A/N: i'm SOOO sorry i haven't updated in like... more than half a year... so i uploaded an extra long chapter this time... 1,917 words...
im like.... WOW... it took me a day and a half to type up all this... (slow typer and loves to change stuff her and there)
hope you like this chapter ^^ BTW, I recommend you to read the first two chapters to refresh your memories about what has happened so far... i will include a summary but it's not as good as reading it again... Rene... if u read this you will probably know who I am... and Kin-chan... Captain has FINALLY updated ^^

Happy reading =)


Summary: Last chapter, it was revealed that Inui has suspicions that Eiji is a vampire. Eiji during tennis practice collapses due to long exposure to the sun and the regulars knew that Oishi, Fuji and Eiji were concealing a secret. Inui was about to begin telling his theory...

Disclaimer: i do not own Prince of Tennis in any way. However this plot is mine and all characters belong to Takeshi Konomi.

dedicated to Kin-chan... aren't you happy i updated??


Vampires - folkloric revenants who subsist by drinking human blood. They paler than the average human and lack control if they don't drink human blood. They are nocturnal and long exposure to sunlight may result to lethargic reactions. Regeneration is rapid when wounded and if bitten by a pure-blood vampire, the victim will turn into a vampire. However, in 90% of these cases, the victim does not survive.

--

"Listen I have a theory."

Inui made his statement with his research, he explained all he knew about the supernatural beings of the night to the regulars who listened intently on Inui's lecture. He explained everything to every one of them including coming to the hypothesis that Kikumaru was a vampire.

"I see... so you are saying Eiji's a vampire? Right?" Kawamura wanted to question Inui about the other possibilities of Eiji not being a vampire but somehow he knew that Inui, the data man, would always have an explanation and would always be correct including the case of Eiji. He didn't really believe in the supernatural nor superstitions but this was different. Kikumaru had been acting 'funny' or 'weird' for the past two days and as a friend, Taka thought he would have a right to suspect what was wrong therefore he must take all explanations in view.

"Yes, it does make sense... On the first day, Kikumaru came to school looking pale and sick..." The stoic captain was worried although there wasn't a hint of expression on his face. The only thoughts he held were whether or not Kikumaru would be able to play tennis? Tennis was a sun exposing sport so would Eiji be able to deal with it? He might have to pull out of the tennis team... but that would mean the Golden Pair would be no more.

"Yea... and also, didn't Kikumaru-senpai see Oishi-senpai's blood, went out of control and collapsed? He fainted again on the second day because of the sun..." Momoshiro added with uncontained excitement and hints of worry. How cool would it be if Eiji-senpai wasa vampire... maybe he could turn me into one ne?

"Pshh... You're reacting too much powerhouse... how would you like it if you were a vampire but wanted to keep it a secret?" Kaidoh didn't like vampires, ghosts, curses or anything related to that field. He was frightened but would never admit it. But since it was his senpai that might be 'infected' he would put up with it for the time being.

"Oh yeah? Who said I wanted to be a vampire? I bet you're scared out of your wits except you would never admit it? Wuss!" Momo retorted to the comment made by the resident snake. An argument broke out between the two not long after Momoshiro retaliated.

"Mada Mada Dane... Inui – senpai, how is Kikumaru – senpai a vampire?" Ryoma lowered his cap a little to hide his expression.

"75% he was bitten, 15% he did it to protect someone and 10% he was one to begin with." Inui recited from the book before closing it with one hand.

"Just imagine how much pain Eiji's in right now... he can't go in the sun, he can't play tennis... the transformation is making suffer both mentally and physically." Taka really did feel sorry of Eiji regardless of Inui's theory.

"WAIT!" Momo suddenly piped up, "wouldn't that mean that Fuji-senpai is a vampire as well and Oishi-senpai would be an accomplice since they were acting all suspicious so I assume that they knew beforehand."

"It is highly unlikely because Fuji knew of this before and told Oishi... there is a chance that Fuji is a vampire but Oishi would not be one."

The remaining regulars who didn't talk looked at each other deep in thought thinking about their suffering friend even though there was a likelihood that Eiji would become a danger to them. The silence was broken with Tezuka telling them to act as they know nothing and leave it at that until something happens to Kikumaru again. If that was to happen, they would at tennis practice force Oishi, Fuji and Eiji to explain.

"Yes buchou," the regulars responded in unison.

--

"Achoo" sneezed Eiji who was about to walk through the school gates and head home.

Fuji glanced at him letting loose a held breath. Eiji's tired eyes, pale skin and lethargic look gave it all away. He knew it wasn't going to last much longer. But he needed to know how much longer it will last. "Did you take the tablets?"

"Yeah..."

"Coming down with a cold then?" Fuji replied with a lighter tone but his face betraying his seriousness.

"No, it's probably just the chilly air and sudden change in temperature..."

"Aa... Someone's talking about you, Eiji." Fuji resumed his normal facial expressions; a smile tugging his eyes gently.

The read head gave a slight nod and a weak smile. Somehow his friend was always right, so he would have to be careful of his behaviours tomorrow; he could become his downfall. He clenched the hand holding the white box of the "filthy" tablets. I will take as many as I can to suppress my hunger and minimize Syuusuke's harm and worry. I WILL NOT become a burden.

--

School for Eiji now seemed harder to endure. He always needed the tablets once every hour from the once a day. Needless to say, Fuji was running out and he did not have an endless supply at home. Nevertheless, Fuji took care of him whenever and wherever; when he felt faint, Fuji would accompany him to the shade at lunch. However, Eiji knew that Fuji would not be there for him eternally, he knew that some day his best friend would be in danger because of him. Another day flew past and tennis practice was inevitable. He couldn't run away forever though this time Eiji was dreading it; the summer heat and the sunlight.

As Eiji and Fuji walked onto the courts, all the regulars who were practising stopped in unison to watch the pair proceed to Ryuuzaki-sensei. They could feel the atmosphere tense up as six pairs of eyes stared at them. Momoshiro with his excited expression; Inui and the I-know-your-secret look; Kaidoh with his calm yet suspicious look; Taka, the caring and worried look; Ryoma, he didn't even look because he lowered his cap and finally Tezuka, the still expressionless face that revealed no details. Kikumaru wanted to raise his fists and shout at them but resisted the urge, instead hiding behind Fuji.

"Ten laps around the court now!" The commanding voice interrupted the awkward silence and all of them broke their stares. Obediently, all regulars ran out of the court afraid that Tezuka-buchou would add another ten laps. So much for acting as they know nothing. Tezuka thought he should be running laps as well because he was just as curious as they were.

"I'm sorry sensei but I can't play for a long time... that is I can't exactly stay in the sun for too long..."

"Get better soon then Kikumaru, and tell Oishi about this. I believe he's not coming to practice today."

Without another word, Eiji and Fuji walked onto the nearest court and started practising, not noticing that the others had finally finished their laps and started approaching them cautiously. It was until Momo had pounced on Eiji when he was picking up a ball to serve.

"Ne, Are you okay senpai? Does it hurt? Are you thir-...?"

"—Powerhouse, you're talking too much," A low hiss intercepted Momoshiro's question before he had finished.

Hey do you think the others know about it? Eiji asked Fuji with hesitance.

They'll suspect but I'm quite sure they know nothing. Fuji had replied with an uncertain voice.

"I think you owe us an explanation for Eiji's behaviour Fuji... we believe you know something of it. According to my hypothesis, I believe it is along the lines of supernatural themes? Am I not correct?"

Fuji's eyes snapped open making sure to let everyone notice with an immediate intention to make others back away. He despised Inui's ability to put two and two together. He despised Inui's research but most of all he despised Inui for guessing correctly. "This is none of your business Inui, so stay away from Eiji." Eiji's secret was of utmost importance and it didn't matter whether Inui's friendship or alliance would be broken, he had to protect Eiji.

"Fuji, Please don't get angry, maybe our friends ought to know what is going on." The voice rang into Fuji's mind breaking his concentration in repelling Inui. The hoarse voice directed itself to the others, "I'll explain after practice, but please don't argue or we might have to run laps."

Remembering their buchou's punishment before, they told the red head they would wait for the explanation of his sudden change in behaviours after practice. The regulars delayed the reason and resumed their own training not long after.

I should tell them the truth... This wouldn't get better and it was best if his friends knew before the current situation would take a turn for the worse.

The light headedness had come to him again when everyone went to practice but something in the back of his mind told him to stay awake for the time being... to stay awake until he told them about his condition.

--

All the regulars assembled in the change room awaiting Eiji to tell them about the truth. This would mean everything would be revealed whether Inui's conclusion was just a theory or Eiji's explanation was a justification that Inui's hypothesis was correct. Outside discussing was Eiji and a worried Fuji; determined not to let Eiji feel forced into this.

"You don't have to tell them... you're not forced to do it..."

"But they are my friends and they deserve to know as well..."

"It's your choice... but I need you to know that no matter what happens, I'm always by your side..."

"Thanks a lot... Fuji..."

The change room door creaked as Kikumaru and Fuji staggered in and took a seat, keeping their eyes on the impatient regulars who wanted answers. As expected Inui was the first to respond...

"Kikumaru, am I right? Are you a supernatural being who feast on human blood...? Are you a vampire?" Inui wore his know-it-all face but a menacing interrogation voice.

Sighing, Eiji stood up and began his story from when he was a first year. He included details and even Fuji's role into the account. Soon, most of the regulars were on the edge of their seats and some even had their mouth open; namely Momo. "So it's true..." murmurs commenced as Eiji finished his brief history. Whispers of excitement, worry, scare and anxiety lingered in the atmosphere and only Fuji watched with is mouth shut, not a single word escaping.

They are his friends... so why can't they just accept the fact that Eiji is a vampire? Fuji clenched his fists until they turned pale white. He was angry just watching them whisper about Eiji.

Suddenly, a wild scream of agony resonated throughout the change room as Kikumaru plummeted onto the cold floor.

"Eiji!... EIJI!!!!"


A/N: once again... im sorry for update so late... i'll TRY and update more... many things have happened this year including a few personal problems... which may have contributed to me not able to update for so long... hope you guys will forgive me...: did you like it?? hope you did... please review this chap... i wanna see whether i improved or where i need to improve my fic...
by the way, i'm hoping i can update at LEAST once a month... my new year's resolution... i think...

PLEASE REVIEW AND THANKS FOR READING ^^