Lovely Jewels

Faults and a Rival

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

Kuroko huffed a little as he lugged his last piece of luggage from the mansion. Sweat already dotted his forehead, and though Kuroko considered himself athletic, he would bitterly admit that he had low endurance. Suddenly the luggage was pulled from his hand and he looked up to see none other than Murasakibara. The giant didn't even wait to see Kuroko's reaction. He just patiently toted the luggage away to the car, where the rest of the guardians were waiting.

Kuroko smiled a bit before speeding up to catch up with him. The guardians and himself would be traveling together to the city. The trip would last a couple of hours if not more. As Kuroko opened the door to the car, he couldn't help but feel slightly bothered by what he saw in the past. He meant to prod Akashi about it, but of course the redheaded leader was having none of it and slyly changed the topic or began physically harassing him. The seat squeaked as Kuroko sat down. Inside the large van, the seats were arranged around the perimeter, giving each person a view of the other.

"Look, I don't care if you do, but all of you should put your seatbelts on," Midorima stated over his shoulder as he looked at the crew from his driver's seat. "It's the law."

Kuroko hid his smile as he reached back to grip the seatbelt. Midorima had turned around by the time the rest decided to secure their lives as well. Murasakibara immediately pulled out his snacks, and sitting next to Kuroko, decided to offer food to the smaller boy. Kuroko politely turned him away, but was content. He seemed to be the only one Murasakibara was willing to share food with. Kise was to his left, Aomine next to him with Akashi straight across from Kuroko.

Five minutes into the drive, with the mansion far behind them, Kuroko decided that the best time to question his guardians would be now. After all, they really had nowhere to go to avoid him.

"Hmm?"

Kuroko looked up at the tall purple haired male beside him. "Murasakibara-kun?"

Murasakibara lazily eyed the smaller male before lifting his hand and placing on the top of Kuroko's head. "Something wrong?"

Kuroko looked confused and could tell the other members were alert to the conversation arising between the two. Ah, he can probably tell what I am thinking, Kuroko thought. He somehow always managed to forget that he and Murasakibara were closer now and that they could tap into each other's thoughts. "Actually, I do have something I need to talk about," Kuroko announced, keeping his gaze locked on amethyst eyes.

Murasakibara grunted in response.

"Do you remember Mizuiro?"

Kise choked on the water he was drinking and lurched forward, heavily coughing. Aomine roughly patted his back and Akashi's eyes visibly narrowed. Kuroko eyed Kise warily and made sure that the blonde was breathing before turning back to Murasakibara. The purple-head was avoiding Akashi's eyes.

"Ara~," Murasakibara muttered. He continued to face the window and rested his elbow on the sill before letting his head lower to rest on his hand.

"Tetsuya," Akashi called, lowly. He glanced at Murasakibara who gave him a look of relief before returning to meet Kuroko's gaze. "Why do you want to know about him?" If Kuroko was interested, Akashi would tell, albeit quite reluctantly. He has been avoiding the topic for sometime.

"Well," Kuroko started, keeping a blank gaze directed towards the fiery redhead. "He did help me out back then at the mansion." Kuroko was well aware that Akashi knew which point in Kuroko's travels that he was referring to.

"He's dead."

Everyone turned to look at Aomine who looked extremely distraught. He covered his eyes with his hand. "We failed to protect him."

Kuroko's eyes widened. He turned quickly to Akashi. "You told me that I didn't change anything." He clenched and unclenched his fists, feeling the air tense around him.

Akashi merely sighed and closed his eyes. "Regardless of whether or not you interfered, his fate was set." He leaned back in his seat, knowing Kuroko did not believe a word that he had just uttered. "Leave the past in the past."

"I can't," Kuroko immediately countered. "I can go to past," he spat quietly. "And you expect me to forget it?"

"K-Kurokocchi," Kise cut in, placing his hands up in a non-defensive position. "Look, it's really not your fault." He winced when Kuroko directed a blank glare at him and quickly turned to Aomine for help.

"Don't make yourself the victim here, Tetsuya," Akashi warned, his eyes glowing as he opened them. The last thing Akashi was up for dealing with was a guilty Kuroko. "You aren't the dead one now are you?" He crossed his legs just as the car hit a small bump, jolting everybody.

Kuroko felt his blood simmer in annoyance. Me, the victim? the small male thought bitterly. I'm just worried that my actions caused the death of another!

Murasakibara winced, hearing parts of Kuroko's inner thoughts. He sighed internally, deciding that telling the current time traveler about his ancestor wouldn't hurt. "He was the opposite of you."

Kuroko's head snapped up, hearing Murasakibara. "The opposite?" He patiently waited for the other to continue.

Akashi let out a groan. "Listen Tetsuya," he began, succeeding in regaining the attention of the light blue-head. "Mizuiro was rowdy. He enjoyed playing tricks and pranks on other people." Akashi paused, running a hand through his hair. "You should know that the reason we were at the Satsuki Estate was to witness the sealing ceremony of the key. After you ran off to the garden, Mizuiro had also run off." He smiled grimly; further catching Kuroko's attention and curiosity. "Planaedius had infiltrated the estate right under our noses and when Mizuiro was left unguarded, they took him. They killed him and took his powers for their research." Akashi managed to remain stoic, but his voice dripped sarcasm by the time he finished talking.

Kuroko sat quietly, taking in the information that Akashi had offered. He could tell he was getting the very paraphrased version of the past, but at least it was something. "What were you all doing before I appeared?"

"We were about to go to the ceremony toge-" Kise started, but slowly let his voice fade after seeing Akashi shoot him a look that meant silence or death. He laughed nervously and quickly chose to hide his face in Aomine's shoulder to avoid both Akashi and Kuroko.

Kuroko felt his body stiffen. He was about to make another comment when something outside caught his attention. They had entered the city and were a couple blocks from his parents' home. Settling back into his seat, the others in the car left the small male to ponder his own thoughts as they travelled down memory lane. Kuroko was stuck in the 'what if' mindset. What if I had chosen a different route? What if I hadn't gotten trapped?

The car began slowing as it arrived in front of a gated estate. The others listened as Midorima spoke to a machine before the gates finally creaked open. Akashi watched Kuroko from his seat, noticing that the other seemed very deep in thought. His gaze fell beside him to the seat he was on. This wasn't exactly the mood he wanted to meet Kuroko's parents in. At this point, a bond between the two would only occur through not one, but many miracles.

Before the car even stopped, a small entourage was already waiting at the front steps to greet the group. Murasakibara was the first to get out of the car, followed by Kuroko. Men dressed in black suits began unloading the car while others greeted Kuroko.

"Kuroko-sama, it's a pleasure to have you back home," greeted a slightly aged man. He bowed to Kuroko before straightening himself to look behind Kuroko. "And we also welcome our Young Master's friends as well," he stated. "Please make yourselves feel at home during your visit."

"We'll do our best to not be a bother," Akashi replied, keeping a graceful posture as he returned the bow.

The old man smiled and then turned to lead them into the building. "Your parents have been eagerly awaiting your arrival, Kuroko-sama. They had the chefs prepare all your favorites."

Kuroko quietly nodded, following as they were led through his home. Maids here and there would excitedly greet Kuroko and there was an excitement present in the air as all the servants found out that their young master had returned and with handsome men nonetheless. Looking back, Kuroko found that his guardians didn't seem at all surprised at the state in which his house was. The luxurious décor was beautiful, but of course, having lived for so long, there was little that surprised them.

"They are here in the tea room, Kuroko-sama," the servant stated before slowly opening a pair of double doors in front of the group.

The servant stepped aside and bowed. Kuroko stepped forward into the sunlit room and was immediately pulled into a hug. Kuroko didn't even need to see who it was to know if he should return the gesture.

"It's good to see you son!" Kuroko's father greeted cheerfully. He held Kuroko at arm's length and smiled. "Did you grow since the last time I saw you?"

Kuroko raised a brow when he heard a snicker from behind him. "No Father, I haven't grown," Kuroko replied, blunt as ever.

"Well, to your father and I, you certainly have!" chimed in a feminine voice.

Kuroko's father stepped aside, still wearing a glowing smile, to reveal a light-blue haired woman. Her long hair was tied up into a high ponytail and her front bangs were curled slightly above her eyebrows. Her gray eyes sparkled with tears as she came up to hug him. She pulled him into a tight hug, cooing all the while. Her hands ran through his light blue hair and pulled on both cheeks.

"Ohhh, how I've missed you," Kuroko's mother gushed, pulling him into another hug.

Kuroko tenderly patted his mother's back. "I missed you too."

She finally stepped back and roughly wiped away her tears, finally taking notice of the men behind her son. "Oh! You must all be Kuro-kun's friends!" She suddenly became flustered and a blush spread quickly across her cheeks. "What am I doing making such a scene? Please, take a seat!"

Kuroko's father smiled sweetly and pulled his wife down onto a couch before sitting down himself. "Join us please. We would love to hear about how Kuroko is doing."

"Ehhhhh? This was when you first went to kindergarten?" Kise exclaimed, practically bubbling over with excitement. "You're adorable!"

"Isn't he?" Kuroko's mother gushed. She held her cheek with one hand as she and Kise continued to stare at a photo album containing Kuroko's younger years.

Kuroko fought against rolling his eyes at the highly unnecessary outbursts the two were making. They had been there only for an hour, yet his mother had decided to show his guardians the photo album. His body jolted when two hands placed themselves on his shoulder. He cautiously looked up to see Akashi looking down and smiling at him. The redhead began massaging Kuroko, teasing him out of his tense state.

"Would you like to accompany me on that date tonight, Tetsuya," Akashi whispered, leaning down to Kuroko's ear. He stealthily hid his smirk after feeling Kuroko shudder. Internally though, Akashi was in a sour mood. Midorima had spoken to him in the morning, and according to his research, the chance of forming a bond between him and Kuroko was very slim. Haizaki had certainly left long-lasting effects on Kuroko.

"Control yourself in front of my parents, Akashi-san," Kuroko whispered back, keeping his eyes on both his mother and Kise all the while. The other members had joined Kuroko's father outside on the veranda, apparently discussing the developments of the basketball world. Kuroko looked at Akashi from his peripheral. "You wouldn't want them to think I'm friends with a pervert."

Akashi chuckled and slipped his hands from Kuroko's shoulders, straightening his posture. "Of course," he replied, amusement obvious in his reply. He glanced at the two people in front of them and saw that both Kise and Kuroko's mother didn't notice their exchange or chose to ignore them. Walking around the couch and sitting himself on the arm of the couch, he turned to look at Kuroko. "Can you direct us to our rooms?" Leaning a bit closer Akashi added, "I haven't secured the area yet."

Kuroko nodded and slowly stood up, gaining the attention of his mother. "Thank you for the tea, Mother, but I and my friends would like to retire to our rooms," he stated, bowing a bit.

"Of course! I'm sorry for keeping you," Kuroko's mother stated. Closing her eyes and smiling she continued, "I just get too excited when I see you."

The rest of the guardians returned into the room, courtesy of Akashi's mental command. A servant was called into the room and led the group to their respective wing of the mansion. Kuroko would go to his old room and each guardian would be receiving their own room. The small light-blue head noticed Akashi's dismay as well as the apprehension arising from the rest of the group. As soon as he sent the servant on his way, they began to speak.

"I surveyed the east border of the estate," Aomine started. "I didn't see anything that was suspicious."

Murasakibara nodded in agreement. "I also scanned everyone's minds and no one seemed threatening."

Kuroko let out a small sigh of relief. At least he could rest easy for a bit knowing that his parents were safe for the time being. "Do you think Planaedius will target my family?"

"Unless any of your family members hold some form of the time traveling power, then no, they should be fine," Midorima promptly answered. He moved to lean against a door that led to the room he would be staying in. "Don't worry too much, we'll handle any trouble that comes this way."

"Tetsuya," Akashi called. Stepping towards the slightly smaller male he quickly tilted the other's chin up with his hand. "Stay in your room for the time being. Don't leave the estate," he asserted, staring into eyes of sky blue and searching for a certain understanding.

Kuroko turned his head away, causing Akashi to drop his head. "Fine," he finally huffed.

Akashi smiled lopsidedly and grabbed Kuroko's hand before giving it a quick squeeze. "We will be quick, I promise," Akashi assured before pulling Kuroko's hand up to his mouth. After making sure that Kuroko was watching him, he lightly kissed the inside of Kuroko's wrist. "I will come back for our date."

With that Akashi turned to leave, the rest of the guardians quick to follow him. Midorima would never understand Akashi's need to outwardly show his affections to Kuroko, other than the fact that the redheaded leader wanted to show what was his. Kuroko watched the five leave down the hallway for a moment, heat rising in his cheeks. Once entering his room, he immediately breathed in the familiar scent of his home, feeling relaxed and content. Aside from the fact that some of his belongings were gone, his room remained the same. There were a couple of chairs by the window, his queen-sized bed up against one wall, and a desk sitting at the wall across from his bed.

Kuroko slipped off his shoes and shuffled to his bed. Throwing himself onto the mass of comfort, he let his eyes close. I can probably nap until Akashi comes back… Kuroko thought sleepily. Hmmm, why? Why am I feeling the need to be…be with him? Kuroko's brows furrowed in confusion. He let the thought go as his exhausted body drifted into the land of dreams.

"Who is giving you your orders?" Akashi inquired, his eyes were scarily merciless as he gripped his victim's neck tighter. The redhead listened to the man gasp helplessly for a few moments before loosening his grip a bit. "Answer me."

"F-Fu-ck…y-you," the man choked out. He defiantly stared up at Akashi while gripping the hand on his neck with both of his.

"Pitiful," Akashi murmured before setting the man on fire and dropping him. The man's screams were certainly not music to his ears, but they weren't too displeasing either. As he walked away from the burnt corpse, Midorima appeared before him. "So, who is behind these ambushes, Shintarou?" the leader questioned, still visibly annoyed from the lack of answers he was able to force out of the men he captured.

Midorima shook his head. "No, but although they are 'with' Planaedius, they don't seem to be acting under any Planaedian leader's orders." He turned around and took out a notepad as well as a pen before jotting something down. "They seem to be rouge."

A sigh fell from Akashi's mouth as he began to walk away, gesturing with his hand to indicate that Midorima should follow. "They might be causing trouble for Planaedius then…Or is this just some sort of façade?" the redhead wondered aloud. "Come, we must return to Tetsuya." And our date.

"Huh?" Kuroko let out, jolting up and looking around. All he saw was a great expanse of blue, much like when he time traveled. "What? Where am I?"

"Tetsuya Kuroko," a disembodied voice called out.

Kuroko whipped around, suddenly panicked. Did I suddenly time travel in my sleep? A light in the distance began shining brightly, blotting out the blueness in the rest of the world. He shielded his line of vision using the back of his hand, but even then the white light was blinding. A gust of wind tousled Kuroko's hair and he was forced to close his eyes.

"Tetsuya Kuroko," the voice called out again, this time much louder. "You must die-"

"Kuroko!"

I must die? Kuroko thought, suddenly overwhelmed with everything his body was sensing. The voice was saying something else, but he couldn't comprehend it.

"Kuroko!"

The light abruptly disappeared and he began falling, a pit forming in his stomach. His hands reached out to find something, anything to grab on.

"Kuroko! Wake up!"

Kuroko jolted forward, straight into a wall of warmth. He gripped the shirt-clad chest in front of him and breathed heavily as he half-shouted, "Akashi-san!"

"Eh? Akashi-san? Who?" a male voice asked, obviously confused.

Kuroko's body immediately stiffened once he realized that the person he was holding onto was not the redhead he had become so familiar with. An arm wrapped around him and pulled him into the lap of the other person. Another hand went to Kuroko's chin where it softly tilted Kuroko's head up. The sight of the person above him sent almost a pleasant shock through his body.

"Kuroko, I missed you."

"Wha-"

Kuroko's head snapped towards the door as it suddenly sprang open. He watched as Akashi's face turned from seriously worried to deadly angry. The room seemed to heat up ten degrees and the air began to waver. Kuroko shifted uncomfortably as the arm around him instinctively pulled the light-blue head male closer. Of course, Akashi did not fail to notice this. He gripped the door handled tightly, making it seem like he could rip it off at any moment.

"Who are you?"

Umm, I feel like...I must apologize every time I update. This is...this is not good...but it's not crap? It's short...so sorry! I don't know what this is...but that ending though hahaha! GUESS WHO IT IS! But yeah...really sorry for the update...for the poor writing...I'm struggling, but I struggle EVERYDAY BECAUSE OF YOU GUYS! Like that sounds bad, but I mean that you guys really support me and that makes me want to work hard to get work out to you, so THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN GUYS! Overall, I hope you guys managed to enjoy the chapter!

Special thanks to:

Akakuro Seiya - Right? But who doesn't like an overprotective and possessive Akashi? Haha, thank you for the review!

Cutie-Pie-Angel - Here's the chapter and thanks for leaving your thoughts!

anilikz0985 - I know! But the episode was worth it! Even though my heart broke once the season was over. T-T But thanks for the review!

milefanis-cullen - Gracias! Estoy muy contento de que te gustaba el capítulo! ¿O tendrán una cita? Duh Duh duh! Lo siento ... Estoy utilizando el traductor de google ... XD

KurokoTetsuya101 - Wahhhh! *gets blown away by the excitement* Haha, thank you so much! Super glad that you enjoyed the chapter! But ho ho ho...more drama is to come!

Rinfantasy - Sooooo, for as far as we know *wink wink* Akashi is speaking the truth. He's just having a tough time getting Kuroko to believe him. But trust me, as the two grow closer, more will be revealed! Thanks for the inquiry! I love getting them!

allanimefreak73754 - Yes he is! *offers fistbump* Thank you for leaving your thoughts!

ShinseiShinwa - I'm happy you were able to stumble upon my story and that it garnered your interest! Thank you so much!

Yami-The Lord of Darkness - Here's the update! Thanks for the review!

Purified Sins - Ho ho ho...but will they have their date? The real question will be answered next chappie! XD Thanks for leaving a review!

Okay, so leave a review if you enjoyed the chapter! Or crit! I haven't received that in a while, and though sometimes it really hurts...it makes me a better writer. So I encourage criticism! Thanks guys, 'til next time! Though school is coming up soon...so...I don't know...

-Jin Juhua Lang