9 Games To Love

Prologue

Wednesday

08/06 7:00 AM

Rikkaidai School, Headmaster's Office

"Welcome to Rikkai Dai Junior Department," greets Principal Tsutomu, "and welcome to Japan Barnes-san."

"The honor is all mine Tsutomu-san. I apologize for my Japanese. I cannot speak as well as my daughter or....my wife," Mr. Barnes smiles sadly as he shakes the Headmaster's hand.

"Ah yes," sighs Headmaster Tsutomu Yoshizawa. "Misaki-san; she was such an inspiring student. Her determination and kindness have left an aspiring mark on the school. I had always seen that girl as my granddaughter, and I share your sorrow. How is young Phoebe-san holding up?"

The two older men stare out of the window of the Headmaster's office to find an eleven years old little girl with waist length raven hair, pale light lime-green eyes, and pale skin sitting under the Sakura tree. The light breeze presses gentle kisses on the little girl's skin as her white sundress dances with the wind. Meanwhile, the sun rays worm through the cover of the pink tree and shines on the child's face as a few sakura flowers land on the crown of her head.

The said female is Phoebe Kiyoko Akatsuki-Barnes. She is the daughter of James Barnes and Misaki Akatsuki. From how she is described, many would consider her a dainty and fragile girl. However under the pure white sundress is a toned and well trained body, molded to a point of perfection through many years of hard conditioning that can only be found in a passionate athlete. The said athlete, with a pair of white headphone blasting music in her ears, has had her focus on the many green concrete courts of the school tennis club since her father and she first stepped foot on campus.

"She took Misaki's death to heart and hadn't said a word since," James sighs.

The headmaster mutters, "I see."

Mr. Barnes continues, "My parents and the boys couldn't get her out of her shell so I hope that a change in scenery will help Phoebe open up."

Tsutomu sighs heavily and sadly, "Even during her times as a student here, Misaki-chan has always had a weak body. To have such a bright and passionate girl like her pass away at such a young age is such a tragedy."

The foreign man only bows his head while his gaze still focuses on his little girl sitting in the shade.

The older man then quickly changes the topic, elevating the mood in the room after a moment of silence, "Say Barnes, will you be moving here with your daughter?"

"Unfortunately no," James replies, "I have my parents and the boys back in the States to take care of besides my company. Nonetheless, I will be staying for a week or two to oversee the company's branch in Tokyo. As you know, a company doesn't run itself."

The two chuckles quietly.

"Do visit," the headmaster says, "You are always welcome at Rikkai."

"Thank you," James bows. "And may I ask, when can Phoebe start?"

Tsutomu pauses to think until he responds, "I will let her settle down and unpack. She can start school next week. In addition, do you want the school to know about her...disability?"

James grins, "That depends solely on Phoebe. I will talk to her and she will give you an answer on Monday. Thank you again, Tsutomu-san."

"My pleasure Barnes-san," Tsutomu waves goodbye. After James leaves the office, the old man then walks towards the window enough to see the father taking his daughter's hand and leaving the campus.

The Headmaster then moved back to his seat and sent his secretary a message: "Please send me the Tennis Buchou, Kira-san."

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Anime Expo, LA

Host: Now, please welcome the Director and Producer of the upcoming show "9 Games to Love": Arcady!

Arcady: *awkwardly speed walks across the stage to shake the host's hand*

*audience cheers*

Host: Welcome!

Arcady: Thank you for having me!

Host: Nervous?

Arcady: I have the confidence of a chicken nugget right now.

*audience laughs*

Host: Then lets boost that up to a fried chicken then. What can we, as viewers, expect from the show?

Arcady: A variety of emotions I hope. This show, unlike the original which is still god tier by the way, focus more on our main character and the relationships - the bonds that she form with her teammates. It is more focus on the day to day life of the main character - and I know this will piss off a lot of people - rather than the tennis.

Host: If you knew that viewers will protest against it then why did you decides to go through with it?

Arcady: I myself am a big fan of the original work, but I took this approach because I want to explore the day to day life of the characters outside of their love for tennis. As much as the original work does show this aspect, I feel like they don't show enough. So this is my take on what I think it would be like to live among these tennis players. Even so, tennis is still the core of the whole story and it is how our main girl will be forming bonds with everyone. This show after all falls under "Fan Realm" category.

Host: I have to ask - is this why you chose to focus on Rikkaidai over Seigaku?

Arcady: Yes. I want a new perspective and I think taking it from Rikkaidai, a team that can be deemed as the "fallen empire" after their lost against Seigaku in the original. Additionally, I want to share my take on what they are like in school. It must be chaotic.

Host: Awesome. Now, I heard around on the net that there will be a pairing between the main and another character. Care to share?

Arcady: *smirks* You just gotta wait. I ain't saying anything.