(I don't own Prince of Tennis!)

ChocyPockyStick: Haruka is the older sister however like Kira and Cagalli from Gundam Seed – their relation is very strained. Ino has a huge superiority complex with her sister and Haruka has no way how to deal with her. Cagalli, though being younger, kept telling Athrun that she was older to show that she was stronger or to her fierceness compared to Kira. Ino and Haruka have that kind of relationship. Thank you for your review by the way!

LiveForTennis0001: Thank you for the review! I gladly appreciate it. I actually put a poll asking my readers who Rin should be paired up with. Unfortunately, I forgot to post it in my profile so no one ever saw it. My cousin kind of gave me the idea of Kajimoto considering that he's very flexible like her but I'm not sure how to incorporate his personality into the story but I'll find a way. Yes, Momo has this tendency to take everything too seriously because of the Sanada family. She'll reveal her story in the game against Rikkai Dai after she meets up with a very familiar face. The last scene is just the start of this chapter. Don't worry – it's going to be explained why I placed Lulu, Naomi and Nanako in the end. Readers thought that Midoriyama was dead since Momo herself said so but she has another meaning of the word 'dead' so, don't worry.

Me: Guys, I need pairing suggestions for our beloved seniors like Isane and Hitomi. Rin still needs deliberation so; I'll need a popularity vote. Thanks!

Chapter 30 – Coming of the Storm

Sitting in the hospital caused Shizuru to wrinkle her nose as the smell of antibiotics permeated the air. Momo sat next to her with the other regulars, waiting for the processing of the X-Ray taken from Shizuru's knee. Mai leaned back, tapping to the beat on Rin's iTouch while Haruka began counting the number of tiles on the floor. Rin popped a lollipop into her mouth while Kiyone and Ayane were hooked on to their PSPs and playing a game called "Dynasty Warriors 6". Isane popped in a chocolate while Hitomi began watching the videos in her camera.

"I'm amazed," Hitomi managed to say as she scribbled down notes. "Hoshimura-san really pulled things off despite that genetic disorder."

Shizuru nodded with a small smile. "Yeah, I guess that's why many people fear her as well."

"She's kinda like that blue haired lady face from Rikkai Dai," Kiyone tapped her chin. "What was his name again?"

Mai glared at Kiyone. "He does not have a lady face! He's just more... more..."

"Dainty," Haruka spelled it flat out. "Face it Mai, you're in love with a man who could put Ms. Japan to shame."

Mai snorted at Haruka. "Hmph, you guys don't know hotness when you see it."

Haruka rolled her eyes. "I don't think he should be classified there. One I call hot is..."

"Kuwahara Jackal a.k.a. Pachinko Head," Kiyone gave them a toothy grin. "Thing is – he's bald!"

Haruka raised an eyebrow at the smaller girl. "What's the point with that?"

Kiyone shrugged as she snickered. "Well, at least you can make him go as a bowling pin on Halloween. Just say he's made out of wood and he'll pass," –her character then suddenly died. "Hey Yane-Yane, you're no fair!"

Ayane stuck her tongue out at Kiyone. "Bleh, you weren't paying attention!"

"Hmph," Kiyone cast a withering look until she pointed at the other side. "Look, Atobe's at the end of the hallway!"

Ayane shot up. "Where is he?"

The whole team snickered as some like Hitomi, Momo and Shizuru stifled their laughter. Others like Kiyone and Rin burst out laughing while clutching their sides.

"Hahahahaha, you fell for it," Kiyone began smashing all the buttons on her PSP.

Ayane glared at her, sitting down again and started mashing buttons. "Kiyone, you annoying pest – I'm going to beat you black and blue!"

Isane tried to shush them. "Guys, we're in a hospital – please don't make so much noise."

Momo face palmed. "God, you guys make more noise than fireworks on New Years!"

Haruka grabbed the PSPs form the both of them. "Guys, stop making so much noise! The nurses are already staring at you!"

Kiyone pouted impishly. "But... but... Higuma-chan did the same thing!"

"I did not," Ayane glared at the smaller girl. "Give me back my PSP!"

Haruka raised it above their heads. "Come on, we're here to get the results of the X-Ray not to make a rock concert."

Mai sighed as she took the PSPs from Haruka and shut them off. "You guys sit down and wait. We're almost done anyway."

Soon, the door swung open. "Kurenai Shizuru," the doctor peeked out from behind. "Would you come in please?"

Shizuru followed the man in while the others were left to sit outside. Momo and the others sighed deeply when they decided to go back to their own business. Kiyone and Ayane began playing away until they heard the floor rumbling. However, the moment the whole Hyotei team (minus Shizuru) looked up -a stretcher flew past them with bustling doctors following behind and Rikkai Dai regulars. When the second set of doors swung to another portion of the hallway, the regulars stood where they stopped watching the doors lock up.

"Hey, what happened," Momo stood up, grabbing Sanada's shoulder. "Why were you guys running in like monsters just now?"

Sanada glared at her. "You're not from Rikkai, what's your concern?"

"Well, you're here so it is," Momo snapped at the capped vice captain. "So, better tell me now."

Mai stood up, turning to Yanagi. "Hey, was that...?"

"Yukimura collapsed again," Yanagi remarked sullenly. "He just suddenly dropped in the middle of practice. He said he was fine and that was it."

Marui blew up a bubble gum while taking a seat next to Ayane. "Geez, I didn't know it would happen just like that."

"I'm sorry," Ayane pulled out her earphones. "Is there anything I can do?"

Marui smiled cheekily. "Don't worry about it; buchou's strong... I hope."

"He is," Sanada spoke in a low voice while he turned to Momo. "What are you doing here? Did you kill someone again?"

Momo tightened her grip on his shoulder. "We're just here for an X-Ray processing. It's basically none of your concern but – I guess I do owe you that much for telling me why you're here."

Sanada turned to Shizuru looking at her knee. "You played against Souma-san today?"

Shizuru shook her head, smiling gently. "Ah, I just overdid it... somewhat."

Sanada looked at her knee. "It doesn't seem just 'overdid'."

Shizuru laughed softly. "Well, its a little miscalculation I made I guess."

"More like recklessness," Haruka rolled her eyes which met Mai's elbow nudge."What? It's true!"

Mai glanced at the other two. "Hey Niou-san, check your glasses before you imitate Yagyuu-san."

Sanada turned around to see exactly what Mai said: two Yagyuu's. "Niou," –his eyebrows knit themselves together. "Change back or that's a hundred laps around the campus later!"

One of them pursed his lips, changing back into his silver blue haired self. "Puri~, the tensai just had to say so. Sheesh - because you and Yukimura-buchou are tutor mates, you know how to deal with all of us already."

Mai shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, it's not my fault that it's obvious Yagyuu-san doesn't have a twin brother."

Momo sniggered at the silver blue haired trickster. "You haven't changed ever since I left."

"Yeah, how's Hyotei treating you," Niou glanced over the team. "Are we still more dysfunctional?"

Momo pushed Niou teasingly. "Yeah, you guys are brothers of the apes. At least Isane doesn't pull pranks and her illusions are as good as yours."

"Puri~," his blue eyes focused on the tall silver haired regular as he cornered her against the wall. "Hmmm, interesting – show me what you got."

"Ummm," Isane flushed pink at the distance of Niou from her face.

Momo snagged his collar. "Hey, sit boy. No flirting with my teammates until you get my permission."

Niou shrugged as he lazily leaned against the wall. "Hey, stop messing around with them. Uchiha's got the sweet looks."

Isane gulped. "How does he know my last name?"

Niou pointed to the closed eyed data master. "Ask him, I don't know where he got it."

Isane found Yanagi scribbling away as Momo marched towards him and grabbed his notebook. "Honestly, if I were a boy – the first thing I'd do is rip this notebook into shreds."

Yanagi managed to snatch it back from the Shinigami. "You would have been more forceful than Genichirou, that's for sure."

Momo lunged at him while getting ready to claw out his face. "Alright, that's it! I've had it...!"

Before Momo could lay a hand, Shizuru suddenly came out of the examination room only to see her whole team and the Rikkai Dai regulars. She blinked several times in surprise as she heard them arguing and Isane blushing bright red. Momo was being held back by Haruka and Rin as Yanagi managed to stagger and keep his distance away from the angry Shinigami. Shizuru could only sigh; she left them for ten minutes and they were already out trying to kill somebody.

Shizuru cleared her throat. "Momo-senpai, what are you doing?"

Momo found Haruka and Rin holding her back. "Sorry, I was just clawing out potential stalkers."

"Well, you could have done that with Inui-san," Rin tapped her chin. "Wasn't he following Hitomi half the time?"

It was the data girl's turn to blush. "What? That's impossible! I didn't see anyone...!"

"That's the point of stalking," Mai pointed out, nudging her blonde senpai. "You're a bit slow on that area, Hitomi-senpai."

Hitomi folded her arms. "Hmph, yeah right – what do you know? Well, you do stalk Yukimura once in awhile."

Mai grabbed Hitomi's notebook in vain. "Hey, who told you that!"

Jackal glanced at Haruka. "Does this happen all the time?"

Haruka shrugged while watching Mai trying to grab the notebook. "Believe me, this isn't even half of the mess they create everyday. I feel bad for Ayane and Shizuru because they have to clean up after us all the time when things like these happen."

Mai growled before turning to her captain. "Oh yeah, what did the results say?"

Shizuru flipped through the folder in the envelope. "Ah, it just said that I shouldn't push it to hard and if I can resist using the Shunpo – that's fine also."

"Yeah maybe the second line up shouldn't have you in it," Ayane glanced at the paper. "Jyosei Shounan's out but Rikkai Dai and Seigaku are still there."

Hitomi seconded the motion. "Ayane's right – we can't have you destroying yourself before you get to Souma-san."

"I'll take care of Inuzuka," Momo punched her hand. "She's going to pay for making us crumble like that!"

Mai gave Shizuru a thumb up. "You rest off first – if there's anyone who has to beat Souma Fuuka, it's you."

Marui wagged his finger. "Hey don't underestimate Ai-chan either!"

"She's pretty good also," Sanada monotonously commented as Mai smirked at the vice captain.

"She won't know what hit her this time," Mai tousled her long red hair. "Wait; does she even know what happened to him today?"

Sanada nodded stiffly. "She does but she wasn't allowed to leave. She made a promise to Seiichi that she would train hard for the Nationals. No matter how long it took her."

"Besides," Niou placed his hands behind his head. "He told her not to worry about him."

Yagyuu glanced at the hallway the stretcher was wheeled into. "We also promised Yukimura-kun we'd get the Kantou tournament for him."

Kirihara turned to them. "By the way, did you know Atobe won?"

Ayane furrowed her eyebrows. "Yeah, I socked him for it."

"I know," Kirihara hooted with laughter. "That's going to leave a mark on his face! I bet he's gonna freak out about it like a girl!"

Though Ayane loved insulting Atobe, having someone else doing it for her was not the best idea because she grabbed Kirihara and glared at him beadily. "What did you say?"

Kirihara sniggered at her glowing green eyes. "So what's your problem? You hate the guy don't you?"

"Listen you insensitive pile of seaweed," Ayane pointed out the door. "I think the aquarium is big enough for your head to fit in. No one insults him but me! Got it, seaweed?"

Shizuru placed a hand on Ayane's shoulder. "Ayane, please put him down. You can't keep bagging bodies wherever you go."

"If this guy continues," Ayane gripped his collar tighter, causing the said boy to somewhat gulp. "I'll throw him out the window."

Haruka shook her head. "And risk the Rikkai Dai regulars? Uh, no thank you. You're on your own on that one."

Ayane snorted, letting down Kirihara and slumping down on her seat. "Fine, I'll let him off easy."

"That just proves you like Atobe," Kiyone grinned teasingly.

Ayane stood up, marching off. "I'm going for a walk. Geez, you people..."

Watching her leave, Marui whacked Kirihara on the head. "You're not supposed to say things like that especially if that player is more talented than you!"

Kirihara whined at the red haired tensai. "B-But, I thought she hated his guts!"

"Apparently not all of it, moron," Niou drawled while pointing out the door. "Go get her, fatty. She might appreciate your company."

Marui glared at Niou. "Hey, I'm not fatty!"

"Your name means round, dumbass," Niou chuckled as Marui too stomped off.

()()()()

"Hmph," Ayane kicked a pebble. "Of all the nerve, that boy has no right to insult Atobe!"

Oh and you have that right?

Ayane stopped in her tracks as that question echoed in her mind. She looked at couples laughing together and some even having the guy sleep on the girl's lap or vice versa. Bicycles rolled by with the leaves rustling in the wind and Ayane stared at her hand. What made her start hating Atobe in the first place? Soon, her phone began ringing and when she looked at it – the devil stared back at her: ATOBE KEIGO. However, instead of answering it – she let out a sigh and shut off her phone.

She continued to walk and slumped on the bench. "What made me hate him? I mean – yes, his arrogance is a pain in the ass but it had to stem from somewhere."

The wind blew again causing her to shiver until Ayane felt a jacket drape on her shoulders. "Ah, thanks," –she turned around. "Ah...oh... it's you, Marui-san!"

Marui winked with a 'v' sign. "Yo, you shouldn't be out here in this kind of weather."

Ayane laughed ruefully. "Yeah, sorry..."

"Hey," Marui sat next to her, pulling out his favourite gum. "Want one?"

Ayane slid out a piece. "Are you sure?"

"I'm giving it to you, aren't I," Marui chuckled lightly as Ayane took off the wrapper to eat. "Well, how is it?"

Ayane chewed it as she tossed the wrapper into the waste basket. "It tastes good. Though, you're dead if you eat this in Singapore."

Marui nodded vigorously. "Yeah, I'm going to die without my favourite gum..."

Ayane smiled as she pulled down the yellow jacket a bit. "Aren't you going to feel cold?"

Marui shook his head. "Eh, it's okay. I'll be fine. You're going to freeze though. Wait, one question: you punched Atobe?"

Ayane laughed bitterly. "Yeah, it's because he took advantage of Tezuka-san's arm. If I were him, I wouldn't have."

"Actually," Marui blew a bubble. "I would have done the same he did."

Staring at him quizzically, Ayane waited for Marui to explain. "Think about it, would Tezuka appreciate that he won against Atobe who was only at half his power?"

"Either way," Ayane pointed out. "He could've won without making Tezuka-san play beyond his limit."

Marui popped his own bubble. "Question is: did Tezuka accept the challenge?"

Ayane opened her mouth to reply but shut it. She heard it herself from the bleachers that Tezuka had accepted the challenge. "Yes..."

"Then, Atobe has no reason to hold back," Marui pointed out. "I mean – sure he's a pain but, he's got redeeming qualities somewhere."

Ayane hung her head. "Marui-san..."

"By the way," Marui waved his hand. "Don't call me 'Marui-san' – that's my dad. Call me Bunta if you want!"

Ayane shook her head. "But, but why?"

Marui ruffled her hair. "Because," –he popped her bubble. "You're my favourite kouhai from Hyotei! Besides, you have nothing to ashamed of! You're so kawaii!"

Ayane blushed, twiddling with her thumbs. "Ah, thanks... um..."

"Bunta," he smiled cheekily until his bubble popped. "Hey!"

Ayane laughed as he popped hers again causing them to end up in a 'pop-the-bubble' war.

But what the tangerine haired vice captain didn't notice was a limo lying behind them with Atobe watching them from the window. His icy blue eyes glared at Marui's cheery face as he watched the red haired tensai make Ayane happier than he could ever make her. Curling his hand into a fist, Atobe turned away in disgust.

"Keigo-bochama," one of Atobe's most loyal chauffeurs looked up at him. "Would you like me to...?"

Atobe shook his head. "No, just keep driving."

The limo moved away without Ayane's notice as she and Marui kept talking. Atobe watched the buildings pass by as he leaned against his elbow. How did he do that and it was Marui Bunta of all people! That tensai had almost the equal amount of vanity he had yet Ayane laughed with him and what disgusted him more was the yellow and black jacket hanging on Ayane's shoulders. Atobe exhaled sharply, flipping open his phone and scrolling down for another number.

A deep voice finally resonated. "Atobe, what is it?"

"Arn~," Atobe maintained his arrogant façade. "Tell that annoying bubblegum chewing cherry head of a tensai of yours to stay away from Ayane. He'll give her bad habits."

"Atobe, I have no control over what he does with his social life," a firm voice chided him from the other side.

Atobe gripped the phone even tighter. "Ore-sama didn't call you up for a lecture, Sanada. Tell that annoying commoner to stay away from Kobayagi or ore-sama will have Shishido and Ohtori crush your main doubles pair."

"Using other people to do your dirty work isn't a good idea, Atobe," Sanada countered; he didn't even know what Marui had to do with anything.

Atobe gripped his phone even tighter. "Just tell him to stay away, Sanada."

With this, Atobe cut the line while leaning his forehead against the window.

()()()()

Walking back to the dorms, Momo stuck her hands in her jacket pocket. The chilly wind blew past her while she thought about the game against Jyosei Shounan the other day. Momo bit her lip at her words and at the same time glanced at her hands. The violet haired Shinigami couldn't believe she slammed her own captain against the wall but somehow, it didn't seem so guilt riding as it should have. While walking, Momo felt her phone vibrate as she picked it up.

"Moshi moshi, Sanada Momo speaking," Momo groaned with annoyed tone; she was shivering and taking out her hand from her pocket wasn't helping.

"Fufu, you don't recognize me anymore," a voice slyly spoke from the other end. "I guess it can't be helped – Momo-hana."

Momo's eyes widened as her body froze. No, it can't be...

"It's nice to see you haven't changed your number," the voice noted from the other end. "I hear you lost against Jyosei Shounan."

Momo gripped her phone tighter. "But... how... what... wait..."

"Sweetie, don't start stammering," the voice purred, causing Momo to shiver even more. "I hear you've been playing with Naomi's darling."

Momo punched a nearby streetlight. "What the hell, how come you have my number? You're supposed to be..!"

"Dead? Ouch," the voice mocked hurt. "You wound me, Momo-hana."

Momo felt like crushing her cell phone. "Alright, that's it – where are you?"

"Tsk tsk," the voice clucked her tongue at the other end. "You'll see me soon. Don't worry – I'm here to request a match between the current regulars and the formers. After all, we want to see how all of you turned out ne?"

A chuckle came from behind. "You're too much, Nanako. Just finish the poor thing off; she's shivering in her tennis clothes."

Momo snapped her head around to see anyone watching her but there was nobody there. "Now listen to me," –the voice sweetly crooned. "I want you to make accept the match. No matter what happens, they have to accept it. Make sure you bring Shizuru with you. See you."

The phone line went dead as Momo growled inwardly at herself. Where did this all come from! I thought she had forgotten all about me! I thought...

Momo felt her knees grow weak as she dropped to the floor. "Why is she still haunting me? Didn't I surpass her after those six months?"

Seeing raindrops falling, Momo didn't budge as the raindrops fell on her face. Her body froze as her black eyes became glassier each second. The rain became harder, completely soaking her clothes while her purple hair hung loosely over her face. She gripped the stones on the floor tightly as her nails cut through her palm but stopped when the rain stopped pattering over her body.

"Hey, what's a pretty girl doing out here in the rain," a cheerful voice woke Momo from her trance.

Much to her surprise, Momo found Sengoku Kiyosumi holding an umbrella over her head. "Wow, you could've gotten sick! Not only that, you're the pretty girl from awhile ago! I'm so lucky~!"

Momo chuckled bitterly. "Sorry for causing you trouble."

"No worries," he gave her a goofy grin as he extended his hand to her. "You might want to dry off though. I don't think anyone wants a cold in this time of the season."

Momo shivered slightly as Sengoku helped her up. "Here," –he took off his jacket. "You're better off using it."

The walk along was a bit short, considering Sengoku lived nearby. "I came here to see who was outside. I saw a shadow from my house and I was wondering why it wasn't moving. When I got out, that's when I found you. I thought I wouldn't meet you again."

Momo chuckled darkly. "Well, you must be one lucky dork to find me here."

Sengoku didn't mind the insult. "Well, at least I found my lucky Shinigami under the rain!~"

Momo stared at him for a moment. "Wait, when was I your lucky Shinigami?"

"That's your title isn't it," Sengoku goofily grinned. "After all, my name's Lucky Sengoku! Anything or anybody who comes near me becomes lucky too~!"

Momo smirked as Sengoku cocked his head in her direction. "Say, why were you sitting in the rain like that? Weren't you worried to get a cold before the Finals?"

Hanging her head, Momo folded her arms around herself. "One of my senpai called me up..."

"Huh," Sengoku tilted his head. "What happened?"

Momo curled her hand into a fist, with her tears falling freely. "This senpai had a big effect on me... she guided me all the way to who I am today. After trying to convince myself that she was dead, she calls up my cell phone demanding a match between the current regulars and the formers! One of my kouhai just let go of hers today and now, they're going to claw their way through into our minds again! I'm sorry... it's just so hard to face them again..."

Despite being shocked by the outburst, Sengoku put his arm around her. "Well, you can't change the past but you sure can face it."

Momo raised an eyebrow at Sengoku. "The shadow of the past will be there but... you have the choice whether or not to let it grab you. I mean – ahhh, I don't like explaining."

However instead of snapping, Momo started giggling in front of the hapless Sengoku who brightened up at her laugh. "Yay, I got to make you laugh, lucky~!"

"Will you stop saying that," Momo punched his shoulder playfully. "There's no such thing as luck."

Sengoku smiled goofily. "Then, what do you call our encounter today?"

"Pure coincidence," Momo smirked at the orange haired vice captain as he pouted.

"Aww, don't say that!"

Momo felt her shoulders lighten up a bit as Sengoku made her laugh. At first, she thought boys were a bunch of morons considering that he was the first one who flirted with her. Not only that, Rikkai Dai had a lot to contribute on her ideals about men. She couldn't help but feel attracted to this goofy vice captain when her family was a bunch of statues that have hardcore traditions.

Sanada's going to have a heyday after this.

()()()()

Hitomi on the other hand began looking through the grocery store as she took note of some vitamins. She then glanced at her notebook which was full of notes about the regulars' performance in each of their matches. However, what she didn't expect was a huge change in their personalities. Momo had shown a great deal of care for the captain and Ayane actually hit the older girl. Sighing to herself, Hitomi knew that there were times captains could be so stubborn but didn't know how to fix that part of them.

"Tezuka has that same problem actually," a voice came from behind but Hitomi disguised the shock. "Our captains are alike in thoughts."

Hitomi smirked at the voice. "Well, it can't be helped, huh, Inui Sadaharu."

"Your memory of voice is quite astounding," Inui's glasses glinted as he stepped forward to face the blonde girl. "You're not as shocked as should be."

Hitomi shrugged it off. "Recheck your data, it should say there that I'm a professional at things like this."

Inui checked his data and it didn't say there. He looked up as Hitomi flicked his nose.

"You have a lot more to work on before you become a Mastermind," Hitomi picked up a few mangoes from the cooler. "So, what's your next drink?"

Inui put in a few vegetables. "I was planning to make a vegetable drink but somehow, my mom decides to send me to get groceries to stop me instead. The chances of that however were ninety percent."

"Well, not many people understand brilliant minds," Hitomi laughed darkly while picking up a tomato. "Hmm, I wonder how tomato juice tastes. It does have Lycopene after all."

Inui nodded as he pulled out a cabbage. "You'll need something to disguise its taste."

"True," Hitomi pulled out a carrot and mango. "There two ought to do it. After all, they're both sweet and beneficial."

Inui looked at the fruits she was placing in the basket. "Who do you usually test it on?"

"My captain or Momo," Hitomi shrugged as she looked at her notes. "So far, none of them broke out weird reactions except Shizuru is to nuts. Momo eats anything."

Inui raised an eyebrow. "It definitely sounds like Momoshiro."

"Nah, this one isn't a junkie," Hitomi wagged her finger in front of Inui's face. "I made sure of that."

Inui smirked at the data girl but caught himself blushing at her. He never realized that the data girl would have an effect on him. Realizing that if Momo and Kikumaru heard this could result to blackmail, Inui cleared his throat as he proceeded to finish his grocery list. He couldn't help but look at the light shine off the girl's glasses and blonde locks. Hitomi's serious face when she examined things caused him to hang his jaw and it took a lot of willpower for him to finish up a grocery list which was only a few words long.

"By the way," Hitomi glanced at Inui. "Did you get any data off your captain yet?"

Inui shook his head. "Tezuka proves to be a good challenge. How about you?"

"Unfortunately," Hitomi sighed while counting the fruits in the basket. "Shizuru's real side only came out when Momo got physical with her. I guess I should thank her later for giving me a chance to get good data."

While the two were talking, a male approached Hitomi from behind. "Hey, you're the Hyotei Mastermind right?"

Hitomi's eyes slightly widened as she turned to face the man. "Aikawa Onryou, Shizuru's fifth step older brother. I didn't expect to see you here."

Tousling his dark red hair, he leaned closer with a wolfish grin. "So, you're the one with all the data about us..."

Hitomi bit back her fear of the older man. "I have no intention of talking."

He glared at her, drawing back his fist. "Well, you should – after I beat it out of you that is...!"

Before he could lay a hit, a huge bucket of water splashed on him resulting into a stumble. Hitomi saw him coughing and behind Onryou stood a smirking Inui as he pushed up his glasses.

"Possibility of him having short attention span: 99.9 percent," Inui glanced at the fallen man. "Probability of him punching you and possibly trying to rape you: 98.57 percent."

Hitomi relaxed as she moved to the side. "Thanks though – who's going to clean the mess?"

"He should," Inui added quickly; what was making him talk so fast? Why was his face heating up? Most of all, when did he care about these things?

Hitomi smiled at him, causing the data man to stumble back a bit. Before she could say anything else, the Mastermind felt her phone ring.

"Moshi moshi," Hitomi brought it near her ear.

"Hitomi, are you nearby?"

Hitomi looked at her watch. "It depends where you are, Momo. Where are you?"

"I'm at Sengoku Kiyosumi's house," Momo told her, cutting her off quickly. "Hey, no funny ideas!"

Hitomi stifled her laughter. "Very well, where is his house? I'm currently at Daiichi Grocery Store."

The Mastermind could hear distinct voices, one obviously belonging to Momo and another most likely coming from Sengoku Kiyosumi. "Well, it's a fifteen minute walk from where you are. I need to tell you something but not on the phone. Do remember that someone could tap into your phone."

Hitomi's expression changed. "Momo, your tone sounds bewildered. Did Kotetsu-buchou contact you?"

"Worse," –Hitomi heard Momo swallow hard. "Midoriyama-senpai did..."

Hitomi froze at the sound of the former's name. "Wait, I thought..."

"That's what I thought too," Momo's voice started breaking. "I need to talk to you. Now, finish up whatever poisons you're buying and test it on me later. This is more important."

Hitomi nodded. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

Cutting the phone line, Hitomi bowed to Inui. "Sorry I have to leave so early, my friend called me. She sounded like a calamity's going to happen."

Inui tilted his glasses. "Probability of it involving the former female regulars of Hyotei: one hundred percent."

Hitomi wanted to hit herself; how did he get it so fast? "How did you...?"

"That was the reason why Kurenai Shizuru was deemed unreadable in the first place," Inui noted as he showed her his notes. "And also, your expression became steelier with your fists curling up. They are the ones with the most effect on the team than anyone else."

Hitomi shook his words out of her head, running out the door. "Sorry, I have to go."

She left Inui behind with the fallen Onryou, hoping for once Inui was wrong.

()()()()

Rin and Haruka on the other hand were in the ice skating rink. Rin wanted to go practice flying around the place so Haruka had to make sure that Rin doesn't kiss the pavement or ice. While Haruka started getting a hold of herself, Rin found herself making splits due to the slippery ice. The black haired acrobat, despite being known for her flexibility, stared at the ice with horror. No matter what stance she took, everything else started to follow. When she got her posture right, her right side started slipping causing her to do another split.

"Argh," she yanked her hair while sadly whining. "I can't do this right, kuwee~."

Haruka groaned as she managed to slide normally. "Well, I wish I could help you but I'm as bad as a hippo on ice."

Rin whined as she started clambering up to her feet. Finally becoming more stable, Rin managed to dash as she saw a pink haired girl hanging around a familiar Brazilian. "Haru, your sister does have pink hair right?"

Haruka nodded at the black haired acrobat. "Yeah, why?"

"She's with," Rin pointed at the two figures. "She's with Pachinko head and the seaweed haired guy right now."

Haruka froze as she remembered: this mall belonged to her mother's family so it would be obvious that Haruka's sister would be here. "Damn it, Rin – wait for me here!"

Rin had never seen Haruka skate out so fast as she started skating by herself. She couldn't believe what had happened during Jyosei Shounan and she recalled Tachiwara Miho and Juushinhi René's match with Momo and Hitomi. Not single word of communication considering that they're both not deaf but only one mute. One could easily take orders from the other yet didn't. However because Rin wasn't paying attention, she slid too fast and collided into an Edelweiss smelling wall.

Wait, Rin's eyes widened. Walls don't smell like Edelweiss flowers!

"Are you alright," –Rin turned to up to see the brunette she had asked about, Kajimoto Takihisa.

"Um," Rin smiled cheerfully. "Yeah, don't worry! Sorry about that."

"It's okay," Kajimoto helped her up. "I'm sorry; the name's Kajimoto Takahisa."

Rin grinned, pretending that she didn't know his name. "I'm Shimohi Rin, nice to meet you!"

"So," Kajimoto sheepishly scratched his head. "What are you doing around here?"

Kajimoto, what great socializing skills you have, his conscience mocked.

Rin grinned as she started playing with the ice dust. "Ah, I'm just figuring out how to improve my flexibility. I thought ice skating would be the best thing. The problem is – I suck at balance!"

Kajimoto then offered. "Would you like me to help you?"

Rin's eyes widened. "Huh?"

"I mean," Kajimoto pulled back right away. "I mean – if it's okay, would you like me to help you?"

Rin giggled at the sight of Kajimoto's face. "Sure, why not?"

Kajimoto extended both his hands. "Alright, all you need to do is slide across the ice. Don't try walking on it."

Rin nodded slowly as she slid cautiously. However, her mind wasn't concentrated on the sliding on ice but rather on the hands that held hers. Kajimoto had a reassuring smile on his face and Rin couldn't help but turn pink at his expression. She continued to slide and didn't even realize that they were moving faster and faster. Soon, she began skating in figure eights and started sliding around easily with Kajimoto being her spotter. The two glided easily and fair enough, a whole crowd gathered around them. Rin laughed as she started spinning around while Kajimoto chuckled a bit as Rin and he finally ended their little 'flight' with each other a few inches away from their faces.

Applause came and startled Rin causing her to hide behind Kajimoto. "Wah, what was that for?"

Kajimoto laughed sheepishly. "Well, I guess they were amazed by your performance."

She stared at him incredulously. "But you're better than me, kuwee~!"

Kajimoto shook his head, smiling at the black haired acrobat. "No, you were the star today. I just spotted."

Rin couldn't help but blush at his smile as he let go with a bow. "It was nice skating with you, Shimohi-san."

Rin laughed, waving it off. "Just call me Rin-chan! I don't like people making me sound old."

Kajimoto smiled as they both heard a voice. "Rin, where are you?"

Rin's head swivelled behind her and found Haruka. "Haru, did you see all that?"

"What do you think," Haruka clapped her hands together. "That was amazing!"

Rin scratched her head. "Yeah but Kajimoto-kun did most of the work! He was so cool, kuwee~!"

Haruka laughed until her phone rang. "Hello, Hikifumi Haruka hotline, how may I help you?"

"Haruka dahling," a voice purred through the phone. "I've been trying to contact you but you haven't answered!"

Haruka squealed through the phone. "Oh my gosh, Yuri-senpai – where have you been?"

"Around dahling," Yuri chuckled, listening to Zhujiang's squeal. "Listen dear, Naomi's planning to hold up a game..."

Haruka's face suddenly became serious. "Wait, what for?"

"You'll see, dahling," she slyly purred as she cut the line. "Toodles, dearie."

The line went dead as Haruka stared at the phone queerly. "What in the world...?"

Rin saw Haruka's eyes glimmer differently. "Who called up, kuwee~?"

Haruka began dialling numbers. "It's Osakada-senpai..."

When she redialled the number, Haruka only heard a busy tone and that was it. Odd, now I can't call her back...

Rin tilted her head. "What did she say?"

Haruka gripped her phone tightly, gazing at Rin firmly. "I think we're going to have to call in Hitomi for this."

()()()()

"Is he okay," Mai managed to gain entrance as the nurses peeked in.

She nodded. "Yes, he's awake now. Would you like to speak to him?"

Mai smiled as the nurse opened the door for her. "Thank you."

When the red haired tensai closed the door, Mai glanced at Yukimura. "How are you feeling?"

Yukimura chuckled lightly. "I've been better."

Mai took a seat next to his bed. "Do you want anything?"

Yukimura played with his Rubik's Cube. "No, I'm fine. Thank you for looking out for me though. Where are the others?"

"Marui-kun went to find Ayane, Sanada-san left already, Kirihara didn't want to leave until Yanagi-kun dragged him away," Mai giggled as she remembered Kirihara's whining face. "Niou-san and Yagyuu-san decided to escort Isane-senpai home. Yagyuu said it wasn't right to let Isane walk to the train station in the rain and Niou liked teasing her."

Yukimura looked at the light drizzle outside. "Well, that's Yagyuu for you. He's quite the chauvinist. As for Niou, it might be nice if he could pull her out of her shell. You were telling me she's a very shy girl."

Mai smiled ruefully as she looked at her hands. "So, how many times has this happened?"

"Oh a few," Yukimura placed the Rubik's Cube aside. "So tell me, how's everything in Hyotei now?"

Taking a glance at the flowers, Mai responded half-heartedly. "A lot better now..."

Yukimura noticed a change in her eyes. "Mai-chan, did something happen?"

"Well," Mai twiddled with her thumbs. "What Tousaka said... somehow, I find it true..."

Yukimura stared at her, puzzled as Mai explained. "I'm nothing but a self-proclaimed tensai. Maybe I'm not who people say I am..."

Ruffling her hair, Yukimura leaned closer to her. "I'm sure you're a genius."

Mai looked up at the serene smiling Rikkai Dai captain. "Not many people can match a rhythm the way you can," Yukimura pointed out. "Mai, you have the genius there. It's just maybe you're placing it in the wrong place. All I know is that – it's in tennis. Maybe it's how you look at your opponents."

"That's true," Mai recalled the time she looked so bored during a match; it meant that she wasn't giving her all. "By the way, when are you out?"

Yukimura shook his head. "I'll be having my operation soon."

"When," Mai glanced at him. "When would that be?"

Yukimura showed her his calendar. "Right on the finals of the Kantou Regionals."

Mai paled a bit. "But, what about...?"

"Sanada can manage them while I'm gone," Yukimura smiled ruefully as he looked down at the sheets. "I just want to get out of this place as soon as possible."

Nodding, Mai got up with a determined look. "I'll watch them for you!"

Yukimura stared at the girl puzzled as Mai gave him a thumbs up. "I'll make sure they don't screw up."

Laughing softly, the blue haired captain of Rikkai Dai nodded. "I'll hold you to your word then."

Mai chuckled lightly but soon felt her phone vibrate. "A message from an unknown number?"

Yukimura noticed her expression change as she opened it. After a few moments, Mai dropped her phone with a pale face and widened amber eyes.

"Mai, are you alright," Yukimura quickly got up, shaking her but the said tensai didn't move. However, he decided to pick up her cell phone and see what spooked her so much.

I know where you are, Mai. You know that I won't leave her mind. Make sure she attends the match between the former regulars and current ones this Saturday. –Anonymous

Yukimura stared at it, puzzled as he let Mai sit down. "Mai-chan, who is this?"

"I-I d-don't know," Mai saw her hands trembling until Yukimura covered his hands with hers.

Yukimura gazed into her amber gold eyes. "Don't panic, it's alright. Just remember – it could be a prank message. If it isn't then, make sure that none of your friends are in danger."

"Definitely, I'll make sure," Mai smiled as she leaned against Yukimura's arm. "Yukimura-kun?"

He glanced at her as Mai giggled softly. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he ruffled the girl's hair again. "Anytime, Mai-chan."

()()()()

"Wow," Sengoku stared in shock. "I'm surrounded by pretty ladies~! How lucky~!"

Momo glared at Sengoku, causing the Yamabuki vice captain to snap his mouth shut. "Keep quiet. Anyway, what do we do?"

Haruka tapped her chin. "This won't be easy. They're not letting us out of this one. But the real question is: why are they challenging us?"

"It could be a reunion type thing," Sengoku shrugged. "Maybe they just want to see how the sophomores they left behind grew up."

Hitomi shook her head. "The thing is – there is a ninety five percent chance that Naomi wants something again."

"But what could she possibly want from us, kuwee~," Rin crossed her legs, frustrated.

Hitomi glanced through her notes. "Lulu wasn't there just to watch and take progress... She was a warning..."

"A warning for what," Momo stared at the data master incredulously.

Sengoku whistled. "It looks like one of your senpai are targeting your kouhai or most probably you guys. You sure you guys don't need help?"

"Actually," Hitomi pointed out. "Sengoku-san may have a point."

Momo stared at him. "Wow, you're actually thinking!"

"Hey," Sengoku pouted impishly causing Momo to ruffle his hair. "Hey, you ruffled my hair! Lucky~!"

Momo rolled his eyes as she pulled out her cell phone. "What now, Hitomi?"

Hitomi bit her lip hard. "We'll have to be ready. When did she say the game was going to be?"

Haruka gulped. "She said this Saturday."

"That's too early," Momo snapped moodily. "We can't take on another match, not when we have Rikkai Dai!"

Rin yelped behind Haruka. "We'll be too tired to take down Rikkai Dai."

Sengoku stroked his chin as he popped up with another idea. "Say, who exactly are these guys? I mean – I only know one of them..."

"The Hyotei team was composed of what people called the Royal Orchestra," Momo bit her lip. "At that time, we weren't named by Card Suits but by rank. The highest was Mil Espadas no Kotetsu Naomi or "Kotetsu Naomi of the Thousand Swords". After her was... What was Ferero-senpai's title again?"

Sengoku poked Momo. "Say, why "Naomi of the Thousand Swords"? It makes no sense."

"When you see her play," Hitomi hugged her body. "That's when you'll feel it..."

Rin shivered at the memory. "Every time someone plays against her, they feel as if they're stabbed by a thousand blades. I was so scared of her, kuwee~."

"Mai was the first one to experience that," Momo gripped the carpet in Sengoku's room. "When she first challenged Naomi's authority, the girl showed no mercy and brought blow after blow. Mai didn't even have a chance to get up."

Sengoku shuddered. "Okay, I think I can imagine that now."

Haruka leaned against her elbows. "Osakada-senpai was known as Maestro no Yuri. She could get along with anyone and make any doubles pair play by her rhythm. Before Mai, it was her. Not only that, she used music terms to indicate how fast we should play like Accelerando, Allegro... or if it were a short shot it would be Staccato and stuff."

Sengoku watched all their expressions become more crestfallen. "Wow, those titles aren't ordinary. I mean – I've heard stuff like "Sanryou Kagami no Furensu", "Chinurareta no Fuuka" and I think there was "Shiramuzai no Ai". But, Mil Espadas no Naomi takes the cake."

Momo leaned against Sengoku's bed. "So, how do we tell the others? We can't have Ayane and Kiyone get crushed right now! They're our best bet against Jerrard-Ryuuzaki!"

"That's what I was thinking," Hitomi sighed inwardly as she looked at her data. "Some girls didn't have titles like Ayane, Kiyone, Rin, Haruka, Mouri Enma and Mikurahara Otohime... but, that's because when they have titles – it means run for your life or give it up."

Sengoku poked Momo. "Hey, uh, correct me if I'm wrong but... didn't your captain have a funky title too?"

"Which one," Momo raised an eyebrow. "There are a lot people made up for her because she couldn't decide."

Sengoku sat up on his bed. "Well, it was a rumour but – when pushed to a corner, she loses her emotions and stares back at you like a corpse then..."

"Shikabane Hime no Shizuru," Hitomi noted down. "Yes, that's one of her titles. It's either – she looks at you like a corpse or...she makes you become one. Yep, that's the right one."

Sengoku shuddered. "Your kouhai are scary."

"Problem is," Haruka curled her hand into a fist. "How do we get Ayane and Kiyone to prepare for the match between us and them?"

Hitomi began running the calculations. "There's no way they can win with the way they are now."

"They've always made the impossible come true, Hitomi," Momo countered. "Ayane and Kiyone are our Wildcards."

Sengoku tapped his chin. "Hey, what if you guys mix up the doubles positions?"

The four girls stared at him. "What?"

()()()()

Kiyone on the other hand ran over to the pet store to grab some treats. Apparently, her dog developed an addiction and he wouldn't eat anything else. Examining some boxes, Kiyone sighed as she began looking around for cheaper brands. Dogs barked left and right while parrots began squawking. Wincing at the out of tune squawk, Kiyone moved away but only managed to accidentally hit a cabinet which caused things to tip over. Frozen by the shock, Kiyone didn't move until a hand grabbed her out of the way causing the sacks of dog food fell.

"Great," Kiyone twitched her nose. "Stupid parrots..."

A smooth kansai accented voice laughed. "I'm sure you don't have any back at home then."

When Kiyone looked up, there stood Shiraishi holding his own basket full of pet food. "Oh, I didn't know you were here!"

"Well, with the Goodwill Games coming up," Shiraishi shrugged. "Many of the kansai teams are coming. Besides, Kenya needed to come here to buy Iguana stuff. He said this is the best place to buy."

Kiyone looked at the prices. "Yeah, it's really cheap here so you can get them easy. By the way, who else is with you?"

"Well, there's Kenya and Zaizen," Shiraishi pointed behind him. "Hitouji and Konjiki went to a comedy bar while Chitose and Gin decided to babysit Kin-chan for me. They thought I needed a break."

Kiyone nodded vigorously. "Yeah, being a captain gets tiring, I bet!"

"Definitely," Shiraishi laughs as he runs his hand through his hair. "But sometimes, it's also refreshing to be a captain. At least you know you get to touch the hearts of a lot of people."

Kiyone smiled sheepishly at Shiraishi's words as she noticed the light tint off his sandy brown hair. Her cheeks flushed ten shades of red as she looked away from his face, hoping to make it look like some trick of the light. "So, where are you going after this?"

Shiraishi shrugged. "Well, I wasn't planning on doing anything this afternoon. Kenya might want to hit the arcade though with Zaizen. He wants revenge for the Dance Dance Revolution."

Kiyone giggled as she imagined Kenya dancing. "Well, that's kind of hard to imagine. Zaizen, I still can. He's got the attitude."

"Yeah," Shiraishi glanced at Kenya who was carrying a whole basket full of Iguana stuff. "You seriously are making that fortress for your Iguana?"

Kenya frowned a bit. "He can't keep staying in my bathroom all the time. Sure it's okay if Yoshi stays in the bathroom but chances are he might fall in the toilet."

Kiyone raised an eyebrow. "You named him after Mario's dinosaur?"

Kenya chuckled. "I couldn't think of any other name. Besides, it fits the little green guy."

Zaizen took off his earphones. "Oh, it's the midget we found the other day."

Kiyone glared at the black haired tensai of Shitenhouji. "What? I'm a late bloomer!"

Zaizen rolled his eyes. "That just proves that you don't drink milk."

Kiyone pursed her lips. "Evil tensai, why are most of your kind either a baddie or evil?"

Zaizen shrugged. "I don't know – I guess we have fun making others miserable."

Nudging the other boy's shoulder, Kenya shook his head. "Sorry, Zaizen tries hard to keep up his 'bad boy' image."

As the younger boy rolled his eyes, Shiraishi offered. "You want to hang with us for awhile? I mean – you're kinda..."

"Short," Kiyone folded her arms with a pout. "Go on, just say it."

Shiraishi stared at her puzzled. "I was going to say you're kinda pretty and guys go after girls who are alone. So, maybe it's best that you hang with us."

Kiyone's head swivelled up. Did he just call me 'pretty'?

Shiraishi blinked at the smaller girl. "Um, did I say something wrong?"

Kiyone quickly shook her head, laughing. "N-no, not at all! So, are you done?"

Shiraishi chuckled as he pointed to the stumbling Naniwa Speed Star. "As soon as he's done buying out the entire store, I think we can consider ourselves done."

As soon as the door closed behind them, Shiraishi brought Kiyone along as Zaizen and Kenya ran for the arcade. Ishida and Chitose had Tooyama running with a bag loaded with mangas and comic books while Konjiki and Hitouji were running around throwing jokes. Shiraishi guided Kiyone through the crowds as Kenya and Zaizen finally found the Dance Dance Revolution game. However, a bunch of high school guys shoved Zaizen back with a sneer.

One of them chortled. "You brats should be home with your mommies right?"

"Yeah," he stole Zaizen's earphones. "Feeling cool, huh, punk?"

Despite being a tennis player, Zaizen jumped for it but had them hanging over his head and arm reach. "Give back my earphones, jackass!"

The grown man snorted. "Screw you, kansai boy!"

Kiyone narrowed her eyes as she stepped on the guy's foot. "Hand the earphones over, whiny!"

Yelping, the guy let go of the earphones which Zaizen caught before they touched the floor. "Brat, know your place!"

As he raised his arm to swat her aside, a bandaged hand blocked his fist. "Look," Shiraishi's voice whispered very low. "I don't think you want trouble here. Or rather, you wouldn't want it right now."

The guy bit his lip from yelling 'ow' as he glared at Shitenhouji's captain. "You should learn how to respect your seniors!"

Chitose sighed, face palming. "Guys, we're not going to rumble the house are we?"

Tooyama stuck his tongue out. "This guy's easy peasy!"

Gin's eyes opened. "Still, that is no reason to jump into a fight especially when this is not our ground."

"We could have taken them if it's our ground," Kenya separated the two. "Though one thing: how can we respect the seniors if they don't teach anything good?"

The guy hit Kenya hard on the cheek, sending him stumbling. "Annoying pest, you should just get lost!"

However, Tooyama jumped him anyway and started gnawing on his hand which also had Zaizen getting ready with a few punches. Shiraishi had to threaten him with the "poison hand" just to get him to stop while Kenya held back Zaizen's fists. However, Shiraishi had control over Tooyama only but not the other first year hanging with them.

"Go get your balls cut," Kiyone kicked him where it really hurt, causing the guy to keel over.

He seethed through his teeth as he glared at her. "Brat...!"

"Sasabe, are you alright," one of his friends quickly went to help him.

He stood up again as he lifted up the smaller girl from the ground. "You ought to learn your manners...!"

However, Sasabe never had the chance to throw her because someone managed to whack him with one of the mallets attached to a "Whack-The-Idiot" game.

"You retard," a shriek came from behind. "What makes you think I gave you the right to hold my doubles partner like that!"

Shiraishi looked behind the guy and saw a very pissed off Ayane with a Marui staring in shock. "Uh, who are you now...?"

Ayane narrowed her eyes. "Pissed off! No jackass handles her like that otherwise, I give them hell!"

Chitose whistled. "I don't think I need my Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami to tell me how fast this match will end."

Sasabe turned around to face her with a sneer. "So, what are you going to do to me? Hit me with your watermelons or something?"

Ayane twitched at the word 'watermelons' as she smiled at Marui. "Bunta-senpai, promise me you won't tell your fukubuchou or anyone about this."

Marui crossed his heart. "Can I take a few hits when you're done?"

Ayane nodded cheerfully. "Sure, help yourself."

Kiyone smirked at the older man. "Yane-Yane's going to kick your butt~!"

Fair enough, the tangerine haired vice captain punched his face and snarled at him like a lynx. He dropped Kiyone but Ayane didn't stop despite him begging for mercy. She naturally gave him a bleeding lip, a black eye and scratches all over his face. Bruises were all over his arm and he had a lot of swelling bumps on his face and arms. However, he tried to take her out but a ball rolled by his feet to which he tripped and met Marui's leg instead.

"Subtle," Ayane laughed at Marui who shrugged.

"Tensai always come up with good ways to beat up guys," Marui glanced at him. "Though if beating up people were a part of Rikkai's curriculum, I think you would've gotten an A."

Ayane blushed at the compliment. "Well, I can't say my brothers didn't teach me anything."

Shiraishi helped Kiyone up, raising an eyebrow. "I guess I should've hit him."

Kiyone pat his head, teasingly. "It's okay, you didn't have to. That's Yane-Yane's job. Don't do jobs you're not comfortable with."

One of his friends glared at Kiyone as he grabbed her wrist. "It's all your fault that Amazon showed up!"

Ayane curled her fists tightly. "This guy's asking for it...!"

Kenya then stepped on his toes. "Oops, my bad."

"Hey," he swung his arm over which Tooyama then gnawed at it again. "Hey, what the hell is wrong with this kid?"

Shiraishi sighed as he looked at the game. "If these guys don't give up then, let's settle this in a game."

They turned to Shiraishi. "What the heck? In what?"

Shiraishi pointed at the Dance Revolution Game. "I'm sure we're more than enough. I'm not sure about your friend though."

Everyone turned their eyes to Sasabe who managed to get up despite Ayane's assault. "If we win, I get to file a case of assault!"

Kiyone stepped forward. "But that's not fair, you started it!"

"Actually," Shiraishi thought about it. "We'd win either way."

They turned to Shiraishi who explained it. "If my estimation's right, you guys must be around 19 and above. You attacked Getsugan-chan here and therefore that can be held against you. The gravity of harassing a minor is much worse compared to a minor harassing an adult. After all, they charge the arsonist not the fire."

Sasabe grit his teeth at Shiraishi who simply stared at him as he snorted. "Come on guys, let's get outta here."

With a dissatisfied snort, the boys left leaving the Shitenhouji team to stare at their captain. "How did you know that?"

With a shrug, Shiraishi simply smiled. "It's common sense."

Kiyone nudged him playfully. "You looked like you wanted him to hit you."

"Actually, I was preparing for that," Shiraishi glanced at the swinging glass doors. "If he hit me then, he has no choice but to face my parents."

Ayane pointed at the team behind him. "What makes you think the big guy behind you won't throw him out the window?"

"Gin's actually very docile," Shiraishi got an approving nod from Gin. "He doesn't beat up people. People get themselves beaten up when they try to hit him. It's either that or... these guys behind me rape him in front of a lot of people." (A/N: You know who he's talking about.)

Konjiki fanned himself. "Aww, thank you for complimenting us Shiraishi~!"

Shiraishi shuddered at the tone. "Koharu, don't do that again."

"Aww," he pursed his lips as Hitouji whacked his head.

Marui shook his head. "I'm glad my teammates are just dysfunctional."

Ayane shrugged. "Momo-senpai's more violent than I am."

Kiyone folded her arms. "Yeah right, you punch any guy who tries to cross paths with you."

"I do not," Ayane towered over the smaller girl.

Kiyone pointed at the window. "Well, explain the cuts and bruises on that jerk's face."

"He was harassing you," Ayane protested. "What? I can't defend you anymore?"

Kiyone shook her head, cheekily grinning. "Nah, I was just kidding. Besides, how will you explain it to buchou?"

Ayane let out a small 'eep'. "Oh no...!"

Marui tugged his collar, shuddering in horror. "If Yukimura-buchou hears about this, I'm screwed."

Kenya looked around. "Well, let's go eat. Fighting with idiots like that worked up an appetite."

Marui heard his stomach rumbling. "Let's go get cake, Yane!"

Ayane nodded cheerfully while leaving with him. "Sure, see you back, Kiyone!"

()()()()

"All things are in position," Yuri moved her knight forward to corner Naomi's bishop. "Are you sure it's alright to scare them like this?"

Naomi nonchalantly attacked the knight with a pawn. "Well, who cares? That's what they're there for. If one falls, the rest go with them."

Nanako stared at Naomi incredulously. "I don't get it; why are you trying to attack Shizuru now? Wasn't she your favourite?"

Naomi chuckled darkly at the Doubles Genius' words. "What makes you think that?"

"You gave her more attention than anyone else," Nanako pointed out as she watched Yuri move he rook to check the queen. "Of course a lot of people would think you loved her like your own."

Naomi laughed as she stared at Nanako incredulously. "What makes you think I gave a care on what Shizuru is?"

"What is she to you then," Nanako bit her lip.

"Nothing like this little pawn here," Naomi sacrificed it to get Yuri's queen. "She's just a step to keep me going. I never considered anyone a worthy subordinate."

Lulu looked up from her book. "Aww, your little uke's going to be so hurt when she hears that."

"Before you say things," Naomi glared at the former vice captain. "Think about them and understand what kind of pain you want. By the way, checkmate Yuri."

Yuri sighed as she tossed her hands up in the air. "Well, you've improved. But... what about that match between us and the current?"

Naomi stood up. "I'm going to take a walk. I'll think of the line up and while I'm at it," –she narrowed her eyes at them. "Get rid of any sentimental attachment you have to them."

As the door shut, Nanako bristled at Naomi's words. "Get rid of any sentimental attachment you have to them," –she imitated Naomi. "That's crap! We can't keep hanging over them like a shadow! We're the past and they're the present and future! What the hell is this...?"

"I don't know exactly," Yuri looked at her cell phone. "I wish I could tell Haruka everything though. This all seems wrong..."

Lulu shrugged. "I don't know about you guys but, this game sounds like fun."

They all stared at Lulu. "Are you nuts?"

"Well," Lulu put her finger on her lip. "Think of it this way: we get to meet them again. Not only that, we get to play with them."

Nanako stole Lulu's book, glaring. "This is not some game, Ferero Lulu. Naomi's out for blood; she will stop at nothing to maintain what she believes is rightfully hers."

"What got her so threatened in the first place anyway," Yuri leaned against the chair. "I don't remember her being that... threatened."

Nanako revealed newspaper clippings. "Naomi never got us in the papers but Shizuru did. It says here "Shinigami wins Singles Three with a Vacuum!" and another "Super Doubles Pair!". There were so many things accomplished in her time compared to Naomi. But... as long as she keeps a grip on Shizuru's mind..."

"Everything will be credited to her," Yuri sighed. "God, will she ever let that kid go?"

Nanako sighed as she drew the curtains aside. "I think the question should be more like: will the kid ever let her go?"

Lulu shrugged. "Well, I don't get her motives either but – it's fun to watch."

"Not when you're one of the pawns," Nanako curled her hand into a fist. "Momo sounded so terrified when I called her. It's as if I was a ghost. Also, I hate calling her 'Momo-hana' . It reminds me how I used to be during my dark days." (A/N: The days Momo considered Midoriyama dead)

Yuri glanced at her cell phone. "Calling up Haruka wasn't easy either. I just wonder – who called up the others?"

"I texted Mai for you guys," a voice came from the door.

When they looked up, a silver red streaked haired girl tossed back her long hair with a smirk. "I don't think Mai's gonna be happy that her past is going to bite her in the ass."

-That's chapter 30! I know there's no epic tennis here but there will be! This is just a start of another arc. Please review! Your reviews help me write faster!