VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT! (warning: author has never played or watched volleyball before and writes on imaginary experience. He heh)
Rheia: Thank you!
Mimi: I think that's a good idea! But it'll be a bit confusing for people who don't read all of my fics. But I am thinking of doing side stories where I jumble them up together. Wait for it!
Unchained: Well, start thinking about him!! ^_^
Tensaispira: me like it too! Only, I don't see any opportunity where Maki and Enrio will fight for me. Ha ha! How was school?
Fiery-ice: Updated! Let me wiggle my way out of the tight spot. ^_^
Frozenfemale: See for yourself!
Akane: Thank you!
Keaxy: Yeah, I have a degree in sarcasm. Ask my mom (though I don't use it very often with her! He he!) Sorry, but who's Na;l-chan?
December Morning Owl: Well, you won't exactly like it when rumours about your girlfriend and another guy starts to fly, would you? I know I WON'T! (because me am selfish pig!)
KOFLeona: Thank you! Am glad you enjoyed it! (to self: yay! Mission accomplished!)
Lazuli: I want one!!
Kka: Sorry! I knew eyes would hurt – will upload shorter chaps next time. ^_^
Alexia: No, me don't chat that often. Sides, I don't have a permanent internet line. Am borrowing and butting into other people's! But you can e-mail me if you have anything to say. ^_^
Krappkarmin: THERE IS A SLAM DUNK TOO? OMIGOSH! No, I didn't know! When? Where? How? Who??? Give me all the details! You mean, Takehiko actually did one??
Fer-chan: Me O levels too! Hooray! I've got a partner to get miserable with! Ha ha! Me am malay, and my malay sucks, so I share your feelings. *sad smile*
Kuroi Neko-kun: You like domineering guys? Me too, but I change from time to time! Ha ha!
White soul: Rukawa?? No way! He's mine! *gets trampled by rukawa-lovers*
Patty g: He he he… check out this chapter!
Electric muffin: I'd love to see it myself. Next chapter up!
Aeris: Thank you!
It was five minutes to the start of the volleyball semi-finals – and still, half the volleyball club members were not to be seen. Mai sat and fretted miserably by the young volleyball school coach, anxiously counting the minutes. The other team were already gathered and discussing strategies, heads bent in union.
Mai leaped up. "WHERE ARE THEY??" she demanded out of the blue to the substitute Year One players, who spluttered back at her in fear. "Where the hell are Enrio and Shibusawa and the rest??"
Mayuko was seated a few seats behind the players, giving out encouraging hoots. Mai shot her friend a worried look and then buried her face in her hands. Where are they, where are they, WHERE ARE THEY?? WHERE ARE ALL THE MAIN PLAYERS??
The organiser and MC of the day jogged over. "We'll have to follow the schedule, miss," they told Mai. "We can't wait for your members to arrive."
Mai glanced quickly at her coach, who was busy calling Enrio's home. The coach then talked rapidly into the phone when it was finally picked up, sputtered with a shocked look and then stared at his phone. Mai had a sinking feeling in her stomach. "What?" she asked fearfully. "What did he say??"
The coach tried to shrug confidently. "He called in sick. He – he won't be able to come."
Mai bit her lip. "What about Shibusawa?"
"Nobody picked up the phone."
"Everybody else?"
"I couldn't reach them."
Mai's vision shattered to be replaced with a new gloomy outlook. She felt her knees give way and only managed to stable herself with wobbly hands.
"Well, miss?" the MC asked then.
Mai took in a deep breath. "I – we …" suddenly the full weight of being co-captain rested heavily on her shoulders. "We'll play. We'll follow the schedule."
They gave her appreciative nods and then went away to deal with last minute details such as lighting and speaker volume.
When Mai turned back, the Year One players were looking apprehensively at her. Her fury ignited. Damn Enrio! What on earth was he thinking abandoning the semi-finals like this?? How on earth were they supposed to win without him??
"Don't tell us we have to play, Mai," the Year Ones squeaked. "We haven't even had a real practice game before!"
Mai flashed a smile with effort. "Don't worry. I think you've watched enough to know what to do." Her face didn't portray her words though. "Kitawa, Minako, Kaoru, Fujio and Josei, you'll all play with me." Desperate now, they discussed the strategy and adjusted it to fit the situation.
The buzzer sounded then, calling for the players to gather in the centre of the court, on opposite sides of the net. Mayuko hooted one last time, though it was clearly lower in volume at the realisation of the flawed line-up.
Mai tried to steady herself. No reason to feel disappointed yet. The game hasn't even started. Doesn't mean they were going to lose. Kitawa, Minako, Kaoru, Fujio and Josei were good beginners. Their strategy was logical and sound. Enrio can go to Hell.
"Where's Enrio?" one girl from the opposing team, Shoyo, asked. "Supposedly the best player of Kainan High?"
On his way to Hell. Didn't you hear me? "He's not here." Mai said shortly.
The girl smirked. "And neither are Kainan's star players other than you." She noted in satisfaction. "Looks like it's a clear win. For us."
Mai was so worried that she didn't even attempt a retort at that.
The opponents took a fast lead. 4-0. Near panic, the Kainan players looked awkwardly at each other. The Year One players, especially, seemed to find it necessary to look at Mai every few minutes for reassurances. It was hard enough having to smile weakly at them when she herself felt like screaming, but knowing that she was faking confidence, and that it was obvious, made it even worse.
Yet, when the end of first half buzzer sounded, her condition took a swift downfall. The score was 8-3, favouring Shoyo. The crest-fallen looks on their faces spoke volumes. The junior players couldn't even dare themselves to look at Mai in case her disappointment in them was obviously written on her face.
Mai flopped down onto the seat, exhausted. She had to do all the serves and catches and passes. The Year Ones could only send the ball over the net, their training having been limited. They were good enough, better than she had expected, and contrary to their thoughts, she was very pleased with their play. But she couldn't make herself deny that they were losing their grip on the game.
"Something for you," the coach said quietly, passing a crumpled paper to Mai as he finished his let's-all-cheer-up-and-hope-for-the-best talk.
Mai flipped the paper open.
Stop looking like a 'bull'. With you looking like that, no wonder all your other team members are looking like 'frogs' as well. They look up to you, and what you feel, they feel. If you fall, they fall. Maybe if you started to play like you seriously want to win, you'll actually have a chance.
Do something, for heaven's sake. At the very least, don't go down headfirst. I'll make you practice three-pointers if you do.
Maki Shin-ichi.
Mai's eyes widened a good one centimetre. Almost wildly, she looked up at the spectators' seats behind her and caught sight of Maki having easy conversation with Mayuko. They winked at her and waved with their thumbs up.
Mai shook her head, even as a small, wry smile played at her lips.
Idiots. She'd bury them for actually thinking she was giving up (which she was, but she'd never admit it even if she was dead).
"This is not the actual original line-up," Mayuko told Maki, who had shortly joined her out of nowhere a few minutes after the game had begun. "It was supposed to be Enrio, Mai, Lola, Megumi, Jun and Shibusawa. Those six are our best offers yet."
"Where are the other five?" he asked, even though he already had his suspicions.
Mayuko's eyebrow wrinkled. "I don't know." She confessed. "They're just not here. I suppose Mai knows why, though. You should've seen her before the game. Couldn't sit still worrying, looking all hopeless and devastated. It's understandable. Those Year One students she's playing with aren't exactly trained enough."
Maki didn't say anything, though he flashed a small smile. Big mistake, Enrio. He thought quietly. Big mistake.
"Would you like someone to substitute you, Mai?" the coach asked kindly.
"NO!" Mai blurted sharply. "I mean, no. There's no need."
The coach looked dubious. "You're very tired. You've overworked yourself." Mai realised she was panting heavily like a starved dog. "I think you better rest."
"No, no. I'm fine. I'm as fit as a horse." Her breathing wasn't getting any lighter, though.
The coach took a deep breath. "Listen, Mai, I know we're both aware that substituting you would confirm our defeat. And I know you want to win badly. But you have to put your health above everything else. There's no use stretching yourself thin for a tiny game like this and to have to live your life regretting it when one of your limbs no longer work."
"I'm fine," Mai insisted. "I've always made it fully throughout the entire first half and second half in the previous games. I've got enough stamina."
"In the previous games, you had Enrio and the start-up players with you. You had perfect teammates and perfect coordination, perfect understanding. But now you're shouldering eighty percent of the responsibility, and you're still not in tune with the Year One players. Not even I can hope to grind myself that hard."
Mai's face fell. "I'm okay," she continued stubbornly. "I'm okay. This is the semi-final! We can't just throw in our towels and kiss the trophy bye-bye." As soon as the buzzer rang, she leaped to her feet and walked away to the court before her coach could change her mind.
Mai served and the game started. The only thing they could do was rely on their opponents' mistakes, and then use it to their advantage. The other side gathered several more points, so did Mai and her team. Slowly catching up, yes, but surely. Josei had just delivered a huge blow to the ball that made it zoom past arms and armpits and the score was now 17-14.
"That," Mai said excitedly as she grabbed the junior with one arm, "was the best shot I've ever seen!"
Josei beamed at her.
Mai's knees wobbled unsteadily without warning. "Whoa!" she dropped onto Josei. "Sorry." She quickly pulled herself up, but her arms gave way too, and she dropped again. "Oh, man."
"Are you okay??" Kitawa rushed over as the game paused. "Are you hurt, Mai? Did something happen?"
Why, yes. I believe my muscles have forgotten how to function. "No, don't be silly. I'm fine." She managed to stand up and then massaged her arms. "Just … give me a minute." One look at the bench revealed her coach about to take action. Mai gritted her teeth. "Okay! Let's begin! I'm alright!"
Apologising to the opposing team and referee, Mai absolutely ignored the look on her coach's face. The game continued.
Serve.
Smash.
Save.
Serve.
Deliver.
Smash.
Score.
Five minutes to the end, the wobbliness Mai had experienced in her knees and hands went to her head. Her vision became huge dots, and she had to blink several times to restore it again and again. Luckily, the five other players were too concerned about taking over the scoreboard that they didn't pay much attention to her.
The score was 18-16.
Grabbing two shots under five minutes was hard. Volleyball wasn't like basketball, where you get scores in matter of seconds. Especially when the opposing team was good, it would be a lucky break to actually get two hits.
And they needed to make three successful slams and smashes to overtake.
"We're all exhausted," Mai muttered quietly as the Shoyo player prepared to serve. "So are they. You see? They're a bit nervous because their coach is screaming at them like a loon. They're aware that we could take over anytime. Actually, the chances are a bit slim, but they seem to think very highly of us, so that would be our advantage. They'll be making mistakes now. Make sure you don't."
They nodded nervously.
The first mistake came about three seconds later. The ball was served rather high and slow, and the Shoyo players scrambled forward to catch it, thinking it wouldn't make it over the net. But it did, and Fujio, being the nearest one, pushed the ball back to the other side, scoring since the opposing players were centred at the front.
Four minutes and thirty seconds.
And then Kaoru made a mistake and allowed Shoyo to score another one. The tragic look on her face quickly disappeared when Mai pretended not to mind, even though she felt like rattling the girl to death.
19-17.
Three minutes.
Minako managed to get a successful one.
19-18.
One minute and forty-two seconds. Mai sent the ball hurtling to the Shoyo side and scored another one. The crowd both cheered and groaned at the tie. If anything, things were even more intense now.
19-19.
Forty seconds.
Both teams were a bundle of nerves. Mai wrung and un-wrung her hands nervously. Her limbs were half-frozen by now. The other two players were busily biting their lips and nails. Shoyo players too looked pale as their coach screamed some more.
"Mai," Kitawa said slowly.
"Say something." Josei pleaded.
All five stood hopefully in front of Mai in hope of reassurances. Mai dimly recalled Enrio handling that part. She used to ask him to say stuff to her too as to restore her confidence (hey, she never claimed to have a high self-esteem). Where was he when you needed him the most?? That cow.
"Say something?" But I can't even think! I'm too nervous!! "Um, well, these thirty seconds will be the most crucial ones." Mai took a deep breath. "The one who scores first will win. No doubt about that. BUT, if say the Shoyo side do get the ball first, don't give up, okay? There's always a side luck."
They nodded agreeably. And then – "Good luck, Mai."
Mai's eyes widened. "What do you mean 'good luck, Mai'??" she demanded.
"Please win for us."
Mai gaped. And then fury bubbled. "This isn't a one-man team. You're not going to rely on me and think I'm going to perform miracles, understand? You will still play your parts. I'll slam you across the net with my own bare hands if you don't even make an effort yourself."
They looked young and miserable. "We don't know what we could do," they explained helplessly. "This entire game has been laid wholly on you. We tried to help, but we didn't do much."
"Stupid. You all scored 95% of the result we have now."
"But it's –" Kitawa stopped abruptly. "We did??"
"You did, and you will do it again." Mai quickly ushered them to their places as the ball was passed to Shoyo's hands. "I'm counting on you to get the ball. It's VERY important."
They gulped. And then a determined look replaced their frightened ones.
The game began.
For a full twenty seconds, it was merely counter-attacks and saves. The ball bounced from one side, returned, bounced again, returned, bounced again, returned and so on. The crowd released impatient hisses of breath as the seconds ticked. How much longer were they going to pass the ball like that??
And then Shoyo struck. The ball zoomed past the net with surprising speed and hurtled to the ground at approximately 105 mph. Mai didn't really think about it. She just threw herself down and managed to keep the ball in the air even as she practically broke her neck landing.
Kitawa jumped to receive the ball, slapped it in Kaoru's direction. Kaoru seemed to be glued to the ground for a few seconds before her mind clicked and she jumped too. One mighty sweep, and the ball was going for Shoyo's side – fast, hard and powerful. The girl who had so kindly asked about Enrio managed to catch it, but the sheer force of the ball managed to overcome her grip and fall away.
The score: 19-20.
Five seconds.
Mai had just pulled herself wearily up to her knees when the buzzer sounded. The place erupted noisily, but her head was spinning too much to be able to understand and translate the sights and sounds. Then she was hauled up energetically by Josei and Kitawa. "Did we win?" she asked dazedly.
"Duh! Of course we won!"
"Fantastic," Mai smiled weakly. "You guys are just fantastic." Her vision was slightly blurred, but she could distinctively tell that it was Mayuko flying down the stairs and rushing for her.
"You won!" Mayuko screamed. "You're going to the FINALS!!" She crushed her friend in one huge hug and continued babbling. "This is so great! You were all so great! For a moment, I thought I'd die from tension! The nerve of the game! Who would've thought you were crazy and stupid enough to dive to the ground like that??"
Maki was right behind Mayuko, so Mai wasn't really paying attention to what her friend was saying to her ear. He had an easy smile on his face, hands in pockets with a charming cock of the head.
Mai couldn't help smiling back. Releasing herself slowly from Mayuko's grip, she went to him in slow, halting steps. His hand was already out to welcome her, his mouth poised to congratulate (and deliver a wittily annoying line). "Maki –" she started, but wasn't able to finish as her vision disappeared, and she buckled and dropped to earth.
^_^