Long time no update with this particular collection of stories~ Anyway, there was a project going on on Tumblr, and I was asked to write a hellshark drabble for someone who wanted some nice IVRyo without any of the Varian world domination drama from the series. So I decided to set this at the very end (which this may fit in perfectly, if you think about it).
So, because this is is set at the end, and there are indeed spoilers sewn within almost every paragraph here, I will say read with caution if you haven't seen anything past episode 108.
Hope you enjoy anyway!
IV sat down on a bench at a park, leaning back and staring up at the sky. It had been a while since he had any time to himself, what with the whole world falling into the hands of the Varians and his effort in trying to save it and his friend Ryoga.
Ryoga, Shark, Nasch, one of those names… it must be terrible having such a hard time deciding on who you are. He could relate so well.
Still, everything was over. The world was saved, his brothers and friends were back, and so were the Varians, who were all apparently defeated before as well, including Ryoga. However, since all of them were revived with the Numeron Code, he had not had a chance to talk to Ryoga, let alone exchange silent looks at each other before the Varian King left.
So, even though it was a happy ending for all, he still didn't get his friend back. He sighed and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.
Was he sad? Disappointed, maybe? Definitely unhappy; he hated the thought of being pushed out of the younger boy's world. It was as if he ultimately meant nothing to him, like nothing in his human life mattered since he discarded his human identity for his kingly one.
A simple word of acknowledgement would have sufficed, at least. He hated being ignored.
"Yo."
IV's eyes snapped open to see the face of the Varian King and he screeched, immediately launching forward and smashing their foreheads together. Both boys bounced back and groaned, hands reaching up to rub the sore spots; they would definitely bruise over later that day. "Ow, Ryoga!" IV growled, turning in his seat to watch the purple haired boy double over in pain. "What the hell!? Don't scare me like that!"
"Oh come on, you overreacted!" Ryoga retorted, still cursing under his breath. "Who the hell headbutts someone when they're surprised!?"
IV opened his mouth to respond, but stopped himself. Ryoga came to see him? He came all this way to find IV, of all people? He had to hide a small smile from forming on his lips, and he turned his head away from him in order to do so, deciding on dropping the subject. "Whatever. What are you doing here, anyway?"
Ryoga frowned, standing straight and walking around the stone bench. "Wow, so this is the thanks I get for taking the time to come look for you. You're an asshole."
"I didn't ask you to come find me, you know."
Wow, that sounded really rude. He immediately had a second thought about what he said, and looked up at the boy in an attempt to take it back, but paused when he saw that the Varian King didn't seem offended in the slightest. "Sure, alright. I'll pretend that that's true."
IV growled a bit, laying back and folding his legs. "Don't start putting words in my mouth, now, Ryoga."
"It's Nasch," Ryoga corrected, smirking down at him. "But let me guess. You'll never get used to that, and so you'll keep calling me Ryoga instead." IV blinked, and the Varian took that as a response and laughed. "I already knew what you were going to say. That's like with Yuma calling me 'Shark.' I gave up trying to get him to call me by my Varian name."
IV slightly nodded. "It's just that we've known you so long with another name, it would take me forever to get used to the fact that you're a Varian." He tossed Ryoga a look and sat up straighter, mirroring the smirk on the other's face. "And besides, my friend is Ryoga, not Nasch. I refuse to call you by the name of a stranger over the name of my acquaintance."
Ryoga rolled his eyes, shrugging. "Fine by me. Just admit you're happy to see me, and we'll get on with our day."
The Arclight chuckled. "Whatever will get you off my back. I'm so glad you're back, Ryoga. I missed you."
Ryoga frowned. "My God, that sounded so fake."
"Beggars can't be choosers. Take it or leave it."
The purple haired boy stared at him for a while, watched as the cheeky grin grew on IV's face, and sighed. "I'll take it. It's probably the most I'll ever get out of you anyway."
IV snorted. "A wise decision, my friend."
"Anyway," Ryoga took a few steps back. "I think it's time I tell you why I'm really here."
"Oh?" IV arched an eyebrow in bemusement. "And why's that?" Ryoga grinned at the perplexed tone in his voice and reached into his pocket. The Arclight looked to where his hand went, eyes slightly widening when he recognized the item he pulled out: his Duel Gazer. He looked back up at Ryoga who wore a smile on his face. "Ryoga?"
"Let's have a duel, IV," he said finally, slipping the device over his eye, "for old time's sake."
IV continued to stare at him for some time, and Ryoga patiently waited for him to say something. The older boy let the statement sink in, chuckling softly and rising from his seat. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this. Is this what you came here for?"
"I said so, didn't I?"
"Right, right," IV laughed, walking away from the stone bench. "I will be honest this time; I'm glad you want one. I've been dying for a fun duel for a while now." He smirked as he stood a good distance away from Ryoga, the blue tattoo spreading over his left eye and changing its color. "So, what is it we're dueling for today, Ryoga? Saving the world? My life again? Maybe your sister's hand in marriage?"
"Nothing. There's nothing on the line this time."
