#meglovesocs

“...yo, what the fuck is that?!” Brian suddenly exclaimed, jumping to his feet and pointing into the sky. The rest of them looked up to see a growing dark shape in the sky. The sun began to glint off of it, and they all realized it was made of metal and probably full of trouble.

“Get the kids out of here and put on your costumes, we’re in for a fight,” Ken muttered, taking a sweeping glance over the courtyard.

“Shouldn’t we, uh, call the government?” CJ asked. Ken gave him a look.

“Brian and Logan hacked the government in their free time. They haven't come to help fight any monsters, why would they try and handle this when they can’t keep teenagers out of their computers? We can do this. Go--I’ll distract it.” the others nodded and ran off, herding the smallest kids inside before following. Now they just had to get their costumes and get back out there.

And Ken had to face this thing alone.

Screams erupted as the mechanical monster finally landed. Two draconic heads scanned the area, necks snaking about as they eyed everyone, metallic blue eyes flashing. Ken swallowed as a surge of nervousness nearly overtook him. Last time he dealt with a two-headed whatever, he’d been eaten. And this time, he had no back up or his katanas!

The older students that had been passing through the courtyard all ran for the doors in a mass panic only to find that… they were all sealed shut. How… how’d that happen?

The dog tags under Ken’s shirt seemed to lift by some invisible force, slithering their way up and out of the neck of his shirt and trying to fly towards the robot. A magnetic forcefield? No opening doors, and his katanas might be useless even if he did have them with him. This would be a bit of a problem.

From what Mia Budou knew Akai Hoshi high was established in the 1960s as the brother school to Amaririsu Academy. She almost went to the all girls school. It seemed like a paradise in a way, it also seemed repetitive and stuffy. It also also didn’t have this schools sports programs.  Two decades ago Akai Hoshi decided to open its doors to the less affluent. It also made the bold choice  to become co-ed. Those changes didn’t stop the money from rolling in. Because of that money the school boasts multiple gymnasiums and various fields. It even has its own weight room. There are separate small locker rooms for almost all the male sport teams. And one large locker/changing room for the female teams, but plans are already underway to build the girls their own spaces. Mia felt a tad miffed that the shiny new facilities would exist after she graduated. As is the girls are all good sports, even sharing the limited locker space with each other. But it was one of many ways that the boy’s were given precedence. Still, while Amaririsu’s campus is nothing to sneeze at it’s still a more academically minded school. Even her team, as low ranked as it was, easily beat Amaririsu. The girls there were more concerned with breaking nails than proper ball handling….Yet here she was, two years later at her prefered school with its great sports program, not playing at all. Figures.

The boy’s basketball practices were held in the big gym after school. The girls used to practice in the mornings before class. It was something Mia didn’t miss, though her body still woke her up at four. Despite being the only gym with bleachers, students weren’t allowed to sit in the stands. Too many spectators could be a distraction. Said spectators made due with gathering in front of the large sliding doors that lead outside. Almost every day after drills the boy’s would play a two quarter practice game, alternating from the upperclassman to the freshmen. It was a way for the coaches to get a good read on the players current skill level. The real training, targeted at improving skills and building team chemisty, began around three weeks in.  The spectators didn’t know or care, so everyday crowds would gather.  Mia didn’t relish being a member of the crowd.

 Who the hell is Shin-kun, Mia thought bitterly. And why is he such a big deal? His self appointed fan club seemed to know something she didn’t. They yelled his name once the coach announced that he would be playing in today's practice bout. Their voices were shrill, but it could be worse, she reasoned while resisting the urge to plug her ears. The first week had yet to pass but alliances had already been drawn. Today’s crowd was smaller than yesterdays, this Shin’s fan club didn’t hold a candle to Masaru’s. Being the starting point guard for a highly ranked team did that. Also, Masaru’s hair was fabulous. Mia didn’t know much about what made a boy dashing or whatever, but she knew good hair when she saw it.

Mia was only here because Rukiya dragged her. Because despite being her girlfriend Rukiya was easily bribed by a pretty face and fancy pastries. Because Rukiya was way too nice to say no to just about anyone, much less an enigmatic freshman with a cute accent...She had nice hair too.

“Mikami-chan I’m putting you on the red team  And Nishi-kun will be on the white team.”  Coach Sakamoto announced, a grin on his face. His voice carried throughout the gym. Sakamoto seemed far too eager to put on a show. So did Mikami. Mia grabbed Rukiya’s hand before she could return Mikami’s wave.

“Still grumpy?” Rukiya asked in a whisper. She rubbed her thumb along Mia’s hand in an attempt to calm her.

Mia didn’t answer, snatching her hand way. She wasn’t sure what was worse, wasting more time on basketball after she’d already decided to quit, or watching her girlfriend flirt. She caught Coach Ueda glancing at her. He looked away as soon as she noticed. Yeah, being here, being here was a bit worse.

Coach Sakamoto’s grin faded. “Is that okay with you Mikami-chan?”

Majida relaxed her face, she had been smirking without realizing it. “It’s fine. Unless someone else on the team would prefer to play in my place? Oh! But only Nishi-kun, Okumura-kun, and I play point guard. So someone would have to play an unfamiliar position,” Her voice sounded fake, even to her. Not that she cared.

The coach raised an eyebrow. “Is there anyone here that would like to try?”

The gym became silent.

“Then perhaps Okumura-kun would like a rematch against  Nishi-kun?” Majida suggested. She looked to Okumura.

The lanky boy scratched his red tinged hair. “Uhh. I think it is best to leave the decision to the Coaches.”

“Well, if that’s the case then I’d still like to put Mikami-chan in.” Sakamoto said.

“Coach Ueda. What do you think?” Majida asked.

“I..” Ueda’s eyes flicked over to the spectators before refocusing on the first years. “If you do not feel comfortable playing a game with the boys then we won’t make you. “

Sakamoto rolled his eyes. “She’s itching for it. Don’t fall for the innocent act Ueda-san.”

“That attitude is why you’re still single you know.” Majida said as she glided to the practice jersey bin.

Sakamoto blush reached the tips of his ears. “Mikami!” He balled his fists and stomped his foot like a grade schooler.

Coach Ueda cleared his throat but couldn’t hide his grin. “Very well then Mikami-chan. But if you feel any stress be sure to let me know.”

“Yes sir!” Majida responded smartly. She grimaced as she pulled the jersey over her head.  It smelled horrible. They really did need a manager. She didn’t want to think of the last time these jerseys were washed.   

“You have ten minutes to prepare.” Ueda announced.  

Shin bounced a bit as she approached the red team. He was much too happy about this. She wondered if he had put the idea into Coach Sakamoto's head but wouldn’t fault it for him this time. It played right into her plans after all.

“Go on and smile,” she said to him.

Shin beamed. It was contagious.

You idiot, she thought without malice. Shaking her head at him.

“So gross.” Ryunosuke said under his breath. He was on the red team as well and didn’t look happy about it.

Returning to a more neutral expression she turned to him. “You gonna be alright without your other half?”

His light eyes darkened for a moment. Majida tensed, subconsciously preparing for a fight.

Ryunosuke’s eyes returned to their normal color as he turned away. “I just don’t like to lose.”

“How are we going to win?” Another teammate asked. Kita looked nervously at the shooting guard on Nishi’s team before tying his long hair back.

“Just get the ball to me and I’ll do the rest.” Shin answered.

“It’s a team sport remember? Chill.” Majida said. “I don’t think it’s that deep.” She glanced over to Nishi, who was outright glaring at her. “Ok...So uh yeah let’s just start with a read and react defense.”

“What did you do to piss him off?” Their small forward, Aida asked.  “I’ve only seen Nishi like that before a big game.” Aida’s shirt lifted as he absently scratched his stomach,showing more of his tanned skin. He’d probably be the darkest kid on the team if not for Majida. She wondered briefly if he just spent that much time outside or if he was always so tan.

“You’re asking me?” Majida raised an eyebrow.

Aida shrugged. “He’s looking at you.”

Majida returned his shrug. It was best if he did fight her seriously. Can’t show off otherwise. “I’ll deal with it.”

Ryunosuke scoffed loudly. Majida found it cute that he was still paying attention. Guess he had no choice now.

Majida spent the first quarter absorbing the atmosphere. She had a knack for catching people’s quirks and if she really focused she could pick up their rhythms and mood. She adjusted her self to match or exceed her target. At the moment her team was behind by six points. Shin was starting to get bored, though he never let the other power forward best him, he wasn’t pushing himself as hard as he could either.  Kita must have a bad history with the opposing shooting guard. Her team lost out on a few points because of it, but bad chemistry with a mark will do that. Ryunosuke’s eyes were flat, he did the basics when it came to blocking, but like Shin, he wasn’t pushing himself. About the only one who was playing with his all was Aida. He was sluggish off the court, on it only he was pretty dynamic. While Shin was objectively a better player, Aida had scored more points. Nishi was far too focused on her considering that his teams score was on top. She’d use his distraction.

“Here!” she called out to Kita who once again was having a hard time.

She accepted the ball and took her shot, adjusting for Nishi’s block. His paranoia made him jump too soon. Two points.

“Switch marks with me Kita-kun. Nishi-kun’s more your speed,” she said, louder than necessary. She patted Kita’s shoulder as they jogged past each other. Nishi was better than Kita on all counts. But Kita didn’t know that. Either way, Majida reasoned, he’s bound to produce better results against someone he’s not anxious around.

Nishi’s reaction exceeded her expectations. He missed the next shot he took. Unfortunately, his team got the rebound. They also managed to score another two points right after. She’d have to do something about that.

When the ball was once again in her hands she passed it to Kita who surprised her by being able to push past Nishi. He passed the ball to the Aida who was forced to pass it  back to her. There wasn’t a clear shot from her angle so she passed it to Shin, he made the basket, but barely. “Use your knees Shin.” she yelled. “Your knees.”

“Yes, yes.”

Really man, she stewed, annoyed by his laziness. He’d been doing this all game. Just because he wasn’t getting every ball he acted like there was no point in him putting in effort.  “Yes what?” she snapped.

He blinked at her. Letting the player he marked slip past him in his confusion. Perhaps he was far too used to people letting him do whatever he wanted on the court so long as he made the basket. “Got it...sorry.”

That player, free from the pressure of trying to dribble past Shin, took a shot.

“I get you’re heartbroken Ryunosuke, but at least try.” Her jeering was childish, but it seemed that even on this side of the world boys responded to it.

Ryunosuke’s eyes burned. He jumped up and snached the ball from the air, tossing it to Shin before approaching her. “Who said you could use my given name like -”

The whistle blew to signify that another point had been scored, cutting the tall boy’s tirade off. Shin had made the basket easily. He was a good shot, he could probably score more consistently if he wasn’t always going for the flashier moves. Though all the baskets in the world mean little if the defence is sluggish. Shin seemed wholly uninterested in defence despite it being his secondary function as a power forward. Nothing she could do to encourage him in that regard at the moment. Ryunosuke would just have to hold the line.

She beamed at Ryunosuke while addressing Shin. “See how much easier that was.”

Deflated a bit Ryunosuke crossed his arms. He pouted childishly as he stood there. “You’re aggravating...”

She patted him lightly on the back before jogging off. “Back to your position please.”

“Bossy…” he muttered, though he did begin to move.

She waved at him without turning around. “Just doing my job.” Cuz someone has too, she thought. Hopefully with a bit more proding the boys would shape up.They could still win, the point spread wasn’t that broad. Maybe she’d switch with Aida’s mark, the chemistry might work a bit better. She’d make that decision after the next basket.

Ryunosuke grabbed Nishi under his arms, practically dragging his friend off the court.

“Let me go Ryu! I’m cool! I’m calm!” Nishi yelled. Majida didn’t know Nishi could become so red.

He glared daggers at the taller boy.

Ryunosuke ignored Nishi’s gaze. “ Calm people don’t shout,” he said passively. He gave Majida an understanding smile as he continued to pull Nishi backwards.The expression touched her, somehow she had gained his respect. Though she seemed to have reverted back to a negative with Nishi.

Her team had won, and yet her teammates were the ones most surprised by the outcome. Even Shin had expected to lose. Nishi demanded a rematch, convinced that with more time he could figure out how she turned the tide. And maybe he could have, but Majida wasn’t planning to stick around long enough for him to find out how she worked anyway.

“Rukiya told me you were doing this. But I had to see it to believe it.” Budou said with a bit of an edge to her voice.

Majida whipped around to face the older girl.  She wasn’t expecting her to want to talk so soon. “Captain!”

“Use my name,” the Budou ground out through clenched teeth.

“Sorry. Budou-san?” Despite the reprimand a bit of hope filled her.  Better angry than absent. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Seeing you play I’m feeling a bit inadequate,” Chisaka said. She scratched the back of her head. “I just started playing since I’m tall but you’re really good.”

“Yes, yes she is.” Shin came from nowhere. He placed his hand possessively on Majida’s shoulder. GIving it a firm squeeze.

“What are you doing over here?” Majida hissed. She brushed his hand off of her.

Budou smirked and crossed her arms over her chest. “I see you’ve already made friends.”

“Well, she is joining the team so,” Shin gave the older girls his best salesman smile. It pissed Majida off. He behaved like he was so helpless yesterday. Now was trying to charm it up? What a load of bull.

“You are?” Chisaka looked from Majida to Shin.

“It’s time to wipe the court down.” The boy’s team captain approached the group. “Hey Mia, Rukiya.”

A chill ran down Majida’s spine. Shin was such bad luck. She swallowed the impulse to groan.

Budou relaxed her posture, and looked up to smile amicably at him. She had to crane her neck a bit, the captain was a few inches over 6 feet by Majida’s guess. “Sorry about interrupting practice Ko.”

So they are close enough to use first names. Majida thought. Noted. Can I use this?

The captain returned Budou’s smile. “No worries. I hear that you’re considering re-forming the female team?”

“Uh.. well,” Budou chuckled nervously, deflating a bit. “At the moment I have to say that It may be a waste of talent for Mikami-chan to join our team instead of yours.”

The male captain blinked at Budou. And then looked to Majida.

Majida looked between the two captains. “Okay… no? I’m.” She grabbed Shin’s arm roughly, pointing at him with her other hand. “Just because this idiot-”

“Hey! Ow…” Shin wrested his arm from Majida’s grasp. He rubbed the spot where she grabbed him. “I’m not an idiot!”

Majida pursed her lips . “Uh huh… Anyway. Just because he says so doesn't make it true. Besides it’s not allowed anyway.”

The captain covered his mouth with his fist in an unsuccessful attempt to stifle a chuckle. That shouldn’t be allowed, Majida thought. It sucked that he was low key laughing at her expense, why did he have to be so cute while - Ugh stop it! This is not the time!

“Technically our guidelines don’t prohibit it.” Shin added.

Majida eyes rolled magnificently. “Technically my big toe. Like I told you last night even if it’s not explicitly outlawed by the school the competition guidelines would never allow it.”

Chisaka smirked “Last night?” The older girl’s eyes glowed with interest. Budou smirked once again, she analyzed both Majida and Shin with her gaze.