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!

29. Under the Smile, Shikabane Hime

(I don't own Prince of Tennis!)

LivesForTennis0001: Well, thank you for your review. I always appreciate those who review me! My writing's become better and better. I didn't know it was like that considering Tezuka's like that too. He's the one who gave her the drive after all. I thought stubbornness was a horrible trait though. Yes, Lulu is very disturbing. She's an erotic novel and erotic manga fan. I wanted Lulu to be very distinct so, there wasn't anything I could think of at that time. Also, I warned you – the Burned Mystery will at some point traumatize you since I've gotten a few reviews that they couldn't go to the bathroom alone or go look themselves in the mirror anymore. I hope you're not too traumatized by it. I'm glad that you're one of my fans considering this was my first PoT fics for tennis romance. The Burned Mystery, well – my inspiration comes from Edgar Allan Poe. May he rest in peace. By the way, your reviews are not painfully long. I mean you have spaces in between. Just space them right and I won't find them as long. Sticking them together makes me go blind. O_O

Me: This chapter will be different. Since everyone's been wanting to know why I don't consider Shizuru a Mary Sue (well at some point I do), here's the reason why.

Chapter 29 – Under the Smile, Shikabane Hime no Shizuru

Shikako smiled sardonically. "She's full of latent potential but... how long will her emotional stability hold?

Florence smirked while Shizuru's glare became harder than before. All the kindness in her eyes drained itself as the "Hyotei Angel" took her stance. Florence watched the ball sail towards her right side as she hit it down the line. Shizuru ran the shot down while Florence dropped it over. Shizuru flashed at the net while Florence appeared as well. Two flashing lights appeared in the courts revealing both girls to run each other to the ground.

"Rainbow-san has a funny talent,"Kiyone nodded vigorously. "Shizu-nee's being pushed into a corner."

Momo watched the ball slam against Shizuru's racquet. "It's something that doesn't happen most of the time. Hoshimura is usually defeated by Souma so we never had a chance really to play against them until now. Yukimura was usually her opponent but she wasn't this fearsome."

"Forty – thirty," Florence wiped the sweat off her brow.

"I'm impressed," Florence chuckled inwardly. "Your emotional stability is stronger than I thought. Most would cry at the sight of their true attitudes being revealed."

However, Mai hung her head. "It's in her eyes..."

Shizuru felt her body tremble as the whole scene looked like it was stabbing her head. She gripped her racquet tightly as Florence stared down at her. Everyone watched Florence glow blue and gold again while Shizuru's aura started changing again.

"You," Death stared back at Florence.

Rin clung onto Haruka. "I thought only Momo-chan could do something like that."

Shikako smirked as she watched the second year captain flare up. "Izanami's made her appearance."

Hikari turned to the smiling Wild Card. "Why did you call her Izanami? I mean... isn't she..."

"You should brush up on your Theology," Matsuri explained to the younger senior. "Izanami was the mother goddess of all Shinto gods. She died giving birth to Hi no Kugutsuchi, the god of fire. When Izanagi tried to track her down from Yomi, she was already decaying."

"But," Hikari raised an eyebrow before tilting her head to the side. "She's not dead."

Matsuri face palmed. "Hikari, honestly – did you even get the symbolism? Shizuru hid her brutality under her smiling façade the same way Izanami hid her decaying self in her shining glory."

Haruka glanced over to Jyosei Shounan. "They're talking about Shizuru as if she was some monster or something."

"Shizuru doesn't look it so they tend to make funny conclusions," Hitomi placed her hand on Haruka's shoulder. "Though I wonder, where did that thing come from?"

Everyone turned to Mai for answers. The tensai exchanged glances with them before sighing outwardly.

"It all started two years ago when we were about to graduate," Mai hung her head. "Before we left elementary school, I got bullied by her step brothers. They were already high school and they kept picking on me for no reason at all. They pestered me constantly just because I was her friend but one time... it went too far."

Ayane gulped. "Then what happened?"

"Before I knew it," Mai shook her head. "I was in the hospital and Shizuru was sitting next to me with her usual smile. But, under that smile I could feel it..."

Kiyone clung onto Ayane with her eyes widening. "Is it bad like Momo-senpai?"

"Could be worse," Mai sighed before leaning against her elbows. "I've never seen it but I've felt it."

Momo glanced at Shizuru. "Well, it's about time we see this to the end."

"I wouldn't say double," Hitomi's glasses glinted a bit. "I'd say what we see everyday isn't 'her'."

Florence sniggered as another drive came at her left side. Shizuru's eyes remained lifeless as her body flashed in all directions. Florence easily kept up with the Shunpo despite everything while finding places to attack. Florence watched the aura Shizuru emitted fluctuate as it created another set of colours.

So, now it's red and black only, Florence smirked inwardly as she backhanded the ball towards the corner. "Typical for someone whose real self is more brutal – you're trying to silence me, Kurenai."

Shizuru didn't respond but continued getting increasingly aggressive towards the Jyosei Shounan captain.

"You're afraid," Florence sniggered while continuing to defend. "You're afraid to lose everything that you possibly called 'family'. These so called 'friends' you earned with that façade of yours will vanish because you constantly lied to them. You're nothing but a hypocrite by your own words. You believe in nonviolence and mercy when you're the living embodiment of it!"

Mai bit her lip; Isane clasped her hands together. Shizuru, please... don't crack under the pressure. She's lying!

Ayane and Kiyone held on to each other as Florence started attacking the corners while Shizuru returned them with the same tactic. Hitomi scribbled down as fast as she could while Matsuri continued to video the entire match. Momo curled her hand into a fist when Haruka shook her head.

This has to stop, Haruka dug her nails into her palm. If Shizuru continues to fight at this rate, she won't be walking for the Nationals!

Shizuru missed the next smash as it cracked in between her feet.

"Deuce," Shizuru glared at the sniggering Jyosei Shounan captain.

"You should use that time to think of a plan," Florence turned her back at Shizuru. "Instead of glaring at me, figure out how you're going to make me eat my words. Though, I doubt you'll be able to."

Ayane shivered at Florence's tone. "How can she be that evil?"

"Eeeeeh, it'as like wondering why mole diva's ego is the size of Andromeda," Kiyone waved her hands in the air frantically. "You should remember that, Yane-Yane! I thought you were the elephant!"

Ayane grabbed the girl by the collar. "Hey, what's it with you anyway!"

"Your IQ's been shot ever since mole diva's been hanging out with you," Kiyone puffed up her cheeks.

Haruka grabbed the both of them, separating them. "Guys, quit talking about him for once and figure out how to fix Shizuru-buchou!"

Ayane and Kiyone exchanged glances with one another. "There's a way?"

"We don't know," Hitomi closed her notebook sadly. "We've never seen her this way. I don't think Kotetsu-buchou ever did either."

Haruka turned to Isane who still kept her hands clasped tightly. "Do you think Ferero-senpai did?"

"Possibly," Momo shrugged nonchalantly. "But, if you look at it – it's not out of anger."

They all stared at the Shinigami. "How can you possibly say that?"

"You guys are thinking too much with her current personality," Momo pointed out. "You guys failed to deduce that the 'Shizuru' we've always seen could be the fake one. This could be the real girl. Not only that, if you watch her movements carefully – if anger or rage based, she would be sending Hoshimura to the wall. Right now, what do you think she's doing?"

Hitomi smiled bitterly. "How can you easily see things like this?"

"The eyes have always been the gateway to the soul," Momo calmly folded her arms. "If it's one thing that Genichirou taught me, it's that if they won't talk - their eyes will talk for them."

Rin whimpered behind Haruka. "You're telling me that you've seen her this way before?"

"She doesn't get angry," Momo flatly stated. "If I were to describe her personality, it would be the reason why Atobe and she are not fond of each other. Ice and Fire react - hence Ayane and Atobe but she's water and he's ice, nothing to it."

Hitomi tilted her glasses. "Kurenai-buchou has a high forgiveness level compared to most captains. Considering my loss and Mai's, if it were Atobe – rubbing it in our faces would be the first thing."

"If it were Sanada," Momo snickered to herself. "Our cheeks would be sore and we'd be nicknamed the "Tomato Faces"."

Mai balled her hand into a fist. "Momo-senpai, you told us that Kotetsu-buchou made you promise something before. What was it?"

Momo tapped her chin but became serious after seeing glowering amber orbs. "Initially, if it wasn't for my loss against Shizuru and my downright hot tempered personality in second year – the captaincy would have gone to me. Thing is, Shizuru won in both categories. However, Kotetsu-buchou spoke to me after graduation."

(Flashback: Hyotei Gakuen, one year ago)

"Momo-chan," Naomi kindly called out to the purple haired Sanada who walked down from the hallway. "Would you like to join me for a drink?"

Momo stared at her quizzically. "I thought you would rather stick your head into a toilet than eat with me, Kotetsu."

"Momo," Naomi shook her head, smiling sheepishly. "I'm not quite adept in doing tea ceremonies – do you mind teaching me?"

Crap, she's giving me that smile, Momo sighed inwardly. "Fine, fine, give me a minute."

The two entered the increasingly elaborate cafeteria of Hyotei Gakuen as Naomi and Momo sat across each other.

"So," Momo passed her tea to the captain, crossing her arms and legs after. "What's this so called urgent matter you wanted me to deal with?"

Naomi sipped a bit before glancing sadly at Momo. "It's about Shizuru."

"What about her," Momo popped open an orange soda. "She's everything you wanted her to be, what's wrong with her now? You made her into this tennis machine that has no feelings whatsoever."

Naomi shook her head. "It's not that she has no emotions. Actually," –she smiled bitterly. "She has a lot of it."

Momo rolled her eyes. "Oh so, protégé decides to turn against mentor or something? I'd understand actually – you weren't the best."

"You're the one who knows how to deal with losses the best," Naomi placed her cup down. "After Midoriyama left, you..."

Momo slammed her can on the table. "Spare me the details and get to the point. If you're here to waste my time then, go do your victory dance already, Kotetsu."

"Shizuru came crying to me after the graduation," Naomi smiled bitterly until she heard a snicker which soon became a loud laugh.

"Hah, that machine can cry," Momo wiped a tear from her eye. "Damn, never thought I wouldn't hear it! So, she's developed emotions – whoopee."

Naomi slammed her hands on the table, standing up and startling the second year student. "Momo, that's enough! Maybe I should have entrusted this to Isane instead."

Calming herself down, Momo took a normal sitting again. "Okay, okay, I'll stop laughing. Go on, tell me."

"Shizuru doesn't know how to express herself," Naomi sat down again. "One day, all those emotions will go out of control."

Momo shrugged nonchalantly. "No duh, Sherlock. You made her abandon everything including her best friend."

"I didn't force her," Naomi's tone became a little colder.

Momo glared back at the former captain. "Screw that, Mai doesn't even know how to talk to her anymore! That's what I don't get! Why did you choose her? For the love of God, she's a first year! Sure, she's got latent abilities but you forgot to consider – she's just a damn kid! She can't tell what's neutral! To her, everything you say is white and everybody who hates you is black! So, give me ten good reasons before I turn around and leave...!"

Naomi didn't say anything as Momo got up. "You're wasting my time."

As Momo got to the door, Naomi whispered. "Momo, just promise me..."

"Promise you what," Momo hissed before swinging the door open but stopped when she saw tears slipping from the older captain's eyes.

"Promise me that you'll watch over her," Naomi smiled gently. "She needs someone to make her more..."

Momo snickered to herself. "Yeah, she needs someone who'll make her more human. That's what."

Naomi hung her head. "Please Momo, I'm not begging you as your captain but," –she got on her knees, sobbing quietly. "But, I'm asking you as a friend... as a senpai. You're going to be her senpai next year... I don't expect drastic results but maybe – just help her deal with the pressure."

(End of Flashback)

"Seeing Kotetsu kneel in front of me proved how serious she was," Momo hung her head. "I didn't take it seriously until now. I always thought that Shizuru had a disease in the hypothalamus."

Rin gaped at the violet haired Shinigami. "What the heck is the...?"

Hitomi explained to the black haired acrobat. "The Hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the emotions. But, point aside – what did you answer her?"

Momo bit her lip as she recalled her reply.

(Flashback)

"I'll erase it," Momo smirked causing Naomi to snap her head up.

"What," Naomi watched Momo smirk at her as she pointed at her face.

Momo gleefully smirked at the older captain. "I'll erase every memory she has of you! I won't just remove the pressure but all the crap you've dumped on her!"

(End of Flashback)

"You told her that," Isane stared aghast at the Shinigami who simply shrugged.

"She deserved that," Momo waved her hand dismissively. "Shizuru may be strong but her strength is not real... Tell me, who do you see on the court right now?"

They all swivelled their heads to the court. "Shizuru, kuwee~," Rin turned back to Ayane who slapped the black haired acrobat on the head. "Owie, what was that for?"

"Don't go philosophical on me," Momo shook her head as her dark eyes focvused on Shizuru's form. "Check her form again."

Hitomi looked back until she compared her data. "It's... Kotetsu-buchou."

"That's right," Momo folded her arms. "Everything that Kotetsu says to her is her creed. She won't break it, question it or even wonder how she came up with that kind of law. In other words, Shizuru doesn't exist. That thing over there is just a carbon copy of the captain of three years."

Ayane shook her head. "You can't say that! She hasn't...!"

"She was like you," Haruka sadly glanced at the younger vice captain. "Innocent, doesn't get anything right unless yelled at, increasingly friendly and talented, divinely kind but look at her now. She's already started breaking you two apart. Getsugan Kiyone's her new successor, tell me – has she told you anything?"

Ayane bit her tongue until she hung her head. "No, she hasn't."

"We were like you two before," Mai averted her gaze from the court. "Everything we did - we were together. Shizuru was more like Kiyone except more shy and sweet. I took the role of beating up the bullies unless it got ugly."

"No offense to Kotetsu that she was a great captain," Momo shook her head. "But when friendships came about, she shattered them. The same way she did to Shizuru in order to bring us to the Nationals. Instead of her sacrificing, Shizuru did all the sacrificing..."

Haruka nodded as she imagined it. "Actually, you do have a point..."

"Game, Kurenai: three games to two!"

The whole Hyotei turned their head towards Shizuru whose knee looked like one huge blister. She lifelessly sauntered back to the baseline while Florence began breathing heavily.

"You're running away," Florence snickered as she went back to the baseline to start her service. "You're such a moron. You're still hanging on to her words aren't you?"

Momo face palmed. "See? Even Hoshimura knows Shizuru's blind loyalty to Kotetsu. I'm sure even Souma has that kind of intuition too."

Everyone checked Shizuru to see her reaction but the girl simply lifted her head but lowered her stance.

"Come at me, Hoshimura-san," Shizuru monotonously commanded as she waited for the ball.

Haruka blinked in realization. "Wait a minute; I know what that personality of hers does now!"

They all turned to Haruka as she pointed at Shizuru. "All her pain receptors are shut down in turn to enhance the motor neurons in the body. Remember I splashed her with coke awhile ago?"

"I'm sure you're running laps tomorrow," Isane sighed, scratching her head sheepishly.

Haruka waved her hand. "Yeah, yeah, it's worth it. She felt the splash but she didn't say how cold it was did she? That thing was ice cold!"

Ayane snapped her fingers. "Wait my brother said something about this; he said that humans acquire superhuman abilities when they're backed into a corner!"

"Or when they feel they're at their wits' end," Hitomi scrawled on her notebook. "Somehow, her over-emotional state helps her place her mind in a corner."

Mai shook her head. "No, you're all wrong..."

They all swivelled their heads towards Mai. "Shizuru does have this problem with her sensory neurons - it's either their all bunched up together which is why in some parts of her body she can't feel anything. But Hitomi's half right that her over-emotional state helps her induce the condition of being backed into a corner."

Staying silent, Ayane turned to watch her captain who emotionlessly and lifelessly took out shots left and right. Florence didn't seem the least bit rattled despite running left and right with forehands and backhands. Shizuru winced a bit as Florence smashed right in between her feet.

"Love – fifteen," Ayane stared in shock as Florence brushed back her hair.

"Hahahahaha," Florence chuckled at Shizuru. "Now, you begin to feel it. The effects of all your reckless and blind loyalty to that useless captain of yours back then. She couldn't even take a point off me!"

Ayane gulped while turning to Hitomi. "Is that true?"

"Yes at some point," Hitomi calmly stated as she showed Florence's stats to the vice captain. "Kotetsu-buchou only won a few points here and there but that's it. Other than that, she didn't win a single game against her. We only discovered her abilities too late."

Shizuru collapsed with her feet aching badly and knees swollen like a blister. Her eyes became clear again as she faced Florence, breathing heavily. "You're lying..."

"Face it," Florence snorted while turning away. "Kotetsu Naomi's nothing but a liar. Everyone knows that even you deep down..."

Shizuru gripped her skirt, tears forming at her eyes. "That's a lie...!"

Everyone had never seen anyone break their captain in pieces the same way Florence did it. Mai had never seen Shizuru cry, Kiyone had witnessed fear in the captain's eyes before but that was just it. Ayane stood up, running to her captain despite the protests.

"You shut the hell up," Ayane seethed through her teeth. "I bet talking's all you do!"

Florence tossed a string of her hair back. "Please, I know things about you too – you're annoyed by your captain that she's taking Kiyone away from you. You also feel jealous that you're not exactly the best example as vice captain since you use your mouth to think more. Honestly, did you think you could hide your weak over-emotional self with your loud obnoxious mouth? Tell that to someone who's actually gullible enough. Besides, can you defend your claim with your racquet?"

Ayane froze as Shizuru stood up, pointing her racquet at Florence. "You have no right... to say things like that."

"What? Are you afraid to face the truth, Kurenai?" Florence snickered as she turned away. "If you can't handle it, turn back now. I'll just have to tell my senpai-tachi to tell your beloved "Naomi-mama" that you're nothing but an egotistical brat. You're not even worth my breath, why am I even wasting it on you?"

Shikako stood up. "Florence, that's enough! You don't have to bash her that hard!"

"I've heard enough that she can take the tennis world by storm," Florence sniggered at the frozen vice captain. "Yes, yes, let's not deny the fact that she's almost equal to Sanada or Tezuka but someone's bound to know that she's nothing but a spoiled little girl who doesn't know the true meaning of tennis."

A true meaning? Was there even such a thing, Shizuru glanced at her racquet until a crisp sound sent her spiralling to the floor. "What the world-?"

"Are you going to let her step on you," Ayane placed her hands on her hips. "Buchou, Atobe insults better than that!"

Mai signalled a time out which made Ayane drag Shizuru by the arm. "Shizuru, listen: everything you learned from Kotetsu-buchou, drop it right now."

"But, she always," Shizuru got slapped by Mai this time.

Mai pulled her hand over her face. "Will you stop talking about her? It's "Naomi this", "Naomi that", God – will you ever stop! Every time we go out, it's always about her! But this game isn't about her – it's about you," –she jabbed her finger at Shizuru's face. "So, pull it together before I smack your face and you become the first Tomato Face of the Tomato Face people!"

Momo stared at Mai. "You really want us to get slapped by Sanada don't you?"

"No," Mai snapped at Momo. "I couldn't think of any better name!"

Haruka sighed before walking over to Shizuru. "I'm sorry but I can't think of a better way to phrase it: Shizuru, you're the most vunlerable among us in the team."

Everyone stared at Haruka as if she had grown a second head. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Your personality's a mess," Haruka mildly admitted. "Face it, we've never seen the real you because you became someone you could never be. You aspired and tried to be Kotetsu Naomi but, where did it get you? You became nothing but a mess. What we want is not just the Nationals," –her hand extended to the younger. "But to win the Nationals with our REAL captain. So tell me, the Shizuru we've always come to know – is she nothing but a living lie?"

Shizuru hung her head as Rin showed her a white shell bracelet. "Remember this? Didn't you and Mai make it for us when you were first year? I've worn it everyday, no matter what. Somehow, it gave me hope that the baby birds we found back then were still here instead of these shells. How much," Rin began to sniffle and cry. "How much farther do you want to destroy yourself?"

Momo gulped, whispering to Isane. "She didn't use kuwee."

"That proves how much Rin likes her," Isane twiddled with her thumbs. "Rin's always been the affectionate one."

Rin sniffed, wiping her nose. "STOP BEING SO SUICIDAL! IT DOESN'T JUST HURT YOU!"

Everyone stumbled back, shocked by the black haired acrobat's yell. Rin never shouts unless it's out of glee and she plans to glomp someone or whimper behind someone.

"She's right," Haruka stood in front of the crying acrobat. "Just because you're suicidal doesn't make you a hero. If you keep all the pain inside, the people around you can feel it ten times worse than you."

Mai hung her head. "Kotetsu -buchou said to sacrifice everything you have to win right? But, does that include the family you've always wanted!"

Shizuru couldn't say anything; her head throbbed in pain with all of them yelling at her all at the same time. "I..."

"This has to end now," Momo shook her head with a dejected sigh until she cornered Shizuru with her racquet against the wall, earning her shocked faces from both Jyosei Shounan and Hyotei. "Tell me, what's your name?"

Shizuru didn't understand where this was going. "Kurenai Shizuru..."

"I don't see the conviction there," Momo pressed the racquet even harder "What's your name?"

"K-Kurenai Shizuru," Shizuru whispered until Momo slammed her again.

"Say it louder," Momo coldly glared at Shizuru. "Show me that person we've come to love and respect."

Hitomi pulled Momo's shoulder back. "Momo, enough!"

"She needs to hear this," Momo nudged Hitomi back with her shoulder. "Did you ever hear how much Kotetsu hated you?"

Now, Shizuru stared at her with glassy eyes. "W-What?"

"She hated your guts for being such a kind girl," Momo bit her lip, lowering her voice into a fierce whisper. "Why do you think she kept you so close to her? There's a saying that goes "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer". Shizuru, how stupid could you be to not see that she was just using you to get to the Nationals? How could you possibly enjoy living a nightmare of no freedom?"

Isane shook her head. "I wouldn't say hate but we didn't have a Singles Three player at that time and..."

"Midoriyama had that spot," Momo pulled back from the captain a bit. "But that doesn't change my argument. Kotetsu was this conniving treacherous bitch that you never came to see. She was always about tennis yes, fine. That's a good thing but look how far she destroyed you!"

Hitomi pinched Momo's arm to loosen the female Sanada's lock on the captain. "Our point is – who are you really? Will you show us what happened to that first year before she got changed?"

Shizuru didn't say anything until a voice came from the bleachers. "Shizuru, come on! Aren't you going to show me how to kick ass?"

They swivelled their heads up and found Kiyone with Shishido and Ohtori.

"Kiyone," Haruka gaped at the smaller girl. "How were you able to find them so fast?"

Kiyone shrugged nonchalantly as Shishido got Momo let Shizuru go "Listen, I know you. Everyone's saying the truth. So, will you run or show us that it isn't the truth about you at all?"

Ohtori nodded with a sad smile. "I mean – it's not that we hate you but... whenever we look at you, it's not you at all."

Hearing their voices echo in her head, Shizuru tried to hold back her emotions but her body trembled in response. Her throat tightened as she watched them stare at her for the next few minutes. Everything she had believed in was all a lie? That was something she never expected to hear from Momo of all people. Haruka averted her gaze while Rin continued to sob. Momo's glare became even more petrifying and Mai pat Rin on the back. Isane stood far while Hitomi closed her notebook.

"Shizuru," Hitomi sadly sighed. "Maybe this is why – you weren't as strong as you wanted to be."

Shizuru felt her body shiver at the sad gazes of her teammates. Taking a look at her racquet, Shizuru found herself standing there without knowing what to do with herself anymore.

"That's also one of the main reasons why Sacrifice is part of the top ten reasons for death," Mai knitted her eyebrows. "It meant death of a lot of things."

Rin sniffled, wiping her tears. "Will you at least try to trust us again?"

"If you can't handle the weight of the torch," Mai grabbed Shizuru's collar, keeping her tears from falling. "Then, I'll help you! I'll make sure we all get to the Nationals! It isn't just us, it's also you! You're not the only one who wants to hold the torch! We can't have Momo-senpai, Haruka-senpai, Rin-senpai and Hitomi-senpai leaving us with our team broken – right!"

Lowering her eyes, the Hyotei captain stared at the floor and her racquet. Her ears screamed with a buzzing noise and Mai's teary eyed face didn't help make things better. Although it meant letting go of everything she believed, was staying true to Kotetsu Naomi worth it?

Shizuru hung her head and unclipped her necklace, staring at it for a few moments. "Shishido-senpai, one favour..."

"Wow, you didn't use 'please'," Shishido nodded in shock. "So, what do you want me to do with the necklace?"

Shizuru narrowed her eyes at it. "Throw it away."

Shishido stepped back. "What! Didn't... Naomi... give...?"

"I know," Shizuru stared at it ruefully. "But she's the same person who ruined everything for me even though she got me to the top. I don't want to look at that necklace ever again. Also," –she snatched Shishido's cap. "Borrow this."

Shishido jumped for his cap. "Hey, that's mine!"

Shizuru wore it backwards with her ponytail tied up tightly. "I know," –she smiled.

Shishido twitched. "But...! Ah, never mind!"

Florence returned to the court as she bounced the ball. "So, who's this Shizuru now?"

"The one," Shizuru smiling faintly while lowering her racquet. "I'm the Shizuru that's going to take your place in the Nationals."

Shishido whistled. "Whoops, I think I taught her that."

Rin pretended to gnaw at him. "You're supposed to be a good role model! How come she became like that, kuwee~?"

Ohtori stood in between Rin and Shishido. "Senpai-tachi, please don't kill each other!"

Rin watched Shizuru ready herself for Florence service. "What now?"

"We'll just have to watch," Haruka sighed as the two held on to each other.

Ayane bit her nail while Mai watched intently. The whole court fell into a silence as Shizuru and Florence faced each other again.

"You know," Shizuru swung left and right. "You were right."

Florence stopped bouncing the ball, staring at her. "What did you say?"

"I said "you were right"," Shizuru calmly fixed her racquet strings. "But, you're wrong on one thing too."

Florence folded her arms. "What would that be?"

"I wasn't afraid to lose my family," Shizuru glanced back at them. "At one point, I was but then – Momo-senpai helped me remember something."

Cocking her head to the side, Florence winced as Shizuru's faint smile changed into a smirk despite the polite tone. "You're strong, you're fast and you're...uh... I don't know any better term but... I'm just stronger and faster than you. Perhaps, this game has already been in my favour."

Florence glared at her. "Why you cur...!"

Shishido laughed, holding his sides. "Hahahahaha, way to go!"

Ohtori scratched his head. "Uh, I guess..."

"Well, this sounds more like her," Hitomi nodded while glancing at Momo. "I guess you're living up to your promise."

Momo stared at the data girl. "What promise are you talking about?"

They all stared at Momo again. "MOMO, HOW CAN YOU FORGET!"

Momo chuckled at their faces. "Hmph, you guys can't take a joke."

Shizuru served quickly but Florence backhanded the ball towards the corner. Smiling in replacement of her glare, Shizuru forehanded it back towards the left corner and forced Florence to run to the front. Flashing towards the net, Shizuru volleyed it right in between Florence's feet.

"Fifteen all," Florence glanced at where the shot had landed.

Shizuru returned to the baseline. "Hoshimura-san, please don't hold back."

Florence snickered to herself. "Well, quite a paradigm I'd say. You changed after a few slams against the wall. How sure can I be that this person is you?"

"Use your Prism Insight then," Shizuru got ready to serve.

Florence analysed the colours and it was still there but the black and the red weren't so clashing anymore. The black started changing into a wildly flashing gold and the blue vanished from the black and red aura as Florence continued to analyse Shizuru's behaviour. To this, she simply smirked.

Black is known as the absence of all colours, Florence lowered her stance. Not only that, it's also recognition of darkness within the heart. I see gold now... Interesting colour combo...

Releasing the serve, Shizuru sent it by Florence who returned it with double the force. Shizuru released the same aura which Florence quadrupled it but Shizuru managed to trip it over the net. Florence let out a low growl, returning it with a slice but Shizuru slammed it to the other side.

"Thirty – fifteen," Florence glared at the ground.

Tch, I didn't expect her to improve so fast, Florence curled her hand into a fist while her body started glowing. "Well, time to slow things down for you then."

"Her Hyakuren changed form again," Hitomi scribbled down. "From a Nightingale, Hoshimura's animal has become..."

Kiyone gulped as she stared at its size. "Why did Rainbow-san summon a car brand?" (Lynx for cat and Lynx for car)

"A wildcat known for acuity of vision, rapid cleverness, mental alertness ," Momo saw the appearance. "The question is – what's buchou's going to be?"

Shizuru took in a deep breath, slowly revealing a different form. Her Hyakuren made an appearance but of something else.

Ayane gaped. "What is that?"

Kiyone stared in awe, Momo rubbed her eyes before watching the form appear.

"Hou~," Florence sniggered as she tousled her hair. "What's that creature?"

The aura danced around, revealing a small bird but slowly increased itself in size. Hitomi quickly jotted down notes as Isane's eyes widened in amazement and Ayane started taking pictures.

"A sparrow," Florence brushed her hair back. "Interesting, tell me – for what reason did that creature become your animal?"

"I thought the guys can do this too," Isane turned to Hitomi. "Why can't they?"

Ayane giggled to herself. "Their egos make it impossible for them to see."

"Ayane's half right," Haruka nodded as she explained to the taller senior. "Men have pride in power so sometimes, small details escape them. One good example: Atobe Keigo."

Shishido waved his hands. "Hey, on behalf of the male population – we're not that arrogant."

"Ohtori's an exception," Haruka placed her hands on her hips, pinching the taller boy's cheeks which caused the sophomore to blush. "I mean – he doesn't know the meaning of arrogance and is humble at least about his achievements. You... I don't know."

Shishido glared at the pink haired control specialist. "Hey, I resent that!"

Ohtori tried to break up the fight. "But, I still don't get it. She had this ever since before then, why did it never have any form?"

Momo's dark eyes analysed the sparrow. "I know where this came from. Sparrows... mean "gentleness". Shizuru only became a monster because of Kotetsu's way of training her. That's why her Hyakuren had no form."

"The conflict between her two halves made the sparrow," Isane watched Shizuru's gentle smile appear on her face again. "It seems that the real one has won."

Ayane tapped her chin. "Hmmm, I wonder what mine is."

"Think about it when you get Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami," Haruka ruffled the strawberry blonde girl's hair. "I'm sure it would be like an ox or something."

Ayane pouted impishly. "Hey, why's my animal that weird?"

"Yane-Yane's big and scary," Kiyone tapped her chin until she brightened up with a childish grin. "She could be a bear! No, no, no, even an elephant! That'd be so cool!"

Ayane roared at her and started strangling the smaller girl. "HEY, YOU LITTLE! I BET YOU GET A CROW FOR YOUR HYAKUREN NO BLAH BLAH BLAH!"

"It's Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami," Mai face palmed at the two.

"WHATEVER," Ayane shrieked back while continuing to shake Kiyone silly.

Hitomi sighed as she wrote down on her notebook. "This is the fifth time that Ayane has strangled Kiyone in public."

Rin cheekily smiled. "I'm sure there's a reason why they do it all the time. I mean – Haruka and I have the "please-don't-glomp-me-but-I-know-you'll-do-it-anyway" relationship! Ayane and Kiyone have the "shut-up-about-Atobe-or-I'll-strangle-you-relationship", kuwee~!"

"Game, Kurenai: four games to two!"

Haruka punched the air. "Keep at it, buchou!"

Florence smirked as she fired the service with a fast spin. It vanished the moment it crossed the net, rendering Shizuru vulnerable.

"Fifteen – love," Shizuru looked back and forth. Where did the ball go?

Florence pointed at the hedges. "Look behind you, sweetheart."

Shizuru stared at the rapidly spinning ball before it finally stopped cutting the leaves. "Wow, that's new."

"Yep, that's definitely new," Haruka gulped. "I didn't know the Hyakuren could be that deadly."

Hitomi shook her head. "The Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami only amplifies returns not serves. So, this only means one thing..."

"That's Hoshimura's true strength," Mai watched Florence bounce the ball, eyeing it carefully. "Hey," -she pointed out to the captain. "Shizuru, the sun rises in the east not the west."

Everyone stared at Mai. "What the hell was that?"

Shizuru blinked in realization before casting a glance at Florence's stance. Wait, her right side...?

Florence's right foot started twitching which gave Shizuru the signal. "Thank you!"

Watching the ball vanish from the net, Shizuru flashed towards the net only to miss it by a large gap.

"Thirty – love," Florence made a sizzling sound as she placed her thumb at her side.

Shizuru watched the ball slash the hedges again as she waited for Florence's next serve. Her right foot is the signal...

Florence fired a normal serve which Shizuru doubled the return and Florence quadrupled it. The ball vanished from people's line of sight as the two continued playing. Matsuri tried to follow it but her phone died out of strain and Shikako's eyes were bleeding from not blinking. René and Miho made sign language to each other, showing that they could see the battle either way. Momo couldn't help but drop her jaw while Ayane looked left and right but threw her hands up in the air. Kiyone tugged her collar, gulping while Haruka and Rin held on to the hope that Shizuru would win the wild rally.

"Forty – love," the ball curved in a ninety degree angle causing Shizuru to stumble back slightly.

Florence placed her racquet on her shoulder. "I guess I'm just too strong for you, little girl."

Shizuru looked at where the ball had made its mark as she went to receive Florence's serve again. Despite the reinforced power, the result was the same.

"Game, Hoshimura: three games to four!"

Florence clucked her tongue. "You may have acquired a new sense of power but you have no idea how to control it. The Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami slows down the movement in order to put more power into the shot. After all, there is no such thing as a perfect technique."

Haruka sighed while shaking her head. "Wow, I think I'm going blind. Shizuru-buchou, can I go to the bathroom? My eyes need to cry a bucket."

Shizuru laughed softly at Haruka's excuse. "Alright, you may."

Haruka silently cheered before leaving and Hitomi somehow heard a distinct Hallelujah from Haruka's direction. "Boy, she had quite a heyday. I wouldn't be surprised though."

()()()()

Haruka strode with her hands behind her head. "Aaaah, this is such a relief! I thought I was going crazy back there."

Walking around, Haruka heard a few yells coming from behind the bushes.

"Ne, Jackal-senpai," a voice whined out of boredom. "I want a good match! Is there anybody here who's good!"

Wait; did he just say Jackal-senpai? Haruka raised an eyebrow before looking through the bushes. "Isn't that boy...?"

The dark Brazilian shrugged while patting the seaweed haired boy on the back. "I hear Seigaku's good this year, Kirihara."

Kirihara stamped his foot on the ground. "But only Tezuka-san is good there and Atobe busted him up before we got to him!"

Jackal shook his head. "I'm sure there's someone here."

Haruka blushed a bit. Darn it, his sweat is making his shirt stick to his abs!

"Well, well, well," a sniggering voice came from behind. "I didn't know you were such a stalker, Haruka-sama."

Haruka jerked up immediately, seeing her sister. "I AM NOT A STALKER!"

However, what the pink haired girl didn't realize was that Jackal and Kirihara distinctly heard her.

"Hikifumi-san, is that you?"

Haruka froze immediately, despite seeing the snigger on her sister's face. "Uh," –she turned around with a sheepish smile. "Hi, Jackal-san! Nice to meet you, uh..."

"Kirihara Akaya," the seaweed haired boy folded his arms with a sulk. "What are you doing stalking me?"

Jackal face palmed. Why does he think everyone's after him? God, I think Marui or Atobe did something to him.

Haruka waved her hands dismissively. "No, no, no, you got it all wrong! I just suddenly screamed! Yeah, it's because my sister surprised me and accused me of such a stupid act!"

Ino, you biatch, Haruka growled mentally while thinking up ways to torture her.

"Senpai," Kirihara poked Jackal. "Somehow, I can see a huge volcano bursting behind her."

Haruka stopped immediately and tried to smile, only managing to twitch. "Ah, don't worry about it! It's a sister thing!"

Ino sniggered in the background as Haruka glared back at the girl. "Well, I got to go. You go help yourself, dear sister."

Haruka inhaled sharply. I'm not going to let my anger get the best of me. Ino is just Ino, nobody else.

"You okay," Jackal handed her a soda from a plastic bag.

Haruka nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I'm just great! Yeah, no problem!"

Kirihara shook his head. "She's really weird, senpai. I don't think we should even talk to her."

Jackal slapped Kirihara lightly. "Kirihara," he chided the younger. "Don't say things like that!"

"It's okay," Haruka waved her hand dismissively. "I was the one acting strange. But, yeah – what are you guys doing here? Shouldn't you guys be done with your matches already?"

Kirihara puffed up. "Yeah, you betcha! I wonder why you're here. Shouldn't you be done by now?"

"Yeah," Haruka managed to calm herself down. "It's just our captain. She's kinda suicidal."

Jackal chuckled lightly. "I think I know what you mean."

"Well, it can't be helped now can it?" Haruka shrugged it off. "She is trying to make everyone happy."

Jackal stared at her. "Wow, that's something I haven't heard about a captain. I mean – our fukubuchou is like that at one point."

It was Kirihara's turn to stare at his senpai. "What? Are you serious, senpai? Did she make you go all crazy or something? Fukubuchou always slaps us!"

"That's all you, Kirihara," Jackal sighed, face palming until he heard a slight giggle. "What is it?"

Haruka stifled her laughter. "I'm sorry, he reminds me so much of my doubles partner. Rin-chan's like that too."

"She complains a lot?" Jackal chuckled a bit. "I thought she would be more... well, cooperative."

Haruka shrugged meekly. "Well, it can't be helped. She's just very energetic."

Jackal glanced at Kirihara who snorted. "Well, at least she's not vain or doesn't crack weird jokes."

"It makes it interesting though," Haruka turned to Kirihara. "I guess you're just being babysat?"

Kirihara glared at her. "I don't need a babysitter! But noooo, Sanada-fukubuchou won't let me go alone!"

Jackal shook his head. "That's because you're usually caught up in some weird trouble God knows what! Geez, you're going to make me grow hair soon."

"I thought you never had hair," Kirihara pointed out to Jackal's bald head.

Jackal folded his arms. "I did, once."

Haruka laughed lightly. "But, it's kinda less of a hassle since you won't have to spend for shampoo and stuff. Besides, less sweat to worry about."

"That's really weird coming from a girl," Kirihara stared at her queerly with a sweatdrop coming from behind.

HYOTEI, HYOTEI, HYOTEI!

"Isn't that your school," Jackal pointed at where the yells were coming form.

Haruka looked at her watch. "Well, I better head back soon. See you Jackal-san and Kikiri-kun!"

Kirihara stamped his foot as she left. "IT'S KIRIHARA, DAMN IT!"

()()()()

"Game, Kurenai: five games all!"

Everyone stared in shock as Shizuru and Florence forced one another to five games. Usually, both would only play until ten games but they forced themselves to twelve or thirteen. Florence's arms hung limply on her sides while Shizuru was on the floor, gasping for breath.

"Hey guys," Haruka came running back. "What did I miss?"

Rin jumped on Haruka. "Only the coolest rally in Jyosei Shounan-Hyotei history! Where did you go anyway?"

"Uh, bathroom," Haruka smiled but only got a devious smile from the black haired acrobat. "What?"

Rin gave her a Cheshire grin. "You got embarrassed in front of Jackal-san, kuwee~!"

Kiyone spun around. "Wait, she met Pachinko head? Cool, was he with the Seaweed Monster?" (A/N: Yes, she and Kusajishi Yachiru are very similar at one point.)

Ayane slapped the girl's head, earning an 'ow' and glare from the younger girl. "Hey, they're older! Call them by their proper names!"

"I don't even know them," Kiyone hollered at the vice captain.

Mai face palmed. "I think we should have just shut our mouths during the entire match."

Watching them yell at one another, Shizuru couldn't help but giggle to herself. However, she became stoic again when Florence stood erect. The honey haired girl's blue eyes stared her down while Shizuru had her red eyes observing every movement the Jyosei Shounan captain made. The wind blew past them, making everyone feel the tension of the match between them.

"Well, you've grown up," Florence began clapping. "I'm proud of you."

Shizuru stared at her quizzically. "Huh? What's that got to do with anything?"

"I've spoken to Souma the other day," Florence twirled her hair with her fingers. "She said that she's waiting for the real Kurenai. She wants to fight the girl who took her down in the Nationals that day. Souma does have that kind of intuition after all. Matsuri did say you could never master the Teni Mu'hou but in reality – that was an incomplete part of it. There are other divisions of it after all. The Teni Mu'hou is how you imagine it."

Shizuru adjusted her racquet strings again. "Wait, how do you know this?"

Florence chuckled darkly while starting to glow. "Simple, I'll show you..."

"Ack, that's the," Kiyone jumped on to Ayane as they yelped together. "That's the Teni Mu'hou no Kiwami!" (Pinnacle of Flawless Unity)

Hitomi narrowed her eyes. "Hoshimura Florence had no exact style but there was one thing also: she had the ability to tap into the Teni Mu'hou by will."

Momo narrowed her eyes, curling her lip in. "Everything has to have a weak point. We just need to find it and then, exploit it."

"Only with another Teni Mu'hou," Mai bit her lip. "That's the best way to counter it or if you're that damn good."

Rin blinked while tapping Isane's shoulder. "You know, that doesn't look like the Teni Mu'hou. Take a closer look."

Isane watched the aura flare up while tapping Momo's shoulder. "Can you run a physical analysis on that thing?"

"Guys," Momo stared at them all. "I don't remember signing up to be an MRI."

Hitomi opened her notebook, smiling at the Shinigami. "But you're the most accurate one when it comes to human physiology. After all, that is one of your gifts."

Momo sighed dejectedly before looking at the aura. "Actually, Rin – I think you're right."

Rin grinned cheerfully. "Really? So, there's hope, kuwee~?"

"For all we know," Florence shrugged at the younger. "There is no such thing as the Teni Mu'hou."

Jyosei Shounan stared at the captain as if she had lost her mind. "Florence, what do you mean!"

Florence however didn't grace them with a response. Come on, figure it out. You did it before, you can do it again.

Shizuru watched the aura fluctuate as she calmed her body down. She glanced at the aura until Florence started coughing badly. "Are you okay, Hoshimura-san?"

Florence nodded, waving her hand. "Yeah, I'm fine. René, get me my inhaler!"

She has asthma? Momo watched Florence get her inhaler from René. If so, she's pretty good for someone whose lungs are below average.

"Sorry," Florence cleared her throat. "I get funny reactions to dust."

Shizuru smiled but winced as she took a step forward. "Oh..."

"Would you like to rest first," Florence pointed at her bench. "I need more than what I just inhaled anyway."

Shizuru gratefully took it and grabbed a drink from her bag. Seeing this, Hitomi scribbled down on her notebook. "Kurenai Shizuru has now shown signs of sensitivity of her own body. Her stubbornness has dropped ten percent and she's emitting a new aura now."

Mai handed her a towel. "Here, wipe your face. The court's going to grow plants if you sweat anymore."

Shizuru giggled softly. "Thanks, Mai."

Momo smiled inwardly as Mai and Shizuru talked to each other normally. Well, it's one step but... I hope it will continue.

Isane nodded to herself. Yeah, this was just the first step.

"Shizu-nee," Kiyone tapped her shoulder. "Yane-chan said that Rainbow-san's going insane..."

Shizuru shook her head. "Wha, what did you say?"

"I think she meant that Hoshimura-san has medications," Haruka paraphrased quicly before the second year girl got the wrong idea.

"Thanks Haruka-senpai," Ayane nodded as she opened a notebook. "I'm my uncle's secretary therefore I keep track of all his patients. She happened to visit him last week for an MRI scan. But, that's not it. She has Alpha 1 Antitrypsin."

Rin stared at the two first years. "What in the name of...? Hitomi, I don't understand!"

"Alpha 1 Antitrypsin is a rare genetic disease wherein the victim has low A1AT protein content," Hitomi explained to the black haired acrobat. "Also, A1AT deficiency retards the natural healing ability of the lungs and liver which then makes many parts of these areas get swollen with infection. It makes them more prone to Emphysema even without smoking."

Rin whined. "In English please?"

"She was born with a bad set of lungs," Momo cut it short for the black haired acrobat who sighed in relief.

Ayane shrugged. "I don't know; I'm not an expert on this kind of thing."

"Well," Momo looked at Shizuru. "You should start taking it easy on your leg too. That knee of yours might swell up with fluid inside and the only way to fix that is surgery. I know you hate hospitals and needles. Don't make it hard for yourself."

Shizuru nodded while Isane glanced at the other side. "It looks like they're worried about their captain too. I mean – Hoshimura-san is a talented player after all."

"Once they lose Hoshimura," Momo's shoulders sagged. "Jyosei Shounan's out of the picture. Rikkai Dai's not going to hold back."

Mai nodded in affirmation. "Yeah, I don't think Souma's going to give a care that Hoshimura's dying."

Shizuru gripped her racquet. "If her days are numbered then, I want to make this game something she'll remember for the rest of her life. It's bad to hold back just because they're sick."

"I guess so," Ayane sombrely held her head, recalling what Atobe had said.

Florence and Shizuru returned to the baseline to start their game. Taking a deep breath, Florence bent her knees as she sent a serve towards Shizuru's side. The Hyotei captain returned it with a backhand, causing Florence to run to the other side. Shizuru dropped in front while Florence sliced it to the other side. Flashing over, Shizuru cut it again forcing Florence to lob and allowing Shizuru to take the smash.

"Love – fifteen," Florence glanced at it with a snigger.

At least I know, Florence gripped the ball tightly. At least Souma won't be disappointed... Now, we get to see the Kurenai everyone has waited for...

"Love – thirty," Shizuru received the next serve with ease as she cut the ball again, causing an abrupt spin.

"There it is," Kiyone jump excitedly. "Subera Kagerou!"

Momo shrugged her shoulders, sighing to herself. "It's about time."

Haruka nodded as Rin nudged her. "Hey, what happened between you and Jackal-san?"

Haruka flushed pink. "Uh, nothing! Honest...!"

"As your teacher in deception," Rin stole Hitomi's glasses causing the data girl to try and grab it back. "I give you... an F!"

Haruka stared at Rin. "Uh Rin, you're not very good in lying either."

Rin pouted as Hitomi grabbed her glasses back, grinning like the cheshire cat. "My point is – did you kiss him?"

"No," Haruka slapped Rin, twitching. "Why would I kiss him on first contact!"

Momo looked up at the both of them, deadpanned. "Simple, you like bowling balls."

"He's not a bowling ball," Haruka slapped Momo's head in vain as the black eyed girl glared at her.

Kiyone clapped her hands together. "Yeah, he's a Pachinko Head, murasakiiro-senpai!"

"Yeah," Momo chuckled until she twitched at Kiyone. "Wait, why did you call me Purple?"

"What," Kiyone smiled innocently. "Yane-Yane's called Higuma-chan, Mai-Mai's called Tap Tap-chan and Hitomi-senpai's called Dokuyaku-senpai."

Ayane growled at the smaller girl. "Why do you have to associate me with a bear!"

Hitomi's glasses glinted. "Kiyone, how much PenalTea would you like to drink?"

Mai shrugged. "I actually like the sound of my nickname."

"It's actually a name of a game," Rin showed Mai her iTouch. "It's called Tap Tap Revenge."

Starting the game, Mai started pressing the screen. "Hey, this is catchy."

Hitomi shrugged. "Well, it will help her motion sight."

"Game, Kurenai: six games to five!"

This is it, Momo stood up, calling out to Shizuru. "Alright, one more set – nurse it in and take her out."

Shizuru nodded at her senpai as she prepared for her service. However, she relaxed her stance when she saw Florence sweating profusely.

"Guys," she turned to her senpai and beckoned them to check Florence. "We can't continue this."

Florence's honey hair became soaked in sweat before she collapsed on one knee, causing an uproar from the team.

"Buchou," they ran towards her.

Florence shook her head. "Guys, I can handle it. It's a game and it's hot – this is normal."

"Hoshimura-san," Shizuru walked towards her. "Please don't make the same mistake I made and I don't think your teammates are going to take no for answer."

She glanced at them, seeing their crestfallen faces. "Even if we're fourth place," Miho spoke up. "We don't mind, buchou. It's not worth your life."

Seeing the blind girl's point, Florence turned to Shizuru. "Alright, one last... let me see if I can hold."

Shizuru turned to her teammates who simply nodded.

"It's what she wants," Miho smiled. "I may not see you, Kurenai-san but I can tell you're quite a person. Please make Florence happy."

Shizuru nodded. "I'll do whatever I can."

"For starters," Florence smirked at her as she lowered her stance. "Don't hold back just because I'm a sick old lady."

Shizuru laughed softly. "You're not old."

"Well," Florence chuckled darkly. "I'm sick like one. So, give it your all – little girl!"

Shizuru, nodding in affirmation, tossed the ball in the air and served hard. Florence dashed with her Shunpo which Shizuru countered with her own. Taking it out with a backhand, Shizuru went towards the net for a smash as Florence dashed towards the right side. However, Florence stumbled which gave Shizuru and opening.

"Fifteen – love," Florence smiled at where the ball landed but coughed violently right after.

Hitomi turned to Ayane. "So, two hours is her limit?"

Ayane shook her head with a shrug. "I don't know, I have to ask my uncle for the strength of the medicine."

Shizuru scored one point after another as Florence started slowing down. With one smash, Shizuru finished the game with a graceful landing on her feet.

"Game and match, Kurenai: seven games to five!"

Shizuru helped Florence off the court. "Are you sure you can manage the Nationals?"

"Well," Florence laughed bitterly. "I just hope I can make it."

Shizuru raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"This is between us captains," Florence looked around to see if her teammates were trying to listen in. "My operation and therapy start right after the end of this tournament. I'll get to watch the finals before I go to Britain for my therapy."

Shizuru hung her head. "Oh, I..."

"It's alright," Florence waved it off. "What matters is that you became you again. Catch my drift?"

Shizuru nodded and bowed. "Thank you very much, Hoshimura-san."

"Heh," Florence saluted her. "Just don't lose to Souma otherwise I'll have to kick your butt again. By the way, may I speak to the girl who corneredd you?"

Shizuru beckoned her violet haired senpai to come over. Seeing this, Momo stared quizzically at her first before walking over.

"Yep, you were looking for me?"

Florence smiled. "Thanks, if it weren't for you – I don't think my tactics would have been good enough."

Momo raised an eyebrow. "So, what was the master plan?"

"Kurenai won't listen to anyone, you know that," Florence smirked at the brunette who stood in front of them. "But the storm's not over yet. I still see hints of black now and then. When I see her next time, I expect her aura to be the true colour and her Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami is completely moulded. Also, make sure she doesn't break her leg. If she persists, I suggest you break the other one too."

Momo chuckled as she gave her a vigorous nod. "Yeah, that was actually my last resort but I will consider your option."

Shizuru stared at her senpai. "Momo-senpai, please don't make me force you to run laps and drink Yamaguchi-senpai'sjuices."

"So," Momo rolled her eyes. "It's better than dorm food – I'll give you that."

The three of them began laughing as Kajimoto came down. "Hey, you alright?"

"Yeah," Florence snickered. "I'm just glad I got my job done."

Kajimoto shook his head. "You never planned to win did you?"

"I did," Florence shrugged. "If that's what it took to make her change. Oh by the way, this is Kajimoto Takihisa – captain of the boys' Jyosei Shounan team."

"Oh hi," Shizuru bowed then glanced at her. "Wait a minute, why do you...?"

"Kurenai," Florence extended her fist. "You're one of the few who made me have a thrill. Besides, I hate seeing my rivals crumble when I'm at the top of my game. I like fair fights."

Momo stared at Florence for a few moments. "You hate seeing your rivals crumble?"

Florence rolled her eyes. "I meant if someone else did it for me. I'm the embodiment of analysis and complete mental destruction. I don't want anyone snatching that from me. Now," –she jabbed her finger in Shizuru's direction. "It's your turn to give your tennis a style. Something everyone would cower in fear the moment they hear your name or something. I don't know, you think of something."

Shizuru looked at her racquet as Florence beckoned her team over. "Hey, you guys better help them train against Seigaku and Rikkai Dai. Yukimura's still the sister after all and Souma's out for blood. Besides, this is an opportunity for you guys to get stronger. No slacking or else you clean the toilets for the next three months!"

The team gulped while Shizuru smiled sheepishly at Florence. "Um, you didn't have to."

"Face it Kurenai," Florence playfully slapped her face. "Yukimura's a monster, Souma's a class all by herself when brutality is in the pageant. You're anything but bitter. Sanada here better teach you a thing or two on how to tear at the jugular. You've played against Souma, we all know how brutal she can get."

Shizuru remained silent as Florence shook hands with her. "Win your battle here and I'll win mine. I expect a good match when things are finished."

"Yeah," Shizuru shook her hand firmly. "Also, thank you again."

Florence waved it off. "Ah quit thanking me. I better go, René – a little help?"

Watching them leave, Shizuru turned to Momo. "So, ready for Rikkai Dai?"

"I hate having the past bite me," Momo face palmed. "Wait a minute," –jabbing her finger at Kajimoto's direction. "Why are you here?"

Kajimoto shrugged. "Just came to make sure that Hoshimura doesn't destroy herself. She was like you, Kurenai-san in more ways you'll ever know."

Momo nodded solemnly. "Yeah, she looked like she had more experience in the field than anyone else."

"That Prism Empathy of hers is truly a gift," Kajimoto admitted. "She can make people see who they truly are inside."

Shizuru looked at her hand. "Yeah... maybe that's why she's very different."

Kajimoto looked at his watch. "You sure you girls can get home?"

Shishido appeared from behind. "Don't worry, if you hear a police siren that means a bunch of morons tried to harass them."

Shizuru stared aghast at Shishido. "Shishido-senpai, please refrain from throwing a police department into chaos."

"Who cares," Shishido shrugged with his usual 'the-devil-doesn't-need-to-give-a-damn-attitude'.

Kajimoto nodded. "Well, I hope we meet again. It's an honour meeting you."

Shizuru bowed. "Yes, likewise."

Seeing Kajimoto leave, Rin bounced over to Momo. "Hey murasakiiro who was that?"

Momo twitched slightly. "Rin, only Kiyone can call me that because she cannot remember names. You, however should be a better example to her to help her remember names."

"Kajimoto Takihisa of the Jyosei Shounan boys' team," Shizuru raised an eyebrow at Rin. "Would you like his phone number, Shimohi-senpai?"

Rin flushed red, folding her arms with a pout. "Wha- I never said anything about that!"

Haruka shook her head. "Your face has it."

"No it doesn't," Rin whined. "Why are you all so mean to me, kuwee~?"

Momo shrugged. "We're pointing out the obvious. Kajimoto-san isn't a trash bin you know. Rin, we were not born with the attention span of a goldfish."

Rin sputtered, watching her team laugh at her. "But, but...! Aww, you guys are mean!"

()()()()

"Hey," Lulu closed the door behind her. "The game sucked."

A familiar dark brunette looked up from her book with steely gray eyes. "Oh, how bad?"

"Her aura was nothing compared to Hoshimura," Lulu shrugged. "Naomi, what are we going to do?"

Naomi took off her reading glasses. "What do you mean?"

"You know Sanada's going to do something right," Lulu leaned back against the chair. "I never trusted Sanada. Why did you put her in the team?"

Naomi looked out the window. "I needed Nanako but she wouldn't play unless Momo-chan was her partner. You know the story."

Lulu sighed as Nanako came in. "Oh, you're here. Did you hear about your pet Shinigami?"

Nanako narrowed her eyes. "Lulu, we are not discussing this."

"Think about it," Lulu ran her fingers on Naomi's bed. "She's got a good body."

Nanako would have swat her if she could balance on one crutch. "You're lucky I'm limping."

Naomi stood in between them. "Now now, Lulu stop reading those horrible books. Nanako, I need you to wedge yourself in Momo's brain again."

"Why," Nanako stared at Naomi. "What's in it for me?"

Naomi flipped open her phone. "We're going to make a phone call."

-That's chapter 29! Now we see who Kotetsu Naomi really is. Is she some treacherous person Momo said or does she have something else? Find out in chapter 30! Please review me! I appreciate all comments and compliments. Flames also but please do it politely.