost emotionless way. However, even he could tell that something was different.
"Kuroko?!"
This was followed by a sense of impatience when there was almost no response except a receiving nod, indicating Kuroko snapped back to reality and told Kagami that it really wasn't necessary to shout out like that when they were just beside each other.
"Sorry... you just... seemed to wander off to wonderland or something, at this rate, you might end up like an angel, your soul might drift off from happiness... sorry 'bout that."
It was a friendly joke, and Kuroko almost seemed to believe it for a moment – until he saw Kagami's rather amused face. He merely put on a cute pout and told Kagami that he couldn't help it.
After all, he was finally going to get to play in the same place with them again, even if it was just from far away... it was enough. True, he may never be able to get that uniform he dreamed of having again – after all that's happened, but at least he could be with them there, it just worked like that, and that was fine with him.
He couldn't possibly turn back to those days and change anything, it was too late for that.
"...Okay?"
Kagami decided not to question Kuroko's answer, and he was starting to wonder whether or not his conqueror really was emotionless, for he swore that he just saw a look of admiration in his face... something dreaming ambitious, something much to that of a person in love?
Forget being a conqueror, was he... already conquered from the start?
Forget basketball, Kagami was practically gliding across the court, not kidding.
Kagami Taiga was easily accepted, for jumping capability was a rather important factor in basketball – and of course they all knew that, therefore it really wasn't any surprise when Kagami got into the first string without even taking the test.
"Oi, Kuroko, I really did it! I made history!" Kagami shouted out proudly with his new achievement, for he was the only freshman who made it without being a member of the club back in middle school... or at least that's what he thought.
"Not really, Kagami-kun... besides, Kise-kun did it too right?"
At this, Kagami could only blink and ask Kuroko who Kise was, and Kuroko merely replied that he was a popular student back in his middle school days- and even now his popularity as a student and as a model was rising. Kuroko couldn't help but wonder how Kagami couldn't possibly know of the said person's existence – after all, he must have heard that name at least once right? The news of Kise joining the basketball club for his freshman year was basically the most frequent topic of his fangirls – and fanboys – and that was saying something, for he had a lot.
"Come on... Well, I'm still making history, all I have to do is beat him right?" Kagami asked with a confident tone, as if reassuring himself that it wasn't over yet.
"Heh... so someone here says that he could beat me that easily huh...?"
Kagami and Kuroko turn to where this playful voice came from, only to find Kise Ryouta there – who seemed to have heard the entire conversation.
"So... you're Kise Ryouta? Hmm... doesn't look really impressive... if you ask me."
This sudden revolutionary sparking up war (exaggerated much?) caught the attention of quite a lot of spectators, too much that even the regulars who were in the first string gym rushed in to the venue of the qualification exam to see what was brewing up, only to find a redhead and a blonde fighting.
But that in some ways, was interesting.
"Heh... well then, why don't we have a match right here, right now?" Kise suggested, playfully twirling a ball in his finger, Kagami need not remember where that ball came from – for the only thing that was in his mind was beating this guy named Kise Ryouta.
"One on one, normal rules... whoever gets ten points first wins, how's that?"
Kagami got even more annoyed when he looked at the model's face while making the suggestion, and he couldn't help but want to punch his precious face, seeing that smile just basically screamed out "underestimation".
Well he wasn't going to give in, he wasn't going to lose now – he was sick of losing everything, and this time there were no second chances, he knew that, and that's why he was there right now.
"Fine by me, and to make things more interesting... whoever's the loser has to do what the winner says, or wait, are you a wimp that you're so scared of losing, huh?" Kagami smirked, and seeing the anger in the blonde's face made him even more pleased.
"Tch... fine, but don't go crying when you lose, Kagami Taiga."
"Oi, Akashi, aren't you sort of curious about what's gonna happen? This doesn't happen every day, ya' know... Though I have to say, I'm sort of surprised you didn't stop this."
Akashi Seijuro still watched in silence as the two new prodigal first stringers continued to fight in the sport known as "basketball", though he had to admit, it didn't look that way anymore.
Or at least, he wasn't looking at them now.
"Daiki, I should say the same to you, after all... don't you want to see him?"
The rest of them were well aware of who Akashi Seijuro was referring to, and they all diverted their gazes to the bluenette who was watching the match unfold as well.
"Akashi, you mean Kuroko?"
"Yes, Shintarou, thankfully you are quick to catch on and not as dense as this... what do you all call him?" Akashi mused, pretending not to know Aomine's oh-so-famous alias.
"Hmm... why do we call Minechin 'ganguro' again?"
"Hey!" Aomine Daiki protested, but it seemed to not matter, for no matter what insults and aliases they fired at him – it could never change the fact that he was Aomine Daiki, but even now he was starting to doubt whether his identity was anything big, after all...
"It's because... Tetsuya said so."
The mention of the name made them all stir up inside – but now they didn't seem to know what was right and what was wrong anymore. They had lost sight of what was important, and because of that, they had lost the person they actually cared for to the most unpredictable thing possible.
Love.
"Say... I wonder if Tetsu already forgave us for what we all did?"
Now that they looked back to it, it was basically unforgivable, and only now were they starting to realize that maybe they did hurt him deeply after all, and that setting the past aside could never solve anything and cover their mistakes – they were starting to wonder whether or not there was even hope of bringing him back.
"... I just hope so, Daiki, I hope so."
They all didn't want false hope to blind them again, for if in case that happened – then they had already lost the game.
The game of life which they so desperately wanted to win over.
"Hey! Listen to what I have to say! Or are you just gonna be an excuse of a loser, huh?"
Kise Ryouta did not in the slightest like being called a "loser", and he was about to protest that he didn't need Kagami Taiga shove that in front of his face.
"Could you please stop following me around?"
Kise Ryouta also didn't like people following him around- for his life was already full of that and he didn't need the person who won over him to add to that list too – this was the worst day ever.
"...Fine, I'll listen to what you have to say. Just not... here, alright? Maybe afterschool?"
"...Deal."
And so... Afterschool..
"So, Kagami Taiga, what's this order of yours? So I can just get this over with..."
Kagami Taiga had almost forgotten how cocky this guy was, he already lost to him, and now he was being all demanding, it seriously pissed him off.
"Well, you see that guy over there?" Kagami points his finger to Kuroko who shoots a questionable look at him. Just trust me, Kuroko. He says through telepathy, which they had achieved through the multi-functional wristbands, which might as well also signify the bond between Kuroko and Kagami.
Kise looks at the direction where Kagami's finger is pointing, and he is incredulously sure that there's no one there, someone with a pair of normal human eyes couldn't possibly see-
Wait.
He could make out a figure amidst the flush of blue he could see through the clear view of the sky they could see through the view of Teikou's rooftop, and he had to admit, it was hard to concentrate on this figure with all the students he saw from beneath walking out of the campus. Indeed, there was a pale bluenette standing there, and he swore he wasn't there just now- or wait, was he?
"Wah! W-Who are you?" he gapes, and he wonders why he's even shocked.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kuroko Tetsuya. Please excuse Kagami-kun's uncouth behaviour, he's generally not a bad person." Yeah sure, he's not a person, he's an angel, but Kagami doesn't protest, for if he did, well things were going to get bad.
If Kise Ryouta knew he was an angel, then he probably would hunch that Kagami's air walking skill was a natural thing that came from his experience as an angel, and no, he didn't cheat, it just came without his permission– he didn't want his victory to be viewed as "not so hardly-fought for" did he?
His pride would not allow it. Ever.
"Hmm... Well, I can guess he's not a true gentleman, since he's letting someone else apologize for him."
This was received by a "Hey!" which couldn't help but make Kuroko remember certain things and a certain someone – but he quickly shoved those thoughts off and told Kise that he still didn't hear what Kagami was supposed to say.
"Oh, yeah... right." Kagami says, and he feels rather excited, for in his opinion, his idea was generally genius.
Too bad he was too rash to consider the consequences after that.
"Kise Ryouta, out of that act of defeat, you are to date this guy." Kagami drags Kuroko to his side and bumps his fist onto his head. "For a whole week, no take backs."
Kise and Kuroko did not take this lightly, this was followed by protests, even Kuroko was equally surprised – just like Kise was. This was totally uncalled for, and he didn't hear anything about this, in fact he didn't want to hear any more. If he recalled rightly, relationships were not to be taken lightly – he would know, after all... he of all people would know that emotions were not to be controlled, for they were simply uncontrollable, and he didn't want his life being controlled for him.
"Kagami-kun, what is the meaning of this?"
"Kuroko-kun's right... you can't just-!"
"Oh yes, I could. Believe me Kise Ryouta, I have seen a side of defeat you haven't, and those who don't work hard for victory have to know what's ahead... Well, have fun!"
And such was why the two – Kise Ryouta and Kuroko Tetsuya – got stuck with each other in this predicament.
Meanwhile, heaven was peaceful as it was – if not busy, and Aida Riko suddenly stood up from her chair, unable to believe what she had just found out.
She had to pass it on to the rest.
It was a terrifying day, and it was beyond the Seirin angel unit what exactly would make Riko Aida, the Riko Aida, flap her wings excitedly.
That never ever happened, not in her life, not in their life in heaven.
"O-Oi, Riko, what the heck happened?" Hyuuga asked, slightly worried, though he had to admit, seeing Riko in this state was sort of funny and enjoyable.
"Now now, let's hear what she has to say." Teppei suggests, for he is of course interested, and he guessed that it must have been related to the files she had on the surface of her palm – to be specific, data on certain humans, wondering whose info it was, a certain curious individual by the name of Koganei asked whose it was.
"We really were right for choosing Kuroko-kun... because..."
There was anticipation as Riko browsed through the files and transmitted the information to them, and needless to say, it was no wonder that Riko Aida was flapping her wings in such a carefree fashion.
Maybe... there was hope in saving the world after all, even more than they imagined...
"Aomine Daiki, Midorima Shintarou, Murasakibara Atsushi and Akashi Seijuro... four of the targets... have already fallen in love with Kuroko-kun in the past."
Omake/ Bonus/ Filler/ Sneak peek at Kagami's dorm life (Yes, it's different this time):
"Oi, Kuroko, can I borrow your science homework?"
Still no response from the bluenette, and Kagami reluctantly turns to his dormmate who is lying on the bed embracing a pillow, looking rather... annoyed.
Now... who was he annoyed at, you ask?
"Oi, Kuroko, did Kise do something to you while I left the two of you alone back there? Oi-"
He no longer gets to continue, for he gives in to the pillow which slammed on his face quite accurately.
"Kagami-kun, I have seen a side of defeat you haven't, and those who don't consider other people's emotions should be aware of what punishment they shall receive, and that includes people like you."
Kuroko feels completely satisfied, taking his anger out already. Kagami on the other hand is surprised that Kuroko actually had the capability of being angry- though he doesn't voice that out for he was well aware of what's ahead. He keeps quiet the entire night, and so does Kuroko.
Not a single word spoken, and guess what, Kagami feels lonely.
Talk about sweet revenge.
So... I also, did not expect this to turn out like this. I guess I found it awkward for them not to know Kuroko, and they're already at high school, so I was like: THEY NEED A BACKGROUND STORY NOW.
And yes, that end is NOT a lie, more will be explained in future chapters. As for Kise... don't think he has a least chance on Kuroko compared to the others just because he's new... because he is of course one of the harem members. I did tweak a bit though, about how Kise didn't join the basketball club back in middle school... though I'm not throwing all the information right now, that's a spoiler ^_^.
Till the next update~
-BerryBliss
