Harsh sunlight disturbed Kuroko's closed eyes. Morning had sprung once again. Kuroko stretched out his arms; he hadn't gotten the best of sleep and was glad to have woken up. The small boy wasn't much of a tosser in bed, therefore making his bed wasn't a hefty chore. After making his bed Kuroko went to brush his teeth and take a shower.

After all usual morning procedures were promptly done, Kuroko headed downstairs and into the kitchen. "Morning" another male voice called to Kuroko. He recognized the voice belonged to his brother, Mayuzumi. "Good morning" Kuroko robotically replied. Kuroko looked around the room for Momoi.

"Where is Satsuki-san?" Kuroko asked Mayuzumi

"Sleeping" he answered

Kuroko made an audible sigh. His sister hadn't change one bit since they were younger. Kuroko went back upstairs to wake her.

"Satsuki-san, wake up. We have school in half an hour." Kuroko called into his sister's room.

Momoi made a small grumble at her brother's voice. "Satsuki-san" Kuroko called slightly louder. The sleeping girl only made another grumble. Kuroko sighed once again and walked up to her bed. Kuroko shook Momoi back and forth "Wake up."

"AHHHH" Momoi screamed as she sat up in bed. "What day is it, what time is it, where am I!?" she added in panic. "It's April 13th, 7:12 and we are on Earth." Kuroko flatly said. Momoi was never an easy girl to wake up. "AH! TETSU-KUN!" Momoi exclaimed realizing who was talking. After prying Momoi off, Kuroko left the room and headed back downstairs.

Mayuzumi was still where he was before, watching TV. Kuroko sat beside him and enjoyed the silence that filled the room. Kuroko was still worried about the identification process but he now has a firm resolve, he won't let his siblings die. Knowing that help set his mind at ease.

When Momoi was done getting ready she headed downstairs and tried to scare her brothers, revenge for all the times the two ghost boys had sacred her. "BOO!" she screamed into their ears. The two of them didn't so much as flinch; they both simply turned around and stared at Momoi. Momoi made an awkward hand gesture before laughing and running towards the door.

"Let's get going" she called before grabbing her bag and running out the door in awkward haste. Her brothers mentally smiled before grabbing their own bags and heading out the door as well.

Their walk to Teiko High school was filled with Momoi talking and her brothers only half listening. Kuroko's mind was occupied with thoughts concerning school. He recalled that Akashi wanted to play chess with him. The thought made him nervous yet excited at the same time. On one side he was nervous, he was going to play with the demon prince but on the other hand, he was going to play a game and have fun at school. The thought of enjoying time with 'friends' made him feel warm inside, it was as if rays of sunshine were beaming down on him.

"Hello? Tetsu-kun?" Momoi waved a hand in front of the dazed boy's face.

"huh" Kuroko snapped out of his trance

"We are at school," Mayuzumi announced, speaking Momoi's thoughts.

Kuroko looked up at the tall building, the light from the sun blinding him. Kuroko squinted, when did he arrive here? Time flies when many thoughts occupy your mind…

Kuroko and his siblings parted ways in order to head off to their respective classes. Kuroko had P.E first period, brutal. Kuroko scurried to the school gym and got changed ahead of time.

"CLASS, TODAY WE ARE PLAYING BASKETBALL, HAVE FUN, AND DON'T DIE" the teacher barked.

Kuroko's mind lit up upon recalling a fact, Aomine plays basketball. Speaking of the male, he wasn't in class. Perhaps he was lat-

"HERE!" A male loudly huffed, causing everyone in the room to turn to look at him

"Aomine-kun" Kuroko sighed.

The teacher proceeded to scolding him in regards to his tardiness before releasing him into the locker room in order to change into proper gym attire.

After he was done changing he entered the gym once more. He yawned before looking around to see what activity was in session. Aomine smirked, basketball.

"Hello Aomine-kun, good morning." The ghost greeted

Aomine jumped back, "WAH, HOLYFUCKINGLORD!... TETSU? God stop doing that ghost thing!" Aomine put his palm to his face in irritation.

"I am not trying to a 'ghost thing' " Kuroko answered truthfully, his tone playful.

"You are so weird"

"That's mean, you're even stranger than me."

"HEY!"

Kuroko picked up a basketball that happened to be rolling on the floor. He looked the ball and then to Aomine. Kuroko held out his fist. Aomine smiled and bumped it.

….

"Do you know how to play basketball?" Aomine pondered

"Not really" Kuroko responded

"YOU'RE KIDDING"

"I love the sport but I am not good at it…"

"Well that's means you know how to play, right?"

"I do"

"And you like it?"

"Yes"

"Then that's all I need to know"

Aomine stole the ball from Kuroko and started dribbling away, Kuroko ran after him. The two of then danced around the gym, Aomine skilfully keeping the ball away from Kuroko as Kuroko attempted to steal it.

Gym ended sooner than they thought. It seems time also flies when you are having fun.

While changing Aomine scoffed "Kise had a 'modeling thing' so he couldn't come today." He air quoted. Kuroko made an inaudible chuckle "Maybe I will meet him next time". Aomine finished changing. "You better! You will hate him!" Kuroko made a sound of question. "Why would you want me to meet someone I will dislike? That's mean" Kuroko pouted. Aomine didn't answer; instead he dashed off to his next class. Kuroko sighed and finished changing before he too headed off to his next class.

Aomine and him shared Japanese class, the reason Aomine didn't walk with Kuroko there remains a mystery. Kuroko entered his classroom, he saw Akashi sitting near the window, Aomine and Momoi sitting in the middle of the room and Mayuzumi in the very front of the room. Kuroko took the seat in front of Akashi; he did this for three reasons.

1: No tall people sat in that row

2: Kuroko liked to sit near windows

3: Akashi was interesting to talk to

"Hello" Akashi greeted

"Hello" Kuroko responded back.

"Are you prepared to play chess later, I hope you didn't forget."

"No I didn't forget and yes I am ready."

"Good, I look forward to it."

"As do I"

Akashi looked to Kuroko's hair and frowned. Akashi stretched his arm to pat Kuroko's hair. "Your hair is a mess" he commented as he smoothed out Kuroko's soft blue hair. Kuroko disliked it when people treated him like a child but Akashi's hands brushing through his hair felt nice and so, Kuroko didn't comment on it. "I just had P.E; there is no way my hair could stay perfect after that" Kuroko spoke. "You should comb your hair after your P.E class in that case" Akashi advised before retracting his hand from Kuroko's hair. Kuroko was slightly disappointed for some odd reason.

The teacher then, as if on cue, settled the class down and began his lecture.

Lunch. Akashi gathered his books before turning to Kuroko, "I need to put these in my locker, see you on the roof." He smoothly said before walking away. Kuroko stared at him for a moment before gathering his own books. Kuroko headed to his own locker to put said books away. Momoi tried to make them a lunch, but judging by the dinner she cooked the other night, Kuroko had decided it was best not to eat it.

Kuroko headed up the stairs and onto the secret roof. Kuroko opened the creaky door as the scenery in front of him came into view. Takao was laughing at Midorima who held broken chopsticks in his hand and wore an irritated expression. Aomine was eating and Momoi was sitting beside him, smiling as she told him a story. Mayuzumi was off to the corner reading a book, a book from Earth. Akashi was sitting next to a chessboard, twiddling the king piece in between his elegant fingers.

Kuroko liked the scene in front of him, he had only met these people a while ago but everything seemed to perfect. Kuroko couldn't help but smile. Kuroko took a seat across from Akashi's side of the chessboard. Akashi looked up, his captivating eyes locked with Kuroko's calm sky blue eyes.

Akashi smiled "Hello there"

"Hello again" Kuroko answered

Kuroko noticed that Akashi had brought a lunch, as a demon he didn't need food but in order to blend in the humans… it's a logical move. Akashi noticed Kuroko's gaze directed at his fancy food. "Would you like some?" Akashi offered him.

The polite action would be to say no but the food looked good and Kuroko hadn't tried decent human food yet. "If I may" Kuroko answered, slightly embarrassed but no visual signs of that were shown. Akashi slid his lunch beside the chessboard "We can eat while we play" he suggested.

Kuroko was playing white while Akashi was playing black. Kuroko looked at the beautifully crafted pieces… they seemed familiar. They were crested with jewels; the black pieces bore red and green while the white pieces were decorated in red and light blue. They were smooth and delicate…

"You like the pieces? These ones are special you see, they have been passed down in my family for generations. The black pieces represent demons. Though the black pieces are meant to play more defensively demons on the other hand, are known to be rash. The white pieces represent angels, white pieces play offensively but on the contrary, angels are not known for violence. The board itself represents Earth, interesting wouldn't you say?" he explained with a gleam in his eye.

Kuroko's heart sank. Kuroko new this chess set, his father owned the set as well. The set was to be passed down to one of his siblings, the one who holds the gem within them. The set told an ideal story, black demons of desire are made to be defensive through restraint, white angels who are too laid back are made to be more aware by being offensive through desire. Earth, the board serves as the middle ground, the reason between them. This was what an ideal world would look like… but looking at it from another angle, the pieces are fighting, meaning that no matter what ideal was achieved, both sides would never cease to fight. Kuroko had grown up with this story, he had heard it countless times…

Was Akashi on to him? Did he invite him to play chess as a way to make that fact apparent? Was it safe to be here anymore? Thoughts buzzed through Kuroko's head like a racecar on an empty highway. His heart started to beat faster and panic slowly started to wash over him, although no visual signs of such were made apparent.

"Is something the matter? " Akashi asked in a sincere tone, slightly tilting his head in concern.

Kuroko couldn't decipher if Akashi knew who he was, or was this all a mere coincidence….

"Shall we begin?" Akashi mused, showing no signs of any ulterior motives.

Kuroko gulped and nodded

Kuroko moved his middle pawn two spaces forward. Akashi brought his knight out. Kuroko could tell that he knew what he was doing, as expected. Akashi didn't hesitate when making a move.

Time flew. The two of them ate but didn't speak. They were immersed in the game. Since a young age both of them had been playing chess, they both were experienced and they both had no desire to lose. Akashi moved his bishop, "check" he smirked. Kuroko moved his king. Akashi moved his knight to capture Kuroko's rook; Kuroko mentally slapped himself for not realizing his rook was vulnerable. Kuroko searched the board for a move. Kuroko closed his eyes. He abruptly opened them and moved his queen to capture Akashi's pawn. Akashi didn't expect that, Kuroko's queen was out in the open, free to take. Akashi took his queen with his pawn. Kuroko lips curved up slightly, he moved his own pawn forward to take the pawn that took his queen. Akashi didn't understand that move; he scarified his queen for a pawn? Akashi ignored that thought and castled his king long sided.

The game continued, their brains battling and reading each other. Their eyes scanned the board, waiting for the other to slip up. A battle of wits. Kuroko gently picked up his only rook and took Akashi's bishop. Akashi gracefully picked up his own rook and took Kuroko's bishop. Kuroko moved his knight to take Akashi's pawn, "Check" Kuroko announced. Akashi moved his king, Kuroko retreated his knight.

Pieces clacked as intense thoughts passed through both of them. Akashi moved his pawn, Kuroko winced, discovered check. Kuroko moved his only knight in defense, to which Akashi easily took with his pawn. Kuroko moved his bishop to take the bishop used in the discovered check, in doing so sacrificing it. Akashi took his bishop with his Queen to which Kuroko took with his knight. Though Akashi lost his queen, he had gained tactical advantage.

"Check" Akashi declared. Kuroko moved his king. "Check" Kuroko announced as he placed his rook." Akashi moved his own rook to save his king, in doing so, losing it. Akashi moved his king closer to Kuroko's rook, prompting him to move back. Kuroko slightly frowned, if he moved back he would be taken by Akashi's bishop and if he stayed he would be taken by his king... Kuroko ignored his rook and moved an open pawn.

"You have only pawns in the game, why don't' you give up?" Akashi mused as he took Kuroko's rook with his king.

"The game can be won with pawns alone, I won't give in" Kuroko stated firmly.

"How foolish but as you wish." Akashi's voice was laced with amusement.

Kuroko's pawns were captured one after the other. Akashi could have ended the game when he pleased but he wasn't satisfied until he took all the pieces he could. Soon Kuroko had only one pawn left, which Akashi couldn't take if he did the game would end in a draw. Akashi smirked "This was fun, but it's time I ended this"

Through a series of checks Kuroko's king was pushed into a corner. "Checkmate" Akashi announced as he skillfully placed his piece with a clack that seemed to echo.

The game was over. Akashi had won.

Kuroko held out his hand "Good game"

Akashi shook his hand "My pleasure, you were a very good player. It's not often I get to play with someone skilled enough to force me to lose my queen like that. We should play again sometime."

"Agreed."

Akashi looked down momentarily at the chessboard before looking Kuroko in the eye "Why did you keep playing with only pawns in the game. I don't understand why you gave up your Queen for a pawn either"

"Well that was… either way you would have taken my Queen, by sacrificing it I at least got a pawn also… never underestimate pawns. They are weak but many in number, the game can be decided by pawns. Pawns have the potential to become queens and so pawn advancement can be deadly. I was aiming for a tactical advantage by opening up some squares. You just happened to see though me this time, it won't happen again."

"Understandable, but why care for pawn advancement when they can be as sacrificial pieces to keep the others safe. I will advance them but it's not of my main concerns. Also, Kuroko"

Akashi's eyes twinkled

"I will continue to see through you every time."

Kuroko let those words sink in. Akashi... Prince of the Underworld. Though this was just a game, Kuroko learned a great deal about him from this game. Their thoughts battled each other and in doing so they learned how the other tended to think. Akashi's thinking style was scarily like and unlike Kuroko's. They were both very observant and level headed but Kuroko tried to keep as many pieces as he could safe, while Akashi discarded them without care.

Kuroko reached for a piece of Akashi's food, human food tasted very good.

What an eventful lunch.

Kuroko relished in the roofs breeze and Akashi's company, oddly enough, his company didn't frighten Kuroko. In fact it felt… there wasn't a word to describe it. The only words that came close to describing it were 'leveled' and 'balanced.'

Kuroko leaned his back onto the roof's fence. Before he knew it he had fallen asleep under the warm sun.

The sound of the bell shook Kuroko up.

"You better hurry to class; everyone else has their books already!" Takao exclaimed poking Kuroko's cheek. Kuroko ignored him.

Kuroko yawned and looked over to the rest of his friends…

Friends

How nice

Kuroko nodded to Akashi before taking his leave to his next class.

AN: Awww no one is guessing where I picked up the words desire, reason and restraint :( ! The answer is Dmmd! I got the inspiration from there and I applied it to humans, angels and demons because of how the flowed together in my mind~

Sorry this is so late, I didn't really edit it much. :P