Wandering lost soul...

Houkou wouldn't let him close again. As soon as Raku got too close he moved with inhuman speed to the side and spit a fireball large enough to burn a good portion of the forest. Žæl fought back desperately and managed to get back to one tail, also momentarily stunning Houkou.

*He shadowmelded and kept the chakra in his hand ready to pop up and hit him*

He fought with himself for several minutes, but neither could get the other to submit. If things kept going this way Žæl would get exhausted, but Houkou had a lot more energy to burn. Žæl started gaining motor control back and then what seemed like full control, but then he realized that this was one of Houkou'shallucinations. "damn dog..."

*Raku rose from the shadow and dashed towards him once more and shoved his palm towards him*

It hit him in the chest, knocking him back. He tried to stand, but the seal drained him plus the sudden loss of Houkou's chakra left him exhausted. He fell back as he reverted back to normal and settled for a sitting position, "I... almost... had him..." He said in between breaths.

*He looked at the boy and almost felt sorry for him then walked over to him*

"Go ahead..." He said now that Houkou wasn't bothering him.

"And do what Zael?... Kill you? Take you in?"

"I'm not... worthy to live... I can't... control him..." He half felt that his words were actually true.

"I dont kill my students.."

"So... what then... I'm... helpless...right now..."

"Your paralyzed for now.."

"I just don't... have... the energy... to move..." He made a finger twitch by sheer willpower but that was about all he could do.

"I wont take you in.."

"Won't you get... into trouble...?"

"Nah they dont have to find out."

"What did... you do to... him?"

"Locked him away."

Will I... be able to... call on... him again...?

*he popped his knuckle* "not for a long time"

"What if... I... need him....?"

"Youll have to depend on yourself." *he knelt down and picked Zael up*

"I knew... you couldn't... resist..." He said subtly.

*He raised an eyebrow* "I should kick the shit outta you again for that. At this rate your gonna bleed to death."

He felt a pain in his shoulder and knew what he was talking about. His shirt was already wet with blood. "But why... why... help me?" He asked not ready to pass out yet.