Sorry for the long wait! I went a little crazy writing about 30,000 words of drabbles on my tumblr blog…yep, 30,000 words total…if you're interested in checking them out, my AoKaga tumblr is theeventideabyss and my personal is thetranscendentabyss :)

Anyway, I'll summarise the last chapter so you don't have to read it again. Riko & Co get an anonymous tip telling them to go to the fundraiser, Aomine and Kagami infiltrate, Aomine finds Kise who tells him about money laundering, Kagami finds Alex who tells him to ask the guests about the suspicious nature of the event. Oh, and Riko asks Kuroko to go visit Haizaki in prison. And now we continue!

Chapter 7: Clue

Aomine sighed heavily, ramming his head against the wall. There were so many factors to consider, so many things that were happening at the same time.

He felt like boarding a plane – preferably with Kagami – and just flying away from Japan and all his problems.

But no. He was going to fix this. He was going to face his past, and his mistakes of the last ten years, but he couldn't do it alone.

"Kise…thanks. For telling me all this. You didn't have to, especially given that I haven't told you much about my side of things."

Kise looked at him strangely, then shook his head. "No, Aominecchi. I'm actually glad you asked. It's hard, because even though we're in this together, if feels…really lonely sometimes," he smiled sadly. "Maybe because we know we're hurting good people. And just to cover our own asses. It's despicable."

"Yeah, we're real shit," Aomine laughed dryly. He stood up straight and walked closer to the blonde, his face serious. "But we can change that, Kise. Before Akashi called, that's what I was going to say. If we work together…" his breath caught in his throat. If Akashi found out what he was about to say, the redhead would make sure Aomine seriously regretted it.

Kise looked at him with some apprehension, but he was listening. He knew what Aomine was going to say, and he was still listening. That was a good sign.

"Maybe we can stop Akashi." The words tumbled out, and the panic in his chest loosened a little. He could do this. He could say this. "Maybe…we can stop him before he finishes whatever the fuck his plans are. Stop him before the police catch onto him even more."

The other's eyes narrowed. "You are the police."

"Which is why I know they aren't getting anywhere," Aomine insisted. "None of us will get arrested for our past crimes, because nobody will find out. If…if we extinguish the flame before it becomes uncontrollable, then it'll just disappear in the wind."

Kise shook his head. "Akashi's too strong for that. We can't just tell him to stop."

"No, but what we can do is tell our ex-teammates to stop," Aomine said, thinking aloud. "If we are the pillars that support this operation from the shadows, and we crumble, then Akashi's got nothing to base his operations on. No workforce, no-"

"That won't work," Kise bit out. "Have you forgotten the reason we listen to him in the first place? If Akashi gets one hint that we're working against him, he'll reveal all the evidence he has of our past…involvement with the Kiseki, and then we'll all rot in jail and he'll do whatever the fuck he wants!"

Aomine raised his brows. Kise swore. Kise never swore. "Kise, he may not like it, but he needs us. He needs me in the force, he needs you here, he needs all of us to do his dirty work. That's our way out. Why would he give us up so easily?"

"That's because he doesn't need us. Like you said, we're his puppets…" Kise hesitated. "Don't hold me to this, because I'm not too sure myself, but I don't think he's doing this alone."

"Of course he's doing this alone, who else is there?" Aomine crossed his arms. "His dad's dead, and everyone from the original Kiseki is gone one way or another."

"But I'm not in charge of this fundraiser. I'm hosting it. Yes, I picked the targets. Yes, I told Akashi about them," Kise grabbed Aomine's shoulders. "I thought he did everything after that, since he owns the venue and the banks and everything. But don't you think that's a bit too much? Think about it. Don't you think having the entire underworld – weapons, drugs, money, politics – controlled by one man with us as his helpers is stretching it?"

"So you're saying Akashi has other people close to him." Aomine shrugged. "Not hard to believe. He can hire them or whatever. Blackmail them like he does us."

Kise looked doubtful. "Maybe. But it doesn't feel right. Aominecchi, we…no matter what we do, I don't believe any of us are criminals at heart. But the men working for Akashi…I have a feeling they are. Akashi doesn't need us. We're just convenient. We've got no public criminal background, but we're still tied to him. We…we're the front. We're useful, but not necessary. We aren't the pillars holding him up. We're the decoration." He pursed his lips. "If we take down Akashi, we don't need to take down our own teammates. We need to take down his teammates. Whoever they are."

Aomine grabbed Kise's arm. "So you're with me? You're willing to risk it? You're willing to take Akashi down?"

Kise opened his mouth just as there was a banging noise on his door. The two exchanged a glance as Kise opened it.

"Hope you had a good chat," a familiar voice drawled. "You're on in five, Kise. Get a move on."

"Senpai!" Kise laughed, his voice lighter. "You knew where I was?"

"I'm still your fucking bodyguard. Of course I've got an eye on you," Kasamatsu muttered.

Aomine followed Kise out of the room, nodding a greeting to the guard. "Well, I should leave. We'll talk later."

As he turned around, Kise grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back. "Here's my card," he handed it to Aomine and leaned a little closer. "And Aominecchi, I know you want to keep your past and future apart," he murmured. "But your boyfriend is working on this case. No matter how hard you try to keep Akashi and him separate in your life, it's not going to work. My advice is you tell him. He can help, I'm sure of it. You're partners. You're meant to work together."

"Kagami's got nothing to do with the Kiseki," Aomine muttered back, but for some reason, something Akashi had told him in the past nagged at the back of his mind when he said it. "This is our problem. We'll solve it ourselves."

Kise went to say something, but shrugged instead before walking in the opposite direction with his grumbling guard.

Aomine looked at the business card, and pocketed it.

Maybe there was some hope for them, after all.

Kagami forced a grin as the women fawned over him, leaning on his shoulder and touching his hair. Alex had left him to go god knows where, and he hated her for it. He could not deal with this alone. He'd seen Aomine head off with the blonde haired man he had recognised as the host, so he was truly left alone.

"So ladies, what brings you to the party?" Kagami asked and winced as soon as the words were out. Oh god that sounds so cheap.

They didn't seem to think so. One of the three, a pretty woman with a high bun, smiled at him as she took his empty glass and handed him another one. "I don't think I've met you before, Mr…?"

Kagami began to say his own name, before he remembered he had another. "Ono Yuuki. Voice actor."

One of the ladies, a brunette, offered a hand. "I'm a voice actor too, Chiwa Saito. I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of working with you."

Kagami kept up the forced smile. Yeah, that's because I don't technically exist. "I'm pretty small time, really."

They exchanged a glance, as though a secret message passed between them.

"Is that true?" the first one asked, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "So how did you get invited? We don't mean to offend! It's just that…"

"Well, to be honest, I don't know myself," Kagami admitted truthfully. Not so truthfully he said: "I got it in the mail, and it seemed really important that I go. Does everyone know each other here or are we all strangers?" Come on ladies. Tell me what you know.

"We're pretty much strangers," one of them rearranged her dress. "So…how much are you donating today?"

It was the way she asked that question that made Kagami feel a little uncomfortable. "As much as I can, of course."

They looked at each other again, in that strange way. The one named Saito opened her mouth, then thought better of it and looked away. Before Kagami could press her further, the lights dimmed and a man with blonde hair walked onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for joining us today…"

Well, they're not talking. I could bring them down to the station, but that'll probably just scare them into further silence. Kagami excused himself and slipped off into one of the side hallways. I've also got that bottle with me. Dammit, Taiga, you can't go back empty handed! Think!

He was so deep in thought, he didn't realise someone was walking his way until he collided with them.

He held out his hands to steady the person and got a face full of hair.

"God dammit," the shorter man grumbled, stepping away and rubbing his head. "Damn tall people don't watch where they're going… You're all like Kise."

"I'm really sorry!" Kagami winced when he realised the man was wearing security black, his badge reading Kasamatsu Yukio – Kaijou Security Services. "I am truly…" his voice trailed off as his eyes landed on the floor between them. There was the bottle, lying in plain sight, probably jolted out of his jacket when he bumped into the guard.

He quickly bent down and picked it up, pocketing it fast while hoping the guard hadn't seen and recognised the white powder inside. Kasamatsu looked at him with a mixture of pity and curiosity.

"The bathrooms are down the other way," he pointed behind Kagami.

Kagami quirked an eyebrow. "Sorry?"

Kasamatsu jerked a thumb at where Kagami had pocketed the drug. "Well, it isn't any of my business as to why you have to do it at this place, but obviously you need the bathroom for a urine sample."

Kagami reddened. "A u-urine sample?"

"The bottle…" Kasamatsu shook his head. "Why am I talking to a random stranger about urine samples? I don't know." He patted Kagami on the back as he walked past. "Hope you're in good health!"

"Thanks…" Kagami mumbled…before it clicked. Urine sample. He took the bottle out again. Cylindrical, with a yellow top. He'd looked at it dozens of times. It was nothing remarkable. The only thing was a small logo at the bottom – a spiky, star like symbol with three evenly spaced protruding staffs that looked like small pen nibs. Kagami had already tried to run it through their system for a company match at the station with no luck. Without a clearer picture of it, it was easier said than done.

And Takao had specifically told him not to show anyone until he had a solid lead. A solid lead was better than a shoplifter's word of mouth, and Takao hadn't wanted to be personally connected with the drug either.

But now Kagami had a lead. Because the guard had just made him realised something very important. The bottle he was holding was meant for urine samples. Which meant it was from a doctor's clinic, or a hospital. Kagami smirked. This was Takao who had given it to him, so it was most likely a hospital. Takao still hadn't told Kagami who had treated his bullet wound way back when the street rat had gotten some time ago, and it was definitely easier for an employee to get a hold of a clean and empty bottle like this rather than a patient.

Was it such a far cry that the doctor who treated him may have also given him a job? Maybe, but Kagami intended to find out.

He was feeling a lot happier as he tucked the evidence deep into his jacket. He hadn't found out as much as he would have liked to about the fundraiser, but he'd gotten Takao's clue pinned down. He hoped Aomine had more luck on the goal of today's mission, however. Only by working together were they going to get to the bottom of this mess.

"Taiga! Any luck?"

He turned around to see Alex walking over to him. She held a few papers in her hand.

"I was just practicing that damn speech," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "Any luck with the girls?"

He shook his head. "No, sadly. They're tight-lipped, so I'm pretty certain something's going on," he sighed. "Hopefully my partner's been luckier."

Alex pouted. "Well, it would have to be something pretty big for them not to spill the beans to you. You've got such a trusting face."

"Maybe they didn't want a trusting face," Kagami shrugged. "I don't think there's anything else I can do anymore. I'll just call Aomine and head back." I also need to tell Chief about the heroin. I'm not waiting any longer, he thought with slight urgency.

"I could see if I could do some digging," Alex said nonchalantly as she flipped through her notes. "Since I'm working with the Japan Natural Disaster Relief organisation, I'm sure I can be of use."

Kagami frowned at her. "No, Alex. I don't know what's up but it might be dangerous, and I'm not having you hurt."

"Oh, honey, you're so sweet," she grinned at him. "But Big Sis Alex is more than capable enough! Well, I gotta go give a speech, but I'll drop by your apartment later, okay?" she grabbed his collar and pulled him forward, kissing him straight on the mouth before Kagami could stop her.

"Ew, you got lipstick on me," he groaned as she pulled away and he wiped his lips. Thank goodness the hallway was deserted, so no-one had seen it. "And you really shouldn't do that…" his voice died as he saw Alex stare over his shoulder. He slowly turned around to find Aomine staring at him, mouth slack. Fuck. "Aomine, wait, it's not-"

Alex clapped her hands together. "So you're Aomine? Taiga's new partner, right?"

"Taiga?" Aomine muttered and Kagami recalled the time when he had said the same thing, in the same way, back when they met drunk at the bar Himuro worked at. He had shivered back then, hearing his name slide off Aomine's tongue, and that hadn't changed for today either.

"Aomine, this is my basketball coach from America," Kagami rubbed his forehead. "She has a nasty habit of kissing everyone."

Aomine's eyes scanned over her. This is that woman from earlier! And in some thoughtless act of dominance, he grabbed Kagami's jacket the same way she had and placed another kiss right on his lips, straight in front of her, his other hand snaking around Kagami's back. He scowled at the bitter feeling on his tongue. "That lipstick tastes horrible."

Kagami blinked at him, before his cheeks flushed. "What the fuck are you doing in public, you Aho!" he shoved the other away.

"Oo la la," Alex snorted. "So when you said partner, you meant it that way?" she winked at Kagami. "He's hot. I approve."

"Why do I know you people…?" Kagami felt like beating his head against a wall.

"Because we're awesome," Alex nodded. "Anyway, I'm on stage soon, but I'll contact you later." As she turned around, she winked at Aomine too. "And I may contact you too, handsome. Okay, okay, I'll stop hitting on your boyfriend," she chuckled as Kagami glared at her. "See ya!"

"Basketball coach, huh?" Aomine huffed as they saw her disappear around a corner.

"She's really good. She was part of the WNBA," Kagami replied. "But let's talk about something more important," he said as they started towards a side exit. "Did you find out anything? The guests wouldn't talk so openly with me, but I saw you with that Kise guy. Did he have anything useful to say?"

Aomine pursed his lips. Should I tell him? No. I can't. I need to shut down the operation. I can't have him involved. It's the only thing I can do to protect him. Kise's words flashed though his mind. Yeah, I know we're partners. But I can't tell him everything. Not yet.

"Aomine?"

Aomine shook his head free of thoughts. They had been walking in silence and were now outside, the cool winter air a fresh change from the indoor stuffiness. The street they exited on was quiet, empty and peaceful. Kagami looked at him worriedly, and Aomine felt a pang in his chest. He placed a hand on Kagami's cheek, and Kagami blinked up at him in surprise.

"Uh, you okay?"

"Yeah," Aomine whispered. "Sorry. I didn't find anything useful either." The words were heavy in his mouth. Acrid.

Kagami placed his own hand on Aomine's and smiled softly. "That's fine. We'll work it out."

Aomine's mouth was dry. "Okay. Can you hail a cab? I think I saw a few on the main road. I need to sit down a little."

"Sure," Kagami grinned and walked off. As soon as he was out of sight, Aomine reached into his back pocket and took out a red smartphone. He'd nicked it off Kagami when they were kissing, and he typed in the passcode hesitantly.

0315.

The phone clicked and opened up to the menu. So Akashi was right. Aomine took a deep breath. He didn't want to do this. But if he didn't, Akashi would get too suspicious, and Aomine knew it would be harder to fight back if that happened.

Even more reason to keep Kagami away from it all. If he didn't know anything important, he couldn't accidentally leak it to Akashi, right?

Aomine did the deed and pocketed the phone. Akashi Antivirus, developed by one of Akashi's many companies, was one of the most top end software. It was also used by the government. How far it was used, Aomine didn't know, and he didn't know if Akashi was spying on his own government either. But whatever happened, Aomine had come to a decision.

As he saw a taxi turn onto the road and stop near him, Kagami waving at him from the passenger seat, he knew it was the right choice.

Aomine would stop Akashi.

But he'd need the help of his ex-teammates first, and he had a feeling he knew where to begin.

"You get ten minutes."

The man smiled at the guard. "Thank you. And you guarantee this visit is off the books and off the recordings?"

The guard nodded gruffly, smiling. "You sure paid me and my pals enough. You've got our word."

"If I find out otherwise, I know where you live. And trust me, I will find out." the visitor smiled, and the guard stiffened. He was three times the other man's size, but somehow, he knew he was as significant as an ant under the other man's leather shoes.

"Of course, sir," the man bowed low. He'd said 'ten minutes' but honestly, he didn't think he had the balls to tell the guy to get out if he ran overtime.

The man stepped through the doors into the room. It was a small room, with one table in the middle and two chairs facing each other.

One of the chairs was occupied.

The man who sat in it had messy black hair that had once been braided into cornrows. His dark narrow eyes locked with a mismatched pair.

"Akashi," the guy mumbled, the chains locking his hands together clanging as he moved to stand up.

"Sit down, Shougo," Akashi said, seating himself. "I see you no longer dye your hair the colour of your personality."

The prisoner glowered. "You should be calling me Haizaki-san. And my personality is fucking fantastic. Plus there ain't no hair dye in prison. Look, what the fuck do you want, Akashi?"

Akashi frowned. "Kuroko Tetsuya is coming over tomorrow morning, and you are to tell him nothing."

"And why would I do that?" Haizaki sneered. "You ain't my boss, Akashi-kun."

Akashi's eyes flashed, and Haizaki felt his stomach roil. "No, I am not. But do you know who was? My father," his voice was emotionless, but Haizaki could feel the underlying anger. "You failed him, Shougo. And he failed the Kiseki. But I am not like him. I am better. I will succeed where he failed."

"How the fuck did I fail him?" Haizaki growled. "I worked to the bone for him, for years. I even took care of those brats you brought-"

"You got caught!" Akashi slammed his hands on the table and stood up, and Haizaki would be lying if he said he wasn't a little startled.

"That's 'cuz I didn't know fucking Nijimu-"

"And you make excuses!" Akashi's voice rose and he leaned in closer. "But there's someone here, in this very prison, who doesn't make excuses. Someone here I trust a lot more than you to get the job done. You are useless, Shougo. And that person is going to help me rebuild the Kiseki, rebuild it better."

"If you're talking about who I think you're talking about, you're fucked up," Haizaki spat. "I swear, you're gonna be just as bad as your father. Maybe even worse, and I sure as hell don't mean that in a good way."

Akashi spread his arms out wide, his lips curling up in an empty smile. "I'm doing this for the greater good, Shougo. My father was a corrupted man. He had so much power, but he used it all wrong," he sighed. "The police were so stupid, that even though my father was so open, they still couldn't stop him. They didn't even arrest him. And my mother paid for that with her life. She's dead, Shougo. She's dead because my father was stupid when he tried controlling the underworld. She's dead because the police were incompetent. She's dead because of Tokyo's sins."

"And reviving the Kiseki Syndicate in your image is gonna solve that?" Haizaki drawled. His confidence was beginning to waver. Akashi's words were more than those of a madman. They were the words of a psycho.

"I will purge Tokyo! And what better way than to throw it into chaos, burn its superficial system, and let it be reborn?" Akashi chuckled. "And I have the perfect man for it. You'll see it, even from your little prison cell. Tokyo will pay for my mother's death. They all will." Akashi straightened his coat and tightened his scarf, tucking in his chair. "Well," he said, his voice suddenly calmer. "I think my time is up. Tetsuya will come tomorrow to ask questions, and you will not divulge any information, okay?"

Haizaki nodded subconsciously as Akashi smiled at him and left.

This kid was at least fifteen years younger than him, but Haizaki could feel it.

He wasn't a kid anymore. He was a man.

And a dangerous one at that.

For once, Haizaki felt glad he was locked in prison.

Thanks for your patience and support! I don't have anyone to actually consult when it comes to this story, so all the planning and weaving that I do is only done by me, and through only my perspective. So I sincerely apologise if things get confusing in a bad way. If they do, let me know, and I will work even harder on those points to clear them up further! Since I don't know how much explanation is enough (as I want to keep the plot layered like an onion lolol), and I just go with my gut feeling.

Thanks for reading! 3