Tied Up 〔An Eyeshield 21's Fanfiction〕

Ch.11: A Deal and A New Journey

(Rie's PoV)

We failed at this spring tournament, on the second round, versus Oujo. I kept saying "At least, we've done our best." or "Chin up, guys!" but in fact, I realized that we're lack in many things. A lot, I told you. And after we got our new receiver, Youichi arranged a practice match, versus Zokugaku Chameleon, a team that infamous for their foul play. Their team captain is Habashira Rui. I didn't know much about him, except for his relation with the former Chameleon's team captain, which is his older brother or something like his scandal on field. Scary? Yep. A practice match with Chameleon was like throwing yourself to a cliff. Not because they skilled or something. Their foul play is... how should I say... beyond words. Once, they even beaten up the referee.

"Is there any other team except Zokugaku? It's a bad choice, you know. They might get beaten up by those scary thugs."

I rested my back on the club's door frame, while waited for him getting ready for practice.

"What? You're afraid? You don't play, remember that?"
"That's not it, fuckin' demon. If any of you injured, then--"
"Then what? If you scared to be injured, you shouldn't play American Football."

Youichi stood up and walked pass me. Since that time, I was so afraid of injuries. I know that I wouldn't be injured, but my team was a different case. I don't put much concern on Youichi and Kurita who were more experienced in the game. Sena and that monkey boy, Monta, our new receiver, were not more than a rookie.

"Can you consider it again?"
"No. Zokugaku is my final decision."

I lost to him. Totally. Even my stubborness couldn't win over it.

ー◆ー

I was glad when it finally over. One thing I learned was although our team's players were wounded because of Zokugaku's rough play, but they were improving. Sena could beat Habashira at the end. The happiest person on our win was Youichi. He got some new slaves, which were Zokugaku's players, including Habashira.

"That's why you insisted to play against Zokugaku? To get new slaves?"
"It's true. But, you also saw them. They got new experience and finally realized their ability. They improved."

I nodded in agreement. I was wrong because I was too worried. Every game has a risk. In American Footbal, we couldn't expect a 'safe' play, ever. It's men's game. It's okay if it rough.

ー◆ー

(Normal PoV)

The next play was against Taiyō Sphinx. It's not a practice match, though. It's a deciding match to choose which team should go and face NASA Aliens, a highschool team from America, all because of Hiruma's idea. They tied at the end. But, Banba, the captain of Taiyō Sphinx told them that they deserved to play against NASA Aliens, because actually the climate was an advantage to Taiyō.

ー◆ー

"If Aliens didn't win by 10 points gap, we won't go back to America."

Hiruma smirked in Apollo's words. A challenge, he thought.

"Oh. If Devil Bats didn't win by 10 points gap, we will leave Japan immediately!" Hiruma stated, smugly.

ー◆ー

"Look what have you done! Leave Japan? Are you crazy?!"

Devil Bats would leave Japan and in return, Aliens wouldn't go back to America. And now, Rie walked back and forth while threw her tantrum at Hiruma, who was packing his luggage. Yes, she was with him, in his place. They would go to her place later on, after he finished, and went to airport right away.

"Shut up."
"Shut up?! Crazy bastard! Why did you make that kind of deal?!"
"I have my own plan, fuckin' crybaby. So, shut up."
"You even didn't discuss it with me."

Hiruma lifted his luggage from his bed then handed her Cerberus, with a leash attached on its neck.

"I'll tell you later."

She just rolled her eyes and followed him. When they arrived at Rie's house, they was greeted by Ebihara Saori, her mother.

"Just get your luggage down from your room, Rie-chan. I have packed it up."
"Okay."

After she left, Saori put her attention to a boy, who was sitting on their sofa.

"Do you want some tea, Youichi-kun?"
"Ah. No thanks, Ebihara-san. We're in a hurry."

He always like that, calling his friend's mom with their last name and adding '-san' in the end.

"Don't be so kind to that demon, Mom."
"Rie-chan! That's impolite."
"It's a fact," she kissed her mother's cheek then hugged her, "I don't know when I'll be back, thanks to the demon over there. I'll miss you for sure, Mom."

Saori hugged her back and kissed her on her forehead.

"I'll miss you too, dear."

They took their leave right after that.

"Mom will gonna be alright by herself, right?" Rie asked to no one.
"She will. Your mother is a strong woman."

An unexpected answer came from Hiruma's mouth and it unexpectedly made her heart lightened.

♪♪♪♪♪

Sorry to make you waited for a long time ☹ and sorry for the short chapter. I'll make sure the next one is long enough to satisfy you all!