The Second Phantom

I am Who I Am

Kagami was at the courts first thing in the morning, practicing by himself. A smile on his face as he did, just expelling unwanted energy I suppose. His mind was elsewhere, thinking of something completely different than playing ball, a goal possibly is what was flying through his mind. Maybe even memories of something that happened. But the energy that radiated off of him was different than usual. 

I can see why Kuroko-Kun likes him. He has a strong heart, a strong soul.

I smirked and nodded as I pushed off the tree and walked off to school. I know Kuroko-Kun well, he hasn't exactly changed who he was, but his motivation. His reason for playing basketball has, his attitude towards who won, who lost, who was strong and who was weak was different than what is was a year ago. He has grown so much over the years, both in his physicality and in the way he thinks about things. I wish I could have been here for him through it, to help push him through it. I know I wasn't, I know that I left him alone, I can see the pain that it caused. Even now his eyes show it. 

I don't know why I'm hiding from him... I've been back for a while now and all I can seem to do is watch from the shadows, hiding from him... Ok maybe that's a lie.

I know why I am hiding from him. I know why I can't bring myself to meet him again face to face. I'm scared that he will pull away from me, that he won't want anything to do with me. 

He's mad at me and I can see it. I can see the pain, the rage, the emptiness within his heart that was there the day that I left him, just stronger. He hasn't let it go, he's been feeding that darkness, and no matter how bad I want to go up to him, I can't do it. 

I can't face him, I don't want to lose him. For now, I haven't, for now, I was ok, for now, I was his shadow, protecting him from others that want to hurt him, but if I'm not careful he will see me. I know he will. My hood can only hide so much for so long, he knows me too well. Each time he spots me, I know he is getting closer and closer to seeing who is hiding in the shadows. 

I know he says that he is a shadow, a phantom in the night. But in reality, he is the brightest light I have ever seen. Radiating a hope, a dream, a sincerity that no one that I have ever come across has ever shown so much than he has. Not even Kagami, his is nothing but a spark compared to Kuroko-Kun. 

.*.~.*.~.*.~.*.~.*.~.*.~.*.~.*.

I had gone to Riko just a couple days ago asking for an official membership form. I never thought this would be something that I had to do in order to become part of Seirin High's Basketball Club. 

Riko laughed softly, "I've been waiting for you."

Kagami twitched slightly and rubbed the back of his neck," Are you crazy?"

"Is this a duel?" I asked softly, confused as to why we were on the roof of the school.

"I forgot all about it, but Monday... The morning assembly is in Five Minutes!" Kagami snapped, reaching in his pocket and pulling out a folded paper," Hurry up and take it."

Riko stood in front of us, her arms crossed firmly over her chest, "Before that, I have something to tell you."

We all straightened out, not understanding what was going on. She had said that she was going to accept the application forms today and no later. 

"I made a promise when the captain asked me to be his coach last year. " She stated, "I promised to focus solely on pushing the team towards the national championship. If you don't think you're ready for that, then there are other clubs better suited for you." 

"What? Of course I'm --"

"I know you're strong." Riko quickly interrupted, "But I need to know you have something even more important. No matter how hard you practice, 'someday' and 'maybe' aren't good enough. I need to know you have ambitious goals as well as the will to accomplish them. Give me your year, Class, and Name." She explained as she pointed out to the crowd below us, "Announce your goals here and now. If you fail to achieve them, you will have to come back up here, strip naked, and confess your feelings for the girl you love."