ACGOMN: Here's the next chapter.
I don't own Prince of Tennis.
Chapter 20
"And we can build this thing together, stand in stone forever, nothing's gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers we'll still have each other.
Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us now.
I'm so glad I found you, I'm not gonna lose you, whatever it takes to stay here with you.
Take it to the good times; see it through the bad times.
Whatever it take is what I'm gonna do." – Starting Line 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now'
It was a brisk October day where the leaves were changing colors and falling. At the Echizen house, which is also doubles as a temple, were people preparing for the wedding of Nanako and Tusya. The whole Echizen family was coming including cousins, aunts, uncles, and the patriarch of the family. Nanjirou's father, Echizen Ryoichi was currently glaring down Tusya to try and intimidate him, which wasn't working. Nanako was his first granddaughter and second grandchild.
"So you allowed your sister to invite her friends because of your limited family," asked Ryoichi.
"Yes," replied Tusya. "It was actually Nanako's idea. Faith and Nanako get along very well."
"I see," said Ryoichi. Nanjirou was snickering in the corner at Tusya's predicament. "Nanjirou it's not nice to laugh."
"I wasn't doing anything Chichi-ue," said Nanjirou.
"Anyway, let's leave young Wheeler here to think things over," said Ryoichi. Tusya internally sighed. Sometimes he hated the fact that he changed the way he was, but he could not really complain, now could he?
"Oi, Aniki you scared yet," asked Faith, entering the room.
"No."
"The chairs are set up, the minister is here, the caterers that Hikari got are just about to invade the Echizen kitchen and the guests are arriving," said Faith. "And everyone in the bridal and grooms parties are dressed."
"And is Nanako almost ready," asked Tusya.
"Yep! So I am going to see in the guests as the best woman," grinned Faith. Yes instead of a best man Tusya had a best woman. And if you never heard of that then this is the first place you heard of it. But of course Faith is wearing a dress and not a suit. Also in Tusya's party was Chris, Ryoma (He was made to), and Hunter (yes you read that right). In Nanako's party the maid of honor was a cousin named Sakura, and then down the list was more cousins Hina, Kiki, and Machiko.
"Nya! Tusya-san how are you feeling," asked Eiji, coming in. "Faith-chan told me to keep you company."
"Ah thanks Kikumaru," said Tusya. "Is Hunter bothering you again?"
"Don't worry about it. She's just jealous that Faith-chan has another best friend," said Eiji. Tusya nodded. He knew that was not the reason why Hunter disliked Kikumaru. Poor kid.
"And Fuji does not have a problem with you calling Faith your other best friend," asked Tusya.
"Of course not," said Eiji. " Fuji likes Faith, and that she protects Sapphire-chan when he isn't around. Though Sapphire-chan can take care of herself." The older man just listened to the red head babble on. He is a nice kid. But he is way too energetic for my taste. But I guess Faith can deal with him thought Tusya.
"Oi idiot I can't believe that you are actually getting hitched to some school girl," said Hunter, barging in. She then spotted Eiji. "What are you doing here?"
"Faith-chan told me to keep Tusya-san company," answered Eiji.
" Hunter do not call Nanako a school girl," sighed Tusya. "And don't be mean to Kikumaru."
"Yeah, yeah," said Hunter. "Anyway the ceremony starts in five minutes. Let's just hope that the bride doesn't get cold feet." Tusya suddenly paled.
"Hunter-san that's not nice," frowned Eiji. Faith came in and looked confused.
"Aniki you need to get to the alter," said Faith. The moment of truth, muhahaha. Anyway Tusya, Faith, Chris, Ryoma, and Hunter stood at the alter waiting. The music began and first came out the flower girl. The flowers were red and white rose petals in which the entire backyard was covered in those flowers. The tables were alternating white and red table clothes. Finally the bride's music came on and Nanako was being escorted by Ryoichi to the alter.
"Who gives this bride away," asked the minister.
"I the grandfather does," said Ryoichi, letting Nanako going up to Tusya. And after giving one more glare at Tusya he sat down. Then the wedding proceeded. Eventually the vow part came up and the wrote their own. First was Nanako.
"Tusya I thought I would never find someone to love me like you do. You may be overly expression but I know you care for me. I'm just so happy that you picked me to be with you until the day we die," said Nanako, smiling with happy tears in her eyes. The minister nodded to allow Tusya to say his.
"Nanako I promise to be the best husband, father or whatever you need me to be. I do love you very much. I never thought that someone as sweet, gentle and kind as you would go for someone like me, but I was proved wrong. I will protect you to the end of my days," said Tusya. Faith was giggling lightly, while other people were 'awing' or such.
"Now you may exchange rings," said the minister. Faith handed Tsuya the one for Nanako while Sakura (the cousin) handed Nanako the one for Tusya. After they placed the gold bands on each other, "I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Tusya thus kissed Nanako and the whole place erupted in claps. The reception was in the yard as well and people got seated, while the people that Hikari hired placed the dance floor and the band set up. Actually it was Hunter, Chris and Kim's band they had that was performing for free. It's their wedding gift from the three because normally they charged by each song they sang.
"Ne, where's Faith-chan," asked Eiji to Fuji.
"I think see disappeared into the house," said Fuji. "Maybe she had to use the bathroom."
"I wonder how good Hunter's band is," wondered Hiroko, who despite Hunter and Hiroko not getting along heard from Faith that Hunter was an awesome guitar player and singer.
"Alright folks," said Hunter in the microphone. "We're Four Star and we'll be your band this evening. Now before the food is served we will have the first dance as husband and wife for Nanako-san and Tusya." It took all Hunter's willpower not to call Tusya an idiot or some other insulting name. "But first we have to wait for our singer of this song to get her BUTT OUT HERE!" Everyone sweatdropped at Hunter.
"Does this mean that someone else is singing the first dance song," asked Sapphire. "I bet its Faith."
"You think? I never heard her sing," said Hikari, watching all the workers like a hawk.
"Oh I remember Faith-chan mentioning that she could sing but preferred to pay an instrument," said Eiji, happily.
"Okay people sorry for the wait but Hunter made me get redressed," said Faith, coming over to the band. Eiji, Fuji, Taka, Oishi, Inui, Sapphire, Hiroko, Ryoma, and Hikari's jaw dropped at the sight of Faith's outfit. Zoe Claire, who was actually up, was grinning and giving her a thumps up, while Tezuka just stared blankly at her. Faith had changed from her red dress of being the best woman to a black gothic type dress. Hunter had the same dress but it was in blood red. Faith was also wearing black eyeliner, which she never wore makeup before and her nails were painted black.
"We'll be singing a song from an awesome American band called Aerosmith," said Hunter. "It's called 'I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing.'" The guitarist nodded to Faith, who took the microphone from Hunter.
"Will the bride and groom step onto the dance floor," asked Faith, looking right her brother and sister-in-law. The two walked on the dance floor and the song began with music starting. Tusya and Nanako began dancing.
"I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
While you're far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure?
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Lying close to you
Feeling your heart beating
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming
Wondering if it's me you're seeing
Then I kiss your eyes and thank God we're together
And I just wanna stay with you
In this moment forever, forever and ever
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss one smile
I don't wanna miss one kiss
Well, I just wanna be with you
Right here with you, just like this
I just wanna hold you close
Feel your heart so close to mine
And just stay here in this moment
For all the rest of time
Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
'Cause I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream would never do
I'd still miss you, baby
And I don't wanna miss a thing
Don't wanna close my eyes
Don't wanna fall asleep, yeah
I don't wanna miss a thing
I don't wanna miss a thing," sang out Faith. People clapped of course it was a great song and Faith sang it wonderfully. After that the reception began with the food being served and so on. Hunter, Chris and Kim played music while eating. That, of course, is quite a feet for anyone.
"Nya Faith-chan you do great," said Eiji, glomping Faith.
"Thanks," she said. "Anyway, after we eat I have to dance. But since I can't very well dance with the maid of honor I was hoping you Eiji-kun would be my dancing partner."
"Sure, Faith-chan," grinned Eiji.
"So Kari who did you hired to make the food," asked Hiroko to her second cousin.
"A nice Italian place," said Hikari. (1) "Kaiba recommended it, even though he and the owner do not get along."
"Yeah me and my brother are half Italian and half Japanese born in America," said Faith.
"That's one of the reasons why I thought of this place," said Hikari.
"So how are you doing with the whole you and Atobe thing," asked Sam.
"I'm failing miserably," said Hikari, grinning. Everyone just sweatdropped. She doesn't seem to be losing hope so that is all that matters. "Hey Hiroko why are you wearing Tezuka's suit coat?"
"You see I put my dress in my bag so I could get change at your place like we planned, but my beloved Aniki switched my dress with something that he says will make me look better," pouted Hiroko.
"Ah so that's why you were wearing your jacket," said Sam. "But you took it off."
"And I lost it," said Hiroko, face faulting.
"Saa, isn't Tezuka such a gentleman," said Fuji, who just got glare from the stoic boy.
"I could not very well let her walk around with that thing on," said Tezuka, not too happy with her brother who made his sister wear such an atrocious thing. As soon as he saw her in that dress at the door he offered her the suit coat. He would not let one of his good friend that was a girl walk around like that with men that could get he wrong idea about her.
"See, I told you it is bad," said Hiroko. She suspected her brother did this on purpose because he needs someone to vent his anger on since he and his boyfriend are on a 'break'.
"Food," said Zoe Claire.
"Do you know what I noticed about you Black-chan," said Fuji. "You do some of the seven deadly sins—Sloth, Pride, and Gluttony."
'Thanks but I already knew that," said Zoe Claire, rolling her eyes at the tensai's words.
"That's not nice Fuji," said Oishi.
"Saa, but it's true," said Fuji. Sapphire remained quiet, but that was normal. But the problem was that she had a bad feeling that something horrible was coming very soon. "Are you alright Sapphire-chan? You look upset about something."
"I'm fine Fuji-kun I swear," said Sapphire, smiling to throw the tensai off her case. "Ah Hunter-san is an excellent singer, but she has a somewhat depressing tone to her singing."
"That's Hunter for you," said Faith. "I would have sung the whole time but Hunter insisted for once that I hang with you guys."
"That's oddly nice of her," said Hiroko, narrowing her eyes in suspicious.
"Oh Hiroko-chan I'm sure Hunter-san is just accepting us finally," said Eiji. The baseball player sighed, maybe he was right.
"Alright folks you can all head up on the dance floor and we take requests," said Hunter. People began going on the dance floor. Hunter began playing another song.
"Come on Faith-chan," said Eiji, dragging her onto the dance floor.
"Saa so which one of you girls would like to dance with me," asked Fuji.
"I don't dance," said Zoe Claire and Sam at the same time.
"I guess I will," said Hikari. Fuji cocked his head at an odd angle. "Well what are you waiting for tensai? I don't have all night." Fuji just smiled and took the vice president's hand.
"Sapphire-chan I thought for sure you would like to dance," said Oishi, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not allowed to, Okaa-chan's orders," said Sapphire, with a smile. Just then a man and a girl approached the table.
"Have you seen Faith," asked the girl with a fake smile.
"She's out on the dance floor with Eiji," answered Hiroko, ready to get all defensive. "And who might you two be?"
"I'm her cousin Michelle," said the girl.
"And I'm her older brother," said the man. "I'm Mario." Hiroko didn't like the aura that came off of those two.
"I see," said Hiroko. She looked over to where Hunter was and noticed that Hunter was glaring at the two cousins. "Faith is busy so you can go elsewhere now." The two left but not before saying something in Italian, but unfortunately for them Zoe Claire knew Italian.
"Hey you two get back here and say that again in Japanese this time," said Zoe Claire, awake.
"What they say," asked Hiroko, puzzled.
"I shall not repeat that," said Zoe Claire. "but it was horribly rude." Befor anything started Tusya came over.
"You two I told you not to ask about Faith," said Tusya, talking to his cousins. "The only reason you were invited is because you are the only family we have left nothing more nothing less."
"Yes Tusya," said both scared senseless, leaving.
"Woh, that was awesome," said Hiroko. "You got to them to leave with just one look."
"Yes," said Tusya. "But where is Faith?"
"Dancing with Eiji," said Sam. The brother of Faith looked over at the dance floor and spotted them.
"Ah," said Tusya. Hunter is going to kill Kikumaru. He left to go back to his bride obviously.
"I'm going to the bathroom," said Hiroko. "Oi, Ochibi where is it in your house?"
"When you enter the back door you wind up in the living room then find the stairs go up them. It'll be two doors on your right," said Ryoma, drinking a Ponta (what else?). Hiroko nodded and left.
"You are an excellent dancer Hikari-chan," said Fuji.
"Yeah I had to take lessons when I was younger with Atobe," said Hikari.
"Nya where did Kaa-chan go Otou-chan," asked Eiji, bringing Faith back to the table.
"Kikumaru how many times do I have to tell you don't call us that," said Tezuka. "She went to the bathroom."
"Saa," said Fuji. "Taka-san why don't you go dance with Hikari, you look bored."
"Eh," said Taka.
"Sure come on Taka-san it'll be fun," said Hikari, grabbing Taka's hand to drag him off to the dance floor.
"Fujiko you are evil," said Eiji.
"Ii data," said Inui. Sam just sighed.
"What about you data boy do you know how to dance," asked Sam.
"No."
"I bet Tezuka doesn't know how to dance either," said Hiroko, just returning from the bathroom. Tezuka grunted as a response.
"Actually he does," said Fuji.
" FUJI," growled out Tezuka.
"Nya buchou knows how to dance this I got to see," said Eiji.
"Eh Tezuka you wanna dance," asked Hiroko, holding out her hand. She was grinning. Obviously Fuji and Hiroko had an understood agreement to annoy the hell out of Tezuka. He was going to say no but them his grandfather told him to at least dance with one person
"Whatever," said Tezuka, taking the baseball player's hand.
"Aw Kaa-chan and Tou-chan are going to dance," teased Faith, quietly. Tezuka and Hiroko glared at her. She just gave an innocent look. Hours passed since then and guests left. The only ones left were Eiji, the Echizen family, Hunter, Chris, Kim Faith, Sapphire, Fuji, Hikari, Tusya and Nanako. Everyone else left. Thought the other boys, Hiroko, Zoe Claire, and Sam wanted to stay their respective guardian called them home. Sapphire's parents were going to pick her up while Fuji's sister was going to pick up Eiji and him.
"Nee-chan is late," said Fuji. "As usual."
"My parents are late as well," said Sapphire.
"Don't worry about that," said Rinko. "You can stay as long as you need." Ryoma really didn't want Eiji and Fuji senpai staying at his house. Bad things would happen mainly to him. Amethyst came to the backyard. She was distressed.
"Okaa-chan what's wrong," asked Sapphire.
"There are two weird people out in the front that look like Faith and Tusya," said Amethyst. Tusya suddenly went rigid. No they couldn't be here in Japan, oh please no thought Tusya. Just then Yumiko showed up.
"There are weird people out front asking for Faith," said Yumiko.
"They'll go away if you ignore them," said Tusya.
"Aniki do you know them," asked Faith. Sapphire looked at Tusya and at Faith. This was not going to be a good ending to the night. Hunter grabbed Faith at began dragging her into the house.
"Tusya you deal with those people I'll watch Faith," said Hunter. Sapphire, Eiji, Fuji and Ryoma followed as did Chris and Kim; Ryoga was standing in the corner watching while Hikari had the look on her face that she wanted to know what the hell was going on right now?
"Tusya what's going on," asked Nanako.
"It has to be our parents," said Tusya. "I heard from the NYPD SVU department that they were spotted at JFK airport, but I didn't think that they would come to Japan."
"What do you mean," asked Hikari.
"Those people left me and Faith to fend for ourselves when we were younger," said Tusya, fists forming. "They evaded the police for 11 years, but I can't believe that they are here."
"My son the detective I see," said the man and woman from the front entering the backyard. Once they realized that neither Tusya nor Faith was coming out to see them, they decided to barge in.
"I'm not your son anymore," growled Tusya.
"I thought you took anger management classes, you should calm down you are scaring people," said the mother of the two Wheeler children. "We just want Faith back."
"Over my dead body," said Tusya.
"Hey no one is taking Faith away," said Hikari, anger flaring. Unknown to the Wheeler parents, Hikari has body guards who heard the whole conversation. They were contacting the police as we speak. "And you better stop trying to mess with Wheeler okay?"
"And who do you think you are little girl," said the man.
" Kai Hikari, vice president of KaiTech," she said. "That's who I am." Inside the house Faith was trying to make Hunter let her go outside to see what is going on.
"No! The only time you brother becomes like that when it has to deal with your parents," said Hunter.
"My parents," said Faith, slowly. "OH NO! One of them will provoke Aniki and then he'll get in trouble again." Hunter sighed and released Faith. Sorry Tusya couldn't keep her against her will.
"Hunter-san what's going on," asked Sapphire.
"I really don't know. Tusya is the only one that knows everything, Faith doesn't remember or rather can't," said Hunter, sitting on the couch. Fuji, Eiji, and Sapphire got up and went after Faith. Ryoma decided to go outside and see too, but not before grabbing his racket.
"My, my Faith you grew up well," said her mother. Faith's body stiffened. She became afraid almost instantly. She remembered that voice and it scared her. She hid behind her brother. Tusya sighed. Hunter was supposed to keep Faith inside. No one but Tusya realizes what this will do to Faith because of what happened years ago.
"No dear no need to be afraid," said her father, coming closer. But before either Tusya or Hikari tried to do something a green ball went zooming past his face.
"Next time I won't miss on purpose," said Ryoma. "You do not go near Faith-senpai."
" Nya Ochibi is right," said Eiji, glaring at the two. "You're making Faith-chan sad." Fuji just had his eyes open and he was quickly putting a plan together. Sapphire went to Faith's side and took her back to Hunter.
"HALT," said the police storming in. "Hikari-sama, are you alright?"
"I do believe that you could send them to the NYPD as a gift no," said Hikari, smirking. "I'm going to make sure you never get out of jail." Back in the house Faith was having a mental breakdown and she had no idea why. Everyone was inside. Yumiko dragged Fuji away but could not make Eiji leave. Amethyst got Sapphire and dragged her to the car.
"What happened to her," asked Nanako.
"We were abused as children," was Tusya's response.
"Like how? Physically, mentally or…No way those bastards didn't," said Hunter. "Oh man how come I didn't realize this sooner, no wonder why SVU were involved." Hikari understood what she meant.
"All of them," said Tusya, rubbing his temples. Faith was currently clinging to Rinko crying. He went over to try and get Faith to come over to him, but she wouldn't move. "What am I going to do?"
"We'll all help," said Hikari. "Right?"
"Yeah," said Eiji, "Ne Faith-chan your brother wants you to go over to him." He was trying to consol his friend, but instead of Faith going over to her brother she went to Eiji and hugged him.
"Hn," said Tusya. "Kikumaru you stay with Faith. I need to talk to Hikari and Nanako." The three of them went to the kitchen to talk. Ryoma just stood and watch the whole thing. Faith-senpai was always nice even though she was a bit crazy, he didn't like her crying. Frankly he didn't like any girl crying in his presence. He had strange feeling it won't be over just yet for the Wheeler siblings.
ACGOMN: Er, yeah.
(1) This is reference to Jonouchi Katsuya from YGO. I always pictured him being in charge of a restaurant. Kaiba goes there a lot even though he and Katsuya will never get along. Jonouchi is known as Joey Wheeler in the US. Originally he and his sister Serenity were going to be Tusya and Faith's cousins, but I decided against it.
ACGOMN: So I hope this was alright. Next chapter Exams…REVIEW!