Teenage Rebellion

Disclaimer: I don't own Eyeshield 21 in anyway and no money is being earned off this story.

Summary: At the end of his freshman year, Sena's father gets transferred to USA. If that's not's the worst change in his life, Sena's mother demands that he stop playing American Football. A new life in America means a new start, but is it worth it without his friends, teammates and American Football? Sometimes you have to fight for what you want, and that's a lesson Sena learnt well with the Deimon Devil Bats. SenaxShin

EDITED - 2012

Sena wiped the sweat off his brow as he panted slightly as he kept on running. It had been another three weeks since the captain of the Hawks had figured out that he was Eyeshield 21. Practice that day was an endurance test. A team could lose is they became too tired, despite having so many reserves. Sena had seen it in the Christmas Bowl. Inwardly, Sena was happy that at this one thing, he was untouchable in football. He could outrun many off the first string. But he knew he had Hiruma to thank for that. Now there was a devil with endurance. A hand on his shoulder while they were still running laps startled Sena out of his thoughts.

"You," panted Max as he jogged next to Sena, "okay?"

Sena smiled and nodded, "Yeah. I'm just thinking of the players I know with more endurance than me." Max looked at him shocked, Sena was barely panted, even after 10 laps and he was still going strong. There were people with better endurance?

Seeing Max's expression, Sena added, "My ex-captain Hiruma has a better endurance than me. Shin-kun definitely has; and Agon-san. And Yamato-kun. He was the original Eyeshield 21 that I won the title from."

"Were they all Team Japan players?" Max asked, panting all the way. His legs were burning with the strain of trying to keep up with Sena. Sena nodded and smiled. After a few minutes, Max was forced to drop back, leaving Sena to run ahead at his fast pace.

Coach Nickle watched in a morbid fascination as Sena ran ahead of even the first string players. And the pure speed Sena was running at, he was itching to see how fast Sena's 40 yards would be. But the quiet kid wouldn't stand a chance on the field. Sure, he played first string in Japan. But American football was on a whole new level. Though at the back of his mind, Coach Nickle had to agree that Japan had some fearsome players. They had beaten Team USA and their running backs had been small in stature. Most players were smaller in stature because of the genetics, but he couldn't risk it. The American Football Club was on probation as it was because of the crippling neck injury that happened last year. The Hawks had lost a valuable player, and Alex Polishne had almost lost a brother.

Sena stared at the rosters for the match that week and sighed. He had hoped that he would be included, even in the last team! But it seemed Coach Nickle wouldn't change his mind. A hand landed on Sena's shoulder, causing him to jump and turn around. Looking up, Sena smiled and relaxed as he saw a sadly smiling Max. The hand squeezed his shoulder before leaving, and Sena sighed. Throwing one more look at the roster, Sena followed Max to the cafeteria. It had become a norm over the weeks. Chris was the first to invite Sena to sit with them at lunch. There was Chris, Max, Alex, Wayne, Mellisa and Narcissa. They didn't mind Sena joining them and were surprised at Sena's knowledge on Football. The girls thought he was the 'cutest little thing ever!' All the boys were in the first string, and strangely enough, Sena felt comfortable.

So, sitting down at the table and pulling out his bento, Sena looked up to be met with sad gazes. Sena gave smile and shrug and began eating. No one said a thing after the warning look Max gave the table when Alex tried opening his mouth. Perhaps, the most pitying look Sena got was from Alex himself. Sena had heard the story about Rick, Alex's younger brother, and his injury from football. And why the coach was reluctant to let him play. Sena sympathized with the Coach, he was only looking out for the club. And Sena could respect that.

Eating slowly, Sena's mind wondered back to Japan. Mamori had kept him updated with what was happening with Deimon, Sena found slightly strange that she decided to stay on as manager but smiled at the thought that she was just as caught up in football as he was. Hiruma had stayed on as captain by blackmailing the Principle. So the Deimon team at least had almost all its players. And, after the Christmas Bowl victory, there were many new players willing to join. They were hoping to find another reserve running back for while Sena was in USA. Speaking of Hiruma, the blonde had taken to training Sena as the next captain over the phone and internet. Slowly, Hiruma was making Sena the captain Deimon would need.

Perhaps the weirdest thing and Sena had to blush ever so slightly at this, was Shin e-mailing him. Shin had decided he would keep in touch with Sena, informing him how his training was going and, as always, inquiring how Sena's was. Sometimes, Shin would say something that reminded Sena that Shin was in fact human. A passing comment about a movie he saw with the Ojou knights, or the fact that Sakuraba was dating Tamaki. Finishing his lunch, Sena put it away.

"What's the matter Sena?" Max asked as he saw a frown form on the Japanese boy's face. Sena looked up startled. Blushing slightly, Sena shook his head and offered a small smile.

"Just things back home. The Deimon's are finding a hard time replacing me..." Sena said, trailing off as he lost himself in his thoughts again. Chris snorted and exchanged an amused look with Max. Of course it would be difficult to replace the Eyeshield 21 of Japan.

The match went well, and the Hawks won easily. In fact, the next two matches went just as well. The Hawks were looking good this year, and everyone noticed. Sena was... frustrated. He was happy he needn't reveal himself as Eyeshield 21 but the coaches wouldn't even look at him. He was training four times harder than anyone else but they refused to even acknowledge it. Fortunately, Sena's mother backed off slightly. She was happy he wasn't playing the sport, even though he trained. It was a compromised, of sorts. As for Sena's father, he was hardly around because he was so busy with his new job.

It was a month into the season and things turned sour. The Hawks were playing the defending Champions, Nasa Shuttles, and everyone was grim. They had the infamous 'Shuttle Pass' and Panther. Even Max looked grim at the thought of facing them. Sena, on the other hand, had to smile. Panther had been, and is, one hell of a rival. This was one match Sena would attend even if he wasn't playing, just to see Panther play.

The match rolled around faster than usual and Sena had been using the field for extra training when the management came to set up. Leaving the field, Sena felt the butterflies he would feel if he was playing. He changed and grabbed his bag, and then went to the stands. There was a large crowd of supporters but Sena found a good seat and waited.

The match started with a bang, the home crowd cheering for their team to beat the defending Champs. But Nasa looked every bit imposing as they did almost a year ago. Sena watched in fascination as he silently analyzed the team, especially Panther. Panther had improved, but not enough to match Sena's speed and footwork. But he was still the ace of the team. The Hawks were holding their own, but trailing. At half time, the score was in Apollo's favor. 20-12. Sena looked worried at the scoreboard and sighed. He knew from experience that the match wasn't over until that last whistle.

Meanwhile in the change rooms, The Hawks were down. The atmosphere was tense and even Coach Nickle looked worried. Nasa was more powerful and Panther was just too fast to stop. They had thrown everything at them, and still the Hawks were losing. The black-haired running back was panting, and seated on the floor. They had to do something or this was the end. Growling, Max punched the lockers in frustration.

"Damnit!" Max shouted before turning to the coach, "Is there nothing we can do? Anyway to seal them off so we at least stand a chance to win?" The whole team looked at the thoughtful coach.

Coach Nickle shook his head, "Even if we stop the passes, we just can't take out Panther with his speed. We are playing at the highest level in America against them. We just have to stop Panther and intercept the passes. Defense, you have to hold! I know you are all tired. Everything hurts and your legs are burning. But there is no one else. The second string will be murdered out there. You have to carry on fighting for the Hawks. Now is the greatest test you will face. From now on, it's pure determination. They can be beaten. We saw that in the World Cup with Team Japan. They were behind but they fought back. They gave it everything and then some. Now it's your turn."

Max's head snapped up and Chris looked at him. "That's it! Team Japan. Anthony, your out. Coach, you have to trust me on this. We can win this match; we just need to bring someone in. I swore I wouldn't use him unless we were in dire need." Chris's eyes widened as he realized who was coming in, as Max left running.

Sena's eyebrow rose when he saw Max running out of the change rooms and looking at the crowd. Max looked at him and waved his hand, calling him down. Shrugging, Sena left the stands and found Max waiting for him.

"You need to play," was all Max said. Sena's eyes widened and he shook his head.

"What? No! I'm not even on a string!" Sena protested. He did not want almost the whole school to know that he was Eyeshield 21.

Max shook his head, "We need you. We can't lose or we lose our only chance, my last chance, of becoming national champs."

Sena looked slightly green and sighed. "Okay, but I only have my Team Japan uniform with me today. The Deimon's one is in the washing and I don't own a Hawks one." A cheer rang out indicating the teams were back on the field. Looking over his shoulder Max frowned.

"Go change" Max said, "I'll handle it. Good thing your uniform is the same color." And he ran off to speak to the Referee. Sena sighed and walked into the change rooms. Putting his bag down on the bench, he took out his uniform. Looking at it brought back memories making Sena smile. Quickly, Sena changed and put on Shin's gloves. Lastly, Sena put on the captaincy armband over his uniform, showing it off proudly. Before walking out in his 21 jersey, Sena grabbed his helmet with his eyeshield. Looks like Panther is going to get that rematch he wanted.

Max sighed and smiled gratefully at the ref, Nasa's coach and his own. There had to be an agreement that Nasa did not mind that the new running back would have a slightly different uniform. Coach Nickle looked at his player with interest. He trusted Max with the team and was curious as to who this player was, and what uniform it was. At that moment, Sena walked into the field and made his way to the Max and the group. He ignored the looks he got as he carried his eyeshield.

"Sir, Sena Kobayakawa, running back. Jersey 21. And I apologize for not having the right kit. I did not expect to play today, "Sena said with a firm voice, ignoring Coach Nickle's stare and Nasa's coach's widening eyes. But before either could say anything, a voice yelled across the field.

"SENA!" and the next moment Panther was sitting on top of Sena, as the smaller boy had collapsed under Panther's weight. The boy had tackled-hugged him, as usual. He looked at the smaller boy with wide eyes. "When did you come to America? What are you doing here? And why are you playing for the Hawks?"

Sena blushed slightly and smiled at his friend/rival as he gently pushed the boy off him. "Hey Panther. My dad got transferred here and I go to Hampton High School. Good to see you again."

Panther's jaw dropped, "Wait," he said, "you're in America now?" Sena nodded. "Then," Panther said, "Why don't you attend Nasa? Imagine what we could do with our speed!"

Sena laughed and shook his head, "I have friends here, Panther. Plus, it's more fun to play against you then with you."

Panther looked sad for a moment before nodding, "See you on the field Sena, and don't hold back." Sena nodded as Panther sprinted back to his team at top speed.

"Everything is fine then, I take it?" the ref asked and he received no objections, "Then we start the second half in 5 minutes." And he walked away.

Nasa'a coach stared at Sena, before nodding, "It's going to be an interesting match now. But Panther's right, the offer to Nasa still stands. I include a scholarship with that offer. It would be quite a team, Panther and Eyeshield 21: the two fastest players in the world. Think about it, Sena." And he left too.

Sena let out a breath and looked at Max with a smile. "Leave Panther to me. He's improved but he still can't catch me; not from what I've seen," Sena said and he turned around to go to the team bench, "thanks for the chance to play, Max."

And then, to give Panther a taste of what's to come, Sena went Hyperspeed to the bench, stopping just in front of it. The Hawks stared wide-eyed at Sena until Max jogged up to them.

"Alright Hawks! This is Sena, our new running back. But he is better known as Eyeshield 21 of Team Japan. So, this is our game plan..." Max said, quickly reviving the fading team. Coach Nickle watched this and could only sigh. He lowered his head into his hands and felt like screaming. He had an international player in his team the whole time but he refused to even look at him because he was small. Now, the Hawks may lose him if he transfers to Nasa. And why wouldn't he, Nasa was one of the best teams around. And Panther's and Eyeshield 21's rivalry was the stuff of legends.

The Hawks started with an offense position, the linemen ready to guard the back. Max was sweating; everything fell on Sena now. They knew it. Nasa knew it. Panther knew it. Sena, meanwhile, looked out through his blue eyeshield and felt the spark. The challenge he felt every time he played in a match. Nasa took their position, all eyes on Max and Sena. Panther's gaze locked on Sena.

The whistle blew and bodies crashed against each other. Pushing, a gap opened in the defense of the Nasa. The coaches were screaming, yelling to stop the gap but it was too late. Max passed the ball to Sena who shot off like a bullet at lightspeed. He was through the gap in less than a second.

The ball touched his hands and Sena instinctively grabbed it. Sena ran, but his breathing was calm. An eerily calm, as he slipped through the gap and the same calm fell over his body and mind as Panther raced at him. The split second before they met, Sena entered the 4th Deimon Dimension and straight into the Deimon Hurricane without missing a step. Knowing that Panther would recover quickly, Sena picked up the pace, going Hyperspeed. As if on autopilot, Sena watched himself weave through the defense as Panther tried in vain to catch him.

Then someone turned the sound back up as he scored the touchdown. People were screaming, cheering and so were his teammates. Panting, Sena looked back at the field and saw the defense scattered. Max and the team were staring at his with slack jaws. Nasa looked grim as they looked at him. Panther stared in disbelief.

"Hyperspeed. 40 yards in 4 seconds. No loss in speed in any footwork. I do have a title to defend, Panther," Sena told him as he walked by. Panther's shocked gaze looked at him. The kick went through and they scored the bonus point.

Max smiled at Sena, asking, "Hyperspeed?" Sena just shrugged and took up his position in the defense formation. Nasa was on the attack. Max looked at Sena but before he could say anything, Sena said, "You need me to seal Panther's movements. I'm playing. I can take it." Max just nodded.

The whistle blew and Hawks surged forward. The catcher was targeted and sealed. At the glance, Panther gets the ball and he speeds through the Hawk's defense. The crowd groans as Panther dodges past the defense at top speed. Sena had watched the play and blitzed the quarterback, trusting his teammates to seal the receiver. Out of the corner of his eye, Sena sees Panther take the ball, and immediately changes direction. Sena gives chase as Panther dodges, slowly catching up. Seeing the opportunity, Sena surged forward using his version of the spear tackle.

Panther stumbled as the weight crashed into his side, knocking the ball out of his hands. His eyes widened as he realizes just who did that as Sena used Devil ghost Hurricane to turn and pick up the ball. Panther turned and bolted to stop Sena from running further. Sena grabbed the ball and immediately pushed Hyperspeed to put distance between himself and the only person who could catch him. 40 yards later, Sena dropped his speed to lightspeed as he dodged, once again, through the defense. The Hawks recovered quickly and tried desperately to help their running back by clearing the way. Scoring another touchdown, Sena panted. His legs were starting to burn. The constant high speeds pressured his legs but Sena only grinned at the feeling. It reminded him of several matches. Like against Shin, Agon and Yameto. More importantly, he had lasted longer than usually does at top speed. The extra endurance training worked.

The crowd was going crazy. The Hawks were ahead! Nasa was in trouble and they needed to stop the Eyeshield 21 quickly. Sena caught his breathe as he walked back to his position. Max just grinned at him again and Chris hit him on the back. Hard. Wincing, Sena smiled back. Alex nodded in his direction. Wayne was cheering on from the benches. Once again, the Nasa was on offense. The coaches were yelling from the bench in codes. The quarterback nodded and Nasa got into formation and Sena's eyes widened. It was a formation they used against Deimon. Quickly, Sena changed his position for a blitz as Max stared at him.

The moment the ball was in play, Sena blitzed in the only way possible: over the line at lightspeed. Sena threw his body in the air and watched the quaterback's eyes widen as Sena came flying towards him, making the pass stumble. It was Alex who picked up the ball and ran for it. Sena winced and picked himself up and followed. The team tried to take out as many players as possible to extend the run. Sena had done the dynamite tackle at a high pace, knocking his opponent out of the way. Hawks gained 15 yards and first down.

Sena called out to Max, "Call a time out!" Max looked at Sena and nodded, calling the time out. Sena walked with the team to their benches and pulled out an ice pack, cooling his knees. Max watched with a worried look. "Let them think I'm injured," Sena suddenly said, startling Max and the team slightly. "Hiruma-kun, my old captain, was a master at trick plays. I was supposed to be the next captain, " Sena pointed at the captaincy armband, "he taught me a thing or two. What I need to tell you is that I've seen these formations before; when they played against Deimon. They are going to be targeting me, so we will mess with their mind. Max, fake the pass to me but actually do a long pass; I'll draw the attention away. If need be, I'll cut across the field to offer defense for the receiver. Have two running back's blitz. Then, in the next play, we do the same formation back actually give it to the other running back."

Max stared at Sena in shock, who merely shrugged. "I'm training to become the next Captain of the Deimon Devil bats. We are the strongest offensive team in Japan and reigning Champions." Sena sighed as he took the ice packs off, and stretched his legs. Running at Hyperspeed did burn, so the ice did help. Max, in the meanwhile, spoke quickly with Coach Nickle.

"You knew and you didn't tell me," Coach Nickle merely said as Max approached him. Max winced but replied, "He asked me not to. He wanted to prove himself to you."

Coach Nickle sighed and nodded, "He did. I would have played him when we got off probation in two weeks time. Second string or first depending on his 40 yard time. Guess this answers that question." Nickle chuckled, "Adapt Play 17 to suit the Kid's play. Run it with Anthony as the second running back. I don't use trick plays, but let's try it."

Max nodded and smiled before returning to the team and repeating the plan. They got onto the field and got into position. The Nasas eyed the two running backs warily. With the whistle, Sena and Anthony blitzed, drawing Panther and two other players with them. Sena allowed himself to get tackled as Anthony was taken out, Panther's eyes widened. Looking back at the line, Panther saw a long pass to a lone Hawk player deep in Nasa territory. The receiver was taken down, but only 10 yards from a touchdown.

Setting up again, the Nasas steeled themselves as the Hawks took on the same formation, Panther readied himself. No matter what the play was, Sena could not get the ball! Seeing the two running backs blitz again, only Panther followed Sena to eliminate his speed. The Nasa line pushed hard against the Hawks, that finally gave away and someone tackled the quarterback, only to realize that he didn't have the ball. Sena took the tackle as Anthony dodged and scored the touchdown. The crowd went wild.

The Nasa's coach widened as he recognized the plays. He looked over at Eyeshield 21 and his eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the yellow armband. He shouted out across to his team, "Eyeshield 21 is using Deimon trick plays! Remember what plays that Hiruma used and counter them! Use play Alpha 22!" The whole team glared at Sena, who shrunk ever so slightly. Panther merely burst out laughing.

"Hey Sena!" Panther called out, "Never took you for a trickster!" The speedster then eyed the familiar yellow band on Sena's arm. "Then again, you were always his prodigy. Congrats on the captaincy. But we won't fall for the same trick twice!"

And it was Chris who couldn't help but call out, "You already did!"

The game changed drastically with Sena in it. The Hawks won 48-32 in the end and much partying was to happen that night. Sena detached himself from the excited team and approached Panther, wanting to shake his rival's hand. Panther did, good-heartedly, and then he noticed the gloves.

"Aren't those Ojou gloves? I could have sworn Shin wears them!" Panther exclaimed. Sena blushed slightly and nodded, "A farewell gift from Shin-kun," Sena mumbled in reply. Panther laughed and nodded enthusiastically as he went on to ramble on about an invitation to train together and his grandmother would love to see him again.

It was only a little later did many of the supporters realize that the MVP of the match had disappeared. Max searched and found him exiting the school ground. "Sena!" Max called out, causing Sena to jump a foot in the air.

Looking startled, Sena blushed at Max as he stopped. "Where are you going?" Max asked, "The party has started already!"

Sena shook his head, "I can't. I need to get home. I'll see tomorrow, Max." Max nodded and said his farewell. Sena turned at started jogging out of the gates, shocking Max slightly that Sena was going to jog home. But he knew better than to stop him. Max knew all about Shin and the rivalry he shared with Sena. Smiling, Max returned to the party and informed the coach that the ace had gone home.

Jogging home, Sena let a smile blossom on his face as he let the adrenalin run amok in his body. He had missed this. The absolute exhilaration. And it felt damn good to be back.

P.S. You better read and review, cos right now it's 3:30 in the damn morning!

Amira D