Chapter 11: Displeasure
The wind gently brushes through her hair, caressing her skin with a lover's touch, whispering sweet promises into her ear. In front of her, the water laps at her toes gently, cooling the warm appendages if only slightly as she stares across the moving body of liquid. A smile graces her face as slowly, light meets her gaze, lighting up her visage bit by bit, setting both sky and water on fire with its brilliance. Dark blue turns to pink and orange and red, and then after some time to a lighter more welcoming blue once more. Only small wisps of white fluffiness flutter through this sky, making vague shapes or merely just coasting as clouds do. Under foot is an unstable earth, the pads of her feet sinking further into it with each lap of water, encouraging her to see just how far she'll go before it's time to find a new spot.
She can remember clearly just what had brought her to this beautiful place. One which dare grace her with its tranquility during the early morning. It was a Monday, and she had been running late thanks to her damnable alarm. She had missed the chance to eat breakfast and grabbing money for lunch was also a no go, putting her in a mood that definitely didn't look forward to the next break of the day. She contemplated simply skipping- pretending to be ill- however Osaki's quiz was today in history class and she couldn't afford to let her grade drop much lower than it has already gone. Lest she get benched even when she finds someone interesting to run against- especially then is more like it. Hungry and rather tired- what a restless sleep that was though she know not why- she managed to flip over the closing school grounds gate and zip passed the teacher assigned to morning duty without so much as a greeting. Her indoor shoes had never gone on so fast as she raced for homeroom. The smooth soles making it harder to run despite her obvious speed and causing her to literally skid passed the door and have to double back.
The morning was hectic.
However she had not expected to be greeted by a certain someone in the way that they approached her.
FLASHBACK
"I've got her," the announcement alerted the group that had been gathered or the purpose of something important. Eyes turned to a young man of about five feet and ten inches tall, his hair a short mossy green and his skin a light bronzed color. His red eyes, those of which matched one other person's, whom would be joining the group soon, took the gathering in. His large hand was wrapped around the wrist of someone taller than him by a few inches, her complexion paler and the look on her face rather displeased. Coupled with grasping around her wrist, around both of theirs was a single shackle connected by a small series of chain links.
They were handcuffed together.
Tatsumaki glared death at those before her, her green eyes darkened to an almost black color in her tangible rage. Seriously, who the fuck comes to someone's classroom door just as they're about to sit down like a good student, and handcuffs them out of no-fucking-where?! An aura of expiry surrounded her, determined to drive away any and every single excuse thrown her way. "I swear to fucking god, if no one gives me a proper answer, then I will start tearing each of you apart limb by limb starting with the man who put these on me".
Whimpering, one of the members of the group paled and shuffled backwards, his gentle brown eyes wide with fear as he stared at someone who could probably rival Asura herself. He could see the deadly white aura that encircled her, flickering and fluttering like hot fire that would gladly seer off the flesh of anyone near her. It was a wonder Nobuyuki hadn't been turned to nothing but bone chunks and ash. "She's scary," he uttered carefully, hiding his person behind a tall light blond haired man who stood strong against the glare despite its owner's promise of destruction. When her eyes turned to the poor gentle boy, he flinched and curled further in on himself in an attempt to protect himself from her wrath. Despite being in the same class as her, Sakurai did not talk to her much. He knew she was a kind girl with an open personality and a bright smile, yet a superiority complex the size of the sun, but he had never figured she'd be capable of such terror. Maybe that was why she and Aomine got along so well? "I'm sorry!" He yelped, covering his head in another over the top attempt at survival. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He repeated over and over, not noticing the annoyed glare of the man he hid behind.
This man, whose tall six foot four frame protected poor Sakurai, stood firm despite the gaze spoke of massive amounts of violence should he misstep. He didn't care though. He took upon himself the duty of reporting to Her Deadliness just what was going on. "The Stride and basketball teams have gathered and agreed that a training trip is necessary," he announced. Touou's next basketball match wasn't until a week from then, the preliminaries finally being over and the actually interesting rounds beginning then. It gave the teams that have been pushed forward to come up with new tricks and methods on how to take down their opponents- even study those worth looking over. For the Stride team, their next race wasn't until two weeks from that day, giving them more than enough time to up their abilities. "We're doing a collaboration training get away. We teach you guys coordination and foot work, you teach us speed and stuff like that".
Tatsumaki growled, the sound not dissimilar from that of the actual large feline some seemed to compare her to. "And why am I handcuffed?"
"Yea, why the fuck are we handcuffed?" The voice that greeted them was lower than the other ace's by a long shot, however the amount of blinding rage was about the same as could be heard in his words. Heads turned to spot the tall navy haired male, his arm stretched as he reluctantly followed the pinkette that not only was also handcuffed to him but also she carried leverage- his newest idol magazine that he had gotten the other day. How she got her hands on it, he didn't know. He could have easily picked her up and gone else where, but to listen to her whine and complain and nag all day or until she disconnected him from her would be far too annoying for him to endure. So he went with her. The sight of the basketball and Stride team regular members standing there situated in front of a tour buss was what he came to find.
Yuji sighs, running a hand through his mossy green hair, tired of all of this. "It was Imayoshi's idea," he admits. The Captain, coupled with Hanabusa, was off packing things they'd need while at the resort they'd be staying at. "He said that we'd best make sure you guys can't get away from us this entire time. He and Taicho want to make sure you two train as well". He looked over to the white haired girl he was connected to with bland red eyes, "You will get stronger whether you like it or not".
This struck home with the girl, her green eyes earning themselves a not so small hint of frustration. She didn't- doesn't- want to grow stronger! If she does, then she really won't find her equal! She scoffed, in a fit of stubbornness, and looked off to the side. "You're a complete ass, Yuji," she snarled. How she would have loved to simply run off, dragging him with her whether he wanted to go or not. However, despite his smaller size, his mass was larger than hers. Even she would eventually tire out and that would be when he could do what he pleased with her. It annoyed her to no end, nearly bringing tears of frustration to her foresty eyes.
Aomine stared at the white haired girl, spotting the clenching of her hands and the trembling of her shoulders, and frowned deeper. She truly didn't want to get any better than she already was, even if she could improve on her skills- which both of them knew that it was entirely possible. She didn't want to be untouchable forever, just as he secretly didn't. Why else would they stop training altogether, dampening their skills and instinct? Tch. Normal- no, weak- people would never understand how the strong felt. Never. "So," he began, "Where are we going anyways?"
"We'll be staying at a hotel near by, however we'll be training at Motonsumi-Inari Shrine," Momoi announced as she looked up to the male she is connected to. The school did not think it necessary to take us to a training facility since we have all of that here. So we're doing something more conventional".
"You do realize," Tatsumaki demanded, "I nor Aomine will be able to train if we're connected to you two". She had resigned herself, surprisingly quickly that that, to the fact that she would have no choice but to grow stronger. Fine, she decided, she would show them just what kind of monster she could become simply by training a little. She'd become even more unstoppable, more untouchable. A Goddess of Stride.
The one to answer her statement was none other than the Fukutaicho of Stride, a calming smile on his lips. Out of the rest of the Stride team, he realized he could read the girl best other than Nobuyuki himself. He was shooting for a major in Psychology in college once he graduated, after all, and has been doing independent studying in that field. He could see the subtle hints at her internal turmoil, and felt for her. But he also recognized her need for the sport, and supported her. He glanced at Aomine as well, however it was harder for him to see or sense anything of similar feeling from the tall first year. Though he had a feeling that his feelings were akin to Tensai's. "While training you will be tethered to Aomine," he stated, "We realize that we cannot keep up with either of you, but you both seem to be able to match the other's ability with those of your own. Thus, during the day you will be together. At night, when we are sleeping, you will be roomed with Nobuyuki and Momoi-chan respectively".
END FLASHBACK
At her side currently stands Satsuki. They've yet to begin their training for day one of their get away, and thus they have not separated- luckily, Satsuki hasn't handcuffed them this morning as Tatsumaki promised to stay near the pinkette as long as she wasn't tied down like some animal. Satsuki had agreed with an understanding smile. They are at the base of the steps leading to the shrine- or, more specifically, they are at the base of the cliff that holds the Torii gates which over look the ocean.
The shorter girl looks to the taller one, red eyes carefully analyzing her and trying to figure her out. However, it's rather difficult to do seeing as they spend so little time together. More than half the time Satsuki is busy helping the basketball team train, keeping tabs on who needs more of what, and how to approach the duty of giving that to them. This includes those of the second and third strings of the team as well. So she does not have all the time in the world to hunt down Aomine- which would lead her to talking to Tensai-chan as well- every day. She knows a good amount about the other person however thanks to her cousin. Yuji has been talking about Tensai-chan for years, them being childhood friends and all.
"Ne, Tensai-chan-"
"Tatsumaki".
"Huh?"
"Call me Tatsumaki. Oh, and no honorifics, I hate those".
Satsuki blinks, surprised, but relents, "Okay then. Tatsumaki," the name is strange on her tongue, kind of tasting a drink or food for the first time. And it's kind of awkward. But, if the girl wants to be called as such, then so be it. It's only good manners to humor someone when they ask for something such as this. "You're friends with Aomine-kun, right?"
"I am," Tatsumaki allows with a tilt of her head, "What of it?"
"Well, I was wondering...Do you think you could help him? I know that deep down he's looking for someone who can beat him- even though he won't admit it. I know he's tired of being the best just like I'm sure you are. But the thing is, not only do I want to help him because I know it would make him feel better, but also I want to help him because of another person. A former team mate of his is actually trying to beat him at InterHigh, he wants Aomine-kun to see just how fun basketball is again- and I know Aomine remembers, but being so good is putting a damper on everything. Tetsu-kun is trying so hard, but I'm afraid that maybe he-"
Before the girl can continue to plead with her, Tatsumaki raises a hand, stopping her in her tracks. A frown mars the white haired girl's face, her snowy brows furrowed and lips tugged into a deep frown. The female tornado does understand why Satsuki wants to help Aomine- Yuji is the same way with her- but she just can't bring herself to agree with her. "No," she answers, "I can't help you. I've met Kuroko through a friend of mine- their coach and manager, Aida Riku- and I've seen his and Kagami's determination. Riku had asked me to help her team a while back when the preliminaries for InterHigh started. She needed some advice for endurance training, and since basketball isn't exactly an endurance based sport- though it's helpful to have- I figured it wouldn't hurt nor make a difference. Anyways, I won't help Aomine lose. That's final".
"But he's suffering!" Satsuki presses, her eyes wide and her voice raising a bit. Why won't his friend help him?! Satsuki has been trying to this whole time, but nothing she's attempted has helped him to see that he is not invincible. That's why she turned to Tatsumaki- though she realizes that it was a stupid idea.
Tensai Tatsumaki snaps her head to the side, fully facing the pink haired girl, "And so am I!" she snarls. Her hands clench into fists, her shoulders tensing to the point that having them be square is actually kind of painful. "I know exactly what Aomine is going through! Don't mistake me for someone who doesn't understand him! We've only been friends for a little while, but I know how he feels. And that's exactly why I won't help him! You don't get it at all! There's a damn good reason why we don't train, why we don't want to get stronger. You think you can understand, but you can't! So don't you dare come asking me to pull him from his suffering, to guide him 'into the light'. People like you, weak people, couldn't possibly understand the will of the strong". She stares at the wide eyed pinkette, the manager's gaze surprised and obviously hurt. However, Tatsumaki doesn't care. She had decided it yesterday, but again she reaffirms her choice. She'll train hard here, work herself into the damn ground, and show her- show them all- what happens when the best becomes even better. She doesn't care if she turns into a monster, a goddess, something unattainable. Not if it means that she'll become the example she wants them to see.
With this in mind, Tatsumaki turns on her heel, a glower on her features as she leaves Satsuki behind, beginning her trek back to the actual shrine where apparently their training will begin. Instead of walking, however, she runs. Not jogs, nor does she fast walk. Hell, she doesn't even take the path that leads to her destination. She by far forgoes the option of taking a taxi like she and Satsuki did about an hour earlier. Instead she traverses through the nature that covers the land, leaping over tree roots and through bushes. The ground is uneven and slippery in parts, however her shoes grip to the earth well enough she supposes. Not used to not having uneven footing- as cross country is not part of Stride and therefore the ground is often flat- her body has to work harder than it normally would, sweat beginning to form on her forehead and drip down her face. Her and there she ricochets off of near by trees, scaring birds and other gentle natured animals, and runs through spider webs with little care. She runs up hill, and continues to do so even when her lungs begin to beg for the proper amount of oxygen. She refuses to listen to her body that would very much like to give up. It doesn't want to work any more. However, she merely puts the strain of her muscles to the side, instead focusing on her goal. She doesn't care for the mud and dirt- or the random baby caterpillar that clings to her shoulder for some reason- that begins to cover her person. There are scratches on her arms from running thorn bushes or misjudging just how close a low branch's end is to her. Instead she just runs, and runs, until finally she reaches the shrine itself.
By the time she makes it, she is gasping for air, temples pulsing with the rapid pace of her heart and both arms and legs screaming for rest. When she slows to a walk, spotting the others stretching out their bodies, she finds eyes on her. Yuji's eyes widen at the sight of her messed up clothing and sweaty frame. "Where the hell have you been?" And then she spots Satsuki whom doesn't dare look her way- it's not surprising she made it there before her. "Satsuki said that you just ran off into the forest! Do you have any idea how-"
"Shut up," Tatsumaki heaves, grabbing a bottle of water and forcing herself to merely sip at it. To gulp it down would upset her stomach, her body too warm to handle something far cooler than its insides. "I was training. The forest makes an excellent place for running". She stands there, hand on her hip and water pressed against her neck to help her skin cool down. Her eyes slide to Aomine whom is chained to the green haired second year. "Are we starting soon?"
"We are," Hanabusa states as he looks the white haired girl over, lips pressed into a thin line. For her to be huffing and puffing like that would mean that the path she took was hard for even her. Which in turn meant that it would be near impossible for the rest of them to do without collapsing even with the amount of time they have to train. "I assume you want to change and get those cuts cleaned," they are thin and short, obviously from thorn bushes and the like, however he doesn't need her to get infected wounds on them.
"No," she denies and instead takes what's left of her water and washes off the blood, ignoring the odd looks from the men around her. And then she takes another bottle of water and promptly pours it over her head, dousing her with the cool feeling similar to hopping into a pool for a few moments. Relishing in the feeling as it drips down her face and into her sleeveless crop top, following the lines of her jaw and neck and collar bone down to her torso. "I'll do that later; they'll be fine for now. Just chain me together with Aomine like you planned and let's get started".
"Tensai-chan," Asei denies, "You really should relax a little bit. It's nice that you want to get some training in at last, but you shouldn't push yourself. You just got done all that running. You shouldn't push yourself too hard".
Tatsumaki turns her gaze to the gentle black haired senior, meeting his dark gaze with her brighter one, "No, it's fine, she assures blandly, "I want to continue".
"If she wants to go, let her go," Yatsuhiro agrees, arms crossed over his chest. Finally, she's doing something worthy of his respect. "That's why we drug her here. If she's going to comply we should take the offer while it's still good".
"I agree," Satoshi nods, "I would also like to start training now. We only have so long, correct? Getting a nod from Misoka, he nods himself and looks to Hanabusa and Imayoshi. "What are we doing first, Taicho, Imayoshi-senpai?"
"Ahh, the practice we'll be starting off is real simple," Imayoshi allows, "We'll start off with endurance training; we're going to go through the gates couple times or so". His usual smile widens, "The person to do the most number of times they go own- as we are starting up here- get a prize".
But Tatsumaki doesn't care. As soon as Hanabusa gives the okay," hand cuffing Aomnine and herself together and permitting the others to have a head start, she takes off. She'll show them.
Aomine groans as he slips into the warm water of the hot spring later that evening, his body honestly sore from the day's actions. His leg muscles still thrum with the tired beat of his heart, his shoulders falling into a slacked position as he leans his head leans against the stone ring around the pond. For winning the 'race' up and down those damn stairs that morning, having gone through the Torii at least one hundred and fifty times- he lost count after that- they were rewarded with the prize of getting to go to a hot spring situated not far from the hotel they were staying at. At first, it had been suggested that the two aces stick with the managers. However, Satsuki had oddly opted out- which was strange because he knows she loves spending time at the hot spring- but that was let go. With Tatsumaki being the only girl other than Satsuki there, she was permitted to go off on her own. However, Nobuyuki was sent after them to keep them out of what little trouble they could create.
He can tell that the white haired girl has been in a foul mood, a scowl having rested on her face the whole day even when Yatsuhiro went and got smacked in the face with a basket ball during their dexterity training. She pushed and pushed, forcing the both of them to work probably three times harder than the others actually could. It was strange, seeing this side of her, wanting to know what had cause it in the first place. He never got the chance to ask her, though. He liked the silent challenge she sent his way all the same. It was simple 'keep up or I'll drag you along like dead weight'. Never before had he been dead weight, and he wasn't about to start then. So he went with her, running as hard and fast, moving stronger than the others, working longer.
But what he doesn't know is why.
Okay, that's a lie. He realizes part of why- something happened between Satsuki and Tensai- but he doesn't know the rest of it.
His navy colored gaze swivels to the only other person there in the water with him, his lighter bronzed skin- compared to Aomine's- wet with the warm water and his muscles lax. Though he had obviously not worked nearly as hard as the rest of the team, keeping things organized was difficult on either manager as they were the ones in charge for this trip with either Captain only being a back up. The Coaches were not there, being teachers themselves with duties that have to be taken care of while the teams are given leave of absence from their lessons- though of course they would be expected to catch up with everyone else upon their return.
"Oi," his voice drones, catching the attention of the strict green haired male, a single red eye opening up lazily. "What's up with Tensai? She's been bitchy ever since she came back from the beach this morning. At that she came back without Satsuki- she ran through the damn woods after all. And Satsuki won't tell me anything". He had asked her during one of their breaks, but she only gave him a hurt look as though he had been the one to harm her and told him not to worry and that it wasn't his business. But knowing the girl, she had to of told someone what happened to help get the stress off her chest. Who better than her cousin if not Aomine himself?
Yuji sighs as he registers the question sent his way, opening his other red eye to meet the blues of the guy across the spring from him. Satsuki, as Aomine probably guesses, did tell him what happened. He cannot say whether it was right or wrong for either female to act the way that they did. Satsuki for asking for something so irrational or Tatsumaki for reacting so harshly. However, he can say that the small feud is a bit annoying. "Satsuki asked Tatsumaki to do something that Tatsumaki disagreed with," he answers simply not finding it in his right to tell Aomine the whole story when he only knows one side of it and doesn't exactly have permission to tell even that. "Needless to say, Tatsumaki didn't react well and snapped at Satsuki".
The navy haired male pauses, pondering. What would Satsuki ask of Tensai that said white haired girl would disagree with? There isn't much. However before he can inquire for more information, the red eyed manager opts to ask a question of his own.
"...What is your relationship with Tatsumaki?" He demands, his face tugging into an obviously protective frown. "Before you ask, yes, I'm actually asking you this. It's my job as her childhood friend and brother-figure. You're the only person she really hangs out with any more seeing as her old friends go to different schools and I am busy with the Stride team". Though part of him wishes she would actually make friends with some normal people that don't do sports or club stuff as to have a more social life.
Daiki pauses. What's his relationship with her? That's actually a good question, but not one he is willing to answer in full. "We're friends," he allows after a moment.
"I'm guessing it's because you understand one another," Yuji allows. Spotting the risen brow as though to say 'you think so?' or 'what makes you think that?', he continues, "You're both the best of the best of this generation of athletes. Both monsters with ability and potential to easily out do those in our generation and even those before us. Your bodies are stronger, faster, and over all better at achieving what normal people attempt to gain. Just like you, she has stopped trying due to the fact that she is too good at winning at what she loves most. And like her, even though you deny it you really are still looking for someone who can out do you- maybe not consciously but I can tell it's true. You're on the same wave length more than half the time, not even I could do that with her before I skipped a grade and we weren't able to spend as much time together". He pauses, "Anyways, what I'm getting at is, whether you're just friends or maybe something more than that- in which case you better do this- I want to ask you to watch out for her. I've never seen her like this before. Before, yes she trained a lot harder than the others, but this is kind of over board. She was like a machine today. If she ends up getting ahead of herself, try to stop her or something. She might get hurt if she tries to hard and no one needs that to happen to her- Stride or not".
Aomine pauses, "You know she can probably hear you. She's on the other side of that fence". He jabs a thumb towards the bamboo fence, the shoots tightly tied together to prevent one party seeing the other.
But Nobuyuki shakes his head, "I don't care. Watch out for her. Okay?"
"Yea," Aomine replies after a long moment of hesitation. He supposes he can do that. They are friends after all. And she is a girl; regardless of how tough she acts she does have soft sides that could make her end up getting hurt. "I'll do that," he assures.
