"There is no coming back fromthis."
—Frei Fuyuki
The Empress | Chapter 29
"Due to violating the rules, Echizen Ryoma-kun is hereby ordered to leave the camp."
"Koshimae?!"
"Ryoma-sama?!"
"Echizen!"
"Echizen..." watching his underclassman, Momoi protested, "Co... Coach! Don't you think this is too harsh!"
"Yeah!" Kintaro yelled, "Koshimae hasn't done anything wrong! I object! I object!"
Sanada frowned, "Foolishness."
"That's right." Atobe added, "He did that knowing what would happen."
Ryoma didn't even hesitate as he bowed to the Gatekeeper, "Please take care of Tokugawa-san." before walking past all the middle-schoolers.
Ryuzaki gasped with a hand over her mouth. For Ryoma to interrupt like that. He must have really wanted to protect Tokugawa. Not that she could blame him; Byodoin was being excessively cruel to win and Ryuzaki didn't want to see the torture continue. But she also knew how passionate Ryoma is about tennis. He would have done everything possible to make it as one of Japan's representatives.
Smith, who watched the scene with the rest of his team, had a bad feeling about this. If Ryoma was to leave the camp then he could only imagine what she would do. Fuyuki was strong but was she strong enough to...
The Seigaku freshman heard many protests to the announcement but Ryoma didn't stop walking.
"Echizen Ryoma!"
Hearing the rage in his voice, Ryoma turned just in time as the ball flew past him and hit the water tower behind.
"WATCH OUT!"
"LO-LOOK! THE WATER TOWER IS...!?"
Ryoma was surprised when the tower fell just a few inches from his spot. Luckily, he was only drenched in water. He could only glare at Byodoin as he promised himself he could defeat the ruthless high-schooler.
"Brat... seems you have escaped with your life intact."
Ryoma picked up his wet cap, "The next time we meet, I'm going to beat you. So wait for me."
"There will be no second chance... there is no next time for you."
As Ryoma had a staredown with the male, he thought about Fuyuki. His dear step-cousin would be heartbroken when she came back. But Ryoma was infinitely grateful she wasn't here right now.
"Ryoma-sama!"
"Ryoma-kun!"
"Echizen!"
He heard his classmates yell behind him as he left the camp.
When the pinkette got up in the morning, she and Aida found a note that said Fuyuki already dressed and headed out for breakfast first. The beauty was kind enough to let Momoi sleep in after she fainted yesterday.
Momoi felt embarrassed when she woke up. Hopefully, Fuyuki didn't think she was a pervert.
The strange thing was Aida said she wasn't sure when the beauty slept. When Aida fell asleep, Fuyuki wasn't there but her butler informed her that Fuyuki would sleep later and for Aida to go to bed.
Fuyuki wasn't there for breakfast either.
When she gathered at one of the basketball courts with the rest of the players, she finally noticed the approaching beauty. Her idol was fashionable as ever—Momoi pushed the thought that Haru probably changed her aside.
Fuyuki was wearing a white lace off-the-shoulder top that had staps like perfectly done ribbons on top of each shoulder. Although the lace of the top was white, the rest of the long-sleeved top that flowed down was pink. On the bottom, she wore the same shade of pink skirt, paired with long black stockings and pink heels. The only accessory she had was a white lace choker with a small bell dangling down. Her hair was in perfect waves and done up in two loose buns on top of her head.
The girl was honestly too pretty. Everything she wore suited her perfectly.
There were many basketball players that were surprised to see her; they weren't aware of her presence in the camp until now. It made some of them excited to get to know a Frei. The Frei clan was known for its greatness and the girl was a celebrity.
Fuyuki knew at this time, there were shuffles matches in the next camp over. She wasn't too worried because she had confidence in her childhood friend. He would win against his opponent. But if it was against Byodoin or Oni, then it could be bad.
"Fuyu-chin, where were you?" Murasakibara asked, already beside her.
"Yuki had to take a phone call."
He didn't question her further but the giant wanted to ask her why she didn't tell him about her skating tournament. He always told her everything. Yet, before he could ask, he was interrupted by the annoying coach.
"Are all the kids here?"
"The coach's dad?!" Koganei said in surprise. He had noticed the man before it still surprised them.
"Don't call me dad." The man said firmly, "Call me Kagetora-san."
"I'm here to make you strong." he began, "First, I have a question for you." he pulled out an object that looked strangely like a gun and loaded it with a pissed-off face, "Step forward if you saw Riko naked yesterday."
"He's got a gun?!"
Seirin players took several steps back in fear. The rest of them weren't worried because they didn't attempt—and succeed like Furihata—to peek on the girls' side of the onsen.
"Come forward now and I'll kill you painlessly with a single headshot!" Kagetora waved the gun at them.
"We tried to peep, but it wasn't on Riko-san!" Fukuda said in the background.
Furihata blushed heavily as he took peeks at Momoi and Fuyuki. The two were standing right next to one another and he couldn't help but imagine the two in compromising positions as they had been at the onsen.
"Listen up!" Kagetora glared at all the males in front of him, "I'm the only one who can see Riko naked."
"No, you can't!" Aida hit him with an embarrassed look.
Fuyuki stared at the duo and wondered if this is how normal father-daughter interactions go. Her papa had never taken much interest in her life other than to connect her with the best coaches money could buy. He gifted her expansive gifts on her birthdays and praised her when she won. But never went beyond that. Never like this. The concept of an overprotective father was something foreign to her.
Poor, unloved Yuki.
Momoi noticed the way the beauty was looking at Aida and her father. Her eyes had a strange look. Momoi didn't say anything as she continued to observe the beauty.
"What?!" The coach exclaimed in shock, "Riko-tan, you said you'd marry Daddy when you were little..."
The violent girl punched him again, "Get started already!"
"But you said you'd marry me."
"Shut up about that!"
Fuyuki was obvious with her staring for once. There was no way she could imagine a world where her papa reacted in such a way for her. If anyone asked, she would deny it but at this moment, Fuyuki was jealous of Aida.
What did Aida have that she didn't?
Fuyuki's papa wasn't strict nor cold. He was just absent. And she knew she would never be as precious to her papa as Riko was to Kagetora.
That's right. You'll never have that.
When Fuyuki looked away from their interaction, her eyes met Haru's.
He was looking at her like that again.
That same pitying look.
Disgusting.
Fuyuki wanted to glare at him, but she couldn't in case anyone else was watching her. Instead, she turned to Kuroko and forged a troubled look, "Tetsuya-kun, Yuki has to go now." she gently slipped her hands in his, "But Yuki will come back to check on Tetsuya-kun again." she half-smiled gently.
Before Kuroko could say anything, Murasakibara protested. "Yada." He suddenly had his arms under the beauty chest. "Fuyu-chin should stay another day." he nuzzled his chin on top of her head.
If not for needing him, she would have shoved him away harshly.
Of course, she merely patted his hand despite the uncomfortable position she was in. "Yuki is sorry Atsushi. Yuki will bring more Nerunerunerune candy next time."
Himuro glanced at the beauty, then his teammate. There was something very strange in this relationship. And suspicious. He still couldn't help but think his tall teammate would eventually damage the fragile beauty in his arms.
Seeing the sparkle in his bored eyes, Fuyuki knew it worked. At least temporarily. She has to leave quickly before he changes his mind.
The Phantom wasn't sure how to feel. He had seen the interaction between his ex-captain and the beauty. Suffice to say, he had a lot of questions. His mind was chaotic at the moment. All he could do was nod in understanding. "Until next time, Fuyuki-chan."
Fuyuki was immediately on alert; she had sensed something different in the Phantom. However, she didn't recall doing anything unusual thus she had labeled it some sort of inner conflict. Yet his reaction had told her a different story. The only moment she had let her guard down was... Perhaps... with a quick glance at Akashi, she sighed inwardly.
"Waah, I didn't get to spend any time with Freicchi." Kise muttered under his breath. The male wasn't oblivious to the atmosphere as he gazed at the beauty with a pout. He was a lot smarter than he let on but he preferred being underestimated. Kise had looked for her yesterday before bed but there was no sign of her. Until he came across Aomine and her in the middle of the hall. Safe to say, he heard more than he should have.
Akashi watched her, but for a different reason. She had been acting strange today. There was no doubt that she was still acting but she wasn't doing so well pretending today. And she certainly wasn't taking a phone call because Akashi saw her at the ice rink in the basement. Yes, he followed her this morning. Only so he could ensure she wasn't up to her usual exploits.
Akashi also noticed the way her eyes lingered on the father-daughter pair with a look that almost seems envious. Though, there's impossible. The girl was a selfish and cruel person, there was no way she would hope for something mundane like familial love. Besides, from what he saw, her father cherished her so there is no need to pretend like she never received any parental love.
Based on the way the beauty acted, Aomine would have thought he imagined meeting her last night and her leaving in such a way. Truth be told, the tanned male couldn't sleep properly last night after his brief encounter with the girl. It bothered him. Despite her sharing her concerns with him, he had failed to comfort or reassure her. Why else would she look at him with such hurt hazel eyes? That was the only reason his basketball-filled head could think of. And it's not like he could ask someone for advice. Especially not his childhood friend who would no doubt beat him if he so much as mention her idol and him being in the same room.
Unknown to others, Midorima had also been watching her since the moment she stepped in the court with her butler in tow. Kuroko wasn't the only one to overhear her conversation with Akashi yesterday. The green-haired male had been wanting to talk to Akashi for a while now regarding this camp, so he had followed the male. He had no idea Akashi was waiting for Fuyuki. Midorima was going to leave to give them privacy—especially since he also noticed Kuroko there—yet the moment he heard the way she talked to Akashi... he decided to eavesdrop. The words spoken by her to him were ones no one dared before; just hearing it made Midorima flinch on the captain's behalf. It was almost hard to believe such malicious words came out of such an angelic-looking person. And to think she was Akashi's fiancee... or Akashi is one of her fiancees. But—
He looked at the giant who, unlike his usual bored look, looked longingly after the girl.
how would Atsushi react after learning his girlfriend is his ex-captain's fiancee? Midorima was not looking forward to the outcome. A part of Midorima was disappointed in the beauty and he didn't even know her well enough to be close to her. He had initially thought she was so- strong and lovely.
Hanamiya was no fool. He has noticed the tense atmosphere the moment the beauty walked in. It was easy to miss but Hanamiya was sharp; he could see the tension in the girl with a closer look. Usually, it wasn't this clear. But today was different. Her eyes weren't smiling. Mocking or not. They weren't smiling today. He had gathered so much information on her that he could see right through her at this point. Except, not all the information he found was correct. He saw right through her pretense. Hanamiya didn't agree with her hiding behind a facade. But he could see the logic behind it. If she, a Frei, revealed herself, it would be the downfall of FREI Corp by association.
Not only that but it's more fun to see the look of shock and betrayal when they learn the truth. Hanamiya couldn't help but think twisted people like them needed to stick together because no one else understood her as he did.
Fuyuki and Haru didn't stay long enough to hear their plans for the day as they left before the head coach arrived at the gym.
"Haru," Fuyuki said when the two were in the limo, "The next time you look at me like that, I'll gouge your eyes out."
The butler didn't look fazed as he smiled at her, "Hai, Fuyuki-sama."
At that moment Fuyuki felt something was wrong. Something very, very wrong.
When Fuyuki stepped into U-17 camp, the feeling of unease only increased.
Along with the way everyone has been either avoiding her gaze or quickly finding something else to focus on.
Narrowing her eyes, Fuyuki went straight to Ryoma's room.
Or at least she was going to go until she heard it-
"I can't believe that strong freshman is gone."
A sigh. "He was only protecting Tokugawa. Coach can be too strict when it comes to rules."
Without a second thought, she started marching towards-
The strong freshman is... gone?
Changing quickly from marching to sprinting, she rushed towards the monitor room, ignoring the butler's shout of her name. She knew Haru was drawing the attention of those nearby, including the two high-schoolers that were talking, but she couldn't bring herself to focus on anything else but the possibility of Ryoma being the one they were talking about.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this year we have very promising teens competing for the title of Youth Figure Skater. We have the top three exciting and skilled skaters from all over Germany to compete this year. The theme of this season for all the skaters is 'strength'."
The large screen in the middle of Tokyo displayed numerous figure skaters.
"We have Tomas Meyer. Although he's fairly new to the figure skating world, has won many titles and trophies."
The screen displayed a handsome male with platinum blond hair and charming blue eyes. There was a confident smile playing on his lips.
"Next, we have Karla Weber, she won the title of Most Beautiful Form last year and aims to win this year's gold medal to represent Germany."
A girl looked stoic with a stern expression. Her ginger color hair stood out against her slightly tanned skin and green eyes.
"Next, we have Germany's Sweetheart, Frei Fuyuki. Fuyuki had won last year's title and aims for another victory this year."
The beauty was smiling at the screen. Her dark hair contrasting against her pale skin and bright hazel eyes. Up close, it was easier to see her flawless features.
After that, numerous names and individuals were shown before the news reporter finished with, "Stay tuned for the ice rink battle this Thursday."
"Wow, this seems like an intense battle between the top three."
"Yeah, I can't wait! I'm setting an alarm to remind me to watch it live."
There were more words exchanged amongst the on-lookers in the busy street of Tokyo.
"Tokugawa!"
"Tokugawa-kun!"
Drops of blood spilled from his mouth as he gripped his chest in pain. He took Destruction to the stomach to protect Ryoma.
"This is what happens when you sacrifice yourself."
Oni gritted his teeth and held up the weak Tokugawa, "Bastard!"
"You're.." Ryoma pointed his racket at Byodoin, "the worst!" he glared.
His fellow middle-schoolers seemed shocked at the declaration. They knew Ryoma wasn't the type to say something like that but Fuyuki knew he only said it because of Byodoin's vile personality.
"What do you think you're doing?" the despicable male asked, "You might not escape this encounter unscathed."
Ryoma smirked, "Really? Why don't you try it, then?"
"Echizen Ryoma," Tokugawa shakily stood up, "Don't interfere."
"Tokugawa-san."
"I asked you once if there was anyone you'd give your own life to beat." Ryoma hung on his every word, "The man I'd give my life to beat" he looked at Byodoin with gritted teeth, "is right here. Please."
Ryoma obviously wanted to help but he also knew that's not what Tokugawa wanted so he watched.
"The game will resume!" The umpire called, "Game, five games to three!"
As the match continued on the screen, Fuyuki would see the look on the middle-schoolers faces. This is the power of a player who fights at the world level. He doesn't even compare to anything they've seen before.
Deep down, Fuyuki felt for Tokugawa. The boy wanted this so much that it hurt to look, but he was too weak to play against Byodoin given his state.
No matter how much you want something, it's meaningless if you don't have the power.
Fuyuki cringed as Byodoin delivered the final blow, sending Tokugawa flying back.
Then, Fuyuki saw it. The look in Ryoma's eyes. And she knew the course of action he would take.
As Byodoin send Destruction on the kneeling Tokugawa, Ryona jumped in and received the ball with his racket. Despite the struggle of returning such strength, Ryoma managed. The ball flew past Byodoin, cutting his cheek in the process. The wall behind Byodoin broke from the force.
Despite knowing he would be forced to leave the camp if he interfered in the match as Kabaji did.
The middle-schoolers and high-schoolers watched in shock.
"Nee," Byodoin's eyes widen as he saw Ryoma's Inner Samurai. "I'll beat you." The freshman said with determination.
"Due to violating the rules, Echizen Ryoma-kun is hereby ordered to leave the camp." Kurobe's voice called from the speakers.
"Koshimae?!"
"Echizen... Co... Coach! Don't you think this is too harsh!" Momoshiro exclaimed on Ryoma's behalf.
"Yeah! Koshimae hasn't done anything wrong! I object! I object!"
"Please take care of Tokugawa-san." Ryoma bowed to Oni before walking off.
There were objections from nearly all the middle-schoolers.
"Echizen Ryoma!"
"WATCH OUT!"
Ryoma turned just in time as the ball flew past and hit the water tower behind him.
"LO-LOOK! THE WATER TOWER IS...!?"
Fuyuki watched in horror as Byodoin served the ball towards an unguarded Ryoma. This feeling of helplessness was all too familiar. It gripped at her until all she could do was stagger against the chair behind her while her gaze never left the screen in front of her.
When the ball flew past the prodigy and hit the water tower, the force was enough for the tower to fall just a few inches from where Ryoma stood. The water splashed everywhere as a soaked Ryoma stood glaring at Byodoin despite the dripping with water around him.
"Brat... seems you have escaped with your life intact."
Ryoma bent down to put up his wet cap, "The next time we meet, I'm going to beat you. So, wait for me."
"There will be no second chance... there is no next time for you."
No next time for him?
For Ryoma?
For Ryo-chan?
For her Ryo-chan?
At that moment, Fuyuki didn't think she could even feel the anger she felt. Fuyuki has never felt this level of anger towards anyone. She had thought all sense of the feeling of anger had left her, leaving only resentment and indignant behind. Yet, at this moment, knowing that the one person she valued more than anything- more than anyone- almost could have left her forever... there is no way to describe the feeling except extreme rage. If Ryoma, her last treasure, left her too then there was no one else left. If he was gone then Fuyuki knew everything she had worked towards would be meaningless.
Even though she knew Ryoma does not want her to do this. He can fight his own battles.
There is no hesitation. It was an easy decision really.
Keeping her facade? Caring for others? Being the best?
None of that matters if there was no Ryoma to come back to.
To ensure Byodoin wouldn't be a threat anymore, she has to do this.
Fuyuki pulled out the red racket from her racket cover, her fingers trailing along the lines of 'F'.
Let me take over.
Nein.
She quickly changed into the spear tennis uniform she kept in the room. When her eyes reflected in the black monitor screen, hazel orbs gleaming with acidity as she gripped her racket almost painfully. She left the room in all intent to find the number one Japan representative.
Yuki is going to annihilateByodoin Hoo.
And she knew there is no coming back from what she's about to do.
I can't say I feel good about writing a scene and repeating the scene in the same chapter. I just couldn't think of anything else to extend the chapter.
Side note, I've really been into My Hero Academia fanfics but I know I shouldn't. I have too many incomplete fanfics and I can't add to the list o(╥﹏)o I'll work on the other two fanfics someday but not any time soon.
I can't say for sure when I'll update next but I'll do what I can. Thank you for reading and leaving such lovely comments as always!
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Edited: April 3, 2021