Hello and thank you for reading " Heart of Dragon Gold...The Chronicles Of The Mythic Brotherhood."
This chapter continues to parallel eps 45-48 but some of the dialogue and a few scenes have been changed.
Also, there is a lot more Dragon speech, but fear not, for I have provided translations at the end!
Thankyou to all my regular reviewers!
Disclaimer: Tora Macaw does not own prince of Tennis or the Albed language as it is originally found in a game called Final Fantasy. It does make good Dragon speech if you rasp your voice and hiss as you say it. Practice is over! Run ten laps!
"So Full of Hate"
Part Three
Story: Tora Macaw.
Ryoma could feel his heart jumping in his chest as a knot formed in the pit his stomach and his throat contracted. Dropping into a semi crouch, he held his racket defensively before himself. But the little piece of timber frame and tight string was a flimsy shield against the monster who loomed over him with salivating jaws and an evil grin.
Tension built up as neither spoke, and the dark haired youth felt a new serge of anger. Fear for himself made him want to flee the danger the savage green presented, but then a fear far greater than the thought of being horribly maimed and imprisoned forever in the lower realm took on a different quality to rise above all else; the agony he would know if Momo' were to die because of him shot through the Seigaku singles star like a red hot knife thrust and ruthlessly drove away the doubt harboured in his body to be replaced with blazing determination.
Still waiting for a reaction to his deadly ultimatum, Akutsu turned his head toward Takashi when the brown-haired youth quietly urged Ryoma to “Go for it and win."
‘Ouicdibet luympinhan. Do you truly think this Ldibetvmoehk suila can ever beat me? Once I have crushed him, YOU o mighty killer of slugs will be next!'
Determined not to let his fury show to the one who had once destroyed his dragon family, the disguised red mastered his anger and fear by letting his mind drift on a turbulent sea of past memories. A vision of himself as a child, in this...his first human body in the nearly seventy years of his life, rose up to hang like mist before him.
He had befriended several humans and two well hidden wyverns. Between them, they had convinced the shy young boy from a sushi shop to join them in the art of Karate. Intently studying the older black belts as they trained, he was suddenly aware of a hateful presence at his back. One of the young sub-dragon's twisted his neck to follow the line of his friend's grim gaze and stared at the lanky youth leaning with his back to the door frame, then asked nervously; “Who’s that?"
Takashi lifted a reassuring hand. “That’s Akutsu Jin. He...lives near my home."
Noticing his junior student’s attention was elsewhere, the senior black belt paused in his straight punches to discipline them.
" What are you talking about there?"
The dark-haired mythic respectfully bowed his head, then pointed at the boy still lurking in the open doorway. “Sorry Sensei, but we have a visitor."
The man's head cocked slightly to one side as he first regarded his student, then lifted his eyes so they lingered on the slouching child. “Have you come to sign up?" he asked politely but firmly. " Sit down at the back of the Dojo and we'll talk after class has ended."
Smirking, Akutsu glared through his silvery bangs and rumbled in a deep, sinister tone. “Talk? No. I just want to know who is the best fighter in here."
A gasp went up from every throat as the head of the Dojo stared in disgust at the boy's brazenness. Clearly unintimidated, the preadolescent pushed away from the wall to lock eyes with the teacher in a stare of challenge.
“How many years have you trained in karate...you pathetic pack rat?'
Instantly, the disguised Mongoose spirit was on full alert as he struggled to see past the invaders powerful mental shields. Failing to see what species of sender he was dealing with, the mythic drew himself up and spoke importantly.
“If you want to come in here, you have to change your attitude!"
Showing his dragon fangs in a way only the mongoose and three others in the room could see, Akutsu glared daggers as he strode forward; arms held stiffly at his sides and his fists tightly clenched.
" Don't antagonise me with such big talk! If you want my respect, then beat me in a fight!"
At the sight of the long, sharp teeth, the bristle-haired martial arts instructor almost balked in fear but was determined not to back down. Indicating with a sharp hand gesture, he conveyed the message to his class to watch closely as the silver-haired youth stalked out onto the floor boards and lifted his hands in a ready position.
Observing from the sidelines, Takashi sent an urgent message. ‘Do not do this Krucdmo aoac! It is impossible for a mongoose to beat you, and you know it!'
Completely ignoring the red hatchling, Akutsu's right leg shot out in a powerful roundhouse that was rapidly followed by the same kick with his left foot. Arms then flung forward in two straight punches that were easily blocked by the more experienced fighter.
Moving back in small steps, the disguised mongoose spirit kept his gaze fixed on the boy's malevolent amber orbs as he effortlessly held off seven straight strikes in succession. Watching intently, Takashi realized with growing horror the young green was playing with his intended victim. Fifteen punches were followed by a strong crescent kick off the youth's left leg, then in a sharp blur of movement Akutsu's opponent countered the technique with a fast snap kick that quickly became a side kick. The instructors right leg shot out like that of a horse and the aggressive youngster sailed through the air to land heavily on his back.
Standing over the boy as he sat up and fixed the older fighter with a blazing stare of doom, the Sensei pondered briefly on the child's still hidden identity then spoke sternly. " Had enough yet? we haven't even started. Come on, get up....whatever you are."
Smirking wickedly at the carefully whispered last sentence, Akutsu grabbed the offered hand as the teacher bent to help him, then dug his claws in as he it in a powerful wrist lock. The human formed mythic barely had time to register the pain of the talons digging deep into his flesh, before his opponent stood up in one swift, flowing movement and spun him over so he lay face down.
Slamming his knee forcefully into the young man's arm just below his elbow, the smaller of the pair hissed as he gazed into his victim's horrified eyes; " The cat has you now puny mouse!"
For a moment, the Sensei struggled against the iron grip on his arm, but froze as ice water surged through his veins and his breath caught in the choking tightness of his throat. The ghostly form of a dragon loomed over him, and there was no pity in those terrible pale eyes; there was only death.
Next thing he knew, a searing pain lanced through his arm as his antagonist's knee rose and fell twice with horrendous might, snapping both bone and tendon as the savage beast toyed with his victim before disdainfully releasing him.
Instantly, the room was in an uproar as students leapt up to rush to their stricken sensei's side and as a horrified Takashi looked on, Akutsu smirked with cruel, triumphant laughter.
Pointing a derisive finger, slender youth sneered mockingly. “You are not that good after all." Leaning in until the tip of his nose was mere centimetres from that of his helpless prey, the wild eyed boy added silently, ' Think yourself lucky I didn't kill you, but always remember...this.'
A small cloud of swirling green vapour flowed from the child's mouth to curl into frightened lips that hung half open as the young man drew painful, shallow breaths. Dark brown eyes bulged as the Sensei’s face turned red and he began to claw at his throat. Beneath the skin, his muscles stood out hard as stone and a fearful high pitched thin sound emerged as if trying to breath through a thin reed.
“Sensei! My God!! SENSEI!" yelled a frantic voice, then a senior teenager was vigorously applying CPR to his teacher as the man's limbs stiffened into boards.
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Blinking his eyes, Takashi abruptly found himself back in the present as he watched an older looking human Akutsu Jin running, then leaping for the ball with a fierce forehand. Throwing himself forward, Ryoma returned fire only to have his opponent slam the felt covered object back with resounding crack and send it screaming past the raven-haired teenagers back for the game point.
As the linesman made the fatal call of “Yamabuki is at advantage...two games to love.", worried muttering broke out among the regulars of Seigaku. Turning to Oishi, Momo' said softly; " He changed the direction of the ball after Ryoma moved. Are green dragons telekinetic?"
" No" came the vice-captain's firm reply. “Only very ancient dragons develop that power." Tossing a quick glance Tezuka's way, Oishi then glared intently across the court. " Look at Echizen's face. I fear something is wrong."
Hearing snatches of the low voiced conversation, Fuji added his own concerned comments. " I feel Echizen is humiliated, but I'm also feeling...fear."
Never shifting his gaze from grudging protector, Takashi sent the green a silent message as his mind once again revisited the past.
' Ghostly eyes, you are so good at everything yet so twisted and evil with life...'
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The brown haired tennis player remembered watching with deep sorrow as his fellow dragon trudged from the Dojo after giving a severe beating to every challenger. Once he had reassured himself his Sensei would recover from the paralysis inflicted upon him, Takashi strode out into the evening and started to rabidly walk home. Home. The word seemed to mock him. Framed by the fiery red of sunset, the youth blinked back melancholy tears that threatened to become a flood.
' Green beast, you took my rightful home from me. I was soul bound to this body for my own protection even though I wasn't ready. Still, I'm better than my poor niece. She may never get used to being a human...'
A troubled voice floated on the light breeze, instantly catching the lanky boy's attention.
" Jin, you must stop making trouble!"
Seeing two figures; one sitting, the other standing beneath some shady trees, Takashi realized he was seeing Akutsu with his human mother. Snarling up at her, the boy stood suddenly. " You say to much! What I do is none of your damn business!" Spinning about, he dashed away as the woman's voice rose imploringly. " JIN!! Please!"
Seeing her son charge away in a rage, she sank despairingly to the grass. As much as he longed to comfort her, Takashi knew he could do nothing as he watched the human sob quietly.
' I can't stop him. I can't help her and I can't tell her the truth.' Looking up to the distant clouds, the young red dragon asked the silent heavens; ' How could anyone tell her the child she conceived and felt kick inside her for nine months had lost its soul and would have been born lifeless if not for a Hikari called Sengoku? I can't tell her! How could anyone tell her that her son is not a human...but a monster?'
His brow furrowing with sudden determination, Takashi abandoned the idea of going straight home to follow the green as he ran toward the cities heart.
Reaching the crowded streets, Akutsu stalked furiously along the side walk. He never had to push his way through the dense packed humanity as people took a single glance at his forbidding expression and avoided him instinctively. Several meters back, a gangly brown-haired youth followed intently. Reaching an open plaza, Takashi stopped to gaze about in confusion as his quarry suddenly vanished and readjusting the strap of the bag he wore slung over one shoulder, the boy opened his mind.
' Where are you?'
Twin orbs of amber blazed within the blackness of a narrow alleyway between two buildings, then the object of the red's search loomed into existence to snarl into the startled youngster's face.
' What hell do want you insect?'
Swallowing down his fear, Takashi assumed a reasonable tone as he answered. ' You have the potential to be great one day, but you always take terrible risks! There were many humans in that Dojo Krucdmo aoac and had they discovered what you truly are...'
' I don't care!' spat the other with a ferocity that made the disguised red dragon retreat a step. ' Humans, Mongoose, those pathetic excuse’s for true dragons...' Roughly seizing the front of Takashi's shirt, Akutsu glared straight into brown human eyes. '...they are all the same! They are weak! and deserve to be my prey!'
' Well you worry me' replied the brown-haired youth with a calmness he didn't quite feel. ' I couldn't bare to see you imprisoned or killed...even after what you did to my clutch mates...and my mother.'
' Humans KILLED MY MOTHER!' snarled the green yet at the same time, he let go of the one he was forced to protect and study his earnest face. ' You really mean it don't you Cdibetluym pinhan. Yes, I can see it in your eyes. Very well, this round is yours. But no matter what opponent I face I will destroy them.'
Lifting his left fist, Akutsu dealt the hatchling a light punch to his right cheek. ' I may have been forced into protecting you, but I'm not your friend. Remember that.'
Rubbing his cheek as his reluctant elder strode away, Takashi saw the years melt and merge into a murky puddle of time that then reshaped itself to form into the clarity that was the present day. His past antagonist was serving and his team mate was rushing to return the ball.
Tearing back across the court, Akutsu raced in for a perfect interception as he silently taunted his victim. ' Idibet vmoehksuila, is this the best fight you can give me?' Slamming the ball over the net, he grinned wickedly as it shot back towards him.
Springing backwards in a mighty leap that left his audience gasping, the bristle-headed youth struck the green and white missile with a devastating blow that zipped back to pass rapidly behind his adversary.
Over the call of the linesman announcing the thirty-love score, Horio cringed as he clutched at his hair and loudly bemoaned the fact that the ball had gone flying the opposite way to Ryoma again! Close by, Fuji watched with serious open eyes to say to a grim faced Inui; " Even your data tennis wouldn't beat that."
" Yes Fuji, I feel you are correct. Akutsu not only has greater strength and the experience of age, but his human body has achieved perfect physical ability. Note how well he counters Echizen's split steps with skilful jumping, and how he can judge the direction his opponent will go."
The ' Blood's ' only reply was a firm nod as play resumed.
Muscular legs pumping, the Yamabuki singles star tore across the court to hit Ryoma's shot with a resounding crack. The shorter youth galloped at high speed, but missed returning the fast moving object as it flew too wide. With the game now at three to zero, Ryoma felt for the first time, the icy threat of deadly defeat moving in to freeze the heat of anger burning within his blood. He could feel the weight of the crowds eyes upon him, even though they had ceased to exists for the raven-hared Seigaku player. Only Akutsu lived now, and the confines of the tennis court had become his entire world.
' I will not let you score U Pnudran uvdra pmehtuhac! This match, your wings, and your friends worthless life...are mine!'
Ryoma's shoulders shook as his chest heaved. Rage such as he had never known swept away his fears as he glared at the hidden dragon and silently vowed to fight back with every fiber of his being. Half turning, he met Tezuka's eyes and the pair spent a moment gazing at each others true forms before the dark-haired youth turned away to stare defiantly at his opponent.
' This has become a waste of time.' sent the green dragon bitterly. ' You are no challenge and I'm bored. Surrender now and I'll rip only one wing from your back. Heh, I'll even let you chose which one.'
Small, vulnerable looking, the short youth with the white cap and snarky attitude stood motionless with averted eyes. Smirking, Akutsu took to taunting him further. ' What's wrong limp wing? Scared stiff now? Excellent. Fear me as you should.'
Bouncing the ball a few times, he then glared angrily at the black-haired teenager. Apart from his chest moving as he breathed, the young demi-dragon may well have been carved from stone.
' So that's the way you wish to play it? So be it.'
Tossing the ball high, Akutsu served with a savage chop. It sailed over the net, bounced inside the service square then flew like an arrow straight at the younger boy's face. However, the ball failed to strike its mark as Ryoma's racket arm moved and the felt covered missile soared its way to the sky. Just as it reached the pinnacle of the lob inflicted on it, the young champion was rushing for the net in anticipation of his enemy's return fire.
Sunlight flashing off his glasses, Inui smirked at his friends new tactic. " So that's it." he informed a closely watching Fuji. " Echizen is planning to reduce Akutsu's stroke range. If both were on the base line, the one who returned could hit the ball to anywhere. By way of using the short distance of the high drop, he can draw Akutsu to the front then keep him on the net. In that case he can restrict the stroke range of the green and keep the balls from passing his back."
Both warriors rushed in, the barrier of the net being the only thing preventing a collision. Leaping high in the air, the silver-haired player snarled at his adversary. ' It's over imp! It WAS a good plan, but...'
Meeting the ball with a fast forehand, Akutsu sent it flying back to slam forcefully into Ryoma's unprotected face. Head snapping back, the raven-haired youth flew through the air, then fell heavily onto his back to lay stunned.
Landing lightly, the Yamabuki player grinned with malicious satisfaction at his fallen opponent. ' I will say this imp, you are really something. First you have the nerve to provoke me, then attempt to fight back.'
Just as he prepared to rant about how satisfying it was going be killing Momo', the ball unexpectedly dropped back over the net to steal a point out from under his very nose! Curling his lip as the linesman rapped out " Forty-Fifteen." and he heard the worried muttering of the crowd , Akutsu flung out his arm and savagely yelled for all to hear; " Hey kid! Stop pretending to sleep and get up!"
Still on his back, the youth lifted a hand, his index finger extending in a point as he answered; " Didn't you say you weren't going to let me get one?" Flipping lightly onto his feet, Ryoma twisted his cap and smiled confidently. ' Funny that. I know I just did!"
Ignoring the crowds sudden eruption of cheers, Akutsu glared death and destruction at the youth as he deliberately turned his back and strolled casually for the base line. ' Arrogant bastard! He provoked me on purpose to draw me in, then used himself as a target so he could get his racket before his face and return my shot! Oh yes cave hanger, you will pay dearly for that one!'
Not bothered by the green's silent fuming, the younger of the fighters smirked over one shoulder, then sent a message of his own.
' I will win, and I will impress you. Mada mada da ne, it's getting exciting now!'
Sourly bouncing the ball, the older teenager ground his teeth as hatred consumed his soul.
Over by the linesman, Banji watched the cap wearing youth intently.
" I know you now." he told himself as he thoughtfully rubbed his chin. " You remind me of another demon I know. Yes, you play this game as he does. Nanjiroh of Fire Lake Clan. This imp is your offspring, I'm certain." Gazing over at a smug Ryuzaki, her pleased smirk told him all he needed to know.
Beyond the high fence, Oishi sadly shook his head as he turned to Eiji. " Although he scored, he can't win with that one point."
" Yes." Agreed the springy second half of the golden pair. " Our chibi is still in a crisis."
His large purple eyes fixed on his boyfriends face, Momo' whispered fearfully; " Why must you take such risks? I know there is something sinister going on...I'd bet my tail on it!"
About to serve, Akutsu's face cracked into an evil grin. ' Your dead meat imp!' Slamming a serve, his eyes narrowed as he watched his victim rush in.
Extending his arm, the demon child lowered his racket, then caught the falling ball in a well executed upward stroke. His feet then leaving the ground, Ryoma sent the ball flying back over the net in a perfectly performed super rising.
Rushing in, the silver-haired youth threw himself forward in a powerful lunge. Hands out before him, he slid towards the net on his heels, then stood erect before his thunderstruck adversary.
' Are you kidding? No point! No victory! ' Grasping his weapon with both hands, the Yamabuki player smacked the ball and caused it to thunder past Ryoma with the force of a speeding bullet.
Hazel-gold eyes gleaming behind oval glasses, Tezuka sent his young team mate a silent encouragement; only have the sarcastic voice of a dragon he had known since the rising of humanity effortlessly invade his skull.
' Oh I'm so sorry U Sekrdo kumt, but my fellow green can't stop now!'
Seeing the ball about to roar its way pass him, fear, anger and grim determination waged war for dominance inside him. If he lost this match, it would not be just a blow to Seigaku's winning streak, but a loss of his life and a gruesome end to the life of the one he loved.
Time seemed to slow down and snatch at his feet as he ran. He could feel his heart pounding as if to burst, and his blood burning with the intensity of a wildfire. Subconsciously, he cried out to his captain and received an instant, firm reply.
' You are the overlord of tennis, but more importantly you are my great grandson!'
A vision formed up to dance before Ryoma's eyes as his heart beat a steady, loud rhythm in his ears. He could see Tezuka silhouetted by sunset’s gold as he leapt high in the air, his racket held strongly to intercept a flying ball. Large wings that rivalled the glowing day star sprang from his back as long, slender horns appeared on the sides of his head and a powerful tail streamed out behind him. Then the vision shifted and he briefly saw his father as his own feet moved without direction into a split step. Holding his weapon with both hands, Ryoma drew it back; the ghostly shadow of his father standing proudly in his true form seeming to hang in the air behind him.
" I want to be strong." He told the image as he took in the sight of great black wings, demon horns, red eyes, and the long flowing black hair. " I need to be strong!" The vision shimmered and became that of a mighty gold dragon as his strength rose and his blood sang. Hovering over his head, its wide wings extended, the shining creature spoke with sternness, and love.
' My blood flows in your veins my grandson! I see it rising within you! Use that power Ryoma! You are the overlord of tennis and someday, you will be the overlord of dragons!'
' Grandfather! I want to be strong! I WILL be strong...I... AM... STRONG!'
Opening his mouth, the black-haired youth never heard the fierce some roar that boiled up out of his throat and burst from his lips as his entire body flared with a golden light that only the watching dragons and Hikari alone could see. Jagged demon horns smoothed out to become the slender horns of a dragon. Ridges sprang up on his much longer, scaly tail and gleaming fangs lanced down from his gums. With his blood surging in a powerful rush of ancient might, Ryoma met the ball a backhand so strong the resulting crack echoed out over the courts to drift into the streets beyond.
Akutsu rushed to take the returning ball, but missed as it sailed far beyond his reach. Freezing to the spot in a semi-crouch, the bristle-haired player was rocked to the core by massive display of power he had seen radiating from his enemy. A look of shear disbelief flowed over the youth's harsh features as he sensed the incredible strength that still lay untapped inside the demon's body and knew at once that despite himself, he was undoubtedly in awe of it.
Facing the clearly shocked green dragon, Ryoma stood with his left arm extended. ‘Mada mada, I told you I was going to impress you. I hope I have.'
Tezuka's mind touched his again in firm reminder not to get cocky. ' Your full strength is yet to flow. Grow stronger and everything will fall into place. Remember, I'm always with you.'
Deaf to the call of the linesman and the roaring crowds, Banji's jaw hung open as his mind struggled to comprehend the sight he had never expected to see in his entire and very long life. Nervously, he gazed at Tezuka and gulped as the awful truth about his and the demon's relationship came to light like an explosion in his brain. ' I heard the rumours, but I never believed...'
' Well live with it!' came Ryzuaki’s incredibly smug reply as she proudly watched Ryoma stride back to the baseline.
Getting over his shock at seeing his opponents true potential, Akutsu shook his head, then bent at the hips to glare at his adversary as an evil chuckle escaped him. ' So limp wing, you do hold some surprises, but I know what you are now! Even with the sun scales powers, you are still an insignificant demon whelp, and I will enjoy tearing you to pieces!'
Sniggering at the ferocity of the green's tone, Ryoma thrust out his racket to answer with a threat of his own. ' Then let's be seeing just whom eats who! I too have claws dragon, and they are powerful enough to rend your hide!'
Akutsu silently roared his fury as the invisible shadow of his true self reared up on long back legs, to loom menacingly over the young demon with claws and wings extended threateningly in full attack position.
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On a nearby roof top, an unearthly brown eagle closely observed the match with intensely glowing crimson eyes. Lifting its wings, it hastened to answer the call of its master and inform him that the Demi-Dragon had at last truly awoken...
To be continued...
Dragon Translations:
Ouicdibet luympinhan...You Stupid Coal Burner....an insult to fire breathers.
Ldibetvmoehk suila...Stupid Flying mouse...an insult term meaning Bat.
Krucdmo aoac...Ghostly eyes...Akutsu's true dragon name.
U Pnudranuvdra pemehtuhac...O Brother of the blind....Again, Akutsu is calling Ryoma a brainless bat.
U Sekrdo kumt...O Mighty gold.
Dragons: Sub Species.
True Dragons like Tezuka, Takashi…etc...are very large, have four legs, huge wings for flying, are immortal, have different breath weapons and hide among humans by being “Soul Bound" to still borns. However, there some Sub types that aren't considered by other mythics to be “Real" dragons. Tezuka himself sees them no differently, and there are those among the sub types who acknowledge his rule.
Wyvern: This small dragon has two back legs for walking. It's "arms" are like those of a bat with the wings attached. Unlike their immortal cousins, their life span rarely passes 200. A fully grown Wyvern is 10 ft tall at crown of head when standing. Tails are quite long , whip-like and carry a poison stinger. Wyverns are green, black or brown and have tough, leathery hides instead of scales. Eyes are Amber or red. Young Wyverns have boundless energy, love to hang around young dragons and have a tendency to be very loud! Sound familiar?
Steam Drakes: The size of a large horse, these insatiably curious dragons have four legs and stunted wings that prevent them from flying. Their main weapon is the ability to shoot jets of superheated steam from their nostrils. So hands up all those who have spotted Rokkaku's resident steam drake? These sub types are longer lived than Wyverns, achieving a life span of around three to four hundred years.
Pseudo dragons: Like a Wyvern, these miniature dragons have hide instead of scale. Roughly the size of a large dog, they have burning red eyes that they cannot hide and must wear dark glasses when in human form. They are incredibly fast and agile. They can also fly for short distances, have four legs, can breath fire and short range teleport up to four times a day. They are some what prideful and prone to boasting, but are fiercely loyal to their friends. Colours are blue, black or red. Short lived in dragon terms, their life span is around 150 years.
Faerie dragons: These small dragons share one common feature with true dragons: They are breed compatible with demons! Faerie dragons are the size of a well grown domestic cat, but have long skinny necks, equally long prehensile tails, large butterfly wings (instead of bat-like sails) butterfly antennas on their heads and huge smiles! They love to cause mischief and chaos (That has given Tezuka a few prime head aches in the past) eyes are emerald green and their colours range right through the spectrum. These sub dragons live up to 200 years and possess a disturbing chuckle. Hmmm.....sounds like a certain singles player.......