Ryoga's master

The black van is in the middle of the forest, Sakuno is still crying with her head lowered down. Ryoga is sitting beside her gazing at the starless sky, his gaze went to the young girl once in a while checking her condition. Ryoga sigh, he then slowly went closer to Sakuno and removed her blindfold. The young girl was surprised and flinched as she felt Ryoga's movements near her, upon seeing the starless sky, Sakuno looked at Ryoga confused. "Anou...why did you do this?" Sakuno asked and Ryoga looked at the sky again, he gave the young girl a blue handkerchief and said "It's not like I'm a bad guy. I'm just following orders, plus you need to stop crying so take this handkerchief and wipe those tears away. I promise we won't harm you."

Sakuno smiled, "Thank you...but...it seems there is one problem."

Ryoga looked at her this time, the young girl smiled ackwardly, "My hands are still tied up so I can't wipe them by myself."

Ryoga sigh, he then began untying the rope that tied Sakuno's hands. The young girl then took the blue handkerchief and wiped the remaining tears in her face with it, "Thank you so much. You don't feel scared that I might escape...don't you?"

"Nope, I know you'll not do anything rash like that. Besides...Ryoma would definitely beat me if he knew you came back with wounds all over your body" Ryoga replied smiling to himself.

Sakuno stared at Ryoga for a moment, He really is Ryoma-kun's brother...they really look alike.

"What is it, missy?" Ryoga asked still gazing at the sky.

Sakuno's face became flustered, "Ah! Sorry, I was just thinking you and Ryoma-kun really resemble alot. I didn't even know Ryoma-kun has an older brother."

Ryoga laugh and looked at Sakuno, "Well I heard that a lot when we both hang out as kids. Though I'm not really blood related to him. You see, his dad adopted me when I was still young and me and Ryoma both grew up together. But I left them when I was in highschool. It's not a surprise he's angry at me right now."

Sakuno replied, "I don't think you did that because you hated being with them. I know you have a reason why you left. Anou...Ryoga-san? Can I call you that?"

"Ok, but you know...you can call me brother in law too if you want...haha" Ryoga said jokingly and Sakuno's face reddened.

The van went to a stop and entered an area with a big mansion on the center of it. "It seems were finally here,"Ryoga said and Sakuno felt nervous.

The two went out of the van and the door of the mansion opened, an old man dressed in a butler suit came to greet them. "Ryoga-sama, let me bring you both to your rooms. Master said to meet the young lady tomorrow morning since it's been a tiring day for you both. Please follow me," the butler said and both of them tailed behind.

Sakuno looked at all the pictures that were hanging on the walls, she wondered of this master they meant is someone fond to art for she saw a lot of paintings from different well known artist. The butler stopped in front of a two door bedroom, "Here Ryoga-sama is your room. While the young lady will be staying at the room opposite of yours."

"Thank you Sebastian, we will rest now" Ryoga said smiling at the butler and the latter bowed down to him then left immediately. "Well then Sakuno-chan, let's rest for now. Just call me if you need something ok?" Ryoga said and entered his room.

Sakuno sigh, "I'm entering now." She said as she slowly opened the door to her room.

When she entered the room, she noticed that it was decorated frivously. Her bed is a king size one with white curtains covering it, there was a white sofa just across the bed and pink petals of roses were spread all over the floor. Sakuno sweatdropped, "Is this really for me?" She walked around the room and sigh, "I guess I'll take a bath first and then rest for now." Sakuno went inside the bathroom only to see that a lavender top and a pajama were already prepared, the tub was placed with pink petals of roses. Sakuno took her time inside the bathroom, as she got out of it, she sat on the bed and looked outside her window. "I hope grandma and the others are doing alright," Sakuno said and went to sleep.

The next day, Sakuno woke up and showered. The clothes were already prepared for her which were placed on her bed consisting of a blue long sleeved dress and a white flat shoes, Sakuno smiled and began changing.

A knock was then heard on her door, "Ne...Sakuno-chan are you finished?" Ryoga asked and the young girl replied, "Give me 5 minutes." Sakuno then went out of her room and was greeted by Ryoga who is now dressed in a white shirt and black shorts, "Wow...you sure look cute in those clothes. Now then, shall we meet Master? He's waiting at the dining room."

The two walked towards the dining room and Ryoga greeted someone as soon as he entered, "Master I've brought her."

"Ah, really? Well then bring her here. Let's eat breakfast together" the mysterious voice said cheerfully.

"Ne, missy. Come here" Ryoga said and Sakuno trailed behind him.

Sakuno was then greeted by a man with auburn hair just like her dressed in a business suit. "Ah! Sakuno! It's been a while, come here and let me take a good look at you" the man said but Sakuno looked at Ryoga worriedly.

The latter only smiled and pushed her slowly towards the man. "Sorry, I know you're pretty much scared of me because I ordered Ryoga here to kidnap you...though I'm sad as well because you seem to forgot who I am" the mysterious man said and added "Let's eat breakfast for now shall we and talk afterwards."

BACK TO THE INN...the regulars woke up early to do their morning routine of practice, everyone tried their best to focus on their activities while still worrying about Sakuno. "Ne, don't you think Coach is a bit harsh on us today?" Momo asked

Kawamura and the latter replied, "I guess she is really worried on Sakuno-chan...even I am too."

Fuji was behind them and saw a tennis racket, he smiled and got the racket. "Ne, don't you think it's fun running so early this morning?" Fuji asked with a smile both on Momo and Kawamura.

"Huh?! Fuji-sempai if you like, just run on your own please...I can't take this anymore" Momo said and Fuji replied, "What about you Kawamura?"

The latter looked at Fuji worriedly, but then Fuji handed him the tennis racket and Kawamura immediately fired up. "Burning! oh yeah, it's really good to run early. Get your asses moving everyone!" Kawamura said and everyone except Tezuka and Ryoma laugh.

As soon as the team were on their break, Ryoma went to get a can of Ponta juice, Fuji followed him. Ryoma sat on a bench near the vending machine his mind was preoccupied by Sakuno and her crying last night, Fuji tried calling the tennis prince's attention but failed.

"Have you slept well last night, Echizen?"Fuji asked as he sat down beside Ryoma, the latter flinched for the sudden presence of another.

"Yeah, I did Fuji-sempai" Ryoma lied.

"It's good to know you got to sleep well, I was expecting you wouldn't since Sakuno-chan and you seemed to gotten closer this days. I, on the other hand wasn't able to sleep well" Fuji said and Ryoma looked at him, "What do you mean sempai? It's not like something changed between me and Ryuzaki."

"I hope so...because it's gonna be a big problem if there was" Fuji said and turn to look at Ryoma, "Ne Echizen...promise me you'll not fall for her ok. Bye."

Ryoma looked at Fuji confused, what does he mean by that, he thought.

BACK TO UNKNOWN AREA...After the three finished eating breakfast, Sakuno and the mysterious man was left all alone at the garden. Sakuno looked at the different flowers blooming with fond joy while the mysterious man only looked at her with a smile.

"You really resemble her alot," the mysterious man said.

Sakuno heard what the man said and turn around to face him with a confused look, "Her? i think you've mistaken me for someone mister."

The mysterious man shook his head and smiled, "I'm not. Sakuno, did you remember who you used to play a lot when you were a kid?"

"Um...no" Sakuno said frowning to herself.

The mysterious man laugh, "I guess you are still young at that time to remember. But I gotta say you resemble a lot like your mother, she was very fond of the flowers too in here."

"My mother?! you know my mom? but...she never said anything about you mister" Sakuno said and the man slowly came towards her.

"Of course I know you mother, because she's someone who is very dear to me too. Well she and your father I mean" the man said and Sakuno was even more confused.

"Mister, I'm really sorry but...what is relationship with my parents? they died many years ago in a-" Sakuno was cut off and the man answered it for her, "in an accident. I know, your mom and dad were on their way back from their tennis competition, they were excited to see you and share with you their victory but sadly, the plane they rode caught a terrible accident killing everyone in it."

"How did...you...how did you know mister?" Sakuno asked surprised, the man smiled.

"I told you, they were very dear to me. By the way, how is mo-, I mean Ryuzaki-san?" the man asked and Sakuno smiled, "she's fine. She's the one currently taking care of me."

"I'm glad to hear that, I thought she would never recover after what happened to my sister" the man said.

"Sister?" Sakuno asked, the man covered his mouth.

"Did I say sister? haha I'm sorry I didn't mean to confuse you" the man said with a smile.

Ryoga sigh and came towards them, "Master...why don't you tell her already the reason? Hearing from all your chitchat, I already got the gist of it."

The man said, "Ryoga, who told you to eavesdrop? *sigh* I guess I should just say it...Sakuno, could you stay here with me for 3 days?"

The young girl was confused, "Stay here? why?"

"It's because...I want to bond with you, I've missed you. Ever since the death of your mother...I never saw you again. You used to play here with me, and both you and your mother would always play with the flowers here. I'm...i'm your uncle" the man said rubbing the back of his neck.

Sakuno looked surprised, "U-uncle? but...how come mother or grandma never told me about you?"

Sakuno's uncle smiled, "It's because after the accident mother was devastated my sister died. She was my mother's favorite you see, and your mother was the only one who pursued tennis while I went to become a business man. So...will you stay here with me?"

Sakuno thought for it, "Ok mist-, I mean uncle. I'll stay here."

Her uncle smiled, "then I'll call mother and inform her that you're here with me."

BACK TO THE INN...A phone call was recieved asking for Coach Ryuzaki. "Hello? who is this?" Coach Ryuzaki asked, the voice answered back "Hey mother...it's me your son. I just called to inform you that Sakuno-chan is here with me and is safe, so rest well there. I promise I'll give her back after 3 days."

"Yo-, ok...please take care of her. I should've known it was you...why didn't you inform me you're back? I missed you, I know your sister would have been happy to see you too" Coach Ryuzaki said with tears started forming from her eyes.

"Sorry mom, I was very busy with work. But I'll come see you next time, bye" the voice said and Coach Ryuzaki smiled, "Ok bye."

"Ok Everyone, let's resume. Gather up because I have good news" Coach Ryuzaki said and everyone went towards her.

"Hmm? where's Echizen?" She asked.

"I'm here Coach," Ryoma answered who just entered the court.

Coach Ryuzaki smiled, "Well since you all did your best today and this week should have been your free day...I'm giving you this day to do whatever you want. Just promise me no one gets jailed or get missing."

Everyone looked confused, then Oishi asked "But Coach...shouldn't we be looking for your granddaughter?"

"Ah...Sakuno? ah yes, sorry I forgot to say. The good news is that I know where Sakuno is, she seems to be in fine condition. That man said he'll return her after 3 days here" Coach Ryuzaki said with a smile.

"That man? you know who kidnapped her?!" Everyone except Tezuka, Fuji and Ryoma asked.

Coach Ryuzaki nodded, "she's just bonding with her uncle right now. My stupid son missed his niece so he did that."

"Eh?!" Everyone shouted and fell off the ground.

Tezuka looked at Fuji and the latter opened his eyes with a surprised look but then smiled afterwards. Ryoma on the other hand lowered his head and sigh, that stupid uncle of her...why the heck would he do that?! But i'm glad Sakuno is safe.

Nighttime came and everyone finished eating dinner. Ryoma entered his room and sat on the bed, he looked around the room and saw Sakuno's pink racket. He stood up and touched it, "I wonder what she's doing right now?" he mumbled to himself then got surprised by his own words. He put away Sakuno's racket and return to his bed, "Well it's none of my concern. She's in fine condition as stated by the Coach."

His attention was directed to her racket again, then everything that happened yesterday cam flashing back again. Ryoma sigh and fell back on his bed, "Let's play tennis again when you return Sakuno." He then covered his eyes with his right arm and fell asleep.

BACK TO UNKNOWN AREA...Sakuno and her uncle just finished eating dinner with Ryoga. She went to take a bath and changed clothes and decided to sleep, a knock was heard on her door. "I wonder who is it" Sakuno asked herself and opened the door.

Ryoga was there leaning against the wall, "Hey. I came here to give you something." Sakuno looked confused, Ryoga smiled "It's a gift from your uncle. I guess master is just too shy to give this to you. Anyway, here. Goodnight."

Sakuno took the small box wrapped in a pink ribbon, she smiled to Ryoga and bid her goodnight. Sakuno sat on her bed and opened the box, a letter was folded along with two pink ponytails. She opened the letter and read it.

Dear Sakuno, It's me your uncle. I'm sorry if I don't have the guts to give this to you personally. But always remember that me, your grandma and your parents love you so much. Here is one of my late birthday presents for you, i know you look beautiful in this because your mom said it as well. If ever you find a problem, don't be shy to talk to me. I'll help you with it but please don't get married early. Love your uncle.

Sakuno laughed, "Thank you Uncle. I'll treasure this."

To be continued...