CR: Whew! Just got my head out of homework. Really, even if I am a bland and truthful person, I won't just tell them straight out what is wrong with their stories. I will hurt their feelings if I do that. I just don't see why some people can't do the same thing. I did the same to my friends' stories too. I tell them nicely how they can improve it, not tell them "Hey, your story's so bad, I don't want to read it." I will probably lose my friendship with them. Believe me, I know what it is like to receive criticism and insults. I spent two years hearing nothing but those from my classmates. They insult me in front of other people and even on the Internet. Once, they even took my photo and edited it into something else. So you think I need more criticism? Well, think again! Well, back to the story!

The next day, the ITM champions' team met up for breakfast again. Today, they served eggs, sausages, batter cakes covered in thick orange preserves, slices of pale purple melon. While the Champions gorged themselves (Except Pakura. She hated eating more than she needed, and no, it's not because she is concerned about her weight. She tend to get sick if she overeat.), they chatted about last night's party. Most of them didn't enjoy it because they were surrounded by fans that did not know a single bit about them, other than the fact that they play tennis. Ryoma noticed Pakura was quiet today, so he said, "What about you, Paku? Did you enjoy the party?" Pakura looked at him, considered this, and said, "Nope. I did not like the attention given to me. Otherwise, it was fine." She then thought this. 'If you count me drinking in the middle of the night as part of the party, that is.' Speaking of drinking, she had started this habit since after she won her ITM. Nobody, not even Ryoma, her protégé, doubles partner, and best friend, knew about it. When she mentored Ryoma for the ITM, she stayed sober enough to help him, and then went back to drinking after he won. Feeling nauseous, she stood up, and said, "I need the bathroom." and walked to her room. Tyler, noticing something suspicious, followed her. Once she neared her door, Tyler called her. "Pakura." He said. She turned. "What is it, Tyler?" she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"You don't happen to be…jealous of Ryoma, do you? I saw the look in your eyes the night of the party." Tyler was right. She was jealous. He got someone to love him for who he is, but she didn't. What is it that he has and she doesn't and he could get someone to love him? God gave her everything- looks, abilities, brains, and talent. But she only wanted one thing-someone to love her for who she is. Is it too much just for that? Wait…she did have someone who loved her for who she is…but he's not with her anymore. Pakura said, "Yeah…I am alright."

"I knew it. You have been acting strange lately. Ever since the ITM, I don't see you smile genuinely anymore. Also, you seem secretive. Don't lie, I can tell your smile's not genuine."

Pakura stayed silent. Tyler was right. She created a mask, a perfect mask, to hide her true feelings. She started her drinking habit, and now she's a wreck, even if others don't know. She kept her predicament a secret. No one knew of her secret addiction to white liquor.

"If you have problems, why didn't you tell Ryoma?" Tyler went on, snapping Pakura out of her reverie.

"He already had Seigaku to deal with. He doesn't need to be burdened by my problems too. Besides, I promised I'd be there for him, to support him, not hinder him."

"He would want to hear about it. He's your best friend. If you continue like that, you'll break, you know."

Pakura shrugged. "Whatever. It's not as if I care anyway. I'm going in to prepare myself now. See you later." With that, she left for the bathroom. "And don't tell anyone about this conversation." She called, as she closed the door behind her. Tyler returned to the table. The expression must've shown in his face, because Ryoma asked, "What's wrong, T?" Tyler looked up at Ryoma. "Oh, it's nothing." he said, trying to sound in his usual cheerful voice. Ryoma frowned at him for a while, before saying, "Alright, if you say so. Philip, be a dear and go fetch the vice-captain, won't you? She said she'd be back by now." Philip nodded and went to the vice-captain's room. He knocked on the door. "Vice-captain? Captain says it's time to go. Would you please come out?"

Meanwhile, Pakura was vomiting out all her breakfast and the alcohol she had consumed the night before. The liquor burned just as much coming up and tasted twice as bad. She's trembling and sweaty when she finished vomiting, but at least most of the stuff is out of her system. Although enough got to her bloodstream to result in a pounding head, parched mouth, and boiling stomach. She barely heard the knock. When she did, she quickly rinsed her mouth with mouthwash and went to her dressing table to tie her hair in a ponytail. She also placed a ribbon clip on the right side of her head. She bundled up her ponytail and placed a cap over her head to make her look like a boy one last time. She opened the door, and found Philip, looking impatient and angry. "Finally. Do you know how many times I knocked on the freaking door?" Pakura tried to look sheepish, and said, "Sorry." They joined the others at the elevator, shouldering their tennis bags. They made their way to the gym, where the others were already waiting.

"Alright, everyone. For this morning, we'll focus on double matches. After lunch, we'll then focus on singles. Don't worry, I've had the information on who can play doubles among all of you. However, for now, this screen could only register two names at once. So, for those whose names are on the screen, partners please come out to the court too." said Coach Mabi. The screen lit up and the names moved very quickly. They then stopped at the names. Ryoma tapped Pakura, who was talking to Jude. "Pakura…" he said, pointing to the screen. Pakura looked up. The screen read, "Carumati Nokkela vs. Kikumaru Eiji." Pakura grimaced, but got her racquet and said, "Ryoma, let's go." Ryoma nodded, and got his own racquet. Meanwhile, at the Seigaku side, Kikumaru was shouting excitedly, "Hey! I am playing against the traitor's ally! Let's go, Oishi! Let's destroy him!" Oishi smirked. If he couldn't; defeat Ryoma, perhaps he could defeat his ally. Besides, he and Kikumaru were the best doubles team in Japan (proven 3 years ago during Nationals). They would be fine together. He got on the court with Kikumaru, and saw the other pair approaching them. Eiji and Oishi raised one eyebrow when they saw Carumati's partner. Echizen can play doubles? That's almost as possible as Tezuka wearing a pink tutu and running around the Training Center. And wait…they didn't see the boy in the party last night. So what is he doing here?

"Where were you in the party last night?" said Oishi. "I didn't see you."

The boy smirked, and said, "Seemed like you didn't recognize me. Change the name!" he shouted to the person controlling the screen. The name changed to "Pakura Goldstein." Pakura smirked, took off her cap, and casually threw it to William, who caught it perfectly. "Does that answer your question?" The gym was silent. So the boy, who was always by Ryoma's side, was…that pretty female champion? They felt stupid right now…..really stupid.

"So the name Carumati…" said Eiji.

"…Is her nickname." Ryoma laughed. "Alright, enough talk; let's get on with the match."

"I don't think you'll be able to beat me this time, Echizen." said Oishi. "You see, me and Eiji have been playing doubles longer than you. You don't stand a chance."

Ryoma smirked, "We'll…."

"…See about that." Pakura finished for him.

Mabi announced, "From Seigaku, we have Kikumaru, Oishi! From Chess Pieces, we have Echizen, Goldstein, Class: Knight! One set match, Kikumaru to serve!"

Kikumaru started with a lob that easily got behind the pair. "Nice one, Eiji! You got it right behind them!" said Momo. However, he was wrong. They were at the baseline in an instant, and Ryoma hit the ball. The ball bounced past a surprised Eiji. "15-0!" Coach Mabi cried. "Hmph, you got lucky. This time, you won't be able to return our serve!" said Eiji, as he served the ball….right down to the middle. Instead of bickering on who would hit it (like Ryoma and Momo) they ran to the center and hit the ball together. The ball bounced past them again. "30-0!" cried Coach Mabi. Eiji served again, and as if on prior agreement, Pakura let the ball bounce past her and Ryoma returned it. Oishi hit his famous Moon Volley. He was sure they wouldn't be able to return it, however, Pakura was at the baseline already, and she hit the ball before it hit the baseline. "40-0!" cried Coach Mabi. As Eiji served, Ryoma and Pakura looked at each other. "Hey, Paku, what was the name of the guy that started World War II?"

"It was…Hitler, wasn't it?" said Pakura.

Eiji was angry that they weren't taking the match seriously. They had the honor to play against the National Champions, and that was the attitude they gave? He hit the ball towards Ryoma.

"Huh, you only remembered Hitler? His name was Adolf Hitler!" said Ryoma, hitting the ball back, and it bounced past the Golden Pair.

Meanwhile, Atobe was the sidelines smirking. 'According to Ryoma, those two can anticipate and predict the course of the movement just by hearing its impact. Also, with their sharp eyes, they can see the slightest of movements, and imagine the ball's course when they see the racquet hit the ball. Combined with the fact that they understand each other so well and can read each other's minds and can finish each other's sentence, they make the best doubles partners in America. Even if you separate them, it's useless. Together or separate, they are invincible.' Ryoma hit the ball, and the ball bounced past the Golden Pair again. "Game, Echizen-Goldstein pair, 1-0! Echizen to serve!"

"Oh, it's my turn to serve already?" said Ryoma. "Alright, let's get serious…."

Half an hour later….

"Game, to Echizen- Goldstein Pair, 6-0!" Coach Mabi announced. Ryoma used a weird serve that causes the ball to suddenly change course. It was like twist serve, however, when Oishi tried to return it, (he knew the twist serve is aimed for the face), it bounced away from him and hit Eiji instead, leaving him slightly disoriented. When they got to 4-0, that's when Pakura used her Scorch Serve (it's her signature move). It's a very fast serve, and many people did not want to get hit by it, and now they knew why. Whenever you get hit, you will get burned, almost like as if you were burned by fire. So, by the time the match ended, there were burns all over their arms. They initially wanted to send for medics, but Ryoma threw them a tiny pot of balm, and said to use them. They did and the effect was magical, erasing the pain on contact, leaving a pleasant cooling sensation behind. They would've thanked Ryoma, but given the circumstances…..

Ryoma and Pakura returned to the Chess Pieces. Wait, only Pakura did. Ryoma went over and hugged his Atobe. "Nice match, Ryoma." said Atobe, ruffling his hair and giving him a can of Ponta. Ryoma accepted it with a smirk. "I could never ask for a better boyfriend. You knew what I like." He took a sip of Ponta, and pressed his lips on Atobe's briefly. Atobe felt the cool drink of Ponta enter his mouth, and he swallowed it gratefully. "Hmm...sweet." said Atobe, licking his lips. "By the way, why did you help Eiji and Oishi?" Ryoma raised an eyebrow. "When I want to crush them, I need them to be in tip-top condition. I can't crush them in that state; otherwise people will think I am a coward." Ryoma took another sip and said, "Thirsty?" Atobe smirked. He knew what Ryoma was implying. He pressed his lips to Ryoma's, wanting to drink Ponta again. As Ryoma was feeding Atobe Ponta, he caught a glimpse of the Seigaku regulars looking very angry. He smirked. He's one step closer into crushing them. One day, they will face the total wrath of messing with one Echizen Ryoma…and he will make sure of it.

Omake (The Chess Pieces)

Ryoma: Hello everyone! Today, Tyler and I will explain about the organization, The Chess Pieces.

Tyler: That's right! As all of you know in the story, we are part of this organization called the Chess Pieces.

Ryoma: Before I took over the organization, it was ruled by a boy called Josh Richter. (A picture of a boy with blonde hair and electric blue eyes appeared.) Don't let looks fool you. He's a bastard. When our vice-captain was 5, he was the reason why our vice-captain became pure. If you want to know the full story, you'd better ask her, she didn't tell me.

Tyler: When Ryoma was selected for the ITM, he happened to be inside. Richter was his last opponent. Of course, with Pakura's tutelage, he won.

Ryoma: I then took over the Chess Pieces, kicking out the members who are unworthy of it, and started recruiting members who actually have a genuine passion for tennis, not just because they are good.

Tyler: As you all know, there are ranks in the Chess Pieces, namely, Pawns, Rooks, Bishops, and Knights. When you first join, you will start off as Pawn. However, if you show enough passion and skill towards tennis, Ryoma will promote you, and you will get privileges within our headquarters. Our headquarters is actually a castle located in New York, on the inside of the castle it's as fancy as a hotel. (Whispers) Ryoma now owns this castle. But the Seigaku regulars do not know how rich he is yet. Inside the castle, there is a treasury which is this huge roomful of coins, golden goblets, jewels, you name it. Don't tell anyone, especially the Seigaku regulars.

Ryoma: Don't think the 8 strongest Knights are promoted just because they are Champions. No, they had to work their butts off to get the Knight ranking as I deem fit.

Tyler: We don't just live off our fortune in the treasury. Some of us do work, and we bring some of our earnings back to the castle. There are maids and butlers serving us, just like Atobe and his mansion. Right, Ryoma?

Ryoma: Right. Keigo doesn't know about it. But I will tell him someday.

Tyler: Oh, BTW, do you have a desire to join the Chess Pieces? Just come to Ryoma or Pakura and show them your passion towards tennis. If you succeed, they will let you in.

Ryoma: Currently, we are lacking female members. I know, if you're a female and you have a passion and the skill for tennis, why don't you join us? Pakura will be your best friend! She's quite lonely in this organization, but she doesn't show it often.

Tyler: Yup. She'll treat you nice alright.

R&T: See you readers in the next chapter!

CR: Sorry, if the chapter is not nice. I only had an hour to do this. What do you think of the omake?