*Please check out the revised chapter 13* if you haven't done so :) Thanks to those who reviewed, followed and favourite'd. Do you know how spoilt I feel whenever you guys do any of the above three? You people are amazing and I really thank you for all your support, without which I might have found writing this story a whole lot more difficult. Writing a story, well a multi-chaptered one is as much the author's effort as it is the reader's.

There's a scene in this story which I had been dying to write for a long time, can you guess which one it is?

Higher than the Wind

School Trip (1)

"Ehhhh? We are going on a school trip to Osaka and holding a practice match with Shitenhouji!?" Marui's eyes turned as wide as saucers when Yukimura broke the news to his team. Being someone who consciously wears his heart on his sleeves, his dramatic display was especially comical to the regulars because everyone knew that his actions were indicative of the exact intensity of his emotion.

Originally, Marui wasn't supposed to be part of the group which was now seated down and being briefed by Yukimura about the upcoming school trip, but a golden opportunity hit him in the face just before the inception of the finals. A third year senior injured his ankle, and Marui was selected as substitute for the senior. Victory was a given with the three demons of Rikkai on their side, the veteran seniors in their lineup were added bonuses.

"Yes, Izumi-buchou and I have already arranged for a match between Shitenhouji and us on the second day of our trip. Don't let the match sullen your mood because our chief aim is still to relax and celebrate, we will be going to an onsen on the first day and the third day is free for you to do as you please," Yukimura nodded and went through the brief outline of their trip, "are there any more questions? If not, please come forward to collect your consent form when I read out your name. Do inform your parents and obtain their approval by this Friday. Time is a little tight since the trip is projected to last from next Wednesday to next Friday. Ah, and before it slips my mind, please do not forget about the indemnity form."

In-indemnity form!? The mention of that piece of document procured unpleasant memory from the winter training camp...

Marui and Jackal's faces turned pale at the memory. Yagyuu pushed his glasses up - not aware that they weren't displaced in the first place. Nio uttered 'pupina', eyes closed and lips twisted in what was supposed to be a foxy smile, except the thin line of his lips formed an unnatural arc.

Sanada pulled his cap down, he didn't particularly suffer or enjoy that night, but given a choice he wouldn't want a repeat of the scenario either. He was alright with Tsugi now, he still didn't think of girls as equal but he respected those who are dedicated to their cause and stand undaunted in the face of the strongest undertows. Tsugi had earned his acknowledgement in that respect. Still, no human in their sound mind would want to spend a night - a winter night - stranded in the woods be it with a valid reason or not. So he will not appreciate another scenario similar or on par with that aspect of their winter training camp. Although if it was Yukimura's order... he'd probably carry it out in a heartbeat.

"Fret not, we are not carrying out any training aside from the friendly match with Shitenhouji. The indemnity forms are requested by the school as part of their compulsory procedure," Yukimura smiled encouragingly at his team. One look was all it took for Yukimura to figure out what was on his teammates' mind.

Marui let out a sigh of relief, "ahhh I'm so glad! But at the same time I'm a bit disappointed..." Marui scratched his head is a very Kirihara-like fashion, the two of them have really been rubbing off each other. Marui was picking up on Kirihara's habit, much like Kirihara was picking up on his too. The candy-pink haired second year was the only one who hadn't played against Shitenhouji amongst those going on the trip.

"Marui-kun, rest assured that Shitenhouji will exceed your expectation. To be honest, they were the ones who gave us the most troubles in the tournament," Yukimura's smile was both gentle and stern when he spoke. They faced Makinofuji in the finals again, and like last year Makinofuji's Singles lineup was still weak. On the other hand, Rikkai Dai climbed another tier up with the addition of Nio and Yagyuu to the crew. Rikkai Dai's lineup was impregnable, so it was only to be expected that Makinofuji was swept 6-0 in straight sets.

"Eh!? Is that so? Awesome I'm looking forward to the trip now!" Marui grinned, anticipation in his eyes.

Sanada glanced at Marui, wondering if this sugar-obsessed kid was to play against Shitenhouji… would he still be able to put on a carefree grin like that?

~x~

Human grew and changed with each new experience they went through. Sometimes they matured, sometimes they fell into debacle. Likewise for Tsugi, she had changed since her match against Umiheiro Natsuki.

If she was a fledging still learning how to flap her wings before facing the 'Queen', she was now a fully-grown eagle ready to take flight and soar to the skies for herself. If she was merely another 14 year old girl who possessed all the traits of teenagers her age – a teaspoon of naivety, a tablespoon of hot blood and a pinch of insecurity, she now lived up to her reputation as the girl like tranquil water from the aura she exudes and serenity of mind. The crude diamond had been refined and polished.

Her takeaway from the Nationals was probably the greatest out of all the regulars and for that she was eternally grateful to her captain for putting her trust in her. So while the rest of the team – even Kichi, this time – put on a certain degree of glum look, Tsugi didn't host a sliver of negative emotions on her face.

And everyone could see the changes on her. It was like she suddenly grew up over the night.

Hana couldn't be more glad about that.

At around 4pm, the bus pulled to a halt in front of a tiny inn. It was a little rundown from age and weather, but the inside was still in good condition. Senko's father, who was affiliated with the onsen owner had already made the necessary arrangements for the two teams to be housed, so they were given the green light even though no adult was present.

The kind bus driver helped them to unload their luggage before driving away. Because of Senko's father's connection, the paperwork was finished quickly after which they were allowed to unpack. The onsen only begins operating at 6pm, so they had an hour and a half to waste. By the strings of fate, everyone gathered at the leisure room even though no common activity was planned. When people gather, they would interact, and strange things would sometimes arise out of these interactions.

The impromptu match between Yukimura and Tsugi was one of these productions.

Nio was the one who began questioning who was the more powerful out of the two, since Umiheiro Natsuki was frequently put on the same wavelength with Yukimura and Tsugi had been able to play on even grounds with the 'Queen'. But Kirihara was the one who initiated the match.

"Why don't mura-buchou and Tsugi-senpai play a match to decide the stronger player between them?" Being the dense Bakaya he was, Kirihara spoke whatever was on his mind.

… The rest of his team were mirthless. It was clear to them who the superior player was, but well… Kirihara's suggestion did pique their interest, instilling in them queries about how would a match between the 'Child of God' and newly crowned 'Illusionist' turn out.

That aside first… what was Nio's motive in posting that question? The answer to his own query should had been as – if not more – obvious to Nio as it was to all the rest of the room.

"Puri."

Like he actually read his teammates' minds which he probably did, Nio uttered one of the many variations of his signature catchphrase.

Renji and Yagyuu caught on on something. Truthfully, it'd be absurd if Rikkai Dai's famed 'Trickster' didn't notice the budding relationship between the two of them when they already did. Now the question was… how was Yukimura going to react to this? Seven pairs of eyes were fixated on the blue-haired captain, but they didn't have the chance to hear his response because the girls team certainly didn't appreciate being ignored.

"This is absurd. Why would you ever propose a match between Tsugi-chan and your captain when there's a natural gap between the physiques of two genders?" Himeko was quick to defend her junior. She frowned disapprovingly at Kirihara, not forgetting to sneak admonishing glances at the perpetuator.

"Atsunaya-senpai," to everyone's surprise, the other main character of the debate spoke, "actually… I'd like to play against Yukimura. Would that be alright with you?" Tsugi looked right at Yukimura, her straight posture clearly conveying her resolution.

… Members of both teams were stupefied.

She was serious. Yukimura could tell when he gazed into her eyes, and to his own surprise he couldn't churn out words of rejection when she looked at him like that.

Ah, the God had been stripped of his supreme powers when he was in her presence. He broke into a gentle, obliging smile, and then he said, "of course."

And thus they were now standing on court, their teams crowding behind them on either side.

"Buchou? Would Tsugi really be alright?" Himeko's brows were stitched with worries. They had seen how Yukimura fared against the OBs and OGs, and they knew about his tennis. The yips. A horrifying tennis you wouldn't think a (seemingly) gentle boy like Yukimura could possess.

"There's no need to be worried about her, Tsugi knows what she's doing," replied the silver-haired captain, and if her theory was right, they might see an interesting change of event.

Though, she wasn't too sure if she was thrilled by the idea at the back of her mind.

The game opened with Tsugi's serve. Nobody was acting as the umpire, so the two players took turn in reciting the score.

"'Naku no Okami' right off the bat? Tsugi-chan is really serious isn't she?" Nio false-lamented, the reason behind the playful grief in his tone was clear to his team.

No matter how hard she tried, or what she did, the outcome of the match could only be one. Yukimura would never lose a match nor drop a game.

… So nobody was really surprised when Yukimura broke her serve game without losing a point. But strange things began during the second game – Yukimura's serve game, where they observed something odd.

"… Correct me if I'm wrong, but did she just return Yukimura's shot?" asked Jackal in utter disbelief, eyes glued to the impossible match unravelling before them.

"What's going on? Why is Yukimura-buchou hitting shots that can be easily returned, and missing shots that he should have been able to return with his eyes closed?" That lob was something that even he could return! Kirihara was genuinely confused.

"Akaya, if you don't start using your brain more often it's going to ossify and you'll never get a girlfriend," Yagyuu remarked with dark humor. Wasn't it obvious enough why Yukimura was doing that? He didn't want to use his tennis on Tsugi.

"B-but I'm the super rookie of the Rikkai boys tennis club! Why wouldn't I get a girlfriend!?" Kirihara whined. He quickly held his tongue when he saw his fearsome vice-captain and calculative Yanagi-senpai simultaneously staring down at him. Since when did Yagyuu-senpai become so much like Nio-senpai anyway? Nio-senpai really was a bad influence!

"Nio, you can take off the wig already. Yagyuu is back," Marui laughed and pat Kirihara on the back. Kirihara was just too cute.

"Nio-senpai!" Kirihara cried out accusingly at Nio while the gray-haired trickster threw back an impish grin, pulling off his wig to reveal his original hair color. By the aid of his sleek tongue, Nio had managed to convince Yagyuu to make a trip back to their room and check that the door was locked so that he could prank Kirihara.

In contrast to the trifling on the boys' side, the atmosphere was much tenser around Hana. The third year's lips were turned downwards in a frown with the validation of her theory. Anyone could tell that she was unhappy, very unhappy in fact.

"30-30," Yukimura called out smoothly after he missed Tsugi's return.

He was about to serve again, but Tsugi sighed softly and lowered her racquet, "it's pointless to continue… Yukimura." She shook her head, "the onsen is going to begin operation soon, why don't we pack up?"

Chirp. Only the crickets' song ensued.

Yukimura gazed at her, deep blue eyes inquisitive, but not incisive. He nodded, not reluctantly, and he said, "yeah, we should."

~x~

After bathing in the hot spring, Hana had a serendipitous encounter with Tsugi in the backyard. The silver-haired captain faked a casual stroll to her junior, and she greeted her in a nonchalant manner.

"Hey."

"Buchou," came Tsugi's response.

"…Are you alright?" asked Hana as she took a seat next to the dark-haired girl. In the moonlight, they looked like a pair of pixies, representative of Day and Night.

In a way… that match was an insult to her, wasn't it?

"Hmm? Why wouldn't I be?" Tsugi tilted her head, but Hana knew that Tsugi knew exactly what she was referring to, so Hana waited. Soon, the green-eyed girl relented and looked up at the sky, murmuring a confession, "I'm a little disappointed… but it's nothing too serious. I don't blame him."

She understood his rationale, but she was still looking forward to having a real match with him.

"Do you like him?" Hana felt that a screw must have gone loose in her head when she blurted that out untactfully. Where the hell did all her years of dealing with interpersonal relationships go to?

A glint of surprise gleamed through Tsugi's deep forest-green eyes, and there was a lingering silence in the air.

"Forget it, you don't have to answer that…" Hana massaged her temples when no reply came, it must be due to the lack of sleep… she should turn in early for the night, "it's getting late, even though it's summer the night wind is still chilly. I'm going to rest and you should sleep soon too."

But her attempt to terminate the conversation was thwarted by Tsugi's unexpected response.

"I do," replied Tsugi, her voice firm.

… The heck!? Hana was dumbfounded. She wasn't expecting Tsugi to reply at all! The elder girl stared at her dark-haired junior, body frozen in an unnatural position and mouth parted a tad too wide.

"But not in the way you're thinking about. Love… it's something I do not fathom, and I don't think I ever will," Tsugi smiled, "I'm not tired yet, buchou, do you think you could stay and chat with me for a bit?"

"… Okay?" Hana was still in a daze.

"Buchou, of all places… why did you choose to come to Osaka and arrange for a practice match against Shitenhouji?" asked Tsugi as she dangled her legs, back relaxed as she relished the serenity of the rock garden.

The question brought Hana back to reality, and a serious expression which appeared only when she was dealing with business surfaced on her face. She saw no reason to lie to Tsugi, so she broke the truth to her, "it's because of Heibi."

"… Senjirou-fukubuchou?" After the Nationals, she and Kichi caught wind of what happened last year but both second years remained quiet about it.

Hana was well-aware that they knew of the club's dark history too. But if it was them, it was alright.

Hana nodded, "Umiheiro is and will always be a nettle in her heart if she doesn't face it you know? I'm afraid that the nettle would eventually choke her," a frown appeared on her face when she thought about Heibi.

Regardless of what Hana did, there was no denying that she was an excellent captain who played her role well. She placed her team before herself and always made it a point to base her decisions on the big picture and her teammates' welfare - well, when the circumstance allowed. People thought that her purpose in scheduling the school trip in Osaka was to take revenge for Shitenhouji's provocation a week before the Nationals finals, but it was in fact for Heibi.

Like the way it was with Tsugi, Hana didn't want Heibi's talent to go to waste.

"Buchou, you're really a virtuous leader. I'm honored to be part of your team," Tsugi smiled, and Hana felt that she really needed a doctor at that moment for her smile reminded her so much of… Yukimura Seiichi. He must really be rubbing off on her.

"Tsugi… do you really not love Yukimura?" asked Hana once more. The nerve connected to the logical portion of her brains must have snapped within her that night.

"I like him, but not in an affectionate way beyond friendly emotions, love is such an elusive concept…" affirmed Tsugi, her voice a little airy, "thank you for sparing me your time, buchou. I'm going to sleep now. Good night and sweet dreams."

"Good night," Hana replied, and Tsugi took her leave.

… After her junior left, Hana suddenly had a bizarre thought that all her worries up till now were absolutely unnecessary, and her previous distaste for the overly-perfect blue-haired captain had been reduced to compassion by Tsugi's words. She could tell that Tsugi wasn't lying when she said that she liked Yukimura but not in an affectionate way beyond friends… Have Yukimura realized it himself? That Tsugi didn't know what love was? She could foresee a painful journey ahead, a painful journey for Yukimura should he continue his pursuit.

Well… Yukimura's love life was barely of concern to her, her real worry was Tsugi. Was she really alright?

~x~

None of the girls were really looking forward to the match between them and Shitenhouji. Their rivalry was old news, and even though they had emerged victorious, the sight of Shitenhouji still irked them no less.

"I can't believe that buchou arranged for a practice match between us and Shitenhouji, she actually talked to that bitch and that bitch agreed to it? I don't believe it!" Himeko complained to Rei while they were on the bus. It was clear as to who her profanities were directed at. Himeko hated Natsuki with a burning passion. Rei remained silent for the most part, but her lips too were pressed thinly in a frown. Yet, despite their unwillingness… nobody defied Hana. Perhaps they'd complain about it, but in the end they would respect and abide by her decision.

The boys team was much more laidback. Shitenhouji's boys team was a very respectable opponent, and their captain was good friends with Yukimura-buchou too, so this practice match was a very friendly match indeed.

Unlike Rikkai Dai where the courts for both genders are side-by-side, Shitenhouji's boys team and girls team claimed opposite corners of the school from each other, and so the Rikkai Dai teams had to part at the gate.

Surprisingly… Natsuki was at the gates to receive the girls team along with Shiraishi, who was of course there to welcome his friend and the Rikkai Dai team. Natsuki was expressionless, hardly what one would call friendly, but like Tsugi during the Nationals, everyone except Hana was astounded by her change in attitude. Especially Himeko, who remembered Natsuki as an arrogant bitch who most unfortunately possessed the immense talent to back up her ego. Natsuki was indifferent when she returned Hana's greeting, but the mere fact that she returned it was unprecedented news.

And Hana wasn't offended in the least bit this time, not after gaining cognizance about Natsuki's condition. In fact… this was the real Natsuki. Except for Subaru Miharu and Hana now, nobody knew that Umiheiro Natsuki was probably what people would call a sociopath. Arrogance was merely the personality she chose to wear. Hana didn't even know whether she should blame Natsuki for what she had done after learning about her condition, can you blame a person who doesn't feel for destroying another person?

Besides… she had learned about something else. Something enough to upset everything she thought she knew about Umiheiro Natsuki.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, dispelling her thoughts. The secrets which she had overheard by chance will be sunk into the deepest pit in her heart and it will not surface ever again… though, she had a feeling that Natsuki knew that she was eavesdropping that time.

Upon arriving at the courts, the two teams swifly worked their way through the planned matches. When the final match and the highlight of the entire practice came about, the Rikkai Dai regulars –aside from Tsugi– finally realized what Hana was getting at.

If they didn't win the Nationals, Hana wouldn't have decided to take a gamble like this. The thorn in Heibi's heart was the result of two events: Rikkai Dai's loss and her defeat by Natsuki. Their victory over Shitenhouji had pulled out part of the thorn, and the power of the charm which shackled Heibi had been mitigated.

Hana intended to remove that thorn once and for all.

Natsuki's expression was cold when she stepped onto the courts, from the beginning… the one she considered her opponent had always been Heibi.

They were both renowned geniuses projected to make it big in tennis in future, their animosity towards each other was the call of destiny.

Natsuki had no qualms about destroying Heibi last year, Heibi was her nemesis, as much as she herself was Heibi's.

"Come, Senjirou Heibi, the match between you and I will now commence," Natsuki cracked a smile at her, an empty smile at that. Heibi glared at her in response, but Natsuki ignored it and continued, "I will not go easy on you."

"I never lose to the same person twice, you will not be an exception."

"Then… I look forward to seeing how you back that up."

The weather was surprisingly fine today, there were cloudy skies and a light breeze in the air. It was the season for game.

"One set match, Senjirou Heibi to serve!"

And the game began.

Right from the start, both girls went all out on each other.

Thump! 15-0.

Thump! 15 all.

Thump! 30-15.

Thump! 30 all.

As soon as one party scored, the other would catch up. Continuing in this fashion, Heibi kept her serve games, as Natsuki did hers. By 3-3, Heibi got restless and she had a slipup.

Thump!

"Game, Umiheiro Natsuki, 4 games to 3!"

For the first time since the inception of the match, the balance was broken. All of a sudden, the flow of the match was in Natsuki's favor.

"Is that all you have, Senjirou?" Natsuki's words could have been a taunt if her tone wasn't so flat.

Heibi gritted her teeth, hot blood had already seized control of her brain. If not for the final bit of sense left in her, she would have broken out in vulgarities.

"Disappointing," Natsuki remarked, "after a year… I'd think that you have changed. But you made no progress."

"Look who's talking!" Heibi snarled, "Someone who deteriorated shouldn't be speaking!"

When it came to Natsuki, Heibi was never able to keep her cool.

"Shouldn't you feel more ashamed to have your serve game broken by 'someone who deteriorated' then?" Natsuki replied, and all of a sudden she stopped moving, "you're disappointing. I refuse to continue. Umpire, terminate the match."

She made no hesitation to exit her court. Helpless, the umpire could only pull a timeout.

Heibi was fuming mad. She looked like she was about to aim for Natsuki's head with her racquet when Cho clasped a hand over Heibi's dominant hand and the former shook her head, "Heibi, that's enough."

"Enough? Did you see the way that woman strutted herself?" Heibi turned around, red eyes glowing like molten lava.

Then something nobody foresaw happened.

Splash.

Before she had the time to react, Heibi found herself soaked from head to toes. The heat drained from her eyes – perhaps cooled by the water, and Heibi gawked at the auburn-eyed girl before her in disbelief.

Did she seriously just dump a bucket of water over her head?

In Rei's hands was a bucket which was full till a moment ago. She had conveniently picked it up from outside the court, and filled up with water from a nearby tap. The contents of the pail was what drenched Heibi.

"You're in no condition to continue playing. Cool your head first," Rei said matter-of-factly.

"Rei is right," Senko handed Heibi her towel, "chill, Heibi."

"Heibi, you can do better than this," Hana shook her head, a stern frown on her face, yet it wasn't short of concern; concern for her.

Maybe it was the sincerity in their expression that reached out to Heibi. Remnants of her anger completely seeped away, even when she was faced with her teammates' outrageous acts. She didn't know when it began… perhaps it was after the Nationals? Senjirou Heibi was no longer the aloof genius known as Senjirou to her teammates, she was Heibi.

She knew they were right, she was too hot-headed, and Umiheiro Natsuki pausing the game was actually in her advantage – should they continue playing, the game would probably end within 5 minutes, with the 'Queen' on the winning end.

What she didn't understand and couldn't accept now was why did Umiheiro Natsuki not ride on the tide and crush her again? The thought that she was being pitied by her rival nearly got Heibi mad again, but Cho sensed it and she squeezed Heibi's hand.

And Heibi was chilled once more. Couldn't be more chilled. She wiped the water droplets from her forehead and nodded at her teammates, murmuring a "thanks".

"Did I hear that right? The Senjirou Heibi is actually thanking us? My, my, I sense an unusual day ahead~" Himeko grinned, earning a scowl from Heibi.

… She refused to speak to immature people. Atsunaya Himeko was at the top of the list. Heibi dried herself in silence and once she was done, she marched up to Natsuki, head hung high.

"I want you to continue the match," Heibi demanded. It wasn't a request, but really a statement.

Natsuki glanced at her, grayish-blue eyes studying Heibi intently like she was evaluating the worth of an antique. Heibi didn't squirm under her scrutiny, and so the 'Queen' nodded, picking up her racquet and making her way into the court again.

The match commenced once more.

It started normal, like a typical showdown between two people who were at the top of their game, but something strange happened. Natsuki began missing shots that she shouldn't, and Heibi quickly pulled the game to a draw once more.

4-4, Heibi's serve game.

"Mm… did you see that?" Himeko cocked her head and asked Rei.

"Naturally," Rei replied coolly. Himeko grinned.

The same thing happened again, in fact, it was even more drastic since Heibi was in control of the ball. The score was 5-4.

Heibi didn't maintain the edge over Natsuki for long, for the latter had it figured out.

"Interesting… It's like a reverse 'Spot' hmm? You're hitting low shots repetitively and forcing me to stress my forearm extencor and at the same time relax my biceps and triceps… As a result, I'm unable to keep my muscles taut and my timing goes off. What do you call that?" For the first time since the match began, Natsuki seemed interested in something.

"Senbonzakura," Heibi replied, "it's my gift to you."

She had been working on it for a while, ever since Hana announced that they will be going down to Osaka.

"A beautiful name," Natsuki commented, "but I hope that you're not thinking that a move like that is sufficient to maintain a lead over me."

Thump!

"Power is everything, with sufficient power, you can smash the thickest walls and break the strongest fortresses. Come… Senjirou, show me all you've got," Natsuki's hair swirled around her in a wild manner, her grayish-blue eyes had narrowed into threatening slits, "I'm done playing around."

Her look was that of a predator, the lion has finally awakened.

"So am I," Heibi received the shot, "Umiheiro, I will return your favor from last year in full plus excess."

"Come at me then."

The clash of the titans had only just begun!

Watching their fight was like a skirmish battle, a duel between the finest strategists and most powerful generals. The two of them certainly lived up to their reputation as the most talented of their generation, their ability far exceeded that of anyone else around them – which led to the question: was Tsugi really on par with those monsters?

The 'Queen' of today was completely different from the player during the Nationals finals.

Despite their similarity in aptitude… Heibi proved to be a notch above her opponent and beat her 7-5. Rikkai Dai cheered – of course, while an ominous cloud hung over Shitenhouji. Aside from Miharu, the entire Shitenhouji team was swept.

Their face was completely thrown out of the window, but that ignited a flame within the second years, fortifying their resolution to work hard for the next Nationals.

The agendas of both schools were achieved, so one could say that it was a fruitful match.

As the host, Natsuki walked them to the gate. Nobody ridiculed her – she was ridiculed enough by Heibi.

When they reached the gates, Natsuki paused in her steps and said, "Yanagi Asaitsugi, I want to speak to you for a moment," and the Rikkai Dai regulars were riled up again. She smirked. Coldly. It was but a wisp of her arrogance from the past, "what… are you afraid that I will gobble her up?"

She snorted derisively, her disdain towards their uptightness lucidly illustrated.

Tsugi's reaction was calm. She turned to look at Hana questioningly, and the latter gave her approval in the form of a nod.

"Go, Tsugi. You have 10 minutes before the bus arrives."

The second year obliged, and Natsuki walked away, obviously expecting the dark-haired girl to follow in her lead.

Natsuki didn't take them very far away. They stopped a good distance from the entrance – just far enough for a private conversation to be carried out and not be heard.

"I'm quitting tennis," said Natsuki out of the blue, catching Tsugi by surprise.

"… Why are you telling me this?" They weren't friends, more like… enemies.

"Because I feel like it."

Natsuki's reply was simple and curt.

Tsugi was rendered speechless, but she could feel that Natsuki wanted to spill the beans to her so she asked, "Why are you quitting?"

"Which brings me to the real reason why I want to speak to you. You're not my equal," Natsuki's tone was flat, and she spoke a blunt truth. Natsuki and Heibi were similar in their own sense, they spoke whatever was on their mind, not giving a damn if their words hurt anyone at all. If Tsugi hadn't matured over the night, she'd had probably been stung by her words.

But she had, and so she nodded in agreement.

"I know."

"But you're a respectable opponent… I would give you that," Natsuki paused, "I was born with respiratory problems."

Patiently, Tsugi waited for her to continue.

"Despite that, I was forced to clutch a racquet by my adoptive parents who are both professional tennis players… quite naturally my condition worsened, and by 12, I had to undergo a major surgery," she sounded as though she was narrating another's story, voice uncaring – and Tsugi knew that she wasn't faking it at all. She truly didn't care about all that she went through. Natsuki tilted her head, "before I recovered fully, I was thrown into tennis once more. This time, it was because someone who threatened my established fame appeared."

… Senjirou Heibi. She didn't need to vocalize the name, they both knew.

"To be frank, I used to despise her, but now, I never need to face her again. As for you… I want to thank you, because of you I can finally put down my racquet. Once and for all. You ask me why do I want to tell you these, it's strange but I think it's the strings of fate…" Natsuki glanced at her watch, "10 minutes is up and you should be going, this is farewell."

Natsuki didn't wait for Tsugi's reply before leaving, she didn't need a reply from her. Her pace was quick, but everything seemed to be in slow motion for Tsugi.

She stood beneath the barren sakura tree for a moment before she found the strength to move her legs. It felt as though she was wearing ankle weights when all she was wearing was plain white socks.

She had gained a deeper insight into Umiheiro Natsuki, but this insight was ridiculously heavy. And she knew that after this, the tennis world would never see the 'Queen' again. It was truly farewell.

Ah… it was summer, Tsugi tugged at the front of her shirt, so why was the wind so cold?

I'm tired, I know there are bound to be typos, and sentences that I wouldn't like at second glance, I'll correct them tomorrow. And... I miscalculated, fluff between Yukimura and Tsugi will appear in the next chapter. Promise.

Heibi and Natsuki are a pair of characters that I immensely enjoyed working with, especially Natsuki… she's someone I empathize with. Not that I went through a similar experience, but she's… she's painful. If she was the main character I think people would have screamed Mary-Sue, but when you see her as a side character it's rather painful. As for my general comment about Heibi and Natsuki, I can sum it up in one line:

她们是命中注定的宿敌。

Senbonzakura was supposed to be a move which Tsugi was to use in her match against Yukimura… but I decided that the difficulty of executing it was simply far too high, and so the move went to Heibi. I've said that tennis matches are not my forte, but it's strange not to write any tennis when it's a PoT fanfic I'm working on… so I pressed on. –cringes- I'm guilty of cutting corners, and I apologize.

At times when I write HTTW, I find my own writing bland and messy. I pondered on it – well, it's an essential process to improve as a writer, and I found out why. HTTW is a romance story, but aside from romance it also talks about team spirit, friendship and family… there are too many themes in a short story like this. I'm chewing off more than I can bite. Sigh, but what's established is established and I can only continue walking down this path.