Periwinkle
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took their time to review and followed this story, I received such an explosive response. Don't forget the A/N, thanks!
Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no basket.
Chapter Nine: Manchineel
"Oi Kuroko," Kagami said, his voice hinting annoyance, "where the hell did you go?"
Kuroko walked into Seirin's locker room, bowing as he did. "Good morning. I apologise for my sudden disappearance."
"Never mind that, hurry up and get ready so we can head out!" Riko ordered, slamming the door open.
Everyone abandoned their bags on the benches rather than in the lockers, and walked out - a few greeting Kuroko as they did. Kagami, who hadn't been satisfied with his unanswered question, approached the blue-haired boy once again.
"Your room was empty."
Kuroko nodded, unable to reply. He knew this was going to happen - he just hadn't thought of a good enough excuse.
"It was. I'll tell you later, Kagami-kun. Moreover, today's finally the mini-tournament. Where did all of your determination go?"
"Shut up. It's all in here." Kagami bumped a fist to his chest, grinning as he walked out into the open stadium.
Out in the stadium, all eight teams gathered into the middle, lining up in long rows of eight. Seirin had lined up third from the front, waiting patiently for the director to come and brief them in on the details of the mini-tournament.
A few rows behind, Kuroko's ears picked up whispers, barely audible against the loud chattering of everyone else in the stadium.
"Oi, the captain's not here."
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Akashi at all this morning."
Kuroko averted his attention elsewhere, knowing that all the other teams with a member of the Generation of Miracles were bound to make a fuss out of their sudden disappearance.
A few moments later, the director came forward, clearing his throat as he did. His briefing of the days' matches was shorter than usual, as he exclaimed, "Our MC will explain the rest of today's plans."
The filming process began, and the MC stepped forward with a rather grim expression.
"Today, one of the eight teams standing here, will be eliminated."
Whispers broke out, as confusion washed over every man standing. Elimination wasn't possible in a mini-tournament. Or so, that's what they were told.
"The hell?" Hyuuga commented, dumbfounded at the sudden, and rather random announcement.
"However, that's not the only surprise for today." The MC paused, smirking as she did. "Each team will be given approximately one hour to train and return to here, with only one clue to today's mini-tournament."
In the crowd of teams, there were a select few who didn't need the suspense, nor clue to figure out what was going to cause the elimination or what type of event it was going to be.
"The clue is, speed. Your one hour, starts now!"
Everyone dispersed; each team running off in their own direction.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o
In the comfort of his new, master bedroom, Akashi sat back in his leather chair, casually tossing two shogi pieces in his hands. He caught the two pieces and placed the king in the centre file.
He smirked and stood up, walking past the window. Sunlight poured into the room, as it bathed his figure clad in a golden glow. Glancing at the clock hanging on the wall, he walked over the bed and stripped off his black shirt.
"It's time." he idly thought to himself, as he slipped on a new basketball jersey.
Akashi threw the black shirt aside, as he picked up a jacket, matching perfectly with his new jersey. Slipping into it, he walked out of the room and closed the door with a soft click.
It was time. Time to take the nation by storm once again.
Exactly after an hour, every team had been called back to the stadium. They returned to their orderly eight rows, as the MC stepped up with the cameras going into action.
"As you all know, one team will be eliminated and on their way home by the end of this tournament. Today, a ninth team has graced us with their almighty presence, and will be taking the position of one of the eight teams here!"
Before anyone could react to such a line, the stadium doors flew open with a loud bang. Everyone spun their heads or turned around, curious at the new and rather explosive intrusion.
"Akashi...Seijuuro?"
They were presented with the red-head - his gaze sharp as he nonchalantly walked into the stadium, seemingly uncaring of all the attention he was receiving. Rather, he enjoyed the idea of being the centre of attention. It made everything so much more dramatic.
As he continued to walk forward down the centre, words were unneeded as the eight teams all parted like the red sea. Half on the left, and half on the right, it was almost as if Akashi had his own personal stage area.
"What is he doing?" Takao whispered. He paused, as he glanced at his team mate from the corner of his eye.
Midorima didn't really want to reply, so he didn't bother. After all, his question was going to be revealed without the need of his explanation.
Similarly, almost every other team present stared curiously at Akashi, who had made his way to the front. Kagami couldn't help but raise a brow.
"The hell's going on?" Kagami growled, frustrated at the confusion. "Oi Kuroko, why's he there?"
However, after he received no reply, he turned to the side and looked down at the blue-haired boy who remained silent, staring at his former captain. Though it was left unsaid, Kagami had a strange assumption, that his partner was going to do something unfavourable. And he was going to regret it if he didn't stop him now.
"Kuroko-"
Before he could continue any further, Kuroko looked down - his hair shadowing his eyes, as he whispered a soft, "Sorry."
"Huh?"
Kuroko kept his head low, as he excused his way out of the crowd.
"Kuroko?" Hyuuga only had the chance to say his name and nothing further, as his eyes widened impossibly. Along with everyone else.
"Please welcome, the official addition of the ninth team, the Generation of Miracles!"
Right in the centre of attention, stood five nationally recognised prodigies along with their phantom sixth man - their expert. Guided and lead by the most feared person in the national youth basketball circuit, the Generation of Miracles gathered, standing behind their almighty, respected leader.
"No way." some whispered, their voices shaking - almost quivering.
Their aura was not too far off, of an impeccable fortress, ominously looming over everything that stood under its shadow.
"Stop messing around!"
However, mixed amongst the quaking fear, was anger and confusion. Dare say, a few were in fact rather amused by the sudden turn of events.
Kagami was the first to burst, unable to hold back his frustration and confusion. Was he hearing and seeing things right?
"Kuroko, you bastard!"
Was this betrayal?
Everyone turned their heads to the infamous hot-head of Seirin. Kuroko - the cause of his outburst - frowned, glancing at his now former teammate from the corner of his eye.
"Oi Kuroko, don't ignore me!"
"I'm sorry, Kagami-kun."
Hyuuga heaved a heavy sigh, unable to remain silent any longer. As Kagami tried to push his way out of the crowd to the front, he grabbed his wrist and held him back.
"Stay calm, Kagami!"
Said teen turned around, almost growling like a beast. "Don't stop me-"
His words came to a halt, when he turned to face Hyuuga - and the rest of the team, who all had their gazes locked downcast.
"I know you're angry, Kagami, but at least try to stay calm."
However, anyone could see Hyuuga mentally fighting against his own inner dilemma. He too, was angry. And quite considerably at that. Though, everyone was perplexed and angry - because they felt betrayed.
Betrayed because they didn't know why. Why their respected team mate would leave them like this.
"It's only a reality show. I'm sure Kuroko-kun has his reasons." Riko said quietly, reassuring her team and herself while she was at it.
Many found themselves having a hard time accepting the situation. There had been rumours of the Generation of Miracles disbanding at the end of middle school, which the high school circuit sighed in relief at. However, it was possible to wonder. What if there was more to their simple disbandment? What if-
What if they had never actually parted ways in the first place?
Parting ways was only two things - forever or temporary. Even though each member of the Generation of Miracles had split up and gone into separate schools in high school, many of these teams couldn't quite figure out a single one of them.
And alas, a new rumour had begun to spread. The Generation of Miracles had broken up, not only because they were ultimately undefeated as a team, but because there had been an internal dispute.
There was a secret that would stay buried in the past forever, unless it was dug up and extracted from the depths of their utmost privacy
"Today's mini-tournament is a speed quiz battle!"
A few groans, gasps and clicks of tongues were heard. It was safe to assume, that many had gone and misinterpreted the clue. The MC began to explain the rules and point system.
"Ultimately, the team with the least points will be packing their bags and going home. Keep in mind, that your performance in all mini-tournaments will affect your ranking and placement in the next official tournament."
As instructed, the eight teams lined up in straight rows, with the captain standing at the front of the line. They were waiting for the director to give his cue.
"Hm..." Kise mumbled, scratching his head. "So basically, when we get a question, we run onto the court and dribble the ball and dunk it into the hoop?"
Kuroko nodded, "And if you answer correctly, you get the point."
Not long after, the director gave his cue and the referee stood in the middle of the court with a ball. Each team braced themselves, as the referee put the whistle to his mouth.
"Do not let anyone else take the ball." Akashi murmured, walking to the back of the line casually.
The other five exchanged knowing glances, as they silently obeyed their captain. Just at that moment, the large LCD screen on the wall of the stadium flickered on, presenting a question written in bold black letters against a normal white background.
Many stared at the question in confusion.
"...seriously?" someone blurted out, his mouth slightly agape.
The referee blew the whistle and threw the basketball into the air. Without a single moments of hesitation, Kise dashed forward for the ball and dunked it into the hoop. Everyone else stood in awe.
"The answer is fourteen!" Kise shouted out, smirking as the number fourteen flashed onto the screen.
"Whoa. As expected, the Generation of Miracles take the first point of the day!"
Kise walked back, as the referee returned to the centre of the court. Though as he did, he found himself staring at Akashi's jersey.
"Ne, Akashicchi, that jersey your wearing..."
Kuroko and the others turned to their captain, all curious themselves.
"Yes, it's ours. They arrived this morning at the lodge." Akashi replied, glancing down at what he was wearing.
The jersey was a simple white with crystal-blue along the sides. And printed on the front of the jersey was the words 'KISEKI' in bold black letters. It was somewhat similar to their Teiko jersey, but their new one had a more upgraded feeling to it.
The next question flashed onto the screen, and quite a few got ready to run.
What was the name of the player who introduced the 'no foul' area on the court?
"What's up with this question? Even I can answer it." Aomine said, yawning.
"So, who's going to go?" Kuroko asked. He knew he couldn't. After all, speed wasn't exactly his thing.
Everyone paused for a second, until Akashi spoke up. "Daiki, you will go."
Aomine grumbled something incomprehensible as he went up to the front. The other teams gulped in fear, as they glanced at the ace.
As the referee blew the whistle, Aomine yawned again, forgetting to run.
"Aominecchi!"
A feral smirk appeared on his face, as his eyes darkened. It was really, in the blink of an eye that he disappeared. Kasamatsu had taken the ball, and was trying to manoeuvre around other players on the court. His chance for Kaijo's first point was stolen, as the ball was violently ripped from his clutch.
"Crap!"
Aomine shouted out the answer and dunked the ball into the hoop, almost tearing it down in the process. Thankfully, the hoop remained in place after a few dangerous creaks.
His answer was proven to be correct on the screen. He walked back to the team lazily, stretching his arms.
"You should've stretched before, Aomine-kun." Kuroko said, glancing at the tanned male.
"It's not a match anyway." said player replied, yawning for the umpteenth time that morning. "Ahh...so sleepy."
The mini-tournament continued, as the Generation of Miracles continued to dominate the speed quiz. Most teams had become discouraged, but not a single one gave up. It was only until the last eight minutes of the game that they found hope.
The Generation of Miracles stopped competing. Why they stopped, seemed quite obvious. Akashi was sitting on the bench with his arms folded, with Murasakibara next to him eating a pack of chips. Midorima sat next to him, polishing his small racoon statue. The remaining three, namely, the former 'best friend trio' stood at the back, arguing over something. Though, it was mostly Kise and Aomine doing the arguing with Kuroko caught up in the middle as always.
As the next question flashed onto the screen, all of the other eight teams braced themselves, knowingly fully well that now they all had a somewhat equal chance of getting the ball.
As the whistle blew, eight people ran out for the ball, as the MC commented on the fiery spirit of the teams who had yet to give up.
o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o.o
The mini-tournament had finished, with the Generation of Miracles in the lead with more than half of the total points, Rakuzan in second, Touou third, Shuutoku fourth, Kaijo fifth, Seirin sixth, Yosen seventh and eighth place went to Seiho.
Thus, the remaining team, Fukuda Sogo who did not manage to acquire a single point, was eliminated from the program.
All nine teams lined up in orderly, neat rows with the winning team at the very front. Standing before them was the MC, who held a large box wrapped in a large, green ribbon.
"The winners for today's mini-tournament is team Kiseki! And as promised, there will be a great prize to behold."
The box was presented to Midorima, but he refused to hold it as it required two hands. His left hand was already occupied with his lucky item. Kise stepped forward and took it instead.
"The prize is a herb set specially picked from the northern area of Honshuu, as well as a three-day return home!"
Although the prize-winners themselves didn't have any special reactions, the other teams all mentally sighed in relief. They were glad it wasn't an advantage for the next official match. The Generation of Miracles already had a significant advantage both physically and mentally.
As the MC wrapped up the filming, Akashi spun around and walked past the other teams. Naturally, the rest of the team followed, as they walked out of the stadium unaffected by the sheer silence and stares directed at them.
The other teams stood wondering for a moment or two. Now that the Generation of Miracles had reunited, were they really that insignificant? Were they really not worthy enough to even receive a single glance?
With the atmosphere heavy and somewhat solemn, the doors shut with a loud clang.
Outside, the six walked in silence as they walked back to their lodge.
"Ne, Kurokocchi, what are you gonna do during the three days?" Kise asked, still holding the large herb set.
Kuroko hummed, thinking to himself for a moment. "I'm not sure. I have to call my parents to let them know I'm coming back though."
Kise hummed in understanding, sighing as he knew exactly what he was going to do. Kuroko caught on, asking the blond for the sake of it.
"What about you, Kise-kun?
Kise heaved another sigh, "I have to catch up on a lot of work. My manager has probably saved up a lot of photo shoots for my return."
Kuroko smiled. "Good luck."
As they returned to the lodge, each person went off to their rooms to start packing for their short trip back home. It wasn't much, but it was a chance to catch up on their city lives.
In Kuroko's room, Number Two began to bark, as Kuroko pulled out his bags from the closet.
"No, I'm not leaving this time. It's just a short break." he reassured the puppy, who whined in reply.
Kuroko bent down and pet Number two's head, smiling softly. Suddenly, his hand stopped moving as he remembered something very important. And as if Number Two had read Kuroko's mind, the puppy dashed out of Kuroko's room and down the stairs.
"Ah..."
Sighing, he stood up and followed, knowingly fully well that Number Two really only liked him out of the whole team.
Downstairs, there was no-one as expected. They were all in their rooms either resting or packing. Number two barked, as he sat on the sofa in the lounge.
"Come here." Kuroko bent down slightly, extending out his hands.
Number two ran into his owner's arms, wagging his tail in content. Kuroko stood straight and turned around, walking towards the front door.
"Tetsuya."
Although, again, before he could accomplish what he wanted to do, he was interrupted.
"Akashi-kun."
The red head walked down the stairs, changed into a long-sleeved light orange shirt and khaki coloured shorts.
"Where do you plan on going?" Akashi asked, in a seemingly light-hearted, curious tone. Kuroko knew better.
"To ask for a favour." He couldn't lie. It was Akashi after all. "Please excuse me." Without glancing back, Kuroko quickly slipped on a pair of sneakers and stepped outside.
After the Generation of Miracles left, everyone else began to leave. The stadium once again, was filled with murmurs and chattering.
"Oi, Seirin."
Said team spun around.
"Ah, it's you. Kaijo's Kasamatsu." Hyuuga said, "What's up?"
Kasamatsu frowned. "About Kuroko...did he tell you about any of this?"
Kagami tensed up again, which didn't go unnoticed by the people around him. Izumi quickly cut in.
"No he didn't. I'm assuming Kise didn't inform you either?"
Kasamatsu nodded. "Yeah. It seems that all of them were keeping this secret. Sorry, that's all I wanted to ask." he excused himself and jogged off to catch up with his team.
Everyone stood silent for a moment, unable to regain their happy spirits that they survived the mini-tournament.
Riko frowned, thinking of a good way to cheer them up. "Now, now! Let's hurry up and go back. I'm cooking dinner tonight!"
Everyone gasped, losing the colour in their skin.
As Seirin returned to their lodge, Riko paused, fishing out the keys from her pocket whilst Koganei and Tsuchida tried to convince their coach not to cook.
"Um, excuse me..."
Everyone froze, slowly turning to the all too familiar voice.
"Kuroko!" Kagami bellowed, snapping immediately. "Why are you here?" he growled, clearly uninviting.
Kuroko's stoic expression did not waver, even as the red-head glared at him. Without hesitation, he bowed over ninety degrees, holding Number two in his arms.
"I apologise profusely for my actions." he paused, "However, I cannot tell you everything just yet."
He raised his head, looking straight at his now former team mates. "When the time is right, I promise to explain everything."
"Do you really think-...when the time is right? Don't be stupid, Kuroko."
Kuroko frowned. "Even I...did not expected this to happen. I'm also quite confused."
"Kuroko, you..." Kagami growled, unsatisfied with any answer unless it explained the situation.
Riko smacked the back of his head. "Calm down, Bakagami!" she turned to Kuroko, with a softened expression. "It's okay, Kuroko-kun. I'm sure you have your reasons."
Just a fraction, Kuroko's eyes widened. He knew Seirin was just the place for him, but he didn't think it would ever turn out this way.
He didn't think they were so forgiving; he had betrayed them, and yet, here they were softly smiling at him in forgiveness.
"You'll always be a part of Seirin, even if you're not physically here." Hyuuga said. He knew, that it was impossible to hate the blue-haired boy.
"So, what brings you here?"
Kuroko held out Number two, who barked happily. "I wanted to ask for a favour. Would be possible to keep him here for the period of my absence here?"
Koganei raised a brow. "Why not just take him with you?"
"To be honest, I've been keeping him in secret at home. My parents are coming back for my return, but they don't really like pets..."
"Sure, it's-"
"No, no, no! Never!" Kagami shouted, backing way a few metres. "Get rid of that thing!"
Everyone ignored him. Riko took the puppy, smiling as she hugged Number two to her chest.
"We'll take good care of it!"
Kuroko bowed again, smiling as he did. "Thank you very much. I'll pay back this favour on my return."
Eventually, everyone waved goodbye to their former team mate. Once they had gone into the lodge, Kagami turned around and spared a curt glance, as Kuroko stared back at the red-haired male.
The sky became painted with a deep orange, as the sun began to go down. The flocks of squawking birds seemed to signal the nearing of night, as a cool breeze brushed against their skin.
"See you, Kagami-kun."
A/N: Machineel – 'Betrayal'.
Next Chapter – [Yellow Water Lily] – The Generation of Miracles go back home. An unexpected phone call becomes the catalyst for Kuroko's disconnection, and a major change to the team is foreboded.
Hello! I apologise for my superbly late update. My internet modem kinda screwed up and the internet was down for a while. But no worries, I'm back!
I don't really know what to comment on about this chapter... I'll leave the commenting to you guys. Also, please try to ignore any mistakes, as I haven't proof-read it properly. The next chapter, however, is going to be a more emotional one, if you haven't already guessed so.
But again, thanks to everyone who has shown their support for Periwinkle! And also, one VERY IMPORTANT announcement:
There is now a poll on my profile for everyone regarding the main pairing for this fic. Please go ahead and vote away for your OTP! The poll will be open until chapter eleven. After the main pairing, there will be minor pairings that will have their respective chapters depending on the amount of votes they receive.
Thanks again, please spare a minute or two of your time to drop a review and vote.
