Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the Prince of Tennis!

...

...

"Hey," Hari said when Seiichi reached her and leaned in for a kiss. They normally wouldn't take time to meet before their match, but… today was different.

"Hey," he said as he pulled back and reached out to push her hair behind her ear. "How are you?"

"I'm…scared," Hari admitted, "but I won't let it win."

He smiled softly at her and pulled her into a hug and she rested her head on his shoulder. It was strange how comforted and safe she felt like this. He was warm.

"You are strong," Seiichi said. "I'm…"

He trailed off and she tilted her head back to look at him, but he didn't say anything.

"Thank you," Hari said.

"You don't have to thank me," Seiichi said.

"I do," Hari argued. "But enough about me. How are you? Did you sleep alright?"

"I won't lie and say that I haven't been thinking about all this," Seiichi said, "but I'm fine. I managed to sleep after we talked on the phone last night."

"Good," Hari said. "Let's agree that for now we will focus on the upcoming final, and forget about tomorrow. It isn't important right now."

"Only if you do the same," Seiichi said.

"I did say we, didn't I?" Hari smiled amused and he laughed.

"Agreed," he said.

"Will probably be easier said than done, but I'll give it a go," Hari said. "I just want one normal day before… Well, it will be a fun match."

"Mm," Seiichi said. "It will be."

...

"Hari!" Ryoma called and Hari looked away from Seiichi to her brother who had come up behind them and was looking seriously at them. "Coach said we had to meet up before the game."

"Go," Seiichi said. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Mm," Hari said. "Okay. Good luck today, Sei-chan. But we will win."

"We'll see," Seiichi smiled. "Good luck."

Hari stepped back and smiled before she turned to walk over to her brother. She tried to push away the thoughts about the next day and how she could lose everything. She had to focus on the present and the upcoming match.

"You okay?" Ryoma asked.

"Mm," Hari nodded. "I just have to focus."

Ryoma nodded but didn't say anything else. It wasn't much to say, really. Hari inhaled deeply as she glanced up at the clear sky above them. It was a nice day, perfect for tennis.

"There you are," Momoshiro grinned.

"I wasn't late," Hari said with a small pout. "Or lost."

"Not yet," Momoshiro laughed. "And just because Echizen went to find you."

Ryoma snorted and Hari rolled her eyes.

"Come on," she said. "Let's go and see what the coach wants."

The atmosphere around the rest of the team was good, though a little tense. It was normal before an important match, though. They all knew what this match meant.

"Good," Ryuzaki said. "You're all here. There is no need to tell you how important this game is. It's the final, and while we won against Rikkaidai last time it doesn't mean that we will win today. They are a strong team, and they have their captain back as well now."

"Sei-chan will make this even harder," Hari agreed when she noticed some of them looking at her. "He's worked hard to get ready for the Nationals."

"So, do not take anything for granted," Ryuzaki said. "You have also worked hard, and have grown since the Kanto Finals, so give your best and do not give up! We have a chance."

"Yes!"

"So, the line-up today is," Ryuzaki said, "singles 3: Tezuka. Doubles 2: Kaido and Inui. Singles 2: Hari. Doubles 2; Kikumaru and Fuji. Singles 1: Ryoma."

...

"Seems like there's a lot of interest for the finals," Hari said looking over the stands that were crowded. It might not be full, but there were more people than in their last game.

"Mm," Fuji smiled.

She spotted several other teams there as well and smiled when Aoi and Saeki waved at her from where Rokkaku was seated. She saw An and Tachibana as well as the rest of Fudomine. She frowned slightly when she didn't see Keigo together with Hyotei and her stomach twisted uncomfortably.

"You okay?" Fuji asked.

"Eh? Oh, yeah," Hari said shaking herself slightly as she turned her attention to Fuji.

"You sure?" Fuji asked. "You looked sad."

"No, just…worried," Hari said. "Keigo isn't here."

"He isn't?" Fuji asked glancing over to where Hyotei were seated. "Maybe he's sick?"

"Maybe," Hari agreed even though she highly doubted it. He was more likely upset with her…and scared.

She looked over to where Rikkaidai were standing and met Seiichi's eyes. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

"Well, it will be interesting to see how this turns out," Hari said focusing on Tezuka who had stepped onto the court and was now in what seemed like a staring match with Sanada.

"Mm," Fuji said. "Looks like they are in the right mind already."

Hari nodded and glanced curiously over at Sanada. He was glaring at Tezuka and she remembered Seiichi talking about how Sanada had lost to Tezuka once before and was set on beating him.

...

Game, and match, Rikkaidai: Sanada 7 -5

...

"Ah," Hari said smiling a little sadly as she watched Tezuka lying on the court. He looked exhausted and she was worried by how red his arm seemed. He had pushed himself too far. Again. "It was a good game."

"Mm," Fuji agreed. "It was."

Hari had to admit that she was impressed by what she saw of Sanada. She had never seen him so…passionate about anything before. Even more so than he had shown in his match against Ryoma. He did everything in order to win, and it showed just how much it meant to him.

"He's strong;" Hari said watching how Sanada walked over to where Tezuka was still lying and hunched down beside him.

"As expected," Ryoma said and Hari nodded.

"I won't play you again," Sanada's voice travelled over to where they were standing and Hari arched a brow, but smiled a little as Tezuka took the offered hand and shook it. She could tell that the two had respect for each other and that Sanada hadn't missed just how much Tezuka had risked in his efforts to win.

...

Seiichi looked at his best friend as he came back to where they were gathered and smiled slightly. He knew just how much this win meant to Sanada. Sanada had been haunted by the fact that Tezuka had beaten him once without him being able to do anything. He knew how Sanada had always wondered if he would be strong enough to beat Tezuka yet, and now he knew.

"Good game," Taruyama Rinri, their new coach, said when Sanada reached them.

"Thank you," Sanada said stoically but his eyes sought Seiichi. Seiichi smiled and saw the pleased look in his friend's eyes.

"You played very well, Genichiro," Seiichi said.

"You did!" Kirihara said excitedly. "You crushed him!"

Sanada frowned at the younger boy but didn't say anything as he sat down and accepted the towel and the water bottle from Yagyu with a small nod of thanks.

Seiichi swallowed as he looked over to Seigaku's side and saw Hari helping Tezuka by holding some ice to his arm and he could tell that she was worried by the small frown on her face. He felt the knot in his stomach twist, but he pushed it back and forced himself to look away.

"Doubles 2," Taruyama said, "Kirihara and Yanagi, you're up."

Taruyama looked at Kirihara for a moment before he reached out and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Remember what we talked about," he said and Kirihara nodded. "You'll do well. Just keep it in bounds, and you will prove that you can reach far."

"Sure!" Kirihara grinned, but his smile slipped slightly as he glanced at Seiichi who watched them pensively. Seiichi allowed a small smile to cross his face and Kirihara grinned wider once more, and Seiichi felt a small stab of regret and guilt go through him.

He really needed to talk to Kirihara soon. He should have done so before, but right now he couldn't focus on that.

...

Game, and match, Rikkaidai: Kirihara & Yanagi: 6-2

...

Another loss, Hari sighed softly but smiled slightly as she watched Inui and Kaido. They had fought well, but Rikkaidai had just been too strong. She was pleased to see that Kirihara had changed. He had not gone out of the way to hurt anyone or target just one. Though, Inui had gotten a couple of balls to hit his face so he was bleeding slightly.

"You okay, senpai?" Hari asked.

"I'm fine," Inui said and Hari nodded.

"He has changed," Fuji commented.

"Yeah," Hari nodded and looked over at Kirihara who smiled happily as the rest of his team surrounded him and patted his shoulder. She was impressed by what she'd seen from him, and almost wished she had been the one to play him.

It would have been fun, but Ryuzaki (and she suspected Nanjiro) hadn't wanted her to play him. Maybe they fared that the match would turn out like the last one. Who knew? Anyway, it was a proper match and no one could say anything about the fact that Rikkaidai won.

"Oh no!"

"Two losses!"

"One more and it's over!"

Hari closed her eyes for a moment as she tried to centre herself knowing it was her turn next. She felt the faint throbbing from her scar, but she couldn't let that distract her now. She curled her hand around the protection charm from the monk and allowed the magic to centre her.

"You okay?" Nanjiro's voice was soft beside her and she opened her eyes and saw the concern in his eyes as he watched her closely. Undoubtedly looking for signs of pain.

"I'm fine," Hari said with determination. "I will win."

Nanjiro looked at her for a moment before he smiled and nodded.

"Good girl," Nanjiro said with a proud smile and patted her head making her mock glare at him. He laughed and seemed more like himself again and she shook her head.

Hari looked over to her team and her friends and saw the nervous look they exchanged, but they smiled confidently at her and she knew they believed in her.

She had to win.

For them.

She could do it.

...

"Show them your tennis," Fuji smiled and she nodded.

Yoshida was holding her racket and handing it to her with a confident smile making Hari smile back despite the nerves.

"Of course," Hari promised.

"Nio is known for his tricks and illusions," Yoshida said. "So be aware of that."

"Okay;" Hari said. "Sei-chan told me a little about him before. I can beat him. You better get ready to play, Shu-chan."

Fuji smiled, "good."

"You have to win, Hari-chan!" Kachiro said.

"We will be out if not!" Horio cried and Mizuno nodded.

Hari nodded, "I will win."

"Do your best," Oishi said kindly. "No one can ask for more than that."

"Yeah, do your best, Hari-chan!" Kikumaru cheered.

"You got this!" Momoshiro grinned and held out a hand for a high-five which Hari accepted with a smile.

"Just have fun," Kawamura added smiling at her.

"Of course," she said. "I'll do my best."

Ryoma smiled and she nodded as she met his eyes.

"Ready?" Ryuzaki asked and Hari nodded and stepped onto the court.

...

Sirius finally felt like he could breathe again when he stepped into the tennis arena and saw Hari down at the court. She was already playing, and she looked so focused. Remus was quiet beside him and Sirius knew he was watching Hari as well.

They were finally in Japan. Everything had happened rather fast since he'd been found innocent at the trial, with having to handle the press that wanted his statement and clearing up paperwork at the ministry. Not to mention Dumbledore.

But it had felt like it took forever to deal with when all he wanted was to make his way to Hari. He was a little worried about being here, scared he would somehow lead someone here. But how could he stay away knowing what would happen tomorrow?

"She's playing," Sirius said despite it being obvious.

"Yeah, she looks like she has fun," Remus said.

Sirius nodded as he stared at his goddaughter. She did look like she had fun. So much like how James looked when he played quidditch. Focused. Determined.

Did they make a mistake coming here? He hoped they didn't, they had done what they could to keep it secret. Remus had prepared a statement together with his lawyer that said that he would be taking time to recover and asked for time to do so in private. Any post he would receive would be going to his lawyer.

"It will be fine," Remus said quietly and Sirius glanced at him to find him giving a rather knowing look. "We used muggle travel options so it will be harder to trace."

"I know," Sirius said. "You think Dumbledore will know?"

"I doubt it," Remus said. "But I don't know. He doesn't like being refused."

"He should stay out of things that aren't his business," Sirius muttered. "Old fool."

Remus glanced at him before he sighed and looked down at Hari.

"We'll keep her safe," Remus said. "She also has backing from the ministry here, so I doubt there's much Dumbledore could do."

Sirius frowned but he nodded.

"Let's just focus on watching her play for now," Remus said, "I will enjoy watching her play tennis for the first time. I am curious about this game."

"Seems like she's in the lead too," Sirius smiled pushing his worries away for now. Remus was right, they should focus on enjoying watching Hari play. Everything else, he could think about later.

...

Game, Seigaku: 4 – 0

...

Hari felt herself breathing harder as she stared at Nio who looked a little stunned, but not overly worried. She heard the cheers but tuned them out as she remained focused on the match. It felt good. To just be on the court and play.

She also knew that she hadn't seen what Nio could do just yet. He was stronger than this, and she was a little worried about what he would come with next. Yet so far, she had controlled the match.

There was a small break, so Hari sat down on the bench and accepted the water bottle Nanjiro gave her and smiled slightly as she met his proud look.

"Good game," Nanjiro smiled. "Keep going like this. He'll step it up now, so be ready, okay?"

Hari nodded and took a deep sip of water.

...

"Oi, Nio," Sanada said. "You played around too much."

Seiichi glanced at Nio who wiped his face with a towel. He had his back to them, so they couldn't see how his face looked. Seiichi glanced over at Hari who was talking to her father, she was nodding and looked focused. Good. It didn't look like she was in pain or anything, so Seiichi felt relieved.

Okay, so he knew he shouldn't worry about that now. They were in the middle of a game and right now they were on opposite teams. (But he still worried.)

"That was merely data collection," Nio said bringing Seiichi's attention back to them. "Could you please shut up for a little longer?"

Seiichi shook his head but didn't say anything as Sanada let out an annoyed sigh. He knew Nio would show just how dangerous he could be on the court. He knew Hari was strong, but…he wasn't sure she could beat Nio. Not when he was like this.

"Good," Taruyama said. "Go out and turn this around."

Nio stood up and walked back onto the court while Seiichi hummed.

"That guy…" Yagyu said.

"Let him be," Seiichi said. "He needs to be wary of Hari-chan, after all. She has proven to be strong, and even he needs to get used to it."

"Oh?"

"Hm," Seiichi said. "He'll be unbeatable for her now, apparently."

"Unbeatable?" Sanada asked but Seiichi just shrugged.

He pushed the worry he felt for his girlfriend back knowing that there was no place for it at the moment.

...

Hari was getting ready to serve when she noticed the change. Her eyes widened as she stared at Nio who turned around and suddenly it wasn't Nio who was standing there in front of her, but… Ryoma.

She inhaled sharply as she stared at her brother (that isn't my brother!) on the other side of the net. She couldn't look away from him, and it was like he was changing between being Nio and Ryoma as he moved into position. Just like Ryoma would stand.

Just what was going on?

She felt the need to look over at Ryoma in the stands just to be sure that he was really there and not suddenly on the other side of the net, but she couldn't look away.

...

"What's going on?"

"E-Echizen?!"

Kikumaru and Momoshiro looked from Nio to Ryoma who was frowning slightly, but he didn't say anything. Nanjiro arched a brow as he watched impressed despite himself.

"Ah, I see." He said quietly.

...

"Come, Hari!" Even the voice sounded just like Ryoma's.

Hari shook herself and took a deep breath. This was nothing. She could still do this.

She squeezed the ball for a second before she served and watched as the ball flew hard over the net and Ryoma (Nio) immediately returned it making the ball fly past her before she could react.

...

15 – 0:

...

"Eeehh!" Kikumaru gasped.

"A no-touch return ace!" Kawamura said worriedly.

...

Hari felt shaken as she stared at Ryoma (Nio) for a second before she picked up the ball again and served the ball again.

Ryoma (Nio) returned the ball again, but Hari moved and managed to hit the ball back over the net as Ryoma (Nio) already moved to return the ball. They rallied the ball back and forth a few times before Hari hit the ball and it flew high and Ryoma (Nio) jumped up and she knew he would smash it.

It hit the ground and twisted up, and Hari was after it but it was just too much of a twist so she lost it.

...

30 – 0:Nio

...

"Twist smash!"

Ryoma frowned as he watched his sister standing still on the court for a moment as she stared after the ball. She had almost had it, but she was just a second too late.

He looked over at Nio and wasn't sure what he felt. Impressed? Kind of, but also annoyed. Just who did he think he was to pretend that he was him? And against Hari…

"In every way, he's just like Echizen," Oishi said stunned as they watched Ryoma (Nio) stand just like Ryoma would.

"Even though we've seen imitations of people's mannerisms before, actually becoming the person itself… That has never happened before, has it?" Kikumaru asked.

"What a fearful imposter on the court," Ryuzaki said a little wide-eyed.

"Illusion," Nanjiro spoke up. "He's a strong kid."

"Illusion?" Horio asked.

"He creates an illusion which gives the impression that he can become a different player," Nanjiro said. "He must have enough data on the player he wants to become, but he must also have the capabilities of the player he wants to be."

"Hm," Ryoma huffed.

"Oh no!" Kachiro cried.

"This is bad!" Horio exclaimed.

...

"Your illusion seems more than just a bluff," Hari spoke up looking at Nio who arched a brow as he made a noncommittal sound.

Well, she hadn't thought she would have to face Ryoma like this. She gripped the racket harder as she observed Ryoma (Nio) closely. She would need to find a way to beat him even if she never had before. No, that wasn't the real Ryoma. She could do it. He wasn't real.

She served the ball again and Ryoma (Nio) returned it with ease, she jumped up to hit the ball back.

"Phoenix Rising!" Horio and Kachiro yelled.

Ryoma (Nio) moved and returned the ball again, but Hari was there in time to hit the ball back over the net.

"Drive B!" Mizuno gasped as Ryoma (Nio) slid near the net as the ball bounced before he jumped up and returned the ball making it go past Hari who stared after it for a moment.

"Hm."

...

40 – 0: Nio

...

"This is just like a match between the real Echizen and Hari-chan, isn't it?" Momoshiro asked stunned.

"Hn," Ryoma scoffed. "No way."

"He is just like you, nya!" Kikumaru cried. "How can this be…"

...

"Oh no, Hari-chan is in trouble," An said worriedly as she stared down at her friend.

"She might figure it out," Tachibana said, "but it looks bad."

An clutched her hands together as she watched and bit down on her lips feeling nervous for her friend. It had to be hard to suddenly face your brother like that. Though, Hari might actually find it fun. (She was strange like that).

"She doesn't look too upset or worried," An observed trying to reassure herself a little. "Even with Nio turning the match around."

"She isn't easily thrown off," Kamio said. "She might make it."

An looked over to where the rest of Seigaku was standing and saw the worried look on Momoshiro's face, but he was cheering for Hari all the same together with the others. She smiled a little before she looked back at Hari. She hadn't been able to see Hari much lately, something she needed to change. She had a feeling that Hari was hiding something lately and she had moments where she seemed distracted.

...

Seiichi watched closely as Nio turned the tide of the match. He was not surprised by what he saw, but he wondered if Hari would figure it out.

"With his illusions, he can become even Sanada or me," Seiichi said.

"What did you say?" Sanada asked gruffly.

Seiichi smiled slightly, "that was what he said."

He wasn't sure if that was true, but it might be. Nio had watched both him and Sanada play enough to get the data he needed. If he actually had the talent to do it, though… that was another question.

He knew that Nio was in many ways the most troublesome opponent in Rikkaidai. It was not an easy opponent for Hari.

...

Game, Rikkaidai: 1 – 4

...

Keigo looked down at the court from where he had entered the arena just as Hari's match started. He had not been sure if he had wanted to go, he had ignored the calls from his team. He couldn't stop thinking about how she could die. Die.

That was not allowed. She couldn't…

He knew his parents were upset and scared, he had heard his mother cry after Hari and Seiichi had left that night. But, they didn't really know Hari. Now they might never get the chance to do so.

He should be able to do something to fix this. Something. Anything, but he was useless.

He knew he should talk to her; she had called him several times. He hadn't answered, and he felt bad about that. But he felt…upset. Hurt. She had known for weeks and never told him. She had met him and let him act like a fool without knowing what she was going through. Without knowing that she was hurting.

He should have pressed more to get her to tell him. He had known that something was wrong, but he hadn't pushed. Just allowed her to dismiss him. What kind of godbrother was he?

He watched as she missed another ball, and scowled after it.

Watching her playing tennis now, even as she struggled against Nio, he couldn't see what she was struggling with. It was impossible to guess just what would happen tomorrow. No one knew that she might be playing her last match… Just how did she find the strength to keep going like this?

Did he have the right to be upset with her? Maybe, maybe not, but he knew he couldn't avoid her anymore either. He couldn't hide away like a coward when she was out there fighting.

He swallowed thickly as he watched.

...

Game, Rikkaidai: 4 – 4

...

"I see," Hari said straightening up slightly as she narrowed her eyes. "I knew you were different from the other players I've played that can mimic others; you are stronger."

Why did she always get those? She mentally complained. Yet, she felt a little exhilarated as well at the challenge.

Playing Ryoma (not Ryoma, but Ryoma in many ways) like this was fun. She always loved playing him, even if she never won. He was her brother. He was the one who had given her the chance to be her, who had seen her. The first to ever see her and not the troubled kid, the burden. The freak.

She smiled slightly.

"Let's go."

...

Ryoma wondered what she was thinking as she smiled. Nio had turned the game around and was in control right now, but Hari didn't seem too upset about it. She seemed like she enjoyed herself.

To think that Nio could pretend to be him so well… it was unbelievable, but also a little annoying. He didn't like seeing someone mimic himself that well. (He didn't want to admit that he also found it challenging).

"Has she ever beat you in a match, Echizen?" Horio asked.

"No." Ryoma said shortly.

"Oh no…" Kachiro said. "How will she turn this around?"

Ryoma didn't answer, but he knew that Hari had gotten stronger. She might be able to find a way to turn this around again… (he also felt the itch to play her again as well).

...

Hari couldn't help but feel nostalgic as she hit the ball over the net and watched Ryoma (Nio) move to return it. How many times had she seen her brother do the same? How often hadn't they played each other just for fun? She had never told him that she wished to one day be able to meet him in an official match. Just to see if she could beat him.

She quickly changed direction and just barely managed to reach the ball again as she hit it so the ball hit the cord and dropped to the other side of the net.

...

15 – 0: Hari

...

"Finally a point again!"

She ignored the shouts from her team as she got into position again. She felt her scar throb slightly, but it was easier to push it back this time.

...

"Eh?!" Sakuno gasped when Nio suddenly moved his racket from his right arm to his left. "He can also use his left arm?"

"He really is Echizen, eh?" Fuji said.

"Hari doesn't look surprised," Oishi observed while Tezuka watched impassively.

"She might have expected it," Inui said writing in his notebook. "Interesting."

...

Ryoga never got tired of going to watch Ryoma and Hari play. They always provided fun and entertaining matches.

"She looks like she has fun," Nanako said softly.

"Yeah," Ryoga agreed as he took in the small smile on Hari's face despite Nio getting a ball past her. It looked like she didn't have a worry in the world. If they only knew…

"I'm glad," Nanako said and Ryoga nodded but didn't say anything.

He was impressed by what he had seen from Hari so far. He knew just how hard of a challenge Ryoma was for her, and to face Nio as Ryoma was huge. Yet, she didn't show any signs of panicking despite looking like she lost control of the game.

...

Game, Rikkaidai: 5 – 4

...

Hari let out a breath as she frowned over at Ryoma (Nio) and wondered how long he could keep that up. It must be tiring for him to keep the illusion up as well, but so far he showed no signs of being tired.

"Mada mada dane," Ryoma (Nio) said and Hari scoffed.

"Shut up," she said. "You haven't won yet."

He smirked and she rolled her eyes.

"Twist serve!" Horio and Kachiro cried. "Again!"

No, Hari thought, it's the knuckle serve. Both Ryoma and Kirihara used that.

Everything went quiet. She felt like she was watching in slow motion as Ryoma (Nio) tossed the ball and hit the ball and she could see how the ball had that unusual spin that came with the knuckle serve. She stepped back as the ball came closer and twisted a little so she could get her racket in place and felt how the ball spun against her racket before she with more strength than she thought that she had hit the ball back over the net and it exploded past a surprised Ryoma (Nio).

...

15 – 0: Hari

...

"Wha-?"

Nanjiro smiled slowly as he took in Hari and the change around her as she moved away from the ball faster than she'd been able to do before.

"Interesting," he said ignoring the others looking at him.

"Hn," Ryoma said. "Good."

"What happened?" Sakuno asked but no one had a clear answer as they all looked a little stunned.

...

30 – 0: Hari

...

Seiichi arched a brow as he took in the change around Hari. It looked kind of like the Muga no Kyochi, but as far as he knew Hari wasn't able to do that. Had she unlocked it?

"Oh," Sanada said. "Interesting."

"This is bad!" Kirihara cried. "Nio is in trouble!"

"Seems like it," Yagyu said.

"The data about Hari-chan doesn't show this," Yanagi commented.

...

Hari was unaware of everything besides the court and the opponent on the other side. It was like it was blurred out and the noise was muted. She felt how the air moved as Ryoma (Nio) served the ball and once again tried the knuckle serve.

She smiled.

She hit the ball back, but this time he managed to hit it back with a Drive A and she spun around to hit the ball and watched as the ball drop just over the net.

...

Game, Seigaku: 5 – 5

...

"Yes!"

"She's amazing!"

Ryoma smirked. Hari would win this. He knew that by watching her now, Nio's illusion was starting to slip now and he was breathing harder as well.

"Is she using Muga no Kyochi like Ryoma-kun?" Kachiro asked.

"Not quite," Nanjiro said. "But it is similar, I think."

Ryoma nodded in agreement.

...

It wasn't Muga no Kyochi, Seiichi thought. But almost. It was like she was using the energy around her to read what was happening like she had been training on with the monk.

"She's strong," Seiichi smiled feeling proud of his girlfriend even though she was on the other team.

"I want to play her again," Kirihara said.

...

Game, Seigaku: 6 – 5

...

"Oh! She's so good!" Miyuki exclaimed clapping her hands together excitedly.

"I know, right?" Kintaro grinned bouncing in place feeling the itch to play as well. "She's so cool!"

Miyuki nodded in agreement as she stared down at Hari. Shiraishi and Chitose exchanged an amused look.

Miyuki wished they lived closer so that she could ask Hari to train with her and maybe she could learn something. She really wanted to be just as strong as Hari. Hari was amazing.

...

"Hey! Hey!" Nio said as he broke the illusion and looked over at Hari. "Even your brother is unexpectedly useless."

Hari scoffed, "no. It's more like your illusion isn't perfect, isn't that right?"

Nio frowned. "What?"

"If your moves had been just like Ryo-chan's I wouldn't have been able to return them," Hari said. "Your precision and strength in the moves aren't on Ryo-chan's level. Meaning that you can't do it."

"…" Nio scowled.

"But, I was able to remember something playing like this with you," Hari said. "A chance to remember why I started to play tennis in the first place."

And how this always was her escape. She glanced over at Ryoma who was watching with wide eyes, and she smiled softly. He had saved her, and now…with everything going on, it felt right to have played this game. It was still her free space.

"…Then what about this," Fuji (Nio) asked making Hari turn back to him.

Hari blinked as she looked at Nio and his new illusion of Fuji. She sighed.

"Troublesome," she said, "but bring it."

...

Fuji arched a brow as he took in the new illusion. So, Nio was set on using Hari's own team against her? Though, that also meant that he used people she knew very well.

"Fujiko?" Kikumaru said. "This is bad…"

"Not necessarily," Fuji said. "She might do it."

"But she hasn't won against you before either!" Momoshiro said worriedly.

"No, but it isn't me she's playing," Fuji said. "Nio is getting tired as well, so he might not be able to bring the illusion to the top level. And she is able to use some of my moves as well, meaning she knows my playstyle pretty well."

"True," Kawamura said. "Hari-chan has surprised us so far, maybe she will do so again."

...

"It's the Phoenix Rising!" the first years yelled excitedly as Hari served the ball.

Fuji (Nio) hit the ball and Hari moved to return it but it hit the ground, but it didn't bounce off like normal but rolled against the ground and over the baseline. She frowned a little as she stared after the ball before looking over at Fuji (Nio) who was smiling at her.

"Tsubame Gaeshi?!" Yoshida asked while Fuji hummed.

Hari huffed before she inhaled deeply. She was beyond tired and her magic seemed to be working harder. She wasn't sure she liked how she had become so attuned to her magic. She shook her head. No, she couldn't think about that now. She had to keep focused.

She gritted her teeth against the pull before she turned and walked back to the baseline and got ready for another serve.

...

15 – 0: Nio

...

Seiichi frowned a little as he saw the way Hari tensed.

"Oh, she didn't expect that," Kirihara said amused. "Nio can turn this around!"

"I wonder…" Yanagi trailed off and Seiichi knew he was going over the data in his mind.

Though, Seiichi didn't think it had much to do with the move Nio had just used. The unsettled feeling twisted in his stomach as he watched how Hari gritted her teeth. Her focus was slipping, wasn't it? He couldn't do anything. He knew that, but it was hard.

...

Hari refused to let Fuji (Nio) win and used another Phoenix Rising and she saw the smirk on Fuji (Nio) face as he returned the ball, but she was ready now and quickly moved to where she knew the ball would land and hit the ball before it bounced and managed to direct it to the other side of where Fuji (Nio) was standing.

Yet, he managed to reach the ball in time and hit another Tsubama Gaeshi and Hari pushed against the tiredness her muscles felt as she hit the ball, but this time she made sure it would reach Fuji (Nio).

...

Fuji arched a brow as they rallied the ball back and forth, it was clear that Nio would continue to use his move.

"That was a ball without a spin," Fuji commented as Hari just hit the ball back toward Nio who returned it, but it didn't do what he wanted and Hari was able to hit it and used a drop shot so the ball landed just over the net.

...

15 – 15: Hari

...

"Yeah!"

"Go Hari-chan!"

"Good," Tezuka commented pleased as he watched. He hadn't said much during the match, but he didn't normally comment much during matches.

Ryoma was smiling as well as he watched his sister, even if he felt worried and knew she was tired. He had seen how she tensed before, and she still seemed a little more tense than normal. But she was fighting and didn't let it get in the way of what she had to do.

...

Game, and match, Seigaku: 7 – 5

...

Hari let out a breath as she stood in a moment of stunned silence before the cheering started. She had done it.

She had done it!

"I lost! I lost!" Nio said with a grumble making Hari look at him. He was scowling slightly, but then he smirked at her as she met his eyes. "You were stronger than me this time, Hari-chan. But next time I will win!"

Hari smiled back as she walked over to the net and shook his hand.

"We'll see about that, Nio-kun," Hari said and he huffed a laugh.

She turned away from him and for a moment met Seiichi's eyes and saw the small smile on his lips. She couldn't help to think how different things were after this match from the last one where he wouldn't (couldn't) meet her eyes. She smiled slightly back, before turning her attention to her own team and saw their wide smiles as they were jumping up and down cheering.

"Yes!"

"You did it!"

Hari moved over and smiled when Ryuzaki squeezed her shoulder as she looked at her proudly.

"Good game," Ryuzaki said. "Your best one yet."

Hari grinned before she grunted slightly when she was 'attacked' from behind by Nanjiro who hugged her and spun her around.

"You did it!" he cheered. "My girl!"

"Otou-chan," Hari groaned slightly embarrassed but mostly pleased. "Let me down."

"No," he said squeezing her tighter.

"Oyaji," Ryoma sighed. "You're acting like a brat."

"Oi!" Nanjiro scowled as he let go of Hari to turn to Ryoma. Hari took advantage of Nanjiro's attention being distracted and climbed over the fence to where the rest of the team was and soon found herself being hugged again.

"You're amazing, Hari-chan!" Kikumaru beamed.

"You played very well," Oishi said kindly.

Hari laughed, feeling happy and lighter than she had in a while as the tiredness was pushed back for the moment as she took in the warm feeling of being around her team like this and how they looked at her like they were proud.

"Thank you, senpai," Hari smiled.

...

Seiichi glanced over at Hari who was surrounded by her team and congratulated her on her win. He had to admit that he was impressed by how she had managed to win this game. She had really gotten stronger.

"Sorry," Nio said as he came over to them. "I lost."

Seiichi turned his attention back to his teammate and could tell that he was disappointed, but he also seemed satisfied.

"It was a fun match;" Seiichi said. "You played very well."

Nio smiled a little, "it was fun. I'll beat her next time."

...

"Eh?"

Hari wasn't the only one who turned to Fuji who was smiling at them like he hadn't just shocked them all.

"But…" Momoshiro started.

"Oishi should play in Doubles 1 with Kikumaru," Fuji repeated.

"Fuji," Oishi said stunned.

Fuji smiled, "they are the best doubles team we have. They will win this."

"But isn't Oishi injured?" Kawamura asked worriedly.

"He's better by now," Fuji said calmly. "He and Kikumaru have been playing together, haven't you?"

"How did you know?" Kikumaru asked.

"Saa," Fuji smiled before looking over at Ryuzaki and Nanjiro who were watching them all. "So, what do you say, coach? What about having the Golden Pair as our Doubles 1?"

"Fujiko," Kikumaru said, but he glanced at Oishi who didn't seem to know what to think.

"If you believe that is best," Ryuzaki said. "I am not against it."

Nanjiro shrugged, but he gave Fuji a searching look before he smiled a little.

"Then, Doubles 1 are Kikumaru and Oishi," Ryuzaki said. "Go get ready. You're next."

Hari moved over to Fuji, "you sure?"

"It's what's best for our team," Fuji smiled. "They have worked so hard for having this chance."

"You've worked hard as well," Hari said. "You and Kikumaru-senpai would be a strong team as well."

"I know," Fuji smiled. "Don't worry about me, Hari-chan. I know what I'm doing."

Hari smiled a little. She knew that it had to cost more of him than he let on, but he put the team and his friends before his own desire to play. She wasn't sure she could have done it.

"You're a good friend," Hari said as she turned to face the court where Oishi and Kikumaru had taken their places.

...

Game, and match, Seigaku: 7 – 5

...

"We did it, Eiji!" Oishi cheered on the court as Kikumaru jumped at Oishi who caught him in a tight hug.

"Yes! We did it!" Kikumaru cheered. "Finally!"

Hari cheered with the others as she watched the Golden Pair. They really were strong together, and Hari never got over the shock of seeing their teamwork. They had synced together so well that they didn't even need to talk.

...

"The final match will now commence," the speaker called out. "Will the two players please enter the court!"

Hari looked over at Seiichi who had gotten to his feet and she smiled a little as she watched him. She looked forward to seeing him play against Ryoma. She was curious about the two of them, and to really see Seiichi play for the first time.

"Good luck, Ryo-chan," Hari said as she turned to her brother.

"Hn," Ryoma said.

"You need to win!" Momoshiro said. "You've got this, Echizen!"

"You can do it!"

"We believe in you!"

"Just do your best!"

The encouragements followed him onto the court and Hari leaned back as she watched him and she had to fist her hands to stop them from twitching. Her magic felt like it was itching right underneath her skin making her feel restless and on edge. Not to mention tired. It was annoying, but she could handle it.

"You okay?" Nanjiro asked softly and she looked up at him. He looked concernedly at her.

"Just… tired and restless," Hari admitted. "But it's fine."

Nanjiro nodded and squeezed her shoulder lightly before turning back to the upcoming game.

...

"It won't be easy," Ryuzaki spoke up.

"Eh?"

"The official records show that Yukimura Seiichi has won every match he's ever played," Ryuzaki said making Hari blink and look over at her boyfriend. "Moreover, not a single game has been taken from him."

Hari frowned a little as she processed this information. She knew Seiichi was good, of course, she knew that. But that good?

"Not even one?" Kikumaru asked stunned.

"For his overwhelming victories, he was nicknamed 'The Child of God', Yukimura Seiichi," Ryuzaki said.

"T-The Child of God?" Momoshiro repeated stunned.

Hari blinked when she felt them look at her and arched a brow.

"What?" She asked.

"Did you know?" Momoshiro asked.

"No," Hari shrugged. "He never told me, but he never likes to brag about himself."

And they hadn't talked too much about his tennis because of his sickness, and Hari hadn't wanted to make him upset. Yet, she wondered if maybe she should have asked more. Though, it wasn't what was important. Or what she liked about him.

"I guess we just have to wait and see," Nanjiro said. "It will be interesting."

Hari glanced at him and knew that he had been aware of the talent Seiichi had, he'd been itching to play him but had held back. She knew he would soon be asking (demanding) a match.

...

Game, Rikkaidai: 3 – 0

...

Hari hadn't been able to do anything, but watch stunned as Seiichi dominated the game from the start. She felt almost awed by watching how he returned everything Ryoma shot at him. She was also impressed by how Ryoma had used moves from other players like they were his own, and she knew that against anyone else he would have taken the lead by now.

But… Seiichi was something else. He barely looked bothered by anything Ryoma had to offer, and she couldn't see how Ryoma would turn this around.

...

...

AN: So, I ended up deciding to have Hari play against Nio. I debated about having her play against Kirihara again, but I felt like I already had done that. So, I decided on Nio. It was tough writing that match. I like Nio's character, but I found him difficult to write. I spent way too long writing (and rewriting) that match until it was something I was at least somewhat happy with. I just finally had to say it was good enough. I hope you liked it! XD

I decided to split the finals into two chapters because it just got too long and I thought it would be better to have it in two parts. So, the next chapter will be up very soon! :)

Thank you for reading! Hope you liked it! :)