Chapter 1: Kise Ryouta

It was a fresh year, third years of middle schoolers have graduated and entered first year of high school. The newly formed high school, Seirin High School, had bright hopes of potential students joining them. Among the clubs and societies, Basketball Club had a brilliant future ahead of them. Among members of their new recruits, the captain and the team's trainer. Many have mistaken her for the manager, were defeated on the first day.

"Kuroko Tetsuya, Teiko Middle School?" Riko had been devastated when she had reviewed the application. She was greatly impressed with the student who had just returned from the United States. She had suspected both to be superior in skills, taking into consideration 'Kuroko Tetsuya' was from the same rumored Generation of Miracles.

Practice for Seirin Basketball team began their first practice the following week. The team had a huge shock when Kuroko went ran their radars. Riko had expected much more, as a member from the Generation of Miracles. First years vs Second & Third years practice had proven the revolving vital potential of two first years: Kagami Taiga's raw potential and Kuroko Tetsuya's vanishing skills. Riko realized that Kuroko Tetsuya was the invisible rumored member of Generation of Miracles.

Generation of Miracles' Sixth Man, The Phantom Player.

The crowd of fangirls surrounding the basketball gym had the team curious. "Sorry, sorry.... Could you give us five minutes?" The man at the centre of attention had striking blond hair, and a strong athlete built. He wore the uniform of Kaijou High School, an elite class athlete school, which individuals with high-level skills like him are capable of entering.

It was Kise Ryouta.

Riko had wondered the reason the famous Kise Ryouta had approached Seirin High School, a no-named new reformed high school. Her concerns were disturbing. She felt a bad feeling, the signification of his presence as the famous model, and a member of the Generation of Miracles. It was as if the calm before the storm. Kagami tossed a basketball at Kise, the ball successful twisting with huge force. A normal person would have been thrown off their feet after receiving that attack.

"Oh? Are you challenging me?" Kise eyed Kagami.

"I heard that this 'Generation of Miracles' are strong basketball players. Why don't you show me how strong you are? You're one of them, aren't you?" Kagami retorted.

Kise discarded his blazer and rolled his sleeves. "Fine. Let me tell you one thing, I'm strong. I'll make you regret for challenging me."

Kuroko had been observing in silence. "What's wrong, Kuroko? Isn't he your friend from middle school?" Koganei asked, realizing the dark aura accumulating around Kuroko. He felt something was wrong. Very wrong. The fear and anxiety sent shivers down his spine. He clenched his fists, praying his worst nightmares would not return to reality.

Kagami's challenge had lasted no more than a minute. It was a complete loss. Even Riko had been astounded. It was not the experience Kise possess as a member of the Generation of Miracles, rather the astonishing skill Kise had displayed.

"Wha...what......that was a technique Kagami had just used seconds ago!" Hyuuga voiced. Riko had temporary lost her voice induced by Kise's basketball. Riko possessed the sharp cognizance that each and every member from the Generation of Miracles exibit abilities beyond human understanding.

Kise approached Seirin Basketball team gathered in a corner of the gym hall had an equally disappointed look etched on his face. "Yep. I give up. You guys are too weak. Give us Kurokocchi."

Seirin were frozen to stone. It was a day filled with surprises.

"Kurokocchi?" Kise's nickname for Kuroko had Koganei and Furihata burst into fits.

"Kuroko is a member of Seirin High School!" Kagami lashed at Kise from behind. "You bastard.... Did you come here to do this?"

"This is not open for discussion, Seirin. Kurokocchi belong to us." Kise said, his personality had taken a 180⸰ turn. "Or are you gonna fight me? You can't win, and I won't lose."

"Kise-kun, why?" Kuroko asked, finally found his voice since Kise first showed up in the gym hall. He had remained silent since Kagami had lost in a match with Kise. He had feared his worst nightmares would become reality. Kuroko knew, the fact that a member of the Teiko empire, and a general personally chosen by the master of the empire was no joke. No human had trespassed the empire grounds without the judgement of the devil master, revered as the king of the empire.

Kuroko was different. Kuroko was special.

"He is mad, Kurokocchi. Do not make things more difficult for him." Kise told Kuroko. "You will return, to Teiko Empire."

"I refuse, Kise-kun. Even though you were my friend, but I cannot. I have decided to strive for a path just for who I am."

Kuroko had refused Kise's invitation. Kuroko had refuse to admit the unique talents he was born with, nor the fact his was different from his peers. He was a destined as a sacrifice for the devils.

"Kurokocchi, do you remember my nickname?" Kise had asked. He inched nearer, one step nearer to Kuroko each time, finally Kise was standing just inches away from Kuroko. "You know the reason I was chosen to retrieve you, don't you?"

Kuroko's facial expression had darkened. There was no way he'd forget. The ability to easily transform and conform, Kuroko was especially familiar with the skills Kise possessed. As if possessed by the spirits, his assassinations were perfectly executed, with a big grin etched on his face. Kuroko once felt that Kise was like a china doll, with a beautiful face, executing the deadliest deeds no one would have believed, commanded by the devil master of Teiko empire. Kise earned his nickname.

The Distorted Copy.

"You have no right to refuse. You will accept his invitation." Kise pulled out a small vial filled with crimson red contents.

What is that? No one had the guts to defy Kise Ryouta. The crimson red liquid within the vial looked like poison that could kill a person without lifting a single finger.

Kuroko's fears had metamorphosed. He lunged for the vial from Kise to no avail. "Kise-kun, you...!" Kuroko shivered, fright and fear were reflected in his eyes. "Where did you get that from?!"

"What was that?" Kagami's voice had broken the long silence. Kise frowned, his superhuman abilities to conceal his real emotions were glossed over. It lasted in mere seconds no human biological reactions could have reciprocated.

"Who knows. But Kuroko panicked when Kise pulled out that thing. It must be bad." Riko had concluded.

She had a bad feeling. A very bad feeling. Judging by Kuroko's behaviours, someone of Kuroko's caliber who was matter-of-fact invisible and expressionless were results of his exceptional observational skills, was hysterical and frantic, a rare scene of the man entitled of Teiko's Phantom Player.

Kise had ripped off the cork sealing the vial, pouring out the contents onto the smooth floor of Seirin Basketball gym hall. Kuroko shivered, trembled and palpitated. Beads of cold sweat rolled off the sides of his neck. Kuroko could feel the demons within himself, inching nearer and nearer to the darkness. Reaching his limits, his vision was turning darker and darker, eventually his vision had deteriorated, barely making out the golden hue of Kise's striking blond hair.

"How could you?" Kuroko trembled, before passing out, falling prey into Kise's arms.

"Welcome back, Invinsible Venator." Kise smiled, satisfied with the results.

"Kise!" Kagami roared. "What did you do?"

Ears and tail had appeared, the epitome of the spirit often recited in legends and myths: a fox spirit. "This has nothing to do with you. I'm surprised this idiot has restrained and controlled himself for this long. He needs to be fed, and Seirin is a bad environment for him to survive. Only he is capable of feeding Kurokocchi. Kurokocchi is just being stubborn."

Kise carried Kuroko, treating him with the gentlest touch, as if Kuroko was a princess made out of glass. "You can't have him. Kurokocchi belongs to our Master." Turning one last look at Seirin, amused and complacent of the horror reflected in their facial expressions, Kise casted a spell, the pair had vanished. Kuroko was taken away.

"Kuroko!"

Chapter 2: Return

Kuroko arise, his mind was still delusional thick with darkness and sleep, his body was aching with tenderness of familiarity that he had not felt in a long time. He took a quick glance around the room. The four-poster queen sized bed he was in, the curtains, the windows, the desks and wardrobes. The arrangement of the furniture was the same as ever as far as he remembered.

Sounds like Akashi. Kuroko huffed.

It was just yesterday Kuroko remembered he was happily living his life in Seirin, until the advent of Kise Ryouta, Teiko's favourite assassin. The meeting had shaken and stirred Kuroko from within, awakening emotions and sentiments of darkness he had restrained, being kept far from bay. He had often lamented himself for being weak. He could've escaped and left the hall, instead of presenting the golden opportunity for Kise to kidnap him.

Where am I? Kuroko's obstinate nature refusing to capitulate had whispered those words out loud.

"There is no excuse for that. You know very well where you are."

The uptight figure of speech, the voice of the man who had spoken was seated comfortably in the darkest corner with a bear soft toy in his taped hands. He adjusted his glasses with a soft click with his left hand. His name was Midorima Shintarou. Kuroko stared at the green-haired man. Had he been there since yesterday?

"Are you my new watchdog?" Kuroko asked.

The door gave a loud creaking noise, signifying the door was being opened. A man of a shorter stature entered the room. The significant features were the heterochromatic eyes and the crimson red hair. The fine elegant cloth of the velvet and black layered kimono adoring  the Akashi clan's insignia. Kuroko's insides churned. A feeling of wanting to be released, to return to his master's side. By the side of the man named Akashi Seijuurou.

"You're finally back, Tetsuya." His observant heterochromatic eyes were carefully and meticulously scrutinizing Kuroko's every movement.

Kuroko scowled. "Do not play dumb. You ordered Kise to do that, didn't you?"

Akashi settled himself on the edge of the bed, fingers hovered over the slight sensations his Tetsuya. Akashi pulled his chin into the proximity of himself and had locked him into a contest of glaring. Akashi rubbed his fingers against the pale lips of his beloved Tetsuya.

"And you know the futility of your efforts, Tetsuya." Akashi smirked, fully aware of his orders had the reverse effect on Tetsuya. "How many days, how many months, how many years since you last fed? My dear Tetsuya, you must be very hungry. Three years since you left me, three years you have not fed."

"Surely you jest, Master." Kuroko pulled away from Akashi's hands. "I survived just fine without feeding. Do not underestimate me."

Akashi sighed. "That's fine, but you shall be confined till you are summoned." Akashi took one last look at Kuroko's new ankle chain and Akashi's black leather choker which was worn over Kuroko's pale, delicate neck. Akashi rose from beside Kuroko, took a quick glance at his Shutoku subordinate. "Shintarou."

Midorima clicked his glasses, pushing the delicate metal frame across the bridge of his nose with his carefully taped fingers. "I understand, Akashi."

"You shall soon learn what it means to be discovered by me." Was Akashi's final warning before vanishing from the elegant bedroom with black and gold sophisticated designs befitting of a demon.

Two chambermaids entered the bedroom, which Kuroko was slightly thankful for. Both of them had bowed, bringing Kuroko's clothes and towels. The both of them were around 160's in height. One had extremely long, silky hair, the other had relatively short hair. They were donning the Teiko chambermaid uniform with green floral design. Besides their facial features, there wasn't anything else Kuroko could use to differentiate the both of them. Curved eyebrows, double eyelids, thin plump lips and rosy cheeks. Kuroko could've sworn they were twins

"What's your name?" Kuroko had asked.

"No way, Kuroko-sama! We are just your chambermaids!" They had replied in panic, fearing the anger of the great master.

Kuroko sighed. "It's fine. I can't be calling you hey all the time. And to such beautiful girls."

His chambermaids glanced at each other and gave in to Kuroko's advances. Midorima was well aware of Kuroko's observant ability to make people capitulating to his advances.

"My name is Hae-In" replied the chambermaid with silky long hair.

"And please call me Amaya." The other replied.

Midorima had once claimed that Kuroko who bear the blood type A does not get along with him who belongs to blood type B. His reserved character was the main cause of the tensed and taxing ambience. He was Akashi's second-in-command, and Kuroko and Midorima had decided they never got along well.

"Kuroko-sama, it's time to bathe." The chambermaids Akashi sent were gentle. One of them unlocked the chain locked onto the wall, and was guided for shower.

Kuroko had struggled against the discomfort of the chains and collars. "Can't you take these off?" Kuroko asked, indicating to the ankle chain and the choker. "I won't run away."

"No." Was Midrorima's strict and reserved voice echoed through the silence the chambermaids' inability to make provisions. "You escaped once. You will not escape twice. The next time it happens, Akashi will not be able to restrain himself. You should be aware what Akashi would do. Bathe well, Kuroko."

Tch. Kuroko clicked his tongue. He knew Midorima wasn't an idiot, but Kuroko was bad at dealing with the man called Midorima Shintarou. Akashi must have known this would happen. Midorima adjusted his glasses with a soft click. He must've known how much Kuroko despised being chained, and how powerless Kuroko was before Midorima. The purpose Akashi had assigned Midorima to be Kuroko's watchdog instead, Midorima imagined could only be that.

Just how obsessive are you going to become, Akashi?

"Kuroko!" Kagami roared. His classmate who he barely knew, only one week had passed since he learnt Kuroko was a member of the famous Teiko basketball team, the phantom player who was a passing specialist.

He glanced at his seniors and his peers. Their expressions were darkened, as if bad luck had befallen them. None of them could accept the reality, the famous Kise Ryouta had challenged Seirin, and lost. The worst of all, Kise had turned into a fox spirit, and their valuable teammate was kidnapped.

"How can we just leave it be? Coach!" Kagami protested.

Their coach, Aida Riko did not have the strength to make a single sound. "I...."

"Stop it, Kagami. You saw it, didn't you? The difference in strength. We were worlds apart." Seirin's captain, Hyuuga Junpei retorted darkly. It was unbelievable, but the hard truth of the Kaijou ace, Kise Ryouta. They were worlds apart, Hyuuga had decided since their last defeat in middle school against Teiko's team. In a different sense. "How can humans be victorious of the God's messengers? Fox spirits are the epitome of divine creatures who carry out God's orders, our divine Creator."

Kagami was at loss. Seirin had just lost a veteran player. None of them was willing to war against the great Teiko, which their territory was revered as the Devil's den.

"Then I alone will bring back Kuroko." Kagami was eructing the raw aura of the wild. There was no stopping Kagami. His seniors were silent. None of them could gather the courage nor accept the fact that Teiko wasn't just a group of miracles, they were a group of unworldly beings. They were individuals beyond man's understanding.

"I wonder if Kuroko was human." Furihata broke the silence.

Kagami glared the worst daggers he could muster. "I'll find him, and I'll make him explain everything."

Kagami!

Izuki sighed. "Is that okay?" He looked at their coach. "We may have lost Kuroko, but the way it is, we may lose Kagami too."

The team knew of Kagami's recklessness and rashness. Kagami would soon seek for the door of death. His spiritual self would be fated to be bound to Teiko. They remembered Kuroko's words that Kagami would become someone belong to Teiko who walked a different path from the miracles of Teiko.

"We are powerless, Izuki." Riko came to a decision. We would do what we can. Pray for their blessings they would return to us.

A furious Kagami had stormed his way into Teiko's territory. He had demanded answers from the gatekeepers, and were beaten up upon his incomplacentment. Teiko could not believe a single human who possessed such strengths had breached the entrance of the mighty Teiko. Midorima had ordered bodyguards and soldiers alike in subduing and capturing Kagami.

Alive, Akashi had told his fellow miracles. Seems like Akashi had plans for Kagami in a den filled with devils. Akashi was amused and intrigued when Kise had reported on an extraordinary human called Kagami Taiga. Kise foresaw that Kagami would eventually reach the level of the miracles, growing closer to the unearthly beings of the netherworld, the gap between his peers growing further apart. Kise had felt one day Kagami would be left alone as his extraordinary skills continue to mature.

Kagami Taiga is someone who belonged to our world.

"Kagami Taiga." Akashi's emperor eye observed the human intruder. Since Akashi had inherited the hegemony of Teiko, Teiko had not suffered such heavy damage since Kuroko's last rebellion. Kuroko was an exception. However, Kagami Taiga was special too. No human had escaped the over overlord's fury had lived to tell the story.

"You kidnapper! Where is Kuroko!" Kagami roared, pushing aside his falterings of overwhelming feelings before Akashi.

"Aomine. Make sure he's locked in the first basement till it's time." Akashi issued an order.

Aomine yawned. "Fine. Hey, Sakurai! Get him."

A fidgety and easily flustered young man, was called Sakurai stepped forward. He donned the same uniform as Aomine, signifying he belonged to the To'ou forces who are veterans specializing in front-line offenses.

"I'm sorry!" Sakurai apologized as he landed a quick punch to Kagami's gut.

Aomine clapped his hands."Good job, Sakurai!" Aomine had a complacent expression on his face as he picked up Kagami like a sack of potatoes.

"Stop bullying Sakurai!" Wakamatsu landed a smack on Aomine. Wakamatsu Kousuke was a powerful center for the To'ou forces, easily get excited and impulsive, often irritated To'ou Captain and his team, especially a member of the miracles on their team, the man nicknamed The Invincible Ace, Aomine Daiki.

"What does it matter? The job gets done." Aomine retorted, leaving Wakamatsu in the dust.

Kuroko wondered the source of the chaotic ruckus. Just few seconds ago sounds of explosions, the heavy footsteps of Teiko's military forces dispatched, the metal clanging of soldiers' weaponry had reached Kuroko's observant senses. His watchdog Midorima had left in a hurry, had placed his trusted Takao Kazunari in his position.

His chambermaids had finished their job in cleaning and dressing him. His shabby clothes were tossed and thrown away. His chambermaids had dressed him in his finely woven black-and-blue traditional kimono. Kuroko was well-aware of the meaning behind the kimono signifies. Kuroko had only been allowed to wear kimonos, his daily clothing was often chosen by his master, clothes disapproved by Akashi were forbidden.

My words are absolute. Kuroko feared of punishments awaited him after disobeying Akashi once.

"What happened to Midorima-kun?" Kuroko finally asked. He couldn't bear the curiosity something tremendous was about to happen.

"Are you worried, Kuroko-kun?" Takao winked. "Don't worry. Shin-chan will be back soon."

"Shut up, Takao." Midorima had snapped when he returned upon hearing Takao's tacky words.

"Oh, welcome back!" Takao winked and Midorima was pounced by the man named Takao Kazunari.

Kuroko's phlegmatic expression had decided otherwise. "Of course not. Being forced to shower and decorated like some China doll, it makes sense only if there is a catch."

"There is no need to worry." Midorima adjusted his glasses after getting rid of the enormous pack of luggage in a sorry state called Takao. Takao enjoyed teasing the uptight Midorima Shintarou, often he was thrown aside without second thoughts. "You will know soon. Take it as your punishment for deceiving Teiko and running away from Akashi."

The basement cellar Kagami was taken to and imprisoned was dark and cold, not letting even a slight heat wave seeping into the cellar. The only heat was the lit candles hanging on the walls.

Kagami stirred, with a pained groan of his body aching. Aomine was indulging in his hobbies in reading his gravures of his favourite Japanese idol, Horiguichi Mai.

"Where am I?" Kagami seethed through his tightly gritted teeth.

"Isn't that obvious?" Aomine sighed, putting down his gravure magazine, pestering Sakurai to hasten his pace so that he could resume his hobby. "Oi, Sakurai! Do it quickly!"

"I'm sorry!" Sakurai had apologized out of habit as he injected the prepared substance into Kagami's veins. Sakurai movements was why he was chosen for To'ou's team.

Kagami realizations were a second too late. Everything was meticulously planned. "Bastard! You knew from the start...! How could you play with someone's life!" Kagami collapsed due to the sudden pain and fatigue. Strength was gradually vanishing from his body, leaving him barely any to move even a muscle.

"Let me be honest for once, Kagami. We have no ability in planning. You're in this sorry state is all thanks to our lord, young man."

The hem of Akashi's red kimono swished behind him as he descended down the stairs, the dull entrance of the basement he ordered Kagami to be imprisoned. Akashi had smirked, his elegant figure appearing before the collapsed Kagami.

"Is it painful?"

From that moment, Kagami felt he had finally had a glimpse of the dark abyss. A devil who had cursed him for disobeying the teachings of the elders, he had laid hands on the devil's most beloved possession, God's fallen holy fruit who was deemed sacred within the darkness of the devil obsession.

Darkness slowly encroached upon Kagami, his vision of Akashi standing before him was slowly fading, eventually he was left in the darkness. Kuroko! The drug Sakurai had injected was finally taking effect. Kagami could not muster strength to altercate against Akashi. It was a ludicrous idea. Akashi was complacent on the satisfactory results, achieving its objectives the drug was designed to. It was the source of Kagami's delusions and the alterations in body functions.

"You will become the chain that bind the one you held dear, Kagami Taiga." 

Chapter 3: Reborn

It was dusk, the horizon of orange sunset showered over the land of Teiko when Kuroko was led into a grand hall which served its purpose as the main venue for ceremonies. The grand hall was then renamed the Ceremony Room. Isolated from any opportunities to escape, Kuroko found himself back in the Ceremony Room, just like the first day he came to Teiko. On the other end of the grand hall, Kuroko saw Teiko's devil master had settled himself comfortably on the throne with a huge smug on his face.

"A... akashi." Kuroko greeted the master reluctantly, his eyes was plastered at his feet, growing a sudden interest in the delicate details the fine embroidery adorning on the high-quality traditional kimono he was forced in.

"Welcome back, my dear Tetsuya." Akashi replied with a smirk. "Do you remember this place?"

Every single soul of people had hailed Akashi as their supreme sovereign were present in the grand presence of their supreme leader. They had viewed the ceremony as a joyous and blissful event. The return of the wife of their monarch would calm his rage. Lands no longer destroyed, resources will flourish, the capital shall expand.

Tetsuya-sama has returned. Teiko will be blessed!

Kuroko glared at Akashi, the man who was revered and hailed infamous devil because of his devilish ways throughout and beyond the lands of Teiko. The man called Akashi Seijuurou was someone to be feared. Kuroko had learnt the hard way.

"Is this my punishment?" Kuroko glanced at the thousands of spectators, Teiko's vassals and military forces. Kuroko's voice was nonchalant as ever. "Shamelessly embarrassed for the rest of my life? Am I worth so much of your troubles?"

Kuroko's words were plainly ignored, his chambermaids had made Kuroko sit on the queen's throne next to Akashi. "Was this why you had adamantly thrown out all my clothes? So that I can't escape?" Kuroko tugged at his choker and clanged his ankle chains in discomfort.

The ceremony had begun, extravagant and luscious food were served. Kuroko touched none of it as the ceremony continued, although he viewed himself as a captive, the delicious smell of food in front of him had not increase his small appetite of hunger.

"Kurokocchi! Look, it's your favourite vanilla milkshake!" Kise placed Kuroko's favourite drink in front of Kuroko.

"Kise-kun, this is not going change anything." Kuroko was inscrutable as ever.

Kuroko was nothing but still a child when he had arrived Teiko for the first time. He was small and thin, malnourished to the extend Akashi had made Midorima Kuroko's personal paediatrician, which had resulted in Midorima's prescription of supplements and feeding Kuroko with more food. Kuroko Tetsuya was a sacrifice chosen by the vast lands the humans reside in name of justice and law. Kuroko had known they had saw the worthlessness and held no value in his efforts, achievements and family name. Kuroko had lost faith in the devils clad in human skin, proclaiming the Kuroko family were cursed, and they should be prosecuted. The only child of the Kuroko family watched his clan massacred before his very eyes, his stepbrother suffered from protecting the only child of his family.

Kuroko reminded himself that was then, this is now. You're no longer a small kid. Kuroko and Akashi were surround by Akashi's loyal vassal, the miracles. Akashi who could not tolerate the nasty food of humans made from livestock, Murasakibara Atsushi had taken charge of dealing with business and everything related to food. The miracles were fully aware and had experienced first-hand that displeasing Akashi means a total destruction of the world. An apocalypse would befall humanity, the devil would curse the humans to their infinity of sufferings, with no endings.

"Do not test my patience, Tetsuya." said Akashi. He took a small portion of the few dishes and placed them in front of Kuroko. "Eat."

"No." Kuroko had adamantly refused. "I am not a monster."

Akashi sighed and put down his chopsticks. "Isn't three years enough? I gave you three years of freedom. Now it's my turn." He glanced at Aomine. "Bring him here."

The great doors of the grand hall opened, a man whose features Kuroko recognized and was all too familiar was tossed at their feet.

"K... Kagami-kun...." Kuroko paled as he saw the battered form of his dear friend and turned to face Akashi. "What's the meaning of this, Akashi? How dare you kidnap my friend? You promised not to hurt anyone!"

Akashi's heterochromatic eyes had glinted over a distressed Kuroko. Kuroko had tried to stand from the throne and rush to his dear friend, but the chains that bounded Kuroko's ankles by Akashi's order were biting into his pale delicate skin had made it impossible for Kuroko to move freely.

"Calm down, Tetsuya. I did nothing to the humans that you loved so much. This guy came to us on his own, and took down half of our forces." said Akashi. Akashi snapped his fingers, Kagami's consciousness returned. Temporarily. "The ruckus stopped after sending Aomine out to the front lines."

"Kagami-kun was the reason behind the huge explosion and ruckus awhile ago?" It finally dawned on Kuroko that Kagami had actually chased after him all the way from Seirin. It was a first. Kuroko was barely visible, humans that did not possess spiritual power or with low spiritual power had a hard time realizing Kuroko's existence. "Why, Kagami-kun?"

"Seems like Kagami Taiga was the only human worried enough to chase after you," Akashi smirked as he pulled Kuroko into the proximity of his body and whispered cursed words of the devil. "I'm jealous of him, Tetsuya. Tell him, 'I don't need you, Kagami', right here in his face." Kuroko had glared at Akashi and slapped his hand away. "That's nice. Those defying eyes that yearn for love and passion. Only you are worth my sufferings, Kuroko."

"Kuroko! Are you okay?!" Kagami had struggled fiercely against the military soldiers. Kagami may have been the prophesied child, Kagami's current level had made it impossible to event defeat the lowest levels of soldiers. Kagami was still merely a human. "Let me go, bastards!"

Akashi dismissed the soldiers and ordered them to untie Kagami's legs, much to Kagami's dissatisfaction. Kagami decided it was the best treatment he could get as a devil's prisoner.

Kuroko sighed. "Are you an idiot, Kagami? I'm pretty sure you didn't think of the consequences."

"Wha- you bastard Kuroko!" Kagami retorted.

"Have you ever thought what could have happened? Akashi could have killed you, Aomine could have beaten you to death, Kise could have poisoned you to death." Kuroko's deadpanned voice rang like a morning bell.

Kagami wallowed on the ground at the Teiko's rulers' feet as each word had hit a sore spot. It was jackpot. Kuroko was right. Kuroko was always right, Kagami knew that better than anyone. He had saved Seirin from a number of challenges, with that small body of his.

"You should be thankful I had decided to spare you, Kagami Taiga." Akashi smirked. "Because you're a first, who did not resent Tetsuya. But I wonder what will you do after you know of the truth?"

Kuroko's blood ran cold. "What are you going to do with Kagami?"

"Nothing." Akashi placed a wine glass of blood-red substance similar to something Kise had brought with him that day. After all, Seirin's gym hall was stained with the substance, no one in Seirin had the capabilities to identify the real identity of the mysterious substance. "You should know what you should do, don't you? After all, this isn't our first time."

Kagami frowned. He debated what was the substance and what it had done to Kuroko. He had observed Kuroko had feared that thing with everything he had. "Kuroko! What happened to you? Don't you want to go back?"

"Kagami-kun, where do you suggest I go?" Kuroko stared blankly at the poisonous drink. If he had accepted Akashi's advances, everything is over.

"To Seirin, isn't that obvious?" said Kagami. "What happened? They must have did something! And you're wearing that ridiculous kimono too!"

Kuroko had a dark expression plastered on the drink, refusing to look at Kagami. He couldn't. Kagami who had a bright future ahead of him. Kuroko can't bring himself to pull Kagami into the dull world of darkness.

"Well, I can tell you what happened." Kise took a sip of the vanilla milkshake Kuroko had abandoned.

Fear started to well inside Kuroko. "No!"

"You must have realized, Kagami Taiga is someone who belongs to our world." said Akashi. "Is that why you're trying so hard to protect him?"

"Man proposes, God disposes. There will be one day Kagami would eventually become a part of us. Not explaining anything doesn't solve anything, Kuroko." Midorima adjusted his slightly slanted glasses.

"Midorimacchi is right, Kurokocchi." Kise told Kuroko in a very worried voice. He took the wine glass and placed it within Kuroko's palms. "Don't punish yourself any further. If you like punishments so much, Akashicchi will be glad to give you some."

"What is that?" Kagami asked, eyeing the mysterious substance.

Kuroko finally gave in, tears softly rolled down the sides of his cheek. "I'm cursed, aren't I?" He grabbed Akashi's velvet kimono with his free left hand. He stared at the familiar drink. He opened his mouth and downed the contents. The rich taste of the drink overwhelmed Kuroko, his senses had long forgotten the feeling of being complacent and contented.

Akashi had sighed. "You're not cursed. You're just different, Tetsuya". The extent of Kuroko's headstrong drive to victory was like an unmovable barrier. Nothing could persuade Kuroko to change his mind. Kuroko believes strongly in his ability to achieve victory, where the amused devil's infatuation lies.

"Wha-" Kagami was beyond shocked. Kagami had assumed the drink contained poison which Kuroko's body fiercely reacted. And Kuroko had just gulped the drink which was supposed to be poisonous. "Kuroko!" Kagami had panicked as Kuroko collapsed. Being bound and tied, there was nothing Kagami could do but watch his dear friend collapsed and fall into the arms of the man revered as the devil.

Kuroko had staggered and swayed, his body shivered, his insides ran cold and finally collapsed in the arms of the man named Akashi Seijuurou. Akashi smiled. Finally, Tetsuya. Akashi carried Kuroko in his arms. "Shintarou, you're in charge. I'm going to prepare Kuroko for the ceremony."

Midorima nodded in agreement.

"It's fine, Kagamicchi." said Kise. "That drink will make Kuroko go into comatose, preparing his body to fully accept Akashicchi. It's the purest blood of the devils, in other words, Akashicchi's blood."

Kagami paled. "And Kuroko just drank that devil's blood?!"

"Don't worry, Bakagami. It's not the first time he drank the blood. His body just went into shock." Aomine had just returned from getting rid of Teiko's guests and worshippers who had came to bless the ceremony between their devil master, Akashi Seijuurou and their queen, Kuroko Tetsuya. Aomine's figure had look like a demon fresh from a bloodbath. Women are crazy. He muttered bitterly to himself. Among the five miracles, Aomine possessed the raw power that makes him the best to be the military chief who takes charge of all order and law of Teiko.

Aomine glanced at Kagami, the prisoner he was forced to take in under Akashi's order. "Yo, we meet again, Bakagami. Tetsu belongs to Akashi. They're a married couple after all."

"Eh?!!!!"

Akashi laid the torpid Kuroko in the huge bath. Kuroko had once jokingly commented the bath was huge enough to fit an entire hot spring. Akashi had the bath prepared and filled with crimson red water. It was necessary, someone like Kuroko who possessed the cursed abilities of the devils, was born with flesh and blood of a human. Kuroko was a demi-human. Kuroko was submerged in the crimson water, Akashi joined as he settled himself comfortably beside Kuroko, regardless the wetness of the water the fabric of his kimono was absorbing. He waited eagerly for his awakening.

Blood that had been blessed were the source of the redness of the water. Healers have reported the red essence were used for calming the fragile minds during the awakening, especially for young devils who have not reached the age of maturation.

Kuroko.... Kuroko....

Kuroko found himself sleeping deep within the depths of the water. He felt someone had been calling for his name. He opened his eyes. Everything was dark. He couldn't make out of anything. Where am I? His voice had echoed through the vast space. Another Kuroko had materialized like a mirror image. The only difference was the other Kuroko had red eyes, pointed ears and vampire-like fangs.

"Who are you?"

"You have to wake up. He is waiting for you." The other Kuroko said.

Kuroko was confused what had happened to him. "How do I get out of here? There is no exit."

The other Kuroko smiled. "All you have to do is remember, and embrace your true self. Then, you will have answers to all your unanswered questions. Afterall, I am you, Kuroko Tetsuya."

The mirage vanished.

"My true self...." Kuroko repeated as images from his vast memories began playing like a movie videoclip. He soon became aware of the identity of an individual name Kuroko Tetsuya as truth was slowly being revealed.

"No," he smiled at the images. "My name is Akashi Tetsuya."

He couldn't believe how he had forgotten such an important memory. As if he was brainwashed, he had forgotten the one that had played an influential role in his life. Forgotten about the life they had built together. Kuroko finally realized the last piece to the missing puzzle. Light had shone brightly from the depths of darkness, releasing him from the labyrinth. Kuroko shielded his eyes against the light for protection. The next thing he knew, he was greeted with a pair of worried eyes.

"S... Sei-kun," Kuroko whispered.

Akashi widened. "You remembered?" He whispered gently.

Akashi would not dare to push his luck. The fact that Kuroko had lost everything about him had saddened him greatly. The great extent that Kuroko had hated him, despised him and had even forgotten that Kuroko was engaged to him had impaled a sword through his heart. Akashi felt he had lost a part of himself. He had blamed the humans for destroying his love. He had suspected of underhanded tricks and revenge humans could do.

Akashi was peeved, his wrath was stirred by the greed of humans had come into play. "How displeasing." Akashi wondered who was the real devil. How could humans deceive my Tetsuya? Aren't you satisfied? You got rid of the innocent human because of your greed. You sacrificed him, he no longer belongs to you humans. I discovered his talents, took him in and raised him. Now he belongs to me. You will not have him back. He is mine.

No one could calm the raging devil master. The miracles could only pray that Kuroko would return to them. To Teiko.

"I wonder since when I had forgotten about the most important thing of my life." Kuroko smiled, finding comfort within Akashi's arms.

Akashi had slid off the layers of kimono he wore, revealing the bare skin of his neck. Kuroko clung tightly around Akashi, their arms and legs were entangled like a tight knot. Akashi had Kuroko within his grasp, and was guided to the nape of his neck, where the veins of blood flowed underneath. Without a word, Kuroko realized what Akashi had ordered, what he had wanted him to do.

To take his blood.

The starvation of three years without blood had brought Kuroko to the end of his limits. The essence in the waters had stimulated Kuroko's senses to capitulate to his needs. Kuroko bared his fangs. His fangs had plunged deep into the flesh of his life partner. Akashi had winced slightly his pain sensors had sent its electrical impulses to his brain, followed by pleasure of vampire fangs has to offer as Kuroko fed from him.

"Welcome back, my beloved Tetsuya."