NOTE: Hotham Valley Tourist Railway is real.

Diesel tours run all year round, but in winter (May to October), the steam engines take passengers down from Perth to the hilltop township of Dwellingup but there is another tour that runs only during school holidays. This family tour is known as "The Wizard Express". Children of all ages (And adults) are invited to dress up in wizard and witch costumes and then travel to the small southern town of Pinjarra. It is this tour that I base my story on. My family are all members of the tourist railway and we all work on the trains as volunteers.

The idea for this story first came to me, while waiting in a siding for several goods trains to pass. As it was at the end of a very long day and the passengers gone, my tired mind took a sideways slant and got to thinking. For those of you who have read my previous work "Kids can be soooo troublesome", it's PAINFULLY clear, that Tezuka and kids DON'T MIX!!!!

At the prompting of some truly evil little brain cells, I whipped out my notebook, and started to write.

Disclaimer: NO guys, I don't own Prince Of Tennis. I don't own Hotham Valley Tourist Railway either, but I am one of their dedicated minions. Names withheld to protect the innocent (stop sniggering Casimus, I Know your NOT innocent!!) TEENAGERS!! ARRHH!!!!

There is no real "Hideaki Botan Japanese academy of W.A." (far as I know). I just made it up for the story.

Planes, Trains, and Kids from HELL!!!!!!!

Story by Tora Macaw

Pt 1

Tezuka liked trains. They had many redeeming features. A train never had to stop for traffic lights, nor did they get caught up in traffic jams. Trains offered smooth, comfortable travel. Quiet and efficient, one could stretch out their legs and relax. Tezuka however, liked to stand. His favourite place was near the door. He would lean against it and watch the world go by, his relaxed mind in a state of deep contemplation. Often, he would carefully time his travel to avoid the worst of the crowds, and particularly, the kids.

"So what," he mournfully thought as he sadly regarded his surroundings which were filled with noisy, boisterous kids in a weird assortment of garish wizard outfits, "am I doing here?"

The whole sad idea had been Eiji's.

-----------------

Seigaku tennis club had been offered the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play a high profile tournament against the Hideaki Botan Japanese academy of Western Australian, located in the city of Perth. Enthusiastically accepting the challenge, the team had crammed in a lot of extra training in the three weeks leading up to departure, then, supremely confident of an easy victory, it was time to board the plane. The flight would have been completely uneventful--in fact, down right boring but for one, small-unexpected element.

Settling comfortably in his seat next to Fuji, the team captain glanced down at his watch. Only a few more minutes and the aircraft would begin to taxi out onto the runway. Meeting Fuji's serene smile with a stoic stare, he suddenly heard a very irritating and disturbingly familiar voice.

"Mr Tezuka! Hello Mr Tezuka! Gee--you're here on this plane too!! That's sooo funny!!! Why are you here-huh? We are going to visit my granma in Australia!!! She wants to see me and my sisters 'cause we haven't seen her in such a long time!! Welllll, I haven't ever seen her 'cept in photos---my granma lives near the ocean but she also has a farm! And I'm going to ride her pony! I just love ponies! Do you like pony's Mr Tezuka? Where are you going Mr Tezuka?"

Somehow keeping his dignity intact under the constant verbal barrage, Tezuka calmly stood up, glared at Momo, Eiji and Oishi as they sniggered insufferably behind their hands and then strode away to have a quick word with the steward about a change in seating arrangements.

"But sir! We are about to begin the take off procedure! You can't possibly change seats now!"

Almost buckling under the intensity of the proud youth's imperial gaze, the flight attendant somewhat nervously escorted a tense shouldered Tezuka back to his seat. Thankfully, his greatest nemesis had retreated to the rear of the cabin with the rest of her family and Tezuka found himself silently appealing to every known god in existence that she would stay there. Sliding back into his seat, Tezuka ignored Fuji's pleasant smile and soft "Welcome back" to immerse himself within a book.

With a gentle motion, the plane rolled smoothly forward. Seat belts were fastened and the plane began its take off run. Engine's roaring, the aircraft charged down the tarmac, then surged powerfully into the sky.

-----------------

Time dragged by on weighted, iron chains.

The boy's found lunch an interesting experience, as they were given what almost seemed to pass as roast beef. Little Miss Rant payed Tezuka a visit only to be sent packing under the combined impact of Tezuka's glare and Fuji's cerulean death gaze.

The in-flight movie was so dull that Eiji and Momo started making up their own dialogue and soon had most of the passengers in fits of laughter. Inui worked on some new juice formulas while Kaidoh looked on in horror. Takashi and Fuji played poker with Tezuka eventually joining in to casually relive them of their money.

A few hours later, Eiji and Oishi had their heads together plotting new tennis plays, while Momo and Ryoma fell asleep on each other's shoulders. Poor Kaidoh had passed out after drinking some foaming purple juice and was being held by a worried looking Inui while a concerned Takashi looked on.

Stretching his legs, Fuji yawned quietly before slumping in his seat, his eyelids drooping heavily. Beside him, Tezuka looked down impassively, hazel-gold eyes fixed on the tired youth's face. Several minutes passed, then Fuji started to snore gently. In slow motion, his body leaned over, until his head was resting on his captain's shoulder. For a moment, Tezuka looked somewhat startled to have someone sleeping on him but he accepted the situation and went back to his book. With his face hidden behind its pages, no one saw the very brief smile that curved his lips.

-----------------

Tezuka woke from his dream of flying dragons and singing angels playing tennis, to find his own head had been resting against Fuji's. The cabin was in semi-darkness and he couldn't recall when he had fallen asleep. Stifling a yawn, he checked his watch. They had crossed several time zones and they still had an hour to go before arrival in Perth. Straitening, he glanced around to see his teammates dozing in poses similar to his and Fuji's own. Eyes glowing warmly, he left them to it, and re-settled into his own nap.

What seemed like seconds later, the cabin lights blazed on overhead, the flight attendants began moving about waking the passengers and the captain's voice was speaking over the intercom.

Amidst the combined grumbles, sleepy complaints and people retrieving various bits of loose hand luggage from under seats, the plane touched down smoothly and the Seigaku tennis team left the plane, to take their first ever steps onto Western Australian soil.

In the eastern sky, dawn was breaking in a magnificent display of red and gold clouds. Black and white birds warbled and carolled in the nearby trees making Oishi remark on it being the most beautiful bird song he had ever heard. Fuji snapped off a quick shot with his camera when some of them flew over to land on a near-by parked luggage trailer, then he followed his team mates across the tarmac and into the airport's vast, sprawling buildings.

Once clear of the hassle of customs (during which Inui had fun convincing the officer his dried juice vegetables and herbs were harmless), the team was met by Mr Kioshi Minekura, principal of the Hideaki Botan Japanese Academy and his four assistants. After polite greetings and formalities had been exchanged, the soft-spoken man led the team out to a waiting mini bus.

The vehicle quickly cleared the airport whisking the boys along the freeway, past the tall buildings of Perth and out into the northern suburbs.

Starting to feel very hungry, Eiji's low moan drifted through the conversation, bringing a benevolent smile to Mr Minekura's lips as the bus swung to the west. " We will soon arrive at Hideaki, Kikumaru san. There, we can offer you a most tasty breakfast." Excited sounds of approval met this statement and talk of the up coming tournament resumed.

Several minutes later, the mini bus was cruising along a road that offered high, sweeping views of the coast line before turning to pass between tall, ornate iron gates. It then rolled along a lengthy pine tree lined driveway to draw to a halt amongst a large collection of low slung, Japanese style buildings. Waving his arm in a grand, sweeping gesture, Mr Kioshi Minekura said to the Seigaku team alighting the bus, " Welcome to Hideaki Botan Academy! My assistants shall see to your bags. This way please!"

Smiling as though only he alone had bought them all the way from Japan to his school unaided, the gentle voiced principal led his hoard of now starving guests into a large building that served as the schools dining hall. Swiftly, Kioshi ushered the boys to a long bench table, then called out for food to be brought forth.

Moments later, the hungry team was fiercely attacking a large variety of food on offer. Tezuka and Fuji ate in quiet dignity while the others ate like ravenous wolves, much to the amusement of their host.

Once breakfast was over, the Seigaku team was given a full tour of the school and then taken out onto the extensive tennis grounds. Giving a low whistle of appreciation, Momo placed his hands behind his head, his deep purple eyes twinkling as they drank in the sight of close-cropped grass, clean, taught nets and flawless white lines. Turning to Ryoma, he threw an arm over the shorter boy's neck and beamed down at him. "Hey Echizen, pretty good eh?"

Wiggling out of his friend's embrace, Ryoma tugged sharply on his cap, a surly 'Mada mada dane!' rolling out of him. Laughing, the bristle haired youth turned to his captain. "So when do we start training?"

Tezuka fixed his team with a commanding stare then looked at Kioshi who answered, "Feel free to begin any time. But first, let me show you to your rooms, as all your belongings have been placed within."

-----------------

Flopping down onto a bed, Eiji looked over at his roommate and smiled happily. Oishi had his suitcase open on his own bed and was unpacking in a business like manner. "Hey Oishi, we have two weeks before the tournament. Surely Tezuka isn't going to make us do nothing but train?"

The shorthaired youth hung a slightly rumpled shirt into the cupboard before pausing to gaze warmly at his friend. "You know our captain, Eiji. He wants us to win and if non-stop practice is what it takes to do so, then training is all we'll be doing."

Rolling onto his belly, the crimson haired youth fixed his doubles partner with his smiling eyes and waved a handful of pamphlets before his face. "But take a look at all the cool things we could be doing!! Going to Rottnest Island, visiting the Zoo… Hey! This looks interesting! Steam trains!"

Abandoning his suitcase, Oishi crossed the room to sit down beside Eiji to read the colourful flyer. It boasted a variety of tours and Oishi smiled at Eiji as the youth leaned against him. "Tezuka does like trains..." he commented carefully. "A steam train tour to Dwellingup...Hmm, Sunday only."

Playfully snatching the paper, Eiji smirked, "How about this? 'Wizard Express' from Fremantle! Great family fun! Lets talk the team into this!"

"Hmm. I don't know..."

"Oh come on Oishi! Where's your sense of fun?"

"Eiji, you know how the captain feels about------"

Oishi's gentle protest was cut off by Eiji throwing a long leg over him and leaning over to gaze mischievously into his eyes, "Then we concentrate on convincing the others first!!!"

-----------------

Practice began that very afternoon. In spite of having been granted several courts for their own use and the assurance of being undisturbed, the Seigaku regulars found that a large crowd of on lookers had rapidly gathered beyond the high wire fencing within the first hour. Staring at the new comers with rapt attention, the Hideaki students marvelled at Seigaku's incredible playing styles. Many crooned over Tezuka's "Zone", while others wondered over Ryoma's "Drive B". Eiji gained quite a fan club with his highflying acrobatic plays, with Kaidoh gaining one of his own due to his "Boomerang snake". People pointedly stared when Takashi started "Burning" and cried out in awe at Momo's deer like leaps to "Dunk smash" the balls. Fuji had a few on lookers shivering over his gaze and his animal techniques. Sadly, no noticed Inui's "Data tennis" but keeping his greatest weapon a secret suited him just fine. By the time Seigaku had finished, the Hideaki team was looking decidedly worried.

A few hours later, Tezuka at last called a halt to the gruelling session. Dismissing his team, the captain tossed a towel around his neck and strode off. The others were about to follow, when Eiji quietly called for attention. With his friends gathered round, he drew the railway flyer from his bag, presenting his idea while grinning from ear to ear.

-----------------

A week followed. Between intense training, the team spent time in various pursuits. Tezuka spent his spare time reading or climbing the high sand hills to watch the sunset. Kaidoh enjoyed Hideaki's well-equipped gym, as well as jogging along scenic pathways overlooking the sea. Inui alternated between raiding the kitchens and scouring the landscape for new juice ingredients. Oishi and Momo liked visiting the beach, often with Ryoma or Takashi in tow. Fuji roamed about with his camera or sometimes sat with Tezuka and throughout all this, Eiji constantly pushed his idea of a steam train ride. Slowly, the others started to agree and held a meeting to discuss it.

"Could be fun!" remarked Momo while thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "What do you think Echizen?"

Slipping his hands behind his head, the younger boy declared he didn't care. Sighing, Momo informed him that he was going and Ryoma grudgingly agreed to tag along. Turning to Inui, Eiji asked "And how about you?"

Toying with his glasses, he answered, "It sounds interesting. Kaidoh?" Pushing his hands deep into his pockets the youth fixed his friend with a sour glare, a long hiss escaping him. "Well?" prompted Inui as he moved up to stand at the "Mamushi's" side. Quickly glancing around at the others, he finally nodded.

Delightedly rubbing his hands together, Eiji chuckled wickedly as he turned to face a smiling Fuji. "Oishi and Takashi want to go------how about it? Think you can convince our captain?"

All eyes fixed on the youths serene gaze, as he silently thought a moment. "I can only ask." He said at length.

-----------------

Dressed in a fleecy bathrobe, Fuji tied it firmly over his pyjamas as he strode into the room's small living area. He considered himself incredibly lucky to be sharing a room with his beloved captain and in the past week, he been granted a rare glimpse of the gentle Tezuka permanently hidden under the stern mask. Quiet and serious, Tezuka sipped his tea while reading a newspaper but he glanced up at his roommate's approach. For several long seconds the pair eyed each other before Fuji sank gracefully into the other chair. "Tezuka, the team wish to take a day's break in training."

A long silence greeted this statement then finally, the young mans voice drifted out from beyond his paper. "You know the rules. We train daily."

Shifting in his seat, Fuji answered, "Yes captain, but all work and no play---" The newspaper rustled slightly, then quiet resumed. Fuji watched Tezuka's elbow move and he listened as the youth drained his teacup. The slight rattle of it landing on its saucer like a mild explosion disturbed the room's library like atmosphere.

"Do you like steam train's?" The softly spoken words took Tezuka mildly by surprise. Lowering his paper, he gazed sternly into space for a few minutes before answering, "Yes."

Leaning forward, Fuji fixed the captain with (what he hoped) was his most persuasive smile. "There is --an opportunity Tezuka. A steam train tour is departing Fremantle this Thursday. We would all like to go."

Laying aside the paper, Tezuka held one of the ties of his own bathrobe, then repeatedly drew it through his fingers as he sat, silently considering his friends request. Never one for making hasty decisions, he mulled over a few things in his mind. The team's performance was impeccable. True, the news of the challenge had been sudden, yet the boys had never faulted, continuing to thoroughly give practice their all. Even after a long, gruelling flight, they had entered the tennis courts with fresh determination and a driving desire to win. Tezuka had never felt so proud of anyone in his entire life as he did now of the seven young men who so faithfully looked up to him. Maybe, he felt, it was time to give them a little respite.

"Very well Fuji. I will tell them tomorrow. We will take this "steam" tour, but this will be our only diversion."

To be continued....................

Oh boy!! Is poor Tezuka ever going to regret this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A few notes: Here in Australia, our quarantine laws are very strict. Inui probably wouldn't have got his juice past the checkpoint.

Fremantle is a port city around 30km south of Perth.

The fictional "Hideaki Botan" is set in the real suburb of Yanchep, around 40km north of Perth.

Incidentally, the name of the academy is a rather bad pun. "Seigaku" means "youth garden", 'Hideaki Botan' is connected to gardens, but means something else!!!!------Those who look the words up will groan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rottnest Island is real. It lies around 18km off the W.A coast, and is a very popular tourist destination.

Perth Zoological Gardens is one of my personal favourite places. Over 100 years old, it is well known for it's many successful breeding programs.

The black and white birds are Australian Magpies. Their beautiful warbling calls have a reputation as being amongst the finest bird song in the world.

Just in case you haven't read, "Kids can be soooo troublesome", the five-year-old girl known as "Little Miss Rant" first appears there.

Tezuka's strange dream is a direct reference to my "Mythic Brotherhood" stories. Check them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!