One Nil to You (A Prince of Tennis Fanfiction)

Chapter 17

Note: This chapter has scenes from Prince of Tennis anime OVA series Episodes 1-13: The Nationals Arc episode 13.

September 13, 2012

Romanovros Private Jetplane — Morning

"We'll be landing in two hours according to the captain, milady." Yorie informed while pouring the Romanovros heiress some cream tea, and serving her a plate of scones, clotted cream and jam.

"If we had left Brussels earlier, perhaps I could have seen the start of the game." Juri said.

Yorie giggled. "It almost seemed impossible for us to be on time for the flight schedule considering you were about to buy everything in Rue Neuve, milady."

Juri sighed. "I want to be alone right now, Yorie-san."

"I understand, milady. Just call me if you need anything else." Yorie bowed then left.

Opening her purse, Juri took out her pen and journal, and opened to a blank page where there was a picture of her and the Romanovros family when they were canoeing just two days ago at the Potomac River. After placing the picture at another page, she began writing down her entry for the day:

Dear Diary,

Two days ago, we had a family day. We went canoeing, had a picnic with both my mom's home cooking and Aunt Irina's latest culinary creations after that, then we watch a show at the Kennedy Center, toured the national monuments and memorials that we haven't been to since we arrived... Yeah, I know it sounds very cliche, but I can't quite remember when was the last time we were all together. Father's side of the family that is. I hate to admit it, but it's all thanks to a plague that brought us all together.

Yesterday I was in Belgium with my parents and the twins. Sure it was interesting to know that Seigaku was going up against the first Okinawan school to win the Kyuushu District, Echizen-kun had joined the regular line-up after replacing Oishi-san and Kunimitsu finally unsealed his Pinnacle of Hard Work after two years, but it wasn't interesting enough until I learned they were having a rematch with Hyotei yesterday that father instantly ordered the family jet to take me to Japan. So far, the rematch has been interrupted by the rain yesterday, and today, Singles 1 will decide who will proceed to the semifinals.

I've been bored all throughout my stay in the U.S., and even after another shopping spree in Brussels (though I would have wanted to shop in Meir than in Rue Neuve) and hearing updates of Seigaku's journey in the Nationals, I still found things insipid until I got wind that Singles 1 was a royal battle.

That's right.

The King vs The Prince.

This is so worth to bet over a billion dollars.

Closing her journal, Juri looked out to the sky as an impish smirk crossed her coral pink lips.

Forest of Arenas Park — Koto, Tokyo, Japan

Morning

"Game to Hyotei! Four games to love!"

"It's not working at all!" Mizuno was growing more and more worried like everyone else in Seigaku.

"This isn't good, Echizen!" Horio yelled. "You'll end up with a bald head if you lose!"

"Horio-kun, there's no use telling him that, Ryoma-kun can't hear you right now since he's in the Selfless State." Kachiro reminded him.

"That was the bet?" a familiar voice suddenly fell in.

All the regulars turned and were surprised to see Juri, who was supposed to be in America, entering the net fenced court and joining them.