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Beta: Bloodcherry.

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Chapter 1

The Meeting

Sadaharu Inui sighed; it was frustrating, he'd lost his place on the Regulars. He wasn't really sure what to make of it, he didn't hold it against Kaidoh, nor the freshmen Echizen. Perhaps he'd been too focused on his way of playing, to recognize his own faults. He was falling behind the others, whereas they had the extreme skill, he on the other hand, had technical skill and the ability to predict nearly everything about his opponent if given enough time.

Hours after his defeat and the announcement of the new season regulars, both Tezuka and Ryuzaki had asked him about being the team manager. And to be honest, he wondered if he had the guts to keep doing all this. Was this really what he wanted?

It was rare that Sadaharu questioned himself; he was shaken more than he cared to admit. Groaning, long elegant fingers ran through short ink black hair before he picked up the pace of his run. For the next hour he would continue his run, trying to decide what he wanted to do.

What he didn't expect, was to find himself at one of the street courts, or the extremely petite girl playing. Tired, and more than a little in need of a break, Sadaharu sat down on one of the steps surrounding the court and watched. The ex-regular was slightly stunned, the boy facing the girl he recognized, his name was Miroku Higurashi, he was a violet eyed, black haired high school champion who had been both VIP and lead the high school division of Rikkai to a complete shut out, three years of captainship, three years worth of wins at nationals. The guy was called the Monk, for his Zen like state on the courts, but what was he doing here? He was supposed to be going to a college in America!

Sadaharu became completely still, listening and watching in awe. The girl was completely out of her league, or so it seemed, she'd apparently won a game off him, but considering he was winning, 5-1 he was certain she was going to lose.

"MIRO! STOP TEASING AND PLAY, DAMNIT!" The girl shouted obviously pissed off.

The older boy laughed in delight, "Now, now, Kagome. Don't get all bent out of shape."

"Damn it! It makes me mad when you let me win a game! It's like you think less of me!" She looked like she was about to cry.

Miroku sighed, he hadn't meant to treat her like that, but you were supposed to go easy on junior high students, right? "Kagome, you just got out of surgery, I'm not going to push you into the ground. You're not ready for that."

Kagome sighed, "Fine, call it then."

Miroku smiled sadly, "6-1, I'll see you at home, brat. I gotta see Sango."

Kagome huffed plopping down; she watched the older boy pack and leave before breaking down into tears.

Sadaharu felt his heart clench, moving closer, he sat on the court with her. "So…you okay?"

Kagome nearly jumped when someone sat so near her, before looking up. "No, not really," She sniffled, rubbing at her face.

"So, why were you losing so badly?" Sadaharu asked, he could tell she wasn't playing as well as she could.

"I can't, doctor's orders. I can only play light games, and I'm falling behind everyone!" Kagome cried extremely upset, before pulling her knees up to her chest as if to cover her scars. "Sorry for shouting." Kagome muttered, why she was telling this guy stuff.

Sadaharu was startled; he hadn't expected such an answer. "So, does that make you want to quit?"

"What? No way! This is just another stepping block. When I'm good again, I'll be kicking ass. I'm going to be at Seigaku on the girl's team this spring, ain't no one gunna stop me!" Kagome replied, a cheeky smile on her face.

Sadaharu felt his lips twitch slightly. Yeah, he could get that. The passion and plain enjoyment in her eyes and the loving way she held her racket. He had forgotten about all that, the pure joy and excitement he'd felt when he stepped on the court.

"So, Inui-san, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be practicing, I mean, as a Regular you gotta keep ahead." Kagome smiled brightly. She'd watched a few games; both the girls and boys tennis teams were super strong at the moment.

"Ah, I lost my place on the spot as a Regular." Sadaharu replied, before blinking. The lights for the street courts had been turned off.

"Well, don't give up! Come back stronger than before!" Kagome replied, in another month, she would be allowed to play to her heart's content. She'd been okayed for nearly everything save hard play. She was so close to being back to normal.

"I think, I will." Sadaharu responded, "They asked me to be the team manager, I'm thinking about it."

"Do it, I can help, it's not like the girls are letting me play right now." Kagome stated cheerfully.

"You're at Seigaku?" Sadaharu asked, he knew everyone there.

"Nah, I start tomorrow. I'm a second year, my name is Kagome Higurashi. Miroku is my older brother." Kagome almost laughed at the understanding that seemed to appear in his eyes.

"I could use an assistant," Sadaharu suddenly felt a bit of evil run through him. He could try out some of his teas on his teammates.

Kagome laughed softly at the expression on his face, "So, you're going to get your act together?"

"Yeah, Higurashi-san, thanks." Sadaharu replied.

Kagome snorted, "If I'm going to help you torture the regular's team, at least call me Kagome, ne?"

"Ah, then call me Sadaharu." He replied, slightly amused.

"'Kay. Darn, I need to get home. I'll see you tomorrow." Kagome smiled, before grabbing her things and waving, looking like nothing more than a shadow.