I Turn To You: Chapter Three
Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or the yummy regulars.. boo hoo :(
Author's Notes: So, here's the third installment of the story. The regulars have just met Kari and now Kari starts school today with them. Chaos and fun is in store for all of them.
Once again, the lyrics before the story is "I Turn To You" by Christina Aguilera.
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And when I'm down you're there
Pushing me to the top
You're always there giving me all you've got
For a shield, from the storm
For a friend, for a love to keep me safe and warm
Kaidoh walked by his sister as they walked to school together. He was clearly annoyed and slightly embarrassed to be around her. "She is completely insane," Kaidoh thought to himself. No one in their right mind would wear that.
-flash back-
Kaidoh walked down to breakfast to see his sister showing her uniform to their mother.
"You're wearing that!" exclaimed Kaidoh, apparently perturbed by his sister's choice of clothing. "What happened to the school uniform?"
"The uniform? They didn't give me one yet, so I thought I'd make my own. Isn't that fun?" answered Kari.
"NO! What are you thinking? That's not the girls uniform!"
"But Kaoru-chan, it looks good on me!"
Kari was wearing what looked like the female version of the guys uniform. She had a white tank top and crisp white shirt over it, which looked like it belonged to Kaidoh, only half way buttoned up and the sleeves rolled up so it went just below the elbow, and a short black pleated skirt. To go with it, she's wearing stockings and penny loafers as well. She looked like a catholic school girl.
"That skirt is too short!"
Kari laughed at her brother's obvious overprotected-ness.
"Ne, Kaoru, I think it looks nice on your sister. Don't worry about it, the school will give Kari her own uniform. For now, let her have her fun," their mother said, trying to reason with Kaidoh.
"MOM! What is everyone going to think?"
"That you have the prettiest sister ever," Kari and their mother said in unison. They laughed at this and smiled at Kaidoh.
"Oh come on now, you know she looks pretty, just get going to school now, okay?" their mother instructed.
"Sweet! Let's go!" Kari exclaimed as she grabbed Kaidoh's arm and started to pull him out the door. Kaidoh barely had time to think and grabbed his things in a hurry almost forgetting his tennis stuff.
-end of flashback-
"Kari!" grunted Kaidoh.
"Hm? Did you say something Kaoru-chan?" asked Kari.
"Promise me, promise me that you'll wear the appropriate uniform tomorrow."
Kari laughed at this, "Ohohohoho, only if I get the uniform tomorrow, you never know, they'll be so inspired by my uniform, that they'll let me use it from now on."
Kaidoh sighed in complete defeat, there was no reasoning with her.
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All the regulars were waiting by the entrance gate, talking, and waiting for Kaidoh and Kari. It was as if they all turned around in unison and saw Kaidoh and Kari walking together towards the school. They saw Kaidoh looking down at the ground as he was walking. He looked defeated and completely annoyed. He had his hands in fists and was shaking his head. They all wondered why he looked so annoyed, but then they saw Kari.
"Woah, that's definitely not the girls uniform," they all thought to themselves quietly.
Kari was walking towards the school obviously showing off her uniform. To go with her obvious disdain of the school code, she had her hair down, which looked naturally wavy and soft.
"No wonder Kaidoh looks like that," the regulars all disclosed to themselves.
Everyone was looking at Kaidoh and Kari. Especially Kari. No one besides the tennis team had seen Kari, and now they were looking at her. What intrigued them most was why the scariest guy in the whole school walking to school with her.
Kaidoh was ready to beat anyone up who was looking at Kari too long. The guys were gawking, and as they passed, Kaidoh gave them one of his infamous "snake-like" glares as he hissed at them. Kari paid no attention to them or her silly brother. The girls were whispering, out of jealousy or admiration, one thing she knew, they were wishing that they dressed up as her. Kari made her way towards the regulars along with Kaidoh following her.
"Ohayo!" Kari greeted them warmly as if she did it everyday and this was their daily routine.
"O-hay-ohh," the regulars replied, stuttering a bit, still looking at her, trying not to gawk.
Fuji easily started a conversation, "Ne, Kari, you look wonderful, but that's not the girls uniform, isn't it?"
Kari smiled sweetly, "Nope, I thought I'd wear this instead. I think it looks better on me."
"You said you didn't have the girl's uniform!" exclaimed Kaidoh.
"Details, details, Kaoru-chan. It doesn't matter now, we're at school already," answered Kari.
"Kari," muttered Kaidoh.
"So, Kari, what class are you in? Are you in our class?" asked Momo.
"Hmmm, I don't know yet. The school office didn't tell me. Now I'm really curious," replied Kari.
"You should go check it out, nya!" said Eiji.
"I think I'll do that. Are you all in the same class?" asked Kari.
"Eiji, Inui, Tezuka and I are in the same class," responded Fuji. "Taka and Oishi are in another 3rd year class."
"Ohhh! Ne, Kaoru-chan, is Momo in your class?" asked Kari as she turned around to look her brother in the eyes.
"Fssshhhhh."
"Don't mind dear Kaoru-chan, he's a bit bitter right now. Come on aniki, it's my first day! Could you please be nice?"
"Fshhhhhh."
"Well, I should go to the main office and get my schedule. Kaoru-chan, can you please come with me? I don't know my way around yet."
"Sure Kari, let's go," said Kaidoh and started to pull her away from the school gate, more specifically from everyone's gawking eyes.
"Well, we'll see you later then you two. We should get to class as well," said Fuji.
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"What? You got to be kidding me? Are you sure Kari's not a second year like me? We're the same age."
"Aahahahah Kaoru-chan! I'm smarter that you!"
Kaidoh and Kari were in the main office getting Kari's schedule. According to her entrance exam, Kari was placed in the third year class instead of the second year classes.
"Well, according to Kaidoh-san's transcript and entrance exam, she is more than ready to be in the third year classes. Apparently, in Bartley, they prepared you very well and have helped you to exceed the expectations of the second year curriculum," explained the principal.
"In simpler terms dear Kaoru-chan, I'm smarter than you." Kari gave Kaidoh a little smile that said yes-I'm-joking-but-not-really-because-I-am-smarter-but-I-still-love-you.
"Fsshhhhh."
"Well, Kaidoh-san, it seems that you will be the 3rd year class C," explained the principal.
Kari gave the principal a little bow. "Thank you sensei, you've been very helpful. I think my brother can tell me where that is." Kari turned around to see Kaidoh in the middle of sighing out loud to his sister.
"Kaidoh-san?"
"Hmmmm… yes sensei?"
"Your uniform, I expect to see you in the appropriate one tomorrow. Understood?"
"Hai." Kari gave a mischievous smile At least you think it's the appropriate one, just wait til tomorrow to see what I did to the green uniform.
Kaidoh and Kari left the pricipal's office on their way towards the 3rd year hall. Kari felt so happy that she could sit in the 3rd year classes. Maybe she would be in Eiji-senpai or Oishi's classes. She wanted to use this opportunity to find out more about her brother. It had been so long, it felt like she no longer knew him. She wanted to know what he'd been up to since she left. In reality, his teammates knew more than she did. She knew Kaoru's past, but they knew him best since she left, especially Inui-kun. She wanted to know that Kaoru-chan.
"I'm so excited Kaoru-chan! Do you think any of your teammates will be in my class."
"Fssssshhhh. Most likely Kari."
"Ne, Kaoru, why do you hiss like that?" Kari always meant to ask. It's been bugging her. She wanted to know why he hissed like that. Everyone around him felt so natural about it, it didn't bother them at all.
"What do you mean?"
"That 'fssshhhh'. What is that?"
Kaidoh couldn't help but smile a little when his sister tried to hiss like him. "I don't know Kari, I just do it. It comes natural to me now. Ever since I perfected the 'Snake' and 'Boomerang Snake' it just seems appropriate."
"Snake! That sounds so cool Kaoru-chan! I want to see it… wait! Is that why Momo-chan calls you 'Mamushi'"
"Fssshhhh. He's just an idiot and never call me 'Mamushi' again."
Kari giggled, it felt so good to be back at home and with her brother. Her brother was so silly, getting overworked by a little nickname. He always had the ability to make her smile. She felt so much happier now.
"Well, here's the 3rd year, class C. If anyone gives you trouble, tell me. Okay?"
"Jeez Kaoru-chan. You make it sound like I'm a kindergartener on their first day of school. I'll be fine and I'm sure none of the other kids won't bite. If they do, I'll just stuff paste down their throats." Kari stuck her tongue out at her brother, and Kaidoh just sweatdropped.
"Bye Kari, come find me at lunch." Kari watched her brother walk away.
"Ok! Thanks!" Kari yelled down at the hall. She felt so excited, she was always up to new challenges.
Kari walked in, when she did, she noticed it wasn't a normal room with desks and a chalkboard. The room was a chemistry room filled with lab benches, flasks, sinks and little jars of solutions. When Kari walked into the door, it felt like everyone stopped what they were doing and started to stare, laugh, gossip and whisper. Kari didn't feel the slightest bit worried, she didn't pay attention to gossipers and such. If you made them know it bothered you, they would just do it more. Kari hated people who were in other people's businesses.
"Kari-chan!" Kari heared a high cheerful voice. "Yay! Eiji-kun's in my class!" Kari saw Eiji jumping up and down amidst the crowd of unfamiliar people trying to get her attention. When Kari first walked in, she didn't realize that in the far right corner stood four familiar people. Tezuka, Fuji, Inui and Eiji all saw her enter. Quite honestly, they were all puzzled, the second year hall was in the opposite end of the building.
"Okay class, now, now, settle down. We have a new student joining us, Kaidoh Kari. She's originally from America and was supposed to be in the 2nd year class, but since she's so bright, the principal decided to challenge her with the 3rd year curriculum. Now Kari, why don't you tell us something about yourself," asked the teacher.
Kari sweatdropped. Why did teachers always have to tell their students more than they needed to know. "Well, I'm 13 and I like chemistry and history. I went to school in America for a short time, and decided to finish my education here in Seigaku."
"Do you play any sports Kari?" asked the teacher. Obviously, he must have heard about Kaoru-chan and the tennis team. It was a complexing question that made her throat dry and mind reel. She did play tennis, but that's not all she does. She wanted her life in Tokyo to be more than tennis. All Kari's response was to give a little nod and walk towards the empty lab bench."
"Well, thank you Kari. Now, alright class, why don't you sort yourself into pairs and sit at a lab bench so we can begin class and start chemistry today."
While Kari was finding herself a lab bench and making herself comfortable on a stool, a tall dark haired guy seemed to be looking at her quite intently. Kari was taking out her notebook, when some guy slid in the seat right next to her. Kari felt his presence and turned around to face him to be polite.
"Ohayo" Kari said politely.
"Hello beautiful," the mysterious guy replied. Apparently, he was pretty full of himself, arrogant and believed he was the coolest guy to ever live. These kind of guys irritated Kari.
"Hi." Kari smiled sweetly and then turned around and tried to look for a pen.
"Well, well, well. Kaidoh Kari was it? I'm Seiji Haru."
"Nice to meet you." Kari didn't even look up, she was still pretending to find a pen in her bag.
"You know Kari-san." Kari winced at this. She didn't even give him permission to call her by her first name. "You're pretty lucky, most girls would die to have me as their chemistry partner." Seiji's hands started to brush her leg, on purpose.
"How is that lucky may I ask?"
"I'm the most popular boy ever, and since you're the prettiest girl here, you can be my partner."
"Wow, thank you for gracing me with your presence. I'm almost, sorta, not repulsed by you. But, you know what?"
"Hm?"
"If you don't get your greasy hands off my thigh Seiji-san, I'll have to pour hydrochloric acid on it and watch it burn a hole through your hand or I'll have my brother Kaidoh Kaoru rip them off for you. Your choice." Kari then gave him the most innocent smile ever.
"Your brother is Kaidoh Kaoru, the 2nd year?"
"Uhh, duh. So, if you'll excuse me, I think I just found my new chemistry partner." Kari slid of the stool and started to walk across the room towards Inui-kun leaving Seiji-san pretty confused.
"Inui-kun?" asked Kari sweetly.
"Hmmm…Ahh, Kari-san. Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Actually, yes. You can be my chemistry partner." With that said, Kari sat down on the stool next to him and opened her notebook waiting for the lecture to begin.
"Uhh-uhh-uhh Kari san?"
"Hmmm Inui-kun?"
"You'll be my chemistry partner?" Inui was seriously confused and dumbfounded. This was the first time this has ever happened. He never expected this to happen. None of his data had ever reflected something like this would happen. He was always content with being his own chemistry partner. He could handle the work himself, plus it gave him an opportunity to try to create some new Inui juices that he otherwise wouldn't have time for. But Kari asking, no not asking, stating that she be his partner was a bit perplexing. He didn't think he was ever this close to a girl, not just a girl, but a really pretty girl. He felt totally compelled to take out his notebook and jot down some figures, and he did.
Kari started to watch Inui pull out his little green notebook and wildly jotting down numbers and little notes. This made her smile. "He's so cute, writing in his little journal, I wonder what he's writing." Kari began to look around the room. Eiji was at the table to her right and Tezuka and Fuji was right behind Eiji's lab bench. Eiji gave her a big wave, Fuji had his serene smile on his face and Tezuka gave no sign of emotion whatsoever. Seiji-san was on the other side of the room chatting up some girl, but still looked her direction every so often to check if she was checking him out. "As if!" Kari thought to herself.
Class finally started and Kari was glad that her first class was chemistry. It was one of her favorite classes and she felt comfortable. She also found that Inui-kun was one of the smartest people that she ever had the pleasure of meeting. He was smart, kind, funny, sweet and handsome. She found his eyeglasses alluring and mysterious. "I wonder why he doesn't have a girlfriend, and why no one was his chemistry partner before." Kari couldn't help but smile at him. He was perfect, but for whom?
Inui-kun found Kari a very intelligent person, especially when it came to chemistry or science in general. "No wonder she's in the 3rd year classes, she really is smart." He found himself very comfortable around her, and he made her smile. She was determined and strong willed, like her brother. "Like her brother, Kaidoh…"
"Inui-kun?"
Inui was lost in thoughts and didn't hear Kari's question. "Hm?"
"Did you balance the equation yet? I just wanted to know if I did this redox reaction right. These electrons can be annoying." Kari gave a small laugh. She was so different from her brother but the similar at the same time. They are twins after all. Kaidoh had a warm smile, like Kari. Kaidoh on the other hand doesn't share it as freely as Kari does, but Inui knew it exists. Kari has a big heart and cares about people, Kaidoh has a soft side for people and does care even if it doesn't look it.
"Uh, yeah. There are five sulfates, five sulfites, three waters, and five protons."
"Hm.. okay…" Kari was looking down at her notebook, making corrections and erasing some wrong numbers.
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"Well that was fun! I'm glad that it's lunch time!" Kari said, stretching out her arms.
"Fun! Chemistry! You got to be kidding Kari!" exclaimed Eiji. "Chemistry was excruciating, I will never be able to balance equations!"
"Awww, Eiji, if you ever need help, I could always give you a hand," said Kari.
"Really?" exclaimed Eiji.
"Yeah, here's one right now," Kari started to clap for Eiji and cheering, "Gooo Eiji! You can do it!"
Eiji, Fuji and Kari started to laugh. Tezuka and Inui followed closely behind them.
"So, Kari, what do you think of the classes so far?"
"Well, Inui is a great partner, so I'm having no trouble in class so far. It's just some creep was bothering me earlier, some people can be so clueless."
"A CREEP!" Eiji yelled.
"Ahahahah, don't worry about it Eiji-kun, everything's settled. I don't think he'll be bothering anymore."
"Ohh, what did you do?" Fuji asked curiously.
"I threatened him with either acid to burn through his hands or Kaoru-chan to beat him up."
"Ohohoho! Good one Kari! Now let's find the others, I'm hungry," said Eiji.
They all headed towards the outdoors lunch area. They all brought their own bento or either bought something inside the cafeteria. They all spotted the rest of the regulars at a table underneath a table. Taka-san was talking with Echizen, and Oishi was trying to settle an argument between Momo and Kaidoh.
"Kaoru-chan!" yelled Kari.
Kaidoh turned away from the argument to see Kari walking towards him.
"Oh, Kari. How was your classes so far?"
"Good. Inui-kun is my partner in chemistry class."
"Sempai?" Kari could see Kaidoh blush a little bit.
"Hai. Inui-kun. He's so smart, I'm glad I asked him to be my partner. You're lucky to have such a nice teammate on your team Kaoru-chan."
"Uhh, yeah."
Kaoru-chan's response intrigued Kari. Was it just her or did he blush when she mentioned Inui-kun. Or maybe she was just imagining it all. After trying to read too much into her brother's actions, she tried to make conversation, but caught him looking at Inui-kun. "Interesting, very interesting." Her brother was a very passionate person. He was passionate about tennis, his family, and passionate about keeping to himself. There was only one person who could read into Kaidoh's mind, and that was Kari. Kari smiled inwardly to herself, completely happy with her little discovery. If only if she could figure out Inui-kun's feelings and maybe test out her little theory about Kaoru-chan's little crush. "Kawaii!"
"Let's eat lunch Kaoru-chan, I'm starving. Do you have the bento that mom made this morning?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, great! Let's eat underneath the tree, so we can have some shade."
"Uh, yeah Kari."
Kari lead the way under the tree. Kari leaned against the tree and waited for Kaidoh to sit against the great tree's trunk. Kari moved down the trunk and sat down next to Kaidoh. She then laid her head on his lap and laid down on the soft grass. "It has been so long since we ate lunch together like this." Kaidoh blushed a bit. It's been a long time since Kari laid her head on his lap. They used to sit under a tree like this and eat together when they were younger. Especially, after a nice game of tennis. After a long game, they would find a nice tree to eat underneath. Kaidoh would always sit first and Kari would lay her head down on his lap. Kaidoh would always pass the food to her and they would talk about everything and anything for hours. Kari's hair was much longer, wavier and lighter than it used to be. "She has grown up so much, it's been two years. I'm glad she came back, life felt empty since she's been gone, but now, it feels complete."
Everyone was watching the little scene of the brother and sister. Kari was talking animatedly about her day to Kaidoh. Kaidoh was listening and passing her some grapes as she talked. They looked so comfortable together, it was very rare to see Kaidoh so calm, serene, collected and smiling. He looked at peace when he sat with his sister for lunch.
The day seemed to pass very quickly and pleasantly. In history class, Kari sat next to Tezuka. In English, she partnered up with Fuji and she promised to sit next to Eiji during math so she can help him through the problems. Before she knew it, school was over and she was walking over to the tennis courts with Tezuka. Eiji and Fuji had to stay behind a bit to clean up the classroom. Kari offered to help, but they refused. They insisted that she walk over to the tennis courts with Tezuka.
Tezuka and Kari didn't talk much on their ways to the tennis court. Kari didn't know what to say. He just didn't seem the chatting type. She was usually good with small talk, but with Tezuka Kunimitsu, now matter how polite he was, you just felt like an idiot whenever you brought some trivial tidbit up.
"How long have you been playing?"
Tezuka's question stunned Kari. Was he actually starting the conversation?
"Let's see, I've been playing for four years. I started when Kaoru-chan started to play tennis as well."
"Did you like Bartley?" Kari really hoped this wasn't going where she thought it was going.
"Yes, I liked it very much." Kari said hesitantly, she didn't mean to , but it just came out that way.
"You sound hesitant."
"No, no. Don't get me wrong." There was an awkward silence and Kari didn't know what to say. "Ahh! Tezuka-kun! You meanie! I wasn't hesitant, your questions just got me off guard." Then, out of the blue, Kari gave Tezuka a little playful punch in the arm
Tezuka just looked bewildered, and Kari looked completely embarrassed. There was another awkward moment when they were just looking at each other, unsure what to say to each other. Thankfully, Kaidoh saw her and took her out of her misery of the awkward silence.
"Kari! Over here!" yelled Kaidoh.
Kari gave a little bow to Tezuka and walked off towards Kaidoh, leaving Tezuka to his thoughts. "Well, that was awkward…" Fuji suddenly appeared by Tezuka's side. Tezuka didn't even notice Fuji until the smaller one said something.
"Well, she's interesting, isn't she Tezuka."
"Hm."
"She's cute, ne?"
"Fuji."
"Don't you think so? Everyone else does, even I think she's beautiful."
"Fuji."
"Really, that little moment you had a little earlier, you two looked so cute in an awkward way, are you sure---"
"Fuji, 10 laps now."
Fuji gave a little laugh. "Okay, okay, I'm going."
Fuji started a light sprint around the tennis courts. No one could see it, but Fuji's beautiful sapphire eyes were shining. "Interesting. It seems that I have a little rival for the love of Tezuka."
Practice started and Fuji had finished his ten laps around the tennis courts. No one dared to question Tezuka for the fear of even more laps, or worse, Inui juice. While practice was commencing and the regulars were having practice matches, Kari was watching Kaoru-chan's practice match very carefully. Kaoru-chan was having a practice match with Eiji-kun. Kari watched carefully, taking mental notes on Kaoru-chan's form his shots. Kari was most interested in the 'Snake' and 'Boomerang Snake'. Kari walked around the court, watching Kaoru-chan's match at different angles.
Kaidoh saw what his sister was doing. "What a girl. She's still a tennis player no matter what she says." To satisfy her sister's curiosity he got in position to hit the 'Snake'. Kari was watching intently at the baseline of Eiji's side of the court. Kari watched her brother hit the 'Snake'. It was surely amazing. It was a refined version of the 'Buggy Whip Shot'. "Wow, he can certainly drive the ball at a great angle.". Kari then moved towards the middle of the court, waiting for another 'Snake'. Once again, her brother didn't fail to comply to her interest. Kaidoh was used to how Kari gathered her information. She was great at analyzing a visual representation of her opponent. She liked to see at different angles and different views when her opponents played. In a way, she was a female version of Inui-sempai without the little notebook. This little fact was a bit unnerving for Kaidoh.
Kari gave Kaidoh a little smile and continued to walk around the court to see Kaidoh's tennis game at different angles. She liked to see how he hit the 'Snake' in different views. She analyzed how he held his racket, and tried to determine how quickly he moved his racket, and how much he moved his wrist in order to hit the 'Snake'. This was her way of analyzing and reading her opponent.
The other regulars were watching Kari analyzing and observing the game between Eiji and Kaidoh. She certainly learned a lot by just watching. Kaidoh thought that Kari would want to see his perfect 'Boomerang Snake' and so he positioned himself for it. Kari watched him and his movements. "His stance is much different than when he hits the 'Snake'… now, what is dear Kaoru-chan up to?"
Kaidoh finally hit the Boomerang Snake, the around the pole shot. This certainly intrigued Kari. She had never seen anything like it before. She was thoroughly impressed. "Great job Kaidoh! That was so cool!" she exclaimed outloud.
The game finally ended, Kaidoh winning 6-4. Eiji and Kaidoh shook hands.
"Great job Kaidoh! Man, you're getting better and better," Eiji complimented.
"Sempai. Your acrobatic skills are still superb."
"Ahh, thanks Kaidoh." Eiji patted Kaidoh on the back and went to watch the practice match between Taka-san and Oishii.
"That was a great match Kaoru-chan!" Kari suddenly appeared by his side and complimented him.
"Ahh, thanks Kari."
Kari could see in the corner of her eye, a certain someone looking at Kaidoh. Actually he's been sneaking glances towards him during the whole match. "Inui-kun, really, just come over and congratulate him. I guess I have to push him."
"Inui-kun!" Kari yelled over to him. Inui walked over to the siblings. "Didn't Kaoru-chan do great? That Boomerang Snake was really impressive."
"Yes. It's improved 37 percent since I given him his training manual," explained Inui.
"Training manual?" asked Kari curiously.
"Fssshhh."
"I've given Kaidoh a training manual so he can perfect his Boomerang Snake, it looks like it's working. Although, Kaidoh, you should use your arm a bit more and lower your racket .38 cm to produce a better angle."
"Fsssshhh."
Kari silently left the two trying to give the two their own alone time.
"Boucho!" Kari instantly turned to Ryoma's call.
"Hmmmm, you answered to 'boucho'."
"Ohohoho, Ryoma-kun, you're so sneaky. Were you calling for me, or Tezuka?"
"You boucho."
"Hmm… you know you should call me Kari, ne? Tezuka is your boucho now, not me."
"You'll always be 'boucho' to me."
"You're stubborn, you know that Ryoma?"
"Why don't you play a match against me?"
"Ahaha, no."
"Mada mada dane."
"I don't have a racket."
"That doesn't matter."
"What? You want me to play with my bare hands Ryoma?"
"No boucho, use another person's racket."
"You know I don't play without my own racket."
"You know for a boucho, you're giving me a lot of meaningless excuses not to play tennis. Where's the Kari-boucho that I knew and annoyed?"
"Ryoma. I don't want to play this game or any game with you."
Then, out of the blue, Kaidoh spoke up, "Then play me Kari."
"Kaoru-chan…" Kari said surprised.
"Play me then Kari, I know you can't resist a challenge against your own brother."
"I don't have my racket."
"Here." Kaidoh tossed over a black racket with pink grip tape at Kari.
"Kaoru-chan! Where did my racket came from?"
"I brought it with me, for this occasion."
"You were planning this?"
"Fssshhh. Not really, just get on the court, okay?"
"Why?"
"Because I want to play like we used to do."
"Huh?"
"You do remember what tennis was like back then, don't you? Or has Bartley totally changed you?"
"No, of course not. Of course I'll play you."
'Or has Bartley totally changed you?' Those words kept ringing in Kari's ears. The more she heard it over and over again in her head, the more it seemed like the truth. "It's true. Bartley has changed me. But that's why I'm here, to remember what tennis really is, back when everything was simple and we were young."
Kari took her place at the baseline. Kari was an all-rounder, but she was a real aggressive baseliner.
"WHAAA? A girl going against Kaidoh-sempai?" yelled Horio-kun, a freshman. He yelled it so loud that everyone could hear.
"Ehh? A match between that girl and Kaidoh-sempai?" whispered many tennis members.
"Hmmm… mada mada dane," was Ryoma's only response.
"This should be interesting, ne Tezuka?" Fuji asked quietly.
"You can serve first Kaoru-chan, don't hold back, okay?" Kari yelled across the court.
"Fssshhhh." Kaidoh served pretty heavy and fast towards Kari. Kari stepped forward and easily returned it with a backhand.
"She returned it with her backhand?" asked Eiji, already entranced with the match.
"This would be very good data," and with that, Inui whipped out his notebook.
Kari and Kaidoh were having a good rally. Neither of them wanted to give up the first point. They rallied back and forth, until Kaidoh finished it with his Snake.
"Wow, it's much greater up close." Kari said outloud.
"Fsssshhhh." Kaidoh served again, and Kari returned it with her forehand.
"Kaoru-chan, you have a really good serve, it's improved a lot since last time."
"We were only eleven then Kari."
"I know, but still, it's an improvement."
Kaidoh positioned himself for another 'Snake' but Kari was ready this time. As Kaidoh hit the 'Snake', Kari moved forward to the left and positioned her racket low. Before the ball could bounce at a great angle, Kari hit it at Kaidoh's backhand forcing him to lob the ball high, then Kari took her chance, she jumped up ready to smash, leaned back and put all her strength in hitting the ball forward. The ball flew past Kaidoh and when it finally hit the court, it had little bounce, if nothing, none at all.
"Hm… 'Lunar Eclipse," Ryoma said.
"Lunar Eclipse? Is that what you said Ochibi?" asked Eiji.
"Hai. That's Kari's Lunar Eclipse. It's a hit that forces the opponent to hit a chance ball by aiming for their weaker side when they're not expecting it, in this case she hit a strong backhand towards Kaidoh when he was positioned for the right hand Snake, and then her smash, 'Lunar Eclipse' is a high smash where she leans her body back so she can use her whole body to hit the ball. The smash is a strong and fast smash aimed for the opponent's feet, so it' s harder to return. It's called Lunar Eclipse since she jumps so high, it looks like she's blocking the sun.
"Wow, the 'Lunar Eclipse', no wonder she's the boucho for the Bartley school of tennis" repeated Fuji.
"It finally feels like old times, playing like this, one on one. Neither one of us want to give up point after point. Kari has improved so much, that smash was unbelievable, I didn't expect someone so small can have such a powerful smash. Kari was always playful and liked to challenge herself with the most impossible moves, I shouldn't be that surprised, but I am." Kaidoh thoughtfully thought to himself, admiring his sister.
"15-15" Oishi yelled out from the referee's seat.
The game kept going back and forth, rally after rally, volley after volley. Both siblings fought for point after point.
"7 games to 6, game and match. Kaidoh Kari wins."
After the match, Kaidoh approached Kari handing over his water bottled to her. "You never really play me seriously, do you Kari?" asked Kaidoh.
"Hm? Now, what's the fun in that?" Kari replied while sipping up some water.
"Kari." Kaidoh sweatdropped at his sister's obvious lack of seriousness.
"Next time Kaoru-chan, pinky swear."
"Fssshhh." Yeah, it was certainly like old times.
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Author's Note: OMG! I am so sorry that this chapter is two weeks late! I really didn't mean for it to be this way. I was busy with school, distracted with other work, studying for tests and worst of all, I had some extreme writer's block. It took some sugar and rewatching of some special PoT episodes to get the wheels in my brain to start turning. I hope this chapter was okay. I made it especially long for those who have been waiting for so long.
Anyways, I really suck at the tennis game sequence, I'll try harder next time. The Lunar Eclipse is okay I guess. Some of you might think it's lame, I had no idea what to do with it. At first it was going to be like Oishi's Moon Volley, but then I was thinking of Sengoku's Kouho. Well, it turned out to be a smash. If you have any ideas for another tennis move and would like to share, let me know!
Any comments, edits, reviews are welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading ITTY!
