Winter High

Ice is beautiful. Ice is amazing, but Ice is cold. Cold and frozen. Most see it as a curse, others see it as magnificent. The cold vibrant and the freezing chill. It was breath taking. Ice froze everything it touches and freezes time. However, Ice as a common foe. Fire! Ice cannot always win against the heat. It all depends on the heart of it. The strength and wisdom. It can prevail at the right temperature. Something Kuroko Testuya had considered during his childhood. Born with the power if ice and raised himself of its power. He learned at a very young age how to control and manipulate. He had the potential to overcome any obstacle.

That is why he was on his way to Winter High. A school for children and young adults. It was designed to be like a guild and accept mission requests. It was place for children and young adults to hang around practise their skills. The master of it; Eiji Shirogane, set up the school to help them home their skills and to be prepared for the dangers that await them. The school was based in the centre of Teiko, a large city made of stone. It was the second largest city known to man. Kuroko had entered the town and his eyes immediately drew to the markets and the happy people shopping and children playing. Kuroko didn't stand out. He was dressed in white track suit bottoms with a blue line down the side and blue shoes with white souls and laces, a black top with white patterns on it, a non-sleeved thin hoodie top off with a blue loose scarf and black and blue arm warms that covered most of his arms. Ok, he stood out little but everyone was dressed similar to him.

He looked up and saw a huge castle in the middle of the city. That was the school. Winter High. It was bigger than he was expecting but then again everything usually is. Kuroko sighed as he made his way closer to the schools double doors. He pulled it open by its large ring and walked in. it looked completely different from the outside. The main hall was empty with pillars supporting the first floor around the edge. There were stairs further up that split left and right. It didn't seem much because it looked like there was barely anyone here. Kuroko took a few steps before he looked around.

"Beautiful isn't it."

A voice from above caught Kuroko's attention. His eyes immediately looked to the owner. Blood red hair accompanied by a red eye. The other was concealed in a white eye patch. He was wearing a grey shirt with a dark blue short-sleeve open shirt and black wrist bands on each wrist, black trousers with a beige belt and black shoes. The clothes looked tight on his figure, something Kuroko's eye took to detail.

"Oh yes." Kuroko was almost stuck for words. This male was bent over and leaning his arms on the white banisher of the first floor to his right. He had a blank look so far.

"You new?"

"Y-Yes. Master Eiji Shirogane sent a letter in the mail asking for my attendance." Kuroko answered.

"Good answer." The red head replied to which confused Kuroko. "You see, we get a lot of unwanted visitors come through that door and I get sick of throwing them out." The red head replied. "You got the letter on you?" he raised a brow.

"Of course. The letter stated that I would need to see him as soon as I enter the school."

"I know it does." The redhead then raised his hand to lean his head on. "So, what's your name?"

"Kuroko Testuya, I'm from Seirin."

"Third largest city. I'm impressed."

"So, do I get to see the master?"

"Not right now, he's in a meeting. I can take you to the main hall, that's where everyone else is."

"Everyone?"

The red head sighed. "Everyone who comes here every day. Now come on." He slightly ordered. Kuroko flinched before he began to take the stairs. 'Something tells me he doesn't like me very much' Kuroko told himself as he ascended the stairs. He reached the red head but he felt too scared to get any closer to him. The red head closed his eyes and stood up. He then walked passed Kuroko towards the door that he didn't even see and followed the male. He watched as the continued down the stone corridor lit by fire and through into a larger hall with people playing games at tables. A small drinks and snack bar. There were also doors dotted around which may lead to larger halls or other rooms. He followed the red head round to the stairs. He soon felt uncomfortable when the hall froze like status as they descended the stairs on the right. The red head stopped at a table that had a young pink haired female and a navy blue tanned male. The red head took Kuroko's wrist and pulled him in front of him slightly.

"New student, Kuroko Testuya. Treat him well. The Master will call for him shortly."

That was all the red head had said before turning and leaving the hall through the door to the left in the corner. The tanned male finished his drink and slammed the cup down, scaring the teal head to look at him. Kuroko looked more closely at the two. The pink hair female was dressed in a tight black one suit with a pink vest covering her large chest and black boots. The male was bulk, a non-sleeved white top and dark green knee length trousers with black trainers. He had a black arm band on his left bicep. He looked fairly normal. Kuroko was afraid to speak but if he was going to stay here then he would have to at some point.

"S-So…" he spoke and their pink and dark blues looked to him. "….umm…..w-who was that?" he heard the tanned male sighed.

"Akashi Seijuro, he's a bit of prick really."

"Daiki!" the female shouted before she looked to Kuroko. "Look, he's had a very hard time in his life but his attitude is way off."

"I'll give you one piece of advice." The male leaned closer. "Don't make him angry. That's the rule around here. Rumour has it that he can be a danger if he's raged. So don't do it."

"Ok….what's your name?" Kuroko said to them.

"Oh sorry, where are our manners." The female giggled. "I'm Momoi Satsuki and this is Aomine Daiki." Momoi introduced while Aomine just grunted.

"Kuroko Testuya, has he always been like that?" Kuroko asked.

"As far as we know. The master knowns more about him than we do. All I know is that he was abused and treated with unspeakable cruelty." Aomine spoke, he saw Kuroko's eyes widen at the thought. "He's fine just as long as you don't tick him off."

"No, you talk to him like a normal person." Momoi said. "Anyway, why don't we show you around." She smiled

Kuroko shook his head. "Sorry but the master will want to see me soon."

"That's ok." Momoi just smiled wider.

They talk a few more before another person joined their table. This boy had black hair and dressed black vest, grey trousers and brown shoes. He had a strict look about him. His aura had demanded high respects. He had approached the table from a far and tapped Kuroko's shoulder. The small teen turned to him and blinked.

"Master Eiji Shirogane has called for you." He said. "Follow me." He said again before showing Kuroko the way. The two walked up the stairs on the left and through the first door.

Inside was like a small office filled the paperwork and objects. Full file cabinets and on his desk was a strange orb. A clear orb as big as a hand sat on a golden stool. Kuroko's eyes were captivated within it. He was so much stuck in a trance that he didn't even register the important person in the room. Said person cleared his throat when he felt the time was too long. Kuroko's eyes seek the person. A middle aged man sat in his seat. He was dressed in a black expensive business suit, his black hair as slicked back. The man smiled at the teal head.

"You must be Kuroko Testuya, correct?" he asked in his slick voice.

"Correct." Kuroko replied with a nervous voice.

"There's no need to be scared. We don't hurt the people here." He then smiled at him. "I'm guessing by the looks of you, you have already met Akashi." He watched the boy nod. "Don't let it get to you, he's harmless." This guy had made him out like a child compared to the rest. Kuroko was having trouble comparing the two sides. "Never mind, the rule is simple really; 'Don't make him angry'. You'll come to realise that should the situation call for it." He then nodded to the smaller boy before looking to the taller male. "Thank you Nijimura." He dismissed the older boy.

"Well now, introductions first; my name is Eiji Shirogane, but you must call me Master." Kuroko nodded. "To be honest there's nothing really to it, I get missions come through I pick who is the best at taking care of the job. Just turn up during the days. The children here come and go whenever they please, there are really no restrictions. The school itself has no closing time. I pretty much live here so you can come and go during the night. Now, I know you have no sleeping arrangements as of yet. Don't worry, I have a spare room here for you until you have sorted it out." Shirogane took a breath. "It's a fair place and the children love to come here. We're practically family. Skilled and talented in different powers, it's what makes us unique." He then smiled. "So what power do you command?" he asked.

"Oh well, I can control Ice, sir."

"Sir? Oh no my boy, it's Master."

"I can use Ice, Master."

"That's better." He winked. "That's a strong skill. I bet that if you learn and work hard you will become another A."

"An A?" Kuroko raised a brow and confuse hit his face.

"Yes, an A is of strong and skilful children. Here we only have three children who are of that level." Shirogane answered. "I believe you can obtain this and achieve many things." He winked again. "Welcome to the family my child." He smiled.

Kuroko walked out of the office and sighed heavily. He was confused. Their Master refers to them had his children, as if he raises them. Maybe he was lonely. It was brief and quick something that Kuroko has not yet experienced before. Everything he was taught was at a slow pace but then again this is a place where they have to think for themselves. It was a free campus and no one could tell them off for being there after hours. It sounded good by what he was talking about but Kuroko didn't seem to get the full picture. But that orb he had seen was something he remembered reading about. It was like a crystal ball which was used to tell the future but I this case maybe he used it to keep an eye on the others at times. The master seemed to strong in inelegance but maybe not strong as in skill. Anyway Kuroko shook his head of those thoughts.

"WHAT THE HELL?!"

A loud male shouted from below. Kuroko gasped and his heart skipped a beat. He moved over to the banister and stopped when he saw Akashi leaning on it with his arms. He seemed to be silently watching below. Kuroko moved to stand next to him but not too close just in case. Kuroko looked at his face, he could see a satisfying smirk. He gulped before he looked down. The others were frozen stiff. In the idle was Aomine looking angry and really to throw a fist, Momoi on the floor and a guy with grey hair standing proudly with a grin. This guy was something Kuroko had not seen before. He was wearing a white top with an unzipped black hoodie, black trousers and shoes. He had a black tie hung loosely from his neck. There was something about him that Kuroko just didn't like, he didn't know what that was.

Kuroko turned to the red head. "What's going on?" he asked gently.

"Daiki and Haizaki are having a fight." He said.

"Haizaki?" Kuroko whispered to himself.

"You know him?" Akashi asked.

"No, never seen him before."

"Good answer." Akashi replied.

Kuroko just thought it be a good job to not say anything right now. Akashi just gives in the 'I don't care' impression and their first meeting was that great. But when the thought back to what Aomine had said about it, maybe the reason why Akashi was like that was because of the way he was treated. He was probably grown up on those attitudes thinking that that is how we should treat each other. Nah, Kuroko didn't think that. Maybe he just needs opening up his shell a little bit. Oh well, Kuroko wasn't going to dwell on it. The eye patch bothered him slightly because it gave him the assumption that Akashi was hiding something and no one but the master knows about it.

"Haizaki, you can't just push a girl over if you think she's worthless or doesn't have an interest in you!" Aomine growled, Haizaki just chuckled. "What you have nothing to say?!"

"I'm stronger than you so I don't have anything to say at all." Was Haizaki's only reply. Kuroko could have killed him for that.

Who does he think he is?

"I'm pretty sure you first day has gone off a bad start." Akashi said mocked.

"What?" Kuroko said in confusion.

"I can take on anyone, you're no match for me Daiki." He grinned wider.

"Oi, I only let two people call me that and you ain't them!"

"What, you think you can go a few rounds. Come on, I'm dying to see the hero protect his precious lover." Haizaki mocked.

"She's not my lover!" Aomine shouted. "Get ready, you're about to receive the ass whopping of your life!

Aomine had created and through a large ball of water within seconds Haizaki. Haizaki chuckled before swinging his arm round as a barrier of strong sand followed, blocking the attack.

"What? That all you got." Haizaki mocked again.

Aomine growled and through more towards him before flying forward and smacking him a few with his fists. The brawled and tables and chairs were flying everywhere. Akashi clicked his tongue.

"Such a mess." He said

"Huh?" Kuroko just looked at him.

"Come on then!" Aomine encouraged.

"Ha, you can't even touch me."

"That's funny coz you've covered in bruises!"

"Daiki stop!" Momoi screamed as the two continued to fight.

Bother were ready to hit one another, fists ready to punch and eyes full of determination. Growling and chuckling over the situation. They were inches away from hitting when a small orange light shine between the two at waist point. Both looked down and within seconds it grew into an exploding flame that knocked the two back. Haizaki landed in small bar breaking it while Aomine just flipped round and landed on a table. Everyone looked up, including the two that brawled.

"If you want a real fight, why don't you challenge me?" Akashi said daringly and with a deadly grin on his face. He was stood on the banished with his hands in his tight pockets.

"Ha, I can take you." Haizaki said as he stood up, others were telling him not to. "Think you're so powerful? I'll prove you wrong."

"Haizaki don't!" Momoi shouted.

"Come on then, let's have it." Haizaki grinned as he moved to the middle of the room.

Akashi just stare at him, his red eye glowed and fire began to circle around Haizaki's feet. The brute just laughed as he held his hand out and drew sand around him. Akashi didn't want to drag it out. Without moving he commanded the fire and encased Haizaki's whole being inside it. Haizaki could not fight back. The intense heat of the flames turned his sand to ashes and how he began to suffer. He could feel it nagging at his skin. Akashi will not set fire to him unless he means it. Right now he was just causing Haizaki pain, he would not burn unless he had to. Akashi never burnt he only inflicts pain on others. It wouldn't be fair if he just killed with them when others on inflict pain. That was the problem with his skill, Akashi's was designed to actually kill instead of harm. That is why the rule was put into place. Once Akashi had thought Haizaki had had enough he closed his eye and sighed. The flames died down before fading completely leaving him shaking on his knees. Haizaki had learned his lesson.

"Like I said, if you have the sudden urge to fight, challenge me. I'll burn it out of you." he said still with his smirk. Kuroko was still in his spot. 'Harmless he said' Kuroko thought. His eyes traced every detail of the flames and how affect Akashi had used it. Kuroko was now beginning to understand everything that was said to him. Akashi got off the banister and descended down the stairs and through the same door as before. Kuroko not long followed down and over to Momoi to help her up.

"There you go, are you ok?" Kuroko said to her as he pulled her close to him.

"Testuya." He held him tight and placed her head on his chest. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"It's ok." Kuroko patted her back.

"That crazy bastard, you should never challenge Akashi." Aomine growled as he got down from the table. "You're lucky to escape with just wounds." He walked over to Momoi and Kuroko. "You ok Satsuki?"

"Yes." She nodded as she turned to Aomine and released Kuroko who they then looked at.

"Understand the rule now?" Aomine asked.

"Y-Yeah, I get it. Example set." Kuroko said. "So what do you do during the day?"

"Well, we take mission requests like a guild, we come here to home our skills, of course there are dangers outside. It's really preparing us for the outside world. There are bad people and other places that act up. We just keep the peace really."

"The Master often asks a group of us to go out and investigate to keep the normal people safe. We keep the peace in this kingdom just like the others do in theirs. We only handle the battle side of things. Essentially we're Teiko's Army." Aomine explained.

"Are the missions hard?" Kuroko asked them.

"The people here are chosen by their talents not if they can do the job. The Master sees the elements that should be used in his little crystal ball and picks out the selected candidates for the mission. A couple are out right now but you'll see them later. Some missions are solo and some are group to minimum of two."

"But then there are the extremely high classed missions." Momoi said with a serious look. "Only three candidates fit that description. They are known as the A. A's are extremely talented and far beyond limitless. Everyone here is ranked E to A. a number of us are mainly D and C's. A hand full are B's with only three as A's. Currently there is only one E."

"Who's the E?" Kuroko asked.

"That's you." She said and Kuroko fell to the floor in shock.

"I'm…..an….E….." he said with no faith.

"You know, E's are usually promoted after their first mission or two." Momoi said with an unease laugh.

"Way to rub it in Satsuki." Aomine said with his arms crossed.

Master Eiji Shirogane sat at his desk filling out Kuroko's form when his crystal ball shone blue. He looked over to his and tapped it. The face of well-dressed man appeared. It was another mission request from a person. Shirogane put Kuroko's files to one side and moved the ball over to him.

"Hello good sir, what can I do for you?" Shirogane asked him politely.

"Hello Master Eiji Shirogane. I have come with a request."

"Please go on."

"There is a thief going around and stealing my town's precious jewels. Find him and stop him. The reward will be of high cost."

"I will need more detail of the man in question."

"Unfortunately we have no name for this thief but he is somewhere in this town. I just want someone to stop him. Dead or alive. As long as the jewels return."

"What's the name of the town?"

"Little Village."

"Ok, I will send over a couple of my children. They will come to you with a grant."

The conversation was cut. What couldn't be better than testing the new kid's abilities? Now he was debating about who should go with him. Who would be the best person to go with him? A smile came to his face. He knew exactly who he should pair him up with.

Kuroko had walked into the first hall after being told that his started his first mission and that his partner will be waiting for him by the doors. He was called into the office by Shirogane himself to be debriefed. Luckily Kuroko had understood the disappearing acted because he was fond of doing it himself. Anyway he had entered the hall and went down the stairs to see Akashi leaning on a pillar with his arms crossed. Kuroko felt like dying.

Oh no!

Why did it have to be him?

He just knew that Akashi won't do anything during the mission. Which actually might be better for him. But he was fire. Odds are, they weren't going to mix well. But then he thought back to what Aomine had said.

"Akashi is very reliable in battle."

Ok, so if that was true then maybe they could get on well, but something tells him that Akashi will not even lift a finger. Kuroko walked closer to him until his eyes looked to his.

"So, first mission together. You nervous?" Akashi asked with a smirk.

"I'm not expecting you to save me."

"No, I'm not either."

"What?"

"Can't spoon feed you? It's better that you learn on the battlefield, but then again its only to find a thief. I've been told that you know about disappearing acts. This is your mission, I can only assist you." Akashi admitted and stood straight. "We're going to Little Village, a town near here. The thief seems to be hiding somewhere there and or nearby. Capture him dead or alive." Akashi smirked at that remark. "Let's get going, there's a carriage waiting outside." Akashi said just as he walked to the doors and opened them with one hand.

Kuroko felt as though he was going to die on this mission. Akashi, of all people, was accompanying him on this mission. Maybe it was because Shirogane wanted to make sure that Kuroko could handle the requests they receive and train him along the way.

Maybe?

Kuroko quickly followed the other teen out of the hall. Down a couple of steps were a black carriage that had no horse to pull it but was control by small energy crystals that took orders and people to their destination. Akashi opened the door and told it the name of the town. Once Kuroko was in and the door shut did the carriage start to drive off. Inside was of red velvet seats and curtains. Both had sat opposite each other and no words were spoken.

Reaching Little Town Akashi got out first and moved over slightly for Kuroko to exit. The carriage stayed where it was until it was told otherwise. Kuroko looked up at the large metal gates of the town and the two guards with spears standing by. When Akashi began to walk over Kuroko followed silently. Spears clashed together when they came close. Akashi stopped which made Kuroko bounce off of his back. Akashi glance back at the teen before looking at the guards.

"We've been sent to deal with the request of a thief in this town." Akashi briefly explained. However the guards did not falter.

"Where are you from?" one of them spoke.

"Winter High, Teiko." Akashi simply said.

"May I see a grant?" the other asked as he reached his hand out. Akashi looked to Kuroko and nodded. Kuroko pulled out of his pocket a small slip of paper with all the information needed for access. The guard took and both of them scanned the information.

"So, do they always do this everywhere you go?" Kuroko asked in Akashi's ear as he leaned over.

"Mostly. You'll be stopped at check points near your destination or at the enter point." The then looked over and seeing how close Kuroko was to him, he immediately slid to one side to give him a little more room. "Please don't get too close." Akashi warned.

"Why?" Kuroko asked out of curiosity.

Akashi looked at him with a hint of annoyance. "Don't get smart." Was all he said.

Finally the guards looked back to them and handed Kuroko back the slip.

"Sorry about that, one can't be too careful. If you're looking for the mayor his in the business area attending a meeting. Go to the mansion to the north of here and show your grant to his advisor and he will grant you entrance." The guards pulled the spears away and allowed the two to walk through.

"Thank you." Akashi said as he walked through while Kuroko just nodded.

He followed Akashi through the very busy town knowing that he may know his way around. For Akashi this was no problem. He could just see where the route is. The two walked through the long roads and avenues. Kuroko had inquired that they use one of the carriages but Akashi just dismissed the idea by say that they were too expensive and that the walk was good for them.

Reaching the mansion Akashi knocked the door and an elderly gently dressed in a suit answered. Akashi had explained their appearance as well as hand him the grant. The man allowed them entrance and walked them into a room with purple sofas and chair by the fire place. The room looked very Victorian with its polished wood and antiques around the room. The man left them after explaining that the mayor was in a meeting and shouldn't be long. Kuroko was sat on the sofa and going over the files Shirogane hand offered him, Akashi was behind the sofa and leaning the small of his back with his arms crossed. The wait was long and neither one of them had said a word. He scanned the documents of the request. This guy had stolen a lot of jewels and precious items from them. It looked like a serious matter.

"So they don't know his identity?" Kuroko broke the awkward silence.

"It would appear so. It doesn't matter because someone in this town knows who he is. As Mayor that should have been his priority." Akashi responded.

"Wait a minute, you can't make accusations without hearing the full story." Kuroko said looked to the red head.

Akashi just closed his eyes. "Honestly, you're too vulnerable. Listen, getting a mission is go and all but without the major facts it's nothing but a wild goose chase. The Mayor should have more information before making a request. What good is it of assigning someone when you don't know who it is and where their current location is? Take this into consideration and don't let your clients walk all over you. Grow some balls and take a deep look." Akashi opened his eye.

Kuroko just huffed and looked back to the files. However, something had caught Akashi's eye. Something that raised his brow as he looked at the small table by the chair and fire place.

"Good answer." He said to himself before he chuckled low.

The door opened and the expensively dressed man walked through and took his seat in the chair.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." He said as he leaned into his chair. "So, you're the children that your master had sent. I'm impressed you look powerful but can you handle the proposal?" the man smirked.

"You have requested us to stop a thief in your town, correct?" Kuroko asked and the name nodded. "My I ask for more detail like…..his identity, style or even location?" Kuroko asked again.

"Unfortunately, we have no current information because this thief is harder to get a glimpse." Akashi, who had not moved but had his eyes closed, snorted in disbelief and both eyes looked to him. "But that doesn't mean we have nothing. I've had experts check out the crime scenes and they have definitely said that the thief is male."

"So it could be anyone of the male populace within this town, which really does not narrow down our search." Akashi spoke up. "You have no vital information apart from that it is a man. Well this town is full of them, but I'm not up for interrogating every single male in existence." He then lifted his head slightly. "I think you know more than you let on. This thief obviously isn't killing in his work which means he's completely harmless. Brute force and magic power is out of the question. But that doesn't mean that a stakeout is in order." Akashi grinned before he turned round. "With your permission, me and my companion with scout the town at night and see if we can catch the man in action." Akahsi said, he wasn't holding his breath though for he was the only one out of the two actually picking up on the clues around. The man nodded with a sigh.

The two were set up in a hotel for the night with twined beds. Kuroko was currently in the shower while Akashi was stood as the window looking out at the ghost town below. Just by looking he could tell something was off about this town.

"It's quite, not even the drunk people are out tonight. Why is that? There's always a few people walking at night." He them hummed to himself. The door to the bathroom opened and Kuroko came out with a towel wrapped around him. He sighed with relief.

"I feel so clean." He said as he sat on the bed and stroked his paled arms.

"Don't get to comfortable, we'll be heading out soon." Akashi said.

"Huh? You not showering Akashi?"

"Not yet."

"Is something wrong?"

"Come here." Akashi said and Kuroko obeyed. He noticed Akashi move away and pointed out of the window for Kuroko to see. "Tell me what you see?"

"Nothing."

"Good answer. Explain?"

"There's no one walking around at night, usually you see the odd couple, teenage kids or even the drunken. But there's no one." He then gasped upon realizing. "The thief!" he looked to Akashi who looked blank. "Maybe this is because the thief is strike and the townspeople are afraid. They're afraid that they'd be the next victim." Kuroko summed up.

"Safety in numbers. A rumour may have been spread around to scare them. I want more of an intake from your analysis. This is your mission but I can't help but pick up the clues faster than you. Get changed we're going out. You take the south and west and I'll take north and east. Cover more ground."

"Yes Akashi." Kuroko obeyed and dressed himself again.

Kuroko walked through the south part of the town and looked down every alleyway and corner. The night air was slightly colder but that didn't faze Kuroko anyway. He was always cold. Ice was never warm. Walking around and hearing nothing but the wind was eerie. It was like a ghost town. No one was in sight but trapped in their homes. He stopped in the middle of the empty market and looked up at the moon. The moon looked so calm. The bright white light was always relaxing. It was so relaxing that a black flash sped across it. Kuroko gasped. 'Maybe it's Akashi' he thought to himself. 'Hold on, Akashi is in the north and east areas. That can't be him' Kuroko then rushed from his spot to where he thinks he saw flash land. He rounded the corner to see a cloaked figure knelt down with its back towards him.

"Hey!" Kuroko shouted. The cloaked figure turned as he stood. He was dressed like a prince at a ball, a mask to cover his face, a black top hat and white gloves. The large black cloak fanned out. In his hands were small filled sacks. He robbed again.

"So you're the thief. Hiding in the shadows don't work with me." Kuroko said.

The cloaked figure was just still, he was so still that it freaked Kuroko out slightly. Suddenly without warning the figure moved so fast that Kuroko physically couldn't track.

"Ok, you wanna play a shadow game, I'll play." Kuroko smiled to himself before he let the shadows consume his body. With this he was completely invisible. He could follow the thief. He followed him in the shadows but he soon lost him and the stolen treasure. He was annoyed at himself for failing. He looked for a time and decided to head back to hotel. He entered the room to see Akashi lying on his bed. Hands behind his head, one knee bent up and his eyes closed. Kuroko huffed.

"When did you get back?" Kuroko asked.

"The real question is; when did I leave?"

"Wait you've been here this whole and you didn't help me!" Kuroko was irritated.

"You lost him then."

"What do you think?" Kuroko huffed and he walked over to his bed and began to strip ready for bed.

"Thinking is all I do. Tonight, you've done enough. I know the truth. Tomorrow we will go over the information and report back. For now, get some sleep." Akashi said.

Kuroko stopped halfway as he changed. "What do you mean you know the 'truth'?"

"The whole story. It's nothing to worry about, now got to sleep." Akashi ordered.

By morning they were back at the mansion again. The man was sat back in his chair with a hot cup of tea beside him. Kuroko sat back on sofa and Akashi back in his first position, only his hands were in his pockets. The man looked pleased that they had said they wanted an urgent meeting in morning to discuss the findings. Kuroko took in a breath before starting.

"Last night, me and my companion took part in a stakeout investigation, which ended sooner than I thought. The thief was masking his identity but he did steal some jewels and riches. This man disappears in the shadows. A game that I can play very well. I lost him but looking back on his figure and clothing, it looked almost similar to your style of clothing. Another thing we picked up on was the fact that town was empty at night with no guards. No wonder why a thief is getting away with all this crime. Add your informational status to the mix and this feels like a scam." Kuroko said.

"What? A scam? We're being robbed of our possessions!" the man raised.

"You asked us to come and investigate. You provide us with little information and the wheels begin to turn. As Mayor you should know all of this before asking for outside help." Kuroko finished.

"What are you saying you brat?!" the man shouted as he stood from his seat.

"Oi, my companion simple told you our results." Akashi said as he glanced at the man with a scary look in his eye. "He's right, this is a scam. I knew the facts the minute I walked in. Firstly, the guards at the gate didn't seemed bothered by anything at all and not once did they mention the issue. Secondly, you have no information whatsoever. You know nothing of the man in question yet you ask for our help, the meeting that took place yesterday afternoon obviously didn't exist. I know this because I scouted your mansion last night. I looked into a few files, there were meeting scheduled in your diary. You didn't want to be in sight because you were planning your next crime. Thirdly…." He then looked to the small table by the mayor. "….I see you've covered it up this time."

"What?" the man looked to the green box beside him before looking back to the red head.

"Didn't think I'd noticed." Akashi smirked.

"Noticed what Akashi?" Kuroko asked.

"You didn't take note of the box that was sitting right in front of you." Akashi tut. "You left the lid open slightly and I could see pink jewel inside. What would a man of your ranking want with a pink a jewel? It was clearly made for a female, a young one, a child." Akahsi then closed his eyes and turned away. "Finally, Kuroko had met you last night. I know this because you weren't in your office from the hours of the crime that was committed. So, why did you lie? Why did you waste my time?" Akashi asked him.

"You can't prove anything!"

Akashi clicked his fingers and the fire popped the box open. Jewels displayed and Kuroko was stunned. The man went to make a move for them but Kuroko shot his hand out and sealed the jewels in ice. The man then began to make his move towards the door but Kuroko covered it in ice.

"Who dare you deceive your people. They look up to you and they ask for you leadership. You steal from them." Kuroko said.

"You issued a warning or started a rumour that would keep your people in at night. That wasn't going one bit." Akashi said.

The man having nowhere to go just feel to his knees in shock. He was caught they knew the truth. They knew it and everything was over.

"Men and women spent their lives protecting their child from this kind of thing and you go and commit it. Why did you do it?" Kuroko asked the shaken man.

"I'm losing money, and without that I can't run this town. I was so scared that I'd lose my vote as Mayor. I thought the people didn't trust me." He began to cry.

"So stealing from them to make more money was the answer." Kuroko said. "That's low."

"What's your proposal, Kuroko?" Akashi asked him.

"Here's what I want you to do. I want to say that the thief has caught and dealt with. Whatever jewels you have left you'll give them back. The people will trust you but how can they if the 'thief' is still around. Tell them that they are safe and their child can play and be happy. I won't forgive you on what you've done but at least make a mends with them and start the right thing." Kuroko proposed.

"If you're low on money start by importing and trading. You can sell for what you." The rest is up to you." Akashi had said. "Kuroko, let's head back. Our mission is complete." Akashi said as he walked towards the door.

The two sat back in the carriage that led them all the way back to Winter High. Kuroko seemed to be happy with himself but something was still bothering him.

"So, you scouted the mansion?" he asked.

"Of course, something was right."

"So you did leave?" Kuroko smiled.

"Only for an hour or so. That is something you should be looking at, look for clues everywhere you go." Akashi advised.

Once they were back Kuroko reported the mission to Shirogane with Akashi standing in the room. Once he was finished Shirogane accepted the report and dismissed Kuroko. The then looked to Akashi who was leaning on the wall and crossed arms.

"So, did he make the ranks?" he asked him.

"It was passable but I'm not sure about make him a D. he'd have to prove himself a lot more." Akashi replied.

"I saw everything, you let him take the resigns. Take on the mystery man."

"He was fine. The Mayor wouldn't have attacked him and give his plan away."

"So, do you think he has the potential to handle these missions as they progress."

Akashi smirked. "We'll have to see. He may exceed my expectations."

Soo...what do u think? :) these will be long chapters with adventures in all of them. I will be updating my other story's very soon :)

Please review, I liiiiivvvvvvveeeeee off of them! :D