WARNING! If you don't like yaoi (boy x boy) then please don't read this.

Kuroko no Basuke as well as the cover image used for this story both belong to their respective owners.

This is a roleplay story done by KurokoTetsuya101 and The Lucky Bell.

Chapter 1 - Cold-Hearted by a Fire

The red string of fate. There are many mysteries and legends surrounding the said cord that makes most of us wonder; does it really exist? Many believe in the magical concept of fate, and how everyone has the one person that is fated to be with them. They wait for a lifetime, only for that fated one to arrive.

It is said that the string bends and stretches but it never breaks, meaning that those who wish to escape or defy fate are left with no hope. It is a magical concept, yet a cruel one at the same time.

Is everything already decided for you? The people you meet and interact with, the events that happen to you during the day, but most importantly; your fated one, meaning your lover. Would fate be so cruel as to not let you decide by yourself? Are you that incompetent to choose your partner?

Many of us may be unlucky in love and rely on the myths to give them their love for them. How unsightly. Thinking that somewhere out there, there is the one person that will accept you for everything that you are, not minding your faults at all. Such a concept is foolish.

The red string of fate might be a curse after all. However, that is only if you wish to tie yourself to the myth at all. Many humans choose not to, mainly because they don't believe in such a thing as fate. If you want something, then you have to grab it yourself. It won't come to you even if you beg for it.

However, even though humans don't think much of the red string of fate, werewolves certainly do. Yes, werewolves. Mythical creatures that are said to roam the forests, howling on the cliff at the bright full moon. They too are a myth many humans choose to discard and ignore, but even though they try, the wolves are something that cannot be ignored.

Unlike the red string of fate, werewolves are amongst us, living and breathing the same cold air we do. They run through the fields, feasting on wildlife and sometimes even human life. The two races, humans and werewolves, have crossed paths many times in the past. For centuries, our ancestors have fought with the wild beasts, defending their homes and lives.

However, even though humans try to fight back, it proves to be increasingly difficult. Why? Because the werewolves have the ability to take on the appearance of a human. Their paws turn into hands and legs while their fur disappears completely, taking on a body of a fragile human only to pry and attack from where we would least expect it.

The werewolf is a perfect predator, holding power over humans who could only cower in fear. However, it wasn't as if the humans were willing to give up without a fight. A group of brave men and women, so determined to fight against the werewolves that they would even sacrifice their lives, swore to get rid of the creatures once and for all. And thus, humankind created it's own resistance against the werewolves, the hunters.

The creatures of legends and myth, why do they believe in the red string of fate so strongly? Creatures of death and misfortune... if they believe in fate, then fate must be crooked. Yes, such a disgusting concept. That's why we must defy it and fight against it, because fate is cruel, just like those werewolves that cherish it so.

Sharp heterochromatic eyes narrowed as the hunter whom they belong to felt the earth beneath him shake slightly. He held his hand against the ground under him, feeling the shaking become stronger and stronger. He closed his eyes, feeling the pants and the massive heavy paws push against the ground as the creatures ran. Judging by the shake and the movement of the trees, the hunter knew there were two werewolves that were headed his way.

He hid in the bushes, waiting with his gun in hand when finally the two creatures came in running, passing him by with incredible speed. The ground shook and the winds blew strongly as the two werewolves run past the hidden hunter. One wolf had the fur of ash blonde colour while the other had pure white fur. Interesting...

"Oi! Akashi! Can you hear me?" The sudden radio call didn't distract the hunter at all as he reached into his pouch to take out the walkie-talkie, "Yes. Target sighted." The hunter with bright crimson hair replied as the man on the other side confirmed the information, "Just as planned. Move." The man, also known as the leader of the squad commanded while the redhead placed his walkie-talkie back into his pouch.

With his gun in hand, the hunter left his hiding and took off after the two fast wolves.

To survive for so long, these werewolves had to rely on their instincts and senses. If a few hunters hiding in bushes could ambush them, then they weren't good enough to be called werewolves.

So naturally, the two werewolves the hunters were chasing knew they were there. But they feigned ignorance... Just for their plan. It was foolish for hunters to just focus on tracking them. They had to scope out the land first! It was a mistake for them to try and hunt them in their own territory.

The two wolves suddenly skidded to a stop. In front of them was a cliff. Or rather a waterfall one could say. It was a long drop with a large river down below that was always flowing fast, especially when it flooded. Perfect. Their plan was going well.

The werewolves looked around them when their ears perked up, hearing the loud thunder above them. The clouds were grey and the winds were strong. Knowing the nature and the lands as well as they do, the two wolves knew that a huge storm was coming their way, but even though it was, it wouldn't hinder them in any way.

Their sensitive ears suddenly picked up on another sound aside from the thunder, turning around to see a lone hunter standing before them while pointing his two guns at the large wolves. The hunter had bright crimson hair but also had an eye patch on one of his eyes, leaving him with only one eye to use which was crimson red to match his fiery hair.

The wolves studied their enemy quick. Small, probably fast and agile, not very strong...

The white wolf noticed the eye patch first and glanced at his partner beside him. They both knew immediately. This hunter had a blind spot that would make things a lot easier. However it would be foolish to only get one hunter so they waited. Meanwhile they bristled their fur and growled, waiting for the other hunters or for this small hunter to shoot.

The hunter held his ground, not intimated by the two beasts in the slightest. He's faced many werewolves in the past so he had experience dealing with them. Although, he couldn't help but feel that something was off. Why would the wolves let themselves be cornered that easily? They're very clever creatures, Akashi would at least give them credit for that. Something was wrong...

"Haha! Nowhere left to run?" A confident yet rough voice suddenly said, breaking the silence and tension between the two wolves and the redhead hunter. The two wolves immediately moved their eyes onto the new hunter who had ash silver hair with eyes to match, along with a piercing on his right ear.

"This is the end of you mutts." The silver head hunter rolled his tongue in amusement, although the redhead was still on edge. Then the others came in. More hunters emerged from the bushes, about twenty as they cornered the two large wolves.

Among the group was one hunter with raven black hair and a rainbow colored sweatband, the wolves would recognize that face anywhere. It was the leader of the group whom they have encountered before, Shūzō Nijimura. The said hunter held his gun, pointing it at the two wolves; "We're taking the white one alive."

"Roger~" The silver head released the safety on his gun as the hunters slowly began nearing on the two wolves before them. The thunder above them roaring in anger.

The wolves watched the hunters warily. Even though they were the ones pinned, it almost seemed like they don't think of it that way. As soon as the hunters took another step, close enough for leaping distance, lightning stuck somewhere nearby. The bright flash blinded everyone but once it faded a second after it showed up, the wolves had jumped forward.

The blond wolf didn't miss a beat as it jumped up, knocking the leader, Nijimura, to the ground. It also bit into the gun, keeping it at an angle so Nijimura couldn't shoot as they wrestled.

While the blond had attacked, the white wolf leaped towards the smallest hunter which was the red haired hunter with the eye patch. The wolf landed on his left side, his blind spot, and shoved the redhead towards the cliff with its powerful legs.

As the redhead stumbled, luckily not close enough to the edge to fall off, the white wolf let out a loud bark. Just as another hunter was going to take their chances with shooting the white wolf, other barks distracted the other hunters. More wolves were pouring into the area!

"Don't forget about me!" A voice shouted out just as the white wolf turned. Before the wolf even had a chance to react, Haizaki kicked the large wolf to the cliff beside Akashi. Ah, now was his chance to get the white wolf!

A sudden rumbling from above startled some of the hunters. No, it wasn't thunder... It was-!

"Look out!"

A large boulder from above began tumbling down, heading straight for the cliff the wolf and Hunter were standing on. Before the hunter could run or the wolf could jump, the large rock landed right in front of them, making a huge crack on the cliff.

The ground under them began to give way. The two enemies immediately began to desperately try to grab onto something. Akashi managed to grab onto the ledge but something grabbed onto him that made his fingers slip. He was falling! He looked down quickly to see what had snagged onto him. That white wolf!

The wolf had been determined... If he was going to die, he was going to take a hunter with him!

"There's a wolf up there! He knocked the rock down!"

"Don't get distracted!"

Even over the rolling thunder, the enemies falling could hear vicious barks and echoing gunshots. Then they hit the water.

The water currents were distorted as the water ran down the river with great speed. It was dangerous, should any kind of life try to cross these distorted waters, they would surely drown. The thunder let out it's fury as lighting echoed around the whole forest, heavy rain drenching everything under it and even forcing the smaller animals to take shelter.

Two bodies floated down in the river, struggling to keep their heads up above the water. However, even though they tried, the water would always pull them down. Akashi had his sights on the wolf whom he could see from where he was. The large white wolf was struggling to breathe as well and even though Akashi held up his gun to shoot, he couldn't.

He didn't have it in him to hold the gun, let alone shoot as water had entered his lungs. Not to mention that the fast currents were swinging him in any direction they desired, making him hit many rocks that were in the way. Was this the end for him? After all these years... Akashi's eyes became hazy then suddenly; darkness took over.

Like people always say, after a big storm comes a lovely rainbow.

Last night was a terrible storm but the next morning was quiet and peaceful... It was sunny so soon the puddles would be gone. It was perfect weather too, not a cloud in the beautiful blue sky.

It would have been a peaceful day for Kuroko... if only he wasn't right next to his mortal enemy!

After passing out due to lack of oxygen from falling in the river, Kuroko had woken up here, on the bank of the river where it was much calmer. He was glad to see that he hadn't died but when he looked around, he growled when he spotted that hunter a few feet away. He was still unconscious and probably bleeding since Kuroko smelled blood that wasn't his own.

Oh yeah, he was bleeding of course, but barely. It seems that he was already almost done healing! Werewolves have fast healing after all. It was one of the traits that kept them alive against the humans and their traps for so long.

The white wolf stood up, shaking its fur as he limped out the water. He looked back at the human again before looking away. He shouldn't... They were mortal enemies!

He snarled to himself before slowly walking over to the hunter, his limp already improving. Grasping the hunter's shirt with his large teeth, he began dragging him away from the river. He wasn't strong enough at the moment to pick him up so this would have to do. It served the hunter right anyway! He deserved this for killing who knows how many werewolves…

Kuroko noticed a cave that was right beside the river so he decided to take the hunter there. It was the best option because if the hunters come out to look for their ally, they wouldn't be able to spot them inside the cave. Well, it would be harder for them to spot them there than out in the open. That and the cave provided perfect shelter to let both of their wounds heal.

Kuroko dragged the redhead hunter inside but decided to go further in so that the hunters wouldn't see them right away if they entered. He reached a dead end when he decided to drop the hunter down on the ground. That's right; drop. The hunter should be thankful that he even got him inside in the safety.

Kuroko decided to lay down on the other side of the cave and at the front of the entrance. This way if the human wakes up, then he can't do anything suspicious or try to take Kuroko's life. Kuroko had his teal blue eyes trained on the hunter but at the same time had his ears perked up for any sounds coming from the outside.

He hoped the pack would be able to find them sooner than the hunters but then again... due to the heavy rain and the fact that they were washed down the stream, their scents were washed away. It would be next to impossible for the pack to find his location by scent, leaving Kuroko with one hope that they would follow the river and find the cave.

Although... he could leave by himself and find the pack on his own, but then again, those hunters might be out there somewhere, searching for him and their comrade.

Just a few minutes of waiting turned into hours, which almost turned into a whole day. The pack didn't find him yet and he still didn't leave! Why? Because this dumb hunter didn't even wake up yet!

Was he dead or something? He didn't bleed out right? Tch, he was right before. The hunter was weak after all...

Kuroko slowly got up even though he was completely healed. Was the hunter trying to trick him? He cautiously approached the still hunter, sniffing at his hair first then at his face. If he wanted to kill him, now would have been his chance. Well, it's not like he had anything to kill him with. His gun must've gotten lost in the river and Kuroko didn't see any knife on him.

Although what Kuroko didn't notice was the crimson eye that slowly began to open. Akashi slowly began moving his fingers, trying to convince himself that he was alive. He was alive? He survived? But then why is it so dark? It took a bit of time for his eyes to finally focus but when they did, he noticed a white leg of a wolf before him.

Then he remembered. He was swooped away by the currents! All because the white wolf clung onto him before he fell. That wolf tried to kill him so it would only be right that he returns the favor. Akashi slowly moved his hand, knowing he had an opportunity now that the wolf was this close. He tried to reach out to his pocket but wasn't able to due to the weakness of his hand.

If Kuroko hadn't noticed those few hand twitches, what kind of werewolf would he be?

He growled and jumped on the hunter, uncaring of his injuries now. He put his paws on the human's arms, holding him down. He could kill him now and just leave to find his pack but for some reason, his body was hesitating.

He stared down at the hunter, watching all of his actions and expressions.

Akashi flinched, giving out a slight pained cry as he clenched his fists. He could feel the massive weight of the werewolf on his upper body, pushing him further into the ground while making it harder for him to breathe. This werewolf... he was playing with him. Akashi was near his deathbed, barely clinging onto life. The werewolf knew that yet he decided to keep him alive? Why didn't he kill him already? Just so he could play with him before finishing him off?

"K...Kill... me..." He couldn't stand being played with. He would rather die than serve as a werewolves' toy, or perhaps even a hostage if the wolf was aiming for it.

Kuroko paused as he watched the human. Kill him? How suspicious. Hunters didn't give up this easily...

He snapped his jaws at him but didn't attack. Instead he just moved off him and stepped away. What would killing him do? It would just stink up the cave. Besides, he would be laughed at for killing such a weak human... Yeah, that's the only reason why he wasn't tearing this hunter apart now.

Akashi warily watched as the werewolf stepped away. The wolf was full of surprises. Instead of killing him here and now, he just moved away, letting him live. Akashi's crimson red eye didn't leave the white wolf, following his every move. The wolf moved away but all he did was watch him warily as well, the tension could be felt around them.

Since the wolf did nothing apart from a few growls, Akashi decided to slowly sit up. Laying down like this in front of a werewolf puts him at a disadvantage and not to mention that he's completely defenceless like that as well.

Akashi warily watched the white wolf as he began moving, feeling the slight cracks in his bones as he did. He flinched in discomfort, feeling incredible pain in his right leg. It was most likely broken but if that were all, Akashi wouldn't mind. However, it wasn't. His entire body was scarred from the fall and the hits from the rocks he sustained while the stream carried him.

He tried to bear with the pain as he slowly sat up, supporting himself off the rocky cave walls behind him until he finally managed to sit up. He leaned on the wall behind him, slightly panting from the pain of moving. He glared up at the werewolf, not knowing why he kept him alive made Akashi even more on edge.

After watching the hunter for a few minutes, he was beginning to get bored. Kuroko swayed his tail, trying to think of what to do. Leave this hunter to die and find his pack? He wasn't too fond of unfair fights, believe it or not. Winning like this would be boring...

He moved close to the hunter again, looking at his distrustful eyes. Whatever, he couldn't do much now anyway. He looked at the hunter's belt, seeing a canteen on his side. He moved close enough to nudge the canteen. It was empty... He hesitated before carefully biting the canteen, careful not to pierce a hole in it. He tried getting it off the belt without moving Akashi too much, but it was hard since it was latched on.

What was the wolf doing? Akashi didn't push the creature away, knowing fully well that he was now at his mercy. Although why did he reach out for the canteen? Akashi didn't know but decided to give it to the werewolf since he has no further use for it. He unbuttoned the said item to let it fall on the ground. Now, what will the wolf do?

Kuroko glanced up at Akashi before picking up the canteen and quickly running out of the cave. He sniffed the air before leaving the entrance, just to be careful. Plus he had to look out for anything to eat. He's starving...

He went to the river, placing the canteen down on the bank. He got himself a drink of water before picking up the canteen in his jaws again. He held it under the water, filling it up until it was full. Now that it was full, he turned to go back into the cave. Just as he made it to the entrance, he stopped in surprise.

A few feet in front of him was that hunter... was he trying to crawl away? Ugh, he looked so pitiful... Maybe Kuroko should just kill him.

He gave the hunter a look as if it said "really?" before going over and nudging his head. He couldn't drink while laying on the ground after all. He wasn't going to waste a trip to the stream for some ungrateful hunter, so he better drink it!

Akashi looked up at the wolf in displeasure, failing to escape. With no other choice, he went back inside the cave as the wolf followed behind. Why was the wolf keeping him inside the cave? It puzzled Akashi as to why the wolf didn't run away or kill him yet. Such a strange wolf. Although Akashi knew not to underestimate such unpredictable wolves. You never know what they may be planning.

Once the hunter was seated against the wall again, Kuroko moved closer to give him the canteen. When the hunter didn't grab it, he growled and moved it towards his hand. Was this human dumb? He needed to drink to survive! And eat... Ugh, this hunter is more troublesome than kids... And his pack mates.

He stepped back, putting his paw on the ground. Then he lifted it, pointing it towards Akashi before putting it down again. His way of saying "stay here".

Akashi narrowed his eyes at the wolf before him. He was underestimating him... too much for Akashi's liking. He moved his hand to take the canteen, knocking it over to spill out it's contents. He looked up at the wolf again; only to notice that he had began growling after seeing Akashi spill the water, "I don't need your pity." Akashi's words were clear and conveyed his displeasure as well.

This human really is dumb! He needed that water to survive! Well, whatever, Kuroko didn't care. He wasn't his pup.

If he wants to escape, Kuroko will let him! He'll just die on his own anyway! He snarled at the human before running out the cave again. It was getting dark out which means most of the good prey would be going to sleep... Well, anything to eat would be good at this point.

When Kuroko left, Akashi was on his own again. He flinched while holding his wounded leg, feeling the intense pain resonate throughout his entire body. He needed to act and he needed to be quick. Judging by the wolf's actions, he was most likely keeping him alive until his pack arrives to pick him up. When that happens, who knows what they would do to him. Most likely make a lunch out of him.

A werewolf pack sticks together like glue. If a wolf goes down then they all come together to search for the missing member. However, that doesn't apply to the hunters. In their world it's each man for himself. Once a hunter is down, he is left to fend for himself/herself, knowing that their sacrifice was for the sake of the entire hunt.

Akashi was alone, not a single member of his squad would come to search for him, meaning he had to escape on his own. Judging by the light that was entering the cave, he guessed that it was sunset, the night soon coming. He'll get his chance soon... when the werewolf would least expect it.

However, for now he would rest. He had no strength to move, let alone run away from a massive werewolf. He's already decided that the dark night will be the time he will carry out his plan of escape.

It only took Kuroko a half hour to find a plump rabbit for himself and eat most of it. It might have been going home for the night but oh well, it wasn't fast enough.

Kuroko stared down at the half eaten rabbit. He didn't eat the legs yet so there was plenty of meat on them... With a growl, he picked up the rabbit and carried it towards the cave. If Akashi wasn't there then good, he'd get the rest of the rabbit.

He walked inside the cave, looking towards the wall. He was still here? Kuroko honestly expected him to leave and end up getting himself killed. Ugh, humans were too much work... He placed the rabbit down and walked back outside. Knowing humans, they hated raw meat. He'd need to gather wood for a fire.

He looked up, seeing the moon start to rise. It was just a few days until the full moon... He shook his head and quickly went out, gathering branches and twigs, anything that can be used for a fire.

Akashi's eyes slowly began to open when his skilled hunter nose detected something strange. He could smell... fire? But also something burning. The hunter quickly tried to get his eye to focus but when it did, he noticed that there was fire in the cave and on it was a corpse of an animal. Judging by it's size and shape, it was most likely a rabbit.

Why was the fire here? And who set it up? Akashi wondered but the answer was right in front of him. On the other side of the cave was the werewolf, laying down with opened eyes that were looking at Akashi.

It was then that Akashi understood. It was the werewolf who did all this, however not in this form, no, he must have turned human to do everything he did. Akashi was careless. How could he have fallen asleep when he could have seen the human form of the wolf? If only he saw, then it would be the end of the werewolf. After all, revealing their human sides to the hunters spells instant death. Since they cannot hide amongst the humans anymore, they would be immediately hunted.

Kuroko noticed the hunter was awake and seemed a bit defeated. He inwardly smirked since he knew why. The hunter was foolish to fall asleep with a werewolf around in the first place.

He got up, going over to the fire and picking up the stick that held the rabbit. However he didn't bring it over to Akashi yet. How was he supposed to know if Akashi was going to throw it across the cave again? He couldn't have that. He spent time cooking it! He could at least appreciate that.

Watching the hunter closely, Kuroko warily brought the rabbit over. He held the stick tightly, growling in warning as he held out the rabbit to the human.

Akashi narrowed his crimson eye, not the least bit intimidated by the low growls. This werewolf was persistent, "No." He outright said, glaring holes into the wolf with his sharp cat like eye.

Geez, this human was as stubborn as he was dumb! Kuroko snarled around the stick and moved the rabbit closer. He just wished he could yell at the foolish human.

"I said no." Akashi's voice was deeper, emphasizing his frustration. If the wolf could growl to show his anger, then so could Akashi use his voice. He knows the werewolf understands him very well so there should be no problem as to why he couldn't back off and leave him alone. Being underestimated and treated like a fool... Akashi will have none of that, even if his life was on the line he won't succumb.

This human was so stupid! Did he really want to die?

Why was Kuroko even wasting his time on one dumb human that would probably enjoy seeing his head on a stick? He dropped the stick and went to the rabbit, ripping off one of its legs. He walked up to Akashi, holding the meat in front of his mouth. If he wants to act like a big baby, he'll treat him like one!

Since the wolf was so close this time, Akashi moved his hand to touch the wolf's snout, pushing him away with a method he knew would work, flicking his nose. When he did, the wolf quickly moved away, leaving a satisfied Akashi that got back his space.

He looked up at the wolf, glaring holes at the said animal. This particular werewolf was mocking him, underestimating him than anyone ever before. Not only did he attack him in his blind spot (the eye patch) but he also found the need to feed him like a baby. Akashi couldn't be more than angry by now.

So this hunter really had the nerve... He must have a death wish too. Flicking the nose of a werewolf when he can't even walk. This human really was foolish.

Kuroko huffed and dropped the food on the ground. He could eat off the ground for all he cared. Hell, he didn't even care if he didn't eat at all. He went back to his side of the cave and laid down. Let the hunter die, who cares... It wasn't his fault if he died.

Oh he was just so mad! This human was so... stupid! It made him feel so angry and... warm? Wait a second... This wasn't normal, even for anger. His whole body wouldn't be feeling warm like this.

As he panted, he tried thinking of what it could be. But he already knew what it was. Heat? But my cycle doesn't start yet! Kuroko thought to himself with worry and a bit of fear. Why was his heat starting now? His heat always began in the middle of winter. It was just barely the end of fall... What was happening to him?

Akashi's eyes were on the werewolf on the other side of the cave. Strange, the wolf seemed as if he was in some sort of a dilemma. He was panting hard while laying down on the ground. To Akashi's experienced eyes, he knew that something wasn't right. Werewolves and canines usually pant to cool down which is it's main purpose, so could it be that the wolf was warm? If so then it must be because of the fire. There was no other explanation that he knew of, at least in this time of the year.

This hunter was really lucky Kuroko wasn't one of those aggressive werewolves during heat. If he was then Akashi really wouldn't have stood a chance against him if he so wished to use him to relieve himself. But Kuroko wasn't that kind of werewolf. Besides... He doesn't like the idea of doing something so precious without consent. Mating is important to werewolves after all.

Akashi watched the wolf pant without stopping. It was strange which made the hunter think of the possible reasons for the wolf to be in the condition he's in. One of the possibilities was heat from the fire but he quickly threw the idea away since the wolf didn't pant before when the fire was lit. This made him consider another option... the red string of fate. The cursed myth the wolves cherish so much.

But if it was the red string of fate, then another werewolf could possibly be nearby. If so then he was in danger... But then again, the white wolf is special in his own right. Perhaps his cycle comes at a different time of the year? Because the white wolf is so rare and special, Nijimura wanted to capture him alive.

Akashi didn't know why the wolf was in heat but watching the said creature gave him no satisfaction at all. Not when he was in the wolf's debt to boot. The wolf has saved him by bringing him into the cave when he could have just left him there on the river bank to die. Akashi didn't want to admit it but that was the case.

The hunter sighed to himself, knowing what he has to do to repay that debt. He moved, supporting himself off the cave wall behind him to stand up. He struggled but in the end managed to stand up. At least he knows that when he attempts the same maneuver again later at night, he'll be able to escape. He looked up at the wolf before taking his first step towards the creature, supporting himself with the wall beside him.

By the time Kuroko realized Akashi was up, the hunter was already halfway across the cave, using the wall for assistance. He should be on guard! Even if the hunter was injured, he could still try something.

He stayed where he was, finding it too troublesome to move. If the hunter tried to attack, Kuroko could just kick him off. With this heat, he didn't even feel like moving.

Even though the wolf looked up and noticed him, Akashi didn't stop. He carried the canteen bottle with him, which was tied to his belt as he made his way to the wolf. Once he was close enough, Akashi had to let go of the wall to walk to the wolf. Now he was on his own. He let go, trying to stabilize himself so that he didn't fall down as he took slow and easy steps forward.

With a bit of limping, Akashi made it, standing in front of the werewolf before kneeling down so that he could sit. He flinched, feeling the pain in his leg as he sat down. He looked up at the large wolf, their eyes meeting, not forgetting the rivalry and hate that was between them. However, for this task, Akashi will have to get closer. He raised his hand, moving to slowly let the wolf sniff his hand. This way the wolf will know that he doesn't mean harm.

What was he planning? Was he trying to gain his trust then do something to harm him? Whatever... Kuroko didn't care. It might be his heat talking but he was just too lazy to deal with this now.

He leaned forward a little to give his hand a few sniffs. Ugh, normal hunters smell of gunpowder and silver. Maybe blood but he didn't smell much on this hunter. Except for his own blood of course.

He laid his head down but he was still watching the hunter warily. What did he want to do?

Now that the wolf knew his intentions, Akashi could get to work. But he was no fool, of course he knew that the wolf was still on edge and so he decided to take it slowly. He moved his hands with the wolf watching him warily, tearing a larger piece of the bottom of his shirt. Then he took his canteen bottle, opening it up before pouring some of the cold water onto the cloth.

Now that he had the cold wet cloth, Akashi looked down at the wolf. Waiting to see if the wolf was prepared as he leaned down to press the cloth against the wolf's chest. Canines are cooled down from bottom up, meaning their chest, paws and stomach. Although Akashi wasn't sure if the same applies to werewolves since he had never done this to one.

Kuroko looked up at him with a bit of confusion. He was... washing him? Ah, whatever. The cold water actually felt nice. After this, maybe he should lay in the river a little?

He had the feeling to turn over so he could wash his stomach, but that was a sign of submission. He'd never show anything like that towards a hunter of all things. However would it count if he turned on only his side, not his back? Kuroko slightly turned so he could lay on his side, letting Akashi wash him. Even if he got that water for Akashi... again!

When the wolf turned, Akashi knew it was a sign for him to go on. The wolf gave him the permission so he went on and rubbed the cloth gently against the wolf's stomach. Odd, he never thought that he would find himself in such a situation where he would care for a wolf. But then again, this wolf is no normal wolf, "You're a strange wolf."

Kuroko glanced at Akashi before looking away towards the entrance of the cave. With this sudden heat, he can't return to the pack until it goes away... Great. He's stuck with this hunter.

He made a soft growling noise but it wasn't threatening. He turned his head again, looking at the canteen beside him. He gently nudged it but didn't knock it over. He looked up at Akashi for an answer. Why waste water on him when Akashi needed it more?

Somehow the hunter knew what the wolf waned to say, continuing rubbing the other's belly to cool him down, "Don't think anything of it. I'm merely retuning my debt." The wolf brought him into the cave and if he didn't, then another animal might have found him and eaten him, or perhaps the currents would take him again and drown him.

Debt? Does he mean the debt of saving his life? So that's it? He saves this hunters life and all he gets is a belly rub? Kuroko was not having that. Akashi should be out there hunting for him and getting him water then! Not rubbing his stomach.

The redhead rubbed but noticed a change in the wolf. It's not something you notice but it's something you feel. Hunting wolves and being around them as long as he did, Akashi got a sixth sense to know exactly how the wolves' felt at times, such as their bloodlust and change in mood. He turned to the wolf, "You were the one who pushed me down the cliff." And thus the reason he's here right now, "Don't test your luck."

Kuroko lifted his head with a growl. They wouldn't have gotten into the situation if the hunters had just left them alone in the first place! Besides, he didn't knock Akashi down. It was the pack mate who knocked the rock down. He just merely grabbed onto Akashi to prevent himself from falling. He should have known the hunter wasn't strong enough to hold them both up.

It was the wolf's fault, that was certain. He knew he was going to fall so he had at least wanted to take one hunter down with him, picking up on Akashi just because he seemed weak. Oh~ How wrong the wolf is. If he underestimates him any further, then Akashi will have to show the wolf just who is in charge. To even have the guts to think that he's the innocent one, unacceptable.

Akashi brushed but when he wasted up all of the water, he knew it was the end. However, somehow the wolf was still warm and panting. Why was he in heat? He might never get the answer but Akashi thought up of a better idea of how to cool down the wolf. He hesitated on it since he was in pain while walking but it couldn't be avoided. He had to get the wolf to the river.

"Can you walk to the river?" He asked the wolf.

Can he walk to the river? Of course he could. He's not the injured one here.

Kuroko slowly turned back onto his stomach so he could stand up. His legs were shaky but once he stood, it was all-good. It would be worth it once he made it to the river.

He looked back at Akashi. Since he wouldn't drink the water Kuroko brought him, it would be best if Akashi came with him to get himself water. But could he walk? He moved close and sniffed at Akashi's leg. He'd offer some help but he knew the hunter was too stubborn to accept it.

"I don't need your help." And just like Kuroko had thought, Akashi had refused. The hunter slowly stood up, taking his time but letting out a few sounds of pain as he did. Once he was completely up, he made his way to the cave's entrance, limping on his way out. He turned to the wolf, "Hurry to the river. I'll join you in a minute."

Kuroko watched him, unsure if he should leave him alone. Whatever, he wasn't his pup so why should he care for him? He left the cave, going to the river to cool off. He went to the bank and laid down so only his lower body was in the water.

Akashi leaned on the wall when he had the chance, taking a small break on his way out. It seems that his escape will be much harder than he had thought. His eye was becoming hazier and hazier as time went on, not mentioning that he was losing strength in his wounded leg completely. If he doesn't leave by the night... then he might not make it at all.

He slowly made his way out, managing to reach the cave's entrance to see the werewolf laying down in the bank of the river. Akashi's crimson eye narrowed at the defenseless wolf. If only he had a gun, he would take a shot. He couldn't push back his instincts that were telling him that he had a perfect chance. However, even if he had, the state he was in didn't allow him to do anything.

Kuroko opened his eyes when he heard Akashi come out. He really did need help didn't he? But even if he tried, the hunter would just get mad. Ungrateful hunter...

Rolling his eyes, Kuroko got up from the relishing, cold water. Walking over to Akashi, he gently nudged his good leg before standing beside his bad leg. Even if he had to force the hunter, he would help him to the river.

Akashi's eye met Kuroko's two bright teal blue ones, reading the messages that were within. This wolf was really stubborn but so was Akashi. If he didn't accept his help up until now, then why this time? The redhead turned to face the water, limping towards it as he went.

Kuroko stayed beside Akashi in case he should fall. This human was more troublesome than any pup he ever met. Stubborn too... He was just glad Akashi made it to the river without falling.

The hunter slowly sat down just beside the river so that he could reach out and drink. He was just reaching out for the water with his hands when he noticed the wolf walk past him, going to lay down in the water. Strange, such a strange wolf. Why does he keep offering to help him? There's no need to go to such lengths. He saved Akashi's life and now the hunter has repaid the debt. There's no need for them to help each other any further.

If he wants answers, then there's no other way but to ask, "Why do you keep offering your help when you know that I won't accept it?"

Kuroko wasn't so sure himself. Because he wasn't heartless maybe? He wasn't what hunters thought werewolves were. He moved close enough to the bank so he could reach the mud with his paws. How could he explain it?

With his claw, he just wrote "Wolf =" and then drew a heart. Wolves do have hearts, basically.

Akashi stared at the drawing in wonder. It was messy but he could still manage to read it. It was his first time seeing a wolf draw so that had taken him by surprise in itself but then again, wolves also had a human appearance... Akashi looked up at the wolf, "Then you must be the only wolf with a heart." Akashi moved his hand to draw a big cross over the heart Kuroko drew, "None of the wolves I met are like you. They're ruthless and cruel."

Ruthless? Cruel? Kuroko looked at the big line going through the heart he drew. Their views for each other were the same yet they were still so different. He used his paw to wipe the drawing away and did the same thing with the heart, except instead of "wolf" it was "pack".

Akashi didn't have difficulty reading the new word but even though he knew the werewolf could turn human, he still couldn't help but be surprised by the gesture. The hunter looked down at the word 'pack', narrowing his eyes when he saw it. Could the wolf mean... "You must mean the red string of fate." He looked up at the wolf with slight annoyance in his eyes.

Huh? What did he mean by that? He just said that his pack had hearts too... Kuroko tilted his head, showing he was confused. What did Akashi mean by bringing that up?

The redhead noticed the wolf's confusion but didn't know what to think of it, "You said that your pack has hearts as well, however, that is not true. All werewolves are merely wild animals that have no mercy." Akashi moved to draw lines around the word 'pack', "There's one concept that you wolves believe in that I cannot stand." He began connecting the lines together, "It's the red string of fate."

Wild animals? No mercy? Just what did Kuroko show by letting Akashi live? Mercy! And what did Akashi have against their beliefs? Were they not allowed to have their own beliefs? He growled, glaring at Akashi. He can't stand how hunters don't stick together like a pack does but does he tell them that? No! So why should Akashi?

Tension rose between the hunter and the wolf as they both gazed into each other's eyes. Werewolves are anything but loving and nothing will change Akashi's mind about that. They're cruel and unfair, just like the beliefs they believe in, "I won't believe it. The fact that wolves have hearts."

Kuroko felt his fur raise with his anger. Wolves are just like anyone else. They have feelings and care about people too. He growled as he traced more words into the mud. "Then you're heartless."

Akashi looked down, reading the words before his lips curved into a smirk. He put his hand on his eye patch before looking up at the wolf, "I might be." He couldn't deny that. After all he had seen, it could be a possibility that he himself has become cold hearted.

This was ridiculous. Akashi had the nerve to call him and his whole pack heartless when he didn't even know them! All he did was try killing them before even meeting them. They know they're also humans but they only see them as animals. Stupid. Heartless. Ungrateful! Hunters are all of the above, not werewolves!

With an angry snarl, he got up. He splashed a little water at Akashi as he got out the river. He was still hot but he didn't care. He didn't want to be by Akashi for another second. The human was so ungrateful! He got him water, he got him food, he helped him to the river. He saved his life! And all he gets is a belly rub and being called heartless!

He walked into the cave, spotting the canteen. He took time to go out and get him water! He went over and grabbed it with his jaws before throwing it towards the entrance of the cave. Then he looked towards the source of light in the cave. He took the time to make a fire and hunt for him!

He was still wet so it should be fine to put it out. The fire was dying anyway. Kuroko went over and put his paws near the fire, moving the sticks around to put out the fire. As he moved a certain stick, a sudden fire flared up. It might have been an ember that got some oxygen, thus creating a bigger fire, but Kuroko was just more mad. His paw hurt! It burned him!

He barked angrily as he stepped and stomped on the fire, uncaring if he hurt his other paw too. It would only leave a scar so who cares? He already has enough scars thanks to those dumb hunters!

Akashi heard the wolf howl in pain before tilting his head to the side to look at the cave. Judging by the wolf's attitude, he must have been angered by Akashi's words. Although Akashi didn't blame him. He too disagrees with the wolf, however, unlike the creature, he didn't take it to heart. So why did he?

The hunter turned to face the river again, looking down at the pure white water that was blurred. Huh... he doesn't have much time left... If only he had his weapons and a way to establish contact with the base then surely he might have already been back home.

When the fire was out, Kuroko felt even hotter than before and now exhausted. He was too tired to get rid of the rabbit he cooked for Akashi... His paws hurt so bad. Putting them in cold water would help but he didn't want to go out there with Akashi there. So he laid down with a whimper, trying to stay off his paws as he laid on his side. Burned paws, angry attitude, heat... this wasn't a good day for him.

And before he knew it, Kuroko had fallen asleep. Fatigue had caught up to him as he slowly immersed himself in the world of dreams. However, while Kuroko slept soundly, a figure limped towards him slowly. Akashi supported himself off the wall as he slowly made his way towards the large white wolf. By now he could only see using the edges of his eye but that wouldn't stop him from leaving alive. However, before he leaves he has something to do.

Akashi reached the white wolf, taking his wet shirt that he had soaked in the cold water. He tore the cloth apart into four pieces, tying each piece to a paw to bandage them. What a strange wolf to burn his paws like that. It's truly reckless.

After tying up Kuroko's paws and spilling some water on his bottom side, Akashi stood up. He gave the wolf one last look before turning around. This is their final goodbye. Akashi only hoped he wouldn't see the white wolf again because if he does, then they would be enemies again.

The night breeze was cold as grey clouds hovered below the moon. The moon wasn't a full one but was big enough to light the land beneath it. Just what Akashi needed. At least this way, he had hope of reaching the village. He supported himself off a tree as he looked back at the cave. Then he left, going towards the unknown.

Author notes

KurokoTetsuya101: Hey guys! And welcome to our new story! Here is the werewolf story we've been promising for a while! Heads up though! This story WON'T BE UPDATED WEEKLY! We'll be updating this story twice a month or in some cases only once a month! The reason for this is that we're still working on another story and we don't want you guys to catch up to us XD I hope this makes sense. We're sorry for this but hey! At least we will be uploading something instead of nothing! :D

I really hope that you guys will like this story and PLEASE don't forget to review ;3; I feel like I'm always stressing it but... I can't emphasise enough how important it is for us. Thank you very much for reading and we hope you stick with us for the next chapters :) The next chapter should come out... Around the end of February or the beginning of March. Not sure... Bell and I still have to decide :) I hope you like it! :D Until next time XD

The Lucky Bell: Yeah, hopefully it won't have to be updated monthly for long. Although it probably won't change for at least a month or two so... Please be patient with us. So enjoy this story and chapter, as well as the chapter of Lost in Love we uploaded not long ago. Please enjoy. Reviews and fanart are very appreciated.

This story is updated MONTHLY.