[A jump to the Semi Finals]

I stared at the Semi Finals ranking table. It was for our game tomorrow. Seirin, Kaijo, Shutoku and Rakuzan is on the main spotlight as the 'Top Four.'

Our first match tomorrow will be against Rakuzan, the well known "Emperor of Creation." Which had been winning as the top on every Winter and Inter High Basketball Competitions.

I lay down my bed, against Akashi, huh? Can I go against him? He can see the future too but unlike mine, his ability would be probably stronger than mine…

"I'm late!" I yelled while trying not to fall down. I've been running for who knows how long. I reached the entrance and from running I switched to speed walking. I looked sideways, where the hell are they again?

I stopped dead on my tracks when I spotted a familiar red haired man with unusual pair of eyes, "Akashi…" I found myself muttering.

He gave me a meaningful glance before walking ahead. My mind went blank for awhile because of the intensity of his eyes meeting mine. I even forgot how to breathe for a second. I abruptly shook my head and resumed my journey to Shutoku's locker room.

I spotted it and I quickly pushed the door open.

"Sorry, I'm late!" I quickly bowed low apologetically.

"Huh? A Shutoku got lost here, what are we going to do about this?!" an energetic voice said loudly.

I raised my head in surprise. I entered the wrong locker room. The inhabitants were the starters of Rakuzan team.

"Not so loud, Kotarou," a black haired guy which I recognized as Mibuchi Reo, one of the Crownless Generals that was featured on the Basketball Monthly said. "It seems that she entered the room by mistake, what a pity"

"What are you doing here?" Nebuya Eikichi, which is also one of the Generals, asked while in the middle of chewing.

I looked at them then at Akashi who was also staring at me expressionlessly. From where I was standing, I can already tell how strong they were. Somehow, that knowledge sent shivers down my spine.

"U-Um, I-I'm s-sorry f-for barging i-in," I choked on my words, "T-this w-won't happen again," I bowed low before dashing out.

They're definitely abnormal!

I went straight to the bench and bowed low to everyone.

"I'm sorry for being late!"

"Settle down, Azami. The game is just about to begin," Coach Nakatani said. He doesn't sound angry at all, he was calmer than ever.

"Thank you," I sat down and assisted some of the players. I stared at them warily, they're all ready for a goo d game. I returned to my seat and smiled despite of the situation, only for that smile to fade when I met Akashi's cold gaze from the opposite bench. His lips turn up for a slight smile.

I swallowed hard, I wasn't ready for this…

"The Semi Finals game between Shutoku High School and Rakuzan is about to begin! All players are requested to come to the court for the line up!"

Both opposing team's players obeyed, now taking their steps to the half line.

I swallowed hard again and leaned back.

Is this reality?

My head pounds hard in pain.

This is reality

I gritted my teeth in annoyance.

You've to face it, today and you can't escape anymore

I clenched my fists.

This is the end of your dream…

[flashback]

Azami was playing alone on the bench. Moving wooden pieces of both opposing teams on board.

"Playing shogi alone is weirder than getting a ball in," she mumbled to herself.

"I'll play with you," a voice said. She turned only to widen her eyes. In front of her was Akashi Seijurou, Teiko's captain. She stared at him, astonished.

"B-But, s-seriously?"

He sat down instead of answering. "Fix the board so we can start playing," he said in his usual formal voice.

She nodded and got her hands on the board to fix the pieces back in place.

"You first…" she uttered, getting nervous all of a sudden. Who won't be? This was the guy who discovered the fact that a woman played in the practice game. She's glad that he didn't make a big deal out of it.

"Your turn," she was brought back to her senses when he said that.

She looked down the board and moved a foot soldier.

"You're Miyaji Azami, correct?"

"Y-yes"

"My main objective is to talk to you that's why I'm here," he moved a general and looked up to her, meeting her eyes that depict how nervous she was. "I hope you don't mind"

"I-I d-don't m-mind a-at a-all"

"I didn't tell anyone that you're a woman that time," he paused while watching her next move. "Because at the same time I found out that you can also see the future"

"W-What a-about i-it?"

He put her foot soldier out of the board, "Why didn't you use it against us? It would've made the game interesting"

She stared at him sadly and smiled. She moved a foot soldier out of the board.

"I was expelled because of this ability and I'm not really planning on using it against anybody"

"You would've stand a chance"

"It's alright… I'm more fragile than anyone, I need to depend on Miaka and the others to much"

"Who's Miaka?" he asked moving a piece.

"S-She was the manager of Taiyou"

He remained impassive while she stooped low and moved a piece. They remained silent while their game progresses.

"I think it's impossible for you to forget her. She's the reason why your team was pressured at the practice game," she said, breaking the silence between them. "I mean she's famous and—"

"No, that kind of person isn't meant to be looked up by anybody," he replied, "She didn't have a single chance for victory"

She looked down and removed a knight.

"I know that she'll lose, I've seen it but…" she trails off.

This guy in terms of ability had the greater power over Azami's lowly one. The fact that he can see and predict everything before it even happens turns everything to his advantage.

"Everything that happened on that game was all according to my plan," he informs her.

"I see…." She moved a lance to remove a bishop.

"So you're that kind of person," he muses. She met his piercing red eyes. He averted his gaze and moved a powerful piece. "Back that up"

She swallowed hard and just let her head do the thinking. He didn't speak. He simply moved a piece. They played in silence until all of Akashi's pieces were promoted.

"Checkmate," he announced after placing the last piece that locks the king on its place.

She looked down, too absorbed to her loss that she can't speak.

"We've a good game, nonetheless. Thank you for trying," he said not for consolation but to let her know that she really can't stand up by herself.

"A-Akashi-kun! I can't let it end this way!"

Akashi, who was about to leave turned. He was amused by the sudden revival of the girl's spirit.

She put her hand up, "Five times, if I lose again after that, I'll become your slave!"

I heaved a long sigh and put the can beside me. I've been half asleep because of the warmth that the jacket Shintaro left for me gave off. I stared blankly at the vending machine.

"Azami," a dignified voice of a person I knew too well said.

I turned and smiled, "Nice to see you again, it's been a long time," he said formerly.

"Yeah, a year is a long time… I missed your errands and your orders," I handed him a can , he accepted it and sat beside me.

"You're finally back to your senses"

"I apologize for everything"

"Though it was an accident, I know that you'll still remember everything eventually"

He opened the can and took a sip from it.

"I'm glad that you still meet me up, Akashi-kun"

"You're still my servant even with your memories erased. Besides, I made sure that you'll remember on the right time"

"You understand this well"

"It was impossible actually, since it was a year wipe out. But it still works and that's all that matters"

I leaned back, "You ordered the others to keep quiet about this, right?"

"That was part of my punishment"

I shook my head, well, as expected. I need punishment after all.

He finished the contents of his drink and stood up, "I've to end our small reunion, right now. I should head back with the others, quickly"

I nodded, "Thanks for your time, Akashi-kun"

He smiled, in his own aristocratic way. "See you again"

To sum it all up, the Shutoku team only has one feeling in their hearts: they're all crushed. The locker room was silent except for the occasional sound of their breathing.

The Coach had left them to spare them time before they leave for to return to their homes. Five minutes had passed and another minute and…

"Shin-chan," Takao said in a whisper to the green haired male sitting a few inches away from him. Midorima turned to him questionably.

"Isn't it weird that Azami-chan's not around?" he asked.

Midorima by instinct, turned around searching for any clues of the blue haired female. Unfortunately, she's really not around.

"What the heck are you two rambling about?!" Miyaji who was irritated by the sudden violation of silence exclaimed.

"Senpai, Azami-chan's not around," Takao announced, loudly for the others to hear him.

By then, it dawn them. Azami wasn't around ever since they settled on the locker room. Before anyone could say a thing, the door opened and their Coach entered.

"Did any of you see Azami around?" he asked.

The others replied with the mild shake of their heads. He sighed, "Then split up and search, we should be all going home before night comes"

"I'll take care of the groupings, Coach," Otsubo announced, the Coach gave him permission.

"Oi, Miyaji! You're ridiculously fast!" Kimura exclaimed to get the attention of Azami's older brother. Miyaji was trying to control urge to run and just leave his group mates behind.

"Let him be…" Otsubo said from behind. "It is his little sister that was missing after all"

Miyaji barely heard what his captain said. He was too preoccupied with his thoughts. He's feeling that kind of uncertainty and fright.

Where the hell is Azami? The left road? The right road? Up? Down? Where? What if she's in current danger? Damn, her phone was turning down calls!

"Miyaji, calm down!" Kimura grabbed the man by the shoulder. In the end, he wasn't able to leave his friend alone. He had known Miyaji for long and he understands what his friend feels more than anyone.

"Don't let all the blood get to your head! If we're going to search we can ask the others, right?"

Otsubo nodded at Kimura's remark, "Seems like we really have to watch out for you"

Miyaji irritatingly sighed, "Fine…"

"Thank you so much," Takao bowed low to the old man that he bothered to ask about Azami. Unfortunately, the old man didn't notice anybody that fits the description.

On the other hand, Midorima was calling anyone who might be able to talk to her before she disappeared.

"Huh? Where are the others?" Takao asked, approaching him.

"The second years searched on the opposite road," Midorima replied putting his phone in his pocket.

"Geez, why do Azami-chan have to wonder around this time? She should've at least informed you where she's going"

"You're—Oi!" Midorima glared at Takao who burst out laughing. He was teasing him again. "That woman never accepted the fact the people around her would worry, that's all to that so stop adding anything!"

Takao grinned, "How did you know, Shin-chan?"

"Can't you tell just by looking?"

"Eh-Oh? That's suspicious, Shin-chan! You're able to read Azami-chan's feelings?"

"What the heck are you rambling about?!"

Takao laughed and gave Midorima a slap on the shoulder, "Geez, Shin-chan when will you try to be more honest with what you think"

Miyaji rejoined his group, disappointment written all over his face.

"Any clues?" he asked the others.

"Sorry Miyaji but nobody caught even a glimpse of your sister," Ostubo apologized.

"She wasn't noticeable, huh?" Kimura remarked.

Miyaji pulled his hair out of frustration, "This is my fault again, isn't it?"

"Miyaji, this is nobody's fault. Don't blame yourself," Otsubo said reassuringly.

The teen sighed, "It's been an hour already and we've been searching for someone without any clue at all. I hate this, I really really hate this!" he released his pent up frustration which roots from the roots of their loss against Rakuzan and Azami's sudden disappearance.

Otsubo and kimura stared at each other, both racking their minds for the proper words to say.

"Let's go," Miyaji uttered, not letting his companions say a single word of comfort.

In the end, after another round they stopped by a bench to rest. It took the two time to convince Miyaji though. Miyaji grumbles in frustration before finally settling down. Kimura handed him a cold coke for compensation. He accepted it and quickly drank the cold liquid that spreads itself to his system. Silence befall them while their surroundings, the people on it just getting on with their lives. Time kept running without minding the situation at hand. So with the people they just passed them by barely taking notice of their problems. That's how cruel the world can be at times.

Miyaji sighed, "I'm sorry for being hotheaded," he said calming down.

"It's understandable, Miyaji. No need to apologize, just keep in mind that we're here to help," Kimura replied in all sincerity he can muster on his words. Miyaji smiled sadly.

"I'm glad that you understand… it was just because I never thought of myself as a good brother to her"

"Why so?" Otsubo asked, clearly taken aback by the sudden moodiness of Miyaji.

Miyaji drew a deep breath before continuing, "When she was younger, Azami likes to depend on others and that annoys me. She never wanted learn how to be independent and gradually I pushed her away. I concentrated on things that really need my attention, ignoring her attempts to ask me to accompany her to wherever she wants to go. I didn't care about her and what she's doing because it's really ticking me off," he paused and gathered his thoughts before continuing.

"Until one day, she was hit by a car… my parents are off to work, while I was home practicing my shooting. They alerted me and passed that horrible news. When I arrived at the hospital, I stared at her, wondering if there is still the 'sister' that I want to see. I was really afraid of what will happen when she wakes up, will she hate me? What happened was beyond my expectations though… when she woke up, she smiled at me and called me, 'Nii-san'" he smiles to himself. "That was when I promised to lead her along but on the contrary she was the one who's pushing me away now"

Kimura and Otsubo exchanged silent glances before one of them decided to talk.

"Well, maybe this is an opportunity for you to how much you regretted that. You're her brother, Miyaji. There are a lot of things which you know better than any of us"

Kimura wasn't exactly the smartest of the trio but his opinions are well respected mostly by the others. What he said brought a new light to Miyaji's troubled head. He grinned and patted his friend.

"Well, I better be going," he waves a hand before leaving his friends.

"You're great Kimura. You sound intelligent just then," Otsubo praised Kimura.

Kimura, in return, blushes in embarrassment. "Well, what are friends for, Captain"

"Ah, Shin-chan. Otsubo-senpai e-mailed me, it tells us to regroup on the bus stop," Takao announced.

Midorima, who was walking ahead, turned. "They found her already?"

"Miyaji-senpai will take care of it, says here" Takao replied.

"Let's go then," Midorima pushed his glasses up and turned front.

"Yes, yes"

Miyaji panthed while trying to keep his sight intact. He had stopped in front of a playground where there is a huge half turtle back shaped cave with windows. He sighed in relief before stepping towards it.

"Azami, are you in there?" he asked in a somewhat audible voice.

"Kiyoshi-nii?"

Relief rushed to his system as he entered. There his sister was, curled up like a ball. She was staring back at him, surprise evident on those pair of eyes which is similar to his. He heard the name which she uses before to address him. Not Nii-san but Kiyoshi-nii.

"What the hell are you doing here?! You're making the whole team worry, you uncaring runt!"

Instead of disappointment, Azami laughed.

"Oi, quit laughing!"

"S-Sorry, Kiyoshi-nii… it just feels new to me"

He sat down beside me, his gaze softening even after his crazy outburst.

"So you already remembered what happened before?"

I nodded and released a bored yawn, "Sorry for making the team worry, I was just thinking of a proper way to face everybody now that I finally remembered what happened"

"Everything?"

"Yup"

He produced a candy from his pocket and handed it to me.

"After this, we're going home"

I smiled and nodded.

A/N: I'm sorry if I screwed up on Akashi's characterization and if you hate something about this chapter but I hope you read on.