AUTHOR'S NOTE
If I wasn't hyped for this fanfiction, I am super hyped now! I love everyone's feedback to this fanfiction so far, and I hope I continue to exceed your expectations. This chapter begins to weave in some important details about the characters, as well as some hints to the identity of the mystery person. The names of the people in Kirisaki Dai Ichi have not changed (I think this is one out of two schools that do not have a change in members). Please continue to read and review, as usual.
I do not own Kuroko no Basuke (I wish).
APRIL 20
Teiko High School's basketball team was scheduled to host a practice match against Kirisaki Dai Ichi after school today. Knowing what lied ahead of them, the first string players were working themselves to the bone, ensuring victory in the eyes of Akashi Seijuro himself.
Aomine was doing a one on one versus Kise, and Kuroko was the referee of their match. So far, Kise was losing to him, 2-0. It wasn't new that Kise was losing; no, the blonde boy was always losing when it came to Aomine. He was simply too strong for him, and Kise had no intention on copying his skills either.
Akashi had Midorima and Murasakibara square against each other. Midorima was to work on his perfect three pointers, while Murasakibara was warming up his blocks. Although, the way that Akash had paired them up, they were going to fight in order to reveal the better man between them. Murasakibara, after all, was the only person who could block Midorima's shots. His height was advantageous.
Momoi sat on the bench, observing everyone's skills and figuring out how they would grow as a player. She devised a new training menu for Midorima, based on her observations on his shooting against Murasakibara. Realizing that his endurance level is a tad too low for her liking, she decided that that would be the skill that he would work on after today's practice match. Hopefully his endurance wouldn't give out later.
Akashi blew the whistle, signaling everyone that their little fun time was over. He had used their fun time as a bit of a warm up, and now he would begin the actual warm up to make sure the right muscles were being used. "50 push ups, start!"
Everyone dropped to the floor and began their fifty push ups. Many finished before the three minute buzzer, but Kuroko was already down on the ground, panting, after 20. Akashi didn't pay much attention though; he was aware of Kuroko's limits. Momoi handled his training menus as well, and she usually kept his lighter than everyone else's.
"Begin layups!" Akashi called out, tossing a ball at Kise, who was the closest to one of the nets. Kise caught it and tossed in a layup. The rest of the first stringers formed a line behind him to do their layups.
Kuroko missed all of his layups, which resulted in Aomine hitting him on the head. "At least make one, Tetsu."
"Sorry, Aomine-kun," Kuroko apologized. Aomine ruffled his hair and told him to not worry about it so much.
Momoi was asked by Akashi to lead the Kirisaki Dai Ichi players from the gates of Teiko into the spare locker room meant for the opposing team. Teiko High School often hosts a lot of the practice matches, so they had several extra locker rooms. Akashi frequently had to remind the first year basketball players that they were off limits for them, and they should use the lockers assigned to them.
Speaking of first years, tryouts for placement were held a week ago in the second string gym. Akashi and Midorima, as captain and vice captain for Teiko, oversaw the placement tests. In the end, there were no noteworthy member amongst them that they could promote immediately to first string, but many of them had redeeming qualities and lots of potential. Midorima promoted them to second string. Thirty of them were left to fill up the third string.
Akashi heard the gym door open, revealing Momoi and the first string team from Kirisaki Dai Ichi. Led by Hanamiya Makoto, one of the Five Uncrowned Kings, their presence was menacing. The Generation of Miracles could feel the sickening aura radiating off of them.
"I don't like where this is going, Kurokocchi," Kise whispered to Kuroko, who had been standing next to him.
"Neither do I, Kise-kun," Kuroko replied, observing the opponent's team carefully. He noticed the devilish grins on their faces, especially on Hanamiya himself. Even with the name Generation of Miracles surrounding their school, not many schools really took the threat to heart. Many schools haven't even fought against them.
"They think we're just another bunch of overpowered weaklings, don't they," Aomine said. "Sorry, but the only person who can beat me is me."
Kuroko jabbed him in the ribs. "Don't be cocky, Aomine-kun. I think we need to be on our guard for this match. They don't look like the types to stick by the rules."
Akashi nodded. "Well spotted, Kuroko. You are correct in your thinking. Kirisaki Dai Ichi is well known for their tactics in basketball, though not amongst the referees of the game. We are fortunate to have Momoi with us. She has gathered quite a bit of information about this team, including their rough plays."
"Rough plays?" Kise asked.
Momoi spoke. "Kirisaki Dai Ichi is famous for being able to cause injuries to key players during matches that they have a chance of losing. Their captain and coach, Hanamiya Makoto, initiates them, and the team follows. They do this at an angle where the referee doesn't see them hitting the other player."
Aomine's fist curled. "Let me get my hands on them - ."
Kuroko stepped on his foot. "Aomine-kun, please calm down."
Akashi put his hand up. "Try to avoid injury at all costs. Most teams that have played them end bruises, but there are some who have walked away with critical injuries. There is no time between now and the Inter High for you all to be injured." He turned to Aomine. "Aomine, do not fight violence with violence." Aomine nodded silently.
"Let's go out there and have fun!" Kise added at the end, cheering as well. The others joined in to various extents (from Midorima's tsundere self to a pumped up Kise).
The Miracles changed into their jerseys, and Akashi announced the starting lineup. He had chosen Takao, Midorima, Aomine, Haizaki, and Murasakibara. Then he sat on the bench, right next to Kuroko and Kise.
"You're not starting today, Akashi-kun?" Kuroko asked.
Akashi gave him a small smile. "I think it would be best to let Takao play today, especially since he just joined us a couple weeks ago and hasn't played in a match with some of the other regulars," he explained.
Kuroko nodded. "I just hope Haizaki keeps his cool today," he said, noticing the small, aggressive movements Haizaki was making on the court.
Akashi frowned, noticing the differences. "Let's hope that he stays in control, Kuroko." Kuroko responded with an okay.
First quarter went smoothly, or as smooth as it could possibly go with a team like Kirisaki Dai Ichi. Momoi prepared several bags of ice for the members to ease the bruising on their bodies. Akashi paid extra attention to Takao and his demeanor; though he liked the guy, he felt that his attraction to Midorima was obvious and distracting to an extent.
"Any members changes?" Midorima asked Akashi, whose forefinger was placed on his chin.
Akashi looked directly at Takao. "I'll play now," he said. "Takao, rest your limbs. I think Hanamiya did a number on you. Kuroko, switch with Haizaki. He's probably ready to blow if we don't sub him out now. Kise, be ready to sub in at any given moment."
Kise saluted, while Kuroko took off his sweatshirt. Akashi grabbed a bottle of water and gulped down a quarter of the water inside of it. Takao collapsed on the bench and stretched out his legs. Momoi offered him an ice pack, which he gladly accepted.
The second quarter began with a man to man mark. Kuroko was an exception to this, of course, since the other team had automatically deemed him as useless to Teiko. The person experiencing a second mark was Aomine, but he quickly escaped from his marks as he did a Formless Shot to score another two points for Teiko. The points were now set at 59-38.
Kuroko caught wind of the ball from one of the other Kirisaki Dai Ichi players, and he intercepted it. Doing his usual tap pass, he passed it to Midorima, who sent it into the hoop moments after. Most of the Kirisaki Dai Ichi players were stunned at how fast the move was played, but one person didn't seem fazed at all. Unfortunately, he was the most dangerous on the Kirisaki Dai Ichi team.
Kirisaki Dai Ichi scored a couple times afterwards before Aomine got one of the balls. Realizing that he was now against three men, he sent the ball to Kuroko, whom he figured would send i to someone who was less protected. He was correct in his thinking. Kuroko passed the ball to Akashi, who then performed an Ankle Break to score for Teiko. Still, the gap remained far apart, and Teiko stayed in the lead.
Half time came. Kuroko sat in the locker room as Akashi pointed out ways that the team could have been better in some of their plays. Himuro Tatsuya was busy handing out honey soaked lemons to all of the players. Kuroko took one and popped it in his mouth, savoring the sweet, bitter taste.
"As for their rough plays," Akashi continued, "I expect that they will amp it up during the second half, so please be on guard. Now, let's go out there and show them who's number one."
"Yes, captain!" everyone replied. Several people made their way out of the locker room after the pep talk, but Kuroko merely laid down on the bench.
Momoi walked over to Kuroko, eyeing a couple of bruises forming on his arms. "Tetsu-kun, are you okay? Do they hurt?" she asked, pressing down on them. Kuroko didn't flinch.
"I'm okay, Momoi-san," Kuroko assured her. "They don't hurt." Yet.
Momoi frowned, but she let it go. "Just tell me if it gets worse, Tetsu-kun."
"Of course, Momoi-san."
The buzzer rang for the third quarter to start. Aomine was replaced by Kise, and the five players walked onto the court, ready to take a beating from Kirisaki Dai Ichi. Akashi and Kuroko noticed the stares they were getting, but only one of them figured that they were in for some real trouble.
Kise made some baskets after copying a couple of skills from Kirisaki Dai Ichi, while Murasakibara was blocking the shots coming his way from their team. Kuroko was still passing from Akashi to whoever was open and had a good shot at getting some points.
The quarter dragged on, as it was mainly one sided. Akashi thought it was odd that Kirisaki Dai Ichi wasn't putting forth the effort to win, and so he asked Coach Shirogane for a timeout. Unfortunately, the message never reached him, as Hanamiya elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"No timeout for you right now, shorty," Hanamiya said, then raised two fingers. Akashi knew right away that he was signaling something, but didn't know who was going to get the brunt force of it. Eyes wide open, he looked for Kuroko on the court.
Nothing happened. The ball, safe in Kise's hands, was being dribbled down the court. Kirisaki Dai Ichi tried to block the shot coming, but they failed. That was three points added to Teiko. Akashi was still scanning the court frantically for Kuroko.
"Akashi-kun," Kuroko said, and the red head nearly jumped a mile. "I'm right here."
"Kuroko," Akashi sighed, "As always, your presence is lacking."
"I'm sorry, but isn't that what Akashi-kun wants?" Kuroko asked, referencing a moment when he had been offered a spot in first string.
Akashi shook his head. "At least let me be able to find you when I need to know where you are at all times," he scolded the boy.
"Of course, Akashi-kun."
Kirisaki Dai Ichi scored a couple points before the ball got sent to Akashi. Performing another Ankle Break, he headed in for a basket. Kuroko was right behind him.
The next few moments were almost done in slow motion for Kuroko. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Hanamiya raise his index finger, and two people lunging inwards. Kuroko could almost see the future playing right before his eyes, and he opened his mouth to scream his captain's name. Of course, he was too late by then, having reacted a split second slower than Hanamiya and his teammates.
Kuroko could only watch as he saw the number 7 stick out his foot, causing Akashi to stumble over with the ball in hand. Kirisaki's number 10 kicked Akashi in the back, forcing the red head to go down without a fight. The ball rolled out of Akashi's hand and onto the court, revealing a down player.
The referee called for a timeout, and the Generation of Miracles raced towards Akashi in an instant. Akashi's name was called out by the six people. Midorima kneeled down, inspecting the damage done by Kirisaki Dai Ichi.
Aomine glared at Hanamiya. "You provoked this, didn't you?" he accused, pointing a finger at him.
Kise grabbed Aomine by the arm. "Aominecchi, not now!"
Midorima, with the help of Momoi, managed to flip Akashi over so that they could see the blow to his head. The Miracles saw the darkening bruise forming quickly on his forehead. With a grim look, Midorima pulled out the bandages from the pockets of his basketball shorts and wrapped the injury tightly. Then, he proceeded to check his limbs for any breaks that might have occurred.
Momoi took out her cell phone and called for an ambulance, telling the operators on the other line how crucial it was to be at Teiko High School within the next ten minutes. Murasakibara, looking gloomy, assisted Midorima in making a splint. Sometime during the fall, Akashi must have hurt something in his right ankle.
No one noticed Kuroko Tetsuya disappearing from the court after witnessing the incident.
Akashi woke up to bright lights and a monotonous beeping noise next to him. Unfamiliar with the sound, he tried to shift in the bed to shut off the noise. Assuming it was the alarm clock, Akashi nearly fell out of bed trying to turn it off, but to his surprise, he hit a table instead.
Akashi opened one eye fully. It took a while, considering the amount of the light that filled the room. Realizing that he wasn't at home, tucked in his bed, he opened the other eye. He saw the rainbow haired Miracles surrounding him, especially Midorima with two lucky items in his hand.
"Akashicchi!" Kise cried, leaping forward to hug the redhead. "You're alive!"
Aomine hit Kise smack on the head. "Of course he is, you dummy. He wasn't dead to begin with."
Midorima coughed twice. "Shut up, your loud fools. You're causing a commotion." Then he put a plate of curry rice on Akashi's bedside stable, complete with spoon and all. "Sagittarius's lucky item today is curry rice. It would do you well to at least have some of your lucky food today."
Murasakibara rolled his eyes. "Mido-chin, you made that for Aka-chin, didn't you?"
Midorima's face turned bright red at the suggestion. "No!" he protested. "I believe that fate will reward those who favor it. To ensure that, I must do everything I can so that fate favors me in the end."
Half the people in the room groaned and rolled their eyes, knowing that anything related to Oha Asa will be end becoming a tangent straight from Midorima's mouth. Noticing the worried aura coming off of everyone in the room, Momoi stepped forward.
"How do you feel, Akashi-kun?" she asked, leaning forward to inspect the damage done. Regardless, she already knew how bad the condition was.
Akashi, looking dazed, stared at Momoi briefly before answering. "I feel like I slammed my head into a wall repeatedly, " he answered truthfully. Momoi wasn't surprised, and neither was anyone else in the room. "What happened, Momoi? The last thing I remember is playing against Kirisaki Dai Ichi."
Everyone sighed relief. Murasakibara replied, "Hana-chin gave the signal. Aka-chin was tripped by Furu-chin and hit by Hara-chin." Akashi noticed the grimaces everyone gave at the response.
"I see," Akashi said, pondering over the words. "And?"
Midorima pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "You have a concussion and a sprained ankle," he said bluntly. Kise stared at him, wondering if he could have lightened the blow at all. "Unfortunately, you won't be doing anything physical until you've been given the all clear."
"Doctor Midorima strikes again," Aomine murmured in Kise's ear.
"Oh," Akash said in almost a whisper. Midorima could tell instantly that he was disappointed.
Midorima cleared his throat. "Another thing, you are ordered to stay overnight. Your butler has already given permission to my father, since he is the one overseeing your stay."
At this point, Akashi didn't really care what happened. Something else was more distracting and more important, and it was also pissing him off that he wasn't present.
Akashi looked into Midorima's eyes and asked, "Where is Kuroko?"
Momoi put on her serious look, and with a straight face, she held Akashi's hand. "Kuroko disappeared during the fourth quarter of the practice match. We haven't seen him since." To Akashi, she was about to cry over her longtime crush.
Akashi frowned. There had to be a reason why Kuroko was purposely avoiding him right now, and why he left the practice match early. After all, he hadn't been dismissed from the court. "Any idea where he is?"
Momoi shook her head. "Dai-chan's checked everywhere. He's nowhere to be found," she replied. Leaning into Akashi's ear, she added, "I don't think he wants to be found right now either."
Akashi nodded. "I believe so as well."
Outside the room door (which was closed for privacy purposes, especially since Akashi was the heir to a conglomerate), Kuroko was standing there, listening intently into the conversation. None of the information was exactly new to him, but something else hit him hard. Kuroko wanted to ask about it, but decided that now wasn't the best time. Biting his lip, he walked away without looking back.
On the way home, Kuroko wiped a stray tear from his eye, knowing very well what he was doing.
Momoi sat down at her desk, reading the contents of today's entry. She figured out that her 26 year old self had given her important information that she felt like was needed in order to save the mystery person from dying. Somehow with this information, she was to change the future.
Momoi put her head down on the desk, letting a few tears run from her eyes. How can I change the future when I couldn't even save Akashi from being hurt? And I knew it was going to happen, but I still let it happen!
April 20: Teiko will play a practice match with Kirisaki Dai Ichi. Akashi gets a concussion and a sprained ankle from the match, and is forced to go to the hospital and stay overnight. He won't be able to play basketball for a month, which affects the Inter High preliminaries. Kuroko begins to act strangely. Keep an eye on him, Momoi.
Momoi frowned, looking at the letter. She wondered if the letter was hinting anything at who the mystery person was. Was it really Kuroko who was going to die? If so, why? Was there anything she could do to change the future?
At the bottom of the page, there was another line written. However, it was written in fine print, and Momoi found herself squinting to read the words.
Beware of the future, but don't shy away from the good.
What the hell did that mean?
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Please leave a review if you can! All reviews are welcomed and help me tremendously, especially if you tell me your reactions to each chapter. I feed off of that.