Author's Note:

I don't want to spend forever on this movie, so I'll try to lessen the number of parts... There is so much more to come!

It was close to sunset when she arrived back at Nekoma High.

"Ah, Ai-senpai's back!" Inuoka's voice shouted when she opened the gymnasium doors.

The coaches glanced away from the match for a brief second. "Shibayama, why don't you go help her?" Coach Nekomata told the first-year in the warmup zone.

"Yes, sir!" The libero ran to her and took the bags from her hands.

Yachi also jogged over from Karasuno's side of the gym.

"Thank you, Yūki." Ai turned to the blonde before following him back to Nekoma's team. "Hitoka-chan, show these to Kiyoko-senpai. She'll know what to do. I'll sort through them tonight, too."

"Yes!" she answered, and went to the oldest manager and Takeda-sensei with the bag of supplies.

When Ai walked over, the cats were taking a timeout against Fukurōdani.

Taketora stuttered flusteredly as he tried to greet her. "W-w-wel-..."

"Welcome back, Ai," Kenma verbalized in his stead.

Fukunaga also came over to give her a high five.

"How was the shopping trip?" Yaku asked cheerfully.

"Sorry to make you go on errands for us," Kai said politely.

"Not at all, Kai-san. And, it went well. I got everything the coaches needed." Ai still felt somewhat starstruck as she remembered who she'd met. Sakusa Kiyoomi from Itachiyama…

Kuroo watched her after drinking from his water bottle. "Chii? Something wrong? You look spaced out."

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing. Just met someone unexpected."

"Who? Your boyfriend?" he teased, covering the pang he felt in his heart.

"No," she trailed off, absentmindedly wondering how far Itachiyama's school was from the drugstore.

When the captain continued to study her, she gave him a smile. "Really, it's nothing, Kuro. Don't worry about me." She patted his arm before going to refill water bottles.

"Ai-senpai! Could you take mine, too?" the tallest first-year called.

"Of course, Lev."

.

At night, she assisted the volleyball players as usual. Daichi, Tanaka, Sugawara, and Ennoshita practiced the synchronized attack next to Hinata and Kageyama's new quick with Yachi. Asahi and Yamaguchi served, and a few people paired with Nishinoya occasionally to spike a few of his tosses. Tsukishima got roped into practicing with Kuroo, Bokuto, and Akaashi again, but it was voluntary and he didn't seem to mind it as much. Narita sometimes switched out with Ennoshita, and Kinoshita tried serving next to the freckled first-year. She spent most of her time with the five second-years, but distributed her attention evenly.

After making certain that Karasuno's guys were all doing well, Ai walked over to Lev, Yaku, Shibayama, and Inuoka. Taketora was stretching nearby, and he blushed profusely when she pressed on his back to help him, becoming as red as his shorts. Fukunaga watched her silently but curiously, but Kenma had already left for the showers. Kai told her that the setter would probably be playing games in their room until it was lights out.

As she glanced around the gymnasium, Ai felt happy to be managing the volleyball teams and players. However, there was also a giddiness bubbling inside, as she was excited to oversee basketball again in the next couple of days.

———

The next day, Ai snuck out to Maji Burger, per Kuroko's recommendation, to place a large order.

She left Nekoma High School after preparing lunch for her two teams, seizing the chance to go out during their mealtime. She'd obtained permission from both coaches and Takeda-sensei, and took a bus into the city. If things went well, she would be back on campus with a humble snack before dinner.

She walked on the concrete pathway beside the busy street with passing cars. Trees lined the sidewalk, and the foliage added a bit of nature to the metropolis. She had missed this place, this feeling. It was walking somewhere old and new at the same time, recognizing the Tokyo neighborhood. With lifted spirits, she entered the store and placed a party-sized order. The staff informed her of the waiting time — it was still close to lunchtime and pretty busy — and she was thinking of sending Akashi a text when a tiny bell rang by the door.

"Huh? Ai-chan?"

Turning towards the entrance, she saw Takao, Midorima, and Kise coincidentally entering the fast-food restaurant. "Kazunari-kun. Shintarō-kun. Ryota-kun."

"Ai-cchi! What are you doing here?" Kise laughed and jumped on her, enveloping her short frame in a hug. "Midorima-cchi! Ai-cchi's here! In Tokyo!"

"I can see that, Kise."

"Don't you have practice, Team Vorpal Swords?" she questioned as the blond released her.

"We're just getting lunch," he defended himself.

"I know! Let's all eat together!" Takao suggested his brilliant plan.

Midorima huffed, but didn't object.

They sat at a table, and she listened to them talk about how Kuroko had gathered the gang, with Takao, Hyūga, and Wakamatsu as backup players.

"We're doing pretty good! I can't wait to beat those arrogant guys!" Kise growled.

"I have to say," Midorima adjusted his glasses, "they were not respectable players."

"But, like Hyūga-san was saying, having the Generation of Miracles all on our side is so relieving," Takao pointed out. He snapped his fingers. "Hey! We should call them over! They're probably looking for lunch, too."

"I'm sure they're busy," Ai protested.

"Nah, it's fine." He held out his hand and snapped his fingers again at his friend. "Shin-chan! Phone!"

"Why?" he grumbled.

"I've got it." Kise took out his cell and called Kuroko and Momoi in turn.

It didn't take them long to arrive with hungry stomachs. All members of the newly formed team, with the sole purpose of defeating the Jabberwock and reclaiming the pride of basketball players of Japan, showed up. The "Dream Team" of basketball.

"Ai-chan!" Momoi ran over to her. "Are you on a lunch break, too? Why didn't you call me?"

She stood up and hugged her. "Sorry, Satsuki. I didn't want to bother you."

"That's ridiculous! I don't mind! Plus, it's past noon, and Dai-chan was getting hungry."

Ai laughed. "I see."

Next, Akashi met her with open arms. They shared a long hug and he placed a kiss on her cheek, to which everyone reddened at the display of public intimacy. His hands went around her waist as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Standing on her toes a little, her face nuzzled in the crook of his neck, and he leaned forward for her to reach. She closed her eyes as she stood in his arms, pretending that they weren't in a public fast food restaurant. His strong torso and warm body heat told her two weeks apart were just as heart-throbbing as six months.

"Ai," he said as he held her impossibly close.

"Seijuro," she replied. "I didn't think I would see you until tomorrow."

"I'm glad I could see you a day earlier." He kissed her temple when they stepped apart.

She gave Aomine, Kagami, and Murasakibara a hug as well and greeted Riko and Hyūga with handshakes. It was the second time meeting them at Maji Burgers. Introductions were also in order for Coach Aida Kagetora and center player, Wakamatsu Kōsuke.

Fast forward past the shock of her former status as Teikō's manager and her relationship as the breathtaking girlfriend of the Akashi Seijuro, they sat around at a long table. She waited until everyone bought a bite to eat and resumed their conversation.

"Akashi-cchi, you knew she was in Tokyo?" Kise gasped.

"Of course." Akashi, who was sitting next to her, took and kissed her hand.

"I told her our practice schedule," Momoi smiled happily to herself.

"What brings you here, Akatsuki-san?" Kuroko inquired.

"Karasuno was invited to train with the Fukurōdani Academy Group for a few days before school starts again. We're staying at Nekoma High's campus, preparing for the Qualifiers."

"Qualifiers?" Wakamatsu asked.

"For Volleyball Spring Nationals. The Preliminaries were last month."

"Volleyball, huh?" considered Riko's father, a former professional basketball player for the Japanese national team and now a sports trainer.

Kuroko smiled. "That's great, Akatsuki-san. I'm glad you're doing so well in Miyagi and with a new sport."

"Satsuki taught me well," Ai insisted, naturally shifting his attention to her. She didn't particularly want to be at the center of the conversation.

"Ai-chan, you flatter me too much!"

The girls grinned. What one lacked, the other made up for it.

"Agreed," Aomine commented.

"You're so mean, Dai-chan!"

The table chuckled, save the blue-haired ace. Aomine proceeded to remember the times when Momoi's cooking almost choked and suffocated them to death. Even Kuroko and Midorima backed up their testimonies, along with Murasakibara who would relatively consume anything edible. Kagami was baffled, being a decent cook himself. Hyūga quietly related his girlfriend's cooking as something similar and earned a seething from her. Takao was hysterical while Kise exaggeratedly told everyone that Ai could make or bake anything. Akashi looked smugly proud to be dating the only girl in the group who could cook well.

As the guys inhaled their hamburgers, the pile of food turned into balls of empty, crushed wrapping paper.

Akashi explained to her their game plan for the Vorpal Sword to slay the Jabberwock dragon and went into detail about their recent training. The guys had also had a practice match with Team Strky during the week. As much as she wanted to only talk to Akashi, Ai settled for just holding his hand and took the opportunity to speak with the others. He rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand in a loving manner, with an occasional kiss to it.

Kuroko told her that Nigou was working on potty training to which Midorima approved; he was sick of his wagon getting marked. Wakamatsu stuttered as he tried to hold up a conversation with her, and Coach Kagetora requested her assistance as a second manager in addition to the two Aida Coaches and Momoi. Ai agreed in a heartbeat.

"I would love to," she said. She felt Akashi's hand cover hers, squeezing lightly.

"Then, it's settled." Her boyfriend met her eyes. "The team's complete." With Ai joining Team Vorpal Swords, all of Teikō's first-string basketball club members had reconvened. The Generation of Miracles officially reunited.

"Alright!!! Ai-cchi's gonna manage for us again!" Kise cheered. He got up from his chair and came around to hug her from behind. "We'll definitely win this game!"

She chuckled as she patted his arms wrapped in front of her. The other Teikō graduates were amazed at how often she smiled now.

How could she not? She was returning to her very first team, with Aomine, Kise, Midorima, Murasakibara, Kuroko, Momoi, and Akashi.

"I'm happy to work with you again too, Ryōta-kun." Ai turned to her best friend. "I'm sure we'll have no problem going back to our old routine, won't we, Satsuki?"

"Nope! No worries! Leave it to us!" Momoi exclaimed gleefully, a bright smile on her face.

Akashi chuckled softly. "I'll leave it to you ladies."

The Witches grinned at each other.

"But, don't cook, Sa-cchin," Murasakibara reminded her. "I'm only eating Tsuki-chin's cooking."

Everyone laughed, and Kise returned to his seat.

"Fine," Momoi relented.

The girls chatted some more about data and estimations of anticipated growth with Assistant Coach Riko, but Ai mostly listened while quietly formulating to-do lists in her mind.

Then, a waitress called out, "An order for Akatsuki-sama?"

The conversations around the table slowed to a halt.

"I suppose I must be going now." Ai exhaled and stood. "I have a murder of crows, a clowder of cats, and a couple of owls to feed and nurture."

"A what?" Wakamatsu and Kagami questioned their hearing.

"Tsuki-chin. No talking about crows."

"Huh?" Aomine scoffed. "You starting a zoo or something?"

"That's not probable, Aomine-kun," Kuroko interjected.

Midorima sighed, emotionally drained by their light antics. "A flock of crows. A litter of cats," he simplified. Shūtoku's ace glared at his former manager. "Why can't you speak so that these idiots can understand, Akatsuki?"

Ai shrugged.

Kise cackled. "Ai-cchi, you sure do like animals!"

Takao burst out laughing. "You guys should start a comedy!"

Akashi started to stand to go with her, but she stopped him by patting his arm and went to the counter by herself. After picking up the large paper bags with two dozen burgers, she returned to the table to say goodbye.

Kuroko turned in his seat to look at her hands both occupied. "That's so many."

"Do I get one?" Aomine joked.

"Very funny. And no, unless you agree to become another one of my chicks."

"Ha! No thanks. I have Wakamatsu on my back as it is."

"Hey! That's Senpai to you!" the new captain of Tōō Academy growled.

"You're giving those all away?" Hyūga asked.

She glanced down at the food she carried. "Yes, as a part of my managerial duties," Ai vindicated.

"Wow." Seirin's captain was appalled by her munificence. He wasn't the only one. Some of them had never experienced having such elite managers.

"So the rumors are true," Takao mused, trying to suppress his untimely laughter. "Shin-chan told me some stories about your guys' middle school days. He said you'd do anything for them."

"Shut up, Takao."

"Ai-cchi," Kise called her name to get her attention. "You're leaving already?" he wailed.

She smiled apologetically. "I've already stayed longer than I should have. I'm sorry, Ryota-kun. I can't keep the coaches, who are hosting us, waiting."

"You'll come the night before the game, yes?" Akashi confirmed.

She nodded. "Yes. My team will return to Miyagi first without me, and I will stay in Tokyo for a couple more nights."

Her former teammates flinched. It really shouldn't have been a surprise, but hearing her call Karasuno "her team" left a crack in their hearts. They had all moved on; it shouldn't have bothered them. But, it stung nonetheless.

"Tsuki-chin, will you bring snacks?" Murasakibara had to ask.

"I think I'll borrow Seijuro's kitchen to make something. Honey lemons, perhaps?" She looked at Akashi, who nodded his permission. "Satsuki," Ai started to say, but the other manager cut her off, knowing the drill.

"I'll send you the data tonight! Don't worry!" She winked.

"Data?" Riko asked.

"Ai is our nutritionist of sorts," Akashi said.

"She keeps Murasakibara-kun from becoming malnourished since he eats so many snacks," Kuroko added.

Murasakibara complained. "It's fine. I eat real food. ...Sometimes."

Ai giggled. "I'll have your individualized meal plans by tomorrow evening. Also, I'd be happy to help handle the international relations for Team Jabberwock, Kagetora-san."

"Her English is very good," Kuroko explained to the Aida family.

"Wow," Wakamatsu awed. The volleyball manager was just as good, if not better, than Momoi. He'd thought that Tōō was lucky to get the data analyst, but apparently, there was more to Teikō's managers than he'd known.

"No." Akashi stood up. "I'd prefer you keep away from those people, Ai. It's best if you stay with us."

She understood what he was trying to say. Stay with me, and I'll keep you safe.

Ai smiled, genuinely. "Thank you, Seijuro, but I hope you'll give me some credit for being able to protect myself."

"Fine," he relented. Collecting his trash and tray, Akashi prepared to leave the table.

"That includes being able to walk myself back to Nekoma High."

Everyone became dead silent. Sparks flew between the romantic couple, but it was a different kind than the wriggly sparks of love in their stomachs. She wanted to reach out to touch his forearm, but her hands were full.

"I'll hold one of those bags." Her boyfriend motioned to the bulky order of hamburgers. "I can't let you carry those all the way back, alone."

Ai shook her head. "As captain, you have to stay with the team. I'll be fine. You all have more practice after this."

They stared at each other in the eyes. Everyone else began to get worried and fidgety.

After what seemed like an eon, Takao raised his hand with a suggestion. "Uhm, I could take her back, if you want. Shin-chan and I got the wagon parked out front." He looked at Ai to confirm. "Nekoma High School, right?"

She twisted her lips. "Kazunari-kun…"

After eyeing the empress for a moment longer, Akashi gave the point guard a nod. "Go with him? I'd be less worried if you did," he told her, affection apparent in his voice.

She conceded with an exhale. "Okay. Sorry to bother you, Kazunari-kun."

"No problem! I'm a bench player this time anyways." Takao cleaned his spot and got up to throw away his trash.

Akashi caught her chin with tenderness and returned her attention to him. "Promise me again that you'll come tomorrow night."

Ai smiled softly, angelically. "I promise. I'll call you tomorrow afternoon."

"And tonight," he added.

"And tonight," she agreed.

"Ai." Akashi hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear secretly. "I don't want to let you go."

She sighed, leaning into his embrace. "I don't either, Seijuro. But, we'll see each other tomorrow."

Akashi released her and kissed her cheek again, but an inch closer to her mouth this time.

The spectators blushed, and some averted their eyes to give them privacy.

"I'll see you all again in a couple of days, if not tomorrow. Good luck with practice." She bent over to hug Momoi and waved to the others still sitting at the long table.

Akashi waited patiently for her to finish her farewells. "Come. I'll walk you out." He took one bag from her hand and went to open the door for her. Takao was already outside prepping the bicycle and wagon setup.

After another modest goodbye hug and kiss, he helped her into the rear cart, and she left her boyfriend outside the entrance of the burger shop.

.

Inside, the people sitting at the table slowly relaxed from the previous tension.

"Whew. I thought they were going to argue." Kise watched Takao pedal away through the glass window. "I didn't think those two would ever fight."

"Neither did I," Momoi said. "Ai-chan's always been kind, even if it's prickly kindness sometimes."

Aomine ate a french fry from his carton. "Akashi's changed now."

"They both are," Midorima commented. He pushed his glasses up again.

Coach Kagetora cleared his throat. "Well, you heard the manager. Back to the gym, kids."

.

Ai got back safely to Nekoma High's campus with the two large bags of hamburgers. She thanked Takao for the ride and for his company; he had chatted with her about Midorima being Shūtoku's odd, but generally reliable, ace.

As luck would have it, both Nekoma and Karasuno teams seemed to be on a break. She called them over from the door of the spacious gymnasium.

"A treat for your hard work and, hopefully, to rekindle your flame of motivation."

The volleyball players were delighted at the sight of her bringing them goodies, calling her their fairy godmother. The two teams flocked over, surrounding the food.

"Woah, Ai!"

"Thank you!"

"Ai-senpai, you're the best!"

Their oncoming energy didn't faze her. "In line and number order, please," she commanded. Her voice was stern enough to get everyone to shut up and moving at once. The two teams lined up in front of her two by two, starting with their captains.

"You didn't have to do this for us, Ai," Daichi said.

She waved off his cultivated manners. "No, it's my way of making up for the requested days off." She handed him and Kuroo each a hamburger. "I'm happy to do all that I can for you."

"Thanks, Chii." Her childhood friend smirked and placed a hand on top of her head.

The line continued with Sugawara and Kai, all the way down to Yamaguchi and Shibayama. Repeated thank you's rang in her ears, and some even bowed in prayer to her as their benefactor. Everyone started to eat on the steps outside the gymnasium.

"Did she buy all of these? Is Ai-senpai secretly rich?" Hinata asked with his mouth full.

"Moron, you saw the limousine." Kageyama finished his burger in big mouthfuls and chewed.

"She's rich enough to have gone to a huge private school like Teikō," Inuoka told his rival friend. "Right, Kenma-san?"

"I guess."

Their conversation caught her attention. "The car isn't mine, Tobio. It's Seijuro's, and I don't plan on claiming his wealth." She softened her voice so as to not sound like a harsh lecture. "Yes, the Akashi family is very affluent, but it's not my place or intention to mention myself for it. My father is also hardworking and goes on business trips often."

"Huh, so that's what your old man does. Good to hear he hasn't changed." Kuroo hooked an arm around her shoulders. "Still, you didn't have to do this for us, too."

Kai, his vice-captain agreed. "He's right."

"Why'd you go through all this trouble for us?" Yaku asked honestly, curious.

"It's one of the few things I can do as manager of your team, Yaku-san. Not to mention that it's my job to pamper my athletes." She gave them a smirk.

"You know you don't have to give anything back for wanting a few days off," Sugawara chided.

"Yeah, what's that about?" Nekoma's captain interrogated.

She smiled. "If you must know, Kuro, it's to help the Team Vorpal Swords. They have a very momentous game in the upcoming days, and they're short of a manager who can cook, among other things for the team."

"Vorpal Swords? That's so cool!" Hinata beamed.

The tallest middle blocker harrumphed. "We can beat them easily!" Lev assumed.

Ai laughed. "I would love to see you try, my Russian Blue."

The first-year pouted as the others joined her laughter at his new nickname.

"Is it for basketball?" Narita inquired.

"Yes." She smiled. "It consists of the people you've met in Saitama, the Generation of Miracles, and others. They're the ideal team."

"With your boyfriend?" Kinoshita joked.

"Of course. He's absolute." Then, her expression turned dark. "They've all grown so much since Teikō, but this victory is important for every basketball player in the nation."

Nishinoya gratefully and unknowingly cut off the awkward air around her and Kuroo. "Ai, that was so good! Do you have more?"

She smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Yū. These last two are for Kōtarō-san and Keiji-kun."

"You bought them one, too?" Kuroo asked. He snickered. "That lucky bastard owl."

"Kuro. Watch your tongue." She poked him on the side to get him to release her. "I'll be back. While I'm gone, I suggest you choose amongst yourselves who gets massages first. All trash goes in the empty bag." She went inside to deliver the remaining food.

They all stared at her back, appalled by her selfless generosity and sophisticated qualities.

"I want a massage!" Nishinoya yelled. Liberos had to maintain flexible muscles.

"Me, too!" Lev called.

"Me first!" Hinata shouted back at him.

She smiled. It made her happy to have become a manager of yet another team. Karasuno, Nekoma, Teikō, Vorpal Swords… They were all her teams, and she would do everything in her power for them.

Even when the day came when they become opponents.

.

After practice had ended that night, Ai got a call from someone after talking to her boyfriend. She stepped outside under the stars to take it.

A couple of first-years from Nekoma, who were coming out of the gymnasium, stopped as they were passing by.

"Who is she talking to?" Inuoka whispered to Shibayama.

"I don't know, but her English is really good." The two of them stared at her standing alone with her phone to her ear in the nocturne darkness. They didn't really bother with the thought of eavesdropping since they couldn't understand much of what she was saying anyway.

"I think it's better than our teacher's," the young libero pointed out.

The Number 7 nodded, agreeing with his friend.

"I'm thinking of going to Tokyo with Wei-san to watch the match in person. We could go together if you'd like. I can meet you in Miyagi on the way from Akita," Himuro offered to her in English over the phone.

"I would love that, but I'm afraid I'm already in Tokyo with my volleyball club," she confessed.

"I see. I guess you're busy with your team, too," he said, understanding. "Are you going to manage Atsushi's new team?"

"Yes, I'm planning on meeting Atsu-kun and the rest of Vorpal Swords the day before the match."

"That's exciting. He's lucky to have you."

She giggled. "Thank you, Tatsuya. Such a compliment coming from Yōsen's captain."

He laughed. "I'll see you there, then?"

"Definitely. Safe travels."

"Thanks, Ai-san,"

When Ai ended the call and turned to the two first-years, they began blabbering apologies for invading her privacy. She laughed and waved them off. "No harm done, Yūki, Sō. Let's go up to your room together."

Author's Note:

A few people gave me the idea of having Karasuno watch Vorpal Swords play, and I would have loved to do that, or at least have some of them stay to watch!

(I think Nishinoya would have liked to see the game, even though it's not volleyball, with Ai. I don't think the others would have been opposed to going either. Tsukishima has a basketball hoop in his backyard too, and Yamaguchi would have gone with him.)

But, they don't have a place to stay in Tokyo, unless Akashi was willing to open the doors of his house to stay overnight or Karasuno's team could sleep at Nekoma's campus for another night. I guess the Nekoma or Fukurōdani guys could come if they wanted, but I'm not sure who would be interested...

Anyway, long ramble short, I'm not planning on the volleyball teams attending the Vorpal Swords basketball game. (I don't think it would be very "realistic"...) But, if anyone has any suggestions or requests, I'd be happy to hear them!

Thank you always for your comments!

Happy birthday to Yaku!!

Fun Fact:

Jabberwock is a fictional creature that Lewis Carol wrote in his "Alice in Wonderland" trilogy. The Jabberwock monster was defeated by a boy with the Vorpal Sword.

(I haven't finished reading the book yet, so I'm not an expert on it.)

Reference:

Russian Blue is a breed of cat with grey hair and green eyes. (Like Lev!)

Total Word Count: 4475