Moving Time

Prologue

The graduation ceremony that year brought an unwelcome surprise to the Seigaku tennis team regulars, like speeding along an empty highway in a sports car, with everything so smooth and uneventful, until the brakes decide to step down on itself and the whole lot comes to a screeching halt. The driver's body lunges forward colliding with the windshield, crashing through, falling into unconsciousness.

Time stops at that moment.

Time stopped for the Seigaku tennis regulars, mostly of who looked forward to another three years of glory in the Seigaku high school tennis team in their formidable once-in-a-hundred-years agglomeration.

Tezuka Kunimitsu, who had previously rejected the offer to Germany, suddenly announced that he was taking up the rare opportunity after all.

That was only natural. Anyone in their right mind would go, and the other team members should have nothing to say. Only that it was not a good feeling when you thought you have won over the devil called departure, then to have it come dancing back mockingly in your face. The regulars would not have been half as sad as then if that damn Tezuka had decided to go in the first place.

And the worst thing is that you couldn't even voice your frustration.

"Congratulations, Tezuka. I just knew that you wouldn't have let such a good chance go to waste." "Don't get your ass kicked over there!" "I sure do envy you."

Fuji Shuusuke didn't want to recall his expression right then. Must've been as comforting and sympathetic as his usual smiley face, anyway.

Tezuka did not utter as much as one reply, until the next day at the airport, when people's faces were rid of most of the awkwardness. Clever Tezuka, never one to solve problems in the heat, but rather waits for it to cool down into his own zone, before attempting to take control. A little underhanded and infuriating in this case.

But Oishi Shuichirou only knew this disposition too well to criticize, being the one who normally prided in behaving even more levelheaded than the captain himself, thus earning the "Mother of Seigaku tennis" nickname. He now understood Eiji's feelings, and why the latter called him a "sneaky bastard," when he though it was only sensible to dodge a situation that came rushing at you at 200 mph.

Tezuka's last words before he boarded seemed to set the clock ticking again.

"Wait for me. I'll come back in the third year of high school, and we'll scale the nationals together one more time. Before that, don't any of you dare to slack off. Ryuzaki sensei, please watch over them for me."

A deep bow, and the almost pleading posture and tone, was enough to let everyone relinquish the last bits of bitterness. Honestly, though, it was really not possible for anyone to hate Tezuka. Even ice walls have their charms, and unfortunately, all the Seigaku tennis team seemed to have the same unique taste.

Echizen Ryoma shuddered upon seeing this little realization being written on Inui Sadaharu's notebook. He was NOT attached to that freak of nature captain in any way. So what if there was a little loss on hearing his departure? He was definitely not going to cry on someone's shoulder like Momoshiro Takeshi sempai did on his.

"Looks like I have no way to refuse, have I?" Coach Ryuzaki Sumire shrugged, "This is, after all, the only serious request that I have ever received from out all noble captain. Ha, looks like I'm going to have to go through high school like once again."

"Nyaaa! I just knew it! The bonds between this year's Seigaku regulars, the invincible team, are stronger than anything in the world!" Kikumaru Eiji pumped his fists into the air, knocking hard into his Golden partner's head on the way. "Don't worry, Tezuka, we will just be where you left us."

Rolling his eyes (although no one could really see under those thick glasses), Inui methodically corrected Kikumaru's words, which as always, did not go through the brain. "We will improve as much as you do, so that when you come back, we'll still be a team worthy of you."

"Fssshh…" was all Kaidou Kaoru said, or could have in any case.

Kawamura Taka smiled somewhat forlornly, "Even though I can't be on the tennis team anymore, I'll still make the largest banners, and make the best sushi for you all."

"What are you saying?" Momoshiro clapped the shy sempai hard on the shoulders, "One day in Seigaku, always in Seigaku. You'll always be part of the team. And that goes for you too, Tezuka bucho! Our perfect team will be awaiting thy return!" and to emphasize his sincerity, did a dramatic salute.

That, at last, managed to elicit the slightest upturn on Tezuka's firm lips.

"From Tokyo to Berlin, flight F0493, last call. From Tokyo to Berlin…"

"Guess this is it, then. Don't anyone say goodbye. We'll all be waiting for your return." With a thumb up sign, Oishi gave his long time friend a hard pat. Others followed suit, and despite the friendliness, Tezuka was sure he was going to get a bruise on his back. Well, couldn't be worse than Inui's –

"WOW!! I never knew you were so open, Fujiko-chan!" Eiji literally whistled.

Tezuka blinked. And blinked again, until those slender arms unwound themselves from his neck. Was that…

"A parting kiss, Tezuka." Fuji all but beamed in his usual innocent way. "You'd better get used to it. Isn't this part of the Caucasian manners?"

Having all your energy suddenly evaporated was an understatement. Tezuka covered the tingling spot on his cheek, and before anyone could see the blush forming, abruptly turned and walked towards the boarding gate.

"YO! We'll be waiting for you, bucho!! See ya in another 2 years!!"

"SEIGAKU FOREVER!!"

Tezuka hurriedly handed over his boarding pass to the stewardess, and almost crashed his head onto his chest upon meeting her understanding smile, which spelled "It's ok, homosexuality is nothing to be ashamed of." Damn that Fuji… Fled would have been a good word to describe his descent down the passage leading to the plane.

"Well, let's get back. We've got to start practicing, lest Tezuka becomes stronger than he already freakin' is."

"Hm, mada mada dane."

They were the perfect year, the perfect team that only came once every hundred years. Nothing could tear the bonds, not distance, not change of hearts, and not even time. The saying "everything has an end" did not apply to them.

The Seigaku team was eternal.

"That was the first time I saw Tezuka being scared away by something. You really are incredible, Fujiko-chan."

"Hmm… Souka na?"