Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis and its characters.

"speaking", 'thoughts' and Telephone Conversation (other end of the line)/ Sound Effects/ Read

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Transferred My Heart
by: OrangeAce

Chapter 13: The Bachelorette

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She had to blink and rub her eyes several times before she believed that she was indeed the one in the mirror's reflection. Big chocolate orbs stared back at her in an almost awe-struck expression and her mouth slightly open in gape while she scrutinized the princess in front of her with utmost attention.

The fiery red gown she was wearing was every bit beautiful; the soft, velvety dress hugging her waist making her petite figure so evident and exposing her milky shoulders that showed her smooth and fair skin. She touched her auburn tresses almost hesitantly, afraid that she would ruin the long curls that ran way down just inches below her shoulder back. She moved her fingers up and down her hair, and then touched the silver tiara on her head.

Never did she imagine herself to look and play as she was exactly right now. It was as if she was randomly grabbed from a fairytale book and taken away from her magnificent kingdom.

She was a princess at the moment.

And it made her rather uncomfortable knowing that the invisibility she had lived up to when she was in Seishun Gakuen was now going to be broken for as long as she stayed in Rikkai Dai. She did not anticipate she'd fit right in and find a place among each of her new friend's hearts. She did not anticipate she was going to be showered some attention she never thought she'd have even in the wildest of her dreams. And she certainly did not anticipate that she would be desired and be chosen to be 'bachelorette' to the whole male population in the school.

In her present situation, it was now impossible to ignore Ryuuzaki Sakuno.

Snapping her from her reverie, the creaking noise of the door caused her to look away from her reflection and into the wide open door.

It was Rikku…and the moment her gaze landed on her, the devilish grin that crossed her face was unmistakable.

"Let's see them say 'no' to this now."

- - - - -

The sound of exuberant laughter and excited giggles erupted throughout the open field of the campus, with the estimate of the entire student body fill up bleachers and benches for the show. The female population of the growing crowd was mostly the ones responsible for the uproar actually. The sight of all willing male, whatever reason each may have, in their chosen get-up was enough to send a battalion of Eves swooning on their feet – thus, be bombarded with a series of shrieks and squeals that would put all-known banshees to shame. The male crowd, on the other hand, howled in laughter as soon as they saw what had become of their friends. Everyone was in a good mood and because of the noise in that area of the fair, numerous others were drawn into what was about to happen.

In contrast to the cheery atmosphere though, were the grumbles and incessant complaints of the contestants.

"I did not sign up for this!" Kirihara scowled as he glanced down at the sparkling purple cloth and shiny silver stars embedded on the robe he was wearing with blatant fury. Upon looking up, his eyes were immediately covered by the loose—not to mention annoying—tall hat he was wearing. He adjusted it, and immediately saw his sniggering company. "HEY!"

"Kirihara… Why don't you magic your hat into fitting that big head of yours?" Niou grinned.

The laughter only increased a notch.

"Now, now… it's not nice to cross someone who can hex you off your butt," Marui chimed in with soft chuckles as his kouhai directly shot him a pointed glare.

"Not funny, senpai," Kirihara's scowl deepened when his top hat threatened to fall off his head again, which caused the others to laugh even harder. "And why do you get to wear a prince costume! And you! A knight in shining armor! And a gladiator-looking thingy that shows abs!" he whined as he enviously stared at Ryoma's, Marui's, and Fuji's costume. "It's unfair you get to look so good in these pathetic costumes…"

"Che. Who'd like walking around looking like this in broad daylight," Ryoma muttered under his breath.

He was about to pull down the brim of his cap when he remembered that he wasn't wearing a cap, but instead a crown. He frowned and shared Kirihara's gloomy attitude as he went off to get some Ponta to ease his mood. But before he could even take a step towards the vending machine, he was immediately horded by shrieking Rikkai Dai girls that he had to retreat and sulk in his place until the start of the competition.

"And besides, you're not alone who's facing the same embarrassment," Niou started as he glanced at another group of boys beside them. They were all wearing vegetable costumes and had big frowns on their faces. "Sucks for them that they had to sign up late and face the wrath of Rikku. She's merciless for even daring to include a carrot in the dressing room."

"Serves them right," Kirihara muttered. One of the boys in another group they were currently looking at tripped because of his long tail. "That's for even thinking about fighting against us for Ryuzaki-san…" he harrumphed and then faced another direction. "Why are there a battalion of them anyway! The more they are, the slimmer the chance of winning!" he whined childishly as he was seeing another group of boys in a different set of costumes.

"Are you chickened, Kirihara?" Fuji asked with a vexing smile. "The bigger chance I'd win if you leave…"

"Hah! In your dreams, Fuji!" Kirihara exclaimed. Just when he was about to complain to Niou again, the Rikkai Dai trickster was suddenly nowhere to be found. "Where's Niou-senpai? And the others?" he asked no one in particular. He seethed internally when he realized he was stuck with a sulking Ryoma, a restless Marui, and a really, really, really annoying Fuji.

"Man, this costume's really heavy…" Marui panted when he tried releasing his tension with his usual hyperactive-ness of jumping up and down. "And it's so hot! Gah! How can people survive wearing these things when in battle!" he exclaimed exasperated as he finally ceased from jumping up and down. He too, was in a terrible mood. When his gaze fell on Fuji… his mood got even worst. "I'm so gonna kill Rikku for this!"

Ryoma glared at his Seigaku senpai too for being the only one unaffected with the contestant's supposed current predicament.

Fuji chuckled softly as he continuously felt the heavy scrutiny he was receiving from the three others. It had been very lucky of him when he managed to spot the golden plastic armor and accompanying paraphernalia before the others. He also didn't miss the glances he was getting and effect he was inflicting on the girls surrounding their group. Since he decided not to wear the cloth supposedly under the golden armor, his abs was mercilessly flaunted. In that hot day, his costume was the most comfortable and good-looking (in this context not childish and hot) that he really couldn't suppress the wide smile on his face as he felt the other's (Ryoma, Marui, Kirihara) envious looks on him.

"Good afternoon everyone!"

All four boys, who were trying so desperately to avoid each other's presence, instantly turned towards the platform at the familiar voice. It was indeed Rikku standing on stage wearing a pink leotard and tutu, pink wings embroidered with silver glitter, a silver stick with a star on her left hand, and the microphone on the right.

The open field was completely silent with Rikku's appearance.

"The 'bachelorette contest would start in a few minutes, and I'd just like to inform all non-participants not to enter the competition premises as it is ongoing. Though before the event starts, all non-participants are encouraged to approach the table located at the base of the platform for bets. Winners would be given a special prize."

As soon as Rikku had said that, one-half of the student body instantly rushed towards the table and the bets then started reeling in. Majority of the Rikkai Dai males remained where they were, still in an awful mood for walking around in each of their pathetic costumes, but the thrill and anticipation they were feeling were clearly emitted at the knowledge that the contest was about to begin.

"As for all the boys out to win Sakuno-chan's heart, please come closer to the stage and arrange yourselves in single files in front of the platform. In this way, our 'bachelorette' will have a glimpse of those after her."

The boys immediately got to their feet and some even fought over who'll be first in line. They created quite a ruckus which made a certain black-haired girl twitch in annoyance. Everything was really comical; watching high school boys fight over such a little thing. It then made Rikku wonder how in the world the entire contest was going to progress with such actions from the contestants.

"Damn it! I was first in line!"

Marui twitched.

"No you weren't! And besides, Sakuno-chan would rather look at me than you, baka!"

Kirihara clenched his fists.

"Why are we even here again—ow! What was that for, nya?! Find your own place!"

Fuji glanced at the bickering ninjas in hoods in front of him with calculating eyes.

"Shh… quiet… Remember that we're doing a favor here and its best that we keep a low profile."

Ryoma's eyes narrowed at the thought of these guys winning.

"It would have been a pleasure to be doing this but it's just that these costumes are so hideous-"

"SHUT UP!!"

All heads immediately turned to red-faced Rikku who looked like she was on the brink of committing bloody murder.

"I can forgive you for acting like preschoolers, but insulting the costumes definitely crossed the line…" Rikku's gaze was murderous that those who were fighting over first in line retreated to the back immediately. "Honestly, if I was Sakuno-chan, I'd eliminate you guys right now," she muttered as she gazed at everyone with a starting to calm-down expression… which relieved everyone.

"Your sister's a monster…" Marui whispered to Kirihara who merely nodded in agreement.

"Tsk. Just imagine trying to survive everyday with her…" Kirihara snorted. "Wait. Why are we talking again?" Marui shrugged as the messy-haired boy merely shook his head. "Never mind you cheating like that on us a while go. At least we have the contest… And yeah, it won't be a surprise if she suddenly grew tentacles, fangs and arms…"

He, alongside those who were in the surrounding vicinity and heard his comment, chuckled in ridicule. Especially those who were scared out of their wits with a fairy glaring ice daggers at them. They were glad that someone actually had the guts to stand up to the suddenly-fearful Kirihara Rikku.

"I heard that!" Rikku snapped at his Kirihara, who was unfortunately near the stage, with a pained expression. "That was below the belt, aniki!"

The junior ignored the sudden clench of his stomach. "Geez… don't make it such a big deal, Rikku… You're kinda wasting more time than necessary with all this squabbling and exaggeration. It's already such a bother wearing these you know," he retorted back to his sister with an ugly scowl on his face.

"Stop insulting my costumes!" Rikku exclaimed, her voice so shrill that everyone's attention was suddenly on the Kirihara siblings. "Baka! You should watch your big trap and stop showcasing to the entire world how a jerk you can be-"

"Stop being a whiny brat then! We didn't all come here to hear you shriek your head off after all!" Kirihara said, his tone equally loud. "If ever you were in Ryuzaki-san's place as 'bachelorette', I don't think anyone would even bother going here!"

Kirihara flinched when she saw his sister bite her lower lip. Her doing that meant only one thing… Rikku refused to look at his direction and began to quiver.

"Childish…" Ryoma said to no one in particular. "We're wasting time…"

Fuji only continued to bemusedly watch the siblings' suddenly cold silence with each other.

"That was harsh, Kirihara," Marui muttered which earned him a 'you-don't-have-to-rub-it-in' look from the said boy. The Rikkai Dai senior turned towards Rikku who was still trying the best she could to calm herself. "Oi, Rikku... Don't take what your bro said seriously. He's just really bummed at the fact that I look better than him," he said rather shamelessly.

Kirihara scoffed, but other than that, remained silent. His rubber shoes were interesting to look at…

Rikku glanced at her comforting senpai who looked every bit sincere. A smile then graced her lips and bowed gratefully to Marui for making the effort of making her smile. Her previous enthusiasm on that day's event came back full force as she pushed back her little encounter with Akaya at the back of her mind.

"Well! I guess everything's set by now! We will be starting in a few moments!" she exclaimed in excitement. "How is the audience back there?"

Howls and claps erupted.

Then she turned to the boys lined up in front of the platform, "How 'bout you guys?" she asked in an equally cheery tone, as if nothing like an argument of some sort brewed between them.

The same loud response was what she got.

Rikku's smile widened as everyone seemed to have their spirits pumped up. Her hopes of having another fun-filled day weren't so bleak anymore.

And with that, she returned to the backstage quickly, and then cued the technical team to start the show.

Beautiful piano music echoed throughout the open field.

"There once was a wise and beautiful ruler of a kingdom far, far away…" a voice sounded through the sweet music being played.

It's starting… the four boys thought as they each held their breath for the appearance of Sakuno any moment now…

Everyone gaped at what greeted them instead.

Standing erect in all his proud and shining glory was none other than Atobe Keigo dressed in royal robes and a fine crown. Atobe turned to the audience with a ghost of a smirk, causing Ryoma, Fuji, Marui and Kirihara to be both bewildered and vexed.

"What the heck is Atobe doing here?" Ryoma muttered, still disbelieving.

"It seems that he is part of the event," Fuji said after just regaining from mild shock.

"What is your sister up to?" Marui whispered to Kirihara who was even more annoyed than ever.

"I don't even think I want to know…" the junior said with a long sigh. "Sometimes, I wonder if we really are siblings..." he muttered which earned him a displeased look from his senpai. "Don't give me that look! She started it!" he harrumphed and then tried to calm himself down. "I'm doing this for Ryuzaki-san… I'm doing this for Ryuzaki-san… I'm doing this for Ryuzaki-san…"

"We all are…" Ryoma, Fuji, and Marui said at the same time.

"Ore-sama calls for a meeting regarding her daughter's hand in marriage! Everyone must be assembled in the throne room immediately!"

With the boom of his voice, the red curtains hanging down the platform were pulled aside. A backdrop of a royal throne room with scattered props of a plastic throne, pillars, and a red carpet was then revealed.

"And I thought this wasn't a play-"

"Shhh!"

The four boys turned to the front of the line beside them, seeing several suspicious looking ninjas bickering with each other. When the other group realized that they were looking at them, they immediately kept silent and pretended as if they had not just acted weird.

"Ah! Ore-sama's loyal subjects are finally here!"

The boys were again stricken to find the entire Hyotei team dressed in noble clothing standing on stage with Atobe. The only difference was that it appeared that they were forced to appear on stage as Atobe enjoyed every bit of it.

"Your majesty… as you have requested, we have journeyed throughout the kingdom to search for all the most eligible bachelors," a bespectacled blue-haired boy started firmly. Then he nudged the capped boy beside him who scowled when he had done so.

"And today, just like you have said, we bring you the young men who are asking for your daughter's-"

"Ah, ah, ah!" Atobe interrupted as he wagged his pointer finger. "Ore-sama's magnificent, adorable, pure, and beautiful daughter! Like Ore-sama!"

Shishido sighed as the others merely sweatdropped. "…we bring you young men who are asking for your magnificent, adorable, pure, and beautiful daughter's hand in marriage."

Atobe nodded approvingly.

Ryoma, Fuji, Kirihara, and Marui suddenly felt a rush of hostility towards the Hyotei royalty. Was that even part of the script?

"Shall we invite the princess in now?" Gakuto asked excitedly.

Atobe nodded approvingly once more.

"Bring her in!"

At that, Ryuzaki Sakuno stumbled from behind the draperies as if someone pushed her on stage. Before the girl could even hit the floor, Atobe was fast enough to grab Sakuno's waist.

"Now, now... It would be immoral for a daughter to fall for her father… no matter how beautiful he is." He smiled handsomely as he continued to stare at the red-faced Sakuno.

Squeals were heard from the female population in the bleachers.

Those in line with the four boys had to restrain them from stomping off on stage and beat the living daylights out of Atobe.

"Oi... Atobe," Oshitari called.

"Hmm?" Atobe remained looking at Sakuno who was struggling to form a coherent sentence thanks to the spotlight and heavy scrutiny on her.

"I suggest that you let go of Ryuzaki-san now if you still want to come out of Rikkai Dai alive," he muttered warningly as he eyed a group in front all glaring daggers at Atobe.

"You do not need to tell ore-sama what to do, Yuushi…" Atobe said coolly and then finally let go of Sakuno and helped her stand up straight.

When everyone managed to gaze at the auburn-head fully, different reactions were heard from the crowd. There were several wolf-whistles from random directions, squeals from the audience (and even some 'Akaya-kun and Sakuno-chan forever!), and all stunned faces from the boys in front.

Sakuno's blushed intensely when she caught the faces of Ryoma, Fuji, Kirihara and Marui from where she was. Then it increased a tenfold when she realized how massive was the number of boys in front of her. There were some who were smiling suggestively at her, some ogled her openly, and the others wore an excited grin on their face.

Everyone eyed her intently… and it made her greatly uncomfortable.

It was as if she was the lone prey for all the predators.

She shuddered at the thought.

For a moment, she wanted to become invisible again…

"Psst… Ryuzaki-san… your line…" Ohtori muttered rather shyly.

Sakuno instantly snapped from her reverie and blushed a different shade of red when she realized she had spaced out in front of everyone. "Ah…" She cleared her throat and took a deep breath before speaking. "What is it, father?" she asked Atobe in a practiced voice.

"Ore-sama has decided to find you a suitable husband as early as now…" Atobe stated firmly. "And ore-sama shall be choosing amongst the commoners here-"

"WHAT?!" the contestants roared.

"Idiots! These are all part of the script!" Shishido cried exasperated. He was annoyed for being stranded on stage for a long time now.

Sakuno wanted to slap her forehead right there and then.

"As ore-sama was saying!" Atobe exclaimed, also annoyed for being interrupted. "He will be the one to decide whom my beautiful daughter shall marry! Most likely, a young man from our brother nation in order to strengthen our ties…"

"B-But father!" Sakuno stuttered. "I-I do not like to be betrothed to someone I do not love. My fate cannot be decided upon merely because you're my father and you say so… I-I am free to make my own choices and I have the right to decide on my own… I am not to be forced…"

Atobe gazed long and hard at the starting to be teary-eyed Sakuno (who was really actually on the brink of crying because of so much nervousness) before giving his consent.

"Ore-sama doesn't like his lovely daughter to be sad so he shall grant her request. Agreed!" he said which earned him several claps from the audience. "But how do you propose finding the man for you in this mammoth crowd?" he asked while glancing at the already pumped-up contestants.

"I suggest that a competition would be the most appropriate in cutting down a huge number," Oshitori said while pushing his eyeglasses closer to the bridge of his nose. "A competition that would include several specifications that would indicate an individual to proceed to the next round."

"Ah… wisely said, Yuushi," Atobe remarked while acting contemplative about the matter.

"But father! That is like choosing for me too!" Sakuno exclaimed.

"My dear… the heavens will bestow you the proper husband with this competition! Ore-sama can feel it! At least he agreed into not choosing himself… It will be God who will do so…" Atobe explained. "Don't you have faith in the Lord?"

Sakuno sighed. "I do…"

"A competition for ore-sama's beautiful daughter's heart it is!"

He snapped his fingers and all his royal subjects bowed and immediately rushed to the doorway behind the draperies. Before going, Atobe flipped his hair gracefully and reminded his 'daughter' to follow and then disappeared in the same doorway.

Sakuno was about to follow but halted when she was midway from the exit. She spared a last glance towards the contestants who all looked expectant with her delay in following. Taking a deep breath, she mustered enough courage to twirl around and bow to everyone.

"A-Arigatou…" she said… and then left.

- - - - -

"What is Sakuno-hime's favorite color?"

Fuji smiled knowingly as he gazed at the scribbled word 'pink' on the placard right in front of him.

The first round was held in the exact same spot Sakuno was first introduced. Four long lines were formed behind four placards held by each of the 'royal subjects'. It was currently the round of instincts with regards to the bachelorette's likes and dislikes. There were four options, and three of those options are correct. The people who picked the wrong choice were the ones eliminated. The number was to be decreased to one fourth of everyone who signed up until the contest was to proceed to the next round.

The tennis tensai glanced to his right and noticed the suspicious-looking ninjas in front of the 'yellow' placard. Then the Rikkai Dai admirers, Kirihara and Marui, along with others he wasn't familiar with were in front of the 'purple' card. Suddenly curious as to where a certain pillar of support was, Fuji turned around… and then smiled.

"Echizen…" he greeted when he found the freshman just behind him, suddenly looking alarmed. Fuji grinned at Ryoma rather accusingly which caused the younger boy to internally twitch in annoyance.

"What?" Ryoma snapped and then looked away. "Che. Don't think I'm following you around. It's obvious she likes pink…"

Fuji grinned even wider. "I didn't even say anything..." he chuckled.

Rikku looked up from the paper she was holding. "Sakuno-hime likes the colors yellow…"

Cheers.

"…purple…"

More cheers.

"…and pink!"

Cheers were heard from the people behind Fuji as groans were heard from the people who chose black.

"Thanks for joining, minna!" Rikku remarked to those who were eliminated. Then she smiled at those who remained… though skipping the line of her brother. "Shall we proceed then? Okay! First, please proceed to the border line before I say the next question."

The boys were fast enough to comply, all eager to go to the next round.

After making sure that everyone was behind the border line, "What is Sakuno-hime good at?"

Different sets of placards were brought out by the Hyotei 'nobles' labeled: 'tennis', 'cooking', 'science', 'locating places'.

The sound of the whistle echoed.

From Ryoma's peripheral vision, he could see Marui and Kirihara heading towards 'tennis'. He smirked widely when it dawned on him that that was the least likely to become the auburn-head's strength alongside 'locating places'. The choice 'science', on the other hand, was something random that he didn't have any intentions of going to it too. The conversation in the coffee shop about Sakuno's sudden skills in tennis was actually forgotten, which then led him to settling to the choice of 'cooking'.

Admittedly, he had always found Sakuno's cooking delicious.

Rushing towards the 'cooking' placard, he suddenly found himself behind someone familiar again.

The said person turned around, and Ryoma had to suppress a sigh.

"Why Echizen… Following me again?" Fuji asked with feigned surprise. "You know that you won't win Sakuno-chan if you don't get to know her yourself…" he said with a smile.

Ryoma huffed. "Why does it seem like you think that you know Ryuzaki better..." And if you must know… she gave me a lot more food than you, he thought with a growing smug smile. "And it's not like I never tasted her food before…" he muttered.

Fuji surprisingly chuckled. "You seem to be assured that you know a lot about Sakuno-chan," he started, taunting the younger boy to react… which expectedly happened.

Ryoma glared at the highly amused brunet.

"Saa… if I ask you. Among the choices, what would be Sakuno-chan's weakness?" Fuji asked with a mischievous smile.

Ryoma froze. This was what exactly he was contemplative about since a while ago! Tennis or locating places? Tennis or locating places? he repeatedly thought, still finding it hard to believe that it was possible Sakuno was good in tennis while wanting to believe that the auburn-head had outgrown her ridiculous ways of getting lost. "…tennis."

"…science!"

Both Ryoma and Fuji snapped their heads toward the presently cheering line in front of the 'science' placard with mild surprise. She was good at science?

"…cooking!"

Ryoma and Fuji's line erupted into wild applause.

"…and tennis!"

Ryoma was left wide-eyed for the next moments as Fuji just smiled knowingly. The two watched Marui and Kirihara exchange high-fives as the line in front of the 'locating places' moved out of the playing area.

"It may appear that Marui and Kirihara have better chances of getting to know Sakuno-chan more now," Fuji started, surprising Ryoma for not having spoken words of tease. "…but that shouldn't stop us from righting what we did wrong before…"

We're mada mada dane… Ryoma smirked as his senpai's words sank in. "Maybe…"

Having found a new determination, Ryoma and Fuji thought about as much as they knew about Ryuuzaki Sakuno as the first round of the competition progressed. They were well aware of Marui and Kirihara's edge since there were countless things the two Seigaku regulars could have not known about the auburn-head, but this didn't stop them from continuing and giving their best. They both liked the girl after all.

One thing kept the competition from being completely fun though…

"Who the heck are those ninja guys?!" Kirihara screamed, on the brink of turning to 'devil' mode.

After several more questions, the number of contestants was narrowed down to a total of only 36 males: Ryoma, Fuji, Marui, Kirihara, familiar faces like Sakuno'c classmates and a few more from the tennis club… and the ninja guys who were still left unknown.

"Since only a few of you are left, this will be the last question for the first round," Rikku said as she fished in the bowl containing the questions in strips of paper. "And since this is the final question, there will be a few changes to our rules."

There was silence as everyone looked at the smiling girl.

"Among the choices, there will only be one correct answer, also having no limit to how many will remain in a line. This last question will be very crucial for the advancement of bachelors to the next round…"

At that instant, Ryoma, Fuji, Marui, and Kirihara were staring at each other, as if each of them were communicating through their eyes saying, 'it's on'.

"Okay! Final question!" The placards for the question were immediately brought out with the choices: 'troll', 'dragon', 'leprechaun', 'witch'. For some unknown reasons, the lettering of the choices were done in a sloppy way. "If you were to associate Ryuzaki-san to a mythical creature, what would it be?" Rikku asked… unexpectedly looking incredulous and surprised.

There was a sudden wave of murmurs amongst the audience and the contestants, but the competition continued. After the whistle sounded, Ryoma noticed that everyone who was left appeared to be totally clueless and indecisive of what to choose at the same time.

Fuji settled for a choice soon enough, which was 'dragon', probably deciding that it was the lesser of the evils. Being the only one who looked sure of his answer, the ninja guys followed Fuji with sheer hope that the tensai's pick was correct.

On the other hand, Marui was contemplative of whether following Fuji or opt for another answer. In the end, he chose to line up in front of 'witch'. Half of the remaining followed him, feeling quite assured that the Rikkai Dai senior knew what he was doing.

When Kirihara saw that the nerd-looking guys who were part of the 36 chose the 'leprechaun' option, he immediately eliminated that pick from his choices and decided it was either to follow Fuji or Marui. Up to that moment, the 'troll' placard had not been chosen. Fearing that that was the least likely of the rest, he eliminated that choice too. After several more moments of thinking, Kirihara eventually followed Fuji who vexingly smiled at him when that happened. He merely harrumphed in response.

Ryoma approached the 'troll' option which earned him disbelieving eyes from everyone.

No way was he going to follow Fuji, Marui, Kirihara, the ninjas, or a bunch of nerds.

"And the answer is…"

Drum roll.

"…troll…?" Rikku cried, also disbelieving, which caused everyone's gaze to land on a greatly surprised Ryoma who turned smug right after.

Complete silence.

"…how can Ryuzaki-san be a troll, idiot!" Kirihara asked his sister with accusing eyes.

"Hey! I was just reading the answer here alright!" Rikku retorted hotly.

"Make sure to do your part properly! No way can Ryuzaki-san be a troll and let Echizen win just like that," Kirihara shouted, causing the younger of the sibling's eyes to blaze in fury.

"I don't know what the heck happened here, but I have nothing to do with this!"

"Baka! Of course you do!"

"No I don't!"

"Yes you do!"

"Oi… do I get a date with Ryuzaki now?" Ryoma asked all of a sudden, ceasing the sibling fight in the process.

Both Kirihara and Rikku turned to the smirking tennis prince. "NO!"

"I think you picked the wrong question, Kirihara-san."

All eyes immediately diverted to Fuji who was standing by the table where the bowl of questions were placed. He had an orange strip of paper in his hand and turned it to everyone who could see. The paper had one side with a star which said, 'final question'.

"This is the real question…" His eyes snapped open, revealing his cerulean orbs.

Several squeals were heard from the audience.

"The star marker which indicates it as the final question had been copied…" Fuji explained while showing the paper Rikku had picked. One side of the paper which was the start fell off, revealing it as only a sticker.

"I didn't mind the new fonts of the placards until now," Marui added as he checked the cardboards the Hyotei 'nobles' were holding. "They were rashly written…" he remarked. "And this style is hauntingly familiar…"

Silence.

Then surprising chuckles from one of the contestants led everyone into glaring at him. He was silenced by a jerk of the elbow of another of his ninja 'mates'.

Ryoma, Fuji, Marui, and both Kiriharas looked at the ninjas suspiciously.

"Since the first round has been ruined, I guess we just have to let everyone proceed then," Rikku said with a sigh. "Sorry, Ryoma-kun."

The said boy frowned which caused the other three of the admirers to suppress their laughs.

- - - - -

"When did they have the time to fix all this?" Marui said in wonder.

As soon as Rikku announced that the remaining 36 were to proceed to the next round, the contestants were immediately brought to a different venue: the school campus. The 36 were then asked to enter the west wing part of the campus, and was greatly surprised to find that the school halls were decorated like that of a palace's. Cardboard armors and cloth draperies were arranged wonderfully in all significant nooks of the wing. The lockers were covered in wallpaper, having paintings placed on them. And they were walking on red carpet.

"I didn't know that Rikkai Dai was this rich…" Fuji remarked as he too, was amazed with the surroundings.

"Not really," Kirihara replied while gazing at the ceiling with beads and golden tubes forming a chandelier. "We just really prepare for the annual fair."

"What exactly are we looking for?" Ryoma asked all of a sudden, a frown still on his face for the mess-up a while ago.

"The way up to the 'tower'…" Marui said. "We have to find Sakuno, remember?"

Ryoma huffed. "I know that. I just asked that because we had been walking for a long time already…" he said. "…mada mada dane…" he added when Marui looked away.

"Where are the stairs in the west wing of your school, Kirihara?" Fuji asked.

The black-haired junior turned to the expectant brunet. "…Why should I tell you?"

Fuji smiled. "Ah… being competitive, are we?"

Upon turning to right of the corridor, the company was greeted with a fork. Four hallways that supposedly joined were only cut into two halls as the remaining was blocked by tables stacked on top of each other.

Without another word, Kirihara and Marui both chose their sides: Kirihara taking the left, and Marui the right. The 32 others, excluding Ryoma and Fuji, also split themselves. It appeared that both ways led to the staircase since if only one led to it, then all the Rikkai Dai contestants would have headed to that hallway. Ryoma and Fuji were completely clueless to the building, and it took them a few moments to finally decide.

After looking at each other, Fuji followed Kirihara. Ryoma followed Marui.

…and that was the start of the adventure.

- - - - -

"Are you sure you know where you're going, Kirihara?"

"Of course I am!" the said boy snapped at the chuckling Fuji. "It's just that freaking Rikku and the rest of the council had to barricade the shortest way to the stairs," he explained with a frown. "If you haven't noticed, the paths that Rikku only wants us to take would be the one with the red carpet. Tsk. And you call yourself a genius."

Fuji only smiled, feeling triumphed for annoying the Rikkai Dai junior once more.

"Eh… I don't get why you're still smiling when we're walking around in circles, having them still in the game," he muttered as he pointed his thumb towards the company behind them. "Gah! This is so irritating and boring! Where's the adventure?"

Suddenly, as if Kirihara's words were a cue, the hallway they were just about to enter was blocked by a part of the ceiling moving down to block their way.

"What the…" Kirihara muttered surprised.

Then, the speaker plastered on a wall came to life.

"You are now exactly midway from the stairs to the tower… but is contained in the blocked area until you are to endure the rain of bouncing balls." Everyone looked incredulous. "If you are to survive this obstacle, you will be opened to a shortcut to the staircase. Ganbatte! May the strongest among you win!"

Silence.

"Gah Rikku! When she said 'survive', what exactly did she mean…?" Kirihara scowled.

"I guess that would mean 'not being knocked unconscious," Fuji supplied helpfully.

The rest froze.

"RIKKU!"

Big dents suddenly appeared on the ceiling… then a rain of balls poured indeed.

Fuji and Kirihara avoided each with ease, having to have some agility gained from their tennis practices. With the downpour of balls, in didn't take even several minutes for half of the company to be already knocked out. Most of the nerd-looking ones were already lying on the floor. There were still some who were part of the tennis club who struggled in keeping up with Fuji and Kirihara's resistance against the bouncing objects, but it wasn't long enough when they too, were knocked out.

Surprisingly, it was only the ninjas who were at par with the two admirers.

"Honestly, who are you guys?" Kirihara cried while managing to avoid a ball that was about to hit him square on the face. "You've been really annoying me since a while ago you know…"

"You are annoyed with everything, Kirihara," Fuji remarked with a chuckle which earned him amused snorts from the ninjas, and a deadly glare from the said boy himself.

Five more minutes passed by before the rain of the balls came to a halt.

Having to have only Fuji, Kirihara, and the five ninjas left, a pathway was then opened for them… and was met by knights in shining armor… with bokkens.

- - - - -

"Where the heck did they get all this from?!" Marui screamed while being air-borne.

Ryoma was also jumping at that time, avoiding the relentless popping of goo from the holes in floor and the side of the walls. "Why not be of help and eat this stuff?" Ryoma said with a smirk. "You like gum, don't you?"

Marui glared at the freshman. "I wonder why Seigaku tolerate such impudence from a short freshman," he said. "It's as if I'm not older than you!" he exclaimed while dodging another spurt of sticky goo.

Already half of their company was trapped by the pink goo. The speaker was right. It appeared to be impossible to break free from the goo unless it was cut.

"Well… you're not really my senpai," Ryoma said in response, dodging a spurt too.

He accidentally bumped onto Marui who glared at him and pushed him away.

"I can't believe Ryuzaki's going to marry you," Ryoma snapped with a deadly glare himself.

"And I can't believe that you're still after her even if you know that I am supposed to marry her…" Marui deadpanned. "And that goes for you guys too!" he shouted at the group of ninjas who were doing as well as then in dodging the spurt of pink, sticky goo.

For the next five minutes, the appearance of goo continued until it eventually ceased, and the promised doorway appeared. Ryoma, Marui, and the five ninjas exited the room.

"Congratulations for passing the test, commoners."

All heads immediately snapped to where the voice came from, and was greeted by Hyotei's Oshitari, Gakuto, and Hiyoshi. Then the contestants noticed that behind the three 'knights' who greeted them, were three other knights (Shishido, Ohtori, and Kabaji) who were currently busy trying to hit the Kirihara, Fuji, and five other ninjas.

Are they serious? both Ryoma and Marui thought, suddenly feeling dreadful for being about to be attacked.

Oshitari smirked at the two boys' reaction. "Don't worry… all you have to do is get pass through us."

And at that, the three of them lunged at Ryoma and Marui who were already in a fighting stance… and were blocked by the five ninjas instead.

"Run!" one of them said while evading a swing from Oshitari.

The look of plain 'huh?' was on Ryoma and Marui's faces.

"HAIYIYIYIYIYIYIYIYI!!" Hiyoshi cried while striking for the face of one of the ninjas.

Luckily, the ninja managed to avoid it in the nick of time… but his mask fell.

"Kikumaru-senpai?!" Ryoma said wide-eyed.

"Gah ochibi! Make it faster! I didn't go as far as this just to waste your chance getting to cute Ryuzaki-chan, nya!" he exclaimed while jumping up and down to avoid the attacks of a gone-wild Hiyoshi. "Nya! I haven't said 'nya' for a long time, nya! So hard keeping quiet to do ochibi a favor!"

Ryoma and Marui were still stranded in place, uncomprehending.

"Damn it, Echizen! Get moving!"

"Momo-senpai?" Ryoma gaped as the Seigaku junior barely escaped an attack from Gakuto. "Who are the other ninjas?"

"Echizen… go…" Oishi's voice sounded from one of the ninjas who were blocking Oshitari from going to Ryoma. "Kaidoh, Inui and I will block them."

"Who else is here?" Marui asked.

"BURNING!!"

The two turned towards the other side of the hall, where the familiar faces of Kawamura, Yagyuu, Yanagi, Jackal, and Niou were blocking the attacks of the other knights as well. The other ninjas appeared to be ushering Fuji and Kirihara to get moving too.

"And I thought Sanada would be here…" Marui muttered quite disappointed that he wouldn't see his fuku-buchou acting all goofy.

"And Yukimura…" Kirihara added.

"And Tezuka…" Fuji said with a smile.

"That would have been funny…" Ryoma smirked.

"GET MOVING!" was the roar of the ninjas, breaking the four from their momentary reverie.

And at that, Ryoma, Fuji, Marui and Kirihara finally complied, leaving the battle between the ninjas and knights.

At the top of the stairs, the four were greeted by the sight of a sleeping auburn-head behind glass doors. The boys immediately ran towards it, only to find out that the door was locked.

"It seems that only four has reached this far…" a voice echoed. "This final round is quite simple actually. All you have to do is to pick one of the keys in the chest by the door… Each of you is only given one chance to try a key to unlock the door. If none of you is lucky enough to draw the right key… then it would be up to the princess to pick among the four of you."

The four boys stiffened at the last statement. They weren't quite ready for the auburn-head to decide now…

"Good luck!"

The admirers looked at each other, their gaze holding for a few moments.

"Shall we pick then?" Fuji said, first to break the silence.

The other three nodded, and then they huddled around the chest. Fuji opened the chest, and was greeted by mounts of keys.

"We don't have time to check all of these one by one and see if it's the same shape as the lock on the door…" Kirihara mumbled annoyed. "Not to mention making it harder with you guys in here…"

"Stop whining, Kirihara," Marui sighed and reached for a key.

He compared the shape of the key and the hole in the lock of the door and sighed again. "Gah! It's impossible to do this!"

"And you said no whining…" Ryoma muttered.

"Hmm… since the four of us made it this far… I suggest that we make a little deal." Fuji smiled and opened his eyes which made the other three suddenly uncomfortable. "Let's trust our gut feeling and pick one key now, not allowed picking another from the chest again… I don't think we have all the time in the world to compare each key with the lock."

"What made you the leader all of a sudden?" Marui asked with a narrow gaze.

"I'm only saying a reasonable suggestion…" Fuji remarked with a shrug. "And it's only to be fair," he said with a growing grin.

Silence.

"Fine!" Marui said, dropping the first key he got and gazed long and hard in the chest for another. After moments of choosing, he grabbed the key most likely to be the same shape as that of the hole in the lock.

Ryoma followed right after, getting the key with a circle handle.

After a calculating gaze, Fuji got a key.

Then the three turned to Kirihara who looked serious in choosing.

After three minutes…

"Make it faster, Kirihara!" Marui exclaimed exasperated.

"Fine! Fine!" Opting to get the key with the star handle, Kirihara finally got a hold of his pick.

Then the four started trying the lock.

Marui went first. After slipping the key in, he held his breath before turning the lock… but it didn't budge. "GAH!!"

Ryoma and Fuji smirked at the currently sulking Marui by the corner.

Then it was Ryoma's turn… but the key didn't make it through in fitting the hole. "#..." Ryoma muttered before throwing the key aside and glared holes at the smiling Fuji.

"Who'll go first?" Fuji asked the unexpectedly silent Kirihara.

"You can," the black-haired junior said without second thoughts. He was hysteric in the inside, fearing that the contest would resort into having Sakuno choose among them. And if that was the case, all hopes were lost for him.

Fuji approached the door and slipped the key inside.

The three others held their breath…

"It seems like I have chosen the wrong key…" Fuji admitted after failing. He turned to the others with a smile and tossed his key back to the chest. "Your turn, Kirihara…"

With a thumping heart, Kirihara headed for the door. He clutched the star-handled key in his fist in nervousness. He stopped right in front of it when he reached it, positioned the key and slipped it inside…

- - - - -

She had never been more nervous in her entire life. After being informed that she was to wait inside the room with a glass door and pretend that she was sleeping beauty, the color red never left her face. She had been cooed by the council members that that was her only part in the entire competition… to wait. But then was surprised that when the means of getting to her failed, she would have to choose between those who reached the glass door.

Admittedly, she'd rather have someone enter the room than make her choose.

Breaking the absolute peace that reigned for the past minutes, footsteps suddenly sounded in the room. Her heart thumped wildly as she nervously anticipated what will happen next. If it was Rikku informing her that it was time to choose, then she would have spoken a long time ago… right?

Silence.

She grew restless with who could possibly be with her in the room. Couldn't contain her discomfort any longer, she slowly opened her eyes… and was met by a familiar face leaning down hers for a kiss.

Her eyes snapped open fully.

The sweet lips on hers were a new sensation for her, as it seemed to perfectly fit her cherry ones. The pressure was very soft and light, but she could feel everything poured out in that one kiss… The kiss of someone she had not yet even identified. Her mind was too distracted to function, unable to comprehend the face so near hers. It was the kiss that stuck to her mind… the kiss that suddenly turned passionate as more moments passed by, the boy seemingly gaining more courage.

Then it was at the shouts she heard… that she found out who was her kisser.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"Oi! Get away from her!"

"I don't think this was part of what you were supposed to do, Kirihara…"

It was Kirihara kissing her?

She was the one who ceased the kiss for oxygen, her face fully red. The boy was gazing back at her with wide eyes, appearing to be disbelieving with what he just did.

"Kirihara-senpai…"

The said boy suddenly grinned goofily. "I won, Ryuzaki-san..."

- - - - -

To be continued…

A/N: I'm really, really, really, really, really (a million times more) sorry for the looooooooooooong wait. This story was actually put on temporary hiatus until P,Wl is finished. But I couldn't resist. :P I really missed this story, and so, I took time to write the next chapter… and voila! Here it is! XD I hope you guys enjoyed! Please drop by a review and tell me what you think.

P.S.: I'll give you guys one more day after the day I updated to vote on the poll. I've already listed possibilities on how to narrow down the number of admirers to only one for Sakuno-chan. Well, it depends on the poll actually… so I'll still be waiting one more day.

P.P.S.: I had no idea what got to me into making four guys like Sakuno-chan. T.T It's complicated… really. haha. But fun, nonetheless.

P.P.P.S: Sorry for the grammatical errors… Gah. This chap hasn't been betaed yet.