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Part IV – Tsumetai te

"Mysterious massacre accidents in the Tangled Wood"

`Wait, what? Massacre accidents? I'm almost sure this is an another urban legend from the Tangled Wood. They are well-known for their various ghost and urban legends made up for the sake of frighten other dragons...`, Junji said while he was reading a newspaper

Then a knocking to his door resounded. It was Takemasa. He looked as if he'd seen a demon. In fact, he almost saw one.

`Did you saw the news...`, his voice was trembling.

`Yeah, but...`, Takemasa didn't let Junji say more words.

`It's my fault...Mine and Mitsuki's as well..We were drunk and not too clever and things slipped out of our paws...We... have summoned a monster`

Junji's face changed completely. He was shocked. He knew that Takemasa loved to fool around, but that time he was sure Negi was completely serious. Junji was his friend as well.

`I need you to my team. Mitsuki an I have to fix our mistakes as fast as possible. Would you lend us our paw as a friend?`, Takemasa's voice became more confident.

`Of course. We're friends after all. You helped me many times before, now it's time to repay.`
***
Junji's past was blurry in his head. He knew a couple of facts from his parents' stories only. Born in the Southern Icefield, he was unable to recollect anything from that icy place though. In fact, he was still a hatchling when he moved with his parents to the Scarred Wasteland. He grew up there with no particular and important friends by his side.

It was raining that day. Junji needed to purchase important books in bookstore. He forgot that the store was meant to close earlier, therefore he flew from home with the speed of light and forgot to take an umbrella with him. His entire body was soaked when he got there. At the bookstore Junji realized that he didn't bring enough money to buy all books he needed.

`Crap...I have to fly back home to get the rest of money...`, he said with irritation.

`I can lend you some money. I somehow know you from my area`, the voice spoke from Junji's back. He turned himself up. It was a green, smiling figure speaking. `I'm Takemasa.`

`Really? Oh my, thank you. You saved me, really. I'm Junji.`, Takemasa surely repaired his broken mood.

`I have an umbrella as well, I can accompany you to your way home so your books won't soak in rain!`, his straightforward attitude truely impressed Junji.

`Yes, please! I'm on your debt.`, he said.

***
`Thank you, buddy!`, then Hiyori came to Takemasa's mind. It was a great opportunity to grant his promise he once made with her. `I know somebody who would help us. My childhood friend.`

`Then call for them, it would be great if you brought them here. We also should meet with Mitsuki and make a plan`