6/27/12

So disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis

TezukaxFuji AU

Warning: This is unbeta'd! If you would like to beta for me shoot me a message, thanks!

Parlous Folly Chapter 1: Lurking in the Shadows

"Aniki stop! You can't do this!" Yuuta shouted from the darkness enveloping the small group, struggling desperately against the iron grip around him to reach his brother. The fair featured individual was no more than a dozen steps away yet unreachable all the same. Those eerily powerful cerulean orbs open wide in a glare of utter rage his body rigid, unyielding, unreasonable.

"You would be wise to heed that warning fool," The dark mass of indistinguishable body parts, claws, and teeth sneered at his adversary. The beast's true form was ambiguous, a clump of power and anger, semi-transparent yet entirely solid.

"I said I would take all the punishment and responsibility onto myself and I still intend to do just that." Despite the enormous size difference between the two, the smaller figure's cool calculating indifference held its own against the demon.

A single golden eye arranged itself amongst the obscurity of what made up the beings supposed body, sizing up the slight frame and delicate appearance of his challenger. The laugh was a low grumble of earth and wind, "So be it! This will be much more interesting!"

Yuuta gasped as he was cast aside thrown roughly against something solid, the world spinning harshly as he tried to orient himself after the impact. The monster moved away from him uncaringly and advanced like a predator upon his older brother; who was standing as still as death and failed to even glance in his direction, face determined.

"Aniki no! He's gone, you won't be able to find him and…you'll…! This is my fault not yours! You can't do this!" The boy's desperate plea was dissipated by the vortex of wind that has usurped the calm autumn breeze that usually blow through the area this time of year.

The power was gripping; terrifying and awe-inspiring all at the same time. Even his brother's powers, considered prodigal, were laughable in comparison. Still the sandy haired youth held firm even as the demon wrapped his claws around him and he was lifted from the floor.

"I will accept your trade at a cost boy. By sparing the life of your kin another life is required. I give you one month to retrieve what has been unrightfully stolen from me, should you fail your life is forfeit."

Even through the blasting wind Yuuta could hear the exchange yet remained powerless to stop it. When he was finally released from the demons interests the weight lifted off his shoulders and the hazy about his vision suddenly cleared. Scrambling to his feet he jumped towards the pair, hand outstretched reaching for his brother.

A sad yet fond smile graced pale lips before Fuji Syusuke vanished from sight.

The wind disappeared along with Syusuke and Yuuta turned his accusing eyes on the fading black phantom, " Where is he? Where did you take my brother?" The danger hadn't died, the aggressor was no more than a pace away yet somehow Yuuta knew the demon would not attack. The deal had been made, he was safe for now.

"That child has been banished to the human world to recover in your place what has been taken." The words spoken resounded dreadfully ominous in Yuuta's ears and he sank to the forest floor regretful and guilty. The demon faded into the night leaving only a trail of malicious laughter to mark his path.

Syusuke had indeed been sentenced to death.