A/N: Gomen nasai for the very very late update!

Our fanfiction is near its end, but donât worry Iâll make more KNB fanfictions so I hope that youâll support my incoming fanfics as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own KNB!

Here comes the next chapter!

Chapter Eighteen:

âQuit playing basketball.â Akashi cut in with cold tone.

He gasped and turned towards the red-head.

âSei-kunââ

âStop playing basketball, Tetsuya. If you donât, youâll only bring burden to your team and might even cause their defeat. Quit basketball, you must know that it doesnât suit you from the first place.â Akashi, with commanding eyes and cold tone pointed out bluntly.

âIf you donât, youâll only bring burden to your team and might even cause their defeat.â

~LFMH021~

âI know from the very start that this sport doesnât suit me at all. I also know that Iâm just being a big burden to my team. And, I also know that I donât deserve playing in the court with such a weak body. I wanted to quit and stop playing basketball, but thereâs something that is stopping me. I wanted and thought about stopping playing this sports and become a normal student who doesnât have any club and someone whoâs just averageâ€Â¦Ã¢Â€ÂHe murmured. “But I just can’t quit. I don’t know the reason, but I don’t want to quit and stop playing basketball. Basketball is my life and I’ll risk my life as long we win without me being a burden and bringing defeat to my team.” He decided with trembling hands and clattering teeth.

Akashi sighed and shook his head in disbelief. “Do you love basketball that much, Tetsuya?”

The teal-haired teen nodded.

The red-head sighed then sat beside the phantom player and handed him a rectangular box. “Here.”

“What’s that?”

“A box with something inside it.” Akashi replied, sarcastically.

Kuroko made a face and accepted the box before opening it. “Sometimes, you’re sarcasm annoys me.”

“I know.”, was Akashi’s confident reply.

The blue-head sighed then looked at what’s inside of the box. There’s a for-guys-style necklace inside the box and its pendant is a red-colored tear-shape with small flower inside the solid pendant.

“My grandfather, the closest person to me –who is now dead--, gave me that, days before his death. It’s always with me, but I think you deserve it more.” The red-head explained. “Someday, I know, that thing will be able to help you.”

“Why are you giving me such an important thing?”  The blue-head stared at the red-colored tear-shaped pendant, captivated.

“Because I might spend my Christmas with my family, so I probably won’t have time to even greet you, what more of giving your present, so while running downstairs of our house--- I grabbed the box and went here.” Akashi replied. “Put it on.”

Kuroko nodded and put on the necklace before looking at the metal standing as pillar that could reflect his face. He looked at the new necklace and smiled. “It actually kind of suits me…” He murmured. “Thank you, Sei-kun.” The blue-head thanked and made a very very very rare smile towards that certain red-head infront of him.

Due to the shock of Kuroko’s smile, the emperor needed few moments to remind himself of where he is. And he couldn’t even imagine what kind of face he’s making. He coughed and nodded. “…You’re welcome.”

“I-I’m sorry I haven’t made you or bought you a gift yet. Actually, I still haven’t bought anyone’s gift. Can you wait until the 25th?” The innocent-so-ever phantom player begged.

“Seriously, Tetsuya, you don’t need to—“

“No. I want to.”

“I will not stop you if that’s what you want then. Just don’t push yourself too hard or I won’t accept your gift.”

Kuroko nodded. “Sei-kun…”

“Mm?” asked the red-head as he peels two oranges, one for himself and one for the one confine on the bed.

“You’re going to leave after taking care of me today, aren’t you?” guessed the teal-haired teen.

Akashi averted his gaze. “I actually do not want to, but once my mother has decided something—you cannot say ‘no’ to her or else…”

“I finally realized now where your bossiness came from, Sei-kun.”, confessed Kuroko.

“And what do you mean with that?” Akashi demanded, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing.” , mocked the blue-head. The red-head turned back to his companion and find the latter smiling a little. “We might not see each other for few days right? So…in advance, I want to say: ‘Merry Christmas, Sei-kun.’ Please enjoy your holiday.”, added he and touched the tear-shaped pendant on his neck.

Akashi, seeing the sadness from the blue-head’s eyes and hearing his loneliness through his tone smiled back and nodded. “And to you, too. Merry Christmas, Tetsuya.”

What both do not know is that…that might be the last time they’ll be smiling at each other.

~LFMH021~

“Tetsuya, are you sure you’re going alone?” Takumi asked, for the tenth for today.

“You already asked me that for the tenth time, Nii-san and for the tenth time, my answer will be: ‘yes’.” The blue-head replied. “It’s alright, Nii-san. I’ll just be out for an hour to meet somebody and I’ll be back here.” Kuroko explained as he wrapped a scarf around his neck and put on the necklace Akashi gave him.

“I’m using the organizer and special pen you gave me a day ago. The organizer is so much help specially upon separating different documents. I’ve been looking for that kind of organizer for almost a month. And the pen, well, I think I will not use it. It’s actually something special, so I will just make it as a display—something to look at before sleeping.”

“Ugh, Nii-san, you’re creepy side is showing again.” The phantom player teased.

“Hey! What do you mean with ‘creepy side’?”, protested Takumi.

“Oh, nothing. I’ll be going now. Don’t overexert yourself, Nii-san. I’ll be back after an hour.”, bade Kuroko and left the house.

Takumi doesn’t know if he’s making the right decision. A voice in his head wants him to stop his brother, but his body won’t just comply.

~LFMH021~

It’s already the 27th of December and just like what Kagami requested. He went to the park to meet up with him. The red-head wasn’t home a day ago, so he wasn’t able to give his gift. At least, he might be able to give it this time and tell him his true feelings. Of what he truly feels between Kagami and Akashi.

When he arrived, there’s no one, I mean, no one in the park. Looks like everyone headed off somewhere for the special occasion and the park wasn’t on anyone’s list.

Kuroko sighed and waited by standing and leaning against the fountain.

He heard footsteps and turned. His eyes widened and he accidentally dropped the paperbag in his hands on the ground as he tried to back away and escape. “You—“

The older man smiled slyly. “Long time no see, Tetsuya.”

~LFMH021~

“Sei-niichan, where are you going?” Seitarou, Akashi’s younger brother asked as he played with his PSP.

“Just going to buy something on the convenience store, Seita.”, replied the older red-head.

“Can I come along? I wanna eat some muffins!”

“Fine. Just leave your PSP on the table.”

“Ok!” Seita enthusiastically replied, left his PSP on the table and followed his older brother.

Just right after they got out of the house, Akashi’s phone rang.

“Hello? Akashi Seijuro speaking.”

“Aka-chin?”

“Atsushi.”

“A-Aka-chin…did you call Kuro-chin to meet up with you at the park?”

“No, why would I? And at this weather?” , was Akashi’s cold retort.

“Well, from where I am right now, which is the 3rd floor of the building just few blocks away from the park, I can see Kuro-chin heading to that certain place, he’s holding a paperbag and looks quite flushed.”

“He’s still not that recovered. Why is he out?”

“Wait…Is that…”

“Atsushi?” No reply. “Atsushi! Tell me what’s happening!” commanded the red-head.

 â€œA van stopped behind Kuro-chin… Three men came out…wait, and then also Helden Nomakii came out and faced to faced Kuro-chin…I think he’s in trouble, Aka-chin…”

“The hell.”, cursed Akashi and turned to his brother. “Go inside and tell father to go the park as soon as possible.”

“A-Alright.” His brother replied and hurried back inside.

“Call the others, Atsushi.”

“Ok, Aka-chin…”

He exhaled, closed his phone and counted to three before running at full speed. “Kagami Taiga, it was you, wasn’t it? It was you who told Tetsuya to go there, right?” He grumbled, not taking any break even if he’s almost out of breath.

How can you even take a break when wasting even a second can also mean that you’re going to lose someone important to you….?

~LFMH021~

“Finally. I’ll get what I’ve been wanting all these years. Finally, you’ll be mine.” Mumbled Helden as he motioned his nephew to make his move.

Kentarou went out of the van with a hesitant expression.

“Get him inside, Kentarou.”, ordered the older man and went inside himself.

“HOLD IT RIGHT  THERE!” Nine voices yelled.

Kuroko doesn’t know, himself, why or how. But the Generation of Miracles along with Takao and Himuro and even Kagami are gathered together, just few meters away from them. Someone unfamiliar’s with them as well.

“Act quickly, damn it.” He heard Kentarou cursed.

“Kentarou, what are you doing standing there? Hurry up!” Helden shouted.

“I’m sorry.” Kentarou whispered before placing a handkerchief on the teal-head’s mouth and nose. The latter slowly lost consciousness.

“Tetsuya!” He herad Akashi call out.

He forced himself to stay conscious and yell, “Sei-kun!” before being dragged inside. “Save me…Sei-kun…” He mumbled before drifting to slumber.

~LFMH021~

“Sei-kun!” Kuroko shouted as Kentarou dragged him inside the van.

“Tetsuya!” Akashi called out and was about to chase after the van when Kamura Hideki grabbed his arm and shook his head. “What—“

“It’ll be better if you just let them go. We can get more evidences this way.” Kamura pointed out.

“But—“

“He might die!” Aomine yelled.

Kamura just looked at the ground.

Sei-kun!

Akashi looked where the van was but it already disappeared. “Tetsuya…Tetsuya!!!”

“Aka-chin…”

Kagami averted his eyes when Midorima looked at him.

“You asshole!” Aomine grabbed Kagami by the collar. “You idiot! You bastard!”

“Daiki.”

Aomine huffed and released the tall red-head. “Be thankful Akashi told me to re—“

Everyone froze when Akashi’s fist made contact with Kagami’s stomach and the latter ended up falling on the ground. “You’ll pay for this.” Akashi threatened with voice filled with anguish, anger and fierceness.

“I didn’t know…” Kagami whispered.

“Yeah, that’s the problem. You do not know anything.” Himuro retorted.

“Tatsuya—“

“I will not go easy on you with my words, Taiga. You. Are. An. Idiot.”

Kagami felt like he was being stabbed with several knives at the words he just heard.

“Go easy on him, you guys.” Kamura sighed.

Akashi turned and glared at him. “You know something, don’t you?”

Kamura hesitantly smiled. “I think someone will actually help us track down where your friend is.”

“Someone? Who?”,

“Just wait and see.”

~LFMH021~

There were loud demanding knocks on the gate and several desperate doorbells and he already know what it means.

Takumi, with shaking hands, went out and faced the visitors. “It’s about Tetsuya, isn’t it?”

Kamura nodded. “He’s captured by Doctor Helden Nomaki.”

“We’re going to search for him right now. Would you like to help?” Kise asked with a warm smile.

Takumi suddenly realized something. “I think I won’t.”

“What?! What the hell?! You’re his bro—“

“Yes, I’m his brother and I’m going to call my father right now and tell him everything. And show him what kind of father he is. After running that errand, I’ll contact some people I know and ask them to help.” Takumi cut in. “Call me when you’ve had any clues.”

“You look quite calm.” Midorima mumbled.

“He’s not calm at all, Shintarou. He’s just using a façade to mask what he truly feels. He actually wants to kill Kamura right now and lecture us all.” Akashi replied. “Isn’t that right, Tetsuya’s onii-san?”

“That’s right, my brother’s friend.” Takumi responded. “Less chit-chatting and more searching. I know that once we’ve found out where he is and gather the evidences we need. We’ll finally be able to end Tetsuya’s sufferings.”

~LFMH021~

Kentarou couldn’t take it anymore.

The blue-head’s cries could be heard at the whole mansion. The painful cries he’s making. And the full-of-sorrow groans he’s making.

“No…No more…I beg you!” He heard the teal-haired teen cry. “Please…Ahh…Nnnnggghhh….No…Unnnggg…Oh…Ahh…AHHH! No! No!”

Kentarou covered his ears.

“Just one more.” Mumbled Helden.

“NO!!! Unnnggghhh! Ah! Ah! Ah! No…No more…No more!”

Kentarou sighed in relief when he heard the machines and the cries stop.

“It’s done for now, Kentarou. Escort him to his room.”, ordered his uncle.

“Yes.”

Kentarou went inside the laboratory and wrapped the a blanket on the blue-head’s body. “Let’s go.”

The latter didn’t reply and just followed him. His weak body being supported by Kentarou’s.

They went inside a room without windows and the phantom player sat on the bed, still quiet. Kentarou switched on the air-conditioner and was about to switch on the television as well when the blue-head spoke.

“Kentarou-kun…”

He turned.

“Do you hate me?”, were the words that came out from Kuroko’s mouth.

“What—“

“I think everyone hates me. I’m alone in this world. I don’t even know why I’m existing in this world. Am I born to suffer?”

“Are you saying that because of what’s happening to you right now?”

Kuroko murmured a, “Yes.”

“Are you losing hope?”

The teal-head nodded.

“Then, you’re making out of your friends.”

Kuroko raised his head and blinked.

Kentarou then sat beside the phantom player and explained, “I once talked to Kise Ryouta. Just the day before Christmas . We were both called to pose for the cover of a magazine. He was already blind back then, and he probably did not know that he was talking to me. He was smiling while telling me of the experiences you, Generation of Miracles, had when you were still in Teikou. He told me of your sufferings, your trainings, your happiness, your sadness, your victories, and when you separated ways. I heard happiness in his voice, even sincerity. Through his story, I realized that you were that strong because you had teamwork and believe at one another. That was also when I realized how wrong my uncle and Isshin were. I want to apologize, but I think that, that isn’t enough for all that I’ve done.”

He was surprised when Kuroko’s cold and weak hand settled on top of his. “No, I forgive you. I’m sure the others will also forgive you if you properly apologize.”

Kentarou stared at the pale hand on top of his then looked at the figure beside him. Such innocence, such sincerity, such honesty, such warmth. He didn’t know that someone like Tetsuya Kuroko still exists.

He raised his head upon hearing a sob. The blue-head beside him is crying. Crying and trying to stifle it but failing. “Kuroko-kun…”

The hand on top of his started trembling. “I miss them… How long will I stay here…How long do I need to take all of these…How long will I survive…”

“Kuroko-kun,”

More tears escaped the blue-head’s eyes. “Will they even find me in this place? I want to go back…I want to see Sei-kun again…I want to—I—“ he trailed off as his words came out as louder sobs.

All Kentarou could do was squeeze the phantom player’s hand. “I’ll tell them where this mansion is.”

“B-But—“

“It might take awhile before I’ll be able to foll my uncle and be able to leave, but please, bear with it for now…” whispered Kentarou.

Kuroko couldn’t hold it anymore and hid his eyes with his arms as tears poured in his cheeks. “Sei-kun…”

There were knocks on the door and the two stiffened.

Kentarou stood up and pretended to be switching on the television.

The door opened and Helden went in. “I still need you for a little longer, Tetsuya. Come.”

Kuroko backed away at the very edge of the bed. “No…” he cried.

Helden gritted his teeth and sat on the bed before grabbing Kuroko’s hair and pulling him closer. “You’re at my mansion and under my care. You’re going to comply to my orders whether you like or not.” He hissed and inserted a finger inside the blue-head’s entrance.

“..NO!”

Then another one before circling it around the teal-haired teen’s entrance. “You’re coming with me or not?”

“…No more…Iyaah! Ah! Ah! Not there! I beg you! Nnnghhh! Ah! No more, please! Unnnggghhh!”

Kentarou hid his clenching fists as he heard his uncle laugh in victory.

“Iyaaah! Unnnggghh…Ah…Nnnggg…Unggghhh…Oh…No more…Unnnghhhh….No…”

Helden smirked. “Last question: You’re going to please me or not?”

Kuroko finally nodded.

“Good choice.”

Kentarou just watched as Helden dragged the blue-head outside by pulling the latter’s hair.

Kuroko’s eyes are begging, but he cannot make his move yet, so he mouthed: ‘Just bear with it, please.’

He felt like he’s being stabbed as sorrowful tears came out from the phantom’s eyes.

A/N: I think that’s enough for now.

Sorry for the late update.

Sorry for the mistakes!

PLEASE REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW! Thank you very much, minna-san!

Sneak Peek:

“Oh my, Kazuhiko, what a surprise! What brought you here?”

Kazuhiko’s eyes narrowed. “Where’s Tetsuya?”

“Tetsuya? You mean Tetsuya Kuroko? Your youngest child? Why? What—“

“Don’t play dumb with me, Helden. I know that you know where my son is, especially when it was you who kidnapped and using him right now.”

Helden smirked. “Oh, what will you do? Rescue him? As if.”

“What do you mean with that?”

“He’s in a faraway place, where no one will find him. Even if you find him, he might be dead by now.”, was Helden’s reply. “Especially after I shot him after I finally completed my experiment.”

Akashi narrowed his eyes. "He's in the middle of the Forest of Doom, isn't he?"

"How—"

"You're nephew told us."