BP: Just got my head out of homework. Let's get the characters to read out the poll results:

Mini-Drama:

Jude: (Takes out piece of paper): So here are the results:

Ryoma- 2 votes

Pakura- 2 votes

Philip: 2 votes

William- 2 votes

Tyler: 2 votes

Derek-1 vote

Christopher- 1 vote

Let's see what the characters have to say.

Derek: I didn't expect people to vote for me.

Christopher: Good news for the fans, though: Pakura's background will be revealed in the next chapter because the author is sure you're tired of waiting and she hates to let people wait. (Evil grin) So, it means the omake will be dedicated to her. Be happy!

Pakura: OI! I'm so going to kill you, author! How can I be happy when my background will be revealed? Also (reads omake script) Argh! My first love's name will be revealed in this omake!

William: Calm down, Princess. Without her, you wouldn't even be in this story!

Ryoma: Even if I lose the poll, mine will appear in the story line, because I'm the main character.

Tyler: The poll won't close until there is a clear winner. I hope William wins.

William: Hey!

Tyler: Just kidding, Will. Anyway, we must have a clear winner for this poll so that the author will know who to pick to reveal his background. Note I didn't say her, because Pakura's will definitely appear in the storyline, as decided by the author while she was reading her novel.

Pakura: Who decides things while they read anyway?

William: Apparently, the author does. Well, let's get on with the story!

The Seigaku regulars gritted their teeth when they found out about Ryoma's property and riches, and according to the research done, all they found out was he had a total personal worth which included real estate property and the palace's art collection, which added up to more than a hundred billion dollars (thanks to Philips's skills in technology). Darn it! They didn't know he was powerful and rich. Also, they were intrigued when they found out Pakura was the castle's princess. They did agree they have to come up with a plan using her, though Fuji asked if he could still have her after their plan is accomplished because he had taken a liking to her. Well, who didn't? She is very attractive, tall and curvaceous and she is smart and athletic. They said yes, of course….provided if they could think up of a good plan to sabotage Ryoma first.

Meanwhile, the champions (except Pakura) met as usual for breakfast. They were about to get ready for training, when one of the servers came with a note that said training is cancelled for the day because the coaches are going to be busy preparing the plans for the light version of the ITM. It will resume two days later, which means they will end the camp two days later as well. In a way, this is bad news because they wanted to see Seigaku go down earlier. But oh well, what can they do? Christopher had an idea and said, "Hey, I know! Why don't we film an episode of my show here?" All of them did not need to think hard to know what he meant. Christopher had his own TV show called "A champion tells it like it is". It used to be a public access show, which for one episode, Chris already had to pay $200 (American money) if you include the cost of tape and all. The champions usually helped him with his show. The previous episode, which was filmed before they came to Japan, was a spoof of the movie, The Blair Witch Project, which was about some kids who went out into the woods and end up disappearing. All that's found of them is film footage and some piles of sticks. Only instead of the Blair Witch Project, Chris' was called the Green Witch Project. He took a hand held camera down to Washington Square Park with William and filmed the tourists who went up to them and asked if they knew how to get to Green Witch Village (It's actually Greenwich Village-you're not supposed to pronounce the w in Greenwich. But people from out of town always pronounce it wrong). Anyway, as tourists came up and ask them which way to Green Witch Village, they started screaming and ran away in terror. All that was left of them was a pile of MetroCards (which Pakura locked them in the dungeon for a week out of anger because they used her cards without permission and they were dirtied by the ground.)

Of course, because the show was so popular, the show is now on a proper channel network, and he didn't need to pay at all to film the show. The people running the channel company actually paid HIM. His show is as highly rated as Sixty Minutes. The champions do help him film the show, sometimes even appearing in a few episodes, but ever since Pakura first appeared in his show (It was around episode 7. He started his own show after he won the ITM), there was a guy named Terry calling in and telling Chris to ask Pakura to take off her clothing….ON AIR! He sent stuff to his care of the show, CDs and stuffed animals and things like that, and writes that there'll be more where that came from if Chris can get his vice-captain to strip on air. So what Pakura does is, (or what Chris told her to do, because she nearly broke down when he told her) she does take it off alright, but then she throws a blanket over herself and kicks her feet under it and goes, "Look, Terry, you freak, I've taken off my clothing! Chris thanks you for the CDs, sucker!"

That angered Terry so much he started wandering around the Village looking for Chris. Everyone knew Chris lives (before he joined the Chess Pieces) in the Village, since he once filmed a popular episode where he interviewed Ryoma for his recent popularity in school. One day, a few weeks ago, Terry actually found Pakura and Ryoma in the park and started chasing them around, waving twenty dollar bills and trying to get Pakura to take off her clothing. This was very entertaining (to Ryoma at least), and hardly scary at all, especially because they just ran right up to Washington Square South and Thompson Street, where the Sixth Precinct has been parking the enormous trailer so they can secretly spy on drug dealers. Ryoma told the police that this weird guy was assaulting them, and you should see it: About twenty undercover guys (even a guy they thought was an old homeless man asleep on the bench) jumped on Terry and dragged him, screaming, off to the mental ward!

Anyway, today, Chris is going to film an episode dedicated to life in the Training Center. He's going to call it "Life in Japan." Just as he was preparing to film, the elevator dinged, and Atobe stepped out. The person with him was…..

"Pakura!" Ryoma cried. "You're out!"

Pakura smiled. "Of course, I am." Atobe went to hug his Ryoma. "So, what are you champions doing now, ahn?" he said. Chris told him about the show he is filming, and he is going to dedicate today's episode to their life in Japan. Atobe nodded. "So, do you need help?" Chris nodded. "I think we can interview you because you are a typical Japanese teenager, and we can find out more about life in Japan from you." The Champions nodded. "I know!" said Tyler. "We can also film the champions training for other things besides tennis." Chris nodded, and turned to his fellow champions. "Could you bring the things you need to showcase your talent?" They nodded, and went to their rooms to take the said items. When they came out again, Chris took his camera, and said, "Alright, let's go!" they first went to the 18th floor, where they specialize in knife-throwing. Tyler turned to Pakura. "Alright, Princess, show your stuff!" Pakura took out her throwing knives and set the targets. She took one of the knives and threw it. Bulls-eye! She took another one and threw it. Spot on! She took a third one and threw it with a flick of her wrist. Right in the middle! As she was throwing, Chris was narrating in the camera (He put it on the tripod) "As you all know, we 8 have been sent to Japan to attend a training camp. Even when we have off days, our vice-captain Pakura Goldstein can be seen practicing with her knives. You've seen her throw, she never misses, and so you wouldn't want to mess with her while she got her knives."

They then went to the 16th floor, where they specialize in painting. While Tyler was painting, Chris said in the mike "Tyler Clearwater, our favorite artistic champion. When he is not training, he can be seen relaxing and painting away when the muses move him." Ryoma muttered to Atobe, "If I ever meet Tyler's muses, I'll give them such swift kick in the togas they won't know what hit them." Atobe's lips trembled, trying not to laugh. Finally, Tyler showed a picture of a forest blooming in the sunlight, and showed it to the camera. Then, they went to the computer room at the 22nd floor, where they specialize in technology. "Philip Robinson, technology genius, although not training, his brains are always at work." Then, Philip began talking about his recent success in creating a device that can actually read minds of the others and even create the exact picture of a memory the person might be thinking about at the moment. They then went to the 2nd floor, where there were swimming lessons. Jude changed to his swimming trunks and he jumped from the 10m board. Chris filed his dive and him swimming gracefully to the other end of the swimming pool in 6 seconds flat. "Jude Harrison, champion swimmer. He dedicates his time to practice his strokes when he is outside tennis. If you want to challenge him in swimming, do think twice." It went on until finally it is Ryoma's turn. He just knew what to do. He went to the computer matching game of the plants at the 15th floor, and he started playing the game, while they filmed. He ended up beating the high score. "Echizen Ryoma, Captain of the Champions, he can be seen polishing up his knowledge when he is not playing tennis. He is our hardworking captain, who will never be complacent." Then they went to the obstacle course, where all of them started doing stunts. Chris said, "Of course, out stunt people will also practice their stunts here." Finally, they went to a room with couches. Now, let's interview one of our Japan players. Please welcome, Atobe Keigo!" Atobe flicked his hair and sat down on the seat next to him.

"So, Atobe, what do you think of the champions coming to Japan to train with you all?" said Chris.

"Ore-sama is honored because with their abilities, we will be able to improve and learn from our mistakes."

"So what is the best thing in Japan so far?"

"I should say the gadgets. Japanese people have invented a lot of extraordinary things here. There is even an ice cream that wouldn't melt for half an hour in here. Also, in Japan toilets, there are devices attached to play music so help you relax and calm you."

"That sounds fascinating."

"It is, Chris. There are even dolls that resemble you. All you need to do is to send a photo of yourself to the company, and two months later, a mini you is at your doorstep. It can even mimic your voice due to the device attached to it."

"Wow! I should buy one myself sometime."

"Yes. Japan has a lot of shopping attractions. I especially like to go to Harajuku to go shopping. Personally, the items there are exquisite."

"Of course, I believe Japan tennis players have their own hobbies too. Care to tell us?"

"I like at fly-fishing and reading, mostly Shakespeare; although I also likes reading Goethe. I also enjoy listening to classical music, which happens to be my favorite genre, and watching European films. "

"Wow! You should introduce those to me sometime."

"With pleasure." With that, the interview ended.

Later, they were editing the video they had taken…well, scratch that. Philip was editing it. The rest just stood there and watch. The filming has taken the whole day, and everyone was tired. They ate supper and went back to their rooms, Ryoma giving Atobe a goodnight kiss on the lips. Pakura was nowhere to be seen, presumably going to bed first. Ryoma went to bed, feeling slightly worried for his vice-captain, but then again, she can take care of herself. He wondered what he would do tomorrow. Maybe he could spend the whole day with his Keigo. With a small smile, he fell asleep.

Omake (The nightmares I face (Pakura))

Pakura drained the last of the liquor. She had been on the roof, polishing off the fifth bottle in the hour. When she drained her last bottle, she stood up shakily, and went to the elevator. However, she found someone leaning against the wall. Due to her excellent eyesight, she didn't need to take another step to find out who it was.

The boy had emerald green eyes and dark brown hair.

"Natsuhi Davenport?" Pakura gasped. "You're…" She was surprised to find her first doubles partner and the male player that represented the ITM along with her. What is he doing here?

Natsuhi stepped out of his hiding place and fell into step beside her. "You are going to damage your body if you continue drinking that much a day." There is a hint of disapproval in his voice that made Pakura flinch.

"Well, I don't care anymore, I won for you, lived your life for you, and is this all the thanks I get? You weren't even there for me!" Pakura spat at her former doubles partner, then realizing what she said, wished she could take her words back as Natsuhi looked lost and sad. She wanted nothing more than to give him a passionate kiss on the lips, but they've come so far now, not touching, that Pakura felt that she mustn't break the silent wall. Yes, she came this far with drink. But how long would she last?

Natsuhi raised a hand as if grab Pakura's wrist, as if to ask her to wait, but then dropped it again as she pressed for the elevator. Pakura watched Natsuhi, wearing the New Day Academy boys' tennis regulars' outfit, out of the corner of her eye from her position in front of the elevator, when he reached out, places his hands on either side of her face. She widened her eyes. What is he..?

Natsuhi gave her a chaste kiss on the lips, making Pakura sigh in contentment. It was paradise she never felt with anyone else, and she believed she won't feel it with anyone else. No one knew, but they were more than doubles partners. They were partners for life. She wrapped her arms around him and said, "Stay with me."

Natsuhi nodded. "Always."

Abruptly, Pakura sat up, panting, disregarding the blanket, which has somehow flipped to the wrong direction, and how it is bunched up around her upper body. She felt the liquor come up. She barely made it to the toilet before the liquor came up again. By the time she vomited the liquor she consumed all out, she felt miserable- utterly miserable. She went back to her room and punched the glass bottle. It shattered into pieces. The blood dribbled from her cuts steadily, staining the pink carpet. She wiped away stray tears, staining her face with blood. It was that dream again. She dropped to the floor, letting the tears fall and stain the pink carpet.

She looked up to see Natsuhi, dressed in the New Day regulars outfit, the outfit they buried him in, look at her.

For a moment she forgot how to breathe. He was standing in front of the red star, called Natsuhiboshi, the star he was named for.

Natsuhi raised his left arm, and gave her a very gentle look, the same gentle look he sported when they promised to be together forever, and even carved their names in the tree trunk, Pakura's lips trembled as she watched him point to the red star. She could almost hear the lullaby that they always sang.

Tears are streaming down Pakura's face, but her attention was more on Natsuhi. He pointed to the red star, and gave Pakura a reassuring and comforting smile. His eyes are telling Pakura. I'll wait for you up there, so that we can go together, as partners once more.

As Natsuhi's ghost disappears, Pakura finished the sentence. No matter how long it will be.

That night, Pakura started crying again.

Unbeknownst to her, Ryoma was outside her door, listening to her quietly sobbing. He frowned, wondering what is wrong with his best friend. He'll have to postpone his plans with Keigo if he has to. He will get some answers from her.

BP: Anyway, I was watching HunterxHunter while writing this, and also, I only had an hour, so I think I am rushing a bit. Anyway, next chapter, it will be Pakura's background, so stay tuned!