A/N:

As promised, this chapter came earlier since I already got it finished. You're in for a surprise, though ;)

Thanks for your lovely reviews as always.

Angelstars: Thanks, I'm glad I'm back in business, haha. I tried including all of the couples. For some reason MidoTaka turned out the longest and I have no idea why O.O I'm happy you liked it.

How is that a username: No, thank you for reading and sticking with me so far! I really hope you continue to do so and read this story until the end.

Also:

Text that is like this are (somewhat) flashbacks or in the past.

The plan was close to failing. Akashi's oh so perfect plan. Just because of one unforeseen factor. Or rather one unforeseen person. Haizaki Shougo. Why was he here? Akashi didn't know, he hadn't expected this in his wildest dreams. Maybe he should have. Always be ready for the unexpected had his predecessor, the leader before him, said. But who would have thought he'd ally with Hanamiya? Again, Akashi hadn't. No one had.

But not all was lost. Not yet.

The forest that was only a few kilometres away from the city had been the arranged meeting point for Hanamiya and his underlings to assemble for the attack. Mayuzumi had given Hanamiya the wrong information. He had fooled every last one of the Generation of Miracles into believing he was a part of them. That was at least what Hanamiya thought.

Furthermore, he reported he had gotten rid of Kuroko and Kiyoshi. According to Mayuzumi everyone was left defenceless, only waiting to be eliminated – or whatever the psychotic male had in mind for them. They really didn't want to know what kind of twisted ideas Hanamiya Makoto's sick brain created.
The moment all of them met up and would try to make their way towards their headquarterswas was the second they would strike.

It was Kise's task to cast his illusions. It was fairly easy in theory. Give each of them the impression their walking together with their comrades, when in reality they would go off into completely different directions and anywhere but near their HQ. To separate them was their top priority.
Past battles had shown that together these people were an almost deadly combo. None of the Generation pf Miracles wanted a repeat of the fight between Yamazaki, Kazuya and Kasamatsu.

Long before the arranged meeting time everyone was already at their assigned positions. Near by, hidden by powerful illusions, were Akashi, Kagami, Kuroko, Murasakibara, Kiyoshi, Kasamatsu, Aomine, Furihata and of course the illusion-caster himself.

Takao, Midorima and Himuro were at a higher point so they could overlook the vast forest - specifically the area where the fighting would soon begin. With the black-haired male's ability they were able to keep track of the battlefield. His hawk-eye would be able to do it without a problem and Takao could keep both Midorima and Himuro updated.

If need be Midorima was to give orders in an emergency, should Akashi be engaged in battle and not able to do so himself. Akashi held Midorima's ability to make decisions in high regards. After all, the spectacled male was a strategic mastermind only second to the red-head himself. Himuro's ability would be a great way to keep everyone on the recent happenings. He could transfer his thoughts into other's minds. It was a bit of a disadvantage that he could not receive their thoughts in return, but nonetheless it was important (as it would prove only minutes later).

Takao was scanning the area when his eyes spotted a group of man approaching Mayuzumi. Of course the grey-haired male looked calm and collected as always. In that moment Takao was suddenly grateful no one ever knew what that guy was thinking. It may actually be a crucial fact for successfully fooling the enemy in this situation.

Takao counted in his head...one...two...wait...four? Where the fuck did the fourth one come from?! HE tried to concentrate more intently on the faces of each individual. Hanamiya Makoto. Kazuya Hara. Hiroshi Yamazaki and...Takao's eyes widened and he cursed silently. Who did they ever piss off to deserve this. After he overcame his initial shock and his mini-fit, in which he cursed every god that he knew, of was over, he let the other two know of their predicament as well. Their eyes held just about the same amount of shock and disbelieve as his had just seconds ago.

Akashi and the others were still waiting for the right moment – the instant Hanamiya's group wanted to head off to their hideout – to cast the illusion. 'Everyone!' Himuro's voice suddenly echoed within their minds and they dreaded his next words for they could not be any good news. 'There's an unexpected obstacle. Haizaki Shougo is among the enemy!' Everyone froze in utter shock and many of them barely restrained a surprised gasp leaving their lips. Haizaki...? It couldn't be...! It was a thought they all shared at the same time. Was his grudge still so deep? Was he still bitter over events so far in the past that he wou,- 'I repeat! Haizaki Shougo is among the enemy!' Akashi clenched his hands into fists in utter rage and clenched his teeth.

This wasn't good. Haizaki's ability, he remembered it all too well. It would disturb their plan and shorten their time to act it out considerably. Haizaki Shougo was able to detect illusions and destroy them. Unfortunately. Of all the things to happen this person had to appear on the enemy's side. The only up-side, Akashi thought and tried desperately to remain positive, was that he at least could not detect them instantly. Fast, yes, but it took time. A short amount of it, sure, but it would have to do. They still had a chance, but it was slim. It was risky, a gamble, really. At best the delusion would go unnoticed for a few minutes.

But...what other choice did they have?

The red-head gave the signal to continue on with the original plan, trusting Takao's sharp eyes to see it, too. The group's attention shifted towards Hanamiya and the others when they started moving. Akashi gave a nod and Kise cautiously casted his illusion (on everyone but Mayuzumi) with renewed determination, even if it was Haizaki...

The moment the enemy unconsciously walked off into separate directions the groups closely followed their assigned targets.

The illusion, however, did not last longer than a mere minute. Akashi cursed their misfortune under his breath. It was too early after all, they weren't far enough away from each other. He was about to order a retreat when suddenly Murasakibara surged forward and punched a still disorientated Yamazaki with so much force he was thrown back at least a kilometer. Kazuya was surrounded by Aomine, Kiyoshi and Furihata; it made it impossible for him to come to the aid of his partner. Murasakibara and Kasamatsu were already running to the spot Yamazaki had stopped.

Akashi looked around and saw Shougo run off. He sullenly guessed Haizaki was on the hunt for Midorima, Takao and Himuro. He did not need to worry about it, he concluded. He had made sure they were well protected. Once again they all had proofed that they were worth his trust (not that they still needed to but it was a welcome reminder in the face of the upcoming battle.).

It would have to do, Akashi decided. No, it was definitely enough. They would be able to do it and end this nightmare Hanamiya created.

His different-coloured eyes focused on a running Hanamiya. Of course, the moment he realized what was going on - that his oh so evil plan had failed so utterly - the coward tried to escape. None of them were really surprised. This rat wasn't someone to fight a fair fight, he was a back stabber and traitor as he had proofed more than once. "Let's go!" The determination in his voice seemed contagious and Kagami, Kuroko and Kise nodded their heads in agreement. They would hunt down and crush Hanamiya Makoto once and for all.

Takao desperately tried to keep up with the happenings below them. It seemed everyone had been able to corner their target. He was worried about one thing though and it set him on edge. He couldn't spot Haizaki anywhere. "Why, hello there." Their blood froze in their veins at the all too familiar cocky voice. All three of them slowly turned around and were greeted by the maniacally grinning face of Haizaki Shougo. "I didn't think I'd see your ugly face again." Takao said with a mocking, if a bit forced, smile and unconsciously moved in front of his green-haired mate to shield him from any harm.