Still not longer than the first chapter- Well I tried guys, I really did. Although this is definitely ending next chapter. I don't want you guys waiting a long time for the next chapters, besides, I did say it would be a short story. Don't worry, I already got the ending all planned and cool. Just need to type. Don't know when it's going to be posted...
Well, enjoy please.
Recap:
"So," Akashi gave Kuroko a dangerous look. "You said you had all three powers from the stone, yet every time I ask about your ability, you say you don't have one. Is someone lying?"
"I don't have to tell you." Kuroko said, looking away.
"Any information is important Tetsuya." Akashi insisted.
"I can't use it freely anyway. It doesn't matter." Kuroko said, glancing at Akashi. His eyes were hard, warning Akashi not to push it.
Akashi hummed but didn't push it. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. I heal fast."
"Good. I don't want to stick around much longer." Akashi said. "I'll take you to the station for now. You'll be protected there."
Although that wasn't the only reason why he was returning to the station late at night. He needed to plan and think. The archer now knew where his home was and probably knew that Kuroko stayed at the station most of the time. That could put his men in danger. What should he do?
Akashi sat alone in his office, looking at pictures. He was obviously in deep thought. Kuroko was in the training room which was down the hall. He was practicing on flying since it's been years since he's flown freely. He would need to get used to it and increase his stamina.
The redhead was trying to figure out what to do about the archer. The archer had attacked them a week ago and injured Kuroko's leg. They were lucky Kuroko heals fast, although he is still healing and has to take it easy.
Akashi studied the photos of the stones and also a few others they have found on the internet. Apparently someone who has lived during the massacre in town caused by the abnormal people had taken pictures and uploaded them. It was either blurry or too dark but anything was useful at this point.
He didn't know what their motives were when attacking the town that one night. Was it out of insanity or were they looking for Kuroko? He wanted to rule the last one out because Kuroko told him that they had to be in a certain range to sense when another stone is close. So was it just out of mental confusion from the stones? Did the whispers get to their heads?
He remembered Kuroko saying that unless one had a strong mind when approaching the stones, they would go insane. When he pushed a bit more, Kuroko told him that even if they didn't go insane, no one would be completely unaffected. He told Akashi that since he had such a strong and focused mind, if he approached one stone, he could get away with only little mental confusion.
If the archer knows, do the others? Akashi wondered, narrowing his eyes slightly as he looked at the picture with the stones. If so, when will they come? Who will come next? Or perhaps they will attack as a group?
Akashi shook his head. No, they all wanted Kuroko to themselves. They could only hear certain information from their stones as Kuroko informed him. They now thirst for power but it would be impossible to get close to all three stones. Not only would they go completely insane but it would be hard to steal the stones from others.
They knew about Kuroko now because Akashi brought him to Kyoto. They sensed all three of the stones radiation coming from him. They knew that if they wanted the information from the other stones, they had to take him. Alive.
Kuroko didn't seem to bothered, Akashi noticed. He probably thinks he can handle it. Akashi wasn't so sure but after all, there are things he still doesn't know about Kuroko.
Like his power. Akashi mentally thought. Every time he asked, Kuroko pushed it aside of avoided it. Akashi knew he had one no matter how much he denied it. Was it that dangerous? Or perhaps it had a too risky consequence? Like how every time the beast stone let's you change, it took five years off your lifespan? He was so curious but he knew he couldn't force Kuroko to tell him.
Akashi sighed, setting the photos down and leaning back. They would need to find everything out quickly. If not, the city and Kuroko could be in danger.
He slowly stood up, deciding to check on Kuroko. It was late and there were only a few in the station in case anyone had any emergencies and called 911. However, Kuroko was alone in the training room when he last left him. About an hour or so ago. He wondered how the boy was getting along.
Akashi headed down the hall towards the training room. When he made it to the door, he quietly opened it, peeking inside. He expected seeing the mutant either flying or resting but instead they were practicing their fighting skills.
Wearing the normal cargo pants when covered the bandages on his leg and wearing no tank top this time, Kuroko was practicing to improve not only his stamina but also his strength and fighting technique. Sure a punching bag wasn't a moving target but it was better than wasting his time to learn just how to fly. There will be times where he can't fly.
Akashi watched as Kuroko was in his awkward stance but it worked best for Kuroko. He was quick on his feet, moving around, staying in motion. Sometimes his arm would lash out, his attack quick and effective even if it didn't seem that strong. The redhead leaned against the doorway, watching the mutant.
He heard the quiet pants coming from Kuroko aside from the movement of his feet and the punches against the bag. However the boy didn't stop and Akashi wondered if he was too stubborn to take a break. He almost called out to him but decided, why not? Let's see how this plays out.
Kuroko continued moving, almost strategically. Sometimes he would even jump back or duck as if someone was fighting back. Akashi crossed his arms, wondering if Kuroko would even hear him if he called his name. He seemed so into it, as if in a sort of zone.
Akashi tilted his head, noticing something different. Was it just him or were Kuroko's attacks getting stronger and faster? This certainly didn't happen during their fight. Perhaps the more he was in the zone, the stronger and faster he was? He must have been distracted when they fought.
No, he was overwhelmed and couldn't think. He couldn't think during their fight because he wasn't expecting Akashi to be that good in hand to hand combat. Akashi remembered seeing Kuroko's blue eyes turn to slits as if in fear.
He was pulled out his thoughts when he heard the punches got louder. Akashi just stared in interest as Kuroko ended his self training with a high jump which he probably used his wings to help with. As soon as his uninjured foot collided with the bag, it was like an invisible force broke the chain holding it up and it flung a short distance across the room. Well, that was certainly interesting.
Akashi watched as Kuroko landed, standing still. He was staring at the bag that was now on the floor. He must be anxious or guilty for breaking the chain. Kuroko turned towards the door, probably going to go tell Akashi what happened. He stopped in surprise when he saw the redhead was already there.
"Impressive." Akashi complimented, walking away from the door so it finally shut.
"So how long have you been watching?" Kuroko asked, regaining his breath.
"For a while." Akashi answered. Kuroko didn't answer. "Don't worry about the punching bag. We have more chains to hang it up."
"I still apologize for breaking it." Kuroko said, stretching his limbs and his wings. Akashi was still impressed by his black, sharp wings.
"As I said, don't worry about it." Akashi reassured, patting Kuroko's head.
"Please don't touch me." Kuroko said. Akashi ignored his request.
"How is your leg?"
"It is fine."
"If it hurts-"
"I heal fast. Don't worry." Kuroko said, stepping back a little as if to prove he was okay.
"I'm just making sure." Akashi said before gesturing to the wall. There were a few benches for the trainees to take breaks when they were training hard. "Should we sit down?"
Kuroko hesitated before sighing, walking over to a bench. He sat down, his breath calming a little. He didn't even mind when Akashi sat next to him.
"So is that your abili-" Before Akashi could even finish the word 'ability', Kuroko interrupted him.
"I'm never going to use it so stop asking." Kuroko growled sternly. Akashi got the hint, sighing softly.
"Fine. I'm just curious."
"Being curious is dangerous you know."
Akashi didn't reply, just watching Kuroko. The boy noticed the lack of reply and looked at Akashi. "What? You're not going to push it?"
"If Tetsuya doesn't want me to then I won't." Akashi said.
"Really? It's only been a week, I'm sure you're still curious."
"I am, but I don't wish to annoy Tetsuya." Akashi replied, smiling softly when Kuroko huffed and looked away.
Kuroko slightly wrapped his wings around himself although he could still look at Akashi. "So what were you doing, watching me?"
"I was checking up on you." Akashi answered. "How is the flying and stamina training?"
"It's going well." Kuroko replied, closing his eyes. "I managed to fly around for a few minutes."
"A few minutes?"
"I haven't flown in years okay?" Kuroko grumbled, glancing at Akashi with a glare.
"Yes yes of course. My apologies." Akashi apologized, his smile never fading.
It was silent for a few minutes, both of them just relaxing and enjoying each other's silent company. Though Kuroko soon became uncomfortable. He was so used to talking about the case whenever they were together. What was he supposed to do? It didn't help that he was a social outcast.
"So.. About the case." Kuroko said, looking at Akashi. He stopped talking when he noticed the curious look on Akashi's face. "What?"
"You broke the silence just to talk about the case?"
"Don't you want to ask me for anymore information?" Kuroko asked.
"Yes but... not about the case. We've been here together for more than a week but we barley know each other." Akashi said.
"What else do you need to know about some mutant with wings?" Kuroko asked, a little edgy. However, Akashi just smiled, leaning his head on his hand.
"Like what's your favorite color?"
Kuroko stared at him, wondering if he was serious. He then sighed, grumbling slightly. "Blood red."
"So you like my hair?"
"I said blood red, not your hair." Kuroko snapped half heartedly.
Akashi chuckled, enjoying teasing the boy. "I like cerulean. The color of the sky." Akashi replied even though Kuroko didn't ask, his hand reaching out to touch the mutants hair. Surprisingly he didn't move from the touch.
"Alright then. What else do you want to know?" Kuroko asked, facing Akashi where he sat.
"What's your favorite food?" Akashi asked. "I enjoy tofu soup."
"I don't necessarily have a favorite food. I didn't get a large variety of foods at the asylum." Kuroko answered truthfully.
Akashi hummed slightly, making sure to remember everything. "About the asylum... When they decided to take you to it, were you acting insane that time, or was it..?"
"The stones?" Kuroko asked even though he knew the answer. He looked away, sighing. "Yes. The first time was the stones."
"Why?" Akashi asked. "I thought you said you could hear all their whispers yet didn't go insane."
"I can hear them from a distance. Remember the archer?" Akashi remembered how Kuroko told him he heard the whispers of a bow even though the archer was buildings away. "But one day I got too close. I was curious. I snuck into the room where the stones were kept but it was a huge mistake."
Akashi wondered if the boy would continue. If he didn't, he wouldn't force Kuroko. After all, this was private for him, plus it was the event that made his whole life turn.
"I thought you said no normal human can withstand the stones. Are you no exception?" Akashi knew it sounded rude, basically calling Kuroko something else other than human, but he needed to know.
"I'm not a complete monster." Kuroko murmured. "I am still half human, I guess you can say. I am no exception. So when I got too close, I lost it." Akashi moved a little closer, silently telling Kuroko he would listen but not judge. He was there for comfort. "Long story short, I became the monster everyone there believed I was. I injured, thankfully never killed, a few scientists but I did ruin a lot of experiments in progress and trashed one of the labs. They decided I finally lost it and once I was out of the room, I became myself again. Basically I can get closer to them all together a lot more than a normal human, but too close and I still go insane."
They were both silent for a few moments before Kuroko sighed softly. "But it doesn't matter. It's in the past."
"That's right." Akashi said, surprising Kuroko. "And it wasn't ever your fault. It was the stones."
"I know. I don't need your reassurance." Kuroko said. Akashi wondered if he was mad but the smile on Kuroko's lips said otherwise. "But thanks."
"It's nothing. I'm glad you trust me enough to tell me that." Akashi said.
"Just saying. Might help the case." Kuroko said, shrugging.
"You always direct it back to the case." Akashi teased before standing. "Come on, it's getting late. Well, even more late. It's almost midnight."
"Really?" Kuroko asked, standing up. "So I've been training for... about an hour and a half?"
Akashi nodded, confirming his estimation. He began walking, Kuroko following. Kuroko had a small room in the station just for himself. And by small room, he meant the medics room. And by just for himself, it was only Kuroko's at night, unless there was an emergency. "Let's get you-"
"What is that?"
Akashi stopped when Kuroko did. He heard it as well. It was a loud bang, as if doors slamming open. There was another bang a few seconds later, only getting closer to the training room.
Kuroko suddenly growled a little, his eyes a little wide. Akashi glanced at him before at the door where the sound was coming closer. Something was coming, and guessing by Kuroko's reaction, it was a stone user.
"Whatever it is, it's fast." Kuroko said aloud, staring at the door.
The lighting. Akashi immediately thought. So that's who was coming next. "Then we better move away from the middle of the room."
However before they could make any moves, the doors finally busted open. Kuroko, on instinct, took to the air. Akashi had to throw himself to the side to avoid the lightning fast figure from running into him. He stood up as soon as he landed on the ground, facing the figure who eventually stopped so they don't run into the wall.
Instead of just lightning in the shape of a human, it actually was a human. Their hair was a yellow as the lightning they became when running. Their eyes were piercing, even from afar. Nothing else seemed peculiar about them however. Nothing except the few electrical sparks that flickered by their body.
Akashi could still hear Kuroko in the air above him, his almost silent flaps of his wings telling him his location. They were surely after Kuroko. It was obvious because they just stared at Kuroko in the air.
Akashi thought fast, wondering what to do. What could he do against them? Kuroko might be a match against them but what if he wasn't? Plus he couldn't have Kuroko fight by himself. But what could a normal mortal like himself do?
Where is everyone else? Akashi immediately thought. Surely the men in the station would have noticed the lightning. But where were they? Or did the lightning kill them all?
"Go get your men." Kuroko suddenly said.
"What?" Akashi asked. "And let you face him alone? Don't be a martyr Tetsuya."
"Just go get your-"
"Don't try to be a hero Tet-"
"I'm not trying to be a hero!" Kuroko snapped, cutting Akashi off. "I'm not trying to be a hero. I'm not even doing something heroic." Akashi listened to Kuroko although he glanced at the person with the ability stone. They weren't attacking, seeming interested in what Kuroko was saying. Why..?
"I'm merely doing what's right. And I'll do it again and again if I have to." Kuroko growled. "Besides, what can you-"
He was cut off, Akashi jumping in surprise when the whirl of lightning tackled Kuroko out of the air. Upon contact Akashi could see the electricity transferring to Kuroko, electrifying him a little. However he didn't seem too hurt by it, growling as he tried to get the taller blonde off him. Akashi saw he was getting burns on his hands from the electric but Kuroko didn't pay any mind.
He stared for a moment before not wasting anytime. This person was still human, just fast. He was sure a few gunshots that hit would hurt it. Akashi ran, the lightning not even paying attention to him. He hated leaving Kuroko behind, but he needed to get him help.
Akashi swiftly left the training room, running down the hall. Even if there wasn't any men alive in the front office, he could quickly call some to come in immediately then go get a gun and help Kuroko as much as he could.
He glanced into some rooms as he ran, frowning when he noticed the fallen, motionless bodies. If the people in their offices were killed, he knew the front office won't have any alive men.
Once Akashi made it, his theory was confirmed. The men were either dead or unconscious. Akashi had no time to check if they were actually dead, immediately going to the phone. He had to call Murasakibara, he would call everyone else available and get them to come down.
Akashi absolutely hated this as he called Murasakibara, quickly telling him to get some officers to come to the station. He hated how he wasn't helping Kuroko fight. He could be injured or gone by now and he was here on the phone.
"Dammit Tetsuya." Akashi growled once he hung the phone up. He ran back down the halls, planning to go to his office and get his handgun. However he abruptly stopped when he heard a crash from the front office. It sounded like glass shattering.
Not taking any chances, Akashi continued running. He was close to his office by the time he heard loud thumps down the hall, like something big was running. Akashi ran into his office, moving behind the door. He waited a few moments, knowing whatever it was would think that this room was either empty or had a dead body.
Once the thumps passed his room, he waited another moment. Although he heard the training room door burst open again and he stepped out his office. He managed to get a glimpse of a large tail before the door closed. The big cat!
Forgetting to get his gun, Akashi ran to the room. Kuroko can barely handle one alone, what will happen if he faced two?
He opened the door immediately, stopping at the sight. As he thought, Kuroko was already wounded from the fight with the lightning. Several parts on his body were black as if burnt, some even leaking blood. He had new, fresh claw marks on his injured leg that was bleeding heavily because of the last wound.
The outside of his wings were fine, however the inside had a few scratch marks, thankfully not deep. Kuroko was also panting heavily, but still tried to at least defend himself. In other words, Kuroko wasn't going to win this fight now.
Akashi wondered if the archer would come but dismissed the thought. There were no Windows in the room for the archer to snipe through. Besides, he had to focus on the unfair fight in front of him. Kuroko wouldn't stand a chance against both of them.
Akashi could only helplessly watch as while Kuroko tried to dodge the lightning, the big panther had pounced, taking Kuroko's wing in its jaws. The mutant winced before trying to throw the beast off. Despite his wounds, Kuroko still lashed out, punching and even kicking despite his injured leg.
Akashi finally regained his self and ran towards the fight. He inwardly cursed himself for forgetting his gun but he didn't have time to go and get it. He headed for the panther that had a hold of Kuroko's wing. He's never seen a cat so big.
It was definitely a panther with sleek black fur, however it really was big. Bigger than an average male. Which meant it's claws and fangs were more deadly. Even knowing this, Akashi had jumped on its back without a thought. He wrapped his arms around the beasts neck, pulling hard.
He succeeded in distracting the beast, making it let go of Kuroko's wing. Although he didn't think hanging on would be this hard. The beast swung its head and body, trying to get him off. He held on tightly, refusing to give up so easily.
Akashi forgot that this beast was actually a human and was shocked when the beast fell back. He was forced to let go so he wouldn't get crushed by the big cat.
Once the beast got up, so did Akashi. Only for him to quickly dodge a pounce from the beast. He turned and so did the big cat. It's certainly fast. Akashi thought.
He almost jumped when he heard a shout of pain. Akashi turned his head, shocked to see that it wasn't Kuroko who was hurt but instead the power stone user. Akashi didn't know how, but Kuroko somehow managed to throw the stone user away despite his injured state. Kuroko truly was a skilled fighter.
Akashi's moment of shock was renewed when he felt something heavy crash into him. He forgot about the big cat. The force actually flung him away a little like how Kuroko threw that stone user away. He was only thankful that he didn't hit his head when he fell onto the cement ground although he was dizzy.
He lifted his head slightly, looking around with fuzzy vision. Why wasn't the big cat coming to finish him off? Then he heard sounds of fighting again. Was Kuroko taking it on himself again? He could barely handle the lightning, how would he be able to handle the beast?
Akashi slowly sat up, needing to help Kuroko. He knew he had to if Kuroko wanted to have even the slightest chance of winning. Although what could he do? He couldn't fight them at all with bare hands but he couldn't leave to go get a weapon. But I can't leave Tetsuya alone...
He deliriously watched the fight, wondering what to do. His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed something from across the room. The other stone user besides the beast was getting up.
What does he do? He had to warn Tetsuya and do all he could. Akashi tried standing, glad that nothing seemed broken or sprained. He was about to yell out Kuroko's name to get his attention although he wasn't quick enough. After all, how could he stop someone that's the speed of light?
The power stone user had already moved, heading towards the unsuspecting fighters. It had almost gotten Kuroko by surprise but Kuroko had noticed the flash of light. He moved to jump to the air, to hopefully fly away from the attack. He barely got a few feet off the ground before the beast jumped, taking one of Kuroko's unprotected wings into its jaws. It didn't break the scales on the outside but it did tear a bit on the inside.
Kuroko must have been in too much pain to yell or shout, even as he was thrown to the ground by those strong jaws. Akashi winced instinctively as he heard a loud snap. It was like the one during their fight, but much louder and more painful. He knew why. He wished he didn't see it, but he couldn't erase it from his memories even if he wanted to. He could clearly see Kuroko's black wing twisted in an odd angle. The bone must be broke. He wouldn't be able to fly.
"Tetsuya...?" Even if his voice was quiet, Akashi hoped that Kuroko would hear him. He was not moving despite heavy breathing. At least he knew Kuroko wasn't dead. Though would that matter now? He watched as the beast and the now normal blonde walk towards the body. The boy had easily picked up Kuroko and placed him on the beasts back. They were really going to take him.
Akashi watched as the beast started walking, careful so Kuroko didn't drop. What could he do? Kuroko was out cold and he couldn't face two stone users alone. Could he follow? He was sure that the archer was probably waiting outside if he thought about it. Then back up was a mistake. Who knows, maybe they were already dead outside.
He was freed from his thoughts when he saw a bright light. It only took a few seconds to get closer until he felt a pain in his head. After that, Akashi didn't fight it, and it all went black.
Sorry for Seijuuro being all weak at the end. I think I just got lazy because I was almost done typing the chapter for almost a month now but just never finished it so I just wanted to end it. But please do enjoy.