DISCLAIMER: I do not own Prince of Tennis. I wish I owned Royal Pair though, but I don't. So...
WARNING: This is YAOI / BL story.
THANK YOU FOR R&R: Bluecean, itachisgurl93, hartkorear
A/N: Here comes the next chapter. I'm looking forward to your reviews. Remember, bolded text is in English.
ENJOY !
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Chapter 21: Are you alright?
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The next day after breakfast all players gathered under the pin board outside of the dining hall. They were looking for their names. During the yesterday's afternoon training Ryoga and Nanjiroh were walking between the courts assessing the players and looking for their areas or improvement. Based on that they divided the players into seven groups. Each group with different training menu.
"Buuu, Oishi, I wanted to be in the same group as you" Eiji pouted when he saw his name under Strenght group. He also must have ended up in the same group as stupid red-headed Gakuto.
"I know Eiji," Oishi turned to Kikumaru, "But remember we make a great doubles partners partly because we are different and have different skills. That means, however, that we also have different weaknesses that we need to work on. When we meet again on the same side of the court, we will be stronger." He took Eiji's hands into his own, "Let's make a promise that we will give our best during those trainings, so that when the time for us to play together finally comes again we will climb a step up further towards becoming the best doubles partner in the world."
"Oishi" Kikumaru was looking at him with wide open eyes.
"Well said Oishi" Tezuka nodded in approval.
"Get a room!" Kamio shouted from the back of the group.
"Kiss him already so that he has something to wait for when as you put it come again together, and move, please." Chitose Senri called them out. Kikumaru and Oishi became red up the tips of their ears.
"Others want to check their groups as well!" Kirihara started to push towards the board but was grabbed by the back of his collar by Yanagi. He automatically turned towards his senpai and wanted to snap in response, but he quickly shut his mouth up, when he saw the gleam in his eyes. Oh, he would be in trouble if he did not catch himself on time.
"Leave the fighting spirit for the training." Renji said looking at the board. "Let's see. You are in the Speed group. Same as me"
"I am in this group as well." Oshitari nodded. "Honestly couldn't I land in a less taxing group."
"Tachibana," Oshitari Kenya said to the captain of Fudomine. "Seems that we ae in the same group – Agility. I hope to learn a bit from you"
Tachibana nodded, "Same here."
"What about me Oshitari?! What about me?!" Kintarouu started to jump from behind the players trying to see the board. Although he has grown quite a bit for the past three years, he was still one of the shortest players.
"Let's see," Kenya scanned the names on the board, "You are in the Accuracy group."
"Is Koshimae with me?" He asked hopefully.
"Sorry Ken-chan.. He is in Footwork group." Oshitari said, "but Momoshiro and Inui are with you in the group. They are from the Echizen's school and can tell you all about him."
"Eeeee," Kintarouu pouted, "I don't want to talk. I want to play!"
"Saaa, Shiraishi" said Fuji, "seems like we are in the same group with Echizen. It will be interesting."
"Ahhh… Ecstasy."
"High Five Matt!" Alex clapped his brother's hand. "We are in the same group."
"Yeah, although with all the exercises we did in the past weeks I hoped we would not be put in the Net play group."
"What about you Viper? Which group are you?" Momoshiro asked looking at the board. "Aaaa, Net Play with Atobe-senpai and incest duo over there." He pointed to USA teams twins. "Aren't you lucky?"
"Fssss."
"Nee, Tezuka-senpai" Echizen addressed his ex-captain, "seems like you are in the Wristwork group. Ojaji got you well with that on, don't you think?" He smirked. He then put the hands into his pockets and started to move towards the courts, but not before shouting to his team, "Ok, let's go guys!"
"You heard the captain," added Kevin, "It's time for some workout."
Tezuka closed his eyes and slightly dipped his head, "Yudan sezu ni iko."
"That's what I would expect from Nanjiroh-sensei and your protegee" Sanada added from next to Tezuka, "nothing escapes their attention. But coach got me too. Wristwork, ekh."
"What about you Yukimura?" he turned to his long-time friend.
"Strength," Yukimura smiled, "I have to say that they assessed us well."
"You know Ryoga," Nanjiroh addressed his son when all of the players finally moved outside, "I was this close," he brought his thumb and pointing finger closely together, "from creating another group. All they would do would be eating sweets and ice-cream while watching cute puppies. I swear some of them are way to uptight for high schoolers."
Ryoga nodded looking at Tezuka and Sanada, "I know what you mean."
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Both morning and afternoon trainings were conducted in the organized groups. The players who were not doing their assigned exercises due to the limited space on the courts were either practicing serves on the remaining courts or were working on their stamina by running on the track around. Nanjiroh and Ryoga were moving between the courts observing the players and giving them advices when needed.
"Inui-senpai, did you see that?" Momoshiro pointed to Nanjiroh, who circled something in the notebook he took out of sleeve.
"See what?" Kamio who was also in the Accuracy group with Momoshiro and Inui asked.
Inui adjusted his glasses. "Nanjiroh-sensei was just observing us hitting the cord balls. And after few minutes he marked something in his notebook."
"Do you think he is already choosing the players for the Goodwill game?" Momoshiro asked.
"There is a high chance that he does," Inui confirmed.
Just then, as if he knew he was spoken about, Nanjiroh looked up. He fixed his gaze on the talking players.
"Yikes," Momo flinched, "I think he might have heard us."
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When Nanjiroh moved past the Speed group, where the players were currently required to run on the service line from one side to the other while trying to hit balls being sent their way, Kirihara made the same observation.
"Did you see that?" he asked.
"Yeah," Oshitari who just finished his round put hands on his knees and gulped for air. He could barely catch his breath. He would not however be called genius if he did not pay any attention to his surroundings.
"I think he might be grading us," Kajimoto supplied. "Hanamura-sensei often did something similar when we were in Junior High. She had a charts for each of the players and was assessing us on a daily basis"
"Eeee," Kirihara looked up into the sky, "those must have been very depressing practices you had at Josei."
Kajimoto only looked at Kirihara with pity. They were their sensei's masterpieces that were being shaped daily into diamonds. They should be envied!
"Akaya, and what do you think I am writing in my notebook all the time during practices." Renji turned towards Kirihara, his eyes still seemingly closed. "In fact when we get back we will double your drills on thighs muscles. I did not see any improvement for the past 5 weeks before the camp."
Kirihara growled, but nodded. Not that he had an choice in that matter.
On the last court where Net Play skills were being polished Atobe was currently running from the base line to the net after serving the ball in order to prepare to hit the ball back his at the other side of the net. The trick was to counter the spin so the ball do not bounce upon the impact with the surface of the court. His sparring partner was Sengoku who landed in the same group. When Atobe reached a net he took on the stance waiting for the shot. Just as Sengoku hit the ball, the next dizzy spell got him. He managed not to wobble, but did not have enough strength to try to return the ball. The ball passed him and hit the court with a loud sound.
"Lucky" Sengoku shouted from the other side of the court, although the weird behavior of Atobe did not skip his attention. It did not skip Nanjiroh either.
"Hnnnn. Again." Atobe straightened himself and started to move back to the base line for the next serve. This was already the second time today, when he felt dizziness. Fortunately the first time went unnoticed by anyone.
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In the evening, just as the players were slowly leaving canteen after the dinner Junior run up to Atobe.
"Look who is here Atobe," Fuji pointed his head to the smallest Echizen and smiled, "your newest admirer."
"Keigo!" Junior clung to his leg.
Atobe looked at the boy and resigned ruffled his hair a bit. "What do you want Junior?"
"Grandpa says you come and see him."
"Ahhhh?", Atobe raised his eyebrow. His hand was promptly grabbed and he was pulled away.
"Someone is in trouble," Shishido said to Otorii looking at the scene going on with their ex-captain.
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That evening when Atobe was sitting at his laptop he looked rather angry.
"Is everything alright Atobe?" Yukimura asked before going to the bathroom for the evening shower.
"How nice of you to be worried about Ore-sama", he said with exaggerated sweetness in his voice. "Rest assured that Ore-sama is fine." With that he focused back on the laptop. Few sends later he heard the click of the bathroom lock. But he was not fine. He was pissed. At Nanjiroh, but even more at himself. He closed his eyes and got back to the situation after dinner. He was dragged by his boyfriend's nephew to one of the facility rooms on the first room.
Atobe opened the door to the room. Inside he saw Nanjiroh and a female doctor. It was infirmary. And as for the infirmary in such a renowned sport center it was quite full of various medical equipment.
"Thanks Junior," Nanjiroh said and sent back Junior to his father. The then turned towards Atobe. "I'm sure you know why you are here." He did not have his carefree expression, but rather was intently looking at Atobe. When Atobe did not react he shook his head. "Honestly, you are truly your father's son, Keigo." That got Atobe's attention. He had no idea that his and Echizen's fathers knew each other.
"Don't think I don't know that you working again to the late hours of the night. Or morning, I should say." Nanjiroh addressed Keigo. "If that would only be it I would let it slide as I gave you all the free reign to do whatever you wanted outside of the trainings. But… I did see your dizziness." At that Atobe flinched a bit.
"If I let you land yourself again in the hospital then Ryoma would kill me. And you. Although not necessarily in that order. That is why doctor Misako – " he pointed to the female in the room, "will run a few tests on you. Depending on the results you will or will not be crossed out from the list of players for the Goodwill Game, that is if you are selected. Potentially you may be even expelled from the camp." Atobe gritted his teeth, but said nothing. He will just show them that he is good to stay.
Keigo opened his eyes. The final results of his blood tests were to be back tomorrow. He did not have a good feeling about.
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The next day's practices were being conducted in the same manner as the day before. The groups were slightly shifted so that the players could work on other areas as well. Many of them could already feel the results of the training from the previous days. They had better stamina and endurance. Their control of the ball was better.
In the evening in the staff room both Echizens started to draft a list of potential candidates to form a Japan team. The choice was not easy. So far they came up with thirteen names. As the team was to consist of eight players, seven for matches and the substitute, they would have to drop five of them in the next few days. Within the candidates for the Japan team, the most numerous group were the players from Shitenhoji – Shiraishi, Oshitari Kenya, Chitose and Kintarou. They've gotten even stronger over the years. Then there were players from Rikkai Dai – their captain Yukimura and vice-captain Sanada as well as Kirihara, who although seemed to take to many hits with the ball to the head was still a very formidable player. Three players were also initially selected from Tawamure – Tezuka, Fuji and Oshitari. The latter two were called by Nanjiroh and Ryoga the tensai pair. They were hundred years too early to be able to hide their relationship from the samurai's eye. The remaining group consisted of Tachibana from Fudomine, Sengoku from Yamabuki and Kajimoto from Josei.
In order to be able to make a final choice in the next couple of days both coaches agreed that the quickest way to do this will be via matches. Till the end of the camp, each afternoon training will be conducted in a form of 3 point matches.
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"3 point matches rotation" Kirihara read on the pin board the next day after dinner. All the players were divided into groups, their names arranged on the square tables similar to those Seigaku had when determining their regular players. "What are 3 point matches?"
"3 point matches," Yanagi from Rikkai Dai started, "which are also called the quick-death matches are a short version of standard one-set matches we play. Whereas in normal match you need to get six points, or seven in case of tie-break, here you need only three. Although you need only half a points of a standard match, those matches are at least four-times as fast and intense as normal. That is because you need to go all-out from the very beginning. Did I miss anything Doc?" he turned towards Inui.
"No," Inui adjusted his glasses. "Your data is as flawless as ever, Professor."
"Yay! We finally get to play matches," Kikumaru jumped in joy. "Huh?" He suddenly froze and looked at the board. "Ne, Oishi, do you see Atobe's name on the board? I see Ochibi, Kaidoh and Momo, and all our third years, but not Atobe."
"Mamushi, do you think he was already selected? You know, similar to last Goodwill game?" Momoshiro asked.
"How should I know?" Kaidoh reply. That was literally their first conversation in weeks without being at each other throats.
"I think that may not be the case this time." Yukimura supplied.
"Saaa, what do you think happened Oshitari," Fuji asked his boyfriend.
"With Atobe, that could be literally anything," He said looking pensive. "Although I have my suspicions."
"If you want to know this badly," Kirihara shrugged, "Why not going to ask him by yourselves?"
Everybody looked at Kirihara as he was crazy. He was almost prepared to be smacked upside of his head.
"You know," Sanada spoke up, "I actually agree with Kirihara on this one. One should always take challenges head on."
"You know Genichiro," Yukimura addressed his friend, touching his arm gently, "This should rather be considered a delicate matter not a challenge."
"So? What's the difference in an approach?" Sanada looked genuinely confused.
"Sanada," Sengoku put a hand on Rikkai Dai vice-captain's shoulder. Being so simple-minded is a … gift. When, or if, you find a girl someday, don't ever let her go."
The very person being the center of this conversation, was already in his room. After leaving the dining hall, Keigo moved straight upstairs. He did not have to look at the board. He was well aware of what he would, or rather would not find there. He remembered his talk with Echizen senior just before dinner.
"Sit down Keigo." Nanjiroh pointed to the empty chair.
"Thank you, I will pass. What is it that you wanted to talk about Echizen-san?" he asked, although that was rather rhetorical question. There could be only one reason he was called for.
"I have your results." He pointed towards the table where a few pieces of paper were scattered. "You have low sugar concentration level and dangerously low levels of calcium and magnesium in your blood. That is especially dangerous for you as an athlete. It decreases bone density and may lead to serious injuries." Nanjiroh paused and observed Atobe's reaction.
"None of those you've mentioned Echizen-san render me unable to play."
"Yes and no," Nanjiroh replied. "I've discussed the results and implications with Misako-sensei. You are right they are not fatal, but they are dangerous non-the-less. If I were to guess I would say you simply overdose on coffee and overworked yourself to the point where your organism is starting to shut down, hence the dizzy spell for example. The good news is that it's fairly easy process to restore your body to its full functionality. In order to do so, you need to supplement minerals and vitamins. And rest." Atobe squinted his eyes.
"Trainings and matches," Nanjiroh continued " will not help you achieve that and I honestly do not believe you will stop working at nights. That being said, you will NOT be a part of the Goodwill Japan team." At those words Atobe got a bit into shock. He was one of the top high school players in the country. He should be on this team. He worked his position out with the years upon years of trainings.
"You will also be allowed ONE training a day provided neither me nor Ryoga sees any signs of dizziness and no matches whatsoever."
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"Why are you here?" Atobe asked looking at the enormous number of people trying to fit into his and Yukimura's room.
"We are your teammates Atobe," Oishii started, "And we worry about you."
"Whether you like it or not," Oshirati added.
Atobe then looked pointedly at Rikkai Dai players.
"I live here." Yukimura said.
"I know you for so many years now. I recognize you as a player and think of you as a friend." Sanada explained himself.
"Don't look at as like that Atobe-san," Chotarou, who was standing next to his doubles partner said, "once a captain, always a captain." Shishido nodded in affirmation.
"And you," Atobe addressed Kirihara, "what is your reason for invading Ore-sama personal space?"
"Me?" Kirihara pointed a finger at himself, "I was just curious." Ladies and gentlemen – Kirihara Akaya. Self-preservation instinct level zero.
This response however amused Atobe who started to laugh. A bit creepy, but laugh nonetheless.
"I don't know what the hell you are hoping to achieve, but go ahead. Ask. Is that not what you are here for cutting into my time?" Atobe leaned on the desk and crossed his arms.
"Very well," Tezuka stepped forward. "Why have you been excluded from the matches?"
"It is between Ore-sama and Echizen-san."
"That is not the answer, Ato – "
"Is everything alright with your health?" Oshitari interfered. He looked rather worriedly at his friend. When Atobe did not respond, he probed further, "It's a simple question, yes or no."
"I don't know what you are talking about Yuushi." Atobe had no desire to discuss it with everyone.
"Cut this bullshit Keigo!" Oshitari was getting frustrated. He had seen in middle school like Seigaku was dealing with the situation of Tezuka, when he sacrificed his arm for the team, or how Rikkai Dai was dealing with Yukimura's disease. He could only imagine, what those two captains must have felt when they were unable to play their beloved sport. He did not want anything similar to happen to Atobe.
"We all know you've been in hospital a few days prior," Yukimura stated calmly, "and I think at least some of us have noticed your recent indispositions on the court. Short-lived as they may be. We are genuinely worried." All the time he was looking straight into Atobe's eyes, as though he tried to convey innocence of their actions.
Keigo looked across the room. Everyone was looking at him. The same look of worry in each pair of their eyes. Maybe except Kirihara.
"Fine," Atobe capitulated. "Yes, Ore-sama does have some health issues," he confirmed. The sense of dread fell over the occupants of the room. "But before you start imagining the worst of worst-case scenario, rest assured this is nothing the supplements and, unfortunately, the rest wouldn't remedy."
"You've finally did it Atobe, didn't you?" Oshitari asked. "You've overworked yourself to the point where your body is not able to keep up with you."
"What do you mean Oshitari-senpai?" Momoshiro asked. "We all do the same training regimen and I know that is not enough to knock-down Atobe-senpai."
"Fsss, when I've went couple of times for a night jog, I've seen Atobe-senpai through the window sitting at the computer."
"I was actually wondering, how many hours at nigh you sleep Atobe." Yukimura wondered out loud. "If I were to guess that would be probably around four at maximum."
"What?" Oishi astounded. "What have you been doing for the remaining time."
"Oi, what is it?" Atobe was getting irritated. He already answered their question. "Ore-sama has important items to take care of. So feel free to excuse yourselves."
"It's your company, isn't it?" Fuji asked.
"Ahn?! That is not your business."
"What company, Fuji-senpai? Isn't Atobe-senpai a heir to Atobe Corporation" Momo asked.
"Saaaa, there are certain rumors," Fuji started, "although I did not think they are true."
"What rumors Fuji-ko?" Kikumaru asked.
"That Atobe is an entrepreneur of his own, completely independent from Atobe Corporation. And very skilled one at that. If I were to bet I would say he is solely responsible for his finances. Is that right, Atobe?"
"Ehhh?"
"What?"
"So you've sponsored the club's new locker room by yourself?" Oishii blurted out.
"And you've paid for last year's summer camp from your own money, didn't you?" Inui added.
"Oi, Oi, this is not funny. Not funny at all. Why didn't you tell us Atobe-senpai?" Momoshiro asked.
"That's enough!" Atobe stopped firmly. "Firstly it's not a company. It's an emerging empire." He smirked. "Secondly, Ore-sama built it, Ore-sama runs it and Ore-sama can do whatever Ore-sama wants with the money. If Ore-sama wants to spend it on our tennis club, you have all nothing to do with it." He turned towards the window. "And now leave. Ore-sama has work to do." His order was final.
Outside of the door Kirihara sighed. "Wow, that was not something I was expecting."
"I think Akaya, that neither of us expected that." Sanada replied. He always had Atobe for a person who aside of tennis, did not have to work hard for anything else.
"Nya, Fujiko," Kikumaru started, "I feel so stupid for always asking Atobe to use his gold card to buy us various things.
"What we should say in that case?" Choarou asked. "You know what he did for our club and the whole Hyotei Academy?"
"New sports equipment, food in the cafeteria like in a restaurant, trips," Shishido started to list.
"But you know," Oshitari joined, "The best we can do is to not treat Atobe any differently. He wouldn't want that."
"Ehh," Tezuka nodded.
A/N: Thank you all for reading. I hope you've enjoyed. I would appreciate your feedback. Stay tuned for the next chapter.