Chapter eight: Seirin

It wasn't that Seirin wasn't devastated by Kuroko's death, if anything, they each felt as if a part of them died the very moment they heard of the accident, as if several years of their life had been shaved off, roughly pulled away, leaving nothing more than blistered bleeding souls, weeping at the absence of ever watching calm eyes, a gentle soothing voice, the encouraging pat on the back, and the small comforting smile, peeking from the shadows.

However, Seirin had something that the Generation of Miracles was still merely beginning to comprehend, they had a bond, they were family.

So whenever one felt down, or when they felt like crying, or screaming, or simply throwing a fit (no matter how unsightly), the others would patiently wait, willing to comfort, to the best of their ability, for they knew of each other's pain, and they knew, with absolute certainty, that Kuroko, their ever beloved shadow, would be sad should they cry and mourn forever.

Of course, Tetsuya Number Two helped greatly, his comforting barks and kind licks, tongue swiping off the tears of the family, ever encouraging. And when the poor pup would sit in the shadows, a sad look on his face as he'd glance around, whimpering as if he expected someone to be near, to bend down and hold him in their arms, to pet him and snuggle, the family would stop their practice and gather round. Each taking a turn in holding him, comforting him, yes, even Kagami, who had been the one to, surprisingly, take him in.

They had tried to contact the Generation of Miracles, tried to reach out to them in a mutual bond of sorrow, but the team had long since separated by then, each withdrawn into their own shell, and so the family shook their heads, saddened at the sight. But they all agreed, creating a promise, that whenever, should ever, the team need the families help, then they'd gladly give their all.

For Kuroko.

So when Kagami rushed into basketball practice a little late, a worried look on his face, the family listened. While they did not know how to take the fact that Murasakibara claimed their shadow helped him pull off a surprise party (both because the idea of Kuroko throwing a "surprise" party when he went about surprising people on an everyday basis was hilarious, and because he was, well, kind of dead) they did know that they finally had a chance to help.

They had no idea, really, where to look, but they refused to admit that until Riko had enough of Izuki's lame puns, constantly made by noting the names of the places they passed, and already agitated by the constant rain. However, Izuki was saved from their coach's wrath by Number 2's barking, tail wagging with happiness that had vanished since Kuroko's death.

In a silent exchange the family split, Kagami, Kiyoshi, and Hyuuga chasing after Number 2 while the other's searched for the Generation of Miracles.

It wasn't soon after the split that the three (plus puppy), saw Kise running across a bridge, an obviously distressed look on his face.

"Um, Riko," Hyuuga began, loosely holding his cell, "I think we have a problem."

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If the Generation of Miracles wasn't such an odd bunch Riko and the others would have missed them completely, but, as they were odd, as in really, really odd, they were beyond obvious as they ran down the streets, panic evident on Momoi's and Aomine's faces while Midorima and…Takao?...rode on a bike, well, to be more precise, Takao rode the bike, Midorima stood in the trailer-thing attached to it, shouting into a megaphone, calling for Kise. Murasakibara chomped on his candy in an almost nervous manner, head twisting and turning, having a wonderful view of the crowd due to his height.

Quite frankly they all looked like drowned rats.

Though Riko supposed Seirin didn't look any better.

Calmly walking over, flanked by members of her family, Riko called for the team's attention, almost shocked by the urgency in the air. Before she could even so much as open her mouth she received the call from Hyuuga, looking to the team her only words were, "We've found Kise-kun."

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Gathered before the stairs leading to the land beneath the bridge, the family and team stared down into the darkness.

"Are you certain Kise-kun is alright?"

"Number 2 wouldn't be happy to see a corpse."

"I don't think he'd be that happy simply seeing Kise-chin anyway."

The family did not reply to the implication. Only sighed and double checked their supplies.

Flashlights? Check.

Blankets, towels, bandages, rope (just in case)? Check.

Agreeing to head down before the police spotted them the group carefully went down the stairs in groups of two, led by Number 2 the group found themselves staring at a rather strange sight, at least, to the family.

"Why is Kise-kun hugging thin air?"

"Honestly," interjected Izuki, "I don't think thin air could hold his head up like that, and I highly doubt his neck could."

Midorima scoffed, seeing the blurred and faded image of Kuroko within his teammate's arms, "It's obvious he's holding Kuroko."

Momoi squinted before jogging over and squatting before the pair, her hand wavering above Kuroko's head, "Tetsu-kun?" she asked shakily, ignoring how Seirin glanced at each other in both confusion and understanding, and how Aomine walked up and wrapped Kise in a blanket, hands barely departing the model's shoulders before blue eyes snapped open and looked at him, "Thank you, Aomine-kun."

Midorima coughed into his fist, dragging all eyes to him, Takao holding his cell to his ear, face screaming of terror, "Akashi-san has summoned us," looking over to Seirin he added, "all of us."

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A/N: Yeah, Seirin can't see Kuroko, the reason will be explained in the next chapter. As for wondering what should be considered "right or wrong", in this story there is no such thing, only love and devotion. Yes, Kise is slightly insane, and obviously possessive, but Kuroko doesn't mind; though the fact that he's in love with a ghost might be considered wrong to some people. So it's alright to be confused about that, love is a confusing thing.

Also, I just realized I never put a disclaimer up on this story, not once. Well, anyway, we've got one last chapter left and I'm considering putting a pole up concerning whether or not there will be a sequel. However, in the sequel the only character's from Kuroko no Basket will be Kise and Kuroko. And, sadly, by the end of next month (like by the 17th), I'll no longer be able to update any of my stories, for around a year, so perhaps starting a sequel now won't be a good idea, then again, if I start it later I'd have probably lost all ya…well, tell me what you lot think.

Beyond that remember, as always, one review.