Striking Gold [Backburner]

[kuro808]

One

“Minegishi for the win.”

“GOOOAAAAL!!!!!!!”

“The crowd goes wild.”

I ran like crazy to my corner with millions of light bulbs popping like crazy.

“Kuu!  Wake up!”

I turned to find my roommate kneeling down by my bed.

“Minami, what are you doing here?”

“I’m your roommate and you just don’t wake up easily.”

Takahashi Minami had been living with me for over two years and was a director for girls at a local school.

While I…

I am the leading striker for a semi-pro team, the Akiba Hounds.

I wished for a chance at the pro level but I felt nervous when my chance came up.

“Kuu, the team bus is leaving in forty-five.”

I packed my bag for the day trip to Fukuoka against the Sharks.
----


Two

I jumped into the cab to head to the team’s bus.

Usually we had games in Fukuoka the next day but it had been rescheduled to an immediate afternoon followed by another in Osaka the following day.

The chaos was limited to the cheers with my teammates before heading off to the airport.

I didn’t expect to become part of any team especially after injuring my ankle during high school.

The large bump on my ankle always reminded me to respect the people around me.

This team gave me a chance to shine and I had become the next rising star of the league.

We got off the bus and headed to the plane before flying off to the Fukuoka.

The captain, Yamashiro Kazuo stood up and led a small cheer before we landed in Fukuoka.

“Hounds, let’s go beat those Sharks!”
----



Three

A bus was waiting for us taking the team to the indoor stadium.

We quickly changed into our uniforms and took the field for practice.

Yamashiro and I were stretching out when Manager Yaro blew his whistle to get everyone into the group.

Yaro was a heavy set man with the height of a giant overlooking all of us.

During matches, he would wear a suit in all black compared to our orange uniforms on the road.

However, he was in a white hoodie and a piece of paper rolled up in his hand.

“I have an announcement.”

The players cooed over the announcement and then his eyes turned to me.

“Minegishi, this is your last match with us.  You have been acquired by the Fukuoka Lightning starting from tomorrow.”

Everyone grabbed my hand and gave one last handshake before breaking off to warm up for the game.
----
Four

The chaos erupted for the home team as we stood in the middle.

I grabbed my uniform for the last time and said a little prayer.

Yamashiro placed his hand on my head and cracked a smile.

“It has been an honor to play with you.”

“Same here.”

We took our positions as always.

I was left wing.  He was right.

Once the first pass started, I charged toward the middle.

I stole it passing it over to the right.

Three on two match up and seeing the defender cheat.

I took advantage of the attack flying pass him and fifteen foot shot.

“GOOOAAAALLL!”

The crowd erupted for me.

I wondered if I could make this memorable.

The first one usually broke the intensity.

The second one was easier.
----
Five

Breaking through the defense, I had a clear shot but interference cost me a chance.

Then, an error by the defenseman got me that shot and watched it bend over the guy into the net.

Yamashiro grabbed me from behind and tackled me to the ground.

“One more?”

“Sure.”

I glanced up at the clock and knew time was short.

It had hit forty and we were on the attack again.

Everybody began to aim toward me and I let Yamashiro take the lead while I trailed.

Upon the defense’s reaction, I got to the edge and lifted my body up finishing the hat trick.

Yaro nodded and substituted me in.

The last match with the Hounds, a hat trick.

We headed into the locker room up by three and I instantly was approached by a tall man in sunglasses.

“Let’s go.”
----

[teru_fi]

Expecting real names for the teams.
It's a great fic. Thanks.

[kuro808]

Expecting real names for the teams.
It's a great fic. Thanks.

Well I would but I don't like to copyright infringe anything unless I really need to... thanx for commenting.

Six

“Who are you?”

Yaro’s hand slammed my head when he lowered his glasses to reveal his identity.

“Sorry, I’m Kanemaru Joji, the manager for the Lightning.”

“Gomen, it distracted me.”  I laughed.

“Minegishi, we are going to the media box to introduce you to the captain.”

I changed into my street clothes before taking the ramp into the back of the stadium.

The luxury box was on the third floor and we took the elevator up.

I felt nervous before the doors opened up to a party.

“Minegishi, this is the Lightning.”

I met a few of the players including the captain.  He was a muscular man with a baby face.

Then, a skinny man had grabbed me by the shoulder handing me a card.

Shinoda Mario

“I’ll be you representative in Fukuoka.”
----
Seven

Mario was a tall slender man with thin glasses and a dorky pouch hung over his shoulder.

“I was assigned to get you your living arrangements.”

“Sounds nice, shall we continue to the city?”

We left the stadium seeing a 5-0 lead and into a taxi.

Mario pointed out to the sights of Hakata and I saw a message from Takahashi about the move.

[Congrads on the promotion!  I need an advance of six months’ rent]

[There is an advance of six months already in the bank.]

We arrived at the apartment complex when a tall woman came from the lobby with a package.

“Thank you for joining us.”

“Thanks… Mario…”

“Eh?  Where did he go?”

“I don’t know…”

She grabbed my hand and headed to the bar.

The first beer tasted great.
----
Eight

Then a second one to commemorate the move.

The third was relaxing when she finally took me to the booth.

“Is Mario your brother?”

“My twin brother.”  She smiled.

“Twin brother?”

“Yeah… he is very uptight compared to me.  By the way, I’m Mariko.”

I ordered another drink for both of us as I started to rest on her.

“So Kuu… do you have a girlfriend?”

“Nah, I never could find anyone I did like.”

“You seem rather attractive for no mate.”

“My friend said the same thing.”

“Well how about hanging out in your new room?”

I nodded as she laid down the cash for our drinks.

She staggered onto her feet as she handed me a piece of paper and keys.

Suddenly, I felt the weight of her body go on top of me.
----
Nine

“Mariko, we have a few floors more.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”

We managed to get to the room and opened to a whitewash with new furniture placed throughout the room.

I carried her into the bedroom where we tumbled to the bed.

She quickly removed her clothing and I stood there amazed of her body.

Mariko controlled the match very closely.

I felt slightly stiffened by everything and in the end.

My mind had gone blank for that night.

I awoke realizing that my head felt like it was between two bricks.

Then, the clock on my table rang like crazy.

I was dead inside after all that and my first practice was in two hours.

I ran to the nearest shop and took a seat in the booth.

“Would you like some coffee and a small breakfast?”
----
Ten

I nodded slowly as she gathered around a group of woman.

The waitress got me my coffee as I sat there staring at the ketchup bottle intently when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“You must be Minegishi.  Welcome to Fukuoka!”

“Thanks, I got the welcome present yesterday.”

“We’re fans of the Lightning.”

“I see…”

The people slowly crawled to my table shaking my hand when I saw a plate coming toward a middle-aged woman.

I leaned toward the crowd catching the plate in mid-air.

She stood there with her hand to her mouth and ran up to me.

“Gomen!  The crowd seemed to block my way and I slipped on the wet cloth.”

“No problem.  Lucky I have hands like a goalie.”

She walked away slowly but something about her caught me by surprise.

[kuro808]

Eleven

I ran off to the practice field and changed into the warm-ups.

The manager gave me a half-smile before I hit the field.

The captain came up with a cup of water and handed over to me.

“I’m Honda Shinichi.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“What do you think of our team?”

“I’m not going to say anything for now but who is our next opponent?”

“The Nagoya Fighting Roosters.”

“Aren’t they in first?”

“They are five points ahead of us.”

“Their striker has our number.”  A teammate added.

“Who is it?”

“I guess you never heard of Matsui Jurou?”

“No I haven’t.  He must be good.”

“He is the leading scorer in the league.”  If someone can stop him…”
----
Twelve

“Let me at him.”

“Kuu, you know that is quite a challenge.”

“I’ll take it.  You guys do the rest.”

The rest of the team stared at me when the manager walked up.

“I don’t like show-offs.”

“Understand sir.”

“I think you are just spunky.  Jurou has accolades that many players wished they had at seventeen.”

“Joji-san, it has been my dream to compete at this level.”

The team finally relaxed their eyes when a tape was in the equipment manager’s possession.

I was handed the tape bowing my head to manager and ran off to the film room.

Jurou was built perfectly.  He had a tall, lean body and dribbles wisely through defenses.

I saw light through the back and felt the presence of him.

“Minegishi, the team is behind you and we shall help you win.”
----
Thirteen

Two days was our prep period before our flight to Nagoya.

The best person to scrimmage was Hideo “Nolan” Krems.

He was born in Hiroshima to an English father and Japanese mother.

Soccer was in his blood through his uncles and aunts but he was better suited as a defender.

He had the size to play Jurou, just not the speed.

Nolan watched the video intently as he had been burned in the previous two matches.

I ended up being the person to play Jurou in scrimmage.

There were many moves that I had acquired which Jurou had perfected.

Nolan watched the balance and managed to stop a good majority but the rest were assisting in defense which made everyone excited.

After practice, I decided to return to the coffee shop where there were four waitresses in a group.
----
Fourteen

“We have a special.”

“How’s the hamburger meal?”

“It is usually served with rice and corn.”

“Thanks.”

I surveyed the area to find no one that seemed to fit the description of her.

“You were here a couple days ago, weren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Rie.  My friend was the one who almost made a mess.”

“It was okay.  She must have been nervous.”

I smiled as my dish was served to me with a cup of water.

My phone rang and saw her face.

“Mariko, how did you get my number?”

“Mario…”

“He has been away for a while.  Has he been finding new talent?”

“He does his job as an agent.  Then, again you know why I’m calling you?”

“Wishing me good luck?”

“I guess you figured me out.”
----
Fifteen

Mariko hung up after giving her greetings.

I cut into the hamburger and felt the luscious taste of it.

It was perfect.

The meal was excellent. 

Rie told me about the woman.

“Her name is Rino and she is quite shy around people at first but she warms up rather quickly.”

Rino, I thought was unique when I decided to go to the bar with another attractive woman smiling.

“How about the Lightning special?”

“Sure.”

She started to pour vodka and Melon liquor into a cup of ice.  Then, hit it with grapefruit juice.

“This is one of my favorites.  By the way, I’m Yuko.”

“I’m Kuu.  Do you know when Rino comes in?”

She had a distracted look on her face.

“She comes in tomorrow afternoon.”
----

[kuro808]

Sixteen

I couldn’t wait for tomorrow.

The problem was the flight was heading out tomorrow morning and I just accepted fate.

I returned to my apartment laying my head onto the pillow staring at my phone.

Setting my alarm, I fell asleep thinking of her when my phone rang.

“Moshi moshi.”

“I… wanted to know something.”

“Who is this?”

“Never mind.”

The delicate voice cut off before I could ask.

Then, my mind wondered about how my number was being distributed.

Who would have done that?

I began to think about it as my eyes fought off the monster.

Then, I awoke realizing the monster had won.

I had packed my bags and saw a taxi outside with two of my teammates.

“Let’s go.  We can’t be late.”
----
Seventeen

The flight was smooth over to Nagoya.

Jurou’s picture was all over the creation of Nagoya.

He was the star that was mentioned to me and in ten hours, it was the challenge.

We checked into the hotel where chicken wings were being served as the meal.

I declined it for spaghetti.

The team didn’t talk much but the manager was rather irked at my decision.

He quietly understood the reasoning although against his policies.

Three hours til the match we all had exited the locker room into the dome.

The noise was of a rock concert when the home team ran out.

Jurou jogged out with the roar of the crowd.

He juggled the ball before handing it over to a child in the front row.

“Kuu, I feel confident to go against them.  Let’s win!”
----
Eighteen

Honda stood in front of us and called the coin flip.

He gritted his teeth and ran back to our side.

Jurou stood over the ball and passed it off to start the game.

Krems and I played off him for the first few possessions.

Honda had a great sot opportunity but unlucky to pull the shot in.

Fifteen minutes and it was mid-field battle.

Jurou started to chest but the defenders guarded him within twenty feet of the goal.

Despite the plan, he was cool and dribbled around the blockers allowing his teammates to be open.

Then, I saw my opportunity.

Krems slid by him poking the ball away.

Honda trailed behind me with the alternative striker.

We spread out a bit and passed it over to Honda as I crossed over to the strong side.

“Go for it!”
----
Nineteen

Honda slipped the ball forward.

The turf had a slick spot I felt under my foot and dribbled it forward to the angle.

The goaltender shifted my direction.

I scooped the ball up and saw a teammate flashing across the weak side.

The ball barely went over the goalie’s hands and hit the cross bar rolling into the netting.

“Minegishi goal.”

I raised my hands in the air when Jurou quickly ran to mid field.

The anger in his eyes as he started to drive it down the field.

I had him mentally.

We adjusted it over to his strength and his teammates watched his signals.

Honda lifted up his hand and the defenders collapsed around him.

Jurou saw them attacking him when he turned into the trap and passed straight to me.

I forced it between them to Honda.
----
Twenty

Honda led the way with a three on two.

I took on the weak side attracting two defenders.

Honda was one on one with the goalie.

His left foot popped the ball to the far corner off the top post landing onto the line nudging toward the net.

“Goal! Honda.”

The crowd simmered in the amazement.

Joji pointed toward the official and pulled me off the field.

“Minegishi, this has been genius.”

“We still have a half more.”

“Kawashima will be out there for ten, fifteen.

“Understood.”

The whistle blew for halftime and I watched Jurou for the whole time getting off the field.

Still calm but his teammates were now frustrated and that got me interested in an idea.

“Minegishi, tell us what is the plan for the second half.”

[yuuyu]

Was Sasshi the one that called him?

Where's Mario?

Seriously in love with the way you describe the game.  :

[kuro808]

Was Sasshi the one that called him?

Where's Mario?

Seriously in love with the way you describe the game.  :

Those questions shall be answered soon enough

Twenty-one

“Let him get an open shot.”

“Are you crazy?”

Half of the team stood up with Joji leading the group.

“I agree with him.”  Honda stood with a smile.

“Kuu has a point.”  Krems added.

“Kuu if he puts a hat trick, you’ll be out of here quicker.”

“Don’t worry my bags are packed.”

Joji shook his head as we headed out for the second half.

Joji instructed Kawashima before he went out onto the field.

Jurou quickly noticed the situation and dribbled the ball forward.

The strength shifted to the weak side and the defense played out the scheme.

He took his shot approaching the far corner of the bar.

The goalie played it out and knocked it away in time.

The crowd groaned at the opportunity as Kawashima took the ball down to half field.
----
Twenty-two

“Attack!”

Kawashima passed it over Honda and he skillfully weaved through to an awkward shot.

The ball floated across to the other side to an open Krems.

The ball skipped to the spot hitting the back of the net.

Honda lifted three fingers before grabbing Krems from behind.

The crowd cheered louder to show their support.

Jurou stood behind the team as they huddled around him.

At the sixty minute mark, the game seemed in the bag but as with any superstar player.

One shot would change the game.

Joji switched the defense and Jurou attacked fiercely.

We couldn’t get the substitution in quick enough.

I cringed at the shot he took and the lead was cut to two.

Joji placed me back in for Kawashima.

Jurou flashed a smile and a wink.
----
Twenty-three

We started our offense with a weak side attack.

Jurou stayed on the strong side until we approached the net.

They switched over protecting the defense and we pulled back passing it over to the strong side.

Jimenez blitzed the defense and Jurou stole it across the field.

Everybody swarmed in the panic opening up for his teammate with a shot.

He dug his plant foot into the turf and the ball went into a spiral.

The ball tumbled to the weak side with an easy tap into the net.

Krems placed his hands onto his knees with his head down.

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“I’m sorry Kuu.”

“Don’t worry.”

Jimenez shook his head and took his position on the far side.

I glanced up and saw the time was at seventy five.
----


Twenty-four

Joji threw his signal over to Honda and he told everyone to stay back and wait out the time.

The stall game was a good alternative as long as they didn’t set up and force a turnover.

They stayed back waiting for our move.

Short passes around the edge were getting them irked and then I saw an opening.

I ran behind the defender to the dismay of Joji.

Then running to the corner, the defenders chased me down forcing a corner kick.

Eighty-forth minute had passed.

Everyone was setting up into a group as I watched them huddle.

I put my power into the kick and saw it curl toward the net.

Krems leaned into it and took the header into the net but saw his arm come down witnessing the upper arm bent at an angle.

“Get a medic!”

The team rushed over to his side laying him down flat.
----
Twenty-five

The group closed their eyes and many were tearing up.

Krems stood mellow as the medic ran out to see the arm.

I turned away fighting my thoughts and I went back to grab his hand.

“You made the goal.”

“Kuu, Honda, and manager…  I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it through this game.”

“You did great son.”

Joji wiped his tears from his face.

“Everyone… Finish this up.”

The clock had passed into the 89th minute.

We were now up to two goals.  Down one player.  Finally I couldn’t allow it to happen and Kawashima took my spot.

“Matsui, you’re mine.”

I back peddled toward the strong side where he stood fifteen feet away.

“Minegishi, this is your time to shine.”

“I know!  However, I must play smart.”

[kuro808]

Twenty-six

He smiled and dribbled to the other side.

Kawashima and Jimenez shielded off the middle shifting over toward Jurou.

He passed it over leaving him wide open through the back.

I saw the ball pop up and his legs up in the air.

I ran over guarding the line of the ball and it came quick.

My thigh clipped it to the side with the goalie scooping it up with ease.

We cleared out the area as he passed over midfield.

Jurou had his eyes on me until he saw the pass went toward the goalie.

He slid stealing the ball away but it was kept in our control.

The sound of the gun caught our attention and we all ran toward the bench.

“That was one heck of a game plan.”

“Manager, we played it perfectly.”

I turned to find Jurou with his body bent forward.
----

Twenty-seven

“Congratulations on your win.”

“Matsui, good game.”  I smiled while shaking his hand.

“It won’t work the next time.”

“We know.  We expect you to be an improved player.”

“Count on that.”

His team ran to the middle of the field and bowed to each corner of the stadium.

We lined up and bowed to them before returning to the locker room.

Joji placed a paper onto the clipboard and handed it to over to us.

We had pulled into a tie for second with Osaka but we had Yokohama next.

Yokohama was sixth in the East with young players as I had scouted in Tokyo.

The eyes turned back to me for a plan but something else had been on my mind and decided to rest my mind.

We climbed back onto the plane and headed back to Fukuoka with a visitor on the tarmac.
----
Twenty-eight

“Sorry for disappearing.”

“Mario, what happened?”

“I had some business in Tokyo.”

I was with his sister and yet he seemed oblivious to that fact.

He took me to the buffet restaurant with Honda and Kawashima.

“We only have three more matches before the playoff stage.”

“Understandably but the issue is the crowd at the home arena.”

The two looked at each other as I had to ask the burning question.

“It has been only half full.”

“Why?”

Mario handed me a booklet of their playoff matches and the fact that they hadn’t past the first round deflated my spirit.

“I’m not sure how we can bring out the crowds.”

“Leave that to me.”  Mario said.

“You guys win the matches.
----

Twenty-nine

I returned to the coffee shop to get a glimpse but she wasn’t there but I decided to hang around for a drink.

“Nice win!”

“Thanks… the whole team did the job.”

“You seem rather handsome to be hanging around here.”

“Well I would say the same for you… I mean rather beautiful.”

“Don’t be so modest of yourself.  You have your heart set on someone who isn’t near you attractiveness.”

“Well… drinks don’t help me.”

The two laugh when she came up to the bar and saw me with my drink in hand.

“Well I’ll leave you two alone.”

My mouth dropped as she shook her head.

“You know I’m not interested in you.”

“I’m not either but you are sure quite a steal.”

“Please don’t bother me again.”

I saw her leave with my half-filled drink.
----

Thirty

Yuko dropped off a drink in front of me as I let it slide down my throat.

I left paying off my bill and heading into my apartment.

My face swollen from the alcohol left me with little choice.

I headed to the only sanctuary I had in my whole life.

Alcohol brought the worst thoughts to my mind.

Women were problematic in my case.

Takahashi had been my only female friend for good reason.

I’ve only liked the beautiful women where I practically begged myself to keep them.

In my heart, I wasn’t shallow but just lost in my world.

So many dancing around but none I really had liked but they came over anyway.

Money was their tool to finally carve my wallet.

I left with little sense of what had happened and the continued life I wished I had.