DISCLAIMER!: I do not own Kuroko no Basuke and the cover image used for the fanfic. Both belong to their respective owners.

If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.

Chapter 3 - Your Move

'Here we go! The race has begun!' The crowd became rowdy, watching as the participants of the race made a run for it. Their desperate state was clearly visible in their actions while Kuroko could only stand and watch in shock as his competition ran.

'Hurry!'

'Faster!'

The voices of the crowd managed to snap the bluenette awake, blinking in confusion as he realised that the race had already begun, 'Let's go Akashi-kun.' He told his partner before making a run for it himself.

This race wasn't an ordinary one, not when everyone was running as if their lives were on the line. No, their lives were really on the line! Although so far it didn't seem that ba-

Red.

It was then that the first victim had been killed, their blood splashing all over the first obstacle of the course. A large boulder had rolled down at the participants, killing the ones who were further ahead.

The bluenette immediately paused in shock, his legs beginning to shake while his whole body refused to move forward. This wasn't a race at all but rather it was a course with the aim to kill them all! What did he get himself into? Right from the start, Kuroko should have known that nothing is what it seems. Everything designed in this prison is meant to kill you, no matter how you look at it.

Luckily the boulder had fallen into a hole that was in it's way, managing only to kill those who were ahead in the race. Even so, Kuroko's legs would't budge.

'Kuroko.'

The voice that called out to him managed to snap Kuroko out of his thoughts, 'Y-Yes?'

'Can you move? We have to run.' Akashi's eyes met Kuroko's own, looking deep into those teal blue eyes that held nothing but fear within them.

'I-I can't… T-This is…' He'll be killed! Someone like him had no chance of survival. He knew it and yet he entered the race out of desperate need to escape. Perhaps it would have even been better if he surrendered himself to Kagami and Kise. That way, he would have a much higher chance of survival.

'It'll be alright.' The assuring voice made Kuroko look up at Akashi in surprise, 'You'll survive, trust me.' He took Akashi's hand without even realising it before making a run for it.

Was this really alright? Trusting this person like this? And yet Kuroko's legs began to move on their own with no idea how the redhead managed to move him. He was running!

'Looks like our contestants are going for it! Well, those who are left anyway!"

'Ahh~ I wonder who will win!?'

'The next obstacle they will be facing is…'

Kuroko ran blindly behind Akashi before the ear piercing scream of his fellow participants made him look ahead. Red… There was blood yet again and this time it was because of the ground that opened under them, making them fall down into a hole full of needles that would instantly kill their victims.

'This way!' Akashi led Kuroko through a safe path that didn't have any holes within it, but even so Kuroko was cautious. For all he knew a hole could open right under them.

He was surprised when nothing happened, managing to pass onto another obstacle.

'Ahhhhhhhh!'

'H-Help!'

Screams could be heard again and this time from another obstacle that was the one before the last one. This time two large blades were swinging through the air, cutting all that dare to run under it.

xXx

The sound of black leather high heels resonated throughout the empty corridors, pink hair swinging to the sides as Momoi made her way to a secluded office. She didn't waste time to knock and went straight inside, opening the doors wide.

'There you are Haizaki-kun! Where were you for the past couple of days!?'

The silver haired man who was sitting in his chair grumbled, turning to face the pinkette that had barged into his room. Make no mistake though, knocking isn't something anybody in the prison did.

'I went to pick up a little lamb, that's all. Now scram.'

'Huh? A lamb?' Momoi narrowed her eyes, walking up to Haizaki before sitting on his table to look own at him, 'That's exactly what I came to talk to you about. How did you manage to find him?'

The silver head grumbled once again, 'I have my ways. I got him here didn't I? Now tell me, how's he doing?'

'Not well.' Momoi was quick to say, 'He managed to lose his candy in a matter of minutes after the cells were opened, not to mention that he's participating in the race now.'

'The race? Seriously? Man, he has some luck, I'll tell you that! Haha!' How entertaining!

But even though Haizaki found it amusing, Momoi's serious expression didn't budge at all, 'You faked his sentencing didn't you? That was the worst performance I've seen in a while.'

'Huh? You watched?' But Haizaki didn't expect anything less. After all, not only was Momoi in charge of most things around here but she was also an information broker, meaning that whatever may happen, she'll most likely know about it.

'I know it was lame right? But he still believed it! How ignorant can he get?' Was Kuroko really that blind not to notice? Those people that were calling him a monster and a scum were all just actors! Kuroko had never met them in his entire life and yet he didn't even question them!

'Was the judge an actor as well?' Momoi asked, even though she already knew the answer, confirming it doesn't hurt.

'Nah~ It was a real judge. He really does his job well though, just going with the flow of the people and not thinking about his own opinion at all. Everything had just worked out perfectly.' All Haizaki had to do was place in actors and everything would play along well, just as it did.

Momoi sighed, confirming all of her information. Everything was Haizaki's handy work but she didn't complain at all. Now they have the one they've been searching for here! How exciting!

'He began to move as well. It's more than likely that it's because of Kuroko-kun's presence.' And with Momoi's words, a huge grin had formed on Haizaki's face.

'Did he now? That's perfect! Haha! Everything is going according to plan!' With his beloved finally here, "he" was bound to begin moving as well. Now both of the pieces would fall in place.

'Isn't love a wonderful thing?' Haizaki teasingly asked but at this point, Momoi had gotten off the table, heading for the door, 'Then I'll go and see this love for myself.'

The door closed, leaving Haizaki in the darkness once again. The dark office was cold and void of any windows that would allow the irritating light to shine through.

Perfect. Haizaki had done everything he could, now everything is in the hands of the two love birds. Although, he couldn't help but admit that he will help push the two to where they should be.

xXx

'Here they are! They've managed to make it to the last obstacle!'

Riko announced as the crowd cheered, determined to see more of the red colour on the racing track. So far there were only a few competitors left among which was Kuroko, believe it or not.

He had no idea how he managed to survive so far but he wasn't about to give up! He would fight until the very end in order to survive.

Kuroko glanced to the side at Akashi, thankful that he was paired up with him. He was thankful because Kuroko knew that without the redhead, he wouldn't be where he is now. When he was about to fall down a pit, Akashi was the one who caught him and saved him from death.

When a huge scythe had swung their way, Akashi was the one who pushed Kuroko out of the way, saving his life. He was thankful but he knew that they couldn't celebrate just yet, not with the last obstacle just before them.

'Uwaaaaa!'

Another participant screamed in agony as he fell down, injured by the last obstacle that stood before them. His scream didn't last long before an arrow was shot into him, ending his misery.

This was it… the last thing that stood before Kuroko and his escape. The thing that was placed before the finish line were two walls with many holes within them, the walls hiding the deadly arrows that would shoot at anyone who would dare to try and pass through them.

This was it. There was no way Kuroko would be able to pass through, not with his slow legs. He had lady luck on his side until now but it seems that she had left him now.

'Only three pairs are left in the race! I wonder who will win!' RIko cheered while the crowd did the same. Kuroko felt that if they all could, then they would push him forward and laugh while watching him die.

'Are you afraid?' The firm voice made Kuroko tilt his head to look at Akashi. Why? Why did he seem so confident? Wasn't he scared at all?

'Of course I am. There's no way I'll be able to make it through this.' His shaky voice said but Akashi's eyes didn't waver.

'I see.' Akashi reached out to hold Kuroko's hand, 'Then will you trust me?'

Trust? In a place like this? Kuroko was hesitant but nodded either way. He didn't know why but he felt like he could trust this redhead.

A smile had formed on the other's face, holding Kuroko's hand tightly, 'Let's go.' The bluenette was startled when Akashi suddenly pulled him forward, straight for the arrows.

His eyes widened in fear while his body slightly pulled the other back in fear. They were going straight for it? He wasn't serious was he?

Kuroko closed his eyes and let Akashi pull him. He decided to place his faith in the other who will decide if he lives or not. It may be cowardly of him but he didn't think that he could pass the obstacle in any other way, be it with open eyes or with closed ones.

'Here they go!' Kuroko both sensed and heard the arrows shoot, aiming for them but surprisingly, none had hit him so far. Despite this, he didn't dare open his eyes, letting the firm hand guide him to the light.

He ran, panting as he did and even though he expected to be struck by now, he wasn't. This prompted him to pry open his eyes, looking ahead to see the goal just before them. It was just a step away!

Then he spotted a horrifying sight of an arrow before him, aiming at Akashi who ran before him. Time had slowed down as the arrow moved slowly in the air… slowly… slowly…

Red.

Akashi was surprised when he felt the bluenette push him forward, following along with a pain filled scream. He turned to see one of the arrows pierce Kuroko's shoulder, injuring him as blood poured down his arm.

The redhead's eyes widened in surprise as other arrows shot at them rapidly. With Kuroko's body on the ground, Akashi moved to cover him with his own, his crimson eyes shining as the arrows diverted in their path.

'Huh? They missed? But they were spot on!' Riko noted while the crowd watched in confusion. Arrows were shot but they just kept missing them, even though they were suppose to hit them dead on.

Akashi picked Kuroko up, carrying him bridal style to the goal which was only a few feet away. Everyone watched in shock, looking at the arrows which only kept missing. Then when the redhead passed the finish line, the arrows stopped.

There was silence all around, disbelief and shock in everyone's eyes. Although it didn't take the crowd long to begin cheering, celebrating the pair's victory. It was unusual because usually the race would have no winners, however, this time it did.

'C-Congratulations-' Riko congratulated with a smile before the redhead cut her off, 'Give me the prize.' His tone was low and his gaze narrowed, making the brunette flinch in fright.

Without a word, she gave him the prize which were ten candies. Upon receiving them, Akashi took his leave with Riko and her guards watching him confusingly.

'T-There you go gentlemen! That's it for the race! Now go ahead and play other games all around! That is if you dare!'

'Ohhhh!'

The prisoners cheered but two of them watched the redhead leave in silence. Both Kise and Kagami took off, disappearing among the rowdy crowd.

xXx

Hazy and tired eyes began to open, adjusting to the light that urged them to wake up. Luckily there was a black silouhette that blocked some of the light, giving Kuroko some relief. Who was it?

The bluenette slowly sat up, flinching in pain before grasping his shoulder. The pain made him remember what happened during the race and how an arrow had struck him. He tried to protect someone and ended up getting hit…

'Good morning Kuroko. Did you sleep well?' A familiar voice asked before Kuroko turned to face it, making out the silouhette out to be Akashi, his partner during the race.

That's right… He tried to protect Akashi, even though he was so afraid… His body had moved on its own, 'I-I did, thank you.' He replied, looking into the crimson eyes to notice relief within them. Almost as if they were caring for him, how strange.

'That's a relief' The redhead smiled before ruffling through the pocket of his pants. Kuroko blinked as he waited, noticing ten candies in Akashi's hands, 'These are for you.'

'For me?' All of them? But there were so many of them! At least that's what it seemed like to Kuroko. Since he's new, he didn't really know what ten candies actually meant.

'Thank you.' He accepted them without complaint but then gave the other a questioning look. Why was Akashi giving him free candies? For what?

Knowing what the bluenette wanted to ask, Akashi went on and answered, 'This is the prize of the race you participated in. You've earned them.'

Now he understood but then… 'This is our prize. We should divide them between us.'

Kuroko felt a hand on his own, 'That's alright. I've already received my share of the prize.'

His share? Then Akashi must have already divided them? 'I see. Thank you for both the candies and for saving my life. How can I repay you?'

The other's smile widened, 'There's no need. You've saved my life as well so we're even.' Akashi glanced at the bandaged shoulder while Kuroko did the same. Well, he supposed that they were even then.

Kuroko smiled as well, looking up at the redhead, 'I suppose so.'

Their eyes met again, conveying the feeling they felt. Kuroko was both thankful and glad that he's met someone in this inhumane place he could somewhat trust while Akashi was…

'I'll be taking my leave then.' The redhead stood up, letting go of Kuroko's hand, 'Good luck Kuroko.'

Huh? He was leaving already? Kuroko watched as the redhead headed for the door, however, when a female doctor suddenly showed at the doorway, Akashi was gone. Huh? With a simple blink of an eye, the redhead disappeared, replaced by the female doctor who entered the room.

'So you've finally woken up?' She asked in a lower yet annoyed tone but Kuroko paid her no mind. All he could do was stare at the doorway where the redhead had disappeared.

'There was a redhead here. he left when yo-'

'Huh? Are you hallucinating now? Maybe I should give you an injection for that.' She turned in her chair, surprising Kuroko further. She didn't see Akashi leave? How could that be? And why did he disappear like that in the first place? Was Kuroko really imagining things?

xXx

After staying in the infirmary for a bit, Kuroko headed back outside to see what else the prison as to offer. Truthfully he didn't want to go out but wanted to stay in bed as much as he could. The nurse didn't give him that pleasure though and quickly kicked him out once she deemed him healthy enough.

Kuroko wondered through the corridors of the prison, evading the eyes of those who were walking by. With his luck, he might just run into Kagami and Kise or perhaps someone just like them. He didn't want to take any chances and so he used as much of his low presence he could to sneak by the crowd.

As he was passing by an area he didn't recognise just yet, he noticed that there weren't many prisoners in this place, and yet the sign said that there was some kind of a competition taking place. If Kuroko could read the sign correctly, then a chess competition was suppose to be taking place inside.

Interested to see what it was, Kuroko ventured inside. Who knows? Perhaps one day he could come in and participate himself? If that was the easiest way to get candy, then Kuroko would be more than willing to do it.

He did have a stack of nine candies for future use, having eaten one already. Who knows how much longer they would last him and so Kuroko ventured inside.

Once he entered, Kuroko was surprised when he didn't hear anything; not the usual cheering of the crowd nor the loud arguments of the prisoners. Did he get lost?

Kuroko hesitated but decided to see what was at the end of the corridor before turning back. To his surprise, when he arrived at the end, he saw a hall before him with a single table laid out. At the table there were two inmates that seemed to be playing chess.

Kuroko noticed that there was a crowd watching as well on the sidelines and so he decided to quietly sneak in and watch along with them. He managed to compete this feat as one of the players moved their chess piece.

The inmates that were playing the game seemed to be in focus, concentrating solely on the game. One of them stood out more than the other though, with green hair and eyes to match. He wore black glasses and the usual inmate uniform that they all wore.

Kuroko didn't know what it was but there was just something about the teen that seemed off. Now that he thought about it, he did seem around the same age as him as well, except that he was much taller of course.

The said green head had his hands folded, looking at the chess table before his eyes moved, glancing at the spectators with narrowed eyed. It was then that Kuroko's heart began to race because he could have sworn that the teen was looking straight at him.

His stare was frightening but when he turned to look at the chessboard again, Kuroko could sigh in relief. How strange, did he really see him?

Kuroko watched with newfound interest now as the green head began to play, moving chess after chess before his opponent suddenly stood up after one of his turns.

'T-This can't be!' The inmate looked down in disbelief while the green head pushed up his glasses, 'It is what it is, my victory' He moved his last piece, 'Checkmate.'

The crowd stared in owe and surprise, not expecting the green head to win so unexpectedly. Kuroko didn't know much about chess but even he could tell that it was an amazing match. The whole environment was much different from what he had experienced up until now. The hall was quiet, unlike back at the race where the prisoners seemed like animals.

Notably there also weren't many people watching, probably because not many killers enjoy watching something that requires patience as chess.

'The winner is Midorima Shintarou! Congratulations lad! You've earned yourself twenty candies!' The host announced, giving Midorima his prize as the rest watched. Twenty candies was much more than what Kuroko had gotten for the race, yet it seemed so much easier to do!

'N-No! P-Please! Give me another chance!' The audience soon began to cheer, watching as the loser was being carried to a wall by the guards.

Kuroko didn't know what was happening, that is until a man had given Midorima a gun. The green head took it and aimed it at the loser, shooting him dead in the chest before his body lost all of its life.

The bluenette stood in shock, realising why the event had so much candies at stake. Unlike the race, the loser is guaranteed instant death if they lose whereas in the race, they have a chance of survival even if they didn't win.

Such a cold game… Kuroko had considered participating until he saw what was truly at stake. With something like this, there was no way he would be willing to join and be guaranteed a certain death.

Kuroko used his chance while the crowd was still seated to sneak away, standing up before slowly making his way towards the exit. Everything was going smoothly until he suddenly felt a hand grab his shirt from the back, preventing him from going any further.

Kuroko quickly turned, shocked to see that it was the green head who had won the chess game. Why was he here? What did he want? Kuroko thought to himself as he looked up at the other, all the while the rest of the spectators have long stood up, leaving the hall and walking by both Kuroko and Midorima.

There was silence between them and apart from the noises the crowd was making, no more sounds were made. Kuroko could only stare up at the other in confusion, his cold gaze frightening Kuroko further.

'Is there something you need?' Kuroko finally managed to ask as silence resumed. Although soon, the green head replied, 'Ever since I heard of your arrival, I've been looking forward to meeting you'.

Kuroko's eyes widened in surprise when the green head suddenly bowed down before him, 'I heard many stores about you and now I'm finally able to meet you in person, mother.'

Silence ensued again, however, this time for a completely different reason. Kuroko stood in place, baffled by the name the green head had called him, not knowing what to make of it, 'I apologise but I think that there is a mistake. You must have mistaken me for someon-'

'There is no mistake. It's you who I've been waiting for mother, and in order to celebrate our reunion, I'll dedicate my victory to you.'

Dedicate his victory for him? Mother? Kuroko couldn't believe what he was hearing. The gaze Midorima was giving him… it was a look of a killer.

He couldn't stay here any longer. He had to get away as soon as possible, 'Thank you, that was a splendid match. Hopefully I'll be able to watch you again in the future.' Kuroko said before turning around, 'Until we meet again.'

He fastened his pace and once he was near the exit, Kuroko made a run for it. He didn't know what the other wanted from him but he knew that something wasn't right at all. He made a mental note to stay away from the green head at all costs.

As Kuroko ran, Midorima watched him leave with focused eyes. Finally he had met the person he wanted to meet for a very long time. Father was right, mother did come back to them.

xXx

Kuroko panted, trying to catch his breath as he leaned against the wall of a building. He found a secluded area where not many inmates were so he had some time to rest.

The Blood Prison just keeps throwing unexpected surprises at him one after the other. First it was Kise then Kagami who are both probably still looking for him. Then it was Akashi who disappeared in a blink of an eye.

He did have to say that Kuroko sought Akashi's support the most out of everyone he had met so far. The redhead helped him complete the race and saved him from Kise and Kagami. There was also this strange feeling Kuroko had when he was with him, a strange sense of safety.

Then there was the strangest of them all which was Midorima Shintarou. The green head not only walked up to him when he tried to leave using his low presence, but he also called him a mother. Kuroko didn't know how to explain it and he probably never will.

Will staying here make him go mad? Perhaps that's why Midorima called him that, because he had simply mistaken his own mother for Kuroko. The prison along with it's rules and ways must be made so that it took the sanity of it's occupants.

It's horrifying and yet Kuroko has to find a way to survive. This will be a challenge but he's more than willing to take it on. He didn't kill his parents so he shouldn't even be here in the first place. Now he just had to prove his innocence.

Peep…. Peep… Peep…

Kuroko was startled when he suddenly heard beeping sounds coming from the main building, 'All inmates are instructed to go back to their cells. All who refuse to do so will be severely punished. I repeat, all inmates-'

An announcement made to mark the end of the day? So this is how they control everyone, just by telling them to go back with the microphone. With such a reputation, Kuroko thought it would be much different.

Not wanting to risk it, Kuroko decided to head back to his cell. That is if he can even find the way back… The sun was setting so it was much darker outside than before as well. If he remembered correctly, then his cell could be in the building on the East block.

He didn't know for sure but Kuroko decided to ask any officer he saw on his way there. With that in mind, he slowly and unnoticeably made his way towards the said building, staying away from the crowd of inmates as much as he could.

xXx

Unbeknown to Kuroko however, there was a sole redhead who was watching him from the roof of one of the buildings. His face bore a mask with a single golden eye looking down at the bluenette in excitement.

'Tetsuya' He whispered to himself before a wide smirk appeared on his face. Due to the mask however, his smirk couldn't be seen and so nobody could witness his excitement.

A corner of the building began to shine in golden colour before it tore apart and collapsed. Everyone looked up in startle with wide eyes, noticing the rocks that were about to fall down on them.

However, the one who was dead under the rocks was Kuroko who looked up in shock and surprise.

'Out of the way everyone!'

One of the guards raised his voice in warning but by then it was already too late. The rocks had fallen, crushing anyone who was underneath.

Dust rose up from the ground, covering the whole area in a cloud of smog. Nobody could see even their own fingers before them, coughing heavily while waiting for the dust to slowly disappear.

Then they all saw a black glow come from under the rocks and soon they moved by themselves. Everyone watched in startle and horror as some of the boulders had fallen on prisoners who were in their way.

A black figure emerged from were the boulders first fell, glowing in a black glow.

'W-Who are you?' An inmate who was the closest to the black glow asked, but just as he did, he felt a sharp pain pierce his chest. It was as if a large javelin had pierced through him as he began to cough out blood.

'Y-You…' He muttered under his breath before falling down to the ground, the black matter leaving his body after piercing him.

A teal blue eye glowed in the dust along with another which was glowing in golden colour. Kuroko smirked, looking up with his mismatched eyes of teal blue and gold, spotting a figure up above on the roof.

'Seijuro…'

Author's note

Hello everyone :3 I hope that you're surprised by the update because well... surprise! :D I was planning to update this for a while but because I never really had the time nor the motivation to, I just let it be. Recently I've got this craving for writing a yandere story so that's mostly the reason for this update.

To be honest guys, I was VERY tired when I wrote this so I hope that it's at least readable. I apologise for any spelling mistakes that you may see and if you do spot it, please tell me in the review. Ah! Please do review by the way... If you don't review, this story will die! ;3; No, no it won't die but it will give me motivation to write on and continue this story. Without motivation and support, it's really hard to push myself to update...

Again, if you have any questions regarding the story, please write it in the review and I will include the answers in the next chapter's Q&A :3 Any fanart is also welcome :3 Now I'm just blabbering... gomen ;3; Hope you guys liked the chapter and see you in the next one :D pssss~~ plz review~~~ XD

Next chapter preview

'Kuroko Tetsuya you're coming with us.' Two heavily armed guards found their way around the bluenette, each grabbing him by one of his arms before forcibly carrying him out of his cell.

Due to his haze like state, Kuroko didn't resist at all and let himself be carried. Although he did muster up enough energy to ask... 'Where are you taking me?'

'Quiet!' One of the guards raised his voice, 'Haizaki-sama has asked for you.'

Next chapter: Underworld