IV. Fighting (part one)

Nanairō

Today was the first day of the Kōshien qualifiers. We all were silent as we boarded the bus heading towards the opening ceremony and our game right after. There was a reason behind silence, and honestly it was Miyuki and Me that caused it. Well, it was more like it was his fault, but I won't deny that I too, was at fault. Everyone was affected by our fight. After all, when a Pitcher and a Catcher who are rather good friends get into it publicly, it comes as a shock to most. I was worried by Miyuki's odd behavior first, though.

• • • • •

The Day before:

I walked to morning practice in silence but was stopped by an odd sight along the way. There was a brunette sitting on the bench outside of the showers with his head hung low. 'what is that idiot doing?' As I went to approach him I noticed a girl approaching him from the other side. I stopped dead in my tracks and just watched. "Miyuki-kun, did you need anything?" Why was she here?

I knew that girl. She was my half sister, and she absolutely hated my guts. She was only a year younger than me and was in her third year of Junior High. I was the 'Mistake' of our family since I cross-dressed for Baseball. My little sister was the affair child of the family and the reason my dad left my mom and married my half-sister's mother. My whole life I was treated as the mistake instead.

"Why did you come here? I told you I'm not interested, Nahī." My eyes widened when I heard Miyuki reject her. 'Bwaha! That's a first!' My theoretical relative scoffed before grabbing his chin and trying to force him to kiss her. Something about the scene made my stomach do a backflip. Miyuki, however, shoved her off. "I said, no." I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding. Nahī huffed and walked away with tears rolling down her cheeks because she didn't get her way. 'Man, she never changes.'

I built up confidence and approached the catcher, whom was busy watching the girl flee. "Oi, Snake-kun! Practice will start soon, let's go." He ignored me. 'What did I do?' "Miyuki! Come on!" He turned and glared at me. "Don't look at me like that!" I grabbed his arm to drag him to practice but he yanked it away. "Oi! Miyuki! What the-" I saw the look he gave me. 'What's going on with him?' I scoffed. "Is what she said true?" I stared at him when he spoke in a low voice. "What did she say?" He wouldn't answer. "Is it?" I sighed.

"Miyuki I'm not Psychic so tell me what you're asking about otherwise let's go." He frowned at me. "You don't even have the guts to admit it Satō? You used your connections with the Alumni to get on this team didn't you. That's not right!" My lips parted. But I never even thought of it... "Oh so now I'm not even good enough to make this team on my own? Shows how much confidence you have." I frowned and crossed my arms. "IS IT TRUE?" Miyuki was shouting. Why? Because he had no faith in me. Why do I deserve this?

"No. Of course it isn't." His frown deepened into a scowl and I lowered my eyebrows. "Tell the truth. I swe-" I growled. "I'M NOT LYING MIYUKI! YOU ALWAYS ASSUME THE WORST OF IT DON'T YOU? YOU EVEN PLAYED ME IN JUNIOR HIGH!," my voice trailer off from a shout into a lower tone, "...it must suck not being able to trust your teammate and more importantly yourself. I'll throw with someone else since you can't even trust me. I don't know what business you have with my half-sister and I don't care. Miyuki, you better stay away from me."

I glared him in the eyes. His scowl disappeared, being replaced by a tight line and his eyes looked to be full of confusion, remorse, and shock. I walked away after realizing our teammates had crowded around the scene. Everyone looked shocked or angry about our falling out. My stupid half-sister can't let me have any friends, now can she?

• • • • •

I got off the bus last after we arrived at the opening ceremony. As per usual, I was in charge of dragging the players who had to go to the bathroom to the bathroom. Unfortunately, Snake was included in this populous. "Be quick guys, we need to be back soon." They all flooded into the bathroom and I waited outside the door, as usual. I sighed at Miyuki, who didn't even so much as look at the bathroom. "Why come with us if you don't even have to go? Or did you not trust me to lead our teammates to the bathroom as well? Did I cheat to do that too? I bet you wouldn't be surprised right? Since I never do anything right?"

He turned and looked at me with regret. "Look I'm so-" I scoffed. "You're sorry now? Or do you not trust that too? Anyways, since I'm not trustworthy, you should bring them back. Wouldn't want me to get them lost or rub off on them right?" I walked off. He reached out and snatched my arm to stop me, which was responded with me turning around and attempting to pry my arm away from him. "Why are you so upset that I doubted you?" I shoved him away. "It's more like I'm upset you trusted her first. Stay away from me." I stormed off and found the closest vending machine.

I punched and kicked the machine. "Stupid Snake! Trusting the girl that made my whole life miserable over me!-" A hand gently shook my shoulder, interrupting my lashing out on the vending machine. "Hey, what happened?" I turned around and looked up at no other than Shunpeī. "My stupid teammate believed my supposed step-sister before me. Even worse, it was my catcher." Shunpeī pulled me closer and hugged me. "I'm sorry to hear that... Listen, I'll be in Yakushi's line, so just look towards me if you start feeling unsure okay?" I nodded as we pulled apart.

"Now I'm going to go back to my team, good luck Nanai." Shunpeī left with a harsh whisper. I looked around and left for my own team soon after. I took my time as my team came into view. I beat the boys in the bathroom back surprisingly. "Ah Satō, what happened to taking the others to the restroom?" I looked at Ryosuke, who was about the only second year who didn't have a bladder the size of a walnut.

"Ah, Miyuki showed up so he's bringing them back." Everyone who was chatting went silent and I earned a few looks from my Senpai. "Ah-Ahem. About that, s-so did you two make up?" I looked at Tanba, who apparently was there the whole time. "No. And as for me Pitching at all in the game tomorrow, it's highly unlikely." I heard an audible gulp from Tanba as the rest seemed to fall into deeper despair.

I approached Tanba with my hands clasped behind my back and an all-knowing look. "Hmm? What's this?" I got all up in his face and looked him in the eyes, "Is Tanba-Senpai doubting himself again? Remember what I said last time? And my threat to keep you positive with my bat?" A mischievous smirk seeded itself in my expression. Tanba quickly shook his head, not wanting me to beat some sense into him with my bat. "N-no! It's not necessary-"

"Satōshi quit goofing around and focus more on how you plan to play tomorrow." I cut my eyes at the lowered voice of a certain Snake. "And what makes you think I plan on paying attention to someone who can't even trust a teammate?" I turned around to argue but I was tugged back by Tanba, Kuramochi, Kawakami and Azuma. "Haha, let's simmer down alright? He isn't worth the fight Satō, just ignore him." I fought the four of them, which ended up with Azuma throwing me over his shoulder to take away my momentum.

I pointed at Miyuki and cried out. "Oi! This is your fault Snake-kun! You should be helping me!" Azuma carried me away from Miyuki. Miyuki's face demonstrated surprise, which was covered up by a faked serious look and a slight smirk. Gah! He's way too cocky! That Snake! "Oi, stop squirming you disrespectful Kōhai!" I continued to squirm, which earned the attention of the other teams as I was carried to the back of the line. I cried out. "Put me down now! I can walk! I just want to rearrange his face with my bat a little bit, Azuma-senpai!" I saw Shunpeī sweatdrop from his line and everyone in my line other than Miyuki, Kuramochi, Tanba, Jun, Kawakami, Azuma and me cracking up.

"Bwahaha! That little kid is gonna beat up his teammate?! That's the funniest thing I've ever heard! What is he, 12? Hey little kid! You should be in the Junior High Opening! You must be at the wrong place!" I growled which caused my friends and roommates to go cold, most likely remembering the wrestling tournament where I sent everyone home sore. "H-hey, you shouldn't say that about Satō, he kind of has a bad temper." I had a tic mark in development as I squirmed to get away. This resulted in me being carried and restrained by many teammates after escaping Azuma.

After I had calmed down, we all got into a straight line with our players organized by number, which unfortunately put me right infront of Miyuki with the number one on my back. I felt the eyes of other teams seeing as I wore the ace number and I continued to stare forward, listening to the opening speech.

"So wait... That little boy is their ace?"

"There's no way he's a pitcher..."

"How is he in Highschool?"

"He has such a girly height for a boy..."

"Yeah but there's another one his height and one shorter with pink hair..."

"Oh yeah you're right!"

"-And let's have a great season!" We all bowed and the whispers finally diminished as everyone but two teams who were playing left the field. "Seems like you're popular, ne?" I turned and saw Nori. I made a noise of acknowledgement. "Yeah I guess." He looked at me. "You don't sound too convinced."

I shook my head and formed a pressed smile. "It's just that I'm being underestimated by other teams and my own catcher. It makes me stressed, you know? You never know when he'll refuse to work with me because he thinks I cheated to get here. And to think it's just because my evil half-sister said something to make him doubt me."

Nori knitted his eyebrows. "Evil Half-sister?" I sighed and looked at him. "I guess it's time I told someone about my messed up family right?" He looked at me with a concerned look, which earned him a sad smile. "N-no it's ok r-real-" I shook my head at how flustered he was. "No I trust you. And I trust the nosy Kuramochi too, who's listening in on our conversation." I turned my head and looked directly at Kuramochi, who only gulped.

"It all started when my Biological Mother found out about my Father's Love Child with another woman, who is now my stepmother. My mother divorced my father quickly and left me with him when I was two and Nahī, my half-sister, was one. Within a week, my father and stepmother were married. Once that happened, my stepmother and half-sister convinced my father that I was just trouble by the time I was 5, which is when I started playing baseball officially.

"My half-sister would break dishes, tear up toys, break windows, shred clothes, kick over the garbage can, draw on the walls and much more, and then blame it all on me, which my father willingly believed because of the influence of my stepmother. Nahī even went as far as to tear up her own stuff and blame me, saying I sabotaged her stuff on purpose.

"Then, there was one time, which triggered me to move to Kōbe by myself for Junior High. My stepmother set my half-sister up with my best friend to drive a wedge between our friendship by whispering lies in his ear. He, of course, didn't believe them at first until I found out and decided to move away. He was dating my half-sister and I couldn't stand it. Even worse, we had a bad falling out before I fled Kyotō and we only just reconciled recently. And that's a brief explanation of why my half-sister is evil. She's done a lot more, but I'd rather not tell anyone about the worst of it."

By the time I was finished, I realized Nori and Kuramochi were not my only audience. I had Azuma, who already knew it all, Jun, Ryosuke and just about all of the team other than Miyuki listening with sorrow-filled expressions. "A-ah! What's with those looks? It's not like all of you to go silent like that either!"

Soon we all boarded the bus and headed home. I was the first on and off the bus, not surprisingly. Once I was off, everyone soon followed and we were on our way to the mess hall. I listened as the others all goofed off all around me and talked like good friends should and as if there were no worries to weigh down worriers.

I kind of feel left out in this situation, but I have enough friends and happiness to last me a lifetime. To think, almost 14 years after my life first became miserable, I finally have happiness to some extent. Usually when we all walk to mess hall after a long trip, I'm talking to Miyuki or Kuramochi or Nori, so I guess that's why I feel like I'm watching from afar.

We all finally reached mess hall after weaving our way through the school property to reach the Baseball area. I was glad that both second and third string came with us, since I got to talk to Nori and Zono on the ride back. Of course, the very one sided conversations with Miyauchi were always fun too.

I grabbed my food, which consisted of 4 bowls of rice and fish with a bottle of water. I looked around and saw everyone else was already munching down on their food and conversing, so I opted to sit by myself. I had a very quiet and peaceful dinner, for my standards at least.

Kazuya

What was Satō's issue? I tried to apologize for making a mistake and snapping at him, but he wouldn't listen. Of course I was sorry, but every time I looked at him my heart squeezed in my chest and the weight of my guilt got heavier. Why did I feel guilty?

I left dinner with Kuramochi and Nori and we walked to the vending machines. "I really don't get what Satō's issue is." The other two looked at me, making me turn my head towards them in response. "What do you mean?" I arched an eyebrow at Kuramochi and stopped walking. "What do I mean? He got all angry over a stupid question. What's up with him being so hypersensitive!"

Kuramochi and Nori both cut their eyes at me. "You really don't know do you?" I looked at the two confusedly. "Know what?" Nori shook his head and walked off. "Miyuki... The reason Satō got so upset isn't because you had a momentary lapse in judgement. That's not it at all." I sighed. "Then what is it?"

"Nahī told you that Satō cheated to get here, right?" I nodded. "That's because Nahī is Satō's malicious half-sister who does things to make him suffer. She's made him suffer his whole life while she got spoiled. You must have saw their mini-interaction earlier, right? When she was leaving she made a taunting expression towards Satō. You saw how what you said riled him up, but it was really her."

My eyes widened. "Wait, so that wasn't him overreacting? Why didn't you explain this earlier? If I had known I probably wouldn't have said those things to offend him." Kuramochi grinned. "But then you wouldn't be able to play hero right?" He is fairly observant, even he can see right through me. "Ah, the words that come out of you mouth, my friend, they're not okay!" I grinned. "Ok, go do what you need to do, Miyuki. Make up with your pitcher before he seriously rearranges your face with a bat. Kyahaha!"

I ran towards the dorms, separating from my friend. I remember his dorm was 211. I rushed to his door and knocked. "Hey, Satō. Are you back yet?" No response came. I knocked again but to no avail, the door was unanswered. "Miyuki? Shouldn't you be in your dorm?" I turned and saw Azuma and Jun. Right, he rooms with these two. "Ah, yeah. I'm looking for Satō so I can apologize for the things I said before." The two looked at me and then each other. "Neither of us has seen Satō since we got off the bus this afternoon. Maybe check the cafeteria or showers."

I took their advice and checked the cafeteria. "Ah he isn't here. Hopefully he isn't in the showers, from what I hear, he doesn't like showering with the rest of us because of his burn. I shivered at the thought of his burns. I knocked on the bathroom door as well but there was no reply. "Not in there either." I sighed.

I wandered around for a while, and before I knew it, it was curfew. "Ah, he's impossible to find-" I saw Satō walking into his room from Kuramochi's. Traitor... I sighed and knocked on Satōshi's door. "Who's still out this late?" I snickered. "The one and only Snake." I heard a clang from inside. "I have a bat, you have 10 seconds. 1, 2, 10." I sweatdropped. "O-oi I'm here to make peace not war! I just want to apologize." I heard a momentary lapse of silence. "Ok."

The door creaked open to reveal a shorter boy holding a bat half his height and probably a quarter of his weight with ease. Does he not even realize how heavy and long Azuma's bat is...? "Look, I'm sorry that I misunderstood the situation. I genuinely thought that you freaked out because I said something in general."

Satōshi stared at me, as if signalling for me to continue. I clenched my shaky hands against the fabric of the back of my shirt. Why am I so nervous? It must be because Satō is holding a bat... Yeah, that's what it is. Self preservation instincts. I gulped and looked him in the eyes.

Nanairō

He's fidgeting. He looks so nervous and to be honest it's cute to see him acting so childishly. Wait... No, no, no, no, no! I don't like him! I'm mad at Miyuki, stupid heart! Stop racing! "I- I um..." I looked up to see him looking me in the eyes. God Miyuki... If you don't stop we'll both do something we'll regret.

"I didn't know she was your half-sister... And I really didn't know she was so malicious... I'm sorry Satō, I shouldn't have doubted you..." My lips parted in surprise. Miyuki is being... Genuine? Hell must have froze over. "A-ah maybe now isn-" I was interrupted by my upperclassmen dragging me into the room and asking if I was okay like Miyuki was a disease. Honestly, Miyuki could be a bigger epidemic than stupidity. I laughed silently at that thought.

"Oi! What's so funny you Disrespectful Kōhai!" I continued to laugh but looked at Jun. "I- I'm sorry but it's just so funny!" I was so preoccupied with Miyuki, I completely forgot about my screwed up family for the first time in my life. It's so funny because I didn't even know what not being worried about everything felt like. Even though we fought due to my family, he distracted me from them. I really should thank him.

"Today was the first time I totally blanked on worrying over my stupid relatives. Even though it was a fight caused by Nahī, I still completely forgot about everything because I was distracted by Miyuki all day. Miyuki I really should thank you for that, so thanks." I grinned at him with my eyes closed. This caused Miyuki to make a face of shock as he watched me surely loosing my mind. Then he started laughing. Then I did too, and the other two joined in too. "What was with that face Satō-chan! Hahaha! It was so innocent and out of character!"

After that moment where we all were weird passed, I volunteered to walk Miyuki back to his room so we could make up. "When I'm around you it's weird." He broke the silence. "Ah- what does that mean?" I looked at him. "My heart starts to pound without reason. My stomach twists and flips and turns and it makes me feel sick. You try my patience from time to time with your comments and you're so hard to get along with. You have a girly face and I think it's throwing me off. So tell me something," I backed up as he stepped closer. I backed straight into the wall and then there was a hand on either side of the wall behind me, pinning me so I couldn't run. Miyuki studied my face. I looked him in the eyes and we stood there a while.

His breath minced with mine due to our closeness and the lack of personal space. The stray air that flared from his nostrils tickled my skin. Sexual tension again... But this time... It's more... "What exactly are you doing to me...?" His eyes drifted down to my lips which made me wonder. "I could ask you the same thing, Miyuki." Something seemed to snap in his head to make him realize what he was doing.

He stepped back and removed his hands. His face was red. "Oh, couldn't handle the heat?" He hissed at me. "God what is wrong with us?" I shook my head. "I'm straight." That is why you drive me nuts I guess... But you couldn't possible feel the same, right? "God, I know you're a guy but you look so much like a girl."

I gulped at him. More than you know... I made a step away from him. I felt awkward and needed to escape the situation. "Ah, I should go, I promised Azuma-senpai I would polish his bat for him! Bye!" I rushed off quickly. Miyuki opened his mouth to say something but immediately shut it once again. I knew better than to feel the way I did. I knew what would follow in suit. I knew.

The Next Day: Classes

I quickly and efficiently finished my work. I was ready for our game today, so this long, dragged-out lesson was coercing me to fall asleep. As I was drifting to sleep, my mind reenacted the fight between me and Miyuki over and over again. I already moved on... Why does it bother me so much? I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned slightly with my eyes closed.

I heard the teacher shouting something, but I didn't realize it was towards me. I felt someone nudge me in the side, which snapped me back into reality. "-Mr. Nakatomi! Am I really that boring to you!?" I blinked fast. "Ah it's not that-" He interrupted me. "Oh? Then solve the quadratic equation on the board Mr. Nakatomi, wow us." I nodded and stood. I got detesting looks as I made my way to the board to find what was actually a linear equation. "Ah, no wonder no one could figure this out. Sir, this is a linear equation not a quadratic equation. In this question, the coefficient A equals zero."

I heard a few murmurs as I solved the equation with ease. I turned around to see the teacher's mouth hanging open. "A-ah, take your seat Mr. Nakatomi." I sat down in my seat and got a nod from Nori, a cackle from Kuramochi, and a smirk from Miyuki. Jeez, you'd think Miyuki was the one who did it by the smug look on his face. I stared straight ahead so I wouldn't have to acknowledge Snake. "Ah, Satōshi, that was awesome! No wonder you're known in California as a child genius!" I grinned at Samuel but also raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? I didn't realize I'm internationally well known as well. But I wouldn't say I'm a genius or anything, you flatter me!" Samuel smiled. We were whispering back and forth. "No really! You're really smart! What is your IQ?" I didn't ever test to find my IQ. "Ah, I never tested for it." Samuel looked at me confusedly. "IQ doesn't really matter for people in my family, I'm expected to go into the family's traditional line of work. But I don't want to become a prime minister to be honest. I don't really believe in the same things as my family. That's part of the reason I left Kyotō alone at the age of 10." Samuel made a voice of understanding.

"And the other reason?" I rubbed my legs remembering bad memories. "A-ah, actually, my Stepmother and Father were abusive. My Dad didn't realize he was being manipulated. My Stepmother would slip tequila in his drinks to get him drunk. Whenever he was drunk, be had a short temper and was always depressed over my Mother leaving him." Samuel's eyes widened. "O-oh, I'm sorry-" I shook my head and smiled. "No, it's fine. You didn't know." He nodded and we went back to listening to the lesson, but I had the feeling someone else was curious about our conversation.

It was now lunchtime. Samuel left to eat with his exchange friends and Nori left to get his lunch. I grabbed my bag and stood to leave before I was greeted with Tweedledee and Tweedledum standing in my way with crap-eating-grins. I was still rubbing my right leg with my right hand and my Bento in my left hand. It still feels like I have a fresh gash 6 years after I got the scar. I can't believe it still bothers me. "You should eat lunch with us." I shook my head no, finding a lump in my throat making it hard to swallow. I was having a minor panic attack, much like every other time I talk about how I was abused.

"Why not? And why aren't you talking?" I still shook my head in refuse. "Kuramochi go get me a bread. I'll catch up in a minute." Miyuki I swear, don't be the one I start freaking out on. I kept rubbing my leg, feeling like there should be blood slipping out of the huge scar on that spot. "Satō? Hey, you okay? Is something up with your leg?" I shook my head no. I could never talk when I was having a panic attack unless I was screaming. Panic attacks were rare for me to be honest.

Miyuki went to roll up my pant leg but I stopped him quickly. "What are you hiding. I tried to talk but I quickly shut my mouth, after I realized I couldn't make a sound. "Satō, say something! Be sarcastic or whatever! Say you're okay!" I mouthed the words 'I'm fine' to him. He didn't seem convinced.

"Fine, don't tell me, whatever." I opened my mouth to argue but he turned away and started walking. I reached out to grab his arm but stopped. He probably doesn't want to talk to me anymore.. I shouldn't say anything. I can't let him worry over me anyways, so it's for the best. At least, that's what I should tell myself. I retracted my hand and slowly dropped my arm.

He left the room. That's right... I should never let anyone see my scars... Just like Momma told me when she left Father. I stared at the door for a moment before I realized I was alone in the classroom. Now, my shoulder was throbbing in sync with my leg. I shifted the edge of my uniform so I could see the edge of my scar on my left shoulder. I knew it was just my mind over working my nerves, since the scar wasn't even slightly pink and the skin around it was normal.

I sat down in my seat and ate my lunch in silence. It wasn't long until everyone came back to the room, Miyuki and Kuramochi not looking pleased. Oh. He said something to Kuramochi. I ignored them and stared straight ahead. Just like Momma said... The teacher walked into class. My panic attack must be over, my leg doesn't hurt anymore.

I did my work quickly and efficiently, ignoring the looks I was getting from people who were trying to talk to me and the partners in crime. She told me people weren't worth my time. She was right. I finished my work and turned it in. I got dismissed from class early.

Just like she told me... People will only hurt me, just like Father did to her... And to me. I stared straight ahead as I walked to the Spirit Dorms. I went straight to my dorm and walked in. I immediately sat on my bed and stared at the barren walls around it. "Why am I surprised, I knew he would do something displaying his distrust towards me again. I don't understand him."

"Satō, you okay?" I stiffened at the voice on the other side of the door. I refused to respond as I got ready for the Game. I already packed my bag earlier. Just as I slipped my undershirt on, the door opened and Miyuki stepped in, then shut the door. There I was. Only wearing boxers and an undershirt. "Get out. I'm getting dressed." He just stared at me. His eyes travelled downwards.

"That scar..." I winced slightly at his lowered tone. "Please-" He interrupted my plea for him not to ask. "No. What happened." I put my shirt and pants on. "It's not something you just tell to someone." I turned to face him. His eyes said everything. "Someone... Abused you right? I've been trying to piece that together for a while. Why would the son of Prime Minister Nakatomi leave home at the age of 10? But then I pieced together your story, your weird behavior when someone lashes out at you, holding your leg and eventually shoulder, and the scar was the final piece of the puzzle. When you left for Kōbe, that was when your Dad lashed out at you and gave you that huge scar, isn't it?"

I opened my mouth to object, but found myself speechlessly nodding. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so irrational earlier. I just thought you were mad at me or something and it made me freak out. I wasn't sure what to do." I smiled at him. "No it's ok, I understand now." Momma, you were wrong this time. For whatever unknown reason, Miyuki wasn't Father. No, Miyuki isn't a father. I hope he never will be, Momma. I truly do. I smiled at him.

• • • • •

We all loaded up into the bus. I, unfortunately, was pinned between Kuramochi and Miyuki. How did I get in this situation? Well, Nori got pulled over by Azuma and Jun, leaving only one seat for me to use: next to Miyuki, and he made me sit in the middle. The moral of this story? Never be the last one on the bus.

The whole bus ride was filled with horrible jokes, teasing, and other things I couldn't have cared less for. Their endless supply of new ideas for torture eventually put me to sleep.

Kuramochi attempted to wake me up. I growled at him. "A-ah, c'mon Satō! We have to get off the bus." Suddenly my pillow moved from underneath me. "Please Satō, we'll be late for the game!" I opened my eyes. I looked over and jumped up quick. I was very, very embarrassed. I bowed several times to apologize. "F-forget it! Let's go catch up with the rest of the team!" He grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me off the bus. When my feet hit the ground, he took off in a sprint, which I easily kept pace with. I could tell his face was just as red as mine, except I recovered faster.

We collided with the rest of our group. "Oi! Finally you two lazy Kōhai decided to get off the bus!" I bowed to my roommates. "Sorry Azuma-senpai, Spitz-senpai, Kuramochi-kun, I caused the three of you trouble." I heard others snickering at Jun as he started yelling. "OI! WHO ARE YOU CALLING SPITZ, SHORTY!?" All of the hairs on the back of my neck stood up at my highly disliked nickname. "Who are you directing that highly derogative word towards, Spitz." I craned my head slowly to look at the 2nd year whom matched me in height. Everyone shivered at my sudden change in tone. "You, who else here is short!"

My eye twitched as I approached the outfielder and put him a tight and restricting headlock. "Who?" He started flailing to get out, resulting in my tightening of the headlock. "I believe you have wronged me Sir. I am the same height as you, and you're older. So let me ask you again. Who is the target of such a derogatory term?" He gulped. "N-no one." I smiled threateningly. "Good. Now that we've cleared up this obvious misunderstanding, I think you all were preparing to warm up?" Everyone briskly nodded as I released Jun and we all ran to warm up.

While everyone got their arms warmed up throwing and then ran to do fielding, I got stuck warming up with a silent Miyuki. I walked to the mound in the bullpen and looked at Miyuki as he just stood in his spot but stared off for a little bit. "Miyuki... The ball?" He didn't seem to register. "Hello? Earth to Snake, is anyone in there?" I waved my arms around and snapped a few times. He still didn't seem to take notice so I frowned. "Fine, I'll go get Tanba and catch for him then, since you're too lost in your thoughts to get yourself together."

I grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him out of the bullpen and towards the dugout. That seemed to get his attention since he pried his wrist away. " 'Bout time you stopped spacing out. If your mind is so preoccupied that you can't even notice someone is talking to you, you don't need to be catching today." The coach seemed to notice my lecture towards Miyuki.

"Nakatomi, is this true?" I looked at the older man and nodded. "Miyuki. Come sit down and cool off. Nakatomi, you'll start off catching Tanba then you'll pitch to Miyuki or Miyauchi." I nodded and bowed my head to the coach. "Yes Si-" I was interrupted by Miyuki. "Wait a minute, I can catch! I'm fine don't pull me just bec-" He stopped when he saw my look towards him as he turned to point. "-because someone else said you couldn't do it, right? Miyuki, you can do this. I know you can, but you were out of it for 10 minutes. I tried to get your attention. So whatever, if I'm just someone else who can't have concern over you then so be it. But you won't last long in Baseball until you have the self respect to do what you can do."

I turned to the coach. "I'll notify Tanba to join me in the bullpen immediately." I bowed and turned to walk away. "Satō! That's not what I mea-" I turned around. "Then what DID you mean Miyuki? I'm done playing games, when you're done clearing your head, then we'll talk. But you best go sit on that bench until it's our turn for our Highschool Debut. I suggest you wait until you know you're ready." I turned on my heels and ran off to find Tanba.

"Tanba-San! Come with me to the Bullpen! You're starting today." He jumped at my sudden appearance behind him. "O-okay. Are you sure I should I mean-" I smiled and nodded. "You'll have a reliable teammate ahead and 7 behind." He nodded and we jogged to the Bullpen. "Satō-san, how come you're catching me today?" I looked at him as I put on the equipment. "Miyuki is being a pouty brat today so it's either me or Miyauchi, but coach wants him to catch for me later if Miyuki doesn't snap of it."

I stood and threw a few warm-up throws back and forth with him. "You really are worried about him, aren't you Satō-san?" I smiled at Tanba. "Yes, I am. Honestly, I don't need him getting injured, and I definitely don't need him distracted when I'm pitching to him. He could ruin his perfect record on missed balls." Tanba smiled. "You really are a good battery mate after all." He sounded relieved as I busted out laughing. "Alright Tanba, that should be enough. Start warming up pitching."

After he was warmed up, we walked back to the dugout where the others were waiting on us to finish up to announce the lineup, which was the same minus Miyuki. Tanba had Miyuki's usual spot and I had mine. Coach is smart, now I know he'll put in Miyuki. I looked up and the coach and nodded. Our coach exchanged lineups with the opposing coach and we all rushed out to the field, ready to go.

I walked over to Tanba for a pregame mound meeting after briefly looking over their batters preparing. "Ok Tanba-San, remember. You are the one who supplies the pitch as a pitcher. As your catcher, I assure you, I'll make the needed calls, so trust my mitt and do what you do best!" I nodded at him and grinned, resulting in him nodding in understanding. I made my trip back to my spot behind the plate. Have confidence, Tanba. You are a great pitcher, don't live in the shadows of me or anyone else!

The first batter approached the box. He was rather tall, but seemed to lack in the upper body. He had well built legs, making it obvious he was a catcher. "A catcher first up to represent the team? Must be rough." He looked at me in awe. "How did you know I was a catcher?" I grinned mischievously. "Your upper body is weak while your lower body - knees especially - is strong. You probably run fast but have no actual hitting power. In fact, your coach is ordering for you to bunt, am I right?" If his eyes could pop out of his head, they would. "H-how?" I smirked. "You are quite naïve, Mon Ami. It was all in theory." I looked at Tanba.

The boy frowned but turned to look at Tanba. I got into a squat and smirked. I looked back up at the boy. Better obey your coach, naïve catcher. I saw his hand sliding forward prematurely. Getting ahead of ourselves are we? I signalled Tanba for a Forkball. He raised a questioning eyebrow but gave me what I wanted. The boy turned and faced to bunt, but was debunked when the ball bounced into my glove. "Strike!" I smirked wider. "You should look at your coach Mon Ami, he's not to happy." The boy was frustrated. "What does that even mean..." I laughed. "It means, you're in trouble."

I returned the ball but saw the boy do the same action again. I signalled for a curve ball this time. Tanba nodded. The process was repeated, only I had to jump up to catch the ball, since it curved upwards. I landed on my feet easily. "Strike!" I grinned as I threw the ball back. "Keep it up Tanba-Senpai!" I got back into position. He won't bunt on this one. I signalled for a inside fast ball to finish him off. The boy surprised me by bunting on the third strike successfully.

He took off for first base so I popped up and grabbed the ball, zipping it to first base as fast and hard as I could, beating the boy by half the distance from home to first. The first baseman caught the ball with a loud bam had a sour face from how hard I threw on a regular throw. Oops! "Out!" The first baseman threw it to second to initiate the around the horn throw, which ended in me throwing the ball back to Tanba. "Alright Tanba-San! You're throwing great! Let's keep it up!"

The opposing catcher paused by me on the way back to his dugout. "I'll make a fool of you when it comes to our turn fielding, you just watch." I smirked. "Give it your best shot, Mon Ami." The next batter was approaching as he left. "Ah you're quite the catcher. Never seen someone throw a ball that fast to first while they had time, it was unintentional?" I grinned.

"I'm not like your catcher, he's rather weak minded. He even told me you were going to bunt too." The boy's eyes widened but he laughed. "That idiot ruined my plan." I smirked. "No, you did. He only gave away that he was to bunt. I'm guessing you're a shortstop? You look pretty evenly built, probably have some speed credibility and an average swing." He sighed.

"You're awfully witty, you must be Nakatomi Satōshi right? I always heard about you doing something somewhere in the field every game in Junior High, never crossed my mind you'd be a first year in High now. So your only use in Highschool is a catcher? What a shame. You were great in Junior High." I grinned widely. "You could say that. Anyways, I hope you don't plan to follow your coach's trend and bunt like the other one." He sighed. "Unfortunately, if I don't, I'll get put on second string. My coach never calls for full swings unless it's dire." I nodded.

I called for a Forkball on a bounce. Tanba nodded and delivered, and sure enough the boy showed and held a bunt as the ball bounced into my glove. "Strike!" I grinned at the boy whom stared at me in disbelief. "That's strike one, Mon Ami." I threw the ball back to Tanba. "Nice pitch Tanba-Senpai! Just what I asked for!" I grinned. I called for a Fastball in the dirt next, which Tanba obliged. "Strike!" I hummed. "Strike two~." I threw the ball back and lined up on the inside corner and called for a Fastball.

Tanba threw, and the boy actually swung, resulting in it to foul straight up. I threw off my mask and caught it with ease. I showed the umpire that it was in my glove. "Out!" I grinned wide. "Tanba-Senpai!" I made the sign that meant 'two down!'. He nodded with dim smile. Their three-hole approached.

He was short and slim, no doubt a heavy hitter in disguise. He probably had flexible joints. He seemed like he was most likely a right fielder by his lack of muscle. "Ah, you plan to bunt, at least, that's what the other guy said." He nodded. I turned my head. "Oh you all are quite the bunch of loud mouths, Mon Ami. Now I know you'll actually swing by your dishonesty." He frowned. Played right into it.

I called for the ball. I saw his hands inching closer to bunting position out of the corner of my eyes. Ooh he fell for it. Hard. Tanba delivered the curve ball that I ordered and the boy swung around to bunt, missing the ball completely. The boy growled. I laughed sparingly and threw the ball back. I made the next call, but this time the boy was more aggressive. He stepped on the plate to bunt, resulting in the pitch hitting his elbow guard. "Umpire! His foot is on the plate!" The Ump noticed. "Out! Change!" Thank God I saw that.

I dropped the ball and jogged back to the dugout, highfiving Tanba with a grin on the way. "You destroyed their first three in the lineup!" I looped my arm over his shoulder and pulled his head down to my height. "Now let's destroy their cleanup crew shall we, Mon bien-aimé pichet?" Tanba turned his head at my use of French in a non-casual situation. "Ah, I didn't really understand that but okay." I grinned at him. "Have confidence, Mon Ami, you can and will destroy their Batting. For now, let's get ready for our turn Batting, yes?" He nodded and I released him with a slight push forward.

I sat down on the bench where my helmet and gloves were and quickly took off the Catching Equipment. "So Miyuki, when do you plan to stop starting at me? If you take a picture it'll last longer." The boy sitting just about 4 meters away from me jumped at my blunt inquisition. "You sure seem overly friendly with all of them..." I blinked at him. "Ah am I hearing you correctly?" He looked at me. "Sleeping on Kuramochi's shoulder, on good terms with Azuma, looping your arm around Tanba's neck? It sounds like you're way too friendly with them."

I started laughing, causing him to pout. "Are you jealous of them because I'm friendlier with them rather than you? Listen, I've known Azuma since I was 3, I was encouraging Tanba-Senpai to have confidence, and the thing with Kuramochi was an incident." His eyes widened and he started laughing. "Yeah I guess I was being a bit sensitive there huh?" I smiled. "So, are you done pouting now? We could use your help later on in the game." He nodded with a smirk. "Good, now I need to get out there."

Kominato had just reached first base on a safety bunt as I finished getting my Batting equipment on. "Next Batting is Kuramochi Youichi-kun, Kuramochi Youichi-kun." I walked to the warm-up circle with my bat and watched Kuramochi as he took his turn in Batting. The first ball came in low and away. "Ball one!" I watched the pitcher's form as he delivered a ball above Kuramochi's head, which the catcher missed resulting in Kominato stealing second. "Ball two!" I sighed. I saw the pitcher as he wound up and delivered a meatball, which Kuramochi bunted down the first base line. He was barely out, but Kominato found his way to third. "Next Batting is Nakatomi Satōshi-kun, Nakatomi Satōshi-kun."

I looked to the dugout to see coach nod for me to swing all the way through, which the third base coach confirmed with a sign relay. I smirked. I neared the batters box and stood in the left handed side. I swing early on slower pitchers, so I should stand in the Left handed box so I can hit to right field. The Catcher looked up at me with pure hate in his eyes. I saw him make a signal to the fielders and they all shifted in the baseline and out field played the edge of the grass. Tch! Who do they think this is! I got into a serious stance. The pitcher started his wind up and I showed a premature bunt but pulled back. As he threw the ball, it went higher than he intended, making it just in the strike zone, but I wasn't picky. I swung all the way through and watched as it cleared the fence. "It's a Homerun!"

I heard the people in our dugout cheer and the crowd join in. But it didn't seem to register that it was because of me. The fact that I was making my official highschool debut didn't seem to click in my head until that moment. I am finally here, the Tokyo Nationals Qualifier. The stages before Kōshien. I stepped on home plate and all sound seemed to return to drown out my thoughts. This was only the beginning of a new chapter...

To be continued in: Fighting (part two)...