Game of Hearts
Episode 2-3: The girl known as Lightning and Thunder Empress
Raila and Reika arrived at the female tennis courts. Most of the students turned to their way. Li Yalen, the one in charge of the daily afternoon practice gasped.
"Reika!" she exclaimed.
"OI! Minna, Bow down!" Seito roared. Everyone bowed down. "CHEERS" they chorused.
Reika acknowledged them and nodded. "Everyone! Gather around!" Reika announced. Everyone on the courts stopped what they are doing then gathered in platoon in court A.
Sakuno was one of them. She overheard some of her Sempais talking.
"Hey, isn't that Masato Reika-san, the vice captain and Tezuka-san's sister?" one of the female members murmured.
"Yeah, that is her… but who's she with…?" the other girl murmured back.
"Silence!" Reika roared. Sakuno winced at her loudness.
"Most of you must have known who I am… but for the sake of the newcomers and the freshmen… I am Masato Reika your vice-captain. I need not elaborate on my ability for soon you'd be able to see it with your own eyes. Now, all members except the regulars group yourselves into four teams with pairs; choose a vacant court except court A and start hitting balls. Juniors, leave the freshmen alone. Freshmen, welcome to the club and feel at home." She said. "Dismissed." She added.
The juniors left in pairs, the freshmen were left behind in the court B, and C. Sakuno glanced at the regulars and realizes how amazing they are.
"Ryuuzaki-san, aren't our Sempais amazing? If what I heard from my sister is true, this semester we can finally join the District Tournament. That is if they can get a better captain than what they had before." A girl said from her side.
"I see… you are?" Sakuno asked eyeing her.
"Asakura Ran, Asakura Rin's younger sister." She said as she held a hand to Sakuno, Sakuno accepted it.
"Nice meeting you Ran-chan." Sakuno said. Ran smiled.
"Let's begin hitting balls. I saw your form before and I must say you've got a lot of potential, your grandmother must be coaching you thoroughly." Ran said.
Sakuno blushed. "No, not at all." She murmured.
Ran lifted an eyebrow Sakuno looked away to hide her blush.
"It's a secret huh?" Ran mumbled before grinning at her. "Cute" she added. Sakuno turned redder.
"Ojou, you are back," Rin said with a smile.
"As you can see, yes I am… Now, let's begin the one set match game, listen carefully. Raila will play with each of you… One set per player. Is that okay with you Raila?" Reika asked glancing at Raila.
"I'm okay with it" Raila answered before she excuse herself and started warming up in one corner.
"What is the meaning of this Reika-chan?" Yalen asked looking at Reika then to Raila.
"What does Okami Raila have to do with this?" Yelan added taking a glance at Raila who is warming up.
Reika ignored them and turned to Seito.
"Seito… I want you to play a one set match with Raila using everything you have and while you're at it, defeat her and beat her. Show no mercy. Crush her if you must." Reika said monotonously.
"As you wish Ojou…" Seito said cracking her knuckles.
Yalen and Yelan exchange looks.
"Ojou… tell us… is she the one." Sayo voiced out.
"Probably" Reika replied.
"Hmmmm" Miyuki mumbled.
Sayo stared at Raila with narrowed eyes.
"She looks like a good one," Ayumi concluded.
"She is" Reika said.
"Have you fought her?" Rin asked.
"No" Reika replied.
"Reika, if you forced her into joining our team then this is hopeless… she'll just get crushed by Seito… I'll play with her." Yalen said.
"No" Reika said.
"But why? If you want to see her ability you can have me play with her." Yalen said.
"You'd go easy on her, wouldn't you?" Reika replied. Yalen remained silent.
"See… If you go easy on her how can I know if she is the one I am looking for?" Reika said.
"How many times should I tell you that it's unnecessary for you to look for a captain?! You are more than enough." Yalen said.
Reika turned to Yalen. "Yalen, I appreciate the loyalty and your belief in me. However, who would stop me when I get destructive? My brother? He's leading the male tennis team remember?" she said.
Yalen fell silent.
Reika turned to Yelan. "Spill it Yelan, I know you want to say something." She said.
Yelan smiled slightly. "You've got to understand my sister Reika-chan… for us, you are the leader. Finding someone to play as the captain is like using the person. You know how much we dislike people who manipulate other people's weaknesses." She said.
"Is that what you thought I am doing all these time?" Reika asked. Most of them looked away.
"I see… so you think I am just looking for someone to use as my excuse as to not be the captain? Is that it?" she asked lowly.
"Reika-chan…" Yalen muttered.
Reika closed her eyes. "No one understands me. I thought that after what I did six months ago… all of you have grasped the kind of personality I have towards tennis. I guess I overestimated all of you. You just see the water but not notice the current underneath it." She said.
"Reika, we do know how passionate you are when it comes to tennis… it's just that… we really wanted you to be the captain, especially now that the detention given to us is already over. We can start training and show them how good we really are." Sayo said.
"One question…" Reika asked. Everyone looked confused.
"Do you think Raijoutei is just a name given to me by accident?" she asked.
"You were dubbed Raijoutei when you were in middle high and were fighting for the Martial Arts Club. We thought it would be awesome to call you like that as well in the Tennis Team" Yalen said.
Reika chuckled. "Not one of you had really seen the destructive power of my personality…" she said.
No one responded. Reika smiled at them genuinely. "Then all of you are in luck. You might be given a chance to witness the real me when it comes to tennis. That is if my prediction will come to reality…" she said.
"Ojou… do you really not wish to be our captain?" Rin asked.
"If I am not the person I am then I'd be really glad to be your captain." Reika answered.
"Is Okami Raila up to the role… to be our captain…?" Sayo asked.
"We'll know after we've all played with her." Reika said.
"How sure are you she can be trusted?" Miyuki asked.
"Just look into those eyes and you'll find your answer Miyuki." Reika replied.
"Ojou… if you say go all the way… you do mean all the way right?" Sei asked.
"Of course" Reika answered.
"If we crush her, it's okay with you?" Ayumi asked.
Reika thought for a while. "I'll stop the game when I see the reason to do so." She replied and Ayumi nodded.
Yalen sighed. "Okay fine, we'll let you have your way for the last time. If Seito defeats Raila, can you promise us something?" Yalen asked.
"What is it?" Reika asked.
Yalen and Yelan looked at each other before turning to Reika. "That you'd stop looking for a captain for our team and just be the one." They said in unison while staring at her.
Ayumi, Miyuki, Rin, Sayo, Sei nodded all together.
Reika chuckled. "So, I guess this is what you call ganging up or blackmailing." Reika said.
"So?" Yalen asked.
Reika closed her eyes for a while, and then turned to Raila who's swinging her racket to warm up. "That's a deal." She finally answered.
The regulars exchange looks before smiling. "A promise is a promise" Sei said. "Ojou-sama, we'll hold on to your promise." She said.
"That is if you win Sei…" Reika said with a smile.
"Of course, this is cheesecake." Sei said before heading to the serving area.
Reika smirked. "Never underestimate her Sei. Once you let you guard down, you'll be digging your own grave." She reminded the girl.
"Of course, ojou." Sei replied.
"Yosh!" she mumbled before she turned to Raila. "Are you ready?" she asked.
"Yes I am…" Raila answered.
Reika smiled at her before turning to Miyuki. "Can you be the umpire for these matches?" she asked the girl.
Miyuki's eyeglasses glinted mysteriously. "A-Okay!" she said almost too cheerfully.
"Find your places everyone… It's time to restore our reign over the female tennis world." Reika murmured as she flips her hair and sat on one of the benches inside the court.
Everyone sat on their own places to be able to watch the game.
Seito dropped her racket and panted heavily. Raila smiled.
"1 game to love… Okami Raila advantage…" Miyuki announced pushing her eyeglasses.
Reika's smiled. "Yalen, do you want to play now?" she asked glancing at the girl on her right.
Yalen straightened. "I do," she said seriously.
"Okay." Reika said still wearing a smile then she threw a towel to Sei. "Good job." She said.
Yalen gave Reika a slight nod before heading towards the court.
"Gomen nasai ojou… looks like I underestimated her." Seito said while she wipes her sweat.
Reika looked at her with a smile. "I warned you about digging your own grave didn't I? Nevertheless, you still took her seriously in the end didn't you? So, it's okay."
Seito looked at the new pair of players. "Ojou… what exactly are you planning?" she asked.
Reika turned to her. "Nothing particular" she replied.
Seito stared at Reika's eyes and Reika stared at her. Seito smiled. 'I understand it now. You finally found her, the one that would lead us back to our reign that is why you have the confidence to let her play with us.' She thought before turning to Yalen's game.
Few minutes, passed and again Raila ended the game with 2-0, Raila is still on lead.
"Two games to love, in favor of Okami-san." Miyuki announced. Worried she looked at Reika's direction only to find her still smiling. 'I have never seen Reika look that way before… could it be true that despite the years we've spent together we still don't know who the real Reika is…' she thought.
Miyuki cringed when Raila spoke towards Reika's direction.
"You promised me…two wins and you'd tell me the whole story." Raila reminded Reika of their deal.
Reika's smile widens. "I did… and I intend to keep that promise." she replied.
"Well then, tell me everything now. Why are you so motivated into finding a team captain for your team when you can be the one yourself?" she asked.
Reika smirked. "That is not what I promised to tell you Okami Raila-san… what I promised you is that I'll tell you the reason behind my search for a captain not why I wont take the position for myself. Am I right?" she said.
"Is there a difference?" Raila asked confused.
"Huge difference. But, if you beat the rest of my team you'll find out the answer to that answer." Reika answered.
"Then… the one you promised." Raila said.
The girls tensed up.
"Ojou, you are not planning on telling her about that…" Ayumi said standing up.
"Not that!" Rin, Seito and Yelan also stood up going in front of Reika to protest.
"Enough…" Yalen said walking towards the bench. "Let Reika decide on that. She can tell whatever she wants to tell besides, it's all part of the past already." She said sitting beside Reika.
Reika smiled at Yalen. "I see you've seen the light my friend." She said.
Yalen looked at Reika sideways she smiled. "I have… now, everyone sit down." Yalen said.
Ayumi, Rin, Seito and Yalen sat back on their benches but remained tense.
Reika sat straight. "There is no use hiding the truth. It did happen in the past, and could happen in the future… that is why it's better to be honest now than to regret lying later." She said.
No one responded. Reika stood up walking a bit out of the shades. She looked up in the sky. "Once there were female freshmen who dreamt of participating in real tennis matches however, because of the talent they have shown a lot of juniors and seniors envied them. Eventually, they were given a chance to participate in real matches. But then… an incident happened that risked not only their dream but their name as well." Reika narrated.
"It's that cheating you told me before right?" Raila asked.
Reika turned to look at each of her teammates and friends they were all looking at different directions. She then looked at Raila.
"It's not just some simple cheating Raila… we were sold. Our Sempais sold our team into fighting loosing battle in exchange for something so useless… men. We, as new players and freshmen at that cannot do anything they submitted a different line up for the tournament and only I was placed to play. I accidentally overheard them talking about that arranged dates in exchange for the lost games we'll have. I tried containing myself and won my game however, one of my Sempais drugged me during my match. When I woke up, I was told that we lost three set games already. The last one will be the last chance we have to win. I played my best but then again my teammates purposely loss their games. That is when I snapped, I punched our captain in the middle of the awarding ceremony. I spilled what really happened, and my teammates started a brawl among the other members whether juniors or senior. Then we were disqualified and the committee tore off our ticket to the Regional Tournament. In the end, the blame was put on me. On us." Reika narrated with clenched fists.
Tezuka felt a wave of anxiety ran across his spine. He turned to the courts where the female tennis team is practicing.
'What are you trying to do this time Reika?' he thought.
The wind blew making his tresses sway with the wind.
"I told you, I am going to resurrect our tennis team by finding the right captain. And I also told you that you are that captain I have been waiting for." Reika said after a while, her composure is back in place.
Raila didn't respond. Reika smiled at her. "Now… let's do continue…" she said returning to the bench.
"Yelan, it's your turn… beat her thoroughly." Reika said going back to her bench. Yelan stood up nodding her head.
When Yelan and Raila started their set game, Yalen turned to Reika. "You want us to see what kind of person and player your chosen one is, right? Am I right?" she asked.
"Partly." Reika answered. "But the biggest reason why I wanted all of you to fight her is because I want all of you to see what we've been all missing." She said.
Seito turned to her. "Missing? What do you mean?" she asked.
Reika turned to the playing duo. "How does it feel to fight a stranger? Someone whom you've never face before. Yet there is a force that keeps you playing didn't you realize it during your game with her?" she asked.
Both girls remained silent. Then at the same time, their eyes widen staring at Reika.
"Trust… we've lost it the day we were betrayed. We closed down the walls of our heart and our mind. We always play safe. I wanted us to get a captain who can pull us out of our guilt especially me… I want to set my heart free from the pain I caused the entire team." Reika said seriously.
"It's not your fault" Yalen said. "We are all at fault that time. We contributed to the fight remember…?" she added.
Reika smirked. "Yeah, but now I am taking the next step to put the past behind and be able to walk towards the future." She said as she watches Raila take another point from Yelan.
"40- Love, Advantage to Okami-san." Miyuki said she worriedly glance at Reika. "Ojou…" she whispered.
Another point. Miyuki shook her head. "Three games to Love. Okami leads." She said.
Reika smiled. "It's your turn Sayo… you will do it right?" she said.
Sayo stared at her and nodded. "Hai" she responded.
Reika nodded back. "I am counting on you" she said. Sayo went inside the court.
Yelan sat on the bench panting. "I didn't know she can play that well… it felt weird while I am playing with her… it's feels like she's drawing something out of me…" she said.
Reika chuckled. "Maybe, you hadn't played your best Yelan, and Raila has just pulled you out so you can realize what you still miss in your games." She said.
Yelan was silent. "You might be right" she agreed after a while.
Four no touch returns were delivered by Raila that took Sayo by surprise.
Reika chuckled. "Looks like Sayo's chance were out as well… Want to go for it Rin?" she asked the now trembling girl.
Rin grinned maniacally. "With pleasure Ojou." She hissed.
"Excited?" Reika asked.
"So much" Rin replied.
Reika's smile widens. "Saa… Rock on" she said.
Rin's smile widens and eyes narrowing in excitement.
Rin played well however, Raila used psychological strategy on Rin and manage to steal 3 points; the last point came by surprise and caught Rin by surprise.
"4-0… Okami" Miyuki said.
Reika noticed that even Miyuki was static. She smiled secretly. 'It's all going according to my prediction.' She thought.
"Say, Ojou… It's my turn right?" Ayumi asked opening her regulars' jersey jacket.
"Play with all your hearts content." Reika said giving Ayumi her permission.
Ayumi dashed towards the court and started rotating her arms to relax herself.
Before they knew it, Raila had scored again ending the set with 5-0 game.
Miyuki jumped down the umpire post. "Ojou! Let me play!" she exclaimed.
Reika stood up walking towards Miyuki. Miyuki blinked. Reika stopped in front of her.
"I'll let you play if you manage to steal even one point from me." Reika said.
Miyuki blinked several times. "Are you asking me to play with you?" she asked.
"One whole set Miyuki… and just one point, then you can play" Reika said.
Miyuki clench and unclench her hand. "Deal." She agreed.
"Good" Reika said walking inside the court stopping only to look at Raila. "You can take a break for a while… this wont take five minutes." She said.
Raila looked confused but obliged; she went to the bench, sitting down, she wipes her sweat. Yalen gave her a bottle of water she smiled and thanked her. Yalen just smiled at her.
Seeing that Reika and Miyuki's game had begun, she decided to excuse herself and go to the comfort room. She even saw some freshmen girls and boys ran pass her.
Horio, Katsuo and Kachiro followed by Sakuno and Tomoka are running towards the tennis grounds in full speed.
"Big News! Big News!" Horio screamed. Everyone turned to the running freshmen.
"What's going on?" Oishi asked them.
Horio pointed at the direction of the female tennis courts panting he started blabbering.
"ThereissomeonebeatinguptheentirefemaletennisteamincourtA." He said in one breath.
Oishi sweat drop. "I beg your pardon?" he asked again, this time Katsuo answered him.
"Someone is beating the entire female tennis team in court A. She has beaten all seven regulars right Sakuno?" Katsuo said.
Sakuno nodded. "She's now facing Masato Reika-san." she said.
Tezuka suddenly straightened. Oishi stiffened. Eiji's jaw dropped. Kaidoh accidentally crushed his water bottle. Inui broke his pencil. Kawamura dropped his tennis racket. Fuji's eyes snapped open. Momoshiro dropped a basket full of tennis balls. Echizen looked clueless he turned to Momoshiro.
"We have a female tennis team? Why haven't I heard of that before?" he asked.
Momoshiro winced at the pain in his feet before turning to Ryoma. "That is because they ceased existing that day six months ago." He said.
"What happened? Why are they taking action now?" Ryoma asked again.
Momo straightened but didn't respond he looked at Tezuka who's looking at the female tennis courts direction. "Buchou." He muttered.
Ryoma noticed Tezuka gripping his racket tighter. Before he could ask another question, Tezuka turned to them.
"Practice is over. Dismissed." He announced before leaving the court, all the regulars followed him. Momoshiro stopped just in time to face Ryoma.
"Come on Echizen, this time… A new Queen will be crowned and the Empress will be resurrected" he said.
"Huh?" Ryoma muttered but followed. Horio, Katsuo, Kachiro, Sakuno and Tomoka headed that direction as well.
It took Raila about three minutes before she headed back to the tennis courts. To her surprise, she saw not only female spectators but also the male tennis team standing on the outside fence.
"Just in time" one of the boys turned to her.
"Eh?" she exclaimed.
"The game just ended." Another guy said.
Raila ran inside to court to find Miyuki, eyes wide her racket on the ground quite far from her. Her eyes darted to Reika who's smiling.
"G-game en-d-d m-match s-s-six g-games t-to l-love… M-M-Masa-to Rei-ka W-Wins……." Sayo announced in shock as well.
Raila turned to look at the other girls. They found them in almost the same state as Sayo and Miyuki.
'Just what the hell happened when I was gone?' she thought.
Reika turned to her. "Ah! Rai-chan you are back… it's been decided… I'll be your next opponent." She said with a smile.
"M-i-y-u-k-i… are you okay? You can seat down now…" Reika said cheerfully.
Miyuki regained some sanity when Reika spoke to her; Miyuki nodded and walked aimlessly towards the bench.
"I have warmed up… we can start playing" Reika said.
Raila nodded while following Miyuki to the benches. "Is she going to be alright?" she asked.
Reika smiled at her then her eyes cracked open to reveal deep green eyes. "Yep! She'll be just fine" she replied. Her eyes narrowed. "Saa… let's continue where we left off… it's not over yet remember… in fact, we're just beginning." She said.
Something about Reika's voice made Raila shudder. 'What is this feeling?' she thought.
Ryoga entered Seishun Gakuen school grounds. His mother asked him to pick up his younger brother and cousin, Raila. Looking around the school, he noticed several girls gawking at him like he's some kind of superstar. A grin crept in his lips. 'Maybe they find me too hot to resist' he thought. His grin widens.
'Sounds good to me…' another part of his brain seconded.
He saw a ponytailed brunette walking towards the back area, he ran after her to ask for some directions on how to get to the tennis courts.
"Ojou-chan! Chotto!" he called out.
The girl stopped walking and turned to him, her eyes widens when he saw him, and Ryoga knotted his forehead. 'Everyone wears the same expression… do I look like I am a ghost or something?' he thought.
She blushed prettily. "H-How may I-I help y-you?" she asked timidly.
Ryoga smirked. 'Cute' he thought.
Oi! Ryoga get a grip man! That is child abuse and punishable by law. She's almost as young as your brother is.
He grinned at the girl. "Can you help me find my way to the tennis courts? I am here to fetch my cousin and younger brother." He explained.
"Oh… I see… I am about to go there as well, I just went to the faculty room to call my grandmother. An important game is being played in the female tennis courts as of the moment and the guy's training was canceled. Would you like to walk with me?" she asked.
"Why thank you pretty one," Ryoga said.
Sakuno blushed.
Ryoga chuckled. "Echizen Ryoga, please to make acquaintances with you… you're name is?" he asked.
"Ryuuzaki Sakuno, yoroshiku" Sakuno replied bowing.
Ryoga thought for a while. "Sounds familiar. Anyhow, shall we go now?" he asked.
Sakuno nods and resume walking.
Ryoga followed her walking side by side with the young girl. "Say, do you know my brother?" he asked.
"You are referring to Ryoma-kun right?" Sakuno replied.
"Yeah" he mumbled.
"We are in the same year. Yes, I do know him. He happens to be the first and only freshmen who made it to the regulars spot in the male tennis team." She said proudly, her eyes sparkling with pride.
An urge to whistle came thru him, but manage to suppress it. He smiled knowingly. 'Looks like Chibisuke found himself a fangirl or… more…' he thought.
They rounded on one corner and he can hear rallying of tennis balls. 'Sounds like a good match' he thought.
"Six games all, Tie Break," Sayo announced.
Everyone watching the game is all edgy, anxious and at the same time amazed. From 5-0 Reika made a comeback and turning the tables ending it in an all six game.
Reika started to prepare for her serve when she look up and face Raila. She smiled at her before releasing her serve.
Raila reacted and readied herself for her counter attack when all of a sudden the ball stopped spinning and slowly began to drop. Using her reflex, she tried getting the ball she's about to reach it when the wind blew and to her surprise, the ball started spinning twice its original speed before it landed and bounce at a specific and exact place, the baseline.
'Nani?!' her eyes widen as Reika scored.
"15-0" Sayo said,
Reika chuckled. "That is my favorite serve. Stop and Swallow Serve although, you can only use it in specific occasions like this…" she said looking up the sky, the wind blew making her hair sway. "Lady Luck must be watching us…," she muttered after a while.
"This is the first time I have seen a serve like that. To think Reika has that kind of skill hidden, she's awesome." Oishi said.
"To use the wind as the lever to accelerate the ball's spin... hmmm…" Inui mumbled scribbling on his record book.
"You're also recording the girls' data? How ruthless…" Kikumaru said.
Inui's glasses glinted, he grinned maliciously. "You'll never know who or where your next opponent will be… it's best to be prepared." He replied.
Kikumaru shivered and latch at Oishi, "Scary" he mumbled.
"That girl… she's good," Ryoma said.
Momo turned to Echizen. "Of course… that is Masato Reika, Buchou's younger sister." He said.
Ryoma sharply turned to Momo, "Buchou's sister?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
Momo nodded. "It's been a while since I last saw her games and she's not just good. She's one of the best girls I've seen play." He said.
"But her opponent looks tough as well." Kawamura said.
"Psssuuuhhhhh" Kaidoh agreed.
"Ne Tezuka, Reika's in a good condition right? However, she's been skipping club activities but still in perfect shape… could it be…" he said glancing at the stoic captain beside him.
Tezuka closed his eyes. "Aa, do you think I'd let her go because she is my sister? She receives thrice the punishment I give those who violate my command and our rules." He said.
Fuji smiled sadistically. Kawamura, Eiji, Oishi, Momo and Ryoma sweat dropped. Inui scribbled faster on his record book and Kaidoh 'Psssuuuhhhhh-ed'.
"I take it back. Inui is ruthless but Buchou is inhumane." Eiji muttered.
"Eiji-Sempai… define inhumane." Momo teased. Eiji glared at him. Momo grinned making a "V" sign.
"No wonder why she's still in perfect shape." Fuji said.
Oishi nodded. "I've always believed that she'll never give up tennis." He said. "You'll not allow her to… right Tezuka?" he asked.
"That is her decision but when the time comes she decides to quit tennis permanently, I wont stop her. Nevertheless, until that time… I'll support her with everything I have." Tezuka replied.
"As expected from the big brother" Oishi teased and gave Tezuka a meaningful smile.
Tezuka ignored it and turned back his attention at the game.
"Rai-chan… this game will end in 7-6." Reika said.
Raila's eyes narrowed. 'Nani?!' she thought.
Reika smirked. "You don't believe me, do you?" she asked.
Raila didn't reply.
"Shouganai…" Reika muttered, preparing for another serve.
Raila bended in attacking position, 'Show me what you've got' she thought.
Reika released the ball.
Raila recognized that stance, she dashed to the net. 'She's going to use that Stop and Swallow Serve again.' She thought.
Reika smirked as she watch Raila went to the net to hit the ball before the wind accelerated its spin. "Wrong move" she mumbled as she hit the tennis ball.
Raila's eyes widen when the ball past through her in an unbelievable speed. She's too shocked to move, she just stood there staring at Reika's smiling face, her eyes shinning in mischief.
'How can do a serve like that in an instant using the same stance' Raila thought.
"30-0, Service Ace Masato leads" Sayo called out.
That snapped Raila out of her reverie; she looked back to the back where she thought the ball landed. To her surprise, the ball landed just behind her. "Nani?!" she exclaimed.
Reika chuckled. "That is my famous Lightning Serve" she said.
"You're unbelievable" Raila said.
Reika smiled sweetly at her. "Don't get conned by my stances…I cannot use Stop and Swallow Serve without the right tools, you just have to pay more attention to everything around you." she said.
"What do you mean?" she Raila asked.
"The wind. The earth's gravity. The sunlight. All of them contributes to the 100 percent success of Stop and Swallow Serve. If even one them are not enough, there will be a flaw in that serve." Reika said.
Raila's eyes widen. "You mean to say… you can tell what kind of wind, how much gravity and what position of sunlight you need for the success rate of that serve?" she asked.
"Yes" Reika replied.
"You're really amazing" Raila said.
"No, not at all… well, not yet." Reika replied.
Raila felt that animosity again. 'I wonder what's more to come' she thought.
"Whoa! That's awesome! Her lightning serve is more polished than before!" Momoshiro said.
Eiji nodded. "The turns and spins of the ball are greater as well."
"She's doing well" Ryoma muttered.
"Sugoi" Oishi mumbled.
"Her stance are awesome too" Kaidoh said.
"As well as her power" Kawamura seconded.
"However, there is still something missing…" Inui said he turned to Tezuka. "Am I right?" he said.
Tezuka ignored him. "Reika…" he muttered.
"One more point and I win… ne Raila, you can counter all of them if you really set your heart into it." Reika said.
Raila glared at Reika. 'Is she trying to deceive me, she's better than me. How can I counted her attacks when I cannot distinguish them?' She thought.
Reika seemed to have guessed Raila's thought, she smiled. "Not all the shots can be returned by just seeing them Raila. If you can let your heart play as well then you'd be able to do it." She said.
"My heart…" Raila mumbled, quite shock. 'What does she mean by that?' she thought.
Reika glanced at the benches and saw her teammates and friends watching them carefully. The look in their eyes gave her more power, her smile widens.
"For Nationals… let's play with all our hearts content" she muttered more to herself, she prepared to serve again.
Raila heard what Reika mumbled. 'She's doing her best even if this is just a match game. But look at me, I haven't even played my best… what am I doing? This is unfair. Reika trusted me to play a fair game but here I am doubting myself.' She gripped her racket tighter.
"This time, I am going to receive that serve and counter it." She muttered.
Reika hit the ball.
'Lightning serve!' Raila thought. The ball passed through her, she reacted she spun 180 degrees and hit the ball returning it to Reika's court of responsibility.
Reika ran to hit the ball smiling thoughtfully. "I knew you can return it" she said and hit the ball.
They started rallying back and forth.
"Ojou…" Rin, Seito, Ayumi and Miyuki mumbled holding their breath.
Yelan clutch the towel in her hand. "Reika-chan"
Yalen gripped the water bottle she's holding. 'Reika, I believe in you. Onegai' she thought.
Looking at their teammates and friends' anxious features Yalen said. "Do not worry, she's our vice-captain. She'll surely win."
They turned to her and nodded.
'Kanaratsu' she added in her mind.
"Do you think Reika will use that?" Fuji asked watching Reika and the girl named Raila rallying back and forth.
Tezuka nodded. "No doubt, she's wearing that kind of face. She'll surely use it" he replied.
"Sou ka… I wonder how much did she improve?" Fuji muttered.
Tezuka eyed him knowingly. "I can arrange a practice game for you with her" he said.
"I am counting on you" Fuji said with a smile.
"You sure are interested in her Fuji," Tezuka said.
"I do not deny it" Fuji replied.
Tezuka eyed him again. Fuji just turns his attention back to the game his smile widening in anticipation.
Reika can feel it brewing deep within her. 'It's coming' she thought. 'Finally, I can set my heart free. I can play tennis again without hesitation and guilt… Okami Raila… you don't know how grateful I am to you… you've brought back the real me.' She thought as she exchange balls with the raven-haired girl.
Raila smiled but her eyes narrowed in concentration. 'This is the first time I felt this kind of thrill. The last time I ever felt this was is when I was dancing in the ice… but that was three years ago. Now, in tennis… this girl is awesome. She had evoked my tennis skills, which I thought were just ordinary.' She thought. Something deep within her wants to be freed.
"Who are you Masato Reika-san…?" Raila mumbled her returns gets heavier and heavier, an unknown energy builds in her right hand. 'What is this kind of power?' she thought.
Reika noticed the change in Raila's returns, her smile widens. 'Her real potential is coming out…' she thought. "Show it to me" she muttered and purposely hit a lob.
Raila accepted the challenge and smashed the ball back to Reika.
Reika anticipated the return and posed. 'I've always wanted to try this out. Forgive me Fuji-sempai… I cannot afford to lose now.' She thought and hit the ball.
Raila's eyes widen. 'From that height…' she thought running to the baseline. 'Not so easily' she thought anticipating the shot and hitting it.
Reika's eyes snapped open as Raila scored. She turns around surprised. "Higuma Otoshi…" she mumbled.
"I didn't know Reika can use one Fuji's Higuma Otoshi." Oishi said.
Fuji smiled. "All those times I played with her… I didn't know she's studying it as well." He muttered.
Tezuka nodded. "Reika is Reika after all.," he murmured.
"Sugoi" Momoshiro said. Kawamura, Kaidoh and Eiji agreed with him.
Even the freshmen minus Ryoma were amazed.
"Reika-Sempai, sure lives up to her title" Sakuno said after a while.
Everyone glanced at the braided girl.
"What title?" Horio asked.
Sakuno nodded. "During one of the training sessions, one of my Sempais said that if there is one girl who can change the fate of women in tennis and it's Reika-Sempai. I heard her call Sempai Jotei," she said.
"Jotei?" Katsuo repeated.
"You mean empress?" Kachiro asked.
Sakuno nodded.
"Mada mada Dane…." Ryoma muttered as he glanced at Sakuno's direction but his eyes were caught by someone else. His eyes narrowed as he stare at the now grinning madly Ryoga behind Sakuno.
Tomoka nodded and turned to Ryoga. "Ano… it's rude to ask this but why do you look like my Ryoma-sama?" she asked him.
"Your? Ryoma-sama? You mean Chibisuke?" Ryoga replied sarcastically.
Ryoma glared daggers to his older brother.
Ryoga grinned wider. "Ah!" he cried pointing at the court, their attention went back to the game.
"Omoshiroi" Reika muttered.
Raila flipped her hair. "Domo" she replied. She didn't understand where this new power is coming from but for some reasons she feel relieved and energized. 'It somewhat feels all brand new… like when you were newly elected into something so high, it makes you proud and static.' She thought.
Reika's eyes were hidden behind her bangs. Her smile is gone. As she releases the serve, her aura had suddenly changed.
"Honto ni Omoshiroi…" she murmured, as her smile was replaced by a malicious smile.
Raila stiffened and shuddered. 'Something is different. What the hell happened?' she thought.
"Its coming" Tezuka murmured.
Fuji cracked his eyes open. Oishi gripped the fence.
"The reawakened Lightning and Thunder Empress" Momoshiro murmured.
Raila dashed to the net to counter Reika's attack when all of a sudden the ball's direction changes and accelerated as it sped to her.
'Argh! Is she purposely attacking me?' she thought as countered the shot and returning it to Reika. Her eyes had gone wide when Reika appeared in front of the net waiting for her shot.
Reika raised her arms and directly hit the ball straight to Raila's direction.
Raila's thought was confirmed when the shot aimed for her. 'She's directly attacking me!'
Reika smiled smugly. "Let's play" she said and raised her head revealing two deep green with a touch of gold eyes.
Using her fast reflex Raila jumped away from the center before she hit the ball to the weaker side of Reika.
However, Reika knew the direction of the ball and got there in time, she hits it back to Raila.
'She's awesome' Raila thought. "And dangerous" she added in a murmur.
Reika growled before releasing a hard shot. "Take that!" she said.
Raila's eyes widen. "Fast!" she exclaimed and tried going after the ball to her surprise the balls direction changed upon bouncing on the floor and went straight to her stomach. She crouched down and coughed.
"Game end---" Sayo said but was cut off by Reika as she's preparing for another serve.
"Ojou!" she called but Reika didn't acknowledge her.
Reika smirked. "More… give me more…" she mumbled, the wind blew and revealed two pair of now gold eyes.
"Tezuka" Oishi and Fuji called to their captain.
Tezuka gripped his racket. "Wakkateru" he said as he pushes the court gate open and stepped in.
"He's not going to interrupt the game is he?" Ryoma asked.
"He has to" Ryoga said. Most of the regulars eyed him.
Ryoma eyed Ryoga dangerously.
'He knows it' Oishi, Kawamura, Eiji, Momoshiro, Kaidoh and Inui thought.
'Who is this guy?' Fuji mentally asked but his smile remained.
Yelan stood up. "This is…" she muttered wide-eyed.
Miyuki and Sayo gasped. "During that time…" they murmured in unison.
Rin, Ayumi and Seito gripped their rackets.
Yalen dropped her water bottle, spilling the content on the ground. "Iie… this is not the same as that time… this time… it's her real form." She said eyes wide and she stared at her trembling hands.
"Somehow… I am scared." She muttered. Yelan and the rest eyed Yalen.
"All these years, she's been hiding this power. For our sake. Because all these years she knows… that, no one can stop her. This is Reika. Seigaku's Lightning and Thunder Empress." Yalen said.
"Only one person can stop her now…" Oishi said eyeing Tezuka.
"Aa" Fuji muttered.
Everyone watched with anxiety as Reika served again aiming at Raila's face this time.
Tezuka positioned himself behind Raila. The girl gasped when she felt the man's presence behind her.
"Concentrate" Tezuka said. "This shot is more difficult than any other shots you've experienced." He added.
Raila nodded. She felt rather than saw Tezuka support her racket with his own racket. "It's coming." He murmured.
Raila readied herself as the ball hit their racket she stifled a cry. 'It's heavy and powerful' she thought.
"Pivot your right foot to the right. Bend your knee. Balance your body. Concentrate on the ball." He instructed the girl.
Raila did what she's told and amazingly, the ball started to feel lighter. She heard the guy murmured again.
"Relax, concentrate, on the count of three release the ball" Tezuka said. "Ichi… Ni…" he counted.
"San!" Raila and Tezuka said in union before they return the shot with unbelievable speed and accuracy.
The ball passed by Reika's face. Her golden orbs widen as her eyes return to its sea green color. "Tezuka zone" she murmured.
"Simply amazing… both of them" Inui mumbled scribbling in his record book forgotten.
Oishi is gaping. "A Tezuka zone duo… unbelievable." He said.
"That girl is interesting," Fuji said.
Ryoma chuckled. "Mada mada Dane" he said.
"Sou… Mada Made Desu" Ryoga agreed. "Demo… that megane-ottoko is something… a high level move like that is amazing." He said.
"That is our captain," Ryoma answered.
"Sou ka… that's why…" he said watching.
Tezuka and Raila straightened up. Raila thanked him but it seemed that the guy didn't hear her because he turned to Reika with a glare.
"The game ended already, you need not serve again. Stupid brat." He said glaring at Reika as he pushes his eyeglass to the bridge of his nose.
Reika blinked several times. "It's over? I won?" she asked clueless.
"Yes, you've won." Tezuka replied.
Reika's eyes widen. "Then… I did it… my forbidden play…," she muttered shocked.
"Aa" Tezuka replied as he turns to face Raila, he grabbed her wrist and examined it.
Raila blushed. "Errr…"
"Are you okay? It doesn't hurt?" he asked.
Raila stared at him. "I am fine" she replied. "I think so," she added.
Tezuka stared at her as well. "Sou…" he murmured.
"OI! Kuni-chan, I think you should let her go. Raila said she's fine already?!?" Reika said glaring at the duo.
Tezuka let go of Raila and turn away. "You should still have that checked." He said walking away.
"Ah… Hai" Raila answered.
Reika grinned. "Ah…haahha!" she exclaimed. Tezuka and Raila as well as everyone gaped at her.
She grinned at them. "Kuni-chan likes my Rai-chan ne?" she teased.
Raila blushed red. Tezuka turned to her sharply with raised eyebrow.
Reika grinned wider. "Saa… Ryuuzaki-sensei!!! Did you see? Did you see? Our new captain's ability?" she asked the older coach.
Ryuuzaki smiled at her and nodded at her.
Reika smiled. "YOSH!!! Seishun Gakuen Female Tennis Team Revived!" she screamed.
All, including the male tennis team screamed.
Raila didn't know how it ended like this but she liked the feeling. Reika has this kind of aura around her that makes people her love and adores her.
"What a troublesome girl" she muttered. She saw Tezuka looked at her way then nodded.
Ryoga smirked. "Looks like there would be no problem" he said.
Ryoma turned to him. "What are you doing here anyway?" he asked.
"Picking you and Raila up… you promised to play with me till before dinner" Ryoga reminded him.
"Ah, Raila? You mean that girl. Why? Is she your girlfriend?" Ryoma asked.
Ryoga eyed him weirdly. "Oi! Chibisuke… do you really not remember Raila?" he asked.
Ryoma shook his head. Ryoga scratch the back of his head. "Mou… all you remember is tennis… how troublesome" he muttered.
Raila went out of the tennis court to spot Ryoga and Ryoma on one side.
"Ryoga-nii what are you doing here?" she asked. "Yo! Ryo-chan" she greeted the capped boy.
"Do I know you?" Ryoma asked.
Raila sweat dropped. "You mean. You don't remember me?" she asked.
"No" Ryoma replied.
A vein popped out of Raila's head. "Just how did oji-sama raise you…" she asked more to herself.
"No use Rai-chan… he doesn't remember a thing." Ryoga said.
Ryoma looked at Raila then to Ryoga then back to Raila.
Inui approached the trio, Miyuki walking beside him as she put all her inputs in her palm pilot.
"Question… are you both related to Echizen?" he asked.
Eiji jumped to Inui's shoulder and asked. "You" he said referring to Ryoga. "Looked like Ochibi" he said.
Kawamura nodded as he helps Sayo with her bag. Rin, Ayumi and Seito beside them.
Reika arrived together with Tezuka, Fuji, Oishi, Yalen and Yelan. "AH! That's right!" Reika exclaimed.
"Rai-chan does resemble Ryo-chan as well!" she said. "Right Kuni-chan? Fuji-sempai?" she asked the two.
Tezuka nodded.
"You are right" Fuji said.
Oishi, Yalen, Yelan with Kaidoh just let out a small smile at them before shaking their heads.
"Well, I am Chibisuke's older brother. Echizen Ryoga." Ryoga introduced himself.
"I am Okami Raila… they are my cousin." She said.
"ARE?! Echizen's brother and cousin! Interesting!" Momoshiro exclaimed clamping Ryoma's head. "You surely have weird family Echizen!" he said.
"Itte-te…" Ryoma complained.
They laughed.
"Saa… let's go!" Ryoga said as he pulled both Raila and Ryoma. "Ja ne!" he said before leaving the school grounds.
"I cannot eat anymore…" Reika mumbled while leaning against Tezuka's shoulder on their way home.
Fuji chuckled glancing at the sleeping girl beside him. "It seems like she's back to her real self again Tezuka…" he said.
Tezuka nodded. "I don't know if I should be thankful or be more worried." He said.
Fuji glanced at Tezuka to find a small smile on his face. "It's going to be alright…" he said.
"The big brother will always be the big brother… you'll be there beside her all the time" Fuji said. Tezuka didn't reply.
"And so am I…" Fuji said.
Tezuka glanced at Fuji with narrowed eyes.
Fuji returned the look but still wearing his famous smile. "Right Onii-chan?" he asked.
Tezuka looked away and closed his eyes. Fuji's smile widens.
END of EPISODE 2… see you on the next episode. *smiles*
Preview:
A group of girls from another school stopped Raila and Reika.
"What do you want?" Reika asked.
Raila raised an eyebrow.
The girls smirked and looked at each other.
"Are you sure these are the bitches you saw?" the leader asked.
Raila and Reika exchange looks.
"Positive" another girl affirmed.
"I see" the leader said pointing a finger at Raila and Reika.
"You. and You." She said venomously.
Raila raised another eyebrow. "Excuse me?!"
"Hey! How dare you point a finger on me….Who do you think I am?" Reika asked irritated.
The leader smirked. "Who cares who you are… stay away from Kunimitsu." She said.
Reika's eyebrow twitched. "Pardon?" she asked.
Reika latches herself on Tezuka's arms. "You came to save me!" she said merrily.
"No, I just happened to pass by. Raila are you okay?" Tezuka asked looking at the raven-haired.
Raila shook her head "I am fine".
Tezuka nodded.
Reika grinned at him. "Aren't you going to ask if I am okay?" she asked.
"No" Tezuka replied.
Reika pouted. "Mou! Kuni-chan that's mean!" she whined rubbing her chin on his jersey.
"Let go Reika, you're going to get my clothes dirty." Tezuka said annoyed.
Reika grinned. "Don't care." She said.
"Mataku…" Tezuka murmured.
Raila chuckled. "Both of you must be very close" she commented.
"No" "Yes" Tezuka and Reika answered. Tezuka snorted. Reika giggled.
"Mixed Interschool ranking tournament eh?" Ayumi muttered.
"I wonder who our opponents will be" Rin said smiling.
"Yeah" Seito grinned.
Yalen and Yelan exchange glances.
"I sense no pressure at all" Miyuki said typing on her laptop.
"That's them for you." Sayo seconded.
Raila and Reika entered the locker room. "Yo!" Reika greeted them. All the girls smiled at the girl.
"That's a big smile you have there ojou… what did you do to Tezuka-Buchou this time?" Miyuki asked.
Reika grinned wider. "Betsu ni" she answered before changing into her jersey while whistling.
All the girls sweat dropped.
"She did something… I am sure of it." Yalen and Yelan said in unison. Everyone nodded.
Raila just laughed.