Hi to everyone! Hope I'm updating fast enough! Man, do these chapters want to get out of my head!

Tristripe: The last chapter sure was the calm before the storm and Aion sure is enjoying the ride!

Kagome Girl 21: And I'm keeping it intense!

Ruji: Now what happens when you overload something with power? BOOM! But without them, Tezuka wouldn't even be standing..

Eien No Kaze: Sadly, the Copper female can't come to Tezuka, so yes.. he is off to Germany.

Loanshark: Thank you! Thank you! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Rubymoon 17: Sanada soft? Just a little concerned maybe..but never soft! He is STILL so going to kick Ryoma's arse...

Yoshikochan: Well, Tezuka did save Atobe's life and Yuuta gets very protective of his older brother. Aion has to have some hobbies and scaring people is one of em...

Analine: It's fun adding new elements to the anime! Tezuka's healing WILL be loaded with danger...

Chibi mina 121: Hey there! Thanks for the reviews and all the site work! Maybe I'll have to sneak the Duo and Heero love child back in somewhere just for you...

DnKs Girls: Blink. Divine Goddess? Oh dear! Blush, blush. Thanks for the temple! Here's your update! Hands cake to girls camped on door step...

Disclaimer: I hereby do let the whole world know that Prince Of Tennis is not mine! I do now play tennis because of it..

Rebounding Echo's

Chapter 7

Story: Tora Macaw

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

Serving, volleying, the proud youth held the full attention of a raven-haired teenager; his athletic form reflected in a pair of deep green eyes as he gracefully ran about the tennis court. Sneaker shod feet slammed to a halt as Tezuka set himself for a forehand, the resulting skid sound rising to float away on the breeze as his shot flew low across the net. Golden brown hair swaying with his body's movements, the regal teenager allowed the faintest echo of a smile to play across his lips.

" You really do enjoy your tennis." Sighing at his thoughts, Oishi then tore his gaze away from the amazing sight of such flawless, natural play to gaze upon the Thleerium ringing the battle field. Then, his sight travelled further to take in the snarling Dark Hunters beyond. So far, the noble demons of the lower realm had been successful in holding back the dwellers of the Under Dark but for how long was anyone's guess. Letting his eyes rove over the malignant assembly, he finally spotted the white-haired form of Aion as the Llyrium mauo stood watching; waiting. Focusing once more on the match, the young Moon Dog inexplicably found his thoughts drifting back in time as he sent a silent prayer to the heavens for there to be no attack. " Celestials, creators of all mythic life. Please let us all be safe. Tezuka, you really do enjoy your tennis..don't you..."

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

Gentle breezes drifted across the street to carry a load of fresh cut grass into the faces of the pair rabidly approaching the sprawling, low slung buildings of a primary school. Stopping to gaze at the mower as it spun on the lawn then proceeded to launch a new attack on the helpless growth, Oishi laughed with delight as he let go of his father's hand to reach out and try to grasp handfuls the floating emerald strands. Giggling over his success, the child's large forest green eyes twinkled as he gazed at his prize then throwing his hands high, he watched them curl away on the wind.

Turning, he cocked his head to one side as he beamed at his amused father then gasped happily as he stared at the twisting specs now framed by distant clouds. Watching his son with indulgent, benevolent eyes, the tall, dark-haired man drew several deep breaths as the lawn mower moved away; it's harsh sound fading into the background as it mingled with the noise of the morning traffic. Drawing closer to their goal, he took the boy's hand then led him across the road and through the large gates.

Eyes going huge and round, Oishi trembled with excitement. But it wasn't just the anticipation of starting school that sent happy shivers coursing throughout him as he drank in the sight of many laughing, playing children. It was due to the thrill of the person he was about to meet, an ancient soul all his kind had sworn eternal fidelity; the mighty gold dragon king himself. Bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, he gazed wide eyed at the crowd then gaped at the sound of his father's voice speaking inside his head.

'The dragon lord approaches. Remember what I told you my son.'

' Yes father.' answered the child as his excitement grew. ' I have to be respectful but I also have to treat him as any other human present.'

' That's good Bright Moon.' Resting one hand on his son's shoulder and the other on the boy's head, Oishi's father took careful note of at least ten other mythics who had gathered to pay their silent respects. ' Treat him as king only with your mind as he too has his role to play.'

A feeling of sudden expectation thrummed throughout his soul and lifting his head, Oishi gasped at his first ever sight of the disguised great dragon. At first, he had trouble seeing as milling parents and playing children blocked his view but then he caught sight of a tall, sandy-haired man wearing oval glasses and just behind him was the one he sought.

Small, slender of body, the child's golden-brown hair shone with perfect health under the overhead lighting of the hallway as sunlight pouring in from a nearby window reflected off the oval glasses adorning his face. To the casual observer, Kunimitsu Tezuka appeared to be a delicate, quiet child as he quietly gazed on his soon-to-be-classmates out of large hazel-gold eyes. But to the watching mythics, he seemed to be bathed in the sun's golden glow as a hidden strength flowed from him and his eyes stared out at the world with the infinite wisdom of the ages. A few silent greetings buzzed through the air and Oishi was quick to notice while many others kids clung to or stuck close to their parents, Tezuka stood proudly aloof.

Standing perfectly still as he gazed in awe at the human form dragon, Oishi almost shivered when the slowly moving imperial gaze settled on his face. For several magical moments, the lord of all dragon kind and great protector of all mythics looked at him Something strange happened as a feeling of common destiny passed between them and to the young canines wondering eyes, a huge shadow shimmered into exsistance over the regal youth. His orbs almost bugging from their sockets, Oishi realized with a start that he was actually seeing the dragon's true form and he at once was humbled by the unexpected honour. Then, the moment was over as Tezuka obediently followed his parents once a teacher appeared to speak with them. A teacher had also strolled up to speak with his own father and as Oishi walked into a classroom, he hoped he would get a chance to actually speak to the one his kind were beholden to.

A bell rang, parents farewelled their children and wondering where to sit, Oishi was startled by a calm, strong voice gently touching his mind.

' You are the Moon Dog, Bright Moon?' Answering with a mute nod, he gazed nervously at the proud child appraising him. 'Yes, sit to my right side so we may talk.'

Swallowing down his sudden attack of nerves, Oishi shyly approached; then slid into the seat beside Tezuka's. After a few minutes of awkward silences and long pauses, the young Moon Dog found the ancient gold easy to talk to and by the end of the day their friendship had been sealed.

Days flowed into weeks, weeks melted into months. Life settled into a well established routine of study and interwoven with the intricate world of learning, was the wonderful pastime of tennis. For Oishi, such skills didn't come easy but Tezuka had one incredible, secret advantage; he had played before in some of his former human lives and the first time he had played with his team mates, every move he made was as though he were born to it. Highly impressed, his teacher had set him against the older students and almost had heart failure when the small, willowy child effortlessly creamed them all in a coldly business like manner. His entry to the school team had been swift and competitions soon followed. But with his success came envy and Oishi quickly learnt to fall into the role of protector. Despite being under siege, Tezuka remained perfectly calm; his age mates running from the force of a single frosty glare, the older ones baffled by his serene and serious presence.

Time passed, then the inevitable happened. Driven by jealousy and rage, Tezuka was physically attacked and unable to defend himself as a dragon, he was forced to endure the humiliation of having a racket slammed forcefully into his left elbow. It hadn't hurt; Tezuka's dragon soul lent too much strength to his human body for that, but many lifetimes had taught him to act as if in pain and he had used his past experience well. Still, he had been infuriated enough by the stupidity of humans to announce he was leaving the tennis club and unwilling to watch him turn his back on a pastime he loved, Oishi had intercepted him before he could leave.

" Oishi.." Tezuka said in a very low voice. " I'm sorry. I know canines have a natural affinity with humans, but remember; they have persecuted my own kind for too long. Old wounds run deep Oishi and by attacking me, I not play tennis with them."

" But Tezuka.."

A sudden movement behind them made the pair turn; Oishi swallowing as his eyes went round and Tezuka's own orbs narrowing as he once again tried to "see" the mystery that was captain Yamato of the Seigaku regulars. His left hand cocked against his hip, his right hand resting on the gate, he gazed down from permanently hidden eyes; a warm smile playing across his lips as an air of well concealed mythic power seemed to curl mist like around him. Catching sight of the dark hair, sunglasses and blue and white coat draped across his shoulders, someone muttered; " It's the captain"

Staring straight at the speaker, he pushed himself away from the wall to loudly clap twice.

" You all can round 100 laps..now!" Several mouths opened in protest but smiling cheerfully, he raised his voice. " Go, go! If you don't complete the run by sunset, you can all run another hundred tomorrow!"

To the tune of the many assorted moans, groans and bitter complaints surrounding them, Tezuka stared hard at his coach. " Who are you?" his mind demanded while frustrated over his lack of knowing who this person truly was. A strange sense of almost, but not quite knowing washed over him; a feeling that was much like having a puzzle before him and lacking only one vital piece to complete it. Opening his mind, he tried to communicate. ' Who are you? What are you? I almost know you but..' and as it had happened numerous times before, Yamato never answered or even so much as gave any indication of having even heard as he met the boy's icy gaze with a gentle.. close to fatherly smile. Sighing within, Tezuka abandoned his attempts at sending to speak as normal. " Thank you for taking care of me." Giving the elder a little bow, he hid his annoyance by shoving both hands into his pockets as he started to walk away. "One day I'll know who you are" An image came to him then, a flickering here and there type of sensation that tickled at the very edges of his vast storehouse of memories. He could hear the faint roar of a T Rex and smell moist earth. Someone was speaking to him, a hand reached out to caress him...

" Hey, hey!" a hand had playfully snagged the back of his collar to halt his departure. " Aren't you a club member too? Go run 100 laps!"

" Huh!" Indignant that someone would dare lay hands on him, Tezuka had to fight down the urge to claw the captain as he faced him. "I'm quitting the tennis club!"

"Oh really?" Although Tezuka couldn't see them, the youth was certain the eyes behind the dark shields were twinkling with mischief as the older boy spoke with tender concern. " What a pity, but one such as yourself has never once given in to anything... have you, sire."

Tezuka's startled gasp cut the air as his thoughts leapt wildly "He knows!" Mustering as normal a tone as possible, he started to ask; " How do you.."

But he was at once cut off by a soft laugh and a commanding finger as it pointed at the running players. " No questions. Run now and maybe after I'll consider whatever it is you have to say."

Knowing a dismissal when he saw it, Tezuka's first impulse was to just stick his nose in the air then leave. But at a deeply sub conscious level, a profound impulse to obey over took him and before he was even aware of his actions he found himself running as his mind pondered the enigma.

Trotting along with everyone else, Oishi noticed Tezuka join in. " What?" he thought, surprised by the dragon king's strange obedience to the unknown mythic. " Even he running!" Gazing over at the captain, he noticed that calm, fatherly smile again. " Just who is Yamato that he can make even Tezuka jump to obey him?"

Ten laps evolved into twenty. Many freshman had already dropped out and by the thirtieth circuit, only Oishi and Tezuka remained with the older players. Having no trouble keeping up with the pace, he fixed his eyes on Tezuka's running form. " His dragon soul lends great power to his human body." he thought as he drew level with the leaders. " He'll run a hundred laps and five hundred more if he has too. Yes, one day, he will rule over Seigaku just as he does his dragons and I'll be there at his side. Tezuka, you really do like your tennis... don't you?"

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

Blinking himself back to the present, Oishi's sad eyes lifted to the trees once more. " Yamato. How I wish you were here now. I know you could stop him as he would always listen to you..."

The game score stood at 1-0. With Tezuka leading, he fixed Atobe with his gaze as they past the net for the court change. ' Hikari, you don't have to show mercy. Play as hard as you can.'

'Mercy?' came the amused reply ' Don't make me laugh.'

From her place at the back of the crowd, Ryuzaki traded silent words with her fellow dragons before giving her king her full attention. "Both of them are top players, but Tezuka.." she fretted as she looked towards Aion's hiding place. "How long can you last?"

Seated on the coaches bench, Ryoma glared at his stubborn great grandfather then stared across at Sakaki. The royal Hikari was completely ignoring both kinds of demons massed in the trees as he frowned at his trailing player and watching from his vantage point, Aion kept a close eye on them all. " That foolish gecko is all but handing himself to me on a silver platter" he muttered as he smirked across at a harshly staring Tachibana. " His strength is starting to fail and you can't protect him. Yes Thleerium fool, I intend to take.. his soul."

Oblivious to the Lyrium ruler's dark plans, Tezuka fired off shot after powerful shot as the ball flew with might, power and precision

Atobe gave back every bit as good as he got, but a hard ball driven straight into the net abruptly bought the battle to a 3-2 score. Changing court, the silver-haired Hikari silently observed his rival. " I know how good you are Tezuka and I feel even without borrowed powers you would still be strong. One day, I want to play you when you are whole."

" Will he be alright?" a worried Momo' asked a grim faced vice-captain.

" Yes." Oishi nodded. " At least, for now."

Shaking his head, Otori closed off his second sight as he sighed to his frightened dragon. " It's bad Shishido. Tezuka is suffering." Looking back over his shoulder, he gazed wistfully at a sleeping Jiroh. " If only we could send him out for a few minutes.." Braking off, he gazed sadly at his coach.

With the match half played out, a short break took place and both warriors broke off to approach their coaches.

Leaning forward, Sakaki pinned Atobe to the spot with the force of his piercing brown eyes. " The dragon king has taken an active attack from the start. I don't see how he can do so with his weakness but his time, is done." Sitting back, cast a quick glance Tezuka's way, then rumbled menacingly at his star player. " He is attacking you, but with borrowed power. You are a Hikari Atobe And dragons are our servants! Use your power against him. Yes, a containment field is a good start."

" Sakaki.." Drawing himself up, Atobe spoke with a fierce pride. " ..to do so would dishonor him. He is cursed because of us. I will not harm him further nor expose him to more danger from them."

Sakaki's voice became dangerously silky as he continued to ignore the Dark Hunter threat. " You dare to argue with me?"

" I dare!" snapped the youth as he shook his racket towards the surrounding trees. " I won't lose, I won't let Aion near and, I'll beat him my OWN way!"

" Fine then!" growled Sakaki as his eyes glowed with menace. " Be stubborn. But you can't help yourself can you hmm? You have that blood.." Ignoring Atobe's dark scowl, he waved an authoritative hand. " I'll deal with your insolence later. For now, forget those accursed demons and take full domination. Have I made myself clear?"

" Crystal" came the sharp reply forced through clenched teeth. Swallowing down his rage, Atobe stalked savagely away.

Joining Ryoma on the bench, Tezuka was content to soak up the sun's warm rays as he drank from his water bottle. A little cold was starting to seep back into his bones, a fact that was noticed by his sharp eyed grandson.

' Grandfather, how long do you plan to keep this up?'

Tezuka hardly so much as spared him a glance. ' I'll keep this up until the game is won.'

Ryoma snorted as he dug his hands into his pockets. ' You may fool the others, but not me. You are sick.. don't even try to deny it.'

' Then..I wont.' The mind voice sounded exasperated. ' But I will see this through to the end.'

' I'll... stop you.'

Tezuka almost laughed. ' You and what army Echizen?'

For an answer, the raven-haired youth flicked a finger toward the trees. Voicing a non committal grunt, Tezuka went back to his water. " Ding, ding.. your round hatchling..." he thought with amused sorrow as felt Aion's eyes boring into him.

Observing them from his vantage point, Yagyu spoke to his team mate. " Hey Sanada, it's strange."

" How he can still play?"

" No." answered the hidden serpent. " It's Atobe. It's not like him to hold back."

" Yes." the brooding youth agreed quietly. " He never shows mercy to others. Guilty conscious I think."

" Who knows." muttered Kirihara at his side as the fighters resumed their positions. " Look, it's starting again."

Running toward the net, Tezuka hit a high lob on the forehand causing Sanada to stare at Atobe when the Hyotei captain punched his return. " Look at Atobe. He looks ready for the kill."

" Yeah," said Kirihara sitting bolt up right as the ball bounced right of Tezuka but sprinting up the base line, he sent it flying back. " He didn't smash it.. what's with those two?"

' Are you toying with me?'

Gritting his teeth, Atobe ignored the undercurrent of accusation to hit a powerful back hander. ' Just playing the game.'

A forehand from Tezuka standing in the left service square followed. ' The prince has threatened you, hasn't he?'

Swinging his arm, Atobe answered with a another backhand as his seething temper bubbled over. ' He wanted me to contain you and I refused!'

' A dangerous thing..' remarked Tezuka as he raced for the baseline. '.. but if you wish to try it..'

Seeing a malicious smirk appear on the Hyotei players face, Fuji's closed eyes snapped open as a swelling of energy he instantly recognized rose from the Hikari youth.

" I know that power!" the 'Blood' snarled as he leaned forward. " Atobe plans to contain him! Then, it will be an all out attack!" Helpless to interfere, Fuji could only watch as the ball constantly sailed back and forth. " And Tezuka.." he thought fearfully as he noticed his lover's stamina starting to give out. " I can't do anything."

Eyes glaring from beneath his hat brim, Ryoma noticed Tezuka's left shoulder pulsing with a sickly green light as he simultaneously felt the terrible pain lancing down from it. " I can see it." he thought grimly. " The curse is rising within him."

Running in to meet the ball as it flew low over the net, Atobe lifted his left hand to his eyes as he dispelled the start of a containment field. ' I wont do it' " Tezuka, your powers are amazing but you are growing weak. So the time has come to end this as you can't possibly make it through." Watching the strange glow of the caveat, he leapt high; only to slam the ball with every ounce of power he possessed. " I have to end this game..NOW!"

The savagely brutal blow struck Tezuka's wrist with the force of a descending meteor, knocking the racket clean out of his hand to send it flying a good three meters back from the startled youth. Agony lanced it's fierce fire up and down his arm as a mild fear began to kindle within his mind. " I couldn't hold it." the regal youth thought as he retrieved his fallen weapon. " I tried, but I just couldn't hold it.."

Flicking his own racket within his hands, Atobe spoke in a quiet, reasonable tone. ' This game cannot go on. Do you hear me? Your strength, your shoulder.. it wont last' Hazel-gold orbs glared as Tezuka crouched in a ready position, making Atobe's temper rise. ' If you keep pushing it, your life will end!' Gripping the ball, the proud Seigaku captain set it bouncing to signal his intention and for the concerned Hikari, it was the last straw. ' Stubborn flying dinosaur! It's your funeral!'

Tossing the ball high, Tezuka completely ignored the words and the pain as fought to stay in control.

Hands gripping the wall before him, Eiji watched the game recommence with frightened eyes.

" If this game goes too long, he could collapse nya!"

Folding his arms, the 'Blood' at his side tried in vain to talk some sense into his lover, but Tezuka had sealed his mind; refusing to listen to anyone as he battled to win. ' Tezuka, I didn't give you my strength just to see you kill yourself.' His face a forbidding mask, he watched the captain's panting shadow form as it started to fade in and out. ' You are suffering. Why wont you listen?' Switching his glittering gaze to Atobe, Fuji sent him a dire warning. ' Are you deliberately pushing him on? Because if you harm him...'

Wincing at the powerful send, Atobe resisted the urge to fiercely answer the 'Blood' as he focused on the undeniable fact that his opponent was suffering from hellish, searing pain. ' Your pet human is threatening me!' pausing to hit a backhand near the right corner of the service square, the silver-haired youth's eyes narrowed as he also watched the suffering dragon with his second sight. ' Tezuka! Your shields are failing, Fuji wants to kill me and the caveat is killing you! Every mythic can see you, so let me end this before even the humans see you... NOW!'

Head lifting, the true form of the dragon king snapped his jaws in a show of defiance. ' And I told you I'm fine!' growled Tezuka with an accompanying forehand blow.

On the verge of tears, Fuji could hardly bare to watch as his thoughts repeatedly chased themselves around his head. ' He wont surrender, Tezuka just wont surrender..'

A short distance from the fretting 'Blood', Oishi growled deep in his throat.

" That stubborn fool!"

" You know as well I do.." began Inui seriously. "...that dragons are fighters and it's in his nature. He will keep attacking until he falls and I fear that time is now."

Tearing up the mid line, Tezuka stroked a sharp forehand, only to have it returned by Atobe at the net. A run, a hit. To the watching mythics, the silver-haired Hikari was holding a strong advantage as the dragon king grew progressively weaker. A backhand from Atobe sailed over his head, yet Tezuka galloped up to forehand cut it just shy of the trammel lines. Hitting the ball with a resounding crack, his unearthly audience gasped at the terrible sight of his ghostly true form turning a dull grey as it froze to the spot; its sides heaving as its left wing hung towards the ground. A low cough broke from the near invisible beast, a trickle of bright blood flowing from open jaws. Gasping in horror, Oishi hardly heard the sound of his own voice calling out; " Tezuka!"

A series of cracks appeared to splinter their way across the dragon's left shoulder wed to a rising steam of thick, green mist and for one terrible moment, the shadow creature slumped to the ground; yet the human Tezuka played on to the sound of shocked silence.

" Yes! That's it!" Leaning forward, Aion watched the failing dragon with feral, predators eyes. " The moment your human body goes down, it will all be over!" His human form fading out, the white-haired demon crouched; ready to spring.

" Everyone, get ready" called Tachibana to his troops as he lifted his own wings. " When he moves, we move! We must keep Aion and his hunters back at all cost!"

Atobe could hear the demon prince's words, could see the attack about to be launched, but knowing it was vital to keep the crowds attention focused on the match then Hyotei captain dashed, hit, spun and hit again as his mind forced its way past Tezuka's crumbling mental barriers. ' If you keep forcing yourself, it will be fatal! So give in and let me end this!'

Tezuka sprinted to the net and as he leapt to strike a forehand blow, the shadow form of his inner self reared up to stand on shaky hind legs. Jaws open, claws upraised, the dragon seemed ready to strike out his life.

Seeing the once invisible to him creature with clear eyes, Yuuta shuddered at the ferocious display as he spoke to his brother. " I really thought he had fallen, but look at him!"

" Yuuta.." Syusuke's voice trembled along with his body. " ...he wants to win..at any price."

A savagely hard backhand from Atobe roared over the net. Racing to meet it, Tezuka caught the little round missile on his racket then struggled to send it back as his rival's mind snarled at him. ' Stop being so damn stubborn, you mindless iguana!'

Drawing a sharp breath Kirihara then gave a low whistle as he watched. " You've got guts dragon, I'll give you that!"

Beside him, Sanada's dark eyes were grim. " Why, Tezuka?"

Shaking his head, Inoue cast a worried glance at the tree line then quietly spoke to a trembling Shiba. " Look at his eyes. He all but treads on the threshold of death, but he is still determined to win."

Laying a gentle hand on a whimpering Dan's shoulder, Sengoku spoke with gentle sorrow. " He would rather die than surrender to reason. Such is his pride."

Across the grounds from the pensive Hikari, Inui ground his teeth as he glared despairingly at his long time friend. " He voluntarily chose to sacrifice himself and chooses now to play a lasting game. But should he fall, Raidon will get his wish."

His voice cracking, Oishi nodded his agreement. " Tezuka has faced many dangers, but this is his deadliest trial yet."

Glowing with golden-white energy, the regal Seigaku captain drew on his last reserves of power as he took the match to a 6-5 score. His golden-brown eyes never leaving the human form dragon, Sakaki was impressed despite himself. " Against all odds.." he thought as he reflectively stroked his chin. " ...he still fights on. Lord dragon, you have won my respect."

Standing on his base line, Tezuka bounced the ball six times as his mind touched Atobe's. " Sorry, but my team will go to the nationals." The pain ripping through his body as he served almost caused him to cry out, but gritting his teeth the youth raised every ounce of strength he could muster to stay in the game.

Back and forth the warriors raced, each one determined to win. Leaping high at the net, Atobe shouted; " Take this!" as he dealt the green and white missile a devastating blow. Ignoring the hellish agony tearing him apart, Tezuka kept a firm grip on his weapon as the ball shot towards him.

Leaning forward, Sakaki could scarcely believe what he was witnessing as the Seigaku youth called the ball to him. " This dragon.." he said to himself as he saw the weakening telekinesis. " ..he is clearly dying, yet he keeps fighting. Yes, this one has earned his right to live."

Just barely aware of Fuji's loving voice touching his mind, Tezuka's vision swam as he panted from the effort of keeping upright. " Just one more serve." he gasped as his waves of dizziness threatened to engulf him. " Just got to...hang on..." Intense pain tore through his shoulder, lanced down his arm, then stabbed its way into his chest. Fuji was speaking, but he couldn't hear as an icy shaft of bitter cold froze him into place. To the horrified mythics, his dragon body danced in an ungraceful jitter of convulsions then with a rattling groan, he slumped to the ground. Blood flowed from his lax jaws as the light faded from his eyes; the dark pupils becoming fixed as they stared sightlessly ahead. His dragon form shimmered once, then faded away.

With his soul flown, his human body collapsed to its knees; the racket falling from limp fingers as the right hand reflexively clung to his cursed shoulder. The world spun crazily before his eyes as his body shook from its agony and an intense cold. He was only vaguely aware of a fight breaking out somewhere behind him as a white-haired demon swooped in to capture his loose soul, before he felt himself floating.

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

He no longer heard the cries of the crowd or the laminations of his team mates. All that he was, all that he had been, was gone. Even the silent screams of the one who loved him and the voice of the demon trying to capture him faded away to a quiet hum as a complete lack of weightless sensation settled upon him. Enveloped within a soft, golden mist, Tezuka stared in wonder at the staircase that suddenly appeared before him and placing his forefeet on the base, he began to climb the gently sloping structure.

To either side was inky darkness. Straight ahead at the top of the stairs, a distant pure light pulsed as a bright silvery star. His hazel-gold orbs fixed on the far off radiance, he steadily walked towards the glow that beckoned with a peaceful promise. " You're tired" it seemed to say. " Come, lay down and rest..."

From out of the shadows dragons emerged to line both sides the staircase, their heads bowed in respectful silence at his passing. Flicking his eyes left then right, Tezuka nodded to the green, brown, red, black and white creatures; the ghosts of his past, his subjects who had died. Yet he didn't speak to them as his body tingled with a warning and even when he found himself passing the thirty six white-gold dragons he knew to be his own children and a few black-gold ones that vaguely resembled Ryoma, he never took his eyes off the distant star as he continued to climb.

Something appeared on the stairs above him, something, that was almost concealed by the golden mist and as large as himself. The thick fog closed in as if trying to block his way, then curling about in lazy swirls it parted; revealing the form of a huge dragon walking proudly towards him.

Long bangs of wavy, silvery-white hair almost hid a pair of dark brown eyes while the rest of it tumbled half way down on long serpentine neck. Platinum scales backlit by the star glowed softly as large wings opened, then curved forward in a formal greeting. Gazing gently upon his visitor, the creatures jaws curved in a placid smile.

Throwing his head up, Tezuka's sharp gasp of recognition cut the silence as his eyes widened at the sight he had not seen for well over one hundred million years. For standing before him and blocking his way to the light was the missing member of the five great nobles; the lost metallic, his platinum brother: Lusac orasuuh.

" I have never seen.." Tezuka began, only to be cut off by the platinum lifting a forefoot to carefully close his claws over the end of his muzzle.

" You are not meant to be here Mekro uvora tyfh"

Startled at hearing his true dragon birth name, Tezuka stared at his metallic brother in wonder. The dragon's voice was smooth, wise and kind, yet it had a kind of slyness; a silken edge to it that was loaded with the kind of authority that dared any living thing to dispute it.

" I Need to..."

" No Gold one." Sitting on his haunches, the platinum produced a large black, gold tipped staff out of thin air then idly twirled it between the talons of his right front foot as he spoke. " This is the land of the dead Tezuka, and your life is not done." Swinging the staff forward, Tezuka caught a glimpse of the white skull wreathed in orange flame emblazoned on its tip as his brother pointed the object in the direction of down stairs. " Your path lies that way. Turn, and take it."

Lowering his great head, the gold dragon sighed; his wings rising, then falling as he started dolefully behind him.

" Such pain." Looking up at the platinum, he set his jaw and spoke grimly. " To go back means pain. Step aside Lusac, my place is now here."

" Your place is with those who need you." answered the other calmly. Twirling his wrist, he moved his staff in a rabid, circular motion. A bright golden orb appeared and within it, images formed. " Look to the shadows of your life mighty gold. See what has been."

Gazing within the light, Tezuka saw himself as a hatchling. Jinnai was taking to him, then holding him in his arms. The image shifted to him excitedly watching an egg hatch and a moist little bronze emerging from the shards. At once, it bowed to him. Jinnai and the three Hikari with him were pleased, but the silver dragon beside him scowled then turned away. Melting, the image returned. This time, Tezuka saw himself as a young adult as he flew though the clouds. Then, the picture distorted and reformed; and Tezuka found himself gazing into a pair of glittering cerulean orbs.

Tears streamed freely from a face contorted by grief, then an anguished scream filled his ears as it tugged at his heart. Reaching out, the proud gold called; " I'm alright Fuji. Don't cry for me, I'm alright." The golden orb imploded and as it vanished, Tezuka hung his head then spoke in a low tone. " I have to go back. But may I ask one question first?"

" Speak and be done." replied the platinum as he stared down his nose. " It is time you left us."

Nodding, Tezuka sat on his haunches. " When did you die?"

The heavy jaws of the other curved into a smile as the dark eyes twinkled. Without warning, the end of the staff shot up to sharply jab at Tezuka's brow. Letting out a startled yelp, the golden ruler caught the barest glimpse of the flaming death's head before the impact caused him to lose his balance; then he was tumbling end over end, rabidly falling away from his brother and his subjects. But just before he hit the bottom of the steps to pass through a yawning black hole in the stone floor, the last thing he heard was the platinum's voice calling; " Who ever said anything about me being dead?"

Abruptly, sight, sound and most of all.. feeling flooded Tezuka with the unmistakable force connected to life. His body human giving a convulsive jerk as his dragon soul returned it, he was suddenly aware of his team mates frantic cries as they rushed toward him.

To be continued...

Authors note.

Tezuka's out of body experience was inspired by the first piece of music on the Bleach soundtrack. Hearing it, it conjured up a clear image for me of Tezuka the dragon climbing a long, sloping staircase, then talking to a fellow dragon. The Platinum.. Lusac orasuuh (comes the moon) was also inspired by Bleach.

Mekro uvora tyfh... Light of the dawn... is the name Tezuka the dragon was given when he hatched. Only Jinnai and his fellow metallic's know it as for one to know a dragon's true birth name is a way to control it. Therefore, Tezuka's real name is his most closely guarded secret.