"Thomas?" Mamoru whispered. Thomas eyes cracked open and Mamoru smiled. "Hey, you're back with us."

"I feel sick," Thomas groaned.

Mamoru rolled his eyes. "Do you still get train sick?"

"Why are we one train?" he mumbled. Mamoru smiled and stroked his hair from his face. He shouldn't hide what he was. "Mamoru?"

"Your... Mar... he's taking us to see Byron. But shh, ok? He's sleeping but I don't want to wake him." Thomas nodded slightly and Mamoru tilted his head over to the other side of the train carriage. He turned slightly. Mar was on the bunk on the other side of the carriage with the Princess held tightly in his arms. "He says he wants Byron to tell you the truth. You have to know that you're really his son, I guess. Are you his son? Do you know if...?"

"I don't know," Thomas whispered. Mamoru nodded slightly. "He says... I don't know. What if I am his son? What if Byron isn't my real dad? I mean, there's not point denying that I look more like him than Byron but..."

"Byron's your dad. He always has been. I know."

Thomas sighed and Mamoru smiled, folding his arms and lying his head on them to watch Thomas in the dim light. Travelly by train they'd be in Heartland City by morning. He'd already sent a message to Byron's generals to expect trouble tomorrow. Hopefully they weren't as inept as Heartland's men. He supposed they were generals for a reason by exactly why was beyond him. Aika, Chitaro and him had done more work than they did. Now, he'd admit Faker's bunch were a force to be reckoned with. Kyoji himself was probably more efficient than all the other generals put together. But Mamoru had never had much time to interact with Byron's generals. He supposed perhaps he should have. Byron was- until it was confirmed otherwise- Thomas' father.

"How was it for you?" Mamoru whispered. "It shows you things, doesn't it? To unlock that darkness? What did you see?"

Thomas frowned. "I saw my brothers. Chris... he tried to kill me. He said I was monster. That I'd given in and needed to be exterminated. Even Michael..."

"I don't care what other people think of you," he murmured. "You know you mean more to me than anyone. Even if you don't really feel the same any more."

"I never said that."

"You make it pretty obvious though."

Thomas sighed and Mamoru smiled bitterly as Thomas rolled over on the bunk. It was small and cramped and really they were too close for people who didn't have any sort of connection any more. In the years they were partners working for the Astrals, when he had been Thomas' junior partner, he'd never been shy about sharing a bed with Thomas. It was what they were expected to do when out on missions. It had been a long time since he'd been so close to Thomas and so peacefully. There were no interruptions and no chaos around them. Even with the man who could be Thomas' long lost father holding them prisoner with plans to for a princess to marry him, it was peaceful.

"I never said I didn't care about you," Thomas said, lowering his gaze slightly. "After everything that happened between us, how could I not?"

"But you don't want to," Mamoru replied. "You and Kaito-"

"I got over Kaito a long time ago," he laughed quietly. Mamoru scowled. "When we were kids, I had this huge crush on him. I loved him so much. I looked up to him. I wanted to spend all my time with him. I wanted him to notice me. Even when we were in the academy we were across the hall from each other and I used to go and see him all the time. I wanted him to love me. I wanted him to know how much I loved him. He was the only one who made me feel normal."

"It's no wonder you love him."

"Yeah, well, I had to get over him pretty quickly when he told me he'd never consider me anything other than his best friend and brother. And then he got with Chris. He was Chris' partner and I..." He shrugged and Mamoru smiled, reaching up cautiously and taking Thomas' hand. Thomas smiled and squeezed back. "No matter what these Seers say about us, me and Kaito were over a long time ago."

"Then perhaps, there is still a chance you'll forgive me one day."

"There's noting to forgive. You were tempted by the darkness just as everyone else was."

Mamoru smiled and leant in slowly. Perhaps it was a little too much of a risk, perhaps Thomas wasn't ready for him to be so bold but he needed to try. At least to see where he stood. Their lips met softly and Thomas didn't shove him off straight away. That was a good start. His hand slid over Thomas' waist, pulling him gently closer as Thomas' hands tangled gently into his hair. It was like no time had passed, like they were youngsters again, in love and lost to the world with nothing but their passions.

"Mmm no," Thomas whispered, pushing him back slightly. "I can't."

"Yes, you can," Mamoru replied. "If you want this... You know I want you still. Where's the problem?"

Thomas sighed and Mamoru wondered if it was worth pushing on but Thomas didn't know how he'd changed. It had been two years since they'd been together. He couldn't expect Thomas to understand how much he'd changed.

"There's too much going on right now." Mamoru nodded and Thomas smiled, kissing his cheek gently. "You're not out of the running, idiot. Jut... give me time to get used to this."

"Whatever you need, Thomas. You should get the answers you need soon anyway."

"Yeah. But it's ok. You'll be with me."

He leant in close and Mamoru smiled as Thomas cuddled up into his arms. It was so warm and comforting to have Thomas with him once more. And to know he'd beaten Kaito for Thomas' affection. Kaito had been blind to Thomas' need for him and had lost him. He smiled and stroked Thomas' hair gently to help him sleep. They'd probably reach Byron by mid day at this rate. Whatever Thomas found there, whatever the truth was, Mamoru would stay with him and help him through. And without Kaito. He would never let Kaito take him from him again.

"I love you."

Kaito sighed, nuzzling up close to Thomas' warmth as he returned to the waking world. It had all been an awful dream. It was all an awful dream and he was back in Spartan City with Thomas, curled up close to him like nothing was wrong.

"Thomas."

"Like hell I am. God, you're clingy."

His eyes cracked open to find Ryoga glaring down at him. He scowled. Why was Ryoga so close? Why was he in his cell? He tried to move away but there was a jolt and Ryoga pulled him back.

"What are you doing?" Kaito hissed. Ryoga held up an arm. Their wrists were chained together. "What?"

"Since you passed out and were talking about rewriting the world, they decided it would be a good idea to stick us together. Just so I could be your nurse."

"I don't need a nurse, I was summoned by the Astrals, get out my bed."

"You think I want to be stuck here?"

"Get off me!"

"Shut up!" Ryoga snarled, shoving him to the bed and pinning him down. "I don't want to be stuck with you anymore than you want me. We're going to die soon and instead of being with the people I love I'm stuck with you! You think I'm enjoying this?!"

"You seem pretty keen to be on top of me," Kaito sneered.

"I will punch you so hard-"

"Go on, Nasch-"

"Ryoga!"

"Stop making so much damn noise!" Vector yelled, stomping down the stairs. They turned to glare at him and Vector paused, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh. Am I interrupting? I thought you were already committed to my dear Thomas, Kaito." He sneered and Kaito gripped the necklace wrapped around his hand. "Although whether he wants you or not is another matter."

Kaito frowned slightly and Ryoga moved back, letting Kaito sit up. "Just because you've got Thomas under your spell doesn't mean he's changed. He's fought the Chaos before and not changed. He won't change now. He only gave in to stop you killing the Prince."

"You're wrong," Vector snarled. "You're wrong. He loves me. He's my family. He loves me! He let me guide him to our cause because he wants to be with me! He wants us to be family!"

"I always knew you were unhinged, Shingetsu," Ryoga hissed. "But this is something else."

"What would you know?!" he yelled. "This was the life you gave me! I could have been happy if it wasn't for you!"

"This isn't all my fault!" He lunged forward but Kaito caught the chain between them, yanking him back to the bunk. "You can't blame me for everything you've done. It's not my fault. You had choices."

"You took any choice from me when you got me expelled from the academy. I'm going to love watching you die."

"What do you want?" Kaito sighed.

"I just wanted to bring you two breakfast," Vector replied with a shrug, throwing in a loaf of bread of them. "It's not five star dining, I'll admit but we're saving that for your last meal. I'll see you boys to tuck you in tonight."

He turned and swept away, leaving the pair lying on the bunk together. Kaito sighed and laid back, tucking his arms behind his head only to remember the chain between him and Ryoga when the younger boy fell forwards on top of him. He huffed and Kaito shoved him off onto the floor. Ryoga growled and yanked the chain and Kaito fell from the bunk on top of him.

"Get off!"

"You started this," Kaito snapped.

"You think I want to be attached to you?" Ryoga snapped.

Kaito glared up at him and Ryoga snorted, getting back onto the bunk and yanking Kaito back up with him. Kaito was tempted to snap at him and fight back but he really couldn't be bothered with this child any longer. Ryoga glared at him in return but Kaito decided to be the bigger man and ignore him. He folded his arms around his knees and they sat in cold silence. Neither pay any mind to the bread Vector had tossed them. There was only one mild comfort Kaito could hang onto. If he died, the fate predicted for him and Thomas would never come true. He would never kill him. He would be safe.

"Are you afraid?" Ryoga whispered finally.

"No," Kaito replied softly. "Not for myself at least. But my friends and family... I won't be around to protect them any more."

"From what I've seen your family protects themselves pretty well," he muttered. "Thomas is just as protective as you are."

"Would you want to leave your sister alone?"

Ryoga sighed. "No, I suppose not. Do you have a plan?"

"Die a dignified death?"

"That's not going to help."

"I don't," Kaito muttered. "If we die... the people we love don't."

"You'd just accept your death?" Ryoga replied. "You'd give in and not even fight?" Kaito snorted. He was s fighter, he didn't want to give in but he would do anything for the people he loved. Even if it cost him his life. "Kaito-"

"Don't you know?" he said, shaking his head. "I'm dying anyway."

Ryoga sighed. "Kurage's poison."

"Yeah. My heart."

"I'm sorry," Ryoga said. Kaito nodded. "If we get out of this... I'll make sure you get a cure."

Kaito snorted. He didn't mind losing his life it it saved everyone else. Thomas would escape his fate. The Arclights would protect Haruto. But then, Haruto was here. He was in the city with the Barians. What if he was in danger? He just had to home Haruto would be safe. After all, Thomas was a Barian now. He would protect Haruto for him, wouldn't he?

"You think the Astral's haven't tried?" Kaito said, shaking his head. "They manage it like they manage Haruto, but there's no cure. Not until they win." Ryoga snorted. "What?"

"There's a cure. The Astrals are keeping you under their control."

"You think?"

"I'm sure."

Kaito scowled. The Astrals couldn't have done that. Why in the world would the Astrals have kept a cure for him and Haruto quiet? He supposed, he only served the Astrals because they promised they could cure Haruto when they were powerful again. They gave him the drugs that kept him alive. Their magic made him stronger. But what if Ryoga was right? What if it all was just to control him and keep him on their side? He knew he would have joined the Barians in a heartbeat if they were able to offer him a cure for Haruto.

"We'll get out of this. No one's going to die." Kaito sighed and closed his eyes, but they snapped open once more as Ryoga's hand touched his. "You're supposed to rewrite the universe, right? You can't die here." Kaito nodded slightly and Ryoga smiled. "So, come on then. The truth; you and Thomas, you're telling me you two are that close and you've never actually slept with him? You kissed him at the Arclight place but you're honestly telling me that's the first time? Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Come on." He yanked the chain and Kaito scowled. "We're stuck together, give me all the gossip at least."

When Thomas woke, he was lying in Mamoru's arms, cuddled up to his now taller partner. He hadn't realised Mamoru had got so tall. But then, everyone was taller than him now. He'd reached his full height and now the youngsters were growing. Michael would reach Chris' height if he kept growing and Mamoru was big enough that Thomas had to look up at him. It was only Kaito who remained around Thomas' height.

Still, it was nice to be cuddled up and warm with someone who loved him. It was almost laughable. When was the last time he'd been truly happy in the arms of someone else. He was happy with Mamoru humming softly, playing gently with his hair. Had he even been happy with Kaito? Thinking back to lying in Kaito's arms in Spartan City, how they'd collapsed together into bed laughing and drunk and happy. Had he really been happy? Or had he just been drunk? They were friends and raised like brothers but... Did Kaito really love him? Did he really love Kaito anymore? Had that gone down the drain when he realised Kaito was never going to put him first?

Or was that just the darkness that had taken hold making him think like that?

"Get off of me!" He groaned and opened his eyes, tilting his head to find the Princess trying to squirm free from Mar's hold. "Let go!"

She struggled to shove him off and Thomas sighed as Mar caught her arms and slammed her against the train's wall. How was he ever supposed to accept that man could be his father? Or any part of his family? Vector seemed different. He was lonely. He wanted a family. Someone who loved him. And given his father, Thomas didn't blame him. He could handle Vector. He certainly gave in when Thomas asked him nicely.

"Good morning, sleepy," Mamoru murmured in his ear. Thomas smiled, ignoring Mar and Akari and turning to the younger boy. "We should be getting off soon."

"I'm glad," Thomas murmured. "I hate trains."

"I know, but it'll be over soon."

He smiled and warmly and Thomas was rather surprised by the soft, tender kiss that seemed to come out of nowhere. Thomas pushed him off and scowled up at him. "I thought I said not right now?"

"Yeah. Sorry."

"You two, be quiet," Mar snapped. Thomas glanced over and Mar scowled. "And get dressed, it'll be out stop soon."

"Dressed?" He groaned and glanced down at himself. "Who..." As if he even needed to ask. "Why?"

"Because we're not out in the middle of nowhere," Mamoru replied. "We're in a nice comfortable bed on a train. No sleeping in your clothes. Besides..." Practically purring as he slid his hand up Thomas' bare chest. "I prefer this view." Thomas jerked away and pulled the covers around him. Mamrou's eyes widened and he pulled back. "Thomas?"

He closed his eyes tightly, his hands brushing the scars over his body. That first mission with Kaito, the mess with Heartland and his generals, it had left him with hideous scars. Battles after that had left him with more. His body was a map of his failures and mistakes. The things that put the people he cared about in danger.

"Thomas," Mamoru murmured, reaching for Thomas cautiously. "What is it? What's wrong?"

He snatched up his clothes and pulled them on before they could see anymore of how hideous his body looked. Every mistake, every failure, every shame and sin all carved into his body for the world to see. Mar was scowling up at him and Thomas scowled, doing his jacket up to his chin. If only he could hide the one on his face as easily.

"Thomas." His head jerked around to gaze at Mar. He had Akari pinned to the wall by her throat but her eyes softened as he watched Thomas. "Don't be ashamed."

"They're disgusting," Thomas hissed.

He dropped Akari and walked over slowly, cupping his cheeks and stroking his thumb along the scar over his eye. There was something soft and warm in his eyes that Thomas couldn't remember seeing in Byron's eyes since he was young. He stroked Thomas' cheeks gently. Reassuringly. He hadn't had a father figure reassuring him like this in such a long time. Chris and Byron never bothered anymore. They hadn't in a long while. When Chris first took them from Byron he tried to replace Byron and treated them as much like he had as he could. He tried to be a father for them but he wasn't.

"Don't be ashamed," Mar said softly. "Your scars are beautiful." His eyes widened slightly and Mar smiled. "Look at you. Every single one of those scars is survival. Every single one is a battle survived. Back in the old days warriors would be proud of their scars. It would be a sign of their strength. Their power. You're a survivor. Or did Byron never teach you to think like that?"

"I- I never-"

Mar chuckled and pressed a gentle kiss to the scar over his eye. "I have so much to teach you, son."

Thomas nodded slightly, still a little lost. He'd never considered his scars like that. The train began to slow and Mar turned away to force the Princess into a hooded cloak while Mamoru finished dressing. Thomas peeked out the curtains to see them entering Heartland City. The coloured buildings and signs. It was so tacky and bright. It hadn't always been. Just since Mr Heartland had become mayor. Mamoru smiled and caught his arm, pulling him away from the window gently as Mar pulled Akari away. They grabbed their bags- Thomas was sure they'd only had one bag last he remembered- and followed Mar and Akari to the door.

The daylight was too bright and Thomas grasped Mamoru's arm, burying his head in his shoulder to hide from the brightness of the morning. Mamoru laughed and petted his hair gently. It was giving him a headache.

"Sweetheart," Mamoru murmured.

"I've warned you about sweethearting me," Thomas mumbled. "I don't appreciate it."

Mamoru laughed warmly and kissed his cheek. He supposed having Mamoru babying him wasn't so bad for now.

Mar must have said something to Akari since she didn't fight as they took a taxi out to the old estate he'd spent so much time in as a kid. How Mar was so certain Byron was here was another matter. But he pushed open the gates and shoved Akari into Mamoru's arms with a stern warning about not letting her escape or else. He smiled warmly over at Thomas and beckoned him over to his side.

"Whatever happens, Thomas," he said quietly. "I want you to know I'm proud of the young man you've become."

"You are?" he whispered.

Mar smiled. "That surprises you?"

"I don't remember the last time someone was proud of me."

"I'm always proud of you."

Thomas smiled, his chest warming at the idea of someone actually being proud of him. If anyone had ever been proud of him, they'd never said it. They wandered down the private drive through the alley of trees. This was the place he'd always called home and now it was the place where he'd find out if he ever really belonged in this family.

The doors opened and Jackal stood in the doorway, glaring down at them. Mar sneered and Thomas stumbled as Mar grabbed him and pulled him close.

"Get Byron out here."

"Hey Wolf," Jackal called. "There's some bastard out here thinks he can give us orders."

"If you don't get him out here, I'm going to hurt the boy." Jackal visibly hesitated and Thomas wondered if they really were under orders not to hurt him. He squeezed Thomas' arm and Thomas gave a soft whimper. It was uncomfortable but he didn't want Jackal thinking Mar wouldn't hurt him. Thomas was sure he would. "Get Byron, now!"

"Wolf!"

"What is all the commotion?" Wolf said. "Byron is finishing breakfast and if he's disturbed two days in a row-" Mar squeezed his arm tight enough to actually hurt this time and jerked his shoulder enough to draw pain cry. "Thomas. Alright, I suppose that's good enough reason to cut short breakfast. Come in."

"I'll glad you're seeing sense."

Wolf stepped aside and Mar tugged Thomas along into the manor and Mamoru pulled Akari along behind them. Thomas pretended not to notice Wolf discreetly looking him over as he passed, no doubt checking for serious injuries and figuring out how to deal with the situation. Thomas and Kaito had faced his father's trio in battle before. They were an efficient team. But Mar seemed confident in his powers and it was said the only way to take on Infernal was with another Infernal. But the three of them and Byron, maybe they stood a chance.

"You should let Thomas go," Wolf said, climbing up the stairs. "It will make things easier."

"Just get Byron down here." Wolf nodded and climbing up the stairs and vanishing along the hall. There were hushed voices and Mar growled, pulling Thomas closer. "I'm sorry to have to use you like this, Thomas, but if it's the only way to get Byron to do as I want."

"I thought you just wanted the truth," Thomas hissed. Mar jerked him closer, twisting his arm enough to get a pained yell from him. "Stop!"

"Thomas!"

Byron came hurrying down the gallery above and down the stairs with Wolf following along leisurely behind him. He paused at the foot of the stairs and Thomas gazed up at him, struggling to ignore the dull throbbing ache in his arm.

"Mar," Byron said, eyes narrowing slightly. "Let him go, Mar."

"Not until you admit the truth, Byron," he snapped. "You took my boy from me."

"Your boy?" e snorted. "I didn't let you take him from me when he was a baby, what makes you think I'll let you take him now? What in your deranged mind makes you think Thomas is yours."

"Of course he's mine," he snapped. Thomas hissed as Mar forced him even closer, pressed up against his body. Byron's eyes narrowed and Thomas could only stare up at him. They were fighting over him? "Tell him the truth, Byron. Tell him who his mother really is!"

Byron sighed. "I won't lie to you, Thomas. I wasn't faithful to Vivian. She knew. She understood. She was even encouraging of it. Your mother was a wonderful woman named Mina Shingetsu. She was a dear friend of mine and we had an affair but when she gave birth to you and Mar tried to take you, she made me promise to look after you and love you and look after you. I always loved you, Thomas."

"It's true?" Thomas breathed. "Everything he said was true? I'm not..."

His legs gave out and his weight hit the floor hard as Mar dropped him, staring up at Byron. His hands were trembling as he clenched them against the floor. It was true. It was all true. Byron had lied to him all this time. He thought he'd had this family. He thought he'd been a part of this family even if he'd always felt different. He was Infernal. How had he ever thought he was part of this family with these hideous powers. He knew Infernals were from the same bloodline. He'd been fascinated by stories of old powers. He should have known his powers could never have come from Byron and Vivian.

Byron stepped forward. "Thomas-"

"You bastard you lied to me!" he yelled, shaking his head. "You lied to me! I thought- I thought-"

He closed his eyes tightly and Mar sighed. "You should have let me take him, Byron. I could have made him happy. He would have known what he was. He would have known where he belonged. My dear Thomas."

"Funny," Byron sneered. "You actual boy came to see me only yesterday telling me how he wished he wasn't your son. How he wanted to be a part of my family."

"How dare you?!" Mar snarled. "I will-"

"Dad," Thomas whispered. Byron and Mar both turned to him and Thomas reached for Mar's arm. "Don't. He's not worth it."

"Thomas?" Byron's voice was strangled and strained. "Don't call him that."

"It's ok, Thomas," Mar said softly, helping him up.

He couldn't even look at Byron. He'd kept him from his family all this time. Made him feel different and unwanted. Even if he never said anything Thomas always felt so different. It all made sense now. Mar wrapped him in his arms and Thomas buried his head in Mar's shoulder. How could It all be a lie? Mina was really his mother? Mar was really his father? Mar hummed softly, kissing his temple and playing with his hair.

"My poor little boy," Mar murmured. "You finally know the truth, you finally know where you belong."

Byron snarled. "Get your hands off my son!"

"He's mine," he replied. "You just told him, he's Mina's boy. My boy." He hummed softly and Thomas almost smiled as Mar nuzzled into his hair. "My beautiful boy. The son I always longed for. He does look so much like his mother, how could you ever hope to keep him away from me?"

"He's my son!" Byron snapped. "You can't possibly believe this, Thomas-"

"You said it yourself," Thomas hissed, glaring at him over his shoulder.

"Mina was your mother, Thomas, but I'm your father!"

"Leave me alone!" he cried.

Byron stepped forward and Thomas threw out his hand, sending flames tearing across the room and knocking Byron back against the stairs. Mar purred, stroking his cheek and kissing his forehead, murmuring about what a good boy he was. How strong he was. Thomas withdrew his trembling hand and Byron stared up at him.

"Thomas-"

"He took you from me," Mar murmured. "He took you from me and your true family. We won't let him do it again, will we? My dear little boy. You know, he told me about you, Byron, how you didn't take any time to be with him. You didn't have time for proper fatherly care. How he was left with Christopher." He snorted and Byron growled. "I've been more of a father to him over the past week than you ever have been. Thomas is mine, Byron."

"Kill him!" Byron order, getting to his feet once more. "Kill him!"

Mar laughed and Thomas glanced up at him as the Fallguys approached. "Tommy, don't let him take you again. You know how much I love you. You'll fight for you family, won't you?"

Thomas stared up at him and Mar smiled warmly, cupping his cheeks once more. Mar was the family he really belonged with. He encouraged him to use his powers. He didn't want him to tone them down and be careful like Byron did. He paid attention to him. Even if e was a cruel monster, he was his family. His true family. His brothers- Chris and Michael weren't even his brothers were they?- they would never accept him if they knew. They accepted the Chaos infection because they were obligated to; because they were brothers so what else could they do? But now he wasn't family, they'd never accept him. They'd turn on him. He was alone with no one but Mar to look after him.

No. No that wasn't true. Mamoru promised to be with him no matter what. And Vector. Vector loved him so madly it was obvious he was desperate for a family. If he'd lost he always loved, why not lash out and show them his true power? The power Byron always tried to stop him using.

"Go on," Mar whispered.

Thomas nodded and threw out his hands. His dark purple flames exploded across the hall and the Fallguys jumped back as Mamoru pushed Akari to the ground. The Princess and Mamoru. Of course. He had to watch them. It felt so good to be using his powers. Better than it ever had before. Was this the Barians' power? The Chaos inside him? Or just the fact that he was using his powers for his family? His true family.

"Thomas!" Byron called over the flames. "Thomas, listen to me!"

"Why?" Thomas sneered. There was such a dark thrill running through him, like he finally had control of his life. He was finally completely free. "You're not my father, I don't need to listen to a word you say!"

"Thomas, please-"

"Go on, Tommy," Mar purred. "Finish him. I can handle these clowns. Go. Destroy him. Make him pay for keeping you from your family. Let loose your true power, my boy!"

A grin split Thomas' face and Byron stepped back up the stairs before turning and heading up onto the floor above. Running away? Thomas wasn't going to allow that. He bolted up the stairs after Byron and down the hall, ignoring everything going on below. Byron had taken his true family. He'd made him feel like a freak for being so strong. When he was younger his powers were too out of control he couldn't be with normal friends. Kaito was the only true friend he had, the only one who's powers were strong enough to stand against his. He had to learn to restrain himself. The Astrals used his powers and he was nothing more than a weapon to them. And when he finally discovered what he truly was he was too afraid of what people would think or say that he couldn't tell anyone. Not even Michael and Kaito. He didn't know if Michael knew or not but Thomas had never actually told him. He was too afraid to ever admit what he was. Too afraid he'd scare everyone off like he always had.

Byron had done this. Byron made him afraid of what he was. He too him from his family- the people who could have helped him and shown him how to control himself- and made him a freak.

Thomas burst into the private morning room after Byron and the smell of perfume hit him. Lavender and vanilla. Vivian's perfume mixed with the fresh breakfast tea on the table and fresh baking. Byron was sitting at the table.

"Done running?"

"I wasn't running, Thomas," Byron replied. "I was leading."

"Leading?" Thomas hissed. Byron gestured to a seat across the table. "I'm not going to sit and have tea with you after all that."

"You want to fight?" he chuckled. "Of course. Always straight forward. He's right, though. You do look so much like Mina." Thomas scowled, fire surrounding his fists. "Oh really, Thomas, put that out."

"I don't answer to you!" he cried, tears stinging his eyes. It was like he didn't care. Mar had practically stolen him away and Byron didn't care?! "Stand up or I'll burn you where you sit!"

"Alright, I suppose there's nothing I can do," he said, shaking his head. Finally he stood and moved around the table. "I understand. That mark on your face is new. I know your mind is still fighting. The darkness is taking over and clouding your mind. You're suggestible and confused and looking for something to help you feel safe and at home. Mar is taking advantage of you. Look at the bruise on your face. He did that, didn't he? He hurt you but the Chaos is confusing you and making it easy for him to use you and control you in hopes it will take you too deep to be undone." He smiled and stood away from him. "Soon, your mind will clear and you'll realise the error of your ways though."

"Shut up," Thomas hissed, swinging for him.

Byron sighed and stepped aside, shoving him forward against the wall. "He's not your father. He thinks he owns you because he's head of that family, he's the head of the line of Infernals you come from, but he is not your father."

"Let go!"

He twisted and Byron ducked another fiery blow, stepping away as Thomas turned. He was toying with him! The bastard was toying with him?! A furious black hatred bubbled in his chest. Byron really didn't care! He didn't care. How could he tell him he was truly his father when he was playing around like this and didn't care?!

"Whatever that darkness drives you to do, Thomas," Byron said softly. "I forgive you and I love you. Try not to ruin your Vivian's morning room, hmm? You know how much she loves this place."

"Shut up!"

He lunged for Byron, tackling him back against the table. Byron threw him over onto his back, china smashing beneath him. Thomas growled and threw a flame covered fist up at him, singing the tips of Byron's hair as he moved aside. He was fast for an old guy. Byron smiled and Thomas snarled, twisting to aim a kick at his head. Byron caught his calf, forcing him over onto his front and pinning him down on the table, pressing over him to keep him still.

"Funny, I'm sure you used to be stronger than this, Thomas," he whispered in his ear. Thomas hissed and tried to wriggle free but Byron held him down. "What happened to the furious, fiery little fighter the Barian Lords fear? Where's the son who looked so perfect partnered up next to a reality bending Sorcerer like Kaito?"

"Kaito?"

"Can you hear me, Thomas?" Thomas blinked dumbly, suddenly surrounded by darkness. Something half way between the Barain world and his own. The place he went through for his summon. He was very familiar with it. But the deep, smooth voice was something else. "Thomas Arclight. My blood flows through your veins. My power exists in you. Take it. Use it. Take your true power- my power- and take your place in my service. Destroy. Kill. Show them you are truly unstoppable."

"Don Thousand," Thomas whispered. "You're Don Thousand."

"Yes. You are finally ready to unleash your full power all you need to do is take it. Accept my power. Accept your anger and hatred and fury. Destroy them all Thomas!"

His mind returned to the morning room and he jerked back, driving his elbow into Byron's shoulder and letting his flames tear through the room. Byron staggered back and Thomas whipped around, flames blazing around him as he unleashed his powers, met by Byron's own. But as Thomas began to push on, letting loose his full power. Byron was surprisingly agile and Thomas had forgotten how powerful Byron was.

Still, even a magnificent Aether like Byron wasn't a match for a full powered Infernal. And Thomas was no longer holding back his power.

He slammed Byron down to the floor, sitting straddling his chest. He would take his true power by finally getting rid of the man who'd made him ashamed of himself.

"Thomas," Byron whispered as Thomas raised a blazing fist. But Byron smiled. "My Thomas. I'm sorry."

"Too late," Thomas sneered. "Goodbye, Dad."

He let his fist fly but jerked to stop as a hand caught his wrist. "No, Tommy."