WARNING! If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.
Kuroko no Basuke as well as the cover image used for this story both belong to their respective owners.
This is a roleplay story done by KurokoTetsuya101 and The Lucky Bell.
Kuroko couldn't sleep that night at all. He tried to but he couldn't. He just had a lot on his mind and his encounter with the monster didn't help at all. Not only was he feeling guilty on the inside but he was also scared. Hopefully morning will come soon.
Although morning came, Kuroko could swear that it was the longest night of his life. The sun wouldn't come out and minutes turned into hours. It was only when Kuroko opened his sleep-deprived eyes and saw Akashi enter his room that he knew morning came. He never thought he would be happy seeing Akashi after... yesterday night.
Akashi walked up to the bed but raised a brow when he noticed that Kuroko was awake. "Didn't sleep?"
Kuroko didn't respond and slowly sat up, ignoring the rumbling from his stomach. He had no idea if he should tell Akashi about the monster but then he figured he had nothing to lose. "There was.. one of them outside. My window, I mean. It was right there and was staring at me, but it didn't attack. Then it walked off.."
"One of those creatures?" They would jump up on the roof? Well, its not that surprising if you think about it. One would do anything to eat. Although, it is puzzling that the creature didn't attack him...
"I'll be waiting outside." Akashi told the other before leaving the room.
Well, Akashi didn't really give it much thought... Kuroko sighed as he took the chance to wake up completely. Maybe he just didn't believe him... It made no difference. He didn't expect him to any way. Once he was awake enough, he went downstairs.
Once Kuroko got out of the house he noticed Akashi looking up at the roof. The redhead was observing their surroundings but when he noticed Kuroko he stopped and faced him. "Today we'll have to cut our training short. We have thirty minutes."
"Why?" Kuroko asked with confusion. "Is it because of what I told you about the monster?" Akashi was just looking at the roof after all.
"No. Its because of the conversation we had yesterday." Kuroko soon felt depressed again after being reminded of it. But then again... Why was Akashi looking around? Does he think Imayoshi could be around somewhere watching them?
"Before we leave to go search for supplies today... can I please tell everyone?" Kuroko reluctantly asked. "I don't want this to sit longer than it should."
"Of course. I was planning to have you tell them after training anyway. Its better you tell them than if they learn it in another way..." Akashi's eyes moved, looking around once again, but to Kuroko it seemed as if the other was on edge.
"Let's begin. We don't have much time."
"Alright.. You said we were doing defense today right?"
Even if they worked on defense for the next half hour, Kuroko still got beat up by Akashi! The other would teach Kuroko defensive moves then try to attack to see if Kuroko understood. It was unfair to Kuroko. Akashi was bigger and stronger and faster and more experienced-
Kuroko sighed as he sat up after being knocked down for the millionth time. "How much longer of this are we doing…?"
"We're not. We're going inside." Akashi looked around again before taking the first steps towards the house. "Get in and now." Akashi told the other who quickly stood up to follow.
"Is something wrong?" Kuroko asked as he followed Akashi into the house. "Did you see something?"
Akashi closed the door behind him as he and Kuroko entered the house. "There are four... No, more humans out there watching us."
"What?" Kuroko actually stopped in shock. "Where were they? I didn't.." He didn't notice any since he had been thrown around and was focusing on training. "What do we do?"
"Seeing as their numbers are slowly in increasing, they must be gathering up. We don't have much time before all of them arrive. You have to tell the others and then we'll have to escape. That's our only option." Akashi remained calm, not wanting Kuroko to panic and cause uproar.
"How will we escape when.." If they were surrounding them, how could the escape unseen?
This was all his fault. If Kuroko had just stayed with his group and stayed away from Imayoshi, this might not have happened. Well, who's to say this was Imayoshi's doing? Maybe it was all just a big coincidence. "I'm going to go wake up everyone."
And so Kuroko went on to wake the others up, even Kise. At this point he didn't care if they were on good terms or not. Not when they're surrounded by other humans.
"Ehhh~ What's wrong Tetsu?" Aomine grumbled as he and everyone else slowly sat up, still partially sleeping.
"Nothing just.. Let's all just wake up and stay in the living room. Quietly." Kuroko said. "I have to.. tell you guys something. But please don't make a big fuss when I tell. Now's not the best time to tell you guys but it's really now or never."
"Ehh?" Aomine was confused and thought he was still asleep.
"What's happening Akashi?" Midorima asked the redhead who was standing next to the window. "Listen to Kuroko and don't make any noises. You'll find out soon."
When they noticed the serious and somewhat tense Akashi, they all focused their attention on Kuroko. Now fully wake up and eager to find out what's going on.
Kuroko didn't really want to tell them, afraid of the judgment that was to come. But if they found out any other way, it would turn out much worse. He took a deep breath, looking at everyone before speaking.
"Even though I'm afraid, I won't beat around the bush. Every time I got separated from the group, I.." He sighed softly. "I met up with someone. We talked and searched for supplies together. But please know that I didn't mean to endanger us. I never told him anything about you guys and the group or what we plan to do. I messed up and I know. Please forgive me." He bowed his head, unable to look at any of them in the eyes.
Everyone was quiet, surprised and startled by the revelation. Each of them had a different thought running through their mind, some negative while some trying to be positive... the only one being Aomine.
"Is he a good guy? Can we trust him?" Aomine asked but when Akashi shook his head, he lowered his head.
"Who is this person and why are you and Akashi acting like this? What's happening?" Midorima questioned as he stood up from the couch.
"There.. there are people surrounding the house. We have to escape as Akashi said. There isn't a lot but he thinks more are coming." Kuroko explained. "I didn't think this would happen.. I'm sorry.." If he really did endanger them all, how could he ever face the group again?
"There are people outside!?" Aomine and everyone else jumped up in surprise, moving to the windows. Aomine and Kise looked out the window to see one person on the roof of the house next to them.
"It's true!"
Now everyone was beginning to be uneasy and tense. They couldn't even process the information that Kuroko was the one to blame. After all, they don't have the time nor the leisure.
"Akashi-kun, what do we do?" Kuroko asked as he went to the other. More people probably arrived which increased the difficulty of escaping.
Akashi was peeking behind a curtain when Kuroko approached him. It seems the situation is even worse than he had anticipated. He estimated about 15 men out there already. With such a big number, they wouldn't stand a chance at all.
Akashi knew the only option is to escape. He turned towards the bluenette, "Do you know any passages or paths we can use to get out unnoticed?" Since its Kuroko's house, he would know the best.
Kuroko tried to think of any place that wouldn't bring attention but none came to mind. It's not like they have a secret room or something. "I'm sorry but we have nothing but the doors and windows. Even if we tried to Windows upstairs and used he roof to escape, there's the problem of getting down." Kuroko said.
"I see." Now they were really in a pinch. What are they suppose to do? Akashi didn't hesitate to look out of other windows, searching for a possible escape route. He looked thought one, then another and another window but every time he looked, there would be more and more people outside.
Akashi cursed to himself, not intending to give up. It was only then when he looked out the back entrance window that he noticed something. The neighbor's house was pretty close to Kuroko's house... So close that their pursuers wouldn't be able to see them if they went out quickly in two groups.
Akashi hesitated but its not like he has a choice. Its either this or getting killed. He turned around and raised his voice, "Everyone come here! We're getting out of here."
Everyone came close to listen to what Akashi had to say. They were all willing and ready to escape. Who knows what could happen if they didn't leave now. Most likely death.
"We're running through the garden and going into the neighbor's house. The roof is large enough to hide us from the people outside. However, we can't all cross at once. We'll have to each take a turn." Akashi looked outside the window to make sure that their pursuers aren't in a position where they could see them crossing. Luckily they didn't seem to be.
"Who's all going first?" Kuroko asked. There was no point in asking if it would work or not. It's just a matter of luck now.
"It doesn't matter. One by one we'll go." Akashi opened the doors and looked out. Thankfully, the coast was clear. "Go." Akashi whispered more then said as Aomine was the first one to go out. The tanned teen, carefully crossed, while watching for his surroundings. Making sure he's not seen.
While the second person was waiting to go, Akashi walked up to Kuroko, "You're going with me."
"Huh? Why?" Kuroko asked with confusion. He knew they were in a pinch at the moment, but he couldn't help but ask. "Why together? Won't that let us get spotted?"
"Do I really have to say? You're clumsy, weak and slow. If its you, you might actually be spotted." Akashi watched as Midorima ran and reached the second house where Aomine was. The next person in line who was Takao, crossed.
Kuroko frowned and even narrowed his eyes but he didn't deny it. He was clumsy and weak and slow, but he hated being reminded of that. It wasn't something reassuring to hear when you're in a life or death situation. "Fine."
When Murasakibara, who was the last person apart from Kuroko and Akashi crossed, it was their turn. Akashi looked around before he pulled Kuroko's hand and they both ran out. They stopped at the fence to see if anyone saw them, before they made sure of that, they did it and crossed over.
Now that everyone was inside the other house, Akashi didn't waste time. "Quickly let's move. We're not safe just yet."
"Where will we go?" It was Takao who asked this time. "Even if it's not the house they're targeting, it's pretty close so they might still see us."
"Exactly. That's why we have to move further away." Akashi didn't waste time and started looking for other possible escape routes. They'll have to do and find something, or else they're done for.
The others started looking around while Kuroko tried to recall if there was anything they could do. "Maybe we can run across the street? Beyond those houses are basically alleyways that lead into the bigger part of the city." Kuroko suggested. "They might not have a chance at spotting us until we are already in the alley.."
"Then we'll do that. Lead the way Kuroko." Akashi and everyone else turned towards the bluenette, ready to follow. Even though they don't trust Kuroko completely, they'll have to this time. Their lives are at stake.
Kuroko was nervous about leading them all. He had lead them before but this was a life or death situation. If someone died, it would be his fault. Kuroko went towards the front of the house in the direction he said. He took a deep breath before quietly opening the door. However once it was fully opened, he started sprinting with everyone behind him.
The group ran as fast as they could to where Kuroko lead them. Its better to try rather than doing nothing and dying. While running, Akashi glanced at the direction of Kuroko's house. His eyes widened when he noticed a person on the roof, watching them. "Watch out!" He warned but it was already too late.
The man on the roof shot from his gun as Takao fell down and screamed in pain. "Takao!" Everyone was surprised, stopping to tend to Takao. Midorima approached the other and kneeled down next to him in worry. "Takao! He was shot!" Midorima noticed his right leg bleeding, guessing that must be where he was shot at.
Everyone stopped even though they were in a tight situation. Kuroko had no clue what to do. Could they carry Takao? It was a lot of carrying over a lot of distance, but they had to try. "Can we carry him?" If they didn't do anything quick, they'd be surrounded again.
"N-No, I'll be fine!" Takao tried to insist, wincing at every single movement he made no matter how small it was.
"Don't move idiot! You're wounded!" Midorima raised his voice and prevented Takao from moving and injuring himself further. Midorima panicked. He did have his medical equipment with him at all times but now they weren't in a place where they could treat Takao safely. What's more, they're all in danger in getting shot as well.
The group formed a circle around Takao, watching the enemies and their next move. They all stiffened when they noticed the other survivors moving and running after hearing the shot. Their comrade, the man who shot Takao, raised his voice and notified his friends of his catch. After hearing him call them, the rest ran to where Kuroko and his group were.
And before they knew it, Kuroko and the others were surrounded by men holding guns and knifes. "Drop your weapons and bags down! Now!" One of the men commanded, but Aomine and the rest hesitated.
Kuroko looked all around and wondered if they could attack. Would he be able to pull out his sword or crossbow before getting shot or stabbed? "C-Can't you guys use your weapons?" He whispered towards Aomine. Their weapons would come in handy right now.
The tanned teen clenched his fists, "We can't." He uttered, holding himself back from doing anything harsh. "Our weapons don't work on humans." Aomine revealed and much to everyone's despair, it was true.
"What do you mean?" Couldn't work on humans? Then those weapons.. They were specifically made to fight those monsters? "Why..?"
"Hey! Stop talking and do as we say! Otherwise you'll all get a bullet to your head!" One of the men yelled, pressuring the group further. They didn't want to put down their only way out but then...
"Do as they say." Akashi put down his bag and weapons first, with everyone soon but hesitantly following. They were torn but had hope that Akashi must have some plan in store. As they put their weapons down, the men started picking them up. However, suddenly a similar face made its way through the crowd to stand before Kuroko and his group. "Oya~ Oya~ Long time no see Kuroko-kun~ I must say you're really in a big pinch right now~"
Kuroko stared at Imayoshi, wondering if he should be disappointed or angry. He didn't know which one so he just simply stared. "Why.. Why did you do this?" He had hoped all this time that it hadn't been Imayoshi, that it was just a coincidence. "You really weren't being friendly at all were you? You lied.." He understood that it was common nowadays. He lied too after all. "But why? Why capture us?"
"I was being friendly. In my own way of course, with just a tint of deception." Imayoshi smirked as one of his fox like eyes opened to look at Kuroko and his group. "Don't misunderstand Kuroko-kun, I really like you as a person but desperate times call for desperate measures. And that is the reason I captured you and your little group. You see~ You were pretty lucky that we saw you with your group before. If we would have seen you alone, we would have killed you a long time ago~"
Imayoshi teasingly walked over to stand in front of the bluenette, "As for why we wanted to capture you all, instead of you alone... Think about what we did these past couple of days. What did we do while we were together?"
The thing they have been doing together was just surviving... They gathered and searched for food and supplies. "So you've captured us to take our supplies? Is that what you're wanting?" They were going to take everything they've worked for? He knew it was foolish, but he thought he found another friend... and now he was going to lead everyone to their death whether it was by starvation or dehydration, or by this very group surrounding them.
"Bingo! That's exactly what we want, although you missed one thing Kuroko-kun~" Imyoshi's second eye opened as he looked at everyone. He saw Aomine practically itching in place with Kise doing the same. Although they were frustrated as well, Akashi, Midorima and Murasakibara remained calm.
Imayoshi's eyes shifted to Akashi's as they met. "I see, so you've resorted to a sin." Akashi said, making Imayoshi widen his smirk.
"Hoo~ So you know why we captured you? You're smarter than Kuroko-kun that's for sure~"
Kuroko felt offended when he said that, but he didn't say anything. He just looked down and hugged himself with his arms. If he didn't die by this group, he'd probably get killed or exiled by his own. They'd never keep him after he got them all captured. "I thought you were different.. I know it's stupid, but I didn't want to have to always constantly watch my back, even from people. People like you disappoint me."
"You're so cruel Kuroko-kun. Even though I like you a lot, you're cruel towards me. Oh well~ I guess I can't blame you." Imayoshi closed his eyes and walked over to Kuroko again, leaning closer. "We'll have a lot of time to chat once we get to our base. We'll take good care of you." The raven head licked his lips as the men surrounding them closed in and restrained everyone.
As they were being restrained, Kuroko could do nothing but look at Imayoshi or at his group. He thought that he could finally have someone to trust and talk with besides Aomine, but that person betrayed him. He was going to take their supplies and basically indirectly kill them... He knew it was a bad thing to wish, but he just wished Ogiwara wasn't gone. The thought made him sad again but when would be a better time to feel discouraged than now?
"Go back to the house and gather everything you can. We're going back to the base." Imayoshi told a part of his group to split off and search the house while he and the rest took the prisoners back to the base.
"Get moving!" and so they did. Although it took everything they had in them to hold back, especially Aomine who tried to resist as much as he could. Even though he tried, there was no chance to escape. Not with a wounded Takao and the rest of the group being restrained and possibly used as collateral against him.
The men had tied up Takao's hands but two of them had to support him as he had a hard time walking, with one of his legs being injured. Although they did help him walk, they were anything but gentle.
While on their way, Imayoshi walked over to Kuroko and the man who was restraining him. "You know, I really meant what I said. I really took a liking to you Kuroko-kun. How about it? Wanna join our group?"
Kuroko looked at Imayoshi before looking away, glancing over the group. Many times they had been unfair and untrustworthy with him, telling him he was just an intruder and not really a member of their group. At any moment they could betray him... but they did take him in after all. They could have refused to let him in or kill him when he asked to join. They could have abandoned him when he was injured instead of treating him. They could have got rid of him a long time ago.
"I'm sorry Imayoshi-san, but.. I got them into this mess. It wouldn't be right if I abandoned my ship like that." He had to take responsibility.
"Hmmm~ I see, but still, I'll give you some more time to think this over." Imayoshi smiled as everyone made their way through Tokyo city and its huge skyscrapers. Akashi and the rest were wary but then out of the blue when they turned a corner, they noticed a huge hole in the ground.
The hole was large but wasn't steep. On the contrary, the road above had fallen down and created a convenient access to the tunnel which was... the metro? When the group got down, they noticed the railways for the trains, confirming their doubts.
It was pretty smart to have a base underground. It would be harder to find and even attack. Kuroko wished he thought of that when they got there. However he didn't feel too bad because if they did, they might've ran into the group sooner and got captured a lot faster.
Imayoshi and his men took them deeper into the tunnels until they reached the end and huge metal doors appeared before them. It was strange to have huge metal doors underground but they guessed that workers or staff must have used it for some kind of a purpose.
Imayoshi didn't hesitate to knock, but the way he knocked was in a pattern, as if its some kind of an entrance code they have to do before the enter. When he was done, the doors opened wide, with one man (probably the guard) standing behind it, greeting his comrades.
The group was quickly ushered through the "camp". They didn't get a good look around but by the looks of it, it was big and had lots of supplies. Just how much of those supplies did they get by themselves and not by stealing?
Kuroko noticed a cage up ahead that must've been used to store tools or something but now, it was just empty. How typical for them to be placed into a cage like real prisoners.
They've pushed Kuroko and his group into the cage, locking it before walking away, leaving Imayoshi the only man standing before them. Of course, they had taken their restrains off since they couldn't do anything inside the cage.
Imayoshi watched them with a sleek smile before the doors opened to reveal another person. The said person had black hair that stretched up to his shoulder and had very thick eyebrows. He walked up to the cage to stand next to Imayoshi, looking at their caged prey.
"So this is the group you've been talking about?"
"Yeah~ They're quite special as you can see. Especially Kuroko-kun over there." Imayoshi pointed to Kuroko.
"Heh? That pipsqueak?"
"I'm not a pipsqueak.." Kuroko muttered quietly to himself as he watched the two from inside the cage. This whole time he didn't look at the group. He was afraid to find glares or anything alike.
"Che~ Looks weak."
"Maybe so, but he's interesting~" Imayoshi mused as both of them looked over at Kuroko. The rest of the group could do nothing else but watch, although one hotheaded member couldn't control himself.
"Oi! What do you want?" Aomine stood up and put his hands on the bars before him, making Imayoshi laugh.
"You should ask your group member over there. He seems to know what we want from you~" Imayoshi smirked while the other man watched in boredom.
Aomine glanced over at Akashi but the other shook his head.
"Well, we better get going. We have work to do." Imayoshi and the other man walked over to the door. "Ah! You don't have to worry about the monsters. We're pretty safe here." Before closing the door, Imayoshi didn't forget to say "We'll be back tomorrow. Think about my offer Kuroko-kun~" And finally left.
Kuroko didn't know how he was interesting but one thing he knew for sure was that he wasn't ever joining that group. He finally worked up the courage to look at his group. No one was really looking at him except a certain blonde who looked pretty irritated. He tried to ignore Kise and slowly went to Aomine.
"Aomine-kun.." He started quietly, afraid to speak and gain everyone's attention. "I'm sorry.. I'm really sorry." He apologized over and over. Even when Kise made a comment about how it was his fault and that sorry wouldn't cover it, Kuroko couldn't respond. He was certain the whole group hated him now, even Aomine.
"Shit!" Aomine hit the bars with all his strength, frustrated and confused. He didn't know what to make of the situation at all. How did everything happen? How did they suddenly get ambushed? Everything was a mess. He remained quiet, not responding to Kuroko because he didn't want to, but because he didn't know what to say.
"Calm down Aomine. We need to figure out how to get out of this nanodayo." Midorima told Aomine while kneeling next to Takao, trying to see what he can do about the wound.
Kuroko remembered about Takao when Midorima spoke. He reluctantly walked over to look down at Takao who was lying down by Midorima's orders. He felt like he should help since this was his entire fault.
"It's not that bad.." Takao said when he saw Kuroko staring at his wound.
"I-Is there anything I can help with?" Kuroko hesitantly asked.
"There's barely anything I could do, let alone you. Without my equipment I can't do anything but try to slow down the bleeding." Midorima ripped a part of his shirt to cover Takao's wound with it. Although... "If we don't take out the bullet then it'll be a problem. We could try to take it out by hand but it'll be very painful."
"It won't hurt more than being shot right?" Takao said playfully before turning a little hesitant. "...Right?"
"If you need help, please tell me. I'll help anyway I can." Kuroko promised Midorima.
Midorima nodded before looking over at the raven head. "Alright then, I'll be taking out the bullet by hand. I don't know how deep it is or if we can even take it out depending on where it is but its better to try than to do nothing." Midorima rolled up his sleeves, examining the wound. "Are you ready?"
Kuroko nodded and kneeled down beside Takao. "W-Wait, how much is this going to hurt?" Takao asked Midorima. It hurt to get shot but that didn't mean it wouldn't hurt any more when taking it out.
"It'll hurt a lot but you'll have to bear with it. I won't let you die in a place like this." Midorima had his mind set and Takao noticed this. He was really determined and not going back on his word.
Kuroko offered Takao his hand, which the other gladly accepted. "Should we have Aomine-kun help?" Kuroko wouldn't be able to hold Takao down by himself.
They all turned towards the tanned teen who had his head low. Aomine sighed before walking over to Takao, nodding, agreeing to help but then at the same time, everyone surrounded the wounded Takao, hoping to help as well. "We'll all hold him down." Akashi said as Midorima nodded. With everyone here, it wouldn't be so difficult, although it won't do anything to minimize Takao's pain.
Midorima began the small 'operation' and when he did, Takao began screaming. He wasn't trashing about as much as they thought but the pain was still there. Midorima tried to finish as quickly as possible but couldn't because the bullet was so deep. Not being able to reach the bullet with his hand, Midorima stopped, relieving Takao of the pain.
"No good. Its too deep into the wound. I'll need my equipment to take it out." Midorima said to everyone as Takao panted from the pain.
"But they took all our supplies." Kuroko frowned. How would they patch Takao up with none of Midorima's tools and supplies? "They aren't even in this room…"
"Then we'll get the tools we need." Akashi said as the group now shifted their attention from Midorima to Akashi. "I have a plan but it depends on you Kuroko. Are you willing to expose yourself to danger and risk dying for the sake of freedom?"
Kuroko didn't respond at first. Risk his life? Expose himself to danger? Why would he agree to this? Then he thought... He's been doing that ever since the apocalypse started. He's been risking everything to live and to escape these monsters that have taken over their land. Besides this was his responsibility. He got everyone into this mess. "Yes.. I'll do anything to help."
"Good." Akashi noticed that Kuroko was hesitant but still agreed to it. They were betrayed by the bluenette and some of them didn't know how to feel about the situation but now... Kuroko was their only hope out and they would have to trust him. They all gathered in a circle, except for Takao, to discuss the plan.
Akashi began, "Since your friend offered you a position in their group, you should take it. It would be rude of you to decline." The redhead locked eyes with Kuroko, "We'll take that opportunity to have you gather information, medical equipment and anything else we'll need."
"You want me to join their group?" Did that mean Akashi trusted him enough to know he's not going to just run away once he's free? Or maybe he just knew this was the only way for him to sAve his group. Either way, Kuroko would do it. "What if they suspect me though? What do I do?"
"Prove them wrong. Do anything necessary to make them believe you. That's the only way." Even if he has to stab one of them to make Imayoshi and his men believe them, he has to do it.
"So.. next time he comes around... I just request to join? What if he asks why?" Kuroko could probably say something like he's afraid of dying or something.
"That would be hard to believe since you declined his first offer." Akashi thought, "When he asks you again, tell him you want to join. As for why... Isn't the will to survive the most reasonable reason?"
"That's what I was thinking." Kuroko nodded. "I guess I'll do that.."
Akashi nodded while the group did the same. Now they had a plan but it all of its success depends on Kuroko alone. All they could do was wait inside the cage.
So much time has passed from their little meeting but nothing happened. Because they were underground, it was hard to tell the time of day. Akashi assumed it was night after a whole and suggested for them to get some rest. They'll need to be rested if they ever thought of getting out of there.
The next time Kuroko woke up, it was because someone entered the room. He tiredly opened his eyes. Man, sleeping on the ground made you sore! He looked up, watching Imayoshi carry some food into the room. It didn't look like a lot, but it looked like it was enough for everyone to at least eat something.
"Morning~ I brought some food for our dear guests." Imayoshi cheerfully said as he walked up to the cage. "Che! As if I would eat something from you." Aomine groaned, just waking up.
"Rude. But I would eat if I were you, otherwise you'll die of hunger." Imayoshi mused, maintaining his cheerful attitude as he waved to Kuroko to stand up and get the food.
Kuroko had been hesitant about getting the food but then he remembered the plan and got up. He went over to Imayoshi, trying to fix his bed head while he was at it. How should he bring up the topic? "Um.. I was thinking about what you said.." He started.
"What I said...? Oh~ You did? That's great Kuroko-kun! So, what is your answer?" While Imayoshi asked, another person walked through the doors and into the room. The said person was the same man whom they saw yesterday and by the looks of it, he had a high position in the group.
"Um.." Kuroko glanced at the black haired man before looking back at Imayoshi. "I accept.. I'll join your group."
"That's wonderful! I'm really happy you chose to join us. Although, why the sudden change of heart? Why did you abandon the ship?" Imayoshi curiously asked as the man beside him groaned, annoyed.
"I don't want to rot away in here. I realized that the only reason why I joined this group was to live. If I have to abandon them to live, so be it." Kuroko explained. At first it was true, he did just join them to live. But after being with them for a while, he felt close with them even though they still don't trust him.
"The will to live huh~? Well, I can't blame you. We all want to live after all. Alright, that settles it. Kuroko-kun is a new member." Imayoshi happily said while the man beside him groaned again. "That's bullshit. He obviously has ulterior motives." The man looked at Kuroko with wary eyes until Imayoshi snapped him out of it by placing his arm on the man's shoulder.
"Ohh~ Come on Mako-chan~ Kuroko-kun is an interesting person. I'm sure you'll take a liking to him too." Imayoshi mused but the other wasn't amused. "Stop making decisions like that by yourself. You really-"
"Hai~ Hai~ Let's get Kuroko-kun out of the cage now~." Imayoshi ruffled through his pockets, while the other man gave Kuroko another look.
Kuroko waited patiently, knowing that trying to attack or anything would ruin all of his chances of helping the group.
"I always knew you were a traitor." Kise muttered. Kuroko looked away and didn't respond.
Imayoshi smiled as he found the keys and opened the door for Kuroko to come out. While he did, the other man didn't take his eyes off of him. "You made the right choice Kuroko-kun." Imayoshi put his hand on Kuroko's shoulder, more than content.
Kuroko tried not to show any signs of discomfort and just smiled. "I'm glad I did." He said, looking up at Imayoshi. "It'll be like when we searched for supplies together, remember?"
"Ah~ Good times~ Good times~ Let's work together again." Imayoshi's smile widened while the other man got more and more annoyed. "Now since you're a part of us, you'll tell us a bit about the prisoners right?"
"Well.. I guess so, yeah. But I haven't been with them long so I don't know everything about them." Kuroko didn't want to give anything away, but Akashi did tell him to do whatever is necessary to gain their trust.
"I see." Imayoshi put his hand on his chin in thought while the other man watched annoyed. "It's simple. Just tell us who the leader is. We'll get information from him our own way~"
Their own way? Kuroko managed to catch himself before he could look at Akashi. Should he lie? Tell the truth? What if Akashi thought he was doing this for revenge? "..It's the redhead over there." He said, glancing at Akashi. He wished he could say sorry, but that would be too suspicious.
Imayoshi and the man beside him looked over at Akashi who was sitting on the ground. "I knew it was you when I saw the group for the first time. You do give off an aura of a leader~" Imayoshi teasingly said as the man beside him walked over to the door and returned with two more men with him.
"Open the cage. We're taking the redhead as well." The raven head commanded the two lackeys as they opened the cage and went for Akashi. "Don't touch him you-" Aomine tried to fight back but ended up being shocked by a taser one of the guards had. Aomine fell on the ground in pain, with Kise running to his side.
Kuroko resisted running after Aomine as well. Not only was there a cage between them, but it would ruin his trust with Imayoshi. This group was absolutely ruthless. Everyone watched as Akashi, who didn't put up much of a fight, was retrieved. Kuroko reluctantly looked at him. He didn't feel so good about this plan anymore but it wouldn't do any good to reveal himself now.
The guards retrieved Akashi and closed the cage behind him. They were handcuffing his hands when he looked over at Kuroko, their eyes meeting. Akashi gave Kuroko a reassuring look, silently telling him "Go along with it". It was hard for Kuroko to ignore but he wasn't the only one who felt that way. They were all at the mercy of Imayoshi and his group and the only way to have a chance of escaping was this. There was no other choice.
"We'll have a nice long chat." The raven head licked his lips as the men restraining Akashi led him out of the room, with the raven head close behind them. "We should head out too Kuroko-kun. I want to show you around~" Imayoshi put his hand on Kuroko's shoulder again and led him out of the room.
"Is that it!? Is that all we meant to you Tetsu?" Aomine called out after them just when the doors closed. He and the rest were afraid, not for themselves but for Kuroko and Akashi.
"Do you think they'll be fine?" Kise asked as Aomine sat up, his hand placed against his stomach where he was shocked.
Aomine groaned out in pain but a smile didn't escape him. "Tetsu will do it. I trust him."
"You trust him? Even if he was meeting up with another person behind our back and got us into this situation?" Midorima sceptically asked but Aomine's smile didn't waver.
"Yeah... I thought about it and I don't think Tetsu meant any harm. It just backfired on him like that." Aomine looked up to the doors. "Tetsu is a good person. He'll figure something out."
Kuroko had been feeling alright at the moment since Akashi was close by. It was like his mind assumed that if Akashi is close, nothing can go wrong. However the two parted with that black haired man taking Akashi away and Imayoshi leading him somewhere else. Now that they were alone, Kuroko felt both relieved and scared. At least that other man wasn't with them. "Who is that? The other guy with the black hair?"
"Hanamiya Makoto, my partner in crime. The two of us made this group and are the leaders." Imayoshi revealed while he led Kuroko through maze like tunnels. Although Kuroko felt better since the tunnels were filled with other group members walking around. "Quite scary isn't he? But don't worry, even though he looks scary Mako-chan is harmless~"
"Are you sure? It doesn't seem like he likes me." Kuroko mumbled. "So you're the leader of this place?"
"Haha! Don't worry, he just looks scary is all." The two passed what seemed like a storage room but Kuroko only got a glance of the room as one member opened the doors and entered. "One of the leaders. I and Mako-chan made the group when the apocalypse began and it became bigger and bigger as time flew by. Currently we have about 30 members."
"30?" Kuroko repeated with shock. "How do you feed them all?" It must be hard to control a group of 30 people.
"We have our ways." Imayoshi said but Kuroko didn't miss a small smile that appeared on his face. The two finally arrived to their destination, which was... some sort of a canteen? "This is our dinning room. A bit small and cramped but it still serves its purpose well." Imayoshi led Kuroko further inside and it was then that Kuroko noticed fire further into the cave, placed further away from the actual dining place so that it doesn't stink.
He looked around with curiosity, but also to see if there are any other exits. Sadly there weren't. It was just a room for eating. Some members were already eating too. As he looked closer, he felt like something was weird about the picture. Then it clicked in his head. "Meat.. You actually have meat?" He asked with awe. It's been months since he's even laid eyes on a piece of edible meat. Did they raise cattle or kill animals for it?
"Yes. We went through great lengths to get it." Imayoshi led Kuroko further inside and to one of the tables. At the table there were four men who were eating but when they noticed their leader approaching them, they looked up.
"This is Kuroko Tetsuya. A new member. Please treat him nicely." Imayoshi introduced but all of the men raised a brow. A new member? But then they understood...
"Hello Kuroko. My name's Kōjiro Furuhashi. Nice to meet you." One of the men greeted, standing up and extending his hand for a handshake. Although Kuroko couldn't miss his eyes which looked like that of a dead fish.
Kuroko knew that wasn't normal but tried not to bring it up. He reluctantly reached out to shake the others hand. "It's nice to meet you too.."
Kuroko noticed another member staring at him. "Are you a woman?" He asked but soon received a smack to the head by the fish guy. "Oww! That hurt bastard!"
Furuhashi didn't show any emotion and only sighed. "He's obviously a man." He hesitated... "Right?" Turning towards Kuroko again, while Imayoshi held in his giggles.
"I'm not a girl." Kuroko frowned, turning away slightly. He hasn't heard that in a while. It's been a long while since he's been mistaken as a girl.
"This is how you greet a new member? Geez~ I'm so sorry about this Kuroko-kun. They have no manners at all." Imayoshi looked down on them, making the group shiver.
"Um.. It's okay." Kuroko said. "I know I'm small and stuff. It must be easy to confuse what I am."
"Really eas- Owww!" The member, Yamazaki, received another punch to the head by the fish guy. "Stop hitting me already!" He irritatedly said but the other showed no reaction at all. They were a really weird group... Fish eyes, an idiot, one that was sleeping and one more member that was as quiet as can be.
"Well we better get going. Do you want to see how we cook the meat Kuroko-kun?"
"Sure, I guess." Kuroko nodded towards Imayoshi. "I'm still amazed that you have meat. I haven't seen or had any in so long.." Kuroko wasn't much of a "have to eat meat" person but that didn't mean he didn't like it. He just wasn't crazy over it like Aomine.
Aomine... He remembered how he got shocked and frowned. He had to get the whole group out of there fast. It wasn't safe here.
"Would you like to try some?" Imayoshi asked as they went towards the fire where three men were cooking the meat.
If Kuroko hadn't been reminded how dangerous this group was, he probably would have accepted. "Maybe later." Kuroko responded. "So do you guys hunt for the meat or something?"
The two reached the fireplace as Kuroko watched the meat burn in the fire. "Something like that. The truth is that only a few selected members hunt because if we gave away the information on what or how we hunt to everyone, then we wouldn't have anymore to hunt ourselves."
"I guess that's true... I don't see many animals around here, at least not normal ones. So that's why I was surprised that you said you could hunt." Most of the animals he sees except things like birds and such have turned into monsters as well. However it was odd that only some animals were effected and not all of them…
"Trust me, we have our ways." Imayoshi assured, watching the fire burn before him.
Kuroko watched the fire burn as he thought. How on earth was he going to find a way out of here? It seems like there's only one exit he knows of, and that's the entrance. Unless there's a secret exit somewhere, that's how they'll have to leave.
He suddenly thought of Akashi and remembered that he had been taken away. "Imayoshi-san, where is the redhead from before?"
"He's with Mako-chan. I'm sure they're having a really great time together. You don't have to worry Kuroko-kun~" Imayoshi said but Kuroko could feel a tint of amusement in the other's voice, no matter how hard he tried to conceal it... if he tried to conceal it.
"What are they doing together?" Kuroko asked softly. "Am I able to see?"
Imayoshi was watching the fire when a small smirk appeared on his face, "We could if you want, although I'm not sure if Mako-chan wants to be interrupted."
"We won't get in trouble, right? You're the leader too." Kuroko tried to insist without seeming suspicious.
"Since you insist, I can't turn you down." Imayoshi hid the smirk with a smile, placing his hand over Kuroko's shoulders and turning him around so they could go. "Let's go see what they're up to shall we?"
Kuroko nodded and let Imayoshi lead him away from the cooking room and towards the twisting halls again. He tried to memorize where they were going but it wasn't as easy as it seemed.
They were walking through the dark tunnels when Kuroko suddenly heard a scream. He didn't know what it was exactly since the voice was faint but when he got further down the tunnel, the screams intensified and he could finally make out what it was. It sounded like Akashi...
Author notes
The Lucky Bell: Man I'm at a loss for words. I got a headache at the moment so I don't know what to say about the story- um, enjoy please? And as for some news, I went to a con for the very first time yesterday :3 It was small, but fun. My mother loved it and she isn't even an anime fan or anything like that :3
KurokoTetsuya101: *Can't write note this week* Note will appear next week. SORRY! But just one thing I want to say is that, I know Akashi's plan was kind of crappy... sorry :( Should have come up with something better but in order for the story to go on, we needed them captured :( Sorry! *Super busy* *Will write a good note next week PROMISE*
This story is updated weekly.