Inning 7 - Hanao at the Plate
(The Baseball Game - Part 2)
Top of the 4th inning, we're up on the field, and Beretta has kicked me from the game. She's replaced me with Akari's Mom, who is an android pitcher. If memory serves me, she was stricken with Tech-3, like the rest.
Cy gasped, "Fweh?! Mama?"
Zina gasped, "I knew it… They're resorting to fighting against you, Cy. Mari, I'm sorry… You didn't have to be this way."
Cy roared, "No fair! Well, Onii-chan wun't survive! We will still win! Tengge, yew are up!"
By the way, we're losing, 13 to nothing. That's because I couldn't help myself. And in baseball, once you're replaced, you cannot come back.
Mari nodded, "Play ball."
She prepared her pitch, as Tengge was up to bat. She said, "Mari Hanao, prepare."
Mari responded, "Do your best."
Mari pitched a huge fastball to Tengge, and she swung the bat. It hit the ball, and it whizzed towards Iori. She caught it, but the ball slipped off her glove, and onto the ground. Elly called, "FOUL BALL!"
The ball landed on foul territory. Tengge glared, "Hmm… Resistance is futile."
Mari nodded, "Let's play another round." She was all-smiles, as she was robotic and monotonic. Mari prepared another pitch. She threw a curveball, and Tengge missed. "STRIKE TWO!"
Mari caught the ball, and then nodded. She then said, "You're going to need a telegraph pole on this one."
She threw a huge fastball. Mashiro caught it and was shocked. "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"
Tengge gasped, "HUH? No way!"
The Zephyrs cheered, as Mari was doing great. Lily was up next.
Mari threw a fadeaway fastball. Lily swung the bat and missed. "STRIKE ONE!"
She then threw a sinker ball to Lily. Lily chased it, but Mashiro caught it on a foul tip. "STRIKE TWO!"
She smiled, "Now, I will perform the Hanao Family Screwball."
She threw the ball to Lily, and she hit it. But the ball flew out of control. Mashiro caught it and Tayu announced, "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"
The Zephyrs cheered, as Johnny motioned, "Wooooooo! It flew like a cartoon!"
Waka moaned, "Me, without my camera."
WHOOSH!
Myu struck out, as well, as she was confused. "YOU'RE OUT! Change sides!"
My goodness! Mrs. Hanao pitches a 1-2-3 Inning! We may have a chance!
The bottom of the 4th was up, as Hayuki was batting for the Zephyrs. Enju was still prepared, and then threw the ball to her. Hayuki hit the ball to third base. Hotaru grabbed it and threw it to first. Akari caught it, and Hayuki was out.
Mashiro was up next, but… Beretta called, "NO! Mashiro, you're out."
Mashiro asked, "Huh? But I'm an excellent baserunner."
Beretta said, "Way things are going, we cannot afford another walk, leading to a double play. Kuki, you're the catcher now!"
Shiratsuru called, "Yes, manager!"
(Fuu): Now, pinch-hitting for Mashiro, Shiratsuru Kuki of Kuki Village.
The Kuki Village section was cheering on, as Shiratsuru was nervous, "Oh, boy… this is my first at-bat, against a former Obnubi Ninja."
Enju prepared the next pitch. She threw a slow ball.
Huh? It's a slow ball.
Shiratsuru swung twice, and missed, and hit the third time. Shiratsuru giggled, as she ran to first. The ball bounced near Nanao, and she threw it to second. Shiratsuru halted to first base. Oka was next, and Enju pitched to Oka.
"I have to aim for the air…" She looked to the sky, and then nodded, "Right…"
Oka hit a huge fly ball to right field. Tengge suddenly leapt off the wall and jumped high to grab the ball. She caught it, but it slipped out of her glove. It went over the fence, and landed on the ground. Oka laughed, as she ran around the bases. She scored two more runs, as the score is now 13 to 2.
(Fuu): And the Zephyrs are finally on the board! Cy-Nine still leads by 11.
(Komainu): WOOF! Arf-arf-arf-arf!
Komainu was happy that his master, Oka, scored.
Enju glared, as she pitched again. Ran was up next, as she hit another ball to the outfield. Lily was able to catch it, but she tripped down, and the ball bounced past her.
Cy gasped, "No way…" She whispered, "Wuz dis Onii-chan's pwan?"
We're doing great! Everyone on my team has finally got the hang of this game. Akari's Mom was indeed our secret weapon.
XXXXX
After the 5th inning, Mari struck out three more from Cy's team, and the Zephyrs scored 6 more runs, thanks to home runs from Tsubame, Setsuna, and Yozuki. It was now 13 to 8. And it was Iroha's turn (who replaced Iori in third base).
Iroha hits the ball to center field. Nanao cried, "I GOT IT!"
She dove fast and caught the ball. But then she stumbled down and moaned, "System data error…"
Nanao was damaged. She beeped and sparked, as Iroha ran down the bases, scoring an RBI from Tsubame, who was at third. Enju was tiring out, as Ricka called, "Timeout!"
Nanao was being carried off, beeping and slurring, "Malfunction… Malfunction… Malfunction…"
Iroha grinned, waving to her, "And that was for long ago, Nanao."
Never knew Iroha would one-up (or rather disable) her rival.
Enju nodded, as she gave the ball to Ricka. Enju and Ricka swapped positions, while Kirara rushed off, playing right field, and Tengge to center field.
Ran was up next, as she was at bat. Ricka lobs an icy fastball, and Ran swung the ball for a hit. But Enju caught it, on the way. "BATTER OUT!"
Yozuki was next, as there were two outs. She then hit a pop-up to left. Hotaru, Yamabuki, and Ricka run together to one spot. They raised their arms high, and their huge boobs bounced onto each other. They bounced off and fell like dominoes. The ball fell to the grass, in the center, next to their shoes. Iroha raced for home, and Yozuki reached second, for an RBI double.
(Koropokkur): *Squeak* THERE'S ANOTHER HIT! Looks like Cy is blowing up!
Cy cried, "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHEEEEEEEEUGHHHHHH!" She was furious.
XXXXX
6th inning…
The Cy-Nine now leads 15 to 9. Kikuko replaced Yamabuki at shortstop, while Sena took over as third baseman. One out, and the Cy-Nine was up to bat. Mari managed to allow two runs, but still became a strikeout champion. Enju was next, as she was at the batter's box.
Mari threw a huge fastball, and Enju let the ball pass. "BALL!"
Mari pants a bit. Enju glared, "You won't win."
Mari threw a huge slider, and then-.
CONK!
Enju was beaned with a blow to the head. She staggered, as she malfunctioned, "Owowowowowow… Let's g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-g-go-go-go-go-, having so-so-so-so-so much fu-fu-fu-fun." She collapsed and slurred, "Batter ouuuuuuuuuuuuu…" Enju shut down, as she was another casualty from the Cy-Nine. Her head cocked to the left, smoke emitted from her ears and mouth, and her eyes went blank.
Futaba rushed in, as Kirara and Sena dragged Enju back into the bleachers. Futaba replaced Enju, as she was at first base. Next up was Kirara, who faced off against Mari. Mari threw a leftward fastball, and Kirara slammed the ball with her bat. The ball bounced to the right foul line. "FAIR BALL!" Yurisuke called.
Kirara hit a triple, scoring one more, as Futaba raced for home. But Setsuna cried, "STOP FUTABA-DONO!"
Tsubame shot a bullet to Oka, who threw it to Shiratsuru. Futaba slides. The throw…
"YOU'RE OUT!" Tayu called.
Futaba barked, "WHERE DO YOU GET THAT BS?! I'M SAFE!"
"I said, you're out, Miss Tsukimi."
"I'm safe!"
"YOU'RE OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
"OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
"SAFE!"
"OUT!"
Tayu bellowed, "I say you're safe! If you don't like it, hit the showers!"
Futaba giggled, as she pranced off. Shiratsuru huffed, "Uhhh… You walked into that one, Mrs. Momochi."
Tayu gasped, as Elly laughed. Kurenai yelled, "YOU IDIOT! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?"
Elly yelled, "SHE WAS OUT! The goddamn foul line, Tayu!"
Tayu moaned, "Ugh… I'm confused…"
Sebasu offered, "Ahem… Lady Momochi, perhaps I may replace you as umpire?"
Tayu giggled, "Thank you, sir. Take over."
Myu's Mom just couldn't understand the rules… and Futaba somehow made her confused. Well, at least we were able to get out of this ali-. HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!
Kazuki marched in, "SHE WAS OUT! SHIRATSURU TAGGED HER ON TIME!"
Sebasu said, "Well, it's too bad we don't have to challenge it. Would you risk sacrificing a run for a challenge?"
What is this, American Football?
"Have it your way. She's safe." He walked back to the bleacher, as Beretta snarled, "Since when did they learn Bugs Bunny?"
"Cy is a child android, I think."
Cy was clapping, as it was now 16 to 9. Zina then said, "Uh… Bad news… While Enju & Nanao are damaged, while Yamabuki and Hotaru are recharging and cooling off… we have no one left on our team."
Cy gasped, as she said, "Ooooh… Well, we'll may-guh due wid wha we god. We're still winning! We're winning!"
Kazuki growled, "Alright, Cy… This is all-out war!"
The game went on, as the Zephyrs and the Cy-Nine continued to slam hits and outs, all while playing through the game.
In the bottom of the sixth, Ricka was still pitching, but was outsmarted by a sacrifice bunt by Oka. Hayuki was out at second, but Futaba held the ball, allowing Oka to go to first.
During that inning, Iroha batted a huge RBI double, scoring two runs, and Hijiri (Replacing Yozuki) hit a liner to right field, avoiding Kirara's radar. The Negoro Clan cheered in glee and unison, as Hijiri waved from first base.
In the seventh inning, Tengge was pitching for the Cy-Nine, after Mari once again struck out the side. Ricka returned to second base, and Futaba moved to right field, and Lily moved to center field. Waka, Johnny, and Venus were all that's left in reserve for Kazuki's Team, while Cy has no one left.
Tengge pitched a slow ball to Hayuki, and she struck out. She threw the bat down and roared, "DAMMIT! AGAIN TO TENGGE?! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
She kicked the dirt and roared, "WHAT THE HELL?" She calmed down, as Kurenai said, "What kind of behavior is that?"
Hayuki called, "I don't know! But these bitches are getting on my nerves! I cannot keep up!"
Sebasu said, "Apologies, Miss Miza, but control yourself, or hit the showers."
Hayuki called, "I quit!" She marched off, as she called, "Someone take over… I can't even beat this chick!"
Beretta nodded, "Right. You're up, Yabu!"
Iroha was next at-bat, as Ikiru said, "Perhaps I can be shortstop for the team?"
Beretta agreed, "By all means. Venus, you take the field, after this inning!" She said to Ikiru, "You go next, for Oka. You'll play shortstop, and Venus will take first base." She called to Oka, "Kazamatsuri, you're benched."
Oka nodded, "Hai. My time as a baseball player has expired. If I continue to throw the ball continuously, I won't have the strength to create a barrier."
Well, Beretta is planning ahead. However… all we have left now is… Waka and Johnny.
Iroha returned, as she was pissed, "DAMMIT! Who throws teleporting slow balls?!"
Ikiru growled, "That little…" She grabbed the bat and said, "Allow me to disable Tengge-san's circuitry. She and I go way back… and she blames me for what happened that day… long ago."
Ikiru Kokonobi hasn't forgotten what she did to Tengge. She used her, as a ninja from Obnubi, to awaken the Nine-Tailed Fox. After the fox was tamed, and the battle was over, Tengge was kidnapped by the Yatagarasu, while Ikiru was taken by The Tycoon of Obnubi.
Ikiru glared at her, "My turn! You don't trust me, anymore, Yomoda! But I promise, I will end your pain!"
Tengge's eyes went red and she snarled, "Ik… kiiii… BZZT! IKILL! DESTROY! DESTROY!"
She threw a mean slider, as Ikiru called, "NOT THIS TIME! I WIN!"
SLAM!
Ikiru hits the ball very high. It flew up in the air, and…
PLOP!
Tengge caught the ball. It was a pop-up fly that went nowhere.
"OUT! Change sides!" Ikiru was shocked, as her bat was destroyed, "No… Impossible!"
Beretta cannot believe it either! I… I don't believe it! I CAN'T believe it! Our… my future… It's… It's over… We… We can't defeat them.
Kazuki was in despair, as the Cy-Nine continued to massacre the Zephyrs, but Kazuki's team never gave up.
It was the ninth inning now. And the teams were, as followed:
Mizaki Zephyrs
Ikiru Kokonobi - SS
Shiratsuru Kuki - C
Venus Otomegawa - 1B
Setsuna Tojo - CF
Tsubame Shiranui - RF
Iroha Yabu - 3B
Ran Kuzuryu - LF
Hijiri Utagawa - 2B
Mari Hanao - P
Cy-Nine
Kirara Himeno - RF
Akari Hanao - P
Ricka Machiyuki - 2B
Tengge Yomoda - CF
Lily Fuma - LF
Myu Momochi - C
Sena Shirasu - 1B
Kikuko Hattori- SS
Futaba Tsukimi - 3B
(Fuu): Well, folks, we've reached the ninth inning. What a ball game! The Cy-Nine leads this game, 19 to 17, and the Cy-Nine are up to bat. The 8-9-1 order goes next, as Akari's Mom continues her pitching prowess, against an overheating Cy-Nine.
(Koropokkur): Meanwhile, if they stay alive, the Zephyrs will deal with Akari Hanao to close out, as the pitcher for the Cy-Nine, as Setsuna Tojo will bat first for the bottom half of this deciding inning. Remember, they need three runs to win.
(Fuu): Mari Hanao let in a couple runs, and her strikeout streak continues.
Mari was winding up, as Kikuko was up to bat.
Ah, Akari's Mom and the Hag, a showdown between adults. Hag hopes to one-up the former Daikoku Ninja.
Mari pitched the ball, but then suddenly.
Hissssssssssssssssssssssss…
Mari started to smoke, as her arm was up, immovable. Sebasu called, "BALK! BALL ONE!"
Kazuki gasped, "What the-?"
(Fuu): OOOOOOOOOOOH! Tough break! Akari's Mom is a robot, and has overheated!
(Koropokkur): HOLD THE PHONE!
Beretta cried, "NO!" They rushed out, as Beretta called, "TIMEOUT!"
Kazuki whispered, "Oh, no… I was afraid of this… Akari's Mom…"
Beretta said, "Damn! She wasted her energy. Now, she's broken…"
The Zephyrs were upset, as they lost their ace pitcher. Beretta growled, "We have no choice…" She called out, "Kyogoku, you're up! And don't blow it!"
Kazuki asked, "Wait! Reconsider!"
Ran cried, "Yeah, Waka can't even pitch right!"
Shiratsuru called, "I'll pitch, and Waka will play catcher!"
Beretta growled, but Ikiru said, "Let her pitch. I have trust in her."
WHAT?!
Waka approached the mound, as she was nervous, "Nyaaaaaaaaaaa… Me, pitching?"
Kazuki gulped, as he was upset, "I'm going to regret it… but… Please, don't blow it."
Waka nodded, "O-O-Okay…" She thought and grumbled, "I don't wanna…"
(PA): Now pitching for the Mizaki Zephyrs, Waka Kyogoku!
The crowd booed at Waka, as Zina said, "Looks like Mari overheated… and they're using the last line of defense, if you call it the last line of defense."
Cy smirked, "Nah! Mama will be fine. Dis game is ours!" She cheered, "Wut shall we do on our date, Onii-chan?!"
Zina thought, "What have I done? Cy will win, if I do not do something."
Waka prepared to pitch, as Kikuko was at the batter's box. Waka threw the ball, but it was a horrible lob. Kikuko hit the ball, and it flew all the way to Venus, who dove in and threw the ball to Ikiru. "OUT!"
Kazuki gasped, "WHOA!" Cy & Zina cried, "HUH?"
Waka pitched against Futaba next. Waka threw a wide right pitch, but Futaba swung and missed. "STRIKE ONE!"
Beretta cackled, "OH, WOW! Waka is doing it!"
Waka pitched again, and Futaba missed a very low wild pitch. Shiratsuru recovered it, and Sebasu called, "STRIKE TWO!"
Futaba scratched her head, as she rubbed her head, "Ow… What a day."
Waka tossed a small curve ball, and Futaba halted, nearly hitting the ball. But it flew dead center. "STRIKE THREE! YOU'RE OUT!"
Waka was shocked, "I DID IT! I DID IT!" She jumped for joy, as Kazuki was amazed, "WOW! She beat one of them! We're actually going to win!"
Kirara only walked, after an intentional walk… though Waka's throws were unintentional. Beretta called, "Time!" She rushed to the mound and said, "That's fine. Sten, get over here!"
They were at the mound, as Beretta said, "So, why did you nominate her to pitch?"
Ikiru said, "Well, being as they are robots, I believe that the longer they play, the faster they overheat. And what we saw with Mari…"
Beretta said, "My god…" She said, "Alright, Waka, take five. You switch with Venus. Everything's under control."
Waka moaned, "I just wanna play, then go back to my room…"
Beretta smiled, "We don't need to. One more pitch, and you're good."
Akari was next at bat, as Venus grinned, "OH-HO-HO-HO-HO! Well, then, Hanao… Time to begin your punishment, Otomegawa style!"
She tossed a fastball to Akari, but Akari hit the ball to dead center. Venus cried, "CENTERFIELD! SETSUNA!"
Setsuna rushed to the wall, as it went out of the park. Setsuna leapt upwards… and jumped high. Everyone was stunned, as Setsuna caught the ball.
"OUT! Change sides!" Meido called.
Akari gasped, "WHAAAAAAAAAAT? What do you mean I'm out?"
Serves them right. Overworking themselves can only lead to trouble. We survived the ninth inning… and we only have three runs to win. Three outs… or three runs. We have to survive, or else.
The score was 19 to 17, and Cy held onto the lead, throughout. Will Kazuki and his team survive, or is Cy victorious, despite the Tech-3 Robots suddenly tiring out?
It's simply a race against life - my love life or their well-being.
Next Chapter Preview
(View of Mizaki School, at night, is shown)
(Setsuna): This is the Next Chapter Preview…
And now, the Seventh Inning Stretch.
(Futaba, singing): Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd
(Sena, singing): Buy my some peanuts and Cracker Jack
I don't care, if we ever come back…
(Kirara, singing): For it's one! More chance for the home team!
If we don't win, it's bad…
(YTG8, singing): We need 1! 2! 3 runs to win it!
(Hijiri, singing): or else Kazuki's SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!
(Crowd cheers, as YTG8 & Hijiri giggle)
(Setsuna): Next time, Chapter 8 - Johnny at the Bat.
(The girls stop in shock)
(Futaba): Huh? Who?
(Setsuna): Could it be that we're down to Johnny-dono?
(Sena): He's the only one left on Kazuki's team… We're screwed…
(Futaba): To what's left of our team - DO NOT GIVE UP! Smile, and the world will watch over you! We'll keep smiling more, even if we lose!
(Kirara): Uhh, w-w-we're not supposed to lose!
(Setsuna): I'm sorry, folks. Goodnight.
