Hello again! This chapter concludes chronicle 4 and not only sees Eiji's painful recovery, then love form between "the Golden Pair," but also takes a look at Eiji's Temper. That's right readers, the playful, laughing Eiji you all know and love has a temper! But then, in a few episodes of the anime Eiji has lost it and Oishi is all to aware!
A small note: Please bare in mind that this chronicle is set in time BEFORE the anime. Therefore, Takashi is not yet a Seigaku regular and Ryoma has not yet started at Seishun High school. (Yes, please recall my first intro ... I have written the middle school as a high school because the cast are older in these stories.) ((the Mythic timeline includes paradox-Ed.))
Disclaimer: Tora doesn't own Prince of Tennis ... UNLUC-KY! But She does now own up to box-set number six of DVD's, so she gets to see me!! LUC-KY! (thank you Sengoku ...)
Editor's Note: WARNING - homophobic readers are advised that some androgenic affection is portrayed.
"Dono's Brightmoon"
STORY: Tora Macaw
Concept: DSM
chapter 3
The room was dark and smelt pleasantly of herbs. Creaking open one eye; the youth spent a few moments staring blankly into space, then lifted a trembling hand to lightly touch the glittering orb and make certain it was open. Satisfied he hadn't gone blind, as dull shapes and dark shadows slowly swam into focus, he attempted to move his head; only to groan in pain as fire throbbed within his temples.
Instantly, there was a movement at his side. A cool, dry hand very-gently felt his hot, moist brow; and a calm voice spoke soothingly.
"Lie still Eiji. You still have a fever and some of your wounds still bleed."
Careful hands seemed to softly caress him as blankets were tucked about him, and a wonderfully cold square of cloth was placed against his forehead.
Licking his lips, as liquid seeped from the cloth and blazed icy trails down his cheek to slide into his mouth, the dazed teenager moaned dryly for water. There was a quiet rustling sound, then the feel of a straw slipping between his cracked lips. Drawing in the delightfully cool wetness; Eiji coughed a little as it hit the back of his parched throat, then swallowed with an effort, only to cough some more. The straw was removed, then light fingertips whispered through his sweaty hair until his muscles had ceased to spasm.
Exhausted from the effort, his chest heaved and his good eye closed. He was vaguely aware of a bandage covering his other eye and assorted wrappings plastered everywhere else. A dozen questions raged within his troubled mind, as his drained body desperately craved more water; but his entire being ached for rest, and he fell asleep to the serene tones of a caring voice softly urging him to recover.
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Demons swirled about him, then bound him with ropes that seared and burned. They then roughly dragged him through the dark forest and tied him to a pole. Eiji struggled desperately to escape, but his efforts were futile. A tall demon with red eyes punched a small hole in the base of Eiji's throat, then fire erupted across his entire body as more sets of sharp claws raked at him. He could feel his blood freely flowing, feel the tongues lapping greedily at his precious life fluid; and hopeless despair flooded his soul. Searing pain then lanced through his face and Eiji prepared to surrender his life. Suddenly, there was a disturbance. An enormous hell hound leaped in to attack the demons and drive them away. Eiji felt himself falling, then the sensation of floating settled over him.
Something very large stared down at him with blazing red eyes and he floated again. A new voice spoke sternly. It was not the sound of his rescuer, but was somehow vaguely familiar. Peering through a dim, red, foggy haze; Eiji saw a the regal youth from his school become a giant dragon, then melt away to nothingness ... .
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When he next awoke; bright sunshine was flooding the room, making him wince then close his eye. His body felt incredibly heavy and his limbs were sluggish in response to his brain's feeble commands. For a few minutes he lay quietly, as he slowly drifted back into an exhausted semi-doze; then his nightmare leapt up to dance before him; and he reared up screaming, his arms flailing wildly as he struggled to escape his bonds.
"No! NO! ... Let me go! ... Arrggghhhh ...!"
Springing to his side; Oishi worriedly attempted to calm the redhead as he tossed, thrashed, then threw himself forward as he screamed. His good eye flew open, but there was no recognition within it's dark depts.
Dodging a rapidly moving limb that threatened to strike him senseless; the dark-haired youth managed to capture the erratically waving arms, then ease his patient onto his back, as the fight abruptly drained out of him and he lapsed back into an uneasy slumber. Eiji's fever had finally broken, in a drenching sweat just before dawn that morning, and he had seemed to be sleeping comfortably; but now this new surge of heat and violent dream state concerned his carer further.
Cradling Eiji's head in his lap, Oishi managed to get the teenager to swallow a special-made healing tea that would aid in reducing the final traces of fever and stem the seeping blood flow. The young cat-lord's eye fluttered and he mumbled, but remained unconscious.
Seeing Eiji swallow, mutter incoherently over the bitter taste, then sleep normally; Oishi finally allowed himself to smile. His vigil over his first-ever patent had been a grueling one, and he felt tired to the core of his bones, but he had dared not rest while Eiji's life had so precariously hung in the balance. Dark-Hunter saliva, he knew, was much like that of a vampire bat. It held a special substance that not only prevented blood from clotting, but also seemed to promote infection; and every cut they had inflicted on their victim had festered, within the very short time it had taken for the young moon dog to carry his patient home.
He had been immensely grateful; when his father had answered his silent call for help, assisted in bringing the cat lord into the house, then advised him on caring for the teenager. Glancing at the wall clock, then wearily rubbing his eyes, he took note of the time and knew his father would soon drop in and check on Eiji's progress.
"And then maybe I can get some sleep" he thought as his mouth crooked into a tired, lopsided smile.
A sharp knock at the door of his room jolted Oishi out of his daze; then, in answer to his soft call of "come in," a silver-and-dark-haired man entered to nod greetings to his son and cross the floor-space to kneel down and study Eiji at great length.
"Good" he muttered as he peeled back bedding and lifted bandages. "The infection has cleared and the scratches are healing. You have done well my son."
Replacing the blankets, he then turned his attention to the redhead's right cheek and frowned deeply as he very carefully lifted the bandage covering it. Pulsing red flesh and puckered black burns met his sorrowful gaze and he spoke as though talking to himself.
"This will never fade. In time Oishi the pain will cease, but he will carry this brand for the rest of life."
The youth sadly hung his head as he faced this awful truth. Had he only acted sooner ... tears leaked from the corners of his eyes and his shoulders trembled as his chest heaved. "My fault he was branded father. It's all my fault! But I was so afraid ... ."
Sighing, the man wrapped his arms around the youth and held him as he quietly keened his grief, then placed his hands on his son's shoulders and spoke gently, but firmly.
"Had you remembered your training ... but I'm not going to punish you Oishi. You are hardly more than a child and I do know first hand how terrifying a pack of Dark Hunters can be. You rescued the young cat lord and he is still alive. In the end, it is what truly matters."
"But the brand of sacrifice ... ."
"Will never fade it's true, but you knew your duty and you performed it. No one is blaming you."
Oishi gazed up hopefully at his father. "The lord dragon ... ."
"Is not angry pup. He too has suffered his losses and understands. However ... ."
The man slipped his human disguise, watched as Oishi transformed, then fixed the youngster with his bright red eyes.
"The lord dragon has decreed that Eiji be forever under your protection, to remind you of how important the great bonds of The Mythic Brotherhood truly are. This is a harsh world Oishi, and humans would rather kill or imprison us than try to understand us. Therefore, we must all play a vital role in protecting and caring for each other. Dark Hunters are moving freely and prey upon us; but if we all unite, then we stand a fighting chance and we can survive."
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Eiji's eye lid fluttered, then opened. Groaning loudly, as every muscle in his body protested at the movement, he managed to prop himself up one elbow and gaze blearily about. From the angle of the sun, as it sent its rays streaming in through the curtains, Eiji judged it to be around late afternoon.
The tasty smell of food cooking nearby made his empty stomach growl and he licked his lips as he looked about for water. Thirst such as he had never known raged through out his system, but relief was at hand in the form of a jug brimming with clear liquid. Not bothering to pick up a nearby cup; Eiji simply drank straight from the larger vessel, then glanced over at the door as it opened.
A familiar looking youth smiled warmly at Eiji as he strolled in bearing a laden tray, which he placed on a bed side table. Seeing food; Eiji's mouth watered, but caution tempered his hunger.
Growling a little under his breath; Eiji carefully smelt his visitor, then sat bolt upright as recognition flashed in his brain.
"YOU! I know you now! Nya! You're the one from the tennis club!"
"That's right" replied the youth with a slight turn of his head and brief, closed-eye smile. Stepping up to stand next to the bed; he said pleasantly; "I'm Oishi Syuichiro."
After a moment's hesitation; Eiji eyed the youth's outstretched right hand, then slowly lifted his own to shake it.
"Kikumaru Eiji." Abruptly, he suddenly realised that he wasn't in his own room, this wasn't his house, that his entire body ached and stung, and he was blind in one eye. Jumping free of the blankets tucked around him, Eiji frantically scrambled backwards as he yowled, bared his fangs and hissed savagely.
"NYA! Where am I? What have you done to me?"
Oishi held up his hands and spoke soothingly. "Please calm down young cat lord. Have some lunch ... please! You must be starving by now! Sit down, eat, and I'll tell you everything."
Grumbling, Eiji's temper subsided, but he gasped as a new thought occurred to him.
"You called me 'Cat Lord!' So you know what I am." Eiji stared a moment, then jolted in sudden panic. "How long have I been here? MY MOTHER! She'll be worried sick! I must call her!"
Placing both hands on the agitated youth's shoulders, Oishi informed the young man that his family had been told and they knew he was all right.
Drawing a few deep breaths; Eiji forced himself to try and relax at this news, but his nerves were a whirling maelstrom of chaotic emotions. A kaleidoscope of terrifying memories tumbled untidily through his head; pausing briefly on the more horrific aspects of his resent ordeal and making him yelp with fear. A brief chase, a red-eyed demon. He quickly relived a desperate fight, then the scene shimmered and melted into a frightening view of that same demon advancing toward him; an eerily glowing brand held out before him ... .
"The demons!" He cried out as he frantically grabbed at Oishi's shirt. "They caught me, nya! They ... ."
Letting go and turning away; his voice trailed off, as his good eye widened into a blank, fearful stare at his bedding and he lifted a trembling right hand to his cheek. Encountering a bandage and feeling how his skin burned and stung, Eiji's face fell and his entire body trembled violently as his tears began to fall.
Hardly aware of protective arms encircling his shoulders, the redhead clung to the dark-haired youth and heaved a loud sob as his body shook from convulsive spasms. Great cries and catlike yowls of pain erupted from the very depths of his soul in an agony of effort and his right hand let go of Oishi to form a tight fist that repeatedly struck the mattress.
"Why, nya? Why did they do that? NYA! They'll come after me! ... I know it!" He sobbed in anguish as every little thing he had ever heard about Dark Hunters leapt up to torment him. His voice crawling out his throat in a horrified whisper, he added hoarsely; "he branded me ... he'll hunt me until the end of my days ... ."
A strange kind of serene calm settled over the youth as he released Oishi, leaned back and swung his legs off the bed. Swaying about on unsteady legs; the young cat lord gazed dazedly at his benefactor, then began a clumsy search for his clothes.
Smiling gently, Oishi reached out a hand to carefully lay upon his patient's shoulder. "Eiji, where are you going? Now come, get back into bed ... you need to rest to recover."
Irritably, Eiji bashed the hand aside; then his legs wobbled and he keeled over sideways to half collapse on the bed. Bracing himself on both arms, he spent a moment with his head down and sides heaving as his hair hung messily before his face. Regaining control over his lungs, the youth straightened, then fixed Oishi with a determined expression.
"I'm going ... back to the forest."
The dark-haired youth softly stroked the left side of Eiji's face as he kept his tone quiet.
"With your wounds? No, dear Eiji, I cannot allow it; you would surely die."
Eiji's mouth settled into a grim line and his uncovered eye became hard as he turned away.
"I'm going to die anyway Moon dog, so why prolong my agony? If I return to the hill top and wait they will soon find me, and if I'm lucky ... it will be over quickly ... painlessly. If I try to hide and force them to hunt for me ... ."
He trailed off to shudder violently, squeeze his eye shut and wrap himself up in the precarious safety of his own arms.
"Eiji ... ." Oishi knelt, as the cat lord's legs folded beneath him, and held the redhead close as fresh sobs tore at his battered, bandage covered body. Waiting patiently until Eiji's highly-charged, despairing, emotional storm had run it's course; Oishi simply held the youth, then lifted his limp form back onto the bed and carefully tucked him in.
Sitting down at his patent's side, Oishi gently cradled Eiji's left cheek in his palm and lovingly caressed one dark-red eyebrow with his thumb until long black lashes fluttered and closed. Exhausted by the stress; Eiji's breathing slowly deepened and, in spite of his hunger, he slipped back into slumber. A single tear still hung, as a clear crystal gem, clinging to the eye lid hair; and the tousled hair of his head was strewn back across his light-blue pillow. A wispy tendril of red lay across his face and wavered with every breath he took.
Lifting his hand; Oishi tenderly moved the hair aside, then lightly ran his finger tips down Eiji's face. Smiling warmly at the feel of cool flesh no longer under attack from wound induced fever, Oishi yawned; then lay down on his futon and fell asleep to the sound of Eiji's breathing.
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Two more days past; and, with Oishi's care coupled with his own unearthly resilience, Eiji's strong young body healed. Cuts faded to become smooth flesh once more and internal damage repaired itself. But his emotional scars took so much longer, and one of the questions he had wanted to ask right from the start flowed from his lips as Oishi gave him his evening meal.
"How long?"
Handing Eiji a bowl full of steaming meat broth, Oishi's brow furrowed slightly in confusion.
"How ... long?"
Eiji nodded grimly.
"Yes. How long was I unconscious, nya, and how badly was I hurt?"
Placing his own bowl on the floor by his feet Oishi looked into both of Eiji's deep-azure eyes, then smiled a little at how the deep claw marks over the right one had all but vanished, before dropping his gaze to stare sadly at his hands as he quietly spoke.
"You were ... hurt very badly. The Dark Hunters had cut you all over and, as their saliva is acidic, your wounds became terribly infected. Eiji, you very nearly died."
"I see" mumbled the flame-hared youth after a moments long, hard stare at his friend. Lowering his eyes, he muttered; "I had no idea ... ."
"No" replied Oishi gently as his green orbs glittered with open concern; then, tipping back his head, Oishi closed his eyes and spoke as though talking to himself. "You wouldn't. For the first ten hours you clung to life by a mere thread; and, once ..., your heart even stopped beating. My father helped me stabilise you though; and, after five more hours, you were out of danger and we knew you would live."
Eiji briefly flicked his eyes in Oishi's direction and indicated with a small sound he wished to hear more. Nodding, Oishi spoke on.
"The ... brand gave us the biggest concern. It had some kind of poison on it; but, between us, we stopped it from spreading. Then you suffered from three days of intense fevers and nightmares as I worked to purge the poison from your system. At last, your fever broke and your wounds closed over. They have now almost completely faded. No one will ever know the Dark Hunters had you."
Subconsciously lifting his hand to his bandaged cheek, Eiji's eyes shone with hope as he met Oishi's troubled face.
"Then this too will ... ."
"No" cut in the dark-haired youth firmly as his expression turned dark. "That will never go, but I can help you to hide it."
A single drop of liquid slid silently down Eiji's face, then he collected himself with an effort and asked a new question.
"So how did you know where to contact my family nya?"
Oishi's calm smile returned. "We had help, from the dragon king himself!"
Eiji gaped at his friend a moment then made a scornful sound as he flapped a disbelieving hand.
"Nya! Dragon king, huh! Now you joke Oishi! The dragons are all dead, the humans and the Dark Hunters killed them all long ago!"
"While it's true many have died," said Oishi with a grin, "a few still survive and live as humans, just like you and me."
"Nya! But dragons are so ... big!" countered Eiji with a wild hand gesture as his eyes grew large. "They can't possibly hide as humans! Surely they are all dead by now!"
Standing, Oishi stood up to stare out the window at the gathering twilight as he answered.
"Well I was told as a puppy that the last cat lord in Japan was dead, but here you are! Unless you are some kind of walking 'plushie' toy ... ."
Laughing, Oishi dodged a flying pillow, then strolled up to an indignant Eiji and waggled a playful finger in his face.
"So if you, a cat lord, can be here; and myself, a moon dog, can be here; then why not a dragon, hmmm?"
Folding his arms and sticking his nose in the air, Eiji huffed, then had a sudden thought.
"Oishi ... ."
"Yes Eiji san?"
"Nya, can I ... ask something?"
Twin orbs of forest green glittered within the disguised, moon-dog's human face as he smiled warmly and nodded.
"What is your birth name? I'm just curious" he added hastily at Oishi's startled expression.
"I don't normally tell anyone, Eiji, as it's a closely guarded secret; but ...," he broke off to lean forward and smirk mischievously into Eiji's eyes, "... I'll tell you my true name, if you tell me yours. Is it a bargain?"
Reaching up, Eiji lightly stroked Oishi's face, then jolted slightly when the raven-haired youth responded by rubbing his cheek against Eiji's palm. Freezing his hand movements, Eiji stared deep into Oishi's eyes and saw a glimmer of tenderness ... and something more. Feeling his heart start to beat wildly in his chest, Eiji tore his gaze away from the intensity of Oishi's softly glowing orbs with an effort.
Snatching up his hardly touched bowl, Eiji proceeded to cover his confusion by stuffing his mouth so fast that Oishi feared he would choke.
"Hey, Hey! Take it easy Eiji, you have all night!"
"Must eat ... (mumble) ... regain ... strength."
Moving away, Oishi sat down at his study desk and sighed as he watched Eiji hastily gobble his food from the corner of his eye. A strange feeling such as he had never known washed over his body and invaded his senses, making him briefly wonder if he was ill.
"But I don't feel sick." he thought to himself as he stared at the uncaring wood. "What is this feeling? and why did Eiji ask about my name? I just can't tell him my true name ... it's my biggest secret! Why, only high-ranking moon dogs and my own family may know it! Yet I came so close! So very close to telling the cat lord who I really am! I just don't understand. He is all but healed now, so there is no need for him to stay. Yes, tomorrow he can return home. So why does my heart ache at the thought of him not being here?"
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With a resounding crack the tennis ball shot across the net, cannoned into the ground, then thundered away, to leave the redhead's opponent gasping.
"6 games to 4 ... Kikumaru wins!"
Lifting his racket in salute to the linesman; Eiji shook hands with the spiky-haired, bespectacled youth he'd played off against and strolled from the court to an enthusiastic chorus of cheers from his team mates.
Snatching up a towel; he draped it over his neck, reached for his water bottle, then turned around to meet a stunning pair of glittering green eyes. Nodding to acknowledge Oishi's smile, the flame-haired youth rapidly walked over to the coach and listened intently to her match comments.
Lightly gripping his own racket, as he dreamily gazed at the way the sunlight glimmered on his friend's fiery hair, Oishi allowed his thoughts to wander.
"Ah Eiji, it's been three weeks since you fully recovered and now ... look at you! Not a scratch anywhere and no one would ever suspect what you once went through. (sigh) Except for ... ."
His silent thought faded as Eiji turned his head and his gaze travelled up his friends face to linger on the square of white bandage now adorning the youth's right cheek. In his mind's eye, Oishi revisited the recent past and a clear image of him talking to his friend hovered phantom-like before him.
He could see Eiji sitting perfectly still as he changed the dressing, then suddenly demanding a mirror. Oishi had acquiesced; and the flame-haired young cat lord had taken a long, hard look at the triple chevrons, and trio of circles in a triangular pattern, burnt into his flesh; before snorting with deep sorrow and grudging acceptance of his fate.
The new bandage Oishi had then created not only covered the horrific scar, but also soothed away pain and acted as a barrier against the Dark Hunters focusing upon it so as to track him down.
"And so far it seems to have worked" thought Oishi, as he blinked himself back to the present and carefully scanned the area with his well-tuned Mythic senses. Finding no trace of any Dark Hunters, he smiled at Eiji's back as the youth made for the club rooms and hastened to follow him.
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A refreshing shower and a leisurely change of cloths later, Eiji whistled as he strolled along the street, but frowned slightly as a green-eyed, dark-haired youth jogged up to join him. For almost the past month it had been this way, with Oishi hovering around him and dogging his every step in and out of school. At first, Eiji had been grateful for his friends presence and even enjoyed his company. But now; his old feline habits of wanting solitude were exerting themselves, and Eiji was starting to find the constant shadow annoying.
Rounding on the youth, Eiji hissed as he bared his catlike fangs. "Nya! Will you stop following me you creepy stalking moon dog!"
Startled by the sudden outburst, Oishi looked hurt as he softly replied; "I'm not stalking you Eiji. You're my assignment now and I must look after you ... ."
"ASSIGNMENT!?" roared Eiji in astonishment. "NYA! Since when the hell did I become someone's ASSIGNMENT!"
Mentally kicking himself; Oishi slapped an exasperated hand to his brow, then tried to explain.
"OK! I'm sorry! I guess I said that wrong. Let me try again; the lord dragon said I had to watch over you ... ."
"Nya!" Eiji furiously cut in. "There is watching and then there is smothering! Look, I'm grateful to you for saving my life and nursing me back to health ... heaven knows I've told you often enough ... but by Aion's bony head tail, there are limits! In case you haven't noticed dog, we cats are fiercely independent creatures and we don't like being WATCHED!"
Throwing up his hands, Eiji snarled into Oishi's face.
"And you ALWAYS watch me, nya! Shit! I've even seen your glowing green eyes watching my bedroom window at night from across the street!"
The dark-haired youth sighed deeply as he sadly realized his friend had seen him and clearly wasn't at all happy about his nightly vigils. "Eiji ..." he begun as he held out an imploring hand.
"Don't you whine and 'Eiji' me you whimpering dog!" snarled the redhead as he backed up a step. "NYA! For the sake of my ancestors, PLEASE! Go away and let me breath!"
Green eyes going huge and round, Oishi flinched as though struck as he was stunned to the core by his friend's savage outburst. "I ... I'm ... I'm sorry!" he stammered, his leaf-colored orbs glistening as moisture threatened to form. "I didn't mean to ... but Eiji! Please try to understand! I must protect you! The dragon king ... ."
To Aion's realm with the dragon king! Nya, moon dog, it's all you ever talk about!"
Oishi's face fell as he watched Eiji begin to pace up down, waving his arms about and working up a frenzied rant.
"You constantly spout off about this 'almighty king of flying lizards', but hell! I've never seen him!" Pausing in his agitated striding back and forth, Eiji poked Oishi hard in the chest and sneered mockingly. "Well you know what I think? I think your just making him up, nya! It's just a convenient excuse you dreamed up just so you can keep tabs on me! N-YA! Well no more! This cat is out of here ... ALONE!"
Growling, he pushed roughly past Oishi, only to stop when the youth leaped before him and faced him with quiet desperation.
"Oh no! No Eiji, you can't mean that! He is real! You have already seen him! Not only that, but you have also spoken to other dragons!"
Eiji curled his lip then scowled darkly. "I mean exactly as I say canine!; and If I HAD spoken to dragons, wouldn't I KNOW about it?"
"They are very good at hiding themselves cat lord" answered Oishi sorrowfully. "You either have to be very powerful, be close friends with one, to see past their human forms; or they themselves have to allow it! Not even I can see all of them."
Lifting his nose in the air, Eiji sneered mockingly at Oishi who that moment started to stare wide-eyed over the redhead's left shoulder.
"Dragons!" snorted the feline in derision. "All dead! All gone, nya!" Pausing, Eiji mockingly waggled the fingers of both hands before Oishi's face. "Stupid fairy tales to scare little puppy dogs so they cower down with their tales between their legs ... ."
"Fairy tales?" asked a new voice in open puzzlement and Eiji hissed under his breath as a brown-haired youth wandered up to join them.
"Oishi, are you telling moon dream tales again? Because if you are, I'd love to hear them."
Dropping his superior air, the flame-haired youth glared harshly at the newcomer. He had seen the youth around school and seen him at tennis practice, but as he wasn't a regular and therefore not in close contact; Eiji had avoided him as the teenager had displayed some very bazaar character traits, especially when holding a tennis racket ... .
Springing forward, Oishi gripped the startled young man's shoulders then spun him around so he faced the curious, brown-haired student.
"Look at him Eiji! Look very closely! Tell me what you see!"
Struggling, Eiji tried to escape; but Oishi kept a surprisingly strong grip on his shoulders as he quietly implored to the watching youth; "Takashi, please let him see you."
Growing more annoyed with each passing second, Eiji squirmed and grumbled; "I don't ... Nya ... by my curving whiskers ... ."
Falling silent and freezing on the spot, Eiji gaped at the incredible sight that slowly materialized to meet his wondering eyes.
Takashi still stood just a few feet away, his tennis bag slung over one shoulder as he calmly regarded his friend, but a large shadowy shape shimmered into existence to hang ghost like over the teenager. Crimson scales shone over a great, horse-like body. Two scarlet wings were neatly folded and a horse-like head boasting a single nose-horn and a stand-up growth of brown hair ended the serpent-like sinuous neck. A long scaly tail curved about to lay on the ground before eagle-like feet that ended in great curving talons.
Lifting a trembling finger, Eiji stuttered and stammered, then finally found his voice. "You! You're a ... dragon!"
"NO ..." said Takashi playfully, as he made a great show of studying his body and making Eiji laugh.
Turning to face an apprehensive Oishi; Eiji smiled, then squinted and chuckled with nervous embarrassment as he placed one hand behind his head.
"Ah, Oishi ... Nya ... it seems I owe you an apology."
Oishi's tense shoulders relaxed as his lips curved into a warm smile. "It's OK Eiji, but if you think Takashi is impressive, take a look over there."
Following the line of his friend's pointing finger, Eiji saw the youth known as Tezuka watching the little group from a distance.
Framed by the backdrop of the setting sun, he stood motionless; a regal figure with a large tennis bag hanging from his right shoulder and his golden-brown hair waving in the breeze. Hazel-gold eyes locked onto Eiji's azure orbs and seemed to embrace his very soul. Then, a great shape reared up to hang over the proud youth and Eiji gasped at the sight of an enormous dragon form all covered in glowing golden scale and shining like the sun itself.
Gently sliding a finger under Eiji's chin, and closing the youth's hanging jaw, Oishi whispered into the cat lord's ear; "that's him Eiji, the king of the dragons, and he too is protecting you."
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Time past in it's endless dance. Eiji and Oishi played tennis and a new year started, bringing with it new friends. Joining forces, they soon became known as the "Golden pair" and as their victories shone, so to did their friendship.
Early evening one day found them sitting together atop "Eiji's hill," and staring out over the city as the first street lights winked on below and the first stars began to twinkle merrily overhead. Heads resting comfortably on each-others' shoulders, They sat upon their dump'ster crate, fully content at the simple pleasures of just being together.
After a time, Eiji moved, then spoke dreamily. "Oishi ... ."
Stroking his friends wavy red hair, Oishi murmured; "Yes Eiji?"
"What is your birth name? I'm still curious you know."
Oishi chuckled softly. "Well, it's still a secret, but if you tell me yours ...;" he paused to gently touch his nose to Eiji's as he whispered; "... then I'll tell you mine. Is that a bargain?"
Laughing quietly; Eiji slid his arms around Oishi's waist, then pressed his forehead against his companions.
"You do realize if we do this, nya, we will own each others souls ... ."
"I'm willing to take that risk."
"... and that I'll fall deeply in love with you, nya ... ."
"Is that such a bad thing my gentle cat lord?"
Eiji purred and snuggled his head under Oishi's chin. For a long moment he revelled in the feel of Oishi's arms enfolding his body in a tender embrace, then sat up to gaze deeply into his eyes. A strange meowing, hissing noise flowed from Eiji's lips, then he spoke normally.
"That is my real name Oishi. It means Kin Akiko Neko no Dono ... Golden bright light, the lord of cats."
"I like that name," smiled Oishi as he lightly stroked Eiji's face. "Now, I'll tell you mine."
The harsh, guttural sound that rolled up out of Oishi's throat was not only unpronounceable to Eiji, but completely incomprehensible. Blinking, Eiji asked him to repeat it and he cocked his head to one side as he listened closely to the string of yips, whines and rumbling growls.
Laughing, Eiji shook his head, tried one more time to say it and declared his total defeat.
"So what does it mean, nya?"
Oishi grinned, then leaned in so their noses touched once more.
"It doesn't quite translate into Japanese all that well; but my name ..., more or less, means 'Bright moon'."
"Bright moon, my beautiful bright moon," purred Eiji as their lips finally met and the pair kissed tenderly.
End of fourth chronicle.......
Well! It's written! Hope you enjoyed "The Golden Pair's" meeting story! Now even though I researched Eiji's Japanese cat lord name as carefully as I could ... with what books I have at my disposal ... if I have made any punctuation mistakes, then I'm sorry! Please don't get narky! After all ... I'm only human! ((anyway, punctuation mistakes are mine-Ed.))
Next chronicle follows Ryoma and Akutsu's match at the regional tournament (ep's 45-48), and looks at the Mythic reason why Akutsu didn't hit Ryoma ... (or Mikiya Banda ... Banji).
Then after that, comes a tale called ... "What good am I?;" based on EP' 50 where Momo' is dropped from the team (much Momo'-Ryoma goodness!)
Take care everyone and please don't forget to review!