Disclaimer: The Prince of Tennis does not belong to me. Neither does One Piece.
Pok. Pok. Pok.
The sunset was beautiful, with a glorious conflagration of red, yellow and orange. But two people down at the tennis court paid no attention to it. The tennis ball sped from one of the court to another. With a great swing, I sent the ball zooming back into the other's side of the court.
With sweat streaming down her face, Shizuka whacked the ball high into the air into a lob.
"Six games to four! I win! Yeah!" Showing a victory sign, she ran forward.
"You've beaten me again." I spoke as I held her hand in a firm handshake.
"You're not bad yourself. Maybe it was because you have just started wearing spectacles?" Shizuka broke into a laugh. They approached the bench.
"I will beat you." I said with grim determination.
"That's what you told me the last time! You can see for yourself what happened again," She retorted. But then, added softly, "But I won't be able to beat you soon."
"Hmm?"
"See, you're a guy. I'm a girl. When I grow up, I won't be as strong physically compared to you. And my mother plans to make me stop playing tennis and play the piano. I hate it!" She pouted and stomped hard on the ground.
"That let's make a bet."
Shizuka's eyes widened and gasped.
"Kuni-chan must've have been taught gambling! Now where did you learn that!" Waggling a seemingly dangerous finger at him, she giggled. I raised an eyebrow in irritation. I hated it when she did that.
"Okay, okay, I was only joking. What's the bet?"
"Let us both reach for the top. When we get there, we will compete to see who is the best. Promise?"
Her eyes twinkled with happiness.
"I promise."
--------------- One week later-------------
Tears streamed down my face. I chose not to care. Thoughts raced round in my head. I tightened my grip on the pillow.
You're lying. How could she leave just like that? She promised. She promised.
I threw my pillow aside.
"She got killed in a car accident. Since you are on very close terms with her, I just though you would need to know." The coach told him gravely, gently.
Why did you die? You promised.
But a promise is a promise. I will keep it. Just watch me.
fin.
Notes:
Based on a side story from One Piece.
The ending sounds crappy. But I did my best.
Reviews would be appreciated.