A few months had passed after their victory over the team called Jabberwock from America. Due to the connections and bonds built throughout the game, it was now completely normal for the five participating players from different schools and teams to conduct a joint training camp.

The location of their training camp is fairly simple as it rotates from the Southern region to the Northern region as a way of respect to the location of each other's school.

Although, this year's training camp was quite different. Not just the schedule, but also the location.

"Eeeh?! (1) Gunma?!" Riko grimaced. She looked at her father who is in charge of every training camp the team has. "Isn't it supposed to be our turn in the rotation? So, it should be near school."

"Well, you see...(2) Katt-chan's place provides a lot of hills and mountains as well as beaches and forests. So after training, you guys can also relax or tour around the place."

"You're not doing this because you want to have a vacation hmm?" Riko's eye darkened with her arms crossed.

"N-no! I already discussed it with the other coaches and they seemed fine with it." except for Katt-chan was left unsaid. "Besides, we have to take a break every once in a while." Kagetora pats his daughter's head "Especially you. It's not good for the skin you know."

Riko pouted nevertheless sent every player the notice on the training camp's schedule and location, as well as attached a map of the place. Said camp is to be held three days from now.

"Location: Minakami, Gunma, 'Harasawa Lodge'

Everyone should be present here by ten or else. You know the drill. "

After sending the message, tons of replies suddenly barricaded her phone. It was mostly about being surprised by the location.

"Hmm?" Riko hovered on a message that was at least a different reaction.

"Already noted!~ I have been informed by our coach because that's their lodge after all. Also, since the holidays are coming up, I figured that the team should meet earlier than the given time! I invited most of them to hang out at Kagamin's place so that we could all go together by bus tomorrow~ Though, he looked really surprised ;) Not that we informed him aha! See you B~ " - Satsuki

The teen grumbled at the nickname and then opened the photo attached in the message showing Kagami's house being invaded by the rainbow haired group with Kagami's face all perked up. Clearly, he wasn't informed any of this. Nor did anyone want to inform him.

"Just try not to annoy him too much. Pft, nah, he's probably already used to people barging in his house"

Riko smiled as she replied every texts. Everyone really did became close after that game. It connected every single player and the forged bonds became even more stronger, enough to conquer the top. As long as everyone is together, they can overcome anything.

This training camp would definitely increase and tighten their strengths even more. Even though everyone would complain after the harsh training, they still all smile at the end and thank every single one for the hard work.

Especially her...Riko is viewed as coach on court but everyone knew she was like their mother or sister. She would get the most appreciation from everyone.

Riko wouldn't trade that feeling to the world.

Yet, the world was just too cruel and it wouldn't stop just for one person.

"You have to look harder!"

"Coach...no...Riko please. It's been two days and you haven't even gotten a wink of sleep" the captain, Hyuuga, places his hands on the girl's shoulder. He looked at the officers in front of him and bowed his head. The men took this as their sign to leave for the day.

"We'll search for them again tomorrow"

Why did this have to happen?

"Sleep?! You think I can sleep?!" As the officers left, Riko suddenly slapped the hands away and tears can be seen forming in her eyes as she angrily wipes it.

"S-sorry...This is all my fault...If only I..."

Hyuuga sadly sighs. He admits that he's not good at comforting people. If, Kiyoshi was here then maybe he can...No, this isn't the time to wallow in self pity.

"It's okay. It's going to be okay. We're helping with the search so we just have to give it our all..."

Where do we even search now?

"Captain, Coach..." the other members of Seirin entered the premise walking up to their captain and coach. The two looked at the seven of them for any news, though judging from the looks of their faces, it was probably the same as with the officers.

"Takao's search team are still inspecting around the crash site of the bus. We told them not to stay too late but just to be sure a few officers are with them...Also, the other teams would arrive here tomorrow afternoon..." Izuki informed the other details as he already knew that the main point is already conveyed through their reactions.

"I see...let's all call it a day..." Riko looked in front of her and sighed. Of course, anyone would be exhausted at this point.

Everyone frowned as they all followed their coach inside the lounge of the location of their supposedly training camp. They sat silently and all of them hid a silent tear.

It's been two days.

Two days since eight of their members disappeared.

AN:

(1) Gunma Prefecture is located around one to two hours away (at least according to what I read from trusty google search) from Tokyo which is where Seirin, Touou and Shuutoku is supposedly based at. On a separate note, Rakuzan is located on Kyoto which is on the Southern Region while Yosen is located in Akita which is on the Northern Region. Their camp schedule is as follows : Seirin - Touou - Shuutoku - Yosen - Rakuzan. Either way, it's quite a journey for Rakuzan and Yosen ;9

(1.5) The location, Minakami, is based on the village in the horror game named Fatal Frame. But there is a real town in Gunma named Minakami. Basically, this fic is inspired by that horror game.

(2) "Katt-chan" is the nickname Kagetora Aida calls Katsunori Harasawa, Touou's coach. Him having a lodge is just fictional here. But then again, this is a fanfic ;9

The next chapter the main cast appears x) along with dat bus tho.

TvT Thank you so much for the support! I appreciate it (\TwT/) sniff *stares at comment for the whole day* (\w/) hopefully the story can live up to your expectations.

Will probably update tomorrow TvT hopefully...

See you~