On Black Wings
Chapter 2: Because of Oikawa Toru
A/N: Thanks for the many views and review! I made this chapter much longer than the last and it's mostly centered on the quick-strike duo, a good portion of it though is on Kageyama with a flashback from Kitagawa Daiichi. Hope you enjoy this chapter and tell me what you think. Also remember to point out mistakes or errors if you find them.
...
"Keishin Ukai."
"Hmmmm?" The voice was certainty familiar but terribly uncommon to his ears; especially over the phone line, the coach smiled from the surprise call. "Well, if it isn't Sadayuki Mizoguchi? You do realize that you caught me only five minutes from closing up tonight, if you had waited any longer than you would have to wait until tomorrow evening to get a hold of me seeing as I am very busy." Ukai said nonchalantly as he took a puff of his cigarette and blew the smoke out of his nose. He held the phone close to his ear and sat back in his chair with his feet propped up on the counter of his store since he hardly ever got called by the guy, he could only wonder what the other coach had to say. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of getting a call from the great coach of Aoba-Johsai?"
"I wish I could speak about pleasantries with you right now Keishin, it would have been better than what I have to say." He said solemnly, his tone blunt and almost cold. "I called because something has happened to one of our volleyball players this afternoon and I wanted to speak out so that all players; of any team in the Miyagi prefecture would not have to face such dreadful news like we had today. We had one of ours get struck by a car, this was not even an hour after practice."
"What?" The coach of Karasuno let his propped up feet fall to the floor and he sat up straight in the chair with a look of surprise on his face, what he just heard from across the line was alarming and it gave him chills. "Oh damn, was it ... fatal?" Ukai hesitantly inquired, sort of scared for results considering that an incident like that could happen to anyone; even to someone in his team or even himself. He dared to ask more. "Who was it?"
A loud sigh came from over the phone. "It was not fatal, thankfully. But it was bad. Oikawa Toru was the one who was hit."
His eyes widened. "Hell, and to him of all players?!" Ukai messaged his forehead and stared at his cigarette in between his fingers. "How is his condition? Will he be alright?"
"I would say- hmmm, eventually. Coming from him; probably not. He'll be alright after recovery in maybe a month if lucky, but as far as his volleyball career; it's over. He lost something very crucial to playing sports, he's no longer going to be able to participate and run the court anymore. ... Even crows need legs to stand on."
Devastation. That was the only word that came to Karasuno's coach's mind when he heard Sadayuki, he even felt himself become stiff with dread. "His leg? It's gone?" The cigarette then fell to the floor and the embers slowly began to die out, Ukai couldn't believe his ears. "Just like that then huh? ...He's finished for good with volleyball." He whispered softly as he reached down and plucked the smoke stick up and mashed any surviving embers in the ashtray.
"It happened because of negligence, he did not pay attention to the street lights and walked right into traffic; and then he was struck by a car and just as quickly was ran over. He was only two blocks away from his house too."
"Hit by a vehicle twice?" Ukai winced. "Well hit and ran over, that's terribly tragic. Poor guy, he's probably going to be very upset and in pain for a while."
"I know, but there's little that can be done in this situation; that is why I called. He's still unconscious and will be until sometime Saturday when they take him off of the sedatives that they used during his operations; plus they still have to get an MRI after the concussion he suffered. He'll be in great pain for next week or so, but the physical pain would not be as strong as the mental pain of losing the dream of going professional. I would not want this to happen to anyone, not even to my enemies. I don't know anyone from Aoba-Johsai that is so invested and obsessed with a sport like him, he lives and breathes it like it's all he knows; now he must part with it. It's a nightmare for dreamers like him. So do warn your team about playing it safe outside of practice, it might sound like a speech for young children but in reality even young adults lose sight of their surroundings when their minds are more focused on other things. I just don't want this mistake to happen anymore, I already lost a great player because of it so tell them."
"Yeah, I'll be sure to tell my boys that. All it takes is one little accident, one little moment of inventiveness. And now that I think about it, I would say that a couple of mine do that from time to time." He added when he thought about a daring duo that always go all out when training outdoors. "I'll make sure that they are to be aware of their surroundings and watch roads during training runs from now on; inside and outside of practice. I have two guys that always get careless with their competiveness."
"The young setter and the decoy middle blocker?"
Ukai grinned, it was that obvious apparently. "Yep nine and ten. I'm surprised that they haven't gotten hit yet, lucky brats I suppose." His smile faded as quickly as it came. "This lesson will sure wake them up, it's tragic but it's something we all can learn from. Thank you for letting us know, for reminding us."
"You are welcome. And I know I told you, but don't mention the name. Oikawa is not one who takes kindly to sympathy, especially from people outside of his school. He'll have enough to fret about already."
"Don't worry I won't tell them who."
"Thanks, it could upset him more; actually even more once he wakes up and notices that he's missing a limb and confined to little movement with the rest of his injuries. It'll cause too much trouble, I already have to prepare for an argument and long talk regarding his future. It'll be enough of a burden to carry for a while, he doesn't need added stress."
"You're right, and it could stir up conflict; especially with a certain stubborn boy of mine who sort of idolizes your setter." Ukai ran his free hand through his hair. "I can't believe that Oikawa got hit and lost a leg in a car accident, him of all people. There goes his future sporting career. I feel for the poor kid, I really do. Send him our regards."
A loud audible gasp had Ukai flinch in surprise and he turned around from behind the counter to see both Hinata and Kageyama standing just inside of the shop in plain white tees and shorts that they usually ran together in, both of them had come in at a bad time. Hinata was gaping in a cold shock despite how heated he had been from running and Kageyama stared quietly and unblinking while huffing for air rather silently; like he was still trying to process the information he just heard. "Ah shit. Uh, bad timing Sadayuki. I'll call you back in a few. Bye." He hung up the phone and stood up while narrowing his eyes and placing his hands on his hips. "Okay, so how long have you two been standing there? I didn't even hear you come in."
"Oikawa-san- the Grand King-… lost a leg?" Hinata was the first to speak, his words were rough and solemn and even made Kageyama jump slightly and blinking again as he was pulled back to reality. Little Shoyo honestly looked frightened, scared even though he was in one piece with both of his own legs attached. "He can't play volleyball anymore?" He spoke more shakenly as if it had happened to him.
"Damn it all." Ukai sighed heavily and folded his arms. "You apparently heard enough."
Kageyama's head lowered, his eyes were hidden by the small bangs of his hair. "Is it true?" He finally spoke, his clenched fists were shaking and why? Because the best setter he's ever known was now out of commission forever, but that couldn't be. He still had to surpass him!
"Alright you two, don't speak a word of this to anybody. Go home and rest up for tomorrow's practice, then we'll discuss this with the rest of the team in a meeting."
"Is it?!" The young setter demanded.
"I said out! Do I have to point to the door and repeat?!" He shouted while actually pointing to the door. "I'm closing up so out or you'll both sit out on the next game!" Keishin Ukai demanded and they left after a long minute of silence and stares. As the door closed with the two forms standing outside, Karasuno's coach flipped the open sign over to closed and watched with despondency as two of his active volleyball players walked down the street instead of running home like they normally do after grabbing a little something to drink, both still showed the shock in their expressions but did not speak. It's not like they should have been shaken this badly, Oikawa was a rival to them and yet they took it pretty badly; as if it happened to one of their own team.
Hinata had a strong compassion for the sport and he had a buoyant personality for most competitors he faced off against. He wasn't one to hold on to grudges for too long, sure he took losses horribly but to lose an opponent was like losing a piece of his growth in the sport. He wasn't treated so well by Oikawa as far as Ukai knew but it's those tough rivals that helped to shape him and help him learn to change and progress to where he is now. And Kageyama- As far as he knew of the hot-headed setter, Oikawa was always his rival and in a sense; a teacher. Ukai could remember a few times where he heard the dark-haired teen say that he had to prefect his setting and serve-spikes to outmatch the arrogant Aoba-Johsai setter, it was a challenge that he took upon himself to become the best; and Kageyama had that gifted talent to go farther too with the right training of course. But now?
It's like the two of them were lost. He hoped that they would snap out of it by practice tomorrow.
Keishin turned back around and walked back up to the counter before grabbing the phone, he needed to call back.
… … …
"Okay, line up people. We have a small meeting before I let you guys fly. Come on, we don't have all day." The coach said aloud as Friday's practice had come to a conclusion for the day, his face bore the expression of annoyance and pessimism; two certain players hadn't been on their A-game since last night. Ukai noticed how both Hinata and Kageyama struggled where they were usually at their best, they couldn't even get a normal quick past Tuskishima and Asahi in practice, let alone get the ball over the net but a few times. It was failure after failure, although they did receive and block decently; but not good enough. They were also unusually quiet and spoke little to their teammates, they were still distracted and beat down by the news they overheard. That had to be it. The rest of the team had been jumping on them for their poor efforts and a few others tried to pry for reasoning of their poor play. Ukai ran a hand through his hair as Tanaka and Sugawara finally finished the line, all of the boys were lined up and most of them were smiling; although Tuskishima, Suga, Daichi, and Ennoshita had noticed the solemn looks and keep their eyes on the quick-strike duo. Tuskishima of course, hardly ever smiled to begin with. Kiyoko and Yachi also joined in the line despite being the team female managers; they preferred to be part of the team body in meetings, they both also seemed to have taken notice of two particular players that weren't all that competitive today. They looked rather worried.
"Are you going to be the one to tell them?" Takeda came from behind Ukai, he repositioned his glasses on the bridge of his nose and sighed quietly as the blonde coach nodded to his question. "Alright, I would rather not partake in this conversation if at all possible."
"Why is that?" Ukai asked as he turned his head a bit to see an anxious faculty advisor.
"Uh, I am busy." He quickly replied and turned to head towards the exit. "See you guys tomorrow." He waved and left quickly with a fake smile plastered on his face. Actually, he was not interested in the least in dealing a blow to the team; surely they were all old enough to know what they should watch out for when training but putting the boys up into a reality check of this caliber was something he didn't know if he could do. Just hearing word by the coach earlier made him wonder what it would be like if one of their own in the team had been struck, honestly he didn't even want to think about it. He had grown too attached to the small team, every defeat and area of strife had affected him more than he ever let on. Besides, he did have work back in his office that needed done, although there was no current deadline for the paperwork. Oh well. He mentally thanked Ukai for taking this one on his own for he had the right mental solidity on such a topic and the seriousness that comes along with it.
"What is this meeting about?" Daichi spoke up over the voices of his teammates idly chatting amongst themselves, he had a feeling that something was up; Hinata wasn't so energetic today and Tobio was pretty unresponsive to everyone he noticed. It made him wonder if it was something pretty severe. "It's really important isn't it?" He asked with his expression shifting into a serious one; almost everybody went silent after hearing his tone of voice. Sugawara nodded to his question.
"Yeah."
Daichi blinked.
"Now the reason I've gathered all of you here is because of some pretty frightening news that I got around six-almost seven o'clock last night. Now it has nothing to do with our team and our practices but it's very important to know and learn from it."
"Hey, is this the reason why Hinata and Kageyama have been slacking today?" Tanaka pointed out, still a little pissed that either of them have tried to communicate with him on the court during a practice game. They lost horribly together several times and he wanted an explanation since they wouldn't tell him. The two, Nishinoya, and he were supposed to be the toughest of players, defeat should have never came so easily nor consecutively.
"Unfortunately yes Tanaka." He noticed that this reply made the loud volleyball player frown deeply. Ukai folded his arms, still coming up with where he should start off. Well, it kind of didn't matter now that he thought about it. "Last night I got word from the coach of Aoba-Johsai that one of their players had gotten struck by a vehicle on the way home from practice, it wasn't fatal but it was really bad. I might as well tell you the name since the one who I didn't want to find out had walked in on my phone call and heard himself. As unfortunate as it is to say, it was Oikawa Toru; Aoba-Johsai's star setter."
Everyone now had graven stares and expressions of shock and terror, a player of high caliber had been hit; the silent response of the team Ukai expected. Kageyama lightly shook and looked away from hearing the name.
"Wait? Him?" Nishinoya gaped.
"But how?" Sugawara suddenly asked, now concerned since it was apparently Hinata and Kageyama who knew all along and had been in a downcast mood all day because of the information. It was so unlike his teammates to do so poorly, plus a part of himself hurt because of his extending and caring nature; even to rival teams. "Is it that bad?"
"Yeah." He could tell that Suga didn't take that so easily, topaz orbs widened. "Not only did he get hit once, but twice."
"Twice!?" Both Hinata and Tanaka said aloud in unison. Hinata didn't know that the cocky setter was hit TWICE, he knew that he was hit by a car but not by TWO of them.
"One vehicle hit him as he crossed the busy street without paying any attention to the cross-walking signals, he was running and listening to loud music apparently and ran right out before the car without notice. As some witnessed; he was distracted and was singing to himself, then that's when it happened. A commercial vehicle behind the car tried to hit the brakes and stop before it could run over him but was pushed forward by another large truck as it rear-ended him. It's terribly unfortunate but that's how it happened." No one was speaking, they were gaping in disbelief and he hadn't got to the worst part yet. Keishin inhaled softly and gave the group a piercing gaze. "Oikawa has a couple cracked ribs, a fractured humorous, two broken fingers, he suffered a mild concussion, and had to have his right leg amputated after it was completely crushed. The doctors told Sadayuki that Oikawa will never play another game of volleyball again, let alone walk by any normal means."
As if the small gymnasium couldn't be more silent, everyone was frozen stiff in shock. Kageyama's eyes went wide and he stared longingly at nothing in particular, it was as if his mind had been detached from the world itself. He didn't know that it couldn't possibly be any worse until now. The damages were terrifying, but Oikawa… would never play again? His 'dare he even think it' senpai- was done and just like that? It was all true then? Every word he heard last night was no gimmick or dream? His coiled fists shook. Oikawa has only ever trained harder and much more than any other volleyball player he ever knew, that guy was not only his rival but also his only real teacher. He could only ever learn from the best setter and no one else.
This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't be. Tobio held his breath and fought the need to storm out of the building.
"Then that means any dream of going pro is-?"
"Gone." Ukai finished Daichi's sentence. "All it took was one accident, one little slip up in attentiveness to ruin a future career in volleyball. That's why I had to tell you guys. Whenever we practice outside of this building or even if you all practice outside of the team; you must remember to always pay attention to the places you go and be wary of roadways. I know that some of you tend to forget about your surroundings while making practice runs." He particularly noted Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and Tanaka, but the first two he noted most. "But paying attention is what you have to do, push competiveness aside if you must for safety's sake. That's what I want each and every one of you to take with you as you leave here for today; it's a lesson that I know none of you will soon forget but it's truly necessary to avoid another incident like this from ever happening to our team. Sadayuki wanted me to inform us for this reason because he knows how reckless some of our players are, I am grateful that he was kind enough to do that."
"It can't be over. He's not a quitter."
Hinata's low voice snapped Kageyama out of his blank stare and he turned to the shorty next to him; lightly gaping in surprise. The small team decoy was right. He too knows that Oikawa would never sit out and give up on the one thing that he put before anything else in his life; his dream of becoming a pro volleyball setter, one of the world's best. But how he'd keep going now-… that thought alone disturbed Karasuno's number nine.
"Did you not hear? He can't play anymore." Ukai said loudly.
"But!"
"I'm sorry Hinata but that's what happens to some people, they lose their life goals and dreams when they slip up and sometimes it's by an unfortunate event that is beyond their control. Toru is lucky to be alive right now, his condition is bad but he'll live at least. We're all human and we all have boundaries, Aoba-Johsai's number one setter has just had his seriously limited; it would be a great feat to just walk again on a prosthetic leg, but to play ever again is a whole different story. It's very unlikely." Ukai watched as Hinata's expression went dark, the boy really hated to see anyone lose the ability to play a sport they loved so much. It made him wonder if the short kid had put himself in Oikawa's shoes and thought about how it would be to have something that he loved so much snatched away from him, his dream. He moved forward and placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder and the volleyball player looked up at him with an expression of despair. "Don't think on it too much, the stress isn't worth it. You're okay and you're doing fine, keep that in mind and play it a little safer. That's all that I'm asking of you guys. If you know what's best for you and your dreams of following the Little Giant, you'll take this lesson to heart and be mindful of it. Don't dwell on the negative, be positive and make sure to try and not make the same mistakes, okay?" He lightly patted the kid's shoulder.
"Okay." Hinata said stiffly.
"And you too Kageyama." He told the taller of the duo, but it didn't seem like he was paying any mind. "Well that concludes the meeting, it's all I needed to say so off you go now unless you have any questions." There was a long moment of silence. "No? Then you're all dismissed."
"I can't believe it. I hope he's okay." Yachi said to herself and Shimizu nodded.
"I wonder how Aoba-Johsai's team will do without their best setter, they might just fall apart." Asahi said softly as he walked to the door, his expression was still one of surprise considering the news was tough and hard to believe even though accidents like that can happen to anyone.
"I wouldn't count them falling in shambles depending on a one player loss." Tuskishima piped up from behind, his expression still hanging in the balance of cold and neutral that was on the borderline of unease. "We've played with them a couple of times before, their setter is only one good portion of strength; there's still their competitive ace, defensive libero, and their middle blockers aren't too bad. Plus their team is well balanced all around. Though we would certainly have the upper hand if we played them again without Oikawa, we'd most likely win too; although I doubt that they'd let us win so easily. The setter is the composer of the team after all, victory typically rides on them. But who knows, maybe they might find a good- maybe better replacement setter soon?"
Hearing that made Kageyama stiffen up and huff silently in rage. There is no replacements!
"Could they find someone better at serve-spiking and setting than him?" Yamaguchi asked with a blank tone as he walked by the taller blonde.
Everyone else made their way to the door without much to say, Suga and Daichi stopped by the short orange-haired teen and Kageyama and made sure that they was going to be okay before they left. Not many words were exchanged, the two first-years didn't have much to say anyway. Yachi and Shimizu also stopped by to talk to them but all they could do was give a word of encouragement, it shocked them both when not even faint smiles from either of them could move the distressed boys.
"Hey, Kageyama, Hinata." Ukai called out to them as they ambled towards the door, they were the last ones left in the small gymnasium. They were also hesitant to turn around. "I said hey!" Ukai repeated more loudly and the two spun around to face him immediately, slightly scared from his loud and abrasive tone of voice. "Look guys, I know that this is tough news for the both of you and that you're probably going to try and do something about it. I don't know what yet but it's best if you don't. Trust me, you'll only make it worse."
"We didn't say we'd do anything." Tobio said with a slight sneer.
"I know that, but I have a gut feeling that you're going to try to." Ukai gave an annoyed smirk. "Don't think that you can fool me now. So go home and rest up for the night and don't you dare go all the way to the Miyagi Trauma Center to see him, especially you Kageyama; you'd probably be the last one Oikawa wants to see right now. Got that?"
Of course Oikawa-san wouldn't want to see him but he had to see the better setter himself, he had to check up on him because he cared even though the thought sounded so distasteful and weird in his mind. Everything about Oikawa's personality was annoying to the point that it was almost intolerable, but as a volleyball player; he could respect no one more.
He was going to go anyway, despite practice on Saturday and against the coach's word.
"You hearing me?"
Kageyama gave a slight nod and headed towards the door while Hinata gave a questionable look.
"I'm closing the doors Shoyo, now out." He casually waved, but Hinata wasn't so quick to move.
"I have a question first." He spoke up, finally saying something after hours of virtually nothing.
"Fine, quickly now."
"If it was me who lost a leg, would you give up on me if I still wanted to play? Would I still even be able to?"
That was not the kind of question Ukai was expecting and he wasn't sure how he wanted to answer it. Yeah he'd love nothing more than to help the shrimp of a player continue to enjoy the club and stay fit, but thinking about it to a further extent had him puzzled. One could ever only go so far with such issues as missing limbs. Prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation lessons were very expensive for one, and for two; they had to be very difficult to maneuver on in an actively moving sport like volleyball. Handicapped people don't ever make it so far beyond sports clubs though, he had a friend that he once played with that lost his ability to play any sports when the guy got into a car crash and had his spine severely damaged. His name was Yuto Soskue, a once very bright and energetic kind of guy, super determined with a powerful will. He used to be one of energy and life, a hell of a middle blocker in volleyball with some height and skill to him. It was a shame that the boy became a paraplegic and lost the ability to walk and play, that was many years ago though; back in his Junior-High days. He hasn't heard much from the guy since he left the volleyball club. But at least with one leg to stand on there was a slight chance of Oikawa still playing and enjoying the sport in a limited sense; the same can't be said from a professional standpoint though. Not being able to go the distance may hinder his desire to play and he may even quit. Plus it would be difficult to overcome such a loss and have great limitations but… it all depends on the person really and if they have the right kind of motivation to move again. It's an expensive and patient experience that most can't even handle or afford.
"Well?" Hinata spoke again, his eyes had a certain serious look to them.
The coach blinked.
"Still thinking negative huh?" Ukai smiled and pat the kid on the back and made him walk along with him to the door, the young player staggered some. "Why would either of us want to think about a question like that, I think Sugawara might be able to answer the query better don't you think? Off off now." He gently pushed the teen out and closed the door a little, Hinata turned around and frowned. "I wouldn't give up on you, but you following in the steps of the Little Giant would be near impossible." He started more seriously with a softer grin, he then ruffled the shorty's wild hair with his hand. "All I would be able to do is offer support and keep you on the positive side of things, either as a flying crow or crippled crow; you're still apart of the team, a part of the flock. … But who knows? You may even be able to fly again even if it's not as good as before, wings aren't exactly replaceable but there's some good substitutions out there to help you get off the ground. Then again you have plenty of teammates that I guarantee will lend you their wings, not literally of course but figuratively; it's all about support! Remember that. Now goodnight Hinata, rest well."
"Support? ...Wai-"
Ukai finished by cutting off the player's response and pulled the door completely shut, he leaned against it and smiled; the look that Hinata just gave him as he spoke those last words seemed to have encouraged him somewhat, like he sparked a little fire in the kid. That's all anyone so down would need.
"Are they gone?"
Ukai blinked and looked off towards the small office to see Takeda peering from around the door, the guy looked around and fully walked in when the coach nodded. "They're all finally out of here so you can come out from hiding."
Takeda gave a sigh of relief and smiled faintly as he walked up to the coach. "I heard everything after I walked back around and entered through the office, I'm kind of surprised that no one saw me peer out from behind the door." He gave a light chuckle but it was short-lived before his expression fell into a more serious look. "That was harsh what you said but it was completely true, everyone seemed shaken by the tragic news; particularly Kageyama and strangely Hinata."
"Yeah, Kageyama isn't one to admit things aloud but he does care about Oikawa to some extent." He said scratching the back of his head. "As for Hinata he's definitely got heart for the sport and even for every one that plays with him; on his side or on the other end of the court. But what had happened… the accident is something he's apparently never heard of or witnessed before; watching someone's dream of going big just die out like a small flame in a heavy rainstorm. Its making him wonder what it would be like if he had been in such an accident, it's making me worry for him a little actually."
"Don't worry too much about him, he's pretty optimistic compared to most and he has good friends to turn to. Now what I would be more concerned about is the two not coming to practice tomorrow."
"They're likely not coming in." Ukai replied with a grin.
"Wait, then you want them to- go and to see Aoba-Johsai's setter?" Takeda blinked in surprise when Ukai nodded. "But it didn't sound like you wanted them t- wait is that even a good idea?!" He stammered.
"Probably not." The coach laughed to himself and planted his palm over his forehead for a long second before he peeled himself off of the door and stood with a lax posture with hands burying themselves in his pockets. He felt like he needed another cigarette right about now. "There's something about those two though." He started again with a calmer tone. "They're probably the only ones willing to reach out to a guy like Toru in his current state and provoke him in just the right way. Oikawa's team is pretty tight-knitted and are probably just as supportive as ours but nothing gets a guy like him to move but rivals that make want him want to keep moving to stay a step ahead of them. I don't know if they'll be able to get the guy up on his last stride before his third year is over but there's nothing like pestering cawing crows to get one irritated and active for a little while. Aggravation is a good way but so is positive attention and support. It may or may not do any good, I guess we'll just have to wait and see first. I planted as many ideas that I could get off the top of my head before I sent them off, now it's up to them to take the initiative and actually do something. I don't even expect them to do any good on the first visit or first few if they go back a couple of times. Kageyama and Hinata have it bad with multiple failures before making perfect strides.
-But, what I am really hoping for if anything good to come from those two is just to get Oikawa on the side of normalcy and building his pride back up." He said more seriously and Takeda nodded. "Sadayuki told me that it's going to be rough for the guy to find out that he's an amputee and no longer able to play his favorite sport, and it will probably be a tough road to take for a while since he's so invested. But unlike that narrow-minded coach, I don't believe in removing him from something he enjoys doing; not when he's still got a leg to stand on. Hinata helped me realize that just now. That kid is living proof of determination and the power of will, I always thought that my old buddy Yuto was proof when we played back in our young days; but that notion left when he had no legs to stand on. Then came this kid, he seems like he'd try playing even if it were him in that accident." Ukai chuckled quietly. "He probably wouldn't be able to afford a prosthetic but I don't think that will stop him from trying. He's a hell of a fighter for a short guy."
"Good point, although I'm not sure that even Hinata would be able to move as fast or as well on a fake limb."
"There will always be limitations in such a case, however; you just got to work around them in whatever way you can. I know they'll find a way, they're a creative bunch. Oikawa is certainly a crafty player himself. All it depends on is the willpower and strength of effort. Only time will tell."
"Did you tell Sadayuki about this?"
"Nope." Keishin flashed a toothy grin. "He's got no idea that I am letting those two go down there, fires are bound to ablaze."
Takeda felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek. "Something tells me that this is not going to go so well."
"We'll see... we'll see. I'm not pushing them to go; only speaking with a little reverse psychology and throwing a little hint, they'll go only on their own terms though. What goes on from here is what they choose."
"But what if they somehow manage to make things worse? Did you think about that?"
"For Oikawa Toru there's nothing worse than 'not being able to play volleyball', that much I learned from that stiff of a coach. Now having his pride crushed and losing his fan-base would be pretty bad but playing and practicing is his life apparently. And don't worry so much; it only takes a small spark to start a large fire. Hinata's the wood, the building base of the fire and Kageyama the match and also the lighter fluid. And maybe some gasoline too. With the right foundation constructed and a well-lit match with extra fuel, the fire will burn brightly once again."
"We can only hope."
"Yeah." Ukai reached down into his pocket and pulled out his cigarette carton and put one cancer-stick in his mouth, he then dug in his other pocket. "And speaking of fire, you got a lighter on ya?"
…
Agitation was eating away at him as he trudged down the street, Kageyama couldn't bear to stand the idea of letting things now stand where they were with the better setter out of the picture for good. He hated it. Oikawa often worked past injuries and pains, that much he remembered back in Junior High. He could still remember the many times he spotted Toru practicing either by himself or with an annoyed Iwaizumi after school; normally staying behind a couple of hours before being forced to leave by the janitors and custodians or dragged out by his friend. And every time he stopped by either to say goodbye or often just quietly watch them from behind partially closed doors or in the stands; he noticed that Oikawa was always serious and always determined to do better than before. The guy often held onto grudges; even some for him and took his frustrations out on the court, and sometimes Kageyama could admit that it scared him a little. No matter if Toru sprang an ankle or wrist, or even if he hurt his knees to the point that they bruised or bled; he'd be out there hitting the ball or receiving for as long as he could go.
It was Oikawa that made him want to do better and that still was one of the reasons today, he envied such determination, willpower, and skill; he mostly wanted to be more like him back then when they were on the same team in Kitagawa Daiichi. The older brunette was so good at what he did and worked his way effortlessly to be the best of the Junior Miyagi Prefecture, he led the team to many victories and was even rewarded for his efforts at the end of the year. There was even a time that he once believed that Oikawa was invincible, even upon failure; all because in either victory or defeat he pushed himself to be the best when practicing. It took so much time and effort to hold onto his status, nothing could keep him down for long before he'd be working at it again. There was no limitations to that guy, he always forced himself to improve and fight through the pain no matter what.
Because after all; the only ones who remained on the court were the strong. ... That was something he wasn't ever going to forget.
...
Young Kageyama heard voices as he walked towards the doorway that led to the gymnasium, he had went to the locker-room to change up and leave for the day; he had practiced tosses by himself for an extra hour alone against the wall as usual but not all of the players had left just yet. It wasn't uncommon to find a certain pair still playing even though it was getting late, it was habitual for all three of them most of the time. As expected it was the other two still going at it; the more jovial and haughty voice belonged to Oikawa Toru- his senpai.
"Erraaaahhhhh! ... It's in! Great try Iwa-chan, maybe you'll get the next one!?"
"Can we go now, we've practiced enough for today."
"Just a little longer, come on Iwa-chan. Just ten more minutes okay? I'm so close to perfecting my serve, if I get better then I can score points for our team with serves alone. Wouldn't that be great?! And setting, that's a position I'll always need to improve on since everyone on our team is so different. I haven't exactly got it down with you yet though, but I'm getting close and I just know it! I might not be a genius setter like Tobio-chan but I can try and be more accurate, just give me the chance. Please?"
"Tch, fine. But no more than ten got that, we're both exhausted and we need to stretch before we go home and eat. We can't mess up the routine or hurt ourselves; especially before a game you idiot, coach's word."
"Of course Iwa-chan! Thank you thank you! Now let's begin again shall we?"
Kageyama peered from the corner of the doorway and watched relentlessly as the older setter served his friend on the other end of the court, Oikawa used the cart of volleyballs and took no time to receive the very few that were hit back by Iwaizumi. He emptied the cart in under four minutes and collected as many as he could in one so that he wouldn't waste any time he had left. Once he refilled the cart Oikawa had Hajime come onto his side of the court and set for him, he only messed up on one ball but was great with all the rest. He looked happy to be tossing the balls at different angles and different heights even though the other wasn't too excited about adjusting to the many changes, Iwaizumi just dealt with it and worked hard himself to get better too so that he'd be ready in a tight situation when he would have to receive a difficult toss.
It amazed Tobio how well Oikawa did, week after week of practice he noticed that the older was hitting harder and getting more accurate; his efforts were slowly paying off.
One day Kageyama skipped out on staying late and snuck up to the corner of the stands before taking a seat and watching quietly; it was the only way he could ever learn with Toru refusing to teach him at every chance, both Iwaizumi and Oikawa were so busy that they didn't notice him immediately. He watched again as Oikawa perfected his serving skills, he even witnessed one of Oikawa's first ever strong serve-spikes that day; the ones that very few would ever be able to receive.
"Calm down trashykawa, the coach only made you sit out because of your frustration. If you had kept your mind focused on the game yesterday then we would have done better, that Ushijima guy was a tough player so don't be so hard on yourself. So we lost, we'll get him the next time."
"You don't understand! I have to be on the court! I have to!" Oikawa screamed back with tears trailing down his reddened face, his fists balled up tightly from yesterday's defeat. "I want to stay on the court, it's where I want to be! I want to play! I want to win and never lose again! I work so hard to retain my position as the team's best setter, only the strong get to stay on the court!"
Those words sunk into Tobio's mind, Oikawa had a good point and he knew well that it was painful to be on the sidelines watching others play and score why the ones on the outside did nothing to help the team. He himself wanted to be in games more often; even the coach said that he was a great setter in the making and would be within the year if he worked hard enough. He'd be more useful and not feel so useless. He also wanted to bring victory to the team and be cool like the third-years.
"You are strong damn it!" Hajime retorted from the other side of the net, looking pissed enough to throw a volleyball at his distressed friend.
"I can't lose to Tobio-chan, I will not let him take my place! He's already doing so well and he's only a first-year! The coach said that he's a freaking genius setter and I have to compete with that or be replaced and stand on the sidelines! I know how everyone wants their serves, how much power to put forth to each individual and set them up for a point! I can serve and he- ..." Oikawa growled. "He can do better without even trying! But he's a stupid first year that knows nothing! We can't win without me!" He said while placing a hand on his chest.
That was something Kageyama couldn't take pride in even though the coach and many others were proud of his talented setting, Oikawa-senpai was mad at him for his born talent while he had to make his own.
"Oooof!" Oikawa caught his stomach after a speedy ball struck his gut, he grimaced and nearly crumpled to his knees; it was painful to take but he felt his friend's anger from it.
Iwaizumi stayed in place and shook lightly in rage. "Do you even hear yourself!? No one said you are being replaced dumbass, we'll always need a backup and you know that! Besides, we're on our last year before high school so you should be happy that there's a good backup setter for the team! Don't you dare think that you're replaceable, everyone on the team is irreplaceable; even those that don't play often. Most of the time it's us third-years on the court but our time will come and pass so that the younger years will get the opportunity to play like we do. You need to stop being so damn selfish and think about everyone instead of just yourself."
Those words seem to have made the setter calm a little, but they didn't move him much. Toru rubbed away the pain from his stomach and wiped the tears from his eyes and forced a grin on his face. "I want to be the best and I will, you'll see and so will they. We don't have many games left before we start high school; but that doesn't mean that I am going to lose to anybody anymore. Not to Tobio-chan and not to Ushiwaka-chan."
"Are you even listening to me?"
"I may not have the born talent but I'll get better and I will defeat them." He said with a determined look in his eyes as he plucked the last volleyball from the cart and backed up several feet behind the serving line, he stared at the sphere in his hands and tightened his grasp on it. "I don't need a born gift or crazy strength like them, I'll make my own way to victory and be the best setter in the Prefecture!" He shouted aloud and tossed the ball up and outward, he then ran at it and sprang up into the air with his legs leaving the ground and propelling him to great heights; he's never jumped so high like this before until now. He poured all of his frustration and desperation into this move. His mahogany eyes zero in on the other side of the net and with the strength he had gathered up from his arguments and inner strife he brought his palm forward in one swift and clean motion; sending the ball flying directly down at his target.
Tobio could hardly believe his own eyes.
Oikawa landed and stared for a long time at the spot that the ball just landed, it hit the ground with so much force and so quickly that Iwaizumi had no time to receive it; the power behind it even stunned the team's young ace and left the gym with a long moment of silence.
Kageyama stared with wide eyes filled with wonder and envy, it was an amazing move that Oikawa just did; he literally just scored and on a serve at that! It was a serve-spike! It left him speechless to see such a skill in action, that kind of serve was super cool and of a level greater than his own. He couldn't imagine anyone getting that ball when it went that fast, it was also in and forceful enough to make a light echo in the large space surrounding. A setter that serves could score points for the team, it was entirely possible and awesome. It was from that moment that he wanted to do that too, also that he respected Oikawa much more than before.
"Ah! Iwa-chan! Did you see that?! Did you?!" The excited brunette shouted aloud and pointed to the spot where the ball hit, his expression was one of surprise and pride. His cheeks were flushed from the fluttery feeling in his stomach, he just did something amazing.
"What was that?!" Iwaizumi smiled, he'd never seen such power in a serve before and it scored too.
"That was me! I did that!" Oikawa leapt up in joy and landed with his fists tightening up in excitement. "I want to do that again and again and again!"
Such talent ignited a spark in Kageyama, and from that day forward he wanted to serve-spike just like Oikawa and help bring forth victory to him and his teammates. He stood up out of his seat and found his hands coming together repeatedly. He clapped on for older setter and smiled.
"Hey what are you still doing here, you haven't left yet?!" Oikawa lost his excited expression and pointed at Kageyama with shock when he spotted the younger protégée in the stands. Without receiving a response he only made a sly smirk when the other stopped clapping. "See that, what I just did right now? I don't need to be a genius setter to do that! Just wait and see me perfect it, then you'll never surpass me!" He stuck his tongue out at the younger boy. "Gahhh!" He felt a hand slap him upside of his head and he quickly spun around to find Iwaizumi with a popped up vein on his forehead and narrowed eyes.
"Don't go and say things unless you can back it up moron! It was great that you did it but you only did it once, so do go all pompous because you did something only once!"
"Iwa-chan... that hurt." He said rubbing the side of his head, Hajime's strikes always pained him the most.
He wanted to serve-spike but he never could do it on his own, Kageyama tried many times but never succeeded after that day. He watched and observed the third-year many times but could not copy his senpai nor convince him to teach him. Oikawa however; managed to repeat and eventually get good at doing it often which helped very much in winning games. The young setter was of course denied being taught several times after the better setter learned and worked on improving his new shot, the last chance Kageyama had to ask resulted almost violently when he asked Oikawa after their last game of the year and defeat against Ushijima's team at that. The loss brought Oikawa to his knees and made him more aggressive towards the younger gifted setter, he even came close to striking Tobio in his fit of rage but was thankfully stopped by Iwaizumi.
Hajime yelled at his friend with much aggression and Oikawa muttered a small 'sorry' before Tobio walked away.
Kageyama knew from that point on that he would never be taught, that he'd have to learn on his own and made a promise to himself to be the best setter in the Prefecture like Oikawa was in junior high; only he was going to go further and go to the nationals.
After Toru left, Kageyama started putting more effort into his play at Kitagawa Daiichi and began training hard. He gave up his more docile disposition and traded it for a more serious and strict one; vowing to be the best setter with the best team by leading them to victory like Oikawa did for his. He could set better as his second year went by, but his teammates started to drag him down it seemed; and by his third he was almost always getting mad when they slipped up or didn't put in enough effort like the pervious players did that left before them. None of them worked as hard as Oikawa's grade and it pissed him off many times, he was aspired to be great but they couldn't see what he saw and so the team slowly started falling apart.
Then by the end of his third he pushed the group too far, to a point that they no longer wanted to play with him. He tossed the ball and no one was there. For once in his life he felt utterly useless right after he had been benched for throwing a point away, he lost his trust with the other players and was eventually crowned with the title of King; a bad nickname that insinuated his autocratic nature in gameplay. What went wrong? Why did they leave him behind? He only wanted to be the best and bring out the best of the team, yet they turned on him and refused to get the ball many times. He fussed and argued at almost every point that went to the opposing team and was often rewarded with distrust and that nasty title, all because of his desperation for victory.
Then he met the orange-haired shorty, the battle against him wasn't long but he did have the effort and fire in his eyes for victory like he saw in Oikawa's. That he did admire along with his incredible jump even though Hinata was slightly under mediocre in the game. ... Then they went to Karasuno together and became one hell of a duo, Kageyama learned to gain trust from a team, learn new things, extend his knowledge of each player to set for them, and then he got to learn once again from Oikawa on a higher level; just not the serve-spike he wanted to replicate.
There was still much to learn but he didn't have to look only to Oikawa anymore, he now had many rival teams with different skills and techniques; he had friendly teams to play with too. He got to meet new people and train with some tough guys like the ones from Nekoma and Fukurodani. The star setter of Aoba-Johsai and his team became something of the past, he still had to surpass the greater setter but was on a more equal level at best. Karasuno even managed to beat them in a game and yet... Kageyama still felt like an apprentice that hasn't yet reached the level of his mentor. It's like he was still one step behind, it's always felt that way.
He was right where he was now... all because of Oikawa Toru.
...
In a way... he had to thank Oikawa for helping him get stuck with the best teammates around and in helping him realize that there was so much more to a team than he ever thought. Kageyama felt a small rare smile form on his lips. Who knew that a downhill spiral years ago of trying to follow in his steps would help him now fly so high? The grin was short-lived as he dragged his heels on the pavement, if Toru was out of volleyball for good then he'd never surpass him. In the literal sense he could; given the time and effort, but personally he wouldn't be able to accept it.
His fingers coiled tightly, he had to surpass Oikawa and it had to be done the right way; in a match. How was something he just hadn't figured out yet.
"Kageyama."
The sudden voice out of nowhere threw the setter off and he slightly jumped before turning his head to the side to find Hinata walking beside him, he wondered how long he'd been there without noticing the small competitor. He gave the shorter guy a light scowl and adverted his eyes. "What do you want?"
"You're going to the hospital tomorrow aren't you?"
He expected a more agitated tone but was surprised when he wasn't given any attitude at all, Hinata honestly threw him off at times; at least he kept things interesting. "Yeah." He simply replied and folded his arms. "I'm not expecting you to com but-"
"I'm going too."
They both stopped and Kageyama tilted his head to the side a bit and gave the short-stuff a questionable look. "Eh? You want to go, I'm not complaining if you want to but a reason would be good. We'd be missing out on practice and be out of town for most of the day walking unless we get a ride from Saeko."
"I don't really care how we get there, I just want to go. Why I want to go isn't that important so why do you?"
Tobio felt his eye twitch, he definitely didn't want to admit anything that would make him seem weaker in the eye of his partner so he grunted quietly. "It's nothing too important either."
They both knew but wanted to admit to nothing, they have a level of understanding that goes beyond words so they both dropped the topic without any reply and continued ambling down the street.
"We leave around eight in the morning so meet up outside of Tanaka's place, I'll find some way of convening Saeko if I can get a hold of her. If not then we'll be hoofing it unless we catch a bus. It'll be a little over an hour to get there depending on traffic, now if we don't stay for too long then we might make it back for an half an hour of practice. Might, so don't get your hopes up. I probably won't go anyway, I'm going to pull out the sick excuse if I'm asked by the coach on Sunday."
Hinata blinked with an expression of shock, his mouth was agape and he lifted a finger. "Wait a minute, what about me?" He then pointed to himself.
"I don't know? Just play the sick card too." Kageyama replied blankly as usual.
"But wouldn't that sound suspicious?!" Hinata defended loudly. "We're going to be given loads of penalties and get scolded harshly!" The shorty of the duo paled as he thought about coach Ukai glaring down upon them with shark teeth and the yelling at them very loudly. He got chills and shivered.
"We practice with each other more than with anyone else, it's not all that farfetched dumbass." He said coldly as he landed and effortless punch to the top of Hinata's head, Shoyo grabbed his cranium and winced with a worried expression.
"I'm not so sure." He said as he softly stroked his aching head.
"Then don't come, but I am going; I have to see him. I- I just have to." Tobio finished and began down the street that would lead him home. "See you sometime tomorrow." He finished with a light backhand wave without turning around.
Hinata stayed in place and watched for a long minute as Kageyama got further down the road; the guy worried him a little sometimes. He couldn't exactly figure out why the dark-haired setter was so determined to see Oikawa but he had a feeling that he'd find out soon, he also needed to be there for him since the news shook him so much too. Besides, he himself wanted to go, he couldn't imagine how it would be to give up volleyball with such refined talent. Hinata unlocked his bike lock from the guard-rail at the bend and pulled his bicycle upright, he got up on the seat and began to bike fast towards his home.
The coach said something about support, that is what anyone in such a tragic time would need it; even himself. Shoyo had nearly an entire team to be that uplifting help if he needed it, Aoba-Johsai might just be good enough on their own to help the Grand King but lending a couple of wings couldn't be so bad could it?