The Second Phantom

Shadow

I looked up to the sky, a soft breeze blowing past. I missed this, the cooling winds of Japan. I missed the scenery and most of all I missed him, Kuroko-Kun, it was weird being without him for so long. I can see the pain in his eyes now, the darkness inside of him. Did I... could I have truly caused him so much pain? What on earth happened after I left?

With the Generation of Miracles disbanded, I was not surprised that the other five went to such high-end schools. Yet, Kuroko is going to Serin High, yes their team has a good strong foundation, but they are not well known, they never back down but they fall hard when they run. Why did Kuroko decide to attend this school in the first place, not that I mind it, I would have found him either way, but still, I am curious. 

I looked down the street as the familiar thud of a ball bouncing against the pavement echoed down the quiet streets. I hummed and followed the sound, coming up to a familiar park. The same Court that I first met Kuroko in... I smiled faintly and looked at the other end of the lighted area, there stood Kuroko and Kagami Taiga. I took a couple of steps back and leaned against the large oak that stood beside the court. 

Kagami was playing a simple game on his own, shooting hoop after hoop effortlessly. 'I see... He played in America. His ability comes from his passion, his rage, his heart. That will truly drive him far.' 

Kuroko stood next to the hoop, watching him, observing him. He took a step forward to make his presence known. I smiled as his very being offset Kagami and caused him to miss his last basket. Kuroko catching the rebounded ball easily. 

"When did you get here?" Kagami asked, slouching over. 

"Nice to see you," Kuroko spoke plainly, his face showing nothing as he held the ball. 

Kagami stood straight and looked down at him, "What the hell are you doing?"

Kuroko made no movements, "What are you doing here by yourself?" Then suddenly threw the ball towards him. 

"Nothing," He replied, catching the ball, " I'm not doing anything."

"Is that so?" Kuroko asked, a slight tint of amusement edging his words. 

'What are you thinking Kuroko-Kun?'

"I was in America until my second year of middle school, and I have been disgusted ever since I came back to Japan to see how low the standards are here. Unlike you I am not looking to play basketball for fun, I want to play a more serious game that really gets me going."

I smirked and looked down. 'I see... I guess you are mad at me then... huh?'

"I've heard about you, and your so-called generation of miracles from our year, you were on that team, yes? I have a pretty good sense of how good others truly are... People who are bound to succeed smell different than the rest," He growled and threw the ball back at Kuroko. 

I narrowed my eyes, this brute was tough. I know Kuroko can hold his own when it comes to things like this. His ability to simply slip away puts other's to the floor, with one action he can disappear from their sight and reappear within moments. However, this guy is somewhat of a mystery, his passion clouds his true talents.

"Something is not right about you. The smell should by order smell weak, but you... You don't smell like... anything." Kagami scoffed, "Your strength has no scent... Show me just how strong your Generation of Miracles truly is."

Pain flashed through his eyes when he thought about it, the Generation... All of us... What is it that was so bad that happened when I left that could cause such a look in his eyes? 

"How fortunate, I've been hoping to play against you as well..." Kuroko smirked slightly, but it was a quick and faint one as he unzipped his jacket and tossed it to the side, "...one on one."