Welcome back to the next chapter of Accidental Reverse... and the end of Arc 3! I'm super hyped for it and I hope you guys are too! Also, I hope y'all appreciate this monster because it's nearly 12000 words and literally killed me.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THIS CHAPTER:

I wanna say this BEFORE y'all start reading the chapter and potentially leave really annoying and actually pretty rude comments, so bear with me. I believe in Tenma&Aoi best friend superiority and I'm very sick of instantly getting comments about me "pushing" their "ship" when I write them so much as sitting next to each other. I know this may come as a huge shock to some people but! it's! not! actually! impossible! to! have! friends! from! the! opposite! sex! Shocker, isn't it?

Also I'm literally NEVER gonna write ships beyond canon ones. Ain't gonna happen. So if you read Tenma and Aoi being bros and count it as them being great friends after knowing one another for years, great, so do I! If you like their ship and wanna see it that way, no problem, if you enjoy that then it's perfectly fine! But if someone starts, and excuse the language, bitching about it, then seriously, screw you. I'm so done with it because it's just ridiculous. If you don't like what I write, then either suck it up and keep quiet, or don't read at all. It's literally that easy.

Anyway, onto the story!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 3

~'0'~

The moment Zero kicks off and the second half starts, Hakuryuu brings out his Keshin.

It burns bright and terrible, gold and white swirling to strike fear in the hearts of his opponents. Within seconds of the starting whistle, Raimon's first defense line is thrown over the field like they're nothing but ragdolls. They might as well be, compared to the raging dragon they are faced with.

Tenma curls his fingers around the seat of the bench, tight enough for his muscles to cramp. He remembers this moment.

This was when the tides of the match changed, because he brought forth Demon God Pegasus Arc for the very first time.

Now, the brunet keeps his eyes trained on the match, refusing to miss even a second of it. He bites on his lower lip when there's a sudden movement from Raimon's side, nearly unnoticed next to the shining Keshin that's taking center stage; the defense is moving in on Hakuryuu.

Glowing threads sprout from nothing, intertwining tightly.

''Hunter's Net!''

Hakuryuu barely even spares Kariya a glance, not even bothering to slow down in his slide as he approaches the hissatsu. ''You think that would hold me?'' he calls, smirking, and then Shining Dragon is upon them.

Even from so far away, it's clear that Kariya is struggling from the very first second – and from the looks of it, it won't be longer than that single second, either. No matter how good a player he might be, he doesn't stand a chance against this monster.

''Don't underestimate us!'' and then Amagi is there, just a few feet away from his fellow defender, and the field is drowned out in waves. ''Atlantis Wall!'' a cyan shield combines with the glowing threads of Hunter's Net, trapping Shining Dragon behind a defense line that suddenly cuts straight through the field.

Raimon isn't done yet.

''Shindou!'' Amagi shouts, even though it isn't necessary; the captain has already broken out into a sprint to reach them, and a dark cloud of indigo rises behind him.

Then he's in front of Hakuryuu, who seems taken aback by Raimon's smooth teamwork – it barely took a few seconds for three of his opponents to advance on him. Shindou throws his arms to the sides as his Keshin takes shape, calling out, ''Instrumentalist Maestro!''

When the two spirits clash, the ground shakes, and Tenma's grip on the bench is bordering on painful. He forgets to breathe as he stares at the fight happening directly in front of him, his heart beating as wildly in his chest as it would if he were the one locked in a Keshin battle.

They've trained their Keshin so much more this time around, with the advanced techniques he's brought with him from the future. But... will it be enough?

The Raimon captain is slowly pushed backwards as he fights for control over the ball, the dragon above snapping its jaws at Maestro. Shindou grits his teeth as he struggles to take a step forward against the force trying to strike him down, arms crossed in front of his face to shield him from the blazing energy.

It has to be enough.

Something shatters and if Tenma's entire focus wasn't trained on the two Keshin users, he'd flinch at the sound that seems to echo the breaking of a mirror. As it is, it barely registers in the face of the sudden cloud of indigo swirling over the field at the same time that Hunter's Net dissolves, Kariya falling to his knees with a startled cry.

The wave of relief that crashes over Tenma when Hakuryuu is the next to fall leaves him dizzy.

Shindou doesn't waste a second after gaining control of the ball, raising his arms gracefully to the sky, and where before there was blazing light, now shadows creep in, broken only by the glow of the hissatsu. ''Harmonics!''

It is way too far from the goal to even be an attempt at scoring, and it isn't. Instead the ball, in a show of absolute skill, crosses the field in a fiery line to land neatly in front of Tsurugi.

With practiced ease, he takes control over it and dodges around Zero's defense in one fluent move. In the next second he's jumping, the previously blue glowing ball now darkening rapidly, black lightning centering around it. ''Death Drop!''

The ball flies towards the goal at lightning speed, but the keeper is prepared. ''Serpent Fang!'' an enormous snake coils around the goal, its scales an eerie white, and privately Tenma can't help but think that Kurama's Sidewinder is much cooler.

The serpent catches the ball, trying to snap its jaws shut around it. Black lightning sparks and the ball-

Bounces back into the field.

''Defense!'' Hakuryuu snarls even as he runs to catch up, knowing full well he's too far away to intercept the ball before someone else does. And Zero's defenders try, they really do; but they don't stand a chance against Tsurugi.

In a second, Raimon's forward takes control of the ball again and he doesn't hesitate for a moment; indigo rises behind him as he calls forth his Keshin. ''Sword Saint Lancelot!'' Silver armor glints in the lights of the stadium, its eyes lighting up with a ruby red glow.

In one smooth Tsurugi flings his arm out, a similar movement as he would if he were to use his Lost Angel shot. With a flourish of Lancelot's cape, the Keshin dissolves into darkness that centers around the ball, covering it in shadows. And still the obsidian spreads further, twisting the field into a world of dark until the onlookers have to squint to try and make out even the slightest shape.

''Charging!''

That single word echoes around the stadium, every other sound seemingly muted.

Tenma holds his breath, eyes trained on where he knows the goal is; he cannot see a thing, but it doesn't scare him. Despite the lingering nausea, the dread that hasn't left him since first entering this stadium, a smile curls on his lips. He knows what is coming now.

There is the smallest spark, a single ember igniting.

And then the world lights up in burning gold.

''Infernal Inverse!''

Gilded flames rupture the air, overtaking the darkness within seconds and whereas before it was shadows that blinded them all, now they are forced to shield their eyes against the brilliant fire. In the midst of it all is Tsurugi, who, in one graceful movement, sends the ball right towards the goal in a streak of gold that is so fast, the keeper cannot even begin an attempt to block it.

A whistle rings out.

''Goal! Raimon takes their first goal in a startling turn of events as another player reveals his mastery of an unknown Keshin technique!''

Raimon cheers and Tsurugi smiles, turning on his heel. Even from all the way across the field, he manages to catch Tenma's eye, smile widening into a real grin.

The brunet can't help but beam at him with pride.

(Kyousuke's Keshin Charging has always been magnificent.

His younger counterpart's use of the technique does not disappoint.)

A voice from the side catches Tenma's attention. ''When did he learn that?'' Kidou asks and it takes the brunet a second before he realizes the question is directed at him. The strategist looks duly impressed at the turn of events.

''Yesterday,'' Tenma admits, not even trying to hold back his grin. ''They started practicing last week, but Tsurugi mastered it last evening.'' Part of him, the part that has been captain for years, that has guided half a dozen teams to victory, radiates with pride.

It hadn't been easy, but Raimon had pulled through.

(After Tsurugi had talked some sense into him, they did, in fact, get Raimon together.

The rest of the team was confused why their two first-years had collected them all from their respective training areas, managing to convince the Inazuma Japan members to give them a mutual break from practice. They'd gathered at the cliffside, and with Tsurugi at his side, Tenma had talked.

''Listen,'' he said, fingers woven together in front of him in a little habit he'd picked up from Takuto. ''I messed up.''

He wanted to avert his gaze so he wouldn't have to see their disappointment. Instead he forced himself to keep his eyes firmly trained on the yellow-clad teens.

''I can't use my Keshin anymore.'' The words had barely left his lips or the team looked ready to react; Shindou's face was etched in concern, the first-years shuffling nervously, Nishiki's head whipping up in alarm. Before they could, however, Tenma continued. ''We can figure it out later. I just thought I should let you know. But that's not why we wanted to have a team discussion.''

He felt more like the captain he used to be than he had in a long time. It was years-ingrained habit that made him glance to the right, and something in his chest unwound when he caught an orange gaze.

''Kyousuke and I talked about the match tomorrow,'' he added, almost amused when some of the younger players automatically perked up at the authority he exuded. Future captain, indeed. ''We've been avoiding the topic so far, but maybe we shouldn't. Unlimited Shining wiped the floor with us last time.''

''That's why we've been training,'' Kariya retorted, challenging the brunet to disagree with him. ''It's not as if we're just lazing around.''

It was Tsurugi who asked the question that he and Tenma had been discussing for the past half hour. ''But will it be enough?''

At the unyielding question, Kariya quieted down, although he was frowning doubtfully. He wasn't the only one with an opinion, though, and Kurumada answered what they were all thinking: ''It will have to be.'' Several muttered agreements followed his declaration.

Tenma couldn't help it; he smiled.

Younger version or not, it felt good to be surrounded by his team.

''We will win,'' he agreed, drawing the attention to himself again. ''And there might be something we can do to improve our chances.''

He shared a look with Tsurugi, who inclined his head in silent support.

''I want Kyousuke and Shindou-senpai to master the other Keshin techniques.''

At his side, Tsurugi didn't show any reaction; he'd known, after all. The same couldn't be said for the rest of Raimon. There were a few startled mutters at this sudden conviction and Shindou straightened when his name was mention, surprise on his face that slowly turned into consideration. After several moments of silent thought, in which Raimon settled down and turned their focus on their captain – it was obvious to all of them what Tsurugi thought of it – Shindou slowly nodded. ''I can see the logic in that,'' he said, still looking thoughtful, ''but are you sure it will work? We trained before, without much to show for it.''

That was fair. The two of them weren't falling every single time they tried the technique anymore, but neither had managed a solid projection yet.

But Tenma knew they could do it. They'd done incredible things in short amounts of time before, after all; and especially when under pressure, Raimon's growth potential truly shone.

''You can do it,'' he said, not a trace of doubt in him. ''I know you can.''

Although Shindou nodded, he seemed doubtful still. Like he wanted to believe what the younger midfielder was saying, but couldn't quite get rid of his skepticism.

Tenma almost bit his lip when he noticed. Whenever Takuto got like this, it was hard for the brunet to get him out of that mindset, and that was after years of friendship. Here, as senpai and kouhai, he doubted he could get through to him.

But he had to try. He opened his mouth but before he could even try to find the words he needed, someone else spoke up. ''I think you should do it.''

Shindou glanced up, surprised. ''Ichino?''

The other second-year smiled. ''These Keshin attacks could really give us the edge we need,'' he said, ''and I've seen you and Tsurugi in practice. You don't realize it, but you've improved. With a bit of extra practice...''

''You'll be able to do it,'' Aoyama added decisively. ''I think you should try, too.''

Tenma could only watch as, before him, Raimon gathered in support of one another and Tsurugi's earlier sentiment was proven right.

Their team was strongest together.

And as Shindou started to smile, raising his head with a newfound confidence to meet Tenma's gaze and give a determined nod, the only thing the younger brunet could do was smile back.)

After that, the real challenge had begun.

Tenma has had his fair share of younger players he's helped in their training, and it was easy to fall back into old patterns. Advice given in a steady voice, pointing out weak points, patiently coaching them through the process; all familiar, despite not having had to do so in months. For that single afternoon, he once more felt like the jaded captain he knows he is instead of the rookie he's pretending to be.

And yet teaching them was... odd. When Tenma had been discovering these new Keshin techniques, Takuto and Kyousuke had been training right alongside him. Hell, Takuto had been the one to instruct him when the younger brunet had trouble focusing.

To be the one directing them instead threw him off more than he'd like to admit.

Looking at the result of it now, however, allows him to let go of those thoughts; he knows Shindou and Tsurugi, Takuto and Kyousuke, would have done the same thing, had they been in his position.

The brunet, without truly noticing, loses some of his tension.

The match continues soon after, both teams having taken their positions again. As the whistle rings out, Zero responds by immediately bringing out of their Keshin again, their large shapes flooding the field in unearthly light.

But despite the menacing auras, Raimon isn't intimidated. Their first goal has ignited the spark of hope inside them and Shindou doesn't hesitate for a moment in bringing the ball to the front, right towards the row of Keshin as he calls forth his own.

Hakuryuu runs to meet him in the middle, and Shindou is joined by Tsurugi. "Will it be another 5-on-2 battle? It's the same development as the first half!" the commentator exclaims. "Wait, what's this? Raimon's defender Kirino has stepped up!"

"Defense!" Kirino shouts, not pausing in his sprint even once. "Back them up!"

With a few more convincing words, the backline of the team takes action, splitting into two smaller groups - Kirino and Kariya taking out two Keshin users with their hissatsu, and Amagi and Shinsuke using their Wall of China and Full Throttle Jump to cut off another one.

Zero is obviously taken aback by the sudden obstacles and Tsurugi takes full advantage to knock Hakuryuu's Shining Dragon back. Through a series of quick passes and evasive maneuvers, Raimon brings the ball up all the way to the front.

Tenma doesn't know whether to grin or grip the bench anxiously - he hates sitting on the sidelines like this, although he can't admit that a part of him swells with pride every time his team shows off their skills.

Still, watching as Hikaru uses his Extend Zone as a feint, passing to Nishiki instead, Tenma wishes he could be on the field with them.

"Sengoku War God Musashi! Bushin Renzan!"

Nishiki shoots at an angle, displaying his incredibly aiming accuracy when the ball flies towards the corner of the goal, far out of reach of the goalkeeper. Had it been just an inch to the left it'd have hit the pole.

"Goal! They've caught up to team Zero!"

It's unfortunate, Tenma mourns, that Nishiki is relatively new at using a Keshin – he's not at the same level as Shindou and Tsurugi, not at the same level Tenma would've been at this point in time if it wasn't for all the time travel drama. He'll get there, the brunet knows, but it'll take a while.

(Partly because Italian soccer isn't too familiar with Keshin. It's a recent development and Japan is one of the few countries at this point in time offering training for it - even if that training is directed by Fifth Sector.

Someoka saw Nishiki's potential and offered to train him even when the forward himself wasn't specifically interested in gaining a Keshin, and it's only by the time that they start learning the Keshin Armed technique that he starts gaining more interest for it.

He'll catch up to the main three Keshin users on the team - but not just yet.)

Tenma is pulled from his musing when Kibayama rises from his seat.

No.

The brunet clenches his hands into fists, ignoring the pain shooting through his palms in response.

"Change players!" Kibayama calls, a smirk slowly spreading over his face. "We'll show you how it's done."

Tenma shivers at the words. He's not sure if the other people on the bench heard them, but it's not like they need to – it's obvious what is going on when, only a handful of minutes later, Kibayama and the other Zero trainers return, this time dressed in the black and white uniform.

At the sight of it, Endou, Kazemaru and Kidou rise to their feet in alarm. "You can't just do that!" Kazemaru snarls, fear hidden behind the anger in his eyes.

Kibayama isn't fazed. "I don't think you understand your position here," he says, giving a casual glance to the cage above the field.

The clear threat stops them in their tracks.

"We'll just have to allow it for now," Endou mumbles roughly.

As the teams take their positions again to continue the match, this time with six adults in the game, the people on Raimon's bench try to settle down. Tenma chews on his lower lip, ignoring the sting it causes, eyes trained on where Shindou and Tsurugi are having a quiet conversation. It's too far away for the brunet to know what they're saying, but their tension is obvious even from here.

A quiet mumble, one he wasn't meant to hear, catches his attention and he tears his eyes away from the field.

"It's not your fault, y'know."

If Tenma hadn't been sitting so close to Fudou, he wouldn't have heard it. Now that he has, however, his curiosity is piqued.

"It is."

The brunet blinks in surprise at Kidou's immediate denial. What are they...?

Fudou clicks his tongue, but there's no heat behind it. "Don't be so stubborn," he mumbles. "Fifth would use any means they have to hurt us. You know that."

Kidou doesn't meet his eyes, his hands intertwined tightly and pressing to his mouth. "She was my responsibility."

Tenma reels back.

Involuntarily, he looks up at the cage - at his best friend - and his stomach twists tightly at the sight of it.

He hadn't realized Kidou would feel so strongly about this, and yet...

Of course he'd feel responsible for Aoi.

Tenma's broken out of his musing by a sudden shout and his head whips up, lurching forward in his seat to catch sight of what's happening on the field.

He sucks in a sharp breath at the spectacle before him.

It's a slaughter once again but this time all he can do is watch as his team is beaten into the ground.

This is...

"They're just kids," whispers Fubuki.

It takes an eternity and no time at all for the Raimon players to be scattered over the field, bruised and scraped. They're already brought down and yet still, Zero's instructors keep hurting them.

Tenma can't watch this.

Kibayama passes the ball to Shuu.

"Make it in."

And Shuu - gentle, kind, peaceful Shuu - complies.

When the whistle rings out, signaling another point and bringing the score to 3-2 for Zero, Tenma shuts his eyes and prays it's all just a bad dream.

The adults are talking, just a few feet in front of him, and he waits desperately for the moment they step in. It has to be now, right? They can't... coach Endou won't sit by and do... do nothing, will he?

"At this rate, they will..."

"I can't watch this anymore!"

Tenma waits for Endou to speak, to say something, anything, waits as Kabeyama and Kazemaru voice their frustration, as Fudou tells them, "Getting restless won't change a thing, this is their game."

Endou's hands are shaking.

"Coach," Tenma whispers and despite the many voices from all around them, that soft sound is what catches his attention.

Tenma doesn't know what to say now that he has the man's attention, but it doesn't matter. Last time, Endou stepping in was the only thing that got them through this match. Raimon needs him.

"Help them," he mumbles, staring wide-eyed at his coach. "Please. This isn't soccer! Help them!"

The last two words escape him as a shout, and something hot rolls down his cheek.

Oh. He's crying.

Endou flinches, glancing back at the field where his team is only barely moving.

His jaw clenches. There's no sign of his earlier aggravation when he leans down to dig through his sports bag.

"What's most important to a coach..." he mumbles, pausing for just a second to stare at the glove he's holding, "is protecting the team, no matter what!"

A ripple of shock goes through them all.

"Endou, you..."

Kidou is interrupted by Fudou rising from the bench. "Ah, that's just the thing with soccer freaks..." he smiles. "I'll go along with you, captain."

For a second, they all gape at him.

And then, one by one, concede.

A stunned laugh escapes Tenma as he watches his childhood heroes devise a mad plan once more - he's seen it before, and yet it still leaves him speechless.

Endou finds his gaze when the six of them turn to get changed and nods once, steady, reassuring, and Tenma grins back weakly.

Then the man moves on, slinging his bag over his shoulder and following his friends to, presumably, the changing room.

Tenma watches them go for a moment, but then he's distracted by a sudden hand on his. It has him twisting around he almost gives himself whiplash, and he finds himself staring into Midori's dark eyes, Akane beside her watching just as quietly.

Midori doesn't say a word, instead taking his hand into hers and forcing him to unfurl his fist with a gentle touch. It's only when he loosens his fingers that he feels the sharp pain lacing through the still healing cuts and he winces, forcing himself to relax his other hand as well.

"They'll be okay," Akane says quietly, offering him a tiny smile. Midori, still holding his hand, gives it a gentle squeeze before letting go.

Tenma swallows and nods.

Within no time, Endou and his friends return, now dressed in sports clothes. They've somehow managed to find similar yellows and blues to Raimon's usual color scheme and Tenma drinks in the sight with unbridled relief as they line up at the side of the field.

"Ready?" Endou asks them.

Fudou huffs a laugh. "Of course."

As one, they step onto the field.

Immediately they separate, moving to help what seem to be the most injured players of the team. They check them over for injuries, mumbling soft reassurances, and Kidou glances up sharply at where Zero is gathered. His red eyes glint angrily behind his goggles and there's not a hint of the gentle tone he used on the Raimon teens when he tells Kibayama, "Were also switching in six players! It's only fair."

All the man can do is grit his teeth in frustration. Sabotaging the match is one thing, but outright denying them this? Such obvious cheating would risk a bad reaction from the audience, no matter that they're Fifth Sector students.

Half of the Raimon team is carefully yet efficiently guided towards the bench, leaving the players in the best physical state to continue the match. As they take their positions, Endou grins. "Okay guys! Let's play soccer!"

As one, the team shouts in agreement, and the game continues.

Although Raimon starts with the ball, Zero quickly takes control of it, and it's passed to Kibayama. He heads for the goal, but Kabeyama steps into his path, standing firm. "The Wall!" Mountains rise up behind him, throwing the Zero coach back. "It's the completely evolved form of The Wall! We'll show the spirit of the pro leagues!"

"Yeah!" Kazemaru easily accepts the ball that Kabeyama passes to him, breaking out into a fast sprint. One of the Zero instructors tries to counter him, but he skips around him with such ease it looks like he's flying. "Shippuu Dash! Fubuki!"

The former Raimon students are unstoppable, their passes connecting and almost too fast to see. This time it's Fubuki who plucks the ball out of the sky, giving it a tap to make it spin. Snowflakes swirl around as he lands for just a second before launching into the sky once more. "Blow 'em over! Eternal Blizzard!" the ball is encased by ice as it cuts over the field with the strength of a snowstorm. "Kidou-kun! Make it a shoot chain!"

The strategist is already waiting for it, lifting his fingers to his lips and whistling sharply. Fudou and Kazemaru - who had seemingly crossed the field in a second - run past him, just as the ball reaches him and a row of penguins pop up from the ground.

"Emperor Penguin..."

"Number Two!" Kazemaru and Fudou finish it together as they kick the ball in perfect sync.

It shoots towards the goal as the younger Raimon players gape at the flawless demonstration of team play. The keeper - another one of Zero's instructors - stretches his arm to the sky, a blue orb hovering above his pointed fingers. "Gravity Point!"

For a second it seems to draw in the ball, but then it curves into a different direction.

"Raimon attacks with determination, but they miss the goal by a mile!"

But the goal wasn't their target.

The ball flies away, cutting over the field and gaining altitude, heading right towards the cage that's keeping Aoi prisoner.

It slams into the iron bars with enough force to completely shatter them, freeing the girl inside.

Aoi yelps as she jerks backwards from where she was clutching the bars, taking a step away - but the remnants of the cage are shaking from the force of the collision and she trips, falling right into the newly gaping abyss below her.

At the same time, the Raimon players at the bench jump up like one, shock and terror written all over them. Tenma's pretty sure his heart skips a beat when he sees his best friend fall, what was previously only a meter or two suddenly seeming like a terrifying distance.

And then a wet laugh escapes him when he sees Aoyama and Ichino, attempting to catch her and landing face first on the grass for their troubles as they cushion Aoi's fall.

She's okay.

The two boys both give a thumbs up in the direction of the field, where Raimon was watching worriedly. "We've got her!"

Tenma's pretty sure there's some relieved exclamations from his teammates on the field but he can't find it in himself to check. He's a bit too busy with getting to his feet and dodging around his other teammates, heartbeat still going a mile a minute.

Aoyama and Ichino have escorted their youngest manager back to the bench by now and they're now surrounded by worried teammates, trying to make sure they're all alright. The two boys are covered in grass but otherwise fine, and Aoi is doing her best to assure everyone that's she's not hurt, just a bit shaken.

She pauses when she catches sight of Tenma, expression softening as she begins to say something.

The brunet doesn't give her the chance as he steps up to her and, not caring about propriety or social rules or whatever, embraces her tightly.

For a second Aoi is frozen in surprise, and then just as quickly she's hugging him back.

There's a surprised mumble from the teens surrounding them but Tenma can't find it in himself to care. It's not as if he and Aoi haven't hugged before, they've been friends too long for that - as kids they hugged all the time, until people started making comments about it when they got older.

Tenma, right now, regrets ever letting something as stupid as decorum getting between him and his best friend. They got back their old closeness in the years to come, but if you ask him, they should've never quit in the first place.

Screw society, he can hug his best friend when she's just been kidnapped and held hostage.

Like this, Tenma notices that Aoi is not as calm as she's pretending to be, the tiniest tremble going through her and her breath just a bit shaky. Tenma shuts his eyes closely at the thought of why that is - the image of Aoi falling is engraved in his mind, just as it was the first time, and he knows that he'll be seeing it for a long while yet.

After a few more seconds he steps back, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "Please don't ever scare me like that again, Blue."

Aoi stares at him for a second, at a loss for words.

Then she blinks, her eyes shining suspiciously, and nods. "I won't," she says, voice wavering. It comes out a little stronger when, after a moment of hesitation, she says, "But, Tenma- what about you? Are you alright?"

The brunet pauses at the clear anxiety in her voice, and then takes a moment to truly consider her question. Is he alright?

Well, he's a lot better now that Aoi's out of danger that's for sure. And... he's not feeling good, but not as bad as before either.

He gives her a simple nod and she relaxes, and just like that, they're okay again.

That seems to be the cue for the rest of the team to break through their little bubble and Sangoku tells them both, in no uncertain terms, to sit down. If his tone is a bit more gentle than before, well, no one mentions it.

They've only just settled on the bench again, Tenma and Aoi right next to each other, when the match continues again. Zero immediately goes on the offensive.

"Fu!"

"Rin!"

"Ka!"

"Zan!"

The four instructors simultaneously call out "Destroyer!" as Kibayama kicks the ball, which is glowing an ominous purple. It flies towards the goal with a terrifying speed, too fast for the defense to stop.

Endou, however, reacts immediately, twisting his upper body towards the goal behind him and stretching out one arm as his other hand begins to glow.

He slams his hand down, and bright golden wings spread out, spanning almost the entire width of the field. "God Hand V!"

The ball is stopped in its tracks in a second.

"That's the evolved version of the legendary God Hand!" Sangoku exclaims, and if Tenma wasn't still feeling so emotional, he'd laugh a little at the fanboying. He missed it the first time 'round when playing in the match.

(Okay, maybe he was fanboying too.)

What follows is a furious counterattack from Zero, but this time, Raimon is prepared. The older players, instead of taking over the game like Zero's instructors are doing, fall back now that they've achieved their goal of freeing Aoi. Instead they coach the teenagers through it - Kazemaru and Kabeyama bring up the defense in a few simple words, while Kidou watches with approval as Shindou uses his advice.

Tenma smiles softly as he remembers this match the first time 'round - he's never forgotten Fubuki's words to him then.

"Feel the wind! You should be able to blow through this field with more ease than anyone else here!"

Tsurugi - with a bit of help from Fudou, no matter how unwanted he makes it seem - and Shindou finish the attack, spontaneously deciding on a new move they've been practicing. Ah, the joys of improvising.

"Joker Rains!"

The keeper tries to counter it, but the ball breaks through his defense with ease. A second later the whistle rings out, signaling another goal.

"Team Zero has been caught up with an unexpected tying goal!"

At the break in the match, Endou and his friends gather near the side of the field, all coming to the same conclusion. Their coach gestures the younger Raimon players over, both from the field and from the bench, and when they gather around him, he smiles.

"It's your fight from here on," he tells them, eyes shining with pride. "You're the Raimon Eleven who carry on our spirit!"

"Hai!" the team exclaims together.

For a second longer they catch their breath, and then Shindou turns to them with a calculating look in his eye. "Alright guys, back on the old formation!" his team nods, but the strategist doesn't immediately follow up on his orders, hesitating instead.

Then he seems to come to a decision because he looks up again, and his dark eyes are set. "Tenma," he says, glancing at the younger brunet, "are you up for it?"

Tenma blinks, admittedly taken aback, and he's not the only one – Shindou's words gain several doubting looks.

''Shindou?'' Sangoku asks carefully, features twisting into a frown.

The captain purses his lips in thought, throwing a quick glance around the team. They're all waiting for him to explain himself. ''We're barely keeping up with Zero's speed and agility,'' he says simply, not sugarcoating it. ''Tenma's easily our most adaptable player, and the best dribbler. I don't want to put too much pressure on you and say you're vital to our victory, but...''

''But it'd make it a whole lot easier,'' Tenma finishes for him, easily following the strategist's train of thought after so many years of being on the same team.

Shindou nods. ''Exactly.''

The explanation seems to settle their teammates, although it's still obvious that they'd rather have Tenma stay on the sidelines – but their captain is right, and they all know it. Tenma knows it.

To be truthful, he'd expected that he'd have to put up a fight to be allowed to play again after agreeing to sit out. He needs- he wants to play again, knowing what is to come – Shuu and Hakuryuu combining their Keshin – but to have it be so easy? He'd almost think it was a joke.

Except, Shindou looks perfectly serious.

What else can he do but respond accordingly?

"Yes," he says, straightening up a bit. "I can do it."

Shindou looks at him for a moment longer, searching for anything that tells him Tenma's not ready - but the boy in front of him is holding his head high, not nearly as pale as half an hour ago and meeting his gaze head-on.

''Trust me,'' Tenma says.

At that, a soft laugh escapes the older boy. It's what he'd said himself, after all – trust in us.

Now it's their turn to trust him.

The strategist grins.

"Let's roll, everyone!''

~'0'~

"Both teams return with their starting lineup, and Zero is up for the kickoff!"

From the moment the whistle rings out, the game is in full swing again. Hakuryuu, especially, doesn't hold back, cutting over the field in a second to even the surprise of his own team.

In a split second he's summoning his Keshin again. "Holy Beast Shining Dragon!"

The thing is, Tenma was prepared for this.

He doesn't remember what happened during this match beyond the highlights - sue him, he's played in literal dozens of matches - but he knows Hakuryuu well enough to see his aggravation. Shuu and Hakuryuu haven't combined their Keshin yet, but there's not much time left until they do.

So Tenma, when the whistle is blown, nearly throws himself forward to cut Hakuryuu off, and his gamble pays off even though he barely makes it in time.

His Keshin is still out of his reach, and Shining Dragon's golden shape looms over him, but-

Tenma has to stop him.

His eyes burn blue and he meets Hakuryuu in the middle.

They fight for control of the ball, but Tenma can feel himself being pushed back. Hakuryuu is just too strong like this.

There's a streak of yellow and blue in the corner of his eye.

If anyone were to ask later how Tenma had known what was happening around him in that moment, he won't be able to answer. Somehow, stemming from playing every single day for literal years with these same people even if these are their younger counterparts - it just clicks.

"Kyousuke!" he calls, falling back while Tsurugi seamlessly slides in to replace him. Hakuryuu never even gets the chance to respond - in less than a second, Tenma is gone and he's suddenly facing Kyousuke.

"Sword Saint Lancelot!"

Tsurugi presses on, using the advantage he now has - he and Shindou had both been too far back to catch up with Hakuryuu, they never would've made it in time to stop him. But with Tenma stalling?

Yeah, Hakuryuu is going down.

Lancelot manages to dodge around Shining Dragon and Kyousuke doesn't waste a second in passing the ball to the side of the field. "Nishiki-senpai!"

Nishiki plucks the ball out of the air, barely touching it for a second before passing. "Tenma!"

And just like that the ball is back with the brunet, who started sprinting towards the other side of the field the second Tsurugi took his place in the duel against Hakuryuu. In those few minutes, all of them are perfectly in sync, and Nishiki's pass arrives easily.

Tenma's too far from the goal to attempt to score – not that he stands much of a chance, without his Keshin, and Zero's defense is approaching already.

But he knows someone who can score.

He locks eyes with Shindou and a silent message passes between them.

''Senpai!'' he lets his eyes flare blue for just a second, giving him the little bit of etra speed and agility he needs to avoid the defense. The ball cuts over the field and Raimon's current captain is ready to receive it, stopping it in place and letting it rest in front of him.

''Instrumentalist Maestro!'' he calls, and his Keshin takes shape. He's not nearly close enough to the goal to score, but he doesn't need to be.

As Zero's defenders target him instead, Shindou lifts his arms in front of him, crossed at the wrists with his fingers gracefully curled upwards. Behind him, Maestro seems to melt into bright blue energy, flowing downwards and swirling around the strategist's feet like water, spreading out further and further with every second.

''Charging!''

For a single, breathless moment, the world stands still, except for the gently sloshing water that's enveloping the grassy field.

Then the waterlike energy roars up like a tidal wave, blue and shining brightly, separating into multiple streams of beautiful chaos that cross and cover the field both horizontally and vertically. They curve around beautifully, not touching any players although the ones closest to the source are nearly locked in by them, ranging from tiny branches to streams of almost a meter wide. There is absolutely no structure to it, to no one except Shindou – who, by the way, is nowhere to be seen.

The confusion brought on by the spectacle is absolutely wonderful. Shindou's Charging has always been like a lightshow; stunning and unpredictable, just like his best strategies.

''Phantasm!''

All of a sudden, Shindou appears from one of the larger energy stream, meters away from where he was previously. There are multiple shocked outcries when he's suddenly just there, and not a single Zero player is prepared enough to stop him when he makes the shot.

The ball leaves a trail of burning energy behind as it cuts over the field, too fast for the keeper to respond with a hissatsu. He still tries to stop it, arm outstretched as he jumps-

"Goal! Shindou pulls off the same mystery technique as Tsurugi and Raimon finally pulls ahead of Zero!"

Had this been his own timeline, Tenma would've tackled Shindou in a hug.

It (unfortunately) not being his own timeline, he settles for pumping a fist in the air with a little jump and a cheer. ''Senpai, that was amazing!''

Shindou grins widely, looking quite pleased with himself as their team celebrates around them. Tenma laughs at their enthusiasm, even as his gaze automatically flits to Shuu and Hakuryuu.

He winces.

Hakuryuu does not look happy, and Shuu...

Shuu is smiling.

In that moment, Tenma tenses, and a shiver runs down his spine.

It's time.

~'0'~

When the match continues once more, it starts off almost the exact same as the last time - Hakuryuu immediately summoning his Keshin, tearing down the field.

This time, though, Shuu is running along with him.

When Shindou and Tsurugi once again clash with Zero's Keshin users in the field, Tenma makes a desperate dash for Shuu, calling upon his Soul to assist him. He's lost track of his limit ages ago, but he doesn't care.

He can't let them score here.

"God of Darkness..."

The field around Shuu glows with an unearthly light as a dark figure begins to take shape, unsheathing its sword. Tenma tries to move even faster, knowing painstakingly well that it's futile – Shuu is far too powerful.

He can't let him use his Keshin shoot, but maybe... maybe if he can keep the ball from him in the first place...

"...Dark Exodus!"

...maybe they have a chance.

Tenma slides in front of Shuu just as the ball flies towards them, and they reach for it simultaneously. It's a mad attempt and he knows it, because he's never beaten Shuu one-on-one.

But he has no choice.

He throws in all of his Soul, all of his strength, and the azure aura around him blazes brighter than he's seen it since coming to the past. And somehow, miraculously, it's working, the bright blue clashing ferociously against Exodus' dark energy. Neither of them is getting the upper hand.

Through the blinding glow stemming from the ball, the harsh winds circling around them, Tenma can see Shuu's face darkening with each passing second he's being held back. And with every second, he's putting more force behind his attack.

If he could, Tenma would be gaping, but even a single moment of distraction right now would mean the end. How is Shuu still not at his limit?

Sweat rolls down his temple. Distinctly he thinks someone might be calling his name.

There's no time to waste thought on it. He tries to find the strength to counter Shuu's increasing attack, scrabbles to gather every last drop of Soul energy he has in him, but it's running out terrifyingly fast.

No-!

"Give it up, Tenma!" Shuu says suddenly, beginning to push the brunet back little by little. "You're not winning this!"

"No!" he gasps out, a refusal, a desperate denial.

He can't- Raimon- they can't lose here.

(He's running out of Soul energy.)

Tenma grits his teeth and pushes on.

"We're not going to lose!"

And suddenly he feels light, lighter than he can ever remember being. The force behind Shuu's attack, seconds ago so very overwhelming, barely registers now. Where he thoughts the aura around himself was bright before, it's positively blinding now - a perfect mirror of the rush of adrenaline coursing through him.

It all happens in a second, and then he and Shuu are both pushed back by the explosion of power between them, the ball lying innocently between them as they stare at each other in shock.

Then Tenma narrows his eyes, sprinting forward just as Shuu begins to move too. The brunet reaches the ball just a little bit faster, moving it out of the way with the tiniest tap of his foot, and then he's twisting away and out of Shuu's reach. The forward persists, not letting up on the pressure as Tenma barely manages to keep the ball away from him.

It's almost- it's like he's moving faster than he ever has, barely touching the ground before he's moving again, and he could honestly laugh in delight.

He feels great.

He's leading Shuu over the field in a wild goose chase, taking their duel from one side to the other without pause. Even if any of their teammates would want to interfere, they can't - Shuu and Tenma are moving far too fast for them, reaching insane speeds as they fight it out.

In the end, neither of them wins their duel. The longer they go on, the more frustrated Shuu seems to get, until he throws caution to the wind and lashes out with his Keshin. It has Tenma respond in much the same way, and the power clash is strong enough for both of them to be thrown to the field. In the resulting chaos, the ball rolls over the sideline, giving both teams a much needed break.

Exodus dissipates in a cloud of darkness while Tenma winces when the energy coming off of him rebounds, retreating back into him. It feels like his heart has been replaced by a hummingbird for how hard it's beating.

"Tenma!" his name being called gets his attention and he looks up to find Hikaru approaching him. "Are you okay? What was that?" the forward fires off rapidly, helping the brunet get to his feet.

"I'm okay," he reassures, but doesn't answer the second question.

(Truth be told, he doesn't exactly know where his sudden power boost is coming from either.)

Hikaru gives a little relieved sigh at his words, before throwing a worried look over his shoulder. When Tenma follows his line of sight, he can't help but grimace, immediately figuring out what's got him so worried.

Tsurugi and Shindou are both kneeling on the field nearby, breathing heavily. Several of their teammates are surrounding them, clearly worried.

Tenma shares a look with Hikaru and they both cross the field to join their team.

"...bring out our Avatars once more, probably," Tsurugi is saying as they approach.

"Zero should be in the same situation," Shindou says, risking a look at where the Zero Keshin users have gathered. That, at least, gains a few relieved looks, as Shindou and Tsurugi are helped to their feet.

Tenma bites his lip, and then sighs - this is too much of a risk to leave up to chance. "I wouldn't be so sure," he says curtly.

"What do you mean?" Kirino frowns.

"They don't look nearly as tired as they should," the brunet says, unsure of whether he should say more. There's no time to explain the theory behind Keshin Drawing, not when there's only a few precious seconds until the match continues again.. "Then there's Shuu - he has only used this Keshin this once."

Let's hope the warning is enough to keep them alert. At least his team is less likely to blindly believe that Zero's Keshins are at their limit, right?

Shindou grimaces but gives an unwilling nod, and that's enough for some of the tension to leave the younger brunet. At least, until the strategist's dark eyes settle on him. "You're going to explain this whole thing later," he says, gesturing towards Tenma. It's not a suggestion.

The time traveler blinks.

His friends must pick up on his confusion because Tsurugi says, plainly, "Your eyes are glowing purple."

'Oh, fuck.'

Tenma barely stops himself from cursing out loud, since that'd no doubt only gain more questions from everyone. Just in time too, because they're being signaled by the increasingly annoyed-looking referee.

While Tenma jogs up to where one of Zero's players is getting ready for a throw-in, his mind is going a mile a minute.

Purple eyes. Right.

How had he not realized before?

In his defense, he supposes, he was pretty distracted by not letting Shuu completely decimate his team.

Still.

'Alright. No big deal.' And he really, really hopes it isn't.

(Really, he should've seen this coming when he started relying on his Soul so much - especially with how limited it currently is. His Soul turning purple was a possibility he should've kept in mind.)

Right. Not ideal, but reasonably acceptable, especially since there's less than ten minutes left in the game. He just has to be careful and not overdo it.

This has happened a handful of times before - moments in which he either got too angry or pushed his Soul too far, igniting that spark of energy from his underdeveloped Second Stage genes. As long as he keeps a careful eye on himself, it should fade afterwards.

That, or he should stop immediately, but... it's proven effective against Shuu. And with his lack of Keshin...

Its a risk he has to take.

Tenma, distinctly, thinks that this is the moment Pegasus would start chewing him out for being irresponsible had he been present to hear his thoughts.

Good thing he's not, then.

Tenma's pulled back to the present by the match continuing once more. Zero gets ahold of the ball and this time, instead of immediately going in guns blazing, the players originally from Ancient Dark show off their insane agility by dodging around Raimon players until they bring the ball to the front again.

"Hakuryuu!"

The captain accepts the pass with ease and twists towards the goal, smirking as a golden aura ignites around him. "Holy Beast Shining Dragon!"

Raimon is not as taken aback as they were the first time 'round, having heard Tenma's warning, but seeing Hakuryuu summon his Keshin yet again without even a sign of getting tired...

He grins. "This is how I can continue bringing out my Keshin almost indefinitely..." Hakuryuu gestures to the four other Keshin users, who are surrounded by indigo auras. "Keshin Drawing! And that's not all!"

Shuu steps up next to him, calling forth his own Keshin. For a second, the two terrifying beings simply hover there, and then they dissolve into light.

Violet and gold swirls around each other before melting together in a swirl of flames.

Bright blue eyes glow in the shadows and a giant figure takes shape, hovering above the field.

"Holy Knight Arthur!"

There's clear panic in Shindou's voice as he orders the team to fall back. "Everyone protect the goal!"

They rush towards their half, even as the Keshin raises its sword, lightning crackling around it.

"Sword Excalibur!"

They're still running when the shot hits and blows them all down.

"Goal! Zero brings the score to a tie!"

Raimon is scattered like leaves in front of the goal, every single one of them covered in scrapes from both the horrendous attack and all the abuse before that. Shuu and Hakuryuu stand over them, both of them looking at their opponents with contempt.

"Tsurugi!" Hakuryuu calls. "How about that? Learned your lesson?"

"Tenma," Shuu adds, glaring down at the brunet, "are you still willing to fight after this?"

"Yes I am!"

Out of everything, Shuu was clearly not expecting that. His mouth falls open as he watches the brunet and all his teammates struggle to get to their feet. "I'll never give up! As long as we don't give up... the goddess of victory is on our side!"

Also, no matter how terrifying their combined Keshin is, Tenma can't help but think that the thing looks nothing like the actual King Arthur. He'd know, he's met the man.

The two Zero forwards don't have anything else to say and saunter back towards their own half, as Raimon tries to stay on their feet.

Just a few more minutes.

Tenma pulls Shindou and Tsurugi aside before they can get back to their positions, withholding a smile at the deja vu he gets. It's just like the first time 'round, yet completely different.

"I have a plan," he announces.

While rushing to try and stop the last goal, he was circling through countless ideas on what to do now. Shuu and Hakuryuu will, without a doubt, use their Keshin again to try and pull ahead.

They can't let that happen, but without Pegasus, there's no way they'll manage to use Gryphon.

His friends have perked up and listen intently as Tenma explains, eyes growing wide.

"Are you sure?"

"Do you think we can pull it off?"

Tenma nods, determination burning in his eyes. "I believe so. Will you try?"

Shindou and Tsurugi share a look, and grin.

~'0'~

A mere minute later, the whistle sounds again and Tsurugi kicks off. He waits just long enough for Shindou to catch up with him and then they rush forward, calling forth their Keshin.

At the same time, Shuu and Hakuryuu summon Holy Knight Arthur again, rushing towards the two Raimon players as their Keshin raises its sword.

A second before the two teams clash again, Shindou and Tsurugi act. "Charging!"

Maestro melts into blue and Lancelot dissolves into darkness. The two forces swirl together and the two teens move with it, kicking the ball together.

The world explodes into color.

The gilded flames characteristic to Tsurugi's Infernal Inverse ignite, burning and swirling all around them; they spread out, separating into streams of fire that cross and curve all over the field, the chaotic movements of Shindou's Phantasm.

There's no name for the shot of pure Keshin energy, because that's what it is. Armed focuses the energy on the user itself, Shielding pushes it out into the world to form a blockade, and Charging...

Charging gathers all that energy into the ball.

Shuu and Hakuryuu, to their credit, don't hesitate, instead rushing forward and meeting the attack head-on.

They might've even managed to counter it, because their Keshin are just that ridiculously overpowered, had Tenma not already considered that possibility. When the two Zero forwards attack, the brunet suddenly appears in between Shindou and Tsurugi, eyes glowing a bright, purplish blue.

"When you use your Charging, I'll back you up with my Soul."

Now the five of them are clashing, Holy Knight Arthur's sword crackling with lightning and Raimon's columns of fire gaining a purple glow.

"Shuu!" Tenma calls out to his friend, trying to reach him. It's not just about winning. "Soccer shouldn't be used for cruelty," he says, praying that his words will be heard. "It's not a weapon! It gives us strength and happiness, and it's just a lot of fun!"

"You're wrong!" Shuu bites out, clenching his eyes shut as dark flames ignite around him.

"Then we'll bring it back."

Shuu let's out a shocked noise, eyes blinking open to look at the brunet, and Tenma smiles. He tries to put all his feelings into it, to show him, I'm here for you, I'll help you, it'll be okay.

"We'll bring back soccer to you, Shuu."

The other boy gapes at him, but any attempt at talking is lost when the two clashing forces increase even more, both sides trying to gain the upper hand. Tenma grits his teeth, putting even more power into it, feeling his friends do the same.

"We don't need to score. We just need to keep them from scoring."

Without Gryphon, their chances of beating Shuu and Hakuryuu are slim, but...

They don't need to.

It's almost anticlimactic when the ball shoots away, propelled to the side of the field by both the two attacks and the little nudge Tsurugi gave it. It flies over the sideline, far too fast for anyone to try and stop.

Tenma releases the hold on whatever's left of his Soul as Tsurugi and Shindou relax as well. The brunet turns towards them and can't help but laugh. "Yes! That was great!"

The other two share his happiness, and the three of them high five with a cheer.

Shuu and Hakuryuu are left to gape at them, their own Keshin fading away as both Raimon and Zero gather near the center of the field.

"...why?"

Hakuryuu's growl catches their attention, as the captain clenches his fists. "Why are we, the ultimate team, not winning over the likes of Raimon?"

"Hakuryuu." At Tsurugi's sudden call, not just Hakuryuu, but the entirety of Zero focuses on him. "All this time you've tried to obtain the ultimate power, without even knowing what power really is."

Zero's captain glares at him. "What do you mean?"

"Soccer isn't about seeking power," Shindou cuts in. "It's also about realizing the importance of bonds and courage. That's what makes it so wonderful!"

"Nonsense!" Hakuryuu declares furiously. "I won't accept this!"

Tenma hides his small smile when Tsurugi steps up again. He's come so far. "Hakuryuu," the Seedling says, eyes closed. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you from the moment I left this island. The training here is far more intense than imaginable. It was only a short time, but being able to compete with you as a rival... is the reason why I can be here today!"

For the first time, Hakuryuu seems to be listening.

"The soccer I played with you back then was really a lot of fun."

"Tsurugi..."

The captain's inner struggle is clear for everyone to see, but it's Shuu who moves over to him, smiling gently. "I wonder what kind of soccer we truly hoped for in the depths of our hearts. How about... we enjoy our own soccer?"

And finally, Hakuryuu smiles.

"Yeah."

~'0'~

Three whistles ring out.

"The match is over! Both teams use up their full power and end the match with an inconclusive score of 4-4!"

For a long moment, silence reigns in the stadium.

Every single player is gasping for breath, having given everything and more in their battle for victory. The sun beams down at them, collapsed on the field, satisfaction growing in all of them.

And then the applause begins.

Tenma blinks his eyes open, glancing at the stands, and for a second forgets how to breathe.

The audience is cheering, throwing their headpieces into the air, laughing and shouting and...

He's seen this happen before, and yet it still leaves him speechless.

"What's going on?"

"They're... applauding our game."

All players, both from Zero and Raimon, get to their feet, and slowly but surely begin to smile.

Tenma lets out a little relieved laugh, the tension melting off of him all at once. They did it. They won.

''Tenma,'' his attention is caught when his name is called. He's still smiling when he turns around, already knowing who it is – who else would want to talk to him right now, if not for Shuu?

He doesn't remember word for word what they said last time, but he remembers Shuu's smiling face as he said, ''You taught me that soccer is fun!'', remembers the reconciliation, remembers the friendship bracelet. He still has it in the future, although he doesn't wear it a lot, scared to damage it somehow with all his antics. It's got a place of honor on his dresser right next to Gouenji's soccer ball, though.

As Shuu looks at him, however, it becomes increasingly obvious that something is wrong. He isn't smiling, far from it, in fact.

He looks like he's seen a ghost.

"Shuu?" Tenma asks, growing worried when he sees something looking almost like tears in his friend's eyes, but why? There's no reason for Shuu to be crying.

And yet a tear is streaking down his face as he drinks in the brunet's image with wide eyes.

"Tenma, you're..." he chokes on the words.

The brunet, alarmed, takes a step forward, only for Shuu to suddenly do the same and wrap his arms around him tightly.

"Wha- Shuu?" he stutters out at the sudden hug, flailing for a second before more or less returning the embrace, too caught off guard to do much more. "What's wrong?"

He can hear Shuu inhale shakily, tightening his grip for several moments before relaxing and stepping back a bit. He still seems unwilling to let the brunet go, keeping his hands on his arms. "Tenma," he says again, and then, impossibly, he adds, "captain."

If Shuu weren't still holding onto him, Tenma would've staggered backwards.

This time it's his turn to stare, at a loss for words.

Shuu breathes out slowly, and Tenma can feel his fingers shaking where he's holding onto him, but that has got to be the least of his worries right now.

"It's you," Shuu mumbles, voice alight with both relief and terror at once. "Oh spirits, it's really you."

"I..." Tenma begins faintly, struggling to find his voice. "Shuu, what... how did you..."

Calling him captain- it's a joke, or a coincidence. It has to be. Just the title wouldn't usually be enough to freak him out, but Shuu acting like this- like seeing Tenma here is something miraculous-

(There's a creeping suspicion of what it could mean, something that was already in the back of his mind that he'd been ignoring all this time. Little hints, moments that could've, somehow, implied that- that Shuu-)

It can't be.

And yet the Shuu that's looking at him right now, not caring about the tears dripping down his face, his lips twisting into a tiny, disbelieving smile... his eyes are ones Tenma has known for years. Bright, hopeful, and so very relieved.

Those same eyes dart away, the smile disappearing and instead twisting into a scowl when catching sight of Zero's instructors.

''Tenma,'' Shuu mumbles, pulling him into another hug, but this one is tense. His lips barely move as he whispers directly into the brunet's ear, hiding the message he's given him, ''We need to talk as soon as we're in a secure place, got it? There's a lot I need to tell you.''

He pulls back immediately after, a bright smile on his face that isn't entirely genuine – there's a silent plea in his dark eyes for the brunet to play along.

And Tenma, still speechless, still feeling like he barely knows how to breathe, nods.

There's no way he can wrap his head around everything that's suddenly happening, but if he knows one thing, it's that he trusts Shuu with his life.

He trusts him in the future, and he trusts him now.

~'0'~

Barely twenty minutes after the end of the match, the Raimon team finds themselves gathered in one of the backrooms of the stadium. They've said their temporary goodbyes to Zero, promising to meet up again later.

The room they're in is a luxury suite, completely different form what they've seen of the rest of God Eden, with a high ceiling and indigo wallpaper, a chandelier providing light. Couches draped in red velvet are artfully placed throughout the room, multiple smaller tables lining the walls with vases of roses on them. There's an expensive looking TV screen installed on one of the walls.

Compared to the grandeur of the room, Raimon looks completely out of place. All of them are covered in dirt and grass, scrapes and bruises lining their arms. Some people, like Sangoku, are clearly hesitant about touching anything in fear of leaving dirt, while others - Kariya, for example - seem to be far too happy to do exactly that.

"Come on, after that match, we deserve it," the young defender declares viciously. "I'm already going to be sore for the next week and this couch is ridiculously comfy." Then he smirks. "Just imagine this is the flamingo's favorite couch or something."

And, well, how could they ever resist that temptation?

Now, several minutes later, they're spread out over the, admittedly comfortable, couches. There's an obvious undercurrent of unease amongst them as they listen to the tense voices coming from just outside the door.

(The first time 'round, they weren't brought to a room like this. They were escorted outside instead.)

The Holy Emperor wants to speak with them.

It set Endou off - he'd gone still, expression perfectly blank, and he'd ordered his team to sit tight and stay together. Then he'd stepped out into the hallway, joined by all of his friends with the notable exception of Kidou, who chose to stay with the teens instead.

Tenma wonders if it's because he still feels responsible for what happened to Aoi.

One thing's for sure, though. None of the adults is willing to let them out of their sight, and they're not going down without a fight.

Glancing at his teammates, Tenma tilts his head a little, considering.

They're all still tired and instead of finally getting to unwind and celebrate their victory, they're forced into another dangerous situation. He knows they'll be fine - Gouenji wouldn't let anything happen to them, even though Tenma has no idea why he even wants to talk to them in the first place, but his team doesn't know that.

Having made a decision, the brunet gets to his feet. It gains him a couple of confused looks and he tries to smile reassuringly.

When they first explored this suite, they found an adjacent kitchen, connected to the lounge they're currently seated in by an arched, open doorway. It's what's caught Tenma's attention now as he tells his friends, "I'm going to check if we can make tea or something. It sounds like we'll be here for a while."

That instantly gains him several grateful looks, along with Midori telling him that she'll help prepare the tea if there's indeed a kettle anywhere. Tenma takes it gratefully, if only because making tea for sixteen people is a bit much on his own.

The kitchen itself is just as impressive as the lounge, with black marble countertops and a shiny kitchen island. The brunet looks around, taking a minute to spot the kettle hidden in the corner.

He's not sure whether to laugh or roll his eyes when he moves over to it. It looks like it's never been used before, and he's not surprised.

Well, at least he can offer his team some tea, so that's a small mercy. He looks up, searching for the sink so that he can put on some water to boil, and stops short.

The world is tinted violet.

Tenma stumbles away from the counter, eyes growing wide, and something he isn't sure can be called dread settles in his stomach. Whatever this is doesn't feel ominous, but he's had very few good experiences with the color purple.

He's pulled out of his thoughts by a familiar voice behind him. ''Tenma?''

The brunet frowns as he turns on his heel, ready to ask what Shindou is doing here instead of with the rest of the team, but before he can even find the words he's frozen in place once more.

For a moment, it's all he can do to stand there and stare.

Then he mumbles faintly, completely dumbfounded,

''Takuto-san?''

~'0'~

End of Arc 3

~'0'~

Oh, I'm going to be cackling wickedly at random moments for the next week.

Y'all. Have no idea. Just how long I've been planning this moment and now it's finally here. I have been so, so exceedingly patient by not spoiling this earlier. I'm talking years. I have kept my mouth shut about this for years. I'm so glad it's finally out ahahahaha

--

Zero: there's literally no way you guys can win!

Tsurugi: bitch you thought *pulls out Keshin Charging*

Zero: minor setback. NOW there's no way you guys can win!

Shindou: BITCH YOU THOUGHT *also pulls out Keshin Charging*

Zero: O.O um that's it right? no more secret cards?

Tenma: BITCH YO *pulls out SSC*

--

Shindou: I can't believe I'm doing this but

Shindou: I'm gonna trust Tenma when he says he's okay

Tenma: Shooked™

Me: maybe the real treasure was Tenma not being half dead by the end of this match

Me: MIRACLES DO EXIST

--

Raimon: *trying to convince Zero to not suck anymore*

Tsurugi: playing soccer with you is fun.

Shindou: soccer gives us courage, it's wonderful.

Tenma: also it's a game and we're literal kids. can we like. please stop trying to use for murder? PLEASE?

--

What I said: this chapter isn't THAT bad when it comes to angst (compared to last chapter)

What I'm afraid will happen: everyone screaming at me that it was WORSE

(It isn't, right? I honestly don't think it is)

--

*Final scene be like*

Tenma: 

Takuto:

--

Hope you enjoyed, and until next time!

- Yara