(I don't own Prince of Tennis!)

Me: Alright, just a translation of the titles for the girls: "Florence of the Mirror Prism", "Blood Soaked Fuuka", "Innocent Ai" and "Corpse Princess Shizuru". Anyway, thank you for all your reviews! They are highly appreciated which is why I'm updating faster than normal. The more reviews you send the better. Also, pairing suggestions for Hitomi and Isane are well appreciated!

LivesForTennis0001: I don't mind painfully long reviews. In fact, it makes me happier that people are more detailed with their reviews. So, the longer the review is the better.

Junnin: Nope, I'm not Singaporean. I'm just quite well-versed in cultures. I make sure that I try to incorporate a lot of stuff into my story so things are explained. Check my profile if you want my nationality.

Chapter 31 – Shadows of Fear and Doubt

Despite the rain pouring in, a loud explosion could be heard from a warehouse followed by metal tinkling on the floor. Soon, another explosion sounded off like a gunshot as clinking metal followed right after. Thunder crackled through the sky as another shot cracked inside.

"Damn, you're getting better," a young man scratched his head. "I thought you hated guns, Isane."

The tall silver haired senior smiled sheepishly. "Well, I have to improve my accuracy or my serves won't go in properly."

"Come on, guns are way different from tennis serves," the young man whined. "Nee-san, you're about to put nii-sama to shame!"

Giggling softly, Isane sighed as she fired another shot to the paper's head. "Well, if only he practiced more – maybe he won't be embarrassed that this younger sister fires a gun better than him."

"Come on Ohtori," a loud voice came from outside. "There's a better way to work on your serves without making yourself into a lightning rod!"

Isane froze at the sound of the voice. Oh no, is that who I think it is?

Running inside, two figures emerged drenched as one shook his head fiercely while the other simply lowered his hood. A silver haired tall boy placed his umbrella aside while a capped boy threw his jacket against Ohtori's umbrella as he shoved his hand into his pocket.

"Thirty rounds each," Shishido slapped the money on the table as he was handed air pressured shot guns. "Here, Ohtori – this should help."

Ohtori gulped at the sight of the shot gun. "But Shishido-senpai, I've never used a gun in my life!"

"Well," Shishido rolled his eyes. "You're about to learn so start early. I'll show you the basics then try firing one by yourself."

Ohtori followed after his senpai until he noticed the tall girl in the other booth. "Shishido-senpai, is that Uchiha-senpai?"

Shishido snorted with laughter. "What makes you think she can hold a shot gun?"

Three gunshots echoed promptly after Shishido's comment while a young man approached them. "Yep, that happens to be my sister."

"Oh, Sasuke-san," Ohtori recognized him from the Music Club. "I didn't know you came here. Why are you here?"

Sasuke pointed behind him. "Ask my insane sister who is firing bullets more than a police officer."

Shishido froze at Sasuke's words. "You mean Ohtori's right?"

Sighing inwardly, Sasuke pointed at the booth. "Yeah, since my brother's a cop – he gave Isane-nee-sama a chance to start firing bullets too. Apparently, she's much better than him in it."

Shishido rolled his eyes. "Well, whatever it is – guys still fire guns better. It's all sheer dumb luck."

"Tell that to my sister," Sasuke smirked as he walked away.

Scoffing at Sasuke's tone, Shishido faced the target. "Alright – first thing's first: know where you're supposed to aim. Ohtori, you need to aim for the chest and the head. That's a sure-fire way to kill a person. Also, you can't miss otherwise you'll have to use up another bullet. In other words, lessen the amount of bullets but increase the amount of damage. Are you getting me?"

Ohtori nodded reluctantly as he positioned the gun on his shoulder. "Okay..."

"Alright," Shishido loaded the gun. "Now, widen your stance a bit and lean the gun against your shoulder. After that, aim properly and then fire."

Ohtori pulled the trigger but flinched, causing him to yelp and drop the gun. Shishido cursed loudly as the bullet ricocheted off the wall and onto the floor. The Silver pair stared at where the bullet had landed as someone peeked from behind the booth.

"Rule number one: don't flinch when you shoot," Isane handed the gun back to Ohtori. "You should be careful and keep a firm a grip, Ohtori-kun."

Shishido rolled his eyes. "What do you know? You can barely...!"

However, Isane proved him wrong as she inserted three bullets in three places: in between the eyes and the eyes itself. "Shishido-kun, were you about to say something?"

Shishido felt his jaw drop. "God, what the heck was that! That has to be a fluke!"

"Well," she sheepishly smiled. "I... I just practice a lot here."

Ohtori looked at where the bullets ended up. "I guess that's why you're called Hyotei Gakuen's Sniper. After all, the way you shoot is exact and fast!"

"Thanks," she humbly bowed. "But, I'm not as good as Itachi-nii-sama."

Shishido raised an eyebrow. "Didn't your younger brother just mention that you could make your brother look like a wuss?"

Isane shook her head, giggling lightly. "Well, not as exactly as you say it but – somehow within that context knowing him. Although, why are you trying to teach Ohtori how to use a gun?"

"Thought it could improve his service," Shishido scowled as he picked up another set of bullets. "We were playing until it stormed in so – Ohtori sticks out like a lightning rod in the courts."

Isane watched him take his stance. "You're too tense, Shishido-kun."

"I know what I'm doing, Uchiha," Shishido narrowed his eyes at the target.

Despite everything, he still missed the middle. "Damn, what the hell is wrong with me today!"

"Maybe you should," Isane offered shyly.

Shishido brushed her off. "It's alright – that's just a warm-up shot."

Isane kept quiet as Shishido tried in vain to shoot the middle again and again. Ohtori just watched the bullets leave Shishido's gun but his eyes focused more on the silver haired senpai.

"Umm," Ohtori played with his fingers. "Can you please teach me, Uchiha-senpai?"

Isane cheerfully took the offer. "Sure, why not?"

"Because a scowling dash specialist thinks that women suck with guns," a mischievous comment came from one of the other booths, revealing Niou Masaharu and Yagyuu Hiroshi on the other side.

Shishido glared at the silver haired Trickster. "I do not!"

"Well, you would've hit the target if you accepted her help, moron," Niou smirked as he pointed at the target. "You used up more bullets than Ohtori and Yagyuu put together."

Shishido grumbled as he faced the target while Niou glanced at Isane. "Hey, you think you can show me what you got, babe?"

Isane flushed ten shades of pink and red. "I... uh... ah..."

"Come on," Niou beckoned her to shoot right next his booth. "I'd like to learn from a master after all."

Gulping and moving near Niou, Isane took her stance but her shy demeanour dropped as her emerald eyes focused on the target. Ohtori tapped Shishido's shoulder, telling him to watch Isane. A deathly silence filled the corridor as Isane fired shot after another. Bullets cracked from her gun as they embedded themselves into the wall. After five shots, Isane reeled in back the paper and revealed her targets: the forehead, right in between the eyes, the throat and in the gut.

Shishido gaped while Niou clapped for her. "I'm impressed, that's something I don't see everyday. I mean – babe, you got stuff."

Yagyuu sighed into his hand. "Niou-kun, please refrain from flirting with girls especially in the most inappropriate of places."

"But Yagyuu, look at the holes she made," Niou took the paper and flashed it in the Gentleman's face. "Not many girls make holes in the certain death places."

Shishido snorted as he started firing again. "That was sheer dumb luck."

Noticing Isane's crestfallen face, Niou smirked as he put his arm around her shoulder. "Look, you want to hang around with us for awhile? Yagyuu's not the type to let a woman go alone and I don't think you should hang with morons," –referring to Ohtori and Shishido. "Especially with morons who don't want to admit they're wrong."

Shishido would have crushed his gun if gifted with strength but unfortunately, that wasn't what got his blood pressure up.

"Shishido-senpai," Ohtori tapped his senpai's shoulder until he noticed a faint blush on the taller girl's face.

Shishido scowled as he started firing again. "Snide bastard, I'll kick his ass if he gets any closer to..."

Gets any closer to what - your Isane? Didn't you reject her last year?

Shishido froze a bit as that question echoed in his mind. He recalled all the chocolates he received and accepted them but none of them seemed to taste great. But then, Shishido could remember how exactly he had turned down Isane's chocolates last year.

Flashback

"Um," a second year Isane twiddled with her thumbs. "Shishido-kun, um..."

Shishido scowled to face her. "Spit it out already, Uchiha! What do you want? I have to go to tennis practice!"

Isane squeaked in fear as she handed Shishido a box of chocolates. "Um... I mean - Happy Valentines' Day, Shishido-kun."

Shishido stared incredulously at the silver haired female second year. "What the hell is this?"

Isane twiddled with her thumbs. "Umm, it's chocolate..."

When he opened it, Shishido shoved it back to her. "It looks like crap. I don't even eat chocolates."

Flashback End

Shishido mentally slapped himself. How could I have been so insensitive! She made those with her own hands!

"Anyway," –Shishido heard Niou say. "Are you free this Friday?"

The capped regular froze as he turned to watch Isane's expression. "Well," –however when she saw Shishido's face, Isane nodded immediately. "Yes, I have nothing to do that day."

Shishido gripped the gun even tighter, gaping at the girl. No, Uchiha – I friggin' swear – don't go with this guy!

"Great," Niou smirked with his usual drawl. "How's a little hangout in the mall sound to you?"

Isane blushed as Niou leaned closer, causing his Agarwood smell to weaken her knees. "Is it j-just y-y-you and m-m-me?"

"Yagyuu's got his own date," Niou snickered at the Gentleman. "I on the other hand – think you're one heck of a girl. So, we're set this Friday, babe?"

Shishido slapped himself mentally, staring at Isane and Niou. I don't even call girls 'babe' when I talk to them!

Isane nodded stiffly as Niou brushed a fringe of hair away from her face. "By the way, I like it when I can see your whole face."

Shishido started crushing the gun. If it's Shizuru then fine because she has better taste but... Uchiha... okay, that's totally crossing the line! Uchiha is mine!

Is she yours really?

Again, a voice in his head mocked him as Shishido stood frozen to his place as Niou made his move.

()()()()

"Come on, follow the beat," the teacher instructed as girls and guys danced after him. "One, two, three, and four..."

Mai however kept her mind focused on the text message that was sent to her. How did that person manage to get her number? Most of all, she mentioned Shizuru which allowed the tensai to narrow it done a few people. Haruka and Rin definitely don't text like that. Rin's messages often end with kuwee~ and Haruka would usually sign H.H. at the end. Isane didn't usually charge her cell phone and she already has Hitomi's number.

"Nagisaki, you okay," Gakuto watched Mai's movements become more stiff. "You look like you saw a ghost."

Mai bit her lip. Just who was that girl? How did she get my number?

Gakuto noticed Mai sweating more than normal as she danced awkwardly to the rhythm. Sighing to himself, he pinched the sophomore causing the girl to yelp.

"What the hell is your problem," she glared at her senpai.

The magenta haired acrobat scoffed. "Ask that to the girl next to you!"

Mai whirled around to snap but only saw herself in the mirror. Noticing her dark eye bags, the tensai sighed as she began counting the beat again.

"It can't be from our senpai now," Mai mumbled to herself as she kicked high in the air. "So... who else could it be?"

With one cartwheel, Mai let out a groan. "So, who the hell can it be!"

The whole group became silent as Mai sheepishly laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"I'm sure you're a bit stressed, Mai," the teacher chuckled as he ruffled her hair. "You're one of my best students and I'm sure you have the tennis team to think about. Why don't you call it a day?"

Mai shook her head vehemently. "Oh, I'm fine really."

Gakuto rolled his eyes. "Tell that to the girl who has sagging eye bags behind you."

Mai glared at him as she sighed, defeated. "Alright, but I'll come tomorrow."

Packing up her things, Mai left the room to change back into her clothes. The tensai first threw water in her face to see the stress marks. At first, she pulled her eye bags down a bit while throwing another handful of water in her face. Instead of seeing herself however, she saw a dark blonde girl sneering at her.

Mai, you know Naomi will never leave her mind.

Staring in horror, Mai punched the glass causing the image to vanish. The tensai couldn't believe whom she saw; her body shivered while her amber eyes widened along with her quivering lips. Water splashed on the floor while Mai leaned against the wall, slumping down and trying to catch her breath. The tensai dared not to look in the mirror again as she looked at her hand which managed to cut itself with her nails. Her mouth ran dry until a voice started calling her.

"Mai," a gentle voice shook her. "Mai, are you okay?"

Mai, completely shaken, swung her hand for a slap. "Don't come near me! Huh...Shizuru, is that you?"

Shizuru managed to catch her hand. "Mai, what happened?"

Oh it's just Shizuru, Mai chuckled in relief. "I thought you were a ghost."

"Yeah, you look like you saw one," Shizuru looked at the water trickling down the mirror. "Mai, what's that?"

The tensai looked up, gasping in horror. "Shizuru, can we please leave?"

Shizuru nodded quickly as she helped Mai get out. The tensai leaned against Shizuru as the captain glanced back at the foggy mirror forming the face of a wailing ghoul.

()()()()

Ayane on the other hand fussed around in the kitchen as she looked at the recipe how to make a Panna Cotta. Sighing with frustration, the tangerine haired vice captain pulled out five more cook books to show the Panna Cotta recipe. There were too many variations and the problem was: which one would Atobe bother to poke or at least fork into his mouth?

Stupid brat, Ayane snorted as she started pulling out the fruits. "What are his favourite fruits anyway!"

"You bought almost every kind to figure that out," a good natured reply came from upstairs. "I thought you wanted to be like your nii-san already."

Ayane rolled her eyes, playfully whacking her eldest brother. "You're such a moron, nii-san. Why would I want to be you?"

"I heard you beat Sasabe up," he snickered while watching Ayane mix the ingredients. "How many guys are you going to beat up before you get yourself a boyfriend?"

Ayane smirked while pointing to herself proudly. "When there's someone decent and when pigs start flying!"

"I don't think that's ever possible," he face palmed. "So, who's it for, Yane-chan?"

Ayane snorted, gritting her teeth and stirring the mixture hard. "It's for Atobe Keigo, Sai-nii."

Sai hooted out with laughter. "Is this the same 'Atobe' who has five maids in each room?"

"Yes," Ayane twitched at the mention of Atobe; she resisted every urge to simply dump this on her brother's head.

"Is he the same one who left for Britain and never said goodbye," Sai folded his arms, smirking at his sister.

Ayane opened her mouth to say 'yes' but stopped when she realized what her brother said. "What do you mean 'the same one who left for Britain and never said goodbye'?"

Sai face palmed. "Didn't you have a friend you kept calling 'Kei-Kei' when you were younger?"

"No," Ayane stared at him aghast. "Why would I befriend that moron?"

Sai chuckled, folding his arms. "You really don't remember that you used to bully him when you were younger?"

"I wasn't a bully," Ayane twitched at her older brother. "What makes you say that?"

Sai flicked her nose. "Do you remember the time people kept calling you "orange"?"

Ayane snarled as she mashed the fruits. "How could I forget?"

"Do you remember the first guy who called you by your name," Sai smirked as he folded his arms.

Ayane started bending the metal spatula. "Yes..."

"What was his name," Sai leaned closer, smirking with glee.

Ayane put the spatula down slowly before grinning maniacally. "DIE, YOU ANNOYING PEST!"

The brother dodged Ayane's pounce but got punched and kicked anyway. "Ow," –he managed to block most of them. "Geez, you're not even a body builder like Ozuma yet you beat harder than a gorilla!"

"I heard my name," an auburn haired muscled male came out of the gym. "What did I do?"

Sai pointed accusingly at Ayane. "Our beloved sister hits harder than you!"

Ozuma shrugged. "I'm sure that Atobe kid is her punching bag when you're not around."

"Now, now," a calm voice came from the study. "Who did Ayane beat up this time?"

Sai whined at his younger brother, causing Ayane to laugh. "She did..."

The lean auburn haired male with tangerine streaks pushed up his glasses a bit. "Well, Ayane – act more like a lady will you? Just because Ozuma's as big as a gorilla doesn't mean you have to be like him and just because Sai-nii is a martial artist doesn't mean you have every right to beat him up. Other boys also might not be able to take a hit from you. Do you remember the Student Behaviour Forms we received because you roughed up the entire wrestling club in Hyotei Gakuen for calling Kiyone-chan a Pomeranian?"

Ayane pouted as she folded her arms. "Yes, Soujirou-nii-san ..."

"Do you remember what mom said," Soujirou raised an eyebrow. "You're supposed to be a lady and therefore..."

"...Shouldn't get into fights and brawl like a boy despite you having brothers," Ayane rolled her eyes. "I'm not an old lady."

Soujirou smiled kindly. "Well, you were given a brain so, please use it."

"Ayane, you were known for your fists," Ozuma shrugged as he shoved his hand into his pocket. "Not only that, my friends think your watermelons could kill a man once you hug them."

Ayane kicked Ozuma which rebounded back on her. "My boobs are not big! Ow," –she glared at her older brother. "No fair, your legs are tree stumps!"

Ozuma pat her head with his large hand, ruffling it with a chuckle. "Well, you didn't body build so obviously – your kick would rebound, Yane."

Ayane snorted as she grabbed the spatula again. "I'm gonna make Panna Cotta. So, don't disturb me! Go do your boy thing! Get circumcised or something!"

"That's what we have Soujirou for," Sai slammed his hand on the thinner brother's back, causing the boy to cough.

Soujirou sighed to himself, face palming. Why are my siblings mostly brutes?

()()()()

Kiyone sighed as she began walking the dog around. Despite having a big house, Kiyone felt better when she went to the park to walk Aidan around. The afternoon air made it more comfortable for the sandy haired blonde to concentrate as the dog trotted around. Kiyone glanced at the few people who walked their dogs while noticing a few kids playing with a Frisbee. However, there were more couples with guys giving girls ice cones or the girls playing around with the guy's hair.

Somehow, Kiyone started stroking her dog's hair. Somehow, I wish dogs could become human...

Aidan stared at her with big eyes while she sighed. "Geez, that's the hard part."

"I didn't know you were an avid dog fan," a kind voice approached the smaller girl and found a dark haired woman looming above.

Kiyone looked up as Aidan suddenly started snarling. "Hi, I've never seen you around..."

She smiled while giggling. "Oh my, I forgot to introduce myself – My name is Kotetsu Naomi."

Kotetsu Naomi, Kiyone racked her brains. Where did I hear that name before?

"Anyway," Naomi smiled as she offered the little girl her hand. "Would you like to walk with me?"

Kiyone, despite having a tingling in her back, stood up while tugging Aidan on the way. "Hey, come here boy!"

Naomi raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry," Kiyone sheepishly smiled. "He doesn't usually act like this..."

Naomi chuckled lightly. "Oh, it's alright. Sometimes dogs aren't receptive to people they don't know."

Kiyone nodded uneasily as she noticed Aidan, a usually very receptive dog, growling at Naomi.

Animals can sometimes sense what we humans cannot.

Kiyone tapped her chin as she recalled Hitomi's words. How come this woman seemed so familiar? Kiyone followed after her as the dog continued barking incessantly. Naomi walked next to the girl as they found a bench to sit down on. Kiyone swung her legs lightly while the dog continued to snarl.

"So, you must be the Queen of Clovers," Naomi stared half heartedly towards the sky. "I've heard a lot of stories about you."

Kiyone swivelled her head towards the older girl. "Huh, like what?"

"How you'll be the one to succeed Kurenai-chan," Naomi leaned back, slyly chuckling in her mind. You're such a naïve child...

Kiyone smiled cheekily. "Wow, I didn't know news spread that fast but... that's all a lie..."

Naomi, quizzical, stared at the smaller sandy haired girl but gave her a motherly smile. "Nothing's impossible with the mind."

Now this baffled the younger as Naomi demonstrated. "The mind is a piece of paper that has no art. Our souls draw with thoughts that make things a lot easier for us humans to do."

Kiyone rubbed her eyes and gaped at her. "I don't get you, Deep-chan."

Naomi giggled softly at the nickname given to her until she remembered something. "Oh yes, this box – please give it to Kurenai-chan when you see her around."

Shaking it, Kiyone tried to open it when the box glued itself was glued shut. "Hey, what's in this...?"

Before she could ask, Naomi had already vanished. Kiyone jumped up and began looking around as Aidan calmed down. Awhile ago, he wouldn't stop snarling but now the dog simply hung his tongue out and stared stupidly at his short sandy blonde master.

"Hey," a smooth voice caught her attention.

"Oh, Kenya-san and Shiraishi-san," Kiyone began looking over their shoulder. "Did you see someone pass by here?"

Kenya pursed his lips a bit. "How did that 'someone' look exactly?"

Kiyone started making wild hand gestures. "She looked like an hourglass with dark brown hair. She had sparkly silver eyes and fair skin! She said her name was Kotetsu Naomi..."

Shiraishi froze at the sound of the name. "Did she say anything to you?"

"Not much," noticing the shock on Shiraishi's face, Kiyone tapped his nose. "Hey, what's wrong with that?"

Kenya shuddered at the sound of her name. "Her name is never good news."

Shiraishi held on to Kiyone's shoulders tightly with his expression becoming serious. "Getsugan, promise me you won't talk to her ever again."

This baffled the younger girl more. "You're not my mother!"

"Just promise me," Shiraishi pleaded a bit. "Don't cross paths with her ever again."

At first, Kiyone stared at him all puzzled. "Why? She didn't seem so bad."

"Trust me," Shiraishi shook his head sadly. "How sure can you be that she didn't want to distort your mind?"

()()()()

Hitomi began running through all the books yet nothing came up. Equations were splashed over the walls of her bedroom and the roof had a few of its own. Notebooks piled up on her bed and papers ended up in shredders, on the table full of more scribbles or slipped under the girl's bed. The blonde raked her hair as leaned against her elbows; all the data on the former regulars were laid out in a line as she stared at them.

Useless, Hitomi piled up the papers together and threw them away. I feel so lost; I don't even know what to do.

While deep in thought, her phone began ringing which the blonde chose to ignore until a smooth voice came from it.

"Hey Yamaguchi-san, it's me Yanagi-san," Hitomi's ears perked up towards the answering machine. "I was wondering if you could meet up with me today at the café. Please call back ASAP. There are some things that I was able to find regarding Kotetsu Naomi and Homura Katsuki."

Hitomi lunged for the phone. "Yanagi-san, are you still there?"

Yanagi didn't show any surprise in his voice. "There was a ninety percent chance you were thinking too hard to hear the phone."

"Guilty as charged," Hitomi leaned against her chair. "So, what time?"

Yanagi paused for a moment. "How about around 3:00?"

Hitomi ran through her planner. "That sounds good, I don't have anything else to do except..."

"Research about Kotetsu Naomi in order to understand her motives was the thing you were about to say," Yanagi cut her off smoothly. "Am I right?"

Hitomi remained silent. "I guess..."

Yanagi noticed the heaviness in her voice. "I'm sorry..."

"Huh," Hitomi raised an eyebrow. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for."

Yanagi bit his lip. "It must be hard digging up the past."

"It's the only way to set us free," Hitomi's voice trailed away. "We seniors are already free but the sophomores are victims of the past and if this continues – so will the freshmen."

Yanagi didn't say anything but noted a few things. "So, what do you plan on doing with them?"

Hitomi continued sifting through her notes as stats of the former players showed up. Like the boys' team, the team's recruitment was based on the virtue of power. Kotetsu Naomi easily took down anybody who came across her path with a 6-0 score. However, when Mai and Shizuru showed up – that's when it hit Hitomi.

"Something must have agitated Kotetsu-buchou for her to think that way," Hitomi murmured to herself. "Yanagi-kun, please bring everything you have about Homura-san."

Yanagi on the other hand didn't need to be told twice. "I'm on my way to the coffee shop. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

()()()()

Haruka on the other hand looked through the accounting books and payroll charts of the company. With her eye bags sagging, Haruka plopped her head on the table while snoring safely away.

"Haruka-bochama, stop slacking for instance and finish those books," a sharp voice scolded her.

Haruka waved her hand. "He can go jump a cliff for all I care. Stupid old fart's the reason why Ino hates my guts."

"Ino is no longer any of your concern," –Haruka stared at the governess. "She is simply a small fragment of this family whereas you're going to be the heiress of the Hikifumi Corporation."

Haruka slung her hand behind her head. "What's the use of money when there's nothing to use it for?"

"Haruka-bochama, finish those records immediately," the governess shrieked at her causing the pink haired girl to sigh.

Someone call me up already and save me from this madness, Haruka begrudgingly grabbed a pen.

Fair enough, her cell phone rang showing a very surprising number: Kuwahara Jackal.

"Hello," Haruka bit her lip to suppress her excitement. OMG, what would he want from me?

Jackal chuckled through the phone. "I was wondering if you're free right now."

Haruka jumped up from her seat. "I'm free, don't worry!"

"Okay," Jackal caught himself from being surprised by the sudden outburst. "There's a street court nearby and I was wondering if you'd like to play..."

"I'll be there in ten minutes," Haruka ran up the stairs, ignoring the governess shrieks.

Jackal on the other hand could hear the shrieking in the background. "Who was that?"

"My sister is watching a horror movie," Haruka quickly dismissed her shrieks. "So, where are you?"

Jackal began looking around. "I'm near the train station that heads off to Kanagawa."

Haruka glanced at her watch. "I'll be there in twenty minutes flat!"

With this, Haruka killed the line and jumped out the window. She didn't waste any time sailing over the fences either in her house.

I have to thank Rin-Rin for that, Haruka mentally noted to herself as she ran towards the tennis courts. Her tennis bag swung left and right while water splashed over Haruka's tennis shoes. People noticed a pink haired girl running towards the tennis courts until there she saw Ino, Jackal and Marui in one court.

Do you hate me right now, Haruka gaped at the other girl who stood next to Jackal, smiling slyly. "Ino, I thought you were..."

"Mother knows that four walls won't stop me," Ino folded her arms with a smirk. "Shouldn't you be with," – she laced the next word with venom, "Daddy dearest?"

Haruka narrowed her eyes a bit. "Well, it doesn't mean I can't go out and have fun."

"I was the one who called her up," Jackal admitted mildly to the other girl. "I thought maybe you two could work together as a doubles pair."

Ino scoffed, flipping her strawberry blonde hair. "Me? Work with her? That happens only in her damn dreams!"

"Who said I wanted to work with you," Haruka whispered dangerously low.

Marui got in between the two girls. "Hey, don't kill each other just yet! Tell you what – why don't Jackal and Hikifumi-chan work together?"

Both sisters gaped at him. "What did you say!"

Jackal face palmed, trying to disguise his red face. "Yes – will you stop volunteering me just like that!"

Marui shrugged. "Come on, I know you and Hikifumi-chan can work together just fine. Ino-tan and I can do pretty good too!"

"Don't call me that," Ino swat Marui's shoulder, earning an 'ow' from the red haired tensai.

Jackal turned to Haruka. "Are you okay with it?"

Haruka nodded, inwardly smirking. "Yep, I'm fine with that."

Fine with beating Ino to a bloody pulp that is, Haruka devilishly thought to herself.

Taking her stance, Ino stood behind Marui while Haruka faced Marui at the net with Jackal at the back. The wind blew a bit which resulted in Ino's skirt flying up and also giving Jackal quite a sight of Haruka's underwear. The two girls yelped immediately with Ino completely beet red while Haruka twitched before slapping Jackal with her racquet.

"Pervert," Ino wailed before running towards the other end of the court.

Haruka tapped her racquet on her hand, smiling like a blue haired petite faced captain. "You guys didn't see anything did you?"

Jackal shook his head. I didn't see anything... I hope...

"Wrong answer," Haruka's chocolate brown eyes glittered angrily. "Ino, let's show them what we Hikifumi's do to perverts!"

For once, Ino put her differences aside and joined with her sister on one end of the court. "Heck yeah – for once, I'll agree with you!"

"Game start, Jackal-Marui pair versus Hikifumi-Hikifumi pair!"

Marui whistled to himself. "We're in for it now, Jackal. You just had to see Hikifumi-chan's underwear."

"I didn't," Jackal shook his head defensively. "You saw Hikifumi Ino-san's!"

Marui yelped as the ball served past him with a flaming Ino on the other end. "Marui Bunta, you're going to die right now!"

"HEEEELP," for once, Marui had never been so scared in his life.

()()()()

Rin on the other hand had a lot of training to do, considering she was flipping on two bars. Her hands tightly gripped the bars as she swung over and under. Sweat poured down her face as she carefully timed her transfer. With one hard swing, Rin managed to haul herself onto the next bar.

"Geez, is that it," a sneer came from down below.

Rin pouted as she continued to swing up and down while turning away. "I don't need your lectures, Gakuto!"

"Hey," the magenta haired acrobat shrugged. "I'm just saying. Instead of swinging around like a monkey, try learning how to do somersaults properly. You flip like a gorilla on the court; I think an elephant has more grace than you'll ever have."

Rin fumed up. "Look, coconut sherbet – just do your business and I'll be out of here, kuwee."

"Ewww," Gakuto scrunched his nose up in disgust. "You got that from Kikumaru didn't you! Man, he's an idiot! Why are you even hanging out with him?"

Rin landed on her feet, jabbing her finger at Gakuto. "Well, he's much more affable. He's not an arrogant shrill monkey like you and he's got a lot more humility than you, kuwee!"

Gakuto threw his hands up in annoyance while moving on to the floor mat. Rin on the other hand, inhaled sharply before grabbing hold on to the bars. After a few swings, Rin couldn't help but wonder why she kept fighting with someone like Gakuto. Was it just fun to fight with him? In fact, the black dragon could never understand what Gakuto's motives in pissing her off were. He kept showing up with that annoying smug look while taunting her to jump higher.

How much higher does he want, Rin fumed until she lost her concentration and let go off the bars. "Aaaah!"

She closed her eyes to brace herself but only heard two "oofs" coming from below her. Rin, rubbing her eyes, looked around and found everybody staring at her. "What happened?"

"Nyah~, that was a close call," a cheery voice came from below.

"Are you alright," a smooth voice caused Rin to freeze.

The black haired acrobat gaped at the people under her: Kajimoto Takahisa and Kikumaru Eiji just saved her from falling. "Kiku-chan, Kajimoto-kun, what are you doing here?"

Kajimoto helped her up. "I was just practicing flexibility. I don't know about Kikumaru-san though..."

"I wanted to improve on my stamina, nyah~," Kikumaru gave her the 'v' sign. "How about you?"

Rin scratched her head sheepishly. "My balance has been giving out on me. Ask Kajimoto-kun, he knows the story."

Kajimoto shook his head. "Your balance is fine, it's just – maybe there's something bothering you."

Rin nearly hung her jaw loose at Kajimoto who managed to hit a bull's eye. "Hahaha, yeah... kuwee~."

Kajimoto smiled kindly at her, causing the black haired acrobat to blush. "Would you like me to spot you or anything?"

Kikumaru waved his hand vigorously. "I can partner up with you, nyah~!"

Rin's face beamed right away. "Really, you guys would?"

"Hey," a sharp voice called from the other end causing the black dragon to roll her eyes. "What's it with you two? Why do you wannabes keep showing up whenever she's in trouble!"

Kikumaru twitched his nose while jabbing his finger at Gakuto. "Nyah, you should be the one helping her! Aren't you two fellow Hyotei acrobats or something! Rin-chan's just a lot nicer than you are!"

Gakuto shoved Kikumaru back. "Look, just back off!"

"You back off, nyah~," Kikumaru shoved Gakuto back also.

Kajimoto got in between the two acrobats, making his thick accent a lot lower. "I don't think this is a good place to fight it out. We're going to embarrass Shimohi-san this way."

Gakuto and Kikumaru glared back at him. "You stay out of this!"

Rin, yanking her hair out, snuck away as she got up to try the bars again. Kajimoto on the other hand decided to watch her and leave the two red heads to yell at each other out. She swung up and down and even managed to control her centre of gravity as the black dragon twisted her body in the air. The Jyosei Shounan captain stared at how smooth her movements were – not to mention that her black ponytail flowed with the rhythm of her gymnastics.

She's amazing; it's really like a Black Dragon as Nakayama-san mentioned, Kajimoto watched Rin keep her eyes focused on the bars. Finally, the black haired acrobat landed in front of him, causing the captain to applaud. "That was amazing though..."

Rin tilted her head to the right. "What is it?"

"You should try looking less serious," Kajimoto pointed at the bars. "You have to ask yourself: why am I doing this stunt? Is it simply for tennis?"

Rin stared at the Jyosei Shounan captain quizzically until she thought it through. "You know... there is this one stunt I can't do properly and it's the only way to evolve Haru-chan's level of play..."

Kajimoto assumed it was the Pearl Dragon she often spoke about. "Can you describe it to me?"

Rin began pointing at the bars. "I'm supposed to flip in the air from the baseline to take it out with a backhand – after that, Haru-chan covers the back while I lunge for the front..."

"That doesn't seem hard," Kajimoto imagined it in his head.

Rin hung her head, taking a seat. "It's not that, kuwee. It's the part where she performs the Dragon's Retaliation. There's actually a third follow up to it and only one person could do it properly with her..."

"Who would that be," Kajimoto sat next to her.

Rin balled her hand into a fist with tears slipping out of her eyes. "The senpai I replaced that day – Osakada Yuri..."

()()()()

Momo sighed while looking through her old things. At the back of her closet, the purple haired Shinigami had kept all her memories of Rikkai Dai and Hyotei Gakuen. Medals collected dust and pictures filled up the box to the brim. Many of the pictures composed of her and her former teammates but most of them had Midoriyama in them. The senpai became her first friend when she enrolled in Hyotei Gakuen three months before she started second year. Haruka then attached herself to Osakada while Isane and Ferero became one of the strongest doubles pair in the district.

What did I do wrong, Momo curled her hand into a fist, taking the box and slamming it against the wall. "Where did all this come from?"

However, Momo heard a crinkling sound which made her open the box. In it, a frame lay inside quietly showing a picture of her and the new Regulars and the first Regulars of the Hyotei Gakuen team. Kotetsu Naomi stood in the middle with the trophy while holding on to a squirming Shizuru and a scowling Mai while Osakada glomped Haruka from behind and Ferero teasing Isane by pinching her cheeks. Momo on the other hand got a noogie from Midoriyama which prompted the girl to whine in front of the camera.

"Why do I have a feeling that she," –referring to Naomi, Momo tapped the broken glass on the frame where the crack had made the photo look like it had been torn apart. "She had a part in all of this? What made her destroy the team?"

Realizing nothing good would come out of pacing in her room; Momo went out to walk while tagging her cell phone along with her. Despite the cold winds, the Shinigami continued walking while the red leaves swished past her. Sighing to herself, Momo then found turned a corner only to find Mai hugging herself and Shizuru sitting next to her, trying to calm down the shaken tensai.

"Hey," Momo rushed over. "What happen? Who did this to her?"

Shizuru shook her head. "No – Mai saw something; I just don't know what..."

"Why," the red haired tensai shivered. "Why is she still there?"

Momo shook the sophomore violently. "Alright, I need to sort out your thoughts. Who contacted you?"

Mai shakily showed Momo her cell phone which caused the violet haired Shinigami to gape. "Oh no..."

The match commences this Saturday. This game will be held in the Hyotei Gakuen Tennis courts in front of the entire student body and also – some other schools who may want to witness the defeat. Bring Shizuru with you, Mai. You're on our hit list as well. You can't run from me – Shizuru can never escape her grasp. –Anonymous

This number, Momo clucked her tongue while dialling quickly on her cell phone. "Yamaguchi Hitomi, pick up your phone right now... This is a life and..."

"This is a life and death situation that would require the Japanese National Police to handle it was what you were about to say," Hitomi answered more business-like on the other end. "Momo, you should stop saying a whole sentence so they'll actually understand what you're trying to say."

Momo nearly crushed her cell phone if not for Shizuru's tap on her shoulder on not to waste money over a phone call. "They're attacking, Hitomi. Gather everyone, this is no time for games or making poison to test. If you want, I'll even taste them for you to check if they're edible."

"Really," Hitomi asked with an amused voice. "What's the catch?"

Momo cracked her knuckles. "Hitomi, this is no time for games. My dorm in the next thirty minutes."

After thirty minutes, Shizuru had dialled up the other regulars to meet up in Momo's dorm room. Despite it being small, the team didn't find it uncomfortable and Rin had fun jumping on the female Sanada's bed much to the Shinigami's dismay. Haruka on the other hand had to take a bath in Momo's bathroom but still fumed up every time someone mentioned "white" and "lacy".

"Let's get to the matter at hand," Shizuru had Mai hand the cell phone to her. "Someone's attacking us and we don't know who. All we know is that she was a former regular. Thing is – I haven't been in Hyotei long enough to know the other regulars since many of them were replaced."

"Hyotei Gakuen always had this first set and second set rule," Hitomi pulled out some notebooks. "Yanagi-kun also managed to get some data for me about Homura-san's relation with Kotetsu-buchou."

Kiyone bit her lip. "Why would she do all this? I mean – she didn't seem so bad awhile ago."

"Kiyone," Isane tried her best to explain it to the younger girl. "She may have only looked like a good person to you because she took advantage of your innocence. Now, you have to abandon that this Saturday. You might have to forget all the smiling and advice she has given you. Even I can't believe that Ferero-senpai would do this but, it's for the team."

Shizuru's ears twitched at Kiyone's words. "Wait, you met her awhile ago?"

Kiyone waved her hand. "Yeah, Aidan wouldn't stop snarling at her. He looked like she had a gun in her hand or something."

"Dogs are usually more perceptive to emotion than anything else," Hitomi reasoned out. "By the way, where is our vice captain?"

Ayane came in huffing and puffing, slamming the door behind her. "I'm sorry – I had to run all the way here."

"It's alright," Momo yanked her arm down. "Just siddown. Anyway, what did she say to you?"

Kiyone tapped her chin. "You know – I can't remember."

The whole team sweat dropped; trust Kiyone not to pay attention to almost anything. "Great, we nearly had info," Haruka folded her arms. "Now what?"

Kiyone then pulled out a box. "Oh yeah, she told me to give this to you, buchou."

Shizuru eyed it suspiciously as she got a letter opener to slice it open. "Did she tell you what was in it?"

Kiyone shook her head until she looked up at Shizuru. "How did you know there was glue?"

"She's definitely not stupid," Momo snorted as she looked over Shizuru's shoulder. "So, what's the verdict?"

Shizuru opened the box, revealing a gold pin and a burnt shell bracelet. "Mai, this is war..."

The whole team stared at Shizuru who shut the box and threw it into the trash bin. "All of you, I need you to play as hard as you can this Saturday. Fight as if the game were your last."

"What's going on," Ayane shivered at Shizuru's burning red eyes. "You could probably melt a wall with one gaze, buchou."

Rin blinked at Shizuru. "I don't get it. What's going on, kuwee~?"

Shizuru showed them the burnt shell bracelet. "This proves only one thing: she's out for blood."

"Nothing will stop her from claiming back the captaincy even if she's a high school student," Haruka tousled her pink hair. "But how will she do that?"

Shizuru bit her nail until she cast a glance at Kiyone. The girl then bent down and held the smaller girl's shoulders firmly. "Kiyone, I want you to promise me something."

The sandy haired girl raised an eyebrow. "You want me to develop rabies so when I bite people they die?"

Shizuru shook her head. "I want you to not listen to a word she says. Also, when I'm in trouble – don't help me."

Kiyone grabbed Shizuru's collar. "But," –her eyes welled up with tears. "I thought you trust us!"

Shizuru nodded firmly. "I do; she's very dangerous. You're not ready for her yet. Not now – you're a thousand years too early to even cross paths with her."

Ayane punched her fist. "Ha, I'll send her flying!"

Shizuru shook her head. "Ayane, don't get cocky. Kotetsu-san is nothing you've ever faced. In physical battle yes, you may win. But – how far can you go?"

Ayane face palmed. "Buchou, you're talking in vague statements again!"

Momo nodded at the tangerine haired first year. "She's that strong... believe me..."

Ayane shook her head vehemently. "When I became vice captain, I accepted all the craps that came along with it! So, tell me what the hell is going on!"

The whole team fell into a silence. Momo snorted while facing away, Haruka bit her lip while Rin's expression became more crestfallen.

"You will see – come this Saturday," Hitomi drew aside the curtains to see it pouring harder than ever. "The war has just begun."

()()()()

Saturday rolled by like any other day as the regulars all met up in the tennis courts. Practice passed by like the usual until the wired gate opened.

"Oh my gosh," –one of the members chatted excitedly, "Aren't those the former regulars?"

Boys then surrounded the tennis courts while a group of high school students entered the grounds. Shizuru turned around to face them while many of the members watched the two captains face one another. Momo glared daggers at the former regulars while Kiyone hid behind Ayane, leaving Hitomi, Haruka and Rin to face the formers.

"It's been awhile, Shizuru-chan," a kind smile made its way to Naomi's face.

Shizuru strained a smile. "Ah, I guess it has."

Momo stared in shock as a girl came limping in. "Mi-Midoriyama-senpai, you..."

"Hey Momo-hana," Midoriyama shrugged while leaning on her crutches. "I don't think I'll play well today. Go easy on me okay?"

Hitomi watched a girl with low pigtails walk in. "Suzumiya-senpai, it's nice to see you..."

"Again after the last one year three months and twenty five days," Suzumiya kept her eyes closed. "Was that what you were about to say?"

Another girl blew up a bubblegum. "Maa~, how have you been Rin-chan?"

Rin whined a bit while hiding behind the Pearl Dragon. "Haru-chan, I can't believe it – it's Shou-senpai."

Haruka gaped at the other girl who tousled her light blonde hair. "Osakada-senpai, I didn't know..."

"Heeey~," she waved cheerfully. "Don't disappoint us okay, dahling? I'm sure we're going to have a fantastic time!"

Isane shivered a bit. "Ferero-senpai, it's great to see..."

"You should wear a smaller jersey," Lulu nodded as she analysed Isane. "I'm sure you're more than just a tangerine now."

Mai however only managed to stare at the girl who stood in front of her. "Ichigetsu-senpai – you're supposed to be in Kakinoki...!"

"So, shall we see some carnage today," a bloodthirsty smile appeared on the girl's lips.

However, the members of the tennis club backed up when they saw Naomi face Shizuru. Their gazes didn't tear away from one another as Naomi laid out the rules.

"It's simple," –she pulled out a sheet, handing it to Shizuru. "To make it easier, I'll let you look at our line-up. However there will be a slight change of set up..."

They all turned to Naomi as she noted. "There will be three Doubles matches. Singles will remain the same. Would you like to see the line up?"

Shizuru gently pushed the paper back. "No thank you – we can manage on our own."

Shrugging, Naomi turned around as a sly smirk appeared on her face. There's one thing I forgot to leave you though...

The regulars faced Shizuru as the captain glanced at her mentor. "We can't let them win. Not this time – they've played around with our lives, scared the worlds out of us and tried to destroy our spirits. We're not going to let this match be theirs. We'll go with a different arrangement."

They nodded as Shizuru started the assignments. "Alright – Singles Three will go to Mai-chan to sweep them down."

"What," Mai gaped at her best friend. "I'm gonna be a sweeper?"

Shizuru nodded as she pointed at Isane and Momo. "Doubles One will go to Momo-senpai and Isane-senpai."

Ayane nearly choked on her water. "Wait, what about me?"

"We'll stun them in Doubles Two with the Diamond Pair," Shizuru cast a glance at Ayane and Kiyone. "Yamaguchi-senpai will go take down Suzumiya for Singles Two."

Momo watched the older regulars laugh with the current senior members. "How do you know Suzumiya will take Singles Two anyway?"

"Because Kotetsu-buchou has so much pride that she told me," Shizuru curled her hand into a fist. "The captain always shows up last. Also, Midoriyama-senpai is a doubles player."

Mai bit her nails. "You're putting me with Ichigetsu? Are you out of your mind?"

"It's about time," Shizuru slung her jacket on her shoulder. "It's about time we let go of what has made us into what we are..."

"To pave our own path to the Nationals," Haruka stared at her curled up fist.

Momo glanced at the older members. "I still can't believe they found the people whom we replaced."

Kiyone clung onto Ayane. "Buchou, how strong were they?"

"I myself have no clue," Shizuru glanced at the seniors. "I think we'll have to rely on experience for this one."

Hitomi adjusted her glasses a bit, glancing through her notes with a sigh. "My data should be accurate enough to give us an idea how they would play their games."

"It better," Momo found Naomi giving out orders. "I can't even tell whether or not her weakness is still there."

Shizuru shook her head. "I'm not sure but somehow – it doesn't feel right. There's something that made her... snap..."

"Maybe it's because you're free from her control or some sort," Haruka noted the last time Momo slammed the sophomore to the wall.

"No, kuwee~," Rin shook her head. "It's something else. It's been long there..."

Soon, Naomi turned to face them with a curt smile. "So, shall we play?"

"Yeah," Shizuru's voice trailed away as she analysed Naomi's features.

The former captain looked calm as she and the other members headed for the courts. However, Shizuru noticed a slight flicker in the older captain's eyes as a small strand of hair fell in front of Naomi's face. Her eyes darkened while they scanned the court while the other members took their places on the bench. Rin gulped as she looked at the other girl standing next to Osakada Yuri.

"Haru-chan," she clung on to the pink haired counter puncher from behind. "Shou-senpai's going to really wipe the floor with me, isn't she?"

Haruka narrowed her gaze. "Not as long as I'm around. The Shou-Osakada pair maybe one of the strongest in the district but that doesn't mean we can't surpass them."

Ayane and Kiyone began looking at their racquets and then at the former regulars. "Every time I look at them," Ayane bit her lip. "Why do I feel as if I'm going to die?"

"I know," Kiyone shivered as she put her jacket on. "The court suddenly just got a lot colder."

"You think everywhere is cold, doofus," Ayane rolled her eyes at the smaller player.

Kiyone pursed her lips. "Hey, no I don't!"

"It only gets warm when Shiraishi-san's around," Ayane bounced her eyebrows a bit. "So, what did you guys do?"

Kiyone flushed red. "Geez, of all the times to talk about that...!"

Isane fixed her rubber shoes while Momo tied her hair. "Hey, what do you think Ferero-senpai has up her sleeve this time?"

"I'm not worried about her," Momo nonchalantly tied the ribbon tightly around her violet hair. "It's Midoriyama who's the wildcard in this game. This won't be like any doubles game we've played."

Hitomi glanced at her data, wiping her glasses as she did so. "Suzumiya Ruriko-senpai, age: 15, playing style: counter puncher. Suzumiya Ruriko-senpai is also the team manager in the Hyotei High School division and a regular. This allows her to recruit the formers that we have replaced during the Middle School years."

Momo pulled out the racquet that survived against Ishida Chie's hits. "I thought this racquet would only make one debut..."

Mai strode next to Shizuru. "Are you sure Ayane and Kiyone will survive? These guys look like they want our blood."

"Yes," Shizuru bit her lip. "It's good training for them."

Mai placed her hand on Shizuru's shoulder. "Listen – if we don't win then, its fine. I don't mind getting kicked around by Ichigetsu but what matter is we set ourselves free from the past. Win or lose, none of those matters anymore. If we lose then, it's just saying that there's something in our minds that's still holding us back. If we win then, it's a step forward for us."

"Alright, the match between the High School division and the Middle School division will now begin," Naomi announced as members of the tennis club along with some other students crowded at the bleachers. "Doubles Three players – step on the court."

Haruka inhaled sharply. "Alright, we're up, Rin."

Rin tugged her collar as she went to the net to face the formers: Osakada Yuri and Shou Unohana. "So, what do we do now, kuwee~?"

Unohana blew up a bubblegum. "Well, if it isn't the Heilongjiang and the Zhujiang. I didn't know you guys would take Doubles Three."

Yuri tapped her shoulder. "I hope we can have a good game, dahling. It's been awhile since I last had a thrilling doubles match."

Haruka nodded stiffly as her former doubles partner wagged her finger. "Hey, don't be so stiff! Let's just have fun okay, dahling?"

Rin shuddered as Unohana rested her racquet on her shoulder. "Well, let's get this moving. I'm sure Ichigetsu and Kotetsu want their matches badly."

I knew it, Haruka winced at Unohana's words. "What is this to you, some kind of game?"

"I don't know," Unohana shrugged. "Kotetsu Naomi always had a blood type B."

"Doubles Three will now begin: Hyotei Middle School's Hikifumi-Shimohi pair versus Hyotei High School's Osakada-Shou pair," Naomi glanced at the two pairs. "Game start, Osakada to serve!"

Yuri bounced the ball as Haruka stood at the receiving end. "It looks like I'm going have to trash you out early, dahling."

Watching the ball zoom past her, Haruka froze while Rin ran towards her doubles partner. "You okay, Haru-chan?"

Haruka slowly turned around and saw the ball imbed itself in the barbed fences. How did it get that fast!

"Fifteen – love," Naomi maintained her motherly smile.

Finish them off, Osakada; she glanced at the dark strawberry blonde girl. Show them no mercy...

"That was the fastest serve I've ever seen," Isane rubbed her eyes. "I couldn't see anything at all."

Mai bit her lip. "That was all follow through – no effort whatsoever."

Yuri bowed down while twirling her racquet. "So, shall we have a go at it – dahling?"

Rin glanced at Haruka who had to change places with her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Haruka nodded weakly. "I've been better."

Yuri moved to the other side as she sent a serve towards the acrobat's left side. Rin jumped easily for it as Unohana sliced the ball over which forced Haruka to twist her wrist for a heavier slice. Unohana rallied it over to Rin who then drove a shot down towards Yuri's right side. Haruka took the baseline once more as Yuri slammed the ball towards one of the corners.

"This is how they used to play," Ayane gaped with her mouth hanging open. "Is this what they called National Calibre?"

Mai shook her head. "If you think they're scary then, you're not going to last minutes against Jerrard and Ryuuzaki. They're taking the Doubles world by storm too."

"Mouri and Tadashiko are equally powerful," Momo pointed out to the vice captain. "I know you're physically stronger than everyone else but heck, the mentality is what everyone bets on."

Isane bit her lip as another shot flashed past Rin. "This is totally one sided. Look at how fast Osakada-san's shots are!"

Naomi smirked inwardly as Haruka and Rin missed another shot. Yuri's style is the best for players like them. Speed and cunning has always been her battlefield. Unlike Haruka who analyses step by step, Yuri's style of play is too fast. Without anything to see, what is there to analyse?

"Game, Osakada-Shou: one game to love!"

Haruka and Rin exchanged glances with one another. How does she do that?

"Osakada Yuri's style is very distinct because no one has ever seen it," Hitomi relayed to the other regulars. "Literally speaking, no one has ever seen it."

"That's because her shots are just that fast," Mai cringed at Rin crashing on the floor, promptly missing Unohana's shot. "Unless you're really good and have motion sight then, you're history."

Shizuru watched Rin miss the next shot. This is complete annihilation. I never knew that they got this strong...

"The Hyotei High School is known to be second to Rikkai Dai High School," Hitomi scanned her notes. "Homura Katsuki has been winning for Rikkai Dai and the rankings between the two schools are highly varied. Kotetsu Naomi has been leading them through the Kantou Regionals while Homura Katsuki is gearing up for the Nationals already."

Lulu lazily tossed a dice in the air. "Well, it seems like we're going to have a one-sided match this time."

"We don't know for sure yet," Nanako watched the ball slide over the net. "Hikifumi Haruka didn't create the Dragon Dance for nothing."

Ichigetsu smirked while tousling her dark blonde hair. "You shouldn't think so pessimistic all the time. It's bad for your health."

"I'm just being cautious," Nanako defended as she continued to watch the match.

Haruka stumbled as the next shot landed right on the line, "Forty – love!"

Yuri sighed, yawning as she did so. "Is this all you have to offer after a year? Dahling, I thought you were made of better stuff."

Haruka glanced at Rin who nodded with affirmation as both players both started glowing. "We are – it's just... we like fooling around a lot."

Yuri raised an eyebrow as the two lost the lustre in their eyes only to be surrounded by some fog like aura. "Oh, is this your Synchro dahling?"

"Here it comes," Unohana blew up another bubble. "They've been hiding that for quite awhile, ne, Yuri?"

Yuri snickered. Show me then what that power is, dahling. I can't wait to see what it's like...

-That's Chapter 31! Please review!