Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Prince of Tennis!
...
...
"Ouch, sorry!"
Hari blinked as she realised that someone had collided with her and saw that her own arms had reached out to catch the younger girl before she fell to the ground. The girl had black hair that was tied back in a pony-tale and a white and red cap on her head. Large brown eyes were staring up at her almost confusedly.
Hari smiled and let go of her as she stepped back.
"No worries," Hari said calmly. "It's a nice change. Normally I'm the one running into people."
The girl's face broke out into a smile as she realised that Hari wasn't angry at her.
"Are you okay?" the girl asked.
"I'm fine," Hari said, "what about you?"
"I'm good!" the girl said. "Oh, I'm Chitose Miyuki! Nice to meet you!"
"Nice to meet you, Miyuki-chan," Hari said. "I'm Echizen Hari."
Miyuki blinked and then seemed to zero in on the t-shirt Hari was wearing.
"Oh! Are you the girl that plays for Seigaku?!" Miyuki demanded.
"Oh, um, yes," Hari said. "I am."
"That's so cool!" Miyuki exclaimed. "You're really cool!"
Hari shifted a little uncomfortable as the younger girl stared at her with stars in her eyes.
"Um….thanks," Hari managed to say. "So, you are interested in Tennis?"
Miyuki nodded, "I want to play tennis for Shitenhouji when I enter High School!"
"I see," Hari said. "Are you here to watch now then, perhaps?"
"Yes, but I'm lost now," Miyuki said carelessly.
"I see," Hari said. "You don't seem particularly worried, though, Miyuki-chan."
The younger girl shrugged, "nah, my brother will find me."
"Brothers are good like that," Hari agreed, and Miyuki grinned at her.
Hari turned her attention back to the arena and wondered why she didn't just go inside. She should just go inside and find the others, but she just felt…she wasn't sure what she felt. The good feeling she'd had after breakfast with Seiichi had left her and now she felt anxious. Anxious about the upcoming games.
Would they expect her to play?
Or will they tell her that she can't play?
What did she even want them to say?
She sighed.
"You okay, Echizen-san?" Miyuki asked reminding Hari that the younger girl was still there.
"Ah, yes," Hari said trying to smile. "Just…got lost in thought for a moment."
"You don't want to play?" Miyuki asked suddenly more serious.
"I…I don't know," Hari admitted. "Probably best that I don't."
"Oh, I wanted to watch you play because dorobo (thief)-nii-chan told me about you," Miyuki said.
"Dorobo-nii-chan?" Hari blinked confused.
"Tezuka," another voice interrupted and Hari looked to the side and saw Chitose Senri coming toward them. "She calls Tezuka that."
Hari felt her lips twitch amused, "I see. Miyuki-chan is your sister, I assume?"
"That's right," Chitose said. "Thank you for keeping her company, Echizen."
"Ah, call me Hari," Hari said and smiled down at Miyuki.
"Okay, Hari-chan!" Miyuki said and Hari smiled a little as she reached out and patted her lightly on the head making Miyuki grin up at her.
"I should go and find my team," Hari said and Chitose nodded. "Good luck today, Chitose-san."
...
"You're late, Hari-chan," Nanjiro frowned at her and she could practically see the pout and knew he thought she was late because of Seiichi. She felt her lips twitch knowing that he didn't really mind as much as he pretended to anymore.
"Sorry, Otou-chan;" Hari said. "I was distracted."
Not a lie, Hari thought as she glanced toward where she knew Miyuki and her brothers were standing ready to watch the games. She wasn't sure why Chitose didn't look ready for the match, seeing that he had been wearing normal clothes and not his team jersey, but she didn't give it much thought.
"Hmph," Nanjiro said. "How are you feeling?"
Hari shrugged, "tired, I guess. But I feel in control."
"Good," Nanjiro said. "Be sure to let me know if it changes, okay?"
Hari withheld a sigh as she nodded in agreement. She knew he cared (it still warmed her when he showed her openly that he did), but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel that she put an unnecessary burden on him with this.
"I should tell you that the old hag decided to let you rest today," Nanjiro continued, and Hari stilled before she looked down. She felt his hand on her chin and felt him force her head up so she could meet his eyes. "It's not because anyone blames you, Hari-chan. No one does, okay? We just believe that it will be best if you can rest and be ready for the finals."
Hari nodded but she wasn't sure she believed him. For all they knew, they wouldn't even get to the final, and they didn't trust that she could help get them there. A sinking feeling settled in her as she tried to push it back.
What was the point in pushing herself in the morning when she wouldn't even play?
Guilt filled her immediately, though. She shouldn't complain about not playing. She had played a lot of the matches so far and the others deserved to play as well.
She walked over to where the rest of the team was gathered around Ryuzaki who was just about to go over the team.
"Singles 3, Fuji," Ryuzaki said looking at Fuji. "You're the first to win."
Fuji nodded, "okay."
"Doubles 2, Momoshiro and Kaido," Ryuzaki said. "Give it your best."
"YES!" both Momoshiro and Kaido yelled looking fired up.
"Singles 2, Kawamura," Ryuzaki said looking at Kawamura. "Your opponent will most likely be Ishida's brother. You're the only one who can hold up against him."
"Just leave it to me," Kawamura said determinedly.
Hari glanced at him and felt a spark of worry for her friend, but she pushed it back.
"Doubles 1, Tezuka," Ryuzaki continued and there were a few arched brows at that," and his partner will be…Inui."
Hari did her best to ignore the glances sent her way as she took in the surprised look on Inui's face. He looked genuinely shocked that he would be playing.
"Me?" Inui asked.
"I'm leaving it to you, Inui," Ryuzaki said. "It's a gamble, but I'm putting my faith in you two."
"Finally, singles 1; Echizen," Ryuzaki continued. "It'll probably be a super rookie duel."
"Yes!" Ryoma said.
"All right! Don't let your guards down!" Tezuka said.
...
Hari walked a little away from the others so she could gather her thoughts away from the searching looks from the others. She knew they were looking to see if she was okay, but she felt annoyingly stupid for feeling disappointed and guilty.
She didn't deserve to play. She had allowed her stupid scar to come in the way of her tennis and lost because of it. It was right that the others got the chance.
"Are you okay?" Fuji asked and Hari turned slightly to see that he had followed her.
Hari shrugged and smiled a little not wanting to worry him right before his match.
"Just tired," Hari said and it wasn't a lie. She felt the effect from the time at the shrines and her mind felt a little spent.
Fuji gave her a searching look before he nodded.
"Are you ready for the match?" Hari asked to shift the conversation away from her.
"Saa," Fuji smiled. "It should be interesting."
Hari looked at him for a moment before she smiled.
"I look forward to seeing your tennis," Hari said and he smiled a little.
"Hari-chan!"
Hari turned and saw Kintaro skidding to a stop in front of her with a wide excited grin.
"Kintaro-kun," Hari said and he grinned at her.
"Are you playing today, Hari-chan?" Kintaro asked.
"Are you trying to get information on our team, Kintaro-kun?" Hari asked arching a brow and he looked at her confused. She smiled a little, "but no, I'm not playing."
"Aww… I wanted to see you play," he pouted.
"Not play her yourself?" Fuji asked.
"Hm, I would like that too, but I want to play Koshimae!" Kintaro said.
"Ah, I see," Hari smiled a little. "That would be a fun match."
"Mm!" Kintaro nodded so hard he almost bounced.
"Kin-chan," Shiraishi interrupted and Hari had to bite back a laugh at the look on Kintaro's face. He looked almost like he'd been caught with his hand down the cookie jar. "I told you not to go wandering off."
"A-ah, Captain," Kintaro said. "But it's Hari-chan!"
Shiraishi arched a brow and glanced over at Hari who fought to keep a blank expression on her face. She could tell that he was curious about just why Kintaro seemed so excited to see her. It wasn't like she could say anything.
"So it is," Shiraishi said. "How are you today, Hari-chan?"
"I'm fine, Shiraishi-san," Hari said politely. "How are you? Ready for playing Shu-chan?"
Shiraishi smirked, "always."
Fuji laughed, "same."
Hari glanced over at him and smiled a little, she was looking forward to seeing Fuji's game. Ever since he had played Tezuka there had been something different about him. Nothing too major or that stood out, but something inside of him. It was hard to explain, but Hari noticed it at times. But it felt unfinished. Like he needed another trigger, and she was curious to see if that would come today.
...
Hari followed Fuji back to the others and smiled a little when Ryoma looked at her. She didn't want him to worry about her. She watched Fuji making his want onto the court looking calm.
"Fuji-senpai! Let's start with winning singles 3!" Momoshiro cheered.
Hari looked at Shiraishi and couldn't help but wonder about what kind of player he was. She knew that Seiichi believed him to be strong, and she trusted Seiichi to know that.
...
Start of match
...
Hari watched as Fuji started with the serve and she could tell he was serious right from the start this time. She smiled a little.
Oh.
She felt her eyes widen a bit when Shiraishi managed to return a ball that no one normally did and took Fuji by surprise as the ball fell right behind the net and just stopped.
...
15– 0: Shiraishi
...
"Oooohh," Shiraishi said as he straightened. "Ecstasy."
"He completely saw through Fuji," Kawamura said stunned.
"It's perfect," Tezuka commented stoically. "His play has no shortcomings or superfluous movement."
"He closed the corners and moved towards the net," Inui added. "It's a superb drop shot that misleads the opponent into thinking it'll take over his baseline by passing."
"To use textbook play against Fuji means…" Kikumaru started to say.
"He's extremely skilled," Oishi finished.
Hari was watching Fuji while the others talked and she wondered what Fuji was thinking as he was focused on Shiraishi. Had she ever seen Fuji like this before? She wondered.
...
Game, Shitenhouji: 0 – 3
...
Hari had been watching Fuji struggle more than she had expected him to in silence for the most part. Not engaging with the others as they worried and discussed the move Shiraishi had used. She would admit that she was impressed by the skills Shiraishi had shown, it was clear that he had talent. Lots of it, but she also knew that Fuji had more in him.
"He won't give up this easily," Hari murmured quietly.
Ryoma glanced at her, "true."
...
Game, Shitenhouji: 0 – 4
...
Had she ever seen Fuji struggle like this before? He always seemed to be calm when he was on the court, but now he looked frazzled. She could tell that the others were equally stunned by the almost desperate Fuji they were witnessing now.
She wanted to help him, but how?
She felt helpless. Again.
"Fuji," Shiraishi's voice carried over to where they were standing. "That's quite a cool way of playing tennis. But it has too many unnecessary movements."
Hari didn't say anything as the others discussed what Shiraishi had said. In a way one could say that Shiraishi played tennis by the book, it was a clear example of how to play and react to your opponents.
But she knew that Shiraishi was talented, and he must have trained a lot. Just because he knew what Fuji was doing and how he should respond to it, didn't mean that it was easily done. She wondered how many hours he had spent on the tennis court training for this.
"They call it his Bible of tennis," Inui was saying.
It fit, Hari thought.
...
Game, Shitenhouji: 0 – 5
...
30 – 0 : Shiraishi
...
"What…" Kikumaru trailed off as he watched Fuji stunned.
"Perfect tennis, huh," Hari muttered looking over at Shiraishi as he was preparing to take the next serve. He just needed two more games and he would win.
"What do you mean?" Horio asked looking at her.
"Shiraishi-san is playing perfect tennis," Hari said. "He's not making any mistakes and he keeps to what is called textbook tennis. Watch how everything he does is precise and to the point, but you can tell that he doesn't find it fun."
"Fun? He's winning," Kachiro said confused and Hari shrugged.
"He will do everything he can for his team to win," Hari said. "Even if it means playing like this."
Her brows furrowed as she watched Shiraishi serve once more and even as Fuji returned the ball Shiraishi raised his racket, so it pointed straight up while he stared at Fuji and suddenly the ball was back and past Fuji who fell to the ground.
...
40 – 0 : Shiraishi
...
"It looks like my predictions were wrong," Shiraishi said before turning his back to Fuji.
"Prediction?" Sakuno repeated confused.
"Hm, I wonder," Hari mumbled as she watched Fuji. He still hadn't gotten back up and looked a little defeated. She thought she knew what Shiraishi was talking about. It was well known that Fuji was considered a genius in tennis, and many compared him to Tezuka in talent. Even outside of the Kanto region Fuji would be known, so Hari was sure that Shiraishi had expected something else.
It annoyed her a little too, that they would compare Fuji to Tezuka like this and then just dismiss him. But…She frowned.
She thought back to the match between Fuji and Tezuka and how Fuji had gotten serious then and seemed to change a little. Though something was still holding him back and he was hesitating.
...
Fuji breathed hard as he stared up at the sun. He hadn't expected to struggle that much even if he had been aware that Shiraishi was strong.
A play faithful to its basis till the very end. The perfect tennis in order to win. Then, what is my tennis?
Fuji wondered as he flashed to the match against Tezuka and then Hari who had accepted the new side of his tennis without any fuss and just an I like it. Was he afraid to change even more? Just what was his tennis? Was this the best he could do? Was this all he was?
"Try, Shu-chan." He blinked when Hari suddenly was standing there looking down at him with a small smile on her face. "Find your tennis and show us, ne? It's what you've been working for, isn't it?"
"O-oi, you!" The referee called. "Get back to your seat!"
Hari stared at him for a moment longer and he saw the faith she had in him and he was again reminded of the match against Tezuka and what Hari had said after it. Was he ready to change for good now? What was his tennis?
"Sure!" Hari finally called as she turned to walk back to where the others were standing. She paused after a few steps and looked back at Fuji. "No matter what happens you will be okay, Shu-chan."
He smiled a little as he pushed himself back up and turned his attention back to Shiraishi who was watching him with a curious look in his eyes.
"That's right," Fuji said. "Losing like this would be kind of vexing."
...
Hari climbed back over the fence with the help of Momoshiro and Ryoma.
"What are you doing in the middle of a match?" Momoshiro asked sounding both exaggerated and incredulous.
Hari wasn't sure what had made her jump over the fence and walk over to Fuji. Normally she would have thought that it was disrespectful and wrong but seeing how Fuji struggled and almost fell apart was too much and she had just acted.
She remembered how he almost seemed to fear change when it came to his tennis. He sought challenges when he played, but he never truly tried to push himself before. At least not until his match against Tezuka, and while he had tried then it was just the start. She knew that, so she knew Fuji could do more with this match if he managed to let go and accept that he could change. That he could find his tennis.
"Just one more! Just one more! Just one more!" Shitenhouji's side chanted over and over.
...
"What's with her?" Oshitari Kenya asked looking over at Hari. "She told him to find his tennis? Isn't that a little late?"
"Telling the fallen that, eh? She's a demon!" Konjiki said. "A demon, I tell you!"
Kintaro grinned as he looked over at Hari and almost bounced in place. She was so cool!
...
Nanjiro looked at Hari and smiled a little as he watched how she studied Fuji. He had been surprised when she suddenly stepped onto the court. Surprised and curious, because she had been a little withdrawn until now. Though, it wasn't like she didn't interact with the others at all because she did. It was just a feeling he had as he observed her. She seemed conflicted. So, that she had suddenly stepped up and interfered with a match like this was surprising. Yet, it seemed to have worked and gotten Fuji to give it one more go.
It wasn't that he hadn't been trying earlier because he had. He had given it his best, but there was something holding him back. Nanjiro knew that Fuji had talent, more so than most everyone on the team. But there was something holding him back from taking further steps in his game, but now… had he finally let go?
"Interesting," Nanjiro murmured.
...
"Tennis isn't so simple that you can change the flow with a little zeal!" Shiraishi called.
"You won't know unless you try!" Fuji yelled back as he returned the ball.
Shiraishi returned the ball.
"Aaaahhh!" Fuji yelled as he rushed for the ball and managed to reach it and hit it back over the net.
"I told you it was the end!" Shiraishi called as he returned the ball again.
"I won't let you!" Fuji declared and hit the ball back.
Shiraishi jumped up to smash the ball, "well done, Fuji!"
"I told you; I won't let you!" Fuji yelled as he pushed everything he had in reaching the ball and somehow managed to hit it back and past Shiraishi for the first time this match.
...
40 – 15: Fuji
...
Hari grinned feeling excited as Fuji got his first points, she heard the impressed gasps from the others as they watched as well.
"That's it," she murmured. "Now, let's go."
Ryoma glanced over at her and smiled a little.
...
Game, Fuji: 1 – 5
...
"Finally, he took a game back!" Momoshiro cheered.
"Good," Hari said with a small smile. She knew it was a long way yet, and Fuji was still behind by a lot, but at least he had shown something of what he could do. She could also tell that Shiraishi had accepted the fight Fuji showed in that match, but he didn't seem overly concerned. It was understandable, she supposed. He did after all have a solid lead still.
"He will still need something to get past Shiraishi," Yoshida worried and Hari glanced over at her. "Shiraishi has sealed his triple counters."
Hari nodded slowly as she looked back at Fuji.
"True," Hari said. "But it could be done if…"
She trailed off and wondered if Fuji was really going to try to do it. She knew he had been working on something, but he had been very vague about it.
"If?" Yoshida asked but Hari just shrugged.
...
15 – 0: Fuji
...
Hari grinned as Fuji got the ball past a stunned-looking Shiraishi.
"He did it," she whispered.
"Triple counter, Hōō Gaeshi (Phoenix return)," Fuji called out.
"Did you hear that, Hari-chan?!" Kikumaru exclaimed. "He said phoenix! Phoenix, like your move!"
Hari smiled a little but didn't say anything. She wondered if the name was a coincidence or if he had something else meant by it.
...
"Oi! Watch out!" Oishi called out when Shiraishi jumped up to smash the ball past Fuji who rotated his body like he would if he was performing his Higuma Otoshi (bear drop). Hari blinked as she noticed that he was holding his racket with both hands instead of the regular one hand. Had he really…?
"Triple counter, Kirin Otoshi (Kirin drop)," Fuji called out as the ball went over Shiraishi faster than his regular Higuma Otoshi and took Shiraishi and the rest of his team by surprise.
...
Hari felt excited as she watched Fuji play now and the faint buzzing she felt in her mind was almost forgotten as she pushed it back. She leaned forward slightly as she recognised the next stance from Fuji.
"Hakugei (White Whale)?" Hari murmured but frowned as she watched how the ball went much higher than it should and realised that it wasn't the Hakugei, but another upgrade. Just how many of his moves had he upgraded?
The ball didn't bounce back to Fuji like normal either, but instead went sideways and Ryoma caught it with a slightly surprised look on his face.
"Tripel counter, Hakuryu (White Dragon)," Fuji said.
...
Shiraishi frowned a little as he bounced the ball for his serve as he tried to gather his thoughts. Fuji had evolved his triple counters, but it was more than that. He looked up and stared at Fuji with a searching look. He was up to something, but Shiraishi didn't know what.
Shiraishi was suddenly reminded of the conversation he'd had with Chitose a couple of weeks back.
"Fuji?" Shiraishi asked.
"Ah, Tokyo's representatives. Seigaku's number two, right? As long as we hold back Tezuka-kun, it shouldn't be a problem."
"Tezuka is indeed a top player," Chitose said. "But if you ask me who is to be feared more, I'd say Fuji Shusuke."
Shiraishi had thought Chitose had exaggerated when he said that, but now… he agreed. Fuji was hard to predict because he didn't know what he would do next.
He needed to end this quickly.
...
Hari watched how they rallied the ball back and forth and smile a little. This match was a good one.
Shiraishi hit the ball over the net and she felt her eyes widen slightly when Fuji suddenly stood still. What was he doing?
"Fuji!" Kawamura called.
She saw Fuji's mouth move but couldn't hear what he said. Suddenly he turned so he faced the net and called out;
"Here I go! Final counter!"
Final…? Hari blinked before she felt her mouth pop open in surprise when she watched how the ball hit his racket and he allowed it to roll across it before he flipped it…
"He used the back of his racket," Ryoma said sounding both awed and surprised.
Hari watched how the ball flew over the net and how Shiraishi easily read where it would go and hit the ball, but anticipation filled her as Fuji smirked.
"Your ball won't pass the net," Fuji declared before he turned his back to the net.
"This is the final counter, Hecatoncheires no Monban (Gate Keeper of Hecatoncheires)," Fuji said.
"Did you see that, Viper?" Momoshiro breathlessly asked.
"Y-yes," Kaido said.
"Not bad, Fuji-senpai," Ryoma said and Hari smiled a little, that was high praise from Ryoma.
...
Game, Fuji: 5 – 3
...
Hari watched how Shiraishi struggled with the new counter from Fuji as the ball didn't go over the net as Fuji had said.
The excitement around her grew as Fuji got closer and closer to catching up with Shiraishi. Hari would admit that she was impressed and felt the need to play herself. It was the first time since the day before she felt like playing, and it was a sad reminder that she wasn't going to play today.
She frowned as guilt welled up in her once more and it felt like she was being pushed down so suddenly that she took a step back.
Her scar stirred and she closed her eyes briefly as she took a deep breath she fought the need to give in to the guilt she felt and tried to focus on just breathing in and out.
"Hari?" Ryoma's voice was quiet and then his hand took hers and she felt calmer and her breathing came easier. "That's it. Focus."
Hari inhaled shakenly and nodded as she opened her eyes.
"Sorry," she whispered and was relieved to see that no one had noticed besides Ryoma (and Nanjiro who glanced over at her with concern).
"It's fine," Ryoma said. "You okay?"
"Better," Hari said. "My control just slipped for a moment, but it's back now."
Ryoma looked worried but he nodded without saying anything else.
...
Game, Fuji: 5 – 5
...
"He did it!" Kikumaru cheered.
"He finally caught up!" Oishi cheered as well looking excited.
...
Game, Fuji: 6 – 5
...
Hari arched a brow as she looked over at Shiraishi who just stared at Fuji despite Fuji just passing him for the first time in the match. He didn't look nervous or out of balance as he focused on Fuji.
"Shiraishi is good," Hari said.
"Eh?" Momoshiro said. "Why do you say that?"
"He doesn't look nervous even when Fuji is in the lead," Hari explained, "and did you not notice how that last ball hit the net on the top? He's been working on getting the ball higher and higher despite Fuji's last counter."
"Is it because Shiraishi can hit Fuji's other counters?" Oishi wondered concerned as he stared at the game.
"Probably," Hari agreed. "But…this is a great match."
She smiled a little.
...
Game and match, Shitenhouji's Shiraishi: 7 – 6
...
Hari smiled even as Fuji lost because it had been a fun match and Fuji had proven to everyone that he was someone to look out for. He had just barely lost when his last shot, one out of desperation and will, and been just out giving Shiraishi the deciding point in their tiebreak.
She watched Fuji who was breathing heavily as he was kneeling on the court trying to catch his breath while Shiraishi walked over to the net and reached out a hand with a look of respect in his eyes as he watched Fuji. Shiraishi looked rather worn out as well, the bandages he wore on his left arm were almost undone, proving just how hard he'd had to work as well.
"You're good," Shiraishi said.
Fuji looked up and got to his feet before he took the offered hand.
"You too," Fuji said.
She watched as Fuji walked to sit down and she moved over and threw a towel over his head making him look up a little startled, but he didn't say anything as he looked back down. Hari just sat there without saying anything.
"For Fuji-senpai to lose in a singles match," Kachiro said and Hari frowned as his voice travelled over to where she was sitting with Fuji.
"It's the first time I've seen Fuji this frustrated," Kawamura said.
Hari glanced at Fuji and saw how he gritted his teeth together. He was frustrated as Kawamura said, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. She knew Fuji had changed now, he had taken a big step in finding his tennis.
...
Momoshiro and Kaido won their doubles match next despite having had trouble against Shitenhouji's comedic duo, or whatever they were called. In all honestly, Hari wasn't sure what to think about that pair. While they were good and used comedy to rile their opponents up (Momoshiro and Kaido fell for it), it was…just too much.
But Momoshiro had for some reason a couple of masks in his bag and when they put them on and hid their faces from the Shitenhouji pair they managed to turn the match around and won.
She would admit that she liked the easy air that was between the two doubles pairs as they thanked each other for the match. It was nice to see that they could laugh and talk without any bitterness.
"So…that was strange," Hari said leaning back in her seat.
Fuji snorted beside her and she smiled a little as she noticed that he was more like himself again.
...
Though…Kawamura's match was rough.
Hari couldn't help but feel like a jerk as she watched Kawamura continue to push himself over and over again despite the hits he got. How hard did Ishida Gin hit those balls to make Kawamura be thrown back like that?
But she saw Kawamura's will in his every move and how he worked to give his best for the team. For them. It felt wrong to tell him to quit like they didn't believe in him if they did that. She could tell that the others also found it hard to watch.
In the end…Kawamura won because his last Hadoukyuu was too powerful and Ishida injured his arm. It looked like he wanted to continue, but his coach stopped him from doing so.
"You're amazing, senpai," Hari told Kawamura quietly. "You proved that you are more than dead weight in this team."
She'd heard the comments from Shitenhouji's side and knew it had hit Kawamura hard. He gave a small smile which she returned. She knew he needed to get to the hospital to get treated, she knew better than anyone just how dangerous a ball to the chest could be.
"Thank you, Hari-chan;" Kawamura said.
...
Game, and match, Seigaku's Tezuka/Inui: 6 – 1
...
Hari looked up at the stands where she knew Miyuki was standing watching the court. Her eyes were wide, but she was smiling despite her brother just having lost his match. Hari had been surprised when she realised that Chitose had quit and wasn't supposed to play at all, which explained why he hadn't been dressed for it. Their coach had shouted at him that he could quit after playing Tezuka, but he wouldn't accept it until then.
Hari had to admit that she liked what she saw of the Shitenhouji coach so far, he seemed to be fun and easy-going along with sharp and cunning. He didn't seem to interfere much with how they played but instead trusted them. Much like how Ryuzaki did with them.
Anyway, doubles 1 had turned into becoming a singles match really. Inui and Zaizen had stepped aside and it had become an intense match between Tezuka and Chitose. In the end, Tezuka won 6-1, but Hari was still impressed with Chitose and how he played. He was good and she wanted to play him too.
...
"We're finally in the finals!"
Hari couldn't help but laugh with the others as they realised that with Tezuka's win they didn't need to play the last match and were already in the finals. To think they had gotten there…
"Good work," Shiraishi said leading his team over to where they were packing up. Hari who was leaning against the railing looked over at the approaching team with a small smile.
"You too," Fuji said straightening up from where he had been putting his racket in the bag. Even Ryoma looked over curiously, but with a hint of respect in his eyes.
"I must say, you really have a great captain," Shiraishi said.
"Yeah, he's very reliable," Fuji agreed.
Hari faded back as she just watched how they all interacted with each other, Momoshiro and Kaido talking (and arguing with each other) with Hitouji and Koharu. They seemed to be arguing with each other as well. Oishi and Kikumaru were talking with Ishida who seemed to be asking about Kawamura. While Tezuka was talking with Chitose who seemed to be pleading with him for something.
Had any of their games ended like this? With both teams so…at ease with each other? Well, maybe Rokkaku…
"Your team won, Hari-chan."
Hari turned her head and saw Miyuki having come down to stand at the bottom of the stands just by where she was leaning.
"We did," Hari agreed, "but Shitenhouji gave a good fight. It was fun watching them."
Miyuki nodded, "one day I want to be out there too."
Hari smiled, "I'm sure you will be. How old are you, Miyuki-chan?"
"I'm 8!" Miyuki said. "But I'll soon by 9!"
"I see," Hari said. "I started to learn tennis when I was 8."
"You did?" Miyuki asked and Hari nodded. "I am sorry I didn't get to watch you today… Aren't you sad that you couldn't play?"
Hari watched her team for a moment before she turned to look at Miyuki.
"I was," Hari admitted, "everyone wants to play, and that's okay. But this is okay too, to support the others who get to play. To be there and cheer, it's an important part of the team as well, don't you think?"
Miyuki nodded slowly, "I guess."
"You like cheering for your brother, right?"
"Of course!" Miyuki said and Hari smiled.
She had realised as she had watched the games that Ryuzaki and Nanjiro had done the right thing by not having her play, her body or rather her mind needed to rest. It kind of hurt to admit it even to herself, it felt like a loss, but at the same time…wasn't this what she had wanted? To have someone who put her health or safety first? To have someone who said that it was okay for her to sit back and cheer for the others, while they stepped up? She didn't need to be the one to save everyone or do all the work, they were a team.
So, why should she complain when someone actually did that?
It was something she had realised as she had watched how they all had fought and pushed themselves for the team, for their hopes to reach the finals.
"Hari-chan?" Miyuki said and Hari realised that she had drifted off in thought.
"Ah, sorry, Miyuki-chan," Hari said.
...
"Huh? What about me?"
Hari looked away from Miyuki when she heard the voice and saw Kintaro looking at Shiraishi confused. Shiraishi looked sadly at Kintaro and Hari saw how the others also looked sad.
"Ah, sorry, Kin-chan," Chitose said. "But we lost."
"No way, I haven't had my match against Koshimae!" Kintaro protested.
"It's over, Kin-chan," Shiraishi said a little harshly, but there was sympathy in his eyes as he watched the younger boy. "Let's go home."
"N-no…" Kintaro protested before he screamed. "NO! NOOOO! I want to play him!"
Hari grimaced as she watched Kintaro who now turned and pointed at Ryoma.
"Koshimae! Play me!" he demanded.
Hari looked at Ryoma and saw the way he was watching Kintaro. Oishi walked up to Ryoma and reminded him that it was right before the finals and he could get injured in a match that didn't mean anything. Hari knew he had a point, but still…
Ryoma sighed. "All right."
Ryoma picked up his racket bag and turned his back to Kintaro.
"Wait! Are you running away?" Kintaro wailed. "You'll have the match, right? Right?"
"Kintaro-han, just wait until next year," Ishida said to calm him down.
"Idiot! A year is too long!" Kintaro said and then turned to Hari. "Hari-chan! Make him play me, yes? Yes?"
Hari frowned and looked at Ryoma and then at Kintaro. She sighed.
"I don't know, Kintaro-kun," Hari said. "Perhaps you can meet and play at a later date?"
"No!" Kintaro denied. "I… I wanted to play him…"
Hari felt bad, and who knew that this boy had almost as good puppy-dog eyes as Ryoma?
"Give it up, Kin-chan;" Shiraishi interrupted. "You can't always have what you want in life."
Hari swallowed as she took in the way Kintaro's head lowered in defeat and something inside of her dropped. The hyper boy wasn't supposed to look like that...
"Ryo-chan," Hari said and Ryoma looked at her. "A one-point match, couldn't hurt too much, right?"
"Hari," Ryoma said ignoring the way Kintaro had perked up and Oishi's protests. (p
"He's been asking for a match since you met him, Ryo-chan," Hari said. "I don't think it will hurt to indulge a little, and besides… you want to play him too."
Ryoma sighed, "well, I don't mind. It's just one point."
"Really?" Kintaro asked perking up. "Thank you!"
He grinned and then turned to Hari- "You're my hero, Hari-chan!"
Hari grimaced and looked away. She should have kept her mouth shut…
"Echizen!" Oishi said disapprovingly.
...
"Why did you say that, Hari-chan?" Oishi asked as they gathered to the side again.
"Just felt bad," Hari shrugged, "and I'm curious about Kintaro-kun's talent."
"It should be fine, right?" Kikumaru said. "It's just one point."
...
So…okay, one point took way longer than Hari could have predicted as 30 minutes ticked by and they were still going. It was a display of moves and playful tennis that had both Ryoma and Kintaro have fun and seek to beat the other. Neither of them seemed likely to give up…
"How long will this rally last?" Momoshiro wondered.
"They both feel like they're destined rivals or something similar," Fuji said. "Even if it's one point, they refuse to lose to each other."
Hari sighed as she watched. How was she supposed to know it would turn out like this?
Forty minutes…
"They should stop," Shiraishi said. "If they continue, Echizen-kun might not be able to play in the upcoming final."
Hari's eyes widened when she saw Ryoma suddenly stop and half kneel as soon as he had served the ball.
"The side effects of using Muga are starting to appear," Oishi said.
"You're at your limit, Echizen!" Momoshiro yelled.
"Kin-chan, that's enough!" Shiraishi yelled.
Hari frowned when Kintaro denied stopping and started to spin something crazy practically creating a tornado or something. Hari wondered briefly if it was magic involved in that move despite Kintaro being a squib, he still had some magic in him just not enough to cast any spells.
She held on to the railing as warnings were yelled, but otherwise remained still as she watched how Kintaro shut up from the whirlwind and shot the ball toward Ryoma.
"Don't return it directly!" Shiraishi warned.
The silence filled the arena for a long moment while both Kintaro and Ryoma stood there breathing hard. It took a moment before everyone gathered themselves enough to notice that the ball had split in two and there was one half on each side of the court.
...
"Well done," Hari smiled at Ryoma who had walked back over to them.
"Hn," he said.
"Thank you for accepting my challenge," Kintaro said as he came over to them. "I had a lot of fun! Next time let's have a proper match!"
"Next time, I'll make you lose properly," Ryoma said with a small smirk.
Kintaro looked momentarily stunned before he grinned, "the winner will be me!"
Hari shook her head, "too much alike."
"What?" Ryoma frowned at her and she just smiled and then looked at Kintaro.
"Thank you, Hari-chan! I'll play you later too!" Kintaro said.
"Maybe," Hari said.
...
"He sure seemed to like you, Hari-chan;" Kikumaru commented as they made their way out of the arena together.
"Seemed that way," Hari shrugged.
"Oi! Hari-chan!"
Hari blinked and paused along with the rest of the team as Miyuki came running toward her and much to Hari's surprise hugged her around the waist.
"Miyuki-chan;" Hari said.
"I wanted to say goodbye!" Miyuki said. "I hope my brother will let me come and watch the final too! Then maybe I can watch you play!"
"Ah, then…I hope you'll come," Hari said.
"Who…" Momoshiro started.
"Miyuki! I told you to stop running off!" Chitose came hurrying down the path looking exaggerated. "Sorry, Hari-chan."
"No problem, Chitose-san," Hari said.
"Ah, dorobo-nii-chan," Miyuki said, looking back at Tezuka, who watched her with an unreadable expression.
"Ah, congratulation on winning the tennis tournament," Tezuka said stoically.
"Thank you!" Miyuki said with a blush. "I want to be just like Hari-chan!"
Hari blinked and looked at her. "Eh?"
"Sorry," Chitose said again, "and good luck in the finals. See you around."
Hari blinked as Miyuki and Chitose left with Chitose scolding his younger sister for always running off.
"You met?" Fuji asked.
"I met them on my way here," Hari said. "Miyuki-chan had gotten lost and ran into me, and Chitose came looking for her."
"She's a younger you," Ryoma deadpanned making the others laugh while Hari rolled her eyes.
"Shut up," she muttered.
...
"Hari-chan;" another voice interrupted and Hari smiled.
"Sei-chan," Hari greeted and looked at his team behind him. "You won, I take it."
"Yes," Seiichi said. "So did you."
"Looks like we'll meet in the finals once more," Hari grinned and she felt more than she saw the relieved look in Seiichi's eyes as he watched her.
"We look forward to it," he said calmly.
...
...
AN: What do you think? XD
I am sorry for how long it has been since I last updated. I've had some computer issues lately, and had to send it in to be repaired...unfortunately that meant I couldn't write or post anything :( But my computer is finally back (hopefully fixed!) and I should be back at writing again :)
So, I hope you all like this chapter. It feels a little rusty (if that's the right word), but hopefully, it's okay. :)
The final between Seigaku and Rikkaidai is almost here now! It should be either the next chapter or the one after that, so it's close :)
Thank you for reading! XD