Left Behind

Chapter One: As Long as I Try There's a Chance

"Whoa~ Is that really a first year? He's huge!"

"First year or not, he's a giant!"

It was comments like that which could be heard as Murasakibura arrived at school. He wasn't even frightening at the moment since he was currently aloof, not all to excited for a new school year. Nonetheless, there were many people who would stay away from him or at least cautious around him simply because of his height. Looking up at him, they probably didn't even notice Kurochin beside him, even without the use of misdirection.

Approaching the class board, he could easily see the board from the back, unlike most of the other students struggling to move closer. He looked down to Kuroko who was still by his side. He was probably thinking of going to the front. Murasakibara didn't want to wait. He didn't like crowds because they made weird noises. So because of his hatred of crowds, he lifted up Kuroko instead. It wasn't hard. He was over a foot taller, nearly double the other's weight, had better strength and had more muscle mass.

"Ah. Thanks," mumbled Kuroko. He wasn't going to complain. He could have taken it offensively as a jab to his height, but he didn't want to stay in the crowd any longer than Murasakibara. Plus, even if only for a moment, it felt nice to look down on people. He wasn't short, but everyone around him always seemed to be so much taller.

"Ah." Kuroko found their names before Murasakibara. "We're in the same class." Kuroko had honestly been surprised. At Teikō he had only been in the same class with of one the Generation of Miracles in his first year-and that was when there was five others, so with only Murasakibara the probability of being in the same class was highly improbable.

"I'm in the same class as Kurochin? That's only happen twice before." They began walking to the school building. "Third year and fifth year, right?" Kuroko nodded. They just entered the school when the food-loving giant said "So what room are we in?" realizing that he never actually checked, just trusting Kuroko.

"1-5 Murasakibara-kun."

"Alright then. I'll just follow Kurochin." Not that the school was a difficult layout, but he acted a if Kuroko knew where he was going.

They eventually got to their room. It wasn't much surprise that a few of them looked nervous at Murasakibara's appearance. It was always that way. Well, some could be awed by his size, but once you stand beside him it's a totally different experience. Especially since he could be a less than pleasant person.

"We should get seated, Murasakibara." The phantom's words breaking through whatever the larger one was thinking.

.

It was the part of the day that Murasakibara awaited for the most. Lunch. He had been told that cafeteria food was delicious, so he had been anticipating lunch throughout the whole day.

When they arrived at the cafeteria, Kuroko looked between Murasakibura and the line. This wouldn't be good. He wasn't pouting. It was worse. He was glaring at the people in front of him and a dark aura surrounded them. The others' innate survival instincts must have kicked in because their reactions were a mixture of shivering, scared, or simply moved out of the way.

There had been one boy who had been stupid enough to stay in line.

He didn't stay there long.

"That was sure nice of everyone to let us on ahead. Don't you think Kurochin," said Murasakibara smiling. He really could be like a child sometimes. And while Kuroko didn't approve scarring people, it wasn't really hurting them.

The two grabbed their trays before heading for a spot to sit. At least if people wanted to keep their distance (the reaction which would inevitably fade from some people) from the six foot ten giant, no one would try to sit on him-a memory he'd rather not relive.

"It is good." The statement was almost one of surprise as if he hadn't actually expected to be good. If someone said "good food" though, he'd probably have high expectations. It must have lived up to his standards, so Kuroko took a bite from his meal as well.

Kuroko was surprised. It did taste good. It wasn't his favourite food-he would never give up his vanilla milkshakes-but that didn't mean he could like and appreciate other foods. He couldn't really cook himself, so he's always relied on others for his meals.

Still. . . It didn't matter how good it was, there was no way he could eat all of it. "Here." Kuroko passed about a third of his meal to Murasakibara who suddenly brightened with joy. He'd rather give part of his meal away now, since giving leftovers just seemed tacky.

"Kurochin is the best!"

Kuroko let the faintest of smiles grace his lips. It was times like these that Kuroko wished they could act this way towards each other all the time.

. . . It also reminded him how much he liked kids because that's what he was reminded of much too often when regarded Murasakibara. He was like an overgrown child. He could be thoughtful, innocent, enthusiastic and pleasant, but he could also be agressive, moody and rude. To sum it up, he acts on instinct and acts more than he thinks (Kuroko ignores the fact that Murasakibara does better than him in most subjects).

.

The day continued on in a blur. Murasakibara had been scouted and didn't need to register formally as he was already written down as part of the team. Kuroko had filled out a trial registration, but as usual he had been ignored.

He was going to play basketball again. He didn't even think Murasakibara knew he was planning on joining the club. He didn't know how his friend would react, but he didn't think too hard on it. When it came to basketball they would never agree.

He was nervous though. Determined? Sure. But his determination couldn't possibly erase all the dread he had. He had spent months practicing by himself. This would be his first judgement of strength. He wasn't going to be brushed aside anymore. It was what he decided. His old style had made him useful enough to be put in matches before, but it was no longer needed. He continued training in conventional methods, but they really didn't suit him. His dribbling still needed a lot of work, but it would have to suffice for now. His techniques to shoot and face his opponents were very limited, but at the moment they at least gave him a fighting chance.

And if it was Murasakibara then he really didn't want to lose.

There had been better school suited for him, but he hadn't wanted to be alone. Not to mention he wanted a former member to be able to compare himself to. He didn't even know if it was possible. He'd never be physically as capable as the rest of them, that was certain. He was almost at his full potential as far as endurance, speed, stamina, and strength went. But those skills alone didn't make his player. So as long as there's a chance, he would take it and prove himself.

. . . To be continued

I'm sorry that this is only the first half of the chapter. It's the next scene I'm having problems with. I have bits and pieces written, but there's a few kinks and there's something that just seems...off. I mean I generally know what's happening, but when it's written it just doesn't seem right. If I can't figure out the problem, I'll just post it anyway.