Disclaimer: I don't own Kuroko no Basuke

Rating: T for swearing and some small descriptions of violence. Relationship Update Jan. 18, 2016: Plot map so far works best with AkaKuro...so...barring something really weird happening as we go forward, that's the primary pairing. Yay.

A/N 1: I'm essentially ignoring the limits of the "real world" characteristics of what these animals would be in this AU. So for instance, Kise's shifter heritage is a Eurasian lynx, but he's not dwarfed by Aomine's panther form even though a lynx is generally smaller than a panther. And of course…most of these species don't actually live in Japan, but for plot purposes, Japan is accommodating a lot of non-native and supernatural species. ;-)

A/N 2: Komainu are the "lion-dog" statues you often see in pairs outside buildings.

Welcome to chapter 1, I hope you like it :)

The Politics of Asylum

It occurred to Kise that he should probably have waited for Aominecchi before he ventured into the canines' territory, but like the cat he was, he had grown impossibly curious and thought just a small peek couldn't hurt. Teeth and claws – on the other hand – most definitely could. And as he was running with all the impressive speed he could muster, he reflected that was a very important distinction to understand. Still, he couldn't stop the grin from crossing his face as he jumped agilely from place to place while he evaded his pursuers. You'd think dogs would have a better sense of humor, but they just couldn't stand when you didn't observe all their silly greeting rituals. Who had time for all that sniffing and circling anyway?

So when he slammed into a solid figure and would have bounced back to the ground if a strong arm hadn't quickly reached out to steady him, he had mixed reactions. He was pleased to see the arrogantly smirking face belonging to his partner for this mission, Aomine Daiki, because the two of them would easily be a match for the five dogs chasing him. But he was also a little disappointed to stop running and have to admit he needed the other's help. Of the two, though, he figured it was better to survive than anything else.

"Kise, what the hell? You couldn't wait ten minutes until I finished checking in with Akashi? He's gonna be pissed, you know. This is not exactly the diplomatic mission he wanted." Akashi Seijuro was their leader, a regally lethal feline shifter that did not readily accept any hiccups in his plans.

"He shouldn't have sent us then. I don't know why he didn't send Midorimacchi." Midorima Shintaro was Akashi's Seijuro's second in command and normally the ambassadorial endeavors would fall his way, but he'd been called away to handle some other task.

The grin that graced the darker male's face showed he agreed. "We'll apologize later, yeah?" And with that they both turned to meet the canine shifters still trailing Kise head on. Needless to say, they emerged the victors of the fray. Wolves might be pack hunters, but they couldn't match Aomine's panther and Kise's lynx.

And apologize they did. It didn't seem quite as harmless a prospect once they were facing Akashi, though.

"Let me ensure I understand the situation correctly. Ryota, you disobeyed my directive to enter the wolves' territory with Daiki and be on your best behavior? Instead, you've jeopardized our negotiations because you couldn't control yourself on what was supposed to be a simple errand?" Akashi uttered the words lightly, the tone belying the severity of the content. He was unquestionably angry and it didn't escape anyone's notice.

"I'm sorry Akashicchi! I just wanted to look around but then one of them started growling and demanding I identify myself and it escalated from there and the next thing I knew I was being chased. Aominecchi helped me defend myself, that's all!" Kise's plaintive defense might have been more convincing if he'd had better control of his self-satisfied grin – he'd had fun that afternoon and it was clear he wasn't really sorry in the least.

Akashi's red and gold eyes surveyed the two miscreants coolly. They'd earned some scratches and bruises for their trouble and would clearly be sore from their adventures. "At least you had the grace to be the victors. But as punishment, you're on double shifts for guard rotation and they start as soon as you get cleaned up and have your wounds treated. Understand?"

Both Aomine and Kise nodded and accepted their assigned penance silently. They left, understanding the implied dismissal from their leader without needing it to be stated. Well, they shouldn't need for it to be – they'd known Akashi since they were children, and that was almost longer than they could remember.

"A simple errand? That's hardly accurate from what I understood the purpose of their visit to be." Midorima spoke quietly from his place next to Akashi.

"Perhaps, but while they didn't fulfill the mission as intended, they did in a roundabout way ascertain that the wolves have increased their security and are on high alert. They were only delivering a message, but it was designed to be a scouting opportunity that they managed to partially complete despite themselves."

"You're too lenient with them, Akashi." The cat shifter's disapproving comment earned him an unreadable glance before the redhead replied.

"It could have been worse. Thankfully the wolves aren't eager for war right now, which means that scuffle will probably be excused. But it's unfortunate that we'll have to reschedule the meeting. They have been understandably uneasy lately and I don't want to lose the opportunity for negotiation."

As if his words had summoned them, at that moment a servant approached with word that the wolf leaders and two of their advisors were requesting permission to enter and meet with Akashi.

Akashi paused and quirked an eyebrow at Midorima in question, who shrugged in response. It was unexpected, but there was certainly no reason for the felines to fear the wolves in their own stronghold. Akashi sent the servant with instructions to escort the visitors into the reception room and to intercept Ryota and Daiki from going to their assignment in order to bring them back there instead.

It was probably only minutes later when the wolves were ushered in, but from the tension that all the canine shifters were showing, they might as well have been waiting hours. Akashi surveyed them appraisingly, he recognized Hyuga Junpei and Aida Riko as the co-leaders of the wolves, and he knew one of the large males in attendance was probably Kiyoshi Teppei, but he didn't recognize the other male in the party. He had black hair and delicate features that looked much more in line with the cats than the wolves, but he was introduced as Izuki Shun.

When Aomine and Kise returned and saw the wolf shifters assembled, they exchanged confused glances but took their usual places as guards without being told. Akashi thanked the heavens for small mercies at seeing that. The wolves weren't as strong as the cats of course, but it would still be annoying to appear less than in control in front of them.

After signaling for refreshments to be brought, Akashi turned his attention to his unexpected guests. "I offer my greetings to you and my apologies for the unfortunate skirmish this afternoon. It seems I overestimated the maturity of some of my cats."

Hyuga made a dismissive motion with his hand. "It was a misunderstanding. The guards on patrol have been anxious and they overreacted. From what I understand of their explanation, we need to have some additional drills on hand to hand combat, so I would be happy to consider the encounter over if you would as well. Thank you for seeing us today, we didn't want to wait to reschedule and we appreciate your flexibility."

This captured Akashi's attention and he looked more closely at the other shifter. Despite the fact that their faction was a relative newcomer to the Tokyo shifter community, the wolves themselves were descended from an old and honorable line of shifters within Japan. Whatever the wolves wanted, they apparently wanted it very badly to so easily forgive Ryota's egregious breach of etiquette. He was intrigued.

They all waited for the refreshments to be distributed and settled themselves comfortably down to talk.

Akashi took a small sip of his tea and waited while Hyuga and Riko glanced at one another, apparently deciding whether they were ready to speak. He was unsurprised when Riko took the lead; he knew she wasn't someone to underestimate despite her inexperience. She and Hyuga had taken over Tokyo's wolf clan only fifty years ago, but they were in fact a decade or two older than he himself was despite the fact they all looked like they were in their early twenties. But Akashi had been in charge of the city's feline enclave for well over two hundred years, there was little they could say or do that would unnerve him.

"I am sure you know our clan was weakened from the attack by the jackal shifters. What you may not know is why they attacked us. They believe that we have a Komainu-shifter and wanted to steal him from us." Her voice was stressed and they all understood. The unanticipated and vicious attack from the jackals a month earlier had damaged much of their property and they had suffered several casualties– it was one reason they were trying to secure negotiations with Akashi – they needed alliances while they tried to recover from their losses.

While her words were surprising, Akashi did not immediately react. A Komainu-shifter? He hadn't thought the lion-dogs that populated Japanese mythology were real, but then again – he smiled inwardly – most humans would be surprised to learn of the reality of shifters at all. Still, a half lion and dog shifter would definitely be grounds to attack; they were supposedly tremendously powerful and loyal to those that contracted with them. They could shift into a variety of other forms with the added benefit of strengthening those that shared that form. If the jackals had succeeded in acquiring one, they'd have easily been in position to make moves against the other clans as well. Having Hanamiya in control of such a resource would be…challenging.

"And do you have such a shifter among your numbers, Riko-san?" His question expressed only a mild curiosity and some amusement at the sheer incredulousness of such a thing being real.

The wolf leaders didn't immediately deny it as impossible, but they didn't confirm it, either. He found himself examining the others of their party, watching for hints at what this was really about.

Finally Hyuga sighed and the exhaustion he felt was suddenly amply visible. "Kuroko, please come forward." At his words, someone suddenly seemed to appear in their midst.

Akashi's eyes sharpened as he was confronted with the figure of a slightly-framed blue haired male that he had not previously discerned was present, yet from his position in the middle of the delegation he had clearly already been there, they just hadn't noticed him. He looked at Shintaro, Ryota, and Daiki and noticed they all had similar expressions of confused amazement. The servant had likewise not provided any refreshments for him, either. This was unusual to say the least. Even in their human forms, they had increased sensory levels, but they'd all somehow overlooked Kuroko.

The male moved forward and offered a bow to Akashi. "My name is Kuroko Tetsuya. I am the one the jackals were seeking."

There was a pause as all the cats examined this seemingly unimpressive figure with a great deal of skepticism. It is true they hadn't noticed him before, but now that they did, it was still as if they were staring at someone that wasn't even there. He had almost no presence, he barely had any scent, and certainly he didn't strike any of them as powerful. It definitely didn't seem worth the effort to wage war just to acquire him.

Akashi acknowledged the other's bow with a nod of his head and then turned his eyes back to Hyuga and Riko – the demand for an explanation was obvious.

"It is okay, Kuroko-kun. You can show them." Riko's calm assurance seemed enough for the smaller male because he closed his eyes and after a moment – still longer than it would have taken Akashi or any of his trusted elite – he shifted into a form that did indeed look like a cross between a cat and a dog, but it was hardly the impressive figure like the stone guardians outside most temples that he was familiar with.

If he were disappointed, he didn't immediately let on, but Akashi couldn't see what the fuss was about. Just as he was about to say something, Kuroko's form shimmered and he transformed again. This time he was a small arctic fox, and then after another round, he became a small Iriomote cat. Then he went back to human form and swayed slightly before Hyuga moved forward to catch him and helped him sit down. He at least had the control to keep his clothing between forms, but Kuroko was far from the powerful shifter that Akashi had been expecting on hearing there was a Komainu in their presence.

"He has more forms, but as you can see, it wears him out to transform like that." Riko's voice was quiet and Akashi understood what she was really saying – Kuroko was relatively weak, but what he represented was access to power. Shifters like Kuroko were incredibly rare; Akashi hadn't truly thought the Komainu were even real until that moment.

"He hasn't got a wolf, then?" It was an indelicate question from Daiki, but referred to the devastating results of the siege the jackals had waged. Presumably if Kuroko had a wolf form, they would have been more easily been able to repel the invaders with the energy boosts he'd have provided.

"I do, but I wasn't actually there at the time." Kuroko's answer was short but they all heard the thread of grief in his reply. He apparently blamed himself for the attack and its consequences.

Akashi eyed Kuroko thoughtfully before asking his leaders. "Obviously they didn't capture him, but why did you bring him here?"

Hyuga answered and Akashi could tell he was choosing his words carefully. "One of the jackals was delivering a message from Hanamiya and saw Kuroko transform into the Komainu form; he was entertaining some of the pups and didn't realize we had a visitor at the time. So they know he is somehow attached to our clan even if they didn't see him again when they attacked. We were able to push them out of our territory, but we can't protect Kuroko alone anymore and we don't want the jackals to get hold of him. We are hoping you would agree to him staying with you, at least until we have more time to recover and reassess our defenses."

Akashi didn't immediately answer. He was never impulsive and this request was not one to take lightly. His clan had several types of feline shifters, so there wasn't a universal benefit to having Kuroko there like there would be among the wolves or jackals. The dogs' insular clan structure meant if Kuroko could hold the shifters type it would boost everyone's power. Here though, it would depend on what other cat forms Kuroko might even have if he would be useful. On the other hand...Akashi knew the wolf clan would give him whatever he wanted if he did this favor. It was a tempting prospect, to have them in his debt for what wouldn't really be that difficult of an endeavor.

Midorima interjected then, "Isn't the purpose for them to help protect the clan they're associated with rather than the reverse?" Although the question seemed callous, he wasn't wrong, and the cats had greater familiarity with the green haired male's tendency toward bluntness. Their visitors however, chose to overlook the apparent rudeness - they were here asking a favor, after all, and couldn't afford to be too sensitive.

The wolf Akashi had identified as Kiyoshi smiled down at Kuroko before addressing Midorima's comment. "It's not a one-sided relationship. Kuroko's different from the usual Komainu, but he makes up for his lack of obvious power in other ways, and that isn't to say he doesn't contribute. We help each other."

Akashi looked over at Kuroko again, the smaller male had mostly recovered, but it was clear he was not very strong. "Do you already hold a jackal form or are they hoping to force you into one?"

"I have one from a previous contract. I came to live with the wolves shortly after Hyuga-san and Riko-san took over but I am several hundred years old and I have many forms. However, as you have gathered, I am not the strongest example of my kind." Kuroko's voice was strangely blank at that moment - it was clear he understood his own status but he wasn't asking for pity. How unusual…but admirable in its way.

Still, before making any decision, he first needed to correct the initial oversight of their hospitality toward the other shifter. Akashi waved Daiki over and murmured instructions to have more of the tea and food brought in for Kuroko. The panther chuffed at this request but he obediently relayed it to the servants. When it was brought in, even the wolves themselves looked chagrined - they had also forgotten Kuroko had been overlooked. But Kuroko merely nodded and offered quiet thanks before sipping his tea. Akashi noticed he didn't eat anything.

He was almost surprised to hear himself ask, "Kuroko-kun, do you want to live here? Our society is different from the wolves, but we can protect you if the terms are agreeable to everyone."

Kuroko briefly looked over at Ryota and Daiki before answering Akashi's question. "I saw the demonstration of power those two possess. They didn't even have to try very hard to win. I know I would be safe here and it would ease the worry of Hyuga-san and Riko-san."

Akashi tilted his head thoughtfully in the ensuing silence when it became apparent that was all he was going to say. That wasn't quite the same thing as especially wanting to stay there with the cats. Still, he could read enough of the subtext to know what Kuroko was really interested in was keeping his wolves safe by not being associated with their territory for a while. That was fine, he didn't need Kuroko to be enthusiastic about being there, he just had to keep the Komainu safe and it would allow him an upper hand in his dealings with the wolves over negotiations about trade and territory.

He shifted to look at Midorima and was unfazed to see the distrust on the other's face. It was perfectly clear the wolves weren't telling them everything, but it didn't particularly bother Akashi. He didn't think they were trying to plant a spy in his clan; they didn't have the energy to spare for that right now after the jackals' attack. Whatever secrets they were keeping, they could hold on to them for now. It would come to light in due course, these things always did.

"We would be pleased to extend the hospitality and protection of the feline shifters to Kuroko-kun. I'm sure we can look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in light of this new level of connection between our clans." To say that he sounded smug was an understatement, and it hit home just how far the wolves had fallen that they didn't protest what was sure to be a long-standing imbalance.

Kuroko watched this silently. He knew of Akashi, of course he did, and had even met his father on a prior occasion – he and Seijuro had both been children then and they hadn't met one another, but Kuroko still remembered seeing him from across the grounds. The son was not quite of the same stamp as his father, but he saw a remarkable similarity in terms of ambition, strength, and pride. Kuroko was sad and frustrated that he had inadvertently placed the wolves in this position; it had never been his intention to be a burden. He would find a way to repay their kindness and he would do everything he could to keep their debt to the cats at a minimum.

Izuki nudged him and murmured quietly, "Don't worry, Kuroko. It won't be forever." The absence of one of Izuki's usual puns told Kuroko what he already knew – the stressful situation of trying to both protect him and rebuild their home had grown too draining for the wolves.

He nodded his understanding. He knew the wolves didn't exactly blame him, but it was undeniable that he had been indirectly responsible for the misfortune that had befallen their clan. Sensing someone was looking at him; he turned and met the amber eyes of the one he knew was Kise Ryota.

The cat was looking at him curiously, but when he spoke, the comment clearly wasn't being addressed to Kuroko. "What does he eat? How do you take care of him?"

"I am not a pet, Kise-kun. You should address me directly if you have questions about me." Kuroko's voice was mild as he spoke, but it was still easy enough to understand he was offended.

The blond looked surprised and then slightly abashed. He didn't apologize and Kuroko could tell from the expression on his face that the cat had indeed been viewing him that way. It wasn't that uncommon – shifters were mostly ranked on their strength and Kuroko's weak presence meant he wasn't usually considered to be someone capable of taking care of himself. That didn't mean he had to like it though, especially since he wasn't nearly as helpless as they were imagining.

Hyuga and Riko were unable to suppress the smiles that crossed their faces. Kuroko's temper was always…interesting. But they felt better about Kuroko staying there knowing he wouldn't be too dispirited to stand up for himself among the cats. They didn't notice Akashi watching their expressions right then, but the redhead picked up on their amusement and understood what caused it.

Ignoring the small flare between Ryota and the Komainu, Akashi spoke up. "Very well then, it seems we're agreed. We'll formalize the arrangement later of course, but for now I am sure you are anxious to ensure Kuroko's safety so that you may turn your attention to other matters. Do you need to return to the wolves for any belongings or to say farewell, Kuroko-kun?" Akashi's question was unexpectedly considerate for someone that was more typically known to be remote and isolated.

Kuroko shook his head in denial. "I took care of that before we left today. I have my bag." He waved unnecessarily toward the small knapsack on the floor that Akashi hadn't paid attention to before then.

Sensing a sudden wave of distrust from the redhead at his statement, Kuroko looked up at him. "We didn't know you would say yes. The plan was for me to go into hiding if you weren't willing. Either way it was going to be my last day with the wolves for a while."

The slow nod that Akashi made in response wasn't particularly revealing but the atmosphere relaxed as he apparently accepted that explanation. He sent instructions for a room to be prepared for Kuroko and then watched as he said goodbye to the group that had escorted him there. It wasn't that they wouldn't be able to see each other even with Kuroko living among the cats, but they clearly held affection for each other and Kuroko had lived with them for several decades, this would likely be difficult for him.

After the wolves left, Kuroko watching them depart with an ostensibly blank expression; he turned back to Akashi and his council. They were surprised when he bowed again before softly asking where he might find his room. Akashi dispatched Daiki and Ryota to escort their new houseguest. They left and Akashi's keen hearing could pick up on his guards' comments as they explained the layout of the compound and asked the smaller shifter questions.

Knowing it was coming, he met Shintaro's gaze as the green haired male let loose a string of exasperated comments and questions. They were all of a similar character – what was Akashi thinking, how could they just accept this prospect, didn't Akashi think this was inviting an attack on their own home, and so on and so forth…the redhead let him continue until finally he ran out of steam. It was why he'd sent both Ryota and Daiki to escort the Komainu, he knew Shintaro had been nearly gritting his teeth to keep himself from questioning Akashi's decision in front of the outsiders, but now that the wolves were gone he'd be unable to stop his opinions from being voiced.

"Shintaro, you know me well enough to understand I did not do this lightly. The wolves won't actually disclose where they took Kuroko, but it is a simple matter to guess they'd pick us over many of the other clans. I'm aware this might foster some inconvenient encounters with Hanamiya's jackals, but surely you're not suggesting we aren't capable of handling them?" Akashi's comments weren't exactly playful, but there was an element of confident amusement that Midorima was all too familiar with.

Midorima's put-upon sigh elicited a slight smile from Akashi. "That's not the point, and you know it Akashi."

"Of course it is, Shintaro. And I am sure we'll all appreciate having the wolves in our debt from this exchange. How difficult can one little shifter be to protect anyway? Still, I'd always thought Komainu were myths. Why don't you consult our archives to see what information we have about them? It will prove useful to know what we're dealing with."

Midorima didn't share Akashi's sanguine attitude but he immediately headed to the library to begin researching Komainu. He wanted to know more about the shifter under their roof and began compiling the report Akashi had requested.

Akashi didn't know it yet, but those words would come back to haunt him as irksomely naive. In the ensuing days he would quickly come to realize exactly how much chaos could result from trying to keep an eye on Kuroko and how daunting a prospect it was to keep him safe. For now though, he simply enjoyed the feeling of triumph at finally getting the better of the wolves and plotting the ways in which he would use this to his advantage.

Kuroko, for his part, quietly settled into his room after politely declining needing assistance from Aomine and Kise to unpack. He looked around his quarters – he was clearly being considered a guest as it was lovely, well-appointed room. But as he looked out of the window, he couldn't help but feel this had just trapped him in a different way.