A/N: Hey one and all. I can't believe I've left this for so long. The only right thing to do would be to continue, right? Yes! With my pride as a writer, I will continue!

Well here is chapter nine, I hope it makes sense. Enjoy

Edits: Don't ya just hate not getting it right the 2nd time?! 27/5/2009

Disclaimer: PoT + not mine equals Fan_Fic


Chapter Nine

"What is she doing?" Arai shook her head in disbelief. When the frustration got the better of her, she clawed her hands in front of her. How could a regular player display such a low level of skill against a mere year eight student? "When did she fall so far?" She stomped her foot before composing herself the best she could.

Fuji, who stood beside Inui, (who was able to sneak away to make a few notes,) watched quietly as Umeko Kikoishi played against Tori Nariko. They were both made regulars before the summer holidays but with the way the game was going Kikoishi wouldn't be there for long. Kikoishi struggled against Nariko's better play. Nariko's timing and control were amongst the better skills.

Fuji realised Nariko didn't make the same mistakes as Ai Suzu. All her basics, advance moves and her own style were all well balanced. Though, why weren't Kikoishi's moves that well disciplined?

A loud and irritated sigh escaped Arai as Kikoishi missed another point making the score 4 – 1.

"And there I was thinking the boys team had extraordinary moves." Inui said while jotting down his ever-important notes.

"Yes, I find Nariko's "clucking chicken" move amusing to watch." Fuji added.

Nariko, on hearing her captain give her special move such a ridiculous name fumbled in her step and missed the ball.

"Deuce." A year seven umpire called.

Nariko gripped her racket and turned to her captain.

"I wish you would call it by its rightful name, Captain. 'Dead ball' and not that other name, please." She said strictly and went back to her game.

"So serious' Inui murmured.

Some first years wandered over to observe and question how Nariko was able to perform her dead ball move. Inui jumped at the chance to explain.

"It's easy if you think about it, but hard to execute. It's a volley, only something she can do close to the net…"

There was no doubt that Inui's explanation would be correct so Fuji found no need to listen. Instead she followed the beads of sweat falling down Kikoishi forehead and the sluggish arm that held the racket.

"Oh, man – come on Umeko-chan." Arai yelled with a dwindling hope.

Cheering wouldn't help her results. Even if she won this match, Nariko and Yokoishi would have the better score.

"Whoa. That's amazing Inui-sempai. It's no wonder you're in the regulars." Gina said, now watching the game attentively with Sakuno and Meko.

"You out do yourself sometimes Iuni-kun." Fuji said to him.

"I've watched both teams for a while but we all grow so quickly. I need to keep up, but," The cunning tone in Inui's voice caused Fuji to glance up towards him. "I'm more interested in your data, Tezuka-buchou's and Sai-kun's data."

Fuji placed her hands on her waist. "I played yesterday. I guess you missed out."

He tapped his book of secrets on her shoulder. "Your true data."

"Hmm." She replied with no desire to continue the conversation.

They all turned back to the game as it was drawing to an obvious end. Fuji glanced over to Arai whose facial expressions were comical. For a while excitement glinted in her eyes whenever Kikoishi scored but utter dread burnt through her teeth when Kikoishi lost a rally. Once the game had finished that anger and disappointment didn't leave her. Fuji left well enough alone.

"Game, set and match."

Nariko shook hands with Kikoishi and the two walked off the court so the next two could start. Fuji didn't clap. She followed Kikoishi with her eyes. Once Kikoishi turned the taps on to the out door sink, Fuji excused herself.

"How did I do, Captain?" An exhausted Nariko asked, catching Fuji at the right time.

"You won. But you could have done better. Then again, you did have a weak opponent. Keep working on that chicken move."

Nariko nodded before hearing that word again. She didn't have time to rebuke Fuji so dragged herself to write her score on the board.

Fuji found Kikoishi with her head under the cold water. Both hands gripped the side of the basin as she breathed the water from her mouth and her nose. Fuji picked up her towel. When Kikoishi drew up to get it she found it hovering in mid air.

"What happened?" Fuji began softly.

Kikoishi glanced up quickly to see her captain did not smile, which made her snigger.

"It's almost as if you gave me what I wanted."

"What did I give you?"

She wiped her face and hair with her towel and turned the tapes off.

"You gave me the chance to lose, to fall from the regulars table."

"No I didn't." Fuji snapped.

Kikoishi didn't look up.

"I remembered what you said at our friendly tournament and I wanted to open your eyes, to make you see you had the talent to beat Yokoishi-chan and Nariko-chan."

"Don't kid yourself Captain. I've tasted the tournaments and I can't take it."

Fuji stepped closer. "You've only played a few games. You chose to lose and I'm not to sure why."

"I lost genuinely."

Fuji didn't pay it. "Arai was disappointed. You're her friend. She wanted to see you do well. We all did. You chose to lose because you don't regard your team or yourself."

She snorted. "That's not true."

"Then what is true?"

Kikoishi opened her mouth but hesitated. She flung the towel around her neck and held her gaze to the sky.

"That time at the friendly, I told you the truth and you tried to change it."

"Because the truth you chose to believe isn't true at all. Why do you think our last captain put you as a regular? Ai Suzu wanted your spot last year. Think how she-"

"Captain, I don't care." Tears began to surface in her eyes but she wouldn't let them fall. "I don't want to be a regular. And Arai-chan said it was okay if I gave my place up."

Fuji hesitated for a moment. Why would Arai say that? And without telling her or Ryuzaki-sensei?

"I really doubt that. If you saw her face today you'd understand. Did you forget who you called captain?"

Kikoishi rolled her eyes. "No."

"Who do you call captain?" Fuji opened her eyes. A bitter aura slipped out.

Kikoishi flinched and held the towel tightly in her hands "I call you Captain, Fuji-chan."

"I would have thought all my girls could come and tell me how they really feel."

Kikoishi wiped her cheeks. "I did tell you everything."

"I don't think you have. You asked for my help and had already decided your path. Well what's done is tone."

Fuji could have been angry, in fact she wanted to be. She wanted to tell Kikoishi what was really on her mind. She wanted to hold the eye contact and make Kikoishi feel ashamed, but Fuji hung back. Fuji turned the other way and smiled. There was nothing left she could do. There was little use reducing Kikoishi's confidence.

"It feels like you're hiding behind something Kikoishi-chan but, as a punishment-"

"Punishment!"

"You'll run ten extra laps every session. I'll also expect to see you in the stands when we have out tournaments. Will you allow me that much?"

Kikoishi rubbed the towel in her fingertips and nodded. Fuji stared at her black hair wondering if she fully understood her stupidity. What's done is done. Fuji held on to Kikoishi's hand tightly.

"I hope one day you can tell me what's hurting you."

Kikoishi didn't look at her. The two walked out to watch the rest of the matches, though Fuji made a note to kept her eye on Kikoishi.


...tbc...

A/N: Well what could she be hiding (No really?!)

Chapter 10: Leiko Arai get's a chapter to herself... maybe two chapters. Peace

(27/5/09: I've figured out what Kikoishi is hiding… so much fun!)