"Generation of Miracles Juniors"
(c) Mei Evelyn
A Kuroko no Basket Fanfiction
Kuroko no Basket (c) Tadatoshi Fujimaki
Ch. 4: "The End of the Tunnel"
The fact that stood before them was shocking, incomprehensible discovery. At first they were confirming that the wall in front of them was solid, and there was no opening on the flat hard surface. Whereas Ryuuga found it disturbing that after a brief walk, only three minutes or five at best, the entrance was now covered completely, Ryou seemed to be hyped instead. As opposed to the previous decision, now there wasn't any other choice in Ryuuga's favor, much to Ryou's liking.
"What should we do, Ryuuga?" Hikari asked her fellow friend, all the while trying to calm the shaking Hakuba due to the unexpected turn. It was clear that the little blonde was close to crying, the watery eyes were the only prove needed.
"What else could we do except keep going forward, right? My dad told me if everything's a bummer to you, go straight ahead," Ryou quoted vigorously.
"A-a-aniki, w-w-what are we g-gonna do?" Hakuba stuttered, clearly shaking with anxiety.
Ryou lightly punched Hakuba in the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Hakuba. A grand adventure is waiting for us! If anything happens, the great Ryou will protect you all! No need to be afraid, 'kay!" Ryou grinned proudly at his own remark.
Hakuba stared at his friend, holding in a sniffle. "R-really, Ryou?"
"Really! Just trust me!" Ryou pumped his fist confidently.
Ryuuga sighed. There wasn't anyway to disagree with Ryou at the moment, when there was clear there was no other way out but to venture ahead. It was full of unforeseen risks, but there wasn't any option either. At least Ryou brought a positive vibe into the circle despite the circumstances, something that Ryuuga was grateful for. While Ryuuga already had a hard time to chase away the fear in Shiroya's eyes, Ryou could simply ease down the anxiety with a few words. It wasn't entirely gone, but the encouraging words gave the others hope.
"Well, it may be dangerous, but we can't afford to stay still. We have to move, and like Ryou said, there is only one option to go ahead. Let's just hope for the best," Ryuuga said, deciding for the group.
"Ja, let's gooo!" Ryou excitedly walked ahead, unaware that he was taking over Ryuuga's position at the front line, but the red head didn't say anything to it and let him lead the group instead.
The second trip back within the tunnel was different than the first time. Whereas the first was filled with conversation, the second one was relatively quiet except for Ryou's humming. Ryuuga was still holding Shiroya's hand, Hakuba was clutching a bit of Ryuuga's clothes closely from behind, and Hikari was now carrying the sleeping Kane at the back of the group.
After around ten minutes of walk from the starting point, they finally reached the end of the tunnel. But this time, the wall that stood before them supported a ladder up the wall, leading into a circle steel-like object, which seemed to be an opening of a way out. Strangely enough, even though it was painted with the same background colour as the wall, the circle was the only area not covered by the orange—now mixed with more yellow than the previous shade in the room—curved lines. The previously many lines seemed to be emerging together at some point, leaving only four lines at the rim of the steely object above their heads.
The height of the tunnel had impossibly changed as well, whereas it wouldn't be possible for adult to enter the tunnel without bending forward, now at this point the arched ceiling might be a head higher that Ryuuga's father. It wasn't significant for the others to realize, but both Ryuuga and Hikari had silently taken note of the change somewhere in the middle of the tunnel.
"Look, look! It can be our way out, right? Ne, Ryuuga-aniki, can we open it?" Ryou said enthusiatically, slightly jumping in his spot.
Hakuba, who was feeling anxious before, now started to look curious as well. "Woah, it looks heavy though. But it's a good sign, right, Ryuuga-aniki? There's a way out!"
Hikari then said, "There's a possibility that it is locked from outside though. But we can at least try it."
"Well, how about Ryou trying to open it?" Ryuuga suggested.
"Alright! The super strong Ryou will open it for you. Watch me, okay!" Ryou said excitedly before promptly climbing the ladder up until the top. He used one hand to hold onto the ladder's bar, and one hand to grip the handle of the object above his head. Surprisingly, it wasn't locked. And despite the steel appearance, it wasn't as heavy as he thought.
Knowing that he could easily push it open, he reported it first to the group bellow. "Ryuuga-aniki, it's open! Should I open it now?"
"Open it, Ryou. But slowly, and check the surroundings first before you step out. If it's safe, tell us soon," Ryuuga calmly said.
"Got it, aniki," Ryou replied before doing the exact order. He pushed the lid of the tunnel open, and took a peep with half of his head outside. The sight astounded him. Even he knew it was impossible, so he blinked several times. The view didn't waver.
Before him, was an area covered with grass, planted with trees here and there. It was quiet, and no one was seen around. And the fact that he was seeing the landscape from the ground level simply made his blood rush to another level of excitement. He grinned. He was going to love this adventure this time.
"It's safe!" he announced to the other before making a move. Once he was outside, he jumped on his feet immediately and looked around. He took in the sight with awe. Around him was a vast area of natural green, with concrete street that curved the path around. There were vacant benches scattered at some places as well. The wind was warm, and he took in a breath gladly to welcome the fresh scent in the air.
"Woah~! It's awesome!" Hakuba said excitedly from behind. There was also a gasp of shock coming from Hikari, who was momentarily distracted with the view instead of taking Kane from Ryuuga at the top of the ladder. Shiroya, albeit silent all the while, took a few steps forward to glance around. It was clear in his expression that he was mesmerized with the view, just like what the others felt as well.
Once Ryuuga climbed up, his eyes widened considerably. Never in his short span of life so far that he ever witnessed so much green coming from nature right before his eyes. In their town, what they ever got to see was a hill from afar, a constricted area without any visitor allowed. It was truly stunning to have such prosperous soil under his feet, and to breath a huge scale of fresh air. His hand moved to touch the nearby bush, and his palm graced with a real leaf. He stood quietly for a moment of appreciation.
"It's so cool! I love this place! Say, Ryuuga-aniki. Where are we? Are we still in the town? I never saw this place before!" Ryou proclaimed with so much spirit that he practically had stars in his eyes.
That exclamation got Ryuuga's attention, as he pondered over the question slowly. He was sure that there wasn't any place in the town that resembled this show of foliage, but a piece of memory reminded him of a possible answer. As a child, he managed to read and memorize things quickly than the average amount of other children. He recalled a certain book that provided history information with colorful drawing and illustration. Between the pages, there was a particular one that explained something vividly similar to the place they were currently in.
He turned around to face the group and said, "It may sound impossible, but from a book I have read, there is only one answer I know. It's the City Park of Tokyo."
Omake:
Kise : Wait, wait. So there's no park in the future Tokyo?
Ryuuga : There is at least one park in each district, but they are different than the ones here.
Ryou : Uh-huh. Park back in the town is a reaaally tall building, and it's a place where people come to when they're not working. But there's no tree or grass or bush or anything natural whatsoever. Other places than the playground are sooo boring to me.
Hikari : Right, because playing is all you think about. No wonder you're dumb.
Ryou : What?! Hikari-neechan is mean! Say it too, Hakuba!
Hakuba : Right! Hikari-neechan is soo mean!
Hikari : I'm not mean! I'm just saying the truth! Right, Taka-chan?
Takao : Eeh?! Why am I involved in this? Shin-chan~
Midorima : I... I...
Murasakibara : Heyy, what about food store? Is there any in your park?
Hakuba : Waa, there are lots of food store there! A lot of sweets! I like it there!
Kane : (letting out a happy squeal)
Murasakibara : Aa, Kane-chin likes sweets too?
Ryou : Of course, he likes it! Who doesn't, right?
Hikari : You can't eat too much though. You'll have cavity.
Ryou : You're no fun, Hikari-neechan.
Hakuba : Right, right. No fun, Hikari-neechan.
Momoi : Hikari-chan is so smart, ne~ You guys should listen to her.
Ryou, Hakuba : Eeeehh?!
Aomine : That's right, brat. Better listen to the girl.
Ryou : Shuddup, Dad. You like snacks too, ain't ya?
Aomine : Huhh? What's that, boy?
Kuroko : Don't deny that, Aomine-kun. Your liking to snack is almost on par with Murasakibara-kun.
Aomine : Oi, Tetsu! You should've supported me! How can you...
Kise : Stop dodging from the truth, Aomine-cchi. I can confirm that too, you know.
Aomine : Wha...
Akashi : (whispering to Ryuuga) They are so lively, don't you think, Ryuuga?
Ryuuga : (whispering back) Too much lively, but better than the awkward from before. Right, Dad?
Akashi : (smiling knowingly)
Ryuuga : (turning to his side) Shiroya, do you want to eat my cake?
Shiroya : (nodding slowly)
Ryou : Aa! Ryuuga-aniki gives his cake to Shiroya again!
Hakuba : Aa, that's not fair!
Hikari : Ryuuga! (glaring with disbelief)
Ryuuga : (smiling innocently) ...Yes?
Review anyone?
01/09/2017
-Mei Evelyn