Welcome back~~ already on chapter 38!

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 3

~'0'~

By noon on the next day, things have progressed much like they did the first time 'round.

Kibayama has issued a challenge against Raimon in three days' time – only supported by his threat against their managers and current coach – to which the team has responded confidently, after a short few words from Endou.

(He really is the perfect coach for their team.)

It took Tenma a while to convince his friends – and the adults after that – to let him help out. After a long while of complaining and, dare he say it, whining, coupled with some puppy dog eyes, he finally managed to join in on the search for good training ground.

He immediately claimed Shinsuke and Tsurugi.

Now he's hiding a grin at the sight of Ancient Dark, standing in the shadows after having shot a ball at them that Tsurugi barely managed to deflect.

Speaking of the Seedling...

''Who are you?!'' he demands, a growl in his voice.

Someone steps into the light, making an impressed sound. ''So you have some skill,'' says Shuu, smiling as if he's merely greeting them. He stops a few feet in front of them, holding the ball he just shot.

''What happened?'' Shindou suddenly cuts in as the rest of Raimon gathers.

Shuu watches their arrival, still smiling, and places a hand on his hip. As he speaks, Tenma's eyes widen, realization dawning on him. ''To tell you the truth, I've been watching you ever since you came to this island. You guys were-''

''Oh my gosh it's another stalker!''

Whatever mysterious and dark spiel Shuu was going for is, in one single moment, completely destroyed.

All eyes turn to Tenma. The brunet is staring at Ancient Dark's captain with a perfectly innocent expression.

Shuu blinks, taken aback by the sudden interruption. ''Excuse me?'' he asks, only slightly affronted – mostly he's still working through his disbelief.

Raimon's members, meanwhile, are either glaring at their resident time traveler – Tsurugi, for example – while others like Sangoku seem to have accepted their fate with growing trepidation. Shindou is massaging his temples and for a moment it almost looks like flames are rising up behind him. But of course that's impossible.

''Tenma,'' starts the captain, very slowly, a sugar sweet smile forming on his lips, ''do us all a favor and shut up.''

The brunet in question gasps, clutching at his heart. ''DQE-senpai,'' he whispers mournfully, ''how could you say such things? It's as if you don't appreciate me anymore!''

Shindou breathes in slowly, his glare saying everything.

Wiping at an invisible tear, the time traveler adds a sniffle for good measure and nods a few times. ''I- I see,'' he mutters, lowering his gaze and letting his shoulders sag. ''Well, in that case...'' he straightens, a grin splitting his face and all traces of sadness disappearing as he turns to Shuu. ''My team doesn't want me anymore, can I join yours? I'm really sorry about calling you a stalker! It's a habit I'm still trying to break.''

He counts it as a victory when he sees the corner of Shuu's lips threatening to turn upwards.

Unfortunately, since Ancient Dark still needs to have their whole 'redemption arc', their captain isn't yet up to light joking. With conviction that truly impresses Tenma, especially since Shuu seemed to be honestly amused only moments before, the dark-haired teen shoots them all a glare.

''You were crawling in the dust only a day ago,'' he says, his voice lowering darkly. ''I can't forgive that... if you call yourself soccer players when you're such losers at it.'' He directs those last words at Tenma.

The brunet merely holds up his hands. ''Don't look at me, I'm just the mascot.''

(Tenma would bet his entire allowance that, were he to turn around now, his team's glares would most likely kill him.)

Shuu really doesn't seem impressed. ''This is our forest,'' he states calmly. ''Outsiders are not allowed here.'' He turns on his heel, clearly believing the conversation is over.

Not everyone agrees with that sentiment, though. ''Wait!'' Tenma calls, all joking set aside for now. Ancient Dark's captain glances over his shoulder. ''Let us train here.''

''Train?'' repeats Shuu, a dark expression crossing his face.

The brunet nods. ''Our friends have been taken,'' he says, and part of him hates himself for misusing his knowledge of his future friend's past like this. ''We want to save them, but to do so we need to get stronger.''

A thoughtful look crosses Shuu's face and Tenma knows his words have hit the mark.

''All right.'' He turns to face Raimon fully, a distant smile on his face. ''If you win against us in soccer, I'll allow it.'' With those words he throws the ball down in front of them, a clear challenge.

It rolls to a stop a few feet in front of Shindou and all eyes move to him, knowing he has the final call. He narrows his eyes for a moment and then looks up. ''Fine. We'll do it!''

~'0'~

Fifteen minutes later, both teams find themselves on a sandy soccer field.

''I'm not sitting out this one.''

At Tenma's simple statement, all his friends glance towards him. He lifts his chin, the challenge clear.

''Tenma...'' Sangoku trails off when grey eyes settle on him, but a moment later he pushes on. ''You're still hurt.''

''Yes,'' agrees the brunet, ''and I already didn't play in the match against Unlimited Shining. Didn't I prove I could hold my own when we fought against Genei?''

They can't bring in anything against that and they all know it. Still, the hesitant and doubting looks are still lingering, so the time traveler doesn't let up. ''I'm on the starter lineup,'' he says, knowing very well that it's a low blow.

Shindou steps up, his face set in a frown of displeasure even though his eyes are defeated. He knows he's lost this battle. ''I'm still your captain,'' he reminds him quietly.

The younger teen inclines his head.

Drawing in a deep breath, Raimon's captain closes his eyes. ''Fine,'' he decides finally. ''You can play.''

Even though the rest of the team clearly doesn't like it, they stay silent. Only mere minutes later are they finding their positions on the field, doing some last warning up.

Then Ancient Dark kicks off.

The match is barely worth mentioning.

Like the first time they faced Ancient Dark, the other team simply plays with them. They let Raimon take the ball easily enough and put on just enough pressure to show everyone that, were they to get even the slightest bit serious, they'd wipe the floor with them.

Tsurugi's Devil Burst is stopped without the keeper even breaking a sweat.

The following few minutes slowly have the realization dawning on Raimon.

Their every move is being anticipated.

All the yellow-clad team can do is chase after the darker players, completely at their mercy.

When Ancient Dark spreads out over the field, too fast for Raimon to catch up, there's no stopping them. Shuu jumps, high and graceful, and swiftly kicks the ball. It tears through the air and lands on the sandy field, blowing Tsurugi and Hikaru away.

The pass – because that's what it was – is redirected by his number ten, blowing most of Raimon's midfielders away. The ball cuts over the field, connected by the Ancient Dark players, enough force behind it to throw the yellow-clad team to the ground.

When it's finally shot towards the goal, Tenma is already moving.

The little goat he remembers so well from last time is exactly where he expected it to be.

Not even attempting to stop the shot, the brunet instead launches himself into a spin. ''Look out! Soyokaze Step!'' he barely manages to twist around the ball, its force almost throwing him off balance when he passes it.

The ball slams into the goal just as he regains his footing, throwing Sangoku backwards. Only a moment later the keeper gets to his feet again. ''Tenma! Is that little one okay?''

''It's fine!'' calls the brunet, giving a short wave to reassure him. A second later Shinsuke sprints towards him, a wide, excited smile crossing his face as he shouts ''it's a real goat!'' and it doesn't take the rest of the team long to join their two first-years.

Their soft smiles at the little animal are shared by the entire team, with the exception of Tsurugi, as the goat walks off. ''Don't come back here!'' Tenma calls after it, giving a soft laugh as he watched it disappear through the trees. Then he turns to where Ancient Dark is gathered. ''Let's continue the match!''

Shuu waves his words away. ''No, I've seen enough,'' he says and sends his team away with a short mutter.

As Ancient Dark leaves, another voice pipes up from the side. ''What's going on here?''

Endou and Kazemaru stare at the obvious set-up with wide eyes. ''This is... did something happen?'' asks the blue-haired man, inspecting the team for any new injuries.

Any answer is cut off when Shuu crosses the distance separating him from Raimon, stopping a few feet in front of the team. ''Listen up!'' he spreads his arms wide, with an almost childlike grin that lights up his whole face. ''I've decided that you are free to use this forest. If you want to get stronger, I'll help you.''

Tenma blinks. This change is still as disconcerting as it was the first time 'round.

''That's the complete opposite of what you were saying before,'' he points out, true confusion coloring his voice.

Shuu startles, as if only just realizing that, and crosses his arms thoughtfully. ''Hm... um...'' he glances at the sky, fidgeting. Then a smile lights up his face. ''Well, it's because you guys are interesting!'' he points at Tenma. ''Especially you.''

As the entire team glances towards their wayward midfielder, said midfielder tilts his head. ''Me?''

''Yep. You're interesting.''

Something in Raimon shifts, barely noticeable. Tenma, however, is very much aware of their guarded looks.

(They can say what they want, but they are overprotective.)

''My name is Shuu!'' the boy introduces himself cheerfully. ''It's nice to meet you.''

Tenma glances at his favorite Seedling.

Hm.

He sends a wink to Shuu, who blinks.

''I'm Wasure Teta!''

Tsurugi chokes on air, his sudden coughing fit catching everyone's attention. When he gets his voice back, he turns on Tenma with a dark look in his eyes. ''No,'' he nearly growls, ''don't you dare start this again.''

The brunet gives him an innocent look. ''What?''

Orange eyes bore into him but when the sparkling, wide-eyed expression still doesn't let up, Tsurugi throws his arms in the sky with a frustrated snarl. ''Fuck you, Tenma! I swear to god!'' He turns on his heel and storms off, disappearing between the trees.

The time traveler cackles.

From beyond the treeline, there's a frustrated shout.

It only causes the brunet to laugh harder and it's a few moments before he gets his composure back, after which the first thing he says is, ''I finally broke him!''

''That's not something to be happy about,'' mutters Shindou, throwing the brunet an annoyed look. ''What was that about anyway?''

Tenma snickers for a moment. ''Inside joke,'' he answers smoothly and then, to avoid any other conversation, quickly turns back to Shuu. ''Sorry about that, I couldn't let the opportunity go. I'm Matsukaze Tenma! It's really nice to meet you too!''

Shuu shakes his head, still smiling. ''I don't mind,'' he says, laughing a little. ''But I believe I might actually need to let you join my team, if only so yours won't kick you off,'' he adds, his grin clearly showing he's joking.

With a dramatic gasp, the brunet clasps his hands together. ''Can I?'' without even waiting for an answer, he twirls around to face Raimon. ''It's been nice knowing you guys, I'm going to meet my new team now! Bye!'' with that, he quickly moves over to Shuu. ''Get me out of here before they murder me,'' he hisses to his new friend without caring that Raimon can very well hear what he's saying.

Shuu laughs, his shoulders shaking as he tries and fails to hold it back, and gestures for the brunet to follow him. With a last wave at his friends, Tenma sprints after him and the two of them disappear between the trees, leaving Raimon to stare incredulously at the spot they just stood.

~'0'~

''Thank you for saving me!''

Shuu lets out a laugh, the complete opposite of the dark expression on his face barely an hour before. ''You're welcome,'' he tells the brunet, dodging a low-hanging branch. ''Won't your team be angrier when you come back, though?''

Tenma jumps over a root and shrugs. ''Probably,'' he says, grinning a little, ''but they're used to me ditching them. At least this time I won't be covered in blood when I return. I hope.'' Suddenly worried eyes turn on the other boy. ''You don't happen to be vampire, do you?''

His friend shakes his head, but his smile has faded. ''What do you mean, covered in blood?''

Giving an awkward chuckle, the brunet places a hand on his bandaged arm. Shuu follows the movement, his face twisting into a worried frown. ''What happened?'' he asks, his voice laced with concern. ''I noticed it before, but...''

''Ah...'' Tenma averts his gaze to the leaves above them. ''I got into some trouble, that's all. It only happened a little while ago, so my friends are still pretty protective of me right now.''

Shuu relaxes, accepting that answer. They travel in silence a little further, the brunet taking in his new surroundings with curious eyes. He's never been to this part of the island before and he got the full tour last time 'round. Or so he thought.

''Wow...''

The awed whispers involuntarily escapes him when the two of them step out from between the trees and onto a clearing. In front of them is one of the old ruins that are scattered all over the island, only this one is different.

It's more cleaned up than the other structures, the broken rocks moved to the sides of the clearing to create a free space of grass. Unlike the other ruins, these ones aren't covered in ivy.

What's the most amazing, though, are the trees.

The entire thing is built around two large trees in the middle, winding around it to create several platforms between the branches. Thin, arched pillars connect the stone to the trees so that the entire things is seemingly held up by nature itself.

Ancient Dark is lounging around, both on the ground and in the tree palace, and they seem just as surprised to see Tenma as he is to see them.

The blue-haired number ten jumps from a branch on the ground several feet below. ''Shuu!'' he calls, a frown crossing his face although he doesn't seem angry, merely confused. ''What's going on?''

Shuu moves further into the clearing and gestures his new friend over, who follows after a moment of hesitation. ''Everyone, this is Tenma,'' he introduces them cheerfully. ''We can trust him.''

When all eyes turn to the brunet – not hostile, but curious instead – he gives a little wave and smiles hesitantly. ''It's nice to meet all of you,'' he tells them, mind going a mile a minute. Just why did Shuu bring him here? What is so different from the last time 'round?

(He's made it a habit to visit God Eden several times a year – Ancient Dark always welcomes him there with open arms and they usually spend the next week or so exploring the island and playing soccer.

Shuu has brought him to several private spots his team frequents and Tenma has never betrayed their trust by telling anyone else about it.

But that only started happening after several visits to the island, not immediately like now.)

Some of Ancient Dark's members spare a reserved smile for him, but mostly their wary looks are still in place. ''Why'd you bring an outsider here?'' asks the goalkeeper and it's only because Tenma has known him for years now that he hears the strange undertone in his voice. Not just guarded and confused, but more... mystified. As if he's faced with an unsolvable puzzle.

Shuu tilts his head and lifts a finger to his chin as he thinks over his answer. ''Hm... I can't really explain it,'' he hums, ''but something about him tells me we can trust him. Like I... know him from somewhere.'' He nods to himself.

The rest of Ancient Dark, although still holding onto their confusion, don't seem surprised by their captain's words. Instead they're... agreeing?

''Know me?'' repeats Tenma, a frown crossing his face. ''What do you-'' he cuts himself off, twisting on his heel to gape at Shuu.

The other teen blinks at him, silently asking what his reaction is all about, but the brunet finds himself speechless. His mind, however, is racing, because-

No. It's not possible.

''You...''

If... if Shuu knows- if he remembers- then why no one else? Why not Raimon, Aki, anyone he sees on a daily basis? Besides, time doesn't work that way. 'Don't get your hopes up,' he tells himself strictly, trying to stifle the sudden flare of longing that strikes him.

He misses his own time. He loves his teammates, he really does, but- keeping all the secrets is tiring.

And yet, he knows that there's absolutely no way. Shuu, and by extension Ancient Dark, shouldn't remember – it doesn't work that way.

(How does it work, though? Does he really know? After all, Shuu has shown before that the changes in time don't affect him.)

Could it be...?

But if it's true, then he has to know. He has to.

''You remember?''

He doesn't wait for an answer – his friend doesn't seem ready to respond anyway, if his bewildered expression is anything to go by – and instead turns to the rest of Ancient Dark, taking a closer look at them.

It's just as he thought.

If they really saw him as an outsider, they'd never allow him here, not even on Shuu's word. Especially not before they found their joy in soccer again, distrustful and guarded as they are. But the team looking at him now isn't angry, or hostile, or anything even closely related to that – bemused, yes, and mystified, but... honestly, that's to be expected, if Tenma's thoughts prove true.

''It makes sense,'' he murmurs to himself, and this time he can't stop the spark of hope he feels. Truly, with Ancient Dark's... more than questionable roots, it shouldn't even be surprising to him.

(He's not sure what exactly they are and he has a feeling they don't know either. Not quite spirits, but not quite... human, either.

Whatever they are, they've always been more connected to the earth itself – and, as Shuu proved during Raimon's fight against El Dorado, also less affected by any changes to the timeline.)

But since it's not just a slight change to the timeline, but a complete rewrite of history itself... could it be that the effect it has on them is stronger than it would otherwise be?

''Tenma?''

At Shuu's careful question, the brunet is torn out of his thoughts to find his future friends all staring at him. There's a hint of tension in the air now.

''Do you know something?'' asks Kai – the blue-haired number ten and someone the brunet has gotten along with very well in the other time – dark eyes set in a frown and swirling with what could be suspicion.

Well. What to do now.

Technically, he should tell them the truth, and he would...

Except that, at this point, they could still very well go to Fifth Sector and reveal any information he might give them.

That would be nothing short of a disaster. Fifth Sector finding out about his time traveling activities... he shudders just to think of it. They'd surely misuse it – force him to tell them all they wish to know, just to stay on top. Senguuji wasn't afraid to hurt him as a warning, how far would he be willing to go if it means he can shape his own future?

But...

With a sigh, Tenma slowly nods. ''I- I think I do,'' he says, finally. ''But I... I need to make sure of something, alright? I promise I will tell you, just- just give me a few days so I can be sure I'm not... making a mistake.'' He can't help but wince when the inevitable memory of what happened last time he made a mistake, unconsciously clutching his bandaged arm. Pegasus in his mind is strangely silent.

Ancient Dark shares a few cautious looks, before Shuu gives in. ''Alright. We'll trust you for now – but we will hold you to your word.'' His voice lowers at that last part and, no matter how silly it might be, for a moment Tenma is afraid of him.

Forcing that away, he nods instead. ''I promise.''

The team relaxes then, apparently believing him on his word. Instead they scatter around the temple-like structure again, mostly moving to the higher platforms and from there out onto the tree branches.

Kai and Shuu seem to take that as their hint to give the brunet a tour and within minutes, Tenma is following them up the stairs and onto the lowest platform. The view from up here is even more beautiful, the sunlight falling through the leaves forming green shapes on the white stone like stained glass. Soon enough, though, the two forwards drag him up the stairs until they reach the very top of the tree.

The platform here is smaller than any of the lower ones, but the view is absolutely worth it. Being so high up, it looks out over the treetops and the fields beyond the forest, the sparkling blue sea visible to the left. On the right side, the God Eden Stadium looms up like a dark shadow against the horizon.

Tenma turns a full circle as he takes in everything there is to see. Shuu and Kai share an amused smile, both knowing the awe of this place all too well.

''It's beautiful,'' the brunet says, turning to his two friends even though he's barely capable of tearing his eyes away from their surroundings.

Shuu grins, leaning back on his heels to look up at the sky. ''Trust me, we know,'' he says, moving over to the edge of the platform and sitting down, his legs dangling in the air.

After a second of thought, Tenma joins him and closes his eyes to feel the breeze caress his face. He could stay here all day.

They sit in silence like that for a long while, enjoying the beautiful view, the spring sun warming them enough not to be bothered by the refreshing wind.

After a while, the silence is broken.

''Hey Kai, do we have a spare uniform lying around somewhere?''

Tenma's head whips up at Shuu's sudden request breaking the silence and he can't hold back a grin. When Kai nods, Ancient Dark's captain shares a mischievous look with his brunet friend. ''What do you say we prank your team some more?''

''Oh, absolutely.''

~'0'~

An hour later, Shuu and Tenma set off to meet Raimon after one of Ancient Dark's defenders informed them about the yellow-clad team gathering at the waterfall. The brunet tugs at his black-and-purple uniform, trying to get used to this.

Shuu covers his mouth to hide his grin. ''Uncomfortable?''

''Not really,'' the brunet shakes his head, ''just... strange. But totally worth it,'' he adds, already imagining his team's reactions.

His friend throws his head back and laughs, and even though the whole situation of Ancient Dark remembering is incredibly risky, Tenma is at least happy to see him so relaxed.

He starts recognizing their surroundings, the sound of the river getting closer, and soon enough light is falling through the trees. ''Here we are!'' announces Shuu cheerfully as they step out into the sun, the light reflecting off the river water. They cross the last bit until they stand at the edge of the cliff, looking out over the waterfall below.

Raimon's bright uniforms stand out clearly against the brown of the sand. ''How are we going to get down?'' Tenma asks, knowing from experience there's no easy path down.

Then he catches sight of Shuu's grin and he blanches.

Oh boy.

''Well, since you're now part of Ancient Dark,'' the time traveler is really starting to regret that decision now, ''we should get down our way, wouldn't you agree?''

Warily, the brunet takes a step back. He wouldn't put it past Shuu to push him off the cliff if he gets the chance. ''I guess...''

''Perfect!'' the dark-haired boy claps once, beaming. ''Now, two options here! Either we go for a swim, or you learn how to climb a cliff.''

Neither of those options sound very appealing.

But if there's one thing he's learnt from all his time knowing Ancient Dark...

Shuu blinks in surprise when the brunet shakes his head and instead steps closer to the cliff again. ''Might I suggest a different path?'' before the captain can even answer, Tenma has thrown himself over the edge with a flash of blue eyes and a cheerful ''catch me if you can!''

Landing swiftly on a branch ten feet or so from the cliff's edge, he can only just hear Shuu's amused laughter before he's jumping to another branch, this one lower. He won't ever admit he's cheating with his Soul Powers, but considering the state of his hands right now, he figures it's justified.

Raimon, down below, is startled when coach Endou's explanation about their training is cut off by the sudden shaking of one of the large trees surrounding them. A second later, Ancient Dark's captain is flying through the sky, using a vine to fling himself high into the air before summersaulting into a landing just in front of them.

Instead of acknowledging them, however, he turns to the tree he just appeared from. ''Guess I win!''

A second later someone drops from a branch and lands easily and gracefully on the ground, pouting.

The Raimon team does a double-take when they recognize their wayward midfielder.

''Tenma...'' hisses Shindou, his eye twitching. ''What are you wearing?''

The brunet glances at them in surprise, as if only noticing them. ''Oh hey guys!'' he chirps and then gives a little spin, as if showing off his new uniform. ''Do you like it? Shuu gave it to me! Said I could keep it! Isn't that nice of him?''

That's not exactly true, but it's so worth it to see the glares his teammates are suddenly shooting the dark-haired boy. Tenma hides a smirk and instead keeps up his happy, beaming sparkle smile. ''He showed me around the island, it's absolutely amazing! It's so much fun here!''

If looks could kill, Shuu would be incinerated on the spot. Tenma almost expects Tsurugi to start growling.

Deciding to put this on hold for now, no matter how amusing it might be, the brunet turns to his coach. Endou raises an eyebrow, as if telling him I know exactly what you're up to, but the time traveler just shrugs innocently. ''So, coach, what are we going to do for training now?'' he inquires instead.

His topic change works, for the man sighs and gives in. ''I'm splitting you up into groups so everyone can train in the most useful way,'' he tells, gathering the teenagers' attention. ''Kariya, Amagi and Shinsuke, you'll be training your speed. Shindou, Kirino and Kurumada, you'll be working on reaction time and Tsurugi, Nishiki and Hikaru will work on their balance. Aoyama, Ichino and Sangoku, I want you to get in some stamina and precision practice. Everyone agreed?''

While the rest of the team nods, Tenma frowns. ''What about me?''

Endou hides a grimace. ''You'll be sitting out this one.''

The brunet gapes in disbelief. ''What?'' he demands, blue flashing through his gaze. ''Why?''

The coach sighs, running a hand through his hair. ''First of all, you're still injured and you should take it easy,'' he says, and then shares a look with Raimon's captain. ''What's more, I discussed things with Shindou. Perhaps it's best if you try and work on your Keshin for now.''

With an annoyed look at the strategist, Tenma huffs. Still, there's at least some fairness in that decision, so he nods unhappily.

''Great!'' Endou calls, his grin returning. ''Now that that's settled, let's get to work!''

~'0'~

Tenma and Shuu have relocated to a clearing in the forest, the latter offering to help with Keshin training, which the brunet gladly accepted. With how knowledgeable his future friend is, he'd be stupid to refuse.

They're practicing the simplest form of control, of harmony. With how physically based Keshin are, people often forget the mental aspect of it and instantly move to training – while truly, the first step of it is a calm, focused mind. The two friends are sitting opposite of each other, Shuu in a perfect lotus position, Tenma something similar but more relaxed. Their surroundings are peaceful; only the sounds of the forest surrounding them, time fading away as they both simply breathe.

Tenma settles into the rhythm of it. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. It's a silent mantra, and he sinks into his subconscious as he's so often done, where the godlike being dwells.

His eyes flutter open, then, expecting to see indigo, to hear a warm, rumbling voice welcome him.

Instead he finds himself... nowhere.

What?

The brunet blinks, as if that will clear his vision and show something beyond the darkness. It's futile.

He spins on his heel, to catch a glimpse of bright red and pure white, but there is nothing, as if he's in a fully obscured room.

It's wrong.

Where is Pegasus? Where is his Keshin?

''I'm sorry,'' whispers the brunet, halting in his attempt to pull away. ''I know I worry everyone, but I just...'' he trails off.

What could he even say to explain the whole mess?

So instead he just lowers his gaze until he's looking at his hands, fiddling with the strap of his bag, wishing the awkward silence would just end already.

''Wh-what?''

Tenma lifts a hand to his forehead, eyes wide and startled. The flash of- of memory, because it was a memory, left as quickly as it came and he almost believes he's imagined i-

Yamaoka pushed him against a mirror.

The man had pushed him hard enough to break said mirror.

Tenma breathes in shakily. 'Okay. Okay, I can deal with this, I have to deal with this.'But this- this isn't just a beating. He can handle that, handle that pain, but this is something else entirely. His own blood makes him queasy and-

''Oh my god. Oh my god.''

He closes his eyes again and focusses on his air intake. It wouldn't do to have a panic attack now.

Eventually, he forces himself to look at his injuries. Pushing down both the nausea and the pain, he breathes out in painstaking relief to see that there aren't any glass shards in his flesh, but he can't say much more than that with his limited first aid knowledge.

He curls up into a small ball and clenches his eyes shut, pretending the tears falling down his face are from pain.

Tenma clutches at his head with both hands, phantom pain running through his bandaged arm. ''What- what is this?'' he gasps out, panting like he's just played a match. ''What's-''

His vision goes white and his legs give out underneath him. Staying upright is too much when colors and sounds flash through his mind like this, blinding him in the darkness. ''Peg-'' he brings out, heaving for air, ''Pegasus, Pegasus-''

For a moment it's silent and Tenma almost hopes they've forgotten about him, but then the captain shifts next to him and he knows his wishing is in vain. ''Tenma...''

The brunet can't take it anymore.

He pulls his knees to his chest, resting his feet on the bench, and hides his face in his arms.

He doesn't want to imagine his team's reactions and so he doesn't. So when someone – Shindou, probably – suddenly lays a hand on his shoulder, he's not prepared for it and he can't stop himself from tensing.

'Get a grip, Matsukaze.'

A whimper escapes from where he's crumbled on the nonexistent floor, trying to curl up but limbs refusing the movement. His eyes are squeezed shut, as if that will block out the images, but they're relentless.

''Pegasus,'' he sobs dryly, but there's nothing. ''Pegasus, please-''

He keeps an expression of fury on his face, but once he's out of eyesight, it crumbles and is replaced by one of hurt.

Of all things to happen, he never expected this.

He's not sure what to think, what to feel. Everything's a mess inside his head and he barely registers it when he reaches the soccer building. But between all the chaos and uncertainty, one thing stands out.

He has never missed his own team as much as in that moment.

'I don't belong here.'

''Pegasus,'' but his Keshin isn't there, his Keshin isn't coming to help him, and Tenma isn't even aware of the other names escaping him until he hears his own, hoarse voice saying them, ''S-Shin- Shindou- Kyousuke-''

But they aren't here.

He knows they aren't, and his own mind is betraying him-

Raimon's time traveler closes his eyes in anticipation, already hearing Kurama's angry voice. ''The one destroying Raimon's soccer club isn't Fifth Sector or Tsurugi... it's really you!'' he spats, and the brunet can feel the glare the forward shoots him.

But he doesn't open his eyes. He can't. 'I'm sorry.'

As the silence stretches on, the brunet can't help but mentally flinch as the words keep replaying in his ears. He knows Kurama doesn't really hate him, that he's just angry right now.

He swallows at the memory, automatically comparing the gentle voice of his friend to the harsh tone from his past self, trying to convince himself Kurama doesn't hate him.

'In this world he does.'

Tenma can't even speak anymore, instead left a whimpering, trembling mess on the floor, clutching at his head. It hurts, not like his Chained Keshin or the shards of the mirror cutting through his skin, but differently. Deeper.

The pain isn't physical.

'I can't do this...'

''But I don't have a choice,'' he whispers sadly. ''I have to do this, I have to protect everyone, but...''

He lets himself fall back on his bed, finally allowing some of his weakness to seep through.

''I just want to go home.''

''Stop,'' Tenma whispers, but his voice is inaudible.

It's not even pain, not really – it's something he's intricately familiar with, something he thought he'd already beaten. So why, why is this happening- why does it still hurt?

He doesn't want this- these insecurities, these things that creep up on him in his weakest moments.

He inhales shakily.

Tenma mutely shakes his head, shutting his burning eyes tightly.

Why, why didn't he remember this?

Remember how his team had been hurt last time this happened? They had been alright in the end, but they were still injured. How could he so easily ignore that?

(Why did he have to decide for them? Who gave him the right to play with their lives like that?)

Little one, Pegasus' voice comes again. It's softer this time, gentle as he would be if he were talking to a skittish animal. Don't do this to yourself.

A sharp, hitching inhale, too close to a sob although it's barely audible, escapes him. 'I'm sorry,' the unbidden thought crosses his mind, repeating itself again and again. 'I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.'

He feels disgusted with himself.

His hands, previously clutching at his head, have fallen limply, only the faintest of tremors still in his fingers. He can see it, through his half-opened eyes, even with his vision as blurry as it is.

It's so cold.

The flashes are slower, lessening, and he would sob in relief if he could bring himself to move at the thought this will be over.

A second later he wants to sob for completely different reason, when another memory catches up with hi-

Tenma closes his eyes tightly, hot tears threatening to spill over. His team is utterly ruined, no one even able of taking one more step.

And although he's been safely benched all this time, something inside him hurts.

And then it's over.

Tenma can't even be relieved about it, because the darkness is closing in on him fast, the last, weak tremors fading away as well, replaced by cold.

His eyelids close without his permission, and then he knows nothing.

~'0'~

Did Tenma call Shuu a stalker? Yes he did. Did I have to end it with angst? Of course I did.

See you next chapter!

- Yara Meijer