—HE was sure he had put on his skates wrong because the clasp was too tight. But he wasn't going to say anything. Even if someone pointed a gun at his head at that moment, he wouldn't complain. He had tried to follow his senpai's actions but had gotten lost at some point. He didn't think Fubuki would notice his mistake.
"Yukimura, do your feet hurt?"
He swallowed audibly. "No. Not at all."
Finishing adjusting the hem of his pants, Fubuki looked up at his student, who was staring at his feet with suspicious interest. He couldn’t hide his discomfort. For someone so direct, Fubuki didn’t understand why it was so hard for him to tell the truth when it came to his own well-being. Thankfully, training teenagers had sharpened his perceptiveness. He raised an eyebrow as he noticed how Yukimura had tucked his pants into the skate. He sighed loudly.
"Well, maybe they do hurt a little."
Smiling, the adult approached and began explaining step by step how to put on the skates to avoid getting hurt. Yukimura smiled, relieved. He didn't like having to explain things twice, and he often forgot that his teacher, unlike him, had the patience of a saint. Fubuki handed him the knee pads while continuing the conversation.
"I still find it incredible that, having grown up in Hokkaido, you’ve never set foot on an ice skating rink, especially knowing how good you are at sports."
Hyouga remained silent, feeling his cheeks flush at the compliment. His parents were not very involved in his life. They worked a lot and were hardly ever home. He was used to being on his own in every way. He would go out to train whenever he wanted and could return home knowing no one would be there to greet him. He was still not used to an adult being interested in his affairs for the first time.
"Yeah, well, the opportunity just never came up." With his hands resting on his knees, he noticed how his teacher’s eyes never stopped watching his every move. He should have been used to the extreme vigilance his coach subjected them to, but it always made him nervous.
"I'm sure you'll have a great time." Approaching the door to the rink, Shirou gently and politely called out to the attendant to let her know they were about to enter. The young woman smiled at him with bright eyes and blushing cheeks. Yukimura turned his head in embarrassment and huffed. He always had to endure all of his coach's flirting scenes. "Let's go!"
Yukimura grabbed onto the railing as soon as the blades of his skates touched the ice. Taking small steps, he tried to slowly approach Fubuki, who was skating freely a bit further away but always watching Yukimura out of the corner of his eye.
He knew that if he offered help right away, Yukimura would feel embarrassed and refuse. As usual. Being his coach for the past year had taught him a lot about the young man. He had a good heart, but his stubbornness often got the better of him. Although, that last trait couldn’t be held against him too much.
Yukimura continued taking steps while holding onto the railing, but he was starting to gain more confidence. Letting go of one hand, he began to observe the movements of the people around him. Gradually, his legs started to adjust, and the trembling in his knees began to disappear.
"You're doing great, Yukimura." He smiled, satisfied. He would never admit it out loud because Fubuki would never stop teasing him if he knew, but his coach's praise always felt amazing.
Yukimura was now skating with more confidence, moving with small and timid glides. When he was close enough to Fubuki, he tried not to show how relieved he felt for overcoming the challenge.
"I told you, Yukimura, it wasn't that hard," Fubuki commented with a mischievous smile.
Yukimura, still holding on to his pride, replied, "Maybe. But if I fall, don’t you dare laugh."
Fubuki let out a laugh and spun gracefully on the ice, stopping right beside his student. "Deal."
Yukimura, feeling his senpai's confidence, let out a sigh of relief. He decided to try gliding without relying on the railing so much. Slowly, he raised both arms to maintain his balance and took a firm step forward. To his surprise, his legs responded well, and he managed to move forward without stumbling.
"Wow, look at that. You're quite the skater now," Fubuki joked as he watched closely, always ready to step in if needed.
Yukimura rolled his eyes, though he couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto his lips. "Don’t exaggerate. I can barely stay on my feet."
"That just means you're learning," Fubuki replied with a kind but firm tone. "It's a good start. Next time, we'll try something a bit more challenging."
Yukimura looked at him with a mix of curiosity and reluctance. "More challenging? Like what?"
Fubuki raised an eyebrow, his smile widening slightly. "You'll find out when the time comes. For now, keep practicing. You'll see how, little by little, you'll feel more comfortable."
The two continued skating in silence, with Yukimura focusing on his movements and Fubuki staying close, like a protective shadow. From time to time, Yukimura glanced at his teacher, grateful for his patience and support, making sure he hadn’t left. That he hadn’t left him behind.
Finally, after a few more minutes, Fubuki broke the silence. "You know, no one expects you to be perfect from the start. What matters is that you keep trying."
Yukimura nodded, this time not hiding the gratitude on his face. "I know, it's just..." I don’t want to disappoint you.
Fubuki suddenly stopped, turning to face Yukimura with seriousness. "Listen, Yukimura. It's not about not disappointing me or anyone else. It's about pushing your own limits, about being better than you were yesterday. And you’re already doing that."
Fubuki's words resonated with Yukimura, filling him with renewed determination. He nodded again, this time with more conviction. "Understood."
Fubuki smiled, satisfied. "Good. Now, how about we try skating without looking at the ground?"
Yukimura lifted his head, meeting Fubuki's eyes that were watching him with that mix of challenge and confidence. Oh, how he admired him. "Let's do it," he replied, determined not to let the ice defeat him.
As they both skated, the sound of the blades gliding across the ice mingled with laughter and the echo of their conversations, filling the air with a warm camaraderie. In that moment, Yukimura knew that no matter the challenges ahead, he was ready to face them.
And even better, when he did, he wouldn’t be facing them alone.
a/n. i love these two with all my heart. they deserve the entire world and i just want to create more moments because their bond is so dear to me <3 hope you enjoyed this :) sorry if there's a mistake <3
Ngl, the match ended up being .... bizarre. Actually, i am living for how weird it ended up to be !
Ares itself is a season who is, more or less, a copycat of season 1 but with other protagonists (thanks god, the new kid aren't ersatz of Endou, Gouenji and Kidou, and it is more an aftertaste than a fact). It was a normal Football Frontier.
Spoiler alert : the new main team, Inakuni Raimon, wins the tournament, what a shocking plotwist...
My point is that Ares is predictable and not very original, and some of the most interesting ideas have been mishandled. It is the most normal IE can get. (Wtf, IE being "normal", the same IE where you sakka with dinosaurs against aliens and communists to save the Earth by time-travelling ?)
And then, comes the match against Hakuren.
Where to even begin ?
Both teams have similar situations : they are both participating for the first time, and very surprisigly got far (very powerful opponents from last year were also here), both are from the country, both are supposedly underdogs, both have a " unsufferable ace striker" and "sponsor" problem, both uses weird tactics, and in the 2 cases, only 1/3 of the team pull their weight. I can go on, but it will be long.
The development during the match : this match has its moments, its "plotwists". It begins with Hakuren having the upper hand, Atsuya dominating Inakuni physically and psychologically (he insults your dad). Then, Asuto makes Inakuni to gather their shit together in the 2nd half, but it actually makes Shirou and Atsuya playing even more serious. Someoka (hey he's here!) makes Nae the new recruit come on the field. Turns out she sucks at sakka. But also is supersonic. And she befriends with Norika the Inakuni goalie because why not. The hakuren coach makes his team to do weird tactics to accomodate Nae, communicating with weird hand sign with the public and the team, and it works, Inakuni is confused. Hattori, a Inakuni defender, is a ninja wannabe so he can understand weird hand sign, and makes Inakuni have the upper hand for once. But, after a father-daughter drama (Nae is the coach's daughter, who is also the sponsor), they stop using hand sign but the Hakuren tactic still works, so Hattori is confused but there is little time left. Shirou, Atsuya and Nae goes to execute Triple Blizzard but it is countered by Counter Drive, by Asuto and Kozomarou (it comes from nowhere), and they goal and win. This is so wtf, i love it. Literally what is going on in this match lmao
The element of surprise : refer to the previous point (and i haven't told everything). This match is the absolute chaos no one saw coming. Everything was unexpected. Even the fraud Counter Drive that comes from nowhere is actually brilliant : Hakuren dominated this match because their main assets were unpredicable (and powerful), but it backfired at them. I used to hate it, but now i know it is chief's kiss.
The team co-op : the actual theme of the episodes. When you think in outer code 1, it was established Hakuren had co-op problems because of Atsuya, and then the match comes and it's perfect, makes me think that we, the audience, has been gaslighted to think they was a problem lol. And let's enjoy the coordination between Shirou and Atsuya + at the end of the match, with all hakuren
Shirou and Atsuya, my babies, my blorbos, my fave. If they are in the episode, you know it will be a good time. It was more focused on Atsuya than Shirou, but i don't hate it since he was goated in this match.
I actually like Nae, their new recruit. Yes, she can be annoying but idk, she's funny. I like the sibling relationship she has with Atsuya and the friendship with Norika. Not the most meaningful things Ares had to offer, but it was nice ! :)
The fact that, upon witnessing this match, Haizaki "has seen the light" where he was at this worst. Like, his team is disqualified, he got beat up by thugs without reason, but then he sees Asuto playing in this match, and suddenly things seems to improve. Truly a Haizaki x Asuto moment. Asuto is Jesus to Haizaki lmao
The Atsuya meme : look at this beauty (unfortunatly, this is also here areorion goes downhill visually but fucking worth it)
A/N: This work is a piece that includes plot and characters from the talented and wonderful @arashi-chan336 @arashi-goddess , she is incredibly talented and I am forever greatful to her for mentoring me trough my artistic endeavors both writing and writing, I miss you ❤️
This does not follow arashi’s nor does it suggest this is how arashi’s story will go, this is simply a take, I wrote a while back to practice encouraged by the goat herself, please take some time to check out her stories and art works, they are simply fantastic , true talent right there
This was my very first work that I completed a few years ago, I do hope you guys enjoy it as there is not too much content on these two royal blueheads
Dividers by @firefly-graphics
Hakuren and Hakuyuu were walking on one of the palace’s hallways talking about what happened during the 9 months they were away from each other when suddenly a soldier came running and stopped in front of them bowing his head.
“Sires!”
“State your business soldier” Hakuyuu demanded.
“Please follow me princes.”
“I will inform you on the details on the way”
“On the way to what?” Hakuren said following him with his brother next to him.
“I-Its Nemurihime, she woke up.”
“What?! I want talk to her! “ Hakuren responded getting excited but calmed down after a stern look sent by his brother, this left the youngest pouting but lost it when the soldier continued talking.
“Shes not alone.”
“What do you mean”Hakuyuu asked narrowing his eyes.
“When the monks went to check on her she was awake with a girl next to her and she...”
“She what?” Hakuyuu pressured wanting to have all information on this stranger invading the palace. Wondering how could someone enter the room without any of the guards noticing.
“She seems to have the characteristics of an assimilated household, but there is no sign that she is one,” the soldier answered, still trying to take in everything that was happening.
“Wow, I thought nothing could top a possible-century old girl but seems I was proven wrong.” Hakuren commented getting more and more exited to get to the room but not letting his guard down, after all no one knew what the intentions of the stranger were nor of what she was capable of.
“And how is it that a stranger managed to go all the way to a room heavily guarded by guards?” Hakuyuu inquired voicing out his previous thoughts.
“W-We don’t know, your highness she simply appeared out of no where
And now she is attacking every soldier that gets near Nemurihime”
“How can one simple girl hold back the whole guard?” Hakuren questioned
“About tha-
“Surround her!”
“Don’t let her gain ground!”
Their conversation was interrupted by a series of screams that came from the isolated room surrounded by a multitude of guards.
“Make way for the Princes!”
Weapons in hand the siblings approached the source of the screaming. There,surrounded by soldiers, was a panther bearing it’s teeth to anyone who dared tried to get near it or the person behind her.
“How did this animal get here?!” Hakuren exclaimed
“Its the girl, your highness”
“I don’t know who educated you but that ain’t no girl!” The youngest Haku exclaimed freaked out.
“The girl transformed into it sir.”
“A shapeshifter?” The first imperial Prince mumbled.
“Things are getting more and more interesting” he mused
“Give us some space!” The oldest ordered
The soldiers ,although hesitant, vacated the place after the look their commander gave them.
Hakuyuu quickly glanced to where Nemurihime was sleeping minutes before.
Said girl did not looked scared at the growling panther if anything she seemed lost and confused.
Meanwhile Hakuren started cautiously approaching the feline ,still holding his Naginata tightly in case the latter attacked. “Hey miss its okay we aren’t here to hurt you we just want to talk to you, could you transform back?”
After thinking it over for some time the creature approached the bed where the other girl was and sat next to her .After that, smoke started to surround her and in place of the haired beast was a girl with striking green eyes staring back at them.
“ Alexa whats going on” said the blackhead still trying to get used to her surroundings
“To be honest, im not quite sure” the pinknette replied looking at her fellow Alma Torran friend.
“ I died...”Esher mumbled knowing her friend would still hear her no matter how quietly she talked.
“You think I don’t know that?”she responded just as quietly.
“... “
“I saw you die
And that's why when I heard they found a girl a century old, apparently, I had to check her out.
I'm glad I did.
I don't know how, but you're back.
I missed you “ The wolf hybrid confessed hugging her friend at the end. After some time they let go of each other and looked in front of them, there standing in front of them were the Haku brothers. Hakuyuu had his brows knitted trying to understand the strange language the two girls were using. Hakuren was just looking back and forth between the two trying to understand what was happening,in a less serious manner.
“So, what are your names?” The youngest prince asked the girls.
“ What?” Esher replied
“Yeah... I don’t think they speak our language” Hakuren stated. He had hopes that maybe they were talking in another language because they wanted to and not because they didn’t know their language.
“What are we suppose to do Yuu?” he questioned.
“Well maybe we could try to find a translator , but without knowing what language we are translating thats gonna be near impossible.” Hakuyuu explained
“You can do that or you could simply ask me to translate for you” All heads rapidly turned to the ,now grinning, pinkenette.
“You Can speak our language?!” Hakuren exclaimed gapping at girl.
“Why did you not inform us before that you could understand us” Hakuyuu demanded annoyed at the fact that the girl had kept quiet about it all this time.
“You didn’t ask” she simply responded giving a lopsided grin. Hakuyuu sighed annoyingly and continued.
“Well now that you have so kindly informed us of that can we know your names?” Hakuyuu asked trying to keep calm.
“Im Alexa and this here is Esher, I hope we can become good friends” she introduced her smile never faltering, shocking the brothers a bit, no one ever had introduced themselves like that to them heck they barely met anyone who was informal while talking to them.After the shock of her statement wore off ,clearing his throat Hakuyuu started speaking.
“Hey Alexa do any of you know why Esher was in a stone coffin?”
“Now that you mention it Im curious about that too...” the girl pondered aloud before turning towards her friend.
“ Hey Esher do you know why you were sleeping on a coffin?” she questioned
“No,the last thing I remember is...happiness” replied the blackhead mumbling the last part. That answer filled Alexa with sadness and guilt.
“No, she doesn’t know why she was in that coffin” mumbled turning back to the princes who were staring wide eyed at her.
“Y-your eyes they turned blue!!” shrieked the youngest of the two answering Alexa’s unsaid question.
“Ah, yeah that happens sometimes please don’t worry about, it will turn back to green eventually” Alexa brushed off avoiding eye contact with Esher, knowing that would worry her.
“B-But why does that happen!” Hakuren insisted still awed at the girls unique eyes. The oldest although did not show any excitement physically you could see the interest and curiosity in his eyes.
“It’s just something I was born with, some people get super intelligence or incredible strength I got color-changing eyes and a few other things” She answered with a forced smile.
“Thats so cool” the youngest gushed. While the prince was expressing his excitement Alexa glanced at the blackhead giving her a view of her eyes. When Esher saw them, knowing immediately what was wrong , embraced her. After some time they separated and looking straight at her, now blue, eyes she stated
“It was not your fault. Please do not feel sad”. Even after hearing this guilt still lingered in the shifter’s eyes ,so the blackhead continued.
“ Don’t let the past affect you, live on the present”with that last statement from the former Resistance leader Alexa smiled gratefully at her companion ,her eyes changing back to their original vivid green. Hakuren was about to start gushing again but stopped when he noticed his brother staring at the pinkenette with furrowed brows and a small frown on his face. Knowing that that look probably meant he had a question for the girl, the youngest moved on to try to communicate with Esher, even though they the latter was not able to understand.
When the firstborn noticed the pinkhead was looking at him he voiced his thoughts.
“Alexa I’ve been wondering ,but why are you here?” what she replied next surprised both him and his younger brother.
“Why? I was able to feel Esher’s magic, i gave her a small memento before we departed, I felt it power on again, I knew the chances were low but i had to see, im glad I did, I was able to find a friend I thought I had lost” she finished with a toothy grin and unwavering eyes that showed that she meant each and every word she just spoked.
To say he was impressed was an understatement. In all his years of being the first Imperial prince he had never met someone like the girls sitting in front of him. Although he did not know much of Esher seeing as he couldn’t directly communicate with her ,but what he did know is that she was found in a place full of century looking things, she definetly peaked his curiosity.
Alexa did not fall behind in the slightest. Not only was she the first person to speak to her informaly,besides his family and Judar, she had a view on things he has never seen in anyone and she wasn’t afraid to show show her opinion something that Hakuyuuu found shocking. Plus there was her unique abilities and appearance ,it was needless to say that for the first time in a long time he was intrigued.
A girl who only spoke a strange language, wore strange clothings and who’s age could surpass all ancient things they had encountered before. And a girl with animal like appearence and eye-changing colors. Hakuren was curious yet exited for what was to happen in the near future.
Arashi I really miss you girl, I cannot put into words how much you helped me and inspire me both to write and draw, im so sorry if I did something wrong or if I was too much. I love you 💜 ( here’s to hoping that you’re okay, have been worried that something happened all these years)
A Latin American, fan produced (by Hakuren), hand drawn and animted sequel to Saint Seiya (following the "Tenkai Hen" movie) without ties to any other version of Saint Seiya. It captures the classic Shingo Araki and Michi Himeno look and style, but doesn;'t feel weighed down by it.
