Disclaimer: The boys are not mine. Nothing is mine!!

WARNING: The author wishes to advise the following story contains some violence and boy-boy love.

" What Good Am I?"

Chapter 4

-.-.-.-.-.-.-


Horio and his two best friends raced down the hallway as if Aion himself was after them. Once again they had fallen foul of Kaido's temper and wild eyed with teeth bared out of fear, the young Tanuki gasped; " It's scary!"

Panting, Kachiro's head bobbed in agreement. " Kaido Sempai was right behind us!"

" But Kaido Sempai usually doesn't just hang about the halls right?" wailed Katsuo in response. Tearing through the corridors to escape the new round of the mamushi's wrath after yet another careless comment aimed at the current "Momo" situation, they suddenly found themselves outside the cafeteria door.

Skidding to halt, the freshman trio suddenly gasped as one, then stared hopefully the sight of their bristle-haired protector standing in line; his arms loaded down with food. Turning, he gave them a cheery smile then spoke happily. " Yo! Have a nice lunch boys!"
His face cracking into a cheeky grin, he then faded from sight.

Realizing their Sempai had been nothing more than a wistful vision, the three mythics gazed sadly at other, each face clearly mirroring each others loss. Sighing, they then turned as Eiji's voice spoke behind them.

" What are you doing hanging around here?"

Bowing, they glanced up as the flame-haired youth regarded them sternly; his hands shoved into his pockets as his head tilted slightly to one side when an inquiry of Momo's whereabouts was asked.

" No one has seen him since the night of the storm." Linking his hands behind his head, the young cat lord spoke wistfully as he gazed up at the ceiling. " He hasn't been seen around school, nor has he been at tennis training. Nya, it's so quiet without him!"
Looking down on the freshman, he quietly added; " I fear something has happened, but..." he said quickly as his audience gasped fearfully. "...Tezuka hasn't sensed his death, so he is out there somewhere."

Horio gazed up hopefully as his mind processed this new and startling information regarding the mighty dragon lord's many abilities.

" The dragon king can do that? I never knew..."

" Tezuka can do many remarkable things nya!" laughed Eiji " Who knows nya! Momo' may come back today!"

" But If he has been disqualified..." interjected Kachiro fretfully "...he may not want to play again."

Closing his eyes, Eiji breathed deeply through his nose, then his undefeated grin flashed out as he smiled at the boys.

" Except for Tezuka and Fuji, we have all lost a ranking match at some time. Ah, it would be a shame if that was his only reason for leaving...no. I strongly feel his reasons run much deeper..."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Green eyes staring grimly ahead, Oishi stalked the hallways as his keen nose picked up the faint smell of an Egyptian mongoose spirit. But the trail was more than an hour old and growing colder by the minute. Suddenly, the shifting air currents carried the most promising hint of his presence yet and Oishi rapidly homed in on the source. Arriving at an open door, the human form moon dog anxiously peered in; only to stop at the sight of Arai and a friend laughing over a magazine spread out before them. Frowning at the obvious lack of Momo', he rapt out; " Hey Arai!"

Instantly, the young demon snatched his feet from their place on the desk and leapt to his feet as the magazine slithered unnoticed to the floor. With he and his friend snapping to attention, the dark-haired youth answered the vice captain's question as to Momo's current location. " He was here about thirty minutes ago, but we don't know where he is now."

" I see." said Oishi eyeing the room's three girls in trepidation as they beamed happily at him. Edging away from the one Moon dog female among them, he added; " Please inform me when he returns. I will...ah...search some more..."

Spinning on his heel, he strode from the room, only to balk in shock at the feminine crowd thronging the doorway. An excited cry went up and the emerald-eyed youth was completely surrounded. Most the girls clamouring for his autograph were normal, fan girling humans; but four them were of his own species and to make matters worse, their bodies gave off a certain odor connected to their mating readiness that made his male senses reel painfully and make him wish he could vanish through the floor.

Seeing the young man's distress, Arai rushed to his aid calling; " Hey! What are you all doing?"

One of the admiring girls bounced eagerly on the spot, her light brown hair bound in its pony tail waving up and down with her movements. " Because we are forbidden to go in your classrooms and we aren't allowed in the club rooms, this our only chance to get close to him!" Rushing into the noisy fray, she shoved her note book beneath the startled youth's nose as she cried; " Hey Oishi Sempai! please sign this!"

" Get away!" shouted the non regular, but when it became clear that no one was listening to him, he churned up his hair in exasperation. " Ah! Oishi Sempai isn't good at dealing with this! Especially with on heat females!"

His eyes frantically hunting for a means of escape, Oishi tried his best to dislodge himself from the mass, but to no avail as he stuttered, stammered and whined a pleading " Help me" at the irascible young demon.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

After what seemed an eternity; Oishi was finally able to escape with Arai's help, but the incident had left him shaken and still worrying over Momo's continuing absence he tried his best to assume a mask of normality as he trained with Takashi.

The young red dragon was in great form as he enthusiastically hit back every serve and interjected random yells of " GOOD! GREATO! and EXCITING!"

Over near the fence line, Kachiro cradled three to five tennis balls in his arms as he approached Katsuo heading his way with the holding box. Squatting in a very Racoon Dog type manner, Horio's large brown eyes shone with delight at the games being played out before him. " All the players are selected and very spirited! It's almost time for the Kanto tournament!"

" But Momo sempai still isn't here." said Kachiro mournfully.

A loud and drawn out yawn cut through his sorrows, and the three turned as one to watch Ryoma drawing near.

Racket resting over one shoulder and angling across his back, the young demi dragon slowly approached; right hand just covering his yawning mouth and his eyes were closed. But they snapped open to glare harshly as Kachiro asked if he had seen Momo'.

Whipping his cap from his pocket, he placed it on his head and tugged irritably at it as he muttered; " Momo' sempai is around, but I don't know where he is."

Staring after the dark-haired youth as he abruptly left, Kachiro sadly shook his head. " Ryoma kun...the demi dragon doesn't care."

" Hmm.." grumbled Horio thoughtfully as his palms met his hips. " The really powerful ones never seem to care..."

" Hey you!" snapped Kaido's voice angrily so the three young mythics spun around in shock. Sitting with his back to the fence, the Naga in his full human form hissed through his teeth as he tied up his shoe laces and fixed the trio with his serpent like stare. " You three have no time for gossiping. The mongoose can take care of himself, so go pick up balls!"

With a quick bow and a sharp " Yes sir!" they scurried away leaving Kaido to mull over Horio's all to painful words..the really powerful ones never seem to care. " And I'm growing tired of this." he thought furiously as he worked on his foot ware. " They care all right, but they sure have a stupid way of showing it! Mongoose, get your useless tail back here, or so help me I'll drag you back myself!"

Over on the court, similar thoughts ran through Oishi's mind as snatches of the tanuki's words drifted into his ears. " I'll go look for him myself" he sighed as he tossed a ball, then hit it. However, it was the one time his aim slipped; causing the ball to slam into the net like a mini cannon ball.

For a long moment he stared in shocked disbelief, then rubbed his head in exasperation. " Enough of letting him think things out dragon lord!" he silently snapped to himself. " I'm going to find Momo' and to Aion's realm with what he wants!" But he knew full well he couldn't leave just yet and to cover his frustration, he turned to the ball collectors standing in a chatting knot nearby.

" First graders!" he bellowed for all the world to hear. " I can't hear your voices! Cheer us on!"

Instantly, one of them threw back his head to cry; " SEIGAKU!!" picking up the chant of " FIGHT ON! FIGHT ON!" they exercised their lunges until the vice captain was satisfied.

Open coat flapping, his name clearly embroidered in neat kanji within, Inui eyed the yelling freshmen then leaned over Fuji as he watched the proceedings through closed eyes. " Oishi seems to be very anxious" he remarked with concern and the ' Blood's' smile faltered.

" Hmmmm..." he started as Oishi served to Takashi while his cerulean orbs peeled open. " Although he doesn't say it, he must worry about Momoshiro very much." Inui decided to pick that moment to move away and the Tensai spoke his name as he strode up to Ryoma stretching on the ground close by.

Legs apart, his body bent forward, the young singles star reached past his toes then glanced up as a shadow fell across him and rumbled a surly; " What's the matter?"

Lifting a hand in greeting, the Seigaku juice fiend grinned at the short player and casually asked if he wished to warm up by playing a match against him. Shoulders rising then falling in a shrug, Ryoma pulled on his cap as he muttered a low; " Okay"

Standing, he then noticed that one hand lay behind the Basilisk's back and the corners of his mouth were twitching up with the faint trace of an evil smirk. Instantly recognizing the expression, the dark-haired youth haughtily lifted his head; his eyes closing as he spoke firmly. " I don't want to have to drink that strange juice you hide Inui Sempai!"

" Ah," said the spiky-haired mythic as he removed his hand to display the dangerous bottle. " It's a pity, but we have to...."

" I don't wanna!" snapped Ryoma as he grimly strode onto the court.

Smiling in amusement at the by play, Fuji leaned his back on the fence then kept his serene look in place as Takashi stumbled over to join him.

Panting heavily, the brown-haired youth copied the ' Blood's ' posture and closed his eyes as he gasped; " What's wrong with Oishi today?"

" He fears for Momo's safety" came the calm reply.

" Momoshiro?" gazing at his friend, the young red dragon nervously rubbed his head. " Ah, he is around here somewhere. I could smell him! But why he chooses to stay away...Huh! look at Inui! he's giving Echizen a hard time."

" Yes." nodded Fuji in agreement. " I feel he is worried too."

Just then Eiji strolled over to stand beside them, his twinkling eyes shaded by his left hand as he eagerly took in the action.

" Inui is wearing his jacket nya! And on such a hot day!" turning to his friends, he noticed their bleak expressions and his own smile faded as he gazed despondently at his moon dog lover.

" And Oishi nya! He's still brooding over Momoshiro! Why wont the mongoose come back? Since he was disqualified, he has just been fooling around!"

Hearing his boyfriends scornful tone, the vice captain felt a sharp pang of sorrow that fueled his determination to find the missing mythic. But then the young cat lords tone changed to one of derision that switched his sadness to anger.

" I know why he is really hiding nya! It's because he is a weak and useless fighter who can't even defend himself, let alone the rest of us!"

Shocked at such open slather, Oishi sharply drew breath then yelled furiously at the red head. " Eiji! Are all cats as stupid as you?"

Tension sprang into the air with a sudden snap as a collective gasp of stunned disbelief rose from the throats of every player and even Inui and Ryoma paused; the ball flying past the juice maker unheeded as they too watched the unexpected drama unfold.

His right hand extended, Eiji turned to his partner to ask; " What's the matter nya?" then he trotted up to the fuming moon dog to say; " Why are you so rude? You know it's the truth nya! Momoshiro couldn't protect us! He has run away because he's ashamed!"

An ugly growl sounded low in Oishi's throat, but it was nothing compared to the savage roar that broke from Ryoma. As the youth stalked forward with murder in his eyes, the moondog drew back his right hand, then bought it hard across his lovers face with a loud crack. Eiji let out a single surprised cry as he sailed backward, then fell to the hard ground.

Ryoma stopped his death march and seemed to blink himself out of a trance as all around him the others gaped open mouthed at a spectacle not one of them had ever expected to witness in their lives. Shocked at his own violent action, Oishi rushed to his boyfriend's side. " I'm sorry!" he whined as he tentatively reached out. " Take my hand..."

But the young cat lord savagely bashed the hand aside, then glared angrily as his wounded pride stung far worse than the slap.

" And what would you know flea scratcher? You were not there! You have never been caught, have you?" Leaping to his feet, Eiji's voice rose to a fevered pitch as his feline eyes blazed into Oishi's startled ones. " Well I have! And let me tell you nya! It's terrifying! Those ropes they have suck the life out of you! Then.." his finger jabbed savagely at his bandage covered cheek "..they did this to me!! and why Oishi? It was all because you are as cowardly as the mongoose nya! This happened because of you!"

Ignoring his boyfriend's pain filled face and stunned looks of the others, Eiji stood with clenched fists, his arms held ridged at his sides as he turned his head away. " And I don't want to be with you."

Stunned silence broken only by the sighing wind hung as an oppressive cloud, then Arai's voice broke it as he nervously approached the sulking red head.

" Kikumaru sempai.."

" Huh!" scoffed Eiji as he placed his hands on his hips and growled sulkily.

"... don't be so sensitive. You are still alive after all.."

" And branded for life because of your foul kind!" he snapped as he fully turned his back on a shocked Arai and stuck his nose in the air.

Sensing the imminent beginnings of another fight as Ryoma glared daggers and Oishi curled his lip in a snarl, Takashi raced up to jump between them and placed both palms against combatant chests as he spoke firmly.

" Oishi! Kikumaru! You two are friends, partners, BROTHERS! You must stick together and play together! The Kanto tournament.."

" To Aion's dark realm with the tournament!" shouted Eiji. " We are NOT partners and he is as bad as the mongoose!"

" So that's the way you want it." growled Oishi as his expression turned darkly forbidding. Turning away, he squeezed his eyes shut as he muttered " Since I'm so useless..."

" NO!" cried Takashi as he turned his full attention to his vice captain, his anxious fists balled before him. " This can't be! You are very strong, so just calm down and..."

" This is interesting." cut in Inui as he calmly moved up beside them. " Oishi and Kikumaru...the cat and the dog. They are day and night and make a perfect golden pair. But they also haven't had a chance to know other players. Yes, they should change their partners for tennis and fighting. Hmmm, it's a good idea."

Unfolding his stubbornly folded arms, Eiji raised both fists as he beamed down on Ryoma standing close by.

" Good! A change and a strong protector nya! O Chibi and I are partners now!"

Green-gold orbs snapped wide with shock at the cat lords sudden announcement and a startled " Wha...?" left his lips as his teeth bared. " Oh no! Not after calling all demons foul.."

Blindly ignoring the dark-haired youth's angry denial, Eiji swept the shorter boy into a happy bear hug. " O Chibi! Let's go! Come with me nya!"

Firmly caught in the red heads arms, the young demi dragon ground his teeth then sighed a deep and long suffering ' why me' as his eyes rolled up to meet Kaido's harsh glare. Voicing an ' I give up' sigh that echoed the first, he then mumbled darkly; "Ok, that's fine by me..."

Smirking, Inui turned to Kaido and cheerfully informed him; " You partner is Oishi."

A long, startled hiss met this statement as his pale orbs widened and seemed to say ' What? Hey don't involve me!' but his basilisk lover had already turned away and turning about, the Naga met Oishi's sad eyes

Arms wrapped about Ryoma's neck, Eiji excitedly cried; " Then it's settled! O Chibi! Lets go!"

Racket held stiffly before him as he squirmed to escape, he lifted his eyes and sent a desperate cry of ' Help me!' to anyone who could listen.

Snorting, Kaido stepped forward to join Oishi as the moon dog turned away and pretended that Eiji no longer existed.

As Eiji gushed about enjoying the game, Green-gold orbs met small pale snake ones and the serpent man touched his mind to the young demon's. ' Kid, I feel so sorry for you.' Both shared a mutual sigh of resignation, then it was time to play.

Shaking his head as the mix matched pairs prepared for battle, Kachiro sighed a weary; " They are serious about this."

" But it's exciting!" chirped Horio as his brown eyes shone with devotion for his heroes.

Standing beside the young Tanuki, Arai nodded his agreement. " A rare thing to see."

Blowing a small cloud of smoke in his worry, Takashi turned anxiously to the honey-haired youth at his side.

" Fuji, is this OK?"

Smile curving just a little higher, the ' Blood ' tilted his head slightly as he all but purred his reply.

" Well actually, I'm looking forward to seeing this game."

Wishing he was able to share in his friends enthusiasm, he briefly wondered if Tezuka had reacted to his great grandson's silent plea for help as he watched Inui's call for the cat lord and demi dragon to serve.

Throwing a look at Ryoma over his shoulder, Eiji stood close to the net; his legs braced apart and racket held at ready as he called to his partner on the base line. " O Chibi! Beat down Oishi with your serve!"

At the sound of the deliberate taunt, Oishi growled like an angry dog as Ryoma threw the ball high. Hearing Horio's excited cry of " Twist serve!", the vice captain of Seigaku braced himself for the deadly assault. " Not that Echizen" he thought as he swung his weapon on the forehand to meet the green and white missile with a devastating crack.

Not happy at seeing the twist serve so easily returned, Eiji yowled with annoyance as he snapped at his new partner.

" Oy Chibi! Concentrate on your power!"

Glaring up from under his hat brim, the dark-haired youth gave him a surly ' give me a break' look as he muttered a low " I know." then rushed to return Oishi's ball.

It swiftly flew back toward him, but Eiji rushed in to cut him off as leapt to take it with a furious dunk smash and an annoyed; " I don't like O Chibi now! Demons, Huh! And I thought you had great power nya!"

Dealing the little round object a hard blow, the flame-haired youth sent it flying at his discordant former partner who was too upset by the red head's snarky comments to react as it shot past his right ear. But Kaido had been ready for such a strike and galloped in behind the startled youth to hit the wayward ball in a forceful boomerang snake. However, anger lent too much might to his arm and the ball zoomed in a rapid arc to fall just beyond the lines for an out.

Laughing at Inui's call of 15 love, Eiji jumped up and down on the spot as he danced merrily.

" Good!" he shouted as he pointed to the ball's landing place. " See? We scored!"

Embarrassed by his boyfriends outrageous behaviour, Oishi leaned in to speak sharply. " Eiji! Behave yourself!"

Spinning about, the red head glared then lifted his right fist threateningly. " So what?" he snapped irritably. " You just gave a point with your weak play! Now shut up and continue nya!"

Firmly planting his feet with each step he took, the disguised moon dog stalked to the net to growl; " We wont play if you persist in insulting demons like this!"

Teeth bared, Eiji hissed then spat in a very cat like manner as he angled his body over the flimsy barrier of the net and forcefully shoved his racket under his left arm as his right index finger stabbed up at the taller youth's face.

" Stupid canine!"

" Stubborn pussy!"

" Fighting like cat and dog?" broke in an authoritative voice that bought about an instant shocked silence as their heads snapped around and their eyes widened with fear at the sight of their captain's stern glare.

" It's Tezuka!" whispered Oishi in a half whine and Eiji did his best to hide behind his hand as muttered " It's bad!" and tried to slip around behind his lover for protection from those accusing hazel-gold eyes. But with the net still between them such a ploy was impossible, yet still Oishi tried to protect his boyfriend with his words.

" Not fighting! We have a reason.."

Whatever he was about to say was lost as an angry Tezuka cut him off. " Oishi! Kikumaru! 20 laps now!"

Grumbling about it being all Oishi's fault, Eiji trotted down the net's length then broke into a jog with his shame faced lover close behind.

Ogling at the running pair as Tezuka turned to speak to Ryoma, Horio then sighed " This is bad." to his friends.

Echoing the sigh, Kachiro asked worriedly; " But what can we do? Tezuka must have come because of Echizen, but if he should dismiss the golden pairs partnership...and the Kanto tournament is just around the corner..." Noticing the way Kaido was staring at him, the young Wererat added; " ...and Momoshiro sempai is not here!"

Hissing at the frightened comment, Kaido gazed over at his lover as Inui sat with his back against the fence and turned away when Fuji leaned over him to speak.

" Saa Inui. Collecting data? And I sense you are thinking of going off alone somewhere."

" Hmmm" nodded the spiky-haired youth as he toyed with his pen, then glanced down at the open book in his lap. " I need to eat...but in my own way."

" I see." replied the Tensai smoothly. " But is it safe to go alone? With the dark hunters moving..."

Inui lifted his head to smirk at the concerned youth. " I have lived for centuries Fuji. I'll be fine."

" Saa...just be careful."


With his back to his captain, Fuji failed to notice Tezuka's eyes caressing his back as they studied his petite figure and slender hips. His gaze then travelled down and the ancient dragon king found himself staring at the Tensai's sleek curvy buttocks for a few long minutes before snapping himself out of the strange trance he had unwittingly fallen into. With an effort, he tore his eyes away to focus on the golden pair as they ran; but his hazel-gold orbs kept straying back to the ' Blood ' as Inui's words of him needing a mate relentlessly crept through his mind to haunt him.

Noticing a kind of warmth steal into his many times removed great grandfathers gaze, the corners of Ryoma's mouth twitched up slightly but the beginnings of a grin was swept away as sorrow flooded his soul and his heart cried for his distant lover as he wondered where the mongoose spirit had gone now.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-


Having been to his school and seen a few friends, Momo' wandered aimlessly about town as his mind niggled constantly for him to go back. But his soul was still coated in black shroud of despair that kept him at bay and wondering if his friends still needed him.

" What good am I?" he thought bitterly as his legs carried further from the love and security he had known all his life. " And what will become of me? Will I turn into a clan-less loner who is unprotected and easy prey for the Dark Hunters? Or will I have to join up with the rogue group at Jyousei Shounan? and what of my own clan? They'll disown me and drive me from them if I don't return soon. But to face Tezuka.." he sighed as he turned a corner and the street courts came into view, "...that'll be the hardest, having to bow to the dragon king and beg his protection and forgiveness."

Scratching his head and pondering his fate, the bristle-haired youth hardly noticed his surroundings until a cheerful voice rang out from inside the courts boundary's.

" Momoshiro! It is Takeshi Momoshiro isn't it?"

Head turning, the young man smiled in spite of himself at the pair of youths running toward him. The one who had called him was a demon from the fire rock clan and the other sported the spiked hair that marked him as a fellow mongoose spirit. But unlike himself, this one wasn't from an Egyptian clan, but originally hailed from the steaming jungles of India.

Halting just short of a collision with the wire, the pair enthusiastically greeted the wanderer and eagerly invited him to join them.

Heavy hearted, he quietly accepted and he soon found himself in a fierce game of American singles. Two against one, the Seigaku powerhouse returned each and every ball, his face a mask of grim determination. Leaping high, he caught the missile in a dunk smash that roared down with the force of an impacting meteor and stunned his opponents with its ferocity.

Seeing Momo's face darken, the black-haired demon whispered to his friend; " Why does he seem so anxious?"

Swallowing as his fellow mongoose spirit turned on his heel to stalk away, the spiky haired youth replied quietly; " What have we done?"

The word " Damn!" spoken with venom from their single opponent made them wonder as he irritably knocked scattered balls to one side.

" And what of Echizen?" his mind told him in anguish. " I love him, but I can't claim him! He is one of them, a leather wing! and even if he wasn't part dragon he is still a demon!" shouldering his racket he stared longingly at the sky then spat out a loud curse.

Drawing a few deep breaths to calm himself, he knew in his heart he had made a dreadful mistake with his choice of lover.
" Fuji." he murmured as he gazed up into the cerulean vault of the heavens. " I have seen the way look at Tezuka. Argh, we are two of a kind now. Tell me my friend, why did we fall in love with immortals? Our lives are nothing but a single drop in the vast ocean of time, and you my beloved Ryoma will still be young long after I've died of old age."

From out of nowhere a tennis ball flew to impact forcefully with the back of skull and letting out a startled; " It hurts!" twisted around to come face to face with brown haired girl whose dark demon eyes intently watched his face.

" Did you throw that?" said Momo with forced cheer as he rubbed away the sting from the back of his head.

Standing firm, she regarded him curiously. " So here you are Momoshiro of the Shifting Sands. I heard you had disappeared."

Momo's face fell as he looked at the ground. " I did, for a while..." switching his gaze back to the girl, he then gave her a sad smile.

" You are Tachibana's younger sister."

" My name is Ann." she replied as she proudly drew herself up.

Coming forward, the fire rock demon bowed low then whispered into Momo's ear; " She is the princess of Dark Storm so be very polite!"

" Princess Ann?" Momo' chuckled softly. " I see."

" Where have you been Mongoose!" she demanded while ignoring the lesser demon before her. " You have let down those you swore to protect by running away and what also of your tennis?"

Turning away, the stern faced bristle-haired youth refused to meet her eyes as she asked of his tennis and muttered " You wouldn't understand."

" Oh but I would!" she shot back. "I heard what happened in the park. So you were hurt, but you lived and you help keep Ryoma from suffering a fate like the cat lords until help arrived."

" Help." Momo' spat the word like a curse. " I would have died if not for Oishi and the others!" Head dropping to his chest, he added sadly; " I'm useless."

" A mongoose is never useless!" cut in the other one indignantly. " I too heard of that fight! The way you killed two Hunters on your own..."

" Says plenty about your skills Momoshiro!" cut in Ann with a growl. " And if you don't wish to fight Dark Hunters, at least consider the human aspect of your life and remember the Kanto tournament!"

" I have thought of it!" grumbled Momo' with annoyance. " But I was cut from the team!"

" So what?" Ann shot back at once. " They may still need you! Our players are all strong and intend to take revenge for Fudomine's last loss against Seigaku. Huh, Kippei intends to beat your dragon king..." breaking off, she stared irritably at the young man as he fixed his eyes on something behind her. "...Momoshiro, are you even listening to me? What are you..." Turning to follow the line of his gaze, she steadied her own and Joined him in watching the unmistakable form of Inui as strode along on urgent business of his own.

Chuckling, she then nudged her elbow into the tall youth's ribs. " There is your opportunity. So go and talk to the great snake little mongoose!"

Heaving a heavy sigh, Momo' decided the demon princess was right and maybe he should at least speak to Inui first. So bidding her farewell, he jogged from the court, caught up to the juice fiend and fell in just behind him to walk quietly.

" Momoshiro." he said with a half turn of his head. " So you've returned."

Not trusting himself to speak, the snake slayer only nodded in response.

" I'm pleased to see you, but whatever matters you have to discuss with me must wait as I am very hungry."

Relived yet irritated, Momo' brightened and offered to buy his team mate a burger, but Inui suddenly stopped and stared at him.

" Thank you but no. I must eat...in my own way this time."

" OH!" exclaimed Momo' as the light suddenly dawned. " You are going to hunt! Good! let me come with you."

Inui's lips curved into a smirk as he hummed, then agreed to the company.

Together they caught the far ranging bus that took them to the forests edge, then once they were certain their way was clear they morphed into their true selves and vanished among the tall timbers.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

" So why didn't Kaido come too?" asked a very large Mongoose as he trotted to keep up with the huge black and gold serpent at his side.

Forked tongue flicking out to test the air, the great snake slid silently then reared up to look at his companion through glass shielded eyes. " It distresses the Naga to see me swallow my prey whole and I'll thank you not to snigger."

" I'm sorry." chuckled Momo' " It's just you look..." he trailed off into helpless laughter that the mighty basilisk couldn't help but smile at, for he knew he did indeed look odd being a huge snake wearing large squared off Hikari made glasses that magically changed size to suite his true form.

" Laugh again and I'll make Tezuka give you one hundred laps after you have drunk a full jug of my juice... quiet now, we are here."

Falling into a hunters silence, Momo' carefully tested the wind and smelt out the surrounding growth. The air was thick with the strong smell of the wild goat herd that frequented this particular part of the forest and Inui lowered his body as he hissed eagerly.

Fully concealing himself in the shadows, the huge serpent coiled up like a giant spring and settled down to wait with infinite patience. They didn't have long to wait before the wind shifted, carrying the unmistakable stench of rutting Billy goat straight into their nostrils. Momo' made a distasteful face, but Inui licked his jaw and tensed for a lunge.

The snap and crackle of breaking twigs rang out in the undergrowth before them, then a large heavy body pushed its way into full view. With a low bleat the long haired browser nibbled on the juicy leaves and was soon thoroughly absorbed in eating.

Momo' looked up in fascination as a large jaw dropped to reveal sword-like fangs, then faster than even his quick eyes could follow the basilisk shot forward in a blurred whip of movement. The grazing goat barely had time to utter a single terrified squeal, then its body lay limp; crushed by the might of huge serpentine jaws.

" Neatly done!" laughed Momo' as he bounded from his hiding place. " Hey how about a bite?"

Smirking, the huge snake released his prize, allowed the mongoose to tear off a share, then casually swallowed the goat whole.

" Beats me how you can do that." Mumbled the bristle-furred mammal with his mouth full. " I mean, those horns were huge!"

" True." replied Inui mildly as he ran his tongue over his front fangs. " But they break up very quickly..." Breaking off, he suddenly whipped his head to one side and snapped " Hide yourself Mongoose!"

" What is it Inui?"

" Dark Hunters! I can smell them closing in!"

Planting his feet, Momo' stood firm. " Let me fight them." he growled as he displayed his fangs. But Inui's tail whipped out to unexpectedly catch the mongoose and he sailed through the air to vanish among the trees.

" Sorry Momoshiro, now is not the time." rumbled the basilisk as he turned to face his ancient enemy. There were at least ten of them winding their way through the tight packed trees opposite the little clearing he had fed in and at the sight of him they cried out then closed in rapidly.

Picking himself up from the place he had unceremoniously been flung to, Momo' chattered angrily, then shook his head to clear it. Rushing forward, he paused in his charge to gape at the sight before him.

The pack leader past low over the snake's head and flipping his wings, he neatly avoided the snapping fangs and struck at the basilisk with his claws. Another followed close behind while the others arrowed in from both sides. Lunging left; then right, Inui bashed them aside by using sheer body weight alone, then threw himself forward to strike at the hunters circling his head.

Scrambling back to their feet, the fallen hunters laughed wickedly as they renewed their assault and uncoiled the long whips they carried from a single leather belt hung at their hips.

Flinching from the stinging lash licking at his face, the mighty serpent cut loose with a dragon-ish bellow that made the forest ring as he struck out again. This time, one of the hunters wasn't agile enough and screamed in agony as his left wing was pierced by slender fangs. Wrapping his tongue around the demon's torso the huge snake pulled the screaming hunter into his jaws and ended his life with a sickening crunch.

" He is good." thought Momo' as his admiration was tinged with sadness. " Maybe he doesn't need my help at all, so that's why he tossed me in here. Yes, that must be it." he told himself as tears slid down his cheeks. " He threw me here for my own protection."

A thunderously loud roar jerked him out of his misery and gasped at the horrifying sight of a demon turning into stone right before his eyes. Inui, the ear pieces of his glasses held firmly by his tongue, was staring at his antagonists with blazing orbs of golden fire.
But abruptly, his roar turned into a shriek of pain and the fighting serpent froze the spot, his eyes squeezed tightly closed.

" What the..." began Momo' then he drew a sharp intake of breath as the hunters laughed triumphantly, each one holding a large mirror before themselves like a shield.

" Try using your weapon now beast!" shouted one mockingly as his whip lashed Inui across the nose. " Look at us and you die by your own vision!"

Immobile, Inui shook but if it was from fear or fury Momo' didn't care. All that mattered to the mongoose now was that his powerful friend was in deep trouble and that he needed to act fast.

Swiftly circling around, Momo' was able to get behind the yelling demon then quick as a flash he launched himself from the undergrowth and latched onto the back of his neck. It gave out one shocked cry, then fell as blood poured from his throat and even before his victim had hit the ground, a snarling Momo' hurled himself at a second one. It too screamed and died in his jaws and as the remaining ones turned to attack the mongoose they lowered their shields... then too late they remembered their biggest threat and uttered hideous shrieks as they twisted into lifeless figures of stone.

The danger over, Inui slid up to a panting, wild eyed mongoose and said quietly; " The moment I have hands again, this battle will be valuable data. But for now, I owe you my thanks... and my life."

Gently nudging the stunned mammal so it turned its head and looked up at him, the basilisk replaced his glasses then proudly said; " Lets go home, Momoshiro; Hunter Slayer."


With the Jubilant creature prancing before him, Inui grinned as he made a firm resolve to never tell his friend how he could have simply replaced his protective eye shields at any time and taken them out himself...

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

It wasn't the hardest thing he had ever had to do in his life, but never the less it was scary, and Momo' was properly ashamed as he bowed low before Tezuka and asked his forgiveness.

Arms folded, his imperious voice stern, the Seigaku captain glared down his nose as he studied the shadowy echo of his team mates true self cowering in the grass before him. " While it's true you saved Inui's life and for that I'm forever grateful, you did run off for three days. Your disappearance concerned us all but the worst crime was neglecting your tennis. Unforgivable! You Momoshiro will not be permitted to touch a racket for a week and you will spend your time picking up balls! Understood?"

" Yes captain." replied Momo' meekly as he continued to bow.

" Look at my true face Mongoose spirit." said Tezuka just before dismissing his friend, and lifting his head, Momo's purple eyes widened at the sight of the great draconian ghost hanging over Tezuka's regal form. " Never again forget who and what you are. Now run one hundred laps."

As the bristle-haired youth moved out, Tezuka suddenly spied Ryoma arriving late and almost smirked at the sight of him attempting to sneak in unnoticed. ' So you were watching! Well your mongoose is back, but as for your late arrival...'

Hearing the mind voice, Ryoma flinched mightily then almost jumped out of his hide when his captain spoke aloud.

" Echizen! You are late! Unforgivable! Run One hundred laps!"

Stifling an urge to laugh, the dark-haired youth obediently trotted out and began to jog; his eyes lighting up as they met tender orbs of deep amethyst. Laying an arm on his boyfriends shoulders, his green-gold eyes glittered with emotional tears as he whispered a fond; " Welcome home."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The gruelling laps finally came to end. All throughout, the others had noticed Momo' and Ryoma exchanging soft glances or gentle caresses and once; they had slowed down to share a lingering kiss. Some of the team had then shot an apprehensive glance at Tezuka as the captain followed their slow progress with his eyes, but the stoic youth was inexplicably permissive to the point of ignoring the runners as they shuffled awkwardly a few paces before breaking apart to trot hand in hand.

Now with their punishment behind them, they flopped to the ground and sat with heads back and eyes closed as their lungs heaved with the effort of breathing.

" Hew!" sighed Momo' as he passed a shaking hand over his face. " I hope I don't have to do that again in a hurry!"

" Mada mada." panted Ryoma but his lips were curving into a smile. Reaching out, the taller of the pair covered his boyfriend's hand then raised it to his lips. A shadow fell across them and they both looked up at a bland faced Kaido.

" Seen your 'wanted' posters yet?"

Mongoose spirit and young demon shared an inquiring glance, then stared up at the bandana wearing youth. Hands shoved deep into his shorts pockets, he hissed through his teeth and smiled slightly as if the sight of Momo' was amusing him.

" Over in the next district, there are posters of certain ' Hunter Slayer'. " Turning away, Kaido glanced back and spoke over his shoulder. " You may want to take a look."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The train ride was a peaceful one for Momo' and Ryoma as they sat close together and the shorter boy laid his head on his lover's strong shoulder. " I missed you." murmured the young demi dragon as he idly played with the open zip of his boyfriend's coat. " Where were you? and why did you run?"

In a quiet tone and with simple words, Momo' explained his sorrows and was surprised when Ryoma sat up to laugh gently.

" I never once thought you were useless and weak! But you have proved yourself haven't you Sempai? I think even Kaido will respect you now!"

The bristle-haired youth chucked at that. " The mamushi respect me? Never! Still..." he rubbed his chin as he smiled broadly. " I DID save his boyfriend!"

" And you saved me by coming back." said Ryoma huskily as he slid both arms around his lover and snuggled against his chest.

Closing his eyes, Momo' breathed a contented sigh and they were perfectly content to hold each other until the P.A. announced the imminent arrival at their destination.

Strolling from the train station, Momo's half lidded eyes snapped open and he rushed forward to examine a poster taped to a light pole. There on the stout wooden column for all the world to see were two very clear photo's of himself in normal mongoose form and the bold letters beneath read : REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ON THE WHEREABOUTS OF ''KITTY SAN" MUCH MISSED FAMILY PET. It then went on to state an address and contact phone number as well as the date of disappearance.

Blinking his large eyes, Ryoma spent a long moment drinking in the sight then turned questioningly to his Sempai as the youth squirmed uncomfortably. After a long silence, Ryoma finally lifted his right hand to point at the poster.

" And what will you do about this?"

" Hmmm..." stated the older teenager thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin. " I have an idea, but I need your help to pull it off. Now here's what we'll do..."


A young child sat dispiritedly on a well padded and comfortable lounge chair as he repeatedly turned over a black toy robot with idol sorrow. In his minds eye he kept seeing images of his pet as he skittered sideways with mouth open in mock attack while bouncing from one end of the room to the other, sometimes carelessly bumping into the walls or furniture as he played. But such memories bought painful tears to his large purple eyes and he sniffed as he sadly rubbed at his nose.

Watching him from the doorway, his father's own dark eyes glistened through long brown bangs then he sighed as he sat down and drew his crying son into his arms. " I'm sure we'll find him." he said softly as he caressed the child's long chestnut braid. " He is so unusual that someone's bound to notice..."

A ring at the doorbell cut through his words, causing him to pull himself from his chair as he smiled down gently. " Maybe that's good news."

With the boy staring hopefully after him, Mr Yuy swiftly strode to the door and felt a jolt run through him at the distorted view of a youth holding something in his arms through the thick, smoky glass.

Reaching the door in three big strides he threw it wide and his normally serious eyes lit up at sight of the bristle-haired animal snuggled against the boy's chest.

" You found him!" he cried while eagerly reaching, but was surprised when his visitor stepped back and said; " Excuse me, but I must tell you something important."

Feeling his heart sink as he drank in the youth's stern expression and the way the mammal lay blissfully in his arms in a manner he had never done with his son, the man nodded and indicated his guest enter the house.

Following close behind as the man lead him down the hallway, Ryoma whispered his misgivings to his beloved and was told; "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Pushing open a door, the adult spoke gently. "Hiromasa, this boy has found Kitty San but.."

Leaping off the chair with an excited shriek of "KITTY SAN!!" the boy rushed up to claim his pet, but skidded to a confused halt when his previously gentle friend bared sharp fangs and hissed angrily.

" K...kitty San?...D...don't you know me?" Tears flooded the child's eyes and Ryoma felt a strange wrenching in his heart as the boy's legs gave out from under him and he sat on the carpet with a thump.

" Ah...I think I need to explain." murmured the dark-haired youth as he sat down on the closest chair. " He's name is Momo' and he ah...he isn't a cat."

" He isn't?" asked the man mildly as he tried to comfort his son once more.

" No." answered Ryoma flatly. " He's a mongoose and he has been my...pet for a long time." Cuddling his disguised lover close to he his heart he muttered " He went missing for three days.."

Squirming his way loose, Momo' climbed up Ryoma's shirt and commenced a non stop loving licking of his face and throat. Smiling down at him, he added "...and he is happy to be back with me."

Lifting his sad wet eyes, Hiro gazed wistfully at the pair as his former pet licked his way up the side of the strangers neck and nibbled lightly on his ears. " Kitty San really loves you. I can see that."

" Momo'. And I love him...very much."

A watery smile broke out over the child's face as he mustered the courage he knew he needed to say goodbye. " Do you think...can I...pat him? Just one last time.."

Touching his muzzle to Ryoma's lips, Momo' jumped down, then clawed his way up Hiro's legs. For a moment he let himself be held, then he struggled to get back to Ryoma. Climbing into his lap, the mongoose seemed to grin wickedly then lovingly rubbed his nose against the raven-haired teenager's groin.

" Ah...Momo'!" hissed Ryoma as his face turned a delicate shade of red and lower reign's grew uncomfortable. Covering his growing embarrassment as his lover cheerfully burrowed into his fly, the Seigaku singles star stammered a hasty " I have to go now." then stood up and peeled the clinging claws of the mongoose from his shorts.

" Sempai!" he hissed, then turned to leave. At the doorway, he paused thoughtfully then said to a misty eyed Hiromasa " You should get a cat. Go to any pet shop and buy a cat that's your own."

" Please tell me." said Mr Yuy as his laid a hand on his son's shoulder. " The mongoose, were did you get him?"

" Momo' is from Egypt." Tugging at his hat, Ryoma muttered; " Excuse me." before walking away with acing loins and a burning desire to be alone with his lover.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-


" My clan is from Egypt, but I was born here in Japan!"

Riding on Ryoma's shoulder, Momo the mongoose laughed then pushed his nose into his boyfriends ear as the youth broke into a run. Racing into the train station, he skidded to halt before a row of lockers then quickly retrieved the older teenagers folded clothes.

His breath leaving him in little pants as his arousal grew, the younger of the pair pulled the bristle-furred mammal into his arms and asked him if he wished to change back to human form.

" I don't think so." came a smug reply. " This is more fun and I get to kiss you all the way home."

" Mada mada da ne." grumbled the raven-haired youth as he boarded the train. " You had better change back when we get there."

By the time they did arrive, Ryoma's skin was flushed and his heart beat fast as they made for his boyfriend's house. Luckily, no one seemed to be home and the pair made it unobserved into the bristle-haired teenager's room.

Even before the door was shut, Momo' leapt from Ryoma's arms and grew into a naked human male right before his boyfriend's smouldering gaze. The green-gold orbs were so full of longing and love that the older youth's throat hurt with a painful feeling of regret for having made his lover suffer in his sudden absence and decided with every fibre of his being to make up for it now.

Touching his cheek with the back of his forefinger, Momo' outlined his partner's jaw then ran it over his lips. Then he moved in to gently claim those lips and melt into the feast of sensation as his lover hungrily kissed him back. Removing Ryoma's shirt, he then worked his way down with his tongue and his mouth tenderly brushed over the shallow depression of his navel as his hands slid within his boyfriends loose shorts. As he arched his pelvis forward in invitation, Momo' responded with heat and passion as he took things slowly to fully pleasure his lover and this time, there would be no stopping him.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-


Had anyone been watching the roof top of the Mongoose spirits home, they would have been startled by the sudden appearance of a regal looking youth from out of thin air. His noble features stern, Tezuka prepared to confront his great grandson about his training. But as a vision of what was happening in the room below his feet swept through his senses, the ancient dragon king let out a long sigh and carefully sat down as he firmly closed off his mind.

Free of the mental view, he hardly noticed the hard tiles digging into his back as he laid down and linked his hands behind his head to gaze wistfully at the deep blue of the heavens. A new image formed up before him as the sky outlined into the shape of twin cerulean orbs, then the ghostly manifestation of Fuji's smiling face seemed to hover phantom like before him.

As if in a dream, he reached out to caress the smooth skin and cup the slender cheek in his hand. But then an uncomfortable buzzing vibrated through his skull and he catapulted upright with snarl. Letting his slender dragon horns emerge from the sides of his head, the human disguised dragon felt the sensation intensify and knew with an icy felling of dread what it meant.

Dark Hunters. And they were close. Very close.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

End of sixth chronicle.


At last!! WOOT! Finished!!

Hope you all enjoyed it!! So now you know why Ryoma's horns were buzzing in the previous chapter as it was the first time he had felt a Dark Hunter's presence and he was no ordinary demon!! For the young demi dragon, such encounter wont be his last...

Coming next, an overlap story the covers the yet unwritten events surrounding the previous chronicles. Here's a preview...


Into a powerful but now extinct race, they were born as brothers. Once best friends, now bitter rivals; the youngest of the pair tries to forge his own destiny, but it's hard when lost in a shadow so huge...

Heart Of Dragon Gold Presents...." Battle of The Blood." A Fuij-Yuuta story.

Following that story will be ; He turns to The Blood for comfort while the youth in turn seeks his closeness for protection and love. With a gradual taming of an ancient wild heart, two worlds are about to collide...

"Echo's of a dragon's heart" Coming soon!!

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