The wonders of a paradox

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own Prince of Tennis nor Aiba.

Rating: PG or K+

Genre: General, suspense

Pairing: Currently none

Warnings or notes: Possible contain anime spoilers, AU, OOC-ness, bullying or fighting, grammar and other errors (English is not my mother tongue), a few nameless original characters.

In case you haven't noticed, the Italics are connected in some ways. If you find out that you can't understand, try to re-read the previous ones.

Again, thanks to Johin for editing my story.

Thanks for the lovely reviews for the past chapters. Kindly drop a review for this one too. Comments or critiques are welcome.

: Ready… Go :

Chapter 3 – Sissy boys are not weaklings

Fuji strolled down the corridors casually, not bothering himself with the dreamy sighs that escaped from the girls' lips or even the envious looks on the boys'. His little incident with the Mathematics teacher on the second day surely spread fast. It was barely a few days ago and already he made a few enemies unintentionally. Jealousy always made people lose control of their emotions. Ah, the pretty boy had yet to know what was going to happen to him that day.

After a while, he reached another corridor, which was rarely used. None of the students or teachers was walking around at the moment. Three pairs of exasperated eyes were locking onto their prey and rushed towards Fuji. They grabbed him into a nearby empty store room, locked it as they pushed the fragile boy roughly. Startled of the manhandling, Fuji stumbled slightly before he turned to look at the hostile boys.

Never in his mind would he have predicted such things happened in a school as famous as Seigaku. What a way to dishonor the great fame, he surmised.

"Fuji Syusuke," one of the boys growled. "Barely a few days onto our compound and already showing off like some celebrity."

Another boy, this time a taller one with messy hair, was walking around Fuji and observing him like inspecting a criminal. "Newcomers are supposed to listen like a good dog. Now, hand in whatever valuable you have. Otherwise," he cracked his knuckles to add more effect. "… you'll regret ever crossing roads with us."

Needless to say, the ever smiling boy only grinned slyly, as if daring the bigger boys to hit him. "Oh my seniors, I'm sorry to say you are the one crossing roads with me instead of the other way round," he replied smoothly.

"Sissy boy!" the third boy hissed dangerously before beckoning the others to advance on Fuji. "What a tongue you have it here…" He raised a fist ready to punch Fuji, but the other held his ground firmly, a bit too composed.

Finally the other companions decided to attack Fuji instead of play acting to scare him. When they had grabbed hold of the said boy, a hard hit greeted them. Moaning, both attackers fell onto the ground while the remaining one gasped. When had he struck? His eyes could not follow it. When he had taken a quick glance, expecting someone defending Fuji, he saw the younger boy holding an old kendo sword in his hands instead.

"Maybe I shouldn't hit with such a strong force," was all Fuji offered, along with his smile tinted with a slight mischief. "After all, sissy boys aren't supposed to be so violent, na?" When he turned to look at the other with his wide opened eyes, he knew he won without having to waste anymore energy. The pure fear on his senior's face was evidence enough.

So, when he raised the wooden sword, he saw three boys ran out of the class swearing profusely. Knowing none of them would have the courage or plainly stupid recklessness to come back for revenge, he put aside the weapon he found in the store room. He closed the door after walking out of the place looking casual.

'Ah, self defense is really handy at times of need,' he thought to himself.

Later that day, Fuji Yumiko entered her brother's room with a face full of concern. "Maybe Japan is not best suited for you… Syusuke," she said suddenly, knowing he would understand even if she spoke vaguely. It was rare to see the older Fuji to have doubts with her decision.

"But your tarot cards said otherwise, nee-san," was the smooth reply coming from the younger Fuji. He could not say his sister was a seer or she had psychic powers too see the future, but the lovely eldest daughter in Fuji family did have something similar. Her sixth sense was very high and her tarot cards reading skill was accurate all the time.

Fuji Yumiko flashed a thin smile. "They might say otherwise, Syusuke, but maybe you think differently."

A genuine smile was offered in return, "Maa… I have faith in you and your skills, nee-san," the brother replied slowly. And no words were exchanged afterwards.

A pair of wistful eyes was focused on a painting of cherry blossoms, which many buyers would bid for a ridiculously high price for. Aiba suddenly remembered one of his untitled masterpieces was missing for years. Silently, he wondered if he would ever see it again. He missed the art terribly.

: To be continued :