I'M BACCCCCK! Yes gang, Tora has returned from Albany! The weather was wild and woolly as we hiked over wind swept mountains, descended into mist shrouded valleys, was sprayed with the salt of stormy seas while mountainous surf boomed against some the most beautifully ruggered coast line in W.A and.. I wouldn't not have missed a minute of it for the world! Once the wind died down, we drove out to the towering Karri forests to walk on the soaring ramp that is the tree top walk at Walpole and if you have never stood 40 meters above the ground among majestic, silent trees then let me tell you... its an incredible experience.

This chapter of the chronicle is dedicated to Amy. Thank you so much for your e-mail's and continuing support.

Reviews! YAY!

Analine: Happy to see you enjoyed the last two chapters!

Kagome Girl 21: In the anime, this game was dead boring. I mean, Ryoma broke through deep impact with ridiculous ease so I thought I'd spice things up a little!

DnKs Girls: THANK YOU! This time, the game is far more dramatic.

Yoshikochan: Ryoma has some different help this time.

Eien No Kaze: Wishing death on our beloved Ryoma, You are evil! Grin.. that's why I like you... lol

Alaena Flame Dragon Star: Notice in the bowling ep how Tezuka is connected with his team? smirk. Hints of real telepathy perhaps?

Ruji: Ah.. the joys of beating up Ryoma...

Disclaimer, That claimer... you know the drill by now...NOT MINE!

"Blood And Shadows... A Mosaic Of Darkness."

" Shades of Grey"

Part two.

Story: Tora Macaw.

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

" Get up." His body feeling incredibly sluggish, it seemed to the dazed Ryoma that every single nerve and fiber of his being was crying out to him. " Get up." Hearing the smooth, yet commanding tones echoing faintly within his soul, the young Mythic instantly struggled to obey.

Ever so slowly, his strength flowed back into his body; his heavy eye lids opening just enough to allow him to see the dim outline of a ragged winged demon standing before him.

His left palm up as he swiftly extended his arm, Shinzyo smirked cruelly at his fallen enemy. ' So... how does it feel imp? How does it feel to have your very soul forcefully torn from your body as your life blood sings its way out of ragged tears in your extremely vulnerable flesh?'

Vision clearing, the dark haired youth shook his head as he gingerly pushed himself into a sitting position. Repeatedly swallowing down the bile that threatened to boil up out of his throat, Ryoma rested his right hand on his thigh as his left leg curved limply before him. Trying to lift a skull seemingly made out of lead, his body shook as if exhausted. He felt as though he had run a gruelling marathon of a hundred terrible miles. Yet as long minutes dragged past, the sensation of being weighed down by heavy iron chains lifted and with his strength rapidly returning he grinned maliciously at the snarling Hunter through sweaty bangs of raven black hair.

Gazing over at the horrified expressions of the Demi-Dragon's team mates, Kajimoto shook his head in disbelief as his eyes flickered between Shinzyo's savage features and the cold rage marring the face of his coach.

" Life drain." he muttered to no one in particular as a mildly upset Wakato beside him pushed his hands deep within his Jyousei jacket pockets. " Hanamara will be angry."

" Furious in fact." drawled the Knotwaddie in reply. " Shinzyo is in deep dragon sh..."

" She needs to stop him!" cut in the Hikari warrior firmly. 'Hanamura! You must do something!'

Unable to answer her team captain's urgent sending as she fought to break through Shinzyo's iron clad mental barriers, the demon princess was only just aware of Ryuzaki's frantic cries as the dragon's shadow form keened its distress; her back muscles tensioned to iron as her ridged arms trembled at her sides.

' Reiji! ' she called out, her mental tone broken with sorrow. 'Why? After all you have been through, after all your training and giving me your trust, why are you doing this? Does your life..and all of ours mean so little to you?' Seeing his bitter expression as Ryoma finally stood up to wince painfully as he touched his right cheek, Hanamura desperately tried once again to reach him. 'Reiji.. although this game is for the nationals, you can't take his life! Answer me Hunter! Has Ryoma become so much of a threat that you MUST seek vengeance before the humans thus endangering us all?'

For a short moment, the tall, muscular youth's red demon eyes flicked in her direction; then shot sideways as his hard stare bored holes into his adversary's defenceless back. " I could kill you quickly." he thought as his prey held up his damaged racket for the linesman's inspection. " But why swallow my meat whole, when I can chew it slowly to savour the taste?"

Staring at the round hole neatly drilled just off center of his racket, Ryoma glared daggers at the one who had dared profane his sacred weapon. Sneering at the youngster's defiance, the grey haired demon met the shorter boy's hostile look with one of open contempt. 'So hatchling, your racket is broken..as you too will soon be.'

' Rackets can be repaired' snorted the Seigaku youth scornfully. ' Pity the same can't be said for you!'

Eyes flashing, the enraged Hunter advanced a step; only to abruptly turn away as Ryoma deliberately turned his back. Shaking a little as he moved on slightly unsteady legs, the raven-haired boy strode across the court to join his very worried coach.

" Ryoma!" gasped Ryuzaki fearfully as her panting, star singles player past a trembling hand before his face. " I'll call this game off at once and..."

" NO!" snapped Ryoma as he mopped pain induced sweat and seeping blood from his face with a towel. " I'll play on. No half torn Hunter is going to beat me!" Dropping the fluffy skin wiper onto the bench, he caught his breath then turned to fiercely face his glaring tormentor.

' Ryoma!' Momo's mind voice calling his name in extreme anguish almost caused him to lose his resolve, but squaring his shoulders, Ryoma silently reassured his life mate as he calmly assessed the dangerous situation while his enemy strolled over to face his own obviously seething coach.

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

" I'll remind you again of your promise!" Back ramrod straight, her arms sternly crossed over her chest, Hanamura's cold rage would have at any other time set the broken Dark Hunter quaking. But with his former quarry completely at his mercy and unable to fight back as nature intended, Shinzyo all but ignored his ranting saviour as he quelled his anger by calmly drinking from his water bottle. " I told you, never use life drain in a tennis match! You want to destroy him..is that it?" she snapped, furious at the way her player was deliberately disobeying her. " You want revenge because you failed your hunt and Aion banished you? Reiji, are you even listening to me? This..is... TENNIS! NOT a HUNT!"

Removing his straw from his mouth, Shinzyo calmly faced the fuming woman as his eyes locked onto a distant point only he could see as he spoke with quiet menace. " Didn't you yourself tell me to win today?"

Her fury subsiding at the smooth, icy tones, Hanamura sighed as an expression of deep concern replaced her look of ill temper. " I don't want to lose you..." she began seriously. "...but I WILL send you back to Aion in many small pieces if you so much as split a hair on his head. Am I understood?"

" Indubitably." Spat Shinzyo coldly, shoving his drink bottle at her before spinning on his heel to stalk savagely away. " Then my life is forfeit as of this day." he thought grimly as he took his place on the battle field. Raising his eyes to the sun, he bid the world a silent farewell as he planned to take Ryoma with him on his final journey.

Meanwhile, the object of his dark desires withdrew a new racket from his bag to carefully inspect the strings before casually remarking to a near panicked old red dragon how the game was about to get interesting.

" INTERESTING!" she all but roared in shear disbelief as her hands firmly planted themselves onto rounded hips. Dropping her voice, Ryuzaki tried desperately to get her stubborn player to see reason. " He's trying to kill you and you call it interesting? Hikari help us boy, this is no friendly game where he'll finish off with a happy handshake! He'll rip your soul clean out of your body and none of us can help you!"

' I don't need help.' came the silent reply as he quietly walked away.

' Fool! Impudent creature!' Ryuzaki mind shouted in exasperation as her hands clenched tightly into fists. ' You'd better watch out because I'm not going to be the one having to tell your grandfather you're DEAD!' Straightening her back, the disguised mythic let her hands drop to hang limp at her sides as she ruefully shook her head. " That imp!" she sighed heavily as she sat down once more. " He is Nanjiroh's son alright and every bit as pridefull as Tezuka himself! By our lost Lord Jinnai.." she muttered as she cast a fearful eye to the heavens."... what am I going to do with him?"

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

" Will Ryoma be OK? " asked a nervous Kachiro as his knuckles turned white from the pressure exerted on his pompoms. " If he loses all his life force..." Breaking off with a shudder, the young wererat turned frightened eyes to his companions as he weighed up several very unpleasant possible outcomes. " I'm very worried." Looking over at the pale faces of his senpais, it became painfully clear to the lycanthrope that they too seemed helpless to interfere.

" He could die.. right here before us." moaned Horio in bleak despair. Holding his pompoms before his face, the hidden Tanuki shook violently. " I can't bare to look!"

Dealing the trembling young male a hard shove so his arms dropped to his sides, Tomo glared indignantly into his saucer-like eyes. " Shut up!" she snarled as she placed angry hands on her hips. " Are you a Tanuki or a field mouse? Show some backbone for goodness sake!"

" Want to see me squeak and eat cheese?" murmured Horio sulkily as he cast an apologetic glance Kachiro and Katsuo's way.

Huffing with open annoyance, Tomo decided to ignore the irritating creature by rounding furiously on his quaking companions. " He will make it because he is RYOMA... a part gold dragon!"

" Even a gold dragon can die." muttered Sakuno under her breath as her oblivious friend closed her eyes to smile knowingly.

" There is an old saying among dragon kind." she announced smugly while holding up an imperious finger. " That only the Hikari lord and Ryoma are hard to deal with! Right Sakuno?"

" Err..." stammered the braided girl as she flatly refused to meet her friend's superior eyes. " I...um... I never heard of it."

" You're just making it up!" drawled Horio, only to withdraw into terrified silence at the Wyvern's murderous glare.

Out on the war zone, the warriors met once more beneath the linesman's steady gaze as he called for the game to recommence.

'Are you ready to die Imp?' Snarled Shinzyo as he glared blazing daggers of doom at his staring adversary.

' Not today.' he quipped as the seething Hunter prepared to serve. 'Mada mada da ne.'

'Reiji...' growled Hanamura as her red demon's eyes bored holes into his back, but blatantly ignoring the stern warning the grey-haired youth crossed stiffly held arms before his body as his large frame was engulfed by a malevolent blue glow.

Ball leaving the former Hunter's hand, it leapt from the center of a hard swung racket to pass rabidly over the net then fly with evil intent directly towards Ryoma's unprotected face. Loaded with energy stealing life drain, the missile struck its target to burn a second fiery trail deep within its victim's cheek just mere centimeters above the first razor thin cut.

Snorting with satisfaction as the young Demi-Dragon's tortured screech split the air, Shinzyo's thoughts effortlessly invaded the semi conscious youth's mind. 'I don't care if Hanamura or your friends kill me, it's worth a slow, painful death just to see you suffer.'

Desperately shaking his head to clear it, Ryoma fought hard to remain awake as spots danced before his eyes while the world grew dim and his limbs turned to jelly. Forcing a snarl through clenched teeth, he dug into new reserves of strength to stand as though drawn up by strings before glaring death and destruction at the mildly surprised by his resilience Jyousei Shounan player.

Standing fearfully beyond the high court fence, Momo' asked a savagely staring Fuji to gather the teams powers so they could again help their suffering friend. But just as the 'Blood' was about to comply, he was stopped short by a grim faced Inui.

" No Fuji, Momoshiro.. not this time."

" But why?" cried out Momo' as he wildly flung out a fearful arm then started towards the battle ground. " It worked before and Ryoma needs our help...that bastard is killing him!"

Struggling to get to his life mate as Takashi and Oishi forcefully held the bristle-haired player back, Inui tucked his data file under one arm as he calmly explained things to the outraged Mongoose spirit.

" Shinzyo feeds not only on Echizen's powers, but anything else connected to him as well. Give him our powers now and we'll be handing the Dark Hunter a feast on a silver platter! Do you understand, Mongoose of Shifting Sands?"

"Saa..." said Fuji quietly as Momo resigned himself to silently watching the match while praying for his lover's safely. " My power would only increase the demon's strength." Remembering what Mizuki.. a half Dark Hunter Elf... had once done to his beloved younger brother, his open eyes glittered with malice as he was gripped by a fierce desire to kill the brazen Llyeerum himself once the match was done. Shooting a quick glance at his friends, he wasn't surprised to see their shadow forms hanging over them as they too threatened the sneering former Hunter in their own unearthly ways.

Ignoring the assorted hisses, growls and the frightening blue glow of the 'Blood', Shinzyo stared impassively as his victim regained his footing, winced in pain then mind snapped the single word of 'Bastard' deep within his brain.

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

Across from the arena of death, several worried pairs of eyes glittered with fearful expectation coupled to muttered speculation as the members of Jyousei grimly watched a shaken Ryoma heave himself upright.

" I'd hate to have that happen to me." growled Daichi low in his throat as a faint, half formed memory of a blood splattered Hunter standing over him danced smoke like before his terrified eyes. Shuddering, he moved a little closer to his unofficial Hikari guardian as the sandy-haired youth flatly stated how Hanamara had forbidden their team mate to use his powers.

" Well, I don't think he's listening." Muttered Kouhei as his staring twin pressed against him for comfort. " Exit one Dark Hunter."

" We can kiss him goodbye." added Youhei as he cast an apprehensive glance towards their frustrated and obviously outraged coach. " Shinzyo's toast!"

Turning their eyes to each other, the Elf twins shared a grim nod of finality.

His glittering blue orbs never leaving the horrifying spectacle as Shinzyo prepared to serve, Wakato grinned wickedly as he withdrew his hands from his pockets. " Life drain, hmm.. I wonder if I can do that?" Lifting his arms, he ignored Daichi's sharp intake of breath as a faint blue light sprung up around him. " By crippling the Demi-Dragon, we will win! Hee,hee... I'll become... A Dark Hunter!" With low, rumbling growl that begun deep in his chest to flow out from his lips as a menacing snarl, he crossed his arms over his front while the shadowy forms of great black demon wings erupted from his back. Amidst the assorted gasps that rose from his shocked team mates, the sparkling red head spread flawless wide sails as a long, whip like tail snapped at the air about him.

' KNOTWADDIE!' The savage roar resounding within his skull caused him to pause and lifting his gaze, Wakato found himself staring into an on court pair of blazing red orbs. ' You DARE to mock me.. to remind me of what I once was and of what I have lost? I'll die for killing the Demi-Dragon, but with my last breath I SWEAR I'll take you as well!'

Hoping to appease his snarling team mate, Daichi's shadow form loomed over the imitation Mythic with one huge forefoot positioned just over his head. " Knotwaddie pancake." his human form rumbled, causing the red head to swallow nervously as he allowed his own powers to fade out.

Adding the weight of his icy glare to the angry stares of everyone else, Kajimoto sternly reminded the now thoroughly cowered Jyousei super star that life drain and Dark Hunters were no laughing matter. " You would understand if it happened to you." he said firmly as his arms folded across his chest. " I pray it never does."

" Hikari.." began Youhei curiously. " ...have you..."

Kaijimoto's savage glare as his head whipped about instantly silenced the Elf as the despairing expression marring his clear blue eyes told the small forest dweller all he needed to know.

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

The first ball to leave Shinzyo's racket only held minimal amounts of power; as if warning Ryoma as he struck it that play time was over and hitting the felt covered missile, the young Demi-Dragon's eyes widened in shock as he felt the sudden upwelling of enormous energy rising from his opponent. A second shot followed the first; this one carrying enough of a jolt designed to stun, but in an incredible display of unearthly resilience the Seigaku singles star swung his weapon to forcefully fling the offending object away.

" Impressive." thought the former Dark Hunter as he decided to test the limits of the imp's endurance by adding just a little more power. " So he thinks he can block it out?" When the ball returned to him a fourth time, the grey-haired youth's eyes flared with malevolent crimson fire as a river of life draining forces poured into the fast moving missile. His combined hands swinging, Shinzyo fired a brutal backhand as his mind cried out a triumphant taunt. 'Block THIS.. IF you can!'

Seeing the glowing, doom laden ball roaring over the net toward him, Ryoma frantically summoned up his powers; his shadowy dragon form manifesting to add the weight of its menace to his strength; but despite his incredible strength, the raven-haired youth was unable to withstand the enormous pressure as he fought to repel the missile.. and lost.

A strange vibration thrummed through the air, bringing painful winces to human faces as they felt the soundless cry pressing against their ear drums. But to the watching Mythics, the agonised howl of the king's blood as the ball cut him a third time seemed to drill right through them and before their horrified eyes, the shadow form of a great black dragon slumped to the ground to fade away as the human Ryoma measured his length in the dust.

Deaf to the horrified clamour of the crowd and turning a blind eye to furious 'Blood', Mongoose spirit, red dragon and fuming coach alike, Shinzyo grinned savagely as he gloated over the fall of his helpless enemy. ' How does it feel to DIE hatchling imp? I'm going to make you feel it; every cut, every broken bone, every single bit of the pain I've suffered because of YOU! Yes imp, I'll tear your wings apart next and you'll know exactly what I was forced to endure!'

' STOP IT SHINZYO!' Hanamara's strident mind bellow almost threatened to blow his skull apart. ' STOP NOW, OR I'LL FORFEIT THIS MATCH! THEN I'LL DEAL WITH YOU IN WAY THAT...'

' Forfeit, and I'll FORCE his true form to appear!' broke in Shinzyo, his sending deadly calm as he glared down at the shorter boy now struggling to rise. ' How do you think the humans will react hmm? ... when a human boy becomes a demon right before their eyes?"

Momentarily taken aback, unearthly Jyousei coach replied to the threat with one of her own. ' And if I forced them to see YOU first?'

' As I'm going to die anyway..' snapped Shinzyo as his shoulders rose, then fell in an unscrupulous shrug, ' ... go right ahead and show them what I am. I no longer care... Hanamara.'

Seeing how her star player was unimpressed by the threat, the demon princess found she could only grind her teeth in frustrated anger as he retrieved the ball; then spent a few minutes savouring his victory as he gleefully absorbed Ryoma's stolen life force from the golden glowing object.

' Thleerum!' Ryuzaki's sharp tones struck her like a harsh blow. ' If you don't stop him, then I will!'

Mythic eyes drinking in the sight of the old red dragon's wing rustling, foot shifting phantom form as fiery blossoms bloomed into life between sword like fangs, Hanamara suddenly felt her true three thousand year age as the lead weight that was the fate of the entire Mythic Brotherhood seemed to suddenly descend upon her shoulders. ' I... can't stop him.' she said with an air of quiet desperation as her eyes closed and her head bowed before the inevitable. ' Can't you stop your player instead?'

' Sadly.. no.' answered Ryuzaki as her own despair rose from her soul. Gazing miserably at the boy now standing on wobbly legs, she glanced over at a teary eyed mongoose trying frantically to get to his mate as the others held him back; then switched her sorrowful gaze back to a stubborn Ryoma grimly awaiting the Dark Hunter's next assault. ' Such an attack is only encouraging him to fight. He'll never back down and struggle right up the bitter end!'

' Which will be soon.' sighed Hanamara with a heavy heart as she sensed the Demi-Dragon's life force mingling with Shinzyo's own to boost his strength far beyond his normal abilities. ' Ryoma will grow weaker, then die.. and there is nothing I can do.'

With a fearsome crack, a round, felt covered object left Shinzyo's racket to barrel directly at Ryoma's face. Bracing his feet apart, he met the incoming ball of death with defiance. " So.." he thought quickly as he noticed a faint glow of gold spring up around the doom laden missile. " He attacks me with my own strength! Well, If can play against Fuji, I can play against him!" Setting his jaw in a grim line of fierce determination, Ryoma swung his arm back. Suddenly the glowing, yet still relatively normal looking golden ball, seemed to morph into a huge black dragon that opened great jaws then engulfed him in a roaring fireball that he had no chance of all of avoiding.

Seared flesh instantly peeled from his bones. With a horrifying crackle coupled to the stench of burnt hair, his eyes melted and ran down his face as boiling, hissing steam. Pale skin charred black, the twisted, unrecognisable thing that had once been Echizen Ryoma crashed to the earth... only to hiss with the searing agony connected to life as he realized the brief vision had been but a cruel illusion; bought on by the Dark Hunter combining confusion with his stolen power wed to the terror that was life drain filling the ball as it struck him once more.

Chest heaving as his tortured lungs fought to draw breath, a sweat soaked Ryoma pushed painfully to his feet to stand firm as he fixed his antagonist with an arrogant sneer. His right fist lightly gripping his shirt, he then flapped the light weight material to send cooling drafts curling up between his shoulder blades and dancing across his hairless chest as he spoke in a low pitched, even tone. " I want to change my shirt."

Crimson eyes narrowing into evil slits as Shinzyo drank in the site of his enemy's hidden wings quivering from the stress of the match, the former Hunter captain voiced a snort of contempt as he curled his lip at his still defiant adversary. " You dare to still make jokes imp?" he snarled as his victim raised golden eyes that seemed to mock him.

Holding out a now perfectly normal tennis ball, Ryoma grinned wickedly at his tormentor. " You'd better sweat too Hunter, because while I'm exercising here, YOU are being lazy."

" LAZY!" Shinzyo's eyes blazed as his temper soared " How dare you!" Yet despite himself, the hard bitten Jyousei youth who had killed every creature from wererats right up to mighty dragons at the hight of his power, suddenly found he had developed a strange, grudging respect for the young demon child a scant third his size and strength. His hard expression softening slightly, he sent his hated rival a silent apology for what he was about to do.

Watching the thrown ball as one watches a snake about to strike, Shinzyo rushed for the object the moment it left his opponents racket. Meeting it just shy of the net as it sailed over, the fallen demon filled the object with the most devastating force he could muster and in the space of a heart beat, he sent it thundering back towards his intended prey.

Again the image of a fiery beast ready to rip out his life loomed up before him but expecting such an attack, Ryoma ignored it to swing his weapon for a mighty blow. However, the ball seemed to skip in mid air; cunningly avoiding the barrier of taught string rushing up to meet it and seeming to voice an evil chuckle, it ploughed directly into the cap wearing youth's face once again.

This time, he felt as if an axe had descended to cleave him in two as his face felt like it was being ripped apart. His body jerked from the force of huge claws tearing him limb from limb as again, the excruciating agony of hooks imbedding in his flesh to savagely rend his soul lanced through out him. Through a dim, foggy haze of misty crimson, a fallen Ryoma lay on his side to stare blankly at the blood splattered Dark Hunter standing over him as the words "Get up." once again tickled at the corners of his mind.

' I'm Reiji Shinzyo now, but I was once a powerful Dark Hunter; killer of a thousand mythic beasts! In all my many years of existing, I've never regretted killing any of my victims, but know this before you die boy. I regret taking your life.' Hardly aware of the hateful mind voice speaking firmly within his skull, Ryoma blinked up at the demon as he stood surrounded by a gently undulating blue glow. ' Do you understand me imp? I have come to respect you as a worthy adversary, but now I must end your life. Goodbye... Echizen Ryoma, child of the gold's blood.'

' Mada... mada... da...ne...'

Hearing the dry voice rasp within his skull caused the former Hunter captain to lower his raised hand, staying his death blow as he decided to let his victim have one final say. But instead of speaking, Ryoma dragged himself to his feet then stared Shinzyo straight in the eye as he tightened his grip on the racket held out before him like a life line.

' You haven't killed me yet.' the short youth panted as he past a trembling hand over the newest cut to his face. ' Care to try again?'

Both hands now holding the padded handle of his own weapon, Shinzyo's shoulder's heaved as he glared at his prey in shear disbelief. ' Out of respect for your prowess, I had no wish to draw this out.' he informed a grinning Ryoma as his ragged breath drew in and out. ' But now your impudence has cost you, for next time you fall.. you WILL die, slowly and painfully!'

Regulating his breathing, Ryoma forced his shaking body to become steady as he focused his energy. As if from far away he could hear Momo' frantically screaming his name, but he had no time to spare his distraught life mate as he fought to seal a lid on his agony. Fire still burnt its way through his limbs as trails of blood dripped from the deep gashes inflicted upon his face and as he prepared to serve, he unexpectedly experienced the strangest urge that somehow, his distant great grand father was watching over him... protecting him. Yet his silent inquiry was met with emptiness and shrugging off the bazaar notion, he sent the ball into flight.

Determined to make his hated foe suffer, Shinzyo held off loading the ball with lethal energy as the pair ran and played a savagely brutal game of human tennis.

Watching from the safety of the side lines, Wakato shook his head as he observed the one spectacle he had never expected to witness in his entire life time. " That Demi-Dragon is tough. I can't believe he can still stand, let alone play after all those attacks!"

Head bobbing once, Kajimoto firmly declared the Dark Hunter was now toying with is victim before deciding to kill him. Memories of when the broken mythic first joined them rose up to hang before him as the outcast Hikari found his mind effortlessly transported back to the past.

Standing with his back pressed to the stadium wall, Kajimoto glanced down at his sitting companion. Faded cuts crisscrossing his flesh, the now healed demon kept his head bowed; his eyes closed as a stern faced Hanamara firmly told her newest team member never to use his Hunter skills in a tennis match again.

" Thankfully, the boy recovered." thought the hidden angel as his mind returned to the present. " But this Demi-Dragon.. once he goes down again I fear it will be all over. Reiji, demon you may be.. but I'll miss you when you're dead..."

Hanamara's quiet despair cutting through his dark contemplation's, Kajimoto tried to offer silent comfort; only to have his concerns soundly rebuffed as the Thleerum princess stifled her urges to cry. " The Demi-Dragon, I want him alive! But I can feel his life force dropping with every hit he returns! Reiji, Reiji, is this all the thanks you see fit to give me after I saved you? Not only have you hurt me, but you also destroy your team mates with such reckless action!"

If the grey-haired player planning to set his enemy up for a final fall heard any of his coach's quiet plea, he gave no outward sign as he swiftly bought the game to a four all score.

' You're sweating now.' panted Ryoma, but Shinzyo's only reply was a thin smile as he summoned his powers for a final blow.

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

From beyond the high wire fence, Fuji stared with open eyes as he silently took note of the ragged winged demon preparing to snuff out his little friend's life. Glancing sideways at Inui; then switching his glittering gaze to Momo' as the frantic mongoose spirit swore and struggled against the disguised red dragon restraining him in a powerful half nelson wrestle hold, the 'Blood' youth turned his head to watch a grim faced Oishi stalking away. " Moon Dog." he thought as his vice-captain rounded a corner of the nearest building to vanish out of sight. " I know how risky it will be, but once you have transformed, your banishing howl may be his only hope.."

" NO." said a firm, flat voice right the Tensai's left ear causing him to jump slightly. " The Hunter is too far gone to heed the night canine now." Gazing at the tall profile of his invisible Hikari guardian, Fuji resisted the urge to chew his lower lip as he silently asked if the blond could help. " My purpose here is to protect you." was the quiet reply. " The Demi-Dragon has no Hikari bond mate and therefore stands alone."

" Then as my guardian, I order you to protect him!" snapped Fuji as his cerulean orbs sparked dangerously.

For a long moment the 'Blood' found himself staring up at his own reflection as his twin visions of his open eyed face hung in the Hikari's deep golden orbs, then the proud angel man was moving away; walking right the fence to stride a few paces onto the battle field. Raising both wings and extending his right arm, Yuki stood motionless as Fuji sensed him calling out to someone.

'The guardian comes.'

Cocking his head a little to one side the honey-haired youth's telepathic question was instantly answered when a huge, lion-like creature suddenly materialized out of thin air to hang ghost like above Ryoma's sweat soaked head. Having only ever seen Karupin as a playful Himalayan cat or as a collie sized feline, the guardian familiar in his true form was a truly impressive beast to behold.

Tawny golden fur bristled from a stocky body the size of a well grown shire horse, as fierce golden eyes blazed within a squared jawed, tiger like face framed by long hair the colour of ripe wheat. Slowly drifting to the ground, it touched down lightly before his startled friend to drop into a hunters crouch; menacing the threatening demon with a full throated lion's roar only the watching Mythics in the vast crowd could hear.

Gazing down at wickedly sharp talons emerging from heavy round paws the size of large dinner plates, Shinzyo sneered at the ethereal creature as Ryoma's blazing golden eyes opened wide with surprise. " Karupin!" he breathed as the sight of his beloved friend temporally drove all thoughts of his current situation out of his head. " What are you.. when did you get here?"

' Just now..' he growled softly, his eyes never leaving the danger that was Shinzyo. ' I sensed you were in trouble and tried to get here sooner, but something was blocking my way...'

" Huh!" smirked Ryoma as he straightened his back and tugged at his hat brim. " Better late than never I guess."

'Don't joke!' snapped the guardian irritably as his phantom tail whipped from side to side. 'I can't do much in this form and you are still in mortal danger!'

'Danger? Yes, but it's nothing I can't handle and besides, cats aren't allowed to play tennis.'

' Try telling that to Eiji.' replied the guardian dryly as he firmly planted himself before his charge. ' As the ball WILL pass right through me, you can be as stubborn as you like and fight on as you please. But! I will strip the ball of any hunter powers before it reaches you!'

Thoroughly annoyed by the unexpected appearance of the huge cat, Shinzyo knew his chance for an easy kill had been lost and armed with the knowledge he now had to weaken the guardian in order to get to his victim, the grey-haired, crimson eyed youth readjusted his powers as he readied his serve.

Just as Karupin had promised, the first ball past clean through him; discharging its energy to fly against Ryoma's racket as a perfectly harmless, normal tennis ball. Grinning from ear to ear, the raven-haired youth sent it back. Backhand followed forehand as dunk smash followed high lob. To the sound of thunderous striking, the warriors ran; an invisible Karupin keeping himself between the frustrated Hunter and Ryoma as Hanamara, Ryuzaki and many other assorted Mythics drank in the scene with hopeful eyes.

His dragon blood starting to sing in the heat of the battle, Ryoma forgot his danger, ignored his tired body and the painful cuts to his face as he pounded up the left side inner trammel line. Tennis was what he lived for; it was milk and honey for never did he feel more alive than when he was on a tennis court facing a truly powerful opponent. Swinging his racket as he glowed with a golden fire, only one thought dominated his mind as leapt skyward to take out a high flying shot; " I've met and conquered the best of them.. the Hunter be cursed!"

Plummeting down with the might of an impacting meteor, Shinzyo eyed the ball in shear disbelief as it ricocheted off the ground then slammed into his hand with all the force of a striking dragon claw. Unable to resist such power, he lost his grip as intense pain fired its darts into his wrist and an inexplicable agony ripped its way deep into his right cheek.

Raising a shaking hand to his face and frowning as his fingers came away bloodied, Shinzyo trembled with unrestrained fury as the realization of what Ryoma had done dawned upon him. Clenching his fist as a smug Ryoma slyly asked if his wound hurt, the Dark Hunter focused his energy purely upon the guardian familiar standing firmly between them.

" Time to even the score, floor rug..." he thought as he carefully concealed his gathering powers. "... and with you out of the way for a minute, I'll soon be dragging that scaled pet of yours into the after life with me!"

Tossing the ball high, he sent forth his power with an explosive crack aimed not at Ryoma, but the snarling feline insinuated between them. The little round object flying straight and true, it thundered towards Karupin; releasing its hidden venom as it shot straight through his ethereal form.

Narrow golden eyes widened in surprise as a cold grey fog suddenly enveloped him and throwing back his head, the bristling feline let out a single startled yowl as he suddenly staggered sideways. Reeling about as though drunk, Karupin's front legs tangled together then right before everyone's horrified eyes, he crumpled to the ground to lay in a motionless stupor.

" NO!" shouted both Ryoma and Momo' simultaneously as the Mythic feline collapsed, then Shinzyo found himself facing a savagely irate Ryoma as the boy hit the flying ball with inhuman strength. Teeth bared as a dragonish roar escaped him, the Seigaku singles star watched with extreme satisfaction as his return fire charged with single minded purpose straight at his attacker's unguarded face.

But this time, Shinzyo was ready for him and with an almost casual flick of the wrist he sent the ball back in a devastating blow. Glowing with a grey fog infused with a steady golden light, the missile howled its way over the courts central woven barrier to slam brutally against hard string encased in a strong red frame.

Shocked at the little round objects lightening fast speed wed to an unbelievable weight as it struck his weapon, Ryoma hung on grimly with both hands as he struggled in vain to return fire. For ten agonizing seconds the malevolent missile spun against the racket; then with a low groan of pain the tight network of string gave way to the unyielding pressure, allowing the ball to pass unchallenged through the resulting gap with devastating results.

For the raven-haired youth, it was as though a horse had kicked his face as his head snapped back from the force of impact; his white cap flying from his skull as his body pitched backwards. An intense cold, like that of a vicious arctic blast shoved into him as the excruciatingly painful sensation of a pack of sharks tearing his flesh apart ruthlessly ripped its way throughout him and as he connected with the hard ground, a feeling total, utter despair swamped his soul as his heart struggled to keep beating.

Laid out on his back, he was only just aware of the bright sun shine burning its orange fire behind his closed lids as the lamentations of the crowd only just teased at the edge of his hearing. For a brief moment, he clearly heard his life mate's anguished wail before it too faded away; leaving the short youth wrapped up in a chilly fog of non existence.

Several images from his memories whirled about him and for a few minutes, he found himself reliving his second battle with Shinzyo. He could see himself locked in a life and death struggle as the Dark Hunter buried cruel talons deep into his flesh, then the vision broke to reform as a ragged canyon splitting the ground asunder. The sight of Shinzyo breaking the neck of a large Mongoose ripped an agonized cry from his throat, but with the yawning chasm between them Ryoma was helpless to act and he could only scream in stark terror as Momo's lifeless body was flung into the pitiless void.

Beneath his feet the ground trembled as a low rumble became a terrifying roar. Cracks appeared all around him, throwing him off balance as the tennis court bucked in its convulsion. A sour stench like that of a gorgon's breath issued from the inky blackness as rising pressure caused a thick grey mist to shoot forth with an explosive hiss. Knocked off his feet, Ryoma could only lay in a motionless torpor as the grinning Dark Hunter effortlessly leapt the gap to stalk triumphantly toward him.

" Get up." again, that strange, authoritative voice from before tickled at the edge of his senses only this time; it pushed its way past his mental barriers to resound commandingly within his skull. " Get up."

Bracing his hands against the crumbling earth Ryoma tried to obey, but his limbs had turned to jelly and with no strength left, he voiced a low groan as he collapsed bonelessly onto his belly. "Get up!" That voice again. Frowning, the dark-haired boy wished it would leave him alone. " Get up. You must get up!"

"Go away." panted Ryoma as pain ripped its way through his chest and pounded a steady tattoo within his skull. To the dying youth, the harsh ground had suddenly become as soft and comfortable as his own bed and feeling Momo's arms tenderly wrap around him, all he craved was sleep.

Something shouted in his right ear, then pushed roughly against him. Opening his eyes, he stared blearily at Karupin as the frantic guardian familiar embraced him before his eye lids drooped and he surrendered to his fatigue.

" Lightenings Glory.. child of demons and dragons... get up... NOW!"

The stern, ringing tones effortlessly breaking through his fading consciousness caused the boy's dull green-gold orbs to snap open and raising his head with an effort, he suddenly found himself gazing into the dark brown eyes of a huge dragon. " Grand... Father..?" he muttered as the great beast loomed over him. But after a few slow blinks, his wavering vision cleared to reveal scales of gleaming platinum instead of bright gold. " Who... " head nodding, Ryoma felt what little strength he had left drain from his neck as his skull flopped and his exhausted body sank down. " Please... let...me...slee..."

" No.. no sleep. Get up."

Huge curved claws descended to lightly wrap around the youth, then effortlessly set him upon his feet. Indignant at not being allowed to rest, Ryoma waved a clenched fist at his tormentor as a new strength suddenly flowed throughout him. " What the hell do you think your doing?" he snapped before realization dawned upon him. Looking down at himself in surprise, he then let his incredulous gaze rove over a perfectly intact tennis court before settling on a startled Shinzyo standing some ten meters away. Swinging his head back toward the dragon, Ryoma tipped his face up to stare wide eyed at the mighty creature. With his minds eye he could see the huge beast standing over his fallen grandfather at the Hyotei match and voicing a gasp of recognition, he raised a trembling finger to point at the phantom like creature. " I... I know you..."

Staring at Ryoma as wavy, silvery white hair fell over its eyes, the platinum's great heavy jaws curved into a sly smile. Rearing onto its haunches, the mighty metallic noble rested a long, dark wooden cane over one shoulder to display a deaths head wreathed in orange flame emblazoned onto its base as he spoke. " And I know you, King's blood." Indicating a stunned Shinzyo as his unbelieving eyes drank in the entire scene, the dragon lifted his left hand to wave enormous talons in a grand sweeping gesture that drew the Demi-Dragon's attention to his surroundings. " The former Dark Hunter has you hard against the ropes young one. You're backed into a corner with no place to run, but are you going to just lay down and give up?"

Shifting his rejuvenated racket so he held it in both hands before him like a broad sword, Ryoma's wicked grin answered with an emphases that left no doubt as he all but spat three smug words; " Mada, mada da ne."

Pleased with the youth's defiant response, the dragon nodded with immense satisfaction. " In that case, wield your weapon and win this fight Grand Hatchling!"

Abruptly, all sight, sound and normality returned as Ryoma found himself staring down his opponent from a braced leggard, powerful stance two meters back from the net. Beside him, a relived Karupin stood proudly to his left and to his utter astonishment, a tall, blond haired Hikari stood at his right. Feeling a cloud of hot breath descend, he knew without looking that a huge platinum dragon stood directly behind him. With the close proximity of so many protectors, the young player for Seigaku felt invincible as he smirked across at his quietly fuming adversary.

Among his friends, a profound silence had fallen as they wonderingly stared at the strange spectacle before them and for once in his life, Inui was completely lost for words as he found himself unable to answer Horio's anxious inquiries regarding his friend's incredible protectors. Fuji merely smiled his serene smile as he silently thanked his Yuki while close by the watching 'Blood', tears of dizzy relief streamed unheeded down Momo's face as his killer grip on the fence eased and his head bowed as his shoulders shook.

Over in the Jyousei group, jaws dropped and eyes bulged as they constantly shifted their amazed stares between their team mate and the short boy proudly opposing him. Tears glittered in dark eyes as Daichi remembered the deaths of his family, of him crying alone as he lay trapped beneath his mother's lifeless body and that of his sister as the rest of his siblings lay in broken heaps nearby. A vision of a great platinum dragon telling him not to fear danced briefly before his eyes, then Hanamara was gently gathering the screaming hatchling into her arms. Intrusting himself to her care, he had grown up away from dragon kind but such a separation had never bothered him before... until now. Lifting an arm, the shadowy form of his true self cried out in mute appeal and was immensely grateful when both the Demi-Dragon and true dragon turned to smile at him.

" I'm not alone." he told himself as the game recommenced. Glancing down at Ota as the little guy laid a gentle hand on his arm, he smiled at the Pseudo Dragon's hidden form peering anxiously up at him.

' Never alone.' Came the distant voice of the one he instinctively knew to be his father in his mind and for the first time in many long years, the bronze-brown dragon suddenly felt utterly at peace.

Her shoulders shaking, Hanamara bowed her head as her dreams of controlling Ryoma were shattered while across from her, Ryuzaki collapsed back on her chair as her head spun from the sudden release of tension and despair. The one her king had entrusted to her protection was safe and as the ball flew into action with silent venom, she breathed a quiet prayer of thanks.

His prey surrounded by powerful guards, Shinzyo knew that any further attacks would be futile and saving his energy for tennis, the former Hunter gave the game his all. But for him, all was lost as Ryoma powered through to a mighty 6-4 victory.

Hardly able to believe his terrible ordeal was finally over, Ryoma knelt to embrace his beloved guardian then couldn't suppress his burst of laughter when his arms passed clean through the grinning feline.

" Go to your friends Ryoma." Karupin told the boy as he stood up. Winking at a fading Yuki, the phantom cat then told him; " Go to your mate. He is waiting."

Gazing around, the dark-haired youth was mildly surprised to see the platinum was nowhere to be seen and bowing his head, he smiled as his eyes briefly closed. 'Grandfather, I won. Takeshi... I'm coming.'

Shouldering his racket, the youth strode proudly from the battle field and straight into the arms of his crying life mate.

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

" Hanamara... I'm... sorry. I lost all control." Bowing his head, a trembling Shinzyo's breath hitched in his throat as his body braced itself for the death blow that he knew was coming. " Punish me as you see fit."

For a long, fear filled moment he felt his savour's eyes boring into him, then to his utter astonishment she laid gentle hands on both his shoulders as she spoke with quiet compassion. " Instinct is a powerful thing Reiji, and sometimes even I forget what you truly are. Had you killed the Demi-Dragon, I would have hunted you down and put you through his torture a thousand times over. But, as the boy is still alive, I'll forgive you just this once." Folding her arms, the Thleerum noble then glared blazing daggers of doom into her player's shocked eyes. " NEVER, lose control like that again!" Accepting the frantic nodding of his head, Hanamara then turned away from her relived player to casually stroll across to the Seigaku crowd still noisily congratulating their little friend.

At the sight of her the team resentfully parted to allow her to pass, then standing before Ryoma as he sat comfortably in Momo's lap her eyes twinkled as she softly spoke. " Echizen, that was a wonderful game. I don't know how you ever acquired such powerful protection, but I'm very grateful for it this day."

Shrugging his shoulders in response, Ryoma then closed his eyes as he snuggled against his life mate's chest.

As the demon princess turned away to trade quiet words with an immensely proud Ryuzaki, Inui approached a newly returned Oishi to inquire about the condition of his right wrist.

" It's fine." he smiled as he gazed gently at a now sleeping Ryoma. " If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget what I saw here today."

" Nor will I." broke in a new voice. Turning, both Oishi and Inui grinned at the Hikari staring down at Ryoma with a expression somewhat akin to awe. " Hello, I'm Kajimoto from Jyousei."

" Yes.." answered Oishi as he extended his right hand. " I know." Smiling into each others eyes, Oishi gave the Hikari his name as the pair shook hands.

" Congratulations on entering the top four." His clear blue eyes resting on Fuji, the sandy-haired angel warmly appraised the smiling 'Blood' before bowing respectfully to his invisible, silent guardian.

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

Long shadows crept over the landscape as a golden sun sent its rays streaming through a thick bank of lowering dark clouds. Just below the ranks of cumulus the sky resembled molten metal and pausing briefly to gaze up natures beauty at its finest, Ryoma breathed deeply as he then smiled into the sparkling purple eyes of his lover. Together, the pair pushed their way through wooden double doors; only to have their ears soundly assaulted by wild cheering as their team mates surged to their feet and happily welcomed the late arrivals into the midst their friendly circle.

Holding her hands up for silence as the noise died down, Ryuzaki cheerfully asked if the group was hungry. A loud chorus of raucous calls greeted her announcement, then the gathering erupted into lively chatter as huge platters of delicious sushi was reverently laid out before them.

" You have all done well!" cried a beaming Ryuzaki as she gave her team an encouraging thumbs up gesture. Over the sudden eruption of thunderous applause wed to loud cheers, she joyfully added; " Kawamura invites us to enjoy the meal, so lets eat!"

Simultaneously calling out the traditional thanks, the assorted youths immediately fell upon the food like a horde of starving locusts. Chuckling at how much food was disappearing down Momo's throat, Sakuno commented that his appetite was a scary thing.

" That's a Mongoose for you!" laughed Tomo, her own mouth full as a wickedly grinning Takashi suddenly stalked the unsuspecting, snake-slaying Mythic.

" Wait Momoshiro!" he called out as the bristle-haired teenager was about to enthusiastically devour yet around round of eel egg sushi. " Have you forgotten? Today's losers HAVE to eat WASABI sushi!"

Jumping as if he had been shot, Momo's strident scream of "WHAT!" split the air; bringing instant evil grins to the faces of his friends.

Licking his lips, Fuji all but purred over how good it looked while Oishi reached out to snag the T-shirt of a surreptitiously departing Inui.

" Hey Basilisk.." he grinned as the squirming juice fiend hissed in alarm. "... you have to eat it too!"

Grinning like a Cheshire cat, Takashi graciously offered a sweating, violently trembling Momo' the first bite.

" Now wait a minute!" he yelped while frantically waving protective hands before his face. " I'm a victim here!" Flinging out his left hand, his index finger stabbed accusingly at a twitching Inui. " Blame him! It's because of HIS juice we lost!"

" Oh stop making such a fuss nya!" laughed Eiji as he threw a companionable arm over the taller teenagers neck. " Go on! Just eat it nya!"

Turning appealing eyes to his apparently disinterested life mate, Momo' whined in abject dismay. " Ryoma! Save me! I don't wanna eat that stuff!"

" You will if you wanna sleep in the same bed tonight." was the mischievous reply as he turned his back to pretend total disdain.

Knowing he was beaten, he bowed his head in surrender as he both he and Inui were backed into a corner and hand fed by an insanely grinning trio of Cat Lord, Moon Dog and laughing red dragon.

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

Epilogue.

In the small hours before dawn, Kristen Gaff trotted up a silent hospital corridor to pause in shock before reaching the isolation ward. A strange energy serge had pulled her from her bed and gasping at the ghostly sight of an ivory-blond haired man all dressed in green pacing serenely out through the securely locked door, she roared out a silent challenge.

Briefly turning to glance in her direction, the man shouldered his dark wooden cane as his brown eyes twinkled beneath the brim of a green and white hat; then in the blink of an eye he had vanished, leaving a staring human disguised copper dragon to wonder if her eyes had deceived her. Shaking her self back to reality, she hastened to the door and raised her right hand.

Just as she was about to swipe her entry card, the structure swung open of its own accord and the startled woman found herself facing a reasonably healthy looking teenager. " Si... Sire!" she stammered as the messy haired youth's brown-gold eyes stared impassively back at her. " You're up at last!" Indicating with a hand wave that she wished to enter the room, she cast an incredulous eye over her patient as he regally stepped aside to make way for her.

Placing a hand on his brow while taking careful note of his normal temperature and skin colour, the youthful looking doctor anxiously inquired as to the how her king was feeling.

" A little tired." he told her once she had released him and allowed him to sit down. Resting his limp hands on his thighs, he cocked his head to one side; brow creasing in puzzlement as Kristen asked him about the stranger she had seen emerging from his room. " I saw no one." he told her flatly. " I was sleeping. Next thing I knew, I was awake and hearing your approach."

" I see.." muttered Kristen as she rubbed her chin, her brown eyes darkening in thought. Looking up, she then stared straight into Tezuka's eyes. " The Blood purge. If you are ready..."

" I'm ready." cut in the proud youth as he drew himself up. " I can sense the presence of my subjects."

" Yes.." his doctor nodded. " ... the clans have assembled and stand ready. We can begin within the hour."

" Then have Kabji fetch my grandson."

Anxiety flicked in Kristen's reddish-brown orbs as she morphed to her half human form. " But Lord Gold, the others.."

Silencing her with a sharp look, Tezuka winced in pain as he slowly transformed to his own half human state.

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

To be continued...

NEXT UP! Drum roll... The Blood Purge!

Darkness and danger, blood and shadows with fire and fear! Coming soon!

Up coming events.

Scary bowling, Fuji's walk on the dark side, Test of fire and much more!

Due to my son's constant nagging... er... polite asking... sweat drop... the Platinum dragon does indeed look just like a certain former Shinigami captain from Bleach...