Kari: Okay on to the second chapter!
Seiichi: *chuckles* Kari-san doesn't own anything
Kari: Sad but true~~ Thank you to all my reviewers for supporting this work!
Ryoma: A match ka?
Kari: Aa sou, forgive me if my matches are sucky I'm no good with writing tennis matches
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Chapter 2:An Rival: The Prince VS The Emperor
Sanada expected a lot of things when he went to court C for his finals match, most especially after Yukimura's interesting outburst after his match before hand. An interesting opponent by Yukimura's standard was not something you could joke with and he had anticipated the player to be of impressive build or something or another but he didn't expect a kid to stand across from him. Raising an eyebrow, incredulous, he spoke in a deep stern voice.
"Aren't you lost kid? This court is for the senior division" He asked. Sanada was taken aback when he was met with a glare and cocky smirk.
"I'm not lost" Twitching his smirk widened as he looked up (again cursing his height) into dark eyes "I'm here to play you"
Raising an eyebrow Sanada barked with laughter before staring down at the impudent boy before him, didn't he know who he was?
"Don't cry when you get hurt"
"I'll try not to make you cry when you lose"
Staring down each other for a moment the referee called their attention and asked them to decide who would serve.
"Which?" Sanada asked racket to the ground
"Smooth"
The racket spun and fell with a clatter on the dusty court the symbol upright.
"end"
"Serve"
Moving to the service line Ryoma pulled a ball from his packet before throwing it against the ground a few times, observing his opponents stance his smirk widening, he was well guarded. Tossing the ball to the air he bent back a bit before swinging his racket for a flat serve, relishing the feel of the ball hitting his racket.
He watched as the other chased the ball (which was well over 170-190 km/h in speed) calmly, eyes set and successfully returning the ball to his side. Ryoma not to be outdone returned the ball, aiming for the left corner, and the furthest from Sanada. Sanada who had realized the intention ran to the corner swinging his racket but was shocked (as was most of the people watching) to see the ball fall to the ground sharply before bouncing minimally across the court and coming to a skidding halt before it reached the corner.
"skip return" Ryoma stated as he watched the others face settle from shock to contemplation. "Aren't you going to call that referee?" he asked calmly
"A-Aa" the referee answered coming out of his stupor "15-love Echizen leads"
"Still think I belong in the Junior section Sanada-san?" Ryoma asked cockily
"hm, not bad" Sanada replied a smirk tugging at his own lips. He had found a good opponent, maybe this time he might have to sweat a bit in the process as well.
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The match wore on for hours, Ryoma had long switched hands and was now panting heavily as he returned the ball to an equally exhausted Sanada. There was a time when he thought he would lose but he made his comeback fiercely Enjoying the feel of adrenaline as he played the taller boy swing per swing and technique per technique. The audience was captivated by their game, awed by their talent and raw passion but none of them were more captivated than the boy sitting in the wheel chair.
Yukimura had known Sanada for a long time and it was rare for him to be so immersed in a game like he was now. The boy was skilled that was for sure. Now the boy, he intrigued Yukimura. He was aloof and quite but when he held the racket in his hands his attitude changed into a confident and cocky one and his eyes glowed with passion, not only for the win but for the sport itself, his body moved like water a sign that showed years of training.
Seiichi's fingers trembled as he held the arm rest with white hands. He wanted to play with the boy to test himself against the others ambivalent and adapting style. The way he took the brunt of lose and overcame it with his own technique was nothing short of stunning. He was a player that was brimming with potential.
'I wonder which school he goes to, that Echizen-kun'
Eyes centered onto the two figures Yukimura hands moved to clutch at the fence separating him from the court, from his life. He wanted to walk, to run, to play. Teeth clenching Yukimura watched with bathed breath as the game was quickly coming to an end.
'I will heal, not only to play with my team but to play against players like you, Echizen-kun, and overcome them!'
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Sanada forgot that he was competing, forgot that he was fighting for a title all he cared about was that he return the ball his breath came in quick pants and his soul sang in joy as he scored another point against his opponent.
Echizen, Ryoma was nothing like he had ever expected and he had to agree with Yukimura that the boy was interesting. His play style at the beginning was full of openings we looked awkward playing but slowly the holes in his guard closed his game changed and his eyes shown with determination that sent Sanada's blood pounding against his chest.
It had been one of the most enjoyable games he had ever played and he wondered how Yukimura must feel to see such an opponent but not get a chance to play against him.
Ryoma on the other hand was ecstatic he had always thought that there was no one else to beet other than his oyaji but playing against Sanada proved him wrong. The boy had pushed and pushed until he was forced to break his limits and play solely to see if he could match no overwhelm the others game. He wanted to play more, more, more ,more!
'There's still too many that are strong! I want to beat them'
Eyed glowing he ran towards the ball hands stretched racket steady before he leaped skidding to the ground. There was a hushed silence around them. Everyone held their breath as they waited, waited to see if the ball was returned or not then finally there was a whistle and everyone jumped facing the referee with vulture like eyes.
"6 games to 4, Game set and match, Sanada, Genichiro wins"
There was silence before the crowd roared in applause. It was a wonderful game.
On the court Ryoma laid on the ground face towards the sky watching the darkening skies, face flushed and clothes clinging to his body from sweat a soft smile at his lips. He lost and it was a sad fact but he almost didn't care. That was one of the best matches he had ever had and it left him sated, Golden eyes closed in content. Hearing footsteps approaching him his eyes opened to see Sanada standing before him hands outstretched. Raising an eyebrow in question he watched the other scowl before taking the offered sweaty hand and allowing the other to assist him in standing.
"That was a good game"
"Aa, but don't expect me to lose next time"
"Next time?"
"Of course, I have to pay you back for that loss"
"Cocky brat"
Ryoma smirked golden eyes shining with mirth. "Echizen, Ryoma yorishiku onegaishimasu"
Raising an eyebrow at the re-greeting Sanada smirked back "Sanada, Genichiro yorishiku"
Staring into each other's eyes for a moment they smirked wider anticipating the coming games in the future. The awarding there after was short and was held at the very same court.
"Genichiro! Echizen-kun!"
Turning to the voice both Ryoma and Sanada saw Yukimura waiting by the court entrance. He had a smile on his face as he waved at them blue eyes twinkling. Looking at each other they approached the boy both their faces placid.
"that was a wonderful game Gen, Echizen-kun"
"Ryoma" He cut in
"Eh?"
"Call me Ryoma, calling me Echizen all the time is annoying" He spoke stiffly " I grew up in the U.S."
"Ah sou?" Yukimura asked head tilting lightly "Ryoma-kun it is then"
He nodded
"Yukimura, I guess you were right when you said my opponent was going to be interesting" Sanada said
"Ne? Didn't I tell you?" Laughing softly Yukimura stared at Ryoma with soft eyes "I'd love to play a match with you"
"You will, when you get better"
Ryoma raised an eyebrow in question.
"Aa, Ryoma-kun you I'm ill you see and is currently not allowed to play"
Nodding his head Ryoma understood "Aa"
They talked for a while and Ryoma was surprised with himself for feeling so comfortable around the two men. Yukimura, he had an aura that reminded him of the snow. Beautiful yet cold and fierce while Sanada reminded him of a Samurai, honorable and trust worthy.
"Saa, which school will you be going to Ryoma-kun?"
"Seishun Gakuen"
"Sou, Sanada and I go to Rikkai"
Nodding his head he looked up to the sky and saw the beginnings of the night settling in. Yukimura noticing his gaze looked up and frowned it was getting late, he needed to return to the hospital.
"Gomen ne, Ryoma-kun but I have to return to the hospital"
"Yukimura what time where you to return?" Sanada asked
"By Eight, Genichiro"
"It's alright" Ryoma muttered partly disappointed at parting with his newly gained friends.
"ah! I have an idea do you have a phone Ryoma-kun?"
Nodding his head Ryoma gave his phone to the other who set about pressing against its keys before passing it one to Genichiro who did the same.
"I entered our numbers there if you ever want to talk" he smiled
"I wouldn't mind another match Ryoma-san" Genichiro spoke as well
"Thank you, I'll give mine as well no?" Taking their phones he entered his number as well before returning them and stepping back shouldering his tennis bag more firmly.
"jaa matta ne, Ryoma-kun" Seeichi waved eyes soft
"See you" Sanada grunted
"Aa, Jaa" Smirking Ryoma gave a wave before turning and heading for the train station, anticipation building up in him. Idly he wondered what kind of player Yukimura was if Sanada had called him 'buchou'.
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A/N: And another chapter yay! Hope you guys like this my ability in writing matches are meh~ but I hope I didn't disappoint or got the characters to OOC or something. For the pairing a lot are demanding YukiRyo so the story might and I say might end up as so.
Oh and how does everyone feel about me writing a Royal pari AU? Would you read it if I did?
Thank you all for Reviewing and I love you guys so much…
Please review review review!