Disclaimer: I do not own Karuko no Basuke

A/N: Ack, this one was definitely a struggle, but welcome to Chapter 5 anyway. I hope you like it :)

I've Been Here the Whole Time

Chapter 5

Susanoo listened calmly as the Messenger reported his observations of Kuroko and his efforts in the mortal realm. The storm lord was a study in contradictions – while his domain covered some of nature's most unruly elements, storms didn't have to be violent. He also brought necessary rain to parched soil, and relief in times of summer heat with cool showers. The seas could destroy but they were also sources of food, entertainment, and transportation. Thus his nature was changeable; he was admittedly unpredictable and this had earned him a reputation as a fearsome kami that was not to be trifled with.

Despite his own range of interests and temperaments, he had trouble reconciling the account of Kuroko that the Messenger brought him; it was just so different from how he knew the spirit to be. Susanoo considered the problem of these mortals that Kuroko was so fascinated with. Truly it was the humans that had begun this whole disaster in the first place. Before they came into being, Kuroko hadn't had a shred of reservation in carrying out his duties. But Susanoo had recognized that times changed; Kuroko had become unfathomably interested in their short, fragile lives. He'd sent the shadow to Hachiman to try to force Kuroko to see the humans differently, but it had eventually backfired. Although Hachiman was the divine protector of Japan, he was also in charge of war, and Susanoo had hoped that those two characteristics would suit Kuroko's disposition just long enough for him to grow tired of the silly creatures. Susanoo hadn't known that Hachiman had intended to release Kuroko's contract without offering him the option to find another master to serve; it had never been the storm lord's goal for Kuroko to die and he'd been secretly relieved that the shadow had somehow survived. It was incredibly rare for shadows to have that strength and it had renewed his interest in the other spirit.

But Kuroko had proved to be unbelievably difficult to track down in the centuries after his expulsion from the war god's service. Over time, Susanoo had even forgotten about Kuroko, until one day word had eventually reached him that the shadow had bound himself to Sedai Myojin. Initially Susanoo had thought nothing of it; he'd allow Kuroko time to regain more strength in that position and offer him the chance to rejoin his service. Susanoo had been sure Kuroko would leap at the opportunity, but instead the offer had been politely rebuffed and the once-legendary shadow had contented himself in a role that did not make full use of his talent. It defied logic.

One by one the images of these so-called 'Miracles' floated through his mind. They were powerful, certainly, but what was Kuroko truly after here? It was unfortunate, however at times the gifts he and his fellow kami bestowed proved too strong for their hosts, they'd all seen it at various times in their history. There was something more to this endeavor than simply keeping the talents alive and thereby bringing status to his master, yet Susanoo wasn't sure what it was. He knew Kuroko to be determined and that he hated to lose in any situation, but Susanoo was genuinely baffled by the Messenger's report that Kuroko had intervened so drastically in this case.

The Messenger waited patiently while his master was thinking. Despite his mercurial nature, he was just as loyal to Susanoo as Kuroko was to Sedai Myojin. He didn't like the shadow, but if his master was interested in Kuroko, then he would continue this mission however he was directed.

"Messenger, what is your assessment of the one called Aomine?"

He looked surprised at this question and his puzzlement must have shown because Susanoo deigned to clarify before insisting on his answer. "Your use of Haizaki is impressive and it has made me think that I would like another hold over Kuroko's interests. You can borrow Haizaki because you're a fox spirit but we can't claim him because his gift is not of my realm nor is his energy of my season. The options are limited as Murasakibara was born under the autumnal auspices and Akashi is a winter child. Kise, Midorima, and Aomine are all summer children but we have restrictions since seasonal auras are among the weakest claims to human talent. Kise's already doubly claimed so we can't interfere with him, it would bring too much attention to the situation. And Midorima…his nature is too incompatible with mine even to have been born in my season. Aomine has the volatile nature of one that could be influenced by my domain. Although Kuroko probably hasn't made the connection yet, that is perhaps one reason as to why he is so drawn to Aomine in particular, it's that trace element of his first contract with me."

The Messenger understood then and answered his master. "Aomine is like the others in that he is strong, but his gift is more directly connected with his identity than it is with the other four. They apply their talents to a sport they enjoy, but for Aomine, basketball is who he is. It is likely why he bloomed so dramatically ahead of the others in the moment that they originally came to Kuroko's attention. As a group, they enjoy basketball and it has different meanings for each of them, but in some sense Aomine will be the hardest for Kuroko to manage because the damage of seeing his gift, and therefor himself, as so severely isolating will hit him harder."

Susanoo nodded slowly. "He is like a wild thing tamed only by his own whims; it is possible I could claim him. For now we'll leave him be, but do keep an eye on him. I know Kuroko will hold off returning here as long as possible to avoid a meeting with me, but he can't stay away forever. I think, perhaps it would be best, if you could force him to use more energy quickly so that he will need to return sooner."

A small, crafty grin crossed the Messenger's face at this idea. "I would be only too happy to help."

Picking up on his servant's tone, Susanoo smiled. "Someday I will insist that you tell me the origin of the feud between the two of you."

There was no element of playfulness in the Messenger's evasive reply, "It is something that we may even have forgotten ourselves, but it will likely exist as long as we do."

Susanoo laughed softly at that. "I am sure you remember quite well, but it is not important for me to know at the moment. Still, if it helps motivate you in this task, that's all to the better. Go, then."

The Messenger shot him a look; it was only his long-standing service to Susanoo that allowed him such a privilege. "You could just go visit him yourself if it is such a rush. But I know you are loath to leave the kami realm so I will do my best to ensure Kuroko expends his energy more quickly." He left after a moderately respectful bow – his personality was not one for obsequious gestures, but the Messenger did hold Susanoo in high esteem and he knew his obligations to his master.

After his servant departed, Susanoo idly summoned a viewing sphere. He tuned it to the humans that Kuroko was so worried about. Kuroko himself was shielded from his view and would be unless he was with one of these more easily tracked targets. Not that it really mattered; he knew roughly where the shadow was and so could keep tabs on him with a less direct method thanks to his servant's strategic use of Haizaki's body. But as the colors of their hair passed by in an abbreviated rainbow, he was struck by the amusing thought that these humans only knew Kuroko as a weakling. They didn't even realize Kuroko could have outpaced them all if he hadn't set such absurd restrictions on his powers during this mission. And then Susanoo wondered how far Kuroko was willing to go to keep that part of his identity a secret from his new friends…it would bear mentioning when the shadow was finally forced to meet with him. The storm lord had no doubt that his own servant would ensure Kuroko's return would happen sooner, rather than later.

-Meanwhile, in the human realm-

When Kuroko woke up the next morning he couldn't immediately determine what was different, but something felt off. As he gained a greater hold on consciousness, it occurred to him the dwelling felt emptier than it had before – Nigou was still gone, then. It was amazing how quickly he'd grown accustomed to sensing the other shadow's energy in their home.

As he went about his morning routine to prepare for school, Kuroko thought about the Messenger's use of Haizaki's body. The kitsune had been speaking truthfully when he'd mentioned their personalities suited one another. Kuroko had been wary when he'd first taken note of the gray-haired teen; his ability was difficult to trace but it was certainly formidable. It was athletic, yet Kuroko didn't sense that Sedai Myojin was the origin of the stealing ability; rather it seemed Haizaki had simply fallen into athletics and the gift had taken form appropriately. He wasn't sure because he hadn't spent a great deal of time with Haizaki, but he rather suspected that his talent was a gift from Daikokuten; whose theft of fortune ritual might explain this ability. It was a little unusual; the household god didn't often bless those like Haizaki. As far as Kuroko could tell though, that gift of stealing other blessings for his own use and the ongoing good fortune on his behalf were most likely to be attributed to Daukokuten's auspices.

The kitsune wouldn't keep permanent control over Haizaki, but unless Kuroko was severely mistaken, his rival did not intend to let this mission go smoothly. Susanoo's interest notwithstanding, the two servants had no love lost between them and it wouldn't surprise Kuroko in the least to see the other spirit take a more active role now that he knew Kuroko could still sense him. He frowned as he wondered how much he needed to prepare against this new development.

Lacking more concrete information, Kuroko could only continue on to school as usual. There was nothing particularly noteworthy about the day, he ran into no errant spirits, no members of the basketball team, nor even a hostile faculty member. He joined the afternoon practice feeling strangely disappointed at the lack of confrontation, not that he'd had a firm plan in place, but it still seemed anticlimactic in some way. Practice was routine; club members were divvied up into training squads for stretches, drills, running, and scrimmage. Kuroko found himself grouped with the starting lineup and he was pleased to see them all working hard – as if somehow renewed from their recent victory.

Midorima drew him aside at the end of practice and after giving him a hard stare, asked for his sign and blood type. Kuroko was surprised by this request but offered up the information that accompanied his human form readily enough.

"Your lucky item for today is a photo album and you're in the middle of the rankings today. Yesterday you were ranked at the bottom, so I must assume your skills are genuine to have managed to perform as well as you did. But I regret it is unlikely we can be friends with our incompatible blood types." He conveyed this information with all the seriousness of one explaining a fatal illness.

Kuroko was not fazed by this pronouncement. He was more sympathetic to Midorima's perspective than many others would be; being as well-versed as he was in the fickleness of providence and the importance of doing everything you could to curry favor with fate. It did cause a brief flare of distress for his human side, but as he'd so recently resolved to attempt to keep his distance from them anyway, he tamped down on that aspect of his consciousness.

"I hope we can be allies in basketball, at least, Midorima-kun, despite our blood types."

"Naturally. I do everything I can to ensure success and that means adjustments must be made at times." With a final, serious nod, the bespectacled teen moved away.

Inwardly, Kuroko smiled fondly. Midorima was an earnest soul, and for all that his years were young, his serious nature lent him a gravity of one far more mature. In some ways, it was a pity he was born in this era; he would have made an excellent imperial advisor. Then again…Kuroko's eyes found Akashi…that role may have been inevitable for him anyway.

When Kuroko returned home, he saw Nigou waiting eagerly. The puppy bounded over to him and was wagging his tail excitedly – he clearly wanted to tell Kuroko the news.

"Welcome back, Nigou. You look pleased."

The other shadow fairly wriggled in agreement and sent Kuroko his report with a small cloud of shadow energy. Kuroko raised an eyebrow, "Did someone teach you that during your trip?"

Nigou nodded his head and followed it up with an image of one of Kuroko's subordinates. The elder shadow made a note to thank him for his efforts. Until Nigou gained more experience for other channels, this method was an efficient way to transmit information.

As he took in the news from the kami realm Kuroko understood why Nigou was satisfied. His staff had found a drastic measure to counter the kitsune's presence, and while it was not one he wanted to use so early, it was reassuring to know it existed. There was also information, although it was more rumor than confirmed fact, as to what Susanoo intended with him. Kuroko frowned at this portion, it didn't quite add up with what he expected so he would continue on the path of caution just to be safe.

When he was done he looked down at Nigou but the puppy was too excited and jumped up at him so that Kuroko needed to catch him. It was an understandably celebratory moment and Kuroko felt himself cheered by the undisguised joy in Nigou.

"You're not wrong. But we aren't out of danger yet. We'll need to keep an eye out for Susanoo's spy. And Kise still hasn't made a move to join the team. I thought he would come by today after seeing the game. Perhaps we will observe him tomorrow and see if we can lure him back to the gym." And so it was mutually agreed upon as a plan and the two of them both felt more hopeful as to their chances of dealing with the vexing Messenger.