Hey guys! You can count yourselves lucky, for this chappie is 8000 words instead of the usual 5000~! Anyway, enjoy!

~'0'~

The moment the whistle sounds, Tenma races forward. He might not remember every match he played, but it would take a lot to make him forget this.

Mannouzaka's forward, a boy with long, light grey hair whose name is apparently Shirato (Tenma mentally thanks the commentator) moves towards Raimon's half of the field. The brunet grits his teeth as he passes a shocked Shindou, already seeing Tsurugi move.

'If Tsurugi gets the ball it'll be too late!'

Just before Raimon's forward can steal the ball from Shirato and score an own goal, Tenma is there and manages to weave through the two forwards in a mix of speed and grace, stealing the ball from between them.

He turns to Tsurugi. ''I won't let you destroy Raimon,'' he says quietly, so quiet only the navy-haired teen can hear it. Said navy-haired teen grits his teeth.

''You can't stop me,'' he hisses furiously.

Tenma's eyes soften in sadness as he passes to Shindou, his thoughts going a mile a minute. 'Did I do the right thing? Did that own goal of Tsurugi have an effect on Raimon's willingness to fight Fifth Sector?'

He sighs, deciding to let it go for now and focus on the match instead. Shindou is currently running towards Mannouzaka's half, but the captain of the other field is already there, stealing it from him. ''Isozaki steals the ball!''

Tenma moves to interfere, his eyes widening in realization when he sees the look in Isozaki's eyes. ''Not again...!''

Instead of trying to face Mannouzaka's captain, the time traveler scans the field. There. Forward Shirato is running over the right side of the field, making eye contact with his captain.

And between them stands Hamano.

Without a moment to lose, Tenma runs towards the dark blue-haired boy, seeing how Isozaki seemingly makes a pass. 'Just a bit faster!'

He reaches Hamano just in time, seeing the ball curve towards his teammate, who will definitely get hit. That is, if Tenma didn't jump in front just a moment before it reaches Hamano and kicks the ball forcefully, only a few feet from his teammate.

The ball falls on the ground, rolling away a few feet. Tenma glares at Mannouzaka's captain for a moment and then turns around to look at his teammate.

Hamano's eyes are wide open in shock and his mouth opens and closes as if he wants to say something yet not knowing what. The brunet smiles weakly at him. ''You okay?'' he asks, concern clear in his voice.

Something in Hamano's brown orbs shifts as he nods mutely. ''Y-yeah, fine,'' he mutters, frowning slightly as he stares at Tenma's face.

'Okay... if there's one thing I know, it's that he didn't act like that before...' the time traveler frowns slightly at the strange look in Hamano's eyes but then pushes the thought to the back of his mind and instead turns around again to look at the rest of the field. 'As I thought. Even though Tsurugi didn't score that own goal, Mannouzaka is still going to hurt us. Crush us.'

He's shaken from his thoughts by some of Raimon's other members, who are now surrounding them. ''What was that?'' asks Kurumada, obviously shocked.

Tenma crosses his arms and frowns. ''I knew it,'' he whispers softly as he sees Isozaki's annoyed look.

''Knew what?'' asks Shindou, who heard him. The brunet faces his teammates again, hesitating for a moment. ''Tenma, what is it?'' asks the game maker again, a shadow in his eyes.

'Seems like he's realized it.'

The time traveler sighs softly. ''That wasn't a pass,'' he says finally. ''They were planning on hitting Hamano-senpai.''

Their shocked reactions are completely expected.

Tenma's frown deepens. ''I don't think they're going to play the least bit fair,'' he warns. ''Just like that match against the Black Knights...''

Shindou frowns deeply and grits his teeth. ''Tenma, are you sure?''

''Hai.''

The captain turns to his other teammates, trusting the first-year's words (Tenma internally frowns in confusion at this – yeah, the game maker doesn't exactly hate him, but to trust him blindly like that? Quite... unexpected). ''Everyone, be careful!'' he announces to the field. ''They're planning to hurt us!''

Hamano tries to laugh it off, but his eyes are wide and it sounds fake. ''I-it was just one pass, how can you be so sure?'' he asks the brunet.

Tenma looks up at the sky. ''Trust me, that pass wasn't an accident. The force, the way it curved, the way those guys over there are glaring at us, it was all planned.''

The match continues, but even with the warning Raimon can't do anything against the foul play. The time traveler grits his teeth as another ball hits one of his players (because even though he might not wear the captain band, he'll always be captain and they'll always be his players, and seeing his team hurt like this...)

Again and again, the Raimon Eleven are hit by Mannouzaka's 'passes', until none of them are getting up anymore. When Sangoku tries to move up, Isozaki shoots the ball so harshly that the keeper flies against the goal post.

Tenma grits his teeth as Isozaki retrieves the ball and shoots it at Shindou's crouching form, Raimon's captain screaming and falling backwards due to the force. He doesn't get up.

The whole stadium is speechless. The ball rolls away, stopping in the middle of the field.

No one reacts, as if they're waiting for something to happen.

'Damn it...'

He clenches his eyes shut.

'Damn it!'

His eyes fly open and focus on one face.

'I already know the future, and yet... and yet I can't protect anyone!'

Gathering his strength, he slowly moves to his feet. It feels like all eyes in the stadium are on him, yet he doesn't pay attention to them, only looking at those orange orbs.

When he's standing, he slowly walks forward. Mannouzaka's players let him pass, seemingly waiting for him to do something.

He doesn't care, still staring at the cold gaze.

After a few feet, he stops walking. Both are now at an equal distance, the ball lying between them. Silence, everywhere. On the field, on the benches, in the audience.

Pure silence.

''Is this what you want?''

Tenma's voice is a mere whispering, his eyes not leaving Tsurugi's. The forward's only reaction is a slight furrowing of his eyebrows.

The brunet smiles yet it doesn't contain any positive feelings. When he speaks again, his voice is as loud as he'd normally talk in a conversation, yet everyone hears it.

''Is this really what you want, Tsurugi Kyousuke?''

The Seed doesn't react and Tenma's eyes sadden. He sighs quietly, slowly walking forward. Mannouzaka's players stiffen yet don't stop him.

The time traveler reaches the ball. Everyone seems to wait with bated breath for his next actions.

He softly kicks the ball. It rolls a few feet further, until it stops in front of Tsurugi. The forward's eyes widen in alarm and suspicion, and he gazes wordlessly at the brunet.

Tenma looks back without any hesitation and he can see Tsurugi's resolve waver at his stare, looking like he can see into his soul.

''Go ahead,'' says Tenma softly. ''Hit me.''

The Seed's mouth falls open in disbelief.

The brunet shrugs. ''That's what you want, right? To destroy Raimon?'' he questions, still in a quiet voice. ''Then go ahead. Do it. Hit me.''

Tsurugi seems to hesitate for a moment longer but then shakes himself out of his daze. He makes a move to kick the ball, eyes not leaving Tenma's determined ones that seem to speak all the words his mouth can't say.

The forward kicks the ball harshly. Tenma only breaks eye contact when the ball hits him in the chest, knocking all the air out of him. He staggers backwards, gasping, but manages to keep his footing.

He straightens, orange locking on grey again.

Without breaking eye contact, Tenma kicks the ball at his feet to Tsurugi again, a wordless invitation to continue.

(Because that first ball, while painful, wasn't shot with Kyousuke's full power.)

After a noticeable shorter moment of hesitation, the Seed kicks the ball again. And again, the brunet staggers backwards, only just keeping himself from falling on the ground.

And again, he straightens, meeting the forward's orange gaze. The ball at his feet is kicked back gently to the Seed, who narrows his eyes but takes the invitation.

The ball flies through the air again, this time with even more force.

Tenma grits his teeth to keep from screaming as the ball hits him. He moves a few feet backwards from the force, kicking the ball to Tsurugi again just before his legs give out underneath him and he sinks to the ground.

The opening is clear, yet Tsurugi doesn't take it.

The time traveler raises an eyebrow, struggling to regain his even breathing. ''What is it?'' he asks without any real curiosity. ''Why don't you shoot? This is what you wanted, right? To destroy Raimon...''

Finally the Seed speaks. ''I...'' he pauses, hesitating.

The brunet gathers his strength and slowly stands up again. He calmly walks forward, forcing himself not to flinch at the pain that shoots through his limbs at the movements.

He reaches his future friend and gently takes the ball from before his feet. Without saying a word, Tenma turns around and kicks the ball to Raimon's goal.

''Wha-!'' Tsurugi can't stop the shocked shout from leaving his mouth at the sight.

The brunet watches emotionlessly as the ball lands just a few feet in front of Raimon's goal. Ignoring the shocked expressions from his other teammates, he turns to Tsurugi.

''1-0, right?'' he asks quietly, and stunned orange eyes meet his own grey orbs. ''This is what you were planning to do, wasn't it? An own goal?'' he gestures to the ball lying innocently in front of the goal. ''Here's your chance. I can't stop you if you wanted to.''

With that he remains silent again, waiting for the Seed to do something.

Tsurugi, however, doesn't seem to know what to do. He stares at the unmoving ball and the brunet can see the storm of emotions darkening his orange orbs.

Confusion.

Disbelief.

Shock.

Anger.

Frustration.

Fear.

Sadness.

Pain.

Tenma sighs quietly, yet the forward standing next to him can still hear it. His orange orbs fall on him again, the uncertainty sipping through the mask.

The time traveler smiles at him. ''This isn't you,'' he whispers. ''This isn't who you are, Tsurugi Kyousuke. Am I wrong?''

''Screw this!''

Isozaki retrieves the ball and shoots with all the force he can muster. It hits Tenma square in the chest and the brunet cries out in pain as he falls on the ground. He doesn't move.

''What the hell do you think you're doing, Tsurugi?!'' demands Mannouzaka's captain.

Raimon's Seed stares at the unmoving form of Tenma for a moment and then his eyes dart back to Isozaki. Tsurugi shakes his head and his eyes narrow. ''Nothing,'' he grits out, taking the ball from the other Seed.

He looks over his shoulder at the unresponsive form of the brunet. ''I am a Seed,'' he says even though he's not sure that the time traveler is listening. ''And I will destroy Raimon!''

He kicks the ball, shooting it in Raimon's goal.

''G-goal! Tsurugi's own goal makes the score 1-0 for Mannouzaka!'' stutters the commentator.

Isozaki grins. ''That's what we like to see,'' he says coldly. ''It's over.''

''Not yet.''

The captain whips his head around at the voice, his eyes widening in disbelief as he sees how Tenma slowly stands up. His eyes are burning with a fire that's more blue than grey and the Seed actually takes a step backwards, a shiver going down his spine.

The time traveler narrows his eyes. ''Not. Yet.''

''What?!'' hisses Isozaki. He turns around completely, furiously, and shoots the ball at the brunet again, even harder than before.

Tenma cries out again as he hits the ground. Mannouzaka's captain smirks. ''There. Now you can go to sleep like the rest of them!'' he looks at the unmoving form of the brunet for a second and then turns his back on him again, just like his fellow Mannouzaka players.

Raimon's future captain struggles to get up again, his whole body shaking in pain and exhaustion. The players still standing stare at him in shock, not believing what their eyes are telling them.

''Raimon...'' breathes Tenma, his voice shaking in exhaustion. ''Raimon will beat Fifth Sector! We will protect our soccer!'' he meets Isozaki's furious gaze head-on. ''And for that, we have to keep winning.''

''You little brat!'' Isozaki's eye twitches. ''I'll crush you!'' he kicks the ball again, hitting Tenma square in the face. The brunet cries out as he falls on the ground, again, and doesn't move. Again.

''Quit wasting our time,'' growls Mannouzaka's captain after the brunet doesn't move for a while.

He is, once again, taken by surprise when said brunet does move. ''I w-will win!'' Tenma stands up, moving forward towards Isozaki – and the ball.

One of Mannouzaka's midfielders, Busujima, completely loses his composure, shooting ball after ball at the brunet with all the strength he has. Even so, the brunet stands up, the white-haired midfielder staring with stunned eyes.

''I will win,'' Tenma repeats, his resolve clear in his voice and almost glowing blue eyes.

''Can't you guys do anything right?!'' Tsurugi pushes Busujima out of the way, kicking the ball high in the air. ''This is how you destroy someone!'' he jumps after the ball, ignoring Shindou's alarmed shout as he shoots the ball at the brunet.

Tenma doesn't look at it, instead gazing at Tsurugi's blazing orange orbs. For a split second their eyes meet and the brunet's lips twitch upwards, the forward's own eyes widening, and then the ball hits its target.

The time traveler can almost hear the shocked gasps but ignores it, fighting to open his eyes. 'Damnit, Kyousuke you are in so much trouble when I return,' he promises absentmindedly and then forces his body to move again.

Yet it's easier said than done, because while Mannouzaka's players are strong, their shots are nothing compared to Tsurugi's.

''I have to win.''

Tsurugi's head whips around at the determined yet pained voice, seeing the brunet sitting up again. ''Why? Why are you standing back up?!''

''Why?'' repeats Tenma, the blue fire in his eyes glowing even brighter. ''Because I love soccer!''

(And because it's a nice revenge, pissing the younger version of Kyousuke off. And because he can't stand seeing Kyousuke in so much pain. And because it's fun. (But right now, it's mostly about soccer.))

The time traveler is not surprised when Isozaki kicks the ball to him. ''Okay then,'' says Mannouzaka's captain. ''In that case...'' he smirks. ''Just try and protect it,'' he challenges. ''Beat us and protect your beloved soccer.''

(Tenma wonders about his next actions. Taking Isozaki's challenge is risky – the opposite team will try to injure him, badly, and he has no guarantee that Tsurugi will save him again. On the other hand, it could be the only way to get the Seed on his side.)

He glances at his future friend. 'I've got no choice.' He sighs as he takes the ball and starts to run. 'I have to avoid the first player, otherwise Tsurugi won't react in time,' he realizes as he sees one of Mannouzaka's midfielders enter his vision.

The first time 'round he hadn't noticed the midfielder and even if he did, he wouldn't have realized the real purpose of that sliding. But now he's three years older and he might not have his older, stronger body, but his knowledge has not disappeared and now he can clearly see that the sliding is not a safe one. No, this one is definitely made with the intention to hurt him.

No matter how much his mind screams at him to avoid it, the brunet only changes the rhythm in which he steps slightly so that he is just lifting his foot when the midfielder hits it. Instead of breaking his leg, like the obvious purpose was, it now simply disrupts his run for a moment.

The brunet easily catches his balance, ignoring the shouts from his teammates and instead keeping his attention on Mannouzaka's players.

'If I miss only one of them, the consequences could be horrible.'

He notices Isozaki from the corner of his eyes just a second too late and mentally prays that Tsurugi will push him out of the way again, because he won't be able to evade this one.

And then someone slams into him and he loses his balance, falling onto the ground harshly. Yet the pain of the fall diminish when he catches sight of navy-blue and bright yellow. 'Kyousuke...'

He doesn't completely hear what the two Seeds say to each other but he does catch sight of Tsurugi's bewildered expression turning to one of pure rage. ''You bastard!'' hisses the forward furiously. ''Are you for real?!''

Isozaki just smirks in response and Tsurugi's orange orbs narrow. Without hesitation he turns around and lets the ball rest on his outstretched leg, then hitting it with all his force. It's surrounded by blueish black energy, shooting forward. ''Death Sword!''

It flies past Mannouzaka's goalkeeper, who wasn't even paying attention to the game, hitting the goal behind him. ''Goal! W-what is this?! This time, Tsurugi cancels out his own goal to make the score a tie!''

Tenma smiles as the whistle announces the end of the first half.

'Everything's finally falling into place.'

Shindou walks forward, staring at the forward in disbelief. ''Tsurugi...'' he says, shocked. ''I thought you said you were going to destroy soccer.''

''I am,'' announces the (ex-)Seed. He turns around and holds up a fist in burning resolve. ''I'll destroy this corrupted soccer with my own hands!''

Shindou seems to get a genius realization but Tenma doesn't let him speak up about it. ''Eh, this is so confusing!'' he comments from where he's still sitting on the ground. His two teammates can't help but look at him. The brunet is staring at the forward with a confused expression, but the captain can make out the mischievous glint in his eyes. ''First you said you were going to destroy soccer, then you said you were going to replace Raimon, then you said you were going to destroy soccer again, then you said you were going to destroy Raimon and now you're going to destroy corrupted soccer!'' he tilts his head.

Shindou chuckles softly at the slight shift in Tsurugi's expression. Instead of scowling, he now looks the slightest bit surprised at the brunet. ''I... you're annoying,'' he grumbles after a moment of hesitation.

The time traveler grins. ''And you're a pessimist,'' he tells the slightly older boy, who bristles, offended. Then Tenma's smile softens, the look in his eyes changing and easily captivating the (ex-)Seed with the mix of emotions- HonestyGratefulnessHappinessReliefWarmthTrust -in them. ''But still... thanks.''

Tsurugi nods, slightly overwhelmed. Then he seems to realize what's happening because he mutters a 'tch' and turns around, walking away from the other two.

Tenma watches him leave with a small, knowing smile. 'Yeah. He's gonna be alright.'

Raimon's captain pulls him out of his thoughts. ''How long are you going to sit there?'' he asks his junior with a raised eyebrow.

The brunet blinks and tears his eyes away from Tsurugi's retreating form. ''Until my leg's not numb anymore,'' he answers casually, the elder's eyes widening slightly. ''Don't worry about me. Check on Kirino-senpai, I think he took a nasty fall back there.''

Shindou immediately takes his words for granted and walks to Kirino, who has, indeed, injured his ankle again. The time traveler sighs softly, his happy mood from Tsurugi's change of viewpoint being replaced by sadness. Then he shakes his head. 'No, I shouldn't be sad. Shindou doesn't even really know me right now, of course he'd be more concerned about Kirino-senpai.'

Shaking off the thoughts, he stands up and walks towards the bench, suppressing a flinch at the sting in his leg. He doesn't need any unwanted attention right now, since there are probably going to be Keshin in the second half.

'Sometimes I hate my life,' he grumbles internally as he sits down on the bench, outwardly looking like he just didn't almost break his leg. He watches quietly as Kurumada, Amagi, Hamano, Hayami and Kurama announce that they're not going to play anymore. Shindou accepts it gracefully, like always. 'He's a good captain,' muses Tenma. 'I'm actually not sure if I should regret stealing his position... it must not have been easy, to suddenly follow the orders of a first-year.'

Soon after they're standing on the field again, the five senpai at the sides. Tenma watches as Mannouzaka are amazed at the fact that 'four of them are still hanging on' and then the brunet looks at Shindou. ''You know... I still don't get why we're putting a midfielder as forward and a forward as midfielder,'' he says.

The captain rolls his eyes. ''Tsurugi was being stubborn.''

The brunet raises an eyebrow. ''That still doesn't explain it. I'm stubborn too yet I'm the one playing forward right now,'' he shoots back easily. ''And last time I checked, I was a midfielder.''

Shindou sighs but answers anyway. ''I'm a midfielder too,'' he mutters to himself.

Tenma still catches it and hides a grin. ''You are, but you used to be a forward when you were in the second team, right?''

The game maker blinks and stares at him in slight surprise – definitely less than it would've been if someone else said that, but Tenma still thinks he's too surprised, considering who he's talking to. ''How do you know that?''

'No, I am not a stalker.' The brunet shrugs. ''Easy. I watched a few of Raimon's matches from last year. You were a forward.''

Technically it's not a lie, since the time traveler did watch those matches, only in the future. Past. Other... timeline thingy. 'Jeez, this is confusing.'

Then the whistle sounds and the second half starts. ''The second half starts with Raimon's kickoff!''

'Wow, hadn't noticed.'

Tenma starts to run when someone else suddenly catches up with him. His eyes light up in realization as he sees Tsurugi running next to him. ''Give it to me,'' says the forward. Unfriendly.

The time traveler huffs. ''No.''

The (ex-)Seed glares at him. ''Why not?'' he hisses, again, not very friendly.

The brunet smiles innocently at him as he avoids the forward's attempt to steal the ball from him. ''For starters, you're being incredibly rude, Tsu-chan. Maybe you could just ask politely? That does wonders, you know,'' he suggest cheekily and Tsurugi's eye twitches. Before the navy-haired striker can retort, however, the brunet turns serious. ''Listen. Mannouzaka's number 10 and their keeper are Seeds as well. They've both got Keshin.''

Tsurugi's eyes widen in surprise before narrowing as he nods. ''How do you know that?'' he asks, yet Tenma can't help but smile internally when the forward doesn't question if his statement is true.

The time traveler shakes his head. ''No time to explain,'' he tells the other, distracted for a moment as he skillfully passes one of the opposing forwards. ''Just be careful. Don't get careless.''

''Like I don't know that,'' snarls the forward in annoyance. ''Now give me the ball.''

The brunet rolls his eyes. ''Jeez, anger issues much?'' the forward's glare intensifies and Tenma sighs exasperatedly. ''Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, I'm sure,'' he mutters and passes the ball to a now positively steaming Tsurugi.

The time traveler sighs as he slows down slightly, trying to come up with a way to avoid any Keshin being used in this match. He's pulled out of his thoughts when Shindou catches up to him. ''What was that all about?''

'Should I tell Shindou-senpai? He does have a Keshin...' the brunet narrows his eyes as he watches Tsurugi skillfully pass Mannouzaka's players. ''The keeper and number 10 both have Keshin,'' he says after a moment of contemplating the idea.

The captain's eyes widen. ''You sure?'' when the first-year nods, the older teen narrows his eyes. ''Got it. Should we warn Sangoku-san?''

Tenma shrugs. ''Well, if you want to run all the way back, be my guest. Otherwise I suppose we might get another chance to tell him, unless we get unlucky and they manage to score with a Keshin before that.''

'It's kind of a surprise he actually asked and listened to my advice...'

The time traveler suddenly realizes something and he can barely keep himself from cursing out loud (because he has a feeling that Shindou won't like that). Instead he suddenly speeds up, gritting his teeth. 'Damn it. Tsurugi's fast and my body isn't trained on speed yet. If I want to keep up with him this match, I'll be exhausted before it even ends.'

Even so, he pushes his legs to move even faster. He can already see Isozaki sharing a look with Mannouzaka's number 10 as he runs to intercept Tsurugi. The moment Tenma sees that, he changes his course sharply, keeping an eye on the two Seeds.

As expected, Isozaki manages to steal the ball from Tsurugi. His eyes then move to number 10. ''Mitsuyoshi!'' he passes the ball to the forward, but just before the pass reaches said forward, Tenma steals the ball out of the air.

He immediately starts running, not allowing himself any relief at his successful attempt to keep Keshin out of the match. It was still a close call, and if he has to spend this whole match running around to avoid situations like that one, it's only the question if Raimon will win.

(He's not being arrogant here – right now, they have five players and they're all gonna be needed in winning this and/or convincing the others to help.)

Tenma dribbles absentmindedly, just managing to avoid showing any of his real dribbling skills (because he's not stupid enough in letting his opponents know how skilled he really is – they'll probably underestimate him, which is – while annoying – very, very nice in the end) and then passes to Shinsuke.

Shinsuke runs towards the goal, but then suddenly Tsurugi is there to steal the ball from him and Tenma huffs in annoyance. 'As long as Tsurugi is still being stubborn, this won't get anywhere!'

The striker moves towards the goal, but both of Mannouzaka's Seeds block him. Tenma is already running forward, easily noticing Mannouzaka's other players surrounding Tsurugi.

Isozaki kicks the ball, harshly, and Tsurugi yelps as he's thrown backwards harshly. He manages to land on his feet but immediately lowers himself to the ground, clutching his stomach. Not even a second later, Mitsuyoshi kicks the ball again, hitting the other boy straight in the chest.

The forward somehow manages to land on his feet again yet Mannouzaka is unstoppable in their kicks. Just as Isozaki kicks the ball again, Tenma slips past the defender that's blocking him and jumps in front of the navy-haired teen.

Without hesitation, he kicks the ball and manages to stop it a few feet from the still kneeling Tsurugi. The time traveler's eyes are filled with cold determination as he stares at Isozaki. Mannouzaka's captain falters as he stares into icy eyes.

Bright blue eyes. Definitely not the usual blueish grey.

The captain can swear those eyes are filled with fire, giving them an eerie glow. Even worse is the pure and utter ice in them, the flames freezing with a cool impassiveness. Isozaki can feel a shiver go down his spine and no matter how much he wants to move, he's frozen in place.

Tenma narrows his eyes and the other swallows nervously. The time traveler is furious. Not a burning, uncontrollable anger, but a calm and collected rage that's so much more dangerous and scary than if he'd lost control of his emotions.

Because right now, he's in complete control of his actions and he will not regret those actions, no matter what they are.

''Listen carefully,'' he hisses, the temperature seemingly dropping by at least ten degrees. Isozaki shivers, unable to look away from the frozen, furious gaze. ''You lay one hand on my teammates again, and I promise you will regret it. Understand?''

Mannouzaka's captain can only nod and breathes in relief when Tenma's gaze finally leaves him, instead settling on a stunned Tsurugi Kyousuke. His eyes soften slightly, the ice leaving them. ''You okay?''

The navy-haired forward nods, the shock leaving his gaze and being replaced by something else. ''Of course, who do you think I am?'' he says.

Tenma can't help but smile. ''Sorry, my mistake.'' He grins as Tsurugi stands up. ''Come on, we've got a match to win.''

A moment later, said match continues, with Tsurugi taking the ball and charging forward – on his own. Again.

And again he is stopped by Mannouzaka's players, leaving Tenma in annoyance at his stubbornness. Until Shindou comes along, sprinting forward. ''Tsurugi, over here!''

The (ex-)Seed glares at him stubbornly.

The captain narrows his eyes and continues. ''Even if you're a Seed, you can't win against a whole team on your own! We want to win as well! If you want to beat them, work with us!''

The forward and the captain have a staring contest for a moment and Tenma can almost feel his annoyance levels rising. Before he can say something, however, Tsurugi makes a decision and skillfully jumps in the air – narrowly avoiding the sliding that would've stolen the ball from him – and passes to Shindou.

''Don't get the wrong idea!'' yells Tsurugi even as Shindou moves towards the goal. ''I don't consider you a teammate!''

Tenma groans, wondering how those two ever managed to get along. ''Are you two always fighting?'' he yells even as he runs forward, basically seeing how Shindou rolls his eyes while he passes the ball to the brunet. Said brunet huffs but then his eyes light up in devious mischief. ''Repressed sexual tension much?!'' he yells at the top of his lungs.

The reactions are... interesting, to say the least. Due to the volume at which he shouted, everyone heard it. Everyone. Even the public.

''And Matsukaze seems to be fighting with his teammates!'' yells the commentator and Tenma hides a smile.

''I am not fighting, just stating a fact!'' he yells back, unable to hold his grin back any longer. ''Seriously guys, get a room!''

''Matsukaze Tenma you shut up right now!'' yells Shindou back, and when the brunet glances over his shoulder he can see that the captain is as red as a tomato. ''Don't you have any respect for your upperclassmen?!''

Tenma cackles and doesn't answer because he's currently distracted by two of Mannouzaka's players, using a hissatsu technique involving elephants, and he can distinctly remember that that technique hurt.

So he stops running.

The two defenders – who were trying to squish him between them – are confused, to say the least, when the brunet suddenly isn't running between them anymore.

While the defenders end up messing up the hissatsu technique, the time traveler passes them but is caught off guard by Isozaki, who steals the ball from him. ''Mitsuyoshi!'' he makes a long pass to the Seed.

'Damnit!' Tenma's eyes widen. 'I'm too far back to stop him!'

And then he feels the familiar, excruciating pain coursing through his veins as a blueish black cloud takes shape behind the Mannouzaka Seed. The brunet screams soundlessly, falling to his knees because this h.u.r.t.s. so freakishly much.

P

A

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N

The only thing he feels is the agony in his body and black spots fill his vision as he tries to focus on breathing steadily.

He can distinctly hear Mitsuyoshi laugh maniacally at the shocked outcries from Raimon. ''Conjurer Purim!'' the Keshin takes form.

Tenma forces his eyes open, supporting himself with shaking arms as he watches the scene unfold. Mitsuyoshi laughs again as the Keshin takes of its hat, a magic box appearing out of purple smoke coming from the hat. ''Magician's Box!'' he kicks the ball aggressively and it hits the box, which almost seems to swallow it. A moment alter, the ball is released, surrounded by a dark, purple energy, heading straight to the goal.

The time traveler grasps his shirt above his heart, every heartbeat sending another pulse of agony through him. He hears how Sangoku tries to stop the Keshin shot to no avail, and a moment later the pain numbs slightly. Instead of the acute, crippling stings from before, it's now a dull, constant ache pulsing through his limbs.

''And Mannouzaka scores their second goal!'' the commentator's voice enters his hazy mind, and the brunet forces himself to focus again.

His body still feels weak and only the thought of moving makes him nauseous, but he knows he can't afford to rest any longer. With shaking legs he stands up, his head pounding painfully.

Even so, Tenma straightens and hides his pain between a mask of seriousness, quickly scanning if anyone noticed his little episode this time.

(Okay, it seems his teammates are really oblivious.)

Soon after, the match continues and the future captain tries to give it his all, but the numbing ache and exhaustion is clearly making it harder to focus. Despite his effort, Mannouzaka manages to steal the ball from Raimon easily and then focuses on the goal.

Tenma grits his teeth as he uselessly watches Sangoku's attempt at protecting the goal. Mannouzaka is ruthless, shooting again and again until the keeper can only just grab the ball to keep it from landing in the goal, falling on the ground harshly.

''Sangoku-san!'' Shindou grits his teeth, making an attempt to dodge the opponent's player, but to no avail. They're completely blocked off from their goal.

And then another voice echoes over the field and Tenma smiles tiredly.

''Hey, you guys!'' yells Midori at the top of her lungs to the unmoving Raimon players on the sides. ''Don't you feel anything watching them play? I know you're worried about Fifth Sector and all,'' she continues, ''but aren't these guys your soccer buddies?!''

That seems to shake their resolve. ''You joined the club together, ate together, and you came this far with them around! Those guys are desperately doing everything they can to protect Raimon's soccer! Yet you guys don't feel anything?!''

Tenma smiles softly at her words. 'Midori-senpai always manages to... encourage us, in her own special way.'

The game continues with Mannouzaka's kick-off. The ball is immediately passed to their number 10, and Isozaki grins. ''Mitsuyoshi, shoot with your Keshin!'' he orders.

Raimon's time traveler can easily make out the alarmed looks on the faces of the Raimon players – all the Raimon players.

He sees Sangoku's grim expression even as the keeper spreads his arms and narrows his eyes in resolve. ''I'll stop it no matter what! Even if I fall apart doing so!'' he exclaims, not a trace of doubt in his voice.

Tenma breathes out, hating the feeling of helplessness. There's nothing he can do to stop a Keshin while he's still suffering from his 'episodes', no matter how much he wishes it was different.

Instead of thinking about it any longer, the brunet forces himself to calm down. 'It's still only 2-1. That's not too bad, but... we're already in the second half. Will we be able to turn the score around before the match ends?'

Resigning himself to the fact he won't be able to help, the brunet braces himself for the wave of pain that's sure to come.

Mitsuyoshi laughs manically as he throws his arms up, a blackish blue cloud of energy forming behind him. Tenma grits his teeth, already feeling the dull ache turning into crippling stings of agony. He stumbles but tries to stay on his feet as long as possible.

''Conjurer Purim!''

And then suddenly, another voice is heard over the field. The owner of the voice crosses his arms in front of his face, flames surrounding him that then make place for a cloud of white steam. ''Dash Train!'' Kurumada charges forward and Mitsuyoshi's eyes widen in fear and shock as he sees the defender storming in his direction. He screams as he's thrown into the air, Kurumada easily taking the ball.

''K-Kurumada steals the ball!'' the commentator's voice is filled with disbelief.

The defender turns around with a smile when he hears Sangoku's grateful voice saying his name, giving him a nod. Mitsuyoshi struggles to his feet again and Kurumada turns around to face him. ''I'm not letting you guys do whatever you want anymore,'' he says without the slightest hint of doubt. ''I don't care who we're up against! We'll protect our soccer!''

''Hamano, we're going too!'' yells Amagi suddenly, dashing forward.

The other teen rubs the back of his head. ''After what he just said, we can't sit back now,'' he agrees and a confident smile tugs on his lips as he sprints forward.

Hayami freaks out for a moment. ''Eh- wha- you're going?!'' he follows them. ''Then, me too...''

''Let's go, guys!'' Kurumada hits his palm with his fist. ''This is where the real game starts!''

Raimon agrees as one. ''Yeah!''

Tenma smiles tiredly, the stinging returning to a painful, pulsing ache that exhausts him all the same. Yet his resolve only grows at the enthusiasm shown by his teammates.

'Finally... Raimon is back in the game.'

The match resumes and Raimon is on offence for what feels like the first time since the match started. Kurumada currently has the ball, running forward while scanning the surrounding field for his teammates. ''Matsukaze, move!''

Tenma blinks and automatically starts to run faster, fighting off the dizziness in his mind. A moment later the ball is passed to him and he quickly scans the field, trying to keep his composure. Which is, in fact, easier said than done. He's out of breath, his mind is hazy and his whole body hurts with every movement he makes.

One of Mannouzaka's players enters his vision and the brunet forces himself to think, which goes slower than he'd like. 'Hissatsu is out of the question in my current condition... guess there's only one option.'

Just when the player reaches him and attempts to steal the ball, the brunet suddenly stops moving and kicks the ball straight into the air. The other teen is taken off guard by the sudden movement and stumbles. The time traveler grins cheekily and with a small jump takes the ball out of the air. The moment his feet hit the ground again he starts running, scanning the field for his teammates.

There. ''Hayami-senpai!'' the older boy easily receives the pass, sprinting forward with a few nice moves. Tenma's grin softens to a smile as he sees how Hayami passes the ball to Hamano, glad to see the teamwork between his (future?) friends.

As one of Mannouzaka's defenders comes closer to Hamano, the Raimon midfielder slams his foot on the ball and a whirlpool emerges from it. The teen grins as he runs on the ball, 'surfing' past the opponent. ''Surfing Pierrot!''

But then Isozaki steals the ball back and for a while both teams try to get a hold of the ball, yet it seems they are evenly matched. Then the ball is passed to Mitsuyoshi but suddenly Amagi slams his fist to the ground, dirt flying up into the air. ''Viva! The Great Wall of China!'' the wall rises up beneath him, locking Mannouzaka's forward in a fortress of walls. The Raimon defender laughs manically as the Keshin user loses his footing and falls, the ball rolling away from him.

Stopping just in front of the feet of the only Raimon player that hasn't moved yet.

Isozaki grins as he sees the unmoving form of Raimon's second forward, already dashing towards him. ''Isozaki goes for the ball! But Kurama isn't moving an inch!''

''Over here!'' yells Tsurugi, but the third-year doesn't react.

The forward ignores their shouts of his name, still not moving as Mannouzaka's captain keeps getting closer, a maniac grin spreading on his face.

And then suddenly, the light blue-haired boy moves and kicks the ball to a surprised Tsurugi. The (ex-)Seed shakes of his shock within a second and is already running before anyone else can comprehend what just happened.

Mannouzaka's keeper grins as the navy-haired teen races to the goal. A blueish black cloud of energy rises up behind him, taking form. ''Machine Soldier Galleus!'' Tenma gasps and stumbles, clutching his chest at the now familiar agony coursing through his veins.

Tsurugi reacts with equal fierceness as the keeper, his own cloud of energy rising up behind him. He stretches out his arm to the right as the energy takes form. ''Sword Saint Lancelot!''

Surprisingly, the excruciating stings lessen a bit, just enough for Tenma to be able to fight the black spots in his vision as he looks at the scene in front of him. Instead of the cold, agonizing wave of pain from the other Keshin in this match, Lancelot feels almost... warm. Not a burning heat, and while it is almost unnoticeable, the calming energy is still there.

The ball floats in front of the navy-haired teen, glowing a yellowish black, as the forward kicks it with all his strength. ''Lost Angel!'' the ball shoots forward, Lancelot following it and stabbing his sword.

The keeper jumps up, pressing his fists together. ''Guardian Shield!'' the shield of his Keshin closes, Lancelot's sword hitting it and sending sparks flying from where the two Keshin make contact.

Tenma watches, as always left in slight awe by Lancelot's strength no matter how many times he sees it. As Tsurugi puts more force behind his shot and the keeper responds with equal fierceness, the time traveler grits his teeth and curls in on himself in agony. 'How long is this going to go on?!'

After what feels like an eternity of pain, Tsurugi finally gains the upper hand. Galleus' shield is ripped open and the Keshin dissolves with a strike of Lancelot's sword, the ball blasting into the goal.

''Goal! It's a tie!'' exclaims the commentator.

Lancelot dissolves and Tenma stumbles to his feet again, absentmindedly wondering how he managed not to scream once during this entire match. 'I really need to do something about this...'

The match resumes, but this time in Raimon's favor. After a few quick and strong passes between the players clad in yellow, Shindou receives the ball and jumps, taking advantage of the fact no Mannouzaka players stand between him and the keeper. ''Fortissimo!''

The blue glowing ball shoots towards the goal and the keeper tries to bring out his Keshin again. However, the blueish black energy dissolves almost immediately and the third goal is made in Raimon's favor.

And then the three whistles sound, announcing the end of the match. Tenma grins and wipes the sweat from his forehead. 'I feel like I can sleep for the next 24 hours straight...' even so, he forces his sore body to work with him for a while longer.

After a few encouraging words from coach Endou, the victors make their way to the changing rooms. Unlike after their match against Tengawara, the mood is light and cheerful as they change out of their uniforms.

Unsurprisingly, Tsurugi leaves within two minutes and while Tenma doesn't want to, he lets the (ex-)Seed go his own way. 'From now on it depends on Yuuichi-san.'

The time traveler hides a flinch as he pulls his shirt over his head, changing it for a white t-shirt instead. He turns to face his team and smiles at their enthusiasm. For the first time he came to the past, the changing room is filled with real conversations and jokes.

The brunet glances at Shinsuke next to him and grins when the smaller boy catches his gaze. ''Ramen?'' he suggest, and the future keeper nods immediately.

''Did someone say ramen?'' Shindou's voice comes from the other side of the room, a knowing smile on his face. ''Mind if I tag along again?'' he asks as he slips his shirt over his head.

Tenma and Shinsuke share a look and then grin. ''Not at all. What about you, Sangoku-senpai?'' asks the brunet, glancing at the keeper who nods, grinning himself.

''The first time was interesting, so why not?'' asks the third-year.

Raimon's other members look at them in confusion and Sangoku (ever the mother hen) explains. ''After the match against Tengawara, we went for ramen,'' he tells the others, sharing a look with the other three who were there. ''Want to join us?''

They share a few hesitating looks and Kirino looks at his best friend in disbelief. ''You actually went to a ramen stall?''

Shindou freezes and groans when he spots Tenma's cheeky grin. ''Tenma, I blame you for this,'' he mutters and hides his face in his hands. ''I swear, you are horrible.''

Suddenly Hamano blinks. ''Yeah, that reminds me.'' He turns to the time traveler, who raises a curious eyebrow. '''Repressed sexual tension'?''

Shindou looks up so fast he almost seems to be breaking his neck, even as Tenma cackles loudly. The captain turns tomato red again in anger and embarrassment. ''Matsukaze Tenma, I swear to god.''

Unfortunately for the game maker, it only makes the brunet laugh harder. Shindou glares at him murderously and opens his mouth to say something, but Sangoku beats him to it. ''Tenma, why did you say that?'' he inquires, ignoring Hamano who mutters 'shouts' under his breath.

The time traveler stills. Now, how is he supposed to answer this? Then he grins mentally as he suddenly looks at the keeper with big, sparkling, begging eyes. He pouts just the slightest amount, curling in on himself to look smaller. ''I-I'm sorry, senpai,'' he says eventually and Sangoku hesitates because god why is he looking so innocent-

The keeper gives in after approximately 0.3 seconds. ''Fine,'' he mutters, looking away because he can swear there are sparkles around the first-year as he beams happily.

''And that's how I was dragged along for ramen,'' says Shindou dryly, putting on the jacket of his training suit. ''Who wants to join us today?''

After a moment of hesitation, Hamano gives in. ''I don't care where we're going, Matsukaze's way too funny and I'm not gonna miss out on anything,'' he declares without hesitation. A moment later, Hayami agrees as well (but that's only because Hamano goes.)

One by one, the other members agree as well and soon after, the whole team is ready to go. Tenma tells them to go ahead and inform their parents where they're going, leaving him alone in the clubroom.

The moment the door closes he crumbles to the floor, clutching his chest and breathing heavily. For a while he can only focus on fighting back the pain and more importantly, his Keshin that is threatening to break to the surface.

He whimpers in pain, clenching his eyes shut as he fights with the out-of-control Keshin energy, agony coursing through his veins.

Eventually the agonizing pressure in his chest dies down, leaving him weak and tired as he tries to catch his breath. 'God, that hurts.'

He's shocked out of his thoughts when he feels the weight of a hand on his shoulder. The brunet looks up, his eyes widening in shock and fear when he sees concerned, black eyes staring back at him.

''Tenma...''

~'0'~  

Ooh... cliffhanger! Who do you think caught Tenma after his little 'episode'? *smirks knowingly*

Usually I wouldn't let it be this long. 8000 words. But I just couldn't find a way to end it earlier :)

Until next time~!

- Yara Meijer