STANDARD DISCLAIMERS APPLY

The following songs below are 'Reach' by Gloria Estefan and 'That's The Way It Is' by Celine Dion. I think. Correct me if I am wrong.

Fatal Fate (Part IV)


5 more minutes left. The members of Kainan Basketball Team were starting to admit defeat as they acknowledged the increasing gap between their points. Aiwo High was indeed a strong team. 16 points different, with only 5 minutes left to catch up. They looked at each other; each was running out of energy. Their opponents, on the other hand, were still as fresh as they were in the beginning of the game. In fact, they seemed to be in much better condition. Only 5 more minutes to be announced the champion. 5 more minutes of struggling to be ahead. Those were clearly implied on every player's face and gestures.

Some dreams live on in time forever,
Those dreams, you want with all your heart,
And I'll do whatever it takes,
Follow through with the promise I made,
Put it all on the line,
What I hoped for at last would be mine.

"What is wrong with you all? We're not done, yet! Show them what we've got, team!" Maki yelled to the rest of the team. They looked at him, uncertain of themselves. Aiwo had the ball. Nothing seems promising to what Maki had just told them. Maki knew he could not give up. If he gave up, the team would lose all of its remaining chances to win. It was his responsibilities to bring up the team's spirit. He had to win the match. No, they had to win the match. He had to lead them to championship. He promised her he would.

If I could reach,
Higher just for one moment touch the sky,
From that one moment in my life,
I'm gonna be, stronger.

Applaud was overwhelming the stadium. Kainan had the ball. Or rather, more precisely, Maki Shinichi had the ball. In a short time, before one's eyes and mind could interpret simultaneously, he was at the other side of the court with prefect, unstoppable dribble. It was only a lay up shot, the simplest shot, but it had the whole stadium's attention. In less than 10 seconds, Maki Shinichi had performed a miracle, scoring 2 points over 5 of best players in the national prefecture's defense.

Know that I've tried my very best,
Some days are meant to be remembered,
Those days we rise above the stars,
So I'll go the distance this time,
Seeing more higher I climb,
That the more I believe all the more that this dream will be mine.

He was, without doubt, one of the top-ranking national level players. That impression had been deeply craved into every audience's heart. Maki Shinichi had stolen Aiwo's ball again. Within seconds after it was passed to his teammate, it was in his grip again. He shot it, a three-pointer. He was never known for being good in three pointers. It was never one of his well-known skills. However, due to the shortage of time, he had to try. Everyone watched, in amazement, as the ball went smoothly through the hoop. And the audience went wild. 30 seconds, and Kainan had scored 5 points, diminishing their gap.

If I could reach, higher,
Just for one moment touch the sky,
From that one moment in my life,
I put my spirit to be the best,
If I could reach,
If I could reach, higher,
Just for one moment touch the sky,
That one moment in my life,
I'm gonna be,
I'm gonna be so much stronger.

"Trust me, guys! We're the best, and we CAN do it!" Maki told his team again. This time, hope and faith were burning in their eyes. Maki's performance had strengthened them. They could not just give up without a gallant battle. That just wasn't Kainan's spirit. Even if they were to lose, they would lose in honor. They could never give up, not even until the last moment. For we're invincible. We're the best of the best!

Yes I am,
I put my spirit to the test,
If I could reach,
If I could, If I could,
If I could reach higher,
I'd reach, I'd reach,
I'd reach, I'd reach,
I'd reach,
So much higher!

For the next four and a half minutes, the Kainan team was at their best conditions. The gap between the points was decreasing continuously. The whole flow was in Kainan's favor. In a short time, Maki had gained the support from every corner of the stadium. Each time he had the ball, the cheers would increase tremendously in volume. He did not disappoint them. He managed to score 4 points, excluding the earlier 5 points, in which Jin scored the other 6. 30 seconds left, and they were only one point behind. Each team had equal chances of winning. No one could tell which team was to win.

By the time Maki caught hold of the ball again, and break through his opponents' defense, there were only 10 seconds left. As he was ready to shot, he found the strongest member from opposing team, guarding him- Morohoshi Dai.

"I won't let you score this one, Maki," Morohoshi told him confidently.

They struggled, and the whole audience was quiet. Tensed. Which team will be the champion? Aiwa? Kainan? Aiwa? Kainan? Only time could tell. 10 more seconds and they would see the champion team.

There were only 7 seconds left, and the other players had stopped playing themselves, putting all their hopes on their captains.

6 seconds, Maki jumped to make a shot. Morohoshi jumped up to block.

5 seconds, Maki went down, obviously playing a fake.

4 seconds, Morohoshi went back to his position to guard Maki.

3 seconds, Maki made his shot.

2

1

And the final whistle went off.

The ball entered the hoop.

Aiwa had won the Inter-High.


THREE MONTHS LATER…

"Maki-sempai, visiting Saeko-sempai (Gomen! I just remembered that Saeko is his senior, therefore he should be calling her Saeko-sempai, and not Saeko-chan!) again after this practice?" Kiyota asked his captain. Maki looked at the younger, not intending to reply. He could feel the pressure of everyone's eyes boring into him.

"Yes, just for a moment," he mumbled, turning back to the practice. No one else mentioned anything about it after that. Practice went on as usual. Well, tougher and stricter than before, for they wanted to be better. It was never easy to be the best of the best. They lost to Aiwa in the Inter-High, but they believed they could have won if extra five minutes were granted. Many of the spectators believed they were better. Surprisingly, first ever in history, a player from the 1st runner up team, won the honor of MVP. The player who performed such a miracle was none other than Maki Shinichi.

Kainan's Basketball Team came back to Kanagawa with glory though they lost the game. True, they were devastated at the loss, but it had became a motivation for them to practise even harder. Yet, upon returning to Kanagawa, they received two news, a good one and a bad one.

The good one? Saeko's operation was a success.

The bad one? She was in a state of coma.

I can read your mind
And I know your story
I see what you're going through (yeah)
It's an uphill climb
And I', feeling sorry
But I know it will come to you (yeah)
Don't surrender
'Cause you can win
In this thing called love

Maki had been visiting her everyday since then. He told her of the match in Hiroshima and its result day after day. He reported to her of their daily practices. Everyone was aware of it. Though he refused to admit it, his teammates knew him enough to see through his surface. They knew he cared, deeply, for the girl. He was as serious as ever, devoting more time into basketball. Devoting all his time to win the Winter Cups, yet not affecting his studies results. Apparently, he was not affected by Saeko's condition. However, they all knew his heart had been scarred. None knew exactly what had happened between the two of them, but everyone knew that their captain, who never knew that girls existed, had fallen in love with Saeko Shizuriku. And he had fallen hard for her.

When you question me
For a simple answer
I don't know what to say (no)
But it's plain to see
If you stick together
You're gonna find the way (yeah)
So don't surrender
'Cause you can win
In this thing called love

As usual, Maki stayed at the court after practice, practising alone for some time before visiting Saeko in the hospital. That day, Jin accompanied him. They were both quiet, practising on their own.

"It's almost time for Winter Cups," Maki said suddenly.

"Ah, any confidence?" Jin asked with a smile.

"You bet! After all, we're invincible. We're…"

"Kainan's pride," Jin joined in, finishing Maki's line with him. They both looked at each other and laughed.

"So, do you still like her?" Maki asked, changing the topic and the atmosphere.

"Yes, but I believe my feelings for her are nothing compared to yours," Jin replied silently.

Silence. Both looked at each other, as if able to read each other's mind. They weren't exactly the best of friends, but over the three years of partnership, their friendship had developed at lot. Sometimes, they could understand each other better their best friends.

"You do like her, don't you?"

Maki knew he had to admit it. It was not fair for Saeko. It was not fair for Jin, either He knew he should stop being a coward. It was never a sin to fall in love. No one had ever set a rule of who you should not fall in love with. Over the three months, Maki had been struggling hard with his feelings. He came down to one simple conclusion- his feelings for her were genuine. He loved her. Not just as his childhood protector, but as someone much more important.

When life is empty
With no tomorrow
And loneliness starts to call
Baby don't worry
Forget your sorrow
'Cause love's gonna conquer it all

"You know…" he whispered.

"Do you?" he insisted.

"Yes, I love her. With all my heart."

"Tell her that, you… moron!"

Maki looked at the taller boy (yes, Jin IS taller, but thinner, though :P). Jin was giving him an encouraging smile.

"I believe she can hear you. She will know it."

The doctor had said that the chances for Saeko to wake up are very slim. She lost too much blood during the operation. Her brain had been lacked of oxygen for too long. Parts of her brain cells were damaged. For her to wake up would require a miracle. A miracle had already happened. Saeko's heart was suppose to be incurable, but now… it's cured… Maki reasoned with himself. He had to continued believing in the slightest chances. Hope, and faith… those were the virtues Saeko had taught him as a child.

"The day before she was being operated, I told her of my feelings," Jin began slowly, "but I was rejected. She told me to look for someone worthier, because her heart had been reserved for a special person. She also said that no one can ever replace his place in her heart." He looked at Maki, "It is you, Maki-san. She loves you, and no one could ever take the privilege away from you."

Maki did not reply. Even after how he had treated her, her feelings for him were still so strong. He wanted badly to go back in time. To tell her he loved her. To tell her she meant a lot to him, that life without her was meaningless. Yet, it was too late. He lost the chance to tell her, and he might lost it forever. Shinichi, you fool. How could you let your pride ruin your life?

When you want it the most
There's no easy way out
When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith
Loves comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is

Maki was so used to the hospital. Especially the few alleys he had been passing every day. Even the nurses knew him. "Lover boy," they would call him. A few had even went up to him directly and expressed how they admired him for being so sincere to the patient even though he was only at such a tender age. (Nellie: guess how old they think he is? J/K!)

Saeko's parents were also visiting her when he entered the ward. He politely greeted them, and they nodded back with a slight smile. They both left after a while, allowing Maki some privacy.

He sat besides her, his hand finding its way to hers. Clasping his fingers over hers, he repeated the same thing, a lot shorter this time. He then told her of their usual practice, and stopped, taking a deep breath.

"Riku-chan, I have something else to tell you today. Something important," he began, staring at her face. She looked so peaceful. As if she was only asleep, as if she would wake up any time. He missed her a lot. Especially her smile and her encouragement.

Tell her, Shinichi. Tell her now, you little moron!

"I'm really sorry for how I've been treating you. I'm sorry, for being so cruel to you that night. I was lying, not only to you, but also to myself. Honestly, I feel bad. The whole night after that, the image of you crying kept popping out in my mind. I've been struggling so hard with myself. I did not want to admit of my feelings towards you. Yet, I can't lie to myself, nor to you any longer. Perhaps you thought I love basketball more than you, that was what I thought, too."

He stopped, looking at her intensely. No reaction.

"I was wrong. I do love basketball, but it was because of our promise. My love for you is the source of my love basketball. I do not want to disappoint you… I want you to be proud of me, your little Shinichi."

He had been afraid to express his feelings, but as he began, he felt like there were so much more to tell. He wanted to tell her everything, but it was all too late. He tried to stop it, but he couldn't. Tears began to make their way out of his eyes. He closed his eyes, trying to stop the flow. He was breathing slowly, each breath aching his chest.

He hated himself for being such a coward. He condemned himself for letting pride take control over him. He had lost the most important thing in his life, and it was his fault. Merely his fault, and his alone. He remembered their childhood days, how happy they were together, back then. He remembered the days before the Inter-High, when she had been accompanying him every night. The moments had been so precious, but he had not treasured them. Memories were all he had from her. Yet, the memories were so limited, because he had been unwilling to open himself to her.

When you're ready to go
And your heart's left in doubt
Don't give up on your faith

"Can you hear me, Riku-chan? I really miss you. Please, wake up. I need you. You have been sleeping for way too long," he whispered. He could no longer control it. He had to let it out. His tears, his sadness. His emptiness deep within. He traced his fingers up to her face, looking at her painfully.

He could feel his fingers getting wet. Tears. He realized she was crying.

"Riku-chan? You can hear me! Wake up!" he called, excited. It was useless, she showed no reaction. Her pulse was still the same. He knew she heard him. He knew she could hear what he was talking, that he had finally confessed his feelings to her. Perhaps it could motivate her to wake up. Perhaps it would strengthened her will. He did not know. He wiped away her tears gently, but they continued to roll out, slowly, just as his tears would not stop forming.

Looking at her peaceful 'sleep', he felt as if a force was pulling him nearer. Slowly, he approached he, bringing his head nearer to hers. Memories of their first kiss kept appearing in his mind. He tried his best to force them out as he brought himself nearer to her. He was only a few inches away from her, and he could feel her breath.

"I love you, Riku-chan," he whispered so softly that it was barely audible even to himself. Lightly, gently, as if not to wake her up from her sleep, he brushed his lips against hers. His precious memories of them being together ran over his head, briefly, quickly. His tears ran down to her cheeks, somehow mixed with hers, signifying (Nellie: help think of a better verb? I just can't find any!! ) an innocent love which was separated cruelly by fate.

Loves comes to those who believe it
And that's the way it is


Author's Note : The end?? Probably, not planning to continue on this one. Go on to guess whether she'll wake up or not. Unless I get lots of reviews, maybe THEN I'll write an epilogue~ Haha... acting like a little kid :P

rurouni : Thanks~ Glad you like it.
Lady Ice Dragon : Here it is- the final part
Saeko : *sweatdrops* Sorry for using your name without your permission... In my original story line, her name was actually Saeki... no family name :P
Alexia : Saeko is from a rich family, sort of. Her father is an international basketball player, and naturally as a supporter as Kainan's Basketball Team, she helps them a lot. Just to summarize the whole thing... perhaps her fathers arranged some training camps with professional coaches for them? :P
fehrocious : Will she make it through? That is for me to know, and for you to find out! :P
SyiveSe : Where are you again?? Sorry I posted this before you edited it... I'm eager to continue with my Fujima fic~ :)

Note 2 : Okay, this fic is a bit too... mushy. Perhaps it's because I believe Maki deserves a 'more matured' plot... doesn't mean I have to torture him, though... haha. Anyway, my Fujima fic will be REALLY kiddish, and it's more to a comedy, until nearing the ending. Anyone interested??? :)