Well gang, the Jyousei Shounan game is upon us as more trouble and intrigue brews away in the background! Enjoy!

Eien No Kaze: I'm afraid you'll be waiting a while for Rikkai as several other events must take place first. These include: Kabaji's battle, scary bowling, Fuji taking a walk on the dark side as Aion messes with his head and of course, Tezuka's Blood purge. Therefore, the Rikkai game takes place after the camp. Watch out for Rock Frogs!

Analine: Glad you found the surgery captivating! LOL.. my poor son looked over my shoulder as I was typing, saw the dreaded word "needle" and ran away shuddering...

Psychotic Azn: Hello! Happy to see you enjoyed the pillow scene!

Alaena Flame Dragonstar: Oh yes, it's Mori alright! You know, I've had a similar experience to yours! Weird huh?

KagomeGirl 21: They make love here, they make love there. Tezuka and Fuji will go for it anywhere!

Yoshikochan: Glomps you back! Thank you so much and I hope I can keep giving you exciting chapters in the future! Don't forget, your fics are great too!

Ruji: Readers, take note! Ruji here writes the hottest, steamiest and most wonderful Tezuka-Fuji goodness so check out her L.J... you WON'T be disappointed! Thanks for all those great comments!

Loanshark: Having endured Five operations in my time plus my veterinary nurse experience, came in handy for writing that chapter. LOL.. that part with the boys just sitting kind of wrote itself.

Relinquished: The after effects of anaesthetic is HELL alright and we will return to Tezuka a little later to see how his coping. Poor dragon king's torture is not over yet! Yes, war would have caused great damage so they can't fight just yet. Mizuki's thirst for vengeance is about to set the stage for other events.

Disclaimer: YES! WELL! Hands up those who DON'T know who the boys REALLY belong too! sigh... Mythics belong to themselves and a few Hikari belong to me.

" Blood And Shadows"

Chapter 7

Story: Tora Macaw

Prologue

Lord Raidon of the Hikari swept the gathering before him with his frosty gaze, then covered his fatigue induced sigh by turning to bark orders at his nearest scribe. The time had come for the half yearly tithes and the extensive grounds were filled with wagons of every size or description. Some them had arrived in trains of up to twenty vehicles at once, causing the most flurry of activity as stewards and their servants swarmed over or around them; carefully securing the supplies that would keep the palace's large population fed and clothed until year's end.

His green-gold flecked eyes roving over the guards lining the walk ways or perched at strategic points along the set flight paths, the ruler of the upper realm called for the dark-haired youth now laying his large quill aside to fetch the master healer. True enough Raidon kept a large staff whose principle task was to greet the wagons, sort the produce, oversee storage, record all tithes, and feed their many guests as business was conducted, but as king; it was Raidon's task to keep a close eye everyone and settle any possible disputes while treating with the nobles accompanying the wagons. With the frantic pace coupled to lot of noise as workers shouted or stewards directed (not to mention the most recent drawn out meeting with a regional prince), he could feel the distinct signs of a right royal head ache coming on.

Resisting the urge to groan and rub at his pounding temples, the proud angel man glared at the many heads bent over huge ledgers; wishing for the umpteenth time that day he could close his ears to the constant scratching of phoenix feather quills as he waited impatiently for Yasashiku to attend him.

" Possibly.." he thought as he strode into the relative peace of his private office adjoining the main receiving hall, "...he is attending some farmer or muscle strained worker." Annoyed at having to send someone after him, Raidon pondered as to why his master healer was ignoring his direct sending. " Strange," he told himself as he eased himself into a well padded chair, " that he hasn't so much as given a single answer and come to think of it.." Raidon paused to thoughtfully stroke his short beard, " ... no one has seen him since before dawn..."

A quiet knock on the door followed by the sound of his healer's voice asking for entry broke into his contemplation's and in answer to Raidon's call, Yasashiku padded silently through the opening to bow low before his king.

" What is your bidding my lord?" he asked in his soft, gentle voice before straightening to await his orders.

" Yasashiku, attend me." began Raidon sternly. " I have a head..." Braking off, the ruler's eyes narrowed as he caught sight of his healers bandaged hands. Pointing an imperious finger, he demanded to know what accident had befallen his primary servant.

" A steam Drake my lord." replied the healer evenly. " A damaged tooth. His friend asked I attend him and regrettably, the anxious beast burnt me with his stream before his partner could calm him."

" I see." Raidon's voice was deadly calm, causing Yasashiku's blood to run cold as he squirmed within. " A steam Drake, a favoured beast of burden if I'm not mistaken." Standing, Raidon moved around his desk to stalk toward his frank eyed servant. " Your subordinates are well trained enough to deal with the likes of such stupid creatures, so tell me; what in the heavens possessed you to dirty your hands on such worthless filth?"

" I wish you would refrain from speaking of them as our slaves" said Yasashiku mildly as his mind worked quickly to think of which nobility had already left. "Hansha, begged me to attend the beast as it is his best friend and strongest worker. As it is not my place to refuse a noble prince, I immediately fulfilled his most gracious request."

" Indeed." The single word dripped with ice as Raidon drew himself up to glare down his nose. " So you choose to ignore my direct call to deal with the mindless brute of a minor princeling?"

Striding past his silently fuming healer, he paused before the door to whirl about and sneer at the gentle Hikari. " Hansha you say?" Footsteps sounded beyond the solid oaken barrier, then creaked open to reveal the quaking form of slender and slightly built angel man. " Ah! Chancellor Renjiroh." the ruler announced as though meeting him in the street to discuss the weather. " I was just wondering, is Sugata, the high steward of prince Hansha still about the palace grounds?" Dropping a low bow, the ancient Hikari assured his ruler the man in question was in the secondary granary as he spoke. Folding his arms, Raidon smirked triumphantly. " Bring him Renjiroh, as I wish to question him on the well being of his master's four leggard servants."

Turning back to stare at his healer as the other left, heavens reigning monarch was quick to notice a fleeting look of uncertainty kindle in the blue-haired male's eyes. " What's that Yasashiku?" Raidon purred menacingly as he advanced a step toward him. " You don't agree with my plans?" Crossing the distance between them with two long strides, the tall blond snarled within inches of his servant's face. " Then you can tell me your plans healer! Not one single Hikari has seen you since before dawn, PLUS!... you refuse to answer my needs only to finally appear before me with burnt hands then spout foul lies as to how it happened!"

The heavy tramp of marching feet rang out, followed by several burly warriors all but bursting into the small room in response to their lord's silent summons. Energy swords drawn, the elite of the palace guards instantly surrounded the master healer as sweat drops pearled against the porcelain skin of his brow.

" Arrest him!" spat Raidon, his hard mouth quirking up in a cruel, pitiless smile as his narrow eyes glittered with wicked intent.

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

Pattern 6

"Tessellation"

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

Momoshiro Takeshi had risen before dawn to wolf down a huge breakfast, shower, then lovingly kiss his sleepy life mate's brow before running out to attend a few chores proceeding the big Jyousei Shounan tournament later that morning.

Hardly even bothering to so much as stir at the mongoose spirit's abrupt departure, Ryoma snored blissfully until the shrill scream of his alarm clock wed to Karupin's loud breakfast demands roused him from a deep and wonderful slumber.

Propping himself up, Ryoma slowly pushed his arms out from his shoulders; muscles stretching as his jaw dropped in a mighty yawn that changed to a quiet roar as he completed working sleep induced kinks from his back and arms. Letting the limbs flop loosely to his blankets, the youth then glared blearily at his impatient guardian. " OK, OK..." he grumbled while rubbing at weary eyes. " I'm up."

" Good!" answered the mythic feline brightly. " Breakfast at last!" Jumping from the bed, Karupin grinned broadly over one shoulder. " Better hurry Ryoma, your big game is today!"

" Mada, mada.." muttered the youth as he swung his legs off the bed, then stood to stretch and yawn again. Scratching at his scalp, Ryoma grumbled quietly under his breath as he plodded zombie fashion into the kitchen. Through heavy eye lids, the young Demi-Dragon peered at the closed cupboards then rousing himself out of his trance-like state he quickly assembled his guardian's favourite meal. " You're a big Guardian Familiar now." remarked Ryoma dryly as he placed a large bowl before his friend. " So next time, make your own breakfast."

Karupin's reply was a cheerful smirk. " Now where's the fun in that?" he chirped as he happily waved his tail. " Besides, cat's are terrible cooks."

A strange vision of Eiji wearing a frilly apron and presenting a cringing Oishi with a charcoal'd platter of what used to be food, briefly danced before him. Shaking his head to clear it and rubbing his eyes while deciding he must be sleepwalking, Ryoma headed for the shower in the hope he would come alive once more.

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

After arranging to meet with his beloved friend at his father's house after the match, Ryoma strode rapidly down the street; his mind full of the coming day's events. His racket held over his left shoulder as his right hand remained in his pocket, the youth was so lost in his visions of victory that he wasn't aware of the large bus pulling up just ahead of him until a chorus of loud cheering pulled him out of his reverie. Glancing up, he noticed a slender woman whose hair fell past her shoulders emerge first; followed by a grinning teenager who was instantly surrounded by a noisy group of excited girls.

Calls of; " You have to win today!" followed by a confidant " Of course" drifted into Ryoma's sensitive ears, bringing a hint of a smug smirk to his lips as the red headed youth's team mates lined up a little to one side of the adoring fan club.

" And now we have to wait while Hiroshi's fans worship him." Ryoma heard the tallest member of the group growl with more than just a hint of annoyance. " Stupid Knotwaddie."

" Knot-waddie?" thought Ryoma as he stared from beneath his hat brim. " What's a Knotwaddie? Never mind, Kaido senpai will beat him."

Schooling his features into the most deadpan expression he could muster, the Seigaku singles champion prepared to arrogantly stroll past them.

" Wait a moment!"

Knowing he had been spotted, Ryoma answered the call with a low " Mada, mada, Da ne." as the speaker appraised him like a hound scenting a fox.

" Are you Ryoma?" turning to her team, Hanamara cheerfully announced the young mythic's presence to instantly grab everyone's mildly hostile attention.

A menacing red glow briefly flared behind the rectangular green eye shields of a very short youth, while a thin jet of smoke curled from the nostrils of his towering companion. Noticing how the teenagers dark eyes momentarily burned with orange fire, Ryoma let his disinterested gaze rove over the others as Shinzyo tried to bore holes into him with the force of his penetrating gaze alone.

" I remember you kings blood." his mind snarled as his hands itched to reach out and seize the dragon imp standing right before him. " I remember our fight and why I am now forced to live as this!"

Smirking at the former Dark Hunter's smoldering rage, Ryoma's eyes flicked over the curious Knotwaddie to rest on the hostile gaze of a hidden Hikari. 'Echizen Ryoma' the mythic sent as his frosty glare raked over the raven-haired boy. 'Demi-Dragon'

About to work up a snarky reply, Ryoma's thoughts were interrupted by the woman now standing just off to his left asking to speak with him and turning to face her, the short youth drank in the shadowy view of her true form with his powerful second sight.

" I'm the coach of Jyousei, Hanamara." she smiled. " Nice to meet you."

His scrutiny complete, Ryoma mumbled a low; " Er.. hello."

" You're an interesting mix breed." the woman remarked as she carefully studied the teenager. " Part Demon, part gold dragon... the only one of your kind and I've been watching you." Her face cracking back into a friendly smile, she leaned down to stare into the boy's large green-gold eyes. " Much like his were." she muttered before straightening and becoming brisk. " You're a strong dragon, I can feel it! If you come to my school, you will become even more so!" When the youth's only reply was a steady glare, Hanamara leaned down again to speak quietly. " I'm sorry to learn of the mighty gold's death, he was.. a great dragon." Ryoma's answering stare could have stopped an earthquake, but Hanamara was completely un-intimidated as she forged ahead. " Let me take care of you now, and bring your powers to their full potential. Why, I'll even let you bring your Mongoose!" Ignoring the blazing daggers of doom flaring in the boy's eyes, she held up her hands in a consoling gesture. " You don't have to join us now. After the Kanto game will be fine."

'No way!' his mind snapped as his head emphasized his sending with a sharp movement. 'Never!'

'Oh?' Hanamara sent back at him. 'Never is a long time child, so why do you refuse?'

' The gold is my great grandfather.' replied Ryoma firmly. 'His blood, his training, has made me strong and my team mates are my family.' Abandoning his mind speak, the youth proudly drew himself up to his full scant human height. " I won't EVER leave Seigaku!" Turning on his heel, he furiously stalked away.

" Demons can be so rude." thought Kajimoto to himself before indignantly saying to his nearest team mate; " He is so impolite!"

Watching his former quarry leave, Shinzyo's only thoughts were of the terrible pain he had suffered and of how he would take his revenge.

Noticing the suppressed rage in her player's eyes, Hanamara sent him a silent warning before settling her gaze on Ryoma's back at the top of the nearby stairs. " Poor little imp." she thought with a smile. " I don't think it's sunk in that his grandfather is dead, but never mind. I'll give you time to grieve little one, then I'll make you mine."

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

Shaking two large pink pom-poms, Tomo practiced the type of cheering whose piercing volume broke several ear drums over at distant Hyotei before falling silent and letting her arms dangle at her sides. Face splitting into a happy grin, she then turned toward a nearby tree where her best friend hid nervously. " Come on now, don't be shy Sakuno!"

Her crimson face slowly poking out from behind a slender trunk, the young red dragon in her human disguise bowed her head to mumble her embarrassment. Laughing, Tomo lunged forward to eagerly seize her best friend's arm. " Come on!" the Wyvern yelled into her face. " Why hide? You're a big, tough dragon aren't you? So come out and cheer for Ryoma!"

" Ryoma..." said Sakuno slowly as her friend turned to wave at their class mates. " Tomo, why bother to try and impress him? He belongs to Momo' now, and... he doesn't even know I'm alive."

Ignoring her friend's doleful expression, Tomo almost wrenched Sakuno's arm from its socket as she happily dragged the braided girl onto the tennis courts. " He may get an urge to fly a female one of these centuries." the pony-tailed girl whispered before raising her voice. " Let's cheer for all of Seigaku!"

His sharp ears picking up on the quiet conversation, Horio grinned smugly as he closed his eyes to speak. " He's soul bound, so you two can forget the Demi-Dragon!"

" What?" snapped Tomo as she whirled about to bay directly into his face. Gulping nervously, Horio flinched back, his hands raised defensively as the girl practically roared at him. " Stupid Tanuki! I said one of these centuries! Sheesh! You've been hanging around us long enough to know not to interfere with us! Huh! Fluffy tailed ferrets should stay out of a dragon's way!"

Clenching his fists, Horio snarled through his teeth. " What? Don't look down on me just because I lack wings and scales you over grown salamander!"

" Oh yeah?" shot back Tomo at once. " Who looks down on who? Two years, you like to boast! Two stupid years of poorly played tennis!"

Shaking their heads, two watching wererats regarded them sadly.

" They really should stop arguing." remarked Kachiro with a sigh. " Some mythics are saying their married."

" Hikari forbid!" snorted Katsuo in reply. " Mind you, a Tankui kind of looks like a mongoose..."

" And a Wyvern is snake like." Chuckled his friend. Eyes going wide at a sudden thought, Kachiro smirked into his hands. " Oh no... they have turned into Momo' and Kaido senpais..."

Instantly, the pair trailed off into helpless laughter as Tomo glared and a surly looking Ryoma appeared on the scene.

Forgetting the outraged Tanuki, Tomo's face lit up the young male's approach and pumping her arms out from her sides, she vigorously waved them up and down for his benefit. " Ryoma kun! " she shouted in a way that made the boy wince. " Ryoma kun!" Thrusting her face forward to stop just shy of the tip of his nose, the exuberant girl twirled about a few times before cheerfully asking if her cheerleader's outfit was cute.

A long stare answered her question, then Ryoma spoke in a quiet mumble. " Karupin is cute and so is Momo' when he's sleeping." Tugging his cap down, he then firmly strode between the mildly shocked females as he opened his mind to call to his life mate. Feeling the faint buzz of a private sending, Sakuno sighed; her shoulders slumping. It was hopeless to pursue the Demi-Dragon she knew, yet she kept a tiny flame flickering in her immortal heart in case one day the object of her desires ever fell victim to his powerful dragon instincts. But, her mind firmly reminded her as Horio smugly remarked on Ryoma not caring, the chance of it ever happening was extremely remote.

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

The early morning breezes tugged at wavy red hair as Eiji's large azure eyes swept the gathering. Failing to notice a certain dark-haired singles champion, turned inquiringly to Momo' who informed the Cat Lord of his life mate's imminent arrival. Bouncing on the balls of his feet, he craned his neck to see past his friends then loudly greeted the Demi-Dragon with a cheerful; " Here you are o chibi chan!"

Answering with a low "Good Morning" as Momo' joined him, Ryuzaki gave the short youth a single sharp nod before calling the groups attention.

" All of you gather here as Oishi has something to say."

Momentarily closing his eyes as he acknowledged his team mates with a nod, his forest green orbs snapped open as he began to speak. " The Jyousei group are all outcasts and not to be taken lightly."

" Nya?" asked Eiji as his head cocked to one side. " Outcasts?"

" Rogues." said Oishi firmly. " It's members have no clans, no family. Their coach is Hanamara; a demon, and she is their sole protector so all of you, be very careful."

Extending his right arm to silently ask for unity, Oishi was grateful when Momo' instantly covered his hand with his own. Noticing how the others were holding back, the human form Moon Dog eyed them imploringly.

" The demon who marked me is among them." said Eiji in a small voice as he placed nervous hands behind his head. " Then he went after our chibi chan."

" I remember what he did to me." growled Ryoma quietly as he placed his hand over Momo's. " But it's behind me now and I'm not afraid."

Their heads bobbing with agreement, Fuji, Kaido and Inui added their hands as well.

Terrified at having to face his attacker even with the safety of the match, Eiji continued to hang back from joining the comradely gesture. " That.. that Shinzyo did this to me!" he yowled while jabbing a stiff index finger at his bandaged cheek. " And then he wounded both Momo' and Ryoma in a brutal attack nya!" His fists balled before his chest, Eiji's voice took on a faint note of rising hysteria. " He could do the same to any of you, so how can you all be so calm?"

Fuji's cerulean orbs peeled open to glitter dangerously as Oishi spoke a gentle reassurance. " Eiji, you mustn't show fear as it's just the type of reaction that hunter wants! Now come on." Raising his voice, he called out;" Seigaku... FIGHT!"

" FIGHT ON!" echoed the others as they simultaneously threw their hands upwards.

" Let me handle him if he tries anything." declared Takashi as the group broke apart. Chuckling, Momo' playfully shoved his racket towards him. Irritably pushing it aside, the disguised red dragon muttered a quiet; " I don't need it."

" Then you're not being the Takashi I know." laughed Momo' as he all but forced the object into his team mate's hands. " Now take it!"

With the handle held firmly in his right fist, bright orange flames flared to life about him as he lifted his racket high and roared like an enraged beast. " ALL RIGHT EVERYONE, LISTEN TO ME! THE WINNERS OF THE MATCH GETS TO HAVE ALL YOU CAN EAT SUSHI, WHILE THE LOSERS GET NOTHING BUT WASABI FOR A WHOLE YEAR!" Lightening bolts of dragon-ish enthusiasm crackled about him as he glared at his stunned friends out of crazed eyes. " SEIGAKU... VICTORY! THAT STUPID HUNTER HASN'T GOT A CHANCE!"

Recovering from the unearthly sight of the outlandish display, Ryoma blinked as he uttered the word " Sushi?" like a spell. Instantly the others pressed in around him, their faces the very picture of greed as Takashi's words sunk in.

" All you can eat?" they remarked together and at their friend's firm nod, they began to chatter excitedly.

" ALL YOU CAN EAT!" shouted Tomo as she jumped up and down before them, her pompoms rustling loudly as she waved them. " ALL YOU CAN EAT! VICTORY! GO! GO! ALL YOU CAN EAT!"

Breaking into raucous laughter at her antics, the team heartily wished each other good luck and a strong victory for the coming game.

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

From their place on the far side of the grounds, team Jyousei Shounan stared across at their rivals in surprised disbelief.

" So they are Seigaku?" sneered Wakato with a contemptable flick at his glossy hair. " What a foolish spectacle! Someone should lock those noisy leather wings back in their cage!"

" I heard the golden lizard who leads them is dead." remarked Kouhei nastily

" And with him gone," chuckled his twin, " they are hopeless."

" He was no king of mine," rumbled the huge teenager beside them, " So I don't care, but our coach holds them in high esteem. HUH!" he added scornfully as smoke curled between his teeth. " I don't think they are that special."

" Well I find them interesting." said the short teenager at Daichi's side with a wicked grin as his hidden eyes burned with red fire.

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

Sadly regarding the large pink pompoms forced into his unwilling hands, Horio groaned miserably as his friends wearily resigned themselves to their fate.

" So what if Tomo wants us to use them?" muttered Katsuo rebelliously, " Pink and rats just don't mix."

" Moon Shade Rangers don't wave girlie pompoms!" added Horio in disgust. " It's unmanly! Mythics will be calling us the "Sissy Rangers" instead!"

" We aren't Moon Shade Rangers anymore." sighed Kachiro as he let the fluffy objects dangle from limp hands. " Remember?"

" There is a full moon soon." was Horio's cryptic reply. Thinking of the rumours he had hear surrounding the Silver and the Bronze, he added almost to himself; " We may yet be needed..."

A loud chorus of fan girlie squealing cut into his thoughts, causing the group to turn and glare at a little scene taking place beyond the opposite fence line. Surrounded by his adoring fans, Wakato was showing his sparkling splendor to his full advantage.

" What is he... a peacock?" growled the Tanuki in disgust as the flame-haired youth posed for photos with four delighted fans

" He is a Knotwaddie and looked on as a superstar." Said Inui who had strolled up to join the little group. " An unusual creature..."

Hissing like a pit full of vipers, Kaido's scowling face appeared from behind his lover's back. " He's the one in the magazine that shouted of us being mythics?" His dark expression deepening at Inui's immediate nod, the Naga looked ready hurl himself on the strutting narcissus and crush the living day lights out of him.

Smirking at his frustrated boyfriend, Inui toyed with his glasses as he continued to address his fascinated audience of freshman. " They use... super training methods that work their human forms alone."

" You mean..?" gasped Horio as his eyes went huge and round.

" Yes." answered Inui as his arms folded across his chest. " Hanamara allows no mythic powers or true forms for training."

" That's tough.." remarked Kachiro thoughtfully. " but then, captain Tezuka or Ryuzaki sensei don't allow much mythic training either."

" Ah!" cut in Horio while holding up a knowing finger. " We are free to make our choices when to transform. I don't believe they have the same luxury."

" You know a lot about it." replied Katsuo dryly.

" Of course!" quipped Horio as he planted both hands on his hips. " Who do you think I am?"

" An idiot." answered the wererat absent mindedly as he gazed off at the two tone blue colours of Jyousei about to enter the courts. " They look so cool..."

" Don't judge them by appearance." chuckled Momo' as he wandered up to stand directly behind the staring trio. " That coach of theirs... I heard she's a demon noble."

" A princess." remarked Inui quietly as he watched her talking to Kajimoto. " Skillful, powerful, it makes her dangerous."

" She's a freak." Mumbled Ryoma from his place in front Momo's mid section as the taller youth stepped back to make way for him. Laying a gentle hand on his life mate's right shoulder, the bristle-haired teen calmly asked why. " She tried flirting with me a short time ago."

Several sharp intakes of breath cut through the sudden hush descending on the gathering, then Momo' snarled through bared teeth as he glared death and destruction at the laughing coach.

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

" All players gather!" Ryuzaki's commanding tones split the air and with all eyes upon her, she announced the play offs. " Singles one: Fuji. Singles two: Ryoma. Singles three: Kaido. Doubles one: Eiji-Oishi. Doubles two: Inui-Momo.' Do your best everyone."

Turning away, the old coach strolled toward the coaches bench; only to stop and glare at the sight that met her eyes. Two smoky grey orbs gleaming behind oval glasses locked onto hers in a stare of challenge as the painted lips beneath them curved into a sly smile. 'Greetings old dragon' dropping the mind send, Hanamara opened her mouth to speak plain. " It's going to be a pleasure to play against your team."

Snorting a thin jet of fire only the demon before her could see, Ryuzaki voiced a low grunt before settling onto her seat.

Across from her, Momo' and Inui picked up their stringed weapons as they prepared to do battle. Curious about the twins standing only a few scant meters away, Momo' nudged his doubles partner to ask of their origins. Upon learning they were forest elf twins, the Mongoose spirit grinned broadly. " A group of Elf twins?"

Heads half turning, the pair replied to Momo's comment in perfect unison. " We aren't a group!" deliberately turning their backs, they followed up with the words; " We're a unit!"

Winking over his shoulder, Youhei jabbed his thumb towards his chin as he lifted his voice. " I hope a rat and a worm can play!"

Momo's temper instantly flared. " Now listen up! We..." But whatever he was about to say was cut off by Inui placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

" I know you are strong.." he began quietly. "...but don't use up your energy before the match begins."

Visibly deflating, Momo' mumbled a surly apology before clenching his fist and throwing his antagonists a savage glare. " A rat and worm." he growled within. " Just who the hell do they think they are?"

Moving into position on the base line, Momo's sensitive ears picked up the pink-haired elf's words drifting over the battlefield as the bristle-haired youth prepared to serve.

" Can these guys really think they can compete with us?"

" Idiot" was the instant scathing reply. " Of course not. Look at them! What kind of moron pairs a snake with a mongoose?" Kouhei then breathed a derisive snort. " They are natural enemies whose only desire is to hunt down and slay each others species, so they can't possibly play tennis together!"

" What are you saying daisy dancer?" snapped Momo' as his purple orbs flashed with anger. " Why I ought to..."

" Momoshiro of The Shifting Sands." began Inui calmly. " We are about to start a game."

Grinding his teeth, Momo' glared at the Basilisks huge shadow form turning to look at him and swallowing down his annoyance, he muttered a frustrated; "I see." before slamming the ball hard across the net.

Kouhei swiftly returned it from the baseline, only to have Momo' gallop along his own as he met the missile with a laugh. " You are too inexperienced to play at our level!" Dealing the ball a fearsome forehand, he smirked triumphantly; only to freeze in surprise at his enemies next move. Both were awaiting the assault just behind the service line, their feet braced apart as each stood exactly a meter from either side of the mid line. " So they wait there huh?" thought Momo' as his face cracked into a grin. " I'll just pop it clean over their heads and hope it doesn't catch on their pointed ears on the way through!"

However, his illusions of an easy victory were quickly shattered when the pair pounced on the base line to meet the ball as it dropped. Youhei's racket then met the missile with a resounding crack to send it roaring past Momo' for a 15-0 score.

Shocked at what he had just seen, Momo' could only stare in stunned amazement as the cries of the Jyousei cheer squad rang in his ears. " Youhei... Kouhei... good job!"

" Their combination is the best." sneered Kajimoto from behind the ring-lock wire. " The serpent and the rat can't figure them out."

Over in the Seigaku "camp", Oishi gripped the fence as if drowning as his jaw hung open. " I never knew forest elves could move so fast! Why, they are almost like Hikari!"

Beside him, Fuji nodded grimly. "Saa.. Momo' and Inui will have to work hard."

Tapping his racket against his shoulder as Momo' stooped to collect the ball, Youhei grinned at his twin. " That stupid creature can't work out our combination!"

" Yes." agreed Kouhei with glee. " Youhei, lets aim only at the rat and we'll have this game won in thirty minutes!"

Frowning at the constant chatter, Momo' bounced the ball as he readied his next serve. " Damn!" he thought as he directed blazing eyes in the twins direction. " They could predict my move but this time, I wont let them anywhere near!"

Racket whistling up to meet the thrown ball, Momo' glared as Youhei returned it with a savage backhand; followed by the pair of Jyousei players charging forward to form up on the service line once more.

Closely watching the flight path of the runaway missile, Momo' pushed off with his right foot; breaking into a rapid dash up the baseline as he extended his weapon to line up the fast moving object for a devastating blow. " I wont be cheated again!" he snarled as he shot past a motionless Inui. Spying the yawning amount of unguarded space behind the twins, his lips curved into a pleased smirk as the green and white object arched into contact with his racket. " OK! This time, I'll make it fly high. Yes! A Mongoose moon volley! Are you watching Oishi?"

With an explosive crack the ball raced skyward in a spectacular launch bid to the heavens, but answering gravity's playful pull it curved gracefully mid air to return to Earth at high velocity. As it happened before, the twins were ready and waiting at precisely the point the felt covered object would land.

Ignoring their rival's shocked outburst, Youhei sent the missile howling over the barrier for the eager Mongoose spirit's return assault. But drawing his arm back, Momo' scooped the low flying ball; only to curse bitterly as his shot plowed forcefully into the top of the net. Barely aware of the linesman calling a thirty- love score, he swore under his breath in his own chattering language. " Damn! They are taking the lead!"

His arms folded over his chest in unconscious imitation of his absent captain, Oishi shook his head as watched the drama unfold from where he stood between the staring forms of Fuji and Ryoma. " It's not good." the green-eyed youth remarked tensely as he glared at the fuming, bristle-haired player. " Momoshiro is getting angry." turning to his small friend, he asked the Demi-Dragon to speak to his mate.

"He can be stubborn." the boy remarked dryly as his green-gold eyes briefly appeared from under his hat brim. " But I'll try." Falling silent, his large orbs glazed over as he mind spoke to his agitated lover.

Out on the war zone, the twins acknowledged the cheer squads excited acclaim as they stood back to back mid base line.

" The target will remain the Mongoose." muttered Youhei, his aquamarine eyes glittering with cunning anticipation.

" I agree" nodded Kouhei whose similar orbs mirrored his twins. " The hairy tailed rat is a lot like me; impetuous and impatient. Oh yes, we'll beat him easily."

Shoulders hunched, his head down as his chest heaved, Momo' stared wildly at the uncaring ground as he answered his life mate's silent questions. 'Those bastards are so damn proud!'

' It's a doubles match' Ryoma reminded him. 'Let Inui help you.'

' YOU can talk!' snapped Momo' impatiently. 'Remember our first doubles game? I have to take them down Ryoma, you'll see! I'll take them down no matter what!'

Tugging once on his cap brim, Ryoma broke off contact; deciding to let the obstinate Mongoose dig his own grave as Inui's hidden shadow form briefly manifested to glare at him.

Ignoring the mighty serpent and his life mate alike, Momo' ground his teeth as his frustration mounted. " These guys!" he snarled within. " How dare they disrespect me?"

Kouhei's lightening fast serve charged with pin point precision for the far left corner of the trammel lines and growling like an angry cat, he sprinted past a barely moving Inui to meet it head on. With the arena's right flank now wide open to attack, Youhei hit a hard ball for the other trammels as Inui rushed along the net to intercept. Lunging forward, the spiky-haired teenager's racket missed the missiles satisfying kiss by a whisker but Momo; in a desperate bid for victory, galloped straight past him to lift the ball high.

" I could hear him coming." thought Inui grimly as he glared through his glasses. " I could have taken it, but to do so would have risked a collision. Momoshiro, this is a doubles game yet you treat it as a single and if this continues, I predict an eighty percent chance of a devastating loss."

Back and forth the missile flew as both parties hit, ran, skidded to a halt to swing and run again. Missing a powerful hit that slammed down in one corner, Momo' spat the word "Bastard!" as he glared savagely at the gloating Elves.

Dark grey eyes twinkling with pleasure at the twins remarkable tennis prowess, Hanamara threw a contemptible glance her rival's way. ' The Mongoose has a good style, stronger than any of his kind I've ever seen, but his powers wont help him now!'

Snorting, Ryuzaki simply pretended the boasting demon opposite her didn't exist as she folded her arms to stare sternly at her player. ' Momoshiro, don't panic. You'll be trapped by your own anger if you do!'

" Get out of my head!" Momo' snapped to himself. " Senders! Annoying bastards... the lot of them!"

Hitting the ball high, his eyes narrowed as he watched the twins back shuffle for the baseline. Smirking as the returning shot just cleared the net to fly upwards, Momo' rushed in to take it.

" MOMOSHIRO, NO!" shouted Inui. " GET BACK!"

But the urgent advice was instantly forgotten as the Seigaku powerhouse used his well toned leg muscles to spring high into the air.

" Like leaping at a large snake." he thought as he grinned. " Take THAT Elves! DUNK SMASH!"

With a cry of "Duo Harmony." the mythic twins overlapped their rackets and to the Mongoose spirit's utter astonishment, the fast moving ball bounced off the strings with a loud "Doc" to ricochet off to Momo's left for a point.

" My... smash!" gasped a shocked Momo' beneath his breath as he stood with legs braced apart from the force his landing. " They returned my smash!" Letting his racket drop from limp fingers as his back straightened, he wondered if his eyes were somehow deceiving him. " My strongest, hardest smash, yet they returned it as if it were nothing." Closing his eyes, he bowed his head as his limbs shook. " It's over."

Hearing the steady, even tread of sneakers beside him, Momo' half turned to peer dejectedly at his partner. " Momo," Inui's deep, quiet voice near his ear seemed to reach out and caress him. " This game is tough."

Eyes snapping open, Momo's head shot up as the expected scolding never occurred and puzzled as to why the Basilisk was being so calm, the bristle-haired teenager could only splutter a few startled words. " What? What did you say? What do you mean?"

Inui's answering smile was strangely indulgent. " You are playing this game alone and resisting any attempt I make to aid you." Spinning on his heel, the Seigaku juice fiend started to stroll away.

" Wait!" extending his right arm, Momo's hand gripped Inui's left sleeve.

" Don't get over excited." murmured Inui as he turned back to face his friend once more. " Be calm."

Momo's chest heaved then swallowing down his anger, he spoke quietly. " I'm sorry, but this is my true nature."

His hidden eyes temporarily drinking in the hidden sight of a large transparent, spine bristling, tooth bared mammal overlapping the human Momoshiro's lower body, Inui just simply turned away from his partner to resume the game without another word.

The battle quickly recommenced, but after a further ten minutes of intense play, the game stood at a strong 4-0 in Jyousei's favour.

" Damn!" Swearing several unsavoury Mongoose words as he muttered under his breath, Momo' glared at his adversary's as if he were going to eat them. " We just can't defeat them! By the shifting sands, what can we do?"

As Momo' wrestled with his dilemma, a watching Katsuo sadly remarked to his friends on the twins ability to unfailingly hit back everything Momo' could throw at them. Nodding, Horio pointed out Inui's all too calm demeanor.

" The Basilisk is too still." Rubbing his chin, Horio's expression turned crafty. " It would be something if he bothered to hit a few balls every now and then, but he's just standing there so Momo' senpai is panicking!"

" But," said Katsuo thoughtfully. " Can't you see what's happening? If Inui tries for a ball, he'll crash right into Momo since the Mongoose won't give way!"

" Huh!" snorted Horio, turning his back while folding his arms over his chest. " He is just being stubborn."

Feeling cross, Katsuo glared at his friend. " Come on! You know how proud Inui senpai is of his skills!"

Whipping around, the angry Tanuki's right fist shot out to strike the young wererat square in the chest. Ignoring Kachiro's shocked outcry at his friend's aggressive behaviour, Katsuo fought back with both fists; his tightly clenched pompoms flailing spectacularly in Horio's outraged face.

" I KNOW THAT!" Horio roared as he struck back with a few hard pompom holding punches of his own. " BUT HE IS BEING TOO SELF CENTERED TODAY!"

Sensing the imminent beginnings of an all out brawl, Kachiro tried to get between them, but his peace making efforts only seemed to goad them further. A few ripe oaths split the air causing Ryoma to almost choke on his ponta as he stared at the warring pair with huge eyes. Swinging his gaze toward his life mate, he spent a moment looking directly into his lover's deep purple orbs before joining Oishi and Eiji in a dash to prevent a murder.

Seizing each others throats, the pair bayed wildly into each others faces at point blank range while their bristling shadow forms menaced each other tooth to tooth.

" Apologise to me!" yelled Katsuo while completely ignoring Tomo as she tried to talk sense into him.

" Never!" snapped Horio as Kachiro tugged at his shirt and frantically asked him to stop. " Release me you mindless mouse!"

His eyes blazing, Katsuo's left leg shot out to connect sharply with Horio's shins.

" CAT TOY REJECT" screamed the Tanuki as he shrilled in pain. " YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!"

Lashing out with his own foot, he caught his antagonist just above the knee.

" HAIRY WALKING BATH MAT!" was the furious response.

" Calm down!" shouted Tomo as she tried unsuccessfully to pull the fighters apart.

" HOW CAN I CALM DOWN..." roared Horio as he swung another punch, " WHEN THIS OVER SIZED CHIHUAHUA WONT TAKE HIS SLIMY PAWS OFF ME?"

Baring his teeth, Katsuo lost whatever small hold he had on completely losing his temper. His head lunging forward, the human form wererat's teeth snapped like a steel trap a hair's breath from the tip of his friend's nose. " YOU GO TO FAR HORIO KUN! NOW YOUR BEING THE SAME AS MOMO' SENPAI!"

Hearing the venomous words loudly broadcast right across the entire tennis complex, Momo's head jerked as cold shock coursed it's way through him. " The same as me." he thought as the words hit home to strike a revealing cord in his mind. " Aggressive and foolish. Yes, I've been that way all along. How could I be so blind?" Lifting his bowed head, he gazed sadly across at Eiji now standing between them as Oishi kept a half nelson hold on a furiously struggling Katsuo and Kachiro clung to a hissing, spitting Horio for all he was worth.

Spinning on his heel, Momo pushed the thoughts of his reckless playing to the back of his mind as he firmly strode over to a silent Inui. " I'm sorry." he then muttered while bending at the hips in a formal bow. " I almost played this as a single game..." pausing, he held his racket out to his friend. "...but I'm over it now, so let the real combat begin!"

" Yes Hunter slayer." replied Inui as the loud argument beyond the fence line came to an abrupt halt. " Show them how a snake and a mongoose play doubles."

Pushing their knuckles together, the pair sealed their pact by touching rackets as they smiled.

" They seemed to have worked things out." Oishi observed as he released Katsuo and Eiji relaxed. " Good, let's them play now."

Gazing over at Ryoma, Momo' silently apologised for his outrageous behaviour and was instantly rewarded with one of his life mate's rare and beautiful half-hidden-by-his-hat-brim's smiles.

With court side peace restored and a new resolve burning in his soul, Momo tossed the ball high for a serve. Racing across the net, the little round object thundered down with the force of an impacting meteor for an instant point.

Stunned at the powerful ace, Youhei yelped as he turned to his brother with an indignant; " What's up with him?"

" He seems to have recovered his temper." answered Kouhei with annoyance. " But don't worry, send a high level shot to scare him."

Smirking, the pink-haired Elf did as he was told; only to have a high flying Momo' leap up and gently tap it back over the net. Cursing under his breath, Youhei rushed in to meet it. Racing up the net's length, Inui sprang up to intercept the returning shot for a devastating smash score.

Four-one, then four-two, the pair from Seigaku slowly but surely started the even the score. Crossing their rackets the twins tried in vain to stop a brutal blow from Momo', but their hands were unable to withstand the terrible force and they could only stare in helpless despair as their weapons flew from their grasp to spin away with a loud whirr. With the game now almost even, the small forest dwellers began to look decidedly worried as they wandered over to face their silently fuming coach.

Standing before Ryuzaki, Momo' beamed happily as the old dragon praised them for turning the game around. " Alright! You've caught up, now take the victory by working together!"

Picking up his grey plastic water bottle, Momo took a long sip as Ryoma's voice spoke quietly in his mind. 'Looks like your playing double now so go and beat them... life mate.'

Smiling gently, the bristle-haired youth then turned his attention to the trio of freshmen intently watching him near by. " Hey... Horio, Katsuo... thank you."

" Huh?" muttered Horio he traded puzzled a puzzled glance with his friends. " A thanks? How come?"

" It's for helping me calm down." Momo' explained patiently. " I feel much better... because of you guys."

Shrugging his shoulders, Horio muttered something intangible as both he and Katsuo closed their eyes to ponder their senpai's words. Smirking, Momo' turned to Inui with renewed vigour. " Let's take the victory!"

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

Twenty minutes later the game stood at 5-4 in Seigaku's favour and with spirits running high, Momo' snatched up his bottle to toast the coming victory and smiling from ear to ear, he drank deeply. One slender eyebrow twitching up as he noticed something amiss, Inui suddenly leaned forward to hold out his right hand.

" Ah... Momo... wait..."

" Eh?" mumbled Momo, his lips curving into a happy smile as two Inui's suddenly wavered before him. " Oh boy! Double Basilisks!" he slurred as he abruptly swayed on unsteady legs. " I love you guys!" A sharp hiccup erupted from his throat and voicing a loud "WEEEE!" he keeled over to lay motionless on his side.

Seeing her player fall down then lay in a happy trance, Ryuzaki flew to the stricken youth's side. " Momo! Get up.. what's wrong? MOMO!"

But the bristle-haired player was stoned to the wide and rounding furiously on a puzzled Inui, she bawled directly into his face. " WHAT THE HELLS WRONG WITH HIM?"

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

In answer to the old coaches urgent call, a groaning Momo was soon being lifted onto a stretcher by concerned mythic first-aiders and with his pale skin sweating buckets, the tall teenager let out a series of long suffering moans of the damned as an anxious Ryoma held his hands. " I'm dying.." he groaned melodramatically as he milked the situation for all it was worth. " ...Ryoma, avenge me..."

Standing close by, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Inui slowly rubbed the back of his head as Ryoma fixed him with a You-DO- know-your-DEAD look. " I'm sorry Momoshiro, Echizen. That's an experimental juice.. hmm, the taste isn't even completed..."

With one of her doubles players now out of action Ryuzaki had no choice but to forfeit and breathing narrow jets of flame only her shuddering team could see, she rounded savagely to snarl fire and brimstone at the astonished Basilisk. " You stupid belly crawler! How dare you bring this strange stuff to a match!"

Stepping back a little from the bottle being thrust into his face, Inui's voice took on a note of mild surprise. " Strange... stuff?" His eyebrows soaring to his hair line, Inui could only stand motionless as recriminations from his coach rained down on his head.

Across the battle field, Kajimoto took in the entire embarrassing scene with ill concealed amusement. " Stupid really.." he remarked to the disguised dragons beside him, "...to lose over an upset stomach."

Just then, the overhead speaker blared into life to announce the immediate start of the next game. Turning to Oishi, Eiji smiled as he held out his hand. " Come on Oishi, let's play."

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

To Be Continued...

Elf notes.

There are several different kinds of elves. Forest elves are the smallest, fastest and most numerous. In their natural state, they are hunters and gathers that live in extended family groups deep the forests heart with a life span of up to three hundred years.

Valley elves grow to a standard human height and choose to live in woodland or mountain passes. Expert hunters, they also cultivate small crops and orchids. Life span is longer at five hundred years.

Dark elves. Also called "the drow" these elves dwell in caves and prefer the shadows of the darkness, yet they are comfortable enough in the sun light for short periods and blend well into human society. Life spans of Five to six hundred years are common.

High elves. Tall, willowy and regal, these secretive and soft spoken mythics live in deep forest, light woodland or mountain passes. Possessing the highest level of natural magic, they are the most powerful of the elf races and reaching life spans of over a thousand, they are also the longest lived.