Okay, so today is quite a special day.

Today, it's exactly two years ago since I started uploading Accidental Reverse officially. Well, it was on FFN, I didn't start uploading here until later, but still. Two years and I've reached Arc 3... well, in another four I might have finished this! XD Seriously though, I never thought I'd get this far... jeez, it's been a wild ride, huh?

Anyway, I wanted to upload on this particular day because I thought it'd be funny to have exactly two years between the first and (current) last update.

Well, enjoy the chapter! Also, there's an important note at the end of it, so don't forget to read that!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 3

~'0'~

There are only a few minutes left in the first half when Genei gets the ball again.

Raimon fights back with everything they have, but even with the current tie, they're still at a disadvantage with Pinball Stadium's field. They try, but they simply can't keep up when their opponents know exactly how to deal with the bumpers and flippers.

So no one is surprised when Mahoro gets the ball again and even though they try to steal it back, Genei's captain is simply too good.

''I won't let you!'' Amagi, their last line of defense, jumps into the way and slams his fist on the ground. ''Viva!'' the familiar fortress rises up into the sky. ''The Great Wall of China!''

Mahoro isn't deterred in the slightest by the resistance. ''I've told you already, it's useless!'' he calls forth his green, eerie fire. ''Phantom Shot!''

Again, the ball simply fades out of existence before Amagi's Wall, reappearing behind it and continuing on its way as if it's nothing, flying towards the goal. Sangoku jumps and reaches out, and he would've stopped it if it didn't disappear again, just to appear behind him and hit the net.

A whistle, followed by another two.

''With Mahoro's goal, the first half ends with 2-1!''

Both teams start moving back towards their benches, and Tenma drops gratefully down on the grass when he reaches Raimon's. Midori, for once, doesn't throw him a water bottle and instead hands it to him like a normal person – perks of being injured. ''Thank you,'' he says, already gulping down the contents.

Tsurugi sits down next to him. ''I think,'' he announces loudly enough for the entire team to hear, although his words are meant for the brunet, ''that we need to talk.''

Raimon seems to agree with that, if the way they settle down around their two teammates is any indication. Haruna and the managers are clearly in agreement, and Kidou and Aphrodi – who apparently has permission to stay at Raimon's bench – both don't bother to interrupt. In fact, they seem to share Tsurugi's sentiment.

Tenma sighs and leans back. He was afraid of this.

Young one, if you lie to them or somehow avoid this topic, I will not do anything to interfere when they catch you. In fact, I will even lend my assistance.

The brunet almost snorts at that. 'Traitor.'

On the outside, however, he merely breathes out slowly and looks up at the high ceiling. ''Well, where to start? Fifth Sector came to pick me up during training, as you know. We stopped at Aki-nee's house to get some of my stuff and then they brought me to, what I presume is, their headquarters here in Tokyo.''

There's a tension to the air no one points out, but everyone is aware of.

''Did you meet the Holy Emperor again?'' asks Kidou, taking the brunet – and the other teenagers – by surprise. So far, the man hasn't pried into Tenma's meetings with Fifth Sector, but it seems he is taking his role as coach seriously after the most recent developments.

The time traveler shakes his head. ''It wasn't Ishido, it was one of the Council men,'' he admits quietly, a faraway look in his gaze. ''I was brought to the man's office and his agents knocked me out. There were two of them, Ogata and Yamaoka,'' he adds, absentmindedly rubbing one of the bruises on his uncovered arm. ''When I woke up, the Council man confronted me again. I told him that if he wanted to look so much like a classic cartoon villain, he should get a cat.''

Someone chokes. It's probably Aphrodi.

''Why would you say something so stupid?'' deadpans Tsurugi.

Most of their teammates seem to share the forward's exasperation.

Huh. He's getting predictable.

Well, that's no fun.

Reminding himself to rectify that later, Tenma puts it out of his mind for now to answer his friend's question. ''Cats do wonders for your image,'' he throws back. ''I'm serious, if you ever have to act like a villain, get a cat. Did you know our principal has a cat? It's only more proof that he's an evil basta-''

''Tenma, focus,'' reprimands Shindou and he has a Look (with a capital L) that convinces the brunet it's best to do as he suggest.

''Right. Anyway, Mr. Cartoon Villain then proceeded to interrogate me, wanted to know about my Soul. I stayed quiet and while he didn't like that, there weren't any real consequences-'' because Tenma knows his team very well and he's already sure that their protectiveness will be impossible to deal with when they reach the end of the story, no need for them to know about the punishment for ignoring a question- ''so it wasn't a real problem, until the last day.''

He involuntarily shivers when he remembers the shattering of glass and the searing agony.

It seems his short moment of weakness doesn't go unnoticed, for Tsurugi, of all people, places a gentle hand on his shoulder, the unspoken words of we're here conveyed through that single gesture.

Tenma shoots his friend a quick smile, a silent message that he's fine. ''The last day, the man got... mad, at the lack of progress.'' His voice is suddenly a lot quieter now and he can't bring himself to care about it. ''Before the daily interrogation, he ordered his agents to convince me to answer. That's where these come from.''

He taps softly on one of the bruises, and the tightening of his teammates' expressions tells him his suspicion was correct – they're never going to let him out of their sight after this.

Tenma shrugs a little uncomfortable, wishing he could play this down, but knowing it's impossible. ''After that, he threatened to keep me from getting to the match today. Sabotage, I know,'' he mutters quickly when he notices the anger his words cause, ''but he seemed pretty sure and I wasn't about to test him. So I... talked.''

Kidou's eyes narrow behind his goggles. ''How much does he know?''

The brunet glances at him. ''Half-truths are always the best lies, coach.''

''You-'' Shinsuke stares at him incredulously, his expression mirrored by their other teammates, ''you lied to him?''

Tenma fakes an offended expression, but the twitching of his lips gives him away. ''What's so surprising about that? It's almost like you were expecting me to tell the truth!''

There are a few laughs at that, but Shindou's voice pulls them back to the topic at hand. ''And then?''

The time traveler sobers again, giving a short sigh. ''Well, it seemed alright after that, but this morning, one of the agents – Yamaoka – came, much earlier than he should've if he was going to escort me to the stadium.''

He winces.

This is it.

''He...'' Tenma swallows, no going back now. ''He threw me against a mirror.''

For a second, there's merely a stunned silence, which only makes the wait for the inevitable explosion all the worse.

Then Aphrodi curses softly under his breath, and it seems that's all that's needed for Raimon to turn absolutely murderous.

Tenma shies away from their furious exclamations – not even Sangoku is bothering to reprimand the team about cursing, for he's too busy gritting his teeth and clenching his fists to care – because even though he knows it's not directed at him, that knowledge doesn't particularly reassure him in the face of their anger.

''Those fucking bastards-!''

''How dare they?!''

''Unforgivable!''

While the teenagers are barely able to keep themselves from going to Fifth Sector's headquarters right this second and burn it down, Kidou and Aphrodi both have the same grim expression, and even Haruna seems to struggle not to do anything rash.

''Guys,'' Tenma tries to get their attention, but they're not listening. ''Guys!'' his half-shout finally draws their eyes to him and the brunet gives them a weak smile. ''Trust me, I know you're mad, I am too... but right now, we need to focus on winning this match. You can scold me and fuss as much as you want to later, but please, let's just make sure we'll win this.''

No one really seems to want to listen to him and the time traveler is almost starting to regret telling them the truth.

Before he can, though, Shindou gives a sharp nod. ''You're right.'' There's still a murderous growl to his voice that he's never used before, but he at least seems to make an effort to get his composure back. ''We need to win this, then we can think about- other things.''

No one seems to like that arrangement, but they all know they can't lose here. If they want to take down Fifth Sector, they need to win every single match – including this one.

''About that,'' says Midori, her jade eyes still filled with fury, even though she's clearly pushing it away in favor of other things, ''we figured something out. Check this.''

Kidou and Aphrodi then proceed to tell the team about what they noticed about the timing on the bumpers and flippers. ''There's a time limit,'' explains Kidokawa Seishuu's coach. ''If the ball is passed over it fast enough, especially when you're standing really close, the bumpers won't be able to rise in time to stop it.''

''The same goes for the flippers,'' adds Kidou. ''With enough speed, it's possible to avoid them.''

Soon enough, their short debriefing is finished. Just in time, too, for the match is about to continue. The team starts moving back to the field, slightly refreshed after their break, and Tenma catches Kidou's gaze. His coach eyes narrow slightly and his voice is low enough so only the two of them will hear it when he speaks. ''We'll talk about your Keshin later.''

The time traveler grimaces but nods, quickly moving onto the field. He has almost reached his position when he's stopped by a hand on his shoulder and he glances back. ''DQE-senpai?''

Shindou doesn't smile at that, like he usually would. Instead he joins the brunet in walking back towards their positions, a grim tilt to his mouth, and a harsh glint to his gaze. ''Will you be okay?''

The brunet nods. ''I'm fine.''

Dark brown eyes glance at him sharply. ''I'm serious, Tenma. You might think you're fine, but if you don't take care of yourself, your body is going to shut down on you. Don't let that happen.''

With that he walks away.

The brunet is left to frown at the captain's back. 'That was surprisingly... cold.'

You cannot blame him, young one, comes Pegasus' soft input. He cares about your well-being a great deal, but right now, he is too confused and angry. He doesn't know what to do with his fury, so it is no surprise he lets it out at you.

''Can't say I don't deserve it,'' mutters Tenma under his breath and then quickly jogs to his position.

The second half starts with Raimon's kick-off. Their passes connect and within the first two minutes, the ball is passed to Tsurugi.

The forward stops running in front of one of the bumpers, the circle in the ground starting to glow blue, just waiting for the player or the ball to cross it.

''Now!'' shouts Kidou.

Tsurugi kicks the ball into the sky and turns, dark energy surrounding him. ''Death Drop!'' the ball flies towards the bumper, and the blue circle rises up-

-just a second too late to stop it.

''What?!'' Genei's keeper, completely unprepared, tries to stop the shot, but he's too late and the ball flies into the goal.

''Raimon ties the score!''

Genei changes their goalkeeper.

While it causes the Raimon team to wonder, they don't have much time to think about it. The match continues in their favor – with their second point, they seem to finally have gotten their act together on the strange field. However, Genei seems even more determined to stop them and the game is moving so fast it's almost impossible to keep up.

Especially Mahoro is playing roughly and now it's not only Amagi challenging the redhead anymore – Genei's captain is baiting the defender just as much.

Seems like the indifferent captain isn't so indifferent anymore.

Unfortunately, right now that isn't such a good thing.

Raimon brings up their passes, managing to use their momentum to move the ball further towards Genei's half. ''Shindou!'' Nishiki passes the ball to the captain.

Said captain passes to Hamano, and the navy-haired midfielder barely has the chance to get the ball when Mahoro makes a rough sliding. The ball shoots away and the Raimon player falls, crying out in shock.

''That was nearly dangerous play!''

The match continues, but Raimon is having a hard time to keep up. Mahoro, once again, gets the ball, and easily passes Kurama. He races towards Nishiki, but the midfielder is prepared for it. ''Sengoku War God Musashi!''

Tenma automatically braces himself for the familiar wave of agony.

So it pretty much leaves him speechless for a few moments when it doesn't have him fall to his knees, gasping for air. Instead it washes over him and something sparks underneath his skin. It claws itself to the surface, ripping and tearing through the bonds holding it down, and it's all Tenma can do to hold it down.

He grits his teeth against the agony that comes with it, nowhere near as bad as before but still enough to have him clenching his fists and breathe heavily. Through squinted eyes he catches a glance of his own skin and it's almost enough for him to lose his grip on his Keshin's wild power – because an aura of dark red is rippling violently around him, swirling around his body.

The brunet yanks the angry energy under his control again and instead focuses on the scene in front of him. A cloud of dark indigo is swirling behind Mahoro, shining with light. ''Illusory Daraman Crow!'' a magic circle appears underneath his feet, glowing a faint purple. Crow points her staff at Musashi, and a wave of purple energy rises towards the other Keshin, blowing it away with pure force. Genei's captain takes the chance to pass Nishiki and move to Raimon's goal.

''I'll stop you!'' Amagi shouts furiously.

Mahoro narrows his eyes. ''It's useless! I'll end Raimon's revolution! That is Genei Academy's duty!'' and he uses his Keshin to slam the ball in the direction of the goal.

''Is that what you think?!'' Amagi punches the ground and a familiar fortress rises up. ''Viva! The Great Wall of China!'' the ball slams into the wall, and for a moment it almost seems like it'll be stopped, but then it breaks through, stones following in its path.

''Hunter's Net!''

But the ball is too strong and breaks past the glowing net.

Sangoku jumps and slams his fists into the ground. ''Fence of Gaia!'' the Keshin shot slams into it, but by now it has lost most of its power and it's deflected easily. ''Thanks guys!'' calls the keeper to his friends.

''You were great too, Sangoku!'' returns Amagi, grinning slightly.

But when Mahoro merely glares at him and turns around, the defender's grin is replaced by a conflicted look.

''Oh, what's this! Hamano isn't getting up!''

That pulls everyone's attention to where the midfielder is sitting, holding his knee. ''Are you okay?'' asks Kirino, the first one to reach him, worry in his blue gaze.

''Ah, yeah,'' Hamano rubs the back of his head sheepishly. ''My leg keeps giving out on me...''

That's enough information for the team, and Kurama quickly helps his friend up, supporting him to the sideline. Once they've almost reached it, Midori runs forward and supports Hamano on the other side.

''Aoyama,'' orders Kidou, and the dark-haired teen glances at him. ''Start warming up.''

''H-hai!''

The coach then shares a long look with Kurama, and after a few moments the forward nods. ''Kageyama, change the flow of the game with your kick power.''

Hikaru shoots up when his coach calls his name. ''Yes, sir!''

The two new players wait for Midori, Hamano and Kurama to return. ''Are you okay?'' asks Aoyama worriedly when the three have reached them.

''I'm fine,'' the midfielder tries to reassure him, but the tightness around his eyes tells everyone he's in more pain than he lets on. ''I just can't run...''

''Then you're obviously not fine!'' Midori pulls harshly on his arm.

''Ow, ow! I give, I give!''

The little display relaxes all of them, so much even Kurama cracks a smile, before glancing at the two fresh players and full-out grinning. ''It's yours!''

Shindou gives the two a quick overview of how to best deal with the bumpers, and then the game is continuing. Genei tries to use the bumpers to make passes again, but before their first one even connects, a blur of yellow steals it.

Aoyama doesn't have a second to relax, for the next player is already upon him. He kicks the ball twice. ''Presto Turn!'' he easily passes the boy, already running forward. ''Shindou!''

The captain has the ball for barely a second before passing again. ''Hikaru!''

Hikaru stops the moment the ball lands at his feet, standing directly in front of the flipper. Genei's keeper seems as far from worried as possible, but the young forward doesn't seem bothered by that. He gives the ball a spin, purple light gathering around it, and a glowing sphere of destruction surrounds him. ''Extend Zone!''

The ball, surrounded by an overwhelming amount of energy, easily passes over the flipper, the system activating a split second too late.

A dark cloud of energy rises up behind the keeper. ''Come! Gambler Diceman!'' In response, an aura of red flares up around Tenma and he's fighting against the added pain that comes with the wild Keshin power trying to break free.

The power of Extend Zone fights against the Keshin, but it's too strong, and the shot is blocked. Hikaru grits his teeth as he moves back to Raimon's half, but his frustration is eased a little by the encouraging words from his team.

The match continues again.

Mahoro gets the ball.

He races forward, the only one standing between him and the goal being Amagi. ''I'll stop you!''

''You still don't get it?!'' Mahoro's eyes are burning with a furious fire – the stoic striker has completely lost his composure, although he still manages to keep a rational mind. Green fire surrounds him. ''Phantom Shot!'

''Viva! The Great Wall of China!''

Just like the previous two times, no matter what Sangoku and Amagi try, the ball flies into the goal like they're not even there.

The keeper punches the ground furiously, while the defender drops to his knees.

''Let's win this match!'' Amagi looks up at the sudden shout, eyes widening when he catches sight of Hikaru. ''We'll get him to understand that our soccer can stir up a revolution! So please... don't give up...!''

Something in Amagi's eyes shifts.

He nods silently.

Something about Raimon changes when the match continues.

It's in the certainty of their movements, the surety of their passes. They bring the ball to Genei's goal, and Hikaru shoots.

It's not fast enough to pass the flippers.

Not that that's a problem, considering that was not the plan.

''Thanks, buddy!'' calls Nishiki as the flippers deliver the ball right in front of him. He slams his foot onto the ground, autumn leaves falling around him. ''Denrai Houtou!'' a yellow sword forms from his foot and the ball races forward. ''It's all yours!''

Hikaru grins and jumps, spinning the ball. The yellow light streaks with purple, a glowing sphere of destruction forming. ''Extend Zone!''

It's too fast for Genei's keeper to respond and the ball slams into the goal, a swirl of darkness and light. ''GOAL! Raimon's Shoot Chain pulls the score to a tie again!'' Hikaru and Nishiki high-five, grinning broadly.

''Coach!'' calls Sangoku suddenly, pulling the attention away from the front of the field.

Kidou, at the bench, gives a nod, and then says, out of nowhere, ''Nishizono, enter as goalkeeper.''

~'0'~

''Raimon has changed their goalkeeper!''

Shinsuke looks very, very uncomfortable and small, standing in front of the large goal in his black and yellow keeper uniform. Raimon's other members try to reassure him, and it's working a little, but not much.

Tenma watches quietly, noting the supporting smiles and the hidden glances between his teammates. Shinsuke chews on his lip and the brunet's eyes zero in on the movement immediately.

(Shinsuke is one of his best friends, the one he can always trust to stand behind him and have his back. They have their own form of communication, a silent sort of understanding – something the rest of the team never really understood.

It's not like what he has with Kyousuke. No silent conversations in glances.

But a passing look, and they immediately know what the other needs. Reassurances, comfort, harsh words, faith.

Even here, now, that hasn't changed. Shinsuke hasn't changed.)

Raimon's resident time traveler allows himself a small, secret smile, and walks forward until he's in front of the defender-turned-keeper. Then he kneels down so they're at eye-height, and Shinsuke gives a soft 'oomph' when the brunet pokes his forehead.

''About time, buddy.''

Worried brown eyes widen in surprise. ''Tenma?'' asks Shinsuke, hesitance in his voice. ''What do you mean?''

The brunet can feel the eyes of the rest of the team on his back, but he ignores them. This, right now, is all about his smaller friend. He gives the other a beaming smile. ''I was waiting for you to become a goalkeeper,'' he says simply.

Shinsuke gives a start. ''W-what?''

Tenma merely smiles. ''You,'' he says, gently poking the other boy's forehead again, ''have a goalkeeper Keshin.''

Shinsuke seems speechless.

The team behind surrounding them, not so much.

''What?''

''What are you talking about?''

''A goalkeeper Keshin?''

Shindou pushes past his teammates to stand at the front, staring at the amused brunet with a narrowed gaze. ''Tenma, what do you mean?''

The time traveler grins. ''Exactly what I said. Shinsuke has a Keshin, a goalkeeper one at that,'' he shrugs, his eyes flashing blue. ''He couldn't bring it out as a defender because it's not meant to be used like that. He won't bring it out this match – too early, he needs to train as keeper, but it's close. The energy... I can feel it.''

And he can.

Pegasus, so attuned to Maestro, Lancelot, Musashi, every single Keshin on the Raimon team – Titanias included – can feel the energy buzzing underneath Shinsuke's skin, too deep to be awakened but there.

''It's still slumbering,'' muses the brunet quietly, ''but it won't stay that way for long.'' He gives Shinsuke a wink. ''Since Pegasus can already detect it, even in its chained state, it means your Keshin will be pretty strong, just like you!''

Shinsuke stares at him with wide, disbelieving eyes, but beyond that, there's something else, something deeper – gratefulness? Trust?

Tenma's not sure what, but it's the same look this Tsurugi gives him. The same look he saw in Hamano's eyes all those weeks ago, the look he can even see on Yuuichi sometimes.

But there's no time to dwell on that now, so instead, the time traveler stands up and gives his smaller friend another smile. ''Don't forget, you can use your hands now!'' he chirps and Shinsuke gives a shaky nod. ''And don't worry – you'll be fine! I believe in you!''

Soon enough, the match continues with Genei's kick-off. Raimon tries their best, but the other team seems determined not to have them touch the ball even once, skillfully dodging all attempts at stealing it. They attack the goal – probably thinking it'll be easy to score – but Shinsuke deflects all shots with help from the defense.

(Tenma is probably way too satisfied at seeing his smaller friend remember to use his hands.)

Shindou uses his God's Baton to try and change the flow of the game, and the ball goes from Aoyama to Tenma, back to the game maker and then to Tsurugi, the lines flowing over the field.

''Hey, Kyou-chan, let me have some fun too!''

Orange eyes meet grey ones and Tsurugi, taking a second to notice the defenders coming his way, jumps and passes.

Tenma grins and throws his arms out, wings of dark red shaping behind him, clawing its way to the surface and burning through all obstacles. Energy sparks and blue eyes glint dangerously, scarlet feathers and wickedly glinting chains forming.

''Demon God Pegasus! Charging!''

His Keshin dissolves into light, swirling through the air and to the ball, rippling around it in shades of gold and white. It rises higher, grows stronger, until a cyclone of light – even brighter than the first one – blinds everyone. ''Hypercane!''

Tenma spins with an ease and grace that comes from years of practice, hitting the glowing ball and using everything he has and more to shape the energy and bend it to his will.

And then it's flying towards the goal, nothing more than a blur of light, leaving a trail of wind behind that blows with such force Genei's defenders are thrown aside.

''Gambler Diceman!'' the keeper's Keshin hasn't even formed in time, the cloud of indigo energy dispersing when the blur of gold races through it, hitting the net behind it with tremendous force.

''GOAL! Raimon finally takes the lead!''

Tenma almost holds up a hand for a high-five, before remembering his injuries and instead deciding to grin brightly at the taller form of his best friend. ''Nice pass,'' he says as the rest of the team surrounds them, all sharing the same victorious smiles.

''Not bad yourself either.''

They share a slight smile and then return to their positions, the match continuing. Genei attacks with renewed fervor, stealing the ball before Raimon can even realize what's happening. Their passes connect and while the yellow-clad players can hold them off for a while, the desperation that's mirrored by their opponents makes it impossible to break through.

And then the ball is passed to Mahoro.

The 'stoic striker' has completely lost his composure, fury dancing in his eyes and the lines of face set in harsh determination. He easily passes through Raimon's midfielders and attempts to move further, but then Amagi is there.

''Mahoro! Fifth's soccer is wrong!'' he attacks, Genei's captain gritting his teeth and responding in kind. ''The old you would've understood that too!''

''What?!'' growls the redhead, his gaze sharpening as he fights to get the upper hand.

Amagi isn't letting up.

''You protected me, even if that meant you were getting hurt in my stead!'' Mahoro's eyes widen. ''I want you to go back to how you were before!''

They break apart, the ball in Mahoro's possesion again. ''I've had to work through a lot too! You don't understand a thing – what can someone who can't accept reality possibly do?!'' green fire lights around the ball and the captain's voice has a furious growl to it when he screams ''Phantom Shot!''

''It's because we have accepted reality that we can do it!'' and then Amagi is surrounded by blue light, power surging around him like a rush of water. Waves rise up and reveal a stone structure, the ground shaking with pure strength. ''Atlantis Wall!''

The defender throws his fists out, and a shield of blue forms, inscriptions dancing along its edge. The glowing green ball slams against it and fades out of existence, appearing a little to the left. It disappears again, reappearing a few feet to the right this time, and-

Stops.

The green fire fades away, and Atlantis Wall follows a few seconds later, while the ball bounces harmlessly on the ground. ''Amazing! Amagi has blocked the supposedly impossible-to-defend Phantom Shot!''

''I... blocked it...'' Amagi stares at it for a moment, stunned, and then, in an act that is very uncharacteristic for the third-year, throws his arms in the air and jumps in uncontained joy. ''I did it! See that, Mahoro? I blocked it!''

Genei's captain stares at him for a long second, and then his gaze softens and a tiny smile curls his lips upwards. ''You really stopped Phantom Shot,'' he says, voice for the first time losing the hard edge from before.

Amagi's eyes widen.

''You... understood?''

Before Mahoro can answer, three whistles echo through the stadium.

''The match is over! It's Raimon's victory!''

Tenma smiles as he takes note of the events happening on the field. Sangoku talking with Shinsuke, Amagi surrounded by his fellow defenders and Hikaru, Shindou and Kirino apparently teasing Aoyama about his use of Presto Turn.

Tenma.

The brunet blinks at the sudden sound of Pegasus' voice, the grim tone of his Keshin informing him about the severity of whatever he wants to say. 'What is it?'

You are injured and you need nutrition, and you just played an exhausting match. Your body needs rest or you will only make it worse, warns his Keshin softly. I have been holding most of the exhaustion back, but I cannot do so anymore – my powers are still not completely accustomed and need to settle or I will go out of control again.

The time traveler frowns but doesn't protest. 'It's alright, I can handle it,' he reassures Pegasus, sending him a mental smile. 'Take all the time you need. I'll be fine.'

His Keshin doesn't give a vocal answer, but there's a brush of warmth against his mind before Pegasus' presence fades away. It settles down, deeper into his conscious, still there but too far away to be called awake.

Tenma hadn't quite realized how sparse his Keshin powers are, but now that he feels the depth of it, he knows it will be a while before he can use them again.

That issue is pushed forcefully from his mind when the exhaustion crashes over him, followed by a wave of pain – soreness in his bones, his muscles burning and sharp stings from the cuts on his arm. He grits his teeth, closing his eyes against the sudden headache the bright stadium lights give him, and tries to ignore the way everything is too much.

The audience is too loud, the lights too bright. He's out of breath and he can feel a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek.

''Tenma,'' says a soft voice and the brunet opens one eye, catching sight of Tsurugi's worried eyes. The striker's gaze sharpens and he gently, softly, places a hand on the shorter boy's shoulder. ''You pushed yourself too far, didn't you?''

His voice sounds scolding, but at least he's smart enough to keep it down – Tenma doesn't think his headache would appreciate anything else.

The brunet shoots him an exhausted smile. ''Maybe a little,'' he admits, and that's everything Tsurugi needs to wrap a secure arm around the time traveler's shoulders and slowly start moving towards the bench, muttering an ''of course you did'' under his breath.

Tenma gives him a playful shove, earning himself an annoyed glare. ''I could let you walk on your own, you know,'' the forward reminds him.

Deciding his pride isn't worth it, Tenma allows himself to sag a little more against his friend. ''You could, but then I'd just get someone else to help me. And I'd call you a meanie.'' Tsurugi seems to understand the underlying message, if the tightening of his arm around the brunet's shoulders is any indication. ''Besides,'' continues said brunet cheerfully, ''you wouldn't let poor me on my own to possibly do something else stupid that would only make it worse!''

Any retort the Seedling could've given is interrupted when they reach the bench, and Tsurugi helps him sit down, surprisingly gentle. Immediately the three managers are there, Akane placing a towel around his neck, Aoi handing him a water bottle, and Midori cuffing him – gently – on the head. ''You're too reckless!''

Tenma just laughs weakly, chugging down half of the contents of the bottle to avoid answering and to rehydrate himself again. ''I'm alright,'' he says quietly, giving them a slight smile. ''Just a little tired.''

Midori gives him a harsh look and Tsurugi, who has taken a seat next to the brunet, frowns in disapproval. ''You're pushing yourself too hard.''

''Aw, is that concern I hear?'' teases the time traveler, grinning cheekily. ''So you do care after all!''

Tsurugi gives him a piercing glare but doesn't bother to respond any further than that.

The rest of the team is slowly gathering at the bench, Shinsuke fidgeting as Sangoku gently encourages him, a weak smile on the new keeper's lips, Shindou and Kirino going over some of Genei's plays, Amagi giving a grin to Mahoro as they split ways to move towards their respective benches.

Once all the yellow-clad players are together, Kidou stands up, and all eyes turn to him – this isn't the first time their temporary coach says a few words after their matches, but there's an edge to his posture that makes it seem more severe than before.

''Fifth Sector is getting out of control,'' he says lowly, and if they weren't giving him their full attention before, they sure are now. ''The Resistance has called an emergency meeting due to recent events, which will start in thirty minutes. I am expected to be there, as a core member, and we have decided that you will come with me, for your own safety. Is that acceptable?''

Tenma's raises a curious eyebrow. The first time 'round, Raimon never really got involved with the Resistance – they went to the HQ once, and they were the Resistance's 'main team', but they never got much insight on the inside workings. They needed to win all their matches, defeat Fifth Sector's soccer, but that was all.

Seems like things are changing this time.

Shindou looks to his teammates, his eyebrow slightly raised, the unspoken everyone okay with this? behind it clear, and his answer is a mix of shrugs and slight nods. Seeing as no one objects to Kidou's proposal, the captain inclines his head slightly in understanding and focuses on the coach. ''That's fine.''

''Just one question,'' Tenma chirps up, all eyes turning to him. Kidou motions for him to continue. ''Will Aki-nee be there?''

The coach nods. ''She's been called there as well, though she said she'd be arriving a little late.'' The time traveler hums in understanding and, seeing as there are no other questions or interruptions, Kidou gestures for the team to get a move on. ''Alright then, let's get going.''

~'0'~

So, guys, just so you know: I'm going on holiday soon. I will not have wifi. AKA, the next chapter will take a little longer to be uploaded (it probably won't take longer than a month, though). Sorry in advance.

Anyway, see you next time!

- Yara Meijer

PS: for the stubborn once, again, the next chapter will take longer to be updated.