Hello~ how's life?

You guys won't believe the drama this particular chapter caused me XD More details about that at the end, lol. 

Have fun reading this!

Oh, before I forget: I promised a certain someone like two years ago to do this. Little late, but here it is!

Official AR Warning: Might pose a danger health-wise, AKA R.I.P. ElementEmerald.

~'0'~

Accidental Reverse Arc 3

~'0'~

''Welcome to God Eden.''

Kibayama's face is contorted into an ugly smirk as Raimon tries to ignore their loud audience and focus on the supervisor instead. The man gestures to the arena around them, seeming utterly pleased by the jeering screams. ''You could say that everyone in this stadium is your enemy.''

The tension in the Raimon team rises at that statement, although they all do their best not to let it show.

Kibayama places his hands on his hips as he takes them in, obviously not fooled by their attempt at composure. ''Let me reiterate...'' he starts, if only to aggravate them even more, ''if you lose this match, you must consent to undertake education to become a Seed-''

''We're not going to change our minds!'' Tenma exclaims before he can stop himself, because only the idea of giving up before they've even started – and subjecting his team to whatever 'punishment' Fifth Sector decides on – makes his skin crawl.

Someone's hand curls around his wrist in a hold loose enough he could break free if he wanted to, squeezing gently, and it comforts him enough that he doesn't react when Kibayama chuckles maliciously. ''You do not have the freedom to change your minds,'' he repeats the brunet's words, now spoken with a mocking tone. ''And you won't be allowed to leave here unless you've won.''

His hand whips up, startling all of them, and he snaps his fingers before clenching his fist. ''Come out, my ultimate players!'' he throws out his arm and, with a deafening sound, a beam of golden light cuts through the arena. Instantly, on the other side another beam, this one purple in color, lights up in response.

They meet in mid-air and streaks downwards. Where it hits the ground, a bright, golden sphere lights up and Raimon has to brace themselves against the blinding force.

When the light dies down, a new team is revealed, dressed in white and black uniforms. Hakuryuu stands at the front, the green captain band displayed proudly around his arm.

Zero.

''What's going on here?'' Tsurugi demands through gritted teeth, eyes growing wide in alarm.

Alarm that is shared by the rest of Raimon. ''Something's different about that team from before!'' Hikaru explains, and the longer any of them look at their apparent opponents, the more wrong it seems.

From behind Hakuryuu, another figure steps up, and Tenma inhales sharply.

He was expecting this, yet it still hurts.

''Shuu...!''

Next to Tenma, Shindou's horrified expression twists with dread. ''It's not just him,'' he manages to say, the hand still holding Tenma's wrist tightening a little. ''Some of his teammates are in the mix too.''

''This is bad,'' Kariya says, uncharacteristically strained, no doubt thinking back on their match against Ancient Dark. Both teams they couldn't beat, now combined. ''Are they brainwashed?''

It's as if Shuu heard his mumble, although that's impossible with the distance between their teams and the cheering from the audience. ''Let me be upfront with this so you don't get the wrong idea,'' he calls, and his voice sounds so very cold it sends shivers down Tenma's spine. He hates the spiteful timbre that taints his friend's otherwise soft-spoken voice. ''I'm in this team of my own free will.''

Had this been three years ago, Tenma would've stepped up and demanded answers. Now he can't find any of that resolve; it's all he can do to keep his eyes locked onto Shuu's defensive figure, because he owes him that much at least.

He couldn't stop his friend from joining forces with Fifth Sector. He won't ignore his mistake now by refusing to look at him.

After all, this is the second time he'd failed him. And now he doesn't have the excuse of not expecting it; he'd known exactly what would happen.

(He should've tried harder to convince Shuu that this isn't right; and yet all his attention went to Pegasus and his own issues, until it was too late already.)

''Let me tell you about our campaign to seek the ultimate power, 'Project Zero'.'' Kibayama is no longer smirking, in fact, this is the most serious he's been in the few times Raimon was forced to face him. ''Unlimited Shining and Ancient Dark. These two teams have trained under different circumstances. Having your team fight Ancient Dark in the forest was also another part of the project.''

A ripple of unease goes through Raimon when they realize just how much of their stay here was orchestrated. This was a trap, they all knew it from the start, and yet they walked right into it.

Kibayama only grows more fervent as he continues with his speech. ''Light and shadow! Stillness and movement! Positive and negative... when these two fuse together, the ultimate team, Zero, is born!'' He gestures to the teenagers next to him, and Tenma can't help but think that Shuu and Hakuryuu, so obvious in their differences when standing next to each other, have one unmistakable thing in common; the fury in their eyes.

And then, in perfect synchrony, both captains alight their auras, one sparking gold and the other clouded darkness. Tenma hisses sharply.

The energy stemming from the two of them is overwhelming, and Raimon can only watch in stunned disbelief as they're faced with the full might of their opponents. This is worse than anything they ever could've anticipated.

Around them, the previously wordless jeering of the audience shapes around a single word, and when it does, it horrifies them all. ''Fifth! Fifth! Fith!''

A single, high-pitched call cuts through the awful chant.

''Tenma!''

No.

The brunet in question whips around, barely aware of the rest of his team around him doing the same, and he stares up at his best friend in sickening denial.

He'd forgotten.

How could he have forgotten?

''Aoi!'' the desperate call of her name escapes him, and his hands shake as he takes in her small figure, caged above the field like she's nothing more than an animal.

She's gripping tightly the bars that hold her captive, and at first Tenma thinks she's terrified – and she is; even now, he knows her better than he knows himself, and it's as obvious to him as it would be if she were standing right next to him.

But beyond fear, and concern – for the team, no doubt, and he wants to both laugh and despair at her stubborn selflessness – there's anger.

It all takes Tenma a mere second to observe, as his companions exclaims their shock and fury around him. And yet, despite the call of her name, the brunet himself can't find his voice to join in beyond that. He's sharply aware of Zero's presence behind them, watching them lose their composure with sickening amusement.

''Endou!'' their attention is caught by yet another voice, and suddenly Kidou, Haruna and the other two managers are there, looking tired but unharmed.

''Kidou! Girls!'' Endou mumbles in surprise, and then it fades away, leaving only relief.

His friend doesn't share the sentiment, fists balled and a deep frown etched onto his face. The Raimon team has never seen him look so haggard, coat and tie missing, shirt dirty and ruffled, and clearly anxious in more ways than one. ''I'm sorry, Endou,'' is the first thing he says, eyes trained on the cage above. ''She was under my responsibility, and yet...''

Endou's gaze turns back to Aoi as well, and his voice wavers when he speaks again. ''We'll save her,'' he promises. ''For now, let's keep watch over Raimon's fight. The future of soccer depends on this match! That's what I believe.''

And that belief is shared by them all. If Fifth Sector tried to discourage them by this show of tyranny, all they've done is made a grave miscalculation.

None of them are disheartened in the slightest. Not at all.

No, all Fifth Sector managed to do was make them angry.

''I can't believe this,'' Nishiki mutters, gaze trained firmly on Aoi's confinement. He's next to Midori, not hesitating for even a second in making sure his friend was alright after he'd spotted her; the redhead, for once, lets him worry about her without complaint.

Sangoku walks up next to them. ''We'll just have to win,'' he tells the team, but his face is set with the same anger they all feel at the treatment of one of their own. ''At least Sorano-chan will be fine for the time being. We can't get to her, but neither can Fifth Sector.''

Although the whole team still seems ready to unleash hell on this whole damned island, their keeper is right and they know it.

With clear reluctance, Shindou turns his back on Aoi's cage. ''Sangoku-san is right. All we can do now is focus on the match.'' His gaze shifts to Zero. ''Things won't go like last time!''

Hakuryuu smirks at the challenge. ''We'll imprint it in your mind... the power of those who have constantly fought to reach the top!'' he announces, and Tsurugi grits his teeth.

He doesn't get the chance to say anything, though, because Shuu speaks up immediately after. ''Tenma,'' he calls, without even a hint of emotion. ''Soccer is merely a tool to determine people's value. Without power, you won't be able to protect those precious to you!''

The way his eyes shift to Aoi, for just a short second, is telling.

Tenma inhales sharply, but then he wills himself to calm down. ''That isn't true,'' he says in response, and then adds, softer, ''you know it isn't, Shuu.''

He doesn't get an answer, not that he expected one. Instead, now that all cards are on the table, no more time is wasted on talking and both sides retreat to their own bench to prepare for the match that will begin momentarily.

Within minutes, all players are in position.

''It's finally begun!'' the commentator's amplified voice echoes through the stadium. ''The match between Raimon Jr. High and the ultimate team, Zero! Your commentator for this match will be me, Fifth Sector's Igou Manabu! Now, for the kickoff!''

At the whistle, Tsurugi kicks off, and the game starts.

The ball is passed to Nishiki, who immediately goes for the offensive. ''Here I come!'' before he can do anything, however, Hakuryuu is in front of him and stealing the ball before any of the Raimon players can react.

''He's fast!''

Understatement of the century, and even worse is that Shuu has no trouble keeping up with him. The captain passes to him, and from there on, it's nearly exactly like the match in the forest – Ancient Dark, just toying with them.

Except this isn't just Ancient Dark – it's Unlimited Shining, too, and their destructive playing style mixing in with the black team's mockery shapes their soccer into something that could only be called cruel.

Raimon is at their mercy, desperately trying to get back the ball, but they're unable to even graze it.

''They're so fast...'' Shindou mumbles quietly, but not quietly enough. Their strategist showing real concern like this is always a disadvantage for Raimon, and right now it's the worst thing that could've happened – because it allows doubt to set in.

Kariya grits his teeth. ''So this is what you call ultimate?''

''Can we really win against these guys?'' Hikaru exclaims, anxiety coloring his every move.

Shindou nearly curses himself, knowing he slipped up – but there's no time for that now. Instead he crosses his arms before them and then raises them into the sky. ''Guys, let's go!''

It's a signal so ingrained into their team that they're already moving before their captain even finishes his movement. ''God's Baton! There!'' a golden line flows from his hand, moving at his will, and Tenma follows it – right towards Shuu, who is in possession of the ball.

The dark-haired boy smirks.

And then, in a move that seems to defy the rules of physics itself, he jumps into the sky and avoids the attempted steal with childlike ease. Raimon is left in shock – it isn't often that God's Baton fails, and especially not so effortlessly.

The ball is passed to Hakuryuu next and Tsurugi tries to interfere, but Zero's captain is still moving at an insane speed, and both the forward and Amagi, when he tries to come up and stop him, are easily dodged. Hakuryuu jumps high, and there's no one left between him and the goal; their defense shattered into pieces in mere minutes of the opening whistle.

When Hakuryuu makes the shot, Sangoku doesn't even stand a chance.

The keeper hits the net hard, the shrill whistle ringing out to indicate the first goal. ''It's in! Zero takes the first point within the first three minutes!''

Zero's captain smirks, and even though he didn't use a hissatsu, something about him seems alight with the residue of power accompanying the shot.

The match resumes moments later and the ball is passed to Shindou, who doesn't hesitate for even a second. He calls forth his Keshin, a deep purple aura forming around him. ''Instrumentalist Maestro! We'll use the power of our Keshin to break through the defense!''

For a second, Tenma is frozen on the spot. Shindou couldn't already...

''Trust in us.''

The captain's words ring through his mind and the time traveler lets himself believe them. Shindou wouldn't do anything reckless – if there's anyone who would have thought their plan of attack through, it's him. Tenma just needs to have faith in him.

Shindou sets out on a dribble, and for a moment it looks like Zero won't respond at all, their players allowing him to reach their side of the field without even trying to stop him, but then Hakuryuu moves.

''Behold!'' he calls, slowly raising his arm above his head. The air around him swirls with sickening light. ''This is the ultimate Keshin!''

Gold wind whips around him, and from the ground a horned figure rises with an earsplitting screech.

''Holy Beast Shining Dragon!''

Tenma braces himself for the pain, and it's both to his relief and horror that it doesn't come. The only sign that he's affected by the Keshin's presence is the barest itch beneath his skin.

Then there's no time to think on it anymore because Hakuryuu has gone on the offense, knocking Shindou out of the way in a move that seems like it's meant to hurt, and then advancing on their forwards and midfielders.

''Hakuryuu steals the ball and charges in! He breaks through Raimon's defense with ease!''

First Kurumada, Nishiki and Hikaru are knocked out of the way in a similar attack as was used against Shindou, and it seems like Hakuryuu has planned a similar fate for the rest of their team, when-

''What?''

''Tsurugi!''

Both Shindou and Tenma can do nothing but cry out and watch in horror as their best friend slides in front of the Seed, letting an aura of purple form around him with an angry growl. ''Come out! Sword Saint Lancelot!'' his Keshin takes shape around him, its red cape blowing wildly in the wind, and then Shining Dragon is upon them.

Lancelot's sword lashes out, ferocious and wild, and-

It's knocked out of the Keshin's hands by Shining Dragon, Tsurugi himself flung away by the force of the attack.

''What?!''

''That all you got?'' Hakuryuu mocks, a wild grin splitting his face into two.

When Raimon's defense tries to interfere, they're thrown aside before they can even complete their hissatsu techniques, and then Hakuryuu is once again in front of their goal. The ball glows golden, caught in the beak of Shining Dragon, and light gathers around it as the striker jumps into the air.

''White Breath!''

''Fence of Gaia!''

Sangoku may have been able to react this time, and yet it's useless; after a mere second of resistance, White Breath's overwhelming power breaks through the rock wall and flies into the goal, accompanied by a whistle.

''And there's the second goal already! Raimon can't lift a finger!''

The audience goes wild, and Tenma fights off the hopelessness threatening to overwhelm him as he takes in his beloved team – once again hurt, covered in dirt and scratches from being thrown around like they're nothing more than ragdolls. But if there's one thing his experience has taught him, it's that right now, not Zero or Fifth Sector is their greatest enemy; it's despair.

If they succumb to it, there's no way they can win. And the worst part is that Tenma can already see the beginnings of it.

''Just how can we win against them?'' Shinsuke, resting on his hands and knees, mumbles, and Kariya next to him grits his teeth.

''This has got to be some bad joke!''

Tsurugi is the only one of the three first-years still standing, and his face contorts into a scowl. ''This is... the ultimate power...''

He's staring at Hakuryuu's back, and his eyes grow wide when the Seed unexpectedly answers him. ''Exactly.'' Zero's captain turns around, a cruel smirk twisting on his lips, and it couldn't be more obvious that he's pleased to see his rival in such a dismal state. ''The likes of you would never be able to win.''

None of the Raimon players answer him, instead picking themselves up from the ground and returning to their positions. They might be bruised already, but in no world would this ever be enough to stop them.

If Zero thought it would be easy to crush their spirit, they've got another thing coming.

Tenma, having already returned to his position, watches as Shindou pauses next to Tsurugi, conversing with him quietly. The young brunet has his suspicions of what the captain is telling their Seedling, having been part of the conversation himself a long time ago. Still, he worries.

That is, until Shindou's eyes dart up and find him almost instantly. For a long second, the captain holds his gaze, and then the contact is broken as the elder returns to his position.

And yet it's enough, more than enough. Tenma forces himself to breathe out slowly and let the tension flow out of him; Shindou asked him to put his trust in his team, and he will.

When the game continues, absolutely no one is surprised when the ball is immediately stolen by Zero again. Hakuryuu doesn't waste any time in calling forth his Keshin once more, clearly aiming for a repeat of his attack just now. Tenma fights down a shiver at the other captain's aura; it only seems to keep growing stronger, its light nearly overwhelming.

This time, however, Raimon is prepared and when Zero's captain starts his sprint, so do Tsurugi and Shindou.

''Sword Saint Lancelot!''

''Instrumentalist Maestro!''

The two Keshin take shape, intercepting Hakuryuu from both sides. For a few moments, it seems to work – the Seed's attack is cut off, and Raimon's relief is audible – but four of Zero's other players are suddenly running up to the center of the field, already calling forth their own Keshin.

And suddenly it's five against two, the bright auras of the otherworldly beings blazing over the field.

For the first time, part of Tenma is glad Pegasus is nowhere to be found.

Still, despite that, he grits his teeth as he watches the overpowering might of Zero, feels their power surging like it's a physical wave. He's so useless. Even though, logically, he knows his Keshin didn't make a difference last time and wouldn't have made a difference now, it doesn't take the edge off the frustration.

The brunet tries to push that to the back of his mind for now. They have larger issues right now, as he's well-aware.

Even with Shindou and Tsurugi's combined defense, there's no way his two friends can hold off the Zero Keshin for long. Their only saving grace right now is that Zero isn't playing to their full abilities, seemingly drunk off their current power over the game, and that should give Raimon the chance to keep them from scoring any more than they already have.

(Nevermind that it's been ten minutes, and they're already two points behind.)

Last time, it took until the second half for Raimon to be able to retaliate, and the very start of that attack was the awakening of Demon God Pegasus Arc. Now, however, Raimon can't afford to fall behind like that again, not when so many variables have changed.

They still have a few tentative cards up their collective sleeve, but those are unreliable at best, and Tenma knows it.

'Damn it...'

There's no time to contemplate further, for once again, Hakuryuu jumps into the sky and Shining Dragon flies.

''Take this!'' his voice echoes darkly through the stadium, a golden light gathering around the ball that is held within his Keshin's beak. ''White Breath!''

The shot wipes out both Lancelot and Maestro like it's child's play, and Shindou and Tsurugi scream as they're knocked down again.

Raimon's defense is already acting, having taken the initiative to call forth their hissatsu the moment Hakuryuu repeated his earlier attack. ''Sangoku won't last if he takes this on!'' Amagi shouts, although it's not necessary. They're all moving already. ''Viva! The Great Wall of China!''

''Deep Mist!''

''Hunter's Net!''

Their rapid reaction allows the three defenders to complete their hissatsu, unlike last time, but it isn't enough. White Breath tears through it as easily as it did the two Keshin, and Sangoku is forced to use Fence of Gaia again. This time, though, as the ball reaches the stone wall in a storm wave of blazing gold, it is intercepted before it can hit.

Shindou and Tsurugi, having sprinted from the other side of the field to get there in time, are holding back the ball with everything they've got.

There's a crack in the stone of Sangoku's hissatsu.

The wall shatters.

But Raimon's two Keshin users weren't the only ones racing to get to the goal.

As the ball breaks through, Tenma sprints forward and then he's in front of the goal. He hits the ball with his shin, throwing in all of his strength to hold it back.

''Tenma!''

Said brunet grits his teeth as the power of the supershot threatens to overwhelm him. ''No!'' For a short second, his eyes glow an azure blue, gone before anyone takes note of it, and then the ball rebounds.

''Raimon makes a hard struggle to protect the goal! The score remains 2-0, but Raimon has paid a big price for it!''

It's true. Once again, more than half of the team in yellow struggles to get up from the ground. Tenma is one of them, and he takes the moment of respite to breathe. He's painfully aware of Zero's eyes on them, could probably pinpoint exactly where each of them is despite being turned away from them, and he clenches his fists to fight the itch underneath his skin.

''Thank you,'' Sangoku is saying, looking at his three teammates, ''you guys really helped me out.''

They don't get the chance to respond, because Hakuryuu suddenly calls out to them. ''What's wrong?'' when the Raimon players turn to look at him, they find Zero's Keshin users gathered, all smirking. ''Is that your full power?''

None of them answer. It's no use, and they all know it.

Instead they get to their feet again. ''Are you guys okay?'' Shindou asks, looking over the two first-years once they've all straightened up.

''Fine,'' Tsurugi mutters and Tenma nods in agreement, exhaling slowly.

At least they managed to keep Zero from scoring again. He half remembers something like this the first time 'round, as well, although he'd been supporting Shindou and Tsurugi then with his own Keshin. He smiles bitterly at the thought.

Soon, they're all back in position again and the match resumes.

It's a massacre.

All around echoes the cursed, chorused Fifth! of the audience while below, Raimon is left to grovel in the dust. Zero has no mercy as they target their opponents, not holding back in the slightest with their shots, and they're beaten to the harsh ground one after another. They struggle to get up, to fight back, to break this vicious cycle, only to be knocked down once more.

And so it goes; the yellow-clad teens are viciously beaten to the ground while those on the sidelines watch on in horror.

''This is a slaughter,'' Fudou whispers.

A wounded noise escapes Endou at the words, but although his hands are shaking where they're clutching at his pants, he doesn't look away. Can't look away.

It's Kidou who answers. ''There's only- only eleven minutes until the break.'' And yet eleven minutes feels like an eternity, when the only thing they can do is watch the cruelty in front of their eyes unfold.

By the time Raimon isn't getting up anymore, there is only a handful of time left, and Zero is staring down at them in wicked glee. ''Come now! Show me your true power!'' That gets a reaction, one of confusion and anger and frustration, and it has Hakuryuu smirking again. ''Don't you get it? This is an experiment. When people are pressured, they can bring out power beyond their normal limits.''

Instantly, Tenma is straightening, anger flickering blue in his eyes as he glares at Hakuryuu. An aura of white gold blazes around him, and the time traveler grits his teeth. ''We're not-!''

Beyond their normal limits.

The brunet's words cut off and he's left gaping at the forward, a stuttered gasp escaping him.

He doesn't remember seeing this. Seeing them.

It leaves him dizzy, to stare at the auras blazing around the whole of Zero, and yet he can't look away. Like a moth drawn to a flame. And he knows; he knows, without a doubt, that the first time he played in this match, he didn't see that glow. He didn't feel it calling out to him.

Kibayama's earlier words – Project Zero, to seek the ultimate power – ring through his ears like a broken record.

This is an experiment.

To seek the ultimate power.

Beyond their normal limits.

And in the depth of his mind is the echo of words that chill him to the bone.

''Powers that are beyond the limits of normal humans.''

Tenma is frozen as finally, finally some of the missing puzzle pieces fall into place – a growing suspicion that almost has him wishing he could go back in time again, just so he could avoid this.

He's going to be sick.

The feeling kickstarts his reflexes back into motion and he quickly lifts the back of his hand to press it forcefully against his mouth. At last, his eyes close, cutting him off from the alluring radiance of the enemy team. He swallows harshly, several times, to no avail. The nausea keeps swirling in his stomach, like the thoughts are twisting through his mind, connecting more and more dots with every passing second.

It only makes the bile rise higher in his throat.

Beyond their normal limits.

They- they wouldn't. Senguuji is a madman for trying to conquer the soccer world, that much has been clear as day for years, but even he wouldn't go this far. He wouldn't.

Or that's what Tenma is hopelessly trying to convince himself off.

''Tenma!''

It's the call of his name that startles him out of the whirlwind that his mind has become, and he looks up just in time to see the ball before it knocks him to the ground again. For a couple of seconds, he stays down, dazed and queasy, but then he forces himself upright on trembling arms. He hisses sharply at the pain from both his injured arm and from where the ball hit him, rubbing the sore area on his shoulder.

The only silver lining is that he's back in the present again; not much has changed, Raimon still resisting, Zero still attacking them.

Tenma grits his teeth and swallows again, tries to ignore the bile fighting to come up. He scrambles to his feet, and doesn't dare look at any of their opponents.

His skin itches.

And that lines up a little too well with the one thing he doesn't want to think about right now, the one thing at the forefront of his mind. He'd thought it was because of Pegasus, but-

The brunet bites down on his lower lip, sending a burst of pain through it, and breaks out into a light sprint to catch up with the match again. It's all he can do right now; and it's not as if it matters, really, because Zero is still attacking them, knocking them down every chance they get.

So it's both a relief and a curse when two whistles ring out, signaling the end of the first half and a much-needed break for the yellow-clad team. And yet, none of them can relax; not when they're two points behind, when their youngest manager is still held captive.

They drag themselves off the field, where Endou and the others instantly step up to assist them back to the bench. Midori and Akane start distributing towels and water bottles, while the adults begin treating the worst injuries. No one really feels up to talking right now, trying to catch their breath instead and recover a bit before their fifteen minutes half-time are up.

Tenma plays with his water bottle as he watches his friends, breathing out a sigh of relief when none of them seem too badly hurt. Scratches and bruises, but they'll recover from that. Midori has already taken a look at him, specifically his injured arm, and pushed the drink bottle into his hands with the strict order to drink once she deemed him unharmed. He should drink, he knows, with a match this intensive, but...

Inevitably, his eyes wander to Zero's bench.

He flinches a little at the light emitting from them – not nearly as bright as during the game, but there all the same. When he looks past it, he can see Shuu and Hakuryuu talking in hushed tones, purple and golden sparking around him.

And all he can think of is his friends.

(It's been a while since Tenma had seen Kyousuke this fired up – of course he would be, he always was when Hakuryuu came to visit. Few people could match him as well as the other forward, after all.

Biting back a smile at the almost childish grin on his best friend's face, Tenma instead turned to look at the teens waiting for them on the shore. ''Shuu!'' he called, as loudly as he could, and waved. Despite the distance separating them, he could see the small figure wave back.

Kyousuke next to him shot him an unimpressed glare. ''It'll be a while before we reach the island, y'know.'' He was grumbling, but Tenma wasn't fooled.

Neither were their yearmates. ''Oh, as if you haven't been the most excited out of all of us to see your rival again,'' Kariya remarked snarkily, ducking underneath the slap Kyousuke aimed at him. ''Your violent tendencies are getting worse again, maybe you should go back to therapy.''

''Don't bait him,'' Hikaru scolded gently, and the defender rolled his eyes in annoyance but backed down. And then, completely ignoring his own words, the striker grinned at his fellow forward and added, ''besides, it's cute.''

That had them all cracking up while Kyousuke sputtered, and it only got worse when Tenma stuttered out through his laughter, ''like- like a puppy!'' And yes, he was speaking from experience.

By the time their boat was nearing the shore, they'd all more or less recovered from their impromptu joking session, although Shinsuke was still chuckling every few moments. The ship's captain had barely moored the boat and given them the go-ahead, or Kyousuke and Tenma were already hastening down the walking plank to the beach below.

''Tenma!'' the second the brunet was in reach, Shuu pulled him into a half-hug, beaming. ''It's been too long!''

Beside them, Hakuryuu half-grinned, half-huffed, throwing his ponytail over his shoulder. ''Took you long enough to get here, I've been here for two days already.'' Tenma couldn't make out Kyousuke's exact reply, but the bark of laughter Hakuryuu let out in response made him share a knowing smile with Shuu.

He stepped back to let the others greet the island dweller, coming up next to Hakuryuu and Kyousuke. ''Sparkle freak,'' the white-haired teen nodded in welcome.

''Demon bastard,'' the brunet greeted in turn.

Kyousuke gave a long-suffering sigh, muttering something about never understanding them. They tuned him out with practiced ease; his reaction had been the same in all the years of their odd friendship. The other two shared a mischievous look. No words needed to be shared.

They were going to drive the flame striker absolutely mad the next week.)

Tenma takes in a shuddering gasp as he tears his mind away from that time. He- he and his yearmates had gone to visit Shuu on God Eden, agreeing to meet Hakuryuu there as well, just a month or two before the brunet woke up in the past.

He clenches his fists, ignoring the sting from his injured hands, as his traitorous mind tries to connect that memory of his friends to the distant – cruel – faces they're wearing now.

(Shuu had been a dear friend to him nearly from the start; but he and Hakuryuu had to grow into it, months of hanging out together with Kyousuke and randomly spotting each other on the street building up to their budding friendship. Snarky, full of inside jokes, and with only one goal – driving their mutual rival absolutely insane.)

It's as if Tenma is suddenly drowning in ice water when Hakuryuu turns and sees him looking. Zero's captain narrows his red eyes into a glare, and around him the light sparks.

And, inevitably, the words Tenma has been desperately trying to push away echo through his ears once again.

Beyond their normal limit.

The bile rises in his throat so sudden and sickening that the brunet leaps to his feet and sets off for the nearest entrance into the stadium. The world swirls around him, but he can still hear someone call his name.

He stutters out a ''clearing my head'' before fleeing as quickly as he can without running – and the second he's out of sight, he breaks out into a sprint.

Thankfully he stumbles upon the nearest restroom in barely half a minute, and he catches himself against the wall, gagging for a second before staggering inside and to the nearest stall.

Then he's throwing the door to one of the stalls open and losing his breakfast in the toilet bowl.

Zero's blinding auras are still scorched into his eyelids, burning just like the bile that's coming up as he retches. And it spreads even further; it feels like he's on fire, and the cold of the tiles he's slumped on sends a painful shock through his system.

And yet, the worst of it all is that damned itch, the one he's been feeling this whole time and didn't realize the significance of. Even here, with half a dozen walls separating him from the field, it's still crawling beneath his skin as if tiny ants are digging their way through his flesh, where he could never reach to stop them. And all it does is remind him of the thoughts he's so desperately trying to outrun.

(Beyond their normal limits.)

Because he'd known – god, he'd known about it.

Because he'd had all the pieces he needed and still didn't figure it out.

(None of you did, but that thought doesn't make it better, doesn't make any of it better. It's no excuse. It can never be an excuse.)

God Eden, Seed training facility – but that was just a coverup, and Tenma knew. Has known for nearly three years, and yet completely overlooked. He squeezes his eyes shut at the thought – Shuu, Hakuryuu, how many people will have to suffer like this – and it's then that he's aware of the wetness on his face.

He isn't sure when he started crying, but now the tears are steadily dripping down his chin as he sobs and dry-heaves, desperately trying to catch his breath before another wave of nausea has him bending over again.

(God Eden was created to find children with Second Stage potential.)

It's all spiraling together with a horrific clarity; God Eden, Helper X, Raimon, Zero, so utterly simple that Tenma doesn't understand- he's surrounded by the geniuses of the century, isn't he? So how could they all miss it?

In hindsight, what Kibayama said makes perfect sense.

Zero makes perfect sense.

(They aren't just trying to find Second Stage genes.

They're trying to create them.)

~'0'~

When Tenma suddenly scrambles to his feet in the midst of half-time, it instantly has all eyes turn to him.

''Tenma?'' Shindou asks, frowning at his apparent haste – but then the younger sways on his feet, just for a second, but with the way everyone is looking at him, they all catch it. The captain straightens where he's seated, but Kirino expected it and quickly places a hand on his shoulder to force him to stay down. His best friend complies with a wince. ''Where are you going?''

The younger brunet barely seems to hear him, nearly tripping over himself in his haste to get to what seems to be the corridor leading deeper into the stadium. He doesn't even pause to answer, mumbling something about clearing his head that's nearly too quiet to hear over the noise of the audience.

Sangoku seems prepared to go after him, just like Shindou, but even though the keeper wasn't targeted as much as the rest of them, Kirino is all too aware that the hits he did take were from hissatsu shots. None of them are keen on letting him out of their sight anytime soon either, and so the defender rises to his feet first. ''I'll go after him,'' he says, offering his team a quick smile.

Then he darts off, not wanting to lose sight of his younger teammate, holding back a wince – scrapes and bruises might only be surface injuries, they still hurt. Not that he'll let that stop him from finding the young brunet.

No, that honor goes to said brunet himself. Kirino pauses in the middle of the abandoned hallway, frowning as his eyes adjust to the lack of light – but even then, he doesn't spot the bright yellow uniform anywhere, and the corridor is long enough that Tenma would've had to run to turn the corner before the defender ducked inside.

That, or he disappeared through one of the doors. Kirino mentally makes a quick checklist of the places he could be as he continues through the hall, slower this time – they weren't assigned a changing room, which would've otherwise been the most logical option.

It's by chance that he sees the first door he reaches isn't fully closed and he pushes it open a bit further, noticing it's the restroom – and then his face scrunches up in surprise as he catches the sound of someone being sick.

Alarmed, Kirino rushes into the room and towards a stall with its door wide open, as if someone threw it open quickly. He pauses for barely a second as he spots the yellow-clad figure slumped on the tiled floor.

''Tenma,'' he gasps out, part of him expecting this sight and yet still shocked.

He shakes himself out of his daze and drops down on the floor next to his younger teammate, reaching out to wrap an arm around his shaking shoulders and take on as much of his weight as he can. It doesn't look like the young brunet is in any shape to keep himself upright, anyway.

Tenma doesn't seem fully aware of his presence for half a second, but then he stutters out a quiet ''Kirino-san.''

''Hey, hey, take it easy,'' the elder mumbles, rubbing his back. Meanwhile his mind is going a mile a minute, trying to remember if he'd overlooked any signs of sickness in the younger before.

He grimaces when Tenma lurches forward, trying to comfort his younger friend as well as he can. Now he's wishing he'd had the sense to bring someone along to help; he's not about to leave his sick teammate on his own to call the rest of the team.

After what's thankfully only a short while, the brunet slumps against him again, breathing heavily. Kirino lets him lean on him, trying for a smile when Tenma looks up at him after a few moments. It's hard when the younger's face is wet with tears, tanned skin a sickly pale. It throws Kirino back to things he'd rather not think about – Tenma, blood on his uniform, dazed and dizzy after a match he shouldn't have played in.

He shakes his head to get rid of the image. Now's not the time for this. ''You okay?'' he mumbles quietly, mindful of the possibility that the midfielder has a headache.

He's grateful for his foresight when Tenma winces, a quiet sound of pain escaping him.

''Whoa, careful there.''

'''M sorry,'' the younger mumbles.

Kirino is tempted to roll his eyes, a helpless smile playing on his lips. ''No apologies from you,'' he protests, still minding his volume, and he huffs out a laugh when the younger mutters another ''sorry''. Going from the twist of Tenma's lips, it was on purpose. ''Think you can get up?''

In response, the brunet sits a little more upright and allows Kirino to pull him to his feet. The elder keeps a supporting hand on his back the whole time, guiding him to the row of sinks.

While Tenma rinses his mouth, his senpai disappears for a bit and he winces when he hears the toilet flush. A moment later Kirino is back by his side, still unwilling to leave him on his own even though he's standing under his own power now. He grabs a towel while the brunet washes his face, offering it to him when he straightens up.

''How are you feeling?''

Tenma leaves the towel to hang around his neck after drying off and leans against the sink. ''I'm fine,'' he mumbles, and Kirino winces at how rough his voice sounds.

The defender shakes his head with something akin to fondness, already expecting that answer. ''If you say so.'' He's not willing to fight with his ailing teammate, instead stepping closer and raising a hand. ''May I?''

When Tenma nods, the elder gentle presses the back of his hand against his forehead. He might not remember any signs of sickness, but he doesn't like how glassy the younger boy's eyes look, how his breathing is still a bit unsteady.

Thankfully the brunet isn't running a temperature; he's a bit clammy, but not too hot. ''No fever,'' Kirino mumbles as he retreats into his own space, already expecting that – he saw Midori take a look at him, she wouldn't have missed it.

The thought of the manager reminds Kirino that half-time will no doubt be ending in a couple of minutes, and he grimaces. He'd much rather have Tenma stay here for a bit longer, away from the noise and the hostile eyes, but the defender himself needs to be back in time for the match and he refuses to leave his vulnerable teammate alone.

So, that decision made, he musters up a smile. ''Do you think you're ready to go back? We shouldn't stay here much longer.''

Tenma makes a soft noise of agreement – and how Kirino wishes he'd look after himself and take it easy for once – and his senpai waits anxiously for him to step away from the sink, hands hovering between them as if he's ready to catch the brunet should he fall. But despite the earlier nausea, the younger seems to have recovered a bit already, and he's only a bit unsteady this time.

Together they walk back to the field, Kirino sticking close to the younger the entire time. Once they step out of the hallway and onto the grass, both need a moment to adjust to the sudden light and noise.

''Kirino! Tenma!'' a familiar calls, and the defender looks over at his team to see Shindou standing next to Endou.

He glances at the ailing brunet next to him, wincing in sympathy when he sees him chewing on his lip, shrunk into himself. ''Come on,'' Kirino mumbles gently, once more steering him along with a hand on his back – the sensory input doesn't seem to be doing the brunet any good.

Raimon quickly notices that something is off, especially when Kirino guides their youngest midfielder to the bench. Tenma sits down willingly, some tension leaving him when the light is blocked out a bit.

Turning to their increasingly worried team, Kirino doesn't bother to sugarcoat it. ''I found him throwing up in the bathroom.'' He notices Tenma throwing him a glare from the corner of his eye, but it's all too easy to ignore it – it's a bit like being pouted at by a puppy.

But Tenma doesn't say anything, not even when the rest of the team starts crowding around him. He accepts the water bottle he's handed with trembling hands, taking tiny sips from it, and he allows Kazemaru to check him over without protest.

It's not just Kirino who's bothered by the unusual compliance; some of the older players have frowns on their faces that don't only stem from concern, and when Shindou's gaze finds his best friend, he looks alarmed in a way that goes beyond even his usual protectiveness over the younger brunet.

Kirino understands all too well.

His attention is drawn by Kazemaru reaching out for Tenma's forehead, and he steps a bit closer. ''He isn't running a fever,'' the teen offers, gaining the attention from the elder defender. ''I checked.''

''I'm not sick.'' Tenma suddenly speaking up startles them; for the first time, he seems to be looking at them, not past them.

Shindou looks ready to protest; Kirino shares that sentiment. They know Tenma well enough to realize what he's implying, and neither of them – nor the rest of their team – is willing to stand for it.

But they don't get a chance to say a single word.

''I know what you're trying to do.'' Endou nears the bench, a downward tilt to his lips that lets them all know he isn't pleased. His voice sounds almost harsh when he continues, except his eyes are too kind for that. ''And I'm not letting you. You're not playing.'' Standing to his full height next to the still-seated Tenma, he looks nearly imposing.

And yet their wayward troublemaker still won't go down without a fight. ''Coach, I'm fine.''

Any other day, Endou would be open to discussion. He's not the type of coach to boss them around and expect mindless obedience.

This isn't just any day.

''No.''

Tenma opens his mouth and-

-closes it.

The fight drains out of him and he slumps down, clutching the water bottle so tightly that Kirino finds himself worrying about the brunet's still injured hands.

Endou sighs, softening a little as he takes in the boy's dejected form. He crouches down in front of him, urging the younger brunet to meet his eyes. ''Hey, I just want you to take it easy.'' He smiles encouragingly. ''I'm not questioning your abilities.''

''I know.'' Tenma seems to wilt, gaze dropping to the grass below. There's something inexplicably tired about him that doesn't come from the match he just played. ''But...''

He bites his lip, doubting. Shindou seems ready to admonish him about the bad habit, but before he can, Kirino is curling his fingers around his wrist in a silent command. Wait.

The captain glances at him, his confusion clear, but Kirino isn't paying attention to that – instead he stares at Tenma.

Something about him seems... off.

Sure, he's pale and tired, and the water bottle he's clutching is shaking, but that's not what gets the defender's attention. It isn't just frustration in the downturned twist to his brow. No, the young brunet looks... desolate.

And that has something very close to dread settling heavy in the back of Kirino's throat.

''I can't sit out this one, coach,'' Tenma finally says, quiet in a way he never is. Before anyone can make a single noise of protest, he continues, and it leaves them all stunned. ''I owe it to her.''

And when his eyes flicker up, not at them but past them, Kirino suddenly has to swallow against his dry throat. He knows what his teammate is looking at – and from Kariya's muttered curse, from the way Shindou's shoulder suddenly sag, he knows it isn't just him, because-

Fuck. What kind of oversight is that?

A flurry of movement catches their attention, as Endou suddenly kneels down in front of the brunet. ''Sorano-chan doesn't blame you, Tenma,'' he presses onto the boy, voice gentle but insistent.

Tenma huffs a bitter laugh, but he doesn't smile. ''She never would've joined the club if I hadn't. I can't just- do nothing,'' he breathes, and Kirino winces at when the younger's voice breaks.

Their coach seems at a loss for words and Kidou silently steps forward to place a hand on his friend's shoulder. He, too, doesn't look like he knows what to say.

Behind the two coaches, Kirino shares a look with his best friend. The captain looks as downcast as he himself feels, but they're both aware of the ticking of the clock. It won't be long before the second half starts and there's too much at stake to go in while distracted.

What do we do now? he can't help but wonder. Their team is spread thin as it is, with three players left at home and everyone else bruised and faltering – and Tenma is one of their most adaptable players, not only as a midfielder but also as their best dribbler, a free variable on the field. Losing him in a match like this will be a heavy blow.

Still...

''Sit this one out,'' Shindou says quietly, not an order but a request, and Kirino finds himself quietly agreeing. ''At least for a little while, until you've recovered more.''

Tenma's gaze slips to him, a stormy, conflicted grey that makes him look older than his thirteen years. For several tense seconds, he stares at Shindou as if he's looking for something, and it feels like the world holds it breath to see if he'll find it.

Then the younger brunet smiles, a tiny, tired thing, but a smile nonetheless.

''I trust you.''

Kirino doesn't know why he'd say that – but the sudden relief in his best friend's face tells him enough, and his own smile curls at that. For the first time since entering this stadium, it feels right. ''We won't let you down,'' he promises.

And when Tenma beams at him, at all of them, he knows it's a promise they'll fight to keep.

~'0'~

Bam, 8500+ words! And yes, Tenma agreed to (for a little while) not play in the match. Character development, amiright?

.

*Before the match, with team Zero...*

Shuu, very excitedly waving his arms around: okay so then there'll be two lights, one gold and one purple and there's an explosion in the air and then BOOM it'll hit the ground and blind everyone and then suddenly we're there posing awesomely :D

Hakuryuu: ...exactly how long have you been alone on this island

Kibayama, tearing up: it's all I've ever wanted for my legacy

Hakuryuu: what the fuck did I sign up for

.

*Kidou after spotting Kibayama*

Kidou's mind: and what is up with that atrocious fashion sense, so glad I'm wearing goggles or I would've gouged my eyes out

Kidou's mind: does he even know the world style

Kidou's mind: if he wants to be Dramatic he should've added a cape, at least he wouldn't have looked like a six-year-old's magical police outfit design

.

Aoi: *in cage*

Raimon: why would you DO THAT that's INHUMANE

Fifth Sector agent 1: she scares us

Fifth Sector agent 2: she tried to bite me

Aoi, gnawing on cage bars: COME FIGHT ME THEN

.

Hakuryuu: WE ARE ALL POWERFUL MUHAHAHAHA FEAR US, YOU PUNY HUMANS, FOR WE HAVE ADVANCED BEYOND THE NORMAL LIMITS OF HUMANS >:D

Tenma: *tearing up*

Hakuryuu: *awkward side glance* a-are you okay?

Tenma: *wailing*

Raimon, instantly on scene: omg what did you do?

Shuu: you made him cry? What'd you do that for? Hakuryuu that's mean!

Hakuryuu, panicking: I DON'T KNOW

.

*This chapter was a roller coaster to write! Behold, the process as I was writing it*

First part: type type type type (actually going well!) *couple hours later* oh no, my wrists hurt.

Day after: my wrists still hurt, this can't be good.

Two days later: ...fuck, guess I have RSI now.

The next two weeks: I want to wriiiiiiiite I have so much inspiration but I cannnnn't (because RSI)

Another two weeks later: my wrists are healing! But now I have no inspiration uuugh *having nothing better to do in those days* I read far too much LotR fanfiction, whoops.

The week after: (at the start of the evening, my usual writing time, staring at the AR document) I don't like this chapter I don't like this movie why is the match thirty minutes seriously that's too much to type but I can't just skip over it but uuuuuugh this feels so plain I don't like this, where is my earlier writing driving oh my god ugh noooo why can't I just write oh look I wrote a part but I don't like it aaaand now it's after midnight and I need to get to bed without doing anything ugh-

Little while later: *keeps reading fanfiction instead*

Couple days after: welcome to the family Madrigal~ the home of the family Madrigal~

Then: *still RSI, but manage to write and revise a bit for the chapter after this one*

Later: we don't talk about Bruno, no no no~

Day after: okay I REALLY need to sit down and get through this chapter so I can start on the fun parts of the next chapter! *ends up watching Inazuma videos instead* *gives up*

Next: *completely forgets*

[Time skip several weeks]: RSI be ouch ouch ouch-

Week after: IT'S WORKING I'M WRITING OMG OMG OMG *with a loooot of breaks and very careful watch on RSI, writes a couple thousand words* wait- wait a second- *suddenly connects the dots of the whole SSC thing and the movie* oh fuuuuuck how am I in this fandom for seven years and never noticed that what the fuuuuuckkk how messed up can a KIDS ANIME get-- the only explanation I can find is human experimenting, what the FUCK Level 5.

Uni: haha bitch you thought, here's more projects for you!

RSI: ooh schoolwork I like that, now your limited laptop time can go to that instead of writing!

[Two week skip]: ...it's done O.O

And then I realized I still had to actually update.

Well fuck.

Let's hope the next chapter won't be so dramatic, shall we?

- Yara Meijer