As we walked into the gym Date Tech's cheer squad was all I could hear, that annoying cheer "Go go Date Tech, Date Tech, here we go!" Over and over. I could even feel a migraine forming on the right side of my head. But talking to Kuroo and Bokuto calmed my nerves and running emotions.

We gather around Coach as he spoke to us all about Date Tech, "From what they showed us in round one, I'm thinking they'll come out strong with their first serve, they're are notorious for their serves as they are for their blocks. Their srategy is to take their opponents morale from the get-go, so let's be sure to receive high on the first one you guys got that?"

"Right!" We all said in unison, Coach turned to Kageyama, "oh and you know what to do don't you?"

"Yeah!"

"Perfect make me proud team! Tear down that wall!"

"Sir!" The team stood in a circle, Noya's and Asahi's arms around my back and mine around theirs.  Daichi cheered, "Karasunooooo FIGHT!"

"FIGHT!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To say I was worried is an understatement. Asahi looks like he's in the zone, but we all know on the inside he is panicking. I could see it written all over his face that he fears he can't get through the Iron Wall. He doesn't believe in himself enough, if he doesn't buck up and get out of his head it will be just like last time when they faced against Date Tech. 

Date Tech was first to serve, Daichi received it with a grunt, the ball going to Kageyama. His form is perfect, setting it to Hinata who had no blockers near him. But number 7, the tall, scary white haired second year moved quickly along with another blocker and jumped to block Hinata. Luckily the ball hit their hands but landed on their side of the court by their feet.

"Way to go Hinata!" I cheered cupping my hands around my mouth. Okay so not to bad of a start. But I can't help but feel that number 7 is going to keep on Hinata throughout the game.

Kageyama is up to serve, good at least we have a shot at a few points. Being half assed taught by Oikawa I can rest easy knowing he's serving. After hearing how Oikawa almost hit him in middle school I did feel kinda bad for Kageyama. All he wanted was to be taught by someone he looked up to, after that incident I had a long talk with Oikawa who eventually gave in and started to teach him how to serve.

Though his serve was prefect, it sent straight to thier Libero, I groaned internally at his rookie mistake but soon settled myself. Tensions are high, I understand that more than anybody, people make mistakes it's human nature.

Date Tech's setter set the ball to that huge number 7 but our talented libero was able to get to the ball in time to receive it, "Tanaka cover it!"

"Gotcha!" Tanaka stood under the ball when Asahi called to him to send the ball his way for a back attack. Now I was standing on the tips of my gym shoes, anxiety once again gnawing at me. Chewing on my thumbnail I watched as Asahi did an amazing spike...bit it was short lived when the Iron Wall blocked it scoring a point for Date Tech. "Don't mind Asahi!!" I exclaimed, my voice slightly cracked as my calm demeanor faltered a bit.

"He seems to be holding up okay." Suga said in a calming voice. "It was only one block. Who knows how many more there will be." Suga glared down at me making me shrink into myself. "Is that-" he faked sniffed the air around me, "Negativity I smell?"

"N-nope!" I began waving my hand around in the air, "No negativity here!" Nervously laughing he nodded his head once. "Anyways, Asahi will be okay. We will find a way through their blocks and win this game." I admired Suga's determination, the anxiety I was feeling slowly washed away as I pondered on his words. "Have faith in the team." I said grinning at the court.

"Exactly."

Hinata was running all over the court when I focused back on the game, he jumped spiking the ball, but of course number 7 blocked it by just moving one hand more to the left. "It's okay Hinata! Shake it off!"

I'm starting to understand why Asahi was hesitant on playing volleyball again after their first match with them. It must be frustrating to be out there giving it your all only to be blocked all the time.

Hinata once again was all over the court, I could barley keep my eyes on him, but his and Kageyama's quick attack went exactly as it was supposed to. No one had time to react and were equally amazed by his speed and how he was able to score a point so easily.

The whole gym roared with cheers over their play. Hinata and Kageyama were smiling and cheering themselves, which in turn made me giddy with excitement. "That was great you guys!" Hinata and Kageyama each gave me a thumbs up with wide grins.

Noya and Tsukishima swapped places, when Noya reached me we double high fived. "You did great out there Noya."

His wide smile brightened up as he blushed, his cheeks turning a tinge of pink, "Thanks Mamas! You'll do just as great when it's your turn."

"I can't wait. I wanna see their faces when my serves go right through 'em."

Going back to the game I made eye contact with Oikawa on the other side of the gym. My heart sped up again, anxiety filling my veins as he softly smiled and waved. Tucking my bottom lip into my mouth I barley waved back and casted my eyes to the ground. It seems he's going to be playing on another court so at least he won't be watching me the whole time. However,  knowing that doesn't calm me down.

Damn that Oikawa for making me feel this way. Damn him for being so damn good at Volleyball. Damn him for showing up at the worst times when I need to focus.

A hand reached over, calloused fingertips pulling on my bottom lip plucking it from my teeth. Shifting my eyes to the owner of the hand, Suga smiled at me, "You're gonna chew it off if you keep biting it like that." He swippes this thumb over my lip, "You already have teeth marks on it, calm down, it'll be alright. Don't worry about Oikawa and trust in yourself and your own talents." My cheeks heated up at his kind words. "Thanks Sugawara, I needed that."

He nodded his head pulling his hand back "Hmm."

I could practically feel the fire coming from Oikawa before I even looked at him. His brown eyes were blazing with fire of a thousand sun's at mine and Suga's encounter. I quickly averted my eyes away from him holding onto my arm in slight shame.

Ugh! I hate this! Why does it feel wrong to be touched by Suga in front of Oikawa? It wasn't like he kissed me or anything. He just kept me from making my lip bleed, that's all.

I shook my head rapidly pulling myself from my own thoughts. Focus on the game, Coach could put me in at any minute and this game with Date Tech is too important to have another freak out. I need to give them my all in order to make a difference in this game. I began working out my arms, stretching them out, pulling and bending to loosen up the joints.

Date Tech called a time out, no doubt freaking out over Kageyama and Hinata's quick attacks. As the guys jogged over I helped Kiyoko hand out towels and water bottles.

"You guys are doing amazing out there." I praised them as they all took a breather. I was actually kinda jealous, now I know how Suga feels always standing on the sidelines. As the timeout ended it everyone had their eyes on Hinata, which is a good and bad thing. Now Date Tech's blockers will mark Hinata and put up the Iron Wall to stop him.

But as Hinata did another quick attack Date Tech wasn't fast enough to block it. "Great job Hinata! Do another quick attack just like that!" Suga yelled over the loud crowd.

I could feel eyes burning into the back of my head, a chill running up my spine. Slowly turning my head to the stands behind me I locked eyes with Yui. Her glare was enough to intimidate any girl, but not me. I wasn't scared of her or even the least bit worried about her presence behind me. If anything I felt conceited, she was intimidated by me. I could see it in her eyes, Daichi had told me that the girls team lost badly. So knowing that if she had let me try out for the girls team they might have actually won their game.

Hearing Ennoshita and Suga yelling beside me I turned back to the court. Hinata spiked the ball getting blocked but before the ball hit the floor Noya saved it.

"Yeah Nishnoya!!" Suga yelled making me cover my ear winching at his volume.

As Kageyama set the ball, Daichi, Hinata, and Tanaka all ran towards the net, "Over here!" Hinata yelled being the first to the net and jumped high, but as Date Tech's blockers jumped in front of Hinata they quickly realized that Hinata was a decoy and the real the spiker was Asahi in the back. I grabbed Suga's arm tightly shaking it in suspense as Asahi spiked the ball with all his might and the ball hit the floor on the other side.

"YEAH!!!" I exclamied shaking Suga's whole body and jumping in the process. "HE DID IT!!" Squealing I also laughed hysterically.

Suga blushed at his teammates pumping his fist in the air, "Yes!" My hand slid down his arm, our pinky's locking together for a split second.

"Casper!" Letting go of Suga's pinky I jogged over to Coach, "Alright Tsukishima is up to serve so I'm putting you in. No more soft serve crap. Give them hell Casper. I mean it."

I grinned darkly and chuckled, "Gladly." I stood on the sideline holding up the number 11 card and waited for Tsukishima. He grabbed just above my hand, our fingers touching as he gave me a look. It wasn't one that I could place, I couldn't get a read on what he was trying to silently convey to me. But the whistle blew and I jogged onto the court. But I couldn't help but overhear the voices;

"A girl? Is that even legal in boys volleyball?"

"I heard she snuck on the team as a boy and then decided to let her stay."

"She can't possibly do anything to those guys, she's too small."

"Don't worry about her guys! You're stronger than her!" Glaring at Number 6 I smirked spinning the ball in my hands. A quick glance at Yui, and one to Oikawa, who was sitting on the edge of his seat on the bench, hands clenched in front of him.

Deep breaths, empty your mind. Think of nothing but your serve and the unguarded spot to the left of the court. Rookie mistake on underestimating your opponent.

The whistle blew and I took a few steps back and threw the ball in the air. This time I took four large steps, propelling myself off of my right foot. Using all the strength I had in my whole body I hit the ball, the shear force of my hit folded my body over, my head almost touching my knees. Before my feet even touched the floor the whistle blew signalling I scored us a point. The crowd screamed with cheers for me and my serve.

I proudly stood at my full height, which wasnt much but still. I was completely proud of the praises the crowd gave me.

"YEEEAAHHH!!" Daichi yelled running up to me picking me up and spinning, Tanaka slapped my hands hard. "That was amazing Y/N!" I Smugly grinned up at Yui, she was fuming mad, fire in her eyes.

"That was great! Do it again Casper!" Coach yelled standing up from the bench. "Way to go Y/N!" Suga gave me a thumbs up smiling wide.

Getting ready to serve again I noticed that Date Tech had moved more players to the back and there were only two people in the front. So using the skills Kai taught me I didn't do a jump serve. Normally serving the ball just made it over the net hitting the floor.

Another point. One last serve before I switch to Libero/ Wing Spiker.

"Make it count Casper!"

Their players are evenly spread out now, no matter where I served it, it would be received. Having no choice but to jump serve I did exactly that. The power behind it was enough to knock their Libero to the floor with a loud grunt but it stayed in play. Shifting to middle court I prepared to jump at the slightest hint of the ball moving our way. Number 7 spiked the ball to Hinata's left. Lightening quick I was under the ball on my belly, my palm popping the ball up into the air, "Daichi!"

"Nice receive Y/N!" Yelled Tanaka.

I jumped to my feet rushing back to middle court. Kags set the ball to Asahi and he scored us point. We shifted again, me being on the left end this time, me and Tanaka shared a look, he wants to help block with him when the time comes. I nodded my head at him as Date Tech Served. Daichi received it calling out to Kags, he did a back set to Hinata but he was blocked. I rushed to the ball, sliding down on my stomach sticking my arm out and stretching it as far as it could go but I couldn't save the ball as it hit the floor.

I hit my hand on the floor, "Damn it! Sorry guys!"

"Hey it's no problem, you'll he the next one!"

"Don't mind Y/N!"

As I sat up on my hands and knees I looked up to Oikawa. He was closer to the court than I had originally thought. My eyes widened and heat rushed to my face. "You're doing great Y/N." He said grinning, his brown eyes were soft as he gazed down at me. I nodded my head getting back on my feet and getting back in my spot.

I was actually forced to be a middle blocker this serve and to say it was nerve wracking. Their number 7 stared me down but not in a menacing or intimidating way. Kinda like he was trying to read me, even though the tips of his ears were pink in the process. Their setter actually set to him, "Okay...now jump!" Tanaka said, me, him, and Kageyama all jumped to block him. The ball hitting my hand sending me backwards to the floor. I winced as I groaned rubbing my lower back.

"You good?" Kageyama held his hand out to me helping me stand, "Never better." I breathed rushing to middle court. Kags set the ball, Hinata running to the net jumping and swinging at air as Asahi came up from the rear and spiked the ball winning us the first set.

Kiyoko handed our water bottles and towels. I thanked her sipping down some water. Two hands clasped on my shoulders and shook me, "You did great out there! Im so proud of you mamas!" I giggled at Noya as I wiped my face, "Thanks Noya but I could never compete with you. You're our libero after all."

"Damn right."

Coach Ukai showed us all the positions for the players for the next set. "For the second set we're going to begin the rotation two places ahead in set one, Hinata was to match up with no brows number seven so I think it's better to avoid that this time. That's why we'll start two positions up."

"Hmm, That makes sense that way number won't be able to mark Hinata as close as he did last time. Smart thinking Coach." Takada praised.

"Obviously he's not gonna be completely unmarked, all this will do is keep the two of them separated. Beisdes, if Hinata is less marked during game then it stands to reason that the rest of you will be covering even more."

Asahi decided to speak up, "We can't always lean on Hinata. Keeping him in constant play keeps us open. As Ace, I promise to do what it takes."

"That sounded so badass!" Tanaka and Noya said in unison.

Daichi smiled folding his arms over his chest, "He's growing up before our eyes."

"Thanks dad..."

I laughed at Asahi, as I sat my water bottle down in the rack and laid my towel across the bench. Glancing up in the stands I noticed Zak was on the phone, his face grim as he spoke. Shiko waved down at me giving me two thumbs up and Gak was no where to be found. Looking around some more I caught sight of Akaashi talking to Kenma. Kuroo and Bokuto were watching Aoba Johsai warm up talking to each other.

I watched Oikawa warm up, his normal 'Im better than you' attitude glowing, bursting at the seams as he practiced his serves with Iwaizumi. I haven't seen him play since middle school, but according to the guys, he's hella strong. Kags even told me that Oikawa has double the power he had in middle school and that his serves were killer. Deep down I hope we play against them so I can kick Oikawa's ass, but another part of me hopes we don't. I'm afraid to actually play against them, being that close to him in a game, fighting tooth and nail for a spot in National's. Something we both want dearly.

A time out was called from Date Tech, the score, 10-12 with us in the lead. I was still in my head as Coach was talking to the team.

My right knee began to ache. A throbbing sensation caused me to wince and bend it repeatedly. "Aye aye, what's going over here?" Coach asked walking up to me as the boys ran back to the court. "Uh n-nothing. Just my knee is all. Hurts bit, I'll be fine." Hopefully I can reassure Coach so I could play again of needed. "Good, I can't have you rushing off to the hospital and your knee being muffed up. We need you at your best Casper, think you can do that?"

"Yes sir!" I looked back at the score board I might not have to be put in again. In just a few short minutes the scores changed to 16-17 us still in the lead.

As in the first set Asahi is getting blocked, you can see the frustration in his eyes and his stance. "Don't mind it Asahi! You can do it!"

"Yeah Asahi you got this!" Hinata yelled from beside me, I hadn't even noticed that he came back to the sidelines.

Asahi jumped for another spike, the blockers were right there, the ball bouncing off Number 7's fingertips.

"One touch!"

"Full counter!"

"Hey don't get cocky!"

Number 7 went to spike the ball but our guys Tsukishima and Asahi blocked them flawlessly. "Yeeeeaah!" Suga cheered clapping for our fellow third and 1st year.

As the plays went on Date Tech's score stayed two behind us, we couldn't get a good enough lead on them because everytime we would score they would score one right back. This neck and bullshit is really getting on my nerves.

Noya came jogging back looking dead at me, his brown eyes all serious as we passed each other switching places.

"I need you at full strength Casper!" Coach yelled from the bench.

Full strength, I'm not serving so maybe he means in spiking. I'm not as strong as Asahi or as fast as Hinata, but they have marks both of them, including Tanaka. So putting me in as a wing Spiker makes me the prime secret weapon. None of them would suspect me to be a spiking the ball, they seen me serve and be a Libero. I smirked to myself as I stood middle right of the court.

"Hey baby, when you guys lose I'll take you on a date to make up for it." I rolled my eyes at the shady blonde hair boy, "In your dreams prick."

"Prick?!"

"Over here!" Hinata yelled at Kageyama as he made eye contact with me. Kageyama set the ball my way, I ran jumping as high as I could, which to me it wasn't enough, I had to relay solely on my strength now. I could see number 7's eyes on me as I scanned out a spot for my spike. He moved just as I hit the ball, however, he wasn't fast enough and my spike hit their Libero's arms and going far left scoring us a point.

As the team cheered I stared down at my hand. I've scored many points by serving, and they felt great. But, the feeling of scoring a point by spiking felt even better. It was so much more exhilarating to score a point this way, so up close and personal with the opponents, seeing their resolve crumble in their eyes as the ball goes right past them.

"Nice kill Y/N!" Daichi praised from the back. I beamed up at him and high fived Hinata, the sting in my hand  shooting up my elbow. Ignoring it as me and Hinata laughed together, "Now I see why you love spiking the ball so much Hinata. It feels amazing!"

"I know! Hearing the ball go WHOOSH through the air and BLAM when it hits the floor-"

"I know!" I squealed jumping up in excitement.

"I think she's found her grove for wing spiking guys." Tanaka joked at the guys behind him.

A few more serves later and we are at match point, my lungs burning for air as I ran around the court. I haven't spiked since that first time, I've stayed playing Libero for the most part. I swear I will have bruises on my legs and arms by tomorrow. But damn it, if I wasn't having fun playing.

This is what Kuroo and Bokuto were talking about, have fun playing the game and the rest will fall into place. Which is exactly what is happening. Let go of all that anxiety and fear and let your natural talent flow through you.

Hinata was up to serve which means that his and Kags quick attack will be up this time around. And our blockers were Tanaka, Tsukishima, and Asahi. With me and Daichi in the back there is no way we can't win this game. We are at match point and everything is going smooth and prefect.

Hinata's serve was actually out earning Date Tech a point. He bowed to us blabbering out an apology. We all understood...but Kageyama who wanted to beat his head in but Tanaka stopped him as Daichi calmed Hinata down. I sighed loudly next to Tsukishima who pushed up his glasses in irritation.

Next serve I received it dropping down to my knees sending it to Kags, "Get it Kageyama!"

"Got it! Asahi!" He set it to the left, Asahi spiking and being blocked. The ball hit their Captain's fingers hard, the ball soaring to the back of our court. Daichi looked at the back as it was completely open. Thinking quickly, thinking like Noya, I ran to the back diving to the floor stretching my arm out. I hit the ball back in play only to send my body tumbling forwards and flipping at least twice.

"Whoa! She got it!"

"Yeah! That's our girl!!" Suga and Noya yelled together from the sidelines.

"Cover it!" I yelled getting back on my feet but slipped landing on my right knee. Holding back a yelp I powered through it, trying not to limp as I ran back at the court.

"Left side one more!" Asahi yelled to Kageyama, "Here!"

Asahi spiked it, number 7 and him being caught in a joust. Both men struggled against the other, ultimately Number 7 overpowered Asahi and the ball was back on our side. As I watched the whole thing go down I felt as if I couldn't move, watching the ball fall in slow motion.

I can't reach it!

But I can't let them score...

Think. Think. Think. What did Kai teach me about Jousts....

"Your body as a Libero, is your best weapon. Any part of your body can be used to hit the ball. Just as long as it stays in play. Hell you can even use your ass, face, and even your feet."

FEET!

Dropping my body into a full horizontal split, using my right foot to shoot to the left, the ball smacked my shoe and went up in the air. The crowd roared to life!

"Did she just-"

"ONE MORE TIME!!"

My knee had given out on me. The mix of the throbbing pain from earlier, landing on it wrong and now this completely shot it to hell. I stayed in my split position unable to really get up at the moment, Asahi ran to the back and then ran forwards for a running start

"One more time! One more time!" Suga chanted as loud as he could at Asahi.

"Until I can score!"

Kags set the ball at medium high level, close to the next. Asahi's favorite set, I watched as I slowly began to get up, Asahi run to the net, everyone around us yelling for Asahi to go and clear that wall.

"GO ASAHI!" I hollered over everyone else. My heart was beating a mile a minute, threatening in expell from my chest. I could see the Iron Walls opening before me as Ashai jumped with all of his might. The ball was blocked shooting it to the left, before even thinking further I made a B line towards the net just in case gritting my teeth at the pain shooting up my entire right leg. But the ball hit the net and rolled down the length of it, it teetered and fell on Date Tech's side. Number 6 and number 3 both went after it, although they weren't fast enough and the ball hit the floor. I dropped to my knees in shock watching as the ball rolled away.

Game winging point for us.

Asahi held his fists up and screamed at the ceiling. The whole team rushing the court yelling as well. Noya and Yamaguchi rushed to my side  helping me up and keeping me steady as I wobbled keeping my weight off of my leg. They hobbled me over to Asahi who wrapped me in a tight hug.

"You two were amazing!" Ennoshita laughed,

"I never knew you could move like that Y/N!" Hinata exclaimed in amazement.

"Honestly neither could I." Smiling I looked up at my siblings who were recording and cheering at me. I wanted to cry in happiness, I wanted to shed tears knowing that Kai and Shiko's training wasn't in vein.

"Way to go Baby Bird!" I snapped my head to Bokuto as he clapped and cheered, Kuroo doing the same. I waved at them as I was half carried away by Noya and Yamaguchi to stand on our side of the court and bow to the Date Tech thanking them for the game.

We all went up to the net to shake the other teams hands, and as we walked away number 7 held his hand out to Hinata who was now letting me use him as a crutch. They stared at each other for a moment before I let go of Hinata, using both hands Hinata clasped onto the larger man's hand as they both slightly blushed at each other. Number 7 released Hinata's hand and held it out to me, his blush only deepening and reach his ears. I smiled gently taking his hand and shook it. Though his hand completely covered mine, itdidnt bother me.

"You did great out there 7. It was nice playing with you." His eyes shot open and I let go of his hand to wrap my arm around Hinata's shoulders and hobble away. He stood with the rest of the team while Asahi was talking, "If I'm the Ace of this team, then you guys are the hero's." Hinata dropped me as he began to shake with happiness. Kageyama was quick enough go catch me gripping harshly on my waist.

"We're hero's?!"

"Yeah! I like the sound of that!" I smiled as Kageyama turned us to walk out of the gym, walking slowly and pulling my weight against his side.

"Great work out there you three!" Yui yelled down from the stands. I gripped Kageyama's jersey tightly at the sound of her voice. "Is it hurting that bad?"  He asked looking down at me.

"Yeah " I lied grinding my teeth together. Kageyama led me to a bench and sat me down waiting for the rest of the team. My siblings ran up to us panic on their faces.

"Are you okay?!" Shiko asked dropping down to her knees in front of me gently lifting my leg to inspect my knee. It was swollen and it hurt like a bitch.

"You need to go to the hospital right now." She said in looking up at me.

"I will when I go see Kai. It's probably just a little worked out. Some ice and some pain medicine should suffice."

"I'll go get your bag Tiny." Zak said patting my shoulder and walked into the gym, "Hey Zak, tell me what Aoba Johsai's score is when you get back." Nodding his head he entered the gym.

A few minutes later he came back my bag in his hand, "Well?" I asked taking it from him.

"Aoba Johsai won their game."