Chapter 4 – Fleeting

Hello! I am so happy to see that people are reading this fanfic and some are enjoying it. I hope that the rest of the fanfic doesn't disappoint you guys, so let's get to it.

Tetsu, you have a lot of explaining to do

Sora was thinking the same thing. How was it that this strange tanned male and the voluptuous pinkette beside him mistaken me for the exact same person that Kuroko had when he first met me?

"I know. Can I speak with the two of you privately please? Sora-Chan and Kagami-kun, please stay here for a minute."

Kagami stepped forward to question Kuroko but she knew that Kuroko had things to say to these two that didn't concern Kagami or her, so Sora placed her right arm in front of Kagami and restricted him from taking another step. She shook her head at Kagami and nodded at Kuroko who returned the gesture with a faint smile before walking away with the other two. Sora didn't fail to notice the strange glance that the tanned male gave her before the trio vanished around the corner.

"Why'd you do that?"

"We should respect Kuroko's decision Kagami. It seems that they have some sort of issue that Kuroko doesn't want us to know so it's best to not pry into other people's businesses. We'll continue to look around."

"What? But – he – they – fine."

Kagami stuck close to Sora, thinking that she might disappear on him and leave him alone with Nigou who was happily trotting along beside the blunette. Rakuzan was huge and the markets were like a never-ending labyrinth that continued to take people around in circles. Eventually, the dense and hot crowd got to Kagami who asked to find somewhere to sit.

"Alright. I'm rather thirsty myself. Let's go gets some drinks."

"Finally! Rakuzan is so jam packed."

Sora bought Kagami and herself coconut juice which was good for hydration and tasted ever so sweet and a glass of water for Nigou. While Kagami sat there fanning himself and complaining about the endless stream of people, Sora quietly sipped her coconut juice and thought about who the strange people could be and their relation to Kuroko. Most importantly, Sora thought about why they had mistaken her for this 'Tami/Tami-Chan' person.

~While with Kuroko~

"I didn't expect you to take me to your place Aomine-kun."

"Shut up. It's the other place that other people won't be listening in on us. So tell us why the hell Tami is with you and why she doesn't remember us!"

Kuroko didn't even know where to start. Even in the two-ish years that he had been with Sora, he constantly debated whether Sora was Tamiko or not. At times, they were far too similar but other times, they were very different.

"I don't know. I'm not even sure if she really is Tamiko-san or not. From what I was told, Sora-Chan had appeared in Seirin about five years ago with no memories of her past. At first, I thought that it was definitely Tamiko-san but then her personality was very different. Even if she lost her memories, her character should be the same. Tamiko-san was a very cheerful and upbeat person but Sora-Chan is very quiet and cold. There is lots of evidence to show that she is and isn't Tamiko-san."

Both Aomine and Momoi were quiet as they listened to Kuroko. They had to agree that it was very hard to know if she was Tamiko or not since there was so much evidence to argue that she wasn't.

"But Tami-Chan was very close to Akashi-kun. Maybe if we brought her to Akashi-kun…she might remember?"

"Satsuki are you nuts!? That Akashi bastard would go crazy. You remember what he was like when she vanished. You want him to fucking lose it again? Besides, we were close to her too and you saw what happened. She doesn't remember any of us. Not even Tetsu."

"Mo! I was just suggesting something. You didn't have to be so mean about it! Stupid DAI-CHAN!"

Kuroko ignored their bickering and continued with his explanation.

"I have to agree with Aomine-kun. It is best that we keep her away from Akashi-kun and the others until we are sure that Sora-Chan is Tamiko-san. Until then, you must not call her Tamiko but Sora."

Reluctantly, Aomine and Momoi agreed and swore to keep it a secret until they figured out something. However, Aomine couldn't help but believe that Sora was Tamiko. She had to be. Aomine was very close with her when they were younger, they were constantly around one another and he knew her like the back of his hand. This girl, who looked 100% like Tamiko and called herself Sora, was definitely Tamiko. The fact that she appeared five years ago at Seirin with no memories of her past was enough evidence to prove that she was Tamiko because five years ago, Tamiko vanished. But for now, Aomine had no choice but to wait.

Kuroko spent another hour or so explaining the plan to Momoi and Aomine who, once again, agreed to listen and make sure that Sora would not meet anyone else from the GOM; especially Akashi. Seeing that it was getting late, Kuroko said his farewells and best wishes to Aomine and Momoi for the Summer Trials and headed back to the market, hopefully to find Kagami and Sora before anyone from the GOM did.

~Back with Sora~

"What the hell is taking Kuroko so long?!"

Sora didn't bother to answer. She was too caught in her thoughts to notice her surroundings or Kagami. She didn't even realize that she had finished her juice and was drinking from an empty glass.

"Earth to Sora!"

Well, there is no point in over thinking things at the moment.

Sora placed the glass back onto the table and noticed that the crowd was getting restless further down the street. Kagami heard too and turned around with a confused looked on his face. Suddenly, groups of women of all ages came rushing onto the street, squealing and giggling as the crowd began to get closer.

"What on earth is going on? Kagami, can you see?"

"Let's go and check it out then."

Sora picked up Nigou and wondered over slowly with Kagami was the crowd grew bigger and got closer with each step. Eventually, she noticed that there was a flash of yellow before Kuroko appeared out of nowhere and directed the duo into an empty alleyway.

"Kuroko!? Where the hell have you been?! And stop popping up from no where!"

"We should head back."

"OI! Answer my question."

"We'll go around the other way. We should avoid that crowd."

"Why? What's wrong with it Kuroko? I'm rather curious to see what all the fuss is about."

"It's just Kise-kun. Like Aomine-kun, he is a member of the generation of miracles."

Generation of miracles? I've heard Riko talk about them before. The elite of elites. Five incredibly talented and important members that make up the Teiko Alliance. So the tanned guy is Aomine and is a part of the GOM and so is this Kise. The Crown Prince, Akashi Seijuro, is also the a part of it but he is the leader right?

"The generation of miracles? So this guy is super strong then. I want to meet him!"

Kagami began to storm over to the crowd but Kuroko grabbed his leg and tripped him, causing Kagami to fall face first into the pavement. Kagami sat up, furious as his nose began to flush red.

"Hey! Why'd you do that!?"

"Let's go Sora-san."

"DON'T IGNORE ME!"

So Sora and Kuroko waited until the crowd passed by before walking in the opposite direction back to the inn with Kagami trailing behind grumbling like a child.

"So what is your connection to the GOM Kuroko? You seem to know a lot about them."

"Before I came to Seirin, I lived with my grandmother at a town on the border of Rakuzan and Seirin. One day, my grandmother grew ill and we didn't have enough money to buy her medicine. I heard of a competition held at Rakuzan that I could enter which had money prize. I only needed to come about 4th in my age bracket to have enough money for the medicine. So I asked my best friend to look after my grandmother while I was gone. I didn't make it very far into the competition because, as you know, I am a shadow. I don't do well with that type of combat however, while I was competing, I met Aomine-kun. We eventually became friends. I constantly sent letters back home to see if my grandmother was alright. I was with Aomine-kun when I first met Akashi-kun. He grew interested in my abilities so he made me a deal. He would bring my grandmother here and get her the treatment she needs if I agree to live here and have him train me to use my abilities. I agreed."

"I see, so you grew close to the GOM because the Crown Prince wanted to train you and improve your abilities."

Kuroko nodded. Kagami was also listening and he was intrigued.

"I was extremely happy, not only was I achieving my dream but my grandmother was being well looked after. It didn't last long though. One day, a very close friend of mine vanished. This was the catalyst for everything that happened afterwards. The GOM became colder and at the same time, their abilities grew immensely to the point where my abilities were no longer needed. The group still managed to hang on because of Akashi-kun but then he snapped one day and became a whole different person. Someone so fearsome that I couldn't take it anymore. My grandmother then passed away of a natural cause and I decided to leave. I couldn't stand to be there anymore. So I came to Seirin."

Sora felt so much sympathy for Kuroko. Sure, Sora had lost her memories and any knowledge of her past but Kuroko lost his closest friends and family. In a way, she could relate to how he must have felt and maybe that was why she was drawn to him. Maybe fate had tied their strings together and lead them to meet one another.

"Sorry, I didn't know you had such a hard past. But you have us now."

Kuroko looked up at Kagami who was staring ahead with a passive expression. Kagami didn't want to say that he respected and somewhat looked up to Kuroko but he really did respect Kuroko. When he first met Kuroko, he had mocked him and told him that he was weak but now, he could say that Kuroko was definitely stronger than anyone he has met.

"I agree with Kagami. We may not be able to be like the GOM but we can be better. Seirin will not leave you like the GOM did. They may have been your friends but we are your family."

"Thank you, Sora-san, and Kagami-kun."

With no further words exchanged, Kuroko, Sora and Kagami arrived back at the inn to find that there was no one present. No one from Seirin or any other team. A note was plastered on the door of Sora's room to say that they had gone to the arena and that if the trio had returned, they should head there too.

"I guess we have no other choice. Maybe there was a meeting that we missed?"

"We better hurry then."

The trio then rushed out of the inn and headed to the arena where two guards were standing in front.

"We're members from Seirin."

Sora showed them the crimson card and the guards let them through but the one of the left smirked,

"You're very late. I wouldn't recommend being late to another meeting again. The organizers don't like it when people are late."

Sora thanked the two with a short bow before she walked down the corridor behind Kuroko and Kagami who quietly snuck in. Sure enough, the teams were stationed in their own rows while there was someone in the middle of the arena talking to them. Sticking to the shadows, the trio tried to spot their team without getting caught. Sora's eyes zoomed through all the faces on the stands and homed in on Riko's frown.

"Over there."

Sora whispered as they crept over to the East side of the arena. It was easy for Kuroko who had a very weak presence so normally no one noticed him anyway but for Kagami who was super tall and easy to spot, it was difficult. Thankfully, everyone was too busy listening to the speaker and didn't notice the trio slide into their empty seats. Luckily Riko was sitting next to an empty seat so Sora sat there.

"Where the hell have you three been? We tried looking for you everywhere!"

"Sorry Riko. We were somewhat preoccupied. What's going on?"

"They're talking about the Summer Trials and how there has been some changes. I'll explain later."

With that Sora shut up and listened to the speaker who was rambling on about how the Summer Trials helped decide who had the best fighters. Those who were deemed excellent fighters would be offered the chance to become part of the royal guard or simply acknowledge as the best fighters, taking home a lot of money for themselves. Sora suddenly realised that the Summer Trials was not merely a competition to see who was strong, but a way to draw attention and impress the nation. It was a pageant. Any awe and motivation went down the drain.

"On the 7th of January, in 3 days time, there will be the Summer Festival that occurs before the Summer Trials. It is not compulsory, but it is to celebrate the union of the Teiko Alliance and all are welcome."

The other members of Seirin beamed at the idea of going to a festival and the gleaming, childish expression on Riko's face suggested that the team would be attending this festival. After more talking about the Summer Festival, the meeting was finally over and everyone began to head out of the arena. As Sora got up from her seat, she noticed that there, higher up on the stands, was a set of colourful hair. Due to her seating position, she wasn't able to see them before and she could guess that the colourful bunch were the Generation of Miracles.

"Sora, let's get going."

"I'm coming…"

When her back was turned to the colourful group, she felt something strange…Like someone was watching her in a careful and calculating way. She didn't want to find out who it was, so she picked up her pace and walked out with her team. Kuroko noticed that Sora was somewhat tense and her eyes briefly flicked to something behind her, so he turned around to see that a pair of crimson and golden eyes were now watching them. The owner had a subtle but terrifying grin on his face. Kuroko gave him a quick bow before turning away and walking behind Sora to hide her from his view.

"Who did you bow to?"

"…Akashi-kun."

No further words were needed as Sora was glad she had turned around and missed meeting eyes with the feared Akashi Seijuro. That strange feeling she had before was most likely his gaze and she didn't like it. The group was leaving when Sora heard a faint voice that was growing louder before a flash of pink hit Kuroko and sent him to the ground.

"TETSU-KUN!"

"Hello Momoi-san."

"Ah! You're that girl from this afternoon!"

"I have a name you know Kagami Taiga! It's Momoi Satsuki! It's so good to see you again Sora-chan!"

Riko frowned at the way the unknown pinkette was addressing her sister.

"Do you know her Sora?"

"Yes, I met her this morning. Likewise, Momoi-san, it's nice to see you again."

"Mo~ Call me Satsuki or Sat-Chan like you use-"

She covered her mouth quickly and laughed nervously before going back to glomping Kuroko. The other members of Seirin were all staring at her with fascination. Their faces were slightly pink and Sora knew what they were thinking. If she followed where their eyes were looking at, she was sure they would be staring at her large breasts.

"Damn it Satsuki, do you always have to run off? Oh, it's you Tetsu."

"Aomine-kun…"

Kagami walked up to Aomine with a fierce smile on his face.

"So, you're one of the Generation of Miracles! I'm going to beat all of you and be number 1."

Aomine didn't even away from Kuroko which annoyed Kagami. Aomine popped his pinky into his ear and scratched it with an uninterest look on his face.

"Who's the scrub Tetsu? I didn't know you would be hanging around such weaklings."

"WHO YOU CALLING A SCRUB ASSHOLE!?"

"Boring…anyway, even with Tetsu, you aren't going to beat me. The only one who can beat me is me. See you around Tetsu."

With that, Aomine picked up Momoi and carried her away leaving everyone but Kagami flabbergasted and confused. Kagami began to steam as he clenched his fists and growled at being humiliated and ignored by Aomine. As he walked past Sora, he looked into her eyes to see if they were the same as Tamiko's. To his surprise, they weren't missing the familiar glow that Tamiko had. He tsked before continuing to walk away despite Momoi kicking and screaming at him to put her down. He didn't want to see Sora. She reminded him too much of Tamiko.

Sora noticed the stares that Hyuga and the others were giving her so she shrugged and shoved her hands into her pockets to find a small piece of folded paper. She opened it up to see, in neat and small handwriting,

Hey there Sora-Chan! I was wondering if you would like to hang out with me tomorrow. I was hoping we could go shopping for dresses for the Summer Festival. If you want to, please send me a message to confirm. If you don't feel comfortable with just me, you can bring the other girl. I really want to talk with you!

Love from Momoi Satsuki

Sora hadn't thought about bringing any dresses along with her because she didn't know about this Summer Festival and it was highly likely that Riko hadn't either.

"Riko, that pink haired girl that attacked Kuroko, her name is Momoi Satsuki and she was wondering if I could go with her tomorrow to buy a dress for the Summer Festival. We didn't bring dresses with us. We can go together with her since she probably knows this place well."

"Hm…I can't. I have to train with the boys tomorrow. We only have 6 days left until the Summer Trials begin and we have our first match on the first day.

"Then, I'll decline her then."

"No, you go. You can pick something out for me. We're about the same size anyway."

"Okay then…Shouldn't I be with you though? Since I'm the manager."

"It's okay Sora. I got it. You go and scout. It's good to know your opponents more than they know you."

Sora nodded. Riko can be scary at times. As the group made their way outside the arena, Sora's ears pricked up at the sound of various voices around her.

"Muro-chin, can we buy more snacks?"

"Sure, it's not too late."

"OWWW! Senpai!"

"Stop waving at the girls!"

Finally, she tuned out. When they arrived back at the inn, Sora went to Kuroko and Kagami's room. She knocked on the door gently and Kuroko opened it after a few moments.

"Kuroko, you wouldn't happen to know where I could find Momoi-san, do you?"

The confused look on Kuroko's face dissipated and turned into curiosity.

"She's with Aomine at their estate. Are you going to see her?"

"She invited me to go shopping for dresses tomorrow and I want to tell her in person rather than send a message."

"I see, I can go with you."

"Really? Thanks Kuroko."

Without further ado, Kuroko led Sora to the large manor that was situated to the west of the castle which Sora couldn't help but continue to admire. The sun created a crimson glow on the walls and castle grounds. Sora couldn't help but notice that Kuroko sped up and took an alternative route when they approached the castle but she didn't want to question why. It took a lot of will power to keep her mouth shut.

When Kuroko knocked on the door, a rather short and nervous looking boy came to greet them.

"Hello? Who are you and can I help you?"

"My name is Aida Sora and this is Kuroko Tetsuya, I'm looking for Momoi Satsuki."

The boy's eyes followed Sora's hands to Kuroko who he did not see standing there which caused him to flinch and grip the door a bit harder.

"O-o-oh, are you friends? I don't know if you're allowed to come in-"

The small boy was interrupted by a loud voice that caused him to jump and look behind him,

"Oi Sakurai! Who's at the door?"

"Eek! Sorry! It's a girl and a boy. They're looking for Momoi-san. I'm sorry! I should have invited them in. I'm sorry, so sorry…"

Sora wanted to shake the boy and tell him to stop apologising but that would probably cause him to apologise even more and it would be seen as unprovoked assault.

"Momoi-san! Someone's looking for you."

Sora heard the furious clopping of heeled shoes before the pinkette burst from the manor and enveloped Sora in a bear hug that threatened to crush her ribs.

"WAHHH! It's Sora-Chan! I didn't expect to see you. OHHH! It's Tetsu-kun as well! Come in!"

So, Sora and Kuroko walked into the manor where they were taken to Momoi's room to chat. Some tea was served by the maids that Sora noticed where flittering around the manor like bees.

"So! What brings you here Sora-Chan, Tetsu-kun?"

Sora took a sip of her tea and almost melted at the beautiful sweet taste.

"I came to accept your invitation. By sister, Riko, won't be able to come tomorrow so it will be just you and I. Is that alright with you Momoi-san?"

"YAAAAYYY! I'm so glad! I don't have any girl friends because I'm the manager of Touo and I'm constantly around boys. Also, I want you to call me Satsuki. Come on…say it!"

"Satsuki-san."

Momoi laughed and glomped Sora who looked over to Kuroko with pleading eyes but he just smiled faintly.

"In all seriousness Momoi-san, please remember what I told you the last time regarding Sora-san and be careful."

Momoi's expression became serious and she nodded as she drew a cross over her heart with her finger. When Kuroko and Sora left, Momoi watched as they vanished into the setting sun, their elongated shadows flickered on the ground. Even though Sora didn't remember anything about her, Momoi was glad that Sora was beginning to warm up to her. Though she was still sad that one of her closest friends had forgotten her. With hope in her heart, she closed the door behind her and prayed that tomorrow would be a good day.

End of chapter

I'm sorry that this chapter was a bit shorter. I wanted to end it here. I hope you enjoyed it!