Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis or any of its characters. I'd die of happiness if I did. Sadly, I don't.

Warning: Extreme silliness.

Pairings: Vague.

Jenny, lol. Mind, the muse you chained is now rattling my desk, and it's getting hard to write. XD. Glad you liked the pompom part. Tachibana's sacrifice was not in vain then. Hmm…if you do erect a shrine for BeGo-sama or Rai-chan, what statues are you going to put in front of it? XD

Aira, glad you liked the chapter. Hope you'll enjoy this chappie too.

Kira, ah yes. Poor, poor Tachibana-buchou, forced to wear a skirt thanks to one sadistic authoress. I wonder who the culprit is… (Gwyn whistles innocently)

To the story then…

Prince of Cheerleading

By: Gwynhafra

Chapter 4

Hyotei Gakuen was hardly a peaceful place. At any moment, at any time, someone might just suddenly burst out chanting "the winner of Hyotei" or "the winner is Atobe", and that would ruin the overall peace at the tennis courts.

This round, however, a different yell rang out altogether.

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

Apparently, Atobe Keigo, the culprit of another two school's dilemma, had just dropped the news on his own team too.

Currently, the regulars had a whole myriad of expressions on their faces. There were the stunned (Ootori, Mukahi, and Hiyoshi), the angry (Shishido), the expressionless (Oshitari and Kabaji) and the devoid-of-reaction (Jirou. He was sleeping)

Atobe wore a rather smug expression on his face, and from his demeanor, one could have mistaken him to have given the announcement that they had won the 20 million yen jackpot instead.

"As I said, ore-sama has organized a Cheerleading competition, and we will be participating in it. Seigaku and Fudoumine will be participating too."

"Have you gone nuts, Atobe? We're just months away from the Kantou Games, and you want us to be bouncing around doing cheers? More importantly…those two schools actually agreed to that crazy idea of yours?" Shishido demanded.

Oshitari adjusted his glasses. "I hardly think that they had a choice." He said in an undertone.

Atobe didn't hear him (luckily). He gave a sweep of his arms, looking very much like a king addressing his subjects, and a flick of his hair. "Now then. Ore-sama believe there are no other objections, so let us begin our discussion."

He gave a snap of his fingers, and instantly Kabaji brought him a chair, as well as a table, and an umbrella too. Atobe sat down, accepted the glass of punch Kabaji offered to him and took a sip first before he placed the glass back down on the table. Only then did he turn back to his 'loyal subjects'.

With how he was taking his own sweet time, Shishido's eyes looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets any moment, if his eyes went any wider, that was.

"Now then. Ore-sama believe that most of you here do have some knowledge regarding cheerleading…" The diva began his speech.

"That's of course. You made us watch the cheerleading competition at least once every year. Na, Yuushi?" Gakuto muttered in an undertone.

Oshitari smirked, knowing that the acrobatic player hated going to these 'compulsory competitions', since he always ended up falling asleep instead. "Now now, Gakuto. You know how much Atobe likes cheerleading."

It was, perhaps, one of Hyotei's best kept secrets.

Apparently…Atobe Keigo, captain of the tennis club and self proclaimed king of Hyotei, was formerly a cheerleader back in his elementary school days, and his team was also three-time champion of the best cheer award. That was why his tennis always had a touch of grace and elegance to it.

Thanks to that, his regulars were frequently requested (forced?) to join him in watching those competitions, and aside from the good-natured Ootori, the expressionless Kabaji, the nonchalant Oshitari and the sleepy Jirou, the rest of them were less than pleased with the annual arrangement. Shishido was especially vocal in voicing his dissatisfaction.

"Why don't you ask them to do this cheerleading thing instead? They're more than happy to volunteer, I'm sure." Shishido jabbed a finger in Atobe's massive cheering squad's direction. Seemingly taking Shishido's gesture as a cue, the bunch of males and females instantly erupted into cheers of different pitches and octaves, ranging from sopranos to altos, and tenors.

Atobe gave a careless wave of his hand. "Nonsense. Seigaku and Fudoumine are doing their own stunts. I'm sure our grand school Hyotei Gakuen is more than competent to do so too. I'll show that Tezuka and Tachibana just how inferior they are, especially that Tezuka…" Atobe had clenched a fist and had some kind of an evil smirk on his face. His regulars could only imagine what was going on in that diva's mind. Probably visualizing himself beating the Seigaku and Fudoumine captains flat and stepping on their heads.

He spun around again once he had snapped out of his thoughts, and he declared to all his regulars. "Now then, before any of you have any ideas to taking over my throne, ore-sama will, of course, be in the main stunt group, and ore-sama will be taking the role of flyer. Such a glorious position is reserved for ore-sama, of course."

Instantly, the others gave him a once over, and, at the same time, the same question escaped their lips.

"Who on earth will be able to carry you…?"

Atobe merely gave a smirk, either not hearing or not taking any offence to the insult of his weight. He gave a snap of his fingers. "Kabaji."

"Usu." The bulky sophomore moved instantly. He single-handedly tossed Atobe up into the air. The diva did a roll in midair and landed perfectly on Kabaji's shoulders, smirking at his friends, all of whom now wore an expression of awe. Gakuto and Shishido most definitely wouldn't be protesting now, not with their mouth hanging open like that. Atobe's moves spoke years of experience. Poor Seigaku and Fudoumine wouldn't stand a chance.

"Now then, do any of you peasants have anything to say?" Atobe asked, looking perfectly comfortable even though he was standing so high up.

Receiving no response, Atobe dismounted gracefully before giving his hair another flick.

"Ore-sama have already placed each of you into stunt groups of four. Refer to the board for your respective groups." Atobe announced, going back to sit on the chair again. Once more, Kabaji fetched him a drink.

Gakuto frowned. "How mean. We don't get to pick our own groups?" The childish acrobatic player looked like he was about to throw a tantrum, and Oshitari tried to pacify him.

Atobe gave a smirk. "I'm sure you won't have any complaints with the arrangements. You should be awed by ore-sama's group-arranging skills. Before I forget, ore-sama will now introduce our coach. Kantoku, this way please."

As the coach for their cheerleading team stepped forward, the regulars' jaws dropped for real.

"Ah…you are…" – Ootori

"Nanya. I knew you can't possibly be just the music teacher you claim to be." – Oshitari

For their coach…was no other than Sakaki Tarou, their ever mysterious coach.

Atobe seemed pleased to catch them all looking so surprised. He gave them a moment to collect their jaws off the ground before speaking again. "Ore-sama assure you that he is quite experienced in this. Now then. Let's begin practice. Just follow ore-sama's lead and you will be fine. Kantoku?"

Sakaki gave a nod, then used his trademark hand sign, pointing with his index finger and his middle finger. "Itteyoshi!"

XXX

Group A (Atobe, Kabaji, Taki)

To say that Atobe was an experienced cheerleader was an understatement. That guy knew what he was doing, and his moves were absolutely flawless.

He also had the advantage of Kabaji as his main base, and the sophomore's strength and quick-learning abilities proved to be very useful indeed. For most of the stunts, Atobe just needed Kabaji as base, and poor Taki and the non-regular (who served as support) were left to their own devices most of the time.

"Now then, Kabaji. Use the Extension." Atobe was very, very pleased. He only needed to give instructions once and Kabaji absorbed it into his mind immediately.

"Usu." The sophomore didn't need telling twice. With his monstrous strength, he lifted Atobe up and instantly extended both hands, not even needing a pause in between that particular stunt.

Atobe continued to awe his cheering squad by doing a demonstration of advanced stunts. When Kabaji lifted him up with just one hand, Atobe too stood on one foot only, while the free leg was held at a 90 degrees angle, with the toes pointed downwards--a stunt known as the Liberty.

Next, that leg was stretched to the side instead, as Atobe performed the stunt known as the Stars, a stunt which required a lot of balance control.

Sakaki hardly needed to supervise this team. He dropped by only once, but gave a nod of approval and moved on to the other stunt groups instead. Atobe even went so far as to do the Twisting Cradle (similar to the drop, except that the flyer twists his body in a roll as he falls) during the very first practice, though of course he had first specifically instructed (threatened) Taki, the other half of the base, on the proper way to catch him and not drop him.

Taki didn't manage the first time, and Atobe rolled into Kabaji's arms instead. The sophomore dutifully set the diva back on the ground before going back to statue mode, waiting for the next instructions regarding the stunts. Atobe rounded up on the former regular, who was looking more than a little cowed at having the Ice Emperor's glare fully focused on him.

"Didn't ore-sama mention that you're to keep your arms steady, ahn? If Kabaji hadn't caught me ore-sama would have cracked my beautiful head." Atobe looked rather livid as he said that.

"So sorry, Atobe-buchou. It will not happen again." Taki tried to sound placating.

Atobe gave a soft 'ceh'. "It can't be helped. You peasants can't match up to ore-sama's pace. Let's try again, and keep your hand steady this time."

The next part of practice was much better, and again, Atobe awed his fans with his stunts. "Ore-sama no bigi ni yoi na." The diva crowed.

He snapped his fingers, and instantly chants of "the winner is Atobe" filled the courts. Atobe basked in the attention for a moment before dismounting.

He gave Kabaji an appreciative pat on the shoulder. "Ore-sama will always be the best flyer. Na, Kabaji?"

"Usu." Came the reply instantly.

Atobe nodded, satisfied with the reply. "And you will only be the base for ore-sama, no other flyer. Right, Kabaji?"

"Usu."

Again, a nod of satisfaction. "And you will be loyal only to ore-sama, and no one else can take you as a base. Na, Kabaji."

"Usu."

Even as Atobe continued on with his speech, and Kabaji continued on with his monosyllabic answers, Taki and the non-regular exchanged looks.

"Why does it look like Atobe-buchou is trying to secure himself the strongest and steadiest base currently? Is he trying to make sure the other groups won't be able to take Kabaji?" The non-regular whispered.

Taki nodded sagely. "I think that is precisely what he's trying to do." To which, Kabaji answered at that precise moment.

"Usu."

XXX

Group B (Oshitari, Mukahi, Hiyoshi)

While Atobe had asked his regulars to 'follow his lead', it was a task easier said than done.

For while Atobe was experienced, the others were as new to cheerleading as they were to, say, fishing. Atobe had gone on to advanced stunts, pulling ahead of his team, who were left far, far behind to fend for themselves.

The group on Atobe's right, with Oshitari as the main base, was one of those who had to start from all the basic stunts. "Nanya…this is his idea of following the leader?" Oshitari muttered.

"It's alright, Yuushi. We'll show Atobe that we can perform the stunts without his help." Gakuto reassured.

They did some basic warm-ups within their group, and Sakaki came to give them brief instructions regarding the stunts. Gakuto was selected as flyer, since the group had considered his acrobatic abilities to be an advantage.

The acrobatic player was cautious, especially when they tried the lifts and extensions. He was more at home when they tried the 'toss' and 'cradle' skills. After just a few practices, the acrobatic player was able to get the hang of it, and wasn't frightened at all when they tossed him into the air again.

"This is pretty easy. Na, Yuushi." Gakuto grinned. Just like Atobe, he liked being a flyer, since that role seemed to be a magnet for attention. Already, some of Atobe's cheering squad was cheering for him too.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself ya. Better maintain your balance, Gakuto. You won't want me to drop you na." Oshitari replied with his kansai-accented drawl, though there was mild humour laced in his words.

Hiyoshi glanced up at acrobatic player, who was now waving to all the cheers. "Gekokujou…" It was only a matter of time before he overtook Gakuto and became flyer instead. Hiyoshi was pretty certain of it.

Gakuto had a gleam in his eyes. "Yosh! We'll even show Seigaku's Kikumaru just who the better flyer is. He can't beat me at acrobatics, he most certainly can't beat me at this either."

Oshitari sighed. "Gakuto, you honestly want to hold a grudge against him, don't you?"

Gakuto glanced towards the group on Atobe's left. Suddenly he burst out with laughter.

"Nanya? What are you laughing for, Gakuto?" Oshitari couldn't help asking.

Gakuto wiped his eyes. "Yuushi, Yuushi. Take a look at that. Ahahahaha! That guy is hilarious!"

XXX

Group C (Ootori, Shishido, Akutagawa)

"Yadda! Zettai yadda!"

Ootori sighed. "Shishido-senpai, don't be stubborn. You are the best for the position of flyer in this group. Come on now. We had better start practice or Atobe-buchou will get mad."

Unlike Atobe and Gakuto, Shishido had a completely different perception of the 'flyer' position altogether. He felt it to be the lesser and more submissive position in the whole stunt group, since the flyer was completely at the mercy of the bases.

Shishido, whose face was turning red from embarrassment, pointed a finger at Ootori. "Why must I be the flyer? Why can't you be the flyer? I'm the senior and you're the junior. I should be the one carrying you instead, not the only way around."

Before Ootori could reply, Sakaki had dropped by their group instead. "Very well. If you can lift Ootori-kun. You may be the flyer."

"Yosh! Stay still, Choutarou." Shishido rolled up his sleeves.

The sophomore obediently kept his arms to his sides. Shishido then tried to lift him, but no matter how he strained, he could barely carry Ootori. Instead, he ended up toppling over backwards, and Ootori flattened him.

"Shishido-senpai! I'm so sorry! Are you alright?" Ootori scrambled off him hurriedly.

Shishido remained on the ground, looking rather dazed. "You're…heavy, Choutarou…go on a diet…" He passed out.

Ootori tried to rouse him. "Shishido-senpai, hang in there!" The scud serve player began shaking the third year.

Sakaki looked rather unfazed about it. "Shishido will be the flyer. That is all." Again, the two fingered hand sign. "Itteyoshi."

Once Shishido was back on his feet, the cap wearing player had no choice but follow Sakaki's direct order, though he was still unhappy at being lifted by his junior. He didn't like it at all. Not one bit.

He was a speedy player, and balance was not really one of his strengths. Needless to say, he had to put in a lot of effort to even stay upright once the bases had lifted him into the air. He ended up with his legs completely straight, and his hands locked to his sides. Once Ootori, the main base had lifted him into the air, he didn't even dare to budge at all, least he came falling down.

It wasn't helping that the other half of the base was half-asleep most of the time.

"Koraa! Jirou! You missed the count!" Shishido snapped at the orange-haired volley player, who was nodding away.

Jirou jolted awake, remembered what he was supposed to be doing and made a grab for Shishido's ankles to perform his duties as a base. However, instead of stabilizing the flyer, that caused Shishido to lose his balance instead, and Shishido repaid the favour earlier on by flattening Ootori, his legs landing on Ootori's chest.

"Choutarou! Gomen! Are you alright?" Shishido asked, looking worried.

"I'm fine, Shishido-senpai." Ootori managed to wheeze out, sounding as if all his breath was knocked out of him. Shishido had the cheek to call him heavy. It really was the pot calling the kettle black.

The air was filled with Gakuto's hysterical laughter. Shishido and Gakuto had never been the best of friends in the first place anyway, and throughout practice, Gakuto had been laughing at his performance non-stop. This, however, was the final straw.

"Do you want to fight, you midget?!" Shishido snarled.

Gakuto made a face at him. "Baka Shishido, you can't even do a stunt properly. It's so easy, look." The acrobatic player provoked him further by bouncing on Oshitari and Hiyoshi's hands.

"Why you…!" Shishido looked like he was about to pop a vein.

"Mukahi, Shishido, ground, 20 laps. When you return I expect the both of you to behave yourselves." Sakaki ordered.

Those two could be heard quarrelling all the way, and Sakaki sighed, massaging his temples. Atobe's group remained unfazed, despite being in the middle of the crossfire. Trust the diva to be so ignorant to whatever he deemed unimportant.

Sakaki lingered in this group the longest. They looked like they were having quite some trouble catching up with the rest.

"No, hold Shishido's ankles like that. Yes. Keep your eyes on the flyer at all times, Akutagawa! No sleeping in the middle of a stunt! Gah!" Even the coach lost his patience.

Sakaki pointed at Jirou. "You." He then moved his finger upwards and pointed at Shishido. "And you. Trade positions. Akutagawa. You're the flyer from now onwards."

Jirou seemed to like that arrangement, as he was wide awake instantly. "Suge! So I get to be lifted up high like that! I'm getting excited! Ootori-kun, Shishido, don't drop me." He chirped enthusiastically.

"Finally. Why couldn't Kantoku have made this arrangement since the start? Gekidasa." Shishido looked incredibly relieved. At least he wasn't the one being carried now. That had been incredibly humiliating for him.

Sakaki made no comment about that. Instead, he pointed to all three. "You may go!"

Practice for this group became much better after that. Really, they should have done this in the beginning and spared themselves all that trouble…

XXXXXX

Sakaki sighed, rubbing his forehead. Finally, all three teams had moved on to the dances, and as he watched, he realized one thing.

There would never be peace in Hyotei.

Shishido and Gakuto were fighting, as usual, and Ootori and Oshitari were attempting to pull them apart. Atobe was boasting, and getting all his cheering squad to make a hell of a racket for him, along with Kabaji's 'usu' and Hiyoshi's 'gekokujou'. The most peaceful person there was Jirou, who was now sleeping under a tree.

In spite of all that, Sakaki was confident that they were ready…or at least, almost ready.

Will Hyotei be the one to win the competitions?

To Be Continued…

A/N: Now then. All three teams are ready. Just who will emerge champions? Feel free to guess. Stay tune to the next chapter. (grins)

Kantoku-coach

Zettai yadda-Definitely not

Itteyoshi-You may go

Please Read and Review. No Flames Please.

-Gwyn