Worst Case Scenerio

Kaito slams the ball over the net. Kurai leaning on his knee, getting under the ball, but shanking it into the bleachers. OPU 17-14 ESU. Kurai slid a bit, needing his hand to push himself off the floor, Jaden helping slightly. Haruki was preparing to call a timeout as Kurai glared at her. Haruki stopped. 'I hope you know this isn't good for your health, Kurai' Kaito slams the ball over the net once again. Carlos bringing it up. Kurai ran forward despite the sharp knee pain. Tripping on his own foot, last second setting the ball to Jaden before falling.

"No blockers!" Jaden jumps and spikes the ball as it lands behind him with a thud having been blocked. OPU 17-15 ESU Jaden lands and turns to Kurai who sits on the floor.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Kurai nods.

"I'm good, but some help is something I wouldn't mind…" Jaden exhales and helps Kurai stand, Kurai unable to unbend his knee, it is fully locked. Unbending it shot thunder of pain through his leg. 'Not now!' Kurai pushed through the pain, slowly straightening his leg out. Only leaning on his knee slightly.

Kaito sent the next serve as Carlos brought it up. Kurai willing his body to move as he jumped up and set the ball to Jazz who hit the ball past the block. OPU 18-15 ESU.

Kurai landed on his locked knee as pain shot down his spine. Kurai lost his balance and fell straight to the floor. The whistle blew as Haruki stood up, Jaden rushing over to Kurai who wasn't able to stand up. Haruki's eyes shook slightly. Memories of her own experience with injury during a volleyball game back when she was in college, now watching as one of her kids laying on the court in pain surrounded by teammates.

"Kurai…" Haruki held up her hands, rushing to Kurai's side as a nurse rushed from the side of the gym.

"What's this? OPU has called for a timeout, I hope Kurai is okay" 

The arena fell silent. Everyone huddled around Kurai who sat on the floor, their faces filled with concern as Kurai tried to stand but couldn't.

That was it. Kurai knew it. His knee had taken him out of the game. Haruki walked over and exhaled.

"Let's get you off the court" Haruki and jazz lifted Kurai on their shoulders.

"Doesn't seem like Kurai will be returning to the court…"

"That's not good, they have no one who can be subbed in for him, they might have to call a special timeout to try and get him back in the game"

"If they don't, they might lose their best player and their biggest chance to win this game"

As the whistle blew, signaling the start of the special three-minute timeout, the tension in the air grew thick. Kurai was still on the ground, his knee now wrapped in ice as Haruki knelt beside him, her voice calm but laced with urgency.

"How's it feeling, Kurai?" Haruki asked, though she already knew the answer. Kurai gritted his teeth, wincing as he shifted slightly, trying to find a position where the pain would ease.

"I'm…trying," Kurai said through clenched teeth, his voice strained. The medics were working quickly, adjusting the ice pack and gently massaging the area to try to loosen up the knee. The rest of OPU gathered around their fallen leader, Jazz crouched close by, while Jaden and Carlos watched, fists clenched, knowing time was running out. The announcers' voices cut through the tense silence.

"It's a critical moment for OPU. They've taken the special 3-minute injury timeout, hoping Kurai can recover enough to return to the court. But right now… it's not looking good."

Haruki's mind raced. She knew the timeout was a gamble. If Kurai couldn't return, they'd be stuck playing 5-on-6, a nearly impossible feat at this level. The medic gave her a glance, shaking his head slightly. Haruki's stomach dropped, but she kept her expression neutral.

"You've got two minutes left," the ref called over, the pressure ticking away with every second. Kurai clenched his fists. His entire body screamed to get back out there, but the knee wasn't cooperating. He tried standing again, pushing through the pain. Jazz was right by his side, ready to help. Kurai winced, standing on one leg, the other knee trembling under the weight. It wasn't just pain anymore—it was weakness. His leg simply wasn't responding.

"I can't...move it," Kurai finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Haruki placed a firm hand on his shoulder. 

"Don't force it, Kurai. I know you want to get back out there, but this isn't worth risking your career. Think beyond this game." Kurai's eyes burned with frustration, glancing over at his teammates. They were staring back, waiting for him, but deep down, they already knew. Jaden stepped forward, a strained smile on his face. 

"You've done enough, man. We'll fight through this… You already accomplished your goal of bringing us to nationals, we can't thank you enough… so rest now" Kurai's breathing grew heavy. He hated feeling helpless. 

"I'm sorry..." he muttered, his voice thick with guilt. Haruki shook her head, her voice soft but firm.

"No apologies. You gave everything. We're proud of you." The ref blew the whistle once more. 

"Thirty seconds!" Haruki stood up, glancing over at the court, mentally preparing for the challenge they were about to face. OPU would now have to endure the rest of the set down a player, and the odds weren't in their favor.

"Get him on the bench," Haruki said to the medics, her tone serious but calm. As they helped Kurai to the sideline, the crowd stayed silent. A single spectator slowly clapped. Several others joined in as the entire arena burst into a respectful and acknowledging applause. Several people rose to their feet in standing ovation.