I don't own Prince of Tennis or anything else that might end up mixed into this crazy story!
Me: Oh yeah, I forgot to write in Chapter 38: Liniment is somewhat like a coolant that helps soothe the nerves. It's usually used when someone gets like sprains or pulls a nerve. Another thing, what would you guys like to happen? Marui wins and squashes Atobe or the other way around or would you like it to be a draw due to someone's certain temperamental outburst? It's your choice, dear readers! Another would be that – would you guys want a BleachXPrince of Tennis story. I've seen a nice one but it never updated so I'm making one in response. Tell me in your reviews!
Kyouei_shurei: Thank you for your review! It's nice hearing from another person! Don't worry – Shizuru and Tezuka will also have their fluff moments. It's just not now. For the moment, MaruiAyaneAtobe will take the spotlight. Kiyone and Shiraishi will also be having their fluff along with other people but it will all unfold in time! :D
Chapter 39 – Battle for the Heavens
Tora, shifting her stance while watching Haruka's body movement, narrowed her eyes as she found Rin to be in front of XiaoLi this time. With a slight smirk, the other half of the Tiger pair watched Rin's nose twitch slightly at the same time watching the rhythm of her feet. The freshman turned to Tora who simply nodded.
Haruka bit her lip at Tora's serve. "Here it comes...!"
The serve screamed from Tora's racquet and Haruka barely managed to return it. The ball slapped the top of the net, causing XiaoLi to lightly drop it over where Rin lay in waiting to drive the shot towards the corner. Tora quickly ran forward for the defense while Haruka managed to slap it back. The ball flew back and forth, throwing Tora back and forcing XiaoLi to defend at the net. Haruka quickly repelled the shot as it went straight down the line while Tora managed to slap it back.
"I don't get it," Kiyone tilted her head to the side. "Why isn't Pearly-chan using her techniques? She can easily kick butt!"
Hitomi bit her lip. "They're playing a psychological game in which they use simple moves to tick off their rhythm. Haruka doesn't use her special skills unless her opponents use theirs first."
"Does that mean we're doomed," Ayane gaped while pointing to the playing style. "As long as they keep playing like that, Haruka-senpai and Rin-senpai can't do anything?"
Momo watched Rin soar up into the air for a normal smash as Haruka guarded the lower end. Her dark eyes watched each of their foot patterns carefully as she let out a small smirk. Mai on the other hand let out a slow sardonic smile while the two of them turned to each other.
"It's based on their positioning," Mai snickered as she leaned against the bench. "Am I right, senpai?"
"Well, for a tensai – I guess I shouldn't be surprised," Momo watched Tora quickly sprint to one side. "As long as XiaoLi corners Rin and seals her off, Haruka's going to have a hard time countering Tora's agility. Although Haruka has the stamina," –watching Rin heavily panting while Haruka managed to keep a straight face. "She's not going to last against Tora if they keep their special moves sealed off."
Mai checked the stance of Tora while making sure her smile doesn't fade. It's so easy to trap a cat...
"Game, Yumika-Hachishika: one game all!"
As the timeout ensued, Haruka and Rin took a seat next to one another while reflecting on the match. While the Pearl Dragon stared out at the court, Rin began drinking from her small water jug as she started looking at the marks that appeared on the court.
"They're really tailing us, kuwee," Rin sadly swung her legs. "I mean – they've been playing normal but we can't get any hit in."
Mai glanced at the court before drawing on the sand. "That's part of their formation and also a psychological game. By choosing not to use any special moves, the opponent would subconsciously not want to use his/hers either. The best way to counter that is to force them into the corner. Once placed in a corner, their mind would perceive it as a snitch and they would unconsciously use their special moves."
"Another thing would be scaring one to urge protectiveness from the other," Hitomi showed them her notebook. "Tora is known to be very protective of her doubles partner. Unlike Jerrard who would let Sakuno take a hit, Tora would always make sure XiaoLi isn't falling behind."
Ayane tapped her chin while looking at Hitomi. "I wonder though how she became the vice captain..."
"Jerrard has skills," Hitomi noted as she sat down. "But if there's anyone you should be afraid of in that team – it's her. She's openly ruthless; regardless to who or how an opponent is."
Kiyone tilted her head while looking through the notebook. "Ooh, so I can bust up pigtail-san easy?"
"If you're willing to face an angry Echizen then yes," Hitomi shook her head. "Yes you can. Although he's in complete denial, he still acts on his feelings more than his head."
Kiyone blew out a raspberry, folding out her arms as she puffed up her cheeks. "Is he that scary?"
"You do realize that's the same fool who beat me, right," Momo raised an eyebrow at Kiyone. "That kid has been taking tennis ever since he could walk."
Shizuru nodded stiffly while glancing towards Yukimura who was giving out her own set of instructions to the two as she turned to the Twin Dragon Pair. "Hikifumi-senpai, Shimohi-senpai– heaven's net may be wide but very few can pass through*. You have to be the few that manage to pass through."
Haruka nodded as she turned to the courts. "The Tiger Pair may be known for the ferocity of their skill and strategy but that doesn't mean we dragons cannot measure up to them."
Momo swivelled her head towards Miaka who now had a collar locked onto her neck glared back at her. The Shinigami mentioned nothing as she turned to the courts again to watch Haruka and Rin take on Tora and XiaoLi. The two Dragons started emitting a misty-like feel as their eyes dulled.
"Synchro, already," Tora turned to XiaoLi who grinned childishly back at her. "Oh well, we'll just have to use it then."
They lowered their stances while holding their racquets with a tiger-like grip. Haruka emotionlessly sauntered towards the baseline while Rin jumped right in front of the net. XiaoLi gulped while shakily nodding at Tora who shook her head at the freshman with a calm face. As XiaoLi launched the next serve, Haruka slammed it back towards Tora who volleyed it over as the Black Dragon dove for the shot to make a light lob. XiaoLi drove it down with a drive volley but had the ball zoom past her with Haruka attacking her blind spot at her left side.
"Love – fifteen," Tora clicked her tongue while looking hard into the two dragons.
"Wow, so that's Synchro," XiaoLi cocked her head to the left. "I didn't know they could do it!"
"They could, that's why they're called the Twin Dragons but no one," Tora bit her lip at the thought. "No one can copy the unity and link that the Soul Pair has."
XiaoLi gulped at Tora's words. "You mean – the ones from Jyosei Shounan?"
Haruka shook her head while turning to Tora. "You might want to get your sources checked again because they were already beaten."
Tora raised an eyebrow at her as she folded her arms. "I suppose Hyotei has its own Soul Link pair?"
"Not by us but by the Heartbreaker pair," Haruka shook her head as she motioned to the other courts, making her eyes fade back to normal. "The pair that is supposedly the undefeated pair of this era, the Jerrard – Ryuuzaki pair hasn't lost a match yet. They were rumoured to even be capable of fighting toe to toe with Seigaku's Golden Pair. Mind you, Kikumaru-san and Oishi-san is the Doubles One pair of Seishun."
The Rikkai Dai senior nodded before turning to the half-Chinese freshman. "Well, if that's the case – we might as well learn how to take you down first. After all, both of you are the second seed in terms of doubles play – Hikifumi Haruka and Shimohi Rin."
XiaoLi jumped up for a hard serve as Rin quickly deflected the ball, allowing Haruka to reactivate her Synchro once again. Tora dove for the next ball which allowed Haruka to slap it back with the Dragon's Tail. XiaoLi narrowly managed to return it but forced a lob up as the Black Dragon fired the Wind Dragon Cannon again and sent Tora stumbling back.
"Love – thirty," Haruka and Rin stood next to each other silently.
"Wow, never seen anyone do that in an instant," Ai lightly giggled. "Well, this also contributes to the fact that women are more sentimental than men. By being so, they can easily connect on a higher plane unlike men who prefer fighting it out the hard way because of their pride."
Miaka scoffed while picking her ear. "That's true but really – isn't it just because Hikifumi's just that damn talented in doubles?"
"There's also that," Ai smiled serenely which sent shivers down Miaka's spine. "But then, we also have to remember that if they do not know how to do this without cloaking their heart – Seigaku will crush them under their foot. That's why Kurenai inherited the name Shikabane Hime – because when you play against Seigaku, all emotions must be gone, like a little doll."
"How you can say that with a straight face is amazing, Ai," Kira shivered slightly at her smile. "You're beginning to sound like your brother."
Ai turned to her with a "say-one-more-word-and-die" smile. "Of course, I've learned only from the best."
"So, that's where the titles started appearing," Miaka let out a battle hungry grin. "Hyotei Gakuen's Girls' Team – it was like entering Hell when people played against them..."
Sarah rolled her eyes as she watched the match resume. Tora slammed the next ball towards Haruka's blind left side but Rin quickly covered her with a volley. XiaoLi let out a slight 'eep' as she backhanded the shot towards Rin but Haruka easily covered up for her with a screaming forehand which Tora stumbled over.
"Love – forty," Tora and XiaoLi started breathing heavily as they stared back at the Dragon Pair.
You can't challenge Synchro just like that, Tora glanced at Haruka whose eyes were still dull but Rin started heavily breathing with sweat pouring down her face. Ah, there's our weak spot...
Standing up again, Tora signalled XiaoLi who nodded at the senior. The ball cracked off XiaoLi's side as Rin received the shot but the return flimsily slapped the net which had Tora attack Haruka who spun the ball with a hard force. Watching the sweat pour down Rin's face, Tora fired it straight for Rin's feet – causing the said girl to fall over but Haruka managed to leap behind Rin to return the shot. The fallen acrobat however jumped towards the other side to shield the open spot.
They've only managed to scuff the shallow part of Synchro, Tora narrowed her eyes as she slammed the ball towards Haruka but the Pearl Dragon gave it a good wind up and sent it flying right on to the corner of the doubles line.
"Game, Hikifumi-Shimohi: two games to one!"
XiaoLi fell to the ground with a sigh while Tora managed to keep her breath. She glanced at Haruka who didn't even sweat a bead while Rin could have saved the world from thirst if people drank sweat. After analyzing the pair, she turned to the court as she looked at the marks made by the Dragon Pair. Rin dragged her feet off the court while Haruka shut off the Synchro first as she helped the black haired acrobat down a whole jug of water.
"God, we're steaming out there," Rin looked at her skin, seeing how wet and red it was. "I'm gonna turn into a kikiam* when this is over, kuwee!"
Haruka whipped her hair back as she wrung sweat out of it. "I don't know how people get survive in this weather but heck, we are turning into human siomai* out here..."
"You guys used the Synchro too early," Shizuru pointed out as she glanced at Tora and XiaoLi. "They know it and that's why they're trying to waste you by making Rin-senpai jump all over the place. They cannot have the same level of synchronicity that you both have so, they're trying to break half of the equation. By doing this would put more mental strain..."
Mai nodded as she turned back to the Dragon Pair. "In the emptiness, humans find solace. And in solace, they discover the truth. But there are two sides to the truth. In seeking the truth, they unlock the power that is most needed to achieve what people call 'heaven' or the state of 'mu'. However, that's only if in favourable conditions..."
"The heat is also what's making your brains' having a hard time," Momo brushed sweat from her brow. "I don't know any human being that could survive this without turning into Takoyaki*."
Hitomi ran through her notes as she looked at her watch. "Yumika Tora and Hachishika XiaoLi are players that play either a protracted game or a short one. They don't attack as heavily and ruthlessly; they drain their opponent. The best way to do it is to take down Yumika Tora without Hachishika XiaoLi noticing. Without Yumika, XiaoLi will be rendered useless and unsynchronized."
"Another thing would be," a velvety smooth voice caused Rin to freeze. "That – don't stop flying. Show them everything. You're attaching your feet to the ground; do that and the tigers will claw at your wings. If tigers were known for their ferocity then, dragons should be known for their god-like capabilities – not only in skill but also in ferocity and power."
Rin squealed as she turned around to find Kajimoto, smiling while standing next to Isane. "Kajimoto-kun, when did you come?"
"I managed to get some info from Hoshimura-san that your game was being held here," the brown haired captain of Jyosei Shounan took a seat next to Isane. "I shouldn't be helping you but I'm just dropping clues. According to Nakayama-san, Yumika and Hachishika are known for being ferocious attackers as well as people who can hold out for a long time."
Nodding with determination, Rin punched the air while grabbing Haruka's arm. "Okie-dokie, let's do this – kuwee!"
Noticing that Kajimoto had his eyes glued onto Rin, Hitomi grinned while taking down notes. "Kajimoto Takihisa is more involved with the Hyotei Black Dragon than we realize..."
"Dragons are not only known for their ability to command the skies and raze towns," Shizuru looked up at Kajimoto with a small smile. "But they're quite known also for their magnificence."
"Yeah," Kajimoto let his sentence trail away until he realized what he said, shaking his head, flushing furiously. "Hey, what was that about?"
Mai chuckled while turning to the flustered Jyosei Shounan captain. "Hitomi-senpai is our Mastermind and Shizuru's an empath – besides, you're not the only who has been amazed by a dragon's magnificence. It's nice to stare at the sky but watching something command it makes it a divine sight to behold – am I right?"
"Although I highly doubt the other two will have a chance," Hitomi tipped her glasses up. "Mukahi's a moron; he won't get it until it blows in his face. Kikumaru is distracted by almost anything that looks cute and cuddly. Perhaps to him, Rin is simply a teddy bear like his Daigoro at home. Another is – your little stunt in the ice rink has given you a new light in her eyes. You also have been helping her with her training which has inspired her to become a stronger dragon than she was ever before. Her stats currently have exceeded what I have predicted since they now have increased by 60 percent."
"Rin's really childish," Momo stated bluntly as she took a seat next to her captain. "But she's not so childish to not notice how others may feel about her; Gakuto for one is one of the easiest people to predict for her."
Kajimoto said nothing in fear of having Hitomi whack him with more data. However, the Jyosei Shounan captain realized then and there why Hoshimura Florence saw herself in Shizuru. Their abilities were almost alike perhaps in being based off emotions. While Florence can read through aura of other people, it left him wondering.
How could Shizuru read through him? Worst part is – how would Rin read through him?
"You're scared that Rin would not feel the same about you, no," Hitomi's eyeglasses glinted evilly as a business-like smile appeared on her face. "There's an 80 percent chance that she would like you. 10 percent that she will love you, 5 percent that you are simply a brother to her and the other 5 percent would be that she would wonder why you're being nosy."
Kajimoto stared momentarily at Hitomi until he heard the score come out.
"Love – thirty," Rin fell on the floor, breathing heavily as XiaoLi stood by the net.
"Rin," Haruka ran towards the small girl who started hyperventilating. "What happened?"
Ai let a small smile grace her face as she watched XiaoLi stare back. "Hachishika XiaoLi was raised by her mother who lived in a small remote village in China that worshipped Byakko, the tiger of west. While living there, she was prophesized to be the bearer of the tiger's spirit thus... making her more of a tiger than her doubles partner... Her real name is..."
XiaoLi sauntered back as she revealed some whiskers on her face and tiger-like eyes.
"Princess XiaoHu of Bai family," Ai leaned against the bench while glancing back at the Hyotei doubles pair.
"It's scary to know that two of the members of Rikkai Dai have funky histories and ancestors," Ayane gulped while scanning XiaoLi from head to toe. "Why did she change her name to XiaoLi anyway?"
Momo turned to see the regulars of Rikkai Dai and then back at Ayane. "Well, despite that – her name still means "small wild cat" - 狸 [li] meaning 'wild cat' if I remember Haruka telling me right. However, her real name means "Small Tiger", 小 [xiǎo] meaning 'small' and 虎 [hǔ] meaning 'tiger'. It's their way of concealing their royalty's true identity without having the descendant forget their line. Coming from a strict traditional line would mean also a heavy amount of protection."
Hitomi revealed more notes from her palm pad. "Not only that, the Bái [白] clan is very protective of their kin especially in the presence of the Japanese. The Chinese and the Japanese held many disputes during the time of World War II and some of the clans from the remote areas of China still a bit xenophobic."
"So, her name would be," Kiyone started putting words together while trying to assess everything that Hitomi and Momo said. "Her name's Kimba!"
The whole Hyotei team sweat dropped as they stared at their smallest member. Kiyone cocked her head to the side as she scribbled on a piece of paper.
"See," Kiyone showed them a DVD cover showing "Kimba the White Lion". "Isn't that her name?"
"Where did you even get that," Momo stared at the DVD, shaking her head in disgust.
Kiyone grinned cheekily before giving them a 'v'. "My cousin really loves this show so yeah!"
The Hyotei girls stared at Kiyone for a moment and even Kajimoto seemed a little taken aback. Kiyone swivelled her head as to exchange glances with them but nothing came up.
"What," Kiyone tilted her head. "Her name means "white" doesn't it?"
"Sure it does," Ayane shook the small girl hard before she whacked Kiyone at the backside of her head. "But, last time we checked – her name doesn't mean "lion"!"
Kiyone, rubbing her head, pouted while impishly sticking out her tongue. "You're mean, Yane-chan! Buchou, she's bullying me again – ground her!"
"I swear," Shizuru pinched the bridge of her nose as Momo handed her a bottle of aspirins.
"Aren't you glad I brought these," Momo let out a small chuckle as Shizuru snickered a bit.
"Yeah, you have no idea."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Game, Atobe-Kabaji: four games to four!"
The purple haired captain of Hyotei glared daggers at Marui who hyperventilated as soon as the volley started to increase in speed. Seeing that none of them were going to surrender, Atobe straightened himself out whereas Marui nearly sank down on his knees only to have each other to remind them what exactly they were fighting for. Marui's lavender eyes glinted darkly at Atobe's icy blue ones as the two attackers glowered at one another.
"Wow, Marui-senpai's really pushing this game," Kirihara snickered as he leaned against the rail. "All for what: this girl from the Hyotei Tennis team – come on, doesn't he have any taste?"
Sanada stared silently at the match as Atobe and Marui continued to fight it out with one another and Jackal didn't need to defend the baseline anymore as Kabaji. As the big Hyotei sophomore fired the next service, both attackers by the net increased the speed considerably to avoid any interference or whatsoever as the ball vanished and the rippling over the net echoed across the court. Marui, ignoring the beads of sweat falling down his face, continued on with the attack to force Atobe back.
He may be good in Singles but there's no way I'm gonna let him beat me at my own game!
While the tensai attacked viciously by the net, Marui stared in horror to find Atobe in the air as he knocked away Marui's racquet.
"Ore-sama no bigi ni yoina," Atobe smashed the ball straight in between Marui's feet.
Marui narrowed his eyes at Atobe, seething a bit as he went towards the service line and left Jackal to face Atobe up front. The red haired tensai clenched his hand into a fist, grimacing at the thought of Atobe winning. Not only would his pride as a doubles player be injured but also that he would have to forfeit all his claims as Atobe and he had agreed to. That would mean not seeing Ayane, not sharing bubblegum with her, not getting tasty strawberry shortcake anymore and also... not being able to laugh with her anymore.
"Given up already," a mocking voice echoed from across the court as the words pounded into the tensai's ears.
Marui turned to see Atobe with a large smirk plastered across his face whereas Jackal exchanged glances with both of them. Despite being a talented doubles player, Marui knew he couldn't challenge Atobe one-on-one unless he planned to "die early" as Sanada and Yanagi had quoted but even in doubles? The tensai shook his head before standing tall and sticking out his tongue at Hyotei's king with a cocky grin of his own.
"Tensai just need awhile to warm up," Marui scoffed back at Atobe.
The said king rolled his eyes before facing Jackal. "Of course, they need a longer time to warm up to the idea that they are about to lose."
Clucking his tongue, Marui sauntered back to the baseline to find himself facing Kabaji's strong serve. As the ball cracked off the sophomore's racquet, Marui slammed it as hard as he could as he and Jackal switched places again. Atobe and he stared back at each other as the volley remained contained by the net.
"Atobe's really flooring this guy," Gakuto watched Marui struggle against the king of Hyotei. "Honestly, what was that moron thinking?"
"Marui-kun just wanted a challenge, that's all," Jirou jumped up and down excitedly as he watched the ball pass back and forth. "I can't even see it anymore."
Oshitari tapped his chin a bit. "Honestly, this guy bit more than he could chew."
"Yeah, challenging Atobe just like that would either mean you're too stupid to realize how strong he is," Shishido counted his fingers as he showed two possible outcomes. "Or, you're just a plain idiot and stupidly fearless of almost anything even if a gun were pointed at your head."
Ohtori looked at what Shishido just stated. "But, senpai – both of the choices mean that he's lacking..."
"That's because he is," Shishido snorted as he folded his arms. "He knows he can't match Atobe now so why does he try to do it NOW? It's kinda like me trying to take down Tezuka or that Yukimura guy from Rikkai."
Gakuto nodded in agreement. "Marui's got no chance against Atobe. If it's for affections, he actually has a winning chance over Atobe in that department. I don't know any other guy than Atobe who would call his object of affection a "screaming banshee"."
Upon hearing this, Atobe promptly missed the ball causing it to fall behind him and Kabaji. Marui's eyes widened when he turned to the Hyotei stands as he overheard what they said. His heart somewhat leapt up in joy. Somehow, winning didn't seem to matter anymore but remembering the law of Rikkai Dai – the tensai continued on his attack, leaving Atobe open. However, the king recovered quickly and hammered down on Marui as well and managed to defend the net line from a massive barrage.
"He's holding his end pretty well," Niou whistled as he started playing with the tennis ball in his hand. "I'm surprised that they didn't lose 6-0 to Marui and Jackal."
Sanada said nothing as the two continued to attack each other until their skin showed sores and red swelling. Kabaji stood behind with a sullen stare while Jackal forced himself to watch Marui take a beating from Atobe. Sweat poured down the attackers' faces as they continued volleying with one another. Marui fired the Tetchuu Ate but Atobe quickly responded to it with another volley and despite Marui pulling out all the stops, the king reacted with insane reaction time that many thought only acrobats were capable of.
"Not bad, puri," Niou snickered as he tossed the tennis ball in his hand. "But, how long can he hold?"
Yanagi ran through the calculations. "Atobe, if he keeps this up, there's a 90 percent chance that Marui will overtake him in the end."
"His wrist isn't flexible enough for it," Yagyuu watched Marui volley it out as Kirihara lazily slouched on the bench. "Marui on the other hand has perfect control while Atobe's throwing his energy everywhere to keep up with Marui."
Atobe, overhearing Yagyuu's comment, hummed coldly to himself. He bit his lip, knowing that Rikkai's Gentleman had a point. While Marui could throw the ball anywhere, he managed to toss the ball at least in unpredictable places if he threw himself in a weird direction. As he tried to counter the next attack, Atobe tripped over as the ball zoomed past him. However, the ball screamed towards Marui who had no other choice but to dodge it as Jackal took the shot from Kabaji.
"K-Kabaji," Atobe stared, completely stunned at what the junior had done. "Ore-sama told you to..."
"Atobe is fighting for someone," Kabaji continued to stun the captain even more. "Hyotei must win..."
Arrogance and determination lit up in his eyes as the king decided to attack Marui again. "Of course, Hyotei will accept no other place but the top...!"
Jackal, although sweating, continued running in his normal pace. "We can't lose, Marui. Unless you want..."
"Jackal, the kiddie gloves come off," Marui charged the net whereas Jackal attacked the baseline.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Game, Hachishika-Yumika pair: three games all!"
"I can't believe this," Haruka managed to gasp out. "They've managed to tail us all the way and to think, I'm already losing my breath."
Rin wobbly stood up while she faced a near down exhausted XiaoLi. Haruka and Tora were breathing heavily as they stared back at one another, wondering how long they could manage the game. Both their partners were downright exhausted and even their bodies were at their limit. The Synchro took a huge chunk out of Rin's staminaand Haruka glanced at the black acrobat who managed to last that long. Honestly, she expected herself to last a little longer but their match had already taken up two hours. Before Haruka knew it, a rumble echoed across the sky. Rin looked up as she nodded to Haruka to at least try to finish the game.
"It seems our doubles partners are thinking the same thing," Tora snickered to Haruka who swivelled her head to the tiger's direction. "It's time for us to decide on which being would rule the skies."
Haruka narrowed her eyes. "Tigers were never meant to fly but they were in charge of the metals of the earth. The dragons have always ruled the skies and it will remain that way."
A serve cracked off from Rin as Tora slammed it towards Haruka who volleyed it at XiaoLi, giving the Twin Dragons the chance to switch places once more. The strong shot caused XiaoLi to fumble and Rin to come down with the Wind Dragon Cannon again. However, Tora flicked her wrist to limply send the ball back giving Haruka the chance to take advantage of the weak spin for the Dragon's Retaliation.
"Fifteen – love," Tora clucked her tongue as she went in for another attack.
"They're really going to play until the thunder and lightning come out," Isane stuck her hand out as small droplets appeared in her hand. "Isn't this bad for them?"
Haruka, noticing the droplets on her racquet, slammed the ball straight towards XiaoLi who fumbled with the shot as Rin delivered another blow.
"Rin," Haruka walked over to the acrobat. "We have to finish this..."
Rin looked up at the sky but shook her head at Haruka. "Haru-chan, I have an idea for this. It's my turf now!"
Haruka stared at the black haired acrobat quizzically before deciding to trust Rin on her instincts. As the black haired acrobat lowered herself for a serve, she ran a quick analysis on XiaoLi and Tora as the court started getting wet. XiaoLi started shivering slightly as the thunder cracked across the sky whereas Tora stayed stiff at the baseline despite the lightning and thunder rolling. The wind didn't blow hard at all but more or less – the fact that they were playing in the rain proved to be dangerous. As Rin's serve cracked off, Tora forehanded it back to Haruka who volleyed the ball to XiaoLi. The Chinese freshman then jumped for a drive volley but Rin quickly slid across the court where the ball was meant to land and delayed the shot at the time the thunder cracked. Upon hearing the thunder, XiaoLi panicked and ducked for cover as the ball limply jumped over the net.
"Thirty – love," Haruka turned to Rin who had a childish grin on her face.
Rin jumped up and down like a child. "Kuwee~, it actually worked!"
Haruka stared and sweatdropped at the black acrobat who started proclaiming and jumping up and down with joy. "I can't believe she gambled that..."
"Well, that's Rin for you," Momo smirked as she leaned against the rail. "She doesn't have human insight. It's more on nature. Dragons were always associated with the power of nature and the sky."
Another shot echoed along with the thunder, causing XiaoLi to panic and forcing Tora to cover up for her mistakes. Haruka however now had an opening for her Dragon's Tail as it created a strong whiplash against the Tiger pair. Soon, rain pelted the court as Rin took advantage of the slippery courts – sliding across easily for the shots.
"Did they drag this out on purpose," Ayane turned to Shizuru who shrugged.
"You can't say that for sure," Mai responded as a slow smile appeared on her lips. "But, Haruka-senpai and Rin-senpai purposely trained in China for this. They wanted to make they can take on anybody in any condition so long as they stand. In the legend, the dragons were the ones that controlled the rain but because they're merely human – all they can do is take advantage of it."
Rin somersaulted in the air with a smash, letting the ball crash land at the same time with the flashing lightning and thunder.
"Tch, what dirty tricks," Miaka growled as she tugged her bell choker. "Those Hyotei demons know nothing..."
"It's not dirty, Miaka," Ai stated for the sophomore. "It's simply tactics. That's normal in battle or in a fight. Taking advantage of the terrain and weather would either break or make your victory. Tennis is like a battle and we cannot afford to lose but to them, it's not just a battle for the match."
"This is the battle for the heavens," Ai narrowed her eyes as Haruka and Rin reactivated the Synchro causing Tora and XiaoLi to suddenly also go into Synchro.
Kiyone put her jacket over her head. "Wow, it's really raining."
"I am so going to shower later," Mai plucked a leaf off her hair. "Honestly, do they have to finish it now?"
"It would be disgraceful to them if they didn't," Shizuru shook her head as she stood up, motioning the regulars to pull out the umbrellas. "Does anyone live nearby here?"
Hitomi nodded as opened up her umbrella. "Take a shower in my place if you want. I have ten bathrooms there."
They all stared at her as if she had lost her mind.
"What," Hitomi shrugged while smiling evilly. "It's nice to play with the stock markets..."
They all shuddered while turning away from the Mastermind.
Such a scary woman indeed.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
On the other hand, Seishun Gakuen had their match with Fudomine as they battled it out. Fuuka rolled up her sleeves after she tossed her jacket aside with her bright blue eyes glistening in anticipation. The captain of Fudomine reeled back slightly as Fuuka slowly made her way to the baseline. The spectators gaped in horror as they froze in their places, watching Seishun Gakuen's Souma Fuuka and Fudomine Chuu's captain, Hanabusa Jun take their places.
"I thought you were going to fight Rikkai," Fuuka smirked as she shook the other girl's hand. "It's a shame I have to destroy you here."
Jun narrowed her eyes at the red haired captain. "Don't be so overconfident. Karma can hit you back you know."
"Last time I checked," Fuuka scoffed as she turned around with a glare. "I'm not Buddhist."
Ryuuzaki-sensei sighed as she folded her arms to watch the girls fight it out. The boys' team came over to root them on, leaving Tezuka the only one missing. Echizen sat by the rails with a can of grape flavoured Ponta in his hand while looking at the scoreboard. He shook his head as Fuji too passed a glance at the board. Fudomine never had a chance to begin with. Not as long as they started strong and Shibuya already tormented her opponent as the members glanced at the evidence: a dent appeared in the fence in the shape of one of the members.
"Nyah~, Shibuya-chan's scary," Kikumaru gulped while looking at the small girl swing her legs happily on the bench despite the thunder and lightning.
"Mouri Enma's freakier," one of the other members of the tennis club shuddered as Enma continued sewing a TeruTeru Bozu with the face of Jack Skellington. "She's like in the match completely... emotionless like one of those freaky Goth dolls."
"This whole match was a slaughter," Fuji checked the board as he saw all 6-0. "Even Ryuuzaki and Jerrard did an amazing job in destroying their best pair."
Inui wrote on his notebook while taking a glance at Seishun Gakuen's data master, Amagi Karin. "Amagi Karin, birthday: November 15, favourite object: cellphone and often found eating a cucumber stick. She is 5'9 ft and her play style is similar to..."
"...Yamaguchi Hitomi is what you were about to say," Karin chuckled before turning to Inui with her long dirty blonde hair billowing in the wind. "Am I right, Sadaharu?"
Inui flushed slightly because unlike most data girls, Karin had the looks of a model. "You two share a history in elementary school."
"We did," Karin smiled darkly. "Why do you think I transferred out of Hyotei Gakuen?"
Despite the rain, Fuuka soon started her attack as Jun managed to keep up. However, the female Seishun Gakuencaptain burst the shot hard enough to send her opponent's racquet flying straight out and snapped the strings. The Fudomine captain stared in shock as she remembered the only one rumoured strong enough to do that was the Amazon from Hyotei. Fuuka didn't even have Ayane's build. In fact, the red haired captain's build looked similar more to Amakusa Natsuki and she knew that even the Shitenhouji captain could not do that.
"You're a monster," Jun rubbed the sore spot on her wrist.
"I'm a monster because Kurenai's more of one than me," Fuuka glared holes into the Fudomine captain. "To combat a monster, you need to become one. You don't know the true meaning of demon."
Jun snickered at Fuuka before standing up. "Perhaps, she went demon because of you?"
Fuuka gripped her racquet tightly as she glared a look that could rival Sanada Genichirou's. "I will crush her. I have grown stronger over the year and I will not let her stand on top!"
Ryuuzaki-sensei shook her head while looking at the other members of the girls' team. Souma is the only one with enough drive to destroy Hyotei. All because of one loss she's gone obsessive.
Fuji glanced at the match as he pulled out his cellphone while texting a familiar number.
To: Tezuka Kunimitsu
From: Fuji Syuusuke
Saa~, you have quite the effect on them, Tezuka.
Have you already made your choice?
With a small smile on his face, Fuji clicked the 'send' button as he continued watching the match. Soon, Fuuka smashed the ball straight towards Jun who dodged the ball just in time.
"Is this all there is to the famous 'Jezebel of Kyushu'," Fuuka sneered as she fired the next serve. "You were much more of a monster... compared to Kurenai back then."
Jun bit her lip while her members stood up in horror.
"Don't do it captain," one of them yelled. "It's not worth it!"
"Shut her up with your other moves," another one called out, causing Jun to grip her racquet tightly.
Jun stared back at Fuuka with a glare, having a black aura cover up her body and revealing a behemoth. "The boys' may be known more... but that's because they've never seen the fury of a woman..."
Fuuka clucked her tongue. "So, resorting to the Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami – and to think you're not one of the angels of Kanto."
"I was labelled as the 'Bel of Touhoku'," Jun pulled off her eye patch from her left eye, revealing a discoloration of molten gold and green. "I will waste you – the same way I did with the others!"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Game and match, Hikifumi-Shimohi pair: seven games to six!"
Haruka dragged Rin off the court as the black haired acrobat grinned with a thumb up. The whole Hyotei team gathered up their things as they tried to avoid the rain.
"Leaving so soon," a snigger came from the other side, revealing Amane Kira and Torinaka Yui.
Mai raised an eyebrow. "Wow, that's new. I didn't know Amane knew how to play doubles."
"As a data master who contends with yours," Kira tossed back her light brown hair. "I have to make sure that I can do both singles and doubles."
Soon, an announcement from the speakers blared.
"All matches from here on out will suspended until the rain stops. A storm has been reported coming from the east. Please return to your homes immediately."
Pulling out her cellphone, Hitomi dialled a number before looking around for the nearest exit. "Roland, pick us up already. My teammates will be staying in for the night. Tell Chef Ulysses to make a fine meal for nine people plus maybe a few visitors. Thank you."
"Your chef's Greek," Haruka raised an eyebrow at Hitomi.
The data master shrugged. "He cooks pretty well. He definitely would beat Ayane-chan in that department."
"I know how to cook," Ayane pouted as she folded her arms with a snort.
Kiyone shook her head with an impish grin, earning a glare from Ayane. "She can only chop with a pearing knife."
"AT LEAST I GRADUATED TO A PEARING KNIFE," Ayane then started strangling Kiyone who let out a bucket of crocodile tears.
As soon as the driver came, all the girls piled up into the Hyundai Starex as the rain started pouring. Kiyone shook her body like a dog as Ayane started squeeze drying her hair into the jacket. Shizuru turned off the aircon as they started drying up in the car.
"Thank you for letting us use your bathrooms, Hitomi-senpai," Shizuru smiled kindly at her senpai. "I hope it isn't much trouble."
"My parents are barely home," Hitomi waved her hand dismissively as she popped open a cooler. "Anybody want some whiskey?"
They all stared at her as if she had lost her mind. "Hitomi, we're underage?"
The blonde girl shrugged as she downed an entire bottle. "Oh well, more for me."
Mai dried her hair as they neared Hitomi's mansion. "Honestly, how much of that can you drink?"
"I don't know," Hitomi put down the bottle as she mounted an olive. "I never checked."
Haruka snatched the bottle away from Hitomi. "Did you even check yourself for cirrhosis yet?"
"My eyes aren't yellow yet," Hitomi grabbed the bottle back as she downed another one. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm fine."
"You might be developing a tumour in there," Ayane stared in horror as she watched Hitomi finish the whole bottle by herself. "My dad drinks but not like you!"
Shizuru sighed as they suddenly came to a stop, nearly throwing the entire team forward. "Are we here already?"
All of a sudden, they heard a gunshot which nearly hit one of them but missed since Kiyone sat in the middle and was quite vertically challenged. Hitomi managed to dodge it as she grabbed everyone down while hearing voices outside.
"Hey, hand over the money," one of the voices snapped with a low grunt. "You brought us the girls right?"
Momo hissed under her breath. "Kusotare..."
Hearing that roll out of Momo's mouth proved to everyone how serious she was. Kiyone exchanged glances with everyone, wondering what it meant.
"Something you're better off not knowing," Shizuru kindly told the smaller one as Isane unsheathed a gun.
Haruka stared, wide eyed. "Are you serious, Isane? Are you even allowed?"
"I don't need to kill them," Isane looked out the window, seeing three men outside with crowbars and shotguns but heard more than just three men. "I just need to disarm them."
Momo pulled out a dagger hidden in her racquet. "You know, this is why we samurai always come prepared."
Shizuru pulled out a small pouch as she placed it in her pocket. "Ayane, get ready to open the door."
Gulping, the vice captain held the handle of the door as Momo pulled her racquet out with the hidden dagger. Isane leaned against the wall whereas Shizuru stayed on the other side. The regulars nodded to one another as Haruka, Rin and the others stayed close to one another. Hitomi broke open the Whiskey bottle with an evil grin.
"I hate street fighting really," the Mastermind groaned as she waited near Momo.
Shizuru signalled as she got ready to toss the pouch in the air. "Now...!"
As Ayane slid the door open, needles flung out and surprised the thugs as Shizuru grabbed the flying needles and stuck them in two of the men's necks. Isane fired a few shots and easily disarmed them as the crowbars and shotguns rattled on the ground. Momo on the other hand started cutting through them and took out the tendons of the hijackers, causing them to fall back.
"Stupid bitches," one grabbed Kiyone through the window as he hollered. "Get one of them!"
"Kiyone," Ayane jumped out of the car and gave him a good pile driver as she eased her shoulders. "Geez, Ozuma-nii-san was right; that attack does hurt."
One of them charged with a crowbar until Momo blocked it with her dagger. "For goodness' sake, don't just stand there – run!"
Shizuru kicked one down with a bicycle kick but nearly got clobbered by the butt end of shotgun if not for Hitomi's timely save with a broken whiskey bottle. "Honestly, what is it with these people?"
"They're here for sex slaves," Momo spat with a low venomous whisper. "It looks like we're on their list."
Shizuru went for a sweep kick as one charged towards her only to have the horn blared in his ear, with Mai smiling with a sardonic grin and sitting near the driver's seat.
"How's the driver," Shizuru motioned to Mai who started slapping him and shaking her hands.
K.O. like a light, Mai mouthed to Shizuru as she honked the horn again to deafen another attacker as the captain punched him.
Momo dodged another blow as she slashed another tendon; unknowingly getting blood splashed on her face but easily washed off due to the rain. Seeing the pole, Shizuru pointed up at the wires as Isane got her signal.
"Everyone, get in the car," Shizuru called out as Isane fired a shot towards the live wire and sent electricity to shock them into oblivion.
Kiyone watched them vibrate from the electrical jolts as she grinned. "Ooooh, x-ray!"
Ayane let out a sigh in relief. "I can't believe we're still alive..."
"I can't believe your driver's useless," Momo monotonously stated to Hitomi. "Honestly, where did these guys come from?"
Haruka put down her phone. "I called up the police already. They're on their way."
"Perfect," Momo smirked as she leaned back. "Those guys won't be able to go anywhere anymore."
Shizuru shook her head at Momo. "You didn't have to render them contained in a wheel chair forever."
"You're the one with the needles," Momo pointed out to the junior. "I wonder where did you even learn how to do that?"
Ayane folded her arms while shaking her head. "I don't understand why you guys insisted on beating them up when we can call the police straight."
"Better than sitting here and getting raped," Momo folded her arms with an icy glare, easily silencing the vice captain. "Besides, it will take them at least thirty minutes to get to where we are."
Hearing the sirens from a distance, Rin jumped up and down. "They're coming already!"
"Thank God," Haruka slumped down in the chair. "It's about time."
Isane glanced out the window as she turned to Hitomi. "Think we can run at this rate?"
"Why," Hitomi glanced out the window, seeing jet black cars with blue and green sirens. "Oh God, those aren't policemen!"
Shizuru bit her lower lip as she grabbed her stuff. "Everyone, get out!"
Hitomi helped her driver out as they started running for their lives. Rin ducked as a bullet came flying while they continued running.
"I know my brother's cars," Isane justified as they turned the corner. "It's red and blue not green and blue."
"Who are these people," Ayane dragged Kiyone along. "Why do they keep chasing us?"
Shizuru, seeing her house, pulled them along as she told them. "Follow me!"
They finally reached Shizuru's house as they locked the door behind them.
"Wow, this is a first," Haruka looked around. "Your house looks like a mansion from the outside but I can't see anything."
Shizuru clicked open the light. "This is one of the reasons why I won't let you in here. It's only now that I did..."
As the lights flashed on, the walls had metal plates as the white lights shined down on them. There were barely any windows and mostly air ducts as the team continued to walk through the hallway. Kiyone jumped onto Ayane looking around with a pout. Momo carefully took steps forward as she analysed the hallway. Hitomi quickly pulled out her notebook as she started scribbling around. Mai glanced at Shizuru who didn't even flinch.
"I know you have questions," Shizuru continued walking without giving them any eye contact. "But wait until you get inside."
As they neared the other door, the door slid open revealing ten thrones all cloaked in white and Shizuru's eighteen step siblings stood there as well.
"What the hell," Ayane gaped in awe. "What are you doing here?"
"This is where I live," Shizuru smiled weakly. "This is where I was raised for God knows how long."
Onryou snorted as he watched Shizuru walk in, folding his arms. "You're late, again!"
"Gomene," Shizuru politely bowed. "I had quite the hold up."
Another one of her step brothers growled angrily. "Who are the weirdos? Didn't we tell you not to invite any weirdos?"
Shizuru shrugged before taking a seat. "Sorry, we had no other choice but to hide here. ZODIAC is on the move again."
"Sex slave traders," one of the other older brothers scoffed as he revealed himself from the shadows.
Mai gaped at Shizuru. "You knew who those guys were?"
"Blue and green sirens," Shizuru showed Mai pictures. "We're the government's dogs. We have to make sure we know this."
Isane gaped in awe at the place. "Wait, if you're the government's dogs – that means you guys are..."
Shizuru nodded with an empty smile. "Where you stand right now, is the property of the L.X.A."
Haruka bit her lip as she glanced back at Shizuru. "The league of extraordinary alchemists... so, you guys..."
"We do a lot of things like this," Shizuru stood amongst her siblings. "The story of me having Sagara Kyouichi as my father was only a cover-up. In reality, he is only my handler. My step mothers – well, they're just..."
"Just a bunch of bitches we hired to make it look that Kurenai here had a family so it won't be so damn awkward," Onryou puffed out a small cloud of smoke. "Here, we all have our jobs and ranks. The higher your rank, the more crap you're dumped with."
Hitomi looked through the list as she started recognizing faces immediately. "Aikawa Onryou," –she pointed to a tall male with unruly blonde hair, light green eyes and a cigarette in his mouth. "Luivouiskov Kenneth," –Mai looked up at the 6'5 ft pale blonde haired male who stared down with his sharp blue eyes. "Chen XingLong..."
Many of the members were male such as Aikawa Onryou who puffed out another cigarette along with his twin brother, Aikawa Kaitou while standing next to Kenneth Luivouiskov, folding his arms with a cold glare. Chen XingLong had his laid back smile while twisting his long black hair in a Chinese warrior braid whose smile could rival Fuji's which sent shivers down everyone's spine. Henry Muñoz, a young hot-blooded Spaniard with a wild mop of auburn hair and enchanting gold eyes stood next to a mysterious looking Greek black haired male Kane Michaelides who folded his arms while analysing them with his sharp onyx eyes. Next to Kane came Roger Alexanderson, a Swedish-Japanese male with styled coffee blonde hair and sharp auburn eyes. A tall Japanese brunette who shared Shizuru's characteristics named Agito strode in with an enigmatic smirk along with a white haired Japanese male who flashed his emerald green eyes at them, Shirokawa Rue.
"Holy Jesus," Mai gaped while Haruka rubbed her eyes.
Rin yelped as she jumped up and down while grabbing Shizuru. "Is this why you're immune to men, Kuwee?"
"Huh, what are you talking about," Shizuru raised an eyebrow as Rin continued to comically shake her silly.
Rin pointed to all of them while pulling her hair. "Don't you see where you are? You're trapped in a male modelling agency!"
Everyone, including the males, stared at Rin with a sweat drop while Shizuru twitched at her senpai's analysis.
"Well, all except the Aikawa guys," Rin grinned sheepishly causing XingLong to snigger at the two dirty blonde males who glared back at him.
Hitomi began counting them as she looked at her notebook. "Wait a minute, they're only nine of you... where are the other...?"
"We sent out a lot for missions," one of the deep voices echoed from above. "Now, will you kindly get out before we throw you out?"
Shizuru bowed down. "They'll stay in my room – they will not say a word, commander."
"Make sure of that and if they do," he glowered with his bright orange amber eyes. "Kill them."
The whole Hyotei team gulped as Shizuru led them to her room. Unlike many girls' rooms, the walls were plain white with a black sofa and white pillows. Her bed looked like the normal steel bed with a set of white pillows and a black bed sheet. In her closet, all that hung there were her Hyotei uniforms and some of her casual clothes and formal wear. Behind it, there were several black latex suits covered by her clothes.
"Did we just enter the realm of Power Rangers," Ayane looked through Shizuru's clothes. "What the hell is it with all these black latex suits?"
Momo pulled out the drawer from below Shizuru's bed, revealing an array of swords to knives much to her surprise. Behind Shizuru's TV, a whole gun collection caught Isane's eye and Haruka found some Chinese weapons stashed in her shoe drawer. Mai checked behind Shizuru's CD collection and found her Arnis sticks, completely varnished and shiny but loaded with dents.
"Well, can't expect more from a government agent's house," Momo closed the drawer. "Can I use your shower?"
Shizuru nodded as she pulled out a book. "You guys go ahead and use my bathroom. By the way, when you see a knob – use only the ones that are labelled 'hot' or 'cold' and 'shower' or 'faucet'. Nothing else to touch."
As Momo opened her bathroom, she gaped as she found black marble lining the floor and white marble walls with a tub half Jacuzzi fit for a Greek ruler. Her shower looked like one of those fancy showers in a president's house and she had brass knobs for the switches. Her whole bathroom had mirrors on her closets inside.
"Damn," Ayane gaped in awe. "Atobe's gonna blow a fuse when he sees this."
Shizuru rolled her eyes. "This is why I don't like inviting people to my house."
"This is all subsidized," Momo raised an eyebrow at Shizuru. "I suppose?"
The brunette nodded while Isane pointed to Shizuru's arms. "But, that doesn't explain the marks."
"Half training, half mission and quarters of Kaitou turning into a wild animal with claws," Shizuru folded her arms as she revealed her scratched up arms. "He doesn't do it intentionally. They're normally like this to outsiders. Actually, this place is a facility for those who are... 'Special'."
"Special in what way," Momo turned to see Shizuru's bright red eyes glimmering differently.
"You'll see," Shizuru turned away as she took off her wet tennis jersey. "You just need to wait."
Isane looked around as she managed to dry her short silver hair. "Shishido-kun really has the wrong idea."
"Well, half wrong half right," Shizuru shrugged at her tall senpai. "I didn't want to bring him here. The first time Choutarou-kun fell in here, they nearly killed him. It was a good thing I was able to beat them all up before anything else happened to Choutarou-kun. Sometimes, knocking sense into them is not the best solution but talking to them almost never works. By the way, I want to know what he thought. Did he tell you?"
"He thinks you live in a brothel," Isane sheepishly scratched her head while Shizuru let out a giggle.
"Don't worry – he'll see all of this soon," Shizuru sighed as she handed Isane a blow dryer. "Here, you might want to dry your clothes faster. The only clothes here that may fit you are Luivouiskov-san's."
Isane nodded as she turned on the blow dryer. "Thanks, anyhow – what are we going to do about those guys?"
"The best way to get them is to lure them out," Shizuru marked something on her white board while writing the time. "Many girls were taken and a lot of them ended up overseas. We sent most of our agents to Africa and America. That's where they usually end up. Very few though ended up in Pakistan..."
Isane gulped while looking at the white board. "Dead or alive?"
"Some were already infected with AIDS and they died soon later," Shizuru listed down their names on the white board. "Apparently, ZODIAC's a big organization and they've been able to do it while easily covering their tracks. We've been trying to get them into trial but it's almost impossible. The only thing we even managed to do is get them to commit suicide."
Haruka looked at the white board while tracing down the dots that were marked on the world map. "This explains why you excel in geography but doesn't fighting also need geometry...?"
"Considering that you need to angle the gun," Isane started adding.
Shizuru twitched at the word 'geometry'. "I hated the subject and I normally don't do guns. I do knives and needles. It's much easier."
A knock came from the door as Shizuru answered it and found Agito outside. "Oh, Agito-nii-sama – what can I do for you?"
"We got an emergency," Agito looked over her shoulder. "I hope your friends don't mind if I borrow you for a minute?"
"Wait, what are you guys going to do," Haruka went all motherly again. "Wait, that's classified isn't it?"
Shizuru and Agito raised their eyebrow at her as Haruka sighed. "I thought so. Be back before seven!"
Smiling sheepishly, Shizuru followed after Agito before calling out in a teasing voice. "Will do, mommy."
"Hey," Haruka planted her hands on her hips before pursing her lips, watching the door close in front of her. "Someone has to look after you too, you know!"
As the door shut and many of the regulars got out of the bathroom, they all sat in a circle while Hitomi put out her notebook. Everyone exchanged glances in silence as Ayane was the first to break it.
"I guess we got our answer," Ayane folded her legs. "The very main reason why she has so many wounds."
"To think it was because Hitomi's van got attacked," Momo added before looking at the board. "Well, that's why we have an adage that goes: 'be careful what you wish for'."
Mai snatched a can of soda from her fridge. "Man, to think she had more stuff than Atobe does. But in reality, all this is here just to hide her weapons."
"Hitomi, do you have any data about the L.X.A," Haruka glanced to Hitomi who started opening her notes.
"The L.X.A or the League of Extraordinary Alchemists are a group of scientists and combat specialists designed by the Japanese government to help take down those who are involved in the black market," Hitomi flipped to the next page. "They are often recruited by the big companies such as the Atobe Company and many others depending on what job is required."
"Wait, Atobe knew," Ayane gaped at Hitomi. "Does that mean...?"
Hitomi shook her head. "Atobe does not necessarily know but he has a few notes. After all, if there's anyone who's suspicious about Shizuru – it's him."
Momo gestured to Hitomi. "Continue on with the data."
"These combat specialists are handpicked and most of them are orphans from the legendary calamities such as "The Seven Days of Fire" and many more," Hitomi continued looking through her notes. "These orphans then are trained to a span of ten years and whoever survives will be the ones that they will take. After ten years, they are then experimented on to give them abilities beyond mortal man that would help them accomplish the tasks laid out."
"However, there's a catch," a deep voice came from the door, revealing the black haired Greek Kane Michaelides.
They all jumped up as he lightly strode in and sat on Shizuru's bed. "Our youngest here – Shizuru, doesn't fit any of the qualifications."
Now, the Hyotei regulars slumped their shoulders; back to square one. They stared at the notebook for a long time before looking at the white board and started thinking: where did that put her? Was she paid to do so? Nothing seemed to make any sense to them as they tried to assess their captain.
Momo shook herself out of the daze as she started recounting the qualifications. "Does that mean she was kidnapped?"
Kane smirked as he folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "Let's say – she was made into an orphan by her own family."
They all exchanged glances with one another as Kane raised an eyebrow. "Well, do you have any idea who she is?"
Haruka shook her head before thinking. "Wait a minute, is that Agito guy... really her...?"
"He's really her blood brother," Kane nodded as he stood up. "He didn't want her to know but around here – he changed his name to Chaos. He doesn't want to let her remember because her true name is what's going to make her live a nightmare for all eternity..."
Everyone's faces paled as Kane revealed her true identity.
"Her real name is Kazama-Shuzen Shizuru, the youngest heiress to the Mishima Zaibatsu."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Yes, I know I mixed a lot of stuff into this. I was starting to get bored with the same old tennis matches so I decided to put a mix of Tekken and some other animes like Busou Renkin. She's not the only one involved in this – there are going to be a lot more participants. Many of them just don't remember what happened to them years ago. I want you guys to take your guesses! :D By the way, please review!