Thanks to those who reviewed, followed and favourite'd. You guys always make my day :) So this is a notice in advance: I'm going on vacation from 6th to probably around 15th, you won't be seeing me doing any updates during that period. I'm not sure if I'm bringing my tablet there (I'm prone to carelessness, and I'm deathly afraid of misplacing it), so I'll probably resume updating around 20th – ish? Don't worry, I've said it before in C1 and my resolution hadn't changed: I'll definitely finish writing HTTW :) this chapter is one of the greatest challenges I had faced in HTTW –sighs- which is probably why I ended up making a new coverpage as a mean of relieving the slight writer's block (the previous coverpage was created in the same manner except I was also trying to hone my photoshop skills that time… I was and still am a noob with PS only I've been promoted from newbie to novice noob). Well, how do you like the new coverpage? :D

Higher than the Wind

Nationals

Time was slow, too slow, agonizing slow even to the Rikkai Dai girls tennis club. There was one more week till the finals of the Nationals, and at this rate, nobody was sure how long they could cope with the stress. Stress was a cumulative effect. With each passing moment, the pressure on their mind only felt more vivid, crippling and suffocating.

Months and weeks, they kept telling themselves that they were the best and they had nothing to fear when they go up against Shitenhouji, but memories of their seniors' past defeat loomed over them, casting a brooding dark shadow over their match even before it began. The humiliation Rikkai Dai had suffered by the hands of Shitenhouji was freshly engraved in their minds. They knew it was wrong of them to think about what if they lost – if they went into the court thinking about the possibility of losing, they had already lost half of the battle before it began, but the third years couldn't stop the image of their seniors' brutal defeat from surfacing in their minds. Humiliation and individual pride aside, there was a greater wage at stake–

– Rikkai Dai's reputation as number one in the nation. With that big a chip out on the table, losing wasn't an option. It wasn't going up against Shitenhouji that they were afraid of, but the repercussions of losing on Rikkai Dai Fuzoku.

"Girls, are you ready?" Hana faced her team with her arms crossed across her chest, eyes hardened with determination and assurance. She could see her team's vulnerability, and that she would rectify. Hana knew that at times like this, it was all up to her to boost her team's morale, and why not? All had been sailing smoothly thus far, they had won all their matches in clean sets – even when they played against Hyotei which was viewed as the most potential dark horse in this year's tournament. It was a stunning victory which rekindled – or rather, refuelled their schoolmates' faith in them, since the flame hadn't been completely put out at all.

All that was left now was to take on Shitenhouji. It was their final hurdle, and it wasn't an impossible one to overcome. Hana didn't believe that her team would be inferior to Shitenhouji.

"Yes, captain!" Perhaps it had to do with Hana's powerful persuasive ability and influence over her team, except for Heibi, all the regulars answered to their captain in unison, voice louder and firmer than it had ever been in the past two weeks. Ironically, Hana shook her head, it was the two youngest players on the team who seemed to be the most recollected.

But that was good, because it meant that she hadn't made the wrong decision after all.

"I'll be announcing the lineup for the finals now," Hana paused slightly before continuing, watching as anticipation built up on her players' faces, "doubles 2 will be Heibi and Kichi."

Surprise was common across everyone's face. They hadn't expected Heibi of all people to be placed as doubles. She was a strictly singles player.

Heibi's head jerked up violently when she heard her placement and she stared at Hana like the latter had just committed a nefarious crime. Kichi's mouth was agape, she hadn't expected herself to play doubles with the renowned tensai of the club.

"Doubles 1 will be Rei and Himeko."

That was a given, so there was little resistance. Now all that was left was the heated competition for the three Singles spots.

"Singles 3 will be myself, singles 2 will be Cho and singles 1… I'll leave my faith in you, Tsugi."

Suddenly, Tsugi became the center of attention.

Heibi averted her eyes to Tsugi whom she leered at upon Hana's announcement of the player for Singles 1.

"I will not accept this. This is incredulous. That girl," Heibi pointed a finger at Tsugi, and with a condescending sneer which caused Tsugi's shoulders to stiffen, she bluntly stated, "is not up to the standards of singles 1. You cannot be foolish enough to believe that she can take on Umiheiro."

Tsugi remained quiet. She was still in the midst of digesting the news when Heibi squeezed out the breath from her –not literally, but figuratively– with her blunt remark. If they were talking about natural talent, there was no denying that Heibi was endowed with more natural talent than the entire team put together – with the exception of Cho, of course. Knowing that, her words still felt like knives, and they hurt.

"I'm the captain and my decision is final. Like it or not, Heibi, you have to suck it all in." Instead of accommodating to Heibi's unpleasant attitude as she'd usually have, Hana was unusually firm in her stance on this issue. "If you're so worried about Tsugi, Heibi, you should pray that we'll crush Shitenhouji before we reach singles 1 then."

Heibi was appalled by Hana's determination and she glared at Hana, ruby-red eyes seething with anger. Her heated glare could have very well melted a whole glacier cap, but Hana was unfazed. Even when dealing with a difficult person like Heibi, Hana was solid.

Heibi got even more furious.

She stared at Hana, long and hard, but the message in the latter's eyes was clear: this case was sealed. There was no grounds for dispute. Heibi couldn't believe it. As the ace and vice-captain (though she could care less about her latter role) of Rikkai Dai's girls team, Heibi was used to having her way both on and off the courts. When had she ever been treated any less than a royalty, and suffered such humiliation in her Utopia before? Hana's resistance against her will was tantamount to coup d'état in her eyes.

That was it. This was the last straw.

With one final dirty look at Tsugi, Heibi whirled around and stomped out of the court, not sparing a second glance over her shoulder.

The rest of the team remained quiet, they didn't show it, but Hana knew that they didn't approve of her decision either. Even if it wasn't Heibi, singles 1 should have been Cho. Surprisingly, Cho seemed to be the only one who didn't look indignant, along with Kichi who well… was just too bubbly to even host any negative thoughts.

"None of you agree with my decision either, true?" Hana asked her third years. Nobody replied, but the answer was clear. They trusted that Hana had her own reasoning, but they still found the idea of putting Tsugi as singles 1 ridiculous. Hana rubbed her elbow and sighed, beginning to explain the rationale behind her decision, "alright. Since Heibi isn't here I won't beat around the bush, do you remember how and why she lost last year?"

Heibi's defeat was an especially heavy blow to their club, since she was the pride and icon of the club. What was worse was that Heibi was defeated 6-0 flat in under 20 minutes, Rikkai Dai was completely ridiculed by Shitenhouji in front of the whole Japan. Granted, Heibi's personal fame took the heavier blow since the matches before hers were all close rallies, but those within the club knew better. It wasn't Heibi that Shitenhouji was bringing down, it was Rikkai Dai's face and reputation.

Third years stayed quiet because of the unsettling memory, second years took on silence as well because they weren't privy to what happened last year. It was an ugly streak in the club's history after all, so seniors wouldn't randomly go around discussing this less than glorious event with their juniors.

"Good. It'd seem you remember. Then you should also understand that Heibi is in no condition to go up against Umiheiro now. I know you're going to argue and say that there's still Cho and myself, but no. Cho and I will just turn out to be like Heibi when we go up against Umiheiro. Subaru has all the data on Heibi, Cho, me… she knows all of us inside out already and you should know by now that with Subaru's data, Umiheiro can defeat anyone, they are a perfect combination. New blood is needed, if we're thinking about taking on Umiheiro.

"It's degrading to admit this, but I assembled this team specifically to counter Shitenhouji. Each and every of you was selected to counter a specific member on Shitenhouji's team. But with that being said, you should feel superior to your opponent because you were meant to suppress them. In the animal's world, your relationship with your opponent is that of a predator and its prey, and you are by no means the prey."

Last year, Senjirou Heibi lost in an unfair match. Heibi had long been the ace of Rikkai Dai girls tennis club since the day she joined the crew, her position in the club was somewhat akin to Yukimura's in his club. In fact, she came quite close to earning the same title as Yukimura – only she was brutally defeated in the finals of the Nationals by Umiheiro Natsuki and Subaru Miharu last year.

Heibi played against Umiheiro, but she went up against Subaru in the same match. They were careless, too complacent in thinking that Heibi's talent was unparalleled in the middle school circuit, which eventually brought about their second downfall.

Shitenhouji was well-prepared against Heibi.

Subaru Miharu. Shitenhouji's master analyst and an extremely bothersome opponent. She was the one who collected Heibi's data from every single of her matches, consolidated it and while the idea was unnerving, Hana had to admit that perhaps, Subaru and Umiheiro understood Heibi better than Heibi did herself. With that level of knowledge about their ace, Shitenhouji snatched the championship trophy from Rikkai Dai once again.

This time, Hana vowed to break Shitenhouji's winning streak at all costs. She would not repeat their seniors' mistakes, she would keep her trump card away from the spotlight until they reach the most crucial game – and that was what Hana did.

Hana looked at Tsugi. Her decision to pitch Tsugi against Umiheiro was actually made only during the winter training camp. Originally, Tsugi was selected to go up against a different opponent, but Hana changed her mind after seeing how Tsugi fared during the training. She saw potential in Tsugi, one which actually shed light –albeit faint– on the path to victory against Umiheiro Natsuki. That girl was simply flawless, no loophole, no weakness at all... As a tennis player, the only quality that could remotely be considered a flaw in her was her slight vainness – she refused to tie up her hair even when she was playing in a match. But a mere flaw like that was insignificant in the face of overwhelming power and ability. Umiheiro Natsuki was perfect, and that in an opponent was vastly worrisome. While it was regrettable, there wasn't anyone in Rikkai Dai who could match up to Natsuki for her ability justified her arrogance.

In a way, Umiheiro Natsuki was the middle school girls tennis's answer to Yukimura Seiichi.

"Buchou, I respect your decision but I still feel that your decision is a little too hasty this time round. Placing Tsugi against Umiheiro may give us a temporary edge, but there's a gap between their tennis ability," Senko voiced out, a significant gap at that that cannot be surmounted merely by pitching a new blood against the 'Queen'. Even though she was the one being benched this time, Senko didn't harbor resentment for Tsugi. There was no denying that she felt a slight sinking feeling at the pit of her stomach when she didn't hear her name in the lineup, but Senko wasn't one to dwell on unhappiness or indulge in any intense emotions at all – credit of her upbringing.

Senko spoke the exact words on Himeko and Rei's minds.

"Haven't you all realized something when you were playing against Tsugi?" Hana rubbed her forehead, and she glanced at Cho who had been silent all the while. Cho puckered her lips, but she grudgingly obeyed her captain's non-verbal command. She disliked troubles, but she liked Tsugi enough to act in concert with Hana. Besides, she still owed Tsugi one from during the winter training camp.

"She evolves during her matches," said Cho, and all attention was directed to her. Cho pinched the bridge of her nose, "you know, even Heibi isn't able to do that. When Tsugi-chan is completely focused on the game, she's able to correct her mistakes and improve right on the spot – it sounds easy but that trait is rare and invaluable within a player, it's pretty amazing to watch."

Is that enough? Cho asked Hana with a pleading look, she'd much rather fade off into the background and become a wallflower. Despite being a genius second only to Heibi, Cho was more renowned for something other than her talent – her unparalleled laziness. Sometimes, Hana felt that it was truly a pity with Cho, for she was as much gifted as Heibi was. But who was she to pass comment on another's choice? It had been clear from the start that Cho's aspiration had never lied within the sport, tennis was just a hobby for her.

Hana nodded, satisfied, "precisely what I'm betting on. Matter has three phases, solid, liquid and gas. Given the right conditions, matter can transform from one phase to another. Likewise for humans, our potential is infinite – but most people are sadly confined to only one phase, or some two phases. Let's say solid is power, liquid is technique and gas represents speed. Most people would think that a person can at most possess two of the three traits – during boiling and melting, for example, but they forget that there exists the triple point (1) of matter. What I saw in you, Tsugi, was your ability to focus. When you're focused, you're able to adapt to the game, putting on your best form – the triple point of matter."

Where three phases coexisted, when a player harnessed the best of all three. Not that she was stronger than Umiheiro or even Heibi and Cho for all it matters in that form, but with that sort of balance, with that sort of versatility… Hana saw hope.

… Cho giggled – secretly, of course. She didn't want to infuriate her captain. It was an untimely time to be amused, but Cho thought that that analogy was just so… Hana. Trust the top science student in the cohort to incorporate science within her explanation even when the matter has nothing to do with the subject at all.

… Matter? Matter? Cho shivered at her own unintended pun, shaking it off before any goosebumps were aroused. She then turned and looked at Tsugi, waiting to see her response.

The 'you' in Hana's words indicated that she was speaking to Tsugi.

By then, Tsugi's equanimity was restored or rather, her mind had completely blanked out due to extreme nervousness and shock so only the most fundamental and logical portion of her brain remained in function – an arguably very useful and desirable natural… talent.

"I can't promise victory, but I will definitely play to the best of my ability," Tsugi took a deep breath and answered with the solemnness of taking an oath on a sacred ceremony.

Any attempts to make up excuses would seem hypocritical now, especially when Hana had taken on a clear, firm stance. The most suitable response, from Tsugi to her teammates would be to take on the task and swear to perform her best. Her fists were gripped tightly, but her back was straight and her voice was strong, though not loud, and much to the team's surprise, managed to convince them.

How odd, the Rikkai Dai regulars thought, given the difference in aptitude between Tsugi and Umiheiro Natsuki, they should have been irked by her presumably shameless lack of self-awareness when she said that, but they queerly felt assured by her.

That subtle inspirational feel just like Yukimura Seiichi, huh? Hana watched as her third years' expressions calmed down, remembering the feedback she had received from Haruno-senpai after the winter training camp. Hana herself had always been perceived as a powerful leader with the ability to influence people around her, but influencing wasn't inspiring.

Inspiring was propagating people into actions, influencing was merely swaying people's thoughts and generating the right atmosphere. They were synonyms with vast disparity in meaning.

Tsugi had a gift in her, one that was certain to make a great leader if she was given the opportunity to shine. It was a little faint now since she had yet to discover it for herself, but with a little honing and refinement, she'd undoubtedly become a magnificent leader.

Realizing that Hana wasn't likely to make any alteration to the lineup, the Rikkai Dai regulars relented and embraced the final outcome. Like what other schools had always said about Rikkai Dai sports teams, it was almost scary how the captains of most of the clubs have all the regulars knuckled under them. Though, the benefits really outweighed the consequences for serious disputes were rare amongst the regulars because of their common faith. Perhaps bickers, squabbles and things like that, such as those between Himeko and Rei, but these hardly ever escalated into fist fights. Rikkai Dai sports teams were some of the most harmonious around.

Having accomplished her agenda for this meeting, Hana soon dismissed them, and she didn't linger around, much to the surprise of Tsugi who was half-expecting Hana to have a 'chat' with her. As Tsugi was about to exit the courts herself, she caught sight of Cho who saw her as well.

"Zachikaitou-senpai," Tsugi greeted Cho first.

"Tsugi-chan," Cho smiled at her in response, "are you heading home? Let's walk to the gates together."

Tsugi didn't refuse.

"Senpai, why did you speak up for me just now?" asked Tsugi. Aside from the winter training camp when they shared a room, Tsugi hardly ever came into contact with this senpai.

"Hmm? Well, let me see… Hana's threat was definitely the main reason, but I don't lie so those were my heartfelt words too, and besides, I never repaid you for taking charge of cleaning duties for our room during the winter training camp."

Cho rubbed the back of her neck and stated very honestly. She was a lazy bum down to her very core, the only reason why they never failed the surprise checks conducted by the seniors (who believed that cleaning was part of self-discipline) was because she had a roommate like Tsugi. She didn't say it back then, but she was pretty grateful to this junior.

"Senpai still kept that in mind? It's really nothing though," Tsugi was very much surprised. Tsugi liked her things neat and organized, but she never imposed her ideals on people around her. Still, it didn't make sense for her to only clean up half of the room since dirt and dust are easily carried across the floor so she'd also help Cho to clean up her side of her room while she went about her daily cleaning routine. After cleaning up the whole room for the first time, Cho didn't seem to mind her 'intrusion', and Tsugi didn't mind taking up extra cleaning duties either since she was the junior, so the relationship continued (2).

"I don't like to be indebted to people," Cho shook her head, "with this we are equal. Just do you best at your match kay'? Don't be too stressed up about it."

Though she said it in a casual manner, Tsugi knew that Cho was bringing up a serious issue. So with a solemn nod of her head, Tsugi replied, "Yes, Zachikaitou-senpai."

~x~

Snugly tucked into her bed, she couldn't fall asleep. Tsugi stared at the ceilings. A paroxysm of nervousness, fear but most of all worries and anticipation gushed through her veins, keeping every single cell in her body widely awake. She pushed off the blanket and sat up straight, rubbing her elbows as she glanced at the digital clock on her nightstand.

12.17am. Another 6 hours and 13 minutes before she had to get out of bed, and get ready for the Nationals finals. Tsugi knew she wasn't going to get any sleep any time soon, so she turned on the lights and sat in front of her desk, wanting to do anything – really anything to keep her mind occupied, so that she'd stop thinking about the match later, but there was no task waiting to be done. Her eyes laid on the bundle of papers she had requested from Renji, and she closed her eyes recalling what she had learn about Umiheiro Natsuki.

She could be summed up in one word: perfect. Her record was flawless, and if not for the fact her opponents were mostly able to clinch a game or two from her, she'd have earned the same title as Yukimura – Umiheiro Natsuki had never been defeated in the past three years.

But Tsugi was undaunted, she had to remain undaunted. Definitely, knowing about Natsuki's records had thrown her off her balance for a moment, but Tsugi never thought of losing. From the start, losing had never been within her list of considerations when she was placed as singles 1. Tsugi absentmindedly played with her phone, mind blank yet so full, and all of a sudden her phone vibrated. The unexpected motion surprised her for a moment and her phone nearly slipped between her fingers, but she grabbed it before it kissed the table. Who could be calling at such a late hour? She pressed answer, and brought the phone to her ear.

"Hello, Yanagi Asaitsugi speaking."

A chuckle was emitted from the other side of the line.

"You're still awake, Yanagi."

"… Yukimura?" Tsugi recognized his voice instantaneously, baffled to receive his call at such a late hour. Why was he even awake at this hour? For goodness' sake -she glanced at the analogue clock hanged upon the walls– it was already past midnight and nearly one o'clock too! "Shouldn't you be asleep?"

"I was reviewing some of the regulars' status," came the reply from Yukimura, it was true, except he was purposefully taking his time to complete today's or rather yesterday's task.

"Ever the responsible captain, aren't you?" Tsugi smiled and commented, his sense of responsibility was a very admirable quality. Obviously, she was misled into thinking that Yukimura lost track of time, and Yukimura had no intention to correct her mistake.

"I make conscious effort towards being one," Yukimura answered, "Yanagi, are you feeling nervous?"

That was the purpose of his call.

"While I'd like to deny… yes," Tsugi admitted.

"With that heavy a load upon your shoulders, it's only natural," Yukimura's voice was understanding; he knew about the Rikkai Dai girls tennis club's predicament and victory wasn't optional for Tsugi, not that it ever was for any sports players in Rikkai Dai. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Gentle like a spring breeze lightly grazing over her skin, soothing like the water of the stream which ran beneath. That was Yukimura's voice to her. His voice mitigated the strong undertows which were disrupting the serenity of her mind, and she nearly spilled it all out – except rationality held a firm grip on her.

"Yanagi…" Yukimura sighed softly, like he was coaxing a child to speak, "you can confide in me, you know."

There was a momentary silence as she considered his offer. After a while, she spoke.

"It's… stressful, with everyone's expectation upon you," her confession drew out a warm smile on Yukimura's face, "the chances of me winning against Umiheiro are low, minuscule even, but I kept reiterating to myself that I will win, I must win."

She wasn't sure how convinced she was by herself, but she knew she had to be.

"Are you afraid?" He asked, voice alluring enough to subdue the most savage beast.

"Not quite," Tsugi shook her head, fully aware that her physical actions wouldn't be transmitted by radio wave transmission, "more like worried, actually."

Aside from Sanada back when they were first years… few things really frightened her.

"You're strong, Yanagi," said Yukimura earnestly, and when it came from him, it made her feel assured that she was strong indeed. From the Kanagawa Firework Festival, Tsugi knew his talent to convince – like it was unthinkable that lies would ever spew from those lips, "but you shouldn't take up weight that wasn't meant to be shouldered alone by yourself. Rikkai Dai's victory is Rikkai Dai's victory and not Yanagi Asaitsugi's victory alone. Your team is with you, Yanagi. Let them share the burden with you, that's what team sports are about."

"Is that why I feel heavy in my heart? Because I'm trying to take on too much…?"

Her voice was softening, and Yukimura knew he had succeeded in pulling out one of the hooks which stubbornly nailed the chains which shackled that load to her mind, and the weight on her heart was gradually being lifted.

"You're playing in a team tournament, Yanagi. The pressure you have put on yourself is meant to be shared – as are the glories that will ensue."

Tranquility was completely restored within her mind by then.

"I understand now, Yukimura. Thank you so much," her voice had reverted back to her usual light tone which he was familiar with, putting a smile to his face.

"Do your best at your match, Yanagi."

"I will. Good night and sweet dreams, Yukimura."

"You too, Yanagi."

Click. Hummmmm.

Almost immediately after she had hanged up on Yukimura, Tsugi's phone began vibrating again.

… Why was everyone calling in at such a late hour? It was nearly 1.30am in the morning already! Still, Tsugi picked up without much reluctance.

"Tsugi? You're still up?" Hana's voice came from the other side of the line.

"Buchou? Why are you calling at this hour?" Slowly, Tsugi blinked.

"I was thinking about the match later, Tsugi, I'm sorry for the pressure I had been putting on you, it isn't fair to make you shoulder so much by yourself. Listen, just do your best and don't blame yourself even if the outcome isn't what we wanted, okay?" Hana was speaking at an extremely fast pace, but Tsugi managed to catch her words.

Her captain's words created a warm, tingly sensation at the base of her heart, it was especially comforting after the conversation she just had with Yukimura.

"Thank you for your concern, captain. I will definitely do my best," replied Tsugi, voice firm and fraught with confidence.

She sounded strong, Hana thought, relieved. She had been concerned about Tsugi since she looked rather… tired throughout the whole week. But she sounded fine through the phone; that was good.

"Turn in early and rest well, alright? You need to be refreshed for the match later," advised Hana.

"I will. Good night, buchou."

"Good night, Tsugi."

~x~

At the break of dawn, Tsugi woke up and quickly washed up. She put on her regular uniform, which consisted of a mustard-yellow shirt with a single black stripe across the chest and a white pleated skirt. Admittedly, Rikkai Dai tennis club's choice of color wasn't that great but looking at herself in the mirror now, she saw the prestige which emanated from the uniform. She then grabbed her jersey and stuffed it into her tennis bag – double checking that she had both her main racquet and two back-up racquets in there along with a roll of grip tape just in case. She slipped on her wrist band on her left wrist, and pulled her hair into a tight sideway ponytail.

When she exited her room, she was greeted by the scent of fresh miso soup which wafted into her nose. Aunt Machi is up already, thought Tsugi and she made her way to the kitchen. Sure enough, Yanagi Machi was ladling up a bowl of miso soup and placing it on the table where a bowl of rice and three side dishes had already been laid out. When Yanagi Machi heard the noise, she turned around and smiled at Tsugi.

"You're such an early riser, Tsugi. Good thing I rose before you. Sit down and have breakfast first before setting off, would you? It's Aunt Machi's good luck charm to you," Yanagi Machi winked at Tsugi.

Tsugi wouldn't refuse, of course, she was very much indebted to her uncle and her aunt, who took care of her like their own. They filled the voids in her life which her parents left behind, and taught her that it was alright to depend on people other than herself once in a while.

"You shouldn't have went through the troubles, Aunt Machi…" Tsugi smiled faintly, but she sat down all the same, "Itadakimasu." Tsugi held her chopsticks and said her thanks softly before digging in. Breakfast tasted a whole lot more delicious than usual.

Yanagi Machi smiled and shook her head, "all the best, Tsugi-chan."

"Thank you, Aunt Machi."

~x~

The stadium was packed to the brim with middle school-ers from all across Japan, as well as sports journalists who were here in hope of capturing a noteworthy news scope.

Any outcome would be fine really, both Rikkai Dai triumphing over Shitenhouji and breaking the latter's winning streak, and Shitenhouji obtaining their third straight win would be breaking news – headline materials for the sports papers.

The Rikkai Dai regulars waltzed into the stadium. Standing at the front were indubitably Hana and Heibi, Hana's face was bereft of emotions and Heibi had a stone-cold expression put on as well, the latter was iconic of Rikkai Dai.

Ignoring the commotion which they stirred up, Hana and Heibi led the team right to their area, and when they reached Hana turned around to glance at her teammates. Her gaze lingered on Tsugi, who looked exceptionally chilled and Hana nodded, thinking that she had made the right decision in seeking out Yukimura after all.

– Flashback –

It was late in the evening after the boys team finished their practice. Yukimura, having stayed back to check the club's inventory, was just packing up to leave when an unexpected visitor came by.

"Yukimura, can you spare me a moment?" Hana walked into the boys' courts and immediately made her way towards Yukimura.

"Of course, Izumi-buchou," Yukimura lifted his face to glance at her momentarily; and he agreed.

They walked side-by-side until they reached a secluded corner in the school garden. Yukimura looked at Hana expectantly, arms casually crossed across his chest yet managing to appear quite amiable.

"I'd like to ask you not to show up at our Nationals," Hana went straight to the point and made no hesitation to put forward the purpose of her visit.

"That can be done, but I'd like to know why."

Hana was surprised. She came into the boys' courts today, half expecting Yukimura to be annoyed by her rude and seemingly arbitrary request, but quite on the contrary he didn't seem the least bit affronted and simply wanted to know the reason why. But by the way he carried himself, Hana had a peculiar feeling that there was just this inborn fluidity to him such that no matter what he did, and when he did what, as long as it was done by Yukimura Seiichi… nothing ever seems to be out of place.

'"I'm sure you've noticed too, Yukimura. You wield a heavy, might I say much too heavy influence over Tsugi and that's not healthy for her, be it in tennis or her life in general. She has so much potential that I'd dig my heart out if it went to waste, but to surpass her current limit… Yukimura, you're the first barrier she must break through above all other things. I hope you'll understand where I'm coming from." Tsugi was much too affected by Yukimura, it was like Yukimura Seiichi was her own personal brand of drug. A very unnecessary and pernicious drug which had manifested into a chain shackling her emotions, and in turn her ability as a tennis player.

At times he was her steroid, boosting her ability and enhancing her skills, at times he was cocaine, distracting her from reality and dragging her down.

The latter was what happened a week before the Prefectural Tournament began.

She would have investigated the reason behind Tsugi's strangeness, but Prefectural Tournament closed in and she had no choice but to put the matter aside and so she benched Tsugi throughout the whole Prefectural Tournament. It was only when they were at the quarterfinals of the Regional Tournament that Tsugi seemed to have recovered a little, and with the objective of assessing her reaction under stress in mind, Hana set up the scenario during the match against Ginka. The result wasn't perfect, but Hana was more or less convinced that she was the right person.

Hana could see her potential; and she'd hate to see her shattered when Yukimura walked out on her.

For a moment, Yukimura merely stared at Hana through still aquamarine eyes. His eyes, which resembled brilliant sapphires were so very enthralling – and it should had been a pleasure losing herself in those serene blue pools, except Hana didn't enjoy making eye contact with Yukimura at all. She literally felt guilt biting at her when she made eye contact with him. How did he make her feel like she was committing a nefarious sin even though she wasn't doing this out of any ulterior motive? The tension and silence were suffocating her, she felt like an invisible hand was strangling her throat just gently enough not to squeeze all the air out from her lungs. Still, she kept her head high and refused to show any weaknesses in front of a boy a year her junior. But it was overwhelming, really, so she was endlessly grateful when by the grace of His Lordship, his delegate finally spoke albeit the tone a little too airy to please her.

"You can have my words that she won't see me at the national championship."

– End of flashback –

Hana frowned, breaking out of her memories. His last sentence was a little equivocal, but that was alright. They could make compromises.

And then enter Shitenhouji. The thunderous cheers from the Queen's fans for their Her Majesty annoyed the Rikkai Dai regulars to no ends. Leading the team into the stadium was Umiheiro Natsuki and she was alone up front. Like Hyotei's boys tennis club, Shitenhouji's girls tennis club didn't have a vice-captain since Umiheiro Natsuki had everyone wrapped around her little finger. As to why her advisor was the treasurer instead of vice-captain, it was a mystery even within the club itself.

Natsuki smiled at the Rikkai Dai regulars when they crossed paths, and while Hana felt irked, she responded with a polite enough greeting. Heibi stiffened, and Cho pat her back reassuringly.

"Sure win Rikkai Dai!"

"Ganbatte, Shitenhouji!"

"We will now begin the Nationals finals, with the match between Kanagawa representative Rikkai Dai Fuzoku and Osaka representative Shitenhouji. The match will commence."

Heibi picked up her racquet and wordlessly entered the court, Kichi bounced a couple inches just behind her.

Hana wasn't worried about their apparent lack of synchrony – in fact, that was what she had been aiming for all along. Shitenhouji's Doubles 2 had two unique qualities: they were infamous doubles breakers and there was a monster power player within the pair, which was why she selected Kichi onto the team.

Sure enough, Heibi and Kichi, despite their lack of coordination brought victory to Rikkai Dai, a good start to the tournament which ignited furore amongst the crowd and which rewarded them with even louder cheers from their cheerleading team.

Unfortunately, Himeko and Rei lost next. Thankfully Hana herself overpowered her opponent and the score was 2-1. Hope remains, and Hana was hoping that perhaps… By some work of miracle, by the answer to her prayers and devotion throughout the entire week, perhaps Cho could emerge victorious over Subaru Miharu and they wouldn't have to have Tsugi face off Umiheiro Natsuki. She had seen for herself how Heibi was broken, how traumatized – yes, Heibi was traumatized by Natsuki and couldn't pick up a racquet for almost two weeks after that without shaking – she was and Hana's conscience would never forgive her if Tsugi suffered the same fate as Heibi.

But of course, that was all wistful thinking, Miharu defeated Cho with a score of 7-5. It was a close rally… but Cho lost.

"I'm sorry, Tsugi, do you best!" Cho came out from the court with a sorry smile on her face, and she ruffled the hair of her junior. Given her laziness and Subaru's android-like data processing skills, her loss was unexpected yet expected, she just needed some time to mull over it.

In the end, it came down to the final match – the much anticipated match between the 'Queen' and an unknown fresh face. Tsugi had built up her mental fortress already while her teammates fought their battles, so her expression was serene – too serene to be facing off the 'Queen'.

"Yanagi Asaitsugi… I hope you'll provide me with an interesting game," Natsuki began, her courtesy – well, in comparison to her attitude which Tsugi had seen a week ago, Natsuki was being remarkably polite. Her words still had that sharp tinge, but Tsugi could tell that Natsuki took her as an equal – a rather surprising realization. Why was it so? She knew about Shitenhouji's belligerent style of tennis – her teammates' injuries were testimonial to that, so why was Natsuki acting differently?

Tsugi heightened her alert.

"I'm honoured to play against you, Umiheiro-senpai," Tsugi nodded, putting on a poker face and masquerading her thoughts. Natsuki smiled, turned around and walked to the baseline.

"I'll begin now."

Natsuki was to serve first.

… Thump.

Confusion surfaced in Tsugi's eyes when the ball bounced out of the court – not on her side, but Natsuki's side.

"Love-15!"

It was only when the umpire read out the score that she realized she had just done a return ace against the 'Queen'. Natsuki seemed unaffected, and she prepared herself to serve again.

Thump.

This time round, they exchanged a few strokes but again, the ball bounced out in Natsuki's side of the court. Whispers arose amongst the crowd and Rikkai Dai's cheers kept getting louder, but Shitenhouji seemed unfazed.

"Love-30!"

Thump.

"Love-40!"

Thump.

"Game, Rikkai Dai Fuzoku, 1 game to love!"

There was uproar amongst Rikkai Dai cheerleading team, but the regulars were less optimistic. They had seen this happen before, last year at the Nationals… when Natsuki played against Heibi. It was an exact repeat of the scenario last year. Heibi was gripping her fists tightly, eyes cold and fixated on Natsuki.

The excitement in the crowd soon died down, and Shitenhouji's cheers started again when the second game began.

Thump!

Tsugi's serve was returned in a heartbeat. A little surprised, but Tsugi had been expecting that, so she immediately adjusted herself to the tides of the game – but just how much further was Umiheiro Natsuki able to raise the standards of the game? Every time Tsugi felt like she had gotten accustomed to the rhythm of the game, Natsuki would change the rhythm again forcing Tsugi to readjust – and when realization sank into Tsugi, Natsuki had already taken 4 games. The Rikkai Dai cheerleading squad was in silence, as were her teammates and most of the crowd.

She was being played by Natsuki. Natsuki was manipulating her, treating her like a piece of play dough, moulding her into the shapes she wanted as and when she liked. Tsugi had a feeling that perhaps this sudden realization was part of why her opponents were crushed – but for Tsugi, she had been working on psychological defence all the while before the match and she retained her composure.

The 6th game was Tsugi's serve game, and she promised herself that she'd break Natsuki's rhythm.

Deceitfully, she switched her position and took on a different posture, she gripped her racquet tightly, and surprised both her opponent and the crowd when she performed a stunt out of the blue.

Natsuki thought that she heard the distinct howl of a wolf, but that was impossible since she was in a match. Dismissing that thought as a figment of her imagination, Natsuki was taken by surprise when she saw that thing, a wolf racing towards her and dashing across the court. Her eyes widened and she didn't react, and that moment was enough – enough for the wolf to run out of her court, or rather, enough for the tennis ball to bounce away.

"Naku no Okami (The Wolf's Cry)," from the spectator area, Renji murmured to himself. He had seen that move before, it was the same move she used during the match they played last year.

Tsugi began playing above and beyond her usual ability. Capitalizing on Natsuki's initial shock and riding on her broken rhythm, Tsugi quickly took back 2 games. The score was now 4-3. She continued pushing on, and she succeeded – it soon became 4 games all but Natsuki had recovered and she took the lead again. The score was now 5-4. Tsugi refused to give in and took a game back. It was a close rally between two girls who were equally determined to bring their team the victory they had been working so hard for.

Thump.

Game, Rikkai Dai Fuzoku, 5 games all!

Thump.

Game, Shitenhouji, 6 games to 5! Change court!

Tsugi's lips were pressed tightly together, the pale pink was fading into white. Her arms and legs were littered with bruises – courtesy of Natuski, who began unleashing her true tennis after they tied at 4-4. An upside to this was that Natsuki's tennis drained her stamina – so even though she was injured, by the force of will they could play as equals – more or less so. The only thought on Tsugi's mind was that she cannot afford to lose, not after coming this far. Rikkai Dai's name was hinging on this match, she would never forgive herself if she lost. Tsugi sucked in a huge gulp of breath, gathered all her energy and served her opponent another Naku no Okami.

Natsuki was surprised that Tsugi still had that much strength left. Stamina wasn't Natsuki's strongest attribute nor was it this girl's; that much she could tell, this girl had certainly outdone herself. If that was the case then perhaps it was time to switch the plan, Natsuki allowed a wry smile to surface on her face. She had plenty of alternative strategies.

Natsuki stood still on the spot and closed her eyes, intensifying the tension in the air. Tsugi's brain was spinning at record-high speed and she knew what Natsuki was doing, but she didn't have a choice. She clenched her jaws and continued serving Naku no Okami. The game ended with no-touch aces – a very slow game for one settled in such a manner.

Thump!

Game, Rikkai Dai Fuzoku, 6 games all! 12 points tiebreak! Shitenhouji's Umiheiro to serve!

Nobody was smiling, not even the Rikkai Dai regulars. For Shitenhouji and all the rest in general, they couldn't believe that there was someone who could drag the 'Queen' into a tiebreaker. For Rikkai Dai, the price of victory was too heavy.

How could Tsugi continue playing in that state, when blue and black were the dominant color on her skin instead of her usual pale yellow, when it was too painful for them to even look at it?

"What are the chances of Tsugi winning, buchou?" Rei asked quietly.

"I don't know… This match is not in her favor, but it's not particularly in Umiheiro's favor either," Hana shook her head and frowned, something seems to be off about Umiheiro Natsuki today, but she couldn't pinpoint what. "Umiheiro knows that Tsugi is at her limit, that's why she's forcing Tsugi to continuously use Naku no Okami."

Hana could see that Naku no Okami was a move which required lots of power and precise control, the former which Tsugi had always lacked. It was both physically and mentally draining, and Tsugi's lack of power and endurance was going to be infinitesimally magnified in this match. Hana was proud that Tsugi had come so far in merely a week of intense training, but against the 'Queen'… this might still not be enough.

"Izumi is right," Heibi suddenly interjected, "they are both at their limit. Umiheiro is conserving her strength by choosing not to return Yanagi's serve. Yanagi, on the other hand, has little choice but to keep using Naku no Okami. Umiheiro had changed her strategy. They were both aiming for a tiebreaker."

Except a tiebreaker was more critical on Rikkai Dai's side, and Tsugi had earned it for Rikkai Dai.

A tiebreaker was the last ticket to victory for Rikkai Dai. Should Tsugi fail, that would be the end of Rikkai Dai Fuzoku girls tennis club's reputation as the best in the nation, a name which was built upon the sweat and blood of countless generations of girls who fought fiercely to secure Rikkai Dai's title. Three consecutive wins; that would be a spectacular feat for Shitenhouji and a permanent smudge in Rikkai Dai girls tennis club's pages in history. Even if Rikkai Dai rose again in the future, it would never be the same. They would no longer be the one and only dominant school in the middle school circuit. Shitenhouji would always be thought as their equal, or perhaps even more.

Rikkai Dai would never allow that to happen.

So all hope was on Tsugi, though the future seemed bleak. Umiheiro was leading with a score of 6-5 before; so she could afford to conserve her strength at the expense of a game. Tsugi on the other hand, had a much stronger reason to push on for a tiebreaker. Tactfully, Umiheiro had made use of the situation to drain Tsugi of what strength and mental power she has left.

"Heibi, you appear indifferent but you're worried about Tsugi, aren't you?" Hana pointed out sharply. She would have smiled if not for the severity of the situation. Her vice-captain was finally starting to look like a vice-captain, but it was nearly the end of their term already. Hana continued overlooking the match with focused eyes. Yanagi Asaitsugi… Show me all you've got. We are counting on you.

"Don't get too full of yourself, Izumi. I just don't want all my efforts up till now to go to waste because of some people on the team who aren't up to the standards. Rikkai Dai Fuzoku cannot afford to throw away a third national win," Heibi closed her eyes and denied coolly.

But everyone knew, that despite Heibi's arrogance… she had a soft spot at her core, which was probably why the regulars still respected her in spite of her more than infrequent snappiness.

Tsugi was at the verge of collapsing and all that was keeping her moving was really her mental strength. Breath hitched and pants escaping, her brain was getting a little giddy from the overrun of lactic acid, but still she pressed on. The pain and agony of her cells were selectively filtered off by her brain, and all she had her mind on was the match and only the match.

How, Tsugi asked herself, how could she win this match? Umiheiro looked tired as well, but there was that smirk – that smirk which stirred up uneasiness within those who laid eyes on her – that told her that even though they were both at the verge of draining all their stamina, she still had the flow of the game under her thumb. Keep your cool, Asaitsugi, Tsugi ordered herself, once she loses her cool, all will be over. But her lids were heavy, and her legs felt like they were in dense liquid, her movement was getting sluggish – then again, so was her opponent's.

Thump!

1-0, Shitenhouji.

Thump!

1-1 all.

Thump!

2-1, Shitenhouji.

Thump!

2-2 all.

… As of now, both sides were only able to hold their serves.

There must be a method, some way around this, a loophole, a loophole… Both girls were looking for a breakthrough.

Thump!

4-4 all.

But Tsugi found none. Tired as she was, Natsuki was still the 'Queen', she was still impeccable – and Natsuki, Natsuki herself was astounded by the sheer force of Tsugi's mental will.

She needed a breakthrough, please, she couldn't lose after coming this far. What was she best at? Tsugi asked herself. Volleying and illusion play. That was it, her tennis was illusion, a rather 'gentle' tennis befitting her character.

Thump!

5-5 all.

She recalled all the practice she had done with her captain, the winter training camp, then she remembered him – Yukimura, whose tennis was perfect. His form manifested in her brains, and a cog which had been clogging up the whole of her brain began to unscrew itself. It was coming off, bit by bit, one millimeter by one millimeter…

Thump!

6-5, Shitenhouji.

And then the cog came off, opening up a whole new world before her and broadening her vision. Her eyes flicked open, and she sucked in a huge gulp of breath, temporarily relieving the pain in her sore muscles. The ball was in her hand, her body and mind were both weary, but she mustered all her strength and served. She was pitching all her hope on this ball. She could feel the sweet darkness luring her in, coaxing her to give in.

The moment the ball was sent off from her racquet, Umiheiro could tell that it was different – and it was filled with every last bit of what she had left in her. Like the final counterattack of a cornered animal, the most vicious and powerful strike…

The ball appeared to proliferate and the world seemed to be swaying when Natsuki tried to focus on the ball. A bitter smile on her lip, her body was in fact, in no condition for a match today, but she hadn't told anyone and she was now paying the price for her stubbornness. Natsuki bared her teeth and her face contorted as pain surged through every single cell of her entire body.

Tsugi's last attack sapped away every last ounce of her strength, and the world began to swirl before her eyes, slowly, everything in her vision faded off until only glaring white light remained.

Thud.

That sound was not of a tennis ball, but of a falling body.

Tsugi's legs finally gave way, and she crashed into the ground. Her consciousness relinquished its grip on her body and the darkness completely consumed her mind, brain and all. Her lids fell, and she was dragged into an abyssal darkness.

"Tsugi!"

(1) Triple point: this is the temperature at which a substance exists simultaneously in all 3 phases. For water, that would be 273.16K. This amazing phenomenon is not unique to water.

(2) Japan is pretty strict about respecting one's elders, respect is a virtue inherent to the Japanese society. From child to parents at home, from juniors to seniors in school, from employees to employers at workplace, respect is viewed as some sort of fundamental value which the society operates on. So Tsugi's mentality is quite normal and is not in any way suggesting that Tsugi is a pushover or an easy gopher.

Writing this chapter nearly gave me a heart attack – I swear. My heart was beating so fast every time I try to imagine what's happening. I wanted to put the whole part about the Nationals in one chapter since it'd be strange to break it off anywhere else, which is why this chapter turned out extra extra long. Because this chapter was written in some fragmented way (I was writing A and went to B, then I wrote C and went back to A…), there might be some unnatural flow of events which I missed. Please let me know if you find any transition between the scenes awkward, I'll make corrections to it. As for the tennis matches… please, don't ask me to elaborate on them, I'm not very good at those scenes and it takes a toll on me to churn out just one match.