Fujima Tsuki sat by the window with her head leaning on the window sill, her almost waist length dark brown hair spread over her back.  A drop of silent tear slide down her flawless cheek.  The moon is shining brightly tonight, and gazing at the dark blue sea in front of her window, she let her thoughts slip back to the day when the accident happened.  The accident which took her parents away from her forever, leaving her an orphan.

Another tear escape her beautiful but now redden blue eyes as the memories returned.

She heard tires screeching followed by a loud bang, then everything was black.  The next thing she knows, she hurt all over and woke up in a hospital bed.  The sympathy in the nurses and doctors eyes troubled her, and before long, she was told of her parents' death.  She was too shocked to express any reaction to the news, until a warm hand enveloped hers and told her everything's going to be all right.  That hand belonged to her uncle Fujima Shiuichi.

After staying a month recovering in the hospital, Tsuki was released, and she was brought back to her homeland Japan by Shiuichi.  Once they reached Kanagawa, Tsuki found the feeling of home again.  She was welcomed by her aunt, Fujima Kazumi and her cousin Fujima Kenji.

Although Tsuki had lived most of her life in America, she and Kenji are still very close since her parents will bring her back to Japan for most of her school holidays.  To bring her out of her sorrow, Kenji introduced his close friends to her.  They all quickly become good friends, and the older boys were like the older brother she has always wanted, although they seem to be a little childish sometimes (:P).

Counting the days, Tsuki realized she has been back in Japan for almost two weeks now, and she needs to go for the entrance exam at the soon-to-be new school tomorrow.  She wiped her tears away, and went to sleep on that thought.  Just before she slept, she looked at the framed picture on her bedside table.

"Tou-san, kaa-san, I won't live in the past anymore.  I will forget all the sorrows and continue to live happily for both of you, everyone who cares about me, and most of all for myself."  Tsuki whispered, then fell asleep with a smile on her face.

{         {         {         {         {

*Shohoku High School*

Principle: "You've done well in your entrance exam Tsuki san."

"Thank you."  Tsuki replied quietly.

"Well, by the look of your results, you will be allocated to year two instead of year one, since your academic ability has surpassed those of your age group."

"…"

The intercom speaker on the principle's desk beeped, followed by the secretary's voice saying, "Sir, Anzai Sensei is here."

"Let him in."  Replied the principle.

A soft knock is heard on the door.  It then slide open showing a plum middle aged man, who looked like Santa Claus.

The principle offered the man a sit next to Tsuki.

"Anzai Sensei, this is Fujima Tsuki san.  She is the one I spoke to you about earlier."

Anzai Sensei looked at Tsuki and smiled.  He gave Tsuki the feeling of a grandfather smiling so ever kindly to his grandchild.  Tsuki smiled back politely.

"Fujima kondachi, from what I have heard, you were a basketball player back in your old school in the States, and you were MVP three years in a row in the national and state championships.  Am I correct?"

Tsuki was surprised at this, but she still replied politely.  "Hai sensei."

Anzai sensei's smile broadened.  "Would you like to join the Shohoku basketball team then, Tsuki chan?"

At this, Tsuki was even more surprised.  She questioned, "But isn't the basketball team here an all guys' team?"

"Yes, but we can make an exception for you due to your skills at the sport.  Also, Kainan High School is also bringing in a female member into their team, so it is also alright for us to have you on our team."

Tsuki nodded, "I see."

Pondering on the thought, Tsuki asked Anzai sensei, "Can I ask a question before I decide on joining?"

"Of course."

"If it's OK, can I take a look at the team first?  I really want to know what type of team is Shohoku before I make my decision."  "But if it's too much of a bother, then don't worry about it."  She added.

"Of course you can Tsuki chan."  Anzai sensei turned to the principle, "If there is nothing else you want to inform her about then may I steal her from you Mr. Murasaki?"

The principle laughed cheerily, "Sure sure, I've told her everything she needs to know already."  He then turned to Tsuki, "I hope you do decide to join our team."

Tsuki smiled, "I will consider about the invitation carefully sir."

With that, Anzai sensei led Tsuki to the Gym where the team was practicing.

{         {         {         {         {

*Shohoku Gym*

Ayako spotted Anzai sensei and immediately brought a chair over for him to sit on.

"Good afternoon sensei."  Ayako greeted the coach with her ever cheery voice.

"Good afternoon Ayako kondachi."

Ayako looked curiously at Tsuki, and then took out her hand for a hand shake with Tsuki.  "Hi, I'm Ayako, manageress of the basketball team.  You are?"

Tsuki smiled at Ayako, "Watashi wa Fujima Tsuki desu."

"You're a new student here?  Just transferred?  Your Japanese has a funny accent to it."

Tsuki laughed at Ayako's comments.  "Hai.  New here.  Just transferred here.  My Japanese is not that funny is it?"

Ayako shrugged.  "Well…it's funny enough."

At that they both laughed.  Tsuki felt that she's already fond of a friend like Ayako.

Anzai sensei smiled at the two girls, and then turned to Tsuki.  "So what do you think of the team, Tsuki chan?"

Tsuki turned her head towards the courts and observed their training.  She turned back to Anzai sensei after a short while.  "Not bad, but there's still room for improvements."  Tsuki said with a light smile.

Anzai sensei nodded.  "And your decision is?"

Tsuki's eyes sparkled and her smile reached her eyes.  "Yes."

Anzai sensei smiled at that answer and stood up to gather the members.

"Team, we have a new member as of today."  He motioned Tsuki to step forward.  "This is Fujima Tsuki, and she will be one of our team members as of today.  She is also going to be the team's second vice-captain, next to Rukawa kondachi."

Tsuki bowed at the crowd.  "Nice to meet you all."

And the reaction to this announcement just made, everyone was speechless and dumbfounded.

akane's Tea House

Hi! J  My first try at writing a fanfic, but this story's been at the back of my head for ages though, just haven't got around to putting  it in words, until now that is. :P  Anyway, if you've read this chapter, and like it, pls send me a review at [email protected] …flames are also welcomed of course ^_~  But…pls do be kind with me, if not I might not have the courage to continue~~~  ciao~ J