LOG: ATOBE AND RYOMA
Who: Atobe Keigo and Echizen Ryoma
What: Motorbiking, dinner and getting to know each other (in a formal sense)
When: Saturday, 13th November
Where: Atobe's place, Nowhere Peak and School
Rating: G
Atobe Keigo smiled as he stared at the Ducati Hypermotard in purple and black on the pavement in front of him. He just finished
giving his baby a spin. He agreed to see Ryoma for a ride, and perhaps some mentoring. This was official business, if he could get
away with it. After all, Ryoma was his knight and they should spend time with each other so that they could work together better. He
unzipped his riding jacket and flipped his hair. Ryoma should be due anytime now.
Ryoma flicked off the ignition of his gleaming black Kawasaki Ninja as he parked on the road next to another biker. “Hello Kingsama.
Nice bike. Ducati, right?” Atobe’s bike was very stylish, but Ryoma knew that it was the rider that mattered.
“Of course. That ninja isn’t too bad, but from the sound of that engine a small tune up could make it purr like it was brand new,”
Atobe smirked. “you know your bikes. I like that. “ Atobe tossed the keys to the other biker. “Wanna take the Ducati for a spin?” He
knew that this boy would appreciate the customizations on the ducati better on it than off it.
‘Sure,’ Ryoma answered. He admired the Ducati once more before sitting on it. ‘Do you want to test my Ninja? Or will you take
another one of your bikes? But then again, I’m sure you have kingly business to deal with - would you rather stay here while I steal
your precious bike for a bit?” Ryoma pulled his zip up his riding jacket and put his helmet on while waiting for an answer.
“You don’t have to steal it,” Atobe laughed. “If you like it that much, it’s yours. “ He snapped and a Ducati Streetfighter in pure black
appeared.”Ah... thank you michel, i trust this baby is tuned up?” He said and nodded. “Take that bike and make it spic and span. the
engine needs tuning and also needs a little oomph. Say, another 200 ccs?”
‘No, King-sama! I could never....” Ryoma was shocked by the King’s gesture. “Well, maybe I could... Just loan it to me for a while,
hmm?” Ryoma shook his head, laughing internally. The King must be pretty rich! “Nice Streetfighter. You certainly have a collection.
I wouldn’t have though motorbiking was a skill needed for kings to learn?”
“Ahn? Are you refusing a gift from ore-sama?” Atobe frowned and stared at Ryoma. “I say that my Knight should have a decent
steed to go around in. Not that the ninja is bad, but you need to be as fierce. No excuses. Besides, what’s a gift from Master to
Knight ? It’s free, given. don’t worry about the paperwork. Michel will take care of it and all the stuff done to your baby.”
“Well, if you put it that way...” Ryoma sighed, and internally jumped for joy at the beautiful bike that was now his. “I’ll accept it then.
Thank you, King-sama. And for the servicing” Ryoma liked the King more and more, and not because of the money - the man
obviously loved bikes as much as him. “Shall we go then?”
Atobe tossed Ryoma his helmet, the one that has a transmitter, so they could talk while riding. It was impractical anyway to scream
above the roar of 1200 ccs of pure power.”Use that. we can talk about things along the way,” he said as he took the helmet hung on
the Street fighter. He donned it,zipped up his jacket and turned on the machine. “Let’s head out,” he said through the transmitter.
‘Cool.” Ryoma swapped his own helmet for the transmitter one. Flicking the ignition on the Ducati, he felt the power of the machine
in awe. This was the kind of bike real money could buy, hmm. He flicked the switch for the transmitter on. “Okay, King-sama. Ready
to go?” Ryoma revved the bike lightly.
“Hmm.. we should head for Nowhere peak, we could test you on zig zags and then back,” Atobe said.”It is going to be a long ride
so prepare for that. “ Atobe intended to get to know the kid while theyre at it. He needed to know if this kid would be able to possibly
inherit the throne.
“You call that long? You’ve obviously never been on a real ride before, King-sama. Test me? If this is the the test, I’ll pass with
flying colors.” Ryoma was being slightly arrogant, but that was his general personality. Plus it was biking, one of his most valued
passions. “But go ahead, King-sama.”
“Long enough, for this afternoon,” Atobe said. “I did the cross country in Europe, but that’s just too far fetched for us right now.
You know I am a busy man. This is not a test. Just liesurely ride. I usually do not give such light tasks to my charges as tests, just
so you know. My test for you, if you want to know is to change the stubborn little rat in our group, Zaizen Hikaru, into a gentleman
worthy of our cause.”
“Then I will do my best to meet your expectations, my king.” Ryoma’s admiration of the man rose. The Europe Cross Country was
difficult, Ryoma had watched one of the races recently. “Since you’re such a busy man we should get going. Lead the way, Kingsama.”
“You can call me Atobe-sama ,” Atobe said and launched his bike full speed. “Don’t fall behind.” He said with a smirk. He loved the
feel of the wind on his body, the resistance of the wind, the purr ofhis engine beneath him. “Ryoma, why did you come to Sei Dai?I
did my research on you. You’re a famous Junior Tennis champ. What happened?”
Ryoma sped up his bike to match the one in front. “Well, King-....Atobe-sama, I came to Sei Dai because the school was so
interesting. The ranking system seemed like something I could beat, rise up through the ranks. And... because of my father. If you
did your research, you’ll know him too?” He questioned.
“Samurai Nanjiroh,” Atobe nodded. “Of course. So what did he do?” Atobe felt that he knew the story but it would be proper if
Echizen would tell him himself. He would get precious information on th boy’s personality, likes and dislikes when that happens. His
insight could help the boy get over his problems as well.
“After I won the Open, he started insisting I kept going higher. He was controlling to begin with, but after that, all he wanted me to
do was work on my tennis. Kept telling me I had to at least be as good as him. I skipped training once... after that, he threw me out
of my room and into the tennis shed. Tennis was all I was allow to do. But that time I skipped, I went biking with a friend. That was
when I learnt how awesome this was, and soon after that I ran away to live with my friend. But I had to come back after a year. My
father hated me, so I came here. No tennis in sight. And someone to bike with. It’s like home already.” Ryoma grinned, but knew
Atobe couldn’t see it through the helmet.
“Monster,” Atobe said lowly. “That is no way to treat a son He’s turningyou into him. The him he NEVER was. That is unforgivable.”
He clenched his fists and the engine roared. “Don’t worry, Echizen. This program will help you find yourself. Not the person your dad
wanted you to be. I wil personally see to it that your father will not have anything to do with your personal life anymore. “ He said
with finality. “Ore-sama always keeps his charges safe. Ore-sama promises this.”
“Thank you, Atobe-sama. I chose the right choice then, to follow you.” Ryoma twisted the acceleration to match the speeding
kings. “But can we drop this talk, and focus on the road for now? I thought you wanted to test my skills.” Ryoma dropped back a bit
and sped around the road, zigzagging and showing off in general to the King.
“As you say,” Atobe nodded. “So, let’s get on it.” He started his ascent to the steep hill and a nasty zigzag road. One mistake and
you fall a nasty death in a tall cliff edge. Atobe loved this kind of thrilll. It was one he sought in his pampered life.
Ryoma smirked at the King in front of him. He was obviously at the same skill level as him. Ryoma paced the bike up the steep
hill, noting the various dangers the road posed. Ryoma was awed at the ease with which the Ducati sped up the hill. The Ninja
was a great bike, but made for racing, not steep hills. Swiftly pulling around the precarious corner he laughed, forgetting about the
transmitter. This was the thrill he desired, the thrill unobtainable from tennis.
Atobe smirked when he heard the laugh. Just as he thought. The boy was built for this. He wondered if he would feel the same way
Atobe felt when Kato-sama took him to the top and showed him everything. He could still remember it. The night ride, the cold winter
chill and the knowledge that he gained from his former master. “Having fun aren’t you, Ryoma?”
Oh right. The transmitter. Atobe-sama had heard him laughing like a manic. “So what if I am?” the boy retorted, with happiness in
his voice. Ryoma was made to ride, not play tennis or whatever his father wanted from him. “I’m sure you’re enjoying yourself too,
Atobe-sama.”
“Then enjoy yourself to the fullest now, Echizen. No one is stopping you,” Atobe said more gently. “Ore-sama surely won’t unless it
is hurting you. I am not him. This is your wonderland, Echizen. Make the most out of it.” He smiled even though the other boy could
not see it. “Remember though, that your wonderland is a place that you have to protect.”
“I’ll protect it, I swear, Atobe-sama. And as your knight, I’ll protect you too. That’s my job as a knight, right? To protect.” Ryoma said,
and he was only half sarcastic. The area that passed by them as they sped by was beautiful shades of blurred greens, and Ryoma
couldn’t remember enjoying himself this much in a long time.
“You better,” Keigo replied with a chuckle as they neared the peak. “ I have something to show you on top.” He said with an air of
mystery and reverence.
Ryoma followed Atobe-sama curiously to the peak of the hill. The height was amazing and dizzying at the same time. “What is it,
Atobe-sama?” Ryoma asked, rubbing a thumb along the sleek handle of the Ducati as he questioned him.
It was near evening an the dusk had fallen. Atobe pointed the headlights of his ducati to two small gravestones on th top of the hill. “
The first king and his knight,” He said with reverence. “They protected this place from being soiled by the war a long time ago. They
were mere students but they stood their ground.” He said as he imagined the fate of that king. He put his hands together in prayer
and then closed his eyes. A moment later, he stood and pointed out into what is overlooking the hill.
“That is Seigaku Daigaku,” He pointed out at the vast expanse of ground beneath him. “This peak marks the end of it. It starts at the
Seigaku drive. “ he explained. He first could not believe it, but he knew that this may give Ryoma an idea of what being a king of
SeiDai meant. “Our Job as king and First Knight, is not merely decorations. We rule and protect. We govern. We love everything in
this expanse.”
Ryoma stared in shock at the two headstones whilst listening to Atobe-sama’s narration, then repeated the motion of prayer he had
made. As Atobe-sama pointed out the expanse of land that was Seigaku Daigaku, that was Atobe-sama’s kingdom, he was in awe.
The view, standing here with Atobe-sama, showed Ryoma what it really meant to be the King of SeiDai - and his knight. "Thank you,
King." said Ryoma breathlessly. "I understand now... kind of." SeiDai was not only a school or university, it really was a kingdom of
it’s own.
“Now I think you have questions for me?” Atobe started to unpack the back of his ducati where his helpers had packed a picnic
dinner for them. “ I feel like dinner under the stars.” He said and soon pulled out a picnic basket. “Lay this out and we can eat.”
Ryoma spread the blanket out and pulled the food out of the basket. The King really did have rich taste in foods. He waited for
Atobe-sama to sit before he lowered himself onto the opposite end of the blanket. "My task is to help convert Zaizen-san, right?
What else to you intend to do in SeiDai? And what are my main duties as your knight, Atobe-sama?"
Atobe sat down on the blanket and pondered as he picked on some bread. “Yes, you have to help me turn him into a decent
member of society. That boy is special. He has smarts and wit and looks, but he’s hiding under all that black and otakuness.” he
sighed. “Nothing against his hobbies. But he’ll thank us in the future.” He laughed.
Then the second question, Atobe smiled.” I intend to make the next two or three years at Sei Dai the best the students will ever
have. The conditions will be perfect, and I want each student of this school to be a success story on its own. I guess, a fun,
productive year might be in my future plans But for short term goals, I’d like the princes and knights make sure that they get their
committees organized.”
For the third and final, Atobe looked at Ryoma. “Generally, you will be my 2nd in command. My general, my lackey or whatever you
will do things for me when I can be in two places at one time. You will be my double. Whatever you decide in my stead, will be good
as mine. of course, you may consult me at anytime. Also, I will put you in charge of the student organizations. think you can handle
that?”
“Yes, Atobe-sama.” Ryoma nodded his head to the King. He would bow if he wasn't sitting down. “Your wish is my command,” he
smirked at the King, but only half joking. Ryoma fully intended to serve Atobe-sama for all of his time at SeiDai. After he got back
to the dorms, he would need to have a long think about the year ahead and Atobe-sama’s plans for it. Ryoma would do his best to
achieve the King’s wishes. But for now he savoured the exquisite foods Atobe-sama’s helper had packed.
“try that ham,” Atobe pointed. “ It came all the way from Sicily.” He said as he chewed on a small piece of sandwich. “How about
you? what are your plans in sei Dai? Surely, you must come with a plan.”
Ryoma snorted. “My only plan was to get away from my father. But now I’m going to show him that I don’t need to acheive gretness
by playing tennis. So I want to help you, Atobe-sama,” he paused, “And train for the Motorbiking competetions. Tennis isn’th the only
sport worth doing.” Ryoma took a piece of the ham Atobe-sama had pointed out and tried it. It was delicious.
“Getting away is one thing, but aside from motor biking. do you have anything you want to achieve for yourself? It seemed that you
are a person who desires challenge. What if I told you that this is more than just a school that gives you grades? What if i told you
that this is a school that changes you?”
“Then I would say bring it on.” Ryoma smiled. “I don’t want to be Samurai Junior anymore. I want to be Echizen Ryoma, not a
shadow of my father. The only thing he let me do was tennis. There is so much more I want to learn and explore, besides swinging a
racket at a ball." Ryoma truly wanted to change from the kid in his past.
“Then that is what our goals for you will be,” Atobe smiled a little more gently. “Follow me, and the program, then we’d change you.
Your past doesn’t matter. Who you were doesn’t exist for me. Only the here and now and the future.” he nodded. “But now, let’s
feast. then we should head home.”
Ryoma nodded and smiled. He trusted Atobe-sama completely for some reason when he spoke like this. “Okay.” Ryoma took
another sandwich from the pile and chewed it thoughtfully. The view of SeiDai from the peak at dusk was truely inspiring.
“It’s beautiful here in the summer,”Atobe smiled knowing that the boy would find it useful as a recluse. “No one ever comes here.”
He nodded. “Sometimes I do, but I have my sanctuaries.” He chuckled at the boy who was to be his 2nd in command. So far he
liked him. The boy was loyal no doubt, he had promise and resolve. that was more than he could ask for.
“I’ll have to come see it when it’s summer, then.” Ryoma finished his last sandwich. satisfied with the meal. Atobe-sama must have
a great cook. But then again, he was a King. “Should we go back then?” Ryoma questioned. “And... thanks for bringing me here,
Atobe-sama.”
Atobe smiled. “You needed to see this,” he nodded. “ Do you think that this trip was productive?” He asked the younger boy as he
stood up to allow Ryoma to pack up. “I was like you too. Brash, unsure and young. I also sought myself. I hope you find yourself as
well.” he looked back fondly at the boy. He could see himself in his position, in front of the great Kato-sama, unsure of himself and
unreasonably loyal. All he could think of was pleasing his king and forgetting a past that he didn’t want to have at all
“Hmm. It was fun, and I learnt a lot, so yes. And I’ll try my best to support you, and to change myself.” Ryoma folded the blankets
and packed everything away in the compartment on the back of Atobe-sama’s bike. ‘Are you ready to leave, King-sama?” Ryoma
held out his King’s helmet and jacket to him.
“Yes, Echizen,” He nodded his thanks and took the Jacket and helmet and donned it. “We should go.” He turned on his transmitter
and mounted his bike. “Echizen, if you beat me to the school, you can get the spoiler upgrades to the ducati put on.” He challenged
the kid. He revved the kid. “Ready?” He was glad he found this kid. He was glad this was his knight. Maybe it was fate.
Ryoma slotted the keys in his new Ducati and smirked. "I'll leave you in the dust, King-sama." Revving the bike, he shot forward
and smiled. He was happy. Atobe-sama had shown him a great place, treated him to dinner and helped him take a step towards
change. Not bad for one night. Ryoma wondered what would happen over a whole year. Nowhere Peak far behind, Ryoma was
neck and neck with Atobe-sama when they passed the school gate. 'I won!" said Ryoma triumphantly. "Thanks, Atobe-sama. See
you tomorrow." He waved to the King and shot inside, denying his King the chance to protest his win.
Atobe took off his helmet and smirked. He didn’t attempt to protest. He allowed Ryoma to win. “Yes, I will see you, Sir Echizen.” He
said as he watched the boy drive inside the campus.
A black car drove up next to Atobe and a bodyguard came out of the other side and took the helmet from Atobe. “Did you have fun,
Atobe-bocchan?”
“Yes, Richard, Quite...” Atobe said and relaxed into the confines of his limousine.
“I trust he is a promising prospect?” the other man asked as he nodded to another man to take the Ducati away.
“He might be,” Atobe allowed himself to smile. “And your report?”
“We still haven’t found him, Atobe-sama,” Richard said with a low voice.”Whoever that Himitsu is, he’s sly.”
“A formidable opponent that one is,” atobe said darkly. “Keep searching.” He said as he nodded to the driver to drive away. He was
going to protect the studentry , Sei Dai, and everythign in it. He was their King anyway.
What: Motorbiking, dinner and getting to know each other (in a formal sense)
When: Saturday, 13th November
Where: Atobe's place, Nowhere Peak and School
Rating: G
Atobe Keigo smiled as he stared at the Ducati Hypermotard in purple and black on the pavement in front of him. He just finished
giving his baby a spin. He agreed to see Ryoma for a ride, and perhaps some mentoring. This was official business, if he could get
away with it. After all, Ryoma was his knight and they should spend time with each other so that they could work together better. He
unzipped his riding jacket and flipped his hair. Ryoma should be due anytime now.
Ryoma flicked off the ignition of his gleaming black Kawasaki Ninja as he parked on the road next to another biker. “Hello Kingsama.
Nice bike. Ducati, right?” Atobe’s bike was very stylish, but Ryoma knew that it was the rider that mattered.
“Of course. That ninja isn’t too bad, but from the sound of that engine a small tune up could make it purr like it was brand new,”
Atobe smirked. “you know your bikes. I like that. “ Atobe tossed the keys to the other biker. “Wanna take the Ducati for a spin?” He
knew that this boy would appreciate the customizations on the ducati better on it than off it.
‘Sure,’ Ryoma answered. He admired the Ducati once more before sitting on it. ‘Do you want to test my Ninja? Or will you take
another one of your bikes? But then again, I’m sure you have kingly business to deal with - would you rather stay here while I steal
your precious bike for a bit?” Ryoma pulled his zip up his riding jacket and put his helmet on while waiting for an answer.
“You don’t have to steal it,” Atobe laughed. “If you like it that much, it’s yours. “ He snapped and a Ducati Streetfighter in pure black
appeared.”Ah... thank you michel, i trust this baby is tuned up?” He said and nodded. “Take that bike and make it spic and span. the
engine needs tuning and also needs a little oomph. Say, another 200 ccs?”
‘No, King-sama! I could never....” Ryoma was shocked by the King’s gesture. “Well, maybe I could... Just loan it to me for a while,
hmm?” Ryoma shook his head, laughing internally. The King must be pretty rich! “Nice Streetfighter. You certainly have a collection.
I wouldn’t have though motorbiking was a skill needed for kings to learn?”
“Ahn? Are you refusing a gift from ore-sama?” Atobe frowned and stared at Ryoma. “I say that my Knight should have a decent
steed to go around in. Not that the ninja is bad, but you need to be as fierce. No excuses. Besides, what’s a gift from Master to
Knight ? It’s free, given. don’t worry about the paperwork. Michel will take care of it and all the stuff done to your baby.”
“Well, if you put it that way...” Ryoma sighed, and internally jumped for joy at the beautiful bike that was now his. “I’ll accept it then.
Thank you, King-sama. And for the servicing” Ryoma liked the King more and more, and not because of the money - the man
obviously loved bikes as much as him. “Shall we go then?”
Atobe tossed Ryoma his helmet, the one that has a transmitter, so they could talk while riding. It was impractical anyway to scream
above the roar of 1200 ccs of pure power.”Use that. we can talk about things along the way,” he said as he took the helmet hung on
the Street fighter. He donned it,zipped up his jacket and turned on the machine. “Let’s head out,” he said through the transmitter.
‘Cool.” Ryoma swapped his own helmet for the transmitter one. Flicking the ignition on the Ducati, he felt the power of the machine
in awe. This was the kind of bike real money could buy, hmm. He flicked the switch for the transmitter on. “Okay, King-sama. Ready
to go?” Ryoma revved the bike lightly.
“Hmm.. we should head for Nowhere peak, we could test you on zig zags and then back,” Atobe said.”It is going to be a long ride
so prepare for that. “ Atobe intended to get to know the kid while theyre at it. He needed to know if this kid would be able to possibly
inherit the throne.
“You call that long? You’ve obviously never been on a real ride before, King-sama. Test me? If this is the the test, I’ll pass with
flying colors.” Ryoma was being slightly arrogant, but that was his general personality. Plus it was biking, one of his most valued
passions. “But go ahead, King-sama.”
“Long enough, for this afternoon,” Atobe said. “I did the cross country in Europe, but that’s just too far fetched for us right now.
You know I am a busy man. This is not a test. Just liesurely ride. I usually do not give such light tasks to my charges as tests, just
so you know. My test for you, if you want to know is to change the stubborn little rat in our group, Zaizen Hikaru, into a gentleman
worthy of our cause.”
“Then I will do my best to meet your expectations, my king.” Ryoma’s admiration of the man rose. The Europe Cross Country was
difficult, Ryoma had watched one of the races recently. “Since you’re such a busy man we should get going. Lead the way, Kingsama.”
“You can call me Atobe-sama ,” Atobe said and launched his bike full speed. “Don’t fall behind.” He said with a smirk. He loved the
feel of the wind on his body, the resistance of the wind, the purr ofhis engine beneath him. “Ryoma, why did you come to Sei Dai?I
did my research on you. You’re a famous Junior Tennis champ. What happened?”
Ryoma sped up his bike to match the one in front. “Well, King-....Atobe-sama, I came to Sei Dai because the school was so
interesting. The ranking system seemed like something I could beat, rise up through the ranks. And... because of my father. If you
did your research, you’ll know him too?” He questioned.
“Samurai Nanjiroh,” Atobe nodded. “Of course. So what did he do?” Atobe felt that he knew the story but it would be proper if
Echizen would tell him himself. He would get precious information on th boy’s personality, likes and dislikes when that happens. His
insight could help the boy get over his problems as well.
“After I won the Open, he started insisting I kept going higher. He was controlling to begin with, but after that, all he wanted me to
do was work on my tennis. Kept telling me I had to at least be as good as him. I skipped training once... after that, he threw me out
of my room and into the tennis shed. Tennis was all I was allow to do. But that time I skipped, I went biking with a friend. That was
when I learnt how awesome this was, and soon after that I ran away to live with my friend. But I had to come back after a year. My
father hated me, so I came here. No tennis in sight. And someone to bike with. It’s like home already.” Ryoma grinned, but knew
Atobe couldn’t see it through the helmet.
“Monster,” Atobe said lowly. “That is no way to treat a son He’s turningyou into him. The him he NEVER was. That is unforgivable.”
He clenched his fists and the engine roared. “Don’t worry, Echizen. This program will help you find yourself. Not the person your dad
wanted you to be. I wil personally see to it that your father will not have anything to do with your personal life anymore. “ He said
with finality. “Ore-sama always keeps his charges safe. Ore-sama promises this.”
“Thank you, Atobe-sama. I chose the right choice then, to follow you.” Ryoma twisted the acceleration to match the speeding
kings. “But can we drop this talk, and focus on the road for now? I thought you wanted to test my skills.” Ryoma dropped back a bit
and sped around the road, zigzagging and showing off in general to the King.
“As you say,” Atobe nodded. “So, let’s get on it.” He started his ascent to the steep hill and a nasty zigzag road. One mistake and
you fall a nasty death in a tall cliff edge. Atobe loved this kind of thrilll. It was one he sought in his pampered life.
Ryoma smirked at the King in front of him. He was obviously at the same skill level as him. Ryoma paced the bike up the steep
hill, noting the various dangers the road posed. Ryoma was awed at the ease with which the Ducati sped up the hill. The Ninja
was a great bike, but made for racing, not steep hills. Swiftly pulling around the precarious corner he laughed, forgetting about the
transmitter. This was the thrill he desired, the thrill unobtainable from tennis.
Atobe smirked when he heard the laugh. Just as he thought. The boy was built for this. He wondered if he would feel the same way
Atobe felt when Kato-sama took him to the top and showed him everything. He could still remember it. The night ride, the cold winter
chill and the knowledge that he gained from his former master. “Having fun aren’t you, Ryoma?”
Oh right. The transmitter. Atobe-sama had heard him laughing like a manic. “So what if I am?” the boy retorted, with happiness in
his voice. Ryoma was made to ride, not play tennis or whatever his father wanted from him. “I’m sure you’re enjoying yourself too,
Atobe-sama.”
“Then enjoy yourself to the fullest now, Echizen. No one is stopping you,” Atobe said more gently. “Ore-sama surely won’t unless it
is hurting you. I am not him. This is your wonderland, Echizen. Make the most out of it.” He smiled even though the other boy could
not see it. “Remember though, that your wonderland is a place that you have to protect.”
“I’ll protect it, I swear, Atobe-sama. And as your knight, I’ll protect you too. That’s my job as a knight, right? To protect.” Ryoma said,
and he was only half sarcastic. The area that passed by them as they sped by was beautiful shades of blurred greens, and Ryoma
couldn’t remember enjoying himself this much in a long time.
“You better,” Keigo replied with a chuckle as they neared the peak. “ I have something to show you on top.” He said with an air of
mystery and reverence.
Ryoma followed Atobe-sama curiously to the peak of the hill. The height was amazing and dizzying at the same time. “What is it,
Atobe-sama?” Ryoma asked, rubbing a thumb along the sleek handle of the Ducati as he questioned him.
It was near evening an the dusk had fallen. Atobe pointed the headlights of his ducati to two small gravestones on th top of the hill. “
The first king and his knight,” He said with reverence. “They protected this place from being soiled by the war a long time ago. They
were mere students but they stood their ground.” He said as he imagined the fate of that king. He put his hands together in prayer
and then closed his eyes. A moment later, he stood and pointed out into what is overlooking the hill.
“That is Seigaku Daigaku,” He pointed out at the vast expanse of ground beneath him. “This peak marks the end of it. It starts at the
Seigaku drive. “ he explained. He first could not believe it, but he knew that this may give Ryoma an idea of what being a king of
SeiDai meant. “Our Job as king and First Knight, is not merely decorations. We rule and protect. We govern. We love everything in
this expanse.”
Ryoma stared in shock at the two headstones whilst listening to Atobe-sama’s narration, then repeated the motion of prayer he had
made. As Atobe-sama pointed out the expanse of land that was Seigaku Daigaku, that was Atobe-sama’s kingdom, he was in awe.
The view, standing here with Atobe-sama, showed Ryoma what it really meant to be the King of SeiDai - and his knight. "Thank you,
King." said Ryoma breathlessly. "I understand now... kind of." SeiDai was not only a school or university, it really was a kingdom of
it’s own.
“Now I think you have questions for me?” Atobe started to unpack the back of his ducati where his helpers had packed a picnic
dinner for them. “ I feel like dinner under the stars.” He said and soon pulled out a picnic basket. “Lay this out and we can eat.”
Ryoma spread the blanket out and pulled the food out of the basket. The King really did have rich taste in foods. He waited for
Atobe-sama to sit before he lowered himself onto the opposite end of the blanket. "My task is to help convert Zaizen-san, right?
What else to you intend to do in SeiDai? And what are my main duties as your knight, Atobe-sama?"
Atobe sat down on the blanket and pondered as he picked on some bread. “Yes, you have to help me turn him into a decent
member of society. That boy is special. He has smarts and wit and looks, but he’s hiding under all that black and otakuness.” he
sighed. “Nothing against his hobbies. But he’ll thank us in the future.” He laughed.
Then the second question, Atobe smiled.” I intend to make the next two or three years at Sei Dai the best the students will ever
have. The conditions will be perfect, and I want each student of this school to be a success story on its own. I guess, a fun,
productive year might be in my future plans But for short term goals, I’d like the princes and knights make sure that they get their
committees organized.”
For the third and final, Atobe looked at Ryoma. “Generally, you will be my 2nd in command. My general, my lackey or whatever you
will do things for me when I can be in two places at one time. You will be my double. Whatever you decide in my stead, will be good
as mine. of course, you may consult me at anytime. Also, I will put you in charge of the student organizations. think you can handle
that?”
“Yes, Atobe-sama.” Ryoma nodded his head to the King. He would bow if he wasn't sitting down. “Your wish is my command,” he
smirked at the King, but only half joking. Ryoma fully intended to serve Atobe-sama for all of his time at SeiDai. After he got back
to the dorms, he would need to have a long think about the year ahead and Atobe-sama’s plans for it. Ryoma would do his best to
achieve the King’s wishes. But for now he savoured the exquisite foods Atobe-sama’s helper had packed.
“try that ham,” Atobe pointed. “ It came all the way from Sicily.” He said as he chewed on a small piece of sandwich. “How about
you? what are your plans in sei Dai? Surely, you must come with a plan.”
Ryoma snorted. “My only plan was to get away from my father. But now I’m going to show him that I don’t need to acheive gretness
by playing tennis. So I want to help you, Atobe-sama,” he paused, “And train for the Motorbiking competetions. Tennis isn’th the only
sport worth doing.” Ryoma took a piece of the ham Atobe-sama had pointed out and tried it. It was delicious.
“Getting away is one thing, but aside from motor biking. do you have anything you want to achieve for yourself? It seemed that you
are a person who desires challenge. What if I told you that this is more than just a school that gives you grades? What if i told you
that this is a school that changes you?”
“Then I would say bring it on.” Ryoma smiled. “I don’t want to be Samurai Junior anymore. I want to be Echizen Ryoma, not a
shadow of my father. The only thing he let me do was tennis. There is so much more I want to learn and explore, besides swinging a
racket at a ball." Ryoma truly wanted to change from the kid in his past.
“Then that is what our goals for you will be,” Atobe smiled a little more gently. “Follow me, and the program, then we’d change you.
Your past doesn’t matter. Who you were doesn’t exist for me. Only the here and now and the future.” he nodded. “But now, let’s
feast. then we should head home.”
Ryoma nodded and smiled. He trusted Atobe-sama completely for some reason when he spoke like this. “Okay.” Ryoma took
another sandwich from the pile and chewed it thoughtfully. The view of SeiDai from the peak at dusk was truely inspiring.
“It’s beautiful here in the summer,”Atobe smiled knowing that the boy would find it useful as a recluse. “No one ever comes here.”
He nodded. “Sometimes I do, but I have my sanctuaries.” He chuckled at the boy who was to be his 2nd in command. So far he
liked him. The boy was loyal no doubt, he had promise and resolve. that was more than he could ask for.
“I’ll have to come see it when it’s summer, then.” Ryoma finished his last sandwich. satisfied with the meal. Atobe-sama must have
a great cook. But then again, he was a King. “Should we go back then?” Ryoma questioned. “And... thanks for bringing me here,
Atobe-sama.”
Atobe smiled. “You needed to see this,” he nodded. “ Do you think that this trip was productive?” He asked the younger boy as he
stood up to allow Ryoma to pack up. “I was like you too. Brash, unsure and young. I also sought myself. I hope you find yourself as
well.” he looked back fondly at the boy. He could see himself in his position, in front of the great Kato-sama, unsure of himself and
unreasonably loyal. All he could think of was pleasing his king and forgetting a past that he didn’t want to have at all
“Hmm. It was fun, and I learnt a lot, so yes. And I’ll try my best to support you, and to change myself.” Ryoma folded the blankets
and packed everything away in the compartment on the back of Atobe-sama’s bike. ‘Are you ready to leave, King-sama?” Ryoma
held out his King’s helmet and jacket to him.
“Yes, Echizen,” He nodded his thanks and took the Jacket and helmet and donned it. “We should go.” He turned on his transmitter
and mounted his bike. “Echizen, if you beat me to the school, you can get the spoiler upgrades to the ducati put on.” He challenged
the kid. He revved the kid. “Ready?” He was glad he found this kid. He was glad this was his knight. Maybe it was fate.
Ryoma slotted the keys in his new Ducati and smirked. "I'll leave you in the dust, King-sama." Revving the bike, he shot forward
and smiled. He was happy. Atobe-sama had shown him a great place, treated him to dinner and helped him take a step towards
change. Not bad for one night. Ryoma wondered what would happen over a whole year. Nowhere Peak far behind, Ryoma was
neck and neck with Atobe-sama when they passed the school gate. 'I won!" said Ryoma triumphantly. "Thanks, Atobe-sama. See
you tomorrow." He waved to the King and shot inside, denying his King the chance to protest his win.
Atobe took off his helmet and smirked. He didn’t attempt to protest. He allowed Ryoma to win. “Yes, I will see you, Sir Echizen.” He
said as he watched the boy drive inside the campus.
A black car drove up next to Atobe and a bodyguard came out of the other side and took the helmet from Atobe. “Did you have fun,
Atobe-bocchan?”
“Yes, Richard, Quite...” Atobe said and relaxed into the confines of his limousine.
“I trust he is a promising prospect?” the other man asked as he nodded to another man to take the Ducati away.
“He might be,” Atobe allowed himself to smile. “And your report?”
“We still haven’t found him, Atobe-sama,” Richard said with a low voice.”Whoever that Himitsu is, he’s sly.”
“A formidable opponent that one is,” atobe said darkly. “Keep searching.” He said as he nodded to the driver to drive away. He was
going to protect the studentry , Sei Dai, and everythign in it. He was their King anyway.