Hi to all! As I, Crys, promised, this is the 2nd chapter of Blue Moon: Legend of the Curse Chronicles!

Back in the 1st chapter, I posted a poll (in the story not in my profile) about what the pairing will be; a choice between Pillar Pair or Thrill Pair. You'll find out in this chapter WHY IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT.

Aww… I'm so glad that many people reviewed; this has been so far the biggest number of reviews I received in one chapter.

Okay, the voting ended on March 14, 2008, so any votes after that will not be included anymore. Here are the shocking results:

Pillar Pair-14

Thrill Pair-13

I was stunned at the very close fight between the two but only one will prevail… dan da da dan… PILLAR PAIR WINS!!!

To all who voted Pillar Pair, you get your wish!

To all who voted Thrill Pair, I'm sorry but majority wins. Don't worry, if your patient enough, the story will develop and Fuji happens to be a major character here too. Even if this story doesn't contain your favorite pairing and you still read it because you think it's interesting, I'm glad for that and thank you.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: THEY DON'T HAVE SURNAMES HERE. So Ryoma will just be Ryoma, Tezuka, the same and so on and so forth. I had to write this here because you will certainly get confused if I didn't explain this. This will have something to do with the story!

Enough with the chitchat, on we go!

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Bold- English

Italics- Flashback

'Dialogue'- Thoughts

"Dialogue"- Spoken Dialogue

Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis.

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Blue Moon: Legend of the Curse Chronicles

CHAPTER 2: Fluidity

Drip… Drip…

Water droplets continued to trickle from the ends of Ryoma's green hair and down to the ground like dewdrops, fitting for the place where he is near now.

Dewdrop Falls.

This waterfall, located inside Old Pine Forest, was the source of water for the villagers nearby.

But one could wonder… why would such a towering waterfall be named with something as gentle as a drop of dew?

As the moon reached its highest peak in the sky, the flow of the rapids slowly declined until the water only appeared to be indeed dripping like dew.

Ryoma, however, paid no attention to the drastic change in the waterfall. Obviously, he knew about it since he was not surprised due to the fact that he had lived in the forest for almost half of his life now.

He turned his attention back to the person he rescued. The person was dripping wet like he was but what's bad was that he had a head injury.

His hands parted the guy's soft brown hair apart in order to better see the injury more. There was no blood; apparently, the injury was internal.

He set the guy's head on his lap and took a careful look around. Seeing no one or nothing, he took out his pendant and palmed it out. He waited for the moonlight to fall on it. Once it did, the pendant glowed in a beautiful blue-white light. The orb inside shone brightly while different colors flickered on the tips of the star. The light engulfed his hand, appearing to have transferred as it was now his hand that shone while his pendant returned to what it was like before.

He hid the necklace inside his shirt while he placed his glowing hand on top of the guy's injury.

Instantly, like magic, the wound was healed. Ryoma took a deep breath and removed his hand.

Unlike the gemstones of the villagers which could only be equipped to their possessions, his was very powerful and furthermore, could be directed to his body, giving him powers and such.

This was one of the mysteries brought about by being a Blue Moon child.

He then looked at the guy now seemingly peacefully sleeping whose head was on his lap. Curious, he moved the guy's brown hair that was blocking his face onto the side of his head.

At the sight of his face, Ryoma felt a strange sensation rise up in his chest, coupled with the increased pace of the beating of his heart and heat rising to his cheeks.

'Wh-what is this feeling?'

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The three figures that were pursuing the guy Ryoma saved now ran in the darkness of the night.

The one on the right, who appeared to be a short guy, muttered, "What are we going to do about this?"

His companion beside him answered, "No idea. Do you?"

He was interrupted by the guy running in the lead and who appeared to be the leader, who said, "Don't worry! We'll regroup for the time being then we'll check if he's still alive. HE will not be pleased though…"

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'Wh-where am I?'

… …

'Why is it so dark? Is it… nighttime?'

… …

I open my eyes slightly. It was nighttime indeed as the moon was shining brightly high up in the sky.

I turn my head a bit and it hurts a bit. What happened to me?

I shift in my lying position and I could feel that my head was resting on somebody's lap. I look up at whoever it was.

Mesmerizing golden eyes stared at the moon, reflecting its light in a mysterious effect.

He seems so lonely and mystifying, yet one can't deny the fact that he's…

Beautiful.

No, he was obviously a boy. But he looked so striking, being bathed in the moonlight like this.

His light golden eyes were very well-accentuated by his short green hair. It was like a vision of an angel.

'Wh-who is this person?'

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Ryoma yawned as he rested his back on a tree trunk. It must be late now and he still hasn't gotten to sleep. He was supposed to doze off earlier but it was interrupted when he saved the guy who was now sleeping with his head on his lap.

He looked down at the guy and swore for a second that the guy was awake and looking at him. But when he blinked again, he was asleep. Maybe he just imagined it.

His eyelids slowly drooped until sleep overtook him.

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(A/N: The character using the first person point-of-view is obviously the guy so please wait for me to introduce him here)

I almost got caught looking at him. It's a good thing I closed my eyes quickly.

But… where am I really and what happened to me?

I try to remember but… all I see is darkness. Why can't I remember a thing?

And…

Who am I?

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Dawn came up in the sky, signaled by the joyous twitting of the birds.

As the sun rose up, the rapids of the Dewdrop Falls returned to its powerful flow.

And this seemed to have woken the guy up.

He slowly opened his eyes and sat up. He must have fallen asleep worrying about things.

He rubbed his eyes. Why was everything so hazy? It was like his eyes were not clear or something.

A yawn jolted him from his deep thought. He looked at the still sleepy boy stretching his arms.

The boy walked unsteadily towards the river and splashed some water on his face. After he was done, he went back to where the guy was waiting.

"Sorry… I had to keep myself awake…"

The guy couldn't find the words to speak so he just nodded. However, he was surprised when he suddenly crouches down beside him and looks straight into his own eyes with an innocent look.

He felt himself blush. 'Wh-what is he staring at?'

Though, he had to admit, this person who saved him looked really innocent staring like that.

He said, "Is your eyesight faulty?"

'Huh?'

"You're constantly blinking and you seem to squint a lot… So do you?"

He blinked and knew that he was right. So he replied, "Yes…"

"Okay… Wait here for a little while! I'll be right back!" He dashed off leaving the guy behind.

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Ryoma smirked. He took out his pendant but suddenly realized that it was now morning.

Looks like he had to make an exception today.

He took out his necklace and grasped it in his hand. It began glowing inside and he felt himself cringe a bit but he endured it. After the light died, he opened his hand and there beside his pendant were glasses.

This was how his gem worked. When it is nighttime, it will function by reflecting and using the moon's light. But during the day, it was practically an ordinary jewel. In order for it to work during the day, he had to sacrifice his own energy.

Not wanting to waste time, he hurried back near Dewdrop Falls, where the guy was staring at the rapids.

Hurriedly, he jammed the glasses onto the guy's head. "How's this?"

The guy blushed when Ryoma suddenly shoved the glasses towards his face but he quickly tried to get rid of it by testing the glasses. "It's fine."

Ryoma studied the guy further. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes under the glasses he created. He was wearing a white collared and long sleeved vest that had rips in some parts, black pants with red stripes on the side and dark brown shoes.

However, what made Ryoma stunned was the fact that the guy had no gemstone.

'But… it's a necessity! And each person receives one. Why doesn't he have one? Shoot. Now I can't tell which kingdom he came from…'

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, as the guy was looking at him confusedly. "What is your name?"

'My name…?'

He racked his brains but there was only darkness.

"I… I don't know…"

Ryoma raised an eyebrow. 'Amnesia? Must have hit his head hard when he dropped down Dewdrop Falls…' "Don't you remember anything?"

He shook his head.

"I see… Well, in that case… it will be hard for me not to call you by a name… so… can I call you… Tezuka?" he fidgeted slightly.

'Tezuka?'

Ryoma's eyes darted from side to side shyly.

He smiled. "Okay. You can call me that while I still can't remember… What about yours?"

"Ryoma."

"Ah… Ryoma. It's nice to meet you."

"A-ah… All right then… But…"

"What is it?" Tezuka asked.

"What about your memories? Won't you rather stay here?"

Tezuka frowned. "I'm sorry but I can't accept your offer. I have to go back to where I came from." He stood up.

"Huh? Where are you going?"

"On a journey to find out where I came from."

A brief period of silence ensued before Ryoma spoke up again.

"Can… Can I go with you?"

Tezuka looked at Ryoma almost immediately in surprise. He replied politely, "It will be bothersome for you…"

"No, I don't mind. I stay here in the forest alone anyway…"

'Alone?' "But…"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine."

Tezuka gave a sigh. "If you say so."

Ryoma's face brightened up a bit at that. "Really?"

"Yes."

"Thanks. You see, I haven't been to anywhere except this forest…" 'And people always drive me away…'

The two began their journey…

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But first, in order to get going, they needed supplies and they had to pass through a certain village kingdom in front of a mountain.

Ryoma frowned. Why did he need to go through it again?

When the two reached the place, it was bustling with people going on about their daily work. At the sight of Ryoma, however, many froze. Some even dropped what they were carrying.

Tezuka raised an eyebrow. 'What's going on?'

Ryoma sighed.

The elder of the village approached them, frowning. He looked at Ryoma and said, "What are you doing back here in the Turquoise Kingdom?"

"Just passing by with someone…" he turned to Tezuka.

Someone shouted, "Sure you didn't curse him?"

Ryoma frowned. "If I cursed him, would he still be alive?" He gave an exaggerated sigh. "Can you now let us pass through or do we all have to stand like this till sunset?"

Tezuka had no idea what was going on though one thing was for sure: Ryoma was in bad terms with the people here.

"Don't let us stop you," the elder said before turning away. Everyone returned to their work.

Ryoma walked towards some stalls to buy things. He had a clear path because people were avoiding him like he was the plague.

'What's going on here?'

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Later as they reached the boundary exit of Turquoise Kingdom, Ryoma had a bag behind him loaded with things.

They were walking away from the place; Ryoma walked ahead with Tezuka behind him.

Tezuka asked, "What was the name of that place?"

"Turquoise Kingdom," Ryoma answered.

"…I hate to pry… but is there any particular reason why those villagers hate you?"

"Long story… but if you really want to know, it's because they think I'm cursed…"

"Cursed?"

"Yeah. To be honest, I came from that village…"

"But… why do you live alone? What about your parents?"

"They're… dead. And the villagers certainly don't want to be cursed."

"Is this the reason why you're so eager to go with me on a journey?"

Ryoma stopped in his tracks, seemingly in deep thought. Tezuka followed suit as he waited for an answer.

Turning back to him, Ryoma replied, "THAT's half of the reason…"

"What about the other half?"

Ryoma smirked slightly as he resumed walking. "THAT ONE… is a secret…"

Tezuka sighed as he ran to catch up with Ryoma.

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Meanwhile, on top of a tree near the road Ryoma and Tezuka were walking…

A short figure stood there but he was well-camouflaged by the shadows of the leaves.

He looked stunned at what he saw. 'HE's… still alive!? How could he have survived that!?'

He frowned. 'There's no time to waste. I've got to report this…' he muttered as he jumped away.

To be continued…

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Whew! I've finished 2nd chapter just in time. How was it?

Can you take a guess on the names of the other kingdoms now? (winks)

Why was the surname not included? Find out in the later chapters the exact reason why! (Clue: It applies specifically to Tezuka)

Thank you for reading and reviewing the story!

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---Messages to Reviewers:

--abhorsen3

-Yeah, well, the villagers will get what they deserve soon… (Cackles) I wanted to hug Ryoma too! Yup, you got that right, look above!

--squishy the jellyfish

-That counts for eternity (Grins). And did you really recommend my story? Thanks!

--buchouslvr

-Okay! Thanks!

--kyuubi846

-Thanks! Here's the update!

--pickles4ever

-Thank you!

--Squirrelpelt

-Thanks! And your vote wins!

--lollyflop

-Thanks!

--IceCreamXD

-Oh… It's too bad but Pillar Pair wins. I hope you still read it though.

--SakuraTamao

-Pillar Pair wins by majority though I hope you still read the story.

--blood red tensai

-That's odd… I thought Atobe was Oct. 4 and Tezuka was Oct. 7?

--selyn

-Thanks! Sorry though that Pillar Pair wins by majority but I hope you still read the story.

--Viner

-Haha… Okay, here it is!

--Smiley1

-Luckily, I don't need a guilt trip because Pillar Pair wins!

--FlAmEsOfDeSiReS

-Don't know how to make OT3, sorry. Don't worry, Tezuka and Fuji were both meant to be in the story. What I couldn't decide was who to pair with Ryoma.

--Tsubame0104

-Thanks! Oh… Pillar Pair wins but I hope you still read this.

--Mage Firestorm

-Okay.

--Snow lady

-Yup! Pillar Pair wins!

--liar-just-a-liar

-Thanks!

--Kali, smrtangel, EmptyAnne, Hello.

-Pillar Pair wins… but I hope you still read it!

--lazy didn't wanna log in

-Okay… Here it is!

--Jose'ma

-Really? Thank you! And this is Pillar Pair for sure so I hope you'll read it!

--just a gal

-Ya-ha! Lucky! Your vote is in!

--PoTGurlZ

-I hope you still read this despite the fact that this is Pillar Pair now.

--ILOVEPOT!!!!

- (Stares blankly) WHOA!?

--Silent Valley

-Yup! Here!

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Okay… So we now have our pairing: PILLAR PAIR. Expect lots of moments in the upcoming chapters! And let us solve the mystery of the Blue Moon!

See ya in the next chapter!

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