Chapter Nine - The Agile Runner

Yuri flipped her silver hair and laid her hands on the table Himuro sat at in the library.

"You. Out. Now."

"No."

He refused automatically as he was concentrating on some last minute reading for a quiz to be held that afternoon. It was why he'd informed Atsushi he wouldn't be coming to the cafeteria and spending it in the library.

"Tatsuya... This is important!"

"Not as important as this. I'm prioritizing and you seem to be losing to this chemistry textbook. I need to find answers to all these questions."

She snatched the paper out of his hands and picked up the pencil. Himuro tried to grab the sheet back but she used the pencil to poke his head and keep him at bay while examining the quiz.

"Yuri not now!"

She bent down and swiftly marked options in random order and handed it back to him.

"There. You have the class after lunch to find out how you landed there. Now, shall we?"

He looked at her incredulously.

"You actually expect me to believe those are right?"

"Of course they are. Now will you stop wasting time and come with me? I kind of have an important thing going on."

Himuro sighed as he packed his books and followed her while she tapped her foot, not hiding her impatience. As he walked out of the library, he noticed that the halls were unusually empty. There were students but it didn't seem to match the everyday lunch time rush.

"What's going on?"

"They're all at the track."

"The running track?"

"Yes, silly. Now could you maybe try reaching there in a hundred years?"

She didn't wait for his answer as she pulled him with her. He understood nothing she had been saying but if most of the school was assembling then he assumed it must be important.

True to her word, there was a large gathering of students at the track where he spotted the track team who had formed a huddle and were discussing something intently. They joined Atsushi who had waved them over to a pretty empty area compared to everywhere else.

"Atsushi?"`

"Muro-chin."

He hadn't exactly said hello but posed it as a question but of course the giant said what he wanted to.

"What's going on?"

He repeated again hoping to get an answer this time.

"As you know Tatsuya.. The sports day is fast approaching and the clubs haven't stopped badgering me to joing their clubs. Even the shogi club won't leave me alone because Ryo is the vice president! So I'm solving it once and for all."

The clubs wanted her? He understood the appeal but they seriously thought they could handle her? He shook his head in disbelief.

"So how are you going to solve it?"

"They challenged me to defeat them in a race and I accepted."

Atsushi put his hand on her head and shook it a few times which made her launch a string of curses and protests.

"Yuri-chin accepted to run alone against four people from the track team. She insisted that they include boys."

Himuro wasn't surprised but he was shocked. He knew she was barmy but this was too much over the top.

"You accepted a challenge to run a relay all alone?"

She beamed in pride while nodding yes.

"What happens when you lose?"

"The conditions are that if I win then they leave me alone for the next three years. If I lose, which I won't then I have to let the track club's president ride my Royce to school for a whole week and take part in the spring festival."

"You have a Rolls Royce?!"

"That's what you're asking about? Hmph. Yea, its this old family thing."

"How rich are you?!"

"What a rude thing to ask of a lady."

"A lady doesn't challenge four players in a race!"

He wanted to smack himself for saying it as he knew what was coming. She raised her hand in a fist and brought it down on his head. Himuro could've ducked but he knew he deserved it.

But she stopped midway and withdrew her hand.

"You don't mean that. Its written all over your face."

He chuckled at her response but then a fist landed on his head and he looked up in surprise. He rubbed the spot and she grumbled.

"Doesn't mean you can say stuff like that."

"Yuri-chin and Muro-chin should concentrate on the race."

That got their attention and Himuro became serious.

"Can we renegotiate this? Instead of a one-on-four, how about a two-on-four? That seems fairer."

"No, that's impossible. Besides, I designed these conditions."

"Well, I'm not surprised. This is the most senseless set of conditions for a challenge."

She huffed and then ignored him.

"Alright. I have to go and get warmed up. Plus I have to change out of this stupid skirt. I brought you both here as my cheering squad so act like it!"

With that said she turned to disappear out of their sight. Himuro sighed and took the seat next to Atsushi who was now looking at the track team with interest.

"You seem interested in this."

He looked at Himuro with a bored expression on his face before starting to speak.

"Yuri-chin's condition is to take part in the spring festival if she loses."

"Hmm. So?"

"Yuri-chin will drag us as well."

Himuro felt a light bulb flicker to life in his head as the pieces of the puzzle came together. The picture formed was of the three of them slaving about for the spring festival.

The fact that Atsushi Murasakibara was showing interest in a silly challenge proved how dangerous the situation was. Of course nobody could make them do what they didn't want to do. But Yuri wasn't nobody or everybody. Yuri, was Yuri who always got what she wanted. She couldn't force Atsushi or Himuro to work for her but then they knew they would end up doing it anyway. Himuro glanced at his friend still looking towards the track club and realized what he already knew.

Atsushi Murasakibara couldn't be forced by Yuri to do anything. But that didn't mean that he wouldn't share his snacks with her. He wouldn't walk away from here. He wouldn't let her do the spring festival punishment on her own.

His head began to fill with wonder and amazement as he realized that it applied to him as well.

It wasn't fear or obligation. It wasn't pity or a bargain. It wasn't a deal to be fulfilled or a task to profit from.

It was something much, much more simple.

It was friendship.

Seijuro Akashi could make Atsushi Murasakibara to bench himself in an important match and take a tournament's victory away from him. But he doubted if he could ever get him to interrupt aimless banter to concentrate on the issue at hand.

Himuro smiled at this new realization which brought an uneasy feeling in him. He didn't recognize it so he pushed it to the back of his mind and prepared to cheer for his friend.

As the two of them waited for the race to begin, Atsushi recalled the time when Yuri had officially met the Teiko basketball team.

It began with a race too.

Murasakibara had been wandering around on his first open house day in Teiko middle school. He wasn't particularly picking anything or looking anywhere. He had always been good at sports. He was tall, abnormally tall as some called him but he couldn't recall a time when he had been short so it didn't bother him when people around him gave him a wide berth to move.

Being a fast runner was both a gift and a given as he possessed long limbs. The physical advantage allowed him to pursue any outdoor sport he desired to excel in.

But then soon, it would turn into something boring and he would lose interest and drop out completely. He spotted a group of students who stood taller than the rest of the crowd. He didn't even care to give it a second thought as he passed them to reach the trash can. He still had enough snacks to last him a while so he didn't bother looking for a vending machine either.

He didn't even have to turn to realize he was being stared at. He knew they were part of the basketball club and he figured he might as well sign up. He noticed the delight on their faces when he stopped at their table.

Over the next few days he made it into the team's first string along with three other students. Of course he was the tallest of them all and he didn't feel odd or surprised.

The sports day came by in no time and it got everyone around him riled up about it. He too looked forward to it as he already knew he could win anything he wanted to.

"The reason we're all here is because this being our first year in the basketball team, we must seize this opportunity to make a mark of ourselves. There are many team events being held today and I say we participate as a team in the 4 player relay."

Atsushi listened to the scarlet haired boy address them all.

"So I was thinking, Midorima-kun can pair up with me and Aomine-kun can team up with Murasakibara-kun."

The blue haired boy spoke first, clearly the impatient one.

"Oi, are you sure about that? You're little and carrot-head isn't that impressive a runner- compared to me and my long limbed partner here. Maybe you should take him as I can win this easily."

The green haired boy's irritation surfaced now.

"Tch. You're one to underestimate and boast about your own capabilities huh? I don't want to be paired up with your filthy manners anyway! I see Akashi has paired us up with care."

Thus the argument about filthy manners continued and Atsushi grew tired of it. He turned to place his giant hand on the blue haired boy's head and spoke.

"Who cares about anything when we'll win, right?"

The three looked at Murasakibara and contemplated his words. Winning today was definitely important. But the four didn't feel the awkwardness they should have because the desire to win came from wanting to shine in their new school with new partners.

The boy smacked his hand away and nodded with a huff. Thus the four of them concluded their little get together and walked in different directions. Of course Atsushi made his way to the vending machine to meet his silver haired apprentice who would be waiting there with his supplies.

"Atsushi! How are you this morning? I got you extra sports drinks as I assumed you'll need them. You can thank me later. We have to hurry now, I'm scheduled to pick up some band instruments and disrupt the shogi tournaments with the noise."

He had ditched her after helping her get the instruments she needed for her prank to meet his teammates where the race was scheduled to take place.

"You're taking your own sweet time to reach huh? Gimme some of that."

Aomine reached for the chips packet but Atsushi took if out of his reach. The boy grunted in irritation and turned away.

"Huh. Some teammate!"

When they spotted the red haired boy finally making it, the blue head had come very close to giving up and storming off on his own. He had tried it a few minutes ago but Atsushi had stopped him by holding his jacket's sleeve in a death grip.

"Where the hell have you been?!"

The red head's reply to his outburst was a calm one.

"I apologize but Midorima-kun could not make it as his presence is required elsewhere. He regrets not being able to fulfil his commitment. But that leaves me with no partner to take part in the selection round which is why I'm late."

As he said this, the silver haired girl stepped up to stand next to the red head. She grinned at the duo in front of her.

"Yuri-chin?"

"Huh? Akashi.. If all you want to do is lose then its best you not play!"

"Now, now. I'm well aware of your record as a runner Aomine-san but don't underestimate me. After all, I am the president of the track club for the second year now. They didn't hand out that position to a first year just like that."

The boy's face twitched in irritation as Yuri had placed special emphasis while calling him 'Aomine-san'.

"I don't care about your reputation or achievements. If Akashi wants to lose with a girl then he can go ahead."

Their names were called out then and Atsushi left with the blue haired boy. Atsushi gave it such a huge lead against the first runner that even while running Aomine complained at not having anything to do. Their opponents were a couple of first years as well so the win had been too easy. They found out that the other half of their little team had made it as well.

Yuri grinned triumphantly at the two while Akashi maintained a plain but pleased expression on his face. She gave Atsushi a thumbs up which made Aomine huff once again.

"All right. Don't get ahead of yourselves already. There's no way we can lose this race with me in it."

Aomine smirked as he said this and leaned on one of the walls. Akashi was the one to speak next.

"If Murasakibara-san can start and give us a lead, it'll be quite-"

"Oi oi. He's not going to start. He did that last time and I had nothing to do! I'll start the race and pull up so far ahead that the rest of you won't even have to crawl and we'll still win."

In that first year, his words were laced with excitement instead of arrogance.

"Idiot. Will you at least look at our opponents there?"

She pointed in the direction Aomine refused to look.

"It makes no difference. I'll just run as fast as I can, that should do it right? This is the problem with girls- they always overthink it."

Yuri's face turned red as she prepared for a fight but Akashi interrupted.

"Alright. Aomine-san can start and I'll go next. Murasakibara-san can follow and Yuri will finish."

"Hah? Make the girl run last? What if she trips or something?!"

"Do you want to start or finish moron?! Decide on one thing or shut it! You're one hell of a sexist aren't you?"

"Oi who are you calling a sexist?!"

Aomine glared at her but the girl didn't even flinch. She stared right back with her own glare and he found it impossible to stare into her strange eyes.

"Are you kidding me with those eyes?"

"Don't change the subject you dimwit. Sexist idiot! You've been downplaying me from the first moment. You did say you can win this alone didn't you? So why don't you do that?"

He drew a deep breath and let it out before turning away.

They made it to the track and shock covered everyone's faces except for Yuri's. She smirked at the faces of her juniors as they realigned their expressions. They were now all riled up to win this race.

Their opposing team consisted of two boys who had quit the track club for unknown reasons but were known to be incredibly talented. Being in their third year, they towered in frame when compared to the first year trio. Atsushi's advantage in height didn't get far when compared to the muscles rippling under their jerseys. The other two of the team were part of the basketball club itself. Akashi, Aomine and Murasakibara met the gaze of their captain and the other player grinned at them as well.

"Look who's come to play.. Setting a reputation for yourselves huh? You really thought it was that easy?"

The tall boy with long messy white hair continued to speak lazily while sneering at each of them.

"Babies! You're soooo predictable. Thinking you could do it by yourselves.. Where's that piece of broccoli? Honestly I'm just hurt you didn't ask me to join you. But then, I'm going to win because I'm on the right side."

He spoke in that bored tone while leering and licked the end of his thumb which disgusted everyone around. His eyes then landed on Yuri.

"Oooh look what we have here! You're standing on the wrong side, sugar. Come on here and let me show you a good time."

He reached to touch Yuri's head but she smacked it away with ease. He narrowed his eyes and made a move to grab her hand but Aomine grabbed his hand before that and twisted it slightly.

"I don't think she wants your filth on her."

Haizaki was quick to react as he reached to smack Aomine in the chest and push him back but Akashi beat him to it by grabbing the hand he'd managed to pull out of Aomine's grasp.

"Treat the girl with respect. She is our Senpai after all. Besides, the race is about to begin. We don't want to waste our breath here. Do we, captain?"

The captain who had made no move to stop or start the duel here nodded. He signalled for Haizaki to back off which he did reluctantly. Yuri had struck up a staring contest with one of the third years and had to break it off.

"Didn't I tell you to check them out?"

Aomine cast a glance at her and shrugged.

"Didn't I tell you I'd run as fast I could?"

Yuri turned away and mumbled something concerning Haizaki's behavior about not acting his age by being all game at his tender age.

The race began with Aomine as their starter who was matched up fairly by one of the ex-members of the track club. The boy's speed was most impressive but Yuri saw where Aomine's cockiness came from. He ran fast, faster and then the crowd became incapable of shock. He pulled up ahead as he had promised and finished before the other runner could even finish the 3rd quarter. He handed the little blue stick to Akashi who set off immediately. If the crowd hadn't already seen Aomine run, they would've exclaimed louder to see Akashi match up his speed with the other boy who was close to 6 feet. He ran surprisingly fast and impressed everyone. Murasakibara cast off the towel he'd been holding and waited in position.

Unfortunately for them, the boy Akashi had been matched up against began to sprint in the second half which put them at a disadvantage. The lead Akashi had managed in the beginning began to shrink but in the last quarter Akashi proved to everyone that he was not to be underestimated. It was then that Yuri too realized that Seijuro Akashi would always have a trick up his sleeve or a trump card- anything enough to guarantee victory. It was as if he hadn't even been trying all along. He shot forward leaving everyone in a stupor looking like a car running on nitrous. He managed the lead he had promised and handed the stick to the waiting Murasakibara.

As he began to run, those around him were no longer looking at him. They were all looking at the captain of the basketball team who looked like a man possessed as he ran. His eyes looked mad and were filled with fury as he tried to catch up with the abnormally tall violet haired boy. Murasakibara speeded up as well and used his long legs to cover up.

Yuri on the other hand grumbled to herself.

"Your captain is who I was worried about. The guy likes to run in sprints and basketball doesn't let him do that. So he uses this as an opportunity to let all that out. Its like an entire year's pent up frustration coming out at once."

"You're telling us this now?!"

"I tried to. Besides, there's nothing we can do about it. You both ran your best there."

She then looked down and gasped while she bent down to tie her shoelaces that had come undone without her notice. Aomine noticed her duck down and stared in shock as well. Murasakibara was wrapping up in the third quarter and she hadn't even taken her position yet.

"What are you doing?! Run, girl!"

She looked up at him angrily and stood up to respond but Murasakibara ran in and looked confused when he didn't spot Yuri. Akashi pushed her forward and she realized a second too late as she ran to grab the stick.

"I told you to not pick a girl! Now we're going to lose! That Haizaki started before she even took the stick."

But Akashi barely heard him as his eyes were fixated on the track. Aomine turned as well and as expected, Haizaki was in the lead. She had only just started while he was in the second quarter already. Her speed didn't seem anything extraordinary as she managed to close some distance. Granted, it was most impressive for a girl but she was also the track club's president.

Everyone held their breaths to see the brilliance they knew was to come their way.

Akashi smirked as he began to explain his childhood aquaintance's special talent.

"Yuri isn't just a fast runner, she's the best strategist when it comes to anything- especially running. She doesn't simplify everything and run with everything she's got like Aomine. Neither does she just put her natural talent of fast running to use like Murasakibara. She's an excellent strategist. Look at her examining Haizaki by giving him a lead- yes, she planned it. She measures him up with great accuracy and ease. She passed the first quarter having finished examining him. She runs the second quarter determining how much speed she should use, the length of her strides along with the most minute of details like the number of breaths she should be taking to maintain her heartbeat, the movement of her hands and everything along with it. The third and fourth quarter..."

She entered the third quarter with Haizaki still in the lead. He had almost finished the third quarter when it happened.

"She no longer tries to match his stride or speed. She initiates maximum acceleration to pull up ahead that brings out a reaction in her opponents. She's quick to decelerate and then its all about playing his mind."

As if on cue, Haizaki accelerated alarmingly to reach the finish line that seemed so close to him now which made Akashi cluck his tongue in disapproval.

"Fool. He doesn't even realize that she's seen it all and knows it all. Now its all just the matter of matching his stride and speed. Its time to use the information she spent the first two quarters to gather. She's going to match his every move now but the difference is, she's ahead of him."

The uniformity could be seen even by those who didn't have Akashi to explain it to them. Everyone saw Yuri run the last quarter as if mirroring every movement Haizaki made. She kept him in his peripheral vision at all times and it was like watching a mime. It wasn't even a race, she made it look like a show as the people cheered and screamed in a frenzy. She broke through the finishing line and stopped right in front of Aomine. She gave him a quick wink and he noticed that she hadn't run the distance like the other runners. Her ability to decelerate didn't go unnoticed by him. She also didn't hold her knees in exhaustion or struggle for breath. She drew in lungfuls of air as she walked to stand between Atsushi and Akashi.

"Well done."

Akashi complimented her and she nodded as she was too busy meeting Haizaki's glare without breaking eye contact.

That was the day when Yuri had impressed Aomine and Atsushi.

Atsushi had been aware she was a good runner but her special ability was most impressive. Yuri wasn't just fast, one had to call her agile. Along with the natural talent of running fast, he knew even Himuro had seen the stamina she worked on every morning. She had lied to Himuro by saying she wasn't an athlete but it made sense as she didn't play or participate in anything anymore.

As Himuro in his place sat with the conviction that she was sure to lose this, Atsushi knew she could win it.

Yet, as the race began and the two stood up as they were expected to, Atsushi knew Himuro wouldn't be surprised after all.

Yuri started like Aomine would- with everything she had which gave her an appreciable lead in the very beginning. She then slowed down and began to take long strides like Atsushi would with the second runner. With the third, she imitated Akashi and shot forward once again.

The only one who was surprised when she ran the final round was Atsushi as he saw her imitate Haizaki. She ran with an air of desperation and Himuro sighed as he saw the last runner pull ahead with ease and made it to the finish.

As she made it to the finish, she gasped for breath and held on to her knees as if her life depended on it. Himuro reached her first and placed his hand on her head and gave her a towel she accepted. Her face looked flushed as she continued to struggle to breathe. Atsushi was slow to make his way to her.

"I didn't know Yuri-chin could do that."

She narrowed her eyes at him if only for a second before shrugging in dismissal. Atsushi turned away as well and let the memory of her winking at Aomine take over the sight of her wiping the sweat off her brow.

A/N : This one's a long chapter. For no reason at all. Just that I couldn't make it shorter. Gah! Me and restraint. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it. Yuri the agile runner is definitely an athlete. Let me know what you think :)