Tracing Memories

11: I l l

Our biggest challenge came in the form of Zeus Junior High. They had destroyed every opponent and in the end Raimon was against them in the finals. Everyone pushed their limits and practiced day and night while me and the other managers supported you with everything we could. Me and Haruna would spend all day sitting in front of the computer trying to gather information about them but we barely found anything. I still refused to give up and stayed up late at nights ignoring everything just focused on finding out anything on the team that was so powerful yet so shrouded in mystery. In my quest, I forgot to eat, I forgot to sleep and the effects started to show on me soon. Thankfully, we won the match and with it, the Football Frontier as well making us all feel on cloud nine. All the hard work we all put in had finally paid off.

After the celebration, I finally got the time to congratulate you personally. I knew it hadn't been easy for you to return to soccer all the while being worried for your sister, yet you gave it your all and finally you got the victory you so deserved.

I stood in front of you, aside from the crowd of our cheering classmates. You looked exhausted and your body had bruises all over it yet your face wore a smile of satisfaction and delight as if you couldn't feel the pain at all. You have always been like that and it's one of the many things that I love about you.

"So...we finally won." I began, "I am so happy." I smiled faintly.

"I am happy too." You answered the same way.

"You deserve it."

"Thanks."

"You're hurt. Are you going to be okay?" I asked worriedly.

"Don't worry about me. Look at yourself,you look weak." You answered pointing towards my face which had gone pale with dark circles under my eyes. I wanted to answer with "I'm okay." but just then I felt dizzy and stumbled. You quickly rushed to hold me and keep me from falling. I looked up with a tired smile but found you frowning at me with worry.

"Go home right now." You demanded.

"But I want to stay here with everyone. Believe me, I'm fine." I tried to reason.

"No you're not. Please, go home." Your voice softened and then you added, "For me?"

Once you said that I could not say no to you. I had never realized before that how much you cared about me. I felt my heart lift up with joy. I couldn't stop myself anymore and swiftly I stepped closer and hugged you. You seemed to be shocked at my action initially but eventually you wrapped your arms around me too. I had never been happier as I did in that moment. I closed my eyes savouring the bliss I felt.

After a couple of moments you let go of me and I said my goodbye to you and everyone else. When I came home I went straight to my bed and flopped down on it falling asleep immediately. Several hours later when I woke up I felt a fever oncoming. Mom checked and found out I really was running a fever and took me to the doctor. He gave me some medicines, yet my fever got worse and it took a week for it to completely go away and another week to recover my strength. During this time I couldn't contact with any of you since mom took away my phone as she was worried I would keep staring at it all day instead of resting.

As soon as I felt I was back in shape, I convinced mom to give my phone back and immediately called Haruna. She told everything that had occurred since the day of FF finals, how the aliens destroyed our school and many others and how our team was trying their best to stand against them. I was shocked to find out about it and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I asked her their present whereabouts and immediately started preparing to leave. Mom and dad were worried since I had just recovered from an illness but I assured them I would be fine and left to join the team.

The day I got back with the team was also the day you left. When I reached the Inazuma Caravan, I found everyone huddled near it with a solemn expression. I called out to them. As soon as they saw me they switched their expressions to a smile and ran towards me.

"How are you now?" Kazemaru asked.

"I'm fine now and I'm ready to help you all win against these aliens." I chirped.

"That's great." Aki chimed in and after that they all became quiet. I eagerly looked for you and in the process, realized that Endou wasn't there either.

"Where's Gouenji?And Endou?" I asked. Hearing my question they all fell into their gloom again. I felt like they were hiding something from me.

"Guys?" I urged them to answer me. I was getting worried more and more by every second. Finally, Aki broke the heavy silence,

"Gouenji...just...left the team and Endou has gone after him in hopes he can talk him out of it."

As the words fell upon my ears, I felt the whole world shatter and crumble around me. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Where are they now?" I managed to ask. Aki pointed towards the direction.I didn't continue the conversation any further and ran there. I was running as fast as my feet would allow hoping to find you before it was too late. Soon I reached an open place where the forest ended. I found Endou standing alone. I couldn't see his face but judging by his slouched shoulders he appeared extremely disappointed. I ran up to him and followed the direction of his gaze and found a distant figure getting farther and farther away from us every second. I instantly recognized it was you. I desperately called out your name between tears which I didn't know had started flowing from my eyes,but you were too far away for my voice to reach you. Realizing this I tried to run after you but Endou caught hold of me and stopped me.

"It's no use now,Kira. He's gone." Endou spoke in a dejected voice. I could tell he was pretty shaken too by these turn of events. Feeling helpless and frustrated, I fell on my knees and cried inconsolably covering my face with my hands. I didn't know then what had caused you to take such drastic step but I hoped you would come back soon.

A/n : Guys, if you like this story please don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT.I'd love to hear from you what you guys think of it so far. Please don't hesitate.