Dead or Alive

Pairings: GoM x Kuroko

Summary:

In the southern part of Texas, lies the Generation of Sheriffs. They're the most feared group of Sheriffs in an old town called Teiko. They have a great reputation since all of them had outstanding individual skills. Town Mayor, Riko, gave a rather cunning mission for them. To find the phantom thief on the loose nearby.

Author's Notes:

Nothing to say here, well, except for apologies for a late chapter and evil laughter from all those mysteries and those predicting reviews~

Mwehehheheheh, you'll never know the outcome except me ohyeaaaa.

Enjoy this chappie and unlock all mysteries~ please feel free to review and comment on what you think of my story and your predictions on who is the phantom thief~

Disclaimer! I don't own KnB or its characters.

The Generation of Sheriffs continued on after a rather intriguing episode yesterday. They had a very good night's sleep mind you, dreaming about a certain teal-haired boy, some fluffy, some normal, and some...uh...you know what I mean.

Waking up at an early 6 o'clock, they quickly readied themselves to walk themselves to the Touou District in another one of Kuroko's offices, some even bickering pointless insults to one another. Another modernized-looking building faced them, but it was no surprise since most buildings on this District are also modernized, also because its Kuroko.

Now that you think about it, their synchronized minds lingered onto this enthralling thing named Kuroko Tetsuya; Very light complexion, almost pale and thin but has a rather appealing figure, those silk-like hair that has a light shade of blue same as his rounded unemotional eyes. And that voice that seemed smooth and innocent but releases words that can also pierce a soul.

Their pupils dilated slightly at the thought of the small light bluenette writhing in pleasure underneath them, voicing out pleads and moans to never stop as sweat leaving trails in his whole being. And their hands gripping his hips that it may bruise, while thrusting into that hot sweet cavern as the sounds of pleasure heightened to shouts until they reach their clima-

"Are you all even listening?" Kuroko's voice broke their trances in half as he slammed a book in the middle of the table, which laid out a map of the Touou District. All the rainbow colored prodigies flinched at the sudden bang and stared at Kuroko, who sighed. "You know, if you guys aren't really a fan of early mornings, you shouldn't have come here at this time..."

All the while, Kagami yawned at the thought of sleeping again and rested his cheeks on his palm. He closed his eyes for a bit to nap. But the redhead's peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by a jab on his sides, making him double over in pain. He looked up and glared at Kuroko, who shook his hand a little bit at the slightly painful impact. "Kurokoooooooo..."

"I didn't mean you, Kagami-kun." Kuroko stared at him, making the redhead shiver. Kagami mumbled a 'k, whatever' as he stood up and crossed his arms. The other five just watched and Kise stuttered, "N-No, actually we're fine K-Kurokocchi...!"

The light bluenette shrugged and continued on. "So should I repeat this or no?" Everyone seemed to nod slowly, so he groaned annoyingly."Ok fine." He threw his arms in the air and directed himself to the map.

Kuroko pointed at two places, one is at the Parlor (Bar place) and the other one is at an alley near the first place. "These will be our target places. The Parlor is where Izuki is hanging out recently, and he goes there at the afternoon to take a chug. There're not much people there at twelve and most bar-goers enter there from the time range of two to five. So obviously, we have no choice but to go on twelve to avoid attention."

All seemed to nod again so he continued. "Aomine-kun, Murasakibara-kun, and Kise-kun will be on the alleyway, be sure to lean on the walls so that he won't see you when we chase him out of the Parlor. He seems to have the skill to jump pretty high, so it's highly possible that he will take a turn in this nearest alley and jump over the barrier. As for you Midorima-kun, you will stay on the other side of the barrier, try going inside a building and stay at the window and ready your shotgun. If he managed to get pass the others, we'll signal you, then shoot him."

Midorima seemed to flinch at that and protested, "But what if he had nothing to do with all of these? What if he's innocent?!" Kuroko shrugged and waved his hand in a bored way, "He runs, and we just want him to answer some simple questions. So doesn't that make him a suspect then?"

The teal-haired boy had a point. If they wanted peace, then peace they'll get, but if they wanted chaos, the chaos it is. It's obvious that when someone is innocent, they should come to good terms, not further question it.

"So me, Akashi-kun, and Kagami-kun will be the ones questioning him. I will have a recording device clipped under my shirt so that we can observe his speech in the headquarters with some detectives. Though I prefer that we listen to it personally, I don't want any other people interrupting with my work..." Kuroko lightly growled at the thought of interruption of work.

"When are we leaving?" Akashi's question floated in their minds. He looked at Kuroko but found that he was nowhere near on where he was a second ago, the heterochromatic eyed redhead looked around with external calm to see where the light bluenette has gone. He, along with the others with surprise, spotted Kuroko already outside the open door with his red scarf trailing behind him. Kuroko stopped walking and turned his head back to glance at them, "Why, now of course."

"I didn't really expect him to run..."

"I don't care Kagami-kun! Just make sure that he goes that way!" Kuroko tried to not scream, so that the duped will go according to plan. Akashi ran infront of them and held out his hand, gesturing to the pistol. Kuroko quickly removed it out of his leather casing and threw it at Akashi. The redhead dashed in front of the duo and tried to outrun Izuki.

He held the gun tight as he found out that he couldn't outrun him, so he stopped until he was halfway Izuki and the duo. Elevating the gun in his hand, he cocked it and shot at the prey's side when the designated alley is in view. The shock from the bullet grazing Izuki's right cheek made him turn to the alley which he though was completely safe, but to be sure, he widened his field of vision and spotted three enemies in the alley.

His legs couldn't manage to stop right there and then so he just decided to jump against the barrier. The raven readied his legs for jumping, three more steps before jumping.

Suddenly, at his second step, his leg was caught to something intangible. Which caused him to obviously fall down, three figures pinned him down. Izuki can see Kuroko, Kagami and the other redhead he has still yet to know appearing on the entrance of the alley and a bespectacled greenhead opening the door at one of the buildings and going out, also directing in his direction. The greenhead is also holding a shotgun that made shivers run down his spine.

The other heterochromatic redhead threw a red knife at his sleeve to be planted on the wooden barrier behind him, then threw another two aiming for his other sleeve and collar. The raven tried to pull on his now punctured jacket, but efforts unheard, the knives are stuck like super glue.

Izuki definitely did not expect this outcome, so he just sighed in annoyance when he was caught. 'They're good. It's to be expected when Kuroko's with them though... It was foolish for me to run.' He thought to himself, slightly smiling in defeat. He sees Kuroko slightly fixing his shirt behind his vest and turned to him, "Izuki-kun. Why did you run?" The light bluenette's tone wasn't at all amused. Something like dissapointment. "And I've actually reconsidered you, because I was sure that you were innocent. But there's no turning back now."

A flash of light blinded Izuki for a second, after that, he opened his eyes to feel and see a cold metal grazing and pushing to his Adam's apple. It didn't frighten Izuki one bit, but when he sees Kuroko's eyes, which is like looking through his soul, that made him shiver. "May I ask you, Izuki-kun. Have you sinned recently...?"

Izuki gulped with slight difficulty and shook his head 'no'. Kuroko smiled slightly and asked once more, "Is that so?" The light bluenette took steps forward, each step uneasingly slow, making the raven's shivering more terrified. The aura that the light bluenette has been manifesting is truly terrifying, its a fact to everyone. Kuroko stopped infront of the trapped raven, the others are behind him looking like silhouettes with menacing predator eyes. The light bluenette leaned forwards until their faces were no more than 2 inches apart. Kuroko closed his eyes and the corner of his lips stretched upwards slightly and gently. With a strange soft voice, he asked,

"Are you sure, Izuki-san?"

Izuki cannot control his voice any longer as he spoke with a stutter. "Y-yeah...I'm s-sure..."

"Hmm... Well then, it can't be helped. Let's go." Kuroko called out to the others calmly and pulled himself away from Izuki. He turned and walk to the direction of the entrance of the alley. The others looked surprised, except for Akashi though, the redhead seemed calm for the entire time. Like he's not giving a fuckidy fuck at all, but serious at the same time.

"T-That's...all?" Aomine asked incredously, slightly fuming because there was no action as he was supposed to be expecting. Kuroko turned to the dark bluenette and nodded, "He speaks the truth."

"Ehhh? How would you know Kuro-chin? We haven't asked much questions yet~"

Kuroko stopped and thought for a while. Murasakibara's quite right, the light bluenette almost forgot to ask one more thing. He hummed in gratitude and turned his head back slightly, letting Izuki see half of his face and one sided eye stared at him. He asked slowly, "Does Takao-kun have anything to do with this? Both of you are brothers and you both know each other pretty well."

Izuki shook his head, no, "He doesn't. He's working on a mission with the yakuza now, its impossible." Kuroko stared at him for at least a minute and sighed,

"You guys really need to calm down about this spy business, its dangerous to work with the yakuza you know?" The light bluenette chuckled and walked away with a wave, the others following after him. Akashi went to where Kuroko was and plucked the knives out of his now punctured clothes, slightly surprising the raven at how easily it went off despite his hard efforts earlier. He questioned himself if he should actually be messing with these guys. Kuroko only works with promising people and the group looks more than promising, rather powerful.

Leaving Izuki in a relieved state, Akashi, Aomine, Murasakibara, Kagami, Kise, and Midorima casted him last glances before nodding in farewell. Leaving the raven's question hanging, he stood up almost too quickly. "Wait!"

All the rainbow colored strangers looked back at him, some in surprise, some calmly. He took a deep breath and asked, "Who are you guys and what are you doing with Kuroko-san?"

With a smile, Akashi faced him and crossed his arms, "Why, I'm glad you asked.

We are the a Generation of Sheriffs. Does that ring a bell?"

Izuki's eyes widened and gaped, 'They're...The so-called most powerful group of sheriffs here in the West... All are from the Japanese and German Tribes... The prodigies of the West!'. "What are you all doing here then?! What's your business with Kuroko!" He almost shouted angrily. There's this thing with Izuki and the some others, they and Kuroko were very good childhood friends, but then parted ways after a few years in their childhood and adolescent days. But that overprotective side of his friends still never left him. It's just Kuroko that changed...a lot. Last time, he used to be so innocent and honest. But now...

"That's...a secret~" Kuroko smirked and lifted up his pointer finger to motion a 'shh' gesture.

...he's secretive, mysterious, and plain creepy.

The raven can't even believe at how fast it was, those days that they were all close and happy. And now, they're like strangers, well, some of them think of it that way. But Kuroko cut his ties with everyone of his friends, saying that it was because of his job and training. It was a waste really, such a kind and innocent boy turning to something like...that.

Izuki wondered if the old Kuroko was stil there...then where is he? Is he fine? When will the real Kuroko come back? He asked himself as he stared at the light bluenette's back dissapearing from the alley.

"Are you fucking serious Tetsu?! I thought we were supposed to be ganging him up!" Aomine grabbed Kuroko's collar and lifted him up, shouting in his face. Kuroko remained blunt, staring into Aomine's soul without emotion. The first one to act among Aomine's action was Kagami.

Kagami shoved Aomine off Kuroko and punched him in the face. "Who gave you the fucking right to call Kuroko 'Tetsu' hahhh?! Are you stupid Ahomine?!"

"I can call anyone anything I want, Bakagami! And I was so hyped up yesterday night only to find out there's no action today?! Do ya know how fucking dissapointed I am right now, asshole?!"

Kise tried breaking the two from their fight all the while Akashi, Murasakibara and Midorima just watched.

Midorima turned his head to took at Kuroko who was looking like he was in a daze, the greenhead called out to him, "Kuroko."

Kuroko seemed to snap out of his trance and he looked at Midorima. "Ah, sorry. Yes?". Akashi butted in asked the question for Midorima. "Why did you let him go that easily? We haven't asked that much questions yet and we don't know the truth."

Kuroko shook his head and stared at the ground. "He's telling the truth..."

"Eh? How would you know, Kurochin?" Murasakibara stopped to talk then took another potato chip from his plastic bag to eat it, his deep lazy voice coated with curiosity. Kuroko smiled a little bit and tilted his head, "I just know. I always know when people are lying and telling the truth, it's my skill."

Akashi looked at Kuroko, thinking this tealhaired boy is unusual and interesting, he decided that he liked him. The heterochromatic redhead smirked and took steps nearing Kuroko, that made the light bluenette look at him. Akashi lifted his hand and took Kuroko's chin gently, caressing it as if it was a fragile little thing. Akashi observed Kuroko's face and it truly is unemotional and blunt. The redhead smirked, "Is that so? Interesting~" He licked his lips.

Something seemed to pop in Kuroko's temple as he slapped away Akashi's hand holding his chin. "Please stop that." He said, though it sounded like an order. Akashi just chuckled and shook his head, "Definitely interesting." He stated as he walked away. Akashi turned his head to look at Kuroko, "So who's our next suspect? Tet~Su~Ya~" the redhead purred his name deeply, making Kuroko flush a little bit which was a bit unusual.

"S-Sakurai Ryo..." Kuroko cursed internally as he heard himself stutter and hid his blush from Akashi as he glanced at the others to call them out. He opened his mouth then paused as he eyed the others, the pale cheek's blush darkened into a shade that can make a tomato jealous. The others were staring at him like they're looking through his soul. Kuroko shook his head and turned away from all of them, "Let's...go..."

The prodigies and Kagami however, were a bit surprised at Kuroko's embarrassed figure. Heck, even the tealhaired boy's ears were red as they walked to a certain place where they could say their plans. Cute...'They all thought at the same time. But quite weirded out at the change of attitude. A strong lithe boy outside, but an embarrased, sheepish, and not to mention cute on the inside. It was too fast to be true.

"Wait, how do we catch him? He might be guilty for all I know?" Kagami blurted out as an afterthought. Everyone seemed to stop at that and looked at Kuroko who also stopped walking. The silence was unbearable for a few minutes and after Aomine could talk heinously, the light bluenette turned and gave them all a dull but calm look.

"Uhh... Please just catch him if possible... I just wanted to ask him properly and not scare him..." Kuroko seemed to fidget at what he's about to say, and it was totally uncharacteristic of him. Kagami seemed unfazed by this but the five prodigies were left surprised at the answer. They expected a detailed, more accurate and something...disturbing but they got a simple explanation of a cliche unexperienced answer.

"Kay." Kagami answered and walking ahead of them at their destination, the Ganguro Bar. Kuroko trailed behind him and hid his eye with his bangs while walking, only showing a small part of his black eyepatch. Kise, who was right behind him noticed something off about his unusual hair. The roots were a fading black, as if it was dyed. The blonde couldn't help but ask, "Kurokocchi? Do you dye your hair?"

Kuroko and Kagami seemed to flinch at that, the light bluenette didn't answer, instead, he just nodded slowly. Not even bothering to turn back and face Kise, he just walked ahead of Kagami and paced forward. The others tried to keep up with Kuroko's speed walking and Kise seemed surprised that he hadn't had any decent answer, "K-Kurokocchi... Did I ask the wrong question...or..?"

"It's fine. No problem." Kagami answered a little too quickly and caught up with Kuroko.

The five prodigies just decided to walk normally and not catch up since they know where they're going. "Did I do somehting wrong...?!" Kise depressingly questioned and Aomine patted his back. "Tetsu must've been embarrased about that. Haha! You did nothing wrong!"

"Aominecchi..." Kise's eyes sparkled at his Senpai.

"Aww, Kisechin made Kurochin mad~ you're gonna die later~ die die~" The purple haired giant giggled as he munched on his new set of chips.

Akashi stared at Kuroko and Kagami's retreating backs. "Shintarou." He called out to the carrot.

Midorima answered, "Akashi?"

"Isn't that a bit weird?" The redhead questioned nonchalantly, not even caring if Midorima knows what he's saying or no.

"What is?"

"Tetsuya. Isn't it a bit weird that he changed his attitude a little bit too quickly..."

"Now that you mention it... It does look weird. But who knows..."

Akashi just hummed in reply and paid the topic no heed anymore, deciding that he'll think about it later and just get this mission going. Akashi stopped and noticed something wrong, he called out. "Tetsuya!". All stopped and looked at the heterochromatic redhead except Kuroko who merely answered with, "Y-Yes..?"

"We're going the wrong way, the Ganguro Bar is right next to the Salon, in the corner of the Town Centre. We're going out of the town already." Akashi stated, pointing at the right direction and making Kuroko turn back at him quickly with a weird expression. "T-Tch. Shut up, I k-know..!"

To Akashi and the other five, that definitely sounded forced. Kuroko walked ahead of them again, making Kagami walk right behind him as if to protect or watch him from the others. The five prodigies were confused. Just what made Kuroko be like that? He was much different yesterday and a while ago. They seemed to think that questioning Kuroko will do nothing, instead, they decided to question Kuroko's closest friend, Kagami.

Aomine jerked his arm forward and grabbed Kagami's collar stealthily, dragging him backwards. Kuroko seemed like he doesn't care, so they yanked him backwards out of earshot. Murasakibara brought his pointer finger up to his lips as if to gesture a 'shh'.

"Kagamicchi, what's wrong with Kurokocchi?" Kise asked first, whispering into Kagami's ears. Kagami just gave him a glare and turned away.

"What the heck are you talking about. Nothing's wrong with him." Kagami spat and tried to shrug away the dark bluenette's hold. But the grip just tightened and he was yanked back once again. "Don't you kid us Bakagami..! We know that something's wrong when we all agree on it!" Aomine tried to not shout.

"Kuroko seems like he has a Multiple-Personality disorder. Does he have that?" Midorima pushed back his glasses as he thought about other things.

"Kurochin's sick? I want to ea- take care of Kurochin kaaaay?~"

"Taiga. Tell us what's wrong. I know both of you're hiding something, it's our and both of your job to take care of each other." Akashi stopped the remaining protests and talking. The silence was unbearable since Kagami won't tell or even look at them.

A hand grabbed Aomine's shoulder which made the dark bluenette jump. The others also jumped at the sudden 'teleportation' of the phantom-like Sheriff. Now that they think of it...

"P-Please let K-Kagami-kun go. And by that, its none of your b-business. Let's just be s-serious about this mission." Kuroko looked terrified as he stuttered out one words. His pale hand shaking against Aomine's shoulder. Aomine loosened his grip onto Kagami and let him go.

Kagami went to Kuroko's side and draped an arm around his shoulder, "That's right, its none of your business so why don't you get lost and mind your own businesses? We have a Phantom Thief to capture and a pink princess to rescue!" Then at that, Kagami walked away with Kuroko still with him. Kuroko scratched his black eyepatch and hid his eyes with his bangs once more, staring at the ground while doing so. The light bluenette relied on Kagami to lead the way for him.

The prodigies caught up with them and blowed away the topic. Time was faster than they thought as they stood infront of the Ganguro Bar. Before Kagami could open the doors, a scream could be heard inside. Some big commotion can be heard inside as some people screamed unheard words and a big noise came from the wooden doors. The others flinched as a gunshot and a huge 'thump' can be heard beneath those commotion, silencing everything.

Kuroko reached out and pushed the doors open then as if in slow motion, the so-called figure seemed to whisper something in Kuroko's ears, making the light bluenette's eyes widen and freeze. The time came back to normal and the figure dashed fast between the prodigies and managed to get past them.

Akashi acted first and fired a bullet at the dashing figure. The figure stopped and dodged the bullet, stood quietly as his light blue eyes scanned the group except Kuroko, who still has his back turned and not moving. The figure finally got a nice look from their eyes and they scanned him. He looked like a ninja, all covered in black; Black torso, black japanese shorts, black gloves, black slippers and a black scarf covering most of his face except his eyes. And those eyes, teal-blue. The exposed skin showing a pale complexion.

Those eyes seemed familiar to the prodigies, but...

All of the prodigies readied their weapons and got ready to chase the quick stranger. It was until a waitress from the Bar opened the door and shouted, "That's the phantom thief! That's him, I know!"

They stood silently, letting the words sink in their minds as Kagami tried to shake a dazed Kuroko.

The Phantom Thief backed out as he noticed the abilities that each prodigy possess and he knew that he can not face them. Else he'll be found out. So he just hid his pistols and ran away from them, hoping that he'd escape.

The prodigies ran for them but a shout stopped them, "No! Don't chase him! There's a dead suspect inside, aid him first!" Kuroko ordered them as he fired a gun upwards to divert attention to him.

"But the Phantom Thief!" Aomine blurted out.

"NO!" Kuroko shouted even louder, making the others completely stop and fully listen, forgetting about the running figure. "Just...please. There's a dead suspect inside... Sakurai Ryo is dead..."

"S-Sakurai...?!" With that, Aomine sprinted inside the Bar to see his childhood friend inside, dead. The other prodigies went inside as well, leaving Kuroko and Kagami outside.

The five hadn't noticed the light bluenette paling and panting, as if he was about to black out. Kagami rubbed his back to comfort him and asked slowly, "Are you sure you're okay with this, Kuroko?"

The light bluenette stood up straight and looked at Kagami straight in his eyes,

"I... don't know... I don't know anymore..."

Author's End Notes:

Nothing to say here but I'm still laughing at how you guys are so curious on who's the phantom thief. Mwhehhehehhehh

see you next chappie~