Maki: Hi guys! Welcome to the complete revamp of my fanfic, Tears of a Fallen Blossom. Why am I doing a revamp? Well, let's just say that the previous fic, Tears of a Fallen Blossom had so many goddamned inconsistencies that it wasn't funny. Originally I planned the fic out so that it's set sometime before the first season of the anime actually started to give more of a backstory. But you know what? Screw that. It didn't work out. That's why I ended up doing this revamp.

I know. Some of you guys might be tired of seeing another third or fourth version of a fic with OCs that were created a few or so years ago. But trust me this version is a hell lot better, I even went as far as to put it in the romance genre for your entertainment. Because I know a lot of IE fans simply adore romance. Well, that's all I have to say. Enjoy reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inazuma Eleven. All rights are the property of OLM, Level-5 and Akihiro Hino. I only own my OCs and the plot.

Summary: Life is hard, especially when you have to tackle school, a chronic illness from birth and a cruel father who's also your soccer coach all at the same time. That describes Tsubaki perfectly and she doesn't deny it. What's wrong is that she's alone with no support or is she? After all, it wouldn't hurt to try. AU. Kidou x OC.

Blossom of Solitude

Chapter 1: A Different Beginning

A young girl's hand rested on the window as she gazed outside of the black limousine that continued driving on the road. She sighed in annoyance. Everything was perfect, too perfect in her opinion.

And she hated it. But she didn't know why she hates it.

Was it because she was ill from the day she was born?

Or is it thanks to her father raising her into being a strong soccer player?

She was a fourteen-year-old who had dark purple hair tied in a low, left side ponytail by a tangerine ribbon, amethyst eyes and a pale skin complexion. Her eyes looked down at the school uniform she was wearing.

If anyone saw her in this uniform, they'll recognise the school she's from right off the bat. That's right. She, Wakamiya Tsubaki, is a second year student in Teikoku Academy, arguably the most prestigious school in Japan. On top of that she's also a member of the academy's soccer team, the same team that has been dominating the soccer world for 40 years straight.

Shocking isn't it? How can a girl like her be in such a team and all-male to boot?

Let's say this is all part of her father's doing. After all he is the team's coach, the man behind the strings that lead Tsubaki and her teammates to every victory without breaking a single sweat. The man they saw as a leader. A commander.

Despite Tsubaki's weak health, he saw her potential and pushed her to her limits with no remorse thanks to his hellish training methods. Day in and day out she had to endure it as much as possible, to the point where she can go no further in order to meet his expectations, to where he confirms her as a first-rate soccer player.

And when she finally did, he enrolled Tsubaki into Teikoku Academy when she first started junior high school, where he was appointed as the soccer team's coach. Even if there are rules for girls to play on an all-male team mostly due to major differences between both genders, he pressured the principal and chairman to place her on the team. And he won't stop until he gets what he wants.

In the end he did. The principal and chairman eventually gave in after pitying Tsubaki in a match against a selected few members of the team. The deal is if that she could score a point, she'll win and become part of the team. At first Tsubaki thought she was going to lose when she saw their actual strength with her own eyes. They were right about them as the best team in Japan.

However at some point during the match, one player let his guard down by complaining at how a girl is useless on the team. And like the idiot he was, he allowed her to pass through him and perform her hissatsu shoot on the goal. She was this close to scoring a point, but she couldn't get it in. The goalkeeper was too damn good.

Frustrated over the fact she lost. That she didn't satisfy her father enough, Tsubaki was ready to up and leave when they suddenly stopped her, announcing her as a member of the team as they were rather impressed with her abilities, regardless of her not scoring. It was literally impossible and they all knew that. Albeit it would be a miracle if someone did manage to score at least once. But Tsubaki had to see it to believe it as they say.

The limousine came to a sudden halt.

"Tsubaki-sama, we've arrived." The chauffeur said.

Tsubaki sighed the second time. He didn't need to be so formal. It's not that she's from a rich family or anything, she is simply the daughter of an influential man. That's all.

"Can you drop the honorific please? It makes me uncomfortable." She replied with slight annoyance in her voice.

"A-Ah right. My apologies Tsubaki-sa-san."

"You know what? Never mind." That said Tsubaki grabbed her school bag and duffel bag, which the latter contained her soccer gear, slinging them over her shoulders and exited the limousine as the chauffeur opened the door.

Standing before her is none other than Teikoku Academy in all its glory. Picking up the pace, she joined the beeline of students that ventured into the academy's main building.

"My, my. Look who it is."

As soon as she entered, Tsubaki was stopped by a girl in her year and in the soccer team's fan club.

She took a deep breath. 'Okay Tsubaki, calm down. You can do this.'

"Let me through." Tsubaki demanded.

"I don't think so." The girl said heatedly.

Tsubaki remained silent. She doesn't want to start a fight. It'll give the soccer team and her a bad reputation. Besides she remembers doing nothing wrong to her recently.

That hit a nerve as she exploded in anger. "Geez! You're acting cool just because you're on the soccer team!"

"And you need to learn how to keep your anger under control." Tsubaki reprimanded, crossing her arms over her chest tiredly.

A few students snickered.

"Why you-!" She snarled as she was about to throw a fist at Tsubaki.

"What's going on here?" A masculine voice interrupted.

All of them froze. Nobody said a word as a boy the same age as Tsubaki and the girl walked towards them.

Kidou.

No doubt. It's Kidou Yuuto, the genius game strategist, the captain of Teikoku's soccer team.

Tsubaki's captain.

The girl's mood instantly changed, her eyes beaming brightly as she saw him. "Kidou-sama!"

"What are you trying to do?" He questioned, looking at the girl in front of Tsubaki. "Have you forgotten the rule of hitting any member of the soccer team can get you penalised?"

"Eh?! Uh... no, I-I was merely attempting to become f-friends with Tsubaki!" She protested, fiddling with her fingers shyly.

Tsubaki's eyebrow twitched. 'Liar.'

Kidou frowned. His lips pressed in a thin line as he thought for a moment. "Fine. However should you do anything like that again, there will be consequences. That goes for everyone else."

The surrounding students began muttering words to each other.

The bell rang throughout the halls, signalling it was homeroom time.

The girl who tried to attack Tsubaki inwardly gritted her teeth, glaring at the other briefly before turning around and stormed off. Afterwards it was just Tsubaki and Kidou left in the hall as the remaining students walk to their respective classrooms.

"Thanks for helping me back there, Kidou." She said.

"There's no need. Be careful next time." Kidou stated firmly.

'Oh come on! How long we've been friends for? Three years? Even though it wasn't that long and he still acts like that!' She ranted mentally.

"But... I'm glad you're okay, Tsubaki."

That took Tsubaki aback. He's actually worried. The Kidou Yuuto is worried! Him of all people. If word of him fretting over someone, teammate or not, got out, well, she didn't want to think about it.

She smiled softly. "Yeah."

He nodded. "You better get to class. You're going to be late."

Class...? Crap! She totally forgot the bell rang a little while ago.

"Okay. See you at practice?" Tsubaki asked.

"You can count on it." Kidou answered.

How can she not? He's the captain for crying out loud! He is always there no matter what and... and was that a ghost of a smile Tsubaki noticed on his face?

The supposed smile vanished as Kidou gazed at her intently. "What?"

"N-Nothing. Later." With that she headed to class as fast as her legs can carry her.

From what seemed to be quite a bit of time, Tsubaki dropped off her bags at her locker and finally found her classroom, walking to her desk that was near the window and slumped in her seat. Thankfully their homeroom teacher isn't here yet, therefore she was lucky to avoid a late notice and that's bad for as her father doesn't tolerate tardiness.

Tsubaki's head jerked as she heard the seat next to her pull out and someone sat down. She turns slightly and on the desk next to her was Domon. "Yo!"

"Morning Asuka." She greeted warmly. "How are you?"

"Great! And you?" Domon asked.

Tsubaki smiled. "Not bad but Otou-sama has trained me nonstop this week. I can barely stand after finishing each day."

His eyes widen in concern, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't push yourself, Tsubaki. It's bad for your health."

"I know. I've taken my medication this morning."

"But..." Domon trailed off, obviously not agreeing with Tsubaki judging by his expression.

"If it helps, I'll take it easy during practice this afternoon." She suggested in hopes to soothe him.

"If you say so." He said as he sagged with relief.

Domon... he's one of the few friends she has here in Teikoku alongside Kidou. Compared to Kidou on the other hand, they had known each other much longer. That's why he understands Tsubaki better than anyone else.

"If you say so what?"

Hearing that voice, Tsubaki looked up and at their desks to see two boys they recognised.

"Morning Jirou, Jimon." She said, addressing both boys equally.

"Morning guys!" Domon chirped.

Jimon gave them a curt nod. "Morning. I still can't get why you bother calling Sakuma by his first name, Tsubaki. Same goes for Domon and Genda too."

She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Sorry, force of habit."

"I don't mind." Sakuma said.

Essentially speaking, Tsubaki refer those she have a close relationship with by their first names instead of their surnames. In this case she looks at Sakuma and Genda like they were brothers to her. They're best friends, helping one another all the time. They assist her whenever she was struggling or miserable, especially when Kidou or Domon aren't around. Because of that she'd grown attached to them.

One time she addressed Sakuma by his first name on accident, shocking him, Genda and even herself. Tsubaki initially thought he was going to be angry for not addressing him properly thus she tried to apologise to him. Somehow he brushed it aside, telling her to not worry and it was nice to call him his first name as a change. Genda decided that too, much to her relief.

Tsubaki can't fathom how that happened. In spite of being friends with Kidou more than Sakuma and Genda, she couldn't address Kidou the same way. She tried once yet it did not come out, like she was stuttering a lot. She had absolutely no clue why but guessed it was embarrassing to say it so she went with his surname as usual.

For some reason she blushed at remembering that time. Weird. There's probably something wrong with her and it's definitely not due to the medication she had earlier this morning.

"Whatever. Anyways, what is it that you guys were talking about?" Jimon asked.

"Oh, Commander pushed Tsubaki excessively in training this week." Domon answered.

Sakuma furrowed his eyebrows. "Commander?"

"Yeah, and-" He stopped short, noticing that Tsubaki wasn't paying attention as she stared absent-mindedly at her desk with her cheeks a bright shade of red. "Tsubaki?"

"Huh?" She blinked, feeling three pairs of eyes on her and turn to them.

"Are you okay? Your face is red." Sakuma noted, pointing a finger at her as an indication.

Just realising that now, Tsubaki rid herself off the blush as she shakes her head vigorously. "Yeah, I'm fine. Really."

He sighed. "...Okay."

"As I was saying, she was going to do it easy in practice this afternoon." Domon finished what he said previously.

Jimon folded his arms over his chest uncertainly. "I'm not sure. Commander can easily tell if one of us is lagging behind and that's not a good thing."

Tsubaki shuddered at the thought, recalling the last time a similar incident that occurred. No one wants to ever get on her father's bad side, including herself.

"Then I must endure it. I can't afford to get in trouble." Tsubaki mused.

"Yeah."

The door opened and their teacher walked in. Seeing this, Sakuma and Jimon went to their own respective desks plus several students who were standing around in the classroom.

It wasn't fair. Father... Tsubaki hated how he forced her onto the soccer team. That he deprived vital information off her knowledge and behind her back no less. Sometimes she wished she never joined the soccer team in the first place. But then she might not befriended guys like Sakuma, Jimon, Genda and the others on the team, even reuniting with Domon after these many years.

Imagine her surprise as she saw him. Yes Tsubaki was that flabbergasted, yet happy at the same time since she got to see a familiar face again.

Nonetheless there are times when things are best kept the way they are and this is one of them.

Time passed and Tsubaki was in the middle of class as the students were listening to a lecture, glancing at their textbooks as they followed. It was then someone knocked on the door, grabbing their attention.

The teacher paused in his lecture and opened the door to reveal the academy's secretary. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry for interrupting sensei, but can I borrow your student, Wakamiya Tsubaki please?" She asked.

"Understood." He then looked at Tsubaki. "Wakamiya-san?"

Dropping her textbook, she stood up. "Sensei?"

"The secretary wants you. You can go with her." He said.

Tsubaki bowed. "Arigatou gozaimasu."

That said Tsubaki left the classroom with the secretary, missing the shared curious look Sakuma and Jimon had just as the door closed in the process.

"What is it?" She inquired when they weren't in earshot.

"Actually, Kageyama-san wanted to speak to you. He asked me to retrieve you." She replied.

Tsubaki raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Otou-sama?"

"Yes."

"Thanks for letting me know, I'll handle it here." Tsubaki said, bowing to her.

She nodded. "Very well, I'll leave it to you. But be sure to go back to class afterwards."

"Alright."

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X

Tsubaki frowned as the secretary walks off. What does her father want with her? He's not the type to talk to his daughter on a regular basis unless it's important. Hell, he's never at home with the exception of training of course. But most days that leaves Tsubaki under her caretaker's supervision.

She darted through the hallway and onward to the office then able to reach it in time. Unlike most teachers at Teikoku, her father's office had a large sliding door that stretched to the ceiling, which made it sound menacing. With little hesitation she stepped into the dimly lit and huge office.

At the end of the office, a man was sitting in a chair behind a wide desk coupled with several holographic display monitors. The man himself had tanned skin, long grey hair in a ponytail, a pair of black shades covering his eyes and was dressed in a purple suit.

Father. That's how she addressed him anyways but many prefer calling him Kageyama or Commander.

"I'm here, Otou-sama. What is it that you want with me?" Tsubaki asked.

"Come closer." Kageyama ordered.

Complying with his order, she stepped further inside and was directly in front of his desk.

"Tsubaki." Kageyama began, staring at her. "Do you know why I called you here?"

Damn it. Tsubaki should've questioned the secretary beforehand.

She shook her head regrettably. "No."

He grunted in disappointment. "Do you know a school named Raimon Junior High School?"

Eh? Raimon? She didn't think so... hang on, she does apparently. It's a no-name school that was disqualified from the Football Frontier after its soccer team was involved in an accident prior to the finals against Teikoku 40 years ago. Their coach, who was previously a famous goalkeeper, passed away due to sustaining fatal injuries. Nowadays Raimon's team hadn't shown themselves in the Football Frontier ever since that time and they've been considered a disgrace to the soccer world. Furthermore they didn't exactly have a soccer club, which is a possible reason for not participating in the Football Frontier.

"It's a no-name school whose team that has not participated in the Football Frontier after an accident 40 years ago. Why?"

Tsubaki swallowed, waiting to hear him respond. It must be a big thing if Kageyama enquired her about a school such as Raimon.

"Because you will be attending Raimon Junior High School as a transfer student three days from now." He said.

She stilled, amethyst hued eyes widening in utter surprise.

What did he just say?

"What?" was the best intellectual reply Tsubaki came up with.

"You heard me. You'll be transferring to Raimon-"

"For what?! Is that I'm weak? That I do not meet your expectations?! Sure, I'm not that great but I'm indeed trying to keep at it with everything you taught me! I thought you're raising me to be a better person or rather yet, a first-rate soccer player! Isn't that what you wanted?!" Tsubaki yelled angrily, tears prickling her eyes.

Why the hell would Kageyama transfer her to Raimon? As she said, she was doing everything right in order to satisfy him completely. But here it's like his looking down on her. That she meant nothing to him, not that he really cared though, and discarding everything she tried her hardest to accomplish.

On top of that Tsubaki did not want to leave Teikoku Academy. There are even people here that accept her as who she is compared to back then. If she went somewhere that hasn't got anyone similar to that then she will not know what to do.

'I'll be alone again.'

"I haven't finished." Kageyama cuts her off, glaring at her as if she had to shut her trap. "To answer your question Tsubaki, you are to spy on Raimon's soccer club."

"Spy on Raimon's soccer club?" She repeated slowly.

"That's right. However, there's a catch. You will attend as a boy." He added.

"Why a boy?"

"It's bad if someone were to find out that the sole female member of Teikoku Academy's soccer team is spying on her opponents to obtain information. Not just that, you're pretty famous for participating as the only girl in the Football Frontier tournament last year."

She grasped her head as memories of being in Teikoku's soccer team and the lone girl in the entire tournament flashed in her mind. He's right. That actually makes sense.

"More importantly, you're not just to obtain information but to keep tabs on their progress as well and report straight back to me." Kageyama paused before continuing. "On a side note, you'll stay in an apartment that I've rented you in Inazuma Town during your time in Raimon. That caretaker of yours is to act as your pseudo guardian. In case you're wondering, she agreed to the proposition."

She frowned. "I see... how many days did you say it was?"

"Three." He reminded me.

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Then excuse me." She said, bowing to him slightly and turn around to exit the office. Once outside Tsubaki immediately sprinted away to the soccer field, tears streaming down her face and collapsed to her knees as she reached the field, pounding it with a shaking fist. "Why? Why does this all had to happen to me? Firstly I get forced onto a soccer team without my consent and secondly I'm getting transferred to another school without my consent yet again! How dare he... it isn't right... I should've fought back... he would yell at me if I did... then I'd be punished..."

She released a silent sob, eyes now red and puffy from crying and cheeks stained with tears. She was a total wreck. Should somebody see her in this state, she'll...

"Daijoubu ka, Tsubaki?"

"No, I'm not okay. Leave me alone..." She whimpered.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong." The voice chided gently. It was awfully familiar.

That's it! Acting on instinct she jumped to her feet and spun around, an exasperated look written on her face. "I told you to- K-Kidou?!"

Greaaaat, of all the people who saw her in this state, it's Kidou. Just her rotten luck.

He gasped at the sight of her face. "You're crying?"

"N-No I w-wasn't." She spoke between sobs, desperately attempting to wipe her eyes dry with her sleeves.

Sighing, Kidou grasped her hand gently and pulled it away. "Tsubaki, listen. If anything's wrong you can always tell me."

"I-I..." She stuttered. Good grief! Why won't she stop stuttering?

Suddenly Tsubaki felt warmth. His strong arms were wrapped around her shoulders, embracing her into a hug. Okay, she's officially freaking out. Kidou was hugging her! Thankfully the guys aren't here. They'll believe it as the perfect blackmail. It'll spread out in the academy less than a day and she will face the worst threat in the academy, the wrath of Kidou's rabid fangirls.

She struggled to break loose but his grip on her tightened. Next Tsubaki was frozen stiff as he leaned his mouth to her ear.

"You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm just letting you understand that you shouldn't take on the burden yourself. Nothing's worse than witnessing a comrade in pain because of something agonising them." He murmured.

Kidou lets go and she stares at him indecorously. "You're weird."

"Maybe." He said, shrugging his shoulders.

Tsubaki frowned. 'Perhaps I should tell him... okay, here it goes.'

"I... I'm transferring to Raimon Junior High School in three days' time and attending as a boy."

"What?" Kidou asked, eyes widening behind those goggles of his.

"Don't ask me. I just found out from Otou-sama." She answered.

"Commander? And why a-"

"I'm the only female in Teikoku's soccer team, remember?" Tsubaki reminded him, waggling a finger at him smugly.

Kidou's one of the smartest people she has known in her life. With a simple response like that, it won't take him long to figure what she meant.

His posture relaxed at the realisation. Bingo.

She grinned. "You see what I mean?"

"Yes, but..."

"It's mostly to obtain information and keep tabs on Raimon's soccer club, like they even have one though."

"They do yet it's merely seven members. Still it doesn't count to a full team of eleven and they're pretty weak too. That's what Commander told me." Kidou said.

"Tch, how infuriating..." Tsubaki drawled, her mouth twitching slightly. "Oh well, got to go to my next class. See you, Kidou."

Kidou nodded. "You too."

Without a word, Tsubaki nods and walked off the field.