It had been ten years since he last saw the little redhead, and he had begun to believe that he was forgotten. Not that he had expected any different, he mused, as he played with the black king piece on his fingers.
So, it was an unexpected surprise when, that Saturday afternoon, a sleek black sports car was parked in front of his home in Tokyo, and encountering a man on his doorstep, dressed in black, tall and intimidating (to someone not like him at least), demanding to be followed into the car.
"Akashi-sama requests your presence in Kyoto."
Kuroko's eyes widened. Kyoto? Couldn't that Akashi person come here instead of dragging him wherever in Kyoto that man stayed. And why did he have to go there in the first place? What made him so important?
"Akashi-sama believes he can offer you assistance as a business partner." he strained the words, as if he was trying to give them a special meaning, and the teal-haired male understood.
Business partner. It meant that whoever that person was, knew what he was up to. For how long, he didn't know, but that was one of the finer details of it. Quickly weighing his options, he decided.
"I believe I should make myself presentable before I follow you."
The man didn't focus on him, the only emotion shown in his voice being indifference.
"Akashi-sama wouldn't mind." he claimed, and Kuroko Tetsuya found no other way but to follow.
And that was how he found himself in an expensive car, speeding from one city to another. Surprisingly, no one stopped them, and that made him suspicious. Was the car recognizable, connected to his owner? And if that was the case, what kind of person was he?
He didn't realise they parked in front of a five-star hotel, unconsiously being led to the top floor, the man pointing him to the penthouse entrance. He perceived it as a sign to move alone. Knocking, he heard a faint enter, and gently pushed the door and walked in.
He saw five men of different builds, different expressions and different colour schemes. There was green, purple, yellow, a blue darker than his, closer to the sea than his own sky, and finally, red.
It was the red that spoke first. "Why don't we introduce ourselves to our quest?" he suggested. "Or should I say... King?" he gave an all-knowing smirk.
King? the word plagued his mind. Did it refer to his piece, the piece he unconsciously carried with him almost wherever he went?
"Akashi-cchi, he sure doesn't look like it." the yellow complained.
"Are you doubting me, Ryota?" the redhead gave his cold reply. That must be the one who brought me here, Kuroko thought.
The blond turned his attention to him once again, and flashed a golden smile. He wore what looked like a semi-formal, expensive, designer suit. "I'm Kise Ryota~" he introduced himself, pulling out a black chess piece. "Pawn."
The name echoed somewhat familiar to his head, connecting it to the modeling world. A famous, prodigal, well-sought, teenage model. Seriously? Meeting a person like that, who had already achieved everything he seemingly wished for, made him feel embarrassed for himself who, even though he was halfway through the third decade of his life, was far from achieving his own goals.
The blue-haired one stood next to the golden one, his appearance in complete contrast. He was tanned and had more muscle compared to Kise's lean figure, wearing a pair of torn jeans and a band t-shirt. "Aomine Daiki. Knight."
Next stood the purple-haired giant in slow lethargic steps. He wore his clothes sloppily, unlike the other two (Kise was sharp dressed, while Aomine's choice of clothing wasn't meant to be neatly dressed). "Murasakibara Atsushi." he gave his name, the bored expression never leaving his face. "Rook."
Next was the tall, green-haired one. What had caught Kuroko's attention was that he had the fingers of his left hand taped. Was it an injury, perhaps?
"I'm Midorima Shintarou, I have experience as a surgeon." he claimed, as he, along with the rest, presented him with a black chess piece each. "Bishop."
Kuroko's sight moved from Kise to Aomine, then to Murasakibara, following Midorima, finally allowing his gaze to rest at the mysterious redhead, who stood up, walking towards him, steps with overflowing confidence and effortless grace. Unlike the rest, who wore modern clothing, his choice of clothing was more traditional (and quite unconventional, if one took into consideration that, they were, in fact, at a modern, luxurious hotel), wearing a scarlet yukata with abstract, golden patterns that, if you focused your sight in them, they'd remind you of dragons and legendary beasts.
"Akashi Seijurou," he introduced himself, "and I can't believe you forgot about your Queen that easy, Tetsuya~" he mocked.
Kuroko felt his mind stop working and his eyes focusing entirely on the one who stood between him and the rest. He couldn't help but compare the one standing before him to the image of the five year old boy from ten years past. Sure, there were some similarities, like the way his fiery red hair framed his head, or his crimson eyes looked at him with honest curiosity. But the differences were most defining: His posture and aura were more demanding than inviting, and his left eye now possessed a menacing, golden hue.
"I'm wounded by such cold display~" the jeer continued. "Did I ever seem like the kind of person to forget a promise, or back down on my words?" No, he never thought of little Seijuro of the kind of person who discards his promises, but had forced himself to get his hopes up. He felt himself shake his head, and witnessed a wicked smile forming on the heterochromatic teen.
"Then, why don't you introduce yourself formally?" he suggested, nodding in agreement.
"Kuroko Tetsuya. 25. King."
Seijuro smiled again. "The Generation of Miracles welcomes you, King." the Queen replied, that dark smile never leaving his expression.
(chapter end)
At first, thank you everyone for the faves, follows, and reviews. It pumped me up for updating sooner than planned, and I hope the chapter I prepared is enjoyable.
Who those who like Tokyo Ghoul, I'm also writing an AU based on elements of it (there's a different storyline and not any TG character is so far planned to appear), called For the World we Dream. Updates will alternate between the two, and I hope I can update at least one of them every week.