Disclaimer: Kuroko no Basket is owned by Fujimaki Tadatoshi
Pairing: AkaKuro
A/N: I almost didn't make it in time. This was so rush. /cries But happy birthday Akashi-kun! (mini album and ova, it's like Kuroko celebrating his birthday with Akashi's /is kicked ignore me im tired)
Thanks to my reviewers: Rinfantasy, Moonta11, lulubeck, Kottori, InsanityOwl, ShinseiShinwa, Kasu97, YukaNYuki-twin, zoedapoey, 123ANIMEfun, KNBSnkLover, soundlessAria, Guest, mimi-chan and aliling-chan, shinee2007, BerryBliss, Cheshire ShiroNeko, ghost reader, AyakiStory, Shiro-chan1827, RealitySlap, Korunakuroko, Random Guest, SoSquiddy and 2 Guests. Thanks for the favorite and follow alerts, too.
NOTES:
1. We're in the same timeline as DD which means this chapter also happened on Dec. 20. (Akashi's bday here is a tragedy /is slapped at the tg reference)
2. The spelling errors and jumbled mess in certain parts are all intentional.
「Second Descent: Arc II 」
Eighteenth Night: Sorrow and Harrow
Kuroko grunted as he woke up. He didn't know why but he had a hard time in keeping his eyes open and his head hurting wasn't helping either. He gradually opened his eyes, blinking again and again to quell his hazy sight. Kuroko was confused when he noticed he was in bare room with only a rusty metal door ahead and a rock wall.
And without warning, flashes of what happened last night appeared in his mind. Kuroko groaned in despair. How could he forget? Here he was, imprisoned because of his stupid mistake. This was what Akashi was talking about. But did he listen, no. And now, here he was in this predicament.
Kuroko turned his head sideways and saw that the small window with steel bars behind him was his only source of light and judging from its brightness, it must be close to noon. He'd been missing for approximately ten hours now. Kuroko knew that wasn't a good sign.
Kuroko tried to move his hand and feet and was stunned when he couldn't. He looked down and saw his hands locked in place with a metal cuff on the armrest and nudging his legs, it was obvious it got the same treatment. Kuroko took a deep breath to calm down and think. He had to get away before someone comes in. He had inkling on what they were planning for him. Kuroko glanced at his clothes and found out that he only has his white shirt and black slacks. He didn't even have any shoes or socks in his feet. His feet were getting cold. No, his entire body was.
Were they going to freeze him to death like this? He sure hoped not. Then again, if they did leave him alone like this he would take it as an advantage. He could come up ways to escape without worrying what they were going to do with him.
Kuroko curled his fists and tried to fight the shivers of his body. He already took note of things in him and as expected, they removed all the magical items he equipped on himself. He bit his lower lip in frustration when he noticed that they got his picking tools, too. Now, how was he going to free himself with these cuffs?
"Brute force." Kuroko sighed when he remembered those words from Aomine. Not helping, Aomine-kun.
Speaking of Aomine, Kuroko wondered if Akashi and the coven knew what happened to him. No, not if. They already knew that he was captured. Was this his life now, getting kidnapped by vampires? He certainly did not like it.
But thinking of the coven, Kuroko was sure Akashi was very worried. They must be trying their best to locate his position. He knew Akashi would find out soon that he escaped the mansion and would follow him soon thereafter. He didn't know how or why but he sensed when he slipped past through the barrier so Akashi or anyone must have sensed that as well. And when he used the white veil, he couldn't feel the others' presences, too especially his bracelet when he always felt a residue of Akashi's aura in there.
At the thought, Kuroko quickly searched if he still got his bracelet and let out a sigh of relief when he saw it in his left wrist. He did remember Akashi telling him that only the one who put it on can take it off. If he still had his bracelet on him, it only meant Akashi could use it to pinpoint his location. Unless, whoever kidnapped him had a plan to circumvent it and if that were the case, then the bracelet was of no use. He really hoped that wasn't the case.
That would mean his situation was completely hopele—
Startled, Kuroko eyed the metal door nervously when he heard it clanging opened. He gulped when the metal door gave way and revealed the man he saw last night coming in. He tried to convince himself that the shivers of his body were due to the cold and not the smug smirk on the man's face.
"Kuroko Tetsuya, right?" the man asked and then chuckled when Kuroko didn't answer. "I didn't get a picture of you since that bastard Akashi kept all his bases covered. But one of my men has seen your mother and I must say the resemblance is uncanny."
Kuroko gritted his teeth and tried to keep his face neutral. There was no point in falling to this man's taunts. He knew his parents were safe and Akashi made sure that they were protected at times. Kuroko closed his eyes and opened them to stare impassively at the man.
The man was undeterred at Kuroko's lack of reaction and was rather amused instead. "It's true that I can't touch your family anymore after our failed attempt last time." The man smirked and walked closer to Kuroko, leaning forward to Kuroko's face. "But, just look what I have now, The Red Emperor's treasure now in my grasp. I'd say that's a fair trade."
The man took a step back and regarded Kuroko curiously. "Though, I didn't expect him to send you as one of his spies. Akashi isn't that careless unless you're a fake and not the real Kuroko Tetsuya. Or you've fallen from Akashi's grace." The man then shrugged. "But that means you're of no use to me anymore."
Kuroko bit the inside of his cheek. If this man thought of those last instances, then Kuroko could use it to his gain and wouldn't be used as a liability against Akashi. But knowing Akashi, then he must be turning the world upside down to look for him. Just what was this man doing?
"Still not talking, eh?"
The man stared at Kuroko with a cold gaze before lifting his hand and touched Kuroko's fingers, slowly trailing it up until the man roughly grabbed Kuroko's bracelet. Kuroko winced at the pressure and his cuff digging to his wrist hurt, too. "I lied," the man started. "Do you know what happened last night? Your Red Emperor just barricaded the whole Chuugoku region to look for you. Unfortunately for him, he was already too late. It's a shame that my base in Yamaguchi burned down but that's easily replaceable. You, however, are not."
Kuroko disregarded the man for a moment as the information sunk in. He just realized how powerful and influential Akashi was if he could lock up a whole region of Japan just for him. But the man in front of him didn't seem to worry about it which only meant one thing. Kuroko was in a different region.
Chuugoku or Shikoku.
So he was now in Shikoku.
I see, Kuroko thought and closed his eyes before he could show his relief through his expression. Fortifying Chuugoku was a decoy. Akashi already knew Kuroko was taken to Shikoku. They must be scouring every prefecture, cities and towns this region has to locate him. All Kuroko had to do now was to hold on as best as he could and wait for them to show up.
He hoped they would be here soon.
"I know what you're thinking," the man said. Kuroko opened his eyes and he couldn't fight the trepidation in his chest as he saw the man smirking. "I know what Akashi did was only a distraction. But no matter how much he rummages this region, it's no use. The Red Emperor won't be able to find you. No one is going to save you."
Kuroko couldn't help it and glared but the man only gave him an amused laugh. "Finally, a reaction! And here I thought you're some kind of an empty doll. I wonder what the Red Emperor saw in you. You're his lover, aren't you? It's the only reason that could make Akashi lose this much control. He's doing the same thing as before. I wonder if the result will also be the same."
Same as before? What did that mean? Was this man trying to say that Akashi—
"Ah, I almost forgot," the man said and interrupted Kuroko from his thought. "I haven't introduced myself, have I? I think you have the right to know since we're getting to know each other pretty intimately. Name's Hanamiya Makoto, by the way."
xXx
After saying his name, Hanamiya quickly went away and left Kuroko alone.
There were many things swirling in Kuroko's head but he put it aside. He had more important matters that he should focus first. The main one was to escape or at the very least let Akashi know where he was.
Hanamiya seemed pretty confident that Akashi wouldn't be able to find this place—wherever and whatever this was. The only reason Kuroko could come up with was a barrier shielding this place; probably a different one from back at home but all the same a magical barrier.
Kuroko sighed. He wanted to get out but he was running out of options from his limited choices. The only viable option was to wait for anyone to save him. But he didn't want that. He got into this mess because of his stubbornness; he wanted to get out of it by himself.
Still, what was he supposed to do?
The metal door opened again and Kuroko wasn't surprised to see Hanamiya stepping inside. But he blinked when he noticed Hanamiya carrying a tray of food. Kuroko narrowed his eyes as Hanamiya deliberately placed the tray near his feet. "I figured you were hungry. So aren't you going to eat?"
Kuroko was hungry. But since he was cuffed to his chair, not to mention that food might be poisoned, he ignored it. He guessed having a weak appetite proved to be advantageous. And he only liked his mother and Murasakibara's food anyway.
Hanamiya crouched down and took the fork, spearing the meat. He held out the fork with meat to Kuroko. "Do you want me to feed you?" Like before, Kuroko kept quiet though he did wonder where Hanamiya was going with this. "Hmm…" Hanamiya hummed. "Tell me, what did Akashi do to make you accept him? Didn't he kidnap you like I did? And you became his lover despite it. You have a few loose screws in the head, don't you?"
Are you sure you're not talking about yourself?
Kuroko lightly bit his tongue before those words could escape his mouth. Hanamiya was only doing this to get in his head, that much he was sure. From what he observed, Hanamiya liked mind games and what he wanted was to break Kuroko. Probably as a way of getting back at Akashi.
When Kuroko continued to stay silent, Hanamiya looked like he finally had enough. Kuroko flinched when Hanamiya brusquely flung the tray to the wall. "Okay, I don't have patience for this shit anyway." Hanamiya stood up and grabbed Kuroko's face hard. "You're just a tool for me to get revenge at Akashi. Stealing you from his side would have been fun but you're quite stubborn so I'm gonna go with Plan B."
Kuroko closed one eye and held back his whimper as Hanamiya gripped his face tighter. "Killing you right now won't be half as fun," Hanamiya and roughly let Kuroko go. "I want to see The Red Emperor break down. I want to see that bastard Akashi losing control because he's weak and helpless to save his lover. And I want him to know what it means to lose."
"Akashi-kun won't lose," Kuroko finally opened his mouth and glared coldly at Hanamiya, "and never to you. Akashi-kun will win."
Hanamiya looked at him like Kuroko was something unreal. "You say that but here you are—his weakness right in my hands. Keeping you is like having a noose wrapped around Akashi's neck just waiting to be pulled."
"I admit that getting captured was a big mistake on my part but stop saying that my relationship with Akashi-kun is a huge weakness. No matter what happens to me, I know Akashi-kun will get you. And you will learn what absolute defeat is."
"Oh…" Hanamiya smirked cruelly and abruptly grasped Kuroko's neck, strangling him. Kuroko gasped and tried to breathe but Hanamiya watched him indifferently as he continued to choke him. "Quite a pair you are, huh? Makes me want to crush trashes like you right now—" Kuroko struggled to breathe, choking and coughing for air as Hanamiya promptly loosened his grip. "—But we're still not done. I have more surprises for you."
Hanamiya walked around the chair and held on to Kuroko's shoulders. "Wow, you're cold," he said and rubbed his hands to Kuroko's arms to warm them. "Are you that sensitive? It isn't that cold here, you know."
Kuroko clenched his hand, uncaring of the biting pain his nails brought to his palms. He wanted to push those unwanted hands from his arms and away from him. Disgust was the least bit of his worries though. He knew Hanamiya wasn't done yet.
"Did you ever receive my gift to you, Kuroko Tetsuya? Or did Akashi kept you in the dark?" Hanamiya asked Kuroko as his hands stopped and placed them back on his shoulders. "It seems you don't know. My message was to Akashi but I did it for you. Do you know what I did?"
Kuroko refused to answer and winced when Hanamiya's nails dug on his shoulders. "Respond or I'll break one of your hands," Hanamiya lightly threatened and Kuroko quickly shook his head. "I see. I actually killed his feeder. Not just the coven's feeder but Akashi's personally. I'm sure you know how meticulous Akashi is when it comes to blood. Akashi personally picked her because of her exquisite blood. But then, you came and the emperor forgot the little missy. You should have heard how that bitch complained on and on how much she was in love with Akashi and Akashi with her."
Kuroko already knew about the woman and how Akashi terminated their contract, leaving her a huge sum of money and with a promise to keep the existence of vampires as secret. The woman was having delusions of Akashi being in love with her so Akashi ended it. But Kuroko didn't know that the woman was killed by Hanamiya.
"You should thank me. I got rid of a trash for you. Well that, and because she was annoying. So I killed her and used her blood to send a note to Akashi. You should have seen how panicked they were when I left that note. Do you want to know what it said?" Hanamiya whispered to Kuroko's left ear. "I said I knew your secret. It was a bluff, of course but their reactions proved to me that you really were hiding something. A secret that they prefer to keep hidden."
Kuroko willed himself to not show any reaction but he might have revealed some as he felt Hanamiya smirked.
"…Even from you, it seems," Hanamiya continued. "Aren't you mad at them? Lying and keeping things from you when you have the right to know. It's about you after all. Don't you want to know everything?"
Kuroko didn't want to respond but he couldn't help himself. "I knew they were keeping a secret from me, Akashi-kun especially. But I don't care. Akashi-kun promised to tell me when the time is right. And I will hold on to his promise."
"But what if he was lying? Just saying that to appease you? Or they're deceiving you, that maybe they already know what it was and aren't telling you the truth. Would you still blindingly believe them?" Hanamiya paused as if waiting for Kuroko to reply. But Kuroko kept his mouth completely shut. "What if I tell you that I do know your secret? Who would you believe? Me or them?"
Kuroko glared ahead and at the door, wishing it was Hanamiya instead. "You're seriously asking me that question? Whether you're lying or not doesn't matter. No matter what you say about Akashi-kun and everyone, I trust them. They may keep secrets from me but I know that they're only doing it to protect me. And besides, Akashi-kun has never and will never lie to me."
Kuroko's heart thudded wildly when Hanamiya didn't say anything. Hanamiya walked around to face him and Kuroko didn't want to admit it but Hanamiya's cold and empty gaze scared him. "I wonder what they did for you to have this so much loyalty. Would you still have this strong faith when I tell you all the things they did in the past especially your beloved 'Akashi-kun'?" Hanamiya's hand reached out and patted Kuroko's face like a dog. "But that's a story for another time. In the meantime, I have a present for you."
Kuroko's eyes widened and before he could blink, Hanamiya's forefinger was on his forehead and said, "Scatter."
xXx
Faster. Faster. Faster
You have to run faster.
I can't let them catch up. I can't.
I don't want to die. I don't want to die.
I. CAN'T. DIE.
The line cannot end with me. I'm the most powerful xxx to have been born. I have to think of something. They're abominations. They're not part of the natural balance of power. If only that cursed Anna didn't meddle, this wouldn't have happened. Experimenting with human life? What a sacrilege. The pains people go through because of envy and jealously. Anna has always been a sore loser anyway. Only been second best in everything after me.
"And that arrogance of yours, Kimiko, will be your downfall."
I have no time remembering Master's lecture right now when my life is on the line. I look back and almost trip when I see them catching up. If I ever see Anna's ghost, I swear I will torture it for the rest of eternity. Why would anyone make a creature stronger and powerful than you? You're just asking to get killed. And all of humanity, too!
Muttering spells under my breath, I throw out my hands behind me and continue running despite the noisy blasts echoing through the dark, moonless night.
I
need
to
od hta lyo gacim
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxx
...
"Are you certain about this, my lady?"
You closed your eyes.
I tried to restrain myself in incinerating this annoying human where he stood. "Are you questioning me, Captain?" I coolly answered. One wrong word and I will kill this man instantly. There were many willing to replace him anyway.
The man paled at my threatening tone. "No, my lady. Forgive my insolence. I will gather the troops tonight and head to the north."
I held out my hand to the blooming camellias, my black fingernails contrasting its white color. "And do I need to remind you of your objective, Captain?"
"No, my lady. Our objective is to annihilate those vampires."
I smiled coldly as the ashes of the withering camellias danced on the wind. "Good. I await good news Captain. Destroy those monsters."
"As you wish, my lady."
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxx
"NO!"
"They need to die! I will destroy them! Those abhorrent creatures!"
"I will stop them! I will do it! Only I can do it!"
...
"You're already too late."
No xxxxxx stop xxx! I will xxx xx xxxx!
"They have assimilated themselves."
xxxxx!
"They are already part of the equilibrium of power."
"That's impossible," I hiss, uncaring of the flashes of lightning getting closer and closer to where we are. "They are not natural. They were just experiments."
He only stares at me unblinkingly. "They are a product of two different beings monstrously merged together. One is the vessel and the other the essence. Of course, they are incomplete and as such needs sustenance to keep on living. And that is blood. But that's not what I'm concerned about."
"What do you mean?" I ask, sensing a touch of foreboding. "Are you saying those monsters could get stronger?"
He turns to the window and waves a hand to stop the incessant thunders and heavy rain outside I caused. "We are powerful, Kimiko. As we grow, learn and experience life our magic progresses. What do you think it means when those creatures calling themselves vampires improve as well?"
"Precisely the reason why they need to be eliminated," I insist. "They're creating unbalance to the world. Too much power in one being will result to catastrophes. And what if they can control shades, too?"
He lets out a smirk. "Shades cannot and will not be controlled or have you forgotten your lessons, my dear?"
I glare at him. "I don't need your logic right now, Kurogane."
...
"I need your help Kurogane!"
"Please! You're my only hope!"
"Have you lost your mind Kimiko?! You're doing the same thing as Anna! I can't let you do this!"
"It's for the greater good! What is my life compared to the world? You may turn a blind eye to what is going on but I can't do that! People, families, children are being slaughtered like animals! Sacrifices have to be made! I don't care what happens to me!"
"But I care! I care about you, Kimiko. I can't lose you. I love you."
"I love you, too Xxxxx"
"xx sorry."
"But I have to do this."
xXx
Kuroko slowly opened his eyes.
He didn't know how long it took until he got his bearings. It was as if he'd been submerged to a deep sleep, dreaming for centuries. Flashes of his dreams converged and coincided with his reality that he didn't know which was real or illusion anymore.
Powers. Monsters. Experiment. Death. So many deaths. Vampires. And—
Kuroko cringed as he heard the metal door opened. He was too tired to look up but he knew without looking that it was Hanamiya.
"So you're awake. How did you like my present?"
Confused, Kuroko sluggishly stared at Hanamiya. Seeing the bemusement in his face, Hanamiya explained. "So your beloved Akashi didn't tell you anything? Not that surprising. That guy was always paranoid. I bet his coven doesn't even know his true nature."
As if remembering something unpleasant, Hanamiya scowled and clucked his tongue in irritation. He focused his attention back to Kuroko. "Where were we? Oh yes, abilities. Did you know that some vampires have abilities? Most have none. No one knows how those vampires get it. It was just there, ready to be use. These abilities vary from worthless to something powerful. But the most peculiar thing is that those abilities suit its user. Do you know what's mine?"
A sharp glint in Hanamiya's eyes was enough for Kuroko to know that he should answer or else. "…Mental…trap."
"Close enough." Hanamiya smirked and patted Kuroko's face painfully. "I personally call it the Spider's Web. Imagine it like this, I send out fictional spiders in your mind and let them weaved their own web. Those webs send your mind to fantasies of what you fear the most, of what you hate, of what you lost."
"Trauma…" Kuroko whispered. "Relieving them over and over until their mind can't take it anymore. Or when their mind breaks."
Hanamiya laughed. "Truthfully, you're the first person who's still coherent and lucid even after undergoing the Spider's Web once. I can actually see why Akashi is smitten with you. The Red Emperor likes a certain type after all."
Kuroko deemed no response and instead turned to the door when it opened. Hanamiya faced the door as well and instantly ordered the female vampire who entered to tend to Kuroko. "We can't have The Red Emperor's lover say that we're inhospitable now, can we?"
The vampire opened a bottle of water and held it up near Kuroko's mouth. He regarded the female blankly but warily. Sensing no malice, Kuroko greedily drank the water and almost choked, coughing. Kuroko paused when the vampire touched his shoulder to steady him but let it pass and resumed drinking. Spurred by innate good manners, he quietly thanked the vampire which surprised her but swiftly composed herself and left the room after Hanamiya ordered her to.
"Well, aren't you polite?"
Hanamiya chuckled wickedly as Kuroko went back to giving him the cold shoulder. "I've been thinking, I said that you're Akashi's weakness but it seems the opposite is true, too. Akashi is your weakness. You don't care about insults or threats thrown at you but when it came to Akashi you came alive."
Kuroko was tired. He didn't have the strength for Hanamiya's games and opted to just ignore him when Hanamiya disclosed a shocking revelation. "You're not that special to him, you know," Hanamiya said with a sly smirk which grew as he knew he got Kuroko's attention. "He once had a human with the same trait as you—your weak presence. Care to guess what happened to him?"
Akashi didn't outright say it but Kuroko knew Akashi had lovers before. But to hear that that person have the same trait as him that was surprising. But he couldn't let Hanamiya know that. "I don't know and frankly I don't care."
"Really?" Hanamiya raised an eyebrow at him, not believing his words. They both knew that Kuroko was lying. "Not feeling a bit jealous? You're in love with Akashi, aren't you?"
Kuroko frowned. "I am not."
"Ah, denial," Hanamiya drawled out, looking very entertained like he just found a treasure. "How cute."
"I'm not in denial," Kuroko stubbornly insisted. "I am not in love with Akashi-kun."
Hanamiya stared at him for a moment before laughing maniacally. "This is rich! I changed my mind," he said and gripped Kuroko's chin upward. "You are interesting after all. Even if you're in denial with your feelings, it's obvious how Akashi feels for you. The Red Emperor is possessive and doesn't like it when someone else touches his possessions. But this is the first time Akashi used everything he has just to get to you. Your safety and perhaps pride are probably the only things stopping him from calling the alliance. Too bad, my men were itching for a fight, too."
Instead of being surprised at Hanamiya's monologue, what drew Kuroko's attention was the way Hanamiya talked about Akashi instead. There seemed to be more to them than just being enemies. Why did they even become enemies in the first place? Hanamiya must have done something unforgivable.
"You're not listening."
Kuroko blinked and leaned back when he noticed how close Hanamiya's face was. "So am I boring you now? Well, you don't want to talk anyway." Hanamiya shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "I'll just let my spiders entertain you instead. I'm sure you won't be able to ignore them."
Kuroko opened his mouth to protest but Hanamiya disregarded him and snapped his fingers.
Kuroko screamed.
xXx
You screamed.
It was hot. It hurt. It was pure agony. My eyes turned to those pathetic humans. After saving them time and time again, this was what they repay me! I sacrificed everything to these worthless and ungrateful trashes. I sacrificed my life. My husband. My daughters. And for what?
NOTHING!
I screamed and screamed and secreamed a n d
s c
r e
a
m
e
d
s o me m or e
a nd
m
o
r
e
hot ho fir e it's b urn in g me
sto p itso tpd tis st ie p
s
t
o p
My consciousness drifts.
I need to find a safe place.
Home.
I want to go home.
Go back home.
Back to Kurogane. Back to Michiko. Back to Chiharu.
I want to go back to my family.
xxx
...
You smile.
Even a glimpse is enough. I watch them surround themselves with happiness. I want to go to them. I want to see and meet my grandchildren. But I can't. They knew I died. No, not died. I was killed.
(t e)
(it hu rts it hu rts it h urts i ts)
(ithrtsuitshurtstiurhst)
(help me)
It pains me to admit it but I will only bring misfortune and sorrow to them. And I love them so much to undergo what I experienced.
So with one last look, I leave them forever.
I already visited Kurogane's grave. To say sorry. To ask for forgiveness yet again. To say goodbye. And to tell him I love him one last time.
A n
d
I . .
.
...
She stared up at the dark starless night sky highlighting the brightness of the full moon.
"Mother, you're spacing out again."
She turned around and found her daughter walking towards the table and checked her notes messily scattered on it. She moved to Verywn and teasingly slapped her hands away from her concoctions. "What did I say about touching unfinished brews?"
Verywn pouted. "I was just curious. Your potion for Martha worked so I was thinking of trying to learn it, too."
She smiled. "Dear, I'm afraid you don't have the talent for brewing potions. And I told you to study grandmother's notes instead since runes and spells are your specialty."
"And I don't get it. The instructions made it so easy but it's not! And what does it mean when they said about controlling nature. I can't even control the flowers to bloom even if I use a rune."
She paused in cleaning up her table. "We're not as strong as our ancestors now, Verwyn."
"What do you mean, mother? Are you saying those notes were true? We can control nature li-like water or air or better yet fire!?"
She sighed. "That is what I heard from your great-grandmother but due to several reasons our magic seemed to decline as time passed. There may be powerful ones born in the future but most of us are already lucky enough learning one or two fields of magic."
"But why? What happened?"
"One witch did the inexplicable and disrupted the balance of power. To compensate, all the witches lost half of their magic to bring back equilibrium. And another one did the taboo and now cursed her blood."
"I don't get it."
She chuckled and ruffled her daughter's hair lovingly. "You'll understand when you grow up. It's late now, time to go to sleep."
...
I hate fire.
I like water.
I miss the wind.
I want to play on the earth.
I want a family.
But I can't.
It keeps on repeating.
Over and over.
Again and again.
An endless misery.
I want peace.
But I can't find it.
I made a wrong decision.
And lost everything.
Now here I am.
Wandering alone.
...
Pierce through the heart. xx xxx xxx blood sinking through the floor, the puddle, the rain, alone, lost
Poison, loving me, xxx xx, embracing me, giving me nothing, I want peace
It's not enough. I want more. But I can't have more. I lost it. they said suicide is freeing. they lied.
Death death more death no live safe die blood kill more and more not enough kill more no more death
I drown. I sleep on the water. I dream of earth and fire. I dream of death. But it's a lie. I dream of life. It's an illusion.
I fly with the wind. But it fail me and let me f al l
So many thins in hre but noec can help me. iwant itbit icant have it wyh why trellme ehy
Im tired so tired but istill need to og on it's all I know
I can't give up now
...
You cry and cry.
No matter what I did. It's not enough. I can't do this anymore. I'm so tired. Let me rest. I don't want it anymore.
I begged and begged but nothing happened.
So I stopped.
xXx
he remembered red. he looked and saw it. black and red. safety. yes, he will be save. he needed to hold on. red. red. love.
"No, stop, please, please, no more, no more."
"I can't."
"No, I have to live. I promised."
"Akashi-kun will come. I'm sure."
("He loves me.")
"No, you're lying."
he slept. he dreamed. he saw. many, many things. he pitied her. he saw it. again and again. his childhood. her childhood. their power. their knowledge. (her memories.)
"Is this going to be my life?"
He must be crazy talking to himself. No, he already was.
"I want a future. Not of the past. I will make my own destiny. I'm not going to be like you. I have Akashi-kun. And I have my coven. I have my family. And I will have friends."
"No, they won't betray me."
"I'm not like you."
"But I will be strong as you."
xXx
Kuroko slowly opened his eyes.
When he saw the metal door, the rock wall, the cuffs on his wrists, he knew he was back to reality. What a bitter and cruel reality. But it was still his reality.
(Not those. Those aren't his. They were illusions. Hallucinations.)
No, they were not. He knew. No matter how much he tried to refuse it, to hide from it, it was still there. It was the truth. He had to accept it.
But not right now.
Kuroko opened his mouth. He could feel how dry his throat was. How long did he scream this time? Or better yet, how many hours—days since he had been taken? Since he was living nightmares and dreams and nightmares (and death) again and again. He didn't know. He wondered what was worse—the lesser of two evils; being beaten almost to death or undergoing a mental and psychological trauma. He almost wished he was tortured physically. He would be able to take it, scars and bruises in his skin would fade away in time. But being succumbed to Hanamiya's mind trap was the worst thing he had to endure.
He was losing it.
He could feel his mind snapping to a point.
Kuroko's thoughts of Akashi and Aomine and Kise and Midorima and Murasakibara and his parents were the only thing that kept his sanity intact.
and tha wh i te c o rn e r
safe wa r m
nothing can hurt me there
i pr o te ct s me
No, do not go there. He couldn't go there. He would lose himself if he did. He was needed here. Akashi needed him. (and loved him. and I loved him.) He still needed to see his parents. He promised to visit them soon. Yes, on his birthday. With everyone. With the coven. With Aomine. And Kise. And Midorima. And Murasakibara.
(Don't lose yourself, Tetsuya. You can't.)
Kuroko looked down at his bracelet and sensing Akashi's aura calmed him down. It was like his anchor to this tumultuous storm of a nightmare. Weakly moving his left wrist, he smiled softly as the ruby iridescently with Akashi's blood. It seemed to be the only color in this dark, gray, bleak room. Akashi-kun. I need you. And I might be in—
Kuroko saw tears on his lap and felt the tears on his face, pouring out of his eyes. He couldn't hold it anymore. He was scared. He was tired. He was losing hope. He wanted to give up.
(Don't give up. Never give up. Believe in them. You have to believe in them.)
No, he would be saved. They would save him. And he would save himself.
He must never give up.
He will get out of here.
And Hanamiya will pay.
He will make sure of it.
("I am ready.")
xXx
You stared at the white endless oblivion.
"Hello?"
Your voice echoed the silent place.
"What are you doing here?"
You turned around but there was no one there. You looked everywhere but there was no sign of anyone.
"Where are you? Who are you?"
"That doesn't matter. You can't stay here. You need to go back."
"Go back to where?"
"Back to where you really belong."
"But I don't know where that is."
"Don't you have a home? Or people to go back to? Your family? Friends? A lover?"
You fell into silence. You think. And you remembered.
"…I do… I…I have a father and a mother. My family. I have friends."
"…And?"
"I have another family. I have him."
"So you do have one. Go back to them. They're waiting for you."
You shook your head. "I can't. I can't go back. He's going to torment me again. I can't. I can't. icanticanticant—"
"Calm down. You're fretting about nothing. No one can torment you unless you let it. Or are you perhaps waiting for someone to save you?"
"…"
"That kind of thinking is weak. Why do you need saving when you can save yourself? You're strong. Use your own powers."
"What do you mean my own powers? I'm not powerful. I'm pretty weak."
"Keep thinking that way and you will stay pathetically weak."
"…I see. So it was lying dormant. No wonder you know nothing. But it seems a spark has been lit and you're consciousness is stirring. I guess it can't be helped. I will help you."
"Help me? How?"
"Quiet. You ask too many questions. Close your eyes."
You were confused. But you closed your eyes anyway.
"You are of the xxx. Of xx xxx. The xxxx and xxxx. I deem you worthy."
"Do you know who you are, child?"
…
…
…
"My name is Kuroko Tetsuya."
"You, Kuroko Tetsuya, are a witch."
"Awaken."
xXx
It had been days since Hanamiya captured Kuroko Tetsuya and Hanamiya was having fun how Akashi was getting frantic in searching for him. Speaking of his captive, he wondered how Kuroko was with his Spider's Web. He really liked it when their sessions have an insane and lost Kuroko Tetsuya. He broke down a couple of times but he seemed to snap back to sanity. Even so, it was still a curious thing that Kuroko still held on to last shred of sanity after subjecting to his powers for days now.
That white door, Hanamiya thought. That must be the answer. He clucked his tongue when he remembered that. He was close to opening that door but he got ejected from Kuroko's mind immediately and couldn't manage to go in again. It was like Kuroko's mind had a barrier protecting him but at least his Spider's Web still worked.
But that only further intrigued Hanamiya. Who was Kuroko Tetsuya really? He didn't seem to be an ordinary human. This must be why Akashi panicked when he sent that note. It was a lie, of course but he never knew that Kuroko Tetsuya really was keeping a secret and Akashi knew about it, too.
Hanamiya halted his theories when he arrived at a certain door. He opened it and blankly watched the bedraggled woman in the corner of the room, sitting while hugging her legs close to her chest as she rocked back and forth and back and forth, staring at nothing in front of her all the while mumbling something incomprehensible under her breath.
And as if finally noticing his presence, the deplorable woman with her lackluster blonde hair, dirty face and her body all skin and bones, turned her head to his direction. Her indigo eyes widened in surprise and then she muttered something in a language he didn't understand. The woman seemed to have a moment of clarity as seen in her unclouded eyes and asked in a wispy voice. "What do you want now?"
Hanamiya tipped his head to the side. "I'm just checking if you're doing your job."
"…I do…I do…I do…" the woman said again and again as if a mantra before looking at the wall once more in a trance.
Hanamiya sighed as he knew he would get nothing more than that. He turned to leave when the woman whispered something that made him froze on his tracks. He whirled back to the woman. "Say that again," he coldly ordered.
The woman appeared like she hadn't heard him until she repeated the same phrase over and over again. "…you can't stop him…you can't stop him…he'll win…"
"Are you talking about the Red Emperor?"
The woman shook her head. "...no, no, no, no…he'll win…he'll win…he's stronger…blood…pure…"
Hanamiya clucked his tongue in annoyance. The woman didn't make any sense, not like she made sense normally anyway. "Keep doing your job and then he won't win." And with that, he left the desolate room, locking the door before going back to his now favorite prisoner.
Hanamiya didn't hear the woman's next whisper.
"…not the emperor…not the emperor…he will win…"
Hanamiya went to Kuroko's chamber and narrowed his eyes when he saw the guards stationed outside shivering violently. "What's wro—" He stopped when he sensed the cold air seeping through his body.
"B-Boss, t-the p-priso-soner—"
Hanamiya forgo the coldness and touched the metal door and let out a hiss of pain when his hand instantly suffered frostbite. "Who is doing this?!" he angrily yelled at the guards and his eyes widened in surprised when he saw them fainted on the ground. Hanamiya cursed and threw the door open only to be greeted by a hail of snow and ice sending him crashed to the wall.
Hanamiya grimaced and slowly opened his eyes. What he saw frightened him. There was Kuroko Tetsuya still in his chair, cuffed in place but he was dry not even a speck of snow was on him. No, that wasn't right. That snowstorm was protecting him.
Going after Kuroko Tetsuya was impossible now. Hanamiya picked himself up from the floor and ran towards the witch's room. Damn it, Kuroko Tetsuya wasn't a human after all. He was a fucking witch. He froze when he heard a piercing yell of agony coming from the witch.
And then, he heard it. Like a glass breaking.
The barrier broke.
And Akashi just found them.
Q&A CORNER!
Q1: About kuroko dreams, are they memories from his ancestors? (Moonta11)
A: Yes, they are memories from his ancestors.
Q2: And who is the one who want to break kuroko? Is he an enemy or kuroko's power itself? (Moonta11)
A: I think, Chapter 18 answers this.
Q3: Hello, Kuroko. I'm Moontashi, nice to meet you! Here some vanilla sweets for your hardwork, give it some for Murasakibara okay? How was your day? I hope Akashi won't get angry at you for your sudden dissapearance. Just kiss him, so he won't get mad. Kiss my hello for your coven. (Moonta11)
Kuroko: Hello, Moontashi-san. It's nice to meet you as well and thank you for the vanilla sweets. I'll be sure to give some to Murasakibara-kun and probably everyone, too. My day is quite alright, thank you for asking. Akashi-kun was angry when I pulled that stunt but Akashi-kun was worried more than anything. And I did kiss him when everything was settled. [stares intently at the last part] Do I really have to kiss everyone?
Kise: Did someone say kiss? Who are you going to kiss Kurokocchi? Akashicchi isn't here.
Kuroko: It's says here that I have to kiss everyone hello for Moontashi-san.
Kise: A kiss?! From Kurokocchi!? [clears throat] Well, since it is a request, you have to do it Kurokocchi. You can kiss me first!
Kuroko: [gives Kise a blank stare] Kise-kun, you—
Aomine: [smacks Kise upside the head] You're so obvious, idiot. Stop taking advantage of the situation. Tetsu isn't going to kiss anyone.
Kuroko: But I have to do it Aomine-kun. [stands on his toes and kisses Aomine's cheek]
Aomine: [face goes red]
Kise: What?! Kurokocchi, how come Aominecchi gets a kiss first? Me, next! Me, next! [leans to Kuroko]
Kuroko: [sighs and kisses Kise's cheek] There, happy?
Kise: [squeals loudly] Yes! Ahh, Kurokocchi kissed me!
Midorima: What's with all this ruckus? [looks at the stupefied Aomine and gushing Kise] What in the—?
Kuroko: Oh, Midorima-kun, good thing you're here. [leans on his toes and kisses Midorima near his mouth since he's too tall]
Midorima: [takes a step back and stares dumbly at Kuroko] What... What are you doing Kuroko?
Murasakibara: [reads the question while eating potato chips] Oh, so that's why. Kiss me next, Kuro-chin. [ignores Midorima's splutter and protests]
Kuroko: Murasakibara-kun is too tall. I can't reach.
Murasakibara: [crouches down to Kuroko's height] Is this okay?
Kuroko: Yes. [sweeps Murasakibara's bangs and kisses his forehead]
Murasakibara: Yay, Kuro-chin kissed me. [helds out a hand] But where's my vanilla sweets?
Kuroko: Oh, of course. Here you go, Murasakibara-kun [gives Murasakibara the vanilla sweets]
Murasakibara: Thanks Kuro-chin~
Kuroko: [thinks] I wonder what Akashi-kun's reaction will be when he finds out about this.
Q4: whaaaaaa! so chapter 18 is about the mystery vampire torturing our beloved Kuroko? how long before Akashi & his coven finds Kuroko? (lulubeck)
A: Yes, as you can see from this chapter. They'll find Kuroko in Chapter 19 but if you're asking how long in the DD timeline then a few days (3 days, I think?).
Q5: Akashi I thought you knew Kuroko. How did you not expect him to be this ridiculously stubborn and stupid to do that? Guilt! You're supposed to guilt him and then he'll listen! (InsanityOwl)
A: Sorry, Akashi isn't here to answer. Akashi actually thought of that but he didn't really expect Kuroko would go through with it. He thought Kuroko was smarter than that. Akashi already blames himself enough for that incident and could never forget about it.
Q6: But i'm confused, if Kuroko's presence is so weak and he kept quiet with his cloak and everything, how'd that nameless vampire even spot him? Not even Aomine or Kise or any lf them could see Kurokobby. (zoedapoey)
A: Hanamiya was prepared and laid traps ahead since he is against the GOM so he has to be cautious. What he was looking was actually a spot void of presences (aka where Kuroko was) and not the opposite. He knew Akashi would send scouts ahead to spy and they would be hidden. What Hanamiya didn't expect was obviously Kuroko but accepted it as a stroke of luck.
Q7: Some people would probably skip over the gibberish parts, I went and read it even though it makes no sense LOL I believe there is a underlying meaning of that writing style? (123ANIMEfun)
A: Well no, not really. The dialogues and scenes itself are important not the style. I chose it to make it more comprehensible and organized. It's much more gibberish and chaotic when it was on my mind (trust me, it will make your head spin and I didn't even include the other scenes). And the style on chap 17 was the best I could do.
Q8: Are the underlined parts part of the memory or...? (soundlessAria)
A: Nope, it's a part of what happened here in Chapter 18. They weren't included in this chapter since in those times Kuroko wasn't really in his right mind. He doesn't know what was real or not at that time and he really doesn't remember much.
Q9: Will Kuroko's nightmares be much more frequent now? (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: Like that one in chapter 17? No, that will be rare. But Kuroko will have nightmares due to different reasons. (Akashi have his hands full.)
Q10: Also will more of Kuroko's ancestral past be revealed? (mimi-chan and aliling-chan)
A: Kuroko will learn more in his birthday (Chapter 23). Some details will be disclosed in Arc V, too.
Q11: Does kagami really have to come in? if so, is he going to be "as strong as GOM" like he apparently is in canon? cuz if he is, I don't think I'll be able to... keep on reading this... I really don't like kagami... sorry if this insults you or anything (shinee2007)
A: Yes, Kagami will show up and will be one of the main characters. Not as strong as the GOM yet but he has potential. And no, it's fine. We have our own likes and dislikes. It pains me to lose a reader but I'm not going to force you to continue reading if you don't want to.
Q12: ...If I may ask, is this so far your favorite from all the fanfics you've written for KnB? Just really curious, because I absolutely adore everything you write. (BerryBliss)
A: It's okay! Non-DD questions are always welcome. Yes, DD is my fave. I love my other fics, too but DD is a special. I invested a lot in this fic with the world building, the charas coming up with their own backstories out of the blue and the plots/ideas/scenes that comes up that I have to think it through and edit it to fit the story perfectly. This is the only fic that weaves its own story and I'm trying my best just to catch up. So yes, DD will always be fav story.
Q13: Are Kuroko's ascendants some type of ice wielder? Like you know.. Elsa and Jack Frost xD (Cheshire ShiroNeko)
A: They aren't exactly wielders, they can just control it to an extent. And not all of them can do this, only the most powerful ones can.
Q14: Let me say to 'hi!' to Akashi and Kuroko's baby Murasakibara-cute- I mean, -kun! Here's a box of maiubo and a pack of assorted flavored lollipops! I hope you'll like it _ (Cheshire ShiroNeko)
Murasakibara: [greedily takes the box of maiubo and lollipops] Thank you~ [eats the maiubo]
Kuroko: Murasakibara-kun, you forgot to say hi.
Murasakibara: Oh... [swallows] Hi, Cheshire ShiroNeko-chin~! [goes back to eating]
Q15: Kuroko's family have powers and they can control elements, right? (ghost reader)
A: Yes, they can but only powerful ones can do it. And having the power to control the elements are rare even to witches.
Q16: I think Kuroko can control snow like Yuka, right? (Did you inspire yourself with Elsa from Frozen?) (ghost reader)
A: Yes, he can but that's not all there is to it. (No, frozen wasn't even on my mind when I thought of powers in DD. And Chapter 18 reveals what Kuroko is.)
A/N: If you got confused after reading this chapter then it's okay, that was the point.
