DISCLAIMER!: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke and the cover image used for the fanfic. Both belong to their respective owners.
If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
Beginning Arc
Chapter 1 - We meet again
Noir. An anti-demon organisation, consisting of more than a thousand members. It is one, if not the most powerful organisation of exorcists in the world. Certainly the most powerful one in Japan. Noir's main headquarters is located in Tokyo. Yes… certainly an unlikely place for an organisation such as Noir. However, Tokyo, unlike any other city or town in Japan, has high activity of demons.
Thus, Tokyo was chosen as the city to house the Noir organisation. The building itself is not located in the centre but rather the edge of the city. Far, yet close if any missions arise.
The large building made an immediate impression of a castle… no… a cathedral better to say. A large cathedral with it's pointed steeple roofs which almost touched the sky and the clouds. The building itself is grey with many decorations on it, mainly large statues, like the one right in front of the entrance which accompanied a large fountain.
Around the building there is greenery. Grass and trees, something you wouldn't find in the city so easily. The building could seem a bit frightening to outsiders at first glance, but to Kuroko Tetsuya, the building felt like home. Along with the vast garden surrounding the building, Kuroko felt truly at peace.
Away from the crowds of people and the skyscrapers in the city. Noir's headquarters really did give off a different kind of vibe. Even though the city is just a step away outside of the gate, which made it available to any customer outside, the place felt somehow separated. At least that is how Kuroko felt.
Kuroko lay down on the soft grass, letting himself sink into the nature. He felt the soft breeze of the warm and gentle wind brush off against his cheeks and his teal blue hair. If he could, he would stay like this forever.
'Kuroko-sama!', Kuroko frowned slightly, annoyed at the sudden interruption of his peace and rest. He tried to stay silent, not moving an inch, hoping the person who called out to him would just give up and leave.
The intruder kept running around the garden calling out Kuroko's name, while the said boy simply lay down still on the grass. 'Found you!", a shadow covered the warm sun from shining it's rays on Kuroko's face. Kuroko frowned again and slowly started opening his eyes.
'You don't need to address me so highly. Just "Kuroko" is fine.' the teal haired boy tilted his head upwards to face the now panting intruder who bent down a bit on his knees in order to catch his breath.
'I apologise. I know Kuroko-sama always keeps telling me this but I cannot help myself. Force of habit?' the man replied. Kuroko sighted and sat up from his laying down position. He turned his upper body to face the man.
'Just "Kuroko", please do drop the "sama", Himuro-kun.', Himuro smiled at Kuroko's response and nodded in agreement. The teal haired teen did not fail to notice the man's usual poker face he always had on at any given moment. Well Himuro always did have very attractive features.
Jet black hair which goes up to Himuro's jaw, with his bangs covering one of his eyes completely. A mole just beside his right eye (the one which is not covered), and striking black trench coat which is the uniform of Noir. Himuro's appearance and charm is known to attract women of all ages, from elderly to children, something which Kuroko found annoying at times.
'Sh- I mean commander Nijimura is calling for you. It looks like he wants you to do another summoning for the research department. He told me to get you right away.', Himuro went from his poker face to a pleading face which made Kuroko sight again.
'Alright but isn't it the third time this week? Why are they conducting such harsh research?' Kuroko now stood up and turned around to face Himuro.
'To defeat your enemy, you have to know them better right? I am sure it will help in our efforts to exter- I-I mean help the demons live in peace with us humans.', Kuroko eyed Himuro again but this time with narrowed eyes. Himuro couldn't help but put back his poker face on.
'Himuro-kun, this is the third time now. First the "sama" then "Shuu" and now "exterminate". Please be aware of what you are saying', 1 - 0 for Kuroko.
'Besides, I do not plan on "exterminating" demons. If so, I will have to politely decline commander Nijimura. As I have done before.', Kuroko made his point loud and clear, 2 - 0 for Kuroko.
'S-Sorry Kuroko. Work is catching up to me and no… we have no plans of killing the demons. It is for simple research purposes. Trust me. Commander Nijimura told you personally if I recall, "We do not kill innocent demons, but those who attack us first are a different matter", is what he said remember?', with hesitation Kuroko nodded back with the feeling of defeat. It was indeed what commander Nijimura had told them from the moment Kuroko became a member. A moment not to be forgotten.
His statement made Himuro grasp a tiny bit of victory. At least now it is 2 - 1, with Kuroko still in the lead. However, his last comment was surely a spear in the chest which ensured Himuro's win so can we say it is 2 - 2?
'Alright, alright. Shall we go Himuro-kun?', Himuro nodded as the two headed towards the large cathedral building.
xXx
Kuroko and Himuro walked down the hallways of the headquarters. Much to Kuroko's annoyance, every woman they passed greeted them along the way. Surely it would have been a bliss to Kuroko if the greetings and smiles were directed his way, but they weren't. They were all directed at the direction of his companion who walked alongside him, only returning the greetings with a smile and a wave which send shivers down the women's spines. As if a pistol shot them, Kuroko thought.
The corridors, despite how dark the building may seem from the outside, were quite bright with the sun rays infiltrating though the thick glass. Showing the detailed interior design of the building. Warm to those inside but dark to those outside, was the first impression the building gave to Kuroko when he first came to the Noir headquarters. An impression which most would surely notice.
'Himuro-kun please stop flirting.', Kuroko finally spoke out his thoughts and discomfort to his companion as they walked.
'I'm not flirting Kuroko. I am simply greeting those who greet me back. Is that bad?', Himuro managed to say before greeting another younger woman who passed by. Annoying Kuroko more and more.
'Please do not expand your reputation even further than it already is.', Kuroko put his right hand on his forehead in discomfort.
'My, my what do you mean?' Himuro hummed, greeting yet another woman on the way.
'Does "Man of universal appeal" ring any bells?', Kuroko asked but received another poker face which was directed to a women.
'Maybe… Maybe not', was Himuro's reply as the two finally arrived in front of a large door which extended all the way up to the ceiling. The door was metal and of high quality, just like the rest of the building. Come to think of it, how did the organisation become so rich? Is it due to the city's funds alone? Surely the organisation has it's influence extended even outside of Japan. Heck, out of Asia. I take it back, it is perfectly understandable why they are so rich, Kuroko won his inner battle with his doubts.
'I told you for the millionth time! If you are not able to send supplies on time then it reflects the image of you yourself and your company as well! No! I do not care about the circumstances! I needed those supplies today and you were unable to provide them. Noir will not be initiating any further business with your company. Thank you for the partnership while it lasted and goodbye.', a loud and strong voice echoed from inside the room, making both Himuro and Kuroko flinch. Not only the two of them but also the two guards who stood in front of the door with their sharp lances pointing upwards.
'That's definitely Shuu… I mean commander Nijimura.' Himuro's voice woke the two guards from the shock as they strengthened in their formal positions, noticing the presence of a high ranking official.
'Secretary Himuro, please go on in.', the two guards slowly started to open the door and Kuroko with Himuro proceeded inside. Once inside the room, Kuroko looked around the largely spacious room. A room suitable for a commander indeed.
The room contained high quality materials and housed two tables, one a large desk and the other a glass coffee table located in the middle of the room. Large windows spread through the whole front side of the room, opposite of the door. Carpets, high quality chairs, couches, other necessary furniture and very luxurious looking curtains covering the windows, still letting the warm sunlight inside the room. Nijimura was never the type who liked those gloomy types of rooms.
Himuro and Kuroko stepped forward towards the large desk table which is located just opposite the main doors. A black leather chair was rotated backwards, hiding it's user behind it's large back.
'Shuu, I brought Kuroko just as you've asked.' Himuro was the first one to speak up, as the chair slowly turned from facing the windows to facing the two who just entered the room.
'Tatsuya… how many times do I have to tell you to call me "Commander Nijimura" or just "Nijimura" while at work. You are setting a bad example for the trainees.' the tired Nijimura turned around. His voice was lower than before, probably due to the drainage of energy that phone took from him. Being a commander at Noir was no easy task and Kuroko respected Nijirura for that.
'You as well Shuu? I already got scolded by Kuroko-sama here…' Himuro ran a hand through his black hair.
'Just Kuroko/Nijimura!', the two said in union which took Himuro by surprise.
'OK, OK. I understand. Commander Nijimura and Kuroko', Himuro sighted in defeat, bringing a small smile on both Kuroko's and Nijimura's faces.
'Anyway, Kuroko. I have another job for you. The research department would like to conduct some research on the "Lizam" species. Could you please assist them and summon the demon?' Nijimura's eyes were on Kuroko's, who returned the glare. The atmosphere changed now that a serious topic has surfaced.
'Only if you don't kill the demon', a statement Nijimura expected to hear.
'As usual, we won't kill the demon. Kuroko, we made this agreement years ago when you joined. Why do you keep asking every time we need your assistance?' Nijimura leaned back on his chair.
'Just to be sure.' replied Kuroko.
'It's our policy remember? We only kill the demons who are a thread to humanity. Those who disturb the peace between the two worlds. Both demon and human. We do not kill innocent demons. The summoning today will be for research purposes only. I've told you this many times before.' Nijimura looked and observed Kuroko's reaction. The teal haired teen already knows this, but his stubbornness not to hurt the demons is surely one worth noting.
'I understand.' Kuroko spoke as Nijimura called Himuro over to the table.
'Kuroko-kun please follow the guard over there. He will accompany you to the research facility. I have something to discuss with Tatsuya here. We will join you in a little while.', Nijimura signalled one of the guards at the door to come in. Kuroko headed for the door with the guard, but not before giving Nijimura a worried look, closing the door behind him.
'He's one stubborn kid.' Nijimura leaned back on his chair. Another matter dealt with. Another yet to come… a more serious one at that.
'I wonder who he takes after.' Himuro added. The comment brought a sense of sadness into the air.
'I guess we will never know.' Himuro tilted his head to face Nijimura's hands on the table. His hands clenched, forming two fists. 'If only Noir was stronger… that never would have happened.'
'The past is the past. It cannot be changed anymore. Someday the demon king will surely come back for Kuroko. When that day comes we have to be prepared.' Himuro moved further to the table and placed his hand on Nijimura's shoulder.
'There's no use pounding over it now. Besides, it wasn't your fault Shuu.' with Himuro's words, Nijimura has calmed down a bit. The dark haired secretary was attractive to the ladies… maybe that is the reason why his voice is so calming? Maybe it's a part of his charm? Never the less, even if he didn't want to admit it… it was one of the reasons why Nijimura made him his secretary. His right hand man.
'You think he will come this time?' Nijimura's eyes turned to face Himuro who hesitated in his response.
'I don't know. I just know that someday he surely will… the demon king.', both Nijimura and Himuro exchanged serious glares before Nijimura broke the tension by standing up and walking towards the doors of his office.
'We better get moving Tatsuya. Kuroko-kun is waiting.', said Nijimura as he pushed the door open. Himuro ran towards the door and when he reached Nijimura, both continued walking to the research department.
xXx
Himuro and Nijimura arrived in front of large metal doors with the sign Lab 004 written on it in large letters. The lab is located deep under the main building. An underground laboratory you may say.
Nijimura proceeded towards a keypad located at the right side of the door. He inserted the security code when the words Accepted came up on the screen and a robotic voice greeted him, opening the large doors.
The two proceeded inside the room, reaching a railing. Underneath, a floor down, there lay a large drawn symbol on the floor, one which was drawn by the researchers in the laboratory. Many researchers in their white Noir uniforms flocked around the area, preparing for the summoning.
Nijimura observed the preparations as one of the researchers approached Himuro to confirm the wellbeing of some of the equipment, since the supplies they have been awaiting for did not arrive as planed. Much to Nijimura's earlier distress.
'Ummm Nijimura-san, I am ready.' suddenly Kuroko appeared next to Nijimura. Frightening him in the process. As usual…
'Kuroko! What did I tell you about this… showing up whenever you want.', Nijimura said in a fright but calmed down soon after.
'I'm sorry.', said Kuroko with his emotionless face.
Nijimura looked at Kuroko before turning his sights on the symbol below. His gaze met Kuroko again. It is time.
Without words, Kuroko knew what Nijimura meant and started walking down the metal stairs towards the summoning circle. Nijimura kept his seriousness, not hiding it from anyone. You would think that a commander's anguished expression would make those lower than him nervous, but no… on the contrary, it made them work harder having Nijimura oversee their work.
Kuroko took his position next to the circle and the rest of the researchers as well started preparing, getting into their positions as well. Some would measure the demonic energy in the air, some would measure the power the portal is emitting, and so on. Everyone has their own duties to fulfil. The main duty, however, the one with which this "operation" you can say, wouldn't be successful or even possible is Kuroko's duty of actually summoning any demon they needed. In this case, the "Lizam" demon. A reptile demon with a resemblance to a large lizard.
'On your signal commander Nijimura.', one of the researchers stated with a louder voice so that his commander could hear him from the upper floor.
'You may begin. Kuroko-kun, whenever you are ready.', Njimura gave his approval. Now the laboratory became quiet waiting for Kuroko to begin and for the demon to appear.
Kuroko took in huge breaths at a time, concentrating on his surroundings. The room is quiet, only breathing could be heard. Kuroko closed his eyes slowly as the symbol underneath him slowly began to shine with the colour light blue.
Small winds formed into strong ones as small currents of electricity appeared as well. The researchers were all holding onto their belongings which would otherwise be blown away by the winds.
'I summon thee… Lizam!', Kuroko called out to the demon, which slowly started to emerge from the portal to the demon world. The researchers gasped, but not Nijimura who observed with an unwavering will. Himura as well was taken aback. No matter how many times he saw the summoning, he couldn't help but be amazed. How many species of demons are there?
Himuro tilted his head to the left to get a glance of his commander and as usual, Himuro smirked seeing him unfazed by the event. He really is commander material… Himuro thought to himself as he turned back his head to look at Kuroko who held his outstretched hands into the air.
Himuro couldn't help but feel being left behind by his two colleagues. Since when were they this strong? No… this is not the time for sentiments. Focus on the task at hand. Himuro went from his inner world to reality. Facing the difficult task ahead. Now that the demon has been summoned. It has to be detained.
'Men! Ready your equipment!' Nijimura gave out his orders as a row of exorcists standing on the higher floor on which Nijimra stood as well, held out their weapons.
The lizard demon gave out a loud roar, sending most of the researchers and Kuroko against the wall, as the other exorcists moved to attack. Himuro as well, took out his sword in anticipation should the demon attack the commander. It is his duty to protect the commander… he would put his life on the line for him if needed.
Suddenly, the lizard demon spurt out. Green liquid covering the whole laboratory. Green liquid… it is the colour of a lower demon's blood. Someone killed it? Who did?
The exorcists stopped their attacks and stood in their tracks. No one had attacked the demon… no one has planned to kill it… yet here it is. Dead. Cut into countless pieces.
As the pieces of the demon's body fell onto the floor, the exorcists still could not comprehend what happened. Seeing the sight, a tear appeared in Kuroko's eyes. He turned to face Nijimura, with tears clearly visible in his eyes now.
'You said you wouldn't kill it!' Kuroko screamed from the bottom of his lungs at Nijimura who was confused as much as anyone else.
'No… it wasn't us…. Kuroko-kun run away! Come here!' Nijimura screamed back to Kuroko who stayed in place.
'So this is the human world? Pretty bright if you ask me!' a new voice appeared in the room and it surely did not belong to one of the exorcists. Both Kuroko and Nijimura turned around to face the source of the voice to find one… no… two human like demons standing on the upper floor, both holding one exorcist dead in one of their hands, before dropping them to the ground.
'So who opened the portal? Someone with high skill that's for sure.' the other demon said as they looked around the lab. Finally one of the demon's gaze fell upon Kuroko.
'It was this brat! I can feel strong demonic energy coming from him.', now both of the demons looked at Kuroko who stood in place. Not moving an inch.
'We don't want to hurt you. Could you please go back to the demon world?' Kuroko asked the two demons who now floated in the air above the seal. All of the exorcists in the room had their weapons raised. Swords, spears, even crosses were pointed at the two demons.
Hearing Kuroko, both of the demons burst out in laughter, holding their stomach due to their hard laughs. '"Please go away", "we don't want to hurt you", do you really think we would leave with that? You brat!', Kuroko expected such a response but still felt saddened by it. Now the demons would have to be killed. Why? Why does it have to end like this? No… I don't want to see any more blood being spilled…
The two demons both smirked and headed towards Kuroko with speed. Kuroko's eyes widened, before closing shut, awaiting the pain which was about to befall him. The pain, however, didn't come as Kuroko slowly started to open his eyes in confusion. He was surprised when he saw Nijimura standing in front of him with his sword drawn out, blocking both of the demons attacks.
'Get out of here Kuroko-kun! I'll take care of this!', Nijimura gave his command.
'Please don't kill them', Kuroko begged much to Nijimura's annoyance.
'We don't kill innocent demons, but these two sure as hell are not innocent. Just run away and leave this to me! That's an order Kuroko!', Nijimura raised his voice which made Kuroko flinch. Kuroko stood up, trying to find an opening to escape and when he found it, he started to run.
'No you don't!' one of the demons drew back his sword (which he stole from one of the exorcists) as he went from Nijimura to Kuroko once more. Kuroko flinched and closed his eyes, but sensed a déjà vu as the demon's attack didn't hit. He opened his eyes to see Himuro blocking the attack this time.
'Hurry Kuroko!', Himuro stood in his fighting stance with his sword in hand facing the demon as Kuroko continued his escape.
'You can't stop us! We'll get that summoner and gain unlimited access to the human world! Then when we get bored, we may even eat his soul! It looks so tasty…' the demon facing Himuro said, his eyes narrowed on his enemy in front of him. Himuro just sighted before pushing the demon away and attacking him.
Kuroko ran to the second floor of the lab but stopped in his tracks to look at the situation below. Nijimura and Himuro engaged in combat with the two demons, while other exorcists surrounded the summoning circle where the battle took place. Prepared to aid if the situation deemed necessary.
Instead of escaping as commanded, Kuroko decided to stay. This didn't go unnoticed by the two demons whose eyes were only on Kuroko. The two demons pushed their opponents away and regrouped.
'Tch! Stubborn little exorcists.', one of the demons eyed Nijimura who was his opponent.
'Be careful Himuro. They are high class demons. Judging by their fighting ability and appearance, they are most likely Class B. Taking on human forms, but still lacking the power to completely disguise themselves.', Nijimura eyed both of the demon's horns and tails, confident in his guess.
Himuro chuckled, tilting his head towards Nijimura slightly. 'That's good to hear. We've faced worse before.', a smile appeared on Himuro's face.
'Stay focused. Never underestimate your opponent, no matter how weak or strong he or she is.', Nijimura stood in his fighting stance. Himuro looked at Nijimura in admiration before turning back to face the two demons, both of their swords drawn out, facing the two demons.
The two demons looked at the two exorcists with utter annoyance and irritation. Sure they enjoyed the thrill of fighting but right now that wasn't their priority. The two turned their eyes on Kuroko before turning to face each other, both knowing what their next move is going to be.
The two human like demons narrowly turned around towards Kuroko's direction before jumping out into the air towards the teal haired boy. Nijimura and Himuro hurriedly ran to stop them but with their speed they wouldn't be able to get there in time.
The two demons reached the railing of the floor Kuroko stood on, inches away from him. Both of the demon's swung their glowing hands towards the boy, with the intention to harm him. Everything around Kuroko turned into a slow motion like state. The demons attacking, Nijimura and Himuro running towards him, calling out Kuroko's name and the rest of the personnel who were in the room with their shocked expressions facing Kuroko.
Kuroko closed his eyes tightly for the third time, this time the attack was unavoidable. Kuroko knows that now for sure, he would be hit. Is this the end? Will it really end like this?
Kuroko closed his eyes but opened them slightly when he felt a warm feeling envelop him, just like a warm blanket protecting him from all of the danger around. From where he stood facing the portal, Kuroko noticed that the symbol glowed with the colour of crimson red just behind the two demons who are attacking him.
Kuroko's eyes widened in surprise as a dark figure appeared out of the portal and moved his hand, slashing both of the demons from behind. The two demons fell onto the ground. They were just inches away from their swords making contact with Kuroko before the blast threw them flying down.
Kuroko stood, baffled by the new demon who made an appearance. Both Nijimura and Himuro had their jaws wide open, looking at the demon who had crimson red hair. Just like fire… it's beautiful…, Kuroko thought to himself. Along with his red hair, the other striking feature of the demon were his captivating eyes. One bright red just like his hair and the other a beautiful shade of golden.
The demon smirked seeing Kuroko in front of him. The two pairs of eyes met, captivated by each other. The red haired demon floated in the air as he approached Kuroko.
'Y-You are!' one of the demons who fell from the attack grasped as his eyes lay on the red demon who just appeared. The demon had an appearance of a human, one could mistake him for one had he not entered from the demon world portal.
The red demon turned his head slightly to face the other two lowly demons who lay on the ground beneath him. Not bothering to turn completely, not worth his time or effort.
'You're in the way. begone.', the red demon moved his hand, blowing away the two demons into the demon gate as it slowly began to close.
The portal to the demon world closed, no demon in sight apart from the red demon who seemingly saved Kuroko. Nijimura, Himura and all the other personnel in the lab were shocked. Everything went by the blink of an eye. Incredibly fast.
The red demon began his descend as Kuroko moved further away from the railing he stood next to. The red demon now faced Kuroko, closing their distance with each step.
'Who are you!', Nijimura called out to the demon from the lower floor just as the demon stroke his right hand against Kuroko's cheek softly. Sky blue eyes met crimson red ones once again, the two looked into each other deeply, as if exchanging words with eyes only.
The red demon smirked and turned around to face Nijimura, Himura and the rest of the exorcists. The demon stood high above them with an intimidating aura around him. One full of superiority.
'My name is Akashi Seijuro and I am the Demon King.'
Author's note
WHOA! I never expected the prologue alone to get so many follows and favs. To be honest I expected only about 5 or maximum 10. Something like that. I have no idea how that happened! I just want to thank you so much! Im really curious why you fav and followed it.
I am thinking of creating a poll for the side pairings. Apart from Akakuro, who else would you like to see? I will create the poll so you can go to my profile and vote there. When I get enough votes I will see who the winners are and write about it in the next 'Author's note'.
For those who don't know, in Replace 4 Himuro nicknames Nijimura 'Shuu' while Nijimura just calls him by his 1st name. I thought it was cute so I decide to include it in my fanfic.
Thank you so much for the favs and favourites and please review. It gives me the energy and the will to continue writing.
P.S. Sorry if the 1st chapter is boring.
Next chapter preview
'Stay away from Kuroko.', Nijimura exchanged glances with the demon named Akashi. The two found themselves in an interrogation room, isolated deep underground with special protection barriers.
'I cannot. He has my seal carved on his body, which means that for my services and protection, I will receive his soul in exchange. A contract of sorts.', Akashi noticed Nijimura's panic which the black haired exorcist tried to hide.
'I swear I will find a way to break this contract.', Nijimura's voice was threatening and commanding as Akashi narrowing his eyes in response.
Meanwhile, a teal haired boy stood outside the room, listening to the conversation.
Next chapter: Red and Blue