Queen of The Suits

by Scarlette Shizuru

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - They thought only the boys' middle school team was a revolution in tennis. But what other abilities do the girls have? What makes them tick really? "Being clean is not a clinical psychological disorder!" CHP 79 up! I don't own Prince of Tennis! Only the OCs! Chapter 2 - rewritten!

13. The Waltz versus The Australian

(I don't own Prince of Tennis!)

Chapter 13 – Waltz and Australian

Walking towards the baseline, Ayane began stretching her limbs a little. "So, what do we do now, Kiyo-chibi?"

Kiyone shrugged while twirling her racquet. "I don't know so, what should we use?"

Ayane put a finger on her lip. "Hmm, I was thinking if we use the basic formation before bringing out the big guns. What do you think?"

Oishi gave Kikumaru a high five. "Let's do this, Eiji!"

"Yeah," Kikumaru bounced happily towards the net while Oishi took his place at the baseline. "So, I guess you guys are serving, nyah?"

Ayane had the ball in one hand. "Yeah and by the way," Oishi looked at her serious emerald orbs. "Don't hold anything back or I'll pummel you so hard, kami-sama won't recognize you."

Oishi prepared to receive. "Alright, give it all you got."

Ayane, tossing the ball in the air, smirked. "Kiyone, don't hold back!"

Kiyone squinted with a devilish smile. "You got it!"

Running over to receive, Oishi was thrown off guard when the ball drilled its way into his racquet. "Wow, I never knew that she could make a shot this…!"

"Fifteen – love," His racquet flew out because of the heaviness while Ayane smirked. "So? Whaddya think?"

Oishi checked his wrist, flexing it a little. "I can't believe my racquet flew out in one shot. I never met a first year that could hit that hard."

Ayane, twirling her racquet, smirked. "Well, I gotta make up for a lot of things! So – better start playing better or I'll blow your racquet out of your hand again!"

Kiyone bounced cheerfully to the other side. "Yep, if that doesn't work – I'll make you dizzy then!"

Kikumaru and Oishi exchanged glances with each other. "Wow nyah, we better do something about it, Oishi!"

Oishi, nodding earnestly, took his place at the net. "Be careful, Eiji. She hits as hard as Taka-san, I think."

Kikumaru lowered his body down to receive. "Nyah~, don't worry much! I'll be fine, okay, Oishi?"

Fair enough, Ayane's serve cracked off causing Kikumaru to throw his whole weight forward. But despite that, the service blew the red haired acrobat back easily and sent him towards the wall. "Eiji, are you okay? I can't believe she managed to send you that far!"

"Thirty – love," Kikumaru, shaking his head, stretched out his arms with a 'v' sign. "I'm A-okay, Oishi! It was just a minor blowback, nyah!"

Oishi scratched his head sheepishly. "I guess. I'll receive the service this time."

This was the first time for the vice captain to face someone with this monstrous strength. Somehow, her arms were thin and lean but, Ayane sent Kikumaru flying as if he were a piece of paper. Kiyone wasn't breaking a sweat and Ayane was twirling her racquet as if tossing around that strength was nothing. His hand trembled while waiting for the service. "Kobayagi-san will probably earn this set if her service continues to be this heavy. I'm actually looking forward to seeing what Getsugan­-san can do."

Ayane served again but this time, it was much weaker and allowed Oishi to return it. Kiyone didn't move from her spot while Ayane dealt with all the baseline shots. Heavy exchanges happened and though Oishi wasn't a good powerhouse, his control made up for it. Forcing himself to Moon Volley several times, Ayane then decided to let the last one go. "Ge-tsu-gan…"

That threw Oishi off guard. "Huh, what was that?"

Kiyone was up in the air while Kikumaru was ready to receive. "You know – I haven't used this move in awhile…The last time I used it was in elementary school!"

Slicing the ball twice, the ball spun spontaneously and created an illusion of petals dropping lightly next to Kikumaru. "Chire," Kiyone chirped while landing on the ground, "Gaigetsu Sakura."

Kikumaru saw the ball roll towards him and Kiyone leaned against her racquet head. "So, what do you think? It's been awhile since I last used the technique so, it ain't perfect yet."

There was huge commotion of murmurs coming from the audience. Kiyone for once had used something that was solely hers since most of the time, she would top spin the ball and end the game. This one was different; Kiyone toyed with Kikumaru easily and sent the ball dropping right next to him, "Forty – love!"

Kikumaru and Oishi were trying to recap on how strong these two were mentioned to be. Ayane had enough power to blow Kikumaru back if the impact backfired at him and Kiyone was toying with both of them with her ingenious top spins and under spins. "Did you see that, Eiji?"

Looking around, Kikumaru picked up the ball again. "Wow, whatever that thing was so cool, nyah! Maybe you can show that again sometime!"

Kiyone shrugged while heading towards the other side of the service court. "Good luck with dealing with Yane-Yane's serves. She's so much more powerful than I am."

Haruka turned to the data manager. "Hey, what was that move just now?"

Tilting her glasses, Hitomi began scribbling down. "Dubbed as the Scattering October Cherry Blossoms, the technique creates an illusion of falling petals by causing a heavy spin on the ball. Like Momo's Nadare technique, it multiplies because of the intense spin placed on the ball. Kiyone-chibi flipped her racquet twice in order to slice the ball twice. Not only that, Kiyone-chibi took advantage of the wind together with Oishi-san's Moon Volley and used it to spin the ball even faster. Normally, the Chire Gaigetsu Sakura wouldn't be that lethal unless there was an external factor."

"So, what you're saying is," Rin jumped onto Haruka's back. "The more spin the opponent puts the more lethal that drop shot is going to be?"

Hitomi nodded while looking at Kiyone take her place at the receiving end. "However, no matter how good Kiyone may be at the net – there will always be one problem…"

Fair enough, Kiyone hit the ball but not strong enough to pass the net. "Her shots won't be fast enough to rise above the net."

"Can't she rip the ball to make it spin fast and above the net?" Isane watched Kiyone adjust the strings on her racquet.

Momo's eyes watched Kiyone prepare to receive again. "The best she can do is pull out a cord ball – other than that, Kiyone's not made for the baseline."

Kiyone happened to overhear what her senpai were saying. "Hmm, a cord ball huh? Maybe that might work…"

Oishi's service cracked off and Kiyone inhaled deeply. "I always did cord balls best when my eyes were closed…"

Clipping it right on top, Kiyone slowly opened her eyes while her top spin hit the net exactly and dropped right unto the other side, "Game, Kobayagi-Getsugan pair: one game to love!"

Oishi stared at the ball that limply dropped over the net. "She did a cord ball with her eyes shut? That's almost as…"

Kikumaru jumped up while exclaiming. "Nyah~, she can do top spins like Fujiko!"

"They didn't expect that," Ayane smiled while giving a high five to Kiyone. "Where did you pick that up?"

Kiyone timidly smiled. "I learned it from Shizuru-nee-sama."

Ayane knew what Shizuru and Kiyone had been doing. Seeing the constant late hour training, Ayane noticed a dramatic change in her variety of skills. Kiyone had become a better top spin player ever since that started and even proved to put other control masters (one of them being Haruka) to shame. Kiyone then moved to the front while Ayane retreated to the baseline. "Oishi-san is the one serving and from what I hear, he's very accurate. His partner makes up for his weakness at the net most probably seeing that Kikumaru-san is the one jumping around for him. I have to hit them hard."

Oishi hit the serve directly on the line of the service box while Ayane ran towards the middle to return it with a linear forehand. Kikumaru jumped a volleyed it towards Kiyone who returned it back with a top spin. However, the red haired acrobat twisted his body and fired it back towards Ayane who did a cross court backhand. Oishi began dragging his racquet on the floor while the ball bounced up to be a lob. "Kiyone," Ayane put her hands down for a stepping stool, "that ball's definitely an in!"

Kiyone didn't waste any time at all while soaring into the air. "Here it comes, Ge-tsu-gan Rocket!"

The ball descended as fast as the red haired acrobat's Kikumaru Beam but despite that, Kikumaru sent it towards an open space where Kiyone was supposedly standing, "Fifteen – love!"

Ayane, pivoting with her right ankle, fired the Magnolia Blade cross court, "Fifteen – all!"

Kiyone began volleying with Kikumaru and their speed increased. Sprinting off with one foot, Kiyone accelerated the volley even more and saw that sweat was pouring down Kikumaru's face. "Wow, you're like Rin-senpai! You can barely last through a tie-breaker!"

Kikumaru fired back a forehand. "Nyah~, you shouldn't say things like that!"

Kiyone backhanded another ball. "It's true; I'm surprised the court hasn't become a sea of sweat with the way you're going."

Ayane and Oishi remained at the baseline while the two volleyists played it out between them. "She's fast for a first year, Kobayagi-san."

The Hyotei vice captain remained focused on Oishi's feet. "Yeah, a lot of people say that."

For a moment, Ayane's answer seemed so cold. Before the tennis court, she was this happy and caring captain who looked out for her doubles partner the same he did. Oishi didn't understand how Kiyone managed to become that fast nor did the vice captain understand how Ayane became so strong to begin with. There were no possible explanations on how she could be so much stronger than he was. "My auntie used to be a weight lifter if you're wondering where I got my strength," Ayane rebuked the vice captain's thoughts, "a lot of people always wonder about that."

Oishi nodded slowly. "Then again – you're not exactly…"

"Buff," Ayane sheepishly scratched her head, "I know. That's what my senpai told me when I first entered. I did homeruns til people stopped looking for the ball. Kurenai-dono was the one who helped me see that my strength wasn't a curse but a gift. So, I've been doing pile drivers ever since my elementary tennis days. I used to play recreational until Hitomi-senpai recruited me with buchou."

Oishi glanced to see Shizuru's calm and calculating stare. "Wow, she hasn't batted an eyelash ever since awhile ago. It's as if that every match counts and her gaze looks like…"

He looked at his captain who was standing at the bleachers, waiting for Singles One. Their gazes were so much alike, Oishi had to admit. In fact, the mere mention of both captains' names struck fear and respect into other teams. Oishi began to contemplate, what would happen if the two played against each other? How close was Kurenai's skill to Tezuka's? "I know she looks pretty but staring at my buchou is a no-no," Ayane wagged her finger, "otherwise, I will pummel you bad."

Oishi scratched his head. "Ah, I'm sorry. I was just thinking of something else. By the way, how long have you two been playing doubles?"

Kiyone began counting her fingers. "I don't remember."

"Actually," Ayane shrugged, "I never took track of that. Kiyo-chibi and I have always been a doubles pair no matter what and took Doubles One as the spot. So – if we were guys, playing against you guys would have the highest probability and possibility. Also, worrying over Shishido-senpai and Ohtori-senpai will be the least of your problems."

Oishi bounced the ball a few times while analysing the two girls. Ayane swung left and right at the baseline while Kiyone was staring intently at Kikumaru. "Here it goes…!"

Running towards the corner, Ayane effortlessly did a pile driver towards Kikumaru who was forced to lob it. "Nyah~, I'm sorry!"

Kiyone jumped up into the air. "Okay," –twisting her body, the sandy haired girl backhanded the ball, "Getsugan Rocket time!"

Oishi saw where this was going: Ayane knew that Kikumaru couldn't handle the heavy shots and would be forced to lob it. Kiyone was already at the net and could do a smash right in between the acrobat's legs. "But there's a flaw," Oishi watched Ayane change places again with Kiyone, "Kobayagi-san can only do it when she's the one at the baseline. It's a pretty basic strategy."

"Buchou, do you think that Ayane-chan's going to have a hard time with Oishi-san? I mean – they both may be playmakers but," Rin watched Oishi's eyes look at Kiyone's feet, "Oishi-san has more experience than the both of them put together!"

Shizuru continued to watch the game. "I'm sure they'll find a way out. For instance, Oishi-san may have the experience but I don't think he's ever dealt with someone as sneaky as Getsugan or Kobayagi for that matter. Kobayagi always had tactics that could even put third year doubles players to shame and still play fair. Getsugan on the other hand has an abstract mind – there may be times where she can't contort like Kikumaru-san but she makes up for it with control."

Haruka watched Kiyone do another cord ball and Kikumaru rush towards the edge of the net to hit it. "Wow but, isn't there a technique called the…?"

"Oishi Territory," Hitomi confirmed while scanning her notebook, "in this case, Oishi-san analyses the style of both players and comes up with a counterattack which will assure them victory. It's rather similar to the Osakada Stadium but with less flaws. Osakada-senpai could only apply this to herself and then later on learns she and Haruka-chan can do it together."

Kiyone began her volley against the older volleyist. "Wow, you're fast! I didn't know you could grab the ball after all that jumping!"

Kikumaru smirked. "Hoi nyah, just because I'm sweating doesn't mean I'm out of breath," he gasped between breaths.

"Yane," Kiyone dodged a ball on purpose, "I'm sure you want a work out don't you?"

Ayane backhanded it hard. "You bet, give it all you got – Oishi-san!"

Oishi caught her heavy shot and had to do a double fisted backhand to return it. "Wow, her shots are really something…!"

Kikumaru jumped up to send it behind Ayane. "Oishi, you okay, nyah?"

"Yeah," Oishi felt his hand tremble after returning, "her strength is somewhere near Taka-san's but his shots are more destructive. Hers are just plain accurate and heavy!"

Kikumaru saw that Ayane was going to do a double fisted. "Oishi, look out, nyah!"

Kiyone jumped up excitedly. "Here it comes – the Kotsubushi no Katana!"

Ayane, pivoting with her right ankle, did a pile driver towards Oishi. "Kiyone, get ready…!"

Oishi was going to return it until he heard Kikumaru's racquet clank against his. "Let's do it together, aibou!"

Nodding slowly, Oishi clocked the speed of the ball and signalled. "Now – swing it hard, Eiji!"

Despite swinging it together and though the ball managed to head towards the net, Oishi saw that the shot was too heavy to return. Momoshiro may have the Jack Knife but there was no way that this first year vice captain could match the strength of someone who was five inches taller than she was. Momoshiro gaped at the tangerine haired vice captain. "Wow, the vice captain's strong – she makes me look like a wimp!"

Kaidoh snorted. "That's because she trains more while you goof off, baka peach."

Momoshiro grabbed Kaidoh by the jacket collar. "What did you say, Mamushi!?"

Gakuto stared at the two. "I wonder how people stay sane with those two making so much noise…"

Oshitari shrugged nonchalantly. "That's the same thing people ask me when I'm stuck with you."

Gakuto twitched. "I'm not noisy!"

Hiyoshi shook his head. "Gakuto-senpai, you make more noise than the entire Seigaku team put together."

Atobe watched Ayane jump high to bring down a smash. "Here…I…go…!"

With two consecutive smashes, Ayane used the first to knock out Kikumaru's racquet and the second to score. "Ha," Kiyone gripped her sides, "ha…"

"Fifteen – thirty," Ayane stared at her doubles partner. "You look like you saw something funny. What's up?"

Kiyone began rolling on the floor. "YOU USED IT! YOU ACTUALLY USED THE HAMUTSU E NO RONDO! THE LAST TIME I MENTIONED IT, YOU TOLD ME YOU WOULDN'T BE CAUGHT DEAD USING THE MOLE DIVA'S MOVES! YOU'RE HILLARIOUS!"

Oishi and Kikumaru had a sweat drop while Ayane gripped her racquet tightly. "Kiyone, do you mind…?"

Kiyone however continued laughing. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA, THIS IS TOO MUCH! Ayane used the Rondo towards Destruction!"

Rin shrugged. "I don't get why that's funny."

Isane stifled her laughter a bit. "Well, it's teasing material for the both of them. I guess Ayane swore she would never use something that belonged to Atobe."

"Her hatred for Atobe-san is now quite erratic and pointless," Hitomi began scribbling down. "She has blamed him for everything bad in her life. Not only that – everything has something to do with him."

Haruka shook her head at the vice captain. "Geez, I think she's actually in love with the guy but afraid to admit… ah!"

Ayane threw a small pebble at her. "Would you like to," she had a 'turtle' smile with her sing song voice, "repeat that statement?"

Haruka shut her mouth immediately. "Uh, no thanks I'd rather not."

"Ayane's learning from buchou, isn't she?" Rin whimpered while clinging on to Haruka.

Haruka shook her head in dismay, "Ya think?"

Ayane inhaled before facing Oishi again. "I'm sorry, Kiyone's much undisciplined."

Kiyone pouted impishly while wobbling a little, "Says the girl who swings her racquet at me like a paddle ball!"

"Says the one who runs into glass objects all the time," Ayane walked towards the baseline. "Time to shape up, Kiyone."

Kiyone cracked her neck and loosened the shoulders. "Hehe, I don't think they're going to think properly after that!"

Oishi saw a mischievous glint in both players' eyes. "Eiji, be careful okay? They may be first years but don't underestimate them."

"You got it," Kikumaru stayed at the baseline while looking at the score. "Nyah~, the score right now is one game to love and fifteen-thirty! Ouch, our score's ugly."

Oishi laughed a little while readying his service. "Yeah, it's kinda shameful to look at really. Then again – maybe we'll learn something, Eiji."

With a loud crack, another rally ensued with Kiyone volleying towards Kikumaru while Oishi sent another Moon Volley to the baseline where Ayane was ready to receive. Then, Ayane and Kiyone switched places and Ayane's shots because they were powerful, forced Kikumaru to lob his shots. Kiyone jumped on Ayane's shoulders and fired a smash straight at Oishi who was far enough to return because of waist level. Ayane then ducked to allow Kiyone to make another cord ball while she retreated to the back. Oishi and Kikumaru did a Doubles Approach while Ayane didn't mind sending them a pile driver. "Good luck returning this…!"

When he tried to volley it across, Oishi found his racquet flying off his hand again and Kiyone dropped it right over his shoulder. "Yay, we got another point!"

"Fifteen – forty," Kikumaru stared at the fallen racquet. "Wow, Kobayagi-­chan's really strong, Oishi."

Oishi, picking up his racquet for the umpteenth time, sighed while returning to the baseline. "Well, we should try another strategy, Eiji. This game's actually getting out of hand."

Kikumaru lowered himself at the net. "Okay, let's start it then!"

Ayane recognized the formation immediately. "Wow, they're bringing out the big guns now."

Kiyone tilted her head towards them. "What's that, Yane-Yane? It looks weird."

"The Australian Formation," Ayane began brushing her chin, "the Australian formation is when the person at the net stays at the same side of the court as the server. This is to cut off the angle and make the opponent go for the more difficult down the line shot and is mostly used for second serves. Another is the I formation is wherein the net person stays at the middle of the service line and points to what side of the court they are going behind their backs. They both go to different sides and hope that they hit it to the net person also; this is good for confusing your opponent. The I formation is not a smart decision on a second serve though."

Kiyone tilted her head towards the other side. "In other words, Kikumaru-san is staying at a place where we can't do linear shots?"

Nodding, Ayane motioned to Kiyone. "Yeah and you're receiving this time. By the way, try to do that thing again."

"What thing?" Kiyone cocked her head to the side again.

Ayane did a couple of hand signals. "Oh," Kiyone nodded vigorously with a mischievous smile. "You want that one."

Oishi shivered at the sound of her evil tone. "Eiji, be careful up front okay?"

Kikumaru nodded while Oishi began his service. Kiyone rushed forward before it even bounced and sent it straight towards Oishi again. The vice captain quickly returned it with a Moon Volley while Ayane managed to smash it down. Kikumaru jumped for the ball while Kiyone resumed to being a net player. "Wow," Isane was amazed on how fast Kiyone was moving. "I thought Kiyo-chibi would be exhausted after all this."

"I don't think she would," Haruka watched Kiyone dive for another ball and recover. "Kiyo-chibi is anything but low on stamina. Sure, clumsiness is part of it but she can recover instantly."

Shizuru watched Ayane fire another Kotsubushi Katana towards Oishi who had to lob it because of the heaviness. "This is the fifteenth lob they've made this time," Kiyone backhanded the ball towards Kikumaru in the air. "Don't you think your shots are getting a bit too heavy, Yane-Yane?"

Ayane shrugged while doing another pile driver. "No, they're not really strong. I don't mind it at all."

Slapping her forehead, Kiyone shook her head disbelievingly. "Didn't you hear a word I just said?"

"I did hear what you just said," Ayane now flustered sent a forehand towards Kikumaru.

Kiyone smirked. "Okay, then what did I just say?"

"Huh?"

The sandy haired girl wanted to kick her doubles partner. "How can you be so deaf? I just said to lower your power a notch!"

Ayane shrugged. "Yeah but, won't it take the fun out of the game?"

Oishi fired another forehand towards her. "Actually, I'm getting used to the amount of power Kobayagi-san is sending to so – she doesn't need to hold back."

Ayane smirked while delaying her shot a little. "If that's the case, time to take it up a notch!"

Her shot cracked off and slammed into Kikumaru's racquet causing the red haired acrobat to roll backwards. "Game, Kobayagi-Getsugan pair: two games to love!"

Kikumaru shook his head after rolling backwards. "Nyah~, that hurt!"

Oishi helped his best friend up. "Wow, we're really taking a beating. Thing is – they're first years and supposedly, Kobayagi-san isn't supposed to have this kind of experience in Doubles."

Ayane on the other hand was talking to Kiyone. "This is one of the best matches we've played so far. They never went easy on us and I saw the Moon Volley coming several times. Not only that, Kikumaru-san brought out his acrobatic play and still – we're actually winning by a slim chance to none."

"Yane," Kiyone tapped her shoulder, "we won two games straight. How is that slim?"

Ayane curled her fist. "Simply put – they could have brought out the big guns and finished us off right there and then. Not only that – Oishi-san and Kikumaru-san are baiting us. The moment we make a mistake, it's game over for Hyotei. It will be hard to remedy the mistake and the two of them can keep attacking us until our defence is shot."

Kiyone shuddered. "Isn't there a way to make sure that the bait doesn't work?"

"There is," Ayane looked at Kikumaru and Oishi discuss another strategy, "however – it will take more than just the Waltz Formation to dish out some serious damage."

Fuji glanced sideways to Sanada Momo who was relatively calm despite everything. "Saa~, you don't know who you've just angered, Sanada-san."

Tezuka nudged Fuji a bit. "Fuji, that's enough. Echizen is still in one piece."

"How can you let that slip," Fuji stared with his electrifying blue eyes, "she did use violence on the court after all."

Momoshiro punched his hand. "Tch, that girl's really dangerous! At first, she was this calm and calculating person and then – BAM! The girl goes wild on Echizen!"

At the Hyotei girls' side, Momo hung her head low. "I really got out of hand, didn't I?"

Haruka rolled her eyes at her. "Yeah, sure you didn't."

"It was just a momentary loss of control," Hitomi pat Momo on the shoulder. "I'm in the same boat as you are. Inui-san used my own technique against me and I let Isane take most of the beating. That's why – Isane is very valuable as a friend, doubles player and maybe singles once in awhile."

Momo turned back to the court. "I envy them."

Hitomi looked at the female Sanada, "Who?"

Momo pointed at the two first years playing doubles. "They only had each other to trust in during their first middle school year in Hyotei. Both players learned each other's faults and strengths and began to surpass the boundaries people set. Ayane is no ordinary doubles player; she can probably outwit Oishi-san and Kiyone can knock down Kikumaru-san because her top spins are deadly. From what I heard, the acrobat has motion sight so, the top spins and under spins will confuse him."

Haruka shrugged. "Good luck to him then, his stamina will shoot down faster than normal."

Rin watched Kikumaru struggle against Kiyone's second Chire Gaigetsu Sakura. "Kiku-chan, be careful…"

Gakuto saw concern wash over Rin's face. "Tch, why does it always have to be Kikumaru? She snaps at me but cares for Kikumaru more than anything."

"I guess you're feeling jealous, Gakuto?" Oshitari saw Gakuto gripping the wired fence.

The magenta haired acrobat pointed at Kikumaru who was losing stamina. "She even told him how powerful the sandy haired brat is! Of course I'm jealous!"

Oshitari, shaking his head, remembered distinctly that Gakuto was very open with his emotions either way. However, his eyes were more concentrated on Fuji who was constantly glaring at the female Sanada that attacked Echizen. One thing he understood about Fuji was that when someone from Seigaku gets hurt, the offender pays a lot. "It looks like Nagisaki's going to have to play her best."

Atobe sensed the aura from Fuji. "Ore-sama doesn't think Nagisaki will stand a chance against Fuji. After all – he's Seigaku's tensai and your counterpart, Oshitari."

Hiyoshi watched Kiyone sail into the air again and fire another smash down. "Kiyone has control over Kikumaru's movements now. There's no chance for the Golden Pair to get out of this one."

Inui tilted his glasses. "Kobayagi sealed off Oishi's accuracy by sheer brute force while Getsugan knows how to top spin so well that it drains Kikumaru's stamina faster. However, they're not going to last long at this rate. Despite all the efforts, Oishi and Kikumaru always found ways to make their own loopholes through strategies and I think Kobayagi hasn't realized that yet."

Kiyone did another backhand towards Kikumaru while the red haired acrobat quickly volleyed it towards Ayane. The rally ensued between the two baseliners while Ayane fired a pile driver towards Oishi who managed to return it despite the ache in his wrist. Ayane did another Kotsubushi Katana while Kikumaru jumped forward to reflect it with the same power. Kiyone volleyed it using Ayane's leftover strength in the ball while Oishi this time became the volleyist and Kikumaru retreated to the back. "Kiki," Ayane pulled out another forehand, "do you think we should start…?"

"If we want to finish it early," Kiyone backhanded towards Oishi, "then – yeah, go ahead. Do what you feel is right, Yane-Yane."

Ayane kept a close eye on Kikumaru's movement. "Kiki, someone stole your taiyaki!"

Kiyone backhanded it far. "No one… NO ONE STEALS MY TAIYAKI!"

"Fifteen – love," Kikumaru tried to bend far back but couldn't reach in time. "Wow, she sent it so far back, nyah!"

Oishi saw what Ayane just did; it was a doubles language. The vice captain infuriated the smaller girl and made her do a pile driver right past Kikumaru who obviously couldn't react to it on time. Ayane was very clever for a first time regular and mostly, freshman tend to get very jittered when facing opponents older than them. Watching Ayane toss back her strawberry blonde (tangerine) hair, Oishi couldn't help but almost melt. "She's so…"

"Oishi," Kikumaru began snapping his fingers, "hoi hoi, you're spacing out, nyah!"

Shaking his head, Oishi found Kikumaru with a childish grin. "Nyah, you must really like her, Oishi! I can get a friend of hers to…"

Oishi clamped his hand over Kikumaru's mouth. "Eiji, please don't mention anything."

Kikumaru gave him a thumb up. "You got it! But – how are we going to take the next two games, Oishi? It's their service game too!"

Oishi had a small smile. "I already have an idea, Eiji."

Once again resuming the Australian formation, Oishi received Kiyone's serve which cracked off barely touching the service line. Kikumaru volleyed towards Ayane and because she couldn't react on time, the ball went straight up into the air. "Eiji, do it now!"

Kikumaru, spinning in the air, exploded his forehand down towards the baseline, "Kikumaru Bazooka!"

The ball blasted past Kiyone but the little girl didn't seem the least bit stunned. "Cool, you should do it again!"

All the senpai sweat dropped at the sight; Kiyone just faced something new and breaking down wasn't in her vocabulary. "Well," Kikumaru scratched his head, "I didn't know you enjoyed it that much."

Kiyone tugged Ayane's sleeve. "Do you think that you can fire that back harder?"

"Maybe at least three times the power," Ayane glanced at the doubles lines, "start targeting the corners, Kiki. We're going to end this in a six games to one match style; if we prolong it, the Golden pair will have their advantage and shoot us down."

Kiyone lowered her body at one side. "Can we break them first?"

"Breaking seniors isn't easy, Kiki," Ayane remembered what happened to Isane and Hitomi, "much more that we're only first year students. They have more experience than we do and most probably – the plan would backfire badly. Kikumaru-san and Oishi-san are really going to give us a run for our money so, dish out whatever you can!"

Walking towards one side, Kiyone lowered her body at the net while Ayane waited for Kikumaru's service. "We'll have to use that formation if anything else gets worse. If they beat that then, we better come up with a new formation and fast!"

Kikumaru served it towards Ayane who backhanded it far towards Oishi. Doing another Moon Volley, Oishi expected Ayane to be the one to receive but Kiyone was now the one at the baseline. "Peek-a-boo, I see you!"

Before his Moon Volley could touch the ground, Kiyone smashed it towards Kikumaru who lunged with a forehand towards Ayane. "Ayane's too strong for the net; her shots will go…!"

Unexpectedly, Ayane flicked her wrist and the ball gently let itself off where Oishi was standing, "Love – fifteen!"

"Thought I was only a baseline player, didn't you?" Ayane pointed her racquet towards Oishi. "A lot of people thought that way because my shots were too heavy."

Oishi looked at their formation and Kikumaru tapped him on the shoulder. "Nyah~, I haven't seen that formation anywhere. What is that?"

Inui began scribbling in his notebook. "Oishi and Kikumaru now face a new doubles formation that was invented by the Kobayagi-Getsugan pair. This formation is not used by any other pairs they have played against except these two first years."

Hitomi had her business smile. "It seems like they brought out the Waltz Formation. With this style, Ayane-chan and Kiyo-chibi will be able to train in both styles and end this game quickly without wasting much stamina. However, there is a flaw in this formation…"

"You have to follow a certain rhythm," Oishi noted while recalling the past few shots. "Though you guys look like you're moving slowly, both you and Getsugan-san are actually rotating in roles. However, there's a catch: Getsugan-san won't be able to return pile drivers if she's at the baseline. If I remember right – her shots are not strong enough to sail over the net from that distance. The good thing is that – the longer the formation takes place, the faster and more rhythmic the two of you will be. Also, you both will be able to confuse the opponent because they would think twice in returning the shot."

Ayane and Kiyone exchanged glances with each other. "Wow that was one fast analysis."

Oishi had a small smirk but Ayane shook her finger. "But that isn't all, Oishi-san. You might want to check Kikumaru-san before you analyse it again."

Taking a sideward glance, Oishi found Kikumaru sweating profusely and unable to stand up. "You see," Kiyone rested her racquet on her shoulder, "we weren't aiming for you to begin with. Kikumaru-san is the one doing all the work and you're doing all the thinking. What happens to a body when its limbs are torn off?"

Oishi couldn't understand how a little girl could be so sadistic. Why hadn't he seen it before? Kiyone and Ayane were targeting Kikumaru all this time and now, he was the last one standing. "I wanted to seal off his movement. Kikumaru-san was becoming a little too fast for me," Ayane noted while heading towards the baseline. "So, one down: one more to go."

Shaking his head out of frustration, Oishi headed towards the other side while Kikumaru flimsily picked up the ball. "Getsugan-san knew that he was low on stamina. That's why she kept doing cord balls and top spins. But – how did she know that he had…?"

"How did I know he had motion sight?" Kiyone clapped her hands impishly, "Simply put, Kikumaru-san's eyes flicker very quickly while watching the ball. So, I figured – 'hey, how do I make this guy go cross-eyes?' Therefore, I used the top spins and under spins to make him go whoo-hoo!"

Kikumaru began his service which sadly smacked the net, "Fault!"

A second one flew towards the net again, "Double Fault, love – thirty!"

Kikumaru, heavily breathing, couldn't float the ball properly. His hand felt limp and his whole body felt like lead. Dropping the ball, Kikumaru nearly slumped to the floor until Oishi caught him. "Eiji, you might need to time out first. You can't float a ball even if willed if this continues."

Kikumaru nodded weakly. "I'm sorry, nyah."

Oishi, hauling Kikumaru over his shoulder, helped him to the bench while the arbiter initiated, "Time out!"

Kiyone and Ayane walked towards the bench and began downing a whole bottle of C2 iced tea. "Geez, I didn't know he'd get exhausted after five games."

"That's how short his stamina must be but if we didn't use the formation – do you think he would have lasted longer?" Kiyone remembered how many times he had been jumping around.

Ayane sealed her bottle. "It's not that he'll last longer – we'll be defeated faster. Buchou, do you think that Fuji-san will…?"

"Tear up Mai for revenge," Shizuru glanced at the cerulean eyed genius, "actually – yeah. He feels dangerous and from this angle, I can tell that Mai's going to be the receiver of his vengeance. Mai, please be careful when you face Fuji-san. He's not your everyday tensai and his moves might be paralyzing. So, Kobayagi, Getsugan, I'm sorry to pressure you but – you guys have to win. That way, even if Mai loses – I can make up for it after I face Tezuka-san."

Hitomi checked her notebook. "Buchou, Tezuka-san isn't very easy to beat either. You know that from facing him awhile ago in the other court."

"I know," Shizuru remembered the close game they had between them, "but, I can't afford to lose now."

Isane nodded. "Besides, buchou isn't the type to lose to the same opponent twice. Even if it's Tezuka Kunimitsu, she'll definitely find a way."

Ayane wiped her forehead. "You know, I was a bit afraid at first. I thought Oishi-san was going to make us break in the first part. But truthfully, he's a really nice guy."

They all stared at the vice captain while Haruka slithered towards her. "You look guys like that now don't you?"

"W – What," Ayane blushed furiously, "I have to admit – he's a really, really, sweet guy. The way he takes care of that acrobat – I'm amazed that Oishi-san hasn't grown white hair yet."

Kiyone snickered to Mai. "She probably doesn't want to admit it: Oishi-san must be good looking in her eyes."

Ayane shook Kiyone silly. "Why I ought to…!"

Shizuru split the two apart. "Both of you, that's enough riff raff. Concentrate on the game: are there any things that you need to polish?"

"Well," Ayane scratched her chin, "the Waltz Formation needs tweaking here and there. They discovered that Kiyone can't do baseline and I can't do volley well. So – that's one thing we might need to fix. Also, there's the counter for the Kikumaru Bazooka – darn, he hits hard."

Ayane contemplated for a moment while looking at Kikumaru's present state and at Oishi's body language. "You know – I think we might have a slim chance of winning if we don't keep up the pace."

Kiyone stared at her. "Why?"

"Take a look," Ayane pointed at Oishi and Kikumaru. "They're already coming up with a counter attack for our Waltz Formation and if they find something to counter all our moves – we are so dead."

Kiyone hung her head. "Man, this is getting more complicated! Isn't there any way we can seal the game without them making such a fuss?"

Ayane, stroking her chin, glanced at the Golden pair again and then at the court. She remembered Hitomi mentioning the Oishi Territory technique and how it was very similar to the Osakada Stadium. She needed to know what it was like to go against a technique so loopholes were recognizable. Taking a seat, Ayane began twiddling her thumbs. "I never thought this would happen but: if Kiyone and I don't come up with anything right now, we're going to take a beating from those two seniors at a humiliating score."

Kiyone snapped her fingers. "Hey, what if we tried slowing both of them down? You managed to seal Oishi-san's accuracy anyway. So, I don't see what's going to be hard about making Kikumaru-san pant like a doggie. He even says that 'nyah' all the time. Is he part cat, Yane-Yane?"

"Come to think of it," Ayane cracked her knuckles. "Kiyo-chibi has a point. Kikumaru-san's speed dropped drastically after watching the Chire Gaigetsu Sakura several times and Oishi-san had to double his efforts and his stamina shot down too. Actually, we're a little tired ourselves and we can't even make a proper strategy."

"You're going to lose to them, arn~?" A mocking voice echoed in her ears.

Wincing at the sound of Atobe's voice, Ayane stood up to her full height which sadly wasn't enough. "Oh please, you can't even play doubles properly and still decide to ask if we're going to lose? You've got some nerve to tell me that in the face, Atobe Keigo! If I remember right, you're just a singles player and have to live up to being King of Hyotei Gakuen!"

Atobe brushed his hair back. "If you really want to win then, come up with something that is somewhat like theirs but better or find something that is completely undefeatable."

Ayane got ready to bite him until she realized that Atobe had a point. If there was something she could do, it was coming up with techniques on the spot. However, the situation was a bit tricky because of the experience both Seigaku regulars had. "Hitomi-senpai, please describe the Osakada Stadium to me. You did say it was very similar to the Oishi Territory right?"

Hitomi scanned her notes. "The Osakada Territory allows Yuri-senpai to examine the opponents' style very closely and find a way to counter them. However, senpai believed that it was applicable only to her until Haruka-chan somehow learned how to counter the technique. This move was used in the Kanto Regional Tournament when it made its first debut. Yuri-senpai, by using this technique, won the Doubles Two with a score of six games to love. What trick do you have now, Ayane-chan?"

Ayane snapped her fingers. "I think I have just the strategy. Kiyo-chibi, forget the Waltz Formation for now."

"But that's always been our basic formation!" Kiyone whined, "You can't expect me to forget it like you!"

Ayane slapped her forehead. "Please, we need a new formation otherwise these guys will hand their butts to us right now!"

Kiyone, solemnly nodding, trudged towards the court and waited for Kikumaru's service. "Okay, if I remember right – Kikumaru-san has his Kikumaru Bazooka and Kikumaru Beam which is comparable to Yane-Yane's strength. I need something that can use the power from the shot."

Ayane glanced at Kiyone for a moment and sighed. "Hopefully, she can receive it and return it with the same power. Right now – baseline isn't her forte and we're doomed if this plan doesn't work."

The serve cracked off and Kiyone rushed forward. "I'm going to beat you so fast – that you won't notice anything!"

Oishi was at the net and began his volley while Ayane threw herself back to the baseline with Kiyone advancing. The Seigaku vice captain didn't understand what Kiyone was pulling out but the moment she got close, an impish smile appeared on her face. "Get ready for this one…!"

Soon, the volley accelerated forcing Oishi to stretch his reach. His arm felt like it was going to fall off with that kind of speed but Kiyone didn't let up. She flicked her wrist left and right forcing the volley to either bounce awkwardly or fly straight at him. Soon, Oishi lost balance and the volley zipped past him, "love – forty!"

Kikumaru ran to his doubles partner. "Are you okay, nyah?"

Oishi looked up while Kiyone twirled her racquet. "I bet you think that technique is Yamaguchi-senpai's Sonic Volley. But guess what – it's not."

Ayane pat Kiyone on the head. "Yeah, that was the Obana Volley – Pampas Grass Volley. You do know what that is right?"

Momoshiro turned to Inui. "What is that, Inui-senpai?"

"The Pampas Grass," Inui jotted down, "very interesting. Those plants are very fast in growing and when waved around, the seeds easily disperse. That was her basis for the volley. While the Sonic Volley is a one shot kill volley, this technique increases speed each time it is returned. In other words: no matter where Oishi shoots it, Kiyone will get it because there is an abrupt slap against the ball making it harder to return. However, this technique requires full flexibility of the wrist otherwise – the technique won't be as effective."

Kikumaru watched Kiyone sway towards the service box again while Ayane was going to receive. "Wow nyah, this is the one who has really hard returns. How am I going to return that kind of power…?"

Fuji watched Kikumaru toss the ball up into the air. "Eiji and Oishi might not win this… These girls have them out-powered but…"

"They're not out-classed, Fuji-senpai," Echizen continued sipping his Ponta.

Inui continued to jot down data. "Oishi and Eiji may be more skilled but the two are definitely prepared for something like this. How they managed to become that strong is something we might need so it can be implemented into the training regimen."

Hitomi passed a fleeting smile to the two first years. "If you two lose," –she held up a glass of neon red liquid with blue in the middle and pink on top while her glasses gleamed evilly, "then you both will have to drink this. I now present to you my Winning Juice 2.5."

Ayane covered her hand with her mouth. "Eww, don't make me even get near that thing!"

Kiyone faced down. "That… that has poison in it…"

Oishi noticed the two slumping down after they saw the liquid while he heard a loud crash. "Yamaguchi-senpai, will you please stop using that drink as a threat! They're only first year!"

Hitomi pointed towards the court. "But, it works doesn't it?"

Ayane faced towards Kiyone, nodding. "We can't lose, otherwise – we drink that."

"Mm hm," Kiyone turned to the doubles pair of Seigaku, "let's finish them off quick and easy."

Ayane had a smirk. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Kiyone nodded earnestly. "Oh yeah," –casting an evil glance at the two Seigaku players.

Kikumaru clung on to Oishi right away. "Nyah, she's so scary nyah!"

Oishi felt his body shiver when he saw the glowing juice on one side. Is that what made the two girls stronger? If so – then, they should have no problem since Inui basically pulls off the same stunt if the two of them don't train well enough. However, it seemed that these two were playing Doubles together longer than the both of them because they weren't even exchanging many words except when both girls were terrified of something or shift of plan. Other than that – it was like their playing style was flawless. "Everything has to have a loophole," Oishi continued to watch their hand movements and body language. "They may have good strategies but I'm sure they can't keep up the consistency."

Kikumaru waited for Kiyone and Ayane to assemble themselves back into their formation. "Let's do this, aibou!"

Ayane ducked while Kiyone rushed towards the serve with another volley. "Come and get it!"

Oishi volleyed again this time to Ayane. "Alright, since Kiyone will be attacking the net, I might as well go for baseline."

Ayane was far enough to twist her body, sending a heavy two fisted backhand. "You better think twice than firing at the baseline."

Oishi sped towards Ayane's backhand and returned it with the Moon Volley. "We can't keep doing this – hopefully, she won't keep that same consistency later."

Kiyone jumped up ready to smash until she turned three hundred sixty degrees and cut the ball. "Wheeee, you thought I was going to smash, didn't you?"

Kikumaru lunged for the ball sending it towards Kiyone. "Don't be so sure yet!"

Landing gracefully, Kiyone flicked the ball up while Kikumaru smashed it towards her. However, the little girl was fast enough to react and pelt it back towards Oishi who backhanded it. "As long as I'm her partner," Ayane had a smirk, "nothing will get past her or me!"

Oishi fired another backhand towards Kiyone who volleyed it towards Kikumaru. The red haired acrobat purposely volleyed it flimsily towards Ayane who made the ball into a cord shot. Kikumaru volleyed it towards Kiyone again and this time, she let it slip, "Yane-Yane, finish them off!"

Ayane backhanded with her full body weight. "Game face, let's finish them off!"

Oishi caught her backhand by the net and volleyed it towards Kiyone. "You do have the strength but you don't have the leg power to keep running around, do you?"

Kiyone volleyed cross court which Kikumaru managed to recover and strike back. "Wow, this rally's getting more intense," Momoshiro gaped at the smaller girl.

Hiyoshi couldn't help but smile at Kiyone who was having so much fun playing against those of higher rank. These two girls were first years yet they were handling those who had experience. Watching Kiyone's leap high into the air for a smash, Hiyoshi gripped the fence tighter. "I need to…I need to gekokujo Atobe."

Jirou watched Kiyone's volley progress. "Wow, she's really got flexible wrists like I do! It's so cool and Kiyo-chan's so pretty too!"

Oshitari didn't pay attention to the doubles play but he couldn't stop himself from trembling. Shizuru was right below and she was about to play one of Atobe's greatest rivals and maybe a soon-to-be his. The kansai genius turned to the score where he saw that both doubles play were ending up in their favour. "Game, Kobayagi-Getsugan pair: three games to one!"

Oishi felt his whole body tremble at the shock Ayane could deliver by simply backhanding the ball with her whole body weight. Looking at the score of three games, the Golden pair felt at a loss upon what to do up next. Kikumaru had only gained enough energy to run for the next two games and if Kiyone keeps top spinning the ball then, his partner's going to drop dead. "Eiji, don't go wasting your energy yet okay? We're not even in the latter part of the game yet."

Kikumaru steadied his breathing. "Nyah, they're really good for first years. I didn't expect this, Oishi."

Ayane inhaled sharply. "Well, other than that – I think the Golden Pair is going to lose to Hyotei's Diamond Pair am I right, Kiki?"

Kiyone danced around while sticking her tongue out. "You bet!"

More shots flew in, one after the other with Ayane doing the Kotsubushi Katana right past Kikumaru, "Fifteen – love!"

Kikumaru managed to sneak in an acrobatic volley past Kiyone, "Fifteen all!"

Kiyone did a top spin that bounced away from Oishi, "Thirty – fifteen!"

Fuji watched Kikumaru jump around. "Getsugan-san is really making things hard for Eiji. I'm surprised someone her size could actually do that."

Kawamura watched Ayane explode another ball cross court. "I'm surprised that Kobayagi-san was strong enough to send Eiji flying."

Ayane glanced at Kiyone who simply missed the ball on purpose, "Thirty all!"

Kikumaru sailed up high into the air and did a backhand straight down, "Thirty – forty!"

Oishi did a high five with Kikumaru. "I think it's time we get this show on the road, Eiji."

Kikumaru nodded vigorously. "You bet!"

This time, the two came up with their Australian Formation once again and the Hyotei vice captain pretended to be confused. "Oh my, where am I going to hit it now? They're covering all sides…"

Kiyone sat on the ground, yawning. "Do we let them win?"

"Of course not," Ayane smacked her head, "that's insulting to both sides. Besides, they're pretty good for them to be able to run us out like this."

Oishi saw Ayane's service flying towards him and this time, he returned it with a forehand. Ayane attacked the baseline corners while Kiyone hit the service boxes, leaving them totally baffled at their pattern. Kiyone began pivoting faster and soon, her body was soaring left and right across the court. "She's doing the split step like ochibi," Kikumaru gaped.

"Actually it isn't," Hitomi continued scribbling down. "She's simply just staying on her toes, a trick that Mai-chan gladly taught her."

Kiyone jumped high into the air, twisting her body in a full circle. "Weee, time to finish you guys!"

Expecting a drop shot, Kikumaru lunged forward and volleyed it towards Ayane which landed right in between her legs, causing her to trip over. "Owie," Ayane rubbed her butt. "That's gonna leave a mark."

"Game, Oishi-Kikumaru: two games to four!" Kikumaru bounced over worriedly. "Are you okay? I'm sorry, nyah!"

"It's okay," Ayane waved her hands dismissively, "I fall all the time!"

Kiyone sniggered. "Yeah, our fuku buchou is such a klutz; you'd think her husband was Atobe Keigo."

Ayane grabbed Kiyone by the collar of her shirt, shaking her roughly. "What did you say!?"

"Waaaah buchou, she's abusing me," Kiyone faked tears.

"Why I oughta…!"

Shizuru sighed while rubbing her temples. How could the team's best doubles pair keep fighting like this? She always wondered what would happen if the two got into a really big fight but that was wishing for bad. "I should have brought three more bottles," Shizuru smiled bitterly.

"You're too young for that," Mai pat her on the back. "Kiyone's the one who started it anyway."

Isane walked towards the court, sighing and pinching their ears. "That's enough – Kobayagi-san, you're supposed to be a role model to your doubles partner and Getsugan-san – stop picking fights."

Kiyone pouted like a child while Isane pat her on the head. "Okay, we'll get back to business."

Ayane went towards the baseline, sighing sheepishly. "I guess we gotta resume our game then."

This time, Kikumaru got much faster by sending in a rapid assault of volley shots towards Ayane, "Fifteen – love!"

Kiyone clucked her tongue. "Darn, these guys are getting faster!"

Ayane watched Kikumaru's movement, managing only to get herself dizzy. "Kiyone, we have to drop this game and the next one."

"Why," Kiyone stared at her as if the vice captain had gone crazy.

"Do you have any better idea on how to deal with a hyper acrobat?"

Kiyone bit her lip while missing the ball on purpose once again. There were times that Ayane couldn't figure out a plan but how they managed to get past others was something she didn't understand. Her body trembled with sweat trickling down while watching the ball zoom past her again and again, "Forty – love!"

Ayane had tried to return Kikumaru's volleys but he proved to be even faster than she was. Kiyone tried to volley only to have it smack the net. "Game, Oishi-Kikumaru: three games to four!"

Hitomi began scribbling down. "Kobayagi seems to be deep in thought – she ordered Kiyone to drop two games."

"She's probably trying to come up with a plan," Momo watched Ayane shift glances from left to right. "Knowing her, Kobayagi wouldn't do this unless she can't figure it out."

Oishi sent up a Moon Volley which Ayane promptly missed, "Love – fifteen!"

"I knew it," Oishi began doing another Moon Volley, "they may be strong in the first four games but the two of them don't have the consistency to pummel down the opponent. Eiji," –Oishi backhanded the ball towards Kiyone, "do you still have enough energy?"

"Love – thirty," Kikumaru jumped up high into the air whilst doing a smash. "I still have a lot to go on, nyah!"

Ayane watched Kiyone bite back her tears. "I know you don't like dropping games like this but we have no other choice, Kiyone. If only I came up with a better strategy," Ayane watched Kikumaru sail into the air and fire a Kikumaru Beam right past Kiyone. "I'm so sorry."

Kiyone gripped her racquet tightly while watching the Golden Pair breeze past them. Ayane was getting tired and so was she. They had two games left to come up with an idea on how to defeat the Golden Pair without exhausting each other badly. Her ocean blue eyes glittered angrily while trying to recompose herself. What was all that training for? The Obana Volley was okay a few minutes ago but now, Kikumaru just got past it easily. "Game, Oishi-Kikumaru: four games all!"

Kaidoh let out a low hiss. "They finally caught up."

Momo punched the air. "Now's the time for you to show them a great comeback Eiji-senpai, Oishi-senpai, give it your best shot!"

Oishi and Kikumaru did a high five. "We need two more games, Eiji. Let's wrap this up quickly."

However, the two third years sensed a powerful aura from the other side and found the two breathing with the same rhythm. Soon, they were walking in the same pace and their eyes were empty looking. Ayane walked towards the baseline while Kiyone lowered her stance at the net again. "Ikuze, Kiyone," Ayane's voice was more transparent like a ghost's.

Oishi shivered. "What in the world…?"

Inui began scribbling. "The first years believed that they were in a pinch against the two therefore, this allowed them to open a new source of power: Synchronization."

Hitomi tilted her glasses with a business like smile. "A new form of power unlocked when a doubles pair is in a pinch. Ayane and Kiyone never tapped into this kind of power so the outcome might be…"

Ayane's servicer cracked off immediately and sent Oishi's racquet flying, "Fifteen – love!"

Kikumaru's shot smacked the net despite him throwing his entire body weight, "Thirty – love!"

Oishi's eyes widened. "This is… Synchro…?"

Kikumaru rushed forward to deflect another shot but Kiyone and Ayane were both at the net. "Which one of them is going to hit it? They're actually moving in the same rhythm, nyah!"

Ayane and Kiyone swung their racquets at the same time resulting into confusion for Kikumaru and a fast volley which zipped past the Golden Pair, "Forty – love!"

Kiyone leaped high into the air and did a top spin towards Kikumaru. "Game, Kobayagi-Getsugan: five games to four!"

Oishi and Kikumaru exchanged glances with each other while nodding. The two began working with their new formation and began catching up, "Fifteen – love!"

Ayane exploded a shot towards Oishi causing him to stumble back a little, letting the ball smack the net, "Fifteen all!"

Kiyone sailed high into the air and smashed right in between the two third year players, "Fifteen – thirty!"

Atobe watched Ayane quickly close the gap against the Golden Pair. He remembered that she had lost against Shishido and Ohtori but now, there was something that she never realized. It could have been possible that this feeling was induced by the two but Atobe considered that an anomaly. Ayane always played cautiously against her opponent in order to avoid the pressure and muscle atrophy which was something Kiyone was not very good dealing with. "Arn~, ore-sama's very impressed. Kobayagi, I wonder how you managed to induce this kind of feeling into both you and your partner. Getsugan from what I remember hated dealing with pinches like this."

Deep in Ayane's mind, the vice captain shamefully looked down. "I'm sorry for getting us into this mess."

"It's okay," Kiyone shrugged it off, "I don't even know what we're doing anymore. It's like – every time you move, I move too!"

Ayane couldn't feel any of her limbs but she knew that there was something going on. The wind blew in her face and explosive shots were heard from their side of the court. "Is this what doubles players call…Synchro? I mean – people said that Synchro occurred when the doubles pair felt like that the game wasn't going their way."

"Maybe we subconsciously felt that," Kiyone couldn't feel any of her limbs, "you know – if only we could do this by will, we'd win the Nationals no problem!"

Ayane nodded while trying to regain control of her body. "Hey, Kiki," the little girl tilted her head to the side, "I'm glad to have played doubles with you."

Kiyone gave her thumbs up. "Yeah, I'm glad I got to play as your doubles partner too, Yane-Yane!"

Feeling the sensations returning to her control, Ayane managed to see what was going on and her body was midway through the Kotsubushi Katana. "Perfect, I've delayed it long enough!"

Zipping past the Golden Pair, Ayane's shot exploded on the court creating such a loud commotion for both teams. "Game and match, Kobayagi-Getsugan pair: six games to four!"

Oishi walked over to Ayane to shake her hand. "That was amazing, I didn't know you guys were that close."

Kiyone shook her head. "You know – I don't even remember what happened."

"Actually," Ayane scratched her head sheepishly, "I'd say the same too. Though, I wish that I knew what was going on during the match."

Kikumaru bounced over while ruffling Kiyone's hair. "That was some cool acrobatics, nyah!"

"It's barely even acrobatics," Kiyone pouted. "But, thanks anyway for the compliment!"

While the two walked off the court, Mai began warming up. "It looks like I have to deal with the vengeful one then."

Shizuru saw Fuji's aura shift the air easily. "Be careful, Mai. Don't let him drive you into a corner."

"I'll do what I can," Mai twirled her racquet. "Hopefully, nothing bad's going to happen."

Fuji smiled angelically. "Shall we begin, Nagisaki-san?"

Mai winced at his smile. "Yeah, I think we should."

-That's chapter 13! Please review! Sorry for late update!