Dedication:
In this past two months of the year 2003, I have been extremely blessed in so many different ways. A chapter of my life as a student has come to an end, and another has begun. I am thankful for the opportunity to continue my studies, and even more grateful for the chance to pursue what I love. This chapter is a dedicated to each and every one of you readers out there who dare to dream. Because in life, nothing comes easy. I have my dreams and goals as I move on in life, in this new phase of life. I'm sure you do too. And no matter how hard the going gets, keep going.
Rakka eda ni kaerazu
~ Fallen blossoms do not return to branches ~
-- a Japanese proverb
Chapter Fifteen: A Bond
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
A stadium
Fujima was there in the stands. Watching the match between the Kanagawa great, Kainan High, and the minnow, Shohoku. He looked at his elder half-sister down at the bench, standing next to Ayako, and giving the team members the last pep talk before the game.
He saw Kogure sit down on the bench. Next to Michiko.
Kogure. 'O-nee-san, is there something you're hiding from me?' Fujima thought.
Michiko was following the game with an expert's eye. Her learning curve had been as steep as Sakuragi's, if not steeper, and thanks to Ayako's coaching and the team's help, she had become knowledgeable about the tactics and strategies in basketball.
Not to say that she didn't do her part. She had read up voraciously, devouring book after book. She had also taken an all but fanatical approach to playing the game, dragging Kogure to the neighbourhood courts on Saturdays to teach her.
Much to Rukawa's horror. He had to share his precious court. Well, initially he had walked away, not wanting to practice when there were others on court, but later, he realised that if he wanted his Saturday practices, he would have to do it.
Groans erupted from the stands, and both Michiko and Ayako were stunned, and could only gasp. They had yet to grasp the fact that Shohoku's centre was down.
"Akagi-sempai…" Ayako said, then quickly got to work.
Michiko was worried. She looked into Kogure's eyes, and saw the same worry. Would Akagi be all right? And would Shohoku survive without him?
Two questions. Which, at the moment, could not be answered.
Summer, Two weeks ago
Kanagawa, Japan
Neighbourhood basketball court
"Kogure-kun, you have to promise me something," Michiko had begun seriously.
Her tone had startled Kogure, who up till then had only heard her excited voice during their weekly Saturday practices.
"You have to promise me that you'll make it into Inter High," she said solemnly.
Kogure's jaw dropped. Inter High. It had always been a dream. A far-off dream. Until she had said that. Then, he realised that Shohoku was indeed on the verge of achieving it.
"I can't promise you that, you know, Michiko-chan. But I can promise that we'll do our best."
Michiko tossed the basketball from hand to hand. "I know. But I don't want the team to stop. Not here, not now. I want the team to continue playing basketball. I want the team to continue chasing their dream."
I want the team to continue playing basketball. I want the team to continue chasing their dream.
Summer, Present
Kanagawa, Japan
A stadium
Kogure adjusted his spectacles.
Then spoke to the team.
Four words. But they held a lot of meaning.
"We will do it."
Disclaimer: Slam Dunk and its characters do not belong to me...
Replies:
renei: more hints of Kogure x Michiko in this chapter, ne? *grin* I want to see them together too!
tensaispira: white roses are absolutely beautiful. and sad...
super rookie: so sorry, another short chapter, but that's me for you...
~rurouni