BP: *Yawn* Thanks for all your reviews! You didn't disappoint me this time. I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday because I was busy preparing for my tuition lessons the next day. This chapter is pretty much a filler chapter, because it focuses on Pakura's uncertainty towards love, and she is uncertain if she'll ever try dating again. Ryoma (and Atobe) is secretly helping her.

The next morning, Pakura went to breakfast, to see Ryoma and Atobe having breakfast. It's pretty weird, considering the fact that Ryoma always likes to sleep in. Also, today's Saturday, so they will only train for half a day Well, love seriously does strange things to people. She sat down and shoveled some French toast on her plate. She poured syrup over it and took a bite. She might as well be eating cardboard, because she had a question she wanted to ask Ryoma and Atobe, and because those two had been in a relationship, they would know about romance better than her, right? Ryoma caught her staring, and said, "If you got any questions, just spit it out, Princess." For some reason, him calling her princess ticked her off, enough to say what was on her mind. "Ryoma, how d-do ... you know if-if—er…Argh, the heck with it— how do you know if you're in love?" That was the last question Ryoma expected to hear from the vice-captain's mouth, and he choked on his orange juice. Ryoma looked at Atobe and Atobe nodded. "Allow Ore-sama to explain. First, you blush around them, even at the mention of them. Also, you can't stop thinking about them. You get jealous of people around them. Your heart rate gets faster around them. You want to be the person that stays with them forever."

While Atobe was talking, Pakura made a mental list, from what Atobe said.

And then tallied them with her own feelings.

Blush around them, even at the mention of them. (She did blush at the mention of him)

Can't stop thinking about them. (Yes…because just now, she had an image of him in her mind while Atobe was talking. Of him and his cool posture when he played tennis. Thank God the champions can't read her mind)

Jealous of people around them. (When she was in new Day Academy, she noticed a lot of girls around him, and she wanted nothing but to throw her knives at them. Is he single? She hoped he is.)

Want to be the person that stays with them forever. (When he hugged her before she was launched into the arena, she wished that moment would last forever. Also, she was so happy he was her mentor, because it meant she got to spend time with him)

Heart rate gets faster around them. (Er...that did happen during their dinner appointments…How she wished it was a date…and also, the time when he approached her on the roof and during lunch when he wanted to talk to his brother)

She put it all together…..

...and groaned as she realized she was in love with Echizen Ryoga, Ryoma's brother.

The question is, when? Pakura thought back on the times they spent together. Come to think of it, they did spend a lot of time together when they were young, before Ryoga left the house for unknown reasons. When she was not with Natsuhi, she was with him, learning new techniques, or discussing the latest matches with Ryoma. They spent time together like brother and sister, and he even mentored her in the ITM. She widened her eyes when she realized she did love him, like she did Natsuhi, but she chose Natsuhi when he was alive. Now he's dead, the feelings for him were more obvious. Ryoma didn't miss the look of surprised recognition on Pakura's face. "Who are you in love with, huh?" Ryoma asked cheerfully. Pakura blushed, and stuttered, "J-Just…asking, Ryoma, that's all." she laughed half-heartedly. Ryoma smirked. Just then, Atobe stood up. "Where are you going, Keigo?" said Ryoma. "Oh, Ore-sama needed to go get something. I'll see you at the usual place?" Ryoma nodded, and gave him a kiss on the lips, before Atobe went into the elevator. Once he was out of earshot, Pakura said, "It's not as if he'll have me anyway. I mean, I am good at weapons and combat, I hate girly stuff, and I drink white liquor. Who would want a girl like me?" she slumped on the couch, just as the other champions came out of their rooms to have breakfast. Pakura went back to her room, her head bowed, thinking that the boy she loved wouldn't have her anyway. Ryoma saw her expression, and frowned. She has helped him a lot even during her depression; it's his turn to put her out of her misery, if only he could think of a good plan. He thought about the champions convincing the other schools. He grinned (evilly).

All it took was one minute of murmuring into a player form each team's ear (except for Seigaku, of course.) and a few apprehensive glances at Ryoma's direction from Pakura that everyone (except Seigaku) now knows Pakura's in love. Not that she knew that everyone knows, of course. Pakura was in the Training Center, practicing throwing knives. She didn't realize someone was watching her until he said, "Good job, Pakura" She turned, and found the object of her affections standing at the door. She gave him her most dazzling smile, and said, "Hi, Ryoga. What's up?" Ryoga said, "Are you free now?" Pakura nodded. "Would you like to go for dinner with me tonight?" His main objective is to find out who exactly she was in love with while they are at it. "Sure!" she said brightly. Just as things began to look up, Ryoma suddenly announced he wanted to take the champions out for dinner tonight. Pakura was forced to refuse. "That's alright." She said. "I'll just stay here and order in some Thai food and watch some movies." Surprisingly, Ryoma just said, "Suit yourself." When the champions left, Pakura grinned and called Ryoga, saying she had the whole penthouse to herself. Unbeknownst to her, that was part of his and Atobe's plan to put an end to her misery. If only she looked back, she might have seen Ryoma's chucking "evilly" with Atobe.

Cinderella didn't wait for her prince

One of the biggest mistakes girls can make concerning their romantic life is sitting around waiting for their prince to find them, rather than getting out there and looking for him themselves.
Don't forget, Cinderella actively pursued her prince, by getting dressed up and going to her ball.
True, she had the help of a fairy godmother…but dazzled Prince Charming all on her own.
So don't wait for your prince to find you- get out there and show him what you've got.

Pakura flicked to the next page and read.

Become irresistible to any man

How do you do this? It's simple: by doing what you love.
It sounds crazy, but it's absolutely true. If you do what you love-whether it's painting, dancing, reading or stamp-collecting-you will be happy, and men, like the rest of society, can't resist a happy person.
Don't forget-boys can be shy too!
And a happy, smiling girl is far easier to approach than a scowling or aloof one!

Pakura closed the book, and smiled. She hoped the advice would help win his heart soon. She picked out a pink carnation sequin bow dress, and styled her hair in such a way her bangs are hanging sexily over one eye, which according to fashion magazines, it was the HOTTEST thing. Of course, she ordered in takeaway, and watched movies with Ryoga. Unfortunately, she wasn't a fan of scary movies (which is what they are showing) she clung to Ryoga and buried her face in his shoulder. Ryoga, in turn, patted her back, and said, "Shh, it's ok, sweetheart." When the movie was over, she wiped away the tears that came out when she was watching the scary movies. She smiled sunnily at Ryoga. "Thanks for spending time with me again. I really appreciate it."

"Wait." said Ryoga. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, ask away."

"Well, who is it that you are in love with?"

Pakura froze, before saying, "No one, Ryoga." She blushed after saying that sentence.

"Liar. I am sure there is someone, Princess."

"Why do you want to know, anyway?" Pakura shot back.

"Because, I want to murder whoever has won your heart."

"Well, you'll just have to commit suicide, wouldn't you?" Pakura retorted, and then covered her mouth when she realized what she had just said. 'Pakura, you just have to be witty, don't you' she chided herself. She edged towards her door. "Well, but it's not as if you'd take me, so, haha…good night!" She made a beeline for the door, only to have her wrist grabbed, and she was spun around and pinned against the wall. 'What strength.' Pakura thought. She closed her eyes, thinking he is going to punch her or something. 'Make it quick.' She thought. She felt a hand on her face, and the next thing she knew, he had smashed his lips against hers. The lips were soft, almost like Natsuhi's. Slowly, uncertainly, she kissed him back. Her lips opened slightly and he slid his tongue into her mouth and was sliding it over her teeth and exploring the depths of her mouth. Her hands were in his hair and she could feel his on the small of her back, pulling her closer. It was complete bliss, something she never had ever since her partner died. Her mind had lost control of her body. The need for oxygen soon became overwhelming and she pulled away. However, she realized what she has done. She said, "Gomen." before running to her room, and closing the door behind her, leaving a surprised Ryoga behind.

Ryoga, confused, dialed Ryoma's number. When he answered, he recounted what had happened, Ryoma said, "Actually, I am not surprised." Ryoga widened his eyes. "You're not?" Ryoma nodded. "Don't you know how she's feeling at the moment?" Ryoga slowly shook his head. Ryoma sighed, and said, "Obviously, she is feeling very sad, because of Natsuhi dying. Then I expect she's feeling confused as for who she is and what you love her for, because so many things happened in her life, she doesn't even know who she is anymore. She is probably asking herself if she is a disappointment to the champions and to you. She didn't try romance again ever since Natsuhi's death, so she probably thought you were only kidding when you kissed her, so that's all very mixed up and painful. I probably should mention this earlier, but she is most likely thinking she'd be a disappointment to you because her family thought she was the family's shame. Besides, she thought you might leave her again, like Natsuhi."

"I see. Thanks a lot, Chibisuke." With that, he hung up.

Just then, the bedroom door opened and Pakura stepped out. She was holding her IPhone, and she looked grim. "Bad news: Ryoma has pressed the lock button. You'll be stuck here for the whole night." She showed Ryoga the text. Ryoga gulped when he saw the text. Pakura said, "Well, you may as well just spend the night in my room until the lock has disengaged. Follow me." They went to her room and Ryoga marveled at the neatness of her room (though he doesn't like the fact that everything was pink). As she was busy sorting out a few books, Ryoga remembered Ryoma's words. "Then I expect she's feeling confused as for who she is and what you love her for, because so many things happened in her life, she doesn't even know who she is anymore." 'She must have thought she was a devil,' thought Ryoga. 'No wonder she didn't accept love anymore.' "Pakura." He called out.

Pakura turned. "Yeah?" she said.

"Why do you think you are a disappointment to your family?"

Pakura widened her eyes. How did he know? Then, she sighed, walked over, sat down next to Ryoga on the bed and said, "I was born out of wedlock, actually. My family thought I was a mistake. I was never given a compliment by them during the time I spent in the Goldstein family. Also, because I am a girl, they thought I won't accomplish much in life because in the Goldstein family, they believe the girl's job is to just get married and have babies. They never gave me the love I wanted. I always envied the other kids who had such loving families! Why can't I…." she couldn't finish her sentence, because she was sobbing. Ryoga hugged her, and patted her back. "I don't even know who I am anymore." She mumbled, clutching to the fabric of Ryoga's shirt. "You are not a disappointment." Ryoga said, holding her back so that he could look at her in the eye. "You make the champions proud….you make Chibisuke proud…you make me proud. You are Pakura Goldstein, Princess of the Chess Pieces, a genius in healing and weapons, and….my lover." With that, he captured her lips with his own. Pakura didn't hesitate this time, she returned it, happy to find out he really loved her.

It felt like such a luxury, sleeping with Ryoga tonight. She didn't realize how starved she'd been for human closeness. For the feel of him beside her in the darkness. She sank down into sleep, enveloped in his warmth, and when she opened her eyes again, daylight's streaming through the pink curtains.

"No nightmares." He said.

"No nightmares." Pakura confirmed. She checked the time. "The elevator should be here." She led him to the lounge and kissed him on the lips. "I'll see you at training." He nodded, before stepping into the elevator. "I love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart." Pakura chuckled at her old nickname. When he first mentored her, he always called her sweetheart. 'My name is Pakura Goldstein. I am age 17. I may not have a family, but I have my fellow champions. I have someone whom I love and who loves me back. My life may not be perfect, but I am happy.' Which just goes to show, no matter what anybody else says, the advice in her book?

It really does work.

When the champions came up for breakfast later, they noticed there were two empty containers of pad Thai in the trash. Also two sets of plastic chopsticks and two cans of Ponta in the recycling bin. Tyler asked if she had someone over for dinner- oh God, she'd spent the whole night with him already! - And she said, "Oh, no, Tyler. I was just really hungry."

Later, while the champions were preparing for training….

"Ryoma?" said Pakura. Ryoma turned to face her. "Thank you." Ryoma nodded. When Pakura was out of earshot, Ryoma called Atobe. "Hey, Keigo, looks like our plan has worked!"

"That's great, Ryoma. Does that mean she would be happier now?"

"I am sure of it. See you at training?"

"See you at training." Atobe confirmed.

Just then, Pakura came back to his side, and said, "The light version of the ITM will commence in a week. All of us, until then, keep a low profile. Do not show all your techniques. The data man, Inui, will take the info down and will use it to their advanatage. Our main objective is to prevent anyone from Seigaku to represent Japan in the team. Got it?" The team nodded. Ryoma said, "Very good. Philip, how are things on your side?" Philip nodded. "I managed to hack into the computer system and according to the information I got, the final 16 players would have to face two of us. They have two chances to win against us. If they win at least one match against us, they will be able to get in the team. Who they go against depends on the lots they draw. Don't worry, I can make sure Tezuka goes against both of you, Ryoma, Pakura." The captain nodded. "Excellent. Well, let's go."

The team nodded, and they piled on the awaiting elevator, preparing for the next round of training.

Omake (Tyler's story)

Hello, everyone, you all know who I am. My name is Tyler Clearwater, and I am one of the champions that won the ITM. It all started in my school, Bronx High School. Yes, after Princess (Pakura) won, I was chosen for the 69th ITM. No, I wasn't the same age as Princess. I was a year younger. I didn't expect to be picked. Believe me, you wouldn't want to be in it. My mentor was a guy named Robert. He won around 5 ITMs ago. He told me to confront everyone and defeat them like a machine. Yes, you guessed it; he was a Chess Piece member. I despised him. I hated him. Because of that, I secretly called Pakura for advice. So technically, she's my mentor. Wait, scratch that, she only gave me advice, so she's my advisor. I liked her. She was wise and caring. However, I didn't realize deep inside, she was a sad, hurt and confused person.

Once I was launched in the arena, I remembered what she told me. "Grab what you can, and flee the area. Until you have confidence of playing against the player, don't confront him." Do you know I was nearly challenged by a boy when I grabbed a backpack from the ground? Thank God, someone else challenged him when he was approaching me. I didn't play against anyone, staying alive and keeping my strength was my priority. Surprisingly, many people were still able to find me and challenge me. I was lucky I was in full stamina, so I manage to wipe them out. However, one night, when the board with the players faces came up, my female player, Terra's picture, disappeared from the board. Immediately, I knew she had died in the ITM. Poor Terra! She was only 15. Why can't they spare her for once? But a thought struck me. Those players who came out alive, but lost, were still in a coma in the hospital, and God knows when they would wake up. Maybe death would be better, but I chided myself for thinking that. Nobody is free from the ITM. Perhaps that's why Pakura turned to drink, which we did not find out until recently. I know she suffered much more than us. She had seen the evils of the outside world, and she is only one year older than me, yet I felt we were many years apart. Anyway, I managed to survive until the final eight, where I already had 16 wins and 0 losses. I couldn't afford to lose. If you lose three times in the ITM within the week, you will be given an electric shock from your tracker that may kill you. That's why those who survived the shock are still in a coma up till now.

Yes, then it was down to the final two. I went up against a Chess Piece Bishop. She was one arrogant girl called Jasmine. She was confident she could beat me. I've heard tales of her in New Explorers High School, the school Philip went. It was said she was a stubborn type of person. She thought she was the prettiest and cleverest girl in the school. Although she wasn't very smart, she always boasts about her intelligence and even made fun of those smarter than her, telling them they deserve to go to a mental hospital. Apparently, to her, she is the only sane person in the school. I also heard when she got into a fight one with another girl, the very next day, she vented her anger on another person. Moreover, when someone asked her to shut up when she was so noisy, she slapped the person's face…in front of everyone! Punishing her isn't going to work. No matter how many times the teachers told her not to disturb her classmates, she kept persisting in doing so, refusing to change her ways.

When we got to 4-3 with her leading, she taunted, "Hey, Clearwater, not so clear now, are you? I hope your parents die like you. Your mother looks like a whore. Did she work in the whorehouse or something?" That was the last straw. I served a very fast and heavy serve and caught her by surprise. I was so angry of her insulting my parents, I aimed my serves at her arms, legs, head, you name it. She didn't manage to return my serves. I was venting my anger, hatred on her. By the time I was done, she was badly bruised all over. The electric shock she got after she lost didn't help matters. I heard her scream once, then go still. The cannon fires and I was declared the winner.

Every time I went to bed, I wondered if I could have forgiven that girl. After all, she was a member of the Chess Pieces; she was probably raised that way. All I could see was me venting my anger on her, my serves laced with hate. I saw myself bruising her. I watched her get electrocuted by the tracker on her arm. I wondered maybe she would've survived if I didn't bruise her. If only I wasn't so angry, maybe I wouldn't have taken a life.

The only question I wanted to ask was: Is this all my fault?

BP: I know it's bad, I was watching Beezlebub while writing this. You can treat this as a bonus chapter if you want, because this is focused on Pakura's uncertainty towards love, and the beginning of her new relationship. Remind me not to write romantic scenes any longer. I suck at it, apparently. *sigh* Oh, I am aiming for MORE THAN 130 reviews. Don't disappoint me, ok?