(This story makes reference to Genius 218 - 223)

Victory

I remember watching you play, seeing the drops of sweat gathering at your chin, and falling.

I remember seeing you grip at your shoulder, that steel determination in your eyes overshadowing the pain.

Then you picked up your racket and you continued on, and if my eyes didn't deceive me, you played better than ever.

"Hyoutei! Hyoutei!"

The crowds got louder, yet you played better, the best I had ever seen you play. I didn't understand why victory was so important to you. But a cry penetrated my thoughts then.

"Seigaku!"

I had turned around, and saw the blue and red flag of our school flying in the wind.

"Game! Kirihara, 4-3!"

"You're playing well for someone who can't see."

I hear Kirihara's voice, cynical, arrogant, with a hint of dark amusement. It is true that I can't see right now. But in my mind's eye I see your tennis, I understand what it is all about, finally.

I hear your every word. Why don't you play with all that you've got? Where is the real you hidden? I couldn't reply then, not even mutter a dismissive answer or smile the way I usually do at you, because I couldn't bear to disappoint you. We were in two different worlds. I just couldn't take winning or losing seriously like you do.

But now I run, I swing my racket, and I solidly return each ball Kirihara hits at me. I want nothing except to win. I cannot see you - you are not here even if I have my vision, but I know that far away you're thinking about this match, you're waiting to hear good news. You're watching me, and watching over me like you always do. And it doesn't matter if you're not really here, because in my mind I see you standing amongst the regulars, arms crossed before your chest, a perfectly calm expression hiding the storm underneath. You care, oh I know you do.

I can feel it, the self-created cage, the one you have always been trying to lead me out of, disappearing.

I see nothing except victory.

"Game! Fuji, 5-4!"

Kirihara is an excellent opponent. Stubborn and determined. Convicted. He reminds me of you, except he plays with aggressiveness and you play with grace. Nevertheless, if I win against him, I know I will reach higher. I can be closer to you.

"Game! Fuji, 7-5!"

I hear them shouting again. "Seigaku! Seigaku!" The first years comment about my playing without my vision, and I tell them no, it's because I can't see, that I've won.

Because I can't see, I see you and the path you lead.

I smile in a way I have never smiled before. This is victory.

And when I turn around and my vision returns, the first thing I see is the blue and red Seigaku flag in the wind.

-end-