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 pushed himself to finish all of the soup. He had been hungry before but after being reminded of Akashi and Ruby, he suddenly didn't feel hungry. But he needed the food to survive. "I'm done.. I'm just going to go lay down.."
"Night Tetsu." Aomine waved after him as they were all slowly finishing up their cans.
Kuroko nodded and just went to the couch. He didn't want to be alone at the moment so he'd just stay in the living room. Maybe he'd been offer to sleep on the couch in hopes of sharing a room with someone.
Everyone came out of the kitchen but as Kise and Aomine were about to lay down, the blonde noticed that his couch was occupied by the bluenette.
Kuroko notice the other looking at him and sat up. "I'm sorry.. do you want me to move?" He didn't want to be alone but if Kise wanted his usual spot back, he'd give it.
"Um.. it's alright if you don't want to.." But it was pretty obvious Kise was bothered by it.
"If you want I'll give you my spot." Aomine offered, surprised that the two would fight over the couches rather than the comfortable beds upstairs.
"You don't need to do that Aomine-kun. I'll just get up." Kuroko assured and stood up. "I didn't sleep there before so it's okay."
But just as Kuroko got up, suddenly a loud thud could be heard by the doors. They were all startled, looking into the direction of the door. Aomine quickly got up on his feet and went over to the doors warily. He looked out of the peep hole but was left speechless by who he saw.
"Who is it?" Kuroko asked. By Aomine's reaction, he could only assume it was something bad. What if it was Ruby with his pack? Or what if it was Seirin or some other group?
"Look through the peep hole but don't open the door." Aomine warned, making Kuroko even more confused. It was definitely something bad…
Kuroko got up and walked over. Kise followed too, curious of what was going on. He quietly walked up to the door and looked out the peephole. He was shocked to see... one of the scientists. Was it Eiji or Kozo? Either way, they looked even more angry or crazed than before, and they were covered in blood which made them look even more terrifying.
"What do we do?" Aomine asked, not knowing what to do. They all stood in shock when suddenly the old man spoke from behind the door, "I know you're there Subject 11. I have a proposal you cannot refuse. I mean no harm so let me in." The man spoke, however, the pain and exhaustion could be felt in his old voice.
Now the question is should they keep the man out there in the cold or let him in? This man may be old, but he was a mad scientist who killed many just to get where he is... "I have a real name," Kuroko suddenly said, looking at the door. Would the other try to bust in if he didn't let him in? "I won't let you in but I will listen. What is the proposal?"
"I see. A smart one aren't you?" The old man chuckled but then coughed a heavy cough due to the laugh. When he stopped, he spoke again, "I know you're searching for Subject 4 or better say Ignis now. If we combine forces then we will be able to find him easily. Isn't that what you want?"
Kuroko froze a little at the mention of the other. Find him? He did want to find Akashi, to somehow get him to come back despite having Ruby take over. "...And what would you get out of it? You wouldn't do it for free."
"You're right I wouldn't. However, that would be a risk you would take." The man said, raising red flags. "We can't trust him Tetsu. We can find Akashi on our own. We don't need him."
Aomine said but because his normal tone was loud, the man outside heard it loud and clear, making him chuckle. "I know where he is."
"Where is he?" Kuroko asked before he could stop himself. "Why don't you just tell us then go away? We don't want to work with you.."
"That's not how it works Kuroko-kun. You see, I came here to propose a deal where we both get what we want, and that includes sharing information. If I told you then I wouldn't get what I want in return. An equivalent exchange."
"You didn't offer equivalent exchange to all those test subjects, those who are dead or alive, like us." Kuroko hissed. "I don't want to hear about your stupid equivalent exchange. Just tell me where Akashi-kun is."
The elder man, Eiji, couldn't help but chuckle again, "You were all but children then. In your case, your parents gave the permission for you. They brought you into this world so it was their decision. That couldn't be helped, but now that you're an adult, you can negotiate on your own. Will you take this opportunity? or will you wonder aimlessly until you finally die. The choice is yours."
Kuroko glared at the door, feeling angry at the man on the other side. "...The thing that you want but won't tell me what it is, does it include the group? I won't do anything if it includes the group and harms them."
Eiji didn't answer right away as it became silent. After a while, he spoke, "No, it doesn't include the other subjects."
Kuroko narrowed his eyes but then sighed. "...If it really doesn't include the others, then fine." He wanted, needed, to find Ruby to get Akashi back. "Do you really know where he is?"
"I do." Eiji assured but Aomine and Kise weren't so sure. "How do you know where he is? Is your buddy watching him or do you have some kind of a device to know where he is?" Eiji didn't reply from the other side of the door as te sun was slowly setting down.
"When we captured Subject 4 and Subject 11, we had intended to start the experimentation right away, however, we didn't have the time to do anything but insert a tracking device into Subject 4. We had aimed to place one into Subject 11 as well but then…"
But then? What happened? "What? What happened?" Kuroko asked. He hated how this person used words like "capture" and called them by their experiment names, but he didn't want to lose the chance to find Akashi, so he stayed quiet about it.
"Wouldn't you like to know? I'll tell you but only if you agree to cooperate with me."
Kuroko frowned and glanced back at the others. If it really didn't include the group, he'd do it. However if he found out that he was lied to once again... "Fine.. If you promise it won't harm the group or Akashi-kun, fine, I'll do it. I'll work with you." He muttered.
"I don't think it's a good idea Tetsu." Aomine knew that with old man, they would have a higher chance of finding Akashi but then again, he cannot be trusted. "'I promise' doesn't mean anything. Even if he says that, I've met many people in my life who've broken their promises."
"The choice is up to you." Eiji taunted, making Aomine and Kise clench their fists. While the three of them stood at the door, Midorima and Murasakibara were going down the stairs after hearing the commotion downstairs, "What's going on?"
"Nothing. It's just a chance to find Akashi-kun." Kuroko said.
"That's not everything!" Kise sighed and looked at the others. "That scientist is here and he says he knows where Akashicchi is.."
"And I'm going to take that chance whether it's a trap or not. You guys don't have to get involved. Just stay here and I'll go." Kuroko insisted.
"I won't let you leave Tetsu. Over my dead body! We're in this together!" Aomine insisted as Midorima and Murasakibara walked up to them in startle and confusion.
"That man is here?" Midorima went up to the peep hole and was shocked to see that it was really him.
"I'll crush him." Murasakibara hissed.
"Didn't you tell me not to be an idiot? Don't become the idiots here." Kuroko told Aomine with a small frown. "If we all go and it's a trap, we could all get hurt or killed. If it's just me, it doesn't matter. You guys can survive without me you know."
"You really didn't listen to anything I said, did you? Do I really have to lay it down for you?" Aomine stressed. "We love you! We're a family and a family sticks together. Do you really think Shigero would have wanted for you to run away on your own when you can get easily killed? No! And so do we! You're not going! Not alone at least."
Why did Aomine always have to bring up him? Did he know that it always made him feel pain in his chest, that it always made him end up giving in to whatever the other had to say? "...Whatever. Fine. But now it's not up to me. If you want the group to go, we have to decide as a group then."
Suddenly a hand found its way on Kuroko's shoulder, "Calm down Kuroko. We're worried about Akashi as well. It's only fair we decide together." Midorima and everyone else felt the same as Kuroko, even though they didn't show it, they did.
"I think we should crush him." Murasakibara gave in his input, even though they couldn't do that. Otherwise they would lose this opportunity.
Aomine thought before gathering the group close together so that he could whisper, "Let's let him in but when we get the chance, we're stealing his tracking device. If we have that then we don't need the old man right?"
"We don't know what it looks like though." Kise whispered.
"Then.. just have him show it to us. To prove he has it, you know?" Kuroko suggested. They couldn't let this opportunity slip.
"That would be the best course of action." Midorima and everyone else nodded, although Murasakibara's look was anything but happy.
Kuroko looked over at Murasakibara and sighed. "Once we get the tracking device, I don't care what you do with him. But.. like Akashi-kun said, don't get blood on your hands."
The giant flinched, remembering those words. He lowered his head, feeling guilty for even thinking that. The others noticed but knew everything would be fine, nodding. "Then it's settled. We let him in, snatch the device away and then throw him out and do whatever we want with him." Aomine couldn't wait.
"Alright." Kuroko said and moved close to the door again. "I'll open the door so if he decides to attack or something..." He trailed off and shrugged.
"What's wrong Kuroko?"
"Nothing. Let's just get this over with." Kuroko sighed and slowly opened the door which got everyone on guard. But the scientists did not attack like any of them thought. He really did look pained and cold.
Eiji smiled, "Greetings. I look forward to working with you all." The elder man walked in, walking past the group to sit onto the couch, making himself at home.
Kuroko grimaced a little at the other. He didn't want to work with this guy at all but if he was the only way to find Akashi, he had to.
"You said you could track down Akashicchi? How? With what?" Kise asked as everyone watched the man closely.
"Where are your manners? Ah yes~ You weren't taught anything. Test subjects don't need manners or etiquette. I'll teach you then. First treat my wounds and then I'll tell you." Eiji smiled while everyone was more then on edge.
"You..." Aomine tightened his first but before he could take a step forward, Midorima stopped him. "I'll give him first aid."
Frankly, Kuroko didn't think he deserved it. He ruined their lives by experimenting on them then called them test subjects and said they have no manners and whatnot? Just looking at this man made him furious, but he didn't want to show it. For now he'd wait, they'd all wait, until he shows the device that tracks Akashi.
Midorima went up the stairs to get his emergency kit before going back downstairs and treating the man. The rest of the group couldn't dare take their eyes off of him, watching him at all times. Aomine was leaning on the wall next to the door, Kuroko and Kise sat at the opposite couch and Murasakibara sat on the bottom stair.
"Done." Midorima said as he put his equipment back in the box while Eiji raised his arm up to look at it. "Work of an amateur but it will have to do."
Kuroko narrowed his eyes angrily but kept calm. They could have just let him freeze or bleed to death, but he was lucky they weren't cruel like him. "Now show us how you can track Akashi-kun."
"Impatient aren't we?" Eiji looked up to see everyone's gazes on him. He smirked, reaching out under his thorn white coat to reveal a small device. "I believe this is what you're referring to."
"And how do you use it?" Kuroko asked. They couldn't take it then ask how it's used. If they have to do something special, they would never know because Eiji wouldn't tell them if they took it.
Eiji's smirk widened, pressing the button that was on the device. Everyone was startled when suddenly a large hologram appeared in the middle of the room. The hologram seemed to show a... map and one red point on it. "This is where Ignis is right now."
They all looked at the map and although the dot wasn't that far away, they knew it was farther away than it seemed. They all looked at each other before silently debating on who should grab it.
Nobody spoke because their eyes were enough to know what everyone was thinking about. It was now or never. Because Midorima was the closest one to Eiji, he moved swiftly, reaching out for the device before pushing it out of his hand. The device flew before it landed on the floor, Kuroko picking it up.
Although the group took his device forcefully, Eiji didn't seem panicked at all.
Kuroko watched Eiji warily. Why wasn't he panicking or reacting? Then he suddenly thought of something. Eiji may be a mad scientist, but he's still a smart one. He must've known they'd try something and wasn't afraid to take out the device. "...Is this really the device that tracks him?"
"Of course~ That's the key to Ignis." Eiji confidently said but then everyone was startled when the hologram suddenly disappeared as if turning off. "But it has a catch. Only I can activate it. It responds to my DNA."
Kuroko frowned, feeling angry again. So they really did have to keep Eiji around. He didn't want to. He didn't want to even be close to this man. He looked at the device before looking away and tossing it onto the couch beside Eiji. "Whatever.." He didn't care as long as the group didn't get hurt.
"It was a good attempt, too bad it didn't work out for you." Eiji picked up the device, turning it on to show the dot again, "As you can see, Ignis has left Shizuoka city and is headed west."
"Well, I don't think we can go anywhere now." Everyone was exhausted. They were just on guard at the moment, but it was obvious everyone was tired. "By the way.." Kuroko mumbled. "Where's that other scientist?"
Eiji narrowed his eyes, switching off the hologram before him. "That's not important. As long as we find Ignis, our mutual goal is achieved."
"...You said you'd tell us what you'd get out of this if we agreed to help. So what is it?" Kuroko asked coldly.
"Did I? I don't remember agreeing to such a thing. You must be delusional Kuroko-kun." Eiji leaned on the couch, getting comfortable.
Kuroko nearly jumped the man after being called delusional, but he managed to calm himself. He of all people should not call others delusional... "Tell us now or our deal is off and we won't help."
"Are you in a position to call off the agreement? Who is it again that benefits the most?" If it was anyone who knew how to pull on people's strings, it was Eiji. The man is manipulative and sly, just the qualities a mad scientist needs.
"He's right. We need him." Midorima didn't want to admit but it was true.
It was unfair but they couldn't do anything about it. Kuroko closed his eyes, trying to keep calm. He needed to stay calm to get Akashi back. "Fine." He muttered, looking away from the evil man. "But I swear, if it's hurts the group or Akashi-kun in anyway, I don't care about having your blood on my hands."
"My~ My~ So frightening. You should worry about yourself before you worry about others. Now I know why you were missing the 1%. It's due to your intelligence level."
Kuroko clenched his hands tightly. "I don't care." But he did care. Not because Eiji insulted him, but because if he did have that 1%, Akashi wouldn't have gone through so much pain. "And I don't care about myself. I'm done being selfish. The group comes before me so if you threaten them, I promise I'll give you a fate worse than all the test subjects you killed."
Everyone smiled, "And the same goes for us." Midorima said as a hand suddenly found its way on Kuroko's shoulder, "If you threaten Tetsu, you'll have to deal with us."
"I'll crush you if you touch Kuro-chin~"
"Yeah! It's all of us against you." Kise said confidently.
Kuroko looked at them all before sighing with a tiny smile. The group was quite troublesome since he was trying to keep them safe, but at least they definitely showed they loved him. "As long as we both stay within our agreements, I guess we can stand each other for now."
"Fair well. I'll look forward to working with you then."
Kuroko looked at the others. He supposed their sleeping areas had to change because someone had to be up to watch Eiji, which meant only one of them could sleep down stairs on the couches. He looked towards Aomine, gesturing to the couch which was a silent way of asking if he was sleeping there.
The tanned teen sighed, looking over at everyone who looked back. Why me? He deadpanned before sighing. "Fine, I'll do it."
"Thank you Aomine-kun. You know when to switch with someone." It's good to have strong people down here to watch Eiji. He might not do too good since he wasn't strong, so people like Murasakibara or Aomine would be best.
"We should go rest before we begin our search for Akashi." They didn't know when they would leave but everyone thought the same; as soon as possible.
"I agree." Kuroko said and soon everyone except Aomine were heading upstairs. Kise was going to sleep in one of the rooms since Eiji had to sleep on the other couch. Before Kuroko could close his door, Murasakibara was there holding it open. "Murasakibara-kun?"
The other had his head low, looking down at Kuroko. "Do you have a minute Kuro-chin?"
"Um.. yeah of course." Kuroko said, backing up into the room so Murasakibara could come in. "What do you need to talk about?"
Murasakibara walked over straight to the bed to sit down, "It's about Aka-chin and me. I want to tell you how we met." He lowered his head again, "I didn't get the chance to when we were at the laboratory."
Kuroko closed the door, looking at Murasakibara with a little surprise. He kind of forgot about that. "I.. see." He walked over, hesitant to sit on the bed with him. "You don't have to explain it if.. if maybe it's uncomfortable.." He must've kept it hidden for a reason after all.
"No. Kuro-chin needs to know." Murasakibara looked up at the other, set on telling him. He had hesitated but now he knew what he had to do.
"Okay. You can take your time though." Kuroko decided to sit next to Murasakibara anyway. "So.. how did it all start?"
The giant lowered his head again. "We met on a cold snowy day..."
The past flashed before him as Murasakibara remembered the cold streets of Kyoto he used to call home. He had been homeless from an early age because his parents had disowned him after their divorce. His mother had found a new family as well as his father who found his own. None of them wanted to keep the little Murasakibara who was only 6 years of age.
It couldn't be helped... He was a product of a marriage that didn't work out. He was unwanted.
The little child wondered the streets with light clothing and small rain boots. He was much bigger then children his size which did help him at times, but he did get harassed for it many times. Beaten up while begging for money, hiding in a cardboard box as a shelter and begging for food and water.
Luckily he had found an older lady in a bakery who would give him bread that nobody bought. The lady was kind and generous and sometimes Murasakibara even saw her as his mother. The mother he never had. She even taught him how to cook a few meals which made him develop his love for cooking. His appetite and love for sweets also developed at the same time when he would eat all of the sweets the generous old lady would give him.
Although the old lady gave him food and water, she couldn't take him in. Her husband was a strict old man and wouldn't let a stray like Murasakibara into the house. Much less a big kid with a huge appetite for food.
And so Murasakibara wondered the streets when one day, one encounter changed his life. It was snowing that day and Murasakibara had been sitting down on the ground with an empty hat before him, snuggling closer to his scarf, the only source of heat he had.
People passed but nobody even spared to look at him. He watched with his fazed eyes as people passed by, going on with their everyday lives. Then all of a sudden, a foot appeared before him. Murasakibara looked up to see a kid about his age standing before him.
The child before him had fierce red hair that resembled fire and eyes to match. He worse expensive clothing and had two men standing behind him. The men wore black suits and sunglasses, probably his bodyguards.
Murasakibara narrowed his eyes in wary. The type of people he hated the most were the rich who don't think about anyone but themselves. Showering themselves with millions while others had nothing to eat. Those people disgusted him the most.
The redhead smiled, reaching out into his pocket before placing money into the hat. Murasakibara's eyes slightly widened when he noticed that it wasn't just coins but paper money, not a small number at that. He was left confused as 10000 yen was now in his previously empty hat.
The redhead kneeled down, while Murasakibara looked up, not knowing what to think. "I know this isn't enough but with this much you'll be able to buy some new clothing and some food."
Murasakibara was still staring with shock before his eyes suddenly became wary. These are the people who turned their noses when catching sight of people like him... why would this kid help?
"What good would it do if you gave me money? What's in it for you?" He asked, his voice quiet since he hasn't had a drink in a while. It's not like he used his voice a lot either.
Murasakibara didn't know what to think and maybe he's crazy for thinking this but he noticed the redhead's eyes gaze back at the two men behind him warily, as if he was thinking through before he said anything. "Nothing. I'm just a spoiled brat, trying to make amends." Then Murasakibara noticed his eyes drop down, as if he was remembering something.
The kid looked like he regrets something or... something along those lines. What would a rich kid have to regret? Murasakibara looked back down at the money before hesitantly pulling the hat to himself. "Well.. thanks I guess.." Who was he to refuse money? Who knows when his next meal would be?
"My name is Aka-... Seijuro. You?" He redhead stopped mid sentence, looking back at the two men before saying his name.
Murasakibara looked at him with slight confusion before shrugging. "Murasakibara Atsushi.." But was he technically a Murasakibara anymore? With his parents divorced and himself abandoned, wouldn't he just be considered Atsushi?
Akashi smiled warmly, extending his hand to the other, "I know its too much to ask for but will you be willing to become my friend?"
Murasakibara narrowed his eyes and replied immediately with, "No." Why on earth would this rich spoiled brat want to be his friend?
Akashi couldn't say he was surprised, on the contrary, he expected a denial. He retrieved his hand, "Then-"
"Let's go. Don't waste our time." One of the men suddenly grabbed Akashi's shoulder, making him stand up. The redhead was startled but complied none the less. Murasakibara noticed that Akashi's smile vanished and his red eyes became darker. "I'll come-"
"Move it brat." The men pushed him, walking away from Murasakibara who watched in confusion. What did he just see?
That wasn't the only time they spoke with each other. Since Murasakibara had nothing else to do, he was always there with his hat to get more money. He did get a few new clothes and a meal, and he was saving the rest for emergency in case he couldn't get food or water.
The redhead came by again which surprised Murasakibara. Of course he came with those bodyguards again, but him coming back was a surprise in itself. "What are you doing back here?"
The redhead kneeled down before him again, placing another 10000 yen inside the hat. "I was just passing by." He looked at the hat and noticed that nothing was inside, only the 10000 yen he put in, "I see you got some new clothes. Maybe with this you could buy a new coat."
"Why do you keep giving me money? I was doing good enough without it." Yeah he'd go hungry a few nights, but he was still alive wasn't he? "I just don't see why you would do this without getting something in return."
"Because we're the same." Akashi's warm yet saddened smile returned. Murasakibara didn't know how to put it but he felt like the smile had many meanings behind it. This redhead was strange... There's no way a rich kid like him would be the same as him who is unwanted and thrown away...
The redhead looked up, "Come with me. I'll give you a place to stay."
"Sorry, but no." Murasakibara declined again. This boy wasn't just strange. He was quite stubborn. But hopefully he'd give up soon. There's no way he could house with a random person, a rich one at that.
"I know you don't trust me and I don't blame you. I wouldn't if I was you either but... please consider it. I'm just a rich brat but use me all you want. This is your opportunity."
Use him all he wants? Seriously, what kind of kid would say that? How was he raised? "No thanks.. I'd rather not." Murasakibara declined again.
Akashi sighed, as the men around him were getting impatient. "Hurry it up." One of the men said and unlike the past couple of times, Akashi decided to get up, knowing that if he didn't, he would be forcefully dragged. "I'll come again." He told Murasakibara before he left with the men in tow.
Murasakibara watched the other walk off before looking back at the new money in his hat. What a strange rich brat.
Believe it or not, that kid really did come back. And not just the next day. He kept coming back around the same time every day, no matter the weather. Of course Murasakibara was there no matter the weather either, so he couldn't necessarily avoid the other. But he didn't feel the need to anyway. He wouldn't admit it, but he liked it that the other visited him despite Murasakibara telling him no and declining his offers. He was really stubborn.
They'd have small talk every time Akashi came back. They'd talk about anything on their minds. But sometimes it was just quiet too if either of them were having a rough day. It was almost a shame they couldn't spend more than two minutes together. But even if it's only two minutes a day, Murasakibara has learned that this kid is not your average spoiled rich brat. He was just a kid too, like him. And he knew that something was going on with Akashi, something beyond what normal or rich people go through.
And again he came back. Murasakibara watched as Akashi walked up to him with the men behind him, placing the 10000 yen in the hat as usual before kneeling down in front of him. "Hello. Did you change your mind about coming with me?"
Murasakibara didn't answer yet and just stared at the other. This person was the one who kept him from going hungry and gave him enough money to buy clothes and other things he needed. It was still a surprise to him even though it's been happening for who knows how many days now.
"...Why?" He finally spoke. "I realise.. I know you're not a spoiled brat but.. still, why? Why offer me a home? I'm just a street rat." He asked this often but all Akashi said was "we are similar".
"You're not a rat." The words shot out of Akashi instantly. "If you're a rat then so am I. We're the same." The redhead hesitated because he knew that Murasakibara didn't like to be touched but he reached out anyway.
He slowly placed his hand on Murasakibara's shoulder who flinched at the contact. "We're both unwanted."
"Unwanted?" This boy was also unwanted? But... didn't he have a family who gave him everything he wanted? "You're..?" So even rich brats can be unwanted too huh?
Akashi smiled moving his lips but strangely enough no sound came out. Murasakibara looked, trying to read what he was saying. "Run" He finally understood and it was then that the redhead suddenly took his hand and quickly started running into the dark alleyways. "Hey!" The men in black suits immediately took off after them as well.
The chase began but Murasakibara had no idea what was happening at all. Why was he running away from his guards? Why was he running at all? More importantly, how did he find himself mixed up in this mess?
The two ran, turning corner after corner, trying to lose the group of men behind them. Finally they did manage to lose them, hiding in a dark alleyway, far from the main street. The two panted, trying to catch their breaths but Murasakibara couldn't help but look at the other in confusion.
The redhead panted until he suddenly started laughing, confusing Murasakibara even more.
"What are you laughing about?" Murasakibara didn't think any of this was funny. He was exhausted and confused. "Why did we run from those guys?"
"I apologise, it's just... relieving." Akashi smiled, turning to Murasakibara. "Isn't it fun? They were a bother anyway." He came up closer until he sneaked his hand into Murasakibara's pocket, taking out the pocketknife he had for defending himself. Murasakibara was on edge as soon as his pocketknife was taken, watching Akashi take it out and look at the blade. "Sharp."
Murasakibara wanted to ask more about what just happened of course, but his main priority at the moment was getting his only weapon for defense back. "You better not take it.."
Akashi's eyes looked back at Murasakibara before turning the knife so that he held the sharp point towards himself and the holder towards the other. "Here." He said, holding the knife for Murasakibara to take.
Murasakibara looked at the knife, confused, but he did reach out for his knife. When he took it in his hand, he was surprised when the redhead intentionally cut himself, making his hand bleed due to the big wound on his hand.
"H-Hey, why'd you do that?" Murasakibara made the other let go of the blade handle and closed the pocket knife immediately. Then he pulled Akashi's hand close to see how deep the wound is. It's not like he could treat it since he didn't have the knowledge nor supplies to do it, but maybe he could somehow help? "Seriously, why did you do that?"
"It's disgusting." Akashi muttered, "This blood is disgusting." He looked up at Murasakibara who was shocked once again, "Give me the knife. I'll end everything right here and now. I'll finally be free."
"What are you talking about?" Did this kid actually want to kill himself? Why? He must get everything he wants while he got nothing, yet he didn't want to kill himself. Why did Akashi? "Why? And I'm not giving you the knife."
"Give it to me!" Akashi threw himself on Murasakibara, clenching his fists and grabbing his coat, "Give it to me before they find us! I don't have much time."
"Look, I'm not going to let you kill yourself!" He didn't know what was going on in the other's life, but this really did confirm that he's not just a rich brat. "Why do you want to kill yourself?"
"I'm unwanted." Again those very same words he said when they met, "You understand. You understand better than anyone. The feeling of utter uselessness, the hate towards others, the need to survive. You understand because we're the same. Exactly the same." Akashi's and Murasakibara's eyes met. "I know you've considered suicide at times as well. All of us do." When he said 'all of us', Murasakibara knew that he was referring to the homeless and unwanted people.
"Return my kindness. Please kill me."
"That.. that may be true but.. I'm not going to let you resort to suicide." The only reason why Murasakibara hasn't done it is because he is afraid of death. He is more afraid of death than being homeless and unwanted.
"I refuse to kill you." He said firmly, putting the pocketknife away. "I don't know what's going on in your life, but suicide is not the answer. Don't kill yourself or have anyone else kill you.." He didn't know why he was even fighting about this. If it was anyone else, he wouldn't really care.
Akashi stared at the other in desperation, "Even if I get down on my knees and beg, you still wouldn't give it to me?" He looked into the purple eyes and knew it was true. He let go of Murasakibara's coat, his hands falling to his sides, "I thought you would understand. Only you could."
"I understand but.. suicide really isn't the answer. Besides, I don't want to kill anyone or see anyone die in front of me." Murasakibara said. "Why do you want to die so badly?"
It suddenly became quiet as the question hang in the air. Akashi had his head low while Murasakibara awaited the answer, so when Akashi looked up, Murasakibara listened closely. "I..." However, suddenly Akashi's eyes widened which confused the purple head. What happened?
However, when Akashi touched his right shoulder, Murasakibara saw the bullet that was injected into Akashi's arm. The bullet wasn't a bullet but a needle that was shot. Akashi took it out, gasping in pain as he fell down. Murasakibara was there just in time to catch him before he could fall down on the cold ground.
"I..." Akashi muttered as the men in black suits approached them. "You brats! This won't go unpunished!" The men ran and when they reached them, one of the men took out his tool and hit Murasakibara in the head. The poor child couldn't defend himself as he fell down on the ground, his eyes slowly closing. The last image he saw was that of Akashi being taken away and the men leaving. Then came darkness.
After that, things returned to how they used to be for a while. Murasakibara would wait in the same place but Akashi would never come. He wouldn't admit it to himself, but he was worried. The last time he saw Akashi, he was pleading for Murasakibara to kill him. He wanted to see him again, to make sure the other was okay and didn't kill himself.
It's been a while, Murasakibara wasn't sure how long since he didn't keep track of the days, but he did see Akashi again. It startled him when he saw those same shoes stop in front of him and when he looked up, it really was Akashi. Where has he been all this time?
Murasakibara raised his eyebrow when he saw a black eye on Akashi's face. The redhead didn't smile like he used to but just kneeled down to place the usual 10000 yen in the hat. He looked up at Murasakibara, opening his lips to talk but no sound came. Murasakibara watched carefully so he could understand what the other was trying to say, "I'm sorry. We won't see each other anymore."
Murasakibara's eyes widened as Akashi lowered his head and stood up. Slowly walking away with the men in suits behind him.
This will be the last time he saw Akashi? For some reason, he didn't like the sound of that. Murasakibara quickly picked up the hat then got up to go after Akashi. He didn't know why he was running after the other either, but he just let it happen.
"If the offer still stands, let me come with you!" He suddenly said when he caught up to Akashi, making him stop which seemed to annoy the men in suits. "I don't want this to be the last time we meet.."
Akashi was surprised, glancing at the men beside him before speaking up, "I don't think you should come. I changed my mind. Even this is better than..." He stopped, carefully choosing his words because he knows that his every move is watched and heard.
"I'm being serious. I really don't mind... please, let me come with you. I don't care what I have to do." Murasakibara insisted.
"Scram brat. We don't need you-"
"He can come."
"Huh?" The men looked down at Akashi, glaring at him for speaking against them, waiting for his reason.
"Sir Akashi allows it. I've already discussed it with him." Akashi looked at Murasakibara while the men were in doubt. Not trusting the redhead, they decided to call their superiors to check. "Yes sir, I see. Sorry for disturbing you." The man hanged up the phone before looking over at Murasakibara. "Come here brat. You're coming with us."
Murasakibara really didn't know what he was getting into, but at least he'd get to see Akashi again. He reluctantly walked over to the men, looking at Akashi to see if this all was really alright. He wanted to ask what the men and the need to be killed was all about since he was now going to be living with Akashi, but he decided to wait until they were alone.
When they've arrived to Akashi's house, Murasakibara was left speechless. He knew Akashi was rich but he didn't know he was this rich! The luxurious car they were in drove towards a large mansion as the gate opened to them. They drove through a rox of trees that seemed to be cared for and maintained every single day. There were also fountains and a park in the garden! The place was humongous.
The car stopped in front of the mansion and as they got out, Murasakibara had yet to realise what he got himself into. He began to dout his decision as they all went inside. The men escorted him and Akashi to the redhead's room but it was here that something didn't match up with the rest of the mansion.
Akashi's room was small, very small. There was rarely space for a bed, let alone any furniture that could fit and because of it the room only had a small queen size bed and one small table along with it. Nothing else. Murasakibara and Akashi got in, the men in suits leaving them alone. Although, now that Murasakibara was inside he could see a security camera that was inside the room, watching everything they did.
The two sat on the bed, facing each other as Akashi's lips began to move again, no sound accompanying it. Murasakibara focused to understand. "They can hear everything. Be careful what you say." He paused, "I'm never alone. There's always someone watching or accompanying me but I will tell you everything when I have the chance."
For being a rich kid, Akashi's room felt more like a prison. Murasakibara might've been homeless, but at least he was free. But Akashi... He couldn't imagine what he's been through. Just the tiny room with the camera and the guards from before gave off hints to a nasty life.
"...Thanks for offering to take me in." He understood that Akashi couldn't tell him now. He was so curious to know what is happening, but he'd have to wait longer if he wanted answers.
Murasaskibara was given his own room and just like Akashi's, it was small but didn't have a camera in the corner. When they brought him to his room for the night, Murasakibara heard a sound, as if the men were locking him in. He panicked and went to the doors, only to find that they were really locked. They had locked him in for the night to make sure he doesn't wonder off.
Since he had nothing else to do, Murasakibara decided to sleep. The sooner he falls asleep, the sooner he'll see Akashi. Days went by and Murasakibara got used to the daily ritual. The morning would start off with a breakfast with Akashi and then they would be taken to some kind of a laboratory. Murasakibara didn't know what it was for, no, they didn't allow hm to know. All he had to do was wait for them to be done with Akashi, until they could both finally go home for the day.
Murasakibara was getting more and more confused by the day but then one day when Akashi and Murasakibara went to the park, Akashi took the chance to tell him everything. About the experiments, about the creatures and about the plan to use them against other countries. Akashi had even told him about himself and his circumstance, the reason he's being watched at all times and the reason he's treated like this.
Murasakibara couldn't help but be in shock. Who wouldn't be after hearing such a story? At one point he began to doubt the redhead and thought he was lying to him but deep down Murasakibara knew it was true.
Akashi didn't tell him this but Murasakibara learned, over time, that the 10000 yen Akashi would give him every day was actually his daily allowance. If Akashi gave him all of his allowance then he wouldn't have any money himself, but... That wasn't what shook Murasakibara the most.
One day he was walking down a corridor when he heard two of the guards talking. He hid, hiding from the until they passed, overhearing their conversation. "So what's up with that stay from the street? That purple haired kid?"
"Ah! Him? I heard they're just keeping him so that Subject 4 doesn't attempt to kill himself again."
"Geez~ So bothersome."
The men laughed but Murasakibara was left speechless that day. The thoughts of taking his own life crossed his mind but... he couldn't so it. He was afraid of death but more importantly, he couldn't leave Akashi here alone...
One day when the men brought Akashi and Murasakibara to the laboratory, Murasakibara was left in the waiting room as usual. He didn't know what to do but then he noticed a cracked open door. Deciding to take this chance, Murasakibara sneaked in.
He walked through corridors and corridors, seeing laboratories after laboratories until he heard a... cry? Murasakibara raised his brow as he followed the voice, getting stronger and stronger until he finally saw a man in white clothing behind the glass. He watched as the man played with his tablet, crying while repeating, "Sorry! Sorry! Sorry!"
Of course Murasakibara was curious as to why this man was crying and apologizing. But he couldn't ask why or else he'd get in trouble. He wasn't supposed to be in the room anyway so if he was caught, he'd get in serious trouble. So with reluctance, he silently left the crying man alone with his tablet.
"After that I was going to tell Aka-chin, but.. I never really got the chance since we were always watched and never got a chance to be alone." Murasakibara ended, his mind now back in the present.
Kuroko had listened closely the whole time but he still couldn't believe it. He never knew Murasakibara was homeless and unwanted... He was the person who kept Akashi from killing himself. If it wasn't for Murasakibara, Akashi would be dead. He was left speechless, wondering what to say. "...I guess.. thank you for saving Akashi-kun.."
"Kuro-chin doesn't need to thank me~ I did it because I wanted to." Murasakibara leaned on the wall behind him. He felt relieved, as if a huge burden had been lifted up from his chest.
"I still want to thank you." Kuroko said, watching Murasakibara. "But.. Why did you tell me about that crying man?"
"Hmmm~" The giant hummed, "He kind of looked like Kuro-chin's dad~ The one that was in the cocoon~ Only... younger."
"My dad?" Kuroko questioned. If that was his dad... then maybe the tablet he had was... He looked over at his bag before back at Murasakibara. "Do you think the tablet he was holding was..?"
Murasakibara nodded, "It looked just like the one Kuro-chin had~" He couldn't remember it clearly but he swore it was the same.
Kuroko got up almost immediately and went to his bag. He retrieved the tablet before returning to Murasakibara on the bed. He sat down and turned the tablet on. He was glad he didn't waste the battery. "You said he was repeating sorry?"
He clicked on the file and stared at the password input. It might not work, but it was worth a shot... He typed in 'sorry' and was shocked when it opened and revealed a video he could click on. "Murasakibara-kun.." He would have never thought of "sorry" as a password. Murasakibara helped him get the file open!
"A video~?" Murasakibara looked at the tablet screen, noticing one file on it named 'Subject 4'. "What is it Kuro-chin?"
"This was the tablet I got off my dad at the nest.. I've been trying to open this file ever since I got it. You helped me so much." Kuroko said while looking at the other. "Maybe this will tell us some things we don't already know."
"Hmm~" Murasakibara looked at the screen again before nodding at Kuroko, who did the same. They didn't know what to expect but they were both ready for it. No matter what they find on the tablet, they were ready. Kuroko clicked on the file as it opened. The first image that appeared was that of Kuroko's father, sitting at a desk and looking at the camera. Kuroko recognised the surroundings and was shocked when he realised that it was his house.
"Log 345. September 23, 2XXX." He started off, "My name is Takeshi Kuroko. A member of Sector X and an employee of the Akashi Corporation. Before I go on any further, I would like to tell you a bit about my employers. The Akashi corporation is a multi-billion industry. It wouldn't be far fetched if we said that it rules the whole of Japan, because it does."
Takeshi leaned on the table before him, "It presents itself as a company that handles environmental issues, however, that is far from the truth. That is a cover up to hide their real purpose which is much more deadly." He paused, as if letting the viewers sink in the information before going on.
"The Akashi Corporation's true identity is that of a weapons manufacturer. They design and create all sorts of weapons that are used in the Japanese military. They've even created atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs, keeping it hidden from the public eye." Takeshi's eyes trailed off to the side.
"However nothing compares to the project that is currently in development. January 21, 2XXX; a comet had crash landed near Tokyo. The general public saw the comet crash land but that was as far as their knowledge of it stretched. The secret service was the first on the scene, securing the giant asteroid and transporting it into one of the Akashi Corporation facilities for further research."
Takeshi took another pause and it was this time that Kuroko and Murasakibara noticed that he not only gave time for the viewers to intake the information, but he also paused to compose himself and carry on. "The stone was marvellous. Full of unknown materials we couldn't even dream of. Our sector, Sector X, was assigned and created for the purpose of studying the meteorite. We decided to cut it through, to explore its core but little did we know that it was the core that held true treasure."
A pause, "We found a red stone inside that had a mind of its own. It could manipulate objects and move as if it was a living being. We quarantined the red stone, assigning the codename 'Ignis' to it due to its red colour and the heat you would feel when you approach it. Ignis was a mystery to us, grabbing our curiosity, making us more than eager to study it, learn about it."
Takeshi sighed before chuckling to himself, "A scientist is curious by nature. Hungering for information and answers." He raised his head again, looking straight into the camera. "And so we began to study Ignis, who stunned us each and every time. We were fascinated by it, but as the nature of our company would have it, we were forced to transform Ignis into a weapon of mass destruction we could use."
"Ignis had power, so much power that it surpassed the atomic bomb, no, it was capable of destroying the entire planet and possibly the moon which would be caught in the fire as well. However, it was unstable, uncontrollable. We needed a medium to control Ignis and then the idea came... the idea of using the human body as a host to control Ignis."
Takeshi's face looked pained, "We began experimenting on infants who weren't even 1 year old. We found that it was possible for Ignis to be transferred into a host... It was as if Ignis itself was looking for one all along... Our journey took us far but it was a journey full of failures. Two years had passed and we still couldn't find a host... But we used the infants that died after the failed tests. We used their bodies to creature creatures... monsters you could say."
A pause, "We created thousands, millions of creatures that would one day serve Ignis and replace soldiers in wars. Truly an unstoppable army. They could even withstand bullets and missiles. The only weapons that could take them down were those that we specifically created for that purpose. Professor Midorima and his group were responsible for the creation of those weapons."
Takeshi's expression became more pained, "We used the bodies of the infants as a base but then we used the DNA of those creatures to create bigger, much stronger monsters than those before them. The number now rose to millions, millions of creatures which the Akashi Corporation along with the government kept in secret locations. Even I don't know their locations... and I helped create them."
Takeshi sighed, "But we still couldn't find a host for Ignis. It had come to the point where we lost hope but then my wife became pregnant. We discussed the possibility of using our child as a test subject and we both agreed. If our child could be a success then so be it. When the child was born, we did the synchronisation test. Success was almost at our reach but we were missing just 1%... 1% and it would have finally been complete. Never the less, we let Tetsuya, our son, maintain contact with Ignis and it was truly marvellous. He could understand Ignis and play with him. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to see that."
Another pause, "However, the Akashi Corporation wasn't content and wanted Ignis under their control. And so, the CEO of the Akashi Corporation, Masaomi Akashi, tracked down his own son that he had disowned long ago. He told us to test him and we were all surprised when the 100% appeared on our screens. Finally a success!"
Takeshi smiled, "We had found a suitable host for Ignis but now that we did, we wanted to test it and so we let him and Tetsuya into the playroom he and Ignis used to play in. The results were truly stunning."
The video turned to show the room Kuroko saw before, the one he used to play with Ignis in. Instead Akashi was there. They were probably a little younger than toddlers but they weren't babies either.
It was obvious that Kuroko was shy since he wasn't speaking or even looking at Akashi. He was just sitting on the ground, trying to distract himself by playing with one of the toys he had.
While Kuroko was playing with the toy, all Akashi did was stare at the other. Meanwhile, the scientists stood behind the glass, watching the two interact. It was Kuroko's and Akashi's first meeting so it was very important for everyone to see how it will go. Now that Ignis is in a host, will Kuroko reach the same? or will it change? That was the question one everyone's mind.
Akashi kept on looking at Kuroko, until he finally made a move. Akashi pushed the toy away from Kuroko's hand before he threw himself to embrace the other out of nowhere.
Kuroko's eyes widened as he instinctively embraced Akashi back. He didn't expect the other to hug him before even saying hello. "...What wrong..?" Usually when someone hugged someone else, they were sad right? That's what Kuroko thought.
"Tetsu... Te... Tetsu... Tetsuya..." Akashi tightened his hold on the other, not letting go no matter what. "R-R... Ruby... Tetsuya…"
Ruby? What about Ruby? So this meant Akashi knew Ruby? Well, if he knew Ruby, he must be trust worthy... "Ruby? What happen?"
"Tetsuya.. Tetsuya... Tetsuya..." Akashi didn't let the other go, tightening his embrace. Kuroko's parents as well as Masaomi Akashi watched. "What's happening?" Masaomi turned to Kuroko's mother.
"Perhaps it's Ruby's influence. Seijuro and Tetsuya have never met before, they don't even know each other's names, yet Seijuro knows it. The only way he could know is because of Ruby." She explained, watching the two closely.
Kuroko didn't know what to do. This person whose name he didn't even know yet was clinging to him and repeating his name which he didn't even give yet... "U-Um.. name? Your name?"
Akashi gave one tight squeeze before weakening his grip, but not letting go. "Ruby... You gave it to me. My precious... name... Tetsuya…"
Ruby? "B-But.. Ruby doesn't look like you.." Kuroko was confused and a little scared. Who was this pretending to be his friend?
Akashi's hands fell down to touch Kuroko's, only then did he move away so that they could both see each other clearly. "You don't remember? You don't..." Suddenly Akashi gasped, letting go of Kuroko before touching his head which was hurting.
"A-Are you okay?" Kuroko asked, watching Akashi worriedly. He really was starting to get more scared than confused. Why was he placed in a room with this person claiming to be his friend?
"What's happening?" Masaomi asked again, turning to Kuroko's mother.
"Subject 4 is becoming unstable." She said, watching the tablet that showed Kuroko's and Akashi's wavelengths on it, and unlike Kuroko's calm ones, Akashi's were becoming unstable.
"Tetsuya... Tetsuya... Tetsuya..." Akashi kept on repeating, holding his head tightly. "Tetsuya... Tetsuya..." Akashi began panting when suddenly a few cracks appeared on the glass that was shielding the scientists, startling them all.
"Abort! Abort! This is getting out of control!" Masaomi ordered as the scientists got to work, "Che! I knew he was a street rat." Masaomi muttered while Kuroko's parents watched calmly, despite the other scientists running around.
"Tetsuya... Doesn't remember... My Tetsuya... Doesn't remember…"
"I..I remember!" Kuroko said, hoping to calm the other. Of course he couldn't hear the people beyond the glass since the room was designed to hear only what was in the room. "I remember.. Ruby.."
"You're lying... I can feel it... Tetsuya..." Another wave hit the room, creating even more cracks in the glass and even making small holes in it. Akashi looked up and it was then that Kuroko noticed that both of his eyes were golden, "I love you... yet... you forget... the only human... whom... I love... Tetsuya..."
Suddenly the glass that was shielding the scientists shattered, revealing them to the two children in the room. "Sound the alarm!" Masaomi ordered as the scientists ran out of the observing dock to safety. However, Kuroko's parents didn't move at all, staying in place and watching. Masaomi noticed this and went up to them, "We have to go." He told the two but they ignored him.
"Tetsuya... Tetsuya... My Tetsuya…"
When the glass broke, it was more than enough for Kuroko. He might've been an experiment that's been exposed to monsters and to Ruby, but he was still a kid.
Rather than being confused as to why those people had been watching through the window, he just started to cry. He wanted his parents or Ruby back to comfort him.
Even though the laboratory was in chaos, Akashi still heard Kuroko's cries. He looked up at Kuroko and as he did, the entire room became quiet. The only thing that he could hear were Kuroko's cries. "Tetsuya..." Akashi reached out to the other, embracing him gently. "Don't cry Tetsuya... It's okay... Don't cry. I'm here... I'll protect... you…"
Kuroko heard the other's words but he still kept crying. But he did calm down a little. He didn't know why but... the other's presence kind of felt like Ruby's. No, it was Ruby's. Whenever he played with Ruby, the other had a warm, comforting presence. He was feeling that now when Akashi embraced him once more. He didn't feel it earlier because he had been scared.
"R-Ruby," Kuroko kept crying even though he wanted to stop. If this really was Ruby... what happened to him? The Ruby he played with was just a stone that looked beautiful. What happened to his friend?
Akashi broke the hug but gently held Kuroko's hands in his. He looked into Kuroko's teal blue eyes, raising one of his hands to brush off the tears from Kuroko's cheeks, "You remembered. Tetsuya, you remembered!" Akashi cupped the other's face, gently leaning in so that their foreheads touched.
"W-What did they do to Ruby?" Kuroko asked, sniffing a little as he tried to suppress his cries. "R-Ruby is.. different."
"I'm Ruby, Tetsuya. I changed just for you. Now we can talk and do things we couldn't before." Akashi gently brushed Kuroko's cheeks with his thumbs, "You don't like it?"
"I-I do but.. did it hurt?" Kuroko asked worriedly, placing his hands over Akashi's. Or rather ruby's hands.
"No, nothing hurts for Tetsuya." Akashi looked into Kuroko's eyes but then out of the corner of his eye he saw something shine. His eyes widened before he quickly moved to catch the flying object that was aimed at Kuroko. Kuroko was scared and worried but when Akashi opened his hand, he saw a needle bullet.
Kuroko began shaking and moved close to Akashi's chest for protection. Akashi, no, Ruby noticed this and it angered him. Meanwhile, more guns appeared, aiming to fire at Ruby. Ruby narrowed his eyes before another wave hit the surroundings, knocking everyone down.
This time Kuroko's parents fell down as well, "Subject 4 is getting out of control. It looks like even Tetsuya couldn't control him" Kuroko's father said but his mother looked at the tablet in hand, "No, he did calm him but he himself is scared as well. He's just a child Takeshi. We have to intervene now."
Kuroko's parents stood up and ran inside into the control room. While Ruby was defending against bullets, Kuroko's parents activated something he couldn't stop. Takeshi Kuroko pressed the button and when he did, the room suddenly started to fog up.
Ruby and Kuroko noticed the fog but couldn't defend against it. Ruby coughed and coughed, "I'll save.. Tetsuya..." Then suddenly he fell unconscious on the ground as the people around them stopped shooting.
"R-Ru..by.." Kuroko coughed out, feeling a little suffocated with the fog. But he couldn't do anything about it because he too passed out without much of a fight.
"It's dangerous! Remember what happened when they met? Somebody could have been killed!" Takeshi Kuroko's voice echoes in Kuroko's ears as his hazed eyes slowly began to open.
"You may see it that way but I see it as progress. If we have them interact again then we can force Ignis to succumb to us!" This time another voice echoed, it was that of Masaomi Akashi.
"Takeshi is right. It's dangerous." Kuroko's mother added with her cold voice.
"But Haruka! Didn't you see that! That reaction was marvellous! If we use Subject 11 to threaten Ignis then we can control him." Masaomi urged but the two scientists weren't convinced.
"It wouldn't work Masaomi. Ignis is an unknown entity. Before you know it, you might end up killed."
Masaomi grumbled, "Is it because of your son? You don't want us to use your son in such a way am I right?" He slightly raised his voice, but the two parents kept quiet.
"That's ridiculous and you know it. All we ever did was in the name of science. Such emotions such as love or care hinder our work." Or did it? Did it really?
Masaomi sighed, walking up to Kuroko who was laying down on a metallic table. Masaomi smiled when he noticed that Kuroko's eyes were halfway open, "You did well Subject 11. Now sleep~" Masaomi placed his hand on Kuroko's eyes and just as if it was magic, Kuroko did fall back asleep.
When Kuroko opened his eyes again, they were hazy again as they tried to adjust to the strong light that was pointing at him.
"Everything is ready Doctor Kuroko"
"Thank you. Wait for my command."
"Yes sir."
Kuroko's father walked up to the small boy that was strapped onto a table, "Good morning son. How are you feeling?"
Kuroko tiredly looked over at his dad before realizing he's been strapped down. He got a little scared and tugged his arms to free himself, but it was no use. "D-Daddy?" He questioned nervously. He's never been strapped down before... What was going on? Was this a time out?
"Don't worry son, everything will be okay. Daddy will make all of the pain go away." Takeshi said but as he did, a device behind him began to emit light, frightening the little boy.
"B-But.." He didn't know what to say or do. His dad was actually scaring him. "I-I don't feel pain.."
"You don't feel pain right now but you will when we leave. We're leaving son, we're going to Tokyo. You will start going to school and play with children your age. It will be a new beginning."
Leaving? They were leaving this place? "Is Ruby coming with?" Kuroko asked quietly. If Ruby came, he wouldn't mind leaving.
Takeshi fidgeted with a pen he held in his hand before placing it in his pocket, "No. Ruby won't be coming. You see son, Ruby belongs here. His daddy is here who watches over him and he has many other friends here. Don't worry, you'll forget him when you find new friends in school."
"Forget.. Ruby?" There's no way he could forget Ruby! "No! I won't forget him! I don't want to!" Like any other child, he wanted to throw a tantrum. It was hard to do when he was strapped down though.
"I'm sorry son but you'll have to. No, you will forget him." Takeshi had a pained expression when he reached out and placed some kind of a device on the child's head. "You, mama and I will start anew and if that is to happen then you'll have to forget everything."
Takeshi placed his hand on Kuroko's cheek, "Daddy knows what's best for you. Trust me son." He looked at Kuroko one last time before turning around and walking away to join the other scientists behind the glowing device.
"No! I don't want to forget Ruby!" Kuroko struggled and squirmed as hard as he could, but it was useless. He was just a child after all. Not even a full grown adult could break out of this. "Please, I don't want to forget!" He cried.
Takeshi remained quiet as his co-workers began preparing the machine, "Initiating." And soon enough it was activated, causing Kuroko to scream from the bottom of his lungs. The father did nothing but watch as his son's memory was erased.
Author notes
The Lucky Bell: *No Note*
KurokoTetsuya101: Enjoy the longer chapter :) See you next week!
This story is updated weekly.