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The Shadow's Past

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Chapter VII: The Party


*~The Hallway, Shadow Palace, Capital City, Meturio~*

Kuroko had just come back from meeting his 'fiancé' in the garden, and was currently on his way back to his room, before he ended up getting caught, by the worst person possible, Marcuil.

"And what would you be doing out of your room, Tetsuya-sama?" The man asked, prying for information. Kuroko just turned around as he heard the voice, looking as blank as ever, but internally, he was on the verge of cursing, something he almost never did, due to his personality. Although he did tend to get violent...sometimes.

"I was simply taking a stroll in the garden. Is that not allowed?" Kuroko answered swiftly, so as to not arouse any suspicion from the keen and devious butler.

"Unfortunately, it is. Do you have any proof of going there and nowhere else, Tetsuya-sama?" Marcuil didn't bother to hide his spite or hate for Tetsuya, emphasizing the 'sama' to hint to Kuroko-kun that in this place, despite being a superior, he had no power. Kuroko was trapped. Bound to the castle with invisible shackles. Shackles created by his desire to help Zenians or humans as they called themselves on Earth. 'Such foolishness why help those creatures? Such a disgusting and unfortunate weakness you have Tetsuya-sama..' Marcuil thought.

"I'm afraid I don't have anything of the sort, Marcuil." Kuroko said with and blank face, staring at the man whom he had once called his teacher.

"Hmm..well, His Majesty had predicted this, and had told me to to let you off once. So I will do so. But next time,You may not be so lucky…" Even if he was more powerful than Marcuil, Kuroko could not afford to underestimate him. The man's voice could still make chills run throughout Kuroko's spine with ease. Teaching Kuroko rigorously and punishing him for his errors made Marcuil capable of that.

"I...understand. I will inform His Majesty of my intentions the next time I feel like doing so. I appreciate the warning, Marcuil." Kuroko needed to appear unshaken. One mistake could land him an extra few months of training. Something he couldn't afford if he didn't want to see his friends still alive by the time he came back. Kuroko knew that the moment he left he would never see his friends the same age again. A few months here meant decades on Earth. He wanted to at least see them from afar, watch their children grow up, and be there at their funeral if it calls for it. That's why it didn't surprise him that he got found after a almost 4 years on Earth. In Meturio he probably would have only been gone for fora few days. At most, a week. He was actually surprised that it took so long for them to find him, but His Majesty had most likely just been waiting for people close enough to him to drop their guard, and allow His Majesty to take advantage of them. That wouldn't have happened with the GOM due to how their overwhelming power in basketball gave them many enemies, always keeping them on edge. With Seirin though, being a new school gave them practically no enemies. They weren't used to having targets on their backs, making them the easiest to control and use against the valiant Kuroko. Kuroko saddened at that thought. He had gotten used to the time flow on Earth, and completely immersed into basketball, forgetting all about Shadows and everything else. 'Hah! How foolish of me...to think I could run away forever. But, at least I made memories…' Kuroko was snapped back to attention when Marcuil informed him of his next destination.

"Tetsuya-sama, His Majesty has summoned you. Get dressed properly and come to the throne room in 20 minutes." Marcuil turned around and proceeded to go in the direction of the servant's quarters, not looking back once. Kuroko proceeded up to his room, and mentally prepared himself for the conversation to come.


*~Throne Room, The Shadow Palace, Capital City of Meturio~*

Kuroko entered the room despite his protesting spirits, Selutria and Skodai. Both of them weren't scared of His Majesty like the other spirits. If anything, they hated the guy, and both would gladly kill him if given the chance. But both knew just how important and cunning the man was, as well as the fact that he was no easy opponent. Kuroko walked down the red carpet, posture perfect and poised, no emotions present on his face, uniform crisp and clean, and his hair perfectly combed, although set in his usual style, with no tangles to to be seen. He began to kneel, one knee touching the ground, his jacket's lower half resting on top of his calf, his other leg's foot firm on the ground, his gloved right hand over his heart, and his head bowed low, showing the utmost loyalty to the man in front of him.

"You called, Your Majesty?" Kuroko inquired, hiding his curiosity behind his usual monotone.

"I have decided on something, Tetsuya." The King seemed to pause for effect. "You will be attending a party later this week, which will be hosted by the Takao family, as the Shadow Palace Representative." Kuroko, a little shocked, was silent for a few seconds before finally gathering enough courage to pose a question the King.

"Your Majesty, may I be notified of the reason for such an arrangement?" Kuroko said this camly, despite his internal state, although he gritted his teeth a little in anger at the newfound revelation.

"But of course, Tetsuya." The man said sweetly, but Kuroko knew that there was poison in his words, and the only one harmed would be the person who received and believed them. "You see, my dear Tetsuya, I believe that you should get to know people more. Even if you are and military officer, you should get to know all of the ten families, for, how shall I say it, future reference." Despite being absolutely repulsed at the idea of getting to know arrogant and self-centered people with 'I-am-better-than-everyone-else-is' attitudes, right now, he had no choice but to obey.

"I understand. I will fulfill your wishes, Your Majesty." Kuroko said, his head still bowed in respect. He heard the doors behind him open, which was his signal to leave. He stood up, bowed from his waist, and walked out of the room, in the same manner as he had come in. Kuroko was upset at the whole arrangement, but little did he know of the 'little' surprise that would await him in the Takao family's humble home.


*~Takao Family Vacation House(Mansion)~*

The GOM and Momoi had all woken up to the sound of knocking on their door. All were informed of Chiaki's wish for a meeting. After dismissing the maid, each began his/her own preparations for the morning, and soon, all had gathered at the dining table from the night prior. Once everyone was gathered, Chiaki decided to start.

"Everyone, before you begin eating, I would like to inform you all of something." Everyone turned to look at her, curious about what she could have to to say that they couldn't do after breakfast. "While this may come as a shock to you, please hear me out first before you do anything alright?" Before any protests or arguments could be made, Akashi spoke up.

"Yes we understand. Isn't that right everyone?" Akashi turned towards the rest and away From Chiaki's view before he glared at them, conveying a silent message of 'If you don't agree I WILL kill you'. With the group now thoroughly terrified, they all nodded, hastily agreeing to the red-head's decision. "Well, there you have it Chiaki. Please proceed." Akashi said as he turned around, all smiles and rainbows.

"Yeah Nee-sama. Please just tell us." Takao now appeared more jolly and alert than he did yesterday, something that both Akashi and Chiaki noticed. Chiaki gained more courage at seeing her brother's support, and nodded. Akashi on the other hand, made a quick sideways glance to Midorima. 'I wonder what Shintarou said to him...I'll have to question him later.' Akashi then wrapped up his thoughts and began listening to what the woman in front of them had to say.

"Everyone, earlier this morning, Kazu-kun and my parents sent me a letter." Takao stiffened at the mention of the word 'parents'. "They have informed me of a party that they have set up, and they would like for me to be there." Akashi noted how she used 'me' instead of 'us' implying that Takao was not meant to go.

"Ano..Chiaki-cha-I mean, Lady Chiaki, what does this have to do with us?" Momoi asked, referring to herself, the GOM, and Mayuzumi.

"I'm glad you asked Momoi. You see, I asked our parents," She referred to Takao and herself, "If I would be allowed to bring along some guests after looking at the guest list."

"Pardon the interruption Chiaki, but would you be implying that Kuroko Tetsuya is on that list?" Akashi asked. The group gasped, daring to look hopeful as they turned to Chiaki silently urging her to go on.

"How sharp of you Akashi. I indeed am saying so. If you don't believe me, you can look for yourself." She snapped her fingers, and one of the vines moved towards the group, bringing with it a parcel, which Akashi took, and opened. The rest of the GOM and Momoi flocked to him like flies, while the other three stood on the sidelines, letting the group of friends absorb the information. After a few minutes, Akashi closed the parcel, and handed it back to the awaiting vine before asking, "So, when do we leave?"


*~The Day of the Party, Shadow Palace~*

Kuroko had just finished changing into his suit, and was waiting for his 'guard' to show up. The King had insisted on it, but everyone in the room at that time could see what the King had really wanted to do: Keep an eye on Kuroko

Flashback:

Kuroko was beginning to leave the room, before the King called him back.

"Wait, Tetsuya. One more thing." Kuroko stopped in his tracks, waiting for the King to continue. "I want you to take Marcuil with you. You are still not readjusted to Meturio yet. I want you to take him with you so that you can be safe." There was a hint of concern in his voice, but everyone knew it was fake, as anyone who was looking at the King could see the miniscule smirk etched on his face at the moment.

"Yes, I undrstand, Your Majesty, I shall inform him of such." After that he left the room, and informed Marcuil, before going back to his room and going to sleep after the long day.

Flashback End

So, here he was, a few days later, waiting for his 'guard' to show up. Truthfully, the suit and Marcuil's lateness added together were beginning to annoy him. After a full 5 minutes, he was about to explode, but both of his spirits, sensing his nearing outburst, reeled him in by calling to him telepathically through their contract. Kuroko instantly calmed down, and took deep breaths. 'I almost lost it there..' the boy thought, until he heard the sound of footsteps nearby. He looked up, only to see the late arrival.

"Marcuil, please try to be on time."the boy bluntly stated, too tired to bother with reprimanding the man.

"I sincerely apologize Tetsuya-sama, I was caught up in some affairs." The man bowed, but Kuroko could see from his aura that Marcuil wasn't sorry at all. If anything the man was satisfied by the annoyed reaction he had managed to get out of Kuroko. Kuroko recomposed himself, and began to speak.

"Let's get going now Marcuil." Kuroko's voice was firm, with no room for argument as the he boy opened up a black abyss, which contained a slight hue of teal in it. Marcuil seeing the change in attitude complied. 'Now this is the Tetsuya-sama I know, so resilient, and confident, and most of all, powerful.' Kuroko himself hadn't noticed it, but he had begun to release the aura that he used to have before he came to Earth, and one that he had for some reason, grown to despise. Something had begin to stir in him, and it appeared that even Kuroko himself hadn't realized what it was yet.


Hello everyone! Here's the chapter I promised you all. I hoped you liked it. I know this one didn't have all too much of the plot moving, but I finally got my events set into motion! (\*^ ○ ^*/) Yay! Okay, I will most likely update the next one on Friday. Until then, I will be studying for finals. I'm all done on Wednesday! Hiphip hoorah! SCHOOL'S ALMOST OVER! Oh yeah! Please review! Okay, well, I think that's all I had to say, so, See you all later!