Disclaimer: I certainly do NOT own any of the Slam Dunk characters. I'm just writing for fun and I don't make any profits out of my stories.

Chapter 1

By Ruby

Recollecting my past, I see many unexpected twists and turns. Seeing my two children laughing and playing along with their classmates, I can't help but wonder at the chain of events that shaped my life.

If you are wondering, my husband and I weren't on the best terms during high school. What can I say? I mean, I didn't even know him that well in the beginning. The team avoided speaking of him all together.

I first heard the name of Mitsui mentioned at the end of my freshmen year in high school, when I volunteered to bring drinks to the players as practice is getting longer and harsher. The team is definitely looking their best for the nationals, for the first time Sakuragi-kun and Rukawa-kun are actually working together.

I can't help but feel excitement surging as I made my way to the gym. Explanations? 1) I'm so lucky for being able to see Rukawa-kun during the break, especially without those fan girls around. 2) School is finally out. My parents went on a business trip to Kyoto and my brother is leaving for special practice at Nagoya tomorrow. I'll be staying with Fuji for a week starting tonight.

Fuji and I arranged to meet at the gate 8:30, we thought it would be nice to hang out for a movie with Matsui before going home.

Although it's getting a little dark, I had no problem of recognizing Fuji sitting by the bench. Waving, I called out to her.

"Evening Fuji!"

"Oh, hey Haruko. Ready to go?" She stood up.

"Yah," I nodded, running up to her "give me a minute, I just need to deliver these to the team." I held up the drinks. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Actually, why don't you meet me at the front door of the main building, I'm just going to use the restroom real fast."

"Ok, in a minute then!" I made my way to the gym.

"I'm sorry, Haruko…"

Not much new in the basketball team. The guys are having a practice game and Sakuragi-kun is in the same team as Rukawa-kun. As usual, Sakuragi-kun is hoping to perform some great moves while Rukawa-kun is doing is best to guard against my brother. It's so nice to see the two working together, well, if not unconsciously.

Uh oh, never mind. I can't believe Sakuragi-kun just dumped the whole basket of balls on Rukawa-kun when the latter person accidentally tripped him. Then again, that's way Sakuragi-kun keeps up the team spirit. The two ended in the corner, suspended from practice and glaring so hard that you can virtually see sparks blazing.

Placing the drinks on the chair, I accepted the nonchalant look from my brother, "will you and Fuji be able to get home on your own?"

"yeah," I nodded. Stealing a final glance at Rukawa-kun, I made my way out.

I wandered around the main building for Fuji, bumping face-first into a human wall.

Ouch, so when did we build a wall here. I fell back, rubbing my nose. Oh dear, lets hope it's still standing, there is something said about girls being beautiful with a straight nose.

I looked up to glare at the person who stood in my way, but the next thing I knew was being surrounded by what appears to be a gang. What the?!!

. "Akagi's sister right?" The leader I assume? walked up to me, smashing his cigarette under his feet and opening his mouth for a dangerous smile, revealing…well it appears that his front teeth retired early. Haruko, this is not funny!

"…" what should I say? Yes or no?

He took my silence for a yes and gave me a small laugh that sent chills all the way down my spine.

"Let me introduce myself. Mitsui from class 3C-1, I'm here are a here for a little 'greeting' with the basketball team."

Brushing away a strand of his long hair, he bent over me and held up my chin. "But since I couldn't well get into a fight in front of coach Anzai, I thought I'd have a little talk with you instead." Here comes that smirk again.

"W…what do you want with me?" I chocked.

"Well, why don't ya come with us for little stay, we promise to do a lot of things to your satisfaction. What do you say my dear."

I let out a deafening scream once his words registered in my mind. I pushed myself up to run, but a strong arm grabbed me by the waist before I can get far.

"Don't worry baby, nobody is around at this freaking hour of the day, and the basketball team is on the other side of the building."

"My friend is waiting for me; she'll be here at any minute!" I struggled.

"Ah…what's her name, Fuji is it? Haha…What a naïve girl you a…OUCH!"

Oh dear, I must have elbowed him really bad ...there… I was thrown onto the ground and I swear my knees are already swelling.

Ignoring the pain, I propped myself up and broke into a run. I took only two steps before bumping into another…wall.

I regretted my actions the instant I looked at the stoic face of one of his comrade, a burly guy with a single earring. I couldn't help but feel terrified as he raised his hand to hit me. All I could do was to brace myself for the impact.

"Hiro! Let me take care of this! I'll show this little bitch not to mess around with the wrong people!" I swirled around to see the Mitsui guy reaching out to grab me. He definitely looked like a devil with that livid face of his.

I was glued to the spot. The last thing I remember was him grabbing me by the hair and pressing a handkerchief to my nostrils. For some reason it made me extremely dizzy. It felt like the air took on some sort of acute property and edged straight into my heart. I could feel numbness spreading toward my finger tips and onto the end of every nerve.

Then it's all oblivion.

TBC...

Ok guys, please review and tell me what you think! Please don't be too harsh on me since it's only my second fic.

Till next time