Kuroko never put much trust into the strings of fate that the gods had woven throughout life, despite Aomine's insistence that the so called interwoven web of souls was in fact very real and very important. It all sounded silly and cruel to Kuroko. A god, a being that has never understood what it was like to suffer or let alone be human- though Kuroko felt that the last point almost could be applied to himself at this point- was to decide every aspect of the lives that they could not begin to comprehend… it was awful to Kuroko. A person should have the right to decide on their own, not to be guided unknowingly by a silly little string that the gods' had tied. However, when Akane had disguised him in human clothes and told him to hide his beautiful horns and to lower his presence to be barely noticeable and took him into her human village, Kuroko began to question his stance on fate.
Akane gently took his hand and guided him around the humans that buzzed in the street and through the various shopping stands. He was amazed to hear so many sounds and to see so many colors and wild designs all in one place. The demon clan where he resided was relatively quiet, sans the occasional argument from Aomine and Kise and the caring, scolding of Midorima. Who knew humans could make so much noise? His memories sure didn't allude to the mighty sounds that a group of humans could make when joined together. Kuroko almost found it unbearable, his ears so unused to the such loud sounds. As they walked Akane smiled apologetically and squeezed his hand tightly.
"We're almost there Kurou-kun! It won't be as loud there so you won't have to worry," She smiled up at him.
Kuroko nodded and blushed, squeezing her hand back. He allowed Akane to guide him through her city until they came upon the outskirts of the village. There was less noise than before, the busy crowds of disdained humans rushing to spend every wakening second doing something productive had dissipated to small groups of humans quietly murmuring to one another on their way back to the village. Kuroko couldn't help but be grateful to the decline in noise, but also couldn't help but to notice the eerie feeling that had nestled into his bones.
Akane, outwardly appeared to not share the same discomfort as Kuroko, rather she radiated an excited atmosphere around herself. Kuroko kept in a sigh. Akane wouldn't betray him; he knew this. Though the thought still sung with his memories in the back of his mind.
What if she betrayed him? Would she give him up to her parents and her village and let them kill him? Surely not… right?
Kuroko was brought out of his thoughts when Akane stopped in front of an old decaying building. It was gray, it's color lost in the rain and winds of years past. There were cracks in the walls and foundation that littered themselves along the crumbling stone, echoed by the soft patters of small pebbles falling from their assigned places. With a dead silence that had overtaken any laughter and joy that may have called the worn building home, the building truly seemed to be dead.
"We're finally here Kurou-kun! There is someone I want you to meet. She is the oracle of the town and I often ask her things about creatures like you. I hope you don't mind meeting her… Oh my elder brother Toru has requested to come and visit as well. That won't be a problem will it Kurou-kun? I mean I could tell him to go home but he has been worried for me. Mother and Father have been telling him silly stories about me losing my mind or being bewitched because I know you... He's just worried about me so meeting you should hopefully help, I think. He'll be able to see how good you are and won't have to worry anymore! So – so it's okay if he stays too right Kurou-kun?"
Kuroko had never seen the girl talk so fast or look so nervous. He couldn't say that his appearance didn't mirror her's. He felt just as nervous in an unknown place facing judgement from two other human beings. He squeezed her hand in hopes to somehow convey the comfort she had given him earlier in their journey back to her. He played with her finger tips for a second and took in a sigh. He truly wasn't sure if meeting two more new humans was the best decision; just knowing Akane was a threat in its self. However, he couldn't stand the way her golden eyes seem to hold so much sadness, her anticipation for their meeting holding itself in those golden irises, that he found himself nodding.
"I believe it should be alright…" Kuroko replied, continuing to watch those beautiful eyes as the sadness seemed to fade away, replaced by her usual curiosity and happiness.
Her smile lit up and she took his other hand in hers, "Thank you so much Kurou-kun! I know they'll both love you just as much as I do!"
"I am sure you are right," Kuroko took another breath as Akane tugged on his hands and pulled him past the stairs and into the main entrance of the oracle's home.
The inside wasn't nearly as in such a state of ruin as the outer appearance indicated. There was no evidence of the lost colors nor the cracks. Kuroko was startled as he heard voices coming from the furthest room in the home. An adolescent male and a feminine voice that Kuroko couldn't seem to place an age to came in bursts of muffled whispers. Akane simply began to walk toward the voices with her smile and determination set. Her brother and the oracle then, Kuroko decided as he followed Akane to the back room. Once they arrived Akane opened the door slightly before pausing and turning to Kuroko.
"So Kurou-kun are you ready to hear your fortune? I'm sure the oracle will only have good things to say about you! Perhaps she'll even predict that we will remain friends for the remainder of our time together!" Akane said happily and the other voices came to a halt.
"Akane who are you talking too?" Toru questioned, staring at her with confusion.
"The demon of course," The oracle chimed in, "You can raise your presence demon, you cannot hide from me."
Akane looked to Kuroko and gave him a small nod. He allowed his block to release, his horns reappearing and his presence slowly rising. Kuroko watched the look of annoyance and disbelief on her brother's face morph into an expression of horror and surprise as he began to really see Kuroko, a vicious demon, holding his innocent sister's hand.
"You really do communicate with a monster!" Toru looked from Akane to the oracle, "This is worse than our parents had thought! Not only does she speak blasphemy but she actually holds that beast's hand as if he is her lover! He must have put her under a spell! Please tell me how to save my sister from this beast."
"Brother!" Akane yelled, betrayal coming to find its place in her golden eyes.
"Oh young one if you think that their meetings to speak with one another to learn from each other is a horrendous act, then I imagine that the future events that shall occur will be even more worrisome." The oracle laughed.
Kuroko felt himself freeze as Toru drew a dagger from the side of his belt and pointed it at Kuroko, "Release my sister at once demon or I will end you here."
Kuroko looked down to Akane. She was worried and almost in tears; another expression Kuroko had never thought he'd see on the young human girl. He gently released her hand and pushed her toward her brother. Her brother pulled her into his arms and glared, still pointing the weapon at Kuroko.
"Now oracle tell me of this future that you see that is so horrible."