MEMORIES
By Sukunami Taka (typed by Keichirou)
Taka apologizes, but Kei insisted on adding 'Keichiro's Comments', as Kei extremely dislikes Rukawa…..but Taka agreed to the comments for added comic relief =P
Chapter 1
The light flashed off Miyagi's earring, as he grinned and passed the ball behind his back to Rukawa. (Ru-Ka-Wa girls are now cheering loudly at the sight of their idol in action, while the Kan-Za-Ki girls huffed and yelled at Rukawa to pass to Kanzaki) (A/N Keichirou: *shakes head*)
The moody rookie dribbled at an even rhythm, his river-blue eyes took one glance at Kanzaki, who was guarding Uekusa, then he pushed forward, forcing the Ryonan ace, Sendoh Akira, back. Rukawa feint right, dribbled one turn, and jumped.
In front of him loomed Sendoh, determinedly reaching up to block Rukawa's shot. Too late, Rukawa dropped and eluded. Sendoh turned to see Rukawa score a…dunk!
The scores went Ryonan 66-67, Shohoku has taken a lead!
The Ru-Ka-Wa girls are currently screaming in delight (A/N Keichirou: Obviously deranged people…and that goes for the Kan-Za-Ki girls as well…), as the crowd goes wild. Our reporter's ears are burning…ouch
"Nice…" Kanzaki high-fived Rukawa and he Shohoku team went back to defend.
Sendoh held up one finger, "Don't mind. We'll score now."
"Don't count on it," muttered Rukawa, facing his rival.
The point-guard smiled and passed quickly to Uekusa, but being skillfully blocked by Kanzaki, Uekusa had no choice but to pass back. Before Sendoh could catch it, Rukawa intercepted but the ball slipped…into the hands of a certain loud-mouth redhead.
Feeling that this would be his moment of triumph, after Rukawa's dunk, Sakuragi wanted to make a super-dunk, if there is such thing (A/N Keichirou: Hey! *waves fist indignantly* Hanamichi is the best!!) but he was immediately surrounded by two of Ryonan guards.
Sakuragi laughed, "Nyahahahaha!! This super-tensai will show you! (A/N keichirou: Yay! Go Hanamichi!!) Ryocchin!" and he threw the ball. Miyagi yelled, "Oi!" and Rukawa cursed, "Where is he throwing that to? It's not even near." (A/N Keichirou: Shuddup)
A voice broke through that moment, "Oni-chan!"
Rukawa's head snapped down, nani?!
A little girl with chestnut brown curls tied in pigtails with ribbons, was running towards the court, her small face alighted with a sweet smile, "Oni-chan!" she cried out again. The ball flew through the air, the girl halted, her arms still outstretched, her bright blue eyes, sparkling from before, widen in horror.
For Rukawa, time seemed to stand still.
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*Flashback
A small child waved happily from across the street, giggling laughter from her smiling mouth as a younger Rukawa waited patiently with his bag over his shoulder.
*Sigh* "Hai yer kun," called out Rukawa.
The girl laughed, "Oni-chan! Oni-chan! Matte." After checking the road carefully, she made her way across daintily, not wanting to fall and tear the dress she had on, if not, her brother would start scolding.
She didn't see the car coming at fast speed or the drunk driver behind the wheel, who started to swear uncontrollably or her mother who cried out behind. She only stopped, seeing her brother look elsewhere, and she turned also.
Rukawa stood in a moment of paralysis, the car screeched heavily, trying to stop…
"KUMI!!"
The bag dropped from Rukawa's hand, as a yellow ribbon fluttered slowly to the ground.
*End Flashback
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A body slammed onto the floor, in front of the girl, thrusting the ball away. Rukawa gasped deeply and turned on his back, as a whistle blew.
"Referee time!"
Kanzaki knelt beside Rukawa, gathering thee crying girl in his arms, "Ne…ne…daijobu desu, daijoubu desu…shh…" as the little one clung onto him, murmuring an occasional "Oni-chan."
Surprise and bewilderment coursed through the crowd.
Yohei leaned back, "Eh, I didn't think Rukawa would have done that. He's usually so indifferent…"
The Ru-Ka-Wa girls nearly fainted, "Rukawa! Kakoi!" (A/N Keichirou: Told you they were bonkers.)
After another whistle, the game resume. The teams tied at end time, and though tired, Shohoku started a fresh attack, eventually winning another game against Ryonan.
As they emerged from the locker room, Kanzaki ran to catch up with the now sullen Rukawa, "Ne…tonight, you want to…"
Rukawa shrugged, "Gomen…I want to be alone tonight." Kanzaki stopped, staring after Rukawa, "Sou…see you later…tomorrow."
"Hn," Rukawa deep in thought, continued walking.
In bed, Rukawa lay with his hands behind his head. His hand phone beeped with a message, unnoticed. He sighed and closed his eyes, his heart aching once again.
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