Hey guys!
I hope you are all doing well!
I want to thank Deliriumfanfics for the lovely review! It makes me so happy to read that you're still as invested in this story as you were at the very beginning! And I hope you will like this upcoming chapter. Especially since Akashi makes an appearance.
Enjoy Chapter 78! Just a heads up there might not be a chapter next week as I am on holiday and have no possibility to edit the chapter. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 78: Rakuzan vs. Shūtoku
I positioned myself under the tribune that was packed with spectators. My hands buried in my Seirin jersey, while my eyes were looking at the court, where the first finalist of the Winter Cup would be determined.
Suddenly, the noise level all around the stadium rose to a new maximum. I spotted the reason for these loud cheers when the orange jerseys of Shūtoku made their appearance. Shūtoku looked more serious than I had ever seen them. But they also looked ready. They were prepared for the fight of a lifetime.
And then entered Rakuzan.
The cheers all around me, were deafening. Rakuzan had this air of superiority to them, which only intensified when looking at Akashi, who was leading them at the front. It was only for a second, but our eyes met and maybe I imagined it, but I could have sworn that his heterochromatic eyes were flashing me a warning.
A warning only I would understand.
To not get in his way. But before I could seek out his eyes again, to verify if I had indeed been correct, Akashis attention was on his team. I couldn't hear what he was saying to them, but the way he was leading them reminded me forcefully to the way he was leading us in Teiko. With a sense of calm that came from his abundance of confidence in himself and in his team. He was the rock everybody was leaning on. He was the calm that was leading the team. And every single member of Rakuzan had accepted him as their captain. This was what I missed most about not having him in my life anymore, because if Akashi had been anything, it was my rock. Akashi had been my rock. The one person I could always count on. But now, everything was different.
Both Rakuzan and Shūtoku walked on to the court, taking in their respective positions, while Midorima and Akashi were standing in front of one another. Once friends, and now the total opposite. They exchanged words, I couldn't hear, but from the look on both of their faces I could tell it had been a declaration of war.
And then the game finally began. The ball was thrown high in the air and both, Otsubo and Nebuya jumped for it. And Shūtoku managed to get the hold of the ball, when it landed in Takaos hands. For a moment, it looked like he was going to charge towards the basket, when a smirk passed his lips and he passed the ball to Midorima, who had been waiting for it all along.
Everything seemed to slow down when Midorima crouched down only to let the ball fly moments later. Every single member of the Rakuzan team seemed transfixed by it, looking after the ball in sheer disbelieve. The ball went in perfectly. And with that Midorima had made his first move against Akashi. But Midorima didn't stop there. Coordinating with his teammates he managed to shake of his mark, before Takao passed him the ball. And before anyone could react, he scored for a second time. It was after the third three pointer, that the ball landed in Akashis hands. The sight of him alone, dribbling the basketball in his hands, sent a shiver down my spine.
I couldn't help but to admire Takao for the seemingly unfazed façade he was displaying while standing in front of my former captain. But those eyes could scare anyone. And then Akashi did his move. He charged past Takao, but Takao managed to keep up before Akashi passed the ball to Nebuya who scored. And without having realised it, the first quarter came to an end. Rakuzan and Shūtoku were tied with 16 points each. And while neither one of the teams was backing down, something about the eery calm surrounding Akashi made me uneasy. I knew there was more to come and I also knew Akashi was waiting for the right moment to strike. And if someone was waiting for Akashis move, then it was Midorima. He, after all, had played enough times against him.
The game resumed and Rakuzans first move was immediately revealed when they began double-teaming Midorima. A move that was both smart and necessary. But like in our game against Shūtoku, it didn't come to a surprise to them. So, Takao simply passed the ball to Miyaji, whose way had been freed, until Hayama, Rakuzans small forward and one of the Uncrowned Kings, stepped in his way. Miyaji managed to pass him, when Nebuya blocked his way. Miyaji simply passed the ball to his captain, who dunked the ball in forcefully. Rakuzan didn't look at all pleased.
And Hayama looked very apologetic, when he was approached by the other two Uncrowned Kings. But then Akashi addressed him and there was immediate fear in Hayamas eyes. Akashi looked calm, but I knew he wasn't pleased and whatever he had told Hayama it had certainly its desired effect. Because the next time Hayama stood in front of Miyaji, the latter stood no chance. Hayama had begun dribbling and it wasn't anything I had ever experienced or seen before. Every time the ball made contact with the floor, it sent waves of pure power and intensity to his surroundings. And the ball was barely visible anymore, but Hayama had perfect control over it. I observed this entire scenario with wide eyes and open mouthed. This was simply impressive. And it was with that skill that Hayama broke free, leaving Miyaji behind. Hayama scored performing a double clutch and with it revealing just how agile he was.
And he didn't stop there. Rakuzan was slowly but surely widening the point gap, mostly thanks to the teamwork displayed between the Uncrowned Kings. And while Midorima was still double teamed by Rakuzan, Shūtoku seemed to have reached a dead end. And all this while Akashi hadn't done a single thing. It was on Midorima to bring them out of their slump. He was their ace. And when Akashi stole the ball from Takao, the only thing I could see in his eyes was despair. Akashi passed the ball to Hayama, who once again passed Miyaji with ease. Hayama was about to score, when Midorima appeared in front of him and hit the ball away. I smirked. This was the Midorima I knew. The Midorima that didn't tolerate when his teammates were made to look like fools, because at long last, Midorima was respecting them.
And then Midorima showed why he was part of the Miracles. Because part of being a Miracles didn't mean being solely excellent at one thing. It meant having this talent that made one unique and more importantly, possessing the will to fight. Midorima passed Mayuzumi, before facing Mibuchi. Midorima exchanged a look with Kimuro, before the latter screened Rakuzans shooting guard, enabling a smooth passing for Midorima. Now the only person in Midorimas way was Nebuya and while Nebuya jumped up in the air, set on stopping Midorima, Midorima merely passed the ball to Miyaji, who dunked the ball in. And while Midorima and Miyaji ran back to their basket, Miyaji patted Midorima on the back and I didn't miss the small smile that formed on his lips. And Midorima didn't stop there. He returned to his three-pointers who seemed more impressive, the longer the game continued.
And with one of his famous buzzer beaters, Midorima managed to end the second quarter in a tie. Both teams had now 39 points each. And while the spirits seemed to be flying high on Shūtokus end, Rakuzan seemed sombre. They would have to act. And I had a sinking feeling as to what their move would be.
I was still looking between Akashi and Midorima, when I noticed that I wasn't alone anymore. My team had joined me.
"How is the game?" Kuroko asked at once.
"Akashi still hasn't done his move." I said calmly, albeit I wasn't calm at all. "But it's only a matter of time."
"Oh well." Aida said loudly. "I allowed you to go watch the game, but now you need to go warm up. You still have a game on your own."
I nodded, before walking after them. Kise was already walking on court, passing Midorima on his way in. I noticed them exchange some words, while my way led right past Akashi. As if I had expected all along, Akashi didn't let the opportunity slip to address us.
"I haven't seen you since the opening ceremony." His eyes flickered between Kuroko and I. "Tetsuya and Emiyo."
"Yes, Akashi-kun." Kuroko said calmly, while I narrowed my eyes. As if he had expected this reaction, Akashi began to smile at me. But his smile was so cold and calculated I could feel every single hair on my body stand up.
"No comment from you, Emiyo?" Akashi asked, raising his eyebrow ever so slightly.
"Well, if you wanted to see me that much all you had to do was say so. After all I couldn't possibly refuse your company." These words left my lips, before I could really think about them. And to make matter worse for myself, I made a small curtsy. I could hear a small groan escape Kurokos lips, which was something I had never heard before. This alone was enough to let me know how bad my situation was. But Akashi was still smiling, closing the distance between us. He was so close now, all I could see were his eyes.
"I have been tolerant long enough, Emiyo. It's time you learn your place."
And before I realised what was going on, I was falling. I landed hard on the ground, looking at Akashi in disbelieve. He was looking down at me, and the only thing I could think of was that I didn't know who this person was.
"I am absolute." Akashi said coldly. But it was the way he was saying it. As if he was believing it whole-heartedly. "Never forget that, Emiyo."
I was simply frozen in place and while my mind was screaming at me to get a move on, my body wasn't listening. All I could do was look into the one red eye, and remember that this eye once belonged to my friend. Kuroko and Kagami were crouching by my side, but I couldn't hear what they were saying. I was still looking at Akashi. Kagami jumped up; his anger visible in every pore of his body.
"What have you done to her?" He demanded loudly; his fist clenched.
"The same thing that will happen to you, Kagami Taiga." Akashi said calmly. Kagami clearly lost for words, was looking at Akashi flabbergasted, when Akashi spoke up once more. "Only those who serve me are allowed to look me in the eye when they speak to me. I never allow those who oppose me to look down at me." And just like that, Kagami fell next to me. "Lower your head."
I could hear gasps all around us, but this still didn't matter to me. I was still too transfixed by his eyes.
"Tetsuya." Akashi spoke, still the air of superiority surrounding him. "If you intend to fight me, you must prepare yourself. I'm the one who discovered your power. You will come to realize what that means."
"You did no such thing!" These words burst out of me and I finally regained my sense of sense back. I was about to stand up, when Akashis eyes snapped over to me.
"Emiyo, enough!"
And once again I was frozen in place. He shot me one last cold look, before he passed us, not even looking at the rest of Seirin. It was the kind face of Kiyoshi appearing in my line of sight, that helped me get out of my stupor. He helped me up to my feet, before placing a hand soothingly on my shoulder. Nobody spoke and I knew why.
Nobody knew what to say and I couldn't blame them for that. Akashi was terrifying and they probably didn't realise just how much until now. The rest of the break, I spent warming my body up. Still shaken by my encounter with Akashi but also still determined to win against Kise, I did the best I could. I could feel Akashis heterochromatic eyes bore into my back and I stood a little straighter. The last thing I needed to do now was letting him think he could get to me. And when the ten minutes were up, I walked back to my previous spot but this time I was joined by my team. I crossed my arms in front of me, while my eyes were on Kimura, who was in possession of the ball when the referee blew his whistle. And like I had known all along what Rakuzans move would be, I still wasn't prepared for the fear that passed through me when I saw Akashi standing in front of Midorima. Now, the real game began.
Every single pair of eyes were on these two, but they had eyes only for each other. And then Midorima did his move. He jumped up with a speed unlike any other, but then my eyes widened. Midorima wasn't in possession of the ball anymore. Akashi had tipped it out of his hand.
"He's using it." I whispered terrified and fascinated at the same time.
"What?" Kagami asked at once.
"His eye." Kuroko said, seemingly as transfixed by what had happened as I was.
The moment of suspense was broken when Akashi charged towards the basket only to find his way blocked by Takao. And even though Takao had managed to catch up, he stood no chance to Akashis eyes. I wanted to avert my eyes in order not to see what I was sure would be happening next, but I couldn't. Akashis eyes are able to make both offense and defense powerless and Takao was the first to get a taste of what this meant.
Akashi did a crossover and Takao fell. It was as simple as that. The ankle break wasn't Akashis favourite move for nothing. And before anyone could stop him, Akashi scored. The look on Takaos face was one I had seen many times in opponents we faced in Teiko. It was the same look I hoped I wouldn't have to see again. But my hopes were futile against my former captain. He could after all, predict every movement with his eyes. Present and future. And with that the point gap began to widen and the will to fight was slowly leaving Shūtoku. Midorima couldn't shoot with Akashi in front of him, knowing the ball would be intercepted the moment he started to shoot or dribble. Even faking didn't work against Akashi. No one could move in the face of his defense. And when Akashi used his ankle break against Miyaji and Kimura consecutively, Shūtokus fate seemed determined.
Or so it seemed.
Because there was still Otsubo standing in Akashis way. And when they both jumped up, Akashi, with a calm only he possessed, brought the ball behind his back and passed it, using his elbow, to Nebuya, who dunked the ball in. Akashi walked back, his Emperor eye shining brighter than ever. But Akashi wasn't the only person making things difficult for Shūtoku. There was still the rest of Rakuzan or more specifically the Uncrowned Kings. However, Midorima still hadn't given up. So, when he intercepted Akashis way, he looked more determined than ever. But then he fell and Akashi walked right past him, widening the point gap to 20 points with only a bit more than five minutes to go.
"A 20-point difference." Aida muttered, clearly thinking along the same lines.
"This is the true strength of Rakuzan and Akashi." Hyuga said grimly.
I didn't pay them any attention. All that mattered was Midorima, who was still on the floor. He was clearly shaken and even Takao seemed to think this was the end of it. What I didn't expect was the like of a certain senpai to hit the back of Midorimas head.
"How long are you going to keep sitting there?" Miyaji asked loudly, looking back at his ace. "I will break your glasses!"
"Hey!" Kimura said loudly, clearly siding with Miyaji, while nodding towards the large banner belonging to the fans that came to support Shūtoku. "Do you see those characters? Pull yourself together!"
The word indomitable was more prominent than ever, while their supporters were screaming themselves hoarse, while their captain addressed them as well, much calmer than the other two senpais. Midorima and Takao were looking at them flabbergasted, but their words seemed to have reached them. But it wasn't solely their words, it was more the fact that they realised what kind of team they were and just how amazing their senpais were. Midorima stood up and while every single member of the uncrowned kings looked surprised, I couldn't help but to smile proudly at what I was seeing. Midorima and Takao were going to fight till the very end. And they were doing it not only for themselves but also for their team, because that was what it meant to have a team you could count on. It was one for all and all for one.
"The game isn't over yet." Kuroko said calmly, evidently approving of what he was seeing. "Because Midorima-kun and his team haven't given up."
And then they moved, and we all knew at once that Kuroko was right. Midorima and Takao clearly had something up their sleeves.
"They haven't given up?" Kagami asked, sounding impressed and not convinced at the same time.
"No." Kuroko said at once, his blue eyes on the game in front of him. "He's trying to do something."
"Something worthy of facing Akashi." I added, knowing that whatever it was it had to be truly spectacular. We weren't the only ones having sensed that something was going on, because Rakuzan, minus Akashi of course, looked highly unnerved. Takao was in possession of the ball and the seconds were trickling down and it wasn't until long before the referee would blow his whistle for time violation.
But still Takao hadn't moved yet, which meant only one thing. Whatever they had planned was probably pretty risky and every mistake on their side would be fatal. Takaos time was almost up, so it was now or never. And then something truly unexpected happened. Midorima entered his shooting position, but he didn't have the ball in his hand.
Shūtoku reacted at once, Otsubo and Kimura positioned themselves for the rebound, while all I could see was the surprise in Akashis eyes. Midorima jumped up, still no ball in hand, when suddenly Takao made his move, passing the ball perfectly into Midorimas hands. I gasped, not believing what I was seeing and then Midorima released the ball and it went it perfectly, just like it always did. I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. Midorima had caught the ball midair and shot a three-pointer. But that wasn't what impressed or touched me the most. No, it was that Midorima accepted the fact that he needed to trust Takao more than he trusted himself. And that was a big deal for him.
For Midorima, the one person that was always thriving for perfection. Something the old Midorima never would have done. And what was more, even if Akashi could see the shot coming, he couldn't intercept it, not at this height. But Takao was unbelievable as well. Passing the ball right into Midorima's hands like this takes unbelievable accuracy. And this move was the turning point for Shūtoku. Because they kept on fighting and more importantly, they kept on scoring using this move. And just like that, they were only 11 points behind after not more than a minute after this move was introduced.
"Their style is different but they're like you." Hyuga muttered and while both Kagami and Kuroko turned to look at him, Hyuga elaborated. "They're like the light and shadow of Shūtoku."
"You're right." Kuroko said smiling serenely. I was smiling as well, looking at the two Shūtoku players, but while this entire display of teamwork was impressive, I knew they had to prepare themselves for what was about to come. Because Akashi was ruthless at the best of times. A threatened Akashi was worse. And just when Midorima and Akashi stood in front of one another, going for a one-on-one, the only thing Akashi did was use his ankle break. Midorima fell and Akashi walked past. Akashi jumped up, about to do a layup when the thing happened, I had hoped would happen all along. Midorima stood back up and what was more he caught up to Akashi. Akashi reacted instinctively, passing the ball to Nebuya, who jumped up about to dunk the ball in, when Otsubo hit the ball away. It was Shūtokus turn to attack.
And they did just that. Takao charged towards the basket, when Mibuchi blocked his way, but Takao merely smirked, before he passed the ball into Midorimas waiting hands, who was already high in the air. And it went in perfectly. And Shūtoku didn't stop there. The pressure they were exhibiting on Rakuzan was intense and all while Takao and Midorima were double teaming Akashi. But then something happened which I couldn't have imagined even in my wildest dreams. Akashi stopped dribbling, turned to face his own basket and shot the ball. He scored and everything around us went deadly silent. What had just happened?
Then whispers all around us erupted, while my eyes were on only one person. Akashi. He had his team assembled around him and by the way they were looking at him, they all knew they were in big trouble.
"When did I say you could let your guard down?" Akashi asked, cold fury in his voice. "The game isn't over yet. Did you relax after we established a large lead? I can tell because you were reeling after they scored just a few baskets in a row. If the game were closer, you wouldn't have disgraced yourselves in this way. In that case, we should lose the gap." He narrowed his eyes and one after the other dropped their heads, ashamed. "Cool your heads. But if we lose, you can blame me all you want. We will have lost because of that shot I took. I will accept full responsibility and quit the team."
These words certainly had some effects on his teammates, but his words weren't what concerned me. It was the mad gleam that had entered his eyes. "To pay for my crime I will gouge out my eyes and give them to you."
It wasn't the words that disturbed me. No, it was once again the fact that my friend was truly nowhere to be seen.
"What are you talking about, Akashi?" Hayama asked immediately, taking a step forward. "You don't need to do that!"
"It's only if we lose. If we win, there's no problem." Akashi said calmly. "I'm not worried because I'm certain. We cannot lose with you on the team."
I averted my eyes, not able to look at him a moment longer. And that was because of the fact that Akashi would do it. He would gouge his eyes out.
"It's an effective way to inspire his team." Kiyoshi muttered. "The expressions of the Rakuzan players changed."
"It's bat-shit crazy." I whispered. "But yeah, effective."
And just how effective it was, was revealed when Rakuzan started scoring. And the only thing Shūtoku had going for them was the fact that Akashi still hadn't stopped Midorimas and Takaos new move. But with Akashi, it was only a question of when, never if. And then I heard something that sent shivers down my spine. Akashi was in front of Midorima, looking calm and in total control, when he spoke up.
"Unfortunately, this game is already over." But from the way he was speaking to Midorima it was obvious, that he meant over for Shūtoku and not Rakuzan. "I have something to tell you. You will not even be able to touch the ball again." My eyes widened and so did Midorimas.
"That's impossible Akashi." Midorima spoke, clearly trying to keep a calm outer exterior. "Not even your Emperor Eye can stop our shots."
"Height is certainly an important factor in basketball." Akashi smirked, before he continued. "At first place, it seems as though I can't stop you, but let me tell you something. I am absolute. I see everything that will happen. Changing it is easy."
The effect of Akashis words were felt in the rest of Shūtoku too. They got a lot more cautious, while simultaneously being highly disturbed by Akashis statement. However, Shūtoku wasn't known as one of the three Kings for nothing. Takao, dribbling the ball in his hand, exchanged a quick glance with Midorima, when suddenly he was double-teamed by two members of Rakuzan. This was a perfect move on Rakuzans side. While putting immense pressure on Takao, the latter couldn't possibly pass accurately into Midorima's hands. However, Takao wasn't that easily put into place. He charged past them, Midorima already entering his shooting motion, and then Takao passed the ball, a smirk plastered on his face. But the ball never reached Midorimas hands. Akashi had intercepted the course of the ball.
"I told you. I am absolute." Akashi said, the mad gleam back in his eyes. Then he charged towards the basket and scored. Akashi had found a way to beat their new move. As I said before, it was only a matter of time. But it still pained me to see Akashi succeed. Especially seeing what that meant for Shūtoku. This was their end. Even after everything they had done, it still wasn't enough to beat Akashi. But what was more, was the revelation that he had been in total control of the game from the very beginning. Always planning ten steps ahead, without anybody noticing. And this was the truly terrifying part.
The game continued, but Shūtoku was rattled. Takao allowed Mibuchi to perform successfully a four- point play. And with the seconds trickling down, Rakuzan continued to widen the point gap. However, not a single member of Shūtoku gave up. Not until the very end. And that was the only good thing that could be said about the last two minutes. And then the buzzer sounded. And the realisation of having lost, of this being the end of the road for them, was etched on every single face.
I continued to watch the players, waiting for something to happen. Any sort of reaction from Akashi or the rest of Rakuzan, but nothing came. And then I realised, my thinking was wasted on them. They were expected to win. A loss wasn't in it for them. And Akashi couldn't lose. That was the fate of an emperor. But what caught my attention next was Midorima walking towards Akashi. Midorima spoke, while stretching out his hand.
"Shake it." I muttered, hoping against hope. I couldn't hear what was spoken, but Akashi never shook Midorimas hand.
I averted my eyes, while shaking my head. What did I expect? Like honestly. The next thing I knew, was Shūtoku lining in front of their fans and bowing low, thanking them for their support. And then Shūtoku left the stadium. Midorima and I had exchanged a quick look and it in was all we needed to say to one another.
And now, someone else needed my fullest attention. Kise was waiting for us next.