KagaKuro AU Collection

Day 7: Our basketball - Free day

It was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly, and the skies were clear, with not a cloud in sight. A slight breeze tousled the top branches of the trees, stirring up the warm summer air.

The stands surrounding the racetrack were buzzing with the noise of a large congregation of people, many chattering loudly about their preferred steeds and discussing who they thought would win. The morale of the crowd was high, with supporters shouting encouragement to their favourite horses as their hooves pounded the dusty track. The heat of the day did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm, and the bets poured in steadily.

Kagami wound his way down to the stables in a fine mood, confident that he would be walking away from the track a few thousand dollars richer. He had recently come from the betting stands, and the bookies had informed him of the high stakes, all riding in his favour. It was excellent news for him and his household, even if the money came from less than legal means. Ultimately, money was money, and if it kept his staff and horses fed, he wasn't going to complain.

And if the constables decided to visit and crack down on the betting circles, he was certain he would still collect. After all, he had ordered only the best trainers for his prized horse, Shinku. Combine that with the horse's fine pedigree, and he knew that it would win the races it competed in. Walking away with the grand prize of several hundred thousand dollars was not too strenuous a goal.

The day really was excellent, Kagami thought, as he approached his destination. Great weather, and fine chances of earning an easy buck. What more could a man ask for?

The moment he set foot in the stables, though, everything changed.

"Sir, we have a problem."

They were only four words, but they held a world of meaning.

"What is it?" Kagami dreaded hearing the answer. He had a feeling it wouldn't be good.

"The jockey's taken sick, sir. Looks like the measles." The messenger looked nervous, his face paling as if he was prepared for Kagami to lash out at him for bringing bad news.

Kagami gritted his teeth and exhaled loudly, his fists clenching and unclenching rapidly as he tried to keep his temper in check. It could be worse, he reminded himself. If it was Shinku who took ill. Then there would be no chance of winning the race at all. Luckily, a jockey can be replaced.

"How is it that he did not inform anyone of his illness earlier?"

"T'was a surprise to most of us, sir. Though Kenji reported that he had been scratching for a couple of days before, sir."

Kagami massaged his temples. Dratted boy. Nothing but trouble. "Is there no one else who could take his place?"

"Not that we could find of, sir. Not on this kind of short notice."

"I can do it." A soft voice spoke up from beside them, and both Kagami and the messenger jumped, startled by the voice.

"Who are you?" Kagami demanded, his eyes assessing the scrawny boy. He doesn't look even remotely familiar.

"I'm a groom, sir. I take care of Shinku most of the time, in your stables." The cerulean-haired boy spoke with conviction, his tone unwavering even in the presence of someone whose status rose far above his own.

"One of my own grooms?" Kagami's eyebrows furrowed. "How is it that have I never seen you before?"

"I have a low presence, sir. The head groom can tell you it's true. I'm the famous 'ghost groom' everyone speaks of." The boy's emotionless exterior cracked just a little when he said that, his expression twisting into one of pain.