Note: Flames belong only in a Dragon's mouth. Those who attempt to mimic this ability will be totally ignored.

Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis!!! *sighs in deep sorrow* Dragon's, demon's, Hikari and assorted whatever's belong to themselves.
I don't own Chrono Crusade either.......


Greetings Prince Of Tennis Fans!
Yes, it's me again, sitting here kick starting my frazzled brain into writing the next chapter of Chronicles of the mythic brotherhood.

BUT FIRST--------a few words.
Several very kind people who are enjoying these story's have sent me e-mails that contain questions.
I've sent reply's, but I have an annoying little habit of being coy.
You see kiddies, I just love to add an element of mystery into my writing, and therefore rather then blatantly scream out what each person is, I much prefer to throw out little hints.

BUT, I swear by the shards of the dragon kings gold egg, that ALL WILL BE REVEALED! ( some day )
So please have a little patience!
I will however say this much, there will be pairings, so yaoi haters be warned! There will be a lot of Tezuka/Fuji later on!

The word "Chronicle" is listed in the dictionary as; a record of events in chronological order, an account of history, or to record in a chronicle.
This is exactly what I'm doing, but there will be times when things are explained in prologue's or as flash backs with the FULL story later on.


A very big thankyou must go to my dear friend Cat, whose great idea's have really played a huge part in bringing this chapter to light.

This chapter starts off paralleling EP 27, but breaks off midway to deal with Ryoma's crisis, so I will be following my own turn of events.


HEART OF DRAGON GOLD: CHRONICLE'S OF THE MYTHIC BROTHERHOOD
Story: Tora Macaw.
Consept: DSM
ED: Kerin or Zelgadis 55 ( who ever gets in first!!)
Additional ideas: Minion 363




PART 2:" Power rising"

Chapter:2


Sakuno Ryuzaki gently lifted the lid from a large, square box, to reveal a number of rectangular cakes within.

In response to the admiring sigh's of awe from her gathered group of friends, Sumire's granddaughter blushed a deep crimson and hoped with all her heart the object of her deepest desire's would accept them as a gift.

Leaning over her shoulder, her reddish brown eyes sparking with admiration, her best friend Tomoka loudly remarked how good they looked.

"Oh yes!" she cried, her arms waving in her enthusiasm as fires of youthful girlish passion flared about her, " Ryoma Sama will love them! Lets go find him!"

Nodding shyly, her face burning, the long haired girl followed silently in her supremely confident friend's noisy wake.

Trying to force some food into his rebellious stomach, Ryoma did his best to ignore Horio when the young mythic dropped onto the seat opposite to loudly inquire as to what he was eating. But Ryoma wasn't in the mood to talk. Karupin. His mind had so fully settled on the undeniable fact that his Guardian Familiar was here at school, that all else had been forcefully driven from his brain.

Feeling a sudden serge in his blood, he winced within, hoping to mask his condition from those around him. If they were to discover his true nature......it was something he didn't want to think about. Oishi knew, Tezuka DEFINITELY knew, but they kept his family secret well.

Tomoka's extremely loud shout in the doorway cut through his dark contemplation's like a buzz saw, and wearily resigning himself to his fate, he turned to stare blankly at the scene filling the doorway. Holding up a large banner proclaiming him to be the greatest person ever to grace a tennis court, Tomoka waved her arms as if chasing off a swarming cloud of flies, and shouted his name at the top of her incredibly loud and annoying voice.

"WE HAVE CAKE FOR YOU!!! RYOMA SAMA! RYOMA SAMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Sighing, he resisted his first impulse to flee in terror, and settled instead for trying out a cake in the vain hopes that it would maybe settle his churning stomach, or at the very least make the girls go away. His third option, the hope that it would cause him to drop dead on the spot, didn't seem to bleak a prospect either.

At Ryoma's curt nod, Sakuno inched her way up to him as though expecting to be bitten, then placed the box before him with trembling hands. Clasping her hands beneath her chin, she then watched with baited breath as the dark haired boy she adored raked the open box with a glance, then slowly reached for a cake.

" HEY! What have you got there Echizen?"

His green/gold eyes lighting up at the sound of his friends voice, Ryoma swung his head around, then grinned a little at the impressive load of food cradled in Momo's' arm's. His own purple orbs brightening, Momo came forward then eyed the cakes with delight.

"Wow! You have some really nice cake here! Let me have some!"

Before anyone could stop him, one long arm whipped out, his hand seized a cake, then it vanished into his ever ready mouth.

"Hey!" cried Horio indignantly. "That's not fair! How come HE gets to have one?"

Lifting her chin, and planting her hands on her hips, Tomoka firmly informed the teenager that as Ryoma's sempai who takes care of him, Momo' could have at least one.

Sighing, Ryoma suddenly decided it had become far to noisy to eat, and his head ache was coming back along with the sting in his blood. If Karupin truly was here, he had to go and find him. Pushing to his feet, Ryoma absent mindly plucked a cake from the box, then turned toward the doorway. Noticing the shadowed look in his friend's eye's, Momo felt a sharp jolt of pain leak from Ryoma that instantly filled him with foreboding.

"Echizen, what's wrong?"

But the dark haired boy hardly gave his tall, bristle haired team mate a second glance as he snagged a blue wrapped box from the hoard in his arm's and mumbled "Please let me have this." as he left the room. Hating to be parted with food in any way, shape or form, Momo loudly bemoaned the theft, then noticed Horio's troubled look.

"Something is wrong with Echizen."

Rounding on the concerned youth, Tomoka asked "Really Horio? Ryoma? what's wrong with him?"

Staring hard at the empty doorway, Sakuno felt her invisible wings shake. She'd had her suspicions for sometime now, but been afraid to act on them. Ryoma never had so much as time of day for her, let alone confide in his problems. Heaving a heavy sigh as Horio theorised on how much his class mate must be worried about his tennis, her sad eye's met Momo's', and realised that he could scenses it too.

Out on the school grounds, Ryoma cast about in a so far fruitless search for his beloved furry friend. Failing even to trace his aura, the teenager was becoming increasingly worried.

'Come to think of it,' he thought as he passed the pool to take a quick glance under a nearby bench, 'he should have come to me by now! Has something happened to him?' Straightening, he had a sudden vivid flash of memory from the day before that sent a shaft of ice water charging down his spine. Involuntarily, his wings appeared to snap out from his back, making him yelp in pain, then hurriedly disguise his true form once more as his entire being trembled in fear. 'The Dark Hunter!!! What if..........NO!'

Looking wildly all around him then staring hard at a nearby line of pines, Ryoma could almost see hateful, burning eyes upon him. Responding to the distinct feel of an unseen threat, he bolted for the safety of indoors, and the sudden knowledge that he would find his guardian familiar within.

------------------------------------------

Up on the roof, Karupin abruptly jolted out of his doze, to leap to his feet and stare up at the high tree's surrounding the school in fear mingled with rage. "Dark Hunters!" he yowled at the top of his voice. "I challenge you!! Face me if you dare!"

The rising breeze whirled about him, tugging on his fur and carrying with it, the faint echo of sinister laughter.

"NO!" he gasped, turning for the still closed door. "I have to get out of here! Those Insidious creatures are after my Ryoma!"

Racing for the door, he paused a moment to frantically send to the one creature who could truly help him now.

'Dragon King! Hear me great majesty!' However, the sight of the door opening right in front of him drove the mental cry from his head. Dashing between the feet of two startled human females, Karupin bolted full tilt down the stairs, feverishly praying he wouldn't be too late.


Down in the library, Tezuka paused, his left hand frozen in place as he reached for a text book. A frantic cry started to tickle faintly at the edge of his senses, then abruptly cut off. Letting his arms hang at his sides, the disguised gold dragon lifted his chin to frown darkly, his highly tuned senses on full alert, then he spun on his heel to stride grimily for the exit.

Hunters were about, and no mythic was safe.

Just as the end of Karupin's bushy tail vanished around the landing and the rest of him charged wildly down the next flight of stairs, Ryoma appeared at the end of the corridor to trudge wearily past them, a bleak look of despair masking his pale face. Just then, he felt it; a faint, yet unmistakable echo of his guardian's magical presence. His face lighting up with hope, he started to climb the stairs.

In his home room, Oishi addressed his assembled fellow students regarding the votes for next terms class president. Hands rose and there was a general round of agreement for the leading candidate. Smiling, Oishi thanked the group, then snapped his head side ways, his green eyes going wide at the sight of the cat tearing past the classroom door.

Ryoma no longer knew were he was going as he dragged himself back down the stairs. His head hurt fiercely and his blood felt like it was on fire. He had to get away and he knew he had to try to calm down. A route etched into his brain by repetison took control of his feet, and he soon found himself down in the tennis club change rooms with absolutely no idea how he had got there.

Holding his friends willow tail cat toy loosely in both hands, he gazed sadly at the object with dull eyes.
'Karupin, were are you? why won't you answer me? Is it because your just angry or....'

Sniffing back unshed tears, Ryoma sat up to wipe his eyes on his sleeve, then his shoulders slumped as he returned to his former drooping posture.

The click of the locker room door, followed by the creak of it swinging open interrupted his thoughts, and he slowly raised his eyes, hoping the person wouldn't be his captain. But the intruder was Momo', who smiled in greeting and made a light comment about his team mate being early.

Striding past Ryoma, the cord of his large gear bag looped over his left shoulder, the bristle haired youth suddenly felt a wave of despair serge out from his friend, to swirl around in a frothing maelstrom of raw emotion that made him wince.
Practically forcing himself not take Ryoma in his arms and offer the kind of loving comfort he felt his friend to be in desperate need of, Momo' walked over to the shelves, let his bag drop to the floor, then glanced back over his shoulder at the despondent young demon.

Working up a winning smile, he asked, "What are you doing Echizen?"

Finding the floor incredibly interesting, Ryoma rumbled a surly "Nothing."

'Some nothing' Removing his black school coat, Momo neatly folded it, then tried again. " Anything on your mind? You do know you can tell me...anything."

Ryoma's head rose at the undercurrent of genuine concern and subtle hint in the tall youths tone. Gazing at Momo's' back as his team mate busied himself with his clothes, the young man wondered just how much his very perceptive friend already may know about him, and what his reaction would be if he dared to divulge in the truth. But some deeply buried well of caution rose up to stay the words that were subconsciously beginning to form. Something just didn't seem right. It was almost as if unseen ears were listening to his every word.

Shrugging nonchalantly, he said "Why do you ask?"

Turning around to face the younger boy, Momo's large purple eyes twinkled as he tried hard to radiate friendship and trust.
" It just seems that something is bothering you." Folding his long legs, Momo' gracefully sank down onto his knees, to gaze intently into Ryoma's eyes. ' They are like...HIS eyes.' Realised the youth with a start as he looked deep into those sad green/gold orbs properly for the first time.

' Why didn't I see it before? How COULD I be so BLIND?'

Taking a deep breath, the tall teenager stood up, then decided to come right out with it, and tackle things head on with the hope his little friend wouldn't freak out.

"There was a guardian familiar here at school today......."

"You saw him?" Ryoma leapt to his feet, the willow tail firmly clutched in his shaking hand as he stared at Momo' in shock.
' So its true!! Karupin really is here!' Snapping his head up to gaze wide eyed at his best friend, Ryoma urged him "Where sempai?
Where did you see my cat?"

"When I saw him, I was still in class, but some girls said they saw a cat on the roof........HEY!! Where are you going?"

Swiftly reaching out to snag the back of Ryoma's coat collar as the dark haired boy tried to bolt away, Momo' firmly gripped his shoulders then said "Now wait a minute, that was during lunch, besides, Tezuka was up there not long ago, and he didn't see a cat! So, the guardian familiar really is bonded to you, hmmmm, I thought so."

Freeing himself from the almost claw like hold on his shoulders, Ryoma spun around to face his smiling friend.

Yes" he sighed as he gazed up. " His name is Karupin....well that's really a short way of saying his full name....and he is bonded to my family. He was my fathers guardian first....but Momo'!! He has never come to school before! What could it mean? "
Staring towards the door, Ryoma continued quietly. " There is some kind of danger Momo senpai, I can feel it."

"So can I Echizen, but I don't know what it is. Do you think your feline friend is in trouble?"

Ryoma's body became tense. " I can't FEEL him!!! He could be in trouble, or it maybe nothing, but something is happening to me!!
I can't sense Karupin's presence like I normally can!" Tears sprang unheeded in Ryoma's eye's as his body began to shake in anguish at the changes occurring within him.

Carefully, Momo' drew the shorter boy into his arms to comfort him as he had wanted to from the start, and was shocked at how incredibly hot his little friend was. Lifting a hand so his long fingers gently sifted through Ryoma's glossy black hair, Momo' spoke softly in the hope of soothing the boys distress.

"Whatever danger may threaten, I'm sure he will be all right! A Guardian Familiar has power's and I'm certain he can take care of himself!! Besides, cats like to have adventures!"

"Not Karupin!" answered Ryoma emphatically as he struggled out of his friends embrace," He is far too loyal to his duty to just run off for fun!" Turning, he mumbled " Now if you will excuse me sempai, I must go and find him!"

Sighing at his friends single minded determination, Momo lifted his right hand, then thrust it into his trouser pocket to withdraw a shinny silver padlock key, and dangle it before the teen's suprized gaze.

" I can see I can't stop you Echizen," he said as the boy prepared to dart away, " But at least let me offer some help. So here, take my bike and see if he's gone home."

Frozen to the spot, Ryoma's eyes glimmered with intense emotion as he was suddenly overwhelmed with a rush of gratitude for his friends concern.

Leaning down, his left hand curving tenderly over Ryoma's shoulder, Momo' gave his friend a warm smile as he held the key out to him.

" Go Echizen. The sooner you get back, the better."

Returning Momo's' smile, Ryoma's left arm curled up, his hand briefly covering his friends own before taking the key and departing.
Taking a few steps, he paused, then looked back at his Sempai. " I owe you."

Momo held up his right hand to wave it in a dismissive flap. "That's fine!! Just go and come back soon!"

Nodding, Ryoma vanished through the door. Left alone, Momo sighed as mild panic over his friend settled in his loving heart.
Looking down sadly at his left hand were Ryoma had touched him, he thought, 'Poor chibi! He could cook bread with the heat in his hands.'


A short time later, Momo' strode out onto the tennis courts to meet the stern gaze of his captain, who demanded; " Where is Echizen?"

Flicking his eyes toward Oishi and Ryuzaki sensei, Momo' quickly explained to his irate leader about their youngest team mate leaving to find his guardian. Behind Tezuka's shoulder, Ryuzaki gasped in shock.

"You foolish creature!! You let him Leave? Haven't you sensed...." Dropping her voice so the many humans dotted about the courts couldn't hear, she whispered, "the dark ones?"

"What?!" Momo's head snapped back, his eyes flooding with fear as he frantically shot anxious looks at his coach, captain, and vice-captain in turn.

Grim faced, Tezuka tightly folded his arms as a narrow, twin jet of steam fired from his nostrils.
Pinning the squirming Momo' with his piercing authoritative gaze, he announced in hard tones, " We must find him...before they do."



Karupin stood on the club room roof, staring out over the tennis courts with great, wide eyes. He could clearly see the dragon king surrounded by his charges as they paired off to begin practice. Fidgeting nervously, his paws kept a steady, non-stop lift and drop dance as he watched the scene with ever growing agitation.

"Three dragon's, a blood, a stupid hairy tailed rat, a basilisk....DAMN! By Jinnai's ancient wing feathers, where the hell is my Ryoma?" Spotting a new Mythic heading his way, the guardian familiar decided to ask if he knew his beloved friends whereabouts.


Completely unaware of events just about to unfold on the courts, Kaido strolled into the change room and stopped to stare in surprise at the long haired cat that greeted him, by standing on it's hind legs, and dropping into a formal bow.

" Good afternoon honoured serpent man. Would you happen to know where my bond brother, Ryoma is?"

Hissing a little, the bandana wearing youth sank down onto his hunches, then held out his right hand.

"I've heard of your kind, but I've never seen a guardian before."

Karupin nodded with understanding, then approached the youth on all fours to accept his gentle caress.

"I know you play tennis with Ryoma. Please, do you know where he is right now?"

Kaido hissed as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "He should be at practice with the others. He may............."
Whatever he was about to say, was cut off as Inui's mind voice rang softly, but sternly within his skull.


'Kaido, Tezuka calls. Come at once'

Springing upright, Kaido looked down at the cat then growled, "I have to go. Tezuka is waiting."

Karupin instantly sprang forward to run at the youths heels as he sprinted for the tennis courts. "Whatever it is the dragon king wants, I'm coming with you!"


---------------------------------------------------

Eyes staring fixedly ahead, his hands gripping the handle bars so tight the plastic began to smoulder and melt, Ryoma rode Momo's
bicycle at full pelt along side the foot path leading toward home.

Legs pumping madly, he tore along at break neck speed, occasionally slamming on the brakes to leave a snaky black tread trail in his wake, plant his feet on the ground, stand over the framework, and call his friends name. So far, silence had been his only answer.

Drawing closer to home, Ryoma's eyes fell upon the entrance of a nearby park. Full of dense shrubbery, high tree's and long grass full of unwary small game that a cat could practice his stalking in, the little patch of semi tame wilderness located in the heart of crowded suburbia, was one of Karupin's favourite haunts. Smiling a little at fond memories of many an afternoon spent here in the company of his best friend, Ryoma dismounted the bike, then wheeled it beside him as he passed through the parks low slung gates.


Fully concealed within the shifting shadows of large hedges lining the winding pathways, three pairs of feral eyes tracked the youths progress with keen interest. Shifting his feet, his wings rustling with eager anticipation, the owner of the first pair of glowing white orbs, turned to meet the blazing red eyes of his leader.

"He is all alone master."

His equally blank eyed companion also turned appealing eyes to his superior.

"Lets hunt him now master!"

"No." Holding up a clawed hand, the leader fixed his hunters with the force of his malignant, crimson eyed stare. "We will observe, then strike, but do not attempt a capture as his power must be tested, and lord Aion informed!"

Letting the screening foliage fall back into place, the leader then hissed, " His power has been suppressed, but we shall draw it out!"



The bike rolled beside Ryoma with a soft ticking sound. Pedals rose and fell as gleaming spokes reflected the late afternoon sunshine. Walking briskly along the path that snaked its way through the park, the dark haired youth cast his gaze left, then right, all the while calling his friends name.

Every few minutes, he attempted to trace his guardian's very distinct energy signature, but the effort only bought pain. Clutching his head in one hand, Ryoma hissed as sweat beaded his brow, then sank down on a nearby bench to rest. Close by, a large gap in the hedges showed a different path that led to playgrounds and picnic areas, making Ryoma debate within his mind if he should search there, or continue down to the parks central lake.

'Karupin likes to tease the ducks, I think I'll go and see if he's there.'
Pushing to his feet, he seized the bike from it's place against the back rest, started to walk, then stopped in surprise.

Something big slinked out of the hedge, to crouch on the path before him, watching him out of narrow, slit like eyes.
For a moment, the two stared at each other, then, feeling his heart pound as fear tickled his senses, Ryoma backed warily away. When it made no attempt to follow, he remounted the bike, then rapidly peddled away.

After a minutes hard riding, he stopped, then risked a glance over his shoulder. Only a few leaves pushed by a light breeze skated across the smooth concrete, and the youth felt himself relax a little. Continuing on his way, his head suddenly shot up, his eyes widening with joy as he braked sharply. Karupin! No doubting it!! He could feel the enchanted felines presence somewhere close by. Closing his eyes, he concentrated hard, ignoring the knife like pain stabbing at his skull. 'Karupin!!....ow....Karupin..where...hiss.... are you?'

'Ry....ma......bewar...da......ters..'

Eyes snapping open as fear returned to lance down his spine, Ryoma wondered what was interfering with the guardians powers.
He tryed to send out his thoughts, but fell to his knees as he was overcome by a wave of dizziness. With the bike falling painfully on top of him, Ryoma cryed out as a savage heat ripped through him. Fighting against it, the youth struggled upright, only to freeze at the sight that met his wide eyes.

A large, dark skinned figure squatted right before him, it's sharp teeth showing as it grinned wickedly. Hampered by the bike laying across him, Ryoma fought to free himself, then heaved himself up to face the strange demon as he stood on unsteady legs. Volcano heat warred with ice water in his veins as the creature reared up to its full height to tower over him with an evil smirk. Hissing, it raised one sharply clawed hand, then advanced with a slow, measured step.

Ryoma felt his lips curl into a sneer, then snarled as pain burnt a searing, fiery trail though his body.

Losing control, Ryoma cried out as he involuntarily transformed, his large wings, long whip like tail, and sharp straight horns poking through his hat fully displayed to the world. Nodding with satisfaction at the teenagers predicament, the large demon unfolded a pair of great dragonish wings, then crossed one arm over its body, his other lifting so the first two figures of his hand lay calmly against his side burn covered cheek. Crossing his ankles, the hunter gave the nonchalant air of leaning against nothing to study Ryoma at his leisure.

"Demon of Fire lake," It hissed in a hateful, drawling voice "I challenge you."

"Then get a racket and meet me on a court." snapped Ryoma in a voice thick with pain. Lifting his head so his burning gold eyes appeared beneath the rim of his hat, he worked up a smug smirk, then growled his trademark "Mada mada da ne"

"HAH!" Throwing back his head, the demon roared with evil laughter, then flung out a hand to point at his short, defiant prey.
"Fool! You will fight now!"

A ball of darkness crackled to life inside the demons hand, then arrowed out at Ryoma, who leapt aside just in time. Seconds later, the hedge he had been standing in front of vanished in a blaze of black fire.

Approval for the boy's lightening reflexes shone in the hunters white, staring eyes, then was replaced by a gleam of cunning.

"You can run, but can you....FIGHT!" A second energy ball left the hunters hands to explode in the space Ryoma's head had been.
Turning to track the youths dodging movements, he sneered sadistically, then fired off a third shot.

This time, the hunter moved with Ryoma's leap, his dark fire ball catching the edge's of his victim's wings. Screaming from the pain as his wing sails smouldered, Ryoma threw himself on the ground, rolled, and leapt back onto his feet in one swift movement.
Bracing his feet apart, his wings extended and tail lashing with anger, Ryoma glared, his wild golden eyes glittering with malice through a curtain of sweaty black hair as his shoulders heaved from exertion and pain. Feeling his demon powers rising, Ryoma
curved one hand over the other, then cursed loudly at the feeble flame that formed there.

Laughing triumphantly, the hunter pointed a victorious finger at the young demon then spat, "HE hasn't taught you! You don't know, DO YOU? A demon that can't fight is nothing!"

Twin orbs of blazing, molten gold snapped wide, then narrowed. " Then maybe you would like a tennis lesson from me. Or are you afraid I will beat you?"

"WHAT?" the hunters head shot back, his blank eyes incredulous. ' How DARE this brazen youth demean my powers, when it's clear he cannot use his own?' Snarling like an enraged bear, the hunter sent another dark fire ball spewing from his open palms, only to leap aside in shock when Room seized the end of his own tail, and used it like a tennis racket to catch, then return the blast.

Smirking, the youth then spoke. "Mada mada da ne."

Lifting his wings, the hunter suddenly hurled himself at Ryoma, his mouth open in a roar of fury.

Crouching, Ryoma leapt aside, only to yelp in dismay as his feet tangled in the forgotten push bike as it lay across the path.

Springing free of the offending object, he came to an abrupt halt as the back of his shirt was caught in a vice like grip, then he was roughly spun about, and thrown down onto his back. Almost knocked out by the force of his skull connecting sharply with the hard ground, Ryoma blinked fiercely to clear his wavering vision, as his hands curved up to grip the hunters hands holding him down.

Long tail lashing, he caught the demon hard across the back of the head, but the hunter roared with anger, then used his own heavy tail to pin down the wildly thrashing limb, as he used his weight to pin Ryoma's small, slender body beneath him.

"Foolish imp. So you thought you could beat me." He purred as he stared into Ryoma's horrified eyes at close range. "Why don't you use the power you possess to defeat me? But ah!! HE has suppressed them!"

Slowly, teasingly, the hunter lowered his right hand until it was resting lightly on Ryoma's brow, a faint bluish glow forming up to swirl mist like over the youth's pale face.

He found he couldn't speak, couldn't breath. The Dark Hunter looming over him, trapping him helplessly against the uncaring ground, had suddenly become the whole world. Eye lids flicking, Ryoma felt sickly faint. His blood seemed to be boiling, melting his bones, and searing his flesh. Crying out, his back arching, it suddenly felt as if his insides were trying to force there way out.

An unexpected surge of great energy abruptly lanced through him, and set his body thrumming with unconfined raw power. A great, savage roar like that of a dragon erupted out of him, as his entire body glowed golden. With incredible strength, Ryoma curled his legs up, then braced his sneaker shod feet against the hunters chest to fling him off with a sharp double kick.

Flipping in mid air, the hunter landed lightly on his feet, to face his advisari with a triumphant, cruel smirk.

"I have unlocked your power, imp of Fire Lake! Now, fight me!"

Wings fully extended and glowing with a pale golden sheen, Ryoma curved his hands, then snapped his arms out to drive a great jet of purple/black flame straight at the laughing hunter. Leaping high, he cart wheeled in mid-air then landed lightly, his feet barely kissing the ground before charging Ryoma head on. The pair of demons collided, then grappled as they lifted several meters into the air.

Purple/black and dark blue lightening flashed, setting fire to every bit of vegetation in sight, as arms swung, fists punched, and sharp claws raked at each other. Ryoma's head snapped to one side, his face bleeding from two sharp blows in succession, then snarling, he returned the complement by driving his right fist hard into the hunters belly.

Roaring, the larger demon flailed at his small opponent with wings and tail. A sharp blow to Ryoma's head sent him crashing to the ground, were he lay unmoving amidst a blaze of dark fire. In the distance, sirens wailed and raised voices swiftly drew near. Standing over his stunned victim, the hunter turned his head to watch the approach of his comrades.

Dropping to his knees beside the fallen Ryoma, the leader hissed, " You have done well Sierra! His energy is incredible!"

Reaching out a glowing hand, the hunter prepared to extract a sample of the teenagers life force.

Suddenly, a great, musical howl rang out, causing the hunters to leap back, their hands clasped tight over their ears and their faces
twisting in pain.

Turning toward the source of the sound, the leader scowled at the sight of the huge, smooth haired black and grey dog bounding up the path, a large group of Human disguised mythic's right behind him. Shooting a single hate filled glare at the dragon kings snarling shadow form, the demon vanished, taking his hunters with him.

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Ryoma's eye lids flicked, and groaning, he tossed his head as he fought against the dizziness and weakness disabling him.

"It's all right son. Your safe, lie quietly."

"Erm... dad? What......"

"Don't speak."

Ryoma felt arms tighten about him, and heard a sound very much like a sob. Letting his head fall to one side, he closed his eyes, then opened them, to meet Karupin's anxious gaze.

"Ryoma! Oh thank the hikari your all right!" Climbing into his bond brothers lap, he purred loudly while rubbing his head on the boy's chin, then said in an anguished voice, "If anything had happened to you....."

Lifting a feeble hand, Ryoma smiled, then weakly stroked his best friend. "I'm all right."

"But you almost weren't" Broke in Tezuka's stern voice, making Ryoma wince at it's hard edge.

Slowly, he lifted his eyes to gaze sorrowfully at his captain, and was stunned to see a single, unshed tear glistening in those proud, regal eyes.

Turning around to gaze up at the dragon king, Karupin said quietly as he then bowed his head, "The fault is mine great majesty"

Ice glimmered in Tezuka's hard gaze, as he glared down through flashing glasses. "Had you come straight to me, this wouldn't have happened."

Closing his eyes, Karupin whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"No old friend," cut in Nanjiroh as Tezuka was about to reply. Fixing the dragon king with an angry, almost hateful glare, he snarled, "it's not your fault Karupin.......that my son is changing."

Arms folded, his eyes hard golden stones, silence was the disguised dragons only answer.

-----------------------------------------------------

Leaving his son in Rinko, Karupin and Nanako's care, Nanjiroh sighed as he closed the bedroom door behind him, then leaned his back against it, his head back and eyes closed.

They had all easily escaped the inferno at the park, but even now, two hours later, the fire-fighters still battled the strange blaze that fought back as no fire had done before. His chin dropping onto his chest, Ryoma's father studied his clenched fist a moment as thoughts of his family history swirled about his troubled mind.

The Fire Lake clan had once been proud and powerful, a royal family under the rule of the demon king Pandamoninium.
But then came the dark times, the war of Aion. Those not killed outright had been enslaved, and the royal clans destroyed.
But a tiny handful of survivors had bent the knee to Aion, thus the Fire Lake clan had only just remained.

A short time later, Aion was overthrown by his twin brother. Those left of Fire Lake pledged loyalty....except for one. Ruthlessly hunted as Aion's own, he fled the lower realm, to live among the humans of the mortal plane.

Hidden from his own kind, he became an outcast. But one day, he met a rare creature, the product of a frowned upon mating, a female dragon of mixed colour, an exiled like himself. For many years, the pair travelled together, forming a deep friendship that blossomed slowly into love.

A single male child was born....the beginning of the Fire Lake curse.

Now, ten thousand years on, Nanjiroh had sired the single male child that only his bloodline could produce.
But...the child proved to be a throw back from when the bloodline first began.

When he had been born, his demon parents had immediately seen the powerful blood surging throughout the infant and fearing it would one day take control, had tried to purge it. They had failed. Knowing his dragon blood would wage war with his demon flesh, both Ryoma's parents had given up the tennis they had grown to love, and stabilize the boy by having him focus so fully on the sport himself. For a time, the plan had worked well as Ryoma's intense consentration had acted as a brake, effectively suppressing his change, but now...

Striding down stairs and out into the garden, Nanjiroh let his eyes linger on his private tennis court, then frowned, a low curse escaping him at the sight of the person who stood there. Slipping a cigarette between his lips and watching it ignite unaided, Nanjiroh glared sideways at the intruder, then growled,

"You can't have him. He is MY SON, not your heir!"

"He isn't fully demon as you are. Why do you fight me?"

Scowling, Nanjiroh irritably flicked ash at the figure now standing beside him.

"Ryoma IS A demon! A member of The Fire Lake Clan, and will remain so!"

Honey gold hair swayed as the person shook his head. "He is changing Echizen, you saw that today. Not even focusing on tennis can stop it now, as my blood that flows within him has been released."

Sighing heavily at that undeniable proof, Nanjiroh ran anguished fingers through his short black hair as his mind grappled with the knowledge his son would never again be the same. Yet he faced the bitter truth with hopeless defiance.

"I won't ever give up and I wont give Ryoma to you."

"That's not a choice you can make."

Rounding angrily on his unwelcome guest, Nanjiroh slipped into his true form, then hissed savagely, dark energy sparking to life in his palms. "I will fight you If I must."

"It's a fight you wont win. It's his destiny to become one of my own."

"My son, will never be yours!"

"Face the truth Echizen! He is a Demi-Dragon, The only one, and with my guidance....."

Long black hair waving in the night wind, His eyes brimming with firey, angry tears, the demon spat, "Get out of my house."

For a long moment, Hazel/gold eyes glimmered coldly, then Tezuka turned on his heel to stride away into the night.


Epilogue


The moonlight streamed in through open curtains, bathing the sleeping teenager in it's soft, silver light. Moaning, he began to thrash in the grip of a nightmare. Instantly, the golden furred cat on his bed placed his forepaws on the boys head and chanted the spell he had been taught that day. Moments later, Ryoma was calm. Turning toward the windows, Karupin bowed to the one who stood there outlined by the moons misty glow. The visitor silently stole into the room, then knelt down to run gentle fingers through the sleepers hair. Standing, he then spoke softly to the boys guardian.

"Take good care of him Karupin. Take care of.......my grandson."

Leaving soundlessly as he had entered, Tezuka slipped out the window, and Karupin watched as the great dragon vanished against the dark sky. Sighing, Karupin turned away to return to Ryoma's side.

In a large tree beyond the Echizen household, a great eagle sat motionless, it's red eyes glowing like coals as it fixed it's malignant gaze upon the open window, it's beak parting with a knowing smirk.


End of part 2
TO BE CONTINUED...........................


And now the truth is out!! Yes folks, Tezuka is Ryoma's Several times and (Species) removed... Great grandfather!!

More to come!!


Chronicle notes: In answer to many Question's, I will explain People of "The Blood"
Born from powerful witches and wizards, They are Humans who have hightened sense's of ESP, Empathy, Telekinesis, and pyrokenetics. Some can heal by touch, and all "Bloods" Possess extraordinary skills that allow great ease to excel at whatever they do. Powerful "Bloods" Have blue eyes that glitter with an unearthly light. Please read "loss of innocence" for details of their sad demise, as the Fuji family are the last of "The Blood"


Stat note's for Mythic's.



DRAGON'S: Protector's and guardian's of the Mythic Brotherhood........Ruled by their golden king, they are generally quiet and serious, but the very young ( due to their inexperience with the world ) can be rather shy, flamboyant, have dual personalities, or be down right aggressive.

All Dragon's are scaled, winged, have various breath weapon's, are immortal and have strong mental telepathy
Dragon's souls are bonded by the Hikari to the body's of human baby's about to be stillborn, so they can be raised among humans undetected. ( some dragon's find this VERY tiresome, while other's enjoy' being a hatchling again!!!' )
Such a child is always very strong and gifted, but any human genetic faults remain. ( henceforth Tezuka's need to wear glasses even though his dragon body has perfect vision!! )
Any dragon forgetting to play along with this disguise is instantly soul released, sent into exile, and it's human body die's.


.

Tezuka-----Type: Golden.
Status: Dragon King.
Age: Born in the time of the early dinosaur's.
Size: Approx 70ft in length from nose to tail. His wing span is so great, that the dragon's have a saying;
" The king can shelter an entire clan beneath his wing's."
( This, however, is a fallacy.)
.


Background: As king of the dragon's, it is his task to settle dispute's and give his protection to those in need.
Tezuka will often travel about to check on the well being of his "clans" and give advice to the young.
During those rare times a female rise's to mate, it is the king's responsibility to oversee the flight ,
and make certain of the couple's safety.



MORE STATS NEXT TIME!!


Next Chronicle, will be a humorous look at Kaido, and a few cheeky demons!.
Pairings: Kaido/Inui AND Mori/Uchimura.

Coming soon....." Observation's of the wild serpent "....The third chronicle.
( It's already written, just needs editing.)