What Good Am I? Part 1
Greetings to all my dear fans and welcome to the sixth chronicle.
In this story, we take a closer look at Momo' and Ryoma's mythic relationship, then follow the story line of EP 50 of the anime.
It is also the beginnings of a closer relationship between several times ( and species) removed Great Grandfather and Grandson.
Some of the events will also set the stage for upcoming chronicles and things should..( I Hope) start to move quickly with drama aplenty!!
Story inspired by the song: "Somewhere I belong." by Linkin Park.
Disclaimer: No, I don't own Prince of Tennis...but then everyone knows that by now!!...I hope!!
WARNING!!!!!!!!!
The author wishes to advise that this chapter contains graphic violence and gore that may distress some readers.
Heart Of Dragon Gold: The Sixth Chronicle.
" What Good Am I?"
STORY: Tora Macaw.
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A bright flash of light crackled across the western sky, sending fantastic arcs of jagged lightening over the broad expanse of aerial plains. Some of the bright tendrils of sky fire broke free of the main thread to lance down and stab at the earth's heart, then a moment later a distant rumble of thunder growled a warning.
A huge splat of water fell, a great fat drop of warm liquid that was but merely the advance scout of an invading army. Foot soldiers scurried in wake of the leaders, then came the charge of the cavalry on wings of wind. Shortly after was a rush of heavy artillery and the heavens opened to launch a pounding attack in a deluge of rain.
The elements battled in a titanic display of devastating of mindless violence...its banners of electricity flaring against the depths of night to briefly illuminate the interior of a dark and silent bedroom.
Bookshelves lined the walls. A television set reflected the flash off the surface of its dead screen with several magazines lying scattered in a clumsy pile on the floor before it and in the background, a clock ticked quietly. A bed stood in the room's center, but as the lightening chased its way through the nimbus here to light up the area a second time, it became clear that no sleeper rested there.
On the carpet below the long piece of furniture, a pair of well used tennis shoes lay tangled together beside a huge laundry basket as it lay on its side. Made of cane, the wicker object had a short, narrow neck that opened out into a roomy, oblong body that rocked slightly in the stormy twilight and a faint chattering sound drifted from within.
If one was to crouch down and peer inside, they would see only stygeon darkness. But if one could shrink down to walk inside the basket's confines, one would come upon a large animal curled up in a fitful slumber; its head resting on its forepaws with the bushy end of its long tapering tail draped loosely over its pointed muzzle.
Short, round ears twitched in response to the thunder's call as it snarled menacingly above his house and heavy rain continuously assaulted the roof tiles. Tight shut eyes moved as the creature's bristle-furred brow furrowed, then the mammal squeaked in its sleep as its long, robust body started to shake. Squeaks became muttering. The animal's mouth moved, its sharp, pointed fangs showing as muttering turned to...words.
Tossing about so its claws scrabbled against the tightly woven cane, he began to call a name.
" Ryoma!... Ryoma!"
Grizzled grey fur stood up from the creature's skin and its thrashing intensified as he cried again.
" Danger! Dark Hunters! NO! Ryoma! Please no... Ryoma! RY-O-MA!!"
Abruptly, the mongoose jerked into awake fullness; its eyes shining with fear as his jaw hung and his breath rapidly dragged in and out in a terrified pant. For a long moment he stared wildly straight ahead, then jumped nervously as thunder boomed low in the culmulousphere. Regaining some measure of control over his wildly beating heart, the snake slayer licked his teeth then stood to wiggle up the neck of his basket and slither out into the openness of the room.
Once free of the confines, the large mongoose reared up onto its hind legs as its form became fully engulfed in a golden-brown glow.
Slowly, the mythic beast started to enlarge. Fur grew short, seeming to sink away out of sight as tanned flesh from time in the sun smoothed out the rough coating. Long toed paws became human fingers on the end of large, strong hands. Short back legs morphed into athletic, muscular limbs that allowed full bipedal locomotion as his tail shrank away and vanished. Tossing his head as his long muzzle compacted to change into a teenage human face, Momoshiro ran his fingers through his bristly hair then sank down onto his bed as the light faded and the transformation completed.
Gazing out through the veil like curtains of his window, the youth sighed heavily at the storm then let his eyes fall to rest on the limp hands cradled on his lap while wincing at a sudden pain in his right leg. ' Again' he thought to himself as rain drummed steadily against glass. ' That same dream. I'm seeing it always now....even when I'm awake!'
Passing a trembling hand before his face, his churning mind settled upon the face of the one he had almost given his life to protect; the one he loved deeply with every fibre of his being. An over whelming sorrow washed over and consumed him as wave of dark despair as the events of the past few days reared up to plague him.
He saw as though viewing a movie, his beloved Ryoma Echizen walking beside him as they strolled through the almost deserted park at dusk after a hard afternoons training. Discussing their tennis and good naturedly complaining about the uncomfortably hot summers evening, the pair had been completely unaware of hidden eyes watching their every move.
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Shinzyo crouched fully concealed within the thick bushes lining the path, his crimson eyes gleaming with feral anticipation as he watched his goal steadily draw closer.
The Demi Dragon. When the Dark Hunter captain had first encountered him, the child had been nothing more than a weak imp...a member of his own race and hardly worth so much as a second thought. Yet his demon blood had been mingled with that of an ancient creature...a beast so powerful that even his Lord Aion seemed to fear him. Now that the dragon king's many times removed great grandson's dormant draconian strength had awoken, the boy had become the maou's primary target and constant obsession.
Shifting his weight as the youth approached, the demon silently recalled his rulers orders. He wasn't to just extract the boy's powers then kill him as he had done to past victims. He was to subdue the young demi dragon by using any method necessary and bring before his master alive.
A calling voice drifting on the breeze sent a thrill of recognition coursing through his keen hunters ears. Beside Shinzyo, his six subordinates stirred eagerly. Meeting the burning red eyes of his superior, the dark-haired hunter's second-in-command revealed his fangs in sly smirk as he spoke quietly. " The marked one comes my lord."
" Hmm." The Dark Hunter captain nodded firmly then locked eyes with his comrades. " Once the imp has been captured we shall take the Cat Lord as well."
" And the mongoose?"
Their leader snorted with open contempt. " A weak and useless creature. Kill him."
Watching the flame-haired youth join his friends, Shinzyo gave his hunters a "get ready" signal as odd snatches of conversation became clear and the unsuspecting trio walked within striking range. Thanks to the uncomfortably hot summers evening, the humans that normally frequented the park were absent as they sought shelter from the oppressive heat and best of all; there was no accursed dragon king in sight. With no one at all to witness the attack, the fierce follower of Aion was supremely confident of an easy victory.
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Walking with his hands linked behind his head, Eiji happily listened to Momo's complaints about having to play doubles with " The useless mamushi", when a sudden shifting of the light breeze briefly carried an unpleasant and disturbingly familiar smell to his highly attuned nostrils. His own nose twitching as he tested the air, Momo's body grew tense.
Stopping to look curiously at his sempais, Ryoma let his own gaze then rove across the surrounding area as he too opened his senses and tried to track the cause of his team mates unease. A few small birds moved in the trees and hedges. Cicada's roaring and shrilling their love songs to intermingle with those of the birds and the muted sound of distant traffic, were the only noises to tickle at his sensitive ears.
Closing his eyes as he realized they were completely alone, the shorter boy relaxed his shoulders and smirked up at his still worried friends as he tugged at his cap. " Mada, mada, there's no one here but us sempais."
Smiling down on the younger teenager, Momo' readjusted the heavy school bag he wore slung across his back and started to walk again. Eiji however continued to glare about, his upper lip curled, his cats eyes slithered and his body held in tense, semi-crouch as he felt the unmistakable serge of imminent danger race throughout his blood.
Turning, Ryoma opened his mouth to tell his friend not to worry, when the red head shocked him by hurtling himself straight at the smaller youth and knocking him flat!
Lying on his back with the acrobatic half of the golden pair sprawled on top of him, the Seigaku singles star barely had time to begin to splutter his surprise, when a dark shape soared over them to pass through the exact place his standing body had filled only seconds before.
" Stay down chibi!" cried Eiji as he crouched protectively over his little friends body and watched the Dark Hunter slide about on all fours in a cloud of dry soil to face them in his own hunched over position.
At the sight of those blazing red orbs, dark hair and huge leathery bat wings, all the young Cat Lord's deeply buried fears and nightmares came boiling to the surface as he transformed into a great cat with a savage roar, then loomed over Ryoma; his huge paws braced as his body tensed for combat.
Behind him, Momo' yelled fiercely as his hard fists slammed into the jaw of one demon, then barrelled into the belly of a second. A third sprang at his back, but the Bristle-haired power house was too quick for the snarling hunter. His right leg lashed out, catching the demon full in the chest in a hard rear kick that flung it backwards so it crashed into a tree. But the creature was quick to recover and using the trunk as a spring board, it charged the tall teenager once more.
Seeing three demons rushing him at once, the purple eyed youth instantly transformed; his body imploding into the compact form a large, bristle-furred mongoose. Hissing through clenched teeth, the grizzled mammal leapt clean through the central point of attacking hunters to collide with a demon trying to get to Ryoma as the youth scrambled to his feet so he could also fight.
Intent on grabbing his target as the raven-haired youth scurried clear of the huge cat body half pinning him in its attempts to protect the boy, the reaching Dark Hunter never saw the blur of coarse-furred missile that slammed into it with silent venom. Long white fangs sank into vulnerable neck flesh, sending a spray of dark blood spurting across the ground as they fell together. The demon's cry of pain and shock swiftly became a strangled gurgle, then Momo' whipped his face sideways. The hunters head separated from his body with a horrifying rip that made Ryoma's eyes widen in fear and repulsion at his gentle friends fighting ferocity.
This was a side of his team mate he had never seen, and the young demi dragon felt his lunch start an escape attempt at the gruesome sight of the blood splattered mongoose spitting the severed head free of his jaws, then leaping to take on another. Eij too was messily dispatching a Dark Hunter in a gory display of spilling entrails that sent the younger boy's head reeling and his knees shaking.
Suddenly, he found he had no time to dwell on the brutal behaviour of his friends as the remaining four Dark Hunters surrounded and attacked him. The first blow fell as stinging slap across his temple that made his left eye feel as if it were about to explode and his head spin as the hard strike and raking claws almost knocked him senseless. Staggering backwards, the youth was only just able to keep on his feet as his assailant advanced again. Blood trickling down one side of his face, Ryoma raised his fists then struck out; catching the demon hard on the jaw. A wicked grin formed on the youth's face as the one he had hit stared at him in sheer disbelief, but faded into a look of fear when the creature threw back its head to laugh nastily.
" If that is best the crossbred offspring of a misbegotten firewater-son-of-a-low-born-she-bat and sad excuse for a flame thrower can do, then our task is an easy one!"
Grinning evilly, the Dark Hunter gripped Ryoma's shirt, then with a powerful heave of its arms the demon flung the boy so he sailed through the air. Expecting the teenager to land heavily in a flailing pile of tangled limbs, the creatures blank eyes widened as wings of black sail erupted from his victim's shoulders and youth flipped gracefully in mid-air to land lightly on his feet then smirk a firm " Mada mada da ne." as his golden eyes burned through a curtain of jet black bangs.
Jaw setting into a grim line, the demon launched himself and aimed a second heavy blow at his opponents face. Wheeling to one side, Ryoma avoided the swiping claws, then snapped out his tail to whip across the hunter's face and almost stun him. Cursing loudly, the attacker was joined by his fellows as they formed up beside him to stalk their prey.
Red eyes blazing like coal fires from hell, the Dark Hunter captain strode forward...a large whip held coiled in one hand.
" Your pitiful little friends are down and it's only a small matter of time before we over power you, so give up!"
Gasping in shock at the demon's cruelly triumphant words, Ryoma whipped about to look, and saw to his horror that both Eiji and Momo' lay stunned on their sides. Thick ropes were securely wrapped about the motionless body of the red furred cat and the large mongoose lay unfettered but bleeding badly close by.
Rage bubbled within his soul, as a thrill of fear shot through the youth at the terrible sight of his powerful friends now helpless in the remaining Dark Hunters clutches and he swung his head back around to glare fiercely; his tense body held in a semi crouch and his teeth bared in a fixed snarl.
" It's hot today, isn't hunter?" Straightening as his habitable arrogance reasserted itself, the young demon then sneered at the taller one standing over him and remarked slyly; " Maybe we should go down to the lake, because in the water you may just beat me."
" INSOLENT WHELP!" Roared the other as he snapped out his whip. Leaping to one side, the dark-haired teenager avoided the lash then sprang backwards to miss the strike of the demon's tail as it shot out for a second hit. Clawed feet scratched furrows in the compact soil as the Dark Hunter squatted, then hurled himself forward in pursuit his prey.
His right hand lifting as he called up his demon powers Ryoma was able to slow the Dark Hunter's advance with an energy barrier of dark blue light, but harsh gusts of air buffeted him as the other's wings flapped powerfully and the golden-eyed boy just managed to dodge the savage slash of Shinyo's claws as the attacker broke through his shield; thus allowing him the luxury of summoning a new ball of black energy to crackle to life between his palms.
Roaring, the larger demon threw himself to the ground to avoid the blast, then with lightening reflexes he was on his feet and rushing to attack.
The sharp talons curving out from the demon's fingertips caught his victim's forearm and bit deep. Triumphant laughter filled the air, then his other arm lashed out and Ryoma felt a blaze of agony tear through his side. Red blood sprayed as a bright fountain as a third slice tore into the membrane of his left wing, and through a crimson, foggy haze he noticed the quartet of demons accompanying their leader closing in.
Striking out, wicked claws hacked down on an arm that became buried in dark life fluid, but this time is was a hunter who screeched in pain as long curving talons manifested themselves on the ends of Ryoma's fingers.
Spinning away, the red-eyed captain sensed the teenager's dragon blood rising to thunder through his body and lend its incredible might in a raging, unstoppable torrent of bright gold washing over the imp's form in a near blinding radiance that drew a hateful snarl from the circling pack.
Voicing an sinister chuckle as he face split into a demonic grin, the glowing Seigaku singles champion held his dragon's wings wide from his side as he stalked toward his main antagonist, a third ball of ebony light hissing and spitting in his hands as he prepared to throw it.
Suddenly, something slammed into his back and a new wave of intense pain seared down his spinal cord and ripped into his sides as he felt a rib break, then escaping life fluid flowed down to pool as a large crimson stain that quickly spread across the hard earth.
A wave of vertigo rose up to engulf him as his knees buckled and all strength seeped from his legs. Dizzy and sick, Ryoma slumped to the ground, then struggled to rise from the tacky, hot glue of his own blood.
Grasping hands descended, and a clawed foot landed against his ribs with an impact that emptied his lungs. Fighting against the darkness threatening to claim him, Ryoma turned his face to gaze defiantly into his conquers scarlet orbs, then his energy seemed to drain away and his head bowed to the hunter like a sacrifice.
He felt the first rough bite of rope start to coil about him, sapping his strength, then without warning his tormentors were leaping back as though stung and the raven-haired youth caught a glimpse of a long, sturdy body sailing through the air above him with an ear splitting cry of fury.
Shinzyo slammed onto his back, the wind knocked out of him as he his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a large bristling mongoose pinning him; bloody fanged and bloody clawed. Its large purple orbs blazed though a matted curtain of crimson splattered fur and the needle like pointed teeth grinned in a mask of death as it reared back to strike.
Lashing out with his legs, the hunter leader pushed in a hard double kick that sent the creature sailing backwards.
Flipping in mid air, Momo' landed lightly on his feet then bolted forward in a blind charge of fear and rage.
" NO!!... RYOMA!!" yelled a voice close by, but the youth felt his head reel and a swirl of darkness dance about him as thick fog. Something was attempting to lift him, but then it dropped him as a heavy grey form barrelled into it. He heard a dreadful shriek that swiftly changed to a wet gurgling gasp, then hot moisture sprayed over him. Through a dim haze he saw a body fall, then an agonised scream cut through his very soul and Ryoma's own spirit screamed with it as the intense pain of the one he loved flooded the very fibre of his being.
A solid bundle of coarse fur fell limply across his back and a pain filled voice gasped; " I will ...protect....you...'
Wincing at his own hurts, the dark-haired youth stiffly extended his arm, then he smiled warmly at the sight of a long toed paw covering his hand. Somewhere in the background and drifting as though from a great distance, a loud musical howl rang out that inspite of his dire situation, made him laugh softly as he finally surrendered to the sudden decent of nightfall.
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Cursing at the interfering mongoose as it sank its fangs into the neck of the hunter lifting Ryoma's limp body from the ground, Shinzyo's right arm whipped out; his raking claws catching the creature full across its right hind leg. Digging in with the cruel talons the hunt leader hauled his arm back, drawing the struggling, hissing animal from the body of his comrade. For a moment, he let the writhing beast thrash wildly on the end of his sharp, merciless hand needles, then with a completive snort he gripped the mammal's hind leg in both hands. Applying a bending pressure he then snapped the limb like a dry twig before roughly tossing the near unconscious creature aside.
" Stupid rat!" he spat as he watched it feebly drag itself onto his friends back, then lapse into oblivion. "K" reaching down, the tall demon seized Momo' by his tail to drag the rough coated mammal off his victim, then sunk his claws deep into the back of the spirit beast's neck. " Prepare to die vermin!" he spat as he anticipated breaking the animal's upper vertebrate and snuffing out its insignificant life.
A great ringing howl suddenly blasted as a painful shock wave against his large, triangular ears making his head whip about and his eyes widen at the sight that met them.
Coupled with the wave of terror lancing through him at moon dog's fearful baying was not only the vision of the large canine galloping straight at him, but the view of the athletic, bespectacled youth running beside it. Over lapping the teenager was an enormous ghostly dragon that ran with great bounds, it's neck extended and teeth bared in fury as orange fire kindled to life between them.
" Curse you!" snapped Shinzyo as he flung the mongoose away and scooped Ryoma's limp body into his arms. Lifting his wings for a down sweep. the demon kicked against the ground, lifted a few feet in the air then roared with pain as the silver and black coated dog's cry drilled deep within his ear bones. Hissing in agony at the sound, the hunt leader fell to the earth then hunched against the ground with his hands clasped tight over his ears as he stared at his prey through one eye. " Must...pick...up...ARRRGGHH!!"
His head vibrating as if about explode while screaming with intense pain and with the bitter knowledge he had lost his opportunity, the Dark Hunter sprang aloft with a stream of fire searing his tail to speed him on his way.
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Skidding to a halt, Oishi in his true mythic form stared wild eyed as his shocked gaze took in the extent of his team mates injuries. Ripping the power restricting Dark Hunter ropes from his body, the moon dog proceeded to invoke his healing powers on Ryoma's torn and battered torso. Throwing himself down beside them, Tezuka's hazel-gold orbs glittered with moisture and worry as he glanced up to watch his friends rapidly converging from all sides in answer to his urgent call.
Kaido and Inui knelt to cut the bindings from Eiji, while Takashi and Fuji tended to the motionless form of a large mongoose.
" My god Fuji!" whispered the young red dragon to the 'Blood' as he caught sight the gruesome vision of jagged bone and torn sinew protruding from the ragged, bloody hole in the animal's hind leg. " It's all but severed! " Raising his voice he cried fearfully; " Oishi! Momo's badly hurt!"
Abruptly, three new figures arrived on the scene with a faint pop as Kabaji in half human form winked into existence; his large hands keeping a firm grip on Atobe and Jiroh's shoulders.
Seeing the trio of Seigaku victims, the silver-haired Hikari left his bond dragon's side to stalk up to Ryoma with a frightened slender teen half trotting in his wake. Swaying on four feet as the Hyotei youth finished his transformation, the Kirin whimpered at the sight of so much blood staining the area, but obediently lowered his gleaming branched horn at his guardian's quiet urging and let his healing powers flow into the body of the unconscious young demon at his feet. For a moment, the mythic equine stood motionless, then reeled back with a painful whinny.
" The...demon" he gasped as Atobe embraced him. " I...can't...can...no...longer...bare to be...close..."
" I know." answered the proud angel softly. " What you did is enough, I can take over now."
Moving away as his friend knelt to reassure Tezuka the dark-haired boy would be fine, Jiroh turned his large amber eyes onto Takashi and Fuji as they grimly sat back to watch as the moon dog frantically worked on his team mate.
" There is more demon blood than his own on him," Oishi quickly informed them, " But he has multiple broken bones and cuts...then there is his leg...Kirin! Can you please assist?"
Tossing his proud head, the creature stepped up then lowered his horn to carefully touch the limp, bleeding body. Eyes squeezed shut and nostrils quivering at smell of spilt life fluids, Jiroh allowed his energy to steadily pour into Momo'. Blood ceased to flow, ragged holes in his flesh closed over to seam cleanly and broken bones knitted together as they repaired themselves. When he at last drew back with a tired sigh, the mongoose lay quietly, but intact before him. Yawning, he sleepily announced that Momo' would live then he sank to the earth and began to snore.
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Momo awakened to find himself in his bed. The room was dark, but the soft moonlight filtered in to create dappled patterns of silvery light on his belongings as the bristle-haired youth wondered how he had got there.
" I remember our tennis training." he thought as he past a shaking hand before his eyes. " then I think we walked through the park...yes! Eiji was there! We were talking and..." easing himself up to a sitting position, he gingerly placed his aching head in his hands as he struggled to recall. " We were talking about...the tournament and Ryoma's match with Akutsu....yes, that was it! But then..." Brows bending down, Momo' frowned darkly at his bedspread. " Eiji....Eiji said he felt..." Head snapping up, the teenager let out a shocked gasp that rang like an explosion in the silent bedroom as images of the evenings events flooded into his brain. " The Dark Hunters!! My god! We were attacked by....RYOMA!!"
Violently tossing his blankets aside, he swung his legs off the bed, sprang to his feet, then thudded onto the carpet as searing pain lanced through his limbs and robbed him of his ability to stand. Writhing in pain and screaming as convulsions suddenly wracked at his body, he never heard the frantic pounding of footsteps or the frightened shout at his doorway as both his parents burst into his room. A final crescendo of agony was torn from his lips, then darkness claimed him as the worst pain he had ever experienced in his entire life throbbed fire through out his right leg.
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That had been the start of Momoshiro Takeshi; Egyptian Mongoose spirit of the Shifting Sand clan's bad days.
At first, his body had been so oppressed by pain he had been unable to get out of bed and it was only when Inui had come to feed him a vile tasting juice (and he had spent the following two hours recovering) that he at last found the energy to stand, but the basilisk had also bought news regarding Ryoma.
Seated on the end of his bed, the Seigaku juice fiend toyed with his glasses and fixed his team mate with his hidden stare.
" The Kirin was able to perform only thirty percent of Echizen's healing before the Hikari took over." he stated in a matter-of-fact tone. " Then he was taken home were he made a swift and complete recovery due to his gold dragon blood."
" His dragon blood?" asked the younger youth curiously
" Yes" answered the spiky-haired teen firmly. " The cold truth is that if not for Tezuka's regenerative powers existing within his blood stream, he may have been seriously disabled from the extent of his injuries."
" I see." Nodded Momo' as he took a minute to mull his team mates words over in his mind. " Inui, what do you mean Jiroh was only able to partly heal Ryoma? I've heard that Kirin's are very powerful in such matters."
" Under normal circumstances this is true," agreed the spiky-haired teenager as he idly wrote in his data book "but the Kirin is a pure being, a creature of light and harmony. Remember, demons are mythics of the darkness...the exact opposite of what Jiroh is. Therefore, a Kirin cannot bare a demon's touch and it's only because of Echizen's dragon blood he was able to perform any type of healing at all. He was able to do more for you, but he is still very young and tires easily."
" His dragon blood!" spat the bristle-haired youth bitterly as he stared down at his clenched fists and ignored his team mate's comments regarding himself. " It may have saved him, but it's also condemning him!" Standing on shaky legs, Momo' slowly paced the length of his room; his right leg dragging stiffly as he moved. " First it's causing the Dark Hunters to attack him..." He stopped to whirl about and frantically gaze at his friend as his voice rose in fearful desperation. "...and maybe what's worse, it could turn him into an outcast! What if the other dragons shun him, or the others start to fear him, what will happen then?"
Closing his data file and carefully laying it aside, Inui stood and thoughtfully rubbed his chin. " I have made a sixty percent calculation that the dragons wont turn against him, but then...dragons can be fickle creatures. As for the others, my current data shows an eighty percent support rate in Echizen's favour."
" To Aion's dark realm with your data!" snapped Momo' as he threw his hands in the air with exasperation. " Ryoma's life will never be the same from now on and you know it!" Limping back across his room, Momo' sagged back onto his bed as his energy seemed to drain out of him. Slumped forward, he rested his forearms on his knees and wearily hung his head as he addressed his restrained remarks to his feet. " And I can't protect him. I tried Inui, but the hunters are too strong...and I'm.....weak. Inui...what good am I?"
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Twenty four hours of further bed rest restored Momo' enough so he could return to school, but as he strode through Seishun's high gates he felt a bitterness rankle at his soul. Ryoma hadn't been to see him or even call and the mongoose found himself constantly dwelling on the fact that perhaps the powerful young demon considered him too useless and weak to be a boyfriend any longer. Yet as he entered the buildings and passed through the jostling mobs of his fellow students he forced his common sense to firmly remind himself that maybe Ryoma had been recovering as well and was thus unable to contact him. So it was with a lighter heart that he cheerfully approached Fuji and casually inquired of the chibi's health.
" Saa...Momo'. I spoke to Echizen that night and he seemed just fine."
" Just fine, I see." replied the bristle-haired youth as he half turned away. Instantly picking up a wave of intense sorrow from his team mate, Fuji's cerulean orbs peeled open to gleam with a faint, silvery light as he spoke.
" But he has been busy."
Giving his friend a hopeful look, the taller youth fully faced him then asked quietly' " Busy? In what way? I've been waiting for him to call but..."
Honey-brown hair swayed as the smiling Tensai cocked his head to one side as he laid his index and middle fingers against his cheek. " It seems that Echizen's father has bowed to the inevitable and is allowing Tezuka to..." dropping his voice to a conspiring whisper he informed a startled Momo' "....train him in the use of his dragon powers."
" His...dragon powers?" Letting himself fall back so his spine slammed limply against the lockers, the mongoose felt with a serge of dread that the gulf between himself, and the one he loved was widening to become a yawning black void that he would never again be able to breach so he could stand at his beloved Ryoma's side.
To be continued..............................
More MB love
In this story, we take a closer look at Momo' and Ryoma's mythic relationship, then follow the story line of EP 50 of the anime.
It is also the beginnings of a closer relationship between several times ( and species) removed Great Grandfather and Grandson.
Some of the events will also set the stage for upcoming chronicles and things should..( I Hope) start to move quickly with drama aplenty!!
Story inspired by the song: "Somewhere I belong." by Linkin Park.
Disclaimer: No, I don't own Prince of Tennis...but then everyone knows that by now!!...I hope!!
WARNING!!!!!!!!!
The author wishes to advise that this chapter contains graphic violence and gore that may distress some readers.
Heart Of Dragon Gold: The Sixth Chronicle.
" What Good Am I?"
STORY: Tora Macaw.
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A bright flash of light crackled across the western sky, sending fantastic arcs of jagged lightening over the broad expanse of aerial plains. Some of the bright tendrils of sky fire broke free of the main thread to lance down and stab at the earth's heart, then a moment later a distant rumble of thunder growled a warning.
A huge splat of water fell, a great fat drop of warm liquid that was but merely the advance scout of an invading army. Foot soldiers scurried in wake of the leaders, then came the charge of the cavalry on wings of wind. Shortly after was a rush of heavy artillery and the heavens opened to launch a pounding attack in a deluge of rain.
The elements battled in a titanic display of devastating of mindless violence...its banners of electricity flaring against the depths of night to briefly illuminate the interior of a dark and silent bedroom.
Bookshelves lined the walls. A television set reflected the flash off the surface of its dead screen with several magazines lying scattered in a clumsy pile on the floor before it and in the background, a clock ticked quietly. A bed stood in the room's center, but as the lightening chased its way through the nimbus here to light up the area a second time, it became clear that no sleeper rested there.
On the carpet below the long piece of furniture, a pair of well used tennis shoes lay tangled together beside a huge laundry basket as it lay on its side. Made of cane, the wicker object had a short, narrow neck that opened out into a roomy, oblong body that rocked slightly in the stormy twilight and a faint chattering sound drifted from within.
If one was to crouch down and peer inside, they would see only stygeon darkness. But if one could shrink down to walk inside the basket's confines, one would come upon a large animal curled up in a fitful slumber; its head resting on its forepaws with the bushy end of its long tapering tail draped loosely over its pointed muzzle.
Short, round ears twitched in response to the thunder's call as it snarled menacingly above his house and heavy rain continuously assaulted the roof tiles. Tight shut eyes moved as the creature's bristle-furred brow furrowed, then the mammal squeaked in its sleep as its long, robust body started to shake. Squeaks became muttering. The animal's mouth moved, its sharp, pointed fangs showing as muttering turned to...words.
Tossing about so its claws scrabbled against the tightly woven cane, he began to call a name.
" Ryoma!... Ryoma!"
Grizzled grey fur stood up from the creature's skin and its thrashing intensified as he cried again.
" Danger! Dark Hunters! NO! Ryoma! Please no... Ryoma! RY-O-MA!!"
Abruptly, the mongoose jerked into awake fullness; its eyes shining with fear as his jaw hung and his breath rapidly dragged in and out in a terrified pant. For a long moment he stared wildly straight ahead, then jumped nervously as thunder boomed low in the culmulousphere. Regaining some measure of control over his wildly beating heart, the snake slayer licked his teeth then stood to wiggle up the neck of his basket and slither out into the openness of the room.
Once free of the confines, the large mongoose reared up onto its hind legs as its form became fully engulfed in a golden-brown glow.
Slowly, the mythic beast started to enlarge. Fur grew short, seeming to sink away out of sight as tanned flesh from time in the sun smoothed out the rough coating. Long toed paws became human fingers on the end of large, strong hands. Short back legs morphed into athletic, muscular limbs that allowed full bipedal locomotion as his tail shrank away and vanished. Tossing his head as his long muzzle compacted to change into a teenage human face, Momoshiro ran his fingers through his bristly hair then sank down onto his bed as the light faded and the transformation completed.
Gazing out through the veil like curtains of his window, the youth sighed heavily at the storm then let his eyes fall to rest on the limp hands cradled on his lap while wincing at a sudden pain in his right leg. ' Again' he thought to himself as rain drummed steadily against glass. ' That same dream. I'm seeing it always now....even when I'm awake!'
Passing a trembling hand before his face, his churning mind settled upon the face of the one he had almost given his life to protect; the one he loved deeply with every fibre of his being. An over whelming sorrow washed over and consumed him as wave of dark despair as the events of the past few days reared up to plague him.
He saw as though viewing a movie, his beloved Ryoma Echizen walking beside him as they strolled through the almost deserted park at dusk after a hard afternoons training. Discussing their tennis and good naturedly complaining about the uncomfortably hot summers evening, the pair had been completely unaware of hidden eyes watching their every move.
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Shinzyo crouched fully concealed within the thick bushes lining the path, his crimson eyes gleaming with feral anticipation as he watched his goal steadily draw closer.
The Demi Dragon. When the Dark Hunter captain had first encountered him, the child had been nothing more than a weak imp...a member of his own race and hardly worth so much as a second thought. Yet his demon blood had been mingled with that of an ancient creature...a beast so powerful that even his Lord Aion seemed to fear him. Now that the dragon king's many times removed great grandson's dormant draconian strength had awoken, the boy had become the maou's primary target and constant obsession.
Shifting his weight as the youth approached, the demon silently recalled his rulers orders. He wasn't to just extract the boy's powers then kill him as he had done to past victims. He was to subdue the young demi dragon by using any method necessary and bring before his master alive.
A calling voice drifting on the breeze sent a thrill of recognition coursing through his keen hunters ears. Beside Shinzyo, his six subordinates stirred eagerly. Meeting the burning red eyes of his superior, the dark-haired hunter's second-in-command revealed his fangs in sly smirk as he spoke quietly. " The marked one comes my lord."
" Hmm." The Dark Hunter captain nodded firmly then locked eyes with his comrades. " Once the imp has been captured we shall take the Cat Lord as well."
" And the mongoose?"
Their leader snorted with open contempt. " A weak and useless creature. Kill him."
Watching the flame-haired youth join his friends, Shinzyo gave his hunters a "get ready" signal as odd snatches of conversation became clear and the unsuspecting trio walked within striking range. Thanks to the uncomfortably hot summers evening, the humans that normally frequented the park were absent as they sought shelter from the oppressive heat and best of all; there was no accursed dragon king in sight. With no one at all to witness the attack, the fierce follower of Aion was supremely confident of an easy victory.
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Walking with his hands linked behind his head, Eiji happily listened to Momo's complaints about having to play doubles with " The useless mamushi", when a sudden shifting of the light breeze briefly carried an unpleasant and disturbingly familiar smell to his highly attuned nostrils. His own nose twitching as he tested the air, Momo's body grew tense.
Stopping to look curiously at his sempais, Ryoma let his own gaze then rove across the surrounding area as he too opened his senses and tried to track the cause of his team mates unease. A few small birds moved in the trees and hedges. Cicada's roaring and shrilling their love songs to intermingle with those of the birds and the muted sound of distant traffic, were the only noises to tickle at his sensitive ears.
Closing his eyes as he realized they were completely alone, the shorter boy relaxed his shoulders and smirked up at his still worried friends as he tugged at his cap. " Mada, mada, there's no one here but us sempais."
Smiling down on the younger teenager, Momo' readjusted the heavy school bag he wore slung across his back and started to walk again. Eiji however continued to glare about, his upper lip curled, his cats eyes slithered and his body held in tense, semi-crouch as he felt the unmistakable serge of imminent danger race throughout his blood.
Turning, Ryoma opened his mouth to tell his friend not to worry, when the red head shocked him by hurtling himself straight at the smaller youth and knocking him flat!
Lying on his back with the acrobatic half of the golden pair sprawled on top of him, the Seigaku singles star barely had time to begin to splutter his surprise, when a dark shape soared over them to pass through the exact place his standing body had filled only seconds before.
" Stay down chibi!" cried Eiji as he crouched protectively over his little friends body and watched the Dark Hunter slide about on all fours in a cloud of dry soil to face them in his own hunched over position.
At the sight of those blazing red orbs, dark hair and huge leathery bat wings, all the young Cat Lord's deeply buried fears and nightmares came boiling to the surface as he transformed into a great cat with a savage roar, then loomed over Ryoma; his huge paws braced as his body tensed for combat.
Behind him, Momo' yelled fiercely as his hard fists slammed into the jaw of one demon, then barrelled into the belly of a second. A third sprang at his back, but the Bristle-haired power house was too quick for the snarling hunter. His right leg lashed out, catching the demon full in the chest in a hard rear kick that flung it backwards so it crashed into a tree. But the creature was quick to recover and using the trunk as a spring board, it charged the tall teenager once more.
Seeing three demons rushing him at once, the purple eyed youth instantly transformed; his body imploding into the compact form a large, bristle-furred mongoose. Hissing through clenched teeth, the grizzled mammal leapt clean through the central point of attacking hunters to collide with a demon trying to get to Ryoma as the youth scrambled to his feet so he could also fight.
Intent on grabbing his target as the raven-haired youth scurried clear of the huge cat body half pinning him in its attempts to protect the boy, the reaching Dark Hunter never saw the blur of coarse-furred missile that slammed into it with silent venom. Long white fangs sank into vulnerable neck flesh, sending a spray of dark blood spurting across the ground as they fell together. The demon's cry of pain and shock swiftly became a strangled gurgle, then Momo' whipped his face sideways. The hunters head separated from his body with a horrifying rip that made Ryoma's eyes widen in fear and repulsion at his gentle friends fighting ferocity.
This was a side of his team mate he had never seen, and the young demi dragon felt his lunch start an escape attempt at the gruesome sight of the blood splattered mongoose spitting the severed head free of his jaws, then leaping to take on another. Eij too was messily dispatching a Dark Hunter in a gory display of spilling entrails that sent the younger boy's head reeling and his knees shaking.
Suddenly, he found he had no time to dwell on the brutal behaviour of his friends as the remaining four Dark Hunters surrounded and attacked him. The first blow fell as stinging slap across his temple that made his left eye feel as if it were about to explode and his head spin as the hard strike and raking claws almost knocked him senseless. Staggering backwards, the youth was only just able to keep on his feet as his assailant advanced again. Blood trickling down one side of his face, Ryoma raised his fists then struck out; catching the demon hard on the jaw. A wicked grin formed on the youth's face as the one he had hit stared at him in sheer disbelief, but faded into a look of fear when the creature threw back its head to laugh nastily.
" If that is best the crossbred offspring of a misbegotten firewater-son-of-a-low-born-she-bat and sad excuse for a flame thrower can do, then our task is an easy one!"
Grinning evilly, the Dark Hunter gripped Ryoma's shirt, then with a powerful heave of its arms the demon flung the boy so he sailed through the air. Expecting the teenager to land heavily in a flailing pile of tangled limbs, the creatures blank eyes widened as wings of black sail erupted from his victim's shoulders and youth flipped gracefully in mid-air to land lightly on his feet then smirk a firm " Mada mada da ne." as his golden eyes burned through a curtain of jet black bangs.
Jaw setting into a grim line, the demon launched himself and aimed a second heavy blow at his opponents face. Wheeling to one side, Ryoma avoided the swiping claws, then snapped out his tail to whip across the hunter's face and almost stun him. Cursing loudly, the attacker was joined by his fellows as they formed up beside him to stalk their prey.
Red eyes blazing like coal fires from hell, the Dark Hunter captain strode forward...a large whip held coiled in one hand.
" Your pitiful little friends are down and it's only a small matter of time before we over power you, so give up!"
Gasping in shock at the demon's cruelly triumphant words, Ryoma whipped about to look, and saw to his horror that both Eiji and Momo' lay stunned on their sides. Thick ropes were securely wrapped about the motionless body of the red furred cat and the large mongoose lay unfettered but bleeding badly close by.
Rage bubbled within his soul, as a thrill of fear shot through the youth at the terrible sight of his powerful friends now helpless in the remaining Dark Hunters clutches and he swung his head back around to glare fiercely; his tense body held in a semi crouch and his teeth bared in a fixed snarl.
" It's hot today, isn't hunter?" Straightening as his habitable arrogance reasserted itself, the young demon then sneered at the taller one standing over him and remarked slyly; " Maybe we should go down to the lake, because in the water you may just beat me."
" INSOLENT WHELP!" Roared the other as he snapped out his whip. Leaping to one side, the dark-haired teenager avoided the lash then sprang backwards to miss the strike of the demon's tail as it shot out for a second hit. Clawed feet scratched furrows in the compact soil as the Dark Hunter squatted, then hurled himself forward in pursuit his prey.
His right hand lifting as he called up his demon powers Ryoma was able to slow the Dark Hunter's advance with an energy barrier of dark blue light, but harsh gusts of air buffeted him as the other's wings flapped powerfully and the golden-eyed boy just managed to dodge the savage slash of Shinyo's claws as the attacker broke through his shield; thus allowing him the luxury of summoning a new ball of black energy to crackle to life between his palms.
Roaring, the larger demon threw himself to the ground to avoid the blast, then with lightening reflexes he was on his feet and rushing to attack.
The sharp talons curving out from the demon's fingertips caught his victim's forearm and bit deep. Triumphant laughter filled the air, then his other arm lashed out and Ryoma felt a blaze of agony tear through his side. Red blood sprayed as a bright fountain as a third slice tore into the membrane of his left wing, and through a crimson, foggy haze he noticed the quartet of demons accompanying their leader closing in.
Striking out, wicked claws hacked down on an arm that became buried in dark life fluid, but this time is was a hunter who screeched in pain as long curving talons manifested themselves on the ends of Ryoma's fingers.
Spinning away, the red-eyed captain sensed the teenager's dragon blood rising to thunder through his body and lend its incredible might in a raging, unstoppable torrent of bright gold washing over the imp's form in a near blinding radiance that drew a hateful snarl from the circling pack.
Voicing an sinister chuckle as he face split into a demonic grin, the glowing Seigaku singles champion held his dragon's wings wide from his side as he stalked toward his main antagonist, a third ball of ebony light hissing and spitting in his hands as he prepared to throw it.
Suddenly, something slammed into his back and a new wave of intense pain seared down his spinal cord and ripped into his sides as he felt a rib break, then escaping life fluid flowed down to pool as a large crimson stain that quickly spread across the hard earth.
A wave of vertigo rose up to engulf him as his knees buckled and all strength seeped from his legs. Dizzy and sick, Ryoma slumped to the ground, then struggled to rise from the tacky, hot glue of his own blood.
Grasping hands descended, and a clawed foot landed against his ribs with an impact that emptied his lungs. Fighting against the darkness threatening to claim him, Ryoma turned his face to gaze defiantly into his conquers scarlet orbs, then his energy seemed to drain away and his head bowed to the hunter like a sacrifice.
He felt the first rough bite of rope start to coil about him, sapping his strength, then without warning his tormentors were leaping back as though stung and the raven-haired youth caught a glimpse of a long, sturdy body sailing through the air above him with an ear splitting cry of fury.
Shinzyo slammed onto his back, the wind knocked out of him as he his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of a large bristling mongoose pinning him; bloody fanged and bloody clawed. Its large purple orbs blazed though a matted curtain of crimson splattered fur and the needle like pointed teeth grinned in a mask of death as it reared back to strike.
Lashing out with his legs, the hunter leader pushed in a hard double kick that sent the creature sailing backwards.
Flipping in mid air, Momo' landed lightly on his feet then bolted forward in a blind charge of fear and rage.
" NO!!... RYOMA!!" yelled a voice close by, but the youth felt his head reel and a swirl of darkness dance about him as thick fog. Something was attempting to lift him, but then it dropped him as a heavy grey form barrelled into it. He heard a dreadful shriek that swiftly changed to a wet gurgling gasp, then hot moisture sprayed over him. Through a dim haze he saw a body fall, then an agonised scream cut through his very soul and Ryoma's own spirit screamed with it as the intense pain of the one he loved flooded the very fibre of his being.
A solid bundle of coarse fur fell limply across his back and a pain filled voice gasped; " I will ...protect....you...'
Wincing at his own hurts, the dark-haired youth stiffly extended his arm, then he smiled warmly at the sight of a long toed paw covering his hand. Somewhere in the background and drifting as though from a great distance, a loud musical howl rang out that inspite of his dire situation, made him laugh softly as he finally surrendered to the sudden decent of nightfall.
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Cursing at the interfering mongoose as it sank its fangs into the neck of the hunter lifting Ryoma's limp body from the ground, Shinzyo's right arm whipped out; his raking claws catching the creature full across its right hind leg. Digging in with the cruel talons the hunt leader hauled his arm back, drawing the struggling, hissing animal from the body of his comrade. For a moment, he let the writhing beast thrash wildly on the end of his sharp, merciless hand needles, then with a completive snort he gripped the mammal's hind leg in both hands. Applying a bending pressure he then snapped the limb like a dry twig before roughly tossing the near unconscious creature aside.
" Stupid rat!" he spat as he watched it feebly drag itself onto his friends back, then lapse into oblivion. "K" reaching down, the tall demon seized Momo' by his tail to drag the rough coated mammal off his victim, then sunk his claws deep into the back of the spirit beast's neck. " Prepare to die vermin!" he spat as he anticipated breaking the animal's upper vertebrate and snuffing out its insignificant life.
A great ringing howl suddenly blasted as a painful shock wave against his large, triangular ears making his head whip about and his eyes widen at the sight that met them.
Coupled with the wave of terror lancing through him at moon dog's fearful baying was not only the vision of the large canine galloping straight at him, but the view of the athletic, bespectacled youth running beside it. Over lapping the teenager was an enormous ghostly dragon that ran with great bounds, it's neck extended and teeth bared in fury as orange fire kindled to life between them.
" Curse you!" snapped Shinzyo as he flung the mongoose away and scooped Ryoma's limp body into his arms. Lifting his wings for a down sweep. the demon kicked against the ground, lifted a few feet in the air then roared with pain as the silver and black coated dog's cry drilled deep within his ear bones. Hissing in agony at the sound, the hunt leader fell to the earth then hunched against the ground with his hands clasped tight over his ears as he stared at his prey through one eye. " Must...pick...up...ARRRGGHH!!"
His head vibrating as if about explode while screaming with intense pain and with the bitter knowledge he had lost his opportunity, the Dark Hunter sprang aloft with a stream of fire searing his tail to speed him on his way.
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Skidding to a halt, Oishi in his true mythic form stared wild eyed as his shocked gaze took in the extent of his team mates injuries. Ripping the power restricting Dark Hunter ropes from his body, the moon dog proceeded to invoke his healing powers on Ryoma's torn and battered torso. Throwing himself down beside them, Tezuka's hazel-gold orbs glittered with moisture and worry as he glanced up to watch his friends rapidly converging from all sides in answer to his urgent call.
Kaido and Inui knelt to cut the bindings from Eiji, while Takashi and Fuji tended to the motionless form of a large mongoose.
" My god Fuji!" whispered the young red dragon to the 'Blood' as he caught sight the gruesome vision of jagged bone and torn sinew protruding from the ragged, bloody hole in the animal's hind leg. " It's all but severed! " Raising his voice he cried fearfully; " Oishi! Momo's badly hurt!"
Abruptly, three new figures arrived on the scene with a faint pop as Kabaji in half human form winked into existence; his large hands keeping a firm grip on Atobe and Jiroh's shoulders.
Seeing the trio of Seigaku victims, the silver-haired Hikari left his bond dragon's side to stalk up to Ryoma with a frightened slender teen half trotting in his wake. Swaying on four feet as the Hyotei youth finished his transformation, the Kirin whimpered at the sight of so much blood staining the area, but obediently lowered his gleaming branched horn at his guardian's quiet urging and let his healing powers flow into the body of the unconscious young demon at his feet. For a moment, the mythic equine stood motionless, then reeled back with a painful whinny.
" The...demon" he gasped as Atobe embraced him. " I...can't...can...no...longer...bare to be...close..."
" I know." answered the proud angel softly. " What you did is enough, I can take over now."
Moving away as his friend knelt to reassure Tezuka the dark-haired boy would be fine, Jiroh turned his large amber eyes onto Takashi and Fuji as they grimly sat back to watch as the moon dog frantically worked on his team mate.
" There is more demon blood than his own on him," Oishi quickly informed them, " But he has multiple broken bones and cuts...then there is his leg...Kirin! Can you please assist?"
Tossing his proud head, the creature stepped up then lowered his horn to carefully touch the limp, bleeding body. Eyes squeezed shut and nostrils quivering at smell of spilt life fluids, Jiroh allowed his energy to steadily pour into Momo'. Blood ceased to flow, ragged holes in his flesh closed over to seam cleanly and broken bones knitted together as they repaired themselves. When he at last drew back with a tired sigh, the mongoose lay quietly, but intact before him. Yawning, he sleepily announced that Momo' would live then he sank to the earth and began to snore.
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Momo awakened to find himself in his bed. The room was dark, but the soft moonlight filtered in to create dappled patterns of silvery light on his belongings as the bristle-haired youth wondered how he had got there.
" I remember our tennis training." he thought as he past a shaking hand before his eyes. " then I think we walked through the park...yes! Eiji was there! We were talking and..." easing himself up to a sitting position, he gingerly placed his aching head in his hands as he struggled to recall. " We were talking about...the tournament and Ryoma's match with Akutsu....yes, that was it! But then..." Brows bending down, Momo' frowned darkly at his bedspread. " Eiji....Eiji said he felt..." Head snapping up, the teenager let out a shocked gasp that rang like an explosion in the silent bedroom as images of the evenings events flooded into his brain. " The Dark Hunters!! My god! We were attacked by....RYOMA!!"
Violently tossing his blankets aside, he swung his legs off the bed, sprang to his feet, then thudded onto the carpet as searing pain lanced through his limbs and robbed him of his ability to stand. Writhing in pain and screaming as convulsions suddenly wracked at his body, he never heard the frantic pounding of footsteps or the frightened shout at his doorway as both his parents burst into his room. A final crescendo of agony was torn from his lips, then darkness claimed him as the worst pain he had ever experienced in his entire life throbbed fire through out his right leg.
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That had been the start of Momoshiro Takeshi; Egyptian Mongoose spirit of the Shifting Sand clan's bad days.
At first, his body had been so oppressed by pain he had been unable to get out of bed and it was only when Inui had come to feed him a vile tasting juice (and he had spent the following two hours recovering) that he at last found the energy to stand, but the basilisk had also bought news regarding Ryoma.
Seated on the end of his bed, the Seigaku juice fiend toyed with his glasses and fixed his team mate with his hidden stare.
" The Kirin was able to perform only thirty percent of Echizen's healing before the Hikari took over." he stated in a matter-of-fact tone. " Then he was taken home were he made a swift and complete recovery due to his gold dragon blood."
" His dragon blood?" asked the younger youth curiously
" Yes" answered the spiky-haired teen firmly. " The cold truth is that if not for Tezuka's regenerative powers existing within his blood stream, he may have been seriously disabled from the extent of his injuries."
" I see." Nodded Momo' as he took a minute to mull his team mates words over in his mind. " Inui, what do you mean Jiroh was only able to partly heal Ryoma? I've heard that Kirin's are very powerful in such matters."
" Under normal circumstances this is true," agreed the spiky-haired teenager as he idly wrote in his data book "but the Kirin is a pure being, a creature of light and harmony. Remember, demons are mythics of the darkness...the exact opposite of what Jiroh is. Therefore, a Kirin cannot bare a demon's touch and it's only because of Echizen's dragon blood he was able to perform any type of healing at all. He was able to do more for you, but he is still very young and tires easily."
" His dragon blood!" spat the bristle-haired youth bitterly as he stared down at his clenched fists and ignored his team mate's comments regarding himself. " It may have saved him, but it's also condemning him!" Standing on shaky legs, Momo' slowly paced the length of his room; his right leg dragging stiffly as he moved. " First it's causing the Dark Hunters to attack him..." He stopped to whirl about and frantically gaze at his friend as his voice rose in fearful desperation. "...and maybe what's worse, it could turn him into an outcast! What if the other dragons shun him, or the others start to fear him, what will happen then?"
Closing his data file and carefully laying it aside, Inui stood and thoughtfully rubbed his chin. " I have made a sixty percent calculation that the dragons wont turn against him, but then...dragons can be fickle creatures. As for the others, my current data shows an eighty percent support rate in Echizen's favour."
" To Aion's dark realm with your data!" snapped Momo' as he threw his hands in the air with exasperation. " Ryoma's life will never be the same from now on and you know it!" Limping back across his room, Momo' sagged back onto his bed as his energy seemed to drain out of him. Slumped forward, he rested his forearms on his knees and wearily hung his head as he addressed his restrained remarks to his feet. " And I can't protect him. I tried Inui, but the hunters are too strong...and I'm.....weak. Inui...what good am I?"
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Twenty four hours of further bed rest restored Momo' enough so he could return to school, but as he strode through Seishun's high gates he felt a bitterness rankle at his soul. Ryoma hadn't been to see him or even call and the mongoose found himself constantly dwelling on the fact that perhaps the powerful young demon considered him too useless and weak to be a boyfriend any longer. Yet as he entered the buildings and passed through the jostling mobs of his fellow students he forced his common sense to firmly remind himself that maybe Ryoma had been recovering as well and was thus unable to contact him. So it was with a lighter heart that he cheerfully approached Fuji and casually inquired of the chibi's health.
" Saa...Momo'. I spoke to Echizen that night and he seemed just fine."
" Just fine, I see." replied the bristle-haired youth as he half turned away. Instantly picking up a wave of intense sorrow from his team mate, Fuji's cerulean orbs peeled open to gleam with a faint, silvery light as he spoke.
" But he has been busy."
Giving his friend a hopeful look, the taller youth fully faced him then asked quietly' " Busy? In what way? I've been waiting for him to call but..."
Honey-brown hair swayed as the smiling Tensai cocked his head to one side as he laid his index and middle fingers against his cheek. " It seems that Echizen's father has bowed to the inevitable and is allowing Tezuka to..." dropping his voice to a conspiring whisper he informed a startled Momo' "....train him in the use of his dragon powers."
" His...dragon powers?" Letting himself fall back so his spine slammed limply against the lockers, the mongoose felt with a serge of dread that the gulf between himself, and the one he loved was widening to become a yawning black void that he would never again be able to breach so he could stand at his beloved Ryoma's side.
To be continued..............................
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