Aniki

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis nor am I making a profit off this story. I write for my own pleasure. Nor do I own any brands mention herein; it's all just to go with the storyline.

Summary: Ryoma and Ryuuka Echizen are born to be tennis players. Devastatingly, Ryuuka is diagnosed with a blood disorder. Playing in Japan, Ryoma worries over his dying sister in USA. Or will she live to join him at Seigaku?

Pairings: Golden Pair, Inui-Kaidoh, Momo-Ann. (for now)

Note: Ryoga does not exist!

Pairings! Vote! It will influence my choice:

RyomaxYukimura - (workable and cute!)

RyomaxAtobe - (Amusing. I see lots of torture...)

RyomaxSanada - (Potentially hot! I see a bro-sis dating the vice-cap)

RyuukaxYukimura - (easier to write and very cute fluff)

RyuukaxFuji - (I like protective!Fuji)

Oh, I changed the order of episodes around a bit. The match with Fuji happens frist, followed by the day out with Sakuno and Tomoyo. Then the beating of the whole team. Then Jin comes to Seigaku and hurts Ryoma. Then the match. :p

~0~0~0~

Chapter 4

Facing your demons.

Ryuuka sighed as she climbed into the car. Nanjiroh gave her a smile, worry evident in his eyes. The nurse sat next to the young girl, buckling her in and checking the drip. She had a white emergency bag on her lap.

"Are you sure you want to go?" Nanjiroh asked, "It's rather soon after your operation. Ryoma's only helping two girls starting tennis. You shouldn't push yourself. "

Ryuuka rolled her eyes as she replied with a flat-tone that dared her father to argue with her, "If I can't play tennis, I would like to watch Ryoma play. Plus, you said it yourself, it's relaxed. It's two beginners."

Nanjiroh sighed as he started the car and carefully pulled out of the hospital parking lot. He had learnt a long time ago never to argue with that tone of voice. After all, Ryuuka got it from her mother, Rinko.

"It will be fine, Echizen-san," Nurse Akio said with a small smile, "Ryuuka just needs time to heal. She Isn't in any immediate danger, otherwise she wouldn't have been cleared to leave."

The drive was short as they pulled into a small tennis garden. Ryuuka rolled her eyes at her father's antics, took the cooler of food her mother had packed and got off the car. Akio followed, keeping a sharp eye on her change.

"Dr Minami said you liked tennis?" Ryuuka asked quietly as they walked slowly towards the tennis courts. Akio raised an eyebrow, and nodded. "I used to play, back in university. I want to Nationals in High School and once again in University."

Ryuuka nodded before biting her lip. "Did you ever," she started before stopping. Taking a deep breath, she tried again, "Did you ever consider going pro?"

Akio laughed. She was young, barely into her thirties and married. Her long red hair was pulled into a tight bun, to keep it out of her way. "That was once my dream. Before my own stupidity stopped it."

Ryuuka gave here a curious look, too polite to ask but curious nonetheless. "I injured myself and played on the injury. It didn't heal correctly and even after therapy, I can't use move as fast I used to."

"What did you do then?" Ryuuka asked in a quiet voice.

"I focused on my degree, became a nurse. I teach tennis to children in my spare time. I watch it, read about it. I play in the amateur leagues. Guess I grew up."

"Living with it while living without it," Ryuuka murmured before asking in a slightly louder voice, "Did it hurt? To stop playing?"

Akio stopped and gave Ryuuka a knowing look, "You already know the answer to that question." Akio knew where those questions were leading to. She knew that Ryuuka would be having those fears that she once experienced. The fear of never playing again.

Ryuuka was quiet as they neared the court where she could see Ryoma and three girls on. She raised an eyebrow at the extra female but said nothing. Mentally she snorted, 'Knowing Oyaji, he doesn't even know the number of girls he was asked to coach.'

"I read about you and your brother," Akio said suddenly. Ryuuka froze and turned. "You two created quite the buzz. 'Born for tennis' they wrote as you won tournament after tournament. a lot of people are eager to see both of you go pro."

Ryuuka smiled at the unsaid encouragement and stepped onto the court. Ryoma's head swivelled as he turned to meet his twin's gaze. Within moments he was walking her to the bench on the side of the court that was conveniently in the shade.

"Ryo, this is nurse Akio. My brother Ryoma," Ryuuka did quick introductions before turning her gaze to the other females. They looked at her curiously.

"Hi!" the brunette with short hair greeted with a smile. Ryuuka nodded at her as she noted the way the girl held her racket. She was someone who knew their way around a court. "I'm Ann. I've heard quite a bit about you!"

Ryuuka turned to Ryoma with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged, "She reminded me of you. I invited her today."

Ryuuka nodded. "Ryuuka. Pleasure to meet you. I'm the civilised twin. And yes, I am aware that I look like a mummy." Ryuuka hated how her upper arms and almost all of her legs were wrapped in bandages. Her abdomen was also bandaged. The operation required that the bone marrow be deposited into various bones in her body. She still had the stitches from the cuts.

Ann giggled at that and nodded. "But of course you are the better tennis player." Tactfully she ignored the mummy comment. Ryoma did say that his sister was very sick. The fact that a nurse had to accompany her proved that. Ann wasn't going to ruin a perfectly good day with depressing talk.

Ryuuka nodded solemnly, "But of course."

"I'm Tomoyo! And this is Sakuno!" the other short-haired girl practically yelled. Ryuuka winced slightly. Vindictively she noted that so did Ryoma. They both had rather sharp hearing.

Sakuno blushed and nodded she bowed in greeting. "It's nice to finally meet you I person, Echizen-san. My grandmother, the coach, ahs told me a lot about you." The timid girl could not help but stare a little the bandages that Ryoma's sister had on. There were a lot of them. 'I knew she was ill but what on earth happened to her?'

"Ryuuka, Ryoma's younger twin. I'm guessing you're the beginners?" Ryuuka asked, but looked at Ryoma for the answer. He nodded.

"Ann's got the basics down but she needs to repeat it into her muscle memory. The other two need to keep doing the basics while correcting errors and bad habits," Ryoma explained as he sat down next to his sister. He looked bored and Ryuuka could understand. It wasn't much fun to sit and watch two beginners mess up over and over and over again.

"I'm not cleared to play yet but we can rally," Ryuuka put forward. Ryoma looked relieved before looking at Akio. She nodded with a stern expression. "It's fine as long as she doesn't push it or rip out her drip."

"Drip?" Ann asked worried. Ryuuka smiled and nodded, "I'm recovering from an operation. " Ryuuka patted her arm. It was slightly bulkier than her other arm. Ann frowned in confusion until Ryuuka slipped off her light jacket. Strapped to her right arm was a drip bag connected to a needle that was secured into a vein.

Sakuno gasped and Tomoyo couldn't help but put in, "That doesn't look very safe."

Ryuuka waved them off as she slowly stood up. Ryoma handed her a racket without a word. They just didn't need to say anything.

The girls were using the board on the side of the court so the twins moved closer to the net on the other side of the court. Ryoma started the light rally with an underhanded serve with his right hand. Ryuuka spun the racket with practiced ease and returned the gentle ball easily.

"How's Seigaku?"

"Fine. We have another tournament in two weeks."

"Really? Against who?"

"No idea."

They went silent as they rallied. The tennis ball slapped against the court as they moved in synch. It was like a strange dance, choreographed and performed for anyone who might watch. An instinctive reaction honed over the years.

'You're holding back. Why?'

'You know why.'

'You can't play a half-hearted tennis! Not if you want to win.'

'I'll play when you do.'

Ryuuka growled in frustration and hit the ball far harder than either of them expected. It was a yellow blur as it sped past a shocked Ryoma. It hit the back fence and Ryoma winced at the look his sister was giving him.

"You know," Ryuuka said harshly. "by not playing at your best you're insulting yourself, your opponents, your trainers and me. I was your doubles' partner. I was paired with you, meaning I chose you because you are strong. So get your act together, Ryo. Reality sucks,, trust me, I know! I may never play tennis again! But you can."

Ryoma stayed silent as he dropped his gaze to the ground. The anger in his sister's voice was evident. But he couldn't bare to see all the emotions that would be filtered across her eyes.

Ryuuka hissed out a sigh as she shook her head. She was angry. She was tired of Ryoma trying to run from the truth. She knew that it was partly her fault for keeping it from him, but she was hoping for the best. That plan backfired. Now, all she could do is ensured he survived if anything did happen. With one last look at her brother, she turned around and walked back to the bench.

"Is," Ryoma's voice stopped her. Ryuuka frowned at the word. "Is. Present tense. You are my doubles' partner. That will never change."

Ryuuka had to smile at that but she didn't turn around. 'He needs to understand. He needs to accept this and move past it.'

It was only an hour later when the three girls called for a break and they decided to have the packed lunches. They had all brought their own but the Echizen mother sent enough for all of them.

Lunch itself was a quiet affair, not counting Tomoyo. Ryoma was quiet and ignoring Sakuno who sat next to him. Ryuuka was talking to Akio while Ann was on her phone.

Putting her phone away, Ann smiled at Ryuuka and asked eagerly, "What's it like? Winning the American Junior Championship female division?"

Ryuuka swallowed the piece of sandwich that she almost chocked on. "What?" she spluttered.

"I looked you up on the net," Ann explained with a shrug, "I wanted to know about the mysterious twin Ryoma mentioned."

"Ah," Ryuuka muttered in reply as she put down her sandwich in relief. She wasn't that hungry but Akio insisted she eat at least two slices. "It's… pretty amazing actually."

Ann rolled her eyes when Ryuuka said nothing else. 'I guess they had to have some traits in common if they are related.'

"And the guys?" Ann asked with a giggle, "Are they cuter here or in America."

Ryuuka paused for a moment. "I haven't really been here long enough to judge, " she said slowly. Briefly, she recalled the pervert from the hospital. He was quite handsome… "So I'm sticking to the guys in America."

Ann grinned and nodded, "Where have you been so far? I mean, here, in town?"

"Just Seigaku and the hospital," Ryuuka replied with a grin.

"Seigaku has some nice guys," Ann nodded with a mischievous grin, "Not counting your brother in the scale, but Fuji Syuusuke's cute and their captain Tezuka Kunimitsu is hot, if you like mature guys."

Ryuuka looked thoughtful as Ryoma groaned. He muttered, "I really don't need to hear this!"

Tomoyo nodded viciously, "Fuji is a genius but he looks so gentle. Tezuka is more mature. But they are both really cute."

"Fuji?" Ryuuka said with a frown. The name sounded familiar but she couldn't remember who.

"The guy I was playing," Ryoma replied as he pulled his cap down and leaned back. If the girls were going to gossip he was going to sleep.

"Ah!" Ryuuka exclaimed as she recalled the match, "Brown hair, crystal blue eyes?"

Ann nodded viciously. "Personally, I like Momoshiro more. He's more my type. What about you?"

Tomoyo looked thoughtful for a moment, "Fuji."

"Um," Sakuno said as her eyes darted to Ryoma as she blushed. Ryuuka rolled her eyes but said nothing at the blatant crush. She knew her brother well enough to know that nothing would come out of it as he was tennis-sexual. "I think Eiji is cute."

"Eiji?" Ryuuka asked confused, "The acrobatics doubles player. Part of the Golden Pair?"

The three stared at her silently.

"What?" Ryuuka asked with a a grin, "I may not know what they look like but I've research their playing styles. His was the closest to mine."

Ann rolled her eyes, "Eiji is energetic and a cute redhead. His partner Oishi is average but very caring and kind. You style?"

Ryuuka just smirked but said nothing.

Tomoyo nodded as she added, "Stay away from Inui. He makes these weird juices that kill people. He wears glasses but looks geeky-ish. The only other player who wears glasses is Tezuka."

"You know Fuji," Sakuno piped, "and the other third year is Taka. He's strong and sweet. But when he touches a racket his personality, um, changes."

"Changes?" Ryuuka frowned but nodded, "Okay. That's Momoshiri, Eiji, Oishi, Inui, Tezuka and Fuji. And I know my brother. That's the whole team?"

"You forgot Kaidoh," Ryoma added grumpily. With the squeals and noise he couldn't sleep. "Inui is our trainer since I knocked him out of the team. Kaidoh is the buggy whip shot specialist."

"Ah! The snake guy!" Ryuuka nodded before turning back to the girls, "is he cute?"

"Er…" The three fell into silence as they shook their heads in unison.

"He's scary," Sakuno whispered.

"He's got a weird face," Anna added as she pulled a face.

"He always wears a bandana. Stay away from him and his temper. He and Momoshiro always get into fights," Tomoyo added.

~0~0~0~

The car ride back to the hospital was quiet and uneventful. Ryoma rode in boot compartment with his tennis balls. Ryuuka sat in the back seat and rolled her eyes.

"Ryo," she asked with a falsely sweet voice, "did you really have to take all their tennis balls after beating their whole club?"

Ryoma met her gaze and smirked, "You're just mad that Akio wouldn't let you join me in handing out their defeat."

Ryuuka pouted as she sat back and crossed her arms.

Ryoma's smirk just got bigger. Nanjiroh sighed as he turned up the radio. Sometimes it was better if he just didn't know what the twins got up to. Akio giggled slightly behind her hand. The day had gone well, her charged didn't push the limits and they both enjoyed a day outside. When Ryuuka's treatment really starts there may not be opportunities like that often.

~0~0~0~

It was Monday afternoon when Ryuuka found herself standing outside Seigaku once again. Akio was once again her minder as they entered the school. Ryuuka headed straight for the courts, knowing its location from the her last visit. Ryoma would be at his afternoon practice and she wanted to meet his team. And Nanjiroh's old coach.

It was a sunny day, with no breeze. She sighed as she walked, "Perfect conditions," she muttered. Akio stifled a smile. Over the weekend the elder had gotten to know her young charge. She was fairly simple: her life revolved around tennis and her family; which considering whom her family was, is the same thing.

"Be careful," Akio warned as Ryuuka scratched at the drip she wore and pouted. 'But it's itchy!' she whined but didn't dare to complain. Not out loud to the one person who was willing to watch her on her outings that involved tennis. So she nodded sullenly and removed her hand. But she brightened as they neared the courts.

They could see the tennis club already at practice. Quickly, Ryuuka spotted her brother standing with a group. 'The regulars,' she thought as she recognised the brunette. 'What's his name again? What's her name said he was a tensai.'

The group broke up and headed for their water bottles. Ryuuka smirked. 'Perfect timing.' Taking a deep breath, and with a smirk, she yelled, "R-YO!"

It was so disastrous it was brilliant. The first years who were practicing their swings jumped in shock and rackets flew from some hands, some fell backwards and there was one guy who hit someone else.

The second and third years, who were practicing serves or playing doubles, sent balls flying in the wrong directions. Hitting people, going out of bounds but all of them shocked.

The regulars chocked on their water and joined the rest of the club in turning around and seeing who the hell had such a pair of lungs that it was louder than the Echizen cheerleading team.

Ryoma sighed as he capped his bottle and walked towards the source of the noise. "Ryuu," he said with a smirk, "try to be softer next time."

But Ryuuka was busy staring at her twin. She kicked herself for not noticing before, but he had plasters over his face and a bandage on his head. And she was sure that those were not there the day before when he visited her.

"Ryo," she asked in a quiet but steely voice in English, "what the hell happened?"

Ryoma rolled his eyes at her tone, "Chill," he replied in English, "some ass tried to cause trouble by hitting some stones around. His team is our next opponent, apparently." And with that, he gave her a vicious grin that spoke of revenge.

Ryuuka sighed as he touched his face lightly, "Mum's going to kill you, you know," Ryuuka said gently, "You get hurt more on the court then off."

"And you only get hurt off the court, so that makes us even," Ryoma retorted as he shifted his head out of her reach.

"Who is this Echizen?" a stern voice asked in Japanese. Ryuuka raised an eyebrow as she watched her brother turn around and answer respectfully. 'Must be a strong player; probably the captain,' she reasoned. She knew her brother was only ever polite to strong players. She tended to be the opposite.

"Ano, this is my sister, Ryuuka," Ryoma said as he switched back to Japanese, "Ryuu, this buchou Tezuka Kunimitsu."

Ryuuka smiled and gave a short bow as she greeted him. "What's her name said you were strong even if you have an old injury," Ryuuka said as she studied his form. Tezuka Kunimitsu was on her list.

He said nothing as he turned towards Ryoma and waited expectantly. Ryoma sighed, "Her name is Ann."

Ryuuka shrugged, "You forget people's faces and I forget their names. At least I still know who they are the next time I meet them."

Ryoma opened his mouth to give a scathing reply when Tezuka cut in, "Please do not interrupt our practice." He gave her a pointed look.

Ryuuka rolled her eyes but nodded.

"Saa, this is Echizan-chan?" a voice added. The tensai guy. "I'm Fuji Syuusuke."

Ryuuka nodded but before she could reply she was tackled and pulled into a hug.

"Chibisuke!"

Ryuuka let out a yell of pain as he squeezed her tender cuts from the operation and the drip was pulled out.

Ryoma acted immediately as he pulled Eiji off his sister. Akio was at her side in an instant checking the damage done to the drip and that no part of the needle broke. Once he knew Oishi had a firm hold onto Eiji, Ryoma was at his sister's side with a worried look.

"I'll have to attach your drip on your left arm and tape this up. The needle didn't break. I'll check your stitches," Akio said as she efficiently went about it. She cleaned the wound that the drip left when it was ripped out.

"I think some of the stitches in my arm came undone," Ryuuka said in a hiss. Ryoma checked her left arm. "Shit!" he swore as the bandage started to splotch red.

"Chill Ryo, I'm anaemic not haemophilic," Ryuuka said as Akio inserted the new drip. She didn't even blink at the needle or the pinch of pain.

"I'll check it and if it's not too bad, I can bandage it. If it's the majority of the stitches then we'll have to go back to the hospital," Akio placated Ryoma as she started to unwrap the bandage that was on the upper arm of Ryuuka.

Seeing the blood, Eiji started wailing over and over again, "Gomen Chibisuke!" Oishi tried to calm his partner down while fretting over Taka who fainted at the sight of the blood. Fuji looked concerned as Kaidoh and Momo tried not to get in each other face. Kaidoh hissed at the disruption while Momo worried over his friend's twin.

Tezuka returned to the scene, armed with the first aid kit and Coach Ryuuzaki, and sighed.

"Ilie data," Inui muttered, "Echizen shows signs of normal emotions and cares deeply for his twin. The girl is 32% desensitised to her wounds…"

"Ryuuka?" Ryuuzaki said somewhat bewildered, "I thought you were in America!"

Ryuuka looked at the old women with greying red hair. Her face blanked. "Who are you?"

Sumire felt her vein throb as she sensed another brat. 'As if one wasn't enough, Nanjiroh, you went and had twins!' "Ryuuzaki Sumire." Blank look. "The Coach." Still a blank look. "Family friend?" Nothing. With a sigh, she tried one last time. "I coached your father in Japan."

"Ah!" Ryuuka exclaimed, "You're the reason her wanted us to come to a Japanese school!"

Akio rewrapped the arm and sighed, "It's fine. You only pulled about ten stitches. It's not bleeding bad enough for us to go back to the hospital immediately but I would prefer if we cut this outing short."

Ryuuka nodded but pouted at the thought that she would not be spending the day with her brother. Ryoma sighed and smiled. He was relieved. "Don't worry Ryuu. I'll come spend time with you tomorrow. We don't have practice."

With Ryuuka smiling again, Ryoma's smile turned sadistic as he turned around. Calmly, he asked, "Eiji-sempai?"

The regulars stilled as they watched the scene in a horrid fascination. Eiji whimpered at the look his junior was giving him. It was way to similar to Fuji's smile when his eyes were opened.

"H-hai, ochibi?"

"What made you think it would be a good idea to tackle my sister who just got out of hospital?"

"Um… gomen! Just chibisuke is so kawaii!"

An aura far more violent than Ryoma's flared and everyone in the nearby vicinity stiffened. The little hairs on the back of their neck raised slowly as the impending doom crept closer and closer.

"Who the hell is calling me 'chibisuke' and 'kawaii'!" Ryuuka growled out as she stepped forward, eyes blazing a familiar gold. "I'm not a pet or teddy bear!"

Eiji eeped at the sight. "Gomen!"

"Calm down," Akio said sternly, "stress is not good for you, nor is high blood pressure."

Ryuuka pouted but visibly calmed down. Ryoma on the other hand, flared again. "Hurt her and die," he hissed at Eiji.

"Ryo!"

"What? You can go agro and I can't?"

"Duh. I'm the evil twin. You're the good one."

"Wait, I thought I was the evil one!"

And the two stated to bicker as the rest watched on. Akio sighed as she packed up her kit. She nodded in thanks to the young man that had thoughtfully fetched their first aid kit. She hadn't used it but it was the thought that counted.

"Ryoma!" Ryuuzaki cut in as she stifled a smile. It was heart warming, albeit strange, to see the youngest regular act like a normal child. "It's still practice." she said pointedly. Then regulars blinked and remembered that.

"Regulars, this is Echizen Ryuuka, four time Junior American female Champion and Mixed Doubles Champion."

Ryuuka nodded with a light smile. It was a complete 180 from her Angel of Death persona.

"You know captain Tezuka and Fuji." Ryuuka nodded. "The one who tacked you is Kikumaru Eiji. His doubles partner and vice-captain, Oishi Shuichiro."

Ryuuka glared at Eiji before smiling at Oishi. The vice captain smiled back but still asked, "Are you sure you are okay?"

"Inui Sadaharu, trainer." The man was still writing in his book.

"The one on the floor is Kawamura Takeshi. Please wake him up, Oishi." Ryuuka nodded and wondered if she would get to see the boy's other personality.

"And the last two, Kaidoh Kaoru and Momoshiro Takeshi."

"Fshhh."

"Call me Momo!"

Ryuuka stared at them and blinked. "Are you two doubles partners?" she asked. Momo and Kaidoh stared at her shocked for a moment before heated arguing against that very idea.

Ryuuka shrugged, "It's just, you two are quite in synch with each other. It's not always the best of friends who are the best partners. In fact, most of the best doubles pairs are rivals to begin with."

Eiji and Oishi shared a smile at that. Most of the team did not remember but they started playing doubles together after they faced each other.; They still thought the most satisfying singles games they ever played were always against one as other.

The regulars are herded away from her and Ryuuzaki ushers them to a side bench with instructions to watch and help the second and third years.

Ryuuka pouted yet again. "I want to play," she said as she watched the second year mess up a serve yet again. She huffed as he did it again. And his friend messed it up. Net ball. Net ball. Out of bounds. Out of bounds.

Akio sighed but said nothing as she critically watched the youngsters practice their serves.

Tired of the pitiful performance, Ryuuka calls out in a bored voice, "Stop trying to hit the ball hard. It's putting your timing off when you throw all your strength into the serve. Work on your technique; power and speed come after."

The second year, Arashi turned around and stared at her. Then he sneered, "I don't take advice from little girls who think they know tennis after watching a match on television."

Akio raised an eyebrow and retorted before Ryuuka blew her top. "No. You are a fool to not take advice from someone who knows what they are talking about. And you shouldn't judge a person based o their looks."

An unholy smirk crossed Ryuuka's lips, "I would have thought you learnt that lesson after by brother kicked your ass and made the regular team. After all, he is only a little first year like me."

"You're Echizen's sister?" another boy asked, kind of shocked as he observed the thin, pale girl. Granted, it was only then he recognised the green-black hair and the golden eyes. But she seemed like a washed-out version of her brother that was mummified.

Ryuuka rolled her eyes, "No. There's another first year on your regular team."

"It doesn't matter!" Arashi cut in angrily, "I don't take wannabe advice from first year brats!"

Ryuuka glared but shrugged. She sat back and waved them off. Akio sighed, "You are supposed to help them."

"I tried. They didn't listen. Not my problem."

"Try harder. It's important that they can do a proper serve."

"Their tennis is much. They are mada mada dane."

The tennis players ignored the familiar catch phrase coming from the guest and continued their practice. It wasn't getting better.

"Ryuuka," Akio said sternly warned. Ryuuka sighed.

"Fine." She stood up and walked away. Akio watched curiously as she headed for the locker room. Akio smiled, thinking the girl was going to get the coach to correct their form. Instead, Ryuuka walked back with a blue racket in her left hand.

Akio sighed but sat forward, her eyes locked on Ryuuka. The girl couldn't afford to overexert herself.

Ryuuka calmly joined the boys on the baseline where they were serving from after grabbing her own small basket of balls from the sideline. Taking one, she bounced it and caught it in her right hand.

Leaning back, while maintaining her balance, she threw the ball lightly in the air as she drew her racket back. Golden eyes trailed the ball until the perfect moment where she jumped, twisting her body and swinging her arm. It all connected in one instant in midair as the ball hit the sweet spot of her racket. A yellow blur raced across the court, over the net and cracked on the line of the service box.

Ryuuka said nothing as the boys stopped their serves and stared at her in shock. She just served again. The ball landed in exactly the same spot. And again. And again.

"You should serve. It is practice you know," she said in her seventh mid-serve, smirk firmly in place.

Arashi growled but served. His ball hit the net.

"I told you," a voice said as golden eyes mocked him yet again. "It's about technique, not power or speed."

Taking another ball, she grinned, "You see. This is a serve with speed."

Hitting the ball, it seemed to disappear from their sight only to reappear as it sounded like a gunshot as it hit the service box's line.

Most of the tennis players turned around to see the ball get stuck in the far fence. "Holy shit," someone murmured.

"That ball was approximately 204km/hr," a voice from her right said. Ryuuka jumped as she turned around to be met with the sight of flashing glasses.

On reflex she answered, "Duh, it's my speed serve, albeit slower than it used to be"

"Speed serve?" Inui asked curiously, "But wouldn't it more apt to name it after something that disappears? The special spin you have to add on it, coupled with the speed, makes the ball invisible. You are neither tall or strong enough to produce such speed from within your body alone."

"But that would warn my opponent of what I am going to do," Ryuuka pointed out as she mentally sweat dropped at the scary guy who figure out most of her serve in one go. "And I'm not short!"

"True. Your serve is designed that one can not read it easily from your body movements." Inui paused before pulling out two bottle of milk, "Like your brother, I recommended you drink two bottles of milk everyday."

Ryuuka's eyebrow ticked as Inui pushed the bottles into her face. Disaster was saved by Akio calling her, "Ryuuka. Please take a break. You are not to push yourself. You're still recovering."

Ryuuka scowled and turned around with a huff. Inui stood there still holding the two bottles. "Ilie data,' he muttered before looking at the non-regulars staring at him, "she is right, by the way. Perfect your technique first. Anyone to not serve fifty balls correctly in the next twenty minutes get to drink my Special Peanal Tea Version Two."

Sitting down, Ryuuka sighed. "You miss it," Akio said as she watched the amusing scene of the boys trying desperately to do what the trainer said. It seemed he had some way to motivate them.

"It felt great."

"You'll be back soon enough."

They shared a smile as Ryuuka's grip on the racket tightened.

~0~0~0~

"Ryo!" Ryuuka greeted happily from her bed. She wasn't having the best of days as they had started her on her treatment. But seeing her brother had perked her mood.

"Ryuu," he greeted back as he dropped something familiar onto the bed.

"And Chewy!" The dog barked happily as it bounded over to his owner and licked her face. Laughing, she petted him and he settle down comfortably next to her on the bed.

"Ryuu," Ryoma said seriously, "I need your help."

Ryuuka nodded for him to continue.

"I went to get ice cream with my sempais and we ran into the guy that injured me. He's a childhood friend of Kawamura-sempai,"

Ryuuka gave him a blank look at the name. Ryoma sighed and said dryly, "The split personality guy." Ryuuka's eyes cleared in recognition and she nodded for him toi continue.

"He, apparently, has a violent style of tennis."

She caught the unsaid words, 'and he's good enough to injure me.'

"The you can't afford you mess around. You're going to have to go all out, Ryo."

Ryoma went silent. Ryuuka sighed.

I don't think I can.

You have to.

And what if I can't?

There is no 'what if.' Echizens never give up.

…right, Echizens never give up.

~0~0~0~

It was a lonesome day as Ryuuka sat alone in her room. The new medication and therapy was making her feel horrid. It drained of her of her strength, making her feel freezing and then blistering hot. It made her nauseous and moody and just plain miserable.

"You would think I would be used to this by now," she grumbled to herself as she tried to sleep. But it evaded her. "Being sick and alone for hours. I feel like shit. I bet I look like shit…"

Huffing she snuggled into one of her many plushies. The current one was a custom made, and signed, Nadal plushie. Though he did give her a weird look when she asked him to sign it. 'Don't think he's ever seen a plushie of himself before,' she mused.

Shifting around yet again, Ryuuka growled and sat up to get more comfortable. That only resulted in her groaning in pain. "Why the hell does everything hurt?" she yelled in frustration as she picked up the closest plushie and threw it. (Not her precious Nadal of course!)

The yellow soccer-sized tennis ball went flying through the air hit someone who just opened the door. In the face.

Ryuuka giggled and was about to apologise when she saw who it was.

"Closest pervert!" she yelled pointing at him. In defence, she picked up the book lying on her side table, "what do you want?"

The bluenutte with intense dark blue eyes. Which was staring in shock at her.

"Is this going to be a habit?" he asked lightly as he picks up the familiar plushie.

"Depends," Ryuuka retorted, "do you always enter girls' rooms without knocking?"

Yukimura winced. "I am sorry about that. And I already apologised!"

Ryuuka huffed as closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, "Just… what do you want?"

Yukimura blushed lightly, "I was walking past and heard a yell. I wanted to know if everything is alright?"

Ryuuka paused and really looked at the guy for the first time. Sighing she nodded, "Everything is fine. I'm just in a bad mood and these new meds are not agreeing with me."

Yukimura nodded with a caring smile. He shifted in the spot slightly as his body underwent 'fight or flight' syndrome. Sucking it in, he stepped forward and walked towards the bed slowly.

"Here," he said as he handed Ryuuka the plushie, "I'm Yukimura Seiichi."

Ryuuka looked at him as the name sounded familiar, "You play tennis?"

Yukimura looked slightly shocked, and a little affronted that she didn't give him her name, but answered nonetheless, "Yes. I am the Captain of Rikkai Dai Fuzoku."

Ryuuka's eyes widened in recognition as a smirk touched her lips, "The supposed Child of God. I would stand but I'm way too tired."

Seiichi ignored the jabbed at the title he was given and asked, "Should I leave you to rest?"

She shook her head, "Take a seat. I can't sleep and maybe you can relieve my boredom."

Yukimura laughed lightly, "I know the feeling. No matter what the four walls and ceiling get really boring."

"Exactly!" Ryuuka exclaimed as she threw her hands up in the air, one still holding the plushie.

Yukimura stared at it, "Um, is that… Nadal?"

Ryuuka blushed as she dropped her arms and hugged it, "Yes it is. Wanna comment?"

Yukimura looked at her critically, "Will you throw the tennis ball at me again?"

Ryuuka's jaw dropped before she burst into giggles. "Echizen Ryuuka. I'm in for sickle cell anaemia. Still recovering from a multiple bone marrow transplant and under going therapy meds. Hopefully I won't have to have the heart transplant."

Seiichi almost winced at what she said, but caught himself at the last minute. Instead he nodded and tried not to show pity on his face, "Guillian-Barre Syndrome. They are not cure if they can slow it down or cure it yet."

Ryuuka nodded before grinning as she asked, "So what do you think are the chances at Nadal beats Federer for Wimbeldon?"

~0~0~0~

It was finally the day of the finals, so to speak, and Ryoma was anxiously waiting for the rest of the regulars to arrive. He hadn't heard from Ryuuka if she could make it yet and the thought was gnawing away at him. Yet again, he checked his phone and there were still no messaged.

He knew that she had started her new medication and it was not agreeing with her, but Ryoma had really wanted her at the game. He knew that the chances that he would he facing Akutsu Jin would be very high. And the other tennis player could very well force him to break the boundaries he had unknowing set for himself.

So far that year, he hadn't really felt the drive to win. Sure, he felt a spark against the mumbling guy after his injury and then again Fuji's little brother. But it was Fuji who drew it out of him the most. He had just been playing with no soul.

'I don't know why I'm playing like this,' Ryoma mentally grumbled as he pulled down his cap, 'or I do and really don't want to acknowledge it.'

The rest of the team arrived in dribs and drabs. Tezuka came with Fuji. Oishi with Eiji. Taka came with a sheepish smile. Kaidoh hissed as he slinked in. Inui arrived with Ryuuzaki and Momo came running, almost late.

Nodding at his team, Tezuka stepped forward with the already filled out registration forms, "Seigaku, eight regulars."

The made their way to the courts and Ryoma snorted at the way the crowd was reacting to them. The whispers started almost immediately as people pointed and stared. Some hurried out of their way.

"-ka. National level. He's the captain."

"-sai Fuji Syuusuke."

"snake shot and endur-"

"power play-"

"-nocked someone out!"

"-golden pair!"

"irst year. Why is he-"

Ryoma smirked as he heard the whispers about himself. Oh how he loved to wipe the smiles from their faces. 'The smugger they are; the harder they cry.'

The particularly loud whispers caught his attention and he looked to his right. In the bushes was hiding the team he beat for their balls. "If you want your balls back you can't have them," Ryoma retorted with a smirk, adjust his tennis bag and continued after his team.

The smirk only got larger as he was sure he heard a wail of despair coming from the team.

Standing on court, Ryoma smirked as he watched the other team, sweating and nervous. He, on the other hand, was itching for a game and he was playing Singles 2. He couldn't wait to play.

So when the other team all forfeited, Ryoma blinked in confusion. 'They all have food poisoning? Don't they know not to eat out the day before a tournament?'

Sighing, he shrugged and left the court with his team. Picking up his tennis bag, Ryoma felt the vibration of his phone before his ringtone started. Seeing the caller id, he flipped it open immediately.

"Ryuu! Are you okay?" he asked off the bat.

Eiji perked up at the sound of his 'chibisuke' and even Fuji turned around in interest. The tensai wanted to talk to the sister after his short chat to Echizen about their siblings.

"I feel like crap due to the new meds but nothing new," Ryuuka replied. He could heard how tired she was over the phone.

"Have you been sleeping? You sound exhausted."

"The meds make me feel drained. I have been sleeping enough, mother," came the reply. Ryoma rolled his eyes.

"We won the first round. Ginka, the other team, all forfeited. Something about food poisoning or something."

"So when's the final round?"

"Later, at 3."

Silence came over the phone before she answered the unasked question, "I'll try to come for the finals."

"Thank you," Ryoma said sincerely. He really did want her there; need her there. She about to say something else when, apparently, someone knocked on her door. He could hear her say 'come in!' and the door open.

"Ryo, I have to go. A friend dropped by. I'll see you later or at least call. Good luck!"

"Okay. Get some rest! Bye Ryuu."

"Bye Ryo!"

And the call ended. Closing his phone, Ryoma stared at it.

"Saa, something wrong, Echizen?" Fuji asked, eyes slightly open as he observed their youngest player.

Ryoma frowned, "She said a friend came to visit her. She doesn't know anyone apart form the team and Ann. And Ann's here."

Fuji looked amused at the protective brother Ryoma was being, "Maybe she made a friend at the hospital?" So what if he fanned the flames a little?

Ryoma nodded absentmindedly, "I'll ask her later. She said she would try to come later."

~0~0~0~

"How are you feeling, Ryuuka-chan?" Seiichi asked with a smile as he sat down on the foot of her bed. It was easier on both their necks this way.

"Like a bus ran over me and I lived to tell the tale," was the dry response.

"Would you feel better if I said I have chocolate?" he joked as he offered one chocolate bar.

Ryuuka was lying down propped up against the pillows. Her reaction to the medication was getting worse and the doctors were having her monitored constantly now. She smiled but shook her head. She really couldn't eat with the way her stomach was rebelling.

"Thanks. I'll have it later."

Seiichi raised an eyebrow. "Later? Chocolate?" Over the week, he had found himself draw to her room and her company. He told himself it was because she was the closest to his age and played tennis. In fact, she more than once expressed the desire to face him on court. Whether she was joking about being able to play and beat him on even grounds was yet to be seen and he was holding his reservations about her kidding about that. There was just something about her that told him that she wouldn't joke about that. That she could hold her own on a court.

But they had talked about more than just tennis; even if that was used to break the ice. The talked about school; he told her about Japan and she told him about America. She has an older brother and he has a younger sister. We talked about the weather, about movies and games and anything. Everything.

She was bratty and crazy but protective in her own way. Seiichi learnt to relax and joke around with her.

"Yeah," she replied, "I have a check up in about an hour. If I'm cleared I can go to the tournament today. My brother is playing. Want you come?"

Seiichi stared at her for a moment as he considered the request. He could watch tennis. He couldn't' play it yet. But he could get out of the hospital for a few hours. Maybe. With a smile he nodded, "Sure. I'd love to come. I have yet to meet this infamous brother of yours!"

~0~0~0~

Ryoma looked around but he couldn't find her anywhere. She had sms'd him that she could come and would be there for the match but Doubles 1 was starting and she was nowhere to be seen.

Their opponents were Yamabuki. And they looked tough. The Golden Pair was up against the Jimmies. With half an eye on the match, Ryoma kept checking for his sister with his phone clutched in his hand.

"Oi Echizen," Momo said in a teasing tone, "are your sempais not good enough for you to watch?"

Ryoma gave him a glare as he sat back down and cross his arms. With a smirk, Ryoma replied, "Mada mada dane, Momo-sempai. Oishi-sempai and Eiji-sempai will win."

And, as predicted, the match just ended with Seigaku as the winners. Ryoma smirked but got distracted as his phone buzzed. With a wave and a nod of good luck to Momo, Ryoma slipped from the bleachers.

"Ryuu?"

"Yeah. Where are you? We got stuck in traffic."

"Court C. Front row."

"Be right there."

The match began and Ryoma kept an eye, if only to watch his best friend, of sorts. Momoshiro was playing one of the aces of Yamabuki, Sengoku Kiyosumi. The supposed, 'lucky' player. Ryoma frowned as he stared at the supposed lucky shot.

'Either he is incredibly precise or very lucky,' Ryoma thought as the net ball fell to Momo's side of the court. End the first game.

1-0 to Yamabuki's Sengoku.

The referee called for a short break and a change of courts. A runner, another official, run to the referee in his chair and said something. The referee nodded and motioned with his hand. Ryoma looked at where the man was walking to and raised an eyebrow.

Waiting on the far side of the court was Ryuuka pushing a wheelchair with a boy in it. Ryoma frowned as the male said something and Ryuuka laughed. Nurse Akio, who stood a little behind them, hid her laugh behind her hand as she readjusted the strap of her medical bag with her other hand.

The runner approached them and nodded. He said something and Ryuuka nodded with a smile. With that, he escorted them across the court. Their presence made the schools watching murmur.

Crossing the court, Ryuuka rolled her eyes, "You never told me you were this popular" she said sarcastically. Seichii smirked as he merely replied, "Well my nickname is The Child of God."

"Don't make me mistakenly let go of you on top of a hill."

"Of course not; you are far too sweet for that."

"Then you really don't know me," came the short reply with a grin. The runner shook his head and apologised, "Again, I am sorry that there is not ramp for the wheelchair."

Ryuuka shook her head, "It's alright. I'm joining my brother in the first row."

"And I'm only in a wheelchair as a precaution. I can walk but they rather not risk it," Seiichi add with a gentle smile.

The man rubbed the back of neck and bowed again as they neared the Seigaku sections. Ryuuka could already hear the murmurs of disbelief floating around as Yukimura Seiichi was there to watch a rival tennis team.

"Ryuu!" Ryoma called with a small smile as he stepped down from the stands and onto the court. "You made it!"

"Duh," Ryuuka replied with a cheeky grin as she rolled her eyes, "I said I would. This is Yukimura Seiichi. He's my friend from the hospital."

Ryoma glared at the older boy but nodded his greetings. "You're the supposed Child of God?"

Seiichi stared at the twin of they girl he knew pretty well. He had the same hair, if not shorter and the same golden eyes. Hell, their faces were similar and even their built. It would be so easy to mistake one for the other.

"You're a lot like your sister," he blurted out as he got over the shock. Ryoma rolled his eyes.

"And you're getting chummy with her," Ryoma bit back. "Hurt her and I will kill you, Godchild or not."

Seiichi sweat dropped but nodded with a smile. "Wouldn't dare."

"This," Akio interrupted the battle of males with a smile. Next to her stood Ryuuka with an exasperated expression. "would be easier of stood up and sat in the stands. I can fold the wheelchair on the step."

Yukimura nodded as he made to stand. He was stopped by Ryuuka, "Wait, let me help you!" She was at his side, offering an arm. "Just in case."

Seiichi smiled again, taking the arm whilst being careful of the drip and stood. He made his way quickly to the stands and took a seat. It was then he noticed he was amongst the Seigaku regulars.

"Hello Tezuka," Seichii greeted with a smile, "I hope you don't mind my intrusion but Ryuuka-chan invited me to watch her brother's match. I had no idea that he was a Seigaku regular."

Tezuka nodded at his rival and captain of Rikkai Dai, "Yukimura. I hope you are feeling well. I heard from Sanada about your illness."

"There are good days and there are bad days," Seiichi admitted with a sad smile, "but if I undergo the operation I may be able to be back in time for Nationals."

"Echizen-san," Fuji said with his ever-present smile, "please take a seat."

Ryuuka looked at the brunnette and stared at his for a moment, "Sure. You are Fuji right?"

Syuusuke nodded and opened his eyes slightly, "Yes, I am. I have been looking forward to meeting you, Echizen-san. Your brother has told me a lot about you."

Ryuuka nodded, "Your little brother was Ryoma's last opponent. The one using that risky technique."

Fuji nodded stiffly as his gaze hardened.

"Oh, and call me Ryuuka. Two Echizen's and things get confusing."

Ryoma sighed as he stopped eying Fuji suspiciously, "Might as well call me Ryoma because if you say Echizen we will both look."

The team turned from Momo's match to stare at the freshman. The was the most open he was with them and it was all under the influence of his sister. Mildly, they wondered how much more guarded he was without her and how he would change with her being there.

"Ilie data…"

~0~0~0~

Momoshiro won his match, even if he played with a serious cramp. He even developed a new move called the 'Jack knife.' Ryuuka was impressed with his level of skill but moreso with his determination. Idly, she wondered how her brother could lose his drive when he was playing with people who would do almost anything to win. That would break the limits to win.

Ryoma got back from his warm up, blue racket in hand. Cap pulled down, he made his way to the court, ready to face his opponent. Ryuuka said nothing yet as she watched his team warn him not to go to the net.

That Akutsu Jin was dangerous.

As he put his water bottle down on the side bench, Ryuuka called him, "Ryo, come here."

Ryoma looked up puzzled as his sister tore his from his pre-game thoughts. Scowling, racket I hand and well aware of Akutsu almost taunting him behind him, he walked to her.

From Ryoma's tennis bag next to here she pulled out a red tennis racket. Checking the strings and the grip, she held it out to him.

"Can I have my racket back," she smirked, "Give me mine back."

Ryoma glared at her but changed his rackets. "Anything else?"

"Yeah," she met his gaze with the identical golden eyes, "show me what you've got."

Ryoma smirked and pulled down his cap. He turned away and walked to the net.

'Let the game begin.'

~0~0~0~

I apologise for the long wait. RL sucks right now.

Amira D.