Author's Note:

This is my first attempt for a Prince of Tennis fanfic! I hope you'll enjoy and please don't forget to review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis

oo1. THE START OF A JOURNEY

I sat silently on my seat in disbelief. I still do not know if this is actually true. Is this reality or just a sweet and pleasant dream? I cannot believe that Father- or "His Majesty" as some people call him- allowed me to have this wonderful vacation; the vacation I have been wanting my whole entire life. It was not an easy task to convince a highly influential and respectable man such as my Father to agree with my desire especially when it involves the only heir to the thrown leaving the country for nine months without any escorts at all. But through perseverance and a lot of sweet talking, I was able to negotiate. Therefore, here I am; on my way to the house where I will be residing for the rest of my stay in Japan.

"Were almost there, young princess," the woman sitting on the driver's seat stated firmly. I was glad about the information but not at the way she addressed me. The formality only reminded me of my home and what awaits me back in Armenia [1]. I decided to go on this trip as a form of escape and one last personal retreat before the day I finally accept my fate. Since I will be staying in her house for quite some time, I decided to inform her about what is going through my mind. I told her how I wanted to be treated as a regular guest, a normal person. She immediately understood my request and flashed me a great smile stating that she will oblige to it.

As we slowly approached our destination, my heart kept beating faster. I do not know why. It is maybe because of the great excitement and thrill that I felt. For the first time in my life, I will be able to experience what it's like on the other side. I will finally be able to do things on my own, be independent, explore, and try out things that are considered taboo because of my position and rank. Liberty is such a melodious word no matter how temporary it may apply to me.

"Here we are."

The car stopped at a small but an elegant and presentable house. I looked at the house with quite a big grin on my face. Taking a step into the house made me feel like it's my first step into living a life outside of the palace; beyond rules and regulations. Ryuzaki Sumire led the way. When she opened the door a young girl with long, brown hair , about my age, was standing by the entrance. Somehow she reminded me of one of the housekeepers. I immediately brushed the thought away thinking that it is very inappropriate.

"Good thing you're home-" she paused mid-way through her sentence when she saw me standing beside Ryuzaki Sumire. Her chestnut colored eyes were fixed on my figure. She looked rather pale and was very timid in the way she examined me.

After a very brief moment, Ryuzaki Sumire presented the young lady to me. "This is my grand-daughter, Sakuno," she stated while putting her hand on the teenager's shoulder. I then did my curtsy as I introduced myself to her grand-daughter who was standing stiffly in front of me. She bowed with great haste and I noticed how a hint of red slowly appeared on her cheeks. Her nervousness, once again, reminded me of the palace.

"A pleasure to meet you, I am Yzabella Voroe," I spoke gently hoping that it will give her a good impression of me. "So you're," she hesitantly spoke. "It's nice to meet you, Princess Yzabella."

Involuntarily, there was a little twitch on my face as the same old greeting reached my ears. Ryuzaki Sumire turned to dear Sakuno with a smirk and eventually explained to her about my little request. She then nodded as a sign of agreement and we all entered the house. Ryuuzaki-san was carrying one of my suitcase. She then turned to me and said, "Sakuno will show you to your room." She handed Sakuno-san my suitcase which I tried to carry myself but they insisted not to. I was about to start walking when Ryuuzaki-san reminded us that dinner would be served soon. We both nodded and made our way to the room.

Once I saw the room I could not help but smile. I can definitely say that I am out of the palace. It was what I imagined it to be. Simple yet tidy and refined. It's perfect. I love every thing in it; the single bed with fluffy white pillows, the wooden desk and dresser, a bookshelf with a few books already perfectly in place, and the wonderful feel the whole room gives.

Sakuno-san helped me arrange my things. Through the process emerged a couple of chit-chats and soon enough we found ourselves comfortable with each others' presence. The awkward feeling faded. It was replaced by a connection and a bloom of friendship.

After all my belongings were positioned to their respective places, we both went downstairs for dinner. Ryuuzaki-san heard our giggles as we made our way downstairs. "I see you're getting along with each other," she informed. We both agreed as we exchanged smiles. Soon enough, we all sat down on the chairs with delicious looking delicacies in front of us. We started eating and after awhile Ryuuzaki-san mentioned something that almost made me jump for joy upon hearing it.

"Tomorrow, Yzabella-chan, you will be attending your temporary school," she quickly informed me as she places another serving of rice in her bowl. I was unable to swallow my food because of the delight that I felt. Once my throat was cleared, I turned and asked her, "A school? I'm going to a school?"

For a moment they both looked at me like I have a mental illness. They eventually laughed it off and informed me that I will be attending the academy that Sakuno-san is going to. Those words felt like heaven in my ears. For once, there is no more home-school for me. This is a chance for me to meet new people and gain new friends. It is a very good news indeed and even greater when Sakuno-san said that she would introduce me to some of her friends. My eyes started to sparkle as I imagined how my first day at school would be. In my mind emerged a happy institute where I find myself surrounded with lots of friends and are all laughing and smiling. Yes, certainly, a very joyful scene.

My thoughts were then interrupted when Ryuuzaki-san stated something that I could not comprehend.

"Sakuno," Ryuuzaki-san grabbed her attention. "Don't forget to teach her how to act like a regular girl."

Sakuno showed a weary smile while I just looked at them with curiosity planted on my face. What does she mean when she said to act like a regular girl? I act like a normal girl. Don't I?

~END OF CHAPTER ONE~

Author's Notes:

[1] Armenia is an actual country but is not ruled by monarchy.