Disclaimer: I don't own Ao no Kanata.
"Wake up already!" came Mashiro's voice, shaking Misaki who finally woke up.
"5 more minutes..." Misaki lazily said, rubbing her eyes.
"Didn't you promise to keep practicing not just for yourself, but also to help me?" Mashiro asked with annoyance to her voice.
That instantly woke Misaki up. "Ah right, training!" Misaki said, getting up.
"Woah hold it hold it, you can't go out like that!" Mashiro yelled comically: Misaki was only in her pajamas. "Geez, try to have a little more common sense."
"Can't be helped, I'm always tired in the mornings," Misaki justified.
"Clearly enough energy to keep awake and hold a normal conversation..." Mashiro sighed before smiling. "But Senpai is Senpai, and I wouldn't have it any other way," Mashiro then helped her get dressed. 'You haven't changed since the day we met.'
Mashiro began thinking back to their first encounter:
"Ah, at this rate I'll be late!" Mashiro yelled while running as fast as her legs could carry her. "Huh?" She stopped on seeing a very clumsy walking girl almost walk into the street. "Look out!"
Quickly grabbing the girl by the hand, she pulled her back. "So tired..." the girl muttered uncaringly.
"What the hell were you thinking!?" Mashiro scolded her. "You could've been ran over if it weren't for me!"
"So noisy..." Misaki stated, remaining uncaring, fueling Mashiro's annoyance.
"Is that any way to speak to someone who just saved your life-wa!" Mashiro's ranting ended due to the fact this girl, while tired, gently rubbed Mashiro's head while holding a gentle caring expression.
"Thank you," the girl said, smiling at Mashiro who blushed.
Now that she was seeing this person up close, Mashiro couldn't help but be captivated by how mesmerizing she was. If anyone touched her heart, it would be beating so fast.
"U-uhuh," Mashiro said nearly breathless, nodding. "What's your name?"
"Misaki," she said. "And yours?"
"Mashiro," she said.
"Nice to meet you," Misaki said in a kind voice. "Well I better get going, I have school."
"School, you mean you go to Kunahama as well?" Mashiro asked.
"Yeah," Misaki said.
"I see," Mashiro said, relieved to hear that.
With that, they went to school. Mashiro went to her own class, as she was a first year while Misaki was a second year. Sitting in her own desk, Mashiro got to thinking.
'She seemed really nice,' Mashiro thought, smiling. Once lunch came, she went outside and sat near a tree, looking at her food with a sad look. 'It's always this way. Everyday, I go to school and end up coming to this spot. It's painful, but there's not much I can do about it. At least this way, I'm not a hindrence to others.'
Mashiro forgot to ask what class Misaki went to, thus she was under the assumption that not only would she not see her again, but that Misaki would just forget about some random girl she didn't know. Suddenly, footsteps where heard.
"There you are!" Misaki called out with a friendly face, causing Mashiro to look up.
"Misaki," Mashiro muttered with surprise. "Why are you here?"
"Why else? To find you," Misaki said casually before sitting next to her. "You saved me from possibly being run over, so I'm not going to forget about you that easily."
Mashiro stared at Misaki with wonderment before smiling. With that, they dug in. During this, Mashiro was quiet, yet excited. It was a breath of fresh air to sit with someone who was legitimately kind to her. It made her empty feelings feel far away.
"Don't you have any friends?" Misaki suddenly asked, causing Mashiro to cease eating. "Sorry, was that too much?"
"No, it's okay," Mashiro said in a sad voice. "Truth is...I don't have any."
"Why?" Misaki asked.
"Because I'm the weak link of my class," Mashiro started. "Everyone around me excels so fast, and mock me for not being as good at things. Nobody would want to be friends with jerks like that. Naturaly I'm isolated, having to be alone all the time besides talking to my mom of course. Basically, I just don't fit in with others."
Misaki went quiet for a moment, then ruffled Mashiro's hair.
"What are you talking about?" Misaki asked with a grin. "You'll fit in just fine with me and Masaya."
"Eh? You would go that far?" Mashiro asked in surprise. "Even though we just met today?"
"Yeah, I see no problem," Misaki said. "Besides, I want to be your friend, if you'll let me. It's much better when people have a friend they can rely on. Mashiro wouldn't be so down if she had true friends, right? So let's be ones from now on."
Mashiro stared with an open mouth and glazed eyes. She smiled as her lips quivered and her eyes formed tears.
"Y...yes!" Mashiro said, in a touched voice while closing her eyes.
This lead to Mashiro meeting Masaya later whom she was cautious about at first, but Misaki eased her by stating he was one of her best friends whom she trusts. Thus she warmed up to him. As she spent more time with Misaki, her feelings grew very quickly. It didn't take long for her to start showing her feelings for Misaki very clearly. Misaki tended to just brush it off or allow some of it though. Later, she met Madoka and Shion, whom she found odd at times, but still liked being around them.
Indeed, what started off as a girl saddened by the fact she was so lonely, found a group whom she cherishes.
Back in the present, Mashiro finished getting Misaki dressed, and the two left.
'Right, despite having no friends back then and being alone, Misaki-Senpai gave it all to me,' Mashiro recalled happily. 'I found a place where I truly belong, people who accept and care for me. Misaki-Senpai brought me into such a place. I want to be worthy of what she did, that her willingness to be my friend wasn't a waste. I want to get stronger not just for that, but for myself, and so I can surpass Satou!'
"Very quiet today aren't you," Misaki commented, noting how serious she looked.
"Maybe," Mashiro said in an easy going voice.
Misaki was even more curious, but left it at that. The two eventually arrived at the club for training. Getting into their FC clothes, Mashiro reflected again on what Satou had said.
"Senpai, I need your help in making me stronger," Mashiro said in a serious tone of voice.
"Didn't I already say-" Misaki was cut off.
"No, I mean I need help in going beyond the basics of an All-rounder," Mashiro started. "Like Asuka-Senpai. She's so flexible and able to do things like an Air Kick Turn. But I, I only can do the most basic stuff. When I faced Satou, I realized my own weakness. I was so focused on getting my basics down that I failed to progress in the truest sense."
"Mashiro," Misaki muttered, before playfully tapping her shoulder. "Then let's change that."
So they went out and practiced together in the skys.. "Hmm, Asuka-Senpai and you already mastered the Air Kick Turn for starters," Mashiro said thoughtfully. "But before that, I want to improve my reaction timing and ability to adapt to situations as an All-rounder."
"Roger," Misaki said.
Mashiro tried to get past her, but Misaki kept knocking her back. "Tehee, Senpai is as tough as always," she said. "But that just makes me want you more."
"Yes, yes, just focus," Misaki said nonchalantly.
Continueing on, Mashiro finally got past her to a buoy. Of course that was just one time, she knew she still needed to get better. After a bit, it got to the point Misaki had her train her dogfighting skills.
"Okay, let's test your swiping," Misaki started charging at her.
"As you wish!" Mashiro said, preparing to swipe, but Misaki dodged with ease. "Shoot!" Mashiro tried again, but Misaki avoided and touched her back for a point.
She then panted after a few repeats. "Ready to call it quits for now?" Misaki asked, seeing her fatigue, only to show surprise as Mashiro charged at her with a fire in her eyes despite the multitude of sweat.
"I can keep going!" Mashiro yelled, giving it all she had to touch Misaki.
Misaki grinned. "Now that's what I like to hear!" she complimented Mashiro.
As they kept practicing like this, Misaki had a few awed expressions at how earnestly determined Mashiro was being. Normally Mashiro was very silly, but from the start she's been very serious and determined, and with her no less. Finally the time came for them to stop.
"That's enough for today, don't want you two to burn out," Aoi called out to them.
"Agreed, and by the looks of it, Mashiro looks like she could fall at any time," Madoka said nervously as they flew down.
Mashiro panted while sweating bullets. Misaki placed an arm around her and lead herself and her to the club trailer. While getting undressed, Misaki spoke.
"Good job," Misaki complimented. "You worked really hard."
"Right!" Mashiro said joyfully, temporarely rejuvenated from that while Misaki silently chuckled.
After getting back into their normal clothes, Misaki took the liberty to carry Mashiro on her back since Mashiro was too tired to walk. The two thus left on their own.
"Sorry for causing trouble like this," Mashiro said in a guilt voice.
"Don't worry about it," Misaki said. "Anyway, shouldn't you be happy about this? I am carrying you after all."
"You're righhhht~" Mashiro exclaimed in happiness while Misaki sweat dropped.
"So predictable," Misaki said uncaringly, but with a slight smile. "I'm proud of you, you know, for working that hard."
Mashiro rested her head on Misaki's neck. "What kind of girl would I be in your eyes if I can't take training with you? I like you so much you know," Mashiro said gently.
"You're persistant as always," Misaki said, but her look was a gentle one, just before she fake yawned. "I'm feeling pretty tired too, so why don't we just go over to my house?"
"Sure," Mashiro said, completely missing the full meaning behind her words.
After getting to Misaki's house, they went to her bedroom. Immediately, Mashiro layed in the bed due to her body aching. If it weren't for being exhausted, she would have been sniffing her precious Senpai's bed.
"Ahhh, much better," Mashiro said, glad to no longer move at all.
"Don't go to sleep, there's still super soon," Misaki said, getting on the bed next to her.
"Mmm," Mashiro said before closing her eyes to rest.
Misaki then placed the sleeping Mashiro in her lap, softly carassing her head as she slept innocently. Misaki smiled at her while remaining in the position and taking a nap herself. Eventually they woke up and had super, but as Mashiro prepared to leave, Misaki stopped her.
"I told you, I'm feeling really tired," Misaki stated. "And I could use some company."
"You mean, I can stay for the night?" Mashiro asked, and then hugged her after a nod. "What's this, could it be-"
"Don't get any wrong ideas," Misaki warned. "I said you could stay, but don't misinterpret that."
Mashiro pouted for a moment before perking up. "I got it," she said.
With that they went to her room and got in bed together once Mashiro phoned her mom she was spending the night over at Misaki's place.
"Thanks," Mashiro started. "For being my friend."
"What are you saying?" Misaki asked. "Of course we're friends."
"I mean for always putting up with me," Mashiro admitted. "I know I cling to you to the point it can bother you, but that's because I really like and care for Senpai so much."
"I know," Misaki gently said facing her. 'Man, she's seriously too honest with how she feels about me. But that's what makes her Mashiro.'
She then thought to how overly happy Mashiro always is with her, and how honestly she expresses her feelings to her. The two then slept together. It was a cute sight, with Misaki holding the girl in her arms, and their foreheads touching.
Over the next few days, while Mashiro and Misaki trained, Asuka and Masaya went to one another's house, chatting and the like. They even went to the beach and played in the water together. Masaya merely floated in the water, content, whereas Asuka wanted to play tag, thus he did as she wanted.
Masaya was by himself at the moment in the middle of the day, thinking about something. Glancing at the cabinet that housed his old child Grav-Shoes, a decision was reached. Getting up, he left for the training area alone.
'It's been pretty long huh?' Masaya thought. An image of the past played in his mind, showing him as a kid flying in the sky flying without a care. 'Before I discovered FC, I never really felt passionate about anything to be honest. Everything felt so limited, like the world was a prison you couldn't escape. But when I saw Kagami-sensei fly, I felt admiration. I thought 'If I have these Grav-Shoes, I can fly into the endless skies anywhere I want'. FC is freedom. You can fly wherever you want, choose how you want to play, and press forward beyond your limit. FC is such a sport. But, can I really do this again-no, don't hesitate! You've come this far, it's time I entered that world again completely. Even if I feel nervous, I have a wonderful person who will be right there with me.'
He then called up Aoi and met her at the trailer. "What is it? It's not like you to just call me out in private like this," Aoi said.
Masaya took a deep breath before eying her seriously. "Got a pair of All-rounder Grav-Shoes?" he asked.
"Something happen to Kurashina's?" Aoi asked, but Masaya shook his head.
"No, ones for me," Masaya said, making Aoi blink with surprise.
"You..." Aoi started.
"I've made a decision," he started. "I don't want to keep running away from this sport. That's why I..."
"Understood," Aoi said, smiling at him. "If that is what you've decided, hold firmly to it, Masaya," Masaya nodded before Aoi had him come in the trailer with her. Opening a drawer, she scrummaged through until she found a pair of white All-rounder Grav-Shoes. "Your old ones are too small for you now, but this should be fine."
"Maybe I'll still hold onto them like I've been for old time sake," Masaya said, taking the new pair from Aoi.
"Ha ha, I remember one of them slipped off when you were a kid, and it hit you square in the face while on," Aoi said while chuckling.
"You don't have to remember that!" Masaya yelled with a red face. "Anyway, I'm leaving."
"You're not going to fly?" Aoi asked in confusion.
"I am, but there's one person I want to see it first before anyone else," Masaya said.
As he left and took out his phone, Aoi smiled while closing her eyes. "Thank you, Kurashina," she said to herself. "If she hadn't come, he may not have came back to this world."
She looked up at the sky as she said the last part.
Meanwhile, Masaya met up with Asuka on the sidewalk near his home.
"What is it?" Asuka asked in a cheery voice.
"Come with me, there's something I want to show you," Masaya said.
"Me?" Asuka asked curiously.
So they went to a section of the beach that had many rocky cliffs. Here, Masaya took out what was in the box he was holding.
"That's!" Asuka started.
Masaya smiled while nodding. "FC Grav-Shoes," he started.
"But why do you have them?" Asuka asked.
"Because I'm going to fly again with them," Masaya answered her. "It is a fact that I give advice and coach you and the others-that was my contentment, until now. But, I want to help you all by practicing with you too."
"Masaya-san..." Asuka said in an awed tone.
"I told you before, you've already helped me find my way back to FC," Masaya said. "Now I want try flying once more. Therefore, let's do this together, Asuka."
Asuka smiled with her mouth open. "Yes!" she said before closing her mouth and eyes.
He then put them on. "O...okay," Masaya said, becoming nervous.
"Don't worry," Asuka said gently. "I'm sure of it, it'll be fine."
"Right," Masaya said, calming down. 'Well, here goes nothing.'
Asuka then turned on her Grav-Shoes, as did he.
The particles extending out of Masaya's took the shape of two green-like wings.
"Fly!" Asuka yelled.
Shooting into the air towards the sky, Masaya upped his speed. While doing so, his vision blurred, seeig a kid version of himself flying in the air laughing, while Aoi watched. Coming back to reality, he stopped.
'Sorry it took me so long to return, you two,' Masaya thought before looking at Asuka.
"What's wrong?" Asuka asked, though she could see he was in a good mood.
"Just thinking about the old days," Masaya said. "Now, let's fly side by side."
So they did. While doing so, the sun shined beautifully as it begun to set. Masaya couldn't describe the emotions going through him other than he felt hyped doing this again. He then started to laugh.
"Huh?" Asuka asked.
"I'm just too happy right now!" Masaya said, unable to hold it back. "Getting to fly in FC again as a player."
"Masaya-san was always there for me, so it makes me really glad seeing you like this," Asuka beamed with happiness.
The two smiled at each other, and after some more peaceful flying, Masaya had them stop.
"Don't hold back against me!" Masaya stated, grinning while Asuka was confused. "I mean I want you to hit me with all you've got."
"But-" Asuka started before gaining a resolved look. "Understood!"
While Asuka did as he commanded, he dodged her with ease, surprising her. Seeing that this wasn't working, Asuka put some distance by flying up, only to witness him spin and shoot up afterwards. Asuka grinned and pursued.
'I've still got it after all,' Masaya thought. 'Aoi, your effort in training me still holds effect to this day.'
"Amazing, Masaya-san is so strong!" Asuka praised, trying to hit him, only for him to swiftly dodge around her and hit her in the back for a point. "W-what was that!?"
"Blaster Roll," Masaya stated. "Another move I learned from Aoi."
"Is that right?" Asuka asked.
"She's my former FC teacher," Masaya explained.
"I'm sure there were fun times you spent together," Asuka said, smiling at him.
'That, and she was really strict when she had to be,' Masaya thought, recalling how much Aoi could push him in training if needed.
After more practice, they sat down together near the trailer. "You really have changed my life so much," Masaya started as she looked at him. "The things I said to Irina, they were the truth. Before meeting you, I was indeed trapped by my own despair. When you're afraid of something, it's easy to run away from it after all. 'I can't play anymore' is what I always thought. But, when I met you, everything changed. The more I was with you, the more I started to realize that this isn't so scary after all. More than that, you taught me that FC is simply to be enjoyed, and win or lose doesn't matter."
"But you've helped me too," Asuka said. "Before coming to this school, I had no idea what FC was. Through meeting you all, I found something so wonderful and fun. And, I got to grow close to Masaya-san and fall in love. I couldn't be happier."
"I see," Masaya said gently, holding her waist as she rested her head on his shoulder. "You know, I want Irina to see FC like we do."
"Me too," Asuka said. "She says FC needs to change, but is that how she truly feels inside?"
"I don't know," Masaya said. "We can only guess her mind-set. But, she only said what she said because she cares about FC. Even so, I want us to prove to her that the current FC isn't wrong."
"Mmm, but what about Inui-san?" Asuka asked. "How does she feel about all this?"
Masaya sunk into thought. Indeed, where did Saki stand on this? The last time they met, Saki seemed very reserved and closed off while Irina did all the talking.
Elsewhere, Saki just defeated an FC player, whom was on the ground in shock by her strength while Saki walked away with an emotionless cold expression.