Update!

My day-off was off set so I got work on Sundays.

Are, Saiteeeeeee! (T-T)

I wanted to post this chapter before the weekend's over!

For the reviews, favorites and follows. Thank you!

I'm making this into GoMxKurokoxKagami.

They'll all have their moments, but definitely Kuroko will end up with one of the characters.

Who? Well, we just have to wait for the end to know who he ends up with. (pun pun) (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧

Because I, the friggin' author doesn't have an inkling of what I am going to write next.

Right now, I just want them to go nuts for Kuroko.

This work is unbeta-d, so you might come across some grammatical mistakes (Sorry about that). Just call my attention so that I can correct it.

Kuroko no Basuke© Tadatoshi Fujimaki.

CHAPTER XIV: BARGAIN

Imayoshi entered the abandoned shrine and laid Kuroko at the center of the room. The candles and fireplace has been magically lit.

"You can now stop pretending Kuroko", Imayoshi spoke, smirking.

Kuroko raised his eyebrows and opened his eyes, his stoic face didn't have any sign of surprise.

How did he found out?

"Your acting is exceptional actually, however it can't compare with my observation skills", Imayoshi sat (in a lotus position) in front of him while Kuroko sat up from lying down.

Kuroko's touched his head, it seems like the place is moving.

"Don't move too much", Imayoshi raised his hands; ready to catch Kuroko in case he'd collapse.

"No I'm fine, just a little dizzy", Kuroko replied.

Funny, how the situation doesn't make them look like the kidnapper and the kidnapped, Imayoshi thought to himself.

"Imayoshi-sensei, may I know where we are?" Kuroko twisted his torso, looking around the shrine.

"We're in the Hida Mountains, northern part of Nagano", Imayoshi replied and gave no further explanation.

"And may I know why you brought me here?"

"To protect you actually" spoke another being that slowly appeared from the shadows. He seemed to be dressed in traditional priest clothing.

"Come one Hyuga, ease up. You'll scare the boy", spoke another creature. This time, a giant dog appeared. It has a muddy brown fur and warm brown eyes.

Kuroko unconsciously raised his hands, not to cower from the creature but inviting it to come closer; to which the dog happily complied- his tail wagging happily.

"Ugh, Kiyoshii—why?" Hyuga face palmed, "We're trying to be dignified to give Kuroko a good impression".

The dog moved back and POOF! immediately the air was filled with smoke; when it cleared, there stood a very tall man, scratching his head apologetically.

"Sorry about that", He smiled at Kuroko.

"Uhm, good day. My name is Kuroko Tetsuya", Kuroko bowed his head.

This boy; we just kidnapped him and he still has the manners to introduce himself, thought the three of them.

"I'm Hyuga, an Anmo, and this is Kiyoshi- a dog", He indicated the tall guy.

"That's harsh Hyuga", snickered Imayoshi and Kiyoshi continued smiling, not minding Hyuga's remark.

"You're an Okuri-Inu?" Kuroko guessed.

"Ohya, our boy knows folklore", Imayoshi sounded impressed.

"Yes, yes I' am" Kiyoshi confirmed happily.

"I'm sorry but can you tell me why you brought me here, you said you're protecting me?"

Kuroko's calmness is starting to scare the three.

"Until when am I supposed to wait here?" Kagami muttered.

Hell, it's uncomfortably quiet. I think it's enough, enough for that brat's whim.

He transformed into his beast form and stormed towards the shrine. I'm gonna rip that snake apart if dis anything to Kuroko.

But he was stopped on his tracks when Mitobe appeared at the door, hands held up, wanting Kagami to stop.

"Mitobe?" Kagami looked surprised.

" Oh, Kagami you're here already!" Koganei spoke; he's hanging on one of the roof beams.

"Koganei? What are you doing here?! And what do you mean already?" Kagami demanded an explanation.

"This better not be a prank or I will bite both your heads off!"

"Calm down Kagami, transform to being human. Or you'll knock down the temple and Kuroko with your knock out form", Izuki butted in.

Waah, this guy is really the worst, "I guess all 5 of you are here, huh?" Kagami said.

"Yep, and Kuroko's safe inside", Izuki gave a thumbs up.

"You better make sure I understand your explanation for all of this", Kagami huffed.

All the fucking worry that he has to go through!

"Kagami-kun", Kuroko saw Kagami coming in with the other three.

Sigh.

Kagami took a deep breathe" YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD REASON FOR DRAGGING US BOTH HALF ACROSS THE PREFECTURE!" he bursted out.

Thunk!

Hyuga clogged Kagami. "Calm down d'aho!"

"B-but, you know how worried I was?! You could've told us that you wanted to talk", Kagami huffed.

Imayoshi smiled apologetically towards Kuroko and Kagami.

"It's hard not to be overheard by one of them on their territory",Hyuga crossed his arm.

"Huh? By who?"

"The Generation of Miracles, the emperor and his generals", answered Imayoshi.

"What? You believed they exist? Those are just rumors during Haruna's time", Kagami's reaction was of utter disbelief.

"Uhm, Ano., ,. ., Can anyone explain to me who are the Generation of Miracles? I can't catch up to the conversation here", Kuroko looked really, really confused. Kagami knew how frustrating it is not to know what's going on.

"Izuki, please tell him", Hyuga delegated the tengu.

" The Generation of Miracles is said to be a group of ayakashi that has minions that can compete with the Hyaki Yagyo, some said even more than the feared Night Parade. The group is headed by the ryujin: dragon god of the sea and with a core group of 4 generals composed of the strongest and wisest ayakashi of their kind. The specialist: Tsukumogami, the master of disguise: a Kitsune, the fierce: Oni & the ever feared Daidarabotchi." Izuki counted in his fingers.

"The rumor actually started during Haruna's time. That the Generation of Miracle was aiming to get the Book of Names from her; to strengthen their clan/group. But rumors slowly died when Haruna moved away. However, we believe they came back or yet, they woke up after Kuroko came to Matsumoto." Izuki finished his explanation.

"When Kuroko returned Kagami's name, everyone who's name is written on the Book of Names felt the familiar surge of Kuroko's power, even Kiyoshi felt it" Hyuga added. "It triggered as a signal to the ayakashi that the Book is back".

"We saw the Tsukumogami & the Kitsune at school; on my way here I encountered the Daidarabotchi. It seems like the Emperor is back", Imayoshi deducted.

"How about the Oni?" Kagami asked.

"He was killed years ago. I believe that you've met his son Kuroko,Kagami?" Imayoshi asked the two.

"Aomine/Aomine-kun?" Both said at the same time.

"Yes, the Ibaraki-doji" Imayoshi smirked. "I'm not sure if the Generation of Miracles has considered him as a replacement for his father".

"I'm sorry to butt in, but I didn't feel any ill intention from Aomine-kun and the Daidarabotchi", Kuroko spoke after a long time.

"I hate to, but I must agree with Kuroko. That Ahomine doesn't harbor any ill intent with Kuroko", Kagami said, disgruntled.

Cerulean orbs looked at Kagami with admiration.

"And for the Tsukumogami & Kitsune; why didn't see them? With my senses, why I didn't picked up their scents when you did?", Kagami's brows furrowed.

"They're called the Generation of Miracles for a reason Kagami", Izuki replied.

"Hey, are you telling me that my senses are dull?" Kagami got offended with what was said.

"Now,now Kagami-kun. Izuki didn't mean that. What he's saying is that their skills are beyond exception. Even they didn't notice. I was the one who discovered the generals disguise, accidentally while I was roaming. If I'm in my animal form, my presence becomes so weak that you won't realize what I am unless you have seen me in my human form."

"Even though they haven't made a move on Kuroko, doesn't mean that we can easily trust them",Hyuga said grimly.

Well, I am sad to hear that.

All heads turned to the door. Kuroko realized that everyone in that room heard that voice. He's relieved to know that he's not going crazy.

But who is it? Who would catch them off guard?

I didn't see him coming! Izuki thought. Do their abilities know no bounds?

I AM NOT HERE TO FIGHT.

I just came to visit.

SILENCE.

Don't you think it'd rude to keep visitors waiting outside?

"Kuroko, stay here. Koganei please accompany him", instructed Kiyoshii, his face sporting a serious expression.

All the others started to go outside.

As Hyuga, Kagami, Imayoshi, Kiyoshii, Izuki and Mitobe formed a line outside the shrine, Kuroko stood up, he wasn't noticed by Koganei who was peeking at a crack on the door.

"Oi, Kuroko what are you doing?" asked Koganei.

"Same as you Koganei-kun, trying to see what's going on", Kuroko said monotonously.

This kid doesn't have a sense of self preservation. Koganei can't help but think.

Outside, just beyond the clearing; amidst the snow covered terrain, Kuroko saw him for the first time. You can't really miss him, the fiery red figure of a dragon. His eyes a shimmering gold, scales as bright as fresh blood. The contrast is beautiful and scary at the same time.

Kuroko scanned the area, but it appears that the ryujin is alone.

"To what honor do we deserve your visit, your majesty", spoke Kiyoshii. His voice was firm, with no trace of sarcasm or hypocrisy.

"Good Day,. ,. .,well I didn't expect a great number of audience", Akashi scanned the lineup in front of him.

His eyes paused at the shrine behind them and grinned.

Kuroko was sure at that moment that their eyes met, and he felt no fear; there was awe, but no fear.

END NOTE:

That ends Chapter XIV!

So how was it?

Drop a review guys,

I'd love to hear your impression/opinion of the latest chapter! (^(エ)^)

For folklore background of the Seirin Team Characters :

Hyuga-Anmo:A ritual-disciplinary demon from Iwate Prefecture.

Kyoshi-Okuri-inu: Dog or wolf that follows travelers at night. Similar to the Black dog of

English folklore

Koganei-Aka Manto:A malicious spirit who haunts bathrooms and asks the cubicle occupants if they want red or blue paper.

Mitobe-Zashiki-warashi: A protective childlike house spirit.

I made a big blunder! I forgot to include Izuki!

Izuki: Tengu (天狗?, "heavenly dog") are a type of legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion and are also considered a type of Shinto god (kami) oryōkai (supernatural beings). Although they take their name from a dog-likeChinese demon (Tiangou), the tengu were originally thought to take the forms of birds of prey, and they are traditionally depicted with both human and avian characteristics.

And

Imayoshi-The Tsuchinoko (ツチノコ or 槌の子?) literally translating to "hammer's spawn," is a legendary snake-like cryptid from Japan.

Generation of Miracles:

Midorima: *Tsukumogami- the term is generally understood to be applied to virtually any object, "that has reached their 100th birthday and thus become alive and self-aware,"

Aomine: Ibaraki-doji - Offspring of an Oni.

Akashi: Ryūjin or Ryōjin(龍神"dragon god"?), also known as Ōwatatsumi, was the tutelary deity of the sea in Japanese mythology. This Japanese dragon symbolized the power of theocean, had a large mouth, and was able to transform into a human shape. Ryūjin lived inRyūgū-jō, his palace under the sea built out of red and white coral, from where he controlled the tides with magical tide jewels.

Ryūjin was the father of the beautiful goddess Otohime who married the hunter prince Hoori. The first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is said to have been a grandson of Otohime and Hoori's. Thus, Ryūjin is said to be one of the ancestors of the Japanese imperial dynasty.

Ryūjin shinkō (竜神信仰 "dragon god faith"?) is a form of Shinto religious belief that worships dragons as water kami. It is connected with agricultural rituals, rain prayers, and the success of fishermen.

Kise: Kitsune(狐?, IPA: [kitsɯne] Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Murasakibara:Daidarabotchi (ダイダラボッチ?, lit. "Giant") was a gigantic yōkai in Japanese mythology. His size was so great that his footprints were said to have created innumerable lakes and ponds.