As the sun rose, Kuroko walked all the way back to his hotel. His body slumped over and exhausted.
"Man, didn't think I'd kill again. I'm so use to digging graves that this body count didn't really matter to me. This just reminds me of that time I had to bury my family." He then stopped and his face changed from tired to sad. "Even though it was my fault that they're dead. I didn't mean to go insane." He then sighed. "Oh well, the past is in the past."
'Murder!'
Kuroko gasped and looked round. That was the voice a female. A crying female. For some reason her voice sounded familiar to him.
Why was it familiar?
Then a gruesome imaged played in his head. A young brunette being stabbed by ice. The image was too shocking. He covered his hands over his face and fell to his knees. He shook in the stop. He recognised the male killing her. He remembered going insane. His baby blues shone brightly, his face full of anger and hate and that poor woman being killing was pleading and screaming.
Kuroko screamed.
"Alright, this mission requires all three of you." Shirogane said as he swung round in chair. Facing him were Kiyoshi, Nijimura and Akashi. All three stood, Kiyoshi had his hands on his hip, Nijimura had his crossed over his chest and Akashi had his hands in his pockets and his eyes closed. "This mission is a risky one. There is a temple residing in a forest near Kaijo. In there, there is an orb sitting at the base. I want you to be careful because it can possess you. If that happens you'll wind up killing each and those around you. However, it is not the orb you're seeking. Behind that orb is the body of the temple's king. There you will find an ancient book containing information on magic. This book is rare and one of a kind." He explained.
"So, why do we need the book?" Kiyoshi asked.
"Good question. Magic is evolving and lost spells are common nowadays. That book can teach us its advantages and disadvantages. However, our government; Archive, would like to have this book as part of their collection. A rare and valuable book like that could cost dearly if put into the wrong hands."
"So basically, this request didn't come from the public." Nijimura said before looking at Akashi.
"Don't stare its rude." Akashi said back.
"You're not interested are you?" Kiyoshi asked him.
"Clearly." Akashi answered.
"Please boys, we can't ignore this order. A carriage is waiting for you. Dismissed." With that the boys began to leave the room. "Oh and…Akashi." He called as he watched the red head stop. "I've witness Kuroko's ability during his solo mission and I have to say, I'm impressed with your training. He fights a lot like you."
"I was being honest."
"Honesty is the best way forwards my child." Shirogane smiled. "There's a connection between the two of you. Your powers are so alike but in different forms. The two of you together would make the ultimate team."
"Don't get a head of yourself." Akashi left the room.
"Never, my dear sweet child." Shirogane smiled.
His young body was sat on a man's lap, and a strong arm wrapped loosely around his thin waist. The man had created himself a chair out of his power to sit on with the small child. His free hand gently played with the red silky locks while the child was engrossed with a couple of toys to the man created for him to play with. The young boy was calm, so calm that he wasn't afraid of the man. In fact this man came to visit whenever he could and make toys to play with. If he could he would break the child out but because they were heavily watched, he couldn't without the child being harmed. This man was against the captivity here. The first he'd seen the child was when others were abusing him. From that point on he promised not hurt the child but to give him that small bit of his childhood back. By bringing in stuff that children his age would be interested in was a happy sight to see. Seeing that the child played with the toys and read books he brought told him that the child was at peace in his world. He smiled. The man stroked the boys head and gently kissed it before moving his head by the child's shoulder.
"I have two young boy's the same age as you. I'm sure they'd love to see you. They're as sweet as you are. I'm sure one day you will meet them and become the best of friends." The man smiled as he gently hugged the child tighter before loosening. "Akashi, can you show me your magic?" he said the softest of voice.
Akashi nodded and gave the toys to the man. The chains shackled around his wrists rattled with every movement. He held his hand out and within the palm of his hand his fire created a cute bird. The man chuckled happily before reaching his finger out and touched the bird lightly. Instantly turning it to ice and giving it life. The bird chirped and fluttered. Akashi gasped with amazement. The small bird then took flight. Akashi removed himself from the man's lap to follow the bird around the cell. The man, in a buttoned up grey winter coat, black trousers and brown snow boots, turned round in his chair to seethe happy child running after the bird and playing with it. He had short teal haired hair and he look very young. The sofa chair was made of pure baby blue ice which had sat in the middle of the room facing the thick metal door with a square bar window for the guards or tormentors to look through. The teal hair just continued watching him as if he was his own son. He got off of the ice and walked over to the near seven year old and knelt down behind him. He gently placed his hands the back of Akashi's. He brought them up and cupped them together.
"Bird's like it when people have food." He said as he removed one if his hands and made small ice seeds for the bird. The bird fluttered down into Akashi's hand and began to feed. Akashi's amazed eyes never left the bird. "This world is full of wonders. One day, you'll uncover those wonders for yourself."
"Will I get out of here?" Akashi asked in such a heart breaking voice that the man's heart almost broke.
Escape? Of course he will. He was going to make sure of that.
"Definitely, ******** will pay for this. He can't keep you here. Him and his lackey *******. Those two will pay for this." The man said with a determined voice. The bird and seeds began to melt and drip to the floor. Akashi had dropped his hands by his side. The man slid his hands up the boy's arms and leave them on his small shoulders. "I will make sure you're free." He said in the boy's ear and then planted a small kiss on his cheek. "Akashi, don't worry about anything. Don't think anymore."
"I'm tired of thinking."
The teal head carefully pulled the small male closer to his body and wrapped his arms around him as if protecting him from threats. "I'll save you. I'll find a way. I'll take you home. Home to your family."
Akashi's eyes widened in shock. "M-My family."
"That's right, so until then…." He could bring himself to finish his words. He couldn't tell the child to endure more pain and sadness until he found a solution. He took in a breath to speak but Akashi had beaten him to it.
"Continue enduring the pain."
The teal head could cry but he chose to hold it in. He didn't want to upset the red head. "I'm sorry for even saying it. I will visit as much as I can. I promise."
"What about your family, your son's?"
"My wife is looking after them. I should be working but…this is my job. I find and take in unwanted and lost children and give them a second life. I will work hard to get you out but I can't. ******** doesn't see me as that, but only someone looking for fun." He then kissed the top of the boy's head. "I will never hurt you. I will not strip you of your human rights, of your childhood. I will protect that." He said and Akashi turned round in his grip to look at him in the eyes.
"Your words are strong and I believe them. I know that I cannot help myself here. I'm not strong enough." The man's head was placed lightly on his head.
"You will get strong. I believe in your powers, Akashi." he smiled but then it vanished. "I have to go, you know what you have to do." These were the lines the teal head could not bring himself to say because now Akashi had to touch himself to make it look like the guy had fun. "I know you don't like it but…" he said as his hand slid from his head down to his cheek.
Akashi shut his eyes and held his breath.
"I know, but I will save you from this hell hole. I promise you that I will. I promise to take you home."
Akashi nodded and a tear escaped his eyes.
"Akashi!"
Akashi was jolted back into reality by the sudden shout of his name. He blink and looked around the carriage. Kiyoshi was sat beside him looking at him with a weird look and Nijimura was sat opposite with his arms and legs crossed. "You ok? You look off." Kiyoshi asked.
"I'm fine." Akashi then looked back out of the window again not seeing Nijimura's cold harsh stare directly at him.
"Hey, Nijimura." Kiyoshi said. "What's with the harsh stare?"
"Nothing." Nijimura said through gritted teeth.
"Glare at me all you want, I won't react." Akashi said before looking to him. "Admit it neither of us like each other so don't even act like we're friends."
"Act?" the black head teen huffed. "Why would I act? You're nothing special, just an out of control fire that needs putting out."
"Disgrace to the family." Akashi mumbled. Clearly his mind was elsewhere and that he didn't care if Nijimura had erupted and Kiyoshi trying to calm him down.
'Who was that man? He looked familiar but then again my eyesight wasn't that good and I didn't want to see who was in the room with me. He was cold. His body heat was of minimum. What were the names he mentioned? Why were they muted in the memory? Why am I reliving them now? Was is because that 'ice boy' had touched me and reawakened some memorises? I thought I didn't want to remember. So why am I remembering?
This frustrated Akashi to no end.
The carriage stopped just outside the forests entrance. It couldn't go any further. The trio exited and Akashi and Nijimura stood as far away from each other as possible. Poor Kiyoshi was stood in the middle if it not inferring.
"So this is the forest just outside Kaijo, right?" Kiyoshi asked.
"Yeah, the temple is somewhere in there." Nijimura said.
"Cool, let's get to work." Kiyoshi smiled.
They walked through. They walked with Nijimura taking the lead followed by Kiyoshi and then Akashi behind. The walk was agonizing for Kiyoshi, he wished they had spoken but it was just too quiet. Nijimura was walking casually while Akashi had his eyes closed and his hands in his pockets, such a signature walk for him.
"Come on guys, can't we just get along in some way?" he asked them.
"Look, as long as we do the jobs together there is no way I'd talk to that in my free time." Nijimura said.
"Harsh." Kiyoshi muttered and the looked back at Akashi.
"Happened when I got here. I have nothing to say." Was all he said.
"But even just a little conversation between the two of you."
"No." the two said in unison.
"You know what, I'm sick of talking to the two of you individually. One group discussion works best."
"That's what happening now." Akashi said. "Kiyoshi, no offense but stop talking."
Kiyoshi almost fell to the floor with that comment. He was sure if that was an insult but he was confident that it was an order.
"I'm not even allowed to speak. How mean." Kiyoshi thought as they continued walking.
Having walked through the forest they found an old temple sitting and covered with vines near the Kaijo town. The trio walked closer to it and stopped to inspect.
"So, it's in there then." Kiyoshi spoke.
"Of course, let's just get in and get out." Nijimura said roughly and walked into the temple.
"Can't be helped." Kiyoshi turned to Akashi. "You gonna let it slide?"
Akashi just breathed in and walked over to the temple and entered.
"Why do I always get left out?" He sighed before entering.
Deep inside, the temple was lit with dim purple fire and markings all over the walls. The corridors were straight and narrow so they couldn't lose each other even if they tried. There was no sound apart from their shoes on the floor. Everything echoed. For an old temple there weren't any booby traps. Mainly because they had been set off by others and died. The room that Shirogane had explained where the items were was huge. The orb sat perfectly on a purple cushion near a large stone door behind it. So the book was just passed that point. Nijimura walked over to the orb to examine it closer.
"Don't touch it." Akashi warned but Nijimura just clicked his tongue.
"I'm not gonna do anything stupid. Look, just get the book from room behind." Nijimura ordered.
Akashi huffed before moving towards the door. Using one hand he pushed the door open and walked through. This room was similar to first only instead of where the orb should be, it was a glass coffin with a skeleton inside. Beside that was a golden chest. Kneeing down, Akashi burnt the lock and opened the lid. Inside was bright golden book. He reached in and pull it out with delicately. He closed the lid and bowed to the deceased before leaving. Once he was sure the door was closed he walked around the orb to see Kiyoshi with his back facing him but there was no sign of Nijimura.
Where did he go?
"Where's the idiot?" Akashi asked.
"He stepped out for moment." Kiyoshi replied. However, his voice was slower and didn't have that bubbly tone he usually had.
"Doesn't matter, lets get out of here." Akashi said as he moved towards the exit. He had picked up heavily on the way Kiyoshi acted. The man didn't move or smile.
"Negative."
"What?" Akashi turned round to the brunette. His eyes widen when he saw the man's face. His eyes were not brown, no, they were just pure black. This could only mean one thing. "Kiyoshi, did you touch the orb?"
"Why do you ask? I have nothing to hide. Shall we go home?"
"Not with you like that."
It happened so fast. Kiyoshi had slammed his iron hand down to where Akashi was previously standing. Akashi was now currently dodging and landed a few feet away from the hand.
"You negate anything and everything. So you can't be possessed or commanded. Fire is a dangerous weapon, but my iron will out do you. You cannot burn my hand." Kiyoshi smiled before launching his fist towards Akashi.
Akashi dodged every attack, but he needed to get out. This temple was a resting place after all. When he landed he rushed towards the exit and through the corridor. Kiyoshi's hand was inches away from him. Using his fire he jumped and bounced off of the walls like a zigzag and adsorbing the purple flames for strength. He rocketed out of the temple, flipped around and slid to a halt on the ground. He looked back hoping to see Kiyoshi walk out and that the possession would wear off due to the distance. However, when he stood straight he was met with thin strands of darkness crawling up his legs. Akashi burned them away until his feet were suddenly taken out from underneath him. He was now flat on his back.
"Sorry, did that hurt?"
He knew that voice far too well. He looked up to see the person he hated the most. Nijimura was standing above him, black eyes and smiling like a madman. He leaned over Akashi and chuckled.
"Thought you'd have seen that one coming, Akashi. What, you mad because you left yourself unguarded. Is it just how you were back then?"
Akashi snapped upon hearing those words. His fire erupted.
Kuroko had just made it back into the school. He was exhausted from the fight. He wanted to retire to his room but he had to go to the master to report his mission, even though the master had probably seen it through his crystal ball. Why not? That's how he keeps tabs on all his children. He walked passed the others having fun, eating and drink, he walked up the stairs to the master's office and knocked. With the master's permission he entered the room and stood before him at the desk. Shirogane had a warm smile on his face.
"Well now, that was something. I feel as though your powers are growing by the day. Amazing work Kuroko." He praised much to Kuroko's surprise.
"Huh? What? I was just doing what I was taught." Kuroko said back.
"Lesson well taught." Shirogane replied. "I think we can send you back out again soon. From what I've seen, you should be amazed with yourself."
"Oh, it was nothing much." Kuroko replied back.
Dodging through the trees of darkness and iron. Akashi bounce of the trees and attacked whenever he could.
"Nonsense, I think you have wonderful talent. What could be worse?"
They had approached the entrance of Teiko and were spotted by hundreds of people. Akashi had landed but then jumped up again when Kiyoshi slammed his iron fist into the floor. Akashi blasted fire from his mouth.
"Now then, lets see if we can get you back out on the road soon." Shirogane smiled.
"SIR, THE A'S ARE ATTCKING!"
Both Kuroko and Shirogane jumped at the sudden voice from outside the door. Both had immediately rushed out. Standing outside with everyone else, they could see the commotion. His eyes widened at the sight. Akashi and Nijimura fighting with such anger and rage.
"What?!" Shirogane couldn't believe his eyes.
Both boys, surrounded in their elements, zoomed around and punching on another. Fire and darkness spitting with every touch. Both roaring with anger. Finally Nijimura punched Akashi so hard that he was sent plummeting to the ground.
"Ha! Is that the best you got?! For a fire user u sure are shy about using your full strength!"
Akashi got onto one knee and slammed his fist into the ground. "Shy, huh?" he looked up with a grin and chuckled. "Why should I be shy about you?" he stood up straight. "Unless you think your good enough, I'll go all out!" he roared as he pushed himself off with his flames so hard that his fist met Nijimura.
He hadn't flew far but Akashi fired his fire from his mouth, shooting it towards him and engulfing his body. It was quickly dispelled by his darkness which had now shot back at him. Akashi shield himself with his fire.
"If your unstable then use everything you have!" Nijimura shot him down and through the roof of the school.
"Not the school again?" Shirogane said in shock. "This is becoming dangerous."
"Master."
He turned his head to see a range of coloured hair rushing towards them. "What's going on?" Momoi asked.
"Something to do with Akashi and Nijimura." Shirogane replied.
"What can we do?" Aomine asked as he was ready to fight.
"No! we cannot interfere."
"Are you serious?!" Aomine raised.
"We cannot interfere. They are off high class magic. If we try and stop then we'll end up either on the brink of death or better yet; dead." Shirogane stated.
"So you're just gonna let them fight?" Midorima asked.
"I'm afraid so. Not even I would stop them and I'm their master." He sighed. "Where's Takao?" he looked to the green haired.
"Back at home, why?"
"Evacuate him, if things get out of hand his safety would be concerning."
"Yes Master."
Shooting from the roof Akashi sung and kicked Nijimura into the top if the building before coming down on him all covered in fire and then dragging him down the side and then throwing him away. On the roof the two exchanged punches until Nijimura overpowered him and sent him into the wall he recently had Nijimura on. Akashi used his arms to try and block the powerful punches of darkness. The punches were so hard and fast the skin on Akashi's body was beginning to break and bleed. He was finally able to lift his leg and fire kick the other away as he slide on the floor.
"Amazing, they're so fast." Kuroko said, his eyes watched with shock and surprise. His body was still on the spot.
"That's the power of the A's. The better their skill the faster they respond." Shirogane said as they watched the two battle it out. "Although fire is dangerous the darkness is still the same. It depends on their masters. Like now, both Akashi and Nijimura are strong in their element and they're practically on par with one another. This could last a long time."
"Are you willing to let them fight that long?" Kise asked.
"No, it will be finished. I know Nijimura is strong but he is no match for Akashi's ultimate power."
"You mean, when you had to seal it?"
"Exactly, the day he came there was so much energy flying around that I had to seal it quickly. It was painful and no one should have to hear and young boy scream. Especially what he went through."
Behind them they heard and groaning sound. Turning they saw and groggily Kiyoshi holding his head staggering towards them.
"Kiyoshi! What happened?" Momoi asked.
"Uh, my head."
"Son, what happed out there?" Shirogane asked.
"I don't really know. All I remember is that Nijimura and Akashi were fighting as always and then Akashi getting the book. I don't know what happened after that." He then looked up to see the two viciously fighting on the roof. "Oh no! This is bad."
They punched, kicked and used their powers until they were stood a few feet apart. Both catching their breaths but Nijimura grinning. "I'm still not through with you yet, Akashi." He placed his arms, crossed, in front of him. "Dark Essence: Soul Spear!" he uncrossed his arms and blades of darkness were sent flying towards Akashi.
"Flame Fire: Spiral Sore!"
Akashi's hands moved like hands on a clock as fire spiralled out to block the attacks. Nijimura had jumped to avoid anything that backfired.
"Dark Essence: Black Sage Stone!"
Akashi rolled away as a lump of black magic came down. He got to his feet before he shot a blast of fire from his mouth making Nijimura jump into the air for him to join him.
"Flame Fire: Vulcan's Rage!"
His fist burning red hot and had more fire than usual shot up so fast that Nijimura had no time to block or even to see it coming. His body curved round the fist before the other smacked him away. Once Nijimura had sorted himself out he shot out his hand towards Akashi and shouted;
"Dark Essence: Seek and Destroy!"
Multiply shots of black magic drove towards Akashi. His body soon consumed into a ball of darkness.
Down below, Kuroko was getting uncomfortable. In fact it wasn't just him but everyone who had enrolled with the school was on edge. They had seen that Nijimura was the one that needed stopping because of the way Akashi was attacking. He was defence otherwise everything would be a mess. Kuroko was shaking on the spot. Takao, in Midorima's arms, was feeling tears in his eyes.
"This attack could make or break him. Though he has never really experienced the true extent of Nijimura's attacks, apart from training." Shirogane said.
"What?" Kuroko looked to him. "You mean Akashi could die from this?"
"Not exactly. Critically injured but not killed. Nothing will kill him that easy."
Nijimura decided to end his misery and allowed the ball of darkness to explode. Akashi was thrown out and straight into the ground below. His body beaten, bleeding and even exhausted. This fight had gone on for too long and he could feel his energy draining. His body laid on his front and still.
"Looks like you're not as powerful as they say then." Nijimura had taken a seat on the edge of the roof looking down on him. "Pathetic. You can't even fight against me. Now look at you." He laughed. "Laying like a dog."
"Get up, get up…" Kuroko kept saying to himself.
"Oi Nijimura, don't you think you've done enough, now stop this nonsense before someone is killed!" Shirogane shouted to him.
"As if, he's been through worse!" he shouted back. "Did you really fight back from your tormentors or let them have their way with. I can't tell, I think it was the latter. You look as if you can take the abuse, your body still remembers it I bet."
A loud slam was heard. Akashi had lifted himself up onto his knees the hand had clearly gone through the ground with rage. He slowly got to his feet. His teeth gritting so hard and his fists almost white with anger.
"HOW DARE YOU!" he shouted with such rage that fire burst out and engulfed his whole body. "HOW DARE YOU TALK LIKE THAT?! IF YOU HAD THEN GUTS THEN SAY IT TO MY FACE!" His eyes were deadly scary that everyone froze on the spot. "All of it!" he gritted his teeth before he launched himself off the ground, dragging Nijimura with him as they went far into the air for another round of fire vs dark, kicking and punching with their elements.
Akashi had sent and large blast of fire from his mouth to push Nijimura down. He soon followed only for Nijimura to grab his striking wrist and throw him passed and down. Akashi turned round to see and lot of darkness coming his way. He couldn't block all of them and time was running out. Instead he brought his legs closer and his arms to cover his face and waited for the attack. However, it never came. He heard a blast but not for him. He moved his arms slightly and opened his eyes. A large metal hand had blocked the whole attack. His eyes flowed it to see Kiyoshi in mid-air and not far from him.
"Stop fanning about and get him!"
Both landed on the ground. Akashi's eyes turned to Shirogane. The master nodded in approval and placed two fingers in front of his lips. "Promise me, you'll try and keep this under control." When he earned Akashi's nod, he the tilted his fingers outwards. Akashi undid the eyes patch and allowed it to fall. A pale purple magic seal that covered his left eye shattered like glass. Opening his eyes fully shocked Nijimura.
"A golden eye!" he said in shock. "So it was true."
Akashi closed his eyes and held his out to the sides and a red magic circle appeared beneath him. It glowed before any form of magic could happen.
"Hellfire!"
All of a sudden the ground turned to red hot lava that didn't affect the buildings or the people standing. Two bits of fire came out of the seal and encircled loosely around Akashi's frame. The sky turned fiery red and the air filled with warmth. Something loud was happening high above the skies when Akashi was ready he flew high above to meet it. High above was a large ball of fire that could take out the town. Trails of fire flew around. With his hands he sent some of the trailed down to a frozen still Nijimura. Instantly attacking him and nothing else. Akashi had been gone round the back of the fireball and punched the palm of his hand on it and sent it plummeting down at high speed and landed on the entire school with Nijimura inside. Akashi himself soon followed. Fire encasing him and shoot down like a thrown spear at such speed that the minute he made impact, the fireball exploded.
Flames and heat was sent everywhere but it target had been eliminated. Akashi had long flipped out of the explosion and had landed on the ground. Nijimura was now unconscious and burnt, the school was still standing as it only attacks the target it was meant for. Akashi had stood but he could feel his exhausted body beginning to scream for rest. Everyone was in shock and amazement. Kuroko too couldn't express what he saw. This was strong magic and he could feel it all. This was something he wanted. He wanted to be at that level of power. To be able to fight like Akashi.
The ground and sky had turned back to a normal sunny day. Kuroko had stared at Akashi was amazement and affection. Ok, now he really loved this guy. His heart was pounding in his chest and his body was fighting the urge to hug him tightly and to just take his lips. However his eyes soon changed from affection to worry when he saw Akashi's knees buckle. He quickly rushed over to the red head and caught him before he hit the ground. Held in his arms and on his knees, Kuroko brushed a couple of strands from Akashi's sweaty face. He could feel his lungs gasping for air as his mouth was sucking it in uncontrollably. His frame shaking slightly.
"Let's get him inside." Shirogane said as he replaced the seal and covered his eye. "He'll rest better in his room."
Getting him back into his room, Midorima did his best to heal his body before leaving the room and informing others not enter.
Sitting deep within the school's dungeon was Nijimura. His body chained to the wall so he could escape. Two guards were placed on him at all times and the next morning, Master Shirogane was to interrogate.
I know its been a while but I'm starting to pick this one up :D
Let me know what you think xD