Hello there! Happy fall!! Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate! I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. I thought I was going to finish this chapter by early December but I surprised myself and finished earlier.

The last chapter was really my favorite one so far and I had a lot of fun writing it. So I hope you enjoyed it. Miyuki being so oblivious about his feelings will never not be funny to me.

This chapter, however... I did not like to write. It made me so sad but it was necessary in order for the story to progress. So here we go...

As always thank you so much for your support. I've received a lot of positive feedback and I really appreciate it. I'm truly grateful for all the support that I've received since I started writing this fic. You truly make me so happy when you leave comments, reviews, kudos, etc. That's what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving.

I apologize for any grammar mistakes beforehand.

Disclaimer: I don't own Daiya No Ace, Yuji Terajima does. I only own my OC.

Enjoy and stay safe!

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Today was the long-awaited day. The day of the final game of the summer tournament. The day that would decide who would go on to Koshien as the representative of West Tokyo. This was it and there were no second chances. Especially not with the third-years. If they lose today, then they would have to retire immediately.

"Ne, Azusa-san?" Haruno called out, mild concern lingering in her tone.

Haruno's voice made Azusa jump out of her thoughts.

"Yes?" she turned to the redheaded manager.

"Are you alright?" Haruno asked, turning her attention away from the game.

The blonde blinked in confusion. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

Haruno flushed at her question and averted her gaze embarrassed. "Well because..."

"Because you haven't complained about how hot it is," Sachiko interrupted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Yui, who was next to her giggled at her comment.

Azusa narrowed her blue eyes in a glare while she pouted.

"Well, that wasn't what I was going to say..." Haruno trailed off, blushing more vehemently than before. "I was asking because we're playing against Inashiro...The team that your brother plays with," she clarified.

The blonde slightly flinched at Haruno's question. She actually voiced what Azusa was trying to avoid thinking all day. Even though it should've been obvious. It didn't fully sink in for her that at the end of the final match someone she loved was going to suffer. Either her beloved team or beloved older brother.

How was she going to feel at the end of the day? What would be the right thing to feel?

She didn't want to think about it, so she concentrated on watching the game and tried her best to pretend as if it was any other team that they were playing against. But now as the game is closer and closer to ending, she can't pretend anymore.

"Yes, I'm fine," she finally replied. "As fine as anyone can feel right now considering that it's the final game of the tournament."

"It's already nerve-wracking enough, I can't imagine-"

"Haruno," Takako suddenly said in a firm tone and narrowed her eyes at the younger manager.

The red-headed manager just nodded and resumed watching the game in silence.

Azusa didn't say anything as she mentally thanked Takako. She appreciated that the older manager was observant and knew when to intervene for her sake.

In the beginning, Seido had the advantage and managed to score off a run of Mei when he had yet to get into his rhythm. But once he found his footing, Mei became unstoppable. Not even Tetsu could stop him or his change-up for that matter. The worst part was that Mei didn't even play at full strength against all the players; he only played seriously against Tetsu. On the other hand, Furuya also played phenomenally for four innings. He grew weary towards the end, but he handed the baton to Tanba in the best way he could. Tanba started well, but once he gave up a home-run, things started going downhill for him.

Tanba for the life of him could not shake off his previous mistake, and that affected both his mental state and plays in the game. Inashiro, as the ruthless team that they were, took advantage of Tanba's instability and soon obtained the lead of the game. To make things worse, Tanba injured his leg when he tried to pick up a bunt. He tried to shake it off and play the best he could. But unfortunately, he couldn't and the coach ended up switching him with Sawamura which no one expected.

Sawamura's debut was beyond impressive. While any other pitcher would go in nervous considering how much was at stake there was at the stage of the game. Everything had to be flawless. One more run for Inashiro and the game would've been over. But Sawamura seemed unfazed, acting like his usual self, while Miyuki didn't play cautiously and called for an aggressive pitch sequence. Mei went down in just three pitches that Sawamura pitched to the inside.

Azusa knew that Mei was fuming, thinking that they were not taking him seriously which is why he made that mistake.

'That dumbass,' the manager thought. 'I always told him that his greatest weakness is his ego.'

Thanks to both Furuya and Sawamura, Seido turned the tide of the game and got one run back. Their momentum continued thanks to Haruichi who got a hit off Mei, Isashiki who set up the stage for Testu. Whom after a long battle he emerged victorious as he hit Mei's change up for the first time. Leading Seido to obtain the lead thanks to his RBI in the eighth inning. Sawamura defended well with his cutter at the end and did not concede any runs. Seido headed into the ninth inning 4-3.

Only three more outs.

Only three more outs and they would go to Koshien.

Only three more outs.

Azusa couldn't believe it as the ninth inning was starting. They actually had a chance to beat Inashiro. They were so close. It was exciting but also nerve-wracking and she wasn't sure why she was nervous. Was she nervous because of Sawamura? Was she nervous because of Mei? Was she nervous because of them both? Part of her like a traitor as she took in the excitement from Seido. Everyone was excited because victory was so close that they could taste it. Meanwhile, she couldn't bring herself to be as excited as they were.

The inning started well thanks to the fielders who helped Sawamura get the first two outs. When Yabe and Carlos were at their respective at-bats which made the stadium roar with more and more excitement. Sawamura was pitching well. Azusa had to give it to him. His pitches had power and for being his time playing in a tournament he outdid himself. It all came down to the last out needed when Shirakawa was at-bat.

One more out.

One more out and they would go to Koshien.

'Are we really going to Koshien?' the manager mused. They were so close. Only one more out. They actually could do it. She felt her throat constrict and her heart race so fast that she thought it would jump out of her chest.

They could actually go to Koshien.

'But what about Mei?' a small voice at the back of her head said.

Azusa shook her head. This was a competition and Mei was her opponent.

"You can do it Sawamura!" she cheered along with the rest of the managers trying to shake off her betraying thoughts.

Sawamura geared himself to pitch against Shirakawa. Unfortunately, he ended up hitting Shirakawa on the head which changed the tides of both the game and the atmosphere of the stadium. People were worried for Shirakawa since he got hit on the head even though he got up almost immediately. Fortunately, for Shirakawa, he seemed to be doing all right but for Seido it was a different story.

Since Shirakawa got hit by a pitch then he had a pinch-runner which meant that Carlos could go in his place. Nothing could be worse for Seido since Carlos was always the last person you wanted to be on base. Meanwhile, Sawamura looked distraught and it seemed as if the team was trying to cheer him up.

However, it seemed that it did not work as Sawamura was switched out for Nori so he could try to get the last out.

Azusa was nervous. Things weren't looking so great as if they did just a mere couple of minutes ago. But not all was lost. They still had a chance. Nori was a great pitcher.

Nori started pitching well but the third-year batter was holding his own. Ultimately he fought for a walk and now Nori was facing two runners on base. Harada was up to bat and while Nori tried his best. He hit one of his pitches which led to Carlos being able to make a run for it and score a run; tying the game at the last minute.

Everything seemed hopeless for a moment, but the team switched gears and was determined to change things around to defend the inning and head into extra innings.

However, the hope was short-lived.

Everything changed in an instant just when they were getting their spirits up and Mei scored a home run off Nori.

Inashiro won the game.

Inashiro was going to Koshien for the second time in a row.

And Seido...

They lost.

Azusa was stunned along with the rest of the team. She was frozen on her spot. A lot of people on the bleacher started crying while the Inashiro side was cheering out of happiness. But she couldn't say or do anything. Her throat was closing in again, she was starting to shake, and her head was spinning. This couldn't be.

They were so close.

They were just an out away from achieving their dreams.

The players also seemed to be distraught as they lined up for one final time. Some of them started crying as well. Azusa briefly wondered how Miyuki was feeling, but she couldn't find it in her to look for him in the crowd. She was just trying to make it through the day and get out of the stadium without falling apart.

They started getting up from their seats and heading their way outside of the stadium to go back to the campus. There was nothing more left to do here. As the coach Kataoka always said; there were no second chances in baseball. The managers were crying as Takako clutched the one thousand paper cranes that they folded in hopes that their wish would come true.

But the paper cranes were made in vain.

Before leaving, Takako made them wait by the entrance to wait for Inashiro. Once they came into view as they were walking down, waving the championship flag, they stopped in front of them. Takako walked up to Harada and handed him the string of paper cranes that they had made.

"Good luck at nationals," the oldest manager said.

The Inashiro captain seemed to be surprised at Takako's good wishes. He was probably thinking the same thing that Azusa was thinking. Would he be able to do that if the roles were reversed? The manager's actions reminded her of Tetsu, their captain.

Tetsu, like the exemplary team captain, shook hands with Harada. She didn't even have to be there, down on the field, to know that he gave his congratulations to Harada. She didn't know how Tetsu or Takako could be so strong. She hasn't even uttered a word, and she was not even playing. Hell, she didn't even know how she was feeling. Everything was so confusing.

Once finished, Takako motioned for them to start walking back to the bus. Azusa couldn't have been more relieved. She didn't want to be at the stadium any longer.

"Azusa!" an overly familiar masculine voice called out her name.

The manager cringed when she heard her name and turned around. Mei started waving his hand, smiling at her, obviously pleased that he caught her attention.

"Can we talk for a minute?" he asked.

Azusa gasped in shock and looked down at her feet. It felt wrong having to speak to him after his team defeated her's. She was supposed to leave with her fellow managers.

"Mei, I can-"

"It's alright," Takako suddenly said much to Azusa's surprise. The blonde turned to her side to meet her Senpai . Takako gave her a small smile, placing her hand on her shoulder. "You can talk to him. Just don't take too long. We're leaving soon."

Azusa blinked a couple of times in confusion and then finally nodded. "Thank you Takako- senpai, " she said, returning her smile.

"Don't take too long Mei," Harada also warned her brother.

"I won't, I won't," Mei said, dismissively waving his hand.

The pitcher walked off to the side so they could have privacy and Azusa quietly followed him. They were both quiet as both the managers and the rest of the team started walking away.

"You're awfully quiet," Mei quipped with a cocky grin.

Azusa, for once, did not say anything. She couldn't bring herself to be angry or make a snide remark.

"In the end, you were the only one who refused to join the team," Mei spoke again. "And you too Azusa," he added, turning to his sister who stiffened at the mention of her name. "However, even without you, we have our ultimate all-star team this year. We're going to nationals!" he exclaimed with confidence.

Damn it. Why did she have to remember that particular conversation just now?

"Just live with regret for not joining us. Ten years or even twenty years, down the line," Shirakawa said, passing by.

Her brain loved to play tricks on her.

Azusa bored her icy blue ones into the same blue ones of her older brother.

"Congratulations, Mei," she finally spoke up. "You played well," she complimented, mustering as much sincerity as she could.

Mei didn't say anything for a few moments before cracking a smile. "I thought you would hate me," he confessed in a sheepish tone.

The manager widened her eyes in shock. Not expecting that comment from her older brother. She seriously thought that he was going to mock her and rub it on her face. Along with saying that she should've gone to Inashiro instead of Seido. "Why? Your team outplayed us," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "The team that plays the best wins. It's just the way it is. There is no reason for me to hate you. I'm not that petty or immature."

Mei looked away embarrassed. "It's not that I was expecting you to act immature," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just that I didn't know how our relationship would turn out today. I was concentrating on the game, but I had that nagging thought at the back of my head," the pitcher explained.

Azusa bit her lip to stop it from quivering. She somewhat felt relieved at knowing that she was not the only one having conflicting feelings about the game. However, that didn't mean that she was going to cry in front of Mei.

"This was the first time that we were on opposite sides, so I think that's why I was nervous," Mei continued. "One thing is to play against Kazuya, but having you on his team as well? Today that proved to be tougher than I expected it to be."

Azusa gave him a warm smile. "I'm glad that you told me that you were feeling this, Mei. It's brotherly of you," she complimented, joking lightly. "But I don't hate you and I never will. You'll always be my big brother no matter how infuriating you are."

Mei grinned at her. "And you'll always be my little sister no matter how whiny you are."

Azusa giggled. Oddly feeling better and more at ease. "Seriously, Mei congratulations," she said again warmly. "Good luck at Koshien. You better win!" she exclaimed.

"Of course I will," he exclaimed, striking a pose.

Azusa just shook her head as she laughed at her brother's silliness.

She enjoyed this moment because she knew that it would be quite a while before she could laugh this summer back at Seido.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The first night at Seido was unbearable. The air was heavy and somber. A lot of players were crying. Everyone was devastated. Especially the third-years who now had to retire. Since they didn't have much to do, Azusa left early that night along with Haruno whose eyes were red and puffy from crying so much. Azusa knew that Miyuki was also having a hard time since he didn't even seek her out all day or night for the matter to walk her home.

But she didn't mind. She knew that he was probably kicking himself over the loss, and she wouldn't put it past him that he would start blaming himself. He just needed some alone time to collect himself and then he would bounce back. He always did. That was just the way that Miyuki was.

Azusa was also grateful that she got to walk alone last night since she needed space to think herself. Not only was she sad and her heart broke for her every single member of her team. For the third-years who were now retiring, Miyuki, the pitchers who worked so hard this summer, and particularly Sawamura who ultimately couldn't handle the pressure. She was also feeling like an outsider since she felt like a traitor.

She felt like a traitor because her Mei was her brother. She felt like a traitor because she genuinely was happy for Mei and wished him luck. She felt like a traitor because she hadn't been bawling her eyes out like her fellow managers. Her eyes were not red and puffy like theirs was. She barely had said a word and just like Sawamura, she was known for having a big mouth.

She also felt useless because she didn't think that she did enough to help the team. A useless traitorous manager. Perhaps, there was something that she could've done for the team this summer. But what could've it been?

Her insides were churning due to her inner turmoil, but no one could see that.

She hoped that no one held it against her.

Azusa decided that the best thing she could do was move on. It was not over yet. Yes, they lost the final of the summer tournament and won't go to Koshien. But it was not over yet. A new team is going to be formed now that third years are retiring. A new team means a new beginning. And a new beginning means a new tournament; the fall tournament to be exact. It was not as prestigious as the summer tournament, but it was another chance for all the baseball teams in Japan to go to Koshien.

They could win and avenge the third-years who couldn't experience Koshien.

She was feeling determined or at least trying to feel determined. Pushing aside all the negative conflicting feelings inside of her. Which is why she was the only manager on campus today. The campus was basically deserted since the third-year left, and many other players went home before summer training for the remaining players began.

Azusa walked around the training grounds while she tied her hair in a ponytail. She decided that it would be best to see if any players were using the facilities today to assist them. Perhaps, she would find what was going on at the cafeteria. Someone was bound to tell her something.

As she walked down to the cafeteria, she noticed some players from the second string, hurried past her without saying anything to her. She didn't particularly know them, so she didn't pay them any mind until...

"That's Narumiya's sister," one player whispered to the other behind her back.

Azusa froze on her spot.

"Really? How is she even allowed to be here?" the other one whispered back. "She has a lot of nerve showing up today."

"I was thinking the same thing," the other one nodded."It's