Kaito ran through the Astral city blindly, not caring that the bosses wanted to talk to him. He didn't care about anything other than getting to Haruto as soon as possible. He burst into the hospital wing, quickly inputting his access code and hurrying in.

Haruto was resting in bed, looking perfectly peaceful in the evening night. They'd been travelling nearly a day and a half. Heading home always took longer than leaving; people were constantly heading towards Spartan City and the Astral HQ. But they were finally home and he needed to see Haruto before the bosses got involved.

"Haruto," he said softly, kneeling at his bedside. He took his hand gently and Haruto stirred. "Haruto, I'm home."

"Kaito?" Haruto's eyes cracked open and Kaito smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "Kaito? You're back." His fingers squeezed around Kaito's and he glanced around. "Where's Thomas?"

"He-" He frowned and lowered his head. "He left, Haruto, a few days ago."

"Left?" Haruto frowned, sitting up slowly and Kaito quickly adjusted the pillows for him to lean back in. "Why would he leave? He's your partner. You two go everywhere together."

"I know, Haruto, I'm sorry," he said softly. He squeezed Haruto's hand and Haruto squeezed back. "Michael and Takashi have been captured and Thomas has gone after them. I would have gone with him but he went off on his own while I was asleep. He doesn't want me to come with him."

"You're in pain," Haruto whispered.

Kaito nodded and Haruto petted his hair gently as he laid his head on the bed. He was exhausted and hurting. He'd tried thinking it through more rationally. He'd try to understand why Thomas would leave like that but all he could think about was what he'd done to Chris and how he'd manage without Thomas in his life. He told himself over and over again that there was no way Thomas could know but he couldn't stop thinking about it. What if he couldn't help his adoptive brother? What if Thomas' life came to an end out there and Kaito would never know?

"He'll come home, Kaito," Haruto promised. "I know he will. I can feel it."

"Even if he does, we won't be partners anymore," Kaito whispered.

"Absolutely right, Kaito," came their boss' voice over the coms.

Haruto jumped and Kaito lifted his head, gazing over at the intercom, a blue flashing light letting him know it was their boss. He'd never seen the man behind the voice but he assumed he was one of the Lords.

"You failed to keep Thomas in line, Kaito," the voice snapped. Kaito frowned and Haruto squeezed his hand. "Your job was to keep Thomas under control but you failed. You will be transferred to a new partner and we will deal with Thomas. We have already sent out people to track him down at bring him home."

"Don't hurt him," Kaito said, glaring at the light. "It's not his fault. He just wants to save Michael."

"Then let's come to an agreement, Kaito," the voice replied. "Bring the Prince back, make sure he faces his fate. It's in your own interest. With the Prince's power we will defeat the Barians and finish this war. It wouldn't be long before we could cure Haruto and you will be allowed to leave with your family. And in the mean time we will pardon Thomas' insubordination and allow you another chance to tame him. Fail again and we will have to deem him compromised by his Barian infection."

"He's not compromised. He's not infected. He's always been loyal, he just wants to save his brother."

"Then don't fail us again."

The light went out and Kaito's heart sunk. The Barians infection hadn't compromised Thomas, he was loyal to the Astrals, at least as long as he, Haruto and Michael were there. They were family and as long as they were here, Thomas was loyal. He hadn't given into the Barians but he knew what the Astrals would do if they considered Thomas compromised.

Anyone taken by the Barians was put down.

"Kaito?" Haruto whispered.

"Don't worry, Haruto," Kaito replied gently, kissing his forehead. "I won't let our family fall apart again."

"I'm glad," he said. "Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. Just look after Thomas and Michael."

"Haruto-"

"Yuma is the key, Kaito," he said firmly. "I've seen it. It's Yuma who's to save us. Or doom us all."

"I don't understand."

Haruto smiled and kissed his cheek. "Go find him already."

"I'll be back soon."

"And Kaito?" He turned and paused from getting up. "I'm too important to the Astrals to be in any danger. I'll always be here to save. Thomas and Michael might not." Kaito nodded, he understood. "I'll wait as long as it takes, even 'til this war is over, because I know my big brothers will always come back to me. All of them. You'll make sure of that, won't you? You'll always bring them home?"

Kaito smiled sadly. "And Chris-"

"Leave Chris to me. You take care of the little brothers and let me take care of you big brothers. Sometimes you older guys just a need a good talking to. You get so caught up in being the responsible adult, you forget about everything else. So go and sort out Thomas and Michael no matter what and I'll sort out Chris and we'll wait as long as it takes for you to bring them home."

Haruto pushed him away, waving after him as he hurried out, his words ringing in Kaito's ears. He had half an hour before he'd arranged to meet up with Gauche and Droite. Droite was getting briefed by the bosses. Kaito would usually be there with Thomas wandering off, but he'd needed to see Haruto first. And with Haruto's blessing and Thomas' pardon on the line, he was ready to go all out. He threw his clothes into his travel bag, grabbing a gun and holster from one of his draws and putting it with his bag ready to go. If he was going to go after Lord Nasch and force Yuma to disappear as Chris had, he needed to be armed to the teeth, ready for anything.

Thomas had dubbed this gun the Dragunov. The Arclights seemed rather fond of naming weapons. He knew Michael named Takashi's gun the Debugger. He sighed at the thought. It was like a knife in his heart. He might never see Thomas or Michael again. He hoped and prayed he or the forces sent out after Thomas would find him soon. Before any Barians did. He would take Gauche and Droite out after Michael himself once Thomas was safe and hope it was soon enough. He needed Thomas in his life. He couldn't lose Thomas now. He needed him too much.

He sighed, reaching for the pendant Chris hand given him, only to find there was nothing there. He paused and frowned, fumbling with his clothes and pulling off his shirt to find his crescent moon pendant was gone.

"Thomas?" he breathed.

He'd been wearing it when he left. He'd put it on before leaving the holiday home. Thomas had been playing with it the night they'd sat together drinking in the hot springs. Kaito's cheeks warmed slightly. He loved sitting with Thomas like that. But why had Thomas taken his pendant?

He sighed. He'd find answers when he found Thomas. For now he just needed to find Yuma and save Thomas. He could search for answers later. He slipped into the shower for now, letting the warm water calm and relax his wound up nerves. He missed Thomas sitting on the sideboard, chatting away as he showered, waiting for his own turn. Kaito sometimes wondered why Thomas sat with him while he showered and didn't use his own shower but Kaito never complained. On the odd occasion he wondered if Thomas was after an invitation to join him.

Kaito's cheeks warmed once more at the thought. Thomas was handsome and had been his close partner for a long time. They'd known each other for so long. Was it possible Thomas had something of a crush on him? He almost laughed at the thought. Thomas was so handsome he could turn his attention to almost anyone and charm them into his clutches. Why would Thomas ever pick him?

His older brother's ex.

The man responsible for his older brother's disappearance.

The guilt tore at Kaito's heart constantly. Kaito didn't know how to make it better. How could he make it better? How could he ever tell Thomas that he was responsible for Chris' disappearance and had known what he was doing? Assuming Thomas didn't already know and hate him. He reached for his pendant once more, wishing he could hold onto it and remember how he and Chris had once been. It was always a comfort to think about how he and Chris had been. And now how he and Thomas were. The promise he'd made to Chris to protect his brothers in his place. If Chris was going to leave his brothers, Kaito had to promise he would look after them in his place.

And look at him now. Michael had been captured by the Barians and Thomas was who knew where, chasing after him. Chris would probably give him that familiar look of disappointment and disgust as he always did when Kaito had failed at something Chris had told him about over and over. Only this time Kaito would know he deserved it.

"Kaito," Droite called as Kaito was coming out of his bathroom. She was coming in the door as he came out and her eyes widened instantly, her cheeks going red. "Kaito?"

"It's time to go then?" Kaito said softly. Droite was just staring at him. "Droite? Are we leaving?"

"Ye-yes," she replied, turning away.

Kaito rolled his eyes. How old was she now? And still blushing like a school girl with a crush on him? It wasn't as if he was indecent. His towel was wrapped around his waist and he was sure Gauche's tight top showed more ridiculous muscles than Kaito even had. He pushed away such thoughts and turned to Droite, his dark bangs hanging over his face and making it a little hard to focus. How did Droite manage with her hair in front of her face all the time?

"I'll be out in a few moments."

Droite nodded quickly and hurried out, the door shutting behind her. Kaito dried himself off quickly, fluffing up his hair to get it out of his face and throwing on his clothes. The Dragunov and holster were strapped on his belt and he tied his sword to his belt too. He pulled on his boots on the run, nearly losing his balance several times but there wasn't time to waste. Gauche and Droite were waiting in the car and Kaito threw his bag in the back, slipping into the seats. He pulled on his coat as the car pulled off, out of the Astral city and back on the road.

"They were last seen heading out into the forest," Droite said. "But we're a long way behind. Assuming they were on foot and Nasch didn't use a portal, they could be miles away."

"Assuming Yuma isn't fighting," Gauche put in. "The kid's got spirit."

Kaito nodded. Yuma certainly had a fiery spirit, that was certain. He reminded Kaito of Thomas sometimes. Enthusiastic, powerful and full of fire. At least how Thomas had been before he'd lost Chris and Mamoru. Kaito hated thinking about either.

Thomas' former partner Mamoru was one of the biggest regrets of Thomas' life, Kaito knew that. Sometimes, when they were lying in bed together in the darkness, half asleep and often tipsy- to say the least- Thomas would quietly confess to loving his former partner. Kaito would hold him close and listen to his soft, tearful confessions; how he'd loved him, however childish and immature the love was, and how he regretted taking him along on that mission when he could have done it alone and most of all how he hated himself for remaining loyal to the Astrals and not giving into the Barians.

Those were the nights Kaito held him tightest, murmuring to his adoptive brother that he loved him and would never leave him like that. He would never let Thomas hurt like that. But there was little he could do. On those nights, Thomas was inconsolable. Chris would have known what to do but Kaito was helpless. He just held onto Thomas and tried to reassure him.

Thomas' radiant, fiery spirit had faded and dulled. He was broken and putting on a good smile and Kaito didn't know how to fix him.

"Silver farm," Kaito murmured.

"What?" Droite called.

"Silver farm is near here," he said softly, tracing the line Nasch and Yuma had been seen heading in. "They could have hidden there."

"Why would they?" Gauche grumbled.

"No one would go there," Kaito replied. "And don't you remember the trial? He insisted his name was Durbe. What if that Durbe is Lord Durbe? What if they hid there and waited for the Astrals to pass by so they could escape?"

"Do you think they would?"

"Perhaps," Droite said. "Nasch is sly. Perhaps he is smart enough to think like that."

"Let's head out there," Kaito said. "See if there's any sign of movement out there."

Droite nodded and Kaito shifted the map, plotting out the easiest route to Silver farm. The sooner they got rid of Nasch and brought Yuma back, the sooner he could save Thomas. But Silver farm was an evil place. Whatever happened there to turn a supposedly loving child into a cruel murderer must have been evil. But it was worth it to save Thomas. It was all worth it for Thomas and his family.

Astral followed Yuma and Nasch through the growing darkness. Nasch had taken Yuma to an abandoned house in a village, obviously a Barian outpost. He'd brought out a dark motorcycle and undone one of Yuma's wrists, allowing him to pull on a helmet and hold Nasch's shoulder as they tore down the country roads. The other wrist was still handcuffed, locked to a loop behind him. It looked rather uncomfortable to Astral but Yuma didn't seem bothered.

Apart from leaving to visit Akari to find out about Ryoga, Astral hadn't left Yuma's side. Even if Yuma couldn't see or hear him, he hoped he could protect him somehow. Not that Nasch seemed at all interested in hurting Yuma. In fact, all things considered, he seemed almost affectionate towards him. As affectionate as Nasch could be at least.

Listening to Akari's story, it was obvious to Astral that Lord Nasch and Yuma's childhood sweetheart Ryoga were the same person. It was a strange idea. How could this cold, disconnected Barian Lord being the same soft, sweet young boy Yuma had told his sister about? Something awful must have happened. It sounded like it was something to do with Nasch's sister. Perhaps she was the key to all of this. Perhaps if he could understand what happened to Nasch's sister, they could allow him to feel again and break Don Thousand's curse.

The pair had stopped for the night at the side of the road. Yuma's wrist was still cuffed to the bike as he sat on the ground in a pile of blankets and Nasch was a little way off, checking the area. Astral sat on the bike- as much as he could at least- watching the pair curiously. Something strange was going to happen. There was a strange energy in the air. Something he couldn't quite place.

"Get some sleep," Nasch said. "We should get home tomorrow."

"What's Don Thousand going to do with me?" Yuma said softly.

Nasch shrugged, watching the sky above them. "My first guess would be to infect you with Barian power like he did us, maybe make you a Lord but… that would require us to lose a Lord. There can only be seven."

"So one would have to die," he murmured. Astral frowned as Nasch nodded. "So you do like them? You feel something? For them?"

Astral had come to the same conclusion. Nasch felt attachment. Perhaps even friendship.

"I've found a combination of Lords that works well. Merag and I make up the two halves of Aqua power and I have one of each other type. A perfect balance. Why disrupt that?"

Yuma sighed. "Tell me more about us then? How what about after school?"

"I left school and joined the Royal Guard," Nasch muttered. Yuma frowned and Astral tilted his head. He'd served all the military forces. No wonder he was such a strong leader. "I never saw you again."

"We never…"

Yuma sighed and hung his head. Astral just watched Nasch curiously. He remembered Akari had said Yuma had been madly in love with Ryoga and told her he was going to become a soldier in the Royal Guard. She said Yuma insisted they would be reunited and Ryoga could one day be his personal guard. And there was some sort of derogatory remark about him not being the first royal to bed his personal guard. Astral wouldn't sure what that meant but he didn't dwell on that. The point was that Ryoga and Yuma had a deep, emotional, lasting connection and Yuma had to get through to Nasch somehow.

It wasn't long though before Yuma began to drift off and Nasch sat a little way off, sitting on the side of the road, watching the stars.

"Yuma," Astral said softly. "Yuma, can you hear me? Perhaps sleeping like this you're more open to my voice?"

Yuma didn't stir and Astral sighed. Yuma really had lost his ability to see and hear him. Soon it seemed Nasch began to drift off to sleep as well and Astral floated over, watching him curiously. He looked almost peaceful.

He didn't know how long it was before there was movement. Nasch didn't seem to notice, neither did Yuma but Astral felt it. A presence coming closer. It felt Barian so why would Nasch notice? He was probably used to it. Probably reinforcements. They were close to Baria and Heartland City after all.

Astral watched curiously as a figure emerged in the darkness. His dark clothes worked beautiful to in the darkness and he hurried over to the bike. Neither Nasch nor Yuma stirred as the young man slid around the bike, wild hair spilling over his face. Astral caught sight of a blue eye under his hair and frowned. Why was a Barian sneaking around his own Lord?

The Barian crouched next to Yuma, hand resting on the hilt of the sword resting against the back of his thighs. Astral wished he could warn Yuma but he couldn't do a thing.

Yuma's eyes snapped open the moment the Barian put his hand firmly over his mouth. He tried to push the stranger off but his hand was caught and the Barian hissed at him to calm down and shut up.

And Yuma did.

The Barian pulled his hand away, fingers brushing Yuma's cheeks gently. "Hang on, I'll get you out of this."

Yuma nodded and Astral tilted his head. He must have trusted the Barian but why? The Barian reached over, a dark purple fire lighting in his hand and warming the handcuffs. Yuma hissed and closed his eyes but after a few moments, the metal glowed and he broke the cuff. There was only a moment of silence and Yuma rubbed his wrist absently before the Barian caught Yuma's hand. They got up from the ground, the stranger pulling him up and hurrying away towards the bank down away from the road.

"Where are you taking my prisoner, you two?" Nasch called lazily.

The stranger hissed and spun on his heel, pulling out his sword and keeping Yuma behind him. Nasch stood and turned, watching them through the darkness. Astral lowered himself, hovering at Yuma's side and Yuma glanced over.

"Astral?"

"Yuma, I'm glad it really was just the cuffs stopping us communicating," Astral said with a smile. "I've found out a lot that you need to know."

"I-"

"My mistake," Nasch said. "Just one of you. Where's your partner, Thomas?"

Thomas growled and Yuma grasped his arm, watching Nasch carefully. "None of your business, Ryoga."

Nasch threw out his hands and Thomas swung his sword, flames tearing forward to meet Nasch's water in an explosion of steam. Astral could only stare. No wonder Yuma trusted this Barian. He was strong enough to match Nasch's power and apparently didn't like him. He would have to ask Yuma about him when they reached safety.

"I have Michael," Nasch hissed. "You want to see him again, you give back the Prince."

"Don't be like that, Ryoga, I thought we were friends," Thomas laughed. He caught Yuma's arm and Yuma stumbled forward, going pale as Thomas pressed his sword to his neck. Nasch growled. "You hurt my brother and I will kill the little brat. You guys want him alive, right? Or you wouldn't bother cuffing him and dragging him back."

"Thomas-"

"Shut up, Yuma," both Barians snapped.

"Let's make a deal," Thomas said. "I'll be at my father's house. Bring Michael and Takashi and I'll hand over Yuma. Two days. You have two days. I kill Yuma at midnight."

Nasch smiled coldly. "Sounds reasonable. And how do I know you'll keep your word when you have Michael back?"

"How do I know you'll keep yours when you have Yuma?"

"Very well. But let me make this perfectly clear, Thomas," Nasch said. "I will to take everything from you. I will watch you suffer as you made me suffer." Thomas laughed and pressed his blade Yuma's neck enough to draw blood. "You think I care about him?"

"I know you did once."

"Nasch?" Yuma whispered.

"I'll see you soon, Thomas," Nasch said, turning away. And then he paused. "Where is Kaito? Don't tell me you two have split up? Did he finally tell you the truth?"

Thomas frowned and Nasch gave a cold, humourless grin. Whatever was going on, Thomas didn't know. Yuma grabbed Thomas' arm and Astral glanced between them. What did Nasch know about Thomas and this Kaito person? Why did it seem to matter?

"You don't know?" Nasch said, approaching slowly. Thomas pressed his sword closer against Yuma's neck and Yuma whimpered. Astral desperately wished he had a physical form and could help but he was useless in thie situation. Nasch sneered. "Go on, kill him, he's a small price to pay to be the one who breaks this to you."

Thomas backed up a step and Yuma went with him. "Get out of here, Ryoga, before your god decides your trying to get his prize killed."

"Don't you want to know the big secret your dear partner's been hiding from you?"

"Stop it, Nasch!" Yuma cried. "Stop!"

"Kaito is the one who convinced Chris to become a Lord." Thomas' breath caught and his sword lowered slightly. "Chris was afraid to leave you and Michael but Kaito insisted it was the right thing to do. What did he care if you lost your brother? As long as he was one step closer to having his brother cured. That's all he cares about and you know it really, don't you? Kaito cares nothing for you while you love him so much. It's pitiful."

Thomas pulled away, tugging Yuma down the bank. "Two days, Nasch!"

Yuma hurried after him and Astral followed. He didn't understand why Yuma ran after him with such blind trust but if Yuma trusted him Astral decided to do the same, at least for now. Thomas pulled Yuma down onto a mud track and to narrow country road, walled with old stone walls either side. Both Thomas and Yuma vaulted the wall with ease and kept running to an old shelter. Inside the old shelter was a slightly dirtied white bike, of a similar single wheeled design to Nasch's.

"Thomas?" Yuma said quietly. Thomas turned slightly. "What's wrong? Where is Kaito?"

Thomas let out a shuddering breath, leaning back against the shelter wall, his head buried in his hands, shoulders shaking. Yuma's eyes widened and he hurried over, wrapping Thomas in his arms and holding him close. Astral frowned and sat on the bike, watching curiously as Yuma rubbed Thomas' back. Thomas seemed to be laughing though.

"I'm sorry, Thomas," Yuma said softly, holding him close. "I'm sorry. Whatever's happened, I'm sorry."

"Yuma, he intends to give you back to Nasch," Astral warned. "Why are you so kind to him?"

"I left him," Thomas whispered, pulling back. His rubbed his eyes and laughed, shaking his head. "He and Droite and Gauche were so willing to come with me and save Michael, but I knew the Astrals would call us back any second. If Kaito disobeys, they stop him seeing his little brother Haruto. I wasn't going to ask him to choose between following me and seeing Haruto. All that pain thinking it over for an answer we both already know? I couldn't do it. So I left him behind. I didn't give him a choice. I just left."

"You… you left him to save him that pain?" Yuma whispered. Thomas nodded and Yuma glanced down at his hands. "You can't believe, Nasch, you know? I think Kaito really cares about you! And- and there's no way Nasch could have actually known that stuff, right? He wasn't there."

Thomas nodded slightly, wrapping his arms around himself. Astral could only watch curiously. Human interaction was rather fascinating. He'd never had the pleasure of true interaction. In the Astral world, all minds and souls were one. There was no argument, or even discussion. They were a collective hive mind, drawing on all their knowledge to make a rational, logical decision.

Here in the human world, he had his own mind and it was fascinating to be separate from that collective, to see the way humans were supposed to interact and live. Their world seems almost hollow in comparison.

And somehow the pain that both Thomas and Yuma suffered was fascinating. Nasch's heartless, cold analytical mind was more familiar to Astral, it reminded him of home, but didn't seem right for a Barian. Barians were their opposites. They were chaos and darkness. Emotional and irrational. But watching Thomas and Yuma struggling with their feelings for others was incredible. Humans knew that opening themselves up and letting others get close could hurt them and yet they did it anyway. Why would you open yourself up to the possibility of pain?

It was obvious Yuma and Nasch meant a lot to each other before they lost touch. Whatever actually happened hurt Nasch so much he was convinced he meant nothing to Yuma. And Yuma was obviously hurt by not remembering. It seemed Thomas and this Kaito person were close- partners Nasch had said- and knowledge that Kaito had done something to Thomas' brother obviously hurt him too.

"Yuma," Astral said softly. "I need to tell you about you and Nasch."

"Later, Astral," Yuma said gently, rubbing Thomas' arms. "In the morning."

"He's going to hand you over to Nasch in return for his brother, Yuma," he argued. "How can you be so kind?"

"Because Michael's his brother!" he cried, shaking his head. "Family is important, Astral!"

"Who's Astral?" Thomas murmured.

Yuma waved his hand. "An Astral being. Apparently this pendant lets me see him."

"It's more than that, Yuma. Will you listen-"

"In the morning, Astral, please," Yuma insisted.

Astral sighed and turned way. Yuma was busy tended to Thomas, who seemed to be perking up and getting himself together again. Yuma needed to listen. If he knew more about him and Nasch and what the bond between them was, he might be able to find answers. And Nasch and Thomas seemed to know each other, perhaps Thomas had answers for him too.

Finally, Thomas stood, pulling a blanket from one of the saddlebags. He sparked up the pile of sticks and twigs Yuma smiled at the new warmth that even Astral felt. Thomas handed him the blanket. Yuma reached over, his hands hovering over the fire and the dark purple flames turned a warm golden yellow and orange. Much more homely. Thomas laughed softly and Yuma beamed.

"Wanna eat, kid?" Thomas said softly.

"Mmm." Yuma nodded eagerly and Thomas tossed him a bag and drink. Yuma grinned, catching both and waiting for Thomas to join him, wrapping the blankets around them. Astral smiled absently and Yuma nuzzled into Thomas' shoulder. "I'm sorry about what I said before. I was just kind of shocked."

"It's alright," he muttered, cracking open a can. "I'm used to it."

"You shouldn't be." He sighed and Astral smiled, watching Yuma cuddle close to Thomas as the older man tended to his neck. Yuma was so trusting of this Barian. Even after he injured him and intended to hand him over to Nasch. "What happened between you and Nasch? Why do you hate each other?"

"I killed his sister."

Yuma's eyes widened and Astral tilted his head. Why would a Barian killed their leader's sister? Unless that was before Nasch became their leader. When he was still Ryoga. It must have been. Yes, it must have been. They said it was partly his sister's death that sent Nasch into the Barian's clutches. It was Thomas' fault Ryoga became Nasch?

"Why?" Yuma whispered.

"She was infected by Barians," Thomas replied. "Anyone infected is to be put down. Even Ryoga struggling to defend her didn't work. Mamoru and I… we killed her. We had to."

"But he's Barian," Astral said. "Yuma, I don't understand. Why is a Barian killing those infected by his side?"

Yuma turned. "I thought so too, but he's not Barian, Astral. He's on the Astrals' side. He's one of the good guys.."

"The Astrals?" he murmured. "But he gives off Barian energy."

Thomas sighed, grasping a pendant around his neck. Yuma frowned as if only just noticing it. It was a silver crescent moon. He smiled absently, tired and bitter but Yuma squeezed his arms gently. Obviously Yuma trusted him but Astral knew there was more to this story than either he or Yuma knew.

Suddenly the bike beeped and Thomas and Yuma jumped. Thomas scowled. "Orbital?"

"Master Thomas!" came a strange voice. Astral leant over, investigating the voice. It seemed to come from the bike itself. "Master Kaito has left a message for you."

"Fine."

"Thomas, I don't know why you've ordered Orbital not to let me through to talk to you, but this is important." It was a slightly strained voice. Obviously someone in pain and trying not to show it. "Thomas, listen to me, Nasch has Yuma. The bosses are furious. Gauche, Droite and I have been sent out after him. They're pissed that you've gone off on your own. I liked Yuma, Thomas, but I will go after him and I will force him to face whatever they plan for him because I need you." Thomas scowled and Yuma gripped his arm. "They've sent people after you, Thomas. Please, don't fight them. Just let them bring you in or they'll put you down. They're trying already. They want evidence to declare you corrupted by the Barian energy inside you. If you fight they'll kill you. I need you home. I'm sorry for whatever happened to make you leave like that. I thought we were going to do this together but whatever happened you're my partner and I won't give you up without a fight. I'll find you soon, Thomas. Just stay safe."

Thomas turned away and Yuma stared at the fire. Astral supposed it made sense. Yuma had found out this Kaito person was coming after him and wished to sacrifice him to save Thomas. Thomas wished to give him to the Barians to save his brother. And Thomas would be put to death if he resisted the Astrals orders in anyway. Astral began to wonder why people fought for them if they were so cruel. He'd never realised it was cruelty in the Astral world. He didn't understand. It was just logical and for the best. But now he saw the consequences it was very different.

"He really is a Barian, Yuma," Astral said quietly. "This Kaito person just said it himself."

"You really are Barian," Yuma whispered. Thomas nodded. "But everything Kaito said- you saved me from them, twice now! How can you be a Barian?! Thomas?! I thought you were serving the Astrals!"

"I am!" Thomas snapped. "I'd never betray my family! Kaito and Michael and Haruto are all I have! The Astrals have Haruto, they have a cure for him if we win this war, that's all that matters!"

"Which side are you going to hand me over to then?" he murmured. "Give me to the Astrals and cure Haruto? Or give me to Nasch and get Michael back?"

"I don't know yet," he whispered. "I'm afraid I really don't know. I wasn't going to hand you over to Nasch, not really, but now, knowing what's coming…"

"They want to sacrifice me, Thomas," Yuma pleaded. "The Astrals want me to die! Please, Thomas-"

"We'll talk in the morning. There's not point getting worked up about it tonight."

Yuma nodded, apparently satisfied with that. Yuma was a strange little creature. He switched the conversation to more casual chatter and Thomas seemed content with the situation. But Yuma knew he was Barian now. He knew he had Barian in him. His blue eye was Barian, why did he trust him so readily? Why were the Astrals after him? There were still so many questions about Thomas and Nasch and the situation. Yet Yuma didn't want to ask any of them and Astral couldn't voice them.

The human world was very frustrating.

"Rio," Ryoga laughed, chasing over her. "Rio."

"Keep up Ryoga," Rio called back.

Ryoga laughed, chasing after Rio through the field of flowers. Beautiful purple flowers, swaying in the breeze, petals dancing as the pair ran through the sun drenched field. Just ahead of him, Rio laughed and spun, her hair in pigtails bouncing as she spun in the light. Her huge floppy sunhat ruffled in the wind and her light white sundress billowed around her. Just like when they were children. They ran down to the stream, butterflies flying around them. Ryoga laughed, splashing in the water as Rio lingered on the bank, dipping her feet in the crystal clear, sparkling water.

"What's wrong, Ryoga?" she whispered.

"Nothing," Ryoga laughed, sitting next to her. "Nothing at all. Everything's great."

"I'm glad," Rio giggled, holding his hands. "Ryoga, I'm glad you did all his for me." Ryoga blinked and Rio beamed. "You gave up your soul to get me back. You gave up everything for me." She smiled and cupped his cheeks, stroking gently and leaning in, her lips brushing his forehead. "My silly, loveable Ryoga."

"Rio…"

"Aren't you happy here? With me?"

"Of course."

"Good," she purred. "Then keep me alive. Let me use Yuma."

"You're going to use Yuma?"

"I'm the mystic priestess," she giggled. Her eyes flashed with something darker than normal and Ryoga jerked back. "Don't be afraid, Nasch, it's me. It's your sister. Merag."

"Merag is not my sister," he snapped. "And- and I'm not Nasch. I'm Ryoga." He shook his head desperately, tears dripping down his cheeks. "Please, I'm Ryoga. I'm Ryoga! Let me feel again!"

"No, silly," Merag said, shaking her head. She smiled and ran her hands over his cheeks. "I love you. I'd never hurt you. It's for the best. Imagine all the guilt you'd feel in the real world? Imagine if you weren't dreaming. You'd feel all the crushing guilt of the souls you'd destroyed. Every last one of them. You'd feel the pain of betraying Yuma. Everything. You'd feel it all. I'm just protecting you. Like I've always protected you. My dear brother. You will never feel again."

Nasch screamed, drawing his knees to his chest, sobbing into the grassy bank at the side of the road. Merag sighed, stroking his hair gently. Don Thousand laughed inside his head as Nasch writhed in agony. He couldn't feel emotional pain but he felt physical pain as well as anyone.

Finally the pain faded and Nasch managed to catch his breath, released for Don Thousand's hold. He let out a slow breath and closed his eyes tightly. He knew what was going on. He was being punished for letting Yuma escape. There was nothing he could have done. They wanted Yuma alive and Thomas really would have killed him. He knew Thomas wasn't bluffing. That bastard would take everything from him if he could. And Nasch would pay him back one day. He would see Thomas' family torn apart just as his family had been. He would take everything that was precious to Thomas and no one would stop him.

Don Thousand sent another bolt of agony through his body and another scream tore from his throat. Merag sighed, petting his hair gently.

"Control your temper, Nasch," Don Thousand hissed. "I leave you with these few emotions because they help you. They make you driven and dangerous but if they continue to hinder you like this I will have no choice but to remove them entirely. You let my prize escape!"

"I have a way to sort it!" he cried.

"You'd better do, dear brother," Merag murmured. She helped him up and wrapped him gently in her arms, stroking his hair as he struggled to stop his body trembling. "Or you and I will both be in trouble. You'd never betray me, would you?"

"No," Nasch whispered, burying his head in her shoulder. "No, I could never leave you. You're the most important thing."

"I know," she whispered. "I know. So, how are you going to stop Thomas? How are we going to get the Prince and gain the Arclight and Tenjo powers?"

Nasch closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. "We're going to hit them right where it hurts. Their guilty hearts."