Chapter 3: Fight, fight!

"Kagami, is this the friend you were talking about?" asks a very tall, broad man behind him.

"I wouldn't call us friends," I say, as I clasp my hands behind my back.

"Yeah…she's my big sister."

Silence fills the court, the males taking in what Taiga had just said. I watch as they look back and forth from Taiga and me. I brace myself for it.

Immediately they begin to laugh and snicker at the comment.

"You're triple her size!"

"Physically speaking, it's quite apparent that Taiga is much bigger than me. But in the relationship he and I share, there's a vast difference in maturity between us," I state, as I cross my arms over my chest.

"When I first moved to America in grade 3, I had a hard time making friends. I remember walking home one day when I bumped into Tora. She was tiny and quiet, standing in front of me with a large basketball underneath her arm. She could barely hold it with one hand. She told me they were looking for another player and by that, I thought she meant someone to play dolls and house with. There was no way a girl like that could be referring to basketball. But that's what she meant. I remember first watching her play, her movement, shots and passes were so fluid and strong. Every shot she made she could get it in. After that day, I didn't want to play basketball again. Not when someone like her existed. But Tora taught me how to play, how to feel the game through a cool head, hot heart. Then we started to play basketball all the time together, with me getting better and better. I referred to Tora as my big sister because of her wiser nature."

"After he had called me the endearing name, I went out and bought us matching rings, to symbolize our relationship," I chip in, as my face grows soft at the recollection of that day. I was so timid when giving it to him. I was afraid he wouldn't like it. But he loved it.

"When it went on to middle school, Tora went to an all girl's private school leaving us apart from one another. But we started playing against one another when it came to fighting for the courts. I won the first one, and then Tora won the other. It was a cycle of winning and losing between each other…" trails Taiga, as I watch him avert his gaze from me. Too ashamed to continue the story. To admit his mistake. So I continue the story for him.

"It came to the point where we were tied for wins. At this time, I had made a bet with Taiga. I said that if I lost against him in the next game, I wouldn't call him my little brother. How could I as his big sister act like one if he continued to win against me? So, we bet on the title. Come the day of game, I had hurt my wrist earlier due to a minor conflict. As I was shooting the ball, I hadn't flicked my wrist enough, so the ball was just shy enough from the hoop to not go in. This was Taiga's time to run for a fast break and dunk the ball. I remember it so clearly. I stood on my side by myself, watching him with a smile. The little one had superseded the bigger one. There wasn't anything left for me to teach him. I was happy that the once troublesome child with no friends had become the center of attention."

"But then…" trails off Taiga, as I watch him rub the nape of his neck in frustration. Everyone around us almost takes a step in towards the circle, eagerly waiting to hear the next part of the story. I wish for Taiga to explain, but I realize the dread and guilt still lingers on him.

"But then Taiga purposely missed, not being able to bear the thought of losing the title. I was furious. I punched Taiga in the face, resulting in a severe bruising the next day on my part. I then went on to bet on these," I say, as I show them all the rings Taiga and I wear around our necks. "I placed a bet on our friendship. The next time we met, we'd play for the rings."

"But shortly after, I flew back to Japan. Not being able to play against Tora ever since."

"But here I am, currently playing for Yosen high. I think today's the best opportunity to play that missed game, don't you think?" I ask, as I flash him a small, gentle smile. I wanted Taiga to know that I wasn't angry at him. After all, with this ring around my neck, he was still my little brother.

"T-Tora…I, uhm. I-"

I watch with a confused look as Taiga get's punched in the face by a little, black and white dog.

"Ow, what was that for #2?!"

"Kagami-kun, you're really annoying when you're indecisive. Its very un sportsman like to lose a game on purpose. A game both of you loved. No one can walk away satisfied when your archrival gave the game away on purpose! Besides, even if she isn't your big sister, you'll always be important to each other!" infers a short, quiet blue haired boy. His eyes were light and eerily vacant. Is that what mine looked like?

He had said all the things that had been lingering in my mind for the past years. He must be close with Taiga to know him so personally like that.

Taiga grips his necklace tightly, a determined look overcoming his face. "Tora, I'll face you with all I've got in this game!"

Smiling, I pick up my bag that was resting on the ground by my feet. "That's what I've wanted to hear, Taiga. Say, do I know you?" I ask, as I nod towards the blue haired boy beside him. I was a little relieved that he was only about 3 cm taller than me. It was good to see short players once in a while.

"I'm Kuroko Tetsuya."

"You're…never mind."

"You know Kuroko?"

"Eh? Not really. Just an interesting team mate of mine might've mentioned something," I let on, as I give Kuroko a once over before I walk off towards my team.

We line up in the center of the court, facing against Taiga and his team. I begin to stretch my arm, glancing over towards the guys on my team. I did just join them, but they'd have to suffice for now I suppose.

The ball is thrown in the air, Taiga and a boy from my team jump to tip it onto their side. But instead, a long, slender arm reaches out and catches it with ease in their palm.

"Sorry. Did I make you wait?"