[User has sustained blunt force trauma to the head, shutting down brain functions…]
Mika's voice was the last thing that Ken heard as he suddenly lost consciousness.
"KEN!!"
The whole of the dugout was about to run onto the field before Coach Hanada did his best to block the stairs.
"WAIT HERE!" He bellowed, snapping the teens out of their frenzy.
His eyes were full of worry as he looked onto the field.
"Medic! Please, please get the paramedics."
Daichi grabbed his brother who had slumped into a pile right in front of him and felt hot tears run down his face. His body was shaking violently as he panicked.
The whole arena was in shock at what just took place. One moment they were watching one of the best matches of the tournament, and in the next tragedy struck.
"M-MY BOY!"
Chris cried out from the stands, his heart beating wildly in his chest. Those in the surroundings who heard his calls felt a sick dread well up from within them.
They couldn't imagine seeing their own child be hit by a fastball to the head.
He frantically tried to make his way past the crowded seats and onto the field.
Meanwhile on the field, the paramedics arrived and tended to Ken. Daichi was asked to move away and give them some space to work, something that was very difficult for him to do.
He stood up and anxiously moved around, hot tears pouring down his cheeks as he paced in worry.
Yatsuo who had recovered from the shock that ran up his arm, suddenly saw Ken lying on the ground surrounded by paramedics. He fell to his knees again in pure and utter shock, his throat feeling dry.
Only after a few minutes did the paramedics call for a stretcher to be brought onto the field. Since he was still unconscious, they needed to get him into the shade and away from the prying eyes of the crowd.
Chris managed to somehow get onto the field, or at least to the edge of the field until he was stopped by security. It took all of his self control to not blow past these guys and attend to his son.
As Ken was getting taken off the field in a stretcher, applause rained down from the stands, showing appreciation for his valiant performance throughout the game.
Daichi's eyes followed Ken's figure, only to see his father standing worriedly by the side.
His heart felt as if a knife had gone through it and he suddenly couldn't hold his emotions together. An intense feeling of guilt and remorse flooded through his body, threatening to overwhelm him.
His vision began to blur from the tears which wouldn't stop falling from his face.
Just as he thought he would have a panic attack, he felt a strong pair of arms pull him close into an embrace.
'Huh?'
Daichi's mind went blank as he felt the warmth surround him like an all encompassing blanket.
"It's alright son. Ken will be okay."
Hearing his Dad's voice, all of the fear and guilt poured out of him in the form of tears. It was as if he had found a safe space to vent all his negative emotions on, something that he had never had before growing up.
Only after a few moments did his cries grow weaker.
Earlier, Chris had wanted to rush to Ken who was on the stretcher, however he knew that he would only serve as a hindrance to the medical professionals on the scene.
That's when he saw Daichi who was in a bad state upon the field. He moved forward to go comfort his son, but was quickly blocked by the security.
It was then that his tall frame seemed to grow in size and his tone became icy.
"Get out of my way." He said sternly, causing the guards to shrink back a little.
"Let him through."
Coach Hanada who had followed the stretcher to the medic area saw what was happening between Chris and the two guards. The game was already in shambles at the moment and he didn't want a scene to break out.
Although he wasn't in a position to give such an order, the guards reluctantly let the tall man pass, slightly out of fear of violence.
Chris sent him a word of thanks with his eyes before pleading in a broken tone.
"Look after Ken for a moment please."
He nodded, though his expression was grave.
Elsewhere on the field, the umpires had called a stop to the match while the medics had attended the injured player. Since it was the last game of the day, it wouldn't effect anything else on the schedule.
The Yokohama team were beside themselves as they were forced to wait in the dugout while Ken was receiving attention. Ai in particular looked heartbroken as the whole scene played out.
She was currently crying in Yuko's embrace, her ample bosom creating a safe haven for Ai's tears.
There was a somber mood on the field as Coach Narukami approached Yatsuo on the mound who was currently on his knees in shock. The 3rd year player didn't even notice his coach who had closed the gap.
"Give me your hand." He said calmly.
Only now did Yatsuo see the outstretched hand of the coach. Without a word he complied, placing his large hand in the older man's.
The Coach's hands explored every part of his fingers and knuckles, finally stopping on the wrist. He pressed down gently, only to force Yatsuo to suck in a cold breath of air in pain.
"Do you feel any numbness in your fingers?" He asked calmly.
Yatsuo nodded.
"Is it a shooting pain from your wrist? Almost like a shock?"
The big guy nodded once more, which was followed by a long silence.
"How long?"
"…"
"Since the start of Koshien."
Coach Narukami looked at his player and felt a mixture of emotions. He was sad that Yatsuo hadn't confided in him about his injury, yet also angry that he had put another person in danger because of it.
Not only did the coach feel like he had failed his team, but he had also jeopardized much much more.
Without a word, he walked back towards the umpire, his footsteps seeming heavier than usual. He tapped the official on the shoulder and said some words, causing the expression on their face to warp in shock.
"You what!?"