Chapter 3
"I am going to kill him " cried Kiyoko as she paced back and forth checking her watch continually. It was the day of the tournament and Ryoma was still not there. All the regulars were there except for Yuki and Ryoma. At least Yuki had said she would be there but Ryoma was still unaccounted for.
"We could get disqualified if Ryoma doesn't show," said Horio frantically.
"No duh genius," snapped Rei. She was losing patience and getting anxious while everyone was thinking of their own methods to pass the time. Just then Oishi came running to the group smiling.
"I just got a call from Ryoma," said Oishi. The members stood up expectantly.
"Well? Where is he?" asked Momo.
"He went to save a pregnant woman and he's coming from the hospital as we speak," said Oishi. Everyone sweatdropped. Obviously Oishi believed anything anyone said because he was the only one who didn't know that Ryoma was lying.
"I guess there's only one course of action," said Kiyoko standing up, "I have a plan."
"What is it Kiyoko-chan?" asked Momo going to the girl. Kiyoko grinned sneakily as she whispered the plan to Momo. The two stared as one to Horio who looked clueless at what plan Kiyoko had for him. The two moved closer to him and surrounded him. Horio's shouts could be heard in the billows of dust Kiyoko and Momo were stirring up. When the two had finished Eiji was the first to burst out laughing. Horio had been dressed up in the regular's uniform along with the hat.
"Now all we need is Yuki to show up and we can register," said Rei. Just then everyone could see Yuki running to them. She was smiling and she held up a bag in her hand. She was about to reach them when a boy had come up in front of her and was nearly about to crash into her when Yuki jumped up and landed just in front of them.
"I guess that training really helped," said Rei, "She must have increased her power significantly. Maybe I should try it out with Kiyoko." Rei grinned at Kiyoko just like Inui did when he was about to give someone some of his juice. Kiyoko felt shivers up her spine as she hid behind Ryoma. Finally the team got a good look at her wounds. It wasn't allowed to have stockings or jackets when you played so you couldn't hide anything. And Yuki knew that bandages made her look even more conspicuous. There were black and blue bruises on her arm from the pressure of the waterfall and her muscles were just beginning to stop swelling from all the work she had done. Her arms would have fallen of if it wasn't attached to the rest of Yuki's body. There were two places where the bruises were the worst which was at the wrist which had endured the most force. There were multiple scratches on her legs from when she had gone running and the twigs had gotten in her way. Her legs only felt horrible because of all the tension it had achieved from running. But Yuki looked at the bright side. The training had made her much stronger. It was only for one purpose and Yuki clutched her racket bag tightly. Inside was the key to helping her win the match. Now she grinned at the members. She knew that they knew and were pretending everything was all right and for that she was immensely grateful. Now she walked to the group.
"What took you so long?" asked Kiyoko annoyed. Yuki grinned and handed her a small necklace with Kiyoko's name on it. It was made of leather and there was a tiny slit in the middle where Yuki had put a message inside.
"Don't open it," warned Yuki, "This is only when you reach a dire danger during the match. Then you can read my message It'll work 100% " She grinned and passed the same thing to the other members with the only difference being the different names on the leather. She was only left with one more. "Hm? Where's Ryoma?" She looked around but Oishi repeated the message to her. "Really? That's so brave of him Wow "
"Baka," said Rei sweatdropping as she smacked the girl on the head. Now everyone went to register and Yuki laughed outloud when she saw Horio. Tezuka assigned the girls to stay with Horio before the match started.
"Hohoho," said Horio smugly, "Aren't I wonderful? It isn't coincidence that I was chosen to wear this jacket. It was only meant for Horio Satoshi with two years of tennis experience " Kachiro and Mizuno sweatdropped.
"But aren't you just wearing that so you could stand in for Ryoma- kun?" asked Kachiro. Horio's huge ego now deflated before he brightened.
"Oh well At least I am known as Echizen Ryoma " said Horio. Kiyoko patted Mizuno's and Kachiro's backs comfortingly.
"Now now," said Kiyoko, "Let's not break Horio's happy little bubble." But now there was trouble. Horio's voice had carried to others and they were now looking at Horio. Just then a boy and girl walked to Rei and the first years with identical scowls on their faces.
"Hey," said the girl, "Are you that Seigaku first year, Echizen Ryoma?"
"So what if he is?" asked Rei stepping forward knowing that it was her responsibility as a second year to take care of the younger members.
"Um, Rei," began Yuki not wanting her to start something.
"Then how about we have a match," said the boy not paying attention to Yuki.
"A match? " cried Horio aloud.
"Guys," said Kiyoko in a warning tone.
"Fine," said Rei, "Me and Ryoma against you losers." The team looked surprised before they glared at each other. All except for Horio who was panicking because he would be making a fool of himself. Now Horio, Rei, and the two third years who had challenged them were on the court. Yuki and Kiyoko overheard a conversation some people were saying:
"Hey Did you hear?"
"What?"
"That famous first year from Seigaku and the team manager are going against third years in a doubles match "
"Really? Let's go "
"Oh man," said Yuki, "This is not good." Kiyoko now gave up.
"Oh well," said Kiyoko, "Let Rei enjoy herself. You know she won't be able to play any games today."
"Right," said Yuki. They went to watch with the other first years. Horio was panicking on the court and Rei was calm as she stretched. Now the other team went to serve. They looked very confident of themselves. Rei only kept her eyes on the ball. She hoped that this would be a challenge. The girl served to Horio who stood frozen as Rei ran to him and returned. The boy shot it back to Rei's court and she ran to the other side to return.
"Hey, Rei's doing all the work," said Mizuno.
"What do you expect?" asked Kiyoko dryly, "We're talking about Horio here." Just then Ryoma, who had just arrived, caught her eye. "Ryoma You are so dead." She went to the boy and was just about to go onto a rant when she saw trouble on the court. Horio was doing more bad than good. The opponents had figured out that Horio wouldn't be able to do anything and began returning to him. Horio froze and Rei couldn't make him move so that she could return.
"Horio " shouted Rei, "If you're not going to play then move it." Horio just stayed there frozen. Now Rei was getting furious that the other team had won a game against her. She shot her demon serve and won the next game and it was the other team's serve again. This would decide everything. They had only decided to play three games. The score was 30-15 and Rei was leading. At another shot it was deuce. Rei scored again and again and won the game.
"Yes " cheered Yuki and the first years. Now Kiyoko turned her attention back to Ryoma.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "I can't believe you overslept. Why is it that you do this before every game? There's always some reason you make me furious on tournament days." Ryoma just took the lecture and smiled when Kiyoko was done. Kiyoko grumbled about Ryoma being a smart aleck. Ryoma just smiled.
"Isn't that why you like me?" asked Ryoma before walking to Tezuka so that he could sign in. Now the first years had gotten together. Yuki noticed someone watching Fuji and saw two boys there. One was looking very hard at Fuji who just smiled. Yuki knew that the older boy knew and she walked to him.
"Who is he?" asked Yuki curiously.
"Yuuta," said Fuji, "My brother."
"Honto?" asked Yuki before smiling, "Let's talk to him." She had wondered who he was. After what Momo had said in the beginning, she knew that she wanted to make friends with him. She had even gotten a present for him. Although now he looked somewhat scary. Fuji and Yuuta were definitely related. The first school games began and Seigaku defeated its enemy easily. There was one point of interest. Tezuka was now playing. The first years and others who had not seen him play now have a chance.
"Finally," said Kachiro, "Now we can see Captain play." The opposite team served the ball. Tezuka was already there returning the ball with ease.
"Sugoi " cried Horio in awe, "His speed is so quick."
"Tezuka plays in the national level," said Rei to the boy, "Notice where he keeps hitting the ball." The first years looked at the opposite court where there were dark spots where the ball kept hitting. It was all clustered in the same place. "It takes a lot of pinpoint accuracy and power to do this." Now Tezuka went to serve.
"Ha?" asked Mizuno aloud, "Tezuka-buchou is left-handed?" Soon the game ended with the score 6-0 and it was time for a break. The next school Seigaku was going against was Akiyama.
"Ganbatte Fuji-chan Taka-senpai " said Yuki when the two got on the court. Seigaku won the game but Rei and the other members were bothered by one thing.
"Fuji-senpai," said Rei as she handed him a towel, "It took you quite awhile to win over Akiyama. I heard they were supposed to be one of the weaker teams here."
"It looked like Akiyama knew their weaknesses, Rei," said Kiyoko thoughtfully. Seigaku won though Akiyama did win a few games against them. Something fishy was going on. How could a low level team like Akiyama be able to overcome one of the top seeds, Seigaku?
"Oh well," said Yuki absent mindedly, "There's no point worrying about that." She was cheerful now and was skipping along not being careful where she was going. Kiyoko was the first to see the impact.
"Yuki Watch out " called Kiyoko. It was too late. Yuki had run into a taller boy who smiled at Yuki. She looked at him and wasn't sure if the smile was friendly or not.
"Ah, gomen," said Yuki looking down.
"It's nothing," said the boy, "You're Aihara Yuki, right?" Yuki looked surprised before nodding.
"What's your name?" asked Yuki curiously.
"It's Hajime Mizuki," said Mizuki cheerfully, "I'm the team manager of St. Rudolph."
"St. Rudolph?" asked Yuki, "Isn't that Seigaku's next opponent?" Seigaku watched Yuki's and Mizuki's exchange.
"Yuki," said Fuji smiling at the girl as he walked to her. He glared at Mizuki. He knew that Mizuki was the one who had pulled Yuuta away from him. What was he trying to do with Yuki?
"Hello, Fuji," said Mizuki grinning at the boy.
"Do you now him Fuji?" asked Yuki curiously.
"Iie," said Fuji, "Let's go Yuki." Yuki nodded before realizing.
"Oh You must be on Fuji-chan's brother's team," said Yuki, "Sugoi How is he? What's he really like? Is he nice? What's his favorite food?" She kept mouthing questions to the boy as Fuji brought her away.
"Yuki," said Fuji, "We have to look for the others. Our match against St. Rudolph starts in a few minutes." The two ran to look for Ryoma and the others when Yuki ran into another person.
"Ouch," whined the girl. She was just way too out there today. This wasn't good. She had to be ready for anything.
"Are you all right?" asked a girl worriedly. She had dark blue hair and a worried expression on her face.
"Yeah," said Yuki absentmindedly.
"Hey You're from Seigaku right?" asked the girl, "My name's Kisarazu Taki. My brother and I are on St. Rudolph's team."
"Honto?" asked Yuki, "Wow, we play you next."
"Hai," said Taki, "Well, I'll see you later." Yuki waved before catching up to Fuji.
"I seem to be running into a lot of St. Rudolph kids today," said Yuki, "Now the only person I need to bump into is Fuji-chan's brother..."
"They seem to have improved," mused Rei as she watched Fudoumine play.
"Who cares?" asked Kiyoko absent mindedly, "We're not playing them today so it doesn't matter."
"Baka," said Rei, "We know they're good so we can't just ignore them. They'll catch up to us eventually."
"Ryoma " cried Kiyoko looking to the boy for comfort. Now Shinji and Kamio walked to them having just finished their game.
"Hey, Ryoma," said Momo having appeared also, "We should get to our match soon."
"Hai," said Ryoma coolly.
"Momo " said Kamio in surprise but smiling, "where's Viper?" Momo shrugged.
"Who cares," said Momo, "I have nothing to do with him."
"Echizen," said Shinji to the boy, "How's the grip tape? I really wanted that one. I think I should have gotten it but..." Ryoma only half listened to the boy's mumblings.
"Wow " said Yuki running to the group, "It looks like everyone's here Momo-senpai, Ryoma, Kiyoko, Rei, Kamio, Shinji, and that redhead Kiyoko saw at school a few weeks ago."
"He? " said the group in surprise before turning to a boy with messy orange hair. He smiled at the group.
"Ah," said Ryoma remembering, "you are the one I hit." Kiyoko suddenly remembered him too.
~flashback~
"Ryoma " called Kiyoko, "We're going to be late for practice I can't believe it had to be today that we had library duty." Just then they stopped when they saw an orange-haired boy walking around. "Excuse me What are you doing at out school?" asked Kiyoko curiously. Ryoma was now on his way to practice when something stopped him. Sakuno and Tomoka were playing with a device with a string and a tennis ball that came back to you after you hit it.
"Ryoma-sama " said Tomo just noticing him, "Would you like to see Sakuno's new toy? It comes back to you after you hit it." Ryoma took out his tennis racket and began hitting the ball. Kiyoko now forgot the boy and was fuming at how Ryoma was paying attention to the other girls. The boy who had come before grinned as he stood directly in front of the ball. He was clearly in the direction Ryoma kept hitting but the ball was only hitting within a cm where he stood.
"What the hell is that guy doing?" asked Kiyoko as she stood to watch Ryoma and the boy.
"Nice stroke," commented the boy, "You just need to turn the wrist more if you want to hit me." Ryoma grinned amusedly and tried what he said. "Wa " exclaimed the boy as the ball hit him square in the face. He landed on the floor with swirls in his eyes.
"Thanks for the advice," said Ryoma.
"Baka " said Kiyoko, "Don't hit players from other schools? "
~end of flashback~
Yuki had laughed hysterically when Kiyoko had told her what had happened. The boy blushed before grinning again.
"How lucky that we meet again," said the boy, "I am Kiyosumi Sengoku, vice-captain of Yamabuki Junior High."
"Boring," said Kiyoko after he had spoken, "C'mon, we have to get back for our game."
"Hey Come back here " cried Sengoku clearly offended as everyone moved away from him." Now the rest of the Seigaku members gathered around Inui who had the information for the next order.
"Mixed Doubles 2, Echizen and Kiyoko," said Inui as he began reading aloud, "Mixed Doubles 1, Yuki and Fuji. Doubles 2, Momo and Kaidoh. Doubles 1, Eiji and Oishi. Singles 3, Echizen. Singles 2, Fuji. Singles 1, Takashi."
"Eh? " exclaimed Momo and Kaidoh in surprise when they had finally registered that they were playing doubles together.
"Oh," said Rei now thinking, "I just remembered what Inui-senpai said one time about them. They were supposed to have been rivals last year in everything they did. They were both really determined to be the best in their year."
"Kawaii," said Kiyoko thinking of Momo's and Kaidoh's rivalry as more of a game instead of the ripping-each-other's-guts off thing it really was.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma, "It's time for our game."
"Hai," said Kiyoko following the boy into the court.
"Ganbatte Kiyoko Ryoma " said Yuki cheerfully.
"Yuki, Fuji," said Tezuka, "Go warm up." Yuki looked sort of depressed that she wouldn't be able to see Kiyoko's game but she smiled and nodded happy to go with Fuji.
"Hm," said Rei, "Kiyoko and Ryoma are going against third years. Isn't one of them the captain?"
"Hai," said Inui, "Akazawa Yoshirou. He's also playing Doubles 1 against Oishi and Eiji."
"Are they looking down on us?" asked Horio, "To use the same player within such a close time gap."
"Iie," said Rei, "Usually most schools use their doubles player with the mixed doubles because they have more experience in the category. Tezuka, I'm surprised that you put Kiyoko with Ryoma. He's more for singles. Then again, Ryoma does share the closest bond with Kiyoko." Soon the game started. Kiyoko turned to Ryoma.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "Please don't use any of your special moves." Ryoma raised an eyebrow. "I mean no showing you can play tennis with both hands or Twist Serve or anything else. Use your right hand no matter what. Win or Lose." Ryoma looked at Kiyoko's determined gaze and shrugged before nothing.
"Do what you want," said Ryoma. Kiyoko smiled and hugged him.
"Arigato," said Kiyoko before turning to the opponent.
"Hey," said the girl scowling, "Can we get back to the game? "You better make this exciting first years."
"Mika," said the captain, Akazawa, "Don't underestimate them."
"Hai, hai," said Maki yawning. It was currently Mika's serve. She tossed the ball up and served. It sped by a surprised Kiyoko.
"That was a fast serve," commented Takashi.
"Hm," said Kiyoko thoughtfully as Mika went to serve again.
"30-love," said the ref. after Mika's next serve. Kiyoko didn't seem bothered by it as Mika won the service. The score was 1 game to 0.
"Hmph," said Mika displeased, "These guys aren't great at all, Akazawa."
"You can leave this to me Ryoma," said Kiyoko smiling, "I've already gotten used to her rhythm."
"Hai," said Ryoma yawning. Kiyoko served her super fast Ace Serve. Mika was slightly surprised.
"Just because it's fast, it doesn't mean we can't return it," said Mika as Akazawa returned the ball. Kiyoko ran to the net and smashed it to the other side.
"15-love "
"Here comes another one," said Kiyoko serving the ball, "I won't let you win this round." She served and won the next two games. The score was now 3 games to 1. Now Akazawa was on the move. He kept returning all the balls but for some reason Kiyoko felt strange. The next time she went to return the ball she had swung the racket into thin air. "Huh?"
"What happened to Kiyoko?" asked Kachiro, "Didn't she see the ball?"
"Hm," mused Rei, "I think there's something wrong with Kiyoko. Akazawa probably did something." Kiyoko missed the ball three more times and St. Rudolph won the game.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma going to the girl.
"Hai?" asked the girl.
"This is a doubles game," said Ryoma. He only stated the fact but Kiyoko's eyes widened. She smiled at Ryoma gratefully.
"Thanks Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "You're right." There was a five minute break and Rei called Kiyoko.
"Use the thing Yuki gave you," suggested Rei, "I think it really will help." Kiyoko shrugged and opened the pouch and took out the message. She smiled suddenly.
"Huh?" asked Horio aloud, "Why's Kiyoko smiling?"
"You'll see," said Rei. Kiyoko began loosening her muscles as she went back to the court. "I knew that idiot would write that." Ryoma picked up the message Kiyoko had dropped: USE YOU-KNOW-WHAT. Kiyoko swung her racket back and forth as the match started. It was Kiyoko's turn to serve. She tossed the ball high in a peculiar way no one had seen before and had done something as she hit the racket. Mika was about to return the ball when the audience thought they saw the ball dance out of the way and twirl to the floor.
"What was that? " asked Kachiro surprised.
"Dancing Dragon Serve," said Rei, "These guys must be pretty strong if Kiyoko has to use this serve. Ryuzaki-sense looked to the other bench on the court where Mizuki sat. He smiled the same smile even though his team was losing. Kiyoko felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko hiding behind the boy, "He's scary."
"Baka," said Ryoma. Suddenly, Tomoko, Sakuno's friend, appeared out of nowhere and shouted at Kiyoko from behind the nets.
"Kiyoko " said Tomoko, "Don't go so close to Ryoma-sama."
"Tomo-chan," said Sakuno in the background trying to warn her. Just then, two reporters, Inoue and Shiba came running to them. Shiba was panting.
"Has it started already?" asked Shiba as she gasped for breath.
"Shiba I told you to take your car to the repair shop," said Inoue angrily at the younger girl.
"Gomen, gomen," said Shiba to the older man before she began taking pictures of Ryoma's and Kiyoko's game. Kiyoko served another serve and won the next game so that it was 4-2. Now Kiyoko let Ryoma take the limelight. He won their next game since Mika and Akazawa were not used to his movements.
"Senpai " called Kiyoko from her court, "I will prove to you that age doesn't matter when we play tennis." She served the next ball and they won the game.
"Fuji-senpai," said Yuki while the two warmed up, "How come you're so uptight with Mizuki-senpai? And why is Yuuta cold to you? Why?" Fuji stopped the practice suddenly and went to the vending machines nearby and got a drink. He handed it to Yuki and the two sat down. Meanwhile, they heard cheers from where Ryoma and Kiyoko were playing.
"Yuuta," began Fuji after a moment, "He dropped out of Seigaku a few weeks after enrollment. He said that he refused to be in my shadow. Back then, we always played together but now all he's bent on doing is defeating me. I want our relationship to go back to the way it was but he won't listen to me. Mizuki has changed him completely. I wish he'd come back." Now Yuki looked horrified as Fuji talked on the bench.
"Fuji-chan," began Yuki suddenly in front of the boy sitting cross- legged on the ground so that she held his stare, "If there's something you want to tell me, I'm willing to listen. You must be going through a hard time now, what with Yuuta-san deaf to your wants. And I don't even want to think about the public. Incest is bad enough, but with another man nonetheless." Fuji had question marks all around him as Yuki talked. The first year trio soon came running to Fuji and Yuki stopping Yuki's ranting.
"Fuji-senpai Yuki-san " said Kachiro, "Kiyoko and Ryoma just won their game and you're up next."
"Hai," said Fuji as he and Yuki got their things. Yuki put a comforting hand on the still confused Fuji's shoulder as they made their way. Before the game started Yuki brought Rei and Kiyoko aside.
"What's up?" asked Rei, "You're supposed to be playing soon."
"Guys," said Yuki, "I think I like Fuji."
"That's great and all but why are you telling us now?" asked Kiyoko. Yuki fiddled with her fingers before beginning.
"Well," began Yuki, "I do like him but I'd hate to ruin his love."
"What are you talking about?" asked Kiyoko, "I don't remember Fuji ever liking someone?"
"That's because he doesn't go to our school," said Yuki, "He loves his brother and I know it's incest but can I really ruin a love that's been there for years? Plus, I never knew Fuji had those kinds of preferences. Do I even have a chance with him?" After awhile, Fuji called Yuki to him and she nodded before joining him. When she was gone, Rei and Kiyoko broke into fits of laughter.
"Oh God," said Kiyoko as she laughed, "This is just classic Yuki."
"She thinks Fuji wants to commit incest with his brother and prefers guys?" asked Rei aloud, "Maybe she really is stupider than I thought." They laughed as the game started. Yuki was surprised to see her opponent.
"Kisarazu Taki," said Yuki. Taki smiled at Yuki cheerfully.
"Good," said Taki pleased, "You remembered my name." Her dark eyes flashed before making room for a person who looked like her male counterpart. "May I have the pleasure of introducing my younger twin brother, Kisarazu Atsushi?"
"Ka-kawaii " gushed Kiyoko from the sidelines as she looked at Atsushi.
"Eh? " exclaimed Seigaku surprised at her sudden outburst. Did Kiyoko really like this guy? Ryoma looked visibly displeased until Kiyoko continued.
"That bandana is so cute " said Kiyoko jumping up and down as she gazed admiringly at Atsushi's red scarf. It tied around his forehead and went under his dark hair. He did look cute nonetheless. "Wow "
"Baka " said Ryoma ruffling the girl's hair.
"Ryoma " whined Kiyoko before grinning.
"Nice to meet you," said Yuki smiling at Taki and Atsushi, "I hope this will be a good game." Atsushi gave the girl a strange look before Taki laughed at him and began patting him on the back.
"You'll have to forgive Atsushi," said Taki, "He's the quieter twin." Yuki nodded having been there.
"Yeah, Reika was always the noisier between the two of us," said Yuki. Taki looked surprised before smiling warmly.
"You're a twin " said Taki pointing out the obvious. She was about to continue when the ref. called to them.
"It's time to begin the game," said the referee to the four. Yuki looked surprised before nodding and going to serve. She had forgotten that they were in the middle of a game. She shook her head. She couldn't be distracted by the girl. She bounced the ball before tossing it up and hurtling the Hurricane Serve at the other team. Taki raised an eyebrow in surprise. "5-love " Mizuki smiled.
"Is that her famous Hurricane Serve, Ryuzaki-sensei?" asked Mizuki with mild curiousity.
"Hai," said Ryuzaki calmly though she was wondering where he had gotten the information.
"This will certainly be an interesting match," said Mizuki. Ryuzaki looked at him and tried to look past Mizuki's unreadable face and found nothing. She sighed and looked back at the game. Yuki kept serving the Hurricane Serve and won the first game. Taki and Atsushi still stayed where they were having not moved at all as Yuki served. Fuji knew something was wrong. Taki went to serve next. She lobbed the ball to Yuki who returned it. Atsushi returned the ball and Fuji shot it back. Now Taki stood ready to make a super strong return. Yuki ran to the net and returned it with just as much force but it came out into a weak hit that Atsushi could easily return.
"Huh?" asked Yuki aloud, very confused.
"Rei," said Kiyoko, "I don't get it, didn't Yuki want to make that a strong hit?" Rei nodded.
"Taki did something to that ball," said Rei observing as the rally continued. Eiji and Ryoma were entranced by the ball.
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko out loud as she held her hand in front of Ryoma, "Yoohoo Ryoma " Her call went to unheard ears as Ryoma still looked at the ball with intense concentration.
"Eh? " said Eiji suddenly realizing what was wrong with the ball after it happened the second time, "Taki hits the ball strangely. The ball stops suddenly and does not turn right before Yuki-chan or Fuji are about to hit it." The Seigaku members' eyes widened in surprise.
"But how is that possible?" asked Horio incredulously. Now Kiyoko and Rei looked in the direction that Ryoma had been look at.
"Her hands have gloves," said Kiyoko in shock.
"And there's metal covering the handle of the racket," said Rei.
"Hm," said Inui as he scribbled on his book, "She swings underhand in a ninety degree angle continually and keeps the ball in her racket for an unusually long time. It seems that the ball loses much more momentum after it hits Taki's racket and almost stops spinning when it reaches to Fuji's and Yuki's side of the court."
"I see," said Rei now looking at Taki who had kept that confident grin on her face while the game crept on. St. Rudolph was now leading three games to one. "But doesn't it also mean that no matter how strong Yuki's serve is, it'll be immensely weaker when it gets to the other side so Atsushi and Taki could return the serve at a normal pace or slower?"
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko for the third time while also having millions of question marks around her.
"No matter how hard Yuki or Fuji hit," said Inui translating, "the ball will be much so weak that anyone could return it."
"Sugoi," said Eiji looking at Taki who won another game. Now Kiyoko understood some of it but her eyes widened at another fact.
"But," began Kiyoko slowly, "If there's no spin on the ball when it gets to Yuki's side, doesn't that mean Fuji-senpai can't return any of the balls?" Rei's eyes widened.
"Right," said Rei now scowling visibly, "Fuji-senpai's moves focus on centrifugal force and even if he made some spin to the ball, it still wouldn't have as large as an effect."
"Break " called the referee. Yuki clutched her racket tightly in frustration as she walked back to Ryuzaki-sensei's bench with Fuji. Fuji was now contemplating the problem and his face no longer held the same smile.
"Even now," said Yuki looking at her bruised and calloused hands, "even after all that hard work...I still can't accomplish anything." Suddenly Yuki's ears perked at a very familiar voice.
"Reika I told you we'd be late," said an annoyed voice. Yuki looked up and saw Rai, Kosuke, Keita, and Reika there (A/N: They're baaaaack ).
"What are you four doing here?" asked Rei looking at the foreigners.
"We wanted to see your game," said Reika. Rai looked displeased.
"Kiyoko " said Rai clinging to the girl, "Did onii-chan miss your game?" Kiyoko was freaked at his attitude so different from his old teasing one and Ryoma was seriously peeved at how close he was to Kiyoko.
"What's up with you?" asked Kiyoko trying to pull away, "Did you eat something strange for breakfast?" Kosuke grinned at Rei.
"Hey Rei," said Kosuke.
"Hi," said Rei coolly. Reika and Keita turned to Yuki and her game.
"YUKI " called the two before stopping at the expression on her face. She was still going through pressure because of the game. This only made her feel even more stressed. How could she lose now when they were all there to cheer her and Rei and Kiyoko on? Fuji put a light hand on Yuki's shoulder and going close to her ear.
"Don't worry about the others," said Fuji, "When we're in a game, it's just you, me, and the other school's team. I'll be there for you when we're on the court." Yuki looked surprised before a steely look took her eyes. She turned to Taki who was cheerfully chatting with Atsushi during the fifteen minute break which was nearly over.
"I won't lose," said Yuki loudly and almost casually to the pair, "I swear I won't lose." Taki looked at her surprised but expressionless now actually worried. Atsushi still remained the same. Yuki turned to the new visitors and smiled. "I promise I won't lose, especially for Mother's sake." Reika was the most shocked to her that.
"Yuki If you lose then I'll print off copies of your diary from last year and hand them out to everybody " threatened Reika. Yuki smiled slightly worried but now feeling much better. She couldn't possibly know Yuki owned a diary. Rei and Kiyoko went to Reika and pulled her aside.
"Do you really know where her diary is?" asked Rei. Reika nodded slyly.
"Call me later," said Reika. The three cousins grinned menacingly at each other while all the boys sweatdropped.
"Those guys really are related " Yuki pulled out a racket from her bag and the game continued.
"Fuji-chan," said Yuki walking to him, "I'll force the top spin to come out of the ball when Taki returns it." Fuji nodded not showing that he was unsure how she would do that. Yuki clutched her racket and now looked determined with her green eyes set in a steady gaze at the ball. Her racket didn't look it but it was much heavier than Taki's racket. The handles were also surrounded with metal but so was the rim, strings, and every other part not mentioned. Taki served and Fuji returned and soon the same pattern had emerged from before. Yuki let Fuji return all the balls. She was biding her time until Taki returned the strange ball. She didn't have long to wait and Yuki ran to the net and returned the ball aiming at Atsushi. He stood ready to return but was surprised when the racket flew out of his hand.
"15-love " said the ref. Yuki grinned at Atsushi and Taki.
"That won't work on me when I have this racket," said Yuki holding up the racket, "It's much heavier than Taki-san's racket." Taki looked surprised before laughing gently.
"How long will you last Yuki?" asked Taki losing her light tone, "You know you can't let Fuji-san waste his energy and you're already wiped from before." Yuki said nothing as she began swinging her racket.
"Don't worry about it " said Yuki smiling at Taki, "I'll manage. It's a lot better than all the other things I've been through." Now Taki finally got a good look at Yuki. It was as if she was finally seeing her for the first time rather than just as an opponent. Taki noticed her ragged but now strong body and grinned as she lost the bored look on her face. Atsushi looked at her surprised. He had rarely seen his sister challenged about something but when she was, she would do all she could to overcome it. Now things were getting interesting.
"I'll fight this out alone, Atsushi," said Taki sharply. Fuji was already two steps ahead of Yuki and pulled to the baseline ready to take over if she really was tired. Now the match was against Yuki and Taki and the real obstacle in Yuki's way was how to overcome the four games to two score. She closed her eyes and heaved a deep breath.
"Now we can see where Yuki's training finally went," said Kiyoko.
"Training?" asked Keita turning to the girl, "Is that why she's covered in bruises? I always warned her about keeping healthy but now she went over the edge. It would have been better if she really was in a fight That way she could get it all done in a few minutes."
"You thought she was in a fight? " asked Rei incredulously, "Does Yuki really look like someone who could fight an actual fight?"
"She always beat me up at home," piped Reika.
"Well, it's you," said Kiyoko as if it was obvious, "You're the girl that broke all her toys and then seduced her first crush because you pretended to be her."
"What? " exclaimed Rai and Kosuke at hearing that. This was certainly new.
"Hehe," said Reika sheepishly. Now Reika turned back to the game. It was all she could do to turn away again. She had never been interested in tennis as Yuki had been and now she felt some of the blood from her mother's side of the family begin to boil. Yuki seemed to be giving it her all as she returned with the large amount of force she needed in order to dent Taki's invincible returns. They showed no signs of backing down as sweat glistened down their bodies. Only one person kept popping up in her head. Her mother. Her wish. Yuki wanted to fulfill it with all her heart. Then the game ended and the ref. announced the result.
"6-5 Aihara-Syusuke pair wins "
"I am going to kill him " cried Kiyoko as she paced back and forth checking her watch continually. It was the day of the tournament and Ryoma was still not there. All the regulars were there except for Yuki and Ryoma. At least Yuki had said she would be there but Ryoma was still unaccounted for.
"We could get disqualified if Ryoma doesn't show," said Horio frantically.
"No duh genius," snapped Rei. She was losing patience and getting anxious while everyone was thinking of their own methods to pass the time. Just then Oishi came running to the group smiling.
"I just got a call from Ryoma," said Oishi. The members stood up expectantly.
"Well? Where is he?" asked Momo.
"He went to save a pregnant woman and he's coming from the hospital as we speak," said Oishi. Everyone sweatdropped. Obviously Oishi believed anything anyone said because he was the only one who didn't know that Ryoma was lying.
"I guess there's only one course of action," said Kiyoko standing up, "I have a plan."
"What is it Kiyoko-chan?" asked Momo going to the girl. Kiyoko grinned sneakily as she whispered the plan to Momo. The two stared as one to Horio who looked clueless at what plan Kiyoko had for him. The two moved closer to him and surrounded him. Horio's shouts could be heard in the billows of dust Kiyoko and Momo were stirring up. When the two had finished Eiji was the first to burst out laughing. Horio had been dressed up in the regular's uniform along with the hat.
"Now all we need is Yuki to show up and we can register," said Rei. Just then everyone could see Yuki running to them. She was smiling and she held up a bag in her hand. She was about to reach them when a boy had come up in front of her and was nearly about to crash into her when Yuki jumped up and landed just in front of them.
"I guess that training really helped," said Rei, "She must have increased her power significantly. Maybe I should try it out with Kiyoko." Rei grinned at Kiyoko just like Inui did when he was about to give someone some of his juice. Kiyoko felt shivers up her spine as she hid behind Ryoma. Finally the team got a good look at her wounds. It wasn't allowed to have stockings or jackets when you played so you couldn't hide anything. And Yuki knew that bandages made her look even more conspicuous. There were black and blue bruises on her arm from the pressure of the waterfall and her muscles were just beginning to stop swelling from all the work she had done. Her arms would have fallen of if it wasn't attached to the rest of Yuki's body. There were two places where the bruises were the worst which was at the wrist which had endured the most force. There were multiple scratches on her legs from when she had gone running and the twigs had gotten in her way. Her legs only felt horrible because of all the tension it had achieved from running. But Yuki looked at the bright side. The training had made her much stronger. It was only for one purpose and Yuki clutched her racket bag tightly. Inside was the key to helping her win the match. Now she grinned at the members. She knew that they knew and were pretending everything was all right and for that she was immensely grateful. Now she walked to the group.
"What took you so long?" asked Kiyoko annoyed. Yuki grinned and handed her a small necklace with Kiyoko's name on it. It was made of leather and there was a tiny slit in the middle where Yuki had put a message inside.
"Don't open it," warned Yuki, "This is only when you reach a dire danger during the match. Then you can read my message It'll work 100% " She grinned and passed the same thing to the other members with the only difference being the different names on the leather. She was only left with one more. "Hm? Where's Ryoma?" She looked around but Oishi repeated the message to her. "Really? That's so brave of him Wow "
"Baka," said Rei sweatdropping as she smacked the girl on the head. Now everyone went to register and Yuki laughed outloud when she saw Horio. Tezuka assigned the girls to stay with Horio before the match started.
"Hohoho," said Horio smugly, "Aren't I wonderful? It isn't coincidence that I was chosen to wear this jacket. It was only meant for Horio Satoshi with two years of tennis experience " Kachiro and Mizuno sweatdropped.
"But aren't you just wearing that so you could stand in for Ryoma- kun?" asked Kachiro. Horio's huge ego now deflated before he brightened.
"Oh well At least I am known as Echizen Ryoma " said Horio. Kiyoko patted Mizuno's and Kachiro's backs comfortingly.
"Now now," said Kiyoko, "Let's not break Horio's happy little bubble." But now there was trouble. Horio's voice had carried to others and they were now looking at Horio. Just then a boy and girl walked to Rei and the first years with identical scowls on their faces.
"Hey," said the girl, "Are you that Seigaku first year, Echizen Ryoma?"
"So what if he is?" asked Rei stepping forward knowing that it was her responsibility as a second year to take care of the younger members.
"Um, Rei," began Yuki not wanting her to start something.
"Then how about we have a match," said the boy not paying attention to Yuki.
"A match? " cried Horio aloud.
"Guys," said Kiyoko in a warning tone.
"Fine," said Rei, "Me and Ryoma against you losers." The team looked surprised before they glared at each other. All except for Horio who was panicking because he would be making a fool of himself. Now Horio, Rei, and the two third years who had challenged them were on the court. Yuki and Kiyoko overheard a conversation some people were saying:
"Hey Did you hear?"
"What?"
"That famous first year from Seigaku and the team manager are going against third years in a doubles match "
"Really? Let's go "
"Oh man," said Yuki, "This is not good." Kiyoko now gave up.
"Oh well," said Kiyoko, "Let Rei enjoy herself. You know she won't be able to play any games today."
"Right," said Yuki. They went to watch with the other first years. Horio was panicking on the court and Rei was calm as she stretched. Now the other team went to serve. They looked very confident of themselves. Rei only kept her eyes on the ball. She hoped that this would be a challenge. The girl served to Horio who stood frozen as Rei ran to him and returned. The boy shot it back to Rei's court and she ran to the other side to return.
"Hey, Rei's doing all the work," said Mizuno.
"What do you expect?" asked Kiyoko dryly, "We're talking about Horio here." Just then Ryoma, who had just arrived, caught her eye. "Ryoma You are so dead." She went to the boy and was just about to go onto a rant when she saw trouble on the court. Horio was doing more bad than good. The opponents had figured out that Horio wouldn't be able to do anything and began returning to him. Horio froze and Rei couldn't make him move so that she could return.
"Horio " shouted Rei, "If you're not going to play then move it." Horio just stayed there frozen. Now Rei was getting furious that the other team had won a game against her. She shot her demon serve and won the next game and it was the other team's serve again. This would decide everything. They had only decided to play three games. The score was 30-15 and Rei was leading. At another shot it was deuce. Rei scored again and again and won the game.
"Yes " cheered Yuki and the first years. Now Kiyoko turned her attention back to Ryoma.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "I can't believe you overslept. Why is it that you do this before every game? There's always some reason you make me furious on tournament days." Ryoma just took the lecture and smiled when Kiyoko was done. Kiyoko grumbled about Ryoma being a smart aleck. Ryoma just smiled.
"Isn't that why you like me?" asked Ryoma before walking to Tezuka so that he could sign in. Now the first years had gotten together. Yuki noticed someone watching Fuji and saw two boys there. One was looking very hard at Fuji who just smiled. Yuki knew that the older boy knew and she walked to him.
"Who is he?" asked Yuki curiously.
"Yuuta," said Fuji, "My brother."
"Honto?" asked Yuki before smiling, "Let's talk to him." She had wondered who he was. After what Momo had said in the beginning, she knew that she wanted to make friends with him. She had even gotten a present for him. Although now he looked somewhat scary. Fuji and Yuuta were definitely related. The first school games began and Seigaku defeated its enemy easily. There was one point of interest. Tezuka was now playing. The first years and others who had not seen him play now have a chance.
"Finally," said Kachiro, "Now we can see Captain play." The opposite team served the ball. Tezuka was already there returning the ball with ease.
"Sugoi " cried Horio in awe, "His speed is so quick."
"Tezuka plays in the national level," said Rei to the boy, "Notice where he keeps hitting the ball." The first years looked at the opposite court where there were dark spots where the ball kept hitting. It was all clustered in the same place. "It takes a lot of pinpoint accuracy and power to do this." Now Tezuka went to serve.
"Ha?" asked Mizuno aloud, "Tezuka-buchou is left-handed?" Soon the game ended with the score 6-0 and it was time for a break. The next school Seigaku was going against was Akiyama.
"Ganbatte Fuji-chan Taka-senpai " said Yuki when the two got on the court. Seigaku won the game but Rei and the other members were bothered by one thing.
"Fuji-senpai," said Rei as she handed him a towel, "It took you quite awhile to win over Akiyama. I heard they were supposed to be one of the weaker teams here."
"It looked like Akiyama knew their weaknesses, Rei," said Kiyoko thoughtfully. Seigaku won though Akiyama did win a few games against them. Something fishy was going on. How could a low level team like Akiyama be able to overcome one of the top seeds, Seigaku?
"Oh well," said Yuki absent mindedly, "There's no point worrying about that." She was cheerful now and was skipping along not being careful where she was going. Kiyoko was the first to see the impact.
"Yuki Watch out " called Kiyoko. It was too late. Yuki had run into a taller boy who smiled at Yuki. She looked at him and wasn't sure if the smile was friendly or not.
"Ah, gomen," said Yuki looking down.
"It's nothing," said the boy, "You're Aihara Yuki, right?" Yuki looked surprised before nodding.
"What's your name?" asked Yuki curiously.
"It's Hajime Mizuki," said Mizuki cheerfully, "I'm the team manager of St. Rudolph."
"St. Rudolph?" asked Yuki, "Isn't that Seigaku's next opponent?" Seigaku watched Yuki's and Mizuki's exchange.
"Yuki," said Fuji smiling at the girl as he walked to her. He glared at Mizuki. He knew that Mizuki was the one who had pulled Yuuta away from him. What was he trying to do with Yuki?
"Hello, Fuji," said Mizuki grinning at the boy.
"Do you now him Fuji?" asked Yuki curiously.
"Iie," said Fuji, "Let's go Yuki." Yuki nodded before realizing.
"Oh You must be on Fuji-chan's brother's team," said Yuki, "Sugoi How is he? What's he really like? Is he nice? What's his favorite food?" She kept mouthing questions to the boy as Fuji brought her away.
"Yuki," said Fuji, "We have to look for the others. Our match against St. Rudolph starts in a few minutes." The two ran to look for Ryoma and the others when Yuki ran into another person.
"Ouch," whined the girl. She was just way too out there today. This wasn't good. She had to be ready for anything.
"Are you all right?" asked a girl worriedly. She had dark blue hair and a worried expression on her face.
"Yeah," said Yuki absentmindedly.
"Hey You're from Seigaku right?" asked the girl, "My name's Kisarazu Taki. My brother and I are on St. Rudolph's team."
"Honto?" asked Yuki, "Wow, we play you next."
"Hai," said Taki, "Well, I'll see you later." Yuki waved before catching up to Fuji.
"I seem to be running into a lot of St. Rudolph kids today," said Yuki, "Now the only person I need to bump into is Fuji-chan's brother..."
"They seem to have improved," mused Rei as she watched Fudoumine play.
"Who cares?" asked Kiyoko absent mindedly, "We're not playing them today so it doesn't matter."
"Baka," said Rei, "We know they're good so we can't just ignore them. They'll catch up to us eventually."
"Ryoma " cried Kiyoko looking to the boy for comfort. Now Shinji and Kamio walked to them having just finished their game.
"Hey, Ryoma," said Momo having appeared also, "We should get to our match soon."
"Hai," said Ryoma coolly.
"Momo " said Kamio in surprise but smiling, "where's Viper?" Momo shrugged.
"Who cares," said Momo, "I have nothing to do with him."
"Echizen," said Shinji to the boy, "How's the grip tape? I really wanted that one. I think I should have gotten it but..." Ryoma only half listened to the boy's mumblings.
"Wow " said Yuki running to the group, "It looks like everyone's here Momo-senpai, Ryoma, Kiyoko, Rei, Kamio, Shinji, and that redhead Kiyoko saw at school a few weeks ago."
"He? " said the group in surprise before turning to a boy with messy orange hair. He smiled at the group.
"Ah," said Ryoma remembering, "you are the one I hit." Kiyoko suddenly remembered him too.
~flashback~
"Ryoma " called Kiyoko, "We're going to be late for practice I can't believe it had to be today that we had library duty." Just then they stopped when they saw an orange-haired boy walking around. "Excuse me What are you doing at out school?" asked Kiyoko curiously. Ryoma was now on his way to practice when something stopped him. Sakuno and Tomoka were playing with a device with a string and a tennis ball that came back to you after you hit it.
"Ryoma-sama " said Tomo just noticing him, "Would you like to see Sakuno's new toy? It comes back to you after you hit it." Ryoma took out his tennis racket and began hitting the ball. Kiyoko now forgot the boy and was fuming at how Ryoma was paying attention to the other girls. The boy who had come before grinned as he stood directly in front of the ball. He was clearly in the direction Ryoma kept hitting but the ball was only hitting within a cm where he stood.
"What the hell is that guy doing?" asked Kiyoko as she stood to watch Ryoma and the boy.
"Nice stroke," commented the boy, "You just need to turn the wrist more if you want to hit me." Ryoma grinned amusedly and tried what he said. "Wa " exclaimed the boy as the ball hit him square in the face. He landed on the floor with swirls in his eyes.
"Thanks for the advice," said Ryoma.
"Baka " said Kiyoko, "Don't hit players from other schools? "
~end of flashback~
Yuki had laughed hysterically when Kiyoko had told her what had happened. The boy blushed before grinning again.
"How lucky that we meet again," said the boy, "I am Kiyosumi Sengoku, vice-captain of Yamabuki Junior High."
"Boring," said Kiyoko after he had spoken, "C'mon, we have to get back for our game."
"Hey Come back here " cried Sengoku clearly offended as everyone moved away from him." Now the rest of the Seigaku members gathered around Inui who had the information for the next order.
"Mixed Doubles 2, Echizen and Kiyoko," said Inui as he began reading aloud, "Mixed Doubles 1, Yuki and Fuji. Doubles 2, Momo and Kaidoh. Doubles 1, Eiji and Oishi. Singles 3, Echizen. Singles 2, Fuji. Singles 1, Takashi."
"Eh? " exclaimed Momo and Kaidoh in surprise when they had finally registered that they were playing doubles together.
"Oh," said Rei now thinking, "I just remembered what Inui-senpai said one time about them. They were supposed to have been rivals last year in everything they did. They were both really determined to be the best in their year."
"Kawaii," said Kiyoko thinking of Momo's and Kaidoh's rivalry as more of a game instead of the ripping-each-other's-guts off thing it really was.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma, "It's time for our game."
"Hai," said Kiyoko following the boy into the court.
"Ganbatte Kiyoko Ryoma " said Yuki cheerfully.
"Yuki, Fuji," said Tezuka, "Go warm up." Yuki looked sort of depressed that she wouldn't be able to see Kiyoko's game but she smiled and nodded happy to go with Fuji.
"Hm," said Rei, "Kiyoko and Ryoma are going against third years. Isn't one of them the captain?"
"Hai," said Inui, "Akazawa Yoshirou. He's also playing Doubles 1 against Oishi and Eiji."
"Are they looking down on us?" asked Horio, "To use the same player within such a close time gap."
"Iie," said Rei, "Usually most schools use their doubles player with the mixed doubles because they have more experience in the category. Tezuka, I'm surprised that you put Kiyoko with Ryoma. He's more for singles. Then again, Ryoma does share the closest bond with Kiyoko." Soon the game started. Kiyoko turned to Ryoma.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "Please don't use any of your special moves." Ryoma raised an eyebrow. "I mean no showing you can play tennis with both hands or Twist Serve or anything else. Use your right hand no matter what. Win or Lose." Ryoma looked at Kiyoko's determined gaze and shrugged before nothing.
"Do what you want," said Ryoma. Kiyoko smiled and hugged him.
"Arigato," said Kiyoko before turning to the opponent.
"Hey," said the girl scowling, "Can we get back to the game? "You better make this exciting first years."
"Mika," said the captain, Akazawa, "Don't underestimate them."
"Hai, hai," said Maki yawning. It was currently Mika's serve. She tossed the ball up and served. It sped by a surprised Kiyoko.
"That was a fast serve," commented Takashi.
"Hm," said Kiyoko thoughtfully as Mika went to serve again.
"30-love," said the ref. after Mika's next serve. Kiyoko didn't seem bothered by it as Mika won the service. The score was 1 game to 0.
"Hmph," said Mika displeased, "These guys aren't great at all, Akazawa."
"You can leave this to me Ryoma," said Kiyoko smiling, "I've already gotten used to her rhythm."
"Hai," said Ryoma yawning. Kiyoko served her super fast Ace Serve. Mika was slightly surprised.
"Just because it's fast, it doesn't mean we can't return it," said Mika as Akazawa returned the ball. Kiyoko ran to the net and smashed it to the other side.
"15-love "
"Here comes another one," said Kiyoko serving the ball, "I won't let you win this round." She served and won the next two games. The score was now 3 games to 1. Now Akazawa was on the move. He kept returning all the balls but for some reason Kiyoko felt strange. The next time she went to return the ball she had swung the racket into thin air. "Huh?"
"What happened to Kiyoko?" asked Kachiro, "Didn't she see the ball?"
"Hm," mused Rei, "I think there's something wrong with Kiyoko. Akazawa probably did something." Kiyoko missed the ball three more times and St. Rudolph won the game.
"Kiyoko," said Ryoma going to the girl.
"Hai?" asked the girl.
"This is a doubles game," said Ryoma. He only stated the fact but Kiyoko's eyes widened. She smiled at Ryoma gratefully.
"Thanks Ryoma," said Kiyoko, "You're right." There was a five minute break and Rei called Kiyoko.
"Use the thing Yuki gave you," suggested Rei, "I think it really will help." Kiyoko shrugged and opened the pouch and took out the message. She smiled suddenly.
"Huh?" asked Horio aloud, "Why's Kiyoko smiling?"
"You'll see," said Rei. Kiyoko began loosening her muscles as she went back to the court. "I knew that idiot would write that." Ryoma picked up the message Kiyoko had dropped: USE YOU-KNOW-WHAT. Kiyoko swung her racket back and forth as the match started. It was Kiyoko's turn to serve. She tossed the ball high in a peculiar way no one had seen before and had done something as she hit the racket. Mika was about to return the ball when the audience thought they saw the ball dance out of the way and twirl to the floor.
"What was that? " asked Kachiro surprised.
"Dancing Dragon Serve," said Rei, "These guys must be pretty strong if Kiyoko has to use this serve. Ryuzaki-sense looked to the other bench on the court where Mizuki sat. He smiled the same smile even though his team was losing. Kiyoko felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko hiding behind the boy, "He's scary."
"Baka," said Ryoma. Suddenly, Tomoko, Sakuno's friend, appeared out of nowhere and shouted at Kiyoko from behind the nets.
"Kiyoko " said Tomoko, "Don't go so close to Ryoma-sama."
"Tomo-chan," said Sakuno in the background trying to warn her. Just then, two reporters, Inoue and Shiba came running to them. Shiba was panting.
"Has it started already?" asked Shiba as she gasped for breath.
"Shiba I told you to take your car to the repair shop," said Inoue angrily at the younger girl.
"Gomen, gomen," said Shiba to the older man before she began taking pictures of Ryoma's and Kiyoko's game. Kiyoko served another serve and won the next game so that it was 4-2. Now Kiyoko let Ryoma take the limelight. He won their next game since Mika and Akazawa were not used to his movements.
"Senpai " called Kiyoko from her court, "I will prove to you that age doesn't matter when we play tennis." She served the next ball and they won the game.
"Fuji-senpai," said Yuki while the two warmed up, "How come you're so uptight with Mizuki-senpai? And why is Yuuta cold to you? Why?" Fuji stopped the practice suddenly and went to the vending machines nearby and got a drink. He handed it to Yuki and the two sat down. Meanwhile, they heard cheers from where Ryoma and Kiyoko were playing.
"Yuuta," began Fuji after a moment, "He dropped out of Seigaku a few weeks after enrollment. He said that he refused to be in my shadow. Back then, we always played together but now all he's bent on doing is defeating me. I want our relationship to go back to the way it was but he won't listen to me. Mizuki has changed him completely. I wish he'd come back." Now Yuki looked horrified as Fuji talked on the bench.
"Fuji-chan," began Yuki suddenly in front of the boy sitting cross- legged on the ground so that she held his stare, "If there's something you want to tell me, I'm willing to listen. You must be going through a hard time now, what with Yuuta-san deaf to your wants. And I don't even want to think about the public. Incest is bad enough, but with another man nonetheless." Fuji had question marks all around him as Yuki talked. The first year trio soon came running to Fuji and Yuki stopping Yuki's ranting.
"Fuji-senpai Yuki-san " said Kachiro, "Kiyoko and Ryoma just won their game and you're up next."
"Hai," said Fuji as he and Yuki got their things. Yuki put a comforting hand on the still confused Fuji's shoulder as they made their way. Before the game started Yuki brought Rei and Kiyoko aside.
"What's up?" asked Rei, "You're supposed to be playing soon."
"Guys," said Yuki, "I think I like Fuji."
"That's great and all but why are you telling us now?" asked Kiyoko. Yuki fiddled with her fingers before beginning.
"Well," began Yuki, "I do like him but I'd hate to ruin his love."
"What are you talking about?" asked Kiyoko, "I don't remember Fuji ever liking someone?"
"That's because he doesn't go to our school," said Yuki, "He loves his brother and I know it's incest but can I really ruin a love that's been there for years? Plus, I never knew Fuji had those kinds of preferences. Do I even have a chance with him?" After awhile, Fuji called Yuki to him and she nodded before joining him. When she was gone, Rei and Kiyoko broke into fits of laughter.
"Oh God," said Kiyoko as she laughed, "This is just classic Yuki."
"She thinks Fuji wants to commit incest with his brother and prefers guys?" asked Rei aloud, "Maybe she really is stupider than I thought." They laughed as the game started. Yuki was surprised to see her opponent.
"Kisarazu Taki," said Yuki. Taki smiled at Yuki cheerfully.
"Good," said Taki pleased, "You remembered my name." Her dark eyes flashed before making room for a person who looked like her male counterpart. "May I have the pleasure of introducing my younger twin brother, Kisarazu Atsushi?"
"Ka-kawaii " gushed Kiyoko from the sidelines as she looked at Atsushi.
"Eh? " exclaimed Seigaku surprised at her sudden outburst. Did Kiyoko really like this guy? Ryoma looked visibly displeased until Kiyoko continued.
"That bandana is so cute " said Kiyoko jumping up and down as she gazed admiringly at Atsushi's red scarf. It tied around his forehead and went under his dark hair. He did look cute nonetheless. "Wow "
"Baka " said Ryoma ruffling the girl's hair.
"Ryoma " whined Kiyoko before grinning.
"Nice to meet you," said Yuki smiling at Taki and Atsushi, "I hope this will be a good game." Atsushi gave the girl a strange look before Taki laughed at him and began patting him on the back.
"You'll have to forgive Atsushi," said Taki, "He's the quieter twin." Yuki nodded having been there.
"Yeah, Reika was always the noisier between the two of us," said Yuki. Taki looked surprised before smiling warmly.
"You're a twin " said Taki pointing out the obvious. She was about to continue when the ref. called to them.
"It's time to begin the game," said the referee to the four. Yuki looked surprised before nodding and going to serve. She had forgotten that they were in the middle of a game. She shook her head. She couldn't be distracted by the girl. She bounced the ball before tossing it up and hurtling the Hurricane Serve at the other team. Taki raised an eyebrow in surprise. "5-love " Mizuki smiled.
"Is that her famous Hurricane Serve, Ryuzaki-sensei?" asked Mizuki with mild curiousity.
"Hai," said Ryuzaki calmly though she was wondering where he had gotten the information.
"This will certainly be an interesting match," said Mizuki. Ryuzaki looked at him and tried to look past Mizuki's unreadable face and found nothing. She sighed and looked back at the game. Yuki kept serving the Hurricane Serve and won the first game. Taki and Atsushi still stayed where they were having not moved at all as Yuki served. Fuji knew something was wrong. Taki went to serve next. She lobbed the ball to Yuki who returned it. Atsushi returned the ball and Fuji shot it back. Now Taki stood ready to make a super strong return. Yuki ran to the net and returned it with just as much force but it came out into a weak hit that Atsushi could easily return.
"Huh?" asked Yuki aloud, very confused.
"Rei," said Kiyoko, "I don't get it, didn't Yuki want to make that a strong hit?" Rei nodded.
"Taki did something to that ball," said Rei observing as the rally continued. Eiji and Ryoma were entranced by the ball.
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko out loud as she held her hand in front of Ryoma, "Yoohoo Ryoma " Her call went to unheard ears as Ryoma still looked at the ball with intense concentration.
"Eh? " said Eiji suddenly realizing what was wrong with the ball after it happened the second time, "Taki hits the ball strangely. The ball stops suddenly and does not turn right before Yuki-chan or Fuji are about to hit it." The Seigaku members' eyes widened in surprise.
"But how is that possible?" asked Horio incredulously. Now Kiyoko and Rei looked in the direction that Ryoma had been look at.
"Her hands have gloves," said Kiyoko in shock.
"And there's metal covering the handle of the racket," said Rei.
"Hm," said Inui as he scribbled on his book, "She swings underhand in a ninety degree angle continually and keeps the ball in her racket for an unusually long time. It seems that the ball loses much more momentum after it hits Taki's racket and almost stops spinning when it reaches to Fuji's and Yuki's side of the court."
"I see," said Rei now looking at Taki who had kept that confident grin on her face while the game crept on. St. Rudolph was now leading three games to one. "But doesn't it also mean that no matter how strong Yuki's serve is, it'll be immensely weaker when it gets to the other side so Atsushi and Taki could return the serve at a normal pace or slower?"
"Huh?" asked Kiyoko for the third time while also having millions of question marks around her.
"No matter how hard Yuki or Fuji hit," said Inui translating, "the ball will be much so weak that anyone could return it."
"Sugoi," said Eiji looking at Taki who won another game. Now Kiyoko understood some of it but her eyes widened at another fact.
"But," began Kiyoko slowly, "If there's no spin on the ball when it gets to Yuki's side, doesn't that mean Fuji-senpai can't return any of the balls?" Rei's eyes widened.
"Right," said Rei now scowling visibly, "Fuji-senpai's moves focus on centrifugal force and even if he made some spin to the ball, it still wouldn't have as large as an effect."
"Break " called the referee. Yuki clutched her racket tightly in frustration as she walked back to Ryuzaki-sensei's bench with Fuji. Fuji was now contemplating the problem and his face no longer held the same smile.
"Even now," said Yuki looking at her bruised and calloused hands, "even after all that hard work...I still can't accomplish anything." Suddenly Yuki's ears perked at a very familiar voice.
"Reika I told you we'd be late," said an annoyed voice. Yuki looked up and saw Rai, Kosuke, Keita, and Reika there (A/N: They're baaaaack ).
"What are you four doing here?" asked Rei looking at the foreigners.
"We wanted to see your game," said Reika. Rai looked displeased.
"Kiyoko " said Rai clinging to the girl, "Did onii-chan miss your game?" Kiyoko was freaked at his attitude so different from his old teasing one and Ryoma was seriously peeved at how close he was to Kiyoko.
"What's up with you?" asked Kiyoko trying to pull away, "Did you eat something strange for breakfast?" Kosuke grinned at Rei.
"Hey Rei," said Kosuke.
"Hi," said Rei coolly. Reika and Keita turned to Yuki and her game.
"YUKI " called the two before stopping at the expression on her face. She was still going through pressure because of the game. This only made her feel even more stressed. How could she lose now when they were all there to cheer her and Rei and Kiyoko on? Fuji put a light hand on Yuki's shoulder and going close to her ear.
"Don't worry about the others," said Fuji, "When we're in a game, it's just you, me, and the other school's team. I'll be there for you when we're on the court." Yuki looked surprised before a steely look took her eyes. She turned to Taki who was cheerfully chatting with Atsushi during the fifteen minute break which was nearly over.
"I won't lose," said Yuki loudly and almost casually to the pair, "I swear I won't lose." Taki looked at her surprised but expressionless now actually worried. Atsushi still remained the same. Yuki turned to the new visitors and smiled. "I promise I won't lose, especially for Mother's sake." Reika was the most shocked to her that.
"Yuki If you lose then I'll print off copies of your diary from last year and hand them out to everybody " threatened Reika. Yuki smiled slightly worried but now feeling much better. She couldn't possibly know Yuki owned a diary. Rei and Kiyoko went to Reika and pulled her aside.
"Do you really know where her diary is?" asked Rei. Reika nodded slyly.
"Call me later," said Reika. The three cousins grinned menacingly at each other while all the boys sweatdropped.
"Those guys really are related " Yuki pulled out a racket from her bag and the game continued.
"Fuji-chan," said Yuki walking to him, "I'll force the top spin to come out of the ball when Taki returns it." Fuji nodded not showing that he was unsure how she would do that. Yuki clutched her racket and now looked determined with her green eyes set in a steady gaze at the ball. Her racket didn't look it but it was much heavier than Taki's racket. The handles were also surrounded with metal but so was the rim, strings, and every other part not mentioned. Taki served and Fuji returned and soon the same pattern had emerged from before. Yuki let Fuji return all the balls. She was biding her time until Taki returned the strange ball. She didn't have long to wait and Yuki ran to the net and returned the ball aiming at Atsushi. He stood ready to return but was surprised when the racket flew out of his hand.
"15-love " said the ref. Yuki grinned at Atsushi and Taki.
"That won't work on me when I have this racket," said Yuki holding up the racket, "It's much heavier than Taki-san's racket." Taki looked surprised before laughing gently.
"How long will you last Yuki?" asked Taki losing her light tone, "You know you can't let Fuji-san waste his energy and you're already wiped from before." Yuki said nothing as she began swinging her racket.
"Don't worry about it " said Yuki smiling at Taki, "I'll manage. It's a lot better than all the other things I've been through." Now Taki finally got a good look at Yuki. It was as if she was finally seeing her for the first time rather than just as an opponent. Taki noticed her ragged but now strong body and grinned as she lost the bored look on her face. Atsushi looked at her surprised. He had rarely seen his sister challenged about something but when she was, she would do all she could to overcome it. Now things were getting interesting.
"I'll fight this out alone, Atsushi," said Taki sharply. Fuji was already two steps ahead of Yuki and pulled to the baseline ready to take over if she really was tired. Now the match was against Yuki and Taki and the real obstacle in Yuki's way was how to overcome the four games to two score. She closed her eyes and heaved a deep breath.
"Now we can see where Yuki's training finally went," said Kiyoko.
"Training?" asked Keita turning to the girl, "Is that why she's covered in bruises? I always warned her about keeping healthy but now she went over the edge. It would have been better if she really was in a fight That way she could get it all done in a few minutes."
"You thought she was in a fight? " asked Rei incredulously, "Does Yuki really look like someone who could fight an actual fight?"
"She always beat me up at home," piped Reika.
"Well, it's you," said Kiyoko as if it was obvious, "You're the girl that broke all her toys and then seduced her first crush because you pretended to be her."
"What? " exclaimed Rai and Kosuke at hearing that. This was certainly new.
"Hehe," said Reika sheepishly. Now Reika turned back to the game. It was all she could do to turn away again. She had never been interested in tennis as Yuki had been and now she felt some of the blood from her mother's side of the family begin to boil. Yuki seemed to be giving it her all as she returned with the large amount of force she needed in order to dent Taki's invincible returns. They showed no signs of backing down as sweat glistened down their bodies. Only one person kept popping up in her head. Her mother. Her wish. Yuki wanted to fulfill it with all her heart. Then the game ended and the ref. announced the result.
"6-5 Aihara-Syusuke pair wins "
