Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis.
Ice
Chapter 1
The tennis ball sprung off the court with a loud thwack, ending the game with it. The sun shinning above seems to reflect the intensity of the situation.
"Game Momoshiro, four games to two. Change courts," A second year's voice sounded from the referee's chair.
"Hoi Echizen, if you don't pay attention I'll win this match from right under your nose," Momo said with a smug grin.
"It's not over yet," Ryoma said in his trademark impassive voice. Only one pair of eyes noticed how his eyes were dull as he said it.
Repositioning himself on the base line, Ryoma gripped his tennis racquet so tight that his knuckles turned white. His expression was blank as usual but if you looked closer, you would see a trace of sadness flitter over his eyes before disappearing underneath the mask. His body was tenser than usual as he prepared for his opponent's next shot. Nothing appeared to be wrong except for his usual intensity.
'Something's up' decided Fuji. Echizen hadn't been focused on the game since it started. His golden eyes were glazed over as if deep in thought. Twist serves were flat, drives lacked speed, and cyclone smashes were returned easily. Not only do Ryoma's shots lack his usual accuracy, but he only seemed half hearted in trying to return Momo's balls. A careless return turned into a chance ball for Momo.
"Teme, play me seriously!" Momo growled in fury while executing his dunk smash with his frustration.
The shout finally shattered Ryoma's daydream but he was too late to dodge the smash that flew towards his stomach in full speed. The impact knocked him backwards into the fence.
"This is kind of nice. I don't feel a thing" thought Ryoma wryly. However, slowly but surely, the sensation of pain and realization flowed back into him ten times worse. The feeling that threatened to swallow him became so intense that Ryoma shut his eyes in agony.
Struggling to his feet, 'Boy Wonder' murmured softly, "I'm sorry Momo-sempai. I can't play today."
Picking up his racket, Ryoma ignored the regulars' voices and headed into the locker room. Sharp, striking blue eyes revealed themselves.
"What's with ochibi?" asked Kikumaru with a note of worry. His usual hyper air was gone.
"According to my data, there is a 61 chance that it's girl problems," reported Inui in his monotone voice. The regulars all held their breath.
"But since Echizen is the subject, that percentage drops to 9" A loud exhale was let out.
"Fuji, why do you think Echizen is so down?" asked Oishi with the sense of a mother worrying about her children.
"Don't worry. Echizen isn't the type to be knocked down for long." reassured Fuji with a gentle tone. His calming face hid his turmoil of emotions inside.'You'll be ok, right Ryoma?'
Wrapping his winter coat around him, Fuji admired the scenery around him. The light frost which coated the blades of grass shimmered in the sun. The river next to his path mirrored the explosion of reds and oranges of the sunset like a smeared piece of oil painting. Tall trees stood like soldiers casting intimidating shadows on the pavement. A small figure that would have gone unnoticed to everyone except Fuji's observant eyes leaned on an oak tree.
"Echizen?" Fuji whispered as if afraid to break the peaceful silence.
Squinting his eyes, Fuji confirmed that the boy leaning against the tree was definitely Seigaku's little prince. Sneaking quietly with a mischievous idea, he was about to startle the poor boy with a loud yell when he noticed Ryoma's position. Hugging his knees to his chest, Ryoma had pulled his hat low over his face. Fuji also noted that the freshman genius who usually carried himself in a proud manner had trembling shoulders and tears rolling off his face onto the grass. He had never seen Echizen look so vulnerable. So helpless...
A/N: Should I continue or stop while I'm ahead? This is my first fic. Reviews please.