Wow, I am so sorry that this took so long. I really have no excuse for this being so late. Although I don't set a date for anything, I still think it's such a long time for you to wait. Gomen.

Kyaa, I know I've probably already said this, but who else is loving New Prince of Tennis? I'm freaking loving how much Kenya there is. Now only if there was more Marui. Then it would be just Puuuurfect. =w=

Disclaimer: Own not me do I. Sad am I. War Stars seen not have I.

Chapter 4: Tennis Match + Next Victim

Ryoma grumbled as the sun's rays shined directly into his sleeping face. Bending into a cat-like position to stretch his tired muscles, Ryoma vaguely noticed he had forgotten to change out of the clothes he had been wearing the previous day. Still mumbling incoherently, the youngest Echizen heard a rustling sound and paused. Ryoma fished his hand into his pocket and looked confusedly at the folded piece of paper he took out.

'When did I get this?' Carefully opening the note, the boy prepared himself for the worst.

'Dear my beloved Ryoma,

You'll be pleased to hear I got rid of that disgusting filth hanging around you and claiming to be your equal, your "friend". I could tell how displeased you were so I took out the trash. Are you proud of me? You didn't look very happy yesterday. You must have been putting on an act for those lowlifes that dare to call you friend. I must say, it was very convincing. I almost felt regret for helping you. It's a good thing I know you care for me only. I hope to spend more time with you soon.

With lots of love and adoration,

Akuma

P.S. You really should be more careful about where you sleep. Someone could do something to you.'

Ryoma crushed the letter in his hands. How dare they. How dare they do anything to his friends. This creep was insane. They needed to be put in a mental hospital or something. Needing to get out his frustrations, Ryoma changed into some tennis clothes, grabbed his racket and a couple balls, and left for the courts in a nearby park.

-BURNING!-

Ryoma had been rallying a ball against one of the practice walls for a couple minutes when he was interrupted. This interruption came in the form of a brunet with a very pleased smile on his face. It was that new guy. Fujiki, no. Fuji! That was it.

'What's he doing here? And what's with the cat that got the canary smile?'

"Saa, Ryoma," 'HEY! We're not that close!' "I couldn't help but notice how good at tennis you are. Mind if we have a match."

Ryoma smirked. "Not at all."

"Excellent."

-Don!-

A couple minutes later and the two were on an empty court with Ryoma getting ready to receive a serve. Ryoma wasn't going to go easy. He still had a lot of pent up irritation to release.

"Here I go. I won't go easy on you by the way." Fuji said, picking up a ball in the middle of the second sentence.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Fuji's eyes opened and dark amusement glittered in them before he spun the ball and hit an underhanded serve.

Ha! What was that guy thinking? Ryoma ran forward to hit the ball and just as he was about to return it, it disappeared. What the-

"Hm, I see what you mean by not going easy." A smirk. "But I'll beat you."

A return smirk, "Be my guest."

-Fshuuu-

About an hour and a half later the match came to a close. And not in Ryoma's favor by the way. Both lay on the court, resting after such a tiring match.

"You're pretty good."

"Saa, coming from Ryo-chan that means a lot. But thanks. I was the best in my old school." Was it just Ryoma or did the guy seem to glow from such a small compliment. And what was with the chan! He was a male for Kami's sake. And he was already in middle school. Ryoma wanted to rant at him but contained himself for fear of looking childish.

"You don't say. By the way, a bunch of people in the club," meaning Kikumaru-sempai, "have been wondering this, but, why did you come here?" Why was he so talkative? This was more than he usually said in a day. And to a virtual stranger no less.

Fuji's aura seemed to brighten even more at the question. "Ah, I had someone I wanted to meet."

"That's it?"

"That's it. Now," the brunet stood up and stretched, "how about some lunch?" The taller boy offered his hand and Ryoma took it. After being pulled up he smiled deviously.

"Sempai's treat." The other boy just chuckled, although a huge smile did break over his face.

"Of course." The two packed their rackets away and started towards the gates of the park. Just as they were about to leave though, a tall grey haired guy with piercing amber eyes bumped into Ryoma and knocked him down.

"OI, BRAT! HOW DARE YOU BUMP INTO ME?" The older teen grabbed the freshman by the front of his shirt and lifted him to eye-level. "WELL, APOLOGIZE!" Ryoma blinked dazedly in the man's face before putting on his best defiant glare. "OI, ARE YOU DEAF? I SAID-" at this, the grey-haired teen pulled his fist back, "-APOLOGIZE!" The fist struck Ryoma in the stomach and he gasped, choking for air. The muscled teen then tossed Ryoma down and began walking away. "Damn brats."

Fuji rushed to the fallen boy's side, gently cradling him to his chest. "Ryoma! Are you okay? Calm down and focus on breathing!" Ryoma stopped trying to take in short, quick breaths and concentrated on taking deeper ones. "There, that's right. Long calming ones. Here I'll take you to my house, its closer." Fuji gently picked up the freshman's right arm and wrapped it around his shoulders.

Right before they left, Fuji turned around, eyes open and cold as ice. "You! What's your name?" The guy turned around and smirked.

"Akutsu Jin. And make sure your buddy doesn't forget it." The boy then walked away, laughing the entire time.

Fuji clenched his teeth and his glare intensified. They then went on their way to Fuji's house, Ryoma too tired to even question how the brunet knew which house was closer.

-SS-

Fuji closed the door to the spare bedroom. He normally would've been ecstatic to have his savior in his house but not under these circumstances. That man was going to pay for harming his tenshi. Pay dearly.

An evil twisted grin morphed the brunet's face into something demented. 'No one touches what's mine. Akutsu Jin you better enjoy your last few minutes because'

"I'm going to kill you."

-SS-

Ho, shit! Damn, that last part even freaked me out. Hope I don't creep out so many readers they stop reading this. But seriously. Whoa. And sorry if you like Akutsu but I think you know where this is going.

Anyways, I'd like to thank all the wonderful people who've reviewed, or added this to their favorites or alerts. If not for you, I wouldn't have the confidence to keep writing. So thankies and hope you guys'll keep the reviews coming.

And since I forgot to offer plushies last time, how about double plushies for reviewers of this chapter. Let's say German- Sheppard Tezukas and kitty Eiji's.

(Wouldn't Tezuka make such a good guard dog?)

P.S. I apologize for its shortness.