Sister of the Prince

by Arazome

Someone who resembles the famous Ryoma Echizen, now a second-year at Seigaku Academy, shows up to challenge his hold in the tennis team. Who is this person, whose powers surpass each and every third-year in Seigaku? Naturally, Ryoma stands strong... but perhaps even the Prince needs to bow down to others sometimes.

"Is that Echizen-kun?"

"That can't be right. Echizen's on the court there. See, the one slamming that second year out of the ranking matches."

"Sure looks like his hair, though."

"His cap's gone."

Hushed whispers throughout the courts. They've been stirred up by a green-haired individual amongst them. A certain green-haired individual leaning against the chain-link fence, a dark sun visor covering his eyes, not paying any attention to the chatter. He twirls his racket by the handle effortlessly with his index finger as if it were a basketball. His unzipped Seigaku jacket flutters in the light wind.

"The winner of B-block match B-12 is Echizen Ryoma!" The crackly sound of a poor microphone scatters the audience. Some rowdy students are yelling, money exchanging hands, betting on the next match already. The majority of the girls, however, stand up and cheer for the boy, the second-year regular of the Seigaku tennis team.

"He's quite popular, né," the brooding figure that resembles Echizen muses. A few gathered nearby are startled, but then shrug and turn back to the match.

"I would like to make a—" The microphone falters, a shrill screeching sound echoing off the buildings. All the screaming girls shriek even louder and cover their ears— "special announcement! A current regular of the Seigaku tennis team has informed me that there is a special match today. Echizen Ryote, please step forward."

The audience is startled. Never has this happened before. Quiet chatter rumbles throughout the spectators. Echizen? Is he related to Ryoma, the Prince of Tennis?

"Guess it's my turn."

The voice comes from the brooding figure still spinning his racket. He catches the handle neatly and steps into the court. He lifts his visor, and a murmur of shock is heard. The face under the visor reveals sharp, feminine eyes.

Green eyes. Just like Ryoma's.

"Hello, brother." Ryote smiles darkly. "Saved me a spot, did you? Heh. Kinda takes the fun outta things. But at least we'll have our match now... the match you promised me six years ago."