Hi There! Thank you for the inspiring words. I feel so high to receive such different reactions from different reviewers. Your words will definitely make me improve my writing skills and I thank you for that as well. Bring me more motivation to write guys… for now enjoy this new chapter. ^_^

DISCLAIMER: Tenipuri is legally owned by Konomi Takeshi-sensei. Pure and original.

Chapter 10: The Prince Meets the King

Chapter Summary: The meeting was a bit eerie between the both of them. The king offered something to him if he was able to beat him on something… and that was…

Note: Words in Bold letters are to be spoken in English.

First Week of November:

"Echizen! Pay attention!" Kevin shouted while Ryoma was rallying on the wall.

Ryoma was losing his concentration because of the call he had earlier. The manager said he should reconsider quitting for the upcoming competition next year and joined next time. It's not like he would never play again. But he kept on insisting that he would play no matter what. If he was going to quit, then what was he doing there anyway. Wasn't that the reason he was there because of that competition. He even thought hard of taking the risk of leaving Sakuno behind before all of this could happen. He gripped his racket hard and hit the ball with his left hand.

"Enough for that! You should rest." Kevin said to him.

Ryoma stopped as he was being told. He had to follow this captain to avoid unnecessary accident. He went to the bench and sat for a while.

"You are not thinking of the call, are you?" Kevin asked him.

Ryoma chose to remain silent.

"Do not let your guard down, idiot."

Ryoma looked at him and then looked away as he closed his eyes, "How come you sounded like buchou?"

"Heh," They remained quiet there for a while. It was Kevin who broke the silent and talked, "About your girlfriend-"

"If you are going to badmouth her again, don't even try." Ryoma said as he stood up.

Kevin stood up as well, "No, what did you see from her?"

"What?"

"When did you start falling for her?"

"This is nonsense."

"You wouldn't think of my question as nonsense if you give importance to your girl."

"Are you picking up a fight?" Ryoma looked at him. It wasn't him to be like this. But Kevin was crossing the line again. Kevin didn't talk after that. Ryoma calmed down as he sighed, "I just felt that I did."

"Just? How did she respond to you? Did you confess to her?"

"We wouldn't be a couple now, if I didn't."

"What did she say then?"

"Why are you interrogating me?"

"Is it wrong? I just want to know."

Ryoma didn't reply that time. His eyes were slowly widened when he realized something, "Are you hitting on my girl?"

"What gives you that idea? It's like I'd fall for her or anything." Kevin defended on himself.

Ryoma twitched but he could keep his pace, "Sakuno likes me, and that's clear."

"I'm just wondering because I never heard it from her when she was tryingto defend herself from me."

That hit him. They've been going out for almost eight months but he never heard her saying that she liked him. He did say he liked her but only out of the blue… whatever the reason was, he was able to say it in front of her. In her case, she wasn't telling him… at least not yet.

"Don't take me seriously, if she likes you then its fine." Kevin said leaving the tennis prodigy in that area.

Ryoma watched the blonde guy leave the place. It was almost time for the first period and it seemed that the American boy was planning to attend the first period. Sakuno was probably in her class right now and he remembered that Kevin was her seatmate as well. He was beginning to think things that he shouldn't. He just hoped Kevin wouldn't do something to ruin his sanity.

Thus, the school bell rang.

Lunch Break:

Sakuno was tired of that language that she was speaking. Good thing that she was able to understand their words, yeah their words not the whole sentence. It was still difficult to learn English after all. She thought as she stared at LIzzy who was talking to other classmates.

"Lizzy-chan is so pretty and friendly," She whispered to herself still staring at the girl who became stiffened on the sudden commotion that she wasn't aware about, "even though she is shock seeing Ciel-kun in front of her, she is still pretty and adorable," She giggled when the girl clung to the boy, "she even looked cuter when she did that to Ciel-kun."

"Lizzy, we're in a public area. Stop doing things which is unnecessary to display."

Wait?

Sakuno snapped from her reverie.

C-ciel?

THE Ciel Phatomhive was here?

Lizzy's fiancé?

She stood up recklessly and reacted, "C-ciel-kun!"

Everyone looked at her, including Kevin and the two. Ciel blinked twice and retorted;

"C-ciel… kun?"

The commotion was followed by laughter inside the class. Sakuno was embarrassed on her actions. She sat down and fidgeted with her fingers before apologizing.

"Seriously, Miss Sakuno, you never ceased to amaze me. It is my pleasure to have greeted in such an informal way." Ciel declared as he released himself from his fiancee's grip.

"S-sorry," The laughter increased after that.

"What are you doing here, Ciel?" Lizzy asked her fiancé.

Ciel looked at her with curiosity, "What kind of question was that? I am just happened to be a Student here at NYDCOE for the info."

Lizzy stuck her tongue out, "oh, y-yeah," she reacted as she punch her own head lightly, "silly me?"

"I just came to check up on you but I will be on my way to my own class," Ciel said, "I'll see you later Miss Sakuno."

Sakuno bowed in front of them, "H-hai…"

"I'll see you later then, Ciel." Lizzy smiled at him. The boy just nodded and left afterwards.

Sakuno and Lizzy was shocked to see Sebastian at the door. The butler bowed in front of them and smiled anonymously when Ciel walked by him. The girls looked at each other when the two guys disappeared in front of them and went off to Ciel's class.

Kevin didn't say anything for the whole commotion. Thinking what a show off the little Earl did a while ago. He closed his eyes when the girl sat beside him. He didn't know but he was not in the mood to annoy the girl who was sitting next to him.

xxx

"It was so rare of you to do something like that, young master," Sebastian said while they were walking on their way to Ciel's classroom, "You never visited the young Lady unless the class is over."

"Just shut your mouth Sebastian," Ciel sternly said to his butler still looking ahead, "My vision just found something interesting in that place. I might give it a full and beautiful view before it disappears."

"Is that so?"

"Lizzy is having fun while being with her. Her presence means a lot to those who are around her. I don't know but she has this aura that is difficult to recognize… rather than amusing to find."

"Young master has taken an interest to another lady other than the young mistress," Sebastian said trying to tease his master, "Interesting."

Ciel faced his butler and blushed, "I told you to shut up. I am saying that it is very fortunate of Lizzy to have Miss Sakuno around her," He said after defending himself from his butler, "She will have a bigger role on Lizzy's life and as long as she's happy… I'm happy as well."

"Hmmm," Sebastian said, "It feels so good to be in love, isn't it?"

Ciel blushed on his butler's comment but he didn't say anything. Later on, they reached their destination. He faced Sebastian and said something;

"Wait for us outside."

"Yes, My Lord." The butler nodded and took off. Ciel looked around and as what he had expected like in LIzzy's classroom, he was being crowded by other students. He closed his eyes and sweat dropped as he thought of something. Honestly, am I that popular to receive such special attention by anyone? Do I look like an actor to them? He sighed as he opened his eyes again and from the corner of his eyes, he saw a particular someone. Sitting at the corner of the room, a boy wearing a fila hat was looking outside the window feeling all bored. He had his right arm casted. Suddenly a memory popped up into his mind. He excused himself to other students around him and walked closer to the boy. He talked catching the boy's attention.

"Isn't you The famous prince of tennis Echizen Ryoma that I am hearing about?" Ciel declared.

Ryoma looked at him stoically and later said, "I'm sorry, but who are you?"

Ciel closed his eyes as he expected that coming from him, "I knew you would say that. I am not surprised at all."

Ryoma stared at him for a while. When he sensed that he was not saying anything he looked away and returned his vision to the window.

"And it's true that you are so arrogant towards the people around you."

"che"

"I can't believe that Miss Sakuno managed to stay with you this long."

Ryoma's eyes widened. Ciel smiled inwardly. He finally caught his attention, "How did you know my girlfriend?"

"Calmed down, little panic boy. I am not going to steal her from you. Besides I am not allowed to do that anymore since I have my fiancé to beat me to death if I do that."

Ryoma thought hard after saying his words and then he noticed something enlightened from him, "Ah, you are Midford's fiancée Sakuno was talking about."

"Ciel Phantomhive." He introduced himself to him as he stretched his right hand to him.

Ryoma smirked as he said something, "I guess I don't need to introduce myself to you." he accepted his hand after saying that.

The two looked at each other for a while. They didn't notice the stare everyone was giving to them inside the classroom. They only had one thought at that moment… the two influential people were actually looking good at their position as they were about to start a good communication in the future.

Afternoon Practice:

He breathed hard after the series of rallying with Arnold. It's true that his concentration were cut into two. But he wouldn't let it hinder him. Arnold was such a talented tennis player, a perfect sparing partner for a handicapped person who tried to return to the top. Wait. He wasn't lost to any match yet. He was just preparing for the upcoming tournament next year. And being a handicapped person was a challenge for him.

"Let's stop for today!" Kevin announced for the players who were playing in the court.

"Nice rallying, Echizen." Arnold said to the young tennis prodigy.

"Thanks," he said, "But I want to have a serious match with you if the opportunity allows me."

"It goes the same for me."

The two went where the others were. The griffy brothers were wiping their own sweat that made the crowd scream painfully. Billy was talking to Stephanie who was visiting him there. The two were planning to get married after they graduate high school. Bobby and Michael were still warming up before going home that day.

Ryoma was about to leave when Kevin stopped him.

"Wait a minute Echizen."

The boy just looked at him.

"When your right arm is healed, I want you to play a match with me."

Upon saying that, Ryoma gave him his devilish smirk, "I like that." he said as he started walking away in that court.

xxx

Sakuno was waiting for him outside the school gate. The girl was fidgeting as always and the blush never left her face.

"Were you waiting that long?" he asked.

"I-ie, I-I just got here."

"Hn," He stared at his girlfriend. Something was odd to her again so he confronted the girl there, "What is it this time?"

"E-eh?"

"Why are you acting like that?"

"Uhmm, n-nothing. It's nothing." She replied but he saw her staring at his fractured arm again looking all worried.

"Don't give me that look, I won't buy it."

"R-ryoma-kun. It's nothing really."

"Do you want another punishment?" He was being irritated again because of her action. He just couldn't read her mind when she was acting like that.

Sakuno became red when she heard that from him. He smirked as he said his next words, "If you like I can give 'it' to you now." He was about to touch her when the girl moved back and said something;

"B-but Ryoma-kun… I-I was just thinking…"

He wondered on her words, "Of what?"

She fidgeted as she said her next words, "a-about everything… y-your accident… K-kevin's words… the tournament… e-everything."

"What about them?"

"I-I realize that… that instead of blaming myself from your injuries… I-I should stand up and… and support you. I should be the one to cheer you up."

She looked at him. He was a bit surprised to hear that from her actually. But the girl was not finished talking yet;

"I-I'll protect you instead. I will become stronger for you so-so you don't have to worry about me anymore." She said that with determination shown right to her eyes.

Ryoma didn't say anything but he reacted a little. He pinned his hat down as he said his words, "baka, why did you realize that just now?"

"Eh?"

To the girl's surprised, he patted his left hand to her head and said, "The fact that you are here beside me is enough for me. You have been supporting me all this time."

The girl blushed, "d-did… I?"

He smirked for the last time, "That's why you are so innocent… and stupid."

She pouted on his next words, "I-I can take the innocent but forget the stupid. Mou."

"Thank you." he smiled at her making the girl smiled back at him.

"That's a wonderful show, indeed."

The two flinched when they heard that someone's voice. They looked at the area where that person's voice was. They saw Ciel and Lizzy together with Sebastian standing not far from them.

Sakuno was the first one to react, "C-ciel-kun, L-lizzy-chan, S-sebastian-san! W-what are you doing here?"

Ciel was the one to answer her question, "If you have forgotten miss, this is the entrance gate of the school so there is the possibility that students will go this way."

Sakuno blushed on his thoughts. Really, whenever Ciel used that way of speech she was unable to retaliate, "S-sorry."

Lizzy approached her, "Hey, don't be. Ciel is just like that. He loves teasing people. That is."

Sakuno just smiled at her.

"I didn't know that you can speak Japanese." Ryoma butted in.

"You never asked me, that's why."

The two just stared at each other without saying a single word. If the Seigaku regulars saw them right now, they probably felt Déjà vu around them... the same goes between Ryoma and Ibu of Fudomine.

Sakuno and Lizzy looked at each other then they looked at the two boys. Lizzy was the first one to talk;

"So you two knew each other already?"

"He's my classmate." They both said in unison making the girls awed.

"My apologies, young masters and young ladies, I believe that it would be necessary to stop the up heating tense so that we can prepare to go home and have a little snack at the mansion." Sebastian explained nicely and smoothly to them.

The four youngsters stared at him for a while. Sebastian just sweat dropped;

"And it would be necessary to stop staring at me like that. It would be rude for the eyes of the beholder."

"Honestly, Sebastian, you yourself is a tense-killer." Ciel said to his butler.

"I should apologize then master," The butler bowed in front of him, "Now, if you please excuse me, we should proceed to our location now, shall we?" he opened the car of Ciel's door and inviting them to come.

Sakuno asked, "A-are you inviting us to come?"

Lizzy hugged her and said, "Of course, silly. Now come on." She gestured the girl to her limousine.

"I haven't agreed yet." Ryoma said making them to stop. Sakuno looked at her boyfriend.

Ciel somewhat predict the outcome so he used his charm. "I want to know the famous tennis player if you ask me."

"Look at magazines or watch news everyday then." Ryoma said with his stoic reaction.

"Meeting the person is better than seeing them on screen or in some paper materials." Ciel said.

Ryoma didn't say anything. He didn't like being invited to someone's house or mansion or whatever it was especially to the person whom he just met.

"Or rather I can help you with your injury."

Ryoma and Sakuno both reacted. The girl asked him, "w-what do you mean?"

"I want to see him play tennis as a southpaw player as the world is screaming as he is. So I am helping you a hand," Ciel said and then turning his attention to the prodigy, "only if he would accept my humble offer."

They remained silent for a while and then Lizzy butted in;

"Accept the offer Ryoma. You won't regret it. You can trust Ciel."

Ryoma stared at him. This guy that he just met was offering him a hand. He would make the healing process a bit shorter. He was thinking of grabbing that offer as he said his words;

"Ok then, what's your condition?"

Ciel twitched, "My expectations of you didn't fail me. You really are sharp."

"…"

"All you have to do is beat me from playing chess."

Everyone was shocked on his condition. No one reacted except for one.

"Deal!"

Whew! Made it. I felt like I've been making this chapter for long. I don't know why but this is how I felt when I was writing this one. So how did you think of this one? You guessed who's the king right? I really want to knooowwwoe~

Please oh pretty please. Send me your thoughts… it's just one click away… thank you in advance… ^_^

Guys! I've decided which time and date that I am going to use for the competition. I have also settled time and date for my other story (Crystal Teardrops) as well. Since the story is about Tennis, the game will be here but only for highlight scenes. I so love playing it. Tee hee hee.

Next Chapter: The Prince of Chess?