Hey guys! I'm actually really excited for this chapter, for various reasons, which you'll find out soon!

Anyway, enjoy!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 2

  ~'0'~ 

The next day during training, all of Raimon gathers and waits for their new coach to arrive. When he does, Shindou steps forward. ''Coach,'' he says, voice unwavering, ''I think we need to talk about our new training regimen.''

Kidou raises an eyebrow at that, but doesn't object and from that moment on, training changes to suit Raimon's team. It's still as exhausting as it was before, but it's different. Lighter. Everyone is determined to finish the insane training menu.

And when, at the end of the day, Kidou gives all of them the papers with their stats, Tenma's theory is proving correct.

''You were right,'' says Shinsuke, his eyes wide as he stares at the papers in his hands. ''This really was meant to train our weaknesses.''

Tenma simply nods and pretends not to notice the almost unnoticeable way Kidou's expression tenses when he hears those words.

'Gotta watch out – Kidou-san can't figure out that I'm more than just a random player.'

If the narrowing of the coach's eyes behind his goggles is any indication, he's not doing a very good job.

  ~'0'~  

FIFTH SECTOR, THE RESISTANCE, SOAR

While Fifth Sector's secrets have mostly stayed secret to everyone not immediately involved in the soccer world, there were those who knew of them. Players from junior high and high school soccer teams were aware from the moment things were drastically changed, but they could do nothing. Coaches, as well, were aware, but again, they couldn't do much.

Despite that, there are other names. Hibiki Seigou, who is running for Holy Emperor in this year Holy Road's tournament. Raimon Souichirou, former principal of Raimon Jr. High and very much invested in the soccer world. Kudou Michiya, once coach of the team that brought so much fame to soccer Japan.

Why did none of them stop Fifth Sector when it became apparent that they did things that should not be allowed? The reality of the situation is that they did. Influential people in the soccer world formed an organization to oppose Fifth Sector. They did so undercover and called themselves the Resistance. Had they not done this, Fifth Sector could've used their authority to undermine them and thus take them down. However, since the Resistance is a secret group, Fifth Sector could not bring them to light without admitting that there was a reason for their existence and that Fifth Sector was flawed.

The Resistance's motives were good, yet their methods are not. Despite having many connections in the soccer world and therefore many opportunities to take down Fifth Sector, or bring their crimes to attention, they did not.

''The idea behind the Resistance is good and I have no doubt that their intentions are pure. At the same time, I, and many others, have been wronged many times by Fifth Sector while the Resistance could've stopped it. This could've, indeed, hurt them, made them even bigger targets than they already were. Yet the question remains, was it right for them to abandon children for the sake of the greater good?

''Attacking both Fifth Sector and the Resistance comes with great risks. I am aware of this and I know that if I, or any of my associates, are caught, could have bad consequences. Yet at the same time, I can't back down. Not after everything I've seen.

''Who are you, you might ask? We call ourselves Soar. Our goal? One might think it is to stop Fifth Sector, and it is, partly. So what makes us different from the Resistance? We don't want to back down after the main threat is dealt with. There's so much more than just disbanding Fifth Sector. Seeds and Fifth Sector employees need support and they deserve a second chance, a second chance we will give them, even if no one else will.

''But even after everything has been righted, there are other reasons for us to be here. It has been shown how easy it is for people to become corrupted. Soar will not interfere in rules, laws, matches. But we will keep an eye on things. Our goal is to make sure nothing like Fifth Sector ever happens again and if it does, we want to stop it. We're not out to control the soccer world but we do want it to be fair and free, as it should be.

''Of course, we can't be everywhere. We can't fight off every injustice that arises, but we shouldn't have to. If we did, there would undoubtedly be a debate of when we should interfere, what is right and what is wrong. There is too much of a risk in that. We could become another Fifth Sector, or another Resistance. We'll be at the sidelines, powerless but watching, and only able to change things if the soccer world wishes it.''

  ~'0'~  

''Hey, Tenma?''

Said brunet looks up at the sudden call of his name. It's late and his friends are leaving in small groups, talking about the match tomorrow. The time traveler himself is just putting his shoes in his bag when his name is suddenly called.

''Tsurugi?'' he asks, a little taken aback by the forward's sudden interest in him.

The Seedling is strangely hesitant when he asks, ''can we... talk for a minute?''

Tenma raises his eyebrows, taken off guard by this sudden change, and nods. ''Sure,'' he says, picking up his bag and walking with Tsurugi to the doors of the club room. Once they enter the empty corridor, he shoots the ace a concerned look. ''Is everything okay?''

Tsurugi stays silent. The brunet frowns worriedly at that, but allows him his privacy for now.

The taller player leads them outside, where the sky is already turning red, and to a group of trees where they won't be spotted by anyone. Once there, Tsurugi leans against one of the trees and looks away.

The time traveler places his bag on the ground and leans against another tree, patiently waiting for the forward to talk. It takes him a few moments, but Tsurugi has never been one to walk away from his problems, so Tenma isn't surprised when sharp orange eyes suddenly gaze into his own.

''Why are you doing this?''

Tenma tilts his head. ''You'll have to elaborate. Doing what?''

The Seedling scowls, but it seems a little forced. ''Why are you bothering with me?'' he asks. ''When you joined Raimon. I beat you up, more than once – I even caused your Keshin to be-'' he cuts himself off and shakes his head. ''After that, when you tried to help me, I pushed you away. Yet you didn't stop. And now you go out of your way to reassure me even when you're the one who's hurting. Why? Why would you go so far for me?''

The brunet listens to him without interrupting. Grey meets orange and the two stare at each other for a long, long time. The longer the silence last, the more pained Tsurugi's expression grows. Tenma's face is completely blank as he watches the taller player, not even reacting when the forward grits his teeth.

Anger shimmers in Tsurugi's eyes. ''What are you waiting for? Answer me, goddammit!'' he growls, pushing away from the tree he's leaning against and stalking forward. ''Why? Is it just for your own entertainment? Is that it?! Are you secretly laughing at me?! WHY, DAMMIT?!''he grabs the brunet's collar harshly, almost cutting off the other's air supply.

And then Tenma finally answers. ''I'm not, baka,'' he says softly, fondly.

Tsurugi staggers back, the anger dying down and being replaced with pain and confusion. The brunet gazes at him sadly. ''I helped you, even when you pushed me away, because I knew that there was more to you than the evil Seed you showed to everyone,'' he says simply. ''You were hurting and I wanted to make it stop.''

It only makes him angrier. ''Why?!'' the forward screams. ''After everything I did to Raimon, everything I did to you, why would you bother?! Why wouldn't you just- just leave it to someone else, I don't know, anyone else?! Why did it have to be you? How could you be so trustful and warm and real?! Why would anyone be like that?! Why do you do this without- without even asking for something in return! People don't just- they don't just do things like that so why- why would you do it for me?!''

And suddenly Tenma dashes forward and locks his arms around Tsurugi's torso tightly. The forward's breath catches and he freezes. The brunet ignores it and instead breathes out shakily.

''Because I wanted to, you idiot,'' he whispers finally, looking over his teammate's shoulder. ''The only thing I want in return is for you to be happy. Everything you did was because you were hurting so, so badly and I couldn't stand by and watch. I helped you because you're not a bad person, Tsurugi. No matter what anyone tells you, because if there's one thing I know about you it's that you're kind. You hide it well and most people can't see it, but you are and you only hurt others because you were hurt first. And if you're angry or if you hate me, I don't care,'' he laughs shakily and his vision blurs, ''I don't care. You can hate me all you want as long as you stop hating yourself for things that weren't your fault. I. Don't. Care.''

He's crying now and from the sound of it, the other is too.

In response, he only tightens his grip on the Seedling's shirt.

Slowly, so very, very slowly, Tsurugi's arms rise up to wrap around the brunet. And then, as if a switch is flipped, he is suddenly clinging to Tenma desperately, his whole body trembling. The brunet lets him.

(A part of him is relieved. The future Kyousuke took months to reach this point, where he could finally let go of everything. That this one gets there so much earlier both saddens and delights Tenma at the same time.

Now he can finally start to heal.)

They stand like that for a very long time until eventually the forward stops shaking. ''Better?'' whispers the time traveler and it's only because they're so close that the striker can hear it.

Tsurugi doesn't answer for a moment and instead pulls away slowly. ''Yeah,'' he mutters finally, rubbing at his eyes, ''better.''

Tenma gives him a shaky smile. ''That's good,'' he says, wiping at his own eyes. ''I'm- I'm really glad to hear that.''

The taller boy nods weakly. He doesn't smile, but somehow it looks like an enormous weight is lifted from his shoulders. The two of them fall silent for a few moments, neither knowing what to say.

''I- I suppose it's time to go home, right?'' says the brunet eventually, throwing a look at the now black sky. Through the darkness, he can barely see the other's nod. ''Well... see you tomorrow then, Tsurugi.''

He turns around, ready to leave, but the other's voice stops him.

''Wait.''

Tenma looks over his shoulder and tilts his head. It almost looks like Tsurugi is avoiding his gaze, but it's hard to see through the dark. ''What is it?'' asks the brunet gently when the other stays silent.

''You- can you-'' the Seedling pauses and then starts over. ''I mean... you can call me Kyousuke.''

The brunet gives a start. ''Wha-'' he stops when he sees Tsurugi look away. Tenma's gaze softens knowingly. ''Okay then... Kyousuke.'' He smiles.

Tsurugi finally looks at him and smiles as well. ''Tenma,'' he catches the other's attention and when the brunet sends him a questioning glance, the forward surprises him by pulling him into another embrace.

''Thank you.''

  ~'0'~  

Soar is everywhere.

Chat sites are down from all the spam and comments. Sport shows are all talking about it. Even various smaller papers have written about them.

''Did you anticipate this?''

Tenma, sipping from his apple juice, looks up from the documents he was reading when Minamisawa interrupted him. The forward has just come in, with Gassan Kunimitsu being further away from the Shinohara residence than Raimon, and falls down in one of the chairs surrounding their formal meeting table. ''Anticipate what?''

The older boy shoots him a look. ''This,'' he gestures at nothing, ''these reactions. About Soar.''

The brunet raises an eyebrow. ''Does it matter if I did?''

''I suppose not,'' relents Minamisawa after a moment of silence. ''Anyway, what did I miss today? Except for everyone at my school, not only my team, talking about us.''

Tenma shrugs and eyes the papers in front of him. ''I only got here a little while ago. These,'' he nods towards the documents, ''are the latest statistics about Soar's influence right now and some other stuff. We're the hottest topic out there.'' He grins for a moment but then sobers again. ''Seiji-san and Maiko-san are working on Soar's new official website. It should be done later today. There will be a general admin account we can all use and other, individual admin accounts for those who want one. Motoo-san and Emiko-san are working with them to start the donations, they have the details about that if you want to know more. Jiro-san and Yuki are working on things to put on our website as well, while Aki-nee is at home and Kogure-san is currently at work. They'll be here later.''

Minamisawa looks impressed. ''Not bad,'' he says, grabbing a few of the papers and scanning them quickly. ''Definitely not bad. So, what now?''

The time traveler bites on his lip. ''I have a plan,'' he says slowly, and maroon eyes look up at him in interest, ''but I need to work it out first.''

His older friends raises a curious eyebrow and throws another look at the documents spread out on the table. ''That looks like a lot. Mind if I help?''

Tenma gives him a grateful look. ''Please.''

A sharp grin is his answer. ''And who knows, I might be able to help you with this plan you have. What do you have in mind?'' he asks as he inspects one of the documents.

The two quickly get to work and when Aki and Kogure arrive an hour later, they start helping as well. The work gets done soon enough with the four of them and not a moment later, Seiji leaves the monitor room, a triumphant grin on his face. ''We're done!''

They all gather in the monitor room, the many computer screams forming their main system all showing different things and images. One of them shows what seems to be a website, a mix of blue, white and purple. ''Soar's official website,'' says Maiko and gives them a quick overview of the site. ''There's one main admins account, I'll give you all the password for that later, and we thought it would be a good idea if Soar has some 'faces' too, so we'll make individual admin accounts as well. Who's up for it?''

Tenma, Minamisawa, Yukimura, Seiji, Jiro and surprisingly Motoo are the ones who stay to make an account, and Maiko quickly gets to work. ''Well, first things first, you're going to need fake names. Changing is possible, but these will be the names the public knows you by, so I'd just decide on one and leave it at that if I were you,'' she tells them. ''To give you an example, my name is KitCat.''

While she works on creating new admin accounts, the other teens start thinking about possible names. ''I will just use my own name,'' Motoo tells them when questioned about his choice. ''Since I'm in charge of the donations, my involvement will be public knowledge. I see no reason for a fake name.''

That's logical, at least. ''You should go for Snowflake,'' Minamisawa tells Yukimura teasingly and the younger forward rolls his eyes.

''If you choose Sonic the Hedeghog, I might.''

The Gassan Kunimitsu player stares at him in shock for a moment, Tenma cackling in the background, and then flips his hair as he pointedly looks away. ''Striker will do for me.''

''Striker?'' repeats Seiji, testing the name. ''Nice, sounds cool! I think I'm going with Kasai.''

At that moment, Maiko calls for Minamisawa to make an account and Seiji joins them to wait for his turn. ''So what name will you take?'' asks Tenma curiously.

Yukimura shrugs, a thoughtful look on his face. ''Shimo, probably.''

''Frost?'' repeats the time traveler and grins. ''It suits you.''

''Thanks. What about you?''

The brunet tilts his head thoughtfully. ''Hm... I'm not sure,'' he says finally. ''I don't want something too obvious...'' there are many possibilities, things from the future that he could use for a name, but none of them really appeal to him. At the same time, it can't be anything that could lead Fifth Sector to him, so anything wind, Keshin or Raimon related is out of the question. Then a thought occurs to him and he blinks, absentmindedly wondering why he didn't think of it earlier. ''I think I'll go for Jū.''

The Hakuren player frowns. ''Jū? Ten? Why ten? Your jersey number is eight.''

The time traveller nods and grins mischievously. ''Matsukakze Tenma.'' Yukimura stares at him for a long second and then groans at the pun. ''Besides, everyone will immediately think of jersey numbers so people won't focus on me. It's perfect!''

  ~'0'~  

''The third match in Holy Road, Raimon Jr. High versus Kidokawa Seishuu! The match will take place in Water World Stadium!''

Everyone stares at the water stadium in shock, even the Kidokawa Seishuu team. Both teams make their way to their benches and try out the steadiness of the wooden field. ''I'm announcing the starting lineup!'' calls Kidou and everyone turns their attention to him. ''Forwards: Tsurugi, Kurama. Midfielders: Shindou, Hamano, Nishiki, Matsukaze! Defenders: Nishizono, Kariya, Kurumada, Kirino. Keeper: Sangoku. That's all.''

A few minutes later, both teams are in position.

The whistle sounds, and the match begins with Raimon's kickoff.

They make their way onto Kidokawa's half and connect their passes. The ball is quickly stolen, however, and despite the rumors of struggles within Kidokawa Seishuu's team, they pass to each other flawlessly and manage to keep ball possession.

Aphrodi's interference has changed the team into a perfect, one-minded unit.

Kidokawa's captain, Kishibe, manages to pass the ball to one of their forwards, Sousuke. The goal is completely free, and the forward prepares to shoot when-

A wall of water rises up in front of him.

''What?!''

Everyone stares at the large gap in the field, speechless. The ball's momentum causes it to roll in the water, where it floats innocently.

''There it is! Water World Stadium's pitch-down! Raimon is saved! Water World Stadium has what's called the pitch-down system, where the field will either drop horizontally or vertically into the water for a given amount of time! Where and when it drops is random, making it impossible to predict!''

The wooden planks come up and the water seeps through the cracks, disappearing quickly. It almost looks like part of the field didn't just disappear in the water below.

While the other players on the field are finally breaking out of their shock, Tenma walks towards the referee. When the man sees him, he raises an eyebrow. ''Is something wrong?''

The brunet shakes his head. ''No, I just had a question,'' he says politely. ''Since this field is... different, what would happen – hypothetically speaking of course – if someone happened to... get stuck under it?''

The referee fights down a smile. ''Well, if that were to happen, hypothetically speaking of course, it wouldn't be against the rules, if that's what you're asking,'' he answers neutrally. ''As long as you stay within the lines of the field, no matter how high or low you are, it will still be considered as on the field.''

Tenma almost smirks at that.

Instead he forces his face into a polite smile. ''Thank you sir, that's all,'' he says and gives a short bow, before returning to his position.

'This is going to be fun.'

The match resumes with the ball in Raimon's possession. Kirino passes to Shindou, and Kishibe is suddenly running towards the other captain. ''Fight me!''

Tenma almost chokes.

'WELL. THAT'S. PRETTY VIOLENT.'

Shindou stops and instead kicks the ball twice. ''Presto Turn!'' he disappears from view and Kishibe is blown back by a sudden, tornado-like wind. He dribbles over the field and passes. ''Tenma!''

The ball reaches the brunet but before he can do anything, the planks in front of him suddenly disappear and a wall of water rises up. ''Woa!''

'Not yet – it's too soon, and besides, everyone is looking at me since I have the ball.'

The ball lands in the water and the time traveler only just manages to avoid falling in.

Both teams keep getting disrupted by the pitch-down and it isn't long before Aphrodi calls Kishibe to him. Coach and captain discuss something quietly and soon after, all Kidokawa Seishuu players are being informed about their new plan.

''What do they have in mind?'' mutters Shindou, surrounded by his teammates as they stare at their opponents.

''You know,'' says Tenma, fighting a mischievous grin, ''I bet they've created a new hissatsu tactic where three players run in a triangle form and when there's a pitch-down, the ball is passed to one of the other players and they change its direction. They're probably calling it 'God Triangle' or something.''

(Okay, yes, he should not know about this. He should not let his team know that he knows about this.)

(But it's so tempting.)

Shindou shoots him a slightly weirded out look. ''That is surprisingly descriptive.''

The brunet only shrugs.

Soon the match resumes and Kidokawa gets the ball again. It's quickly passed to Kishibe, who shares a look with two of his teammates. ''Hissatsu tactics!'' he calls as the two join him and they start running in a triangle shape, ''God Triangle!''

''Okay how the hell did you know that?!'' Kurumada throws a creeped out look at Tenma, even as a glowing, golden triangle forms underneath the three Kidokawa Seishuu players for a split second, before fading again.

''Kurumada-san, I think it's better for everyone's sanity if you don't ask!'' shouts Shindou and Tenma cackles.

Suddenly there's a pitch-down, but Kishibe fluently passes the ball to one of the players behind him. ''Izumi!'' the player, Izumi, changes direction and two other players take place behind him, another golden triangle lighting up beneath them for a few seconds.

This goes on for a while, Kidokawa skillfully dodging the pitch-downs. Eventually they break through Raimon's defense and attempt to score, but Sangoku manages to block it. The match continues, but while Raimon still struggles with the pitch-downs, their opponents have completely figured them out.

When there's another pitch-down, this one right in front of Tenma, the brunet narrows his eyes. 'Now's my chance!'

He jumpts into the wall of water and lets it pull him under.

He opens his eyes – luckily it's not salt water – and dives even deeper than the initial rush pulled him. He creates as much distance as possible between him and the pitch-down, and when he comes up for air, there's barely enough space to breathe.

The brunet gulps down the oxygen gratefully and then takes a look around. The only light comes from the sides of the field and the few cracks in the wood, but it's enough for him to see his surroundings. Not that there's much to see – a few vertical, wooden supports for the field, and lots of water.

He takes a curious look at the still-open pitch-down. The long strip of wood is about eight feet under the field level. It seems that the wooden supports are part of the lowering system, for the wood is hold between it.

Tenma grabs one of the wooden columns tightly when he sees the pitch-down start to rise up again. Not a moment too soon, for only a few seconds later a wave of water crashes into him, almost pulling him away.

Once the water has calmed down again, he lets go of the support and waits. He hears the thumping from the players running over the field above him. It's risky, to leave his team like this, but he trusts them to be capable of taking care of themselves for a little while.

The time traveler floats under the field patiently, when suddenly a voice rings in his ear. ''Tenma- I mean, Jū, where are you?''

The brunet blinks and activates his comm link, mentally thanking whatever deity out there that it's waterproof. ''What?''

''You were playing in the match, I was watching,'' says Jiro, a hint of amusement in her voice.

''Yeah,'' agrees Seiji through his own communicator. ''And now you're gone.''

Tenma chuckles sheepishly. ''Eh... about that...''

''Matsukaze,'' comes Minamisawa's exasperated voice. ''Please tell me you're not under the field.''

''What?!'' more than one voice exclaims.

''I'm under the field.''

''...why?''

''Why not?''

Minamisawa groans.

Tenma cackles.

Their conversation is interrupted by the commentator's voice. ''What- it seems there are only ten Raimon players on the field! What is the meaning of this? Coach Kidou didn't put anyone on the bench!''

The cheering of the audience dies down a little and even under the field, the brunet can hear the rise of confused voices. The thumping indicating the running players also stops and the time traveler almost grins.

He does grin when the commentator's next words reach his ears. ''Where is Matsukaze?!''

Suddenly, he can hear other voices, even though they sound more muffled.

''-any idea where he is?'' the brunet recognizes Shindou's voice. His other teammates answer in the negative and when the captain speaks again, there's a hint of worry in his tone. ''Where could he be...?''

''Hi guys!''

His words are followed by some very colorful curses and the brunet cackles.

''Tenma,'' says a voice- Tenma recognizes it as Tsurugi's -clearly as exasperated, if not more, as Minamisawa. ''Tell me you're not under the field.''

''I am!'' chirps the brunet.

''Goddammit.''

Any other conversation is cut off when the match continues – seems like someone informed Kidou of his whereabouts – and Tenma is back to waiting.

He doesn't have to wait long though, for soon he feels the water moving to a certain part of the field. He allows it to pull him along and listens carefully, until he has an idea of where the player in possession of the ball is – the commentator is really helpful with that – and then grabs one of the support beams.

He barely has to wait a second before the strip of wood plunges down and the water rushes forward with a mighty roar. He immediately gulps down a mouthful of air and lets go, allowing the water to drag him along and launch him into the air, screaming ''YEET!''

His suspicions were correct, for the moment he's above the field again, he sees a shocked Kishibe – in possession of the ball. ''Wha-'' Kidokawa's captain doesn't have the chance to say more than that before Tenma lands and, in one fluid movement, steals the ball from him, quickly going over to a dribble.

''Wha- Matsukaze just appeared from under the field! Has he been there this whole time?!''

Because they haven't lost any time from losing the ball to the pitch-down, they now have a short while until another pitch-down.

Tenma doesn't hesitate to take it.

''Shindou-senpai!'' the captain, despite being in shock from the brunet's impressive entrance, easily accepts the pass and breaks past Kidokawa's midfielders. He then passes back to the time traveler, who is almost immediately intercepted by one of the opposing players. He isn't fazed, however. ''Soyokaze Step! Kyousuke!''

The Seedling is already waiting and the second he gets the ball, he calls forth his Keshin. ''Sword Saint Lancelot!'' not giving the goalkeeper any chance to react, he jumps and kicks the golden blackish ball. ''Lost Angel!''

The keeper attempts to stop it, but it easily breaks past and hits the net. ''Goal! With Matsukaze's shocking play, Raimon brings the score to 1-0!''

''Why, pray tell, did you think it was a good idea to go under the field?'' asks Shindou the moment he's within ear distance of the brunet.

Tenma cackles as Tsurugi joins them. ''Oh come on, it was a good idea! And we scored!'' then he grins cheekily, wiping the water from his brow. ''And you have to admit, it was pretty funny.''

Despite his attempts to stay serious, Shindou can't help but crack a smile at that. ''Alright, fine,'' he gives in, shaking his head fondly. ''You're crazy, you know that?''

''Yep!''

Tsurugi hits the back of Tenma's head. ''Don't sound so happy about that, idiot.''

''At least we have a point!''

''Yeah,'' agrees Shindou, his voice turning serious again, ''but we still don't know what to do against the pitch-downs,'' he mutters. ''That trick isn't going to work a second time and we can't afford to have you under the field half of the match. God, I never thought I'd say that.''

The match continues swiftly and despite Raimon's goal, the game goes on much like it did the first time. Raimon is still struggling with the pitch-downs while Kidokawa Seishuu is attempting to break past their defense by using their God Triangle.

And then comes another pitch-down, which Shinsuke narrowly manages to leap over.

''Shindou!''

Raimon's captain and coach discuss something in quiet tones, and when the game maker returns to the field, he has a triumphant smile on his face. ''Guys, here's what we're going to do.''

When the match resumes a few minutes later, Sangoku immediately passes it to Shindou. ''Let's go!'' calls the captain. ''Hissatsu tactics! Flying Route Pass!'' the team sprints away and Kirino jumps into the air. ''Kirino!''

The pink-haired defender accepts the pass mid-air and Kurumada jumps into the air as well. Before even landing, Kirino passes it to him. ''Kurumada-san!''

Their passes connect, undisturbed by the pinch-downs now that they're passing mid-air. The match turns into Raimon's favor for a short while, but Kishibe quickly brings an end to that by marking both Tsurugi and Shindou. The one in possession of the ball, Hamano, now has no one to pass to and is forced to land.

Kidokawa Seishuu moves to intercept, but the midfielder isn't having any of it. ''Surfing Pierrot!'' he breaks past them and passes to Tenma. ''There!''

Kidokawa's forward intercepts the pass.

He runs towards Raimon's call, ignoring Kishibe's ''Sousuke!'' to get him to pass to his captain, and instead calls forth a Keshin. ''Iron Horse Warrior Knight!''

Tenma gasps as something in his chest stirs and his vision blurs. He crumbles to the ground, catching himself with his hands.

Agony.

A wave of pain crashes over Tenma and he gasps, clutching at his chest.

Pain.

Excruciating, searing pain-

He can't breathe- his lungs beg for air and a scream is stuck in his throat and it hurts and burns-

PAIN

Pain radiates through every inch of his body and the blood in his veins burns and freezes at the same time.

Agonyagonyagony-

He bites down on the inside of his cheek to avoid screaming, digging his fingers in the wood of the field.

P A I N

He forces his eyes to open through the agony and ignores his blurry vision. The Kidokawa forward – Sousuke – makes a Keshin shoot. ''Gallop Buster!'' a sphere of blue light follows the ball as it flies towards the goal.

Pain burning freezing excruciatingagony-

Sangoku jumps into the sky. ''Fence of Gaia!'' the ball breaks past and flies into the net

''Goal! Taki Sousuke's shot brings the score to a tie!''

One last searing wave of agony crashes into him and then it disappears. A dull, heavy ache takes its place and Tenma gasps for air, feeling something warm in his mouth. He winces when he tastes iron – he must've bitten on his cheek hard enough to cause it to start bleeding.

''Tenma,'' says Kirino and the brunet can count the times he's heard the defender this worried on two hands and still have some fingers left. The second-year kneels next to him, hesitantly placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, deep concern stretched on his face. ''Are you-'' he cuts himself off there, realizing that the answer to that question should be obvious, and instead asks, ''can you stand?''

The time traveler gives a weak nod and allows the defender to help him to his feet. If he notices Kirino's hands trembling, he doesn't say anything about it.

He breathes in through his mouth and can feel something warm trickle down his chin – blood. He ignores it and instead turns to Kirino to thank him, but the defender's wide eyes stop him.

''You're bleeding,'' he whispers, distraught.

Tenma shoots him what he hopes is a reassuring smile. ''It's fine,'' he says, wiping the blood away with the back of his hand. ''Just bit my cheek too harshly.'' He makes his way to the goal, where the rest of the team has gathered, Kirino following him quickly.

Once there, the brunet almost falters at the overwhelming concern from his friends. Sangoku quickly moves towards him, his eyes narrowing at the stain on his chin. ''You- blood?'' he hisses.

Their other teammates tense and the time traveler shrinks away self-consciously. ''It's nothing,'' he mutters.

Shindou bites his lip in concern. ''Tenma, if you can't play anymore...''

The brunet is shaking his head even before the captain is halfway through his sentence. ''I'll be fine, I promise,'' he says, his tone a little more forceful now, grey eyes daring anyone to push the issue further.

Shindou sighs, knowing he won't get anything out of the brunet for now. ''Alright, but...'' he steps forward and reaches out, taking Tenma by surprise when his gentle fingers curl around the younger midfielder's wrist. That surprise is almost immediately replaced by relief when the painful ache is chased away by Maestro's warm and soothing presence, the tension flowing out of his form like water, ''at least let me do this.'' The captain smiles warmly at the younger boy and then turns to his team. ''It's still just a tie. We can win this. Let's go!''

''Yeah!''

Kidokawa Seishuu keeps up their offensive play, but Nishiki manages to break past. The ball is stolen from him by one of the forwards though, and the forward moves towards Raimon's half. ''Sousuke!'' calls one of his teammates, but the boy ignores him.

Kariya jumps in front of Sousuke. ''I won't let you! Hunter's Net!'' he blocks the forward, but the ball is stolen and passed to Kishibe.

''Let's go!'' two others join their captain and all three of them kick the ball, which glows red. ''Triangle ZZ!''

It blows Sangoku out of the way. ''Kidokawa Seishuu scores their second goal!''

And then two whistles sound, indicating the end of the first half.

  ~'0'~  

Tenma gratefully sips from his water bottle, listening to his team talk around him, when suddenly a man completely dressed in white walks towards Raimon's bench.

''Nishiki.''

The boy in question looks up at the sound of his name and then turns around, shocked. ''M-Master!''

The man, wearing a white coat and a fedora, takes off his sunglasses. ''It's been a while, Kidou,'' he greets the coach.

The coach's mouth falls open and then turns into a grin. ''Someoka!''

The pink-haired man balances one of the balls lying around on his foot. ''I'm gonna borrow this.'' He kicks the ball into the air and catches it, and then grabs a marker from his pocket. He draws something and grins. ''All done. Nishiki!''

The midfielder catches the ball thrown his way and stares at it. It has a single red dot drawn on it.

''Let's see now...'' says Someoka. ''Aim for that tree.'' He points at a tree trunk sticking out of the water.

Nishiki hesitates for barely a second and then throws the ball in the air. This time he kicks it harshly, and it hits the tree. The red stain shows that he hit it perfectly.

Someoka catches the ball with one hand. ''Looks like you've completed that training I told you to do,'' he comments, a satisfied smile on his lips. ''Nishiki. You'll be fine. All you're missing now... is food!''

The two Italian Pro League players then proceed to eat the rice balls Someoka brought.

Tenma watches it with a smile when suddenly, his communicator crackles to life again. ''Matsukaze,'' says Minamisawa's familiar voice, ''that thing we talked about, your plan. Everything's prepared.''

''What?'' comes Seiji's confused voice. ''What are you talking about?''

The brunet moves away from his team and nonchalantly raises a hand to his head, pressing down lightly on the device. ''We'll explain later,'' he tells Seiji, and the others by extension, before directing his words to Minamisawa again. ''So soon?''

''Yep,'' says the other, popping the 'p'. ''Some digging and I got all the points you wanted and then some. Only problem is, I don't have access to the official documents – I'm not a Seed.''

Tenma barely suppresses a grin. ''Don't worry, I already suspected that.'' A glance at his team shows him they're not paying attention to him, but nonetheless, he wants to finish this soon. ''Yuki, we're going to need your help.''

It takes a moment for the Hakuren player to respond. ''What do you need?''

''Are you still an official Seed?''

''Yes,'' this time, the answer is immediate.

Tenma barely hides a smirk. ''Good,'' the pleased tone in his voice is impossible to miss. ''Here's what I want you to do...''

  ~'0'~  

When the match resumes, Kidou changes the formation. Nishiki plays as a forward while Tsurugi is put as a midfielder.

Kidokawa Seishuu's kickoff gives their Keshin user, Sousuke, the ball. Kishibe tries to get his teammate to pass to him, but the forward ignores him. A confident smirk forms on his face, as if he believes they've already won, but then the ball is stolen from him by Tsurugi. ''What?!'' exclaims Sousuke, shocked.

Raimon's ace shoots him a smirk. ''Don't get too cocky,'' he taunts and runs towards Kidokawa's goal.

''Don't let him shoot!''

All four defenders move to stop him, but Tsurugi only smirks. Without looking, he passes sideways, where the ball is picked up by Nishiki.

''Here is my samurai spirit,'' states Nishiki and a cloud of blue rises up behind him. ''Sengoku War God Musashi!''

Tenma grits his teeth and his eyes flare blue.

(The only way to deal with the violent Keshin energy that comes from Musashi's first appearance – hopefully Pegasus will get used to Nishiki's Keshin soon, so that Tenma won't have to use his limited Soul Trance to stop the pain.)

(He really, really hopes his teammates conveniently forget about his little problem for now.)

(Can't distract Nishiki, after all.)

''Here I go!'' the midfielder-playing-forward kicks the ball into the air and towards the goal, where it's given an extra boost from Musashi's sword. The keeper attempts to call forth his own Keshin-

(Tenma winces as the strain on his Soul Trance increases)

-but Nishiki's shot is too fast and breaks past him, hitting the net. ''Goal! Nishiki's Keshin shoot goes in! It's a tie!''

Raimon's managers cheer along with the stadium, Midori the loudest of them all, and Musashi fades away. Tenma breathes a sigh of relief, his blue eyes returning to their normal grey shade, and smiles.

Soon after, the match continues, and Sousuke manages to get the ball again. He dribbles forward, towards Raimon's goal, but is stopped by another pitch-down. Out of nowhere Kariya appears, slashing his hand down. ''Hunter's Net!''

Kidokawa's forward runs into it and the ball is taken from him. ''Tenma-kun!''

The brunet easily accepts the pass but is intercepted by a Kidokawa player within seconds. ''Soyokaze Step!'' his first hissatsu gets him past the boy and he passes to Nishiki.

The temporary forward grins and calls his Keshin forth once again. ''Sengoku War God Musashi!''

''Heavy Machine Soldier Baron!'' the keeper's own Keshin appears.

Tenma grits his teeth against the wave of agony that crashes over him, even if he is already using his Soul Trance to fight it off. Like during the match against Kaiou, two unfamiliar Keshin are so, so much worse than one.

Nishiki shoots, but the keeper tries to stop it and the two fight for dominance. The brunet grits his teeth, staggering to his knees, and desperately tries to hold on to his Soul Trance.

He can feel it slipping away and the agony keeps increasing. He gasps for air and the second his Soul Trance breaks, black and red energy flares up around him.

Pain.

Pain.

PAIN.

A soundless scream rips itself from his lungs and the wild, raw Keshin energy increases and with that, so does the agony.

It hurts- it burns and freezes and it hurts- it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts-

He digs his nails into his palms to keep himself from screaming and he can't breathe, black spots in his vision, he. can't. breathe.

A-G-O-N-Y

And then it disappears, the lingering agony changing into sharp flashes of pain. The wild energy the second both Keshin disappear, and the brunet desperately attempts to catch his breath.

''Raimon scores! It's 3-2!''

The sharp flashes are being replaced by a heavy ache, a soreness that reaches to his core. Distinctly he notes that his fists are still balled and he winces as he relaxes them. A bit of red coats his palms, four crescent cuts in both of them, and Tenma bites his lip.

Explaining this to his team is certainly going to be fun.

  ~'0'~  

I am crying from laughter over here.

Did I make Tenma scream ''YEET'' at the top of his lungs while jumping out from under the field? Yes, yes I did. I'm a genius :'D Archerr almost killed me for this, but she was too busy laughing.

I'll let you guys in on a secret - the whole ''hiding under the field and jumping out'' was planned. The yeet? You've got my crazy meme friends to thank for that, they gave me the inspiration - and once I got the idea, I couldn't just not do it.

Also I can finally call the Third Side by their name - Soar. Seriously, I've known this name for months and it was really hard not to let it slip when no one else knew about it yet XD

Anyway, next chapter will be the last in Arc 2! See you then and happy early holidays, everyone!

- Yara Meijer