A/N: Hellooooo. And a happy new year to everyone. So after such a nasty reveal last chapter, we've got some cute for this chapter. Which means you don't get to find out what's happening with Michael. Aren't I cruel? Even when it's cute it's cruel. There's some cute bonding, some romance, and Vector. Thank you all for reading. Thank you especially for your lovely reviews. And thank you everyone who will reads or leaves reviews this chapter.
An eerie silence had fallen over the camp in the waste. Whatever had happened between Thomas and Chris, something had gone terribly wrong. Not even Kotori and Lionheart commented on how typically Barian and Infernal it was when Thomas lashed out; when suddenly the siblings were sword to sword with no more warning than Thomas' furious, anguished scream as he lunged for Chris.
It was brutal and violent; their powers sparking off each other as Thomas pushed Chris back. Takashi had never seen Thomas' powers like it before. He wondered if it was the Barian influence. Chris took longer to push back against his powers, but it was a clear reminder why Chris led the Astral Lords.
Kaito reminded still and quiet, holding Haruto close, and when Alit and Gilag stepped forward to intervene, Ryoga stopped them with a quiet command. They needed this. Something was very wrong. They needed to clear the air.
It had only been when Chris' powers suddenly gave out and Thomas' flame coated sword slammed into the rock next to his ear that things finally cooled. Alit muttered about Chris having only just come off a black lash from his powers. It was amazing he'd been able to fight Thomas so far. Thomas had hissed something and put his sword away.
Now, he, Kaito and Haruto were resting in the back of Fuya's car, apparently having fallen into another other world trance. Takashi decided it was best not to interfere with that. Whatever had happened, it was so explosive Thomas needed to calm down with Kaito. Takashi couldn't enter the other worlds like they could even if he thought he could offer some comfort.
"You have the rest of the flower, right?" Alit said quietly. Takashi glanced up and Alit smiled, holding out a book with a small crystal petal attached. "It's the diary and the petal that go with it. I think they're probably best used together."
"You guys… you're after the same thing?" Takashi said, taking it slowly. "Why?"
"Who knows?" he sighed, sitting with the group. "Mizael was looking for something. He was leading us out here but then he was… something happened. He's crystal now. I don't know what happened but he thought whatever was out here could stop this war and save Durbe. It might be too late for Durbe, but we can stop the war."
"Sounds like you're here for the same thing as us," he said quietly. "Michael left this and said we should head out here and find whatever it was it lead to."
"I guess we're both being led along, huh?"
"We're all being led along," Takashi sighed, tilting his head up. "We're fighting a war for worlds that aren't even ours."
"Is that why you fight?" Alit said. There was a lightness in his voice that drew Takashi's gaze once more. He was smiling. "No wonder you Astrals always look so sad. Like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. If you're fighting for some other world, how are you supposed to truly get into it?"
"Then… what are you fighting for?"
Alit grinned and slammed his fists together. "For the thrill!"
"The thrill? How does that help? Is that really a reason to fight? You could just get into any fight with anyone for that."
"Well, I mean…" Alit sighed and Takashi tilted his head. He'd fought because the Astrals had offered him a place. It had seemed like the right place to be. Thomas had made it sound so amazing when he talked at the academy. And then he'd met Michael. "Without the others…" He frowned and tilted his head. "Baria is my home. Durbe saved me and gave me a home. What's wrong with wanting to fight for the people I love? Don't you Astral's have any loyalties to each other? Or are you just following orders all the time?"
Takashi frowned. It felt like a long time ago that they'd last remembered what they were really fighting for. The ideals of the Astrals and the world they were in, it overtook them sometimes. But that wasn't why they fought. They weren't fighting for the Astrals really. Not anymore. There was more at stake.
And that was why they were there, why they could sit with the Barians. Because it wasn't about Astrals and Barians. It was about more than that. It was about family and friends and everyone they loved.
Everyone they've lost.
Maybe that was why the Barians fought. Maybe that was why Alit fought with the Lords with all his might. Because he loved them too?
"I was a year below you at the academy, you know? I only got there because of Durbe and the other Lords."
Takashi's eyes widened a little and he gazed at Alit silently for a moment, trying to remember. There were so many faces back then. So many people and faces. It was tricky to remember everyone if he hadn't been close to them. But, as he thought, he was sure he could just about make out a familiar face. A Pyro who'd once offered Kotori flowers. He could have been Alit.
"I was so glad to be there," he laughed weakly. "Durbe didn't get to go to the academy, but he made sure I did, you know? Neither did Mizael or Gilag, and Vector only got to go for a bit-"
"He was in our class," Takashi muttered. "Rei Shingetsu. He hung around with us."
"Lord Vector is Shingetsu?" Kotori snapped. They both glanced up. "But Shingetsu- Shingetsu was-"
"A wuss," Ryoga hissed. "Shingetsu was a total wuss. He was quiet and stammered a lot and backed down over arguments and tried to keep everyone happy. Made a complete disaster of everything, had little to no social skills and really did little other than in the way."
Takashi nodded. "He always meant well."
"Bullshit," he growled. "He wormed his way in and caused arguements everywhere and he knew exactly what he was doing trying to get Yuma all to himself. Vector has been there the whole time, it was Shingetsu that was the false him."
"The Chaos energy must have done it to him," Kotori snapped. "He was a nice guy-"
"Give me a mask and I'll speak the truth, right?" Ryoga said, narrowing his eyes. "Shingetsu was Vector trying to fit in. Trying to be something he wasn't. Vector's who he really is."
"Maybe you talking like that is why he hates you," Gilag muttered.
"Yeah, he really doesn't like you," Alit agreed.
"Knowing he's Shingetsu does kind of make sense of how much he was against me."
"You were always mean to him at school," Takashi muttered.
"I was mean to everyone at school." There was a moment of silence, everyone staring at Ryoga before he turned to glare at Chris. "How much did you know?"
"Everything," Chris replied, keeping his gaze low.
"For how long?"
Chris frowned and folded his arms, tapping the bracelet absently. Takashi frowned. How much did he know about what? "Father told me about her when she died."
"Her?" Fuya said quietly.
"Thomas' mother," he replied. "Mina Shingetsu. She was one of the women in court. One of the women Father had an affair with. She died when he was pretty young. He went to her funeral. He took Thomas. He told me about it then. Thomas didn't really understand. He just knew he was going to funeral of some girl Father liked." He smiled bitterly. "I didn't really understand either. Just that Thomas had a different mother. He had a different mother but he was still out brother."
"And Vector? What he is?"
"The academy contacted me about his powers when he joined. They told me it was likely he was Infernal and wanted permission to test him to they could give him the training he really needed. I didn't find out about that side of the family until he joined the Astrals." He sighed and closed his eyes. "A lot of the finer details and plans for him, I wasn't aware of until I became a Lord and in case you don't remember that involves being put in stasis and becoming one consciousness with the Astral world and losing all will and emotions. I hardly wanted to be a part of any of what they did, their plans of Thomas and Kaito-"
"Then why are you?" Takashi snapped.
"I'm here, aren't I?" he snapped back. "I'm here trying to make things better. Trying to find another way. I don't want it to be that way. I won't lose either of them."
There was silence for a moment. There was something very odd going on. Something they were all missing. Either of them? But Michael was already…Takashi frowned a little. Not much could earn a reaction quite that violent from Thomas. Michael was one of them. Was this something to do with Michael?
"Well, we all need to rest up and regroup, right?" Alit said, getting up and stretching his arms above his head. "Since we seem to be in this weird situation and no one can do anything until we're all in agreement. I hate sitting around doing nothing…"
Takashi still had a lot of questions to ask Chris. There was a lot to catch up on and a lot of new mysteries to figure out, but it seemed for now, Chris' family issues were his priority. Not that he could blame him. Alit was talking to Ryoga about something, something about Vector, and Takashi only came back to the real world when Fuya laid a hand on his shoulder, smiling down at him.
"Did you hear that?"
"What?"
"They're alive. You didn't kill them."
His eyes widened and he glanced at Alit and Ryoga. "Come on, I'm going insane here without anything to keep me busy, Nasch-"
"Ryoga."
"Oh, you're having one of those days." Alit sighed and shook his head. "You'd be no fun to spar with today then."
Takashi tilted his head slightly. "I'll spar with you."
"Huh?"
"I need more practice," Takashi said, standing slowly. He rolled out his shoulders slowly and handed his guns to Fuya. "I'm getting better but I'm not strong enough yet." He smiled a little and glanced at the others. "You guys need more practice too."
"I can take care of that," Lionheart said quietly. "I've trained enough youngsters." He glanced at Chris and Kotori. "You two should try to make use of yourselves as well, my Lords. There's no wasting time out here. Go patrol the area or something. If nothing else we have that ghost to worry about and who knows what the Barians are up to. I'll look after things here."
"Why would my men be up to something when three Lords are right here?" Nasch snapped. "And what's this crap about a ghost?"
"It wasn't a ghost," Chris said quietly. "They're just latching onto the stories. But he is right, whatever they were, they were powerful and we should be careful. Let's go, Kotori. There's a lot we need to talk about anyway. It'll give us time."
"And I wouldn't presume to tell the great Barian Lord Nasch what to do, but you should see if you can't make yourself useful too."
"Yet you'll presume to talk to Astral Lords like that," Kotori sighed as she and Chris left.
"Ryoga is staying with me!" Iris snapped. "I've not seen Ryoga in years, you have to let me stay with him!"
Lionheart sighed, turning away and focusing on the civilians while Takashi followed Alit, Gilag and Ryoga away from the group to a clear spot where they couldn't do any damage. Iris still clung onto Ryoga and Takashi couldn't blame her. Lionheart seemed a bit abrasive at times. They all did really.
What a mess of a group they were. It would have been strange to look at from the outside, he supposed. Two Astral Lords. Four Barian Lords. Two Seer children. Some of the greatest Astral warriors and a bunch of civilians.
And now he was standing across from one of the Barian Lords. One known for brutal fists and incredible levels of sheer power. Takashi decided the entire thing with Michael had probably just sent him into some sort of self destructive spiral if he was willing to spar with someone like Alit. He was obviously mad and trying to punish himself for losing Michael. He'd definitely had some sort of mental break.
Alit slid off his gloves, leaving only wrapped fists underneath, and at Takashi wouldn't have to worry about the punches being enhanced by the punching gloves. They looked bad enough without anything to improve them further.
"Take it easy to start, Alit," Gilag warned. "You don't know how good he is."
"Sure, sure. I won't hurt him. Half speed. No powers."
Takashi's fists lifted slowly as Alit bounced on his toes, fists clenching and unclenching. He took a slow breath and Alit grinned. Finally, when he'd come to terms with what lunacy he was about to undertake, Takashi nodded.
Alit was fast.
Faster than Takashi could believe. He'd expected someone known for such powerful punches to be slower but Alit moved at lightning speed across the dusty ground. This was half speed?!
Takashi staggered back, stumbling over his own feet as he threw up his arms to block the punch flying at his face. He was knocked straight back on his back. Alit sighed, straightening up and stretching his hands above his head with a smile.
"You've got to be able to take a hit," Alit said, shaking his head. "I'd have killed you by now if I wanted to." He smiled and held out a hand. Takashi took it slowly and Alit pulled him up carefully. "You need a wider stance. Your weight needs to be lower. You've got plenty of defence, you've just got to have the anchor to make it work."
"O-ok!" Takashi nodded, doing as Alit said. "Michael focused a lot of defence with me."
"I'm not surprised," he laughed striding away a few steps. "All the power in the world means nothing if all it takes is one lucky punch to knock you on your ass. Defence is important."
Takashi nodded. Michael had focused on defensive techniques not just because Takashi was weaker and inexperienced, but to stop him spending another few weeks out of action. He just had to focus and keep learning. If there was one thing he was good at, it was learning fast. He might not have been overly flexible in his mindset, he knew that and he tried to loosen up, but he could learn new skills with relative speed and ease. He just needed someone to teach him the first steps.
"Ready?" Alit called.
"Probably."
"Good enough."
It was the same pattern as before. Coming straight at him fast. Takashi's fists clenched and he planted his feet, bringing up his arms just life before. But this time he kept himself upright. Alit grinned, pushing on with another punch. Takashi kept his arms up, watching carefully, watching the rhythm of his punches. There was patterns. Alit's punches were relentless and bone shaking, but there was a moment of weakness there.
One… two… three…
Takashi dropped beneath his fist as Alit's weight went over the balance point. There was a pattern. He'd go just too far and have to adjust, changing his stance and repositioning. So Takashi pushed himself forward and drove his elbow into Alit's stomach.
Or… where his stomach had been a moment ago.
Takashi spun on his heel, staggering back and barely managing to block another punch aimed for his chest. He was so fast. Did he even have a weakness?
"That's some good drive you got there," Alit laughed. "Can't win a fight on defence alone. But you've got to be faster than that!"
"The Barian world isn't at all like I imagined," Haruto said quietly.
Thomas smiled a little, lying against Disaster Leo, who folded his wing protectively over him as Haruto sat in Kaito's lap. It wasn't the same Barian world Kaito had seen last time. It was more like Thomas' old room. Their home in the countryside where Thomas was always happiest. Thomas' golden lion laid on the crystalline bed like an overgrown house cat, head down on his paws as Thomas rested against his side, rubbing gently. Kaito wondered if that was the kind of bond everyone had with their summons. Photon wasn't truly his, he couldn't know, but even Haruto was watching curiously.
"It's a between world," Kaito explained and Haruto nodded. "Thomas' own little pocket world."
"Leo's pocket world," Thomas corrected. "His lair. He made it like this for me, but it's his home."
"Oh! Like Photon's pretty crystal cave?"
Obviously Haruto understood. And Thomas seemed at peace here. Kaito had been rather surprised when Thomas had laid his head against his shoulder, fresh from his scuffle with Chris. He wasn't surprised about that bit. He wasn't sure what exactly Chris had told him, or what exactly was going on, but it involved Michael and Thomas hadn't taken it well. He couldn't imagine he'd take it well if someone had been hiding something about Haruto's supposed death.
Kaito hadn't actually dared to ask exactly what Chris had said, and Haruto was thankfully tactful enough not to either.
"But why are we here?" Haruto said after a moment.
"Because my power is linked to Thomas'," Kaito explained quietly. "And yours to mine."
"I'm going with Ryoga again when we go our separate ways," Thomas said. Kaito frowned and Haruto jumped out of his lap, hurrying over to the bed and vanishing under Disaster Leo's wing with Thomas. "He wants to know what he is. And I want to help him get there."
"But, you and Kaito are partners-"
"It's fine, Haruto," Kaito said quietly. "Every moment we're together right now, there's that ridiculous fate hanging over us."
"You killing Thomas…" Kaito sighed and nodded to himself. He could never imagine a situation where he would raise his sword against Thomas, but he wouldn't risk it anymore than necessary. "But Nasch…"
"Ryoga… Ryoga didn't have to get me out of Baria," Thomas said slowly. "He didn't have to shake me out of Don Thousand's hold, he could have just left. But he didn't. He stayed until he could get me out. We were going to come back for you, but Alit and Gilag wandered off with you."
"What did you mean Ryoga wants to know what he is?" Kaito said.
The information about the the restricted breeds came back like a ton of bricks. He'd been focused on the Infernals- quite a nasty bunch from what the files said, albeit bias files, and what little he'd seen and heard- but Takashi had filled him in on what he found in those files. It was disturbing to say the least.
"I think it's been said enough times, he's the greatest Aqua in living memory," Thomas replied. Disaster Leo lifted his wing so Kaito could see Haruto curled up against Thomas' side. "Despite that he fails at ice in almost all senses and despite being Barian leader, he can't summon for the life of him. It's not right."
"You have an idea?"
Thomas smiled a little bitterly. Of course, Thomas knew the pain of not being what he thought he was. Of people suddenly looking at him different. Everything he thought about himself was wrong. In all the chaos, they'd not really had time to talk about all the changes in their lives. That was the way their life was. There wasn't time. There was always another job to be done. There was no time for self pity or even to take a breath some days.
"Hey."
Kaito stood and strode over, sitting on the bed with him, ignoring Leo's warning growl. Of course a Chaos summon wouldn't want an Ethereal near his master. Not one like him. Haruto was a child, even a summon knew the difference. That didn't matter though. Kaito wasn't afraid. He took Thomas' hands tight in his. He would never be afraid of Thomas.
"It's going to be ok. I believe in you. If this is what you think you need to do, I won't try to talk you out of it." He smiled and lifted Thomas' hands gently, kissing his fingers lightly. "I'll be waiting for you when you decide to come back."
"Kaito…"
His eyes widened a little and Kaito couldn't help smiling as his cheeks went red. There were times Thomas was the most adorable thing in the world. Haruto yelped as Thomas jerked back, staggering off the bed, and Kaito released his hands without argument, letting him have his space to collect himself. It did only takes a moment.
Thomas' straightened up, hands going to his hips and he glared down at Kaito. Not that Kaito was bothered. He smiled back, watching Thomas' carefully. More and more, he'd begun to see the spark returning in his eyes. He'd taken hit after hit, been told everything about his was wrong, and was now plunged into all out war. But for some strange reason, it was now Thomas was rebuilding himself stronger than ever.
Kaito would just have to push to keep up.
"Where do you get off being so high and mighty, huh?" Thomas snapped, glaring furiously. "You won't try to talk me out of it? Like you could if you tried. I don't need your permission to go do what I want. You're my partner, not my mother-"
"I'm still your partner? Even now we're on opposing sides, fighting with opposing powers, away from the people who put us together just so we could fulfil their plans for us?"
"Don't be dumb," he said, shaking his head. "You're always my partner. Like I could get rid of you if I tried. Anyone would think you're saying dumb things like that on purpose."
"Why would I want to do that?" Kaito laughed, standing slowly. "Just to reassert where exactly we stand? How you actually see me after all that's happened?"
"If you have to reassure yourself of that, you must not know me very well at all."
"Maybe I just wanted to hear you say it."
Thomas stared at him for a moment and Kaito stepped slowly closer. "You're an asshole."
"And you're an idiot."
Kaito grasped his wrist, pulling him close and Thomas' cheeks went red once more. He was. He was so dense sometimes. Although, Thomas would probably say the same about him. Saying the right thing bluntly wasn't easy anymore. Once upon a time they'd said everything said straightforwardly. What he wouldn't give to go back to those days. Before everything got so complicated.
"Don't ever doubt me, Kaito," Thomas said firmly, keeping his gaze focused on Kaito's despite blushing. He never could just back down, could he? "You're my partner. Until it's no longer an option, until it's not possible any longer, you're my partner. No matter who brought us together or for what reason, don't doubt how much you mean to me!"
"I don't."
He tugged Thomas closer by his wrist, his arm wrapped around his waist without even thinking. Thomas' hands braced against his chest. Ever since people told him his fate, Kaito couldn't stop thinking about it. And having experienced it that night before his execution, Kaito knew now that was what he wanted. More of that. Different. Not rushed and desperate and full of despair and grief.
"I just don't know what I mean to you."
"I- Kaito…"
"Was it real? In that place where the worlds met? When you told me once you would have given anything to know I loved you? Everything else was true, was that?"
"I guess."
"Thomas…" He smiled weakly, palm brushing Thomas' cheek. "Is it too late to offer you what you wanted back then?"
"I thought I wasn't getting kisses because I'm an idiot."
"You are." He smiled, leaning in and letting their lips brush softly. Thomas' somehow went redder and he glanced away. He could be so shy when that bravado vanished. Kaito was honoured he was trusted enough to see it when Thomas' attitude dropped. "But you're my idiot."
Thomas' fists clenched slightly against his chest and he nodded a little. He was an idiot, but Kaito adored him all the same. Kaito smiled softly, leaning in once more, pressing their lips together in a tender, warm, loving kiss. It was just as perfect as the night in Baria. Like he and Thomas were the only people in the world. In those few moments, everything was just perfect.
"Don't start getting icky and romantic just because you think no one can see you," Haruto huffed.
Thomas laughed and stepped back slowly. "Right, right, little guy. No need to corrupt your young mind just let, huh?"
"Unlike those poor kids at the academy, huh?" Kaito teased.
"That's what they sent me there for, Kaito," Thomas said firmly, sitting on the edge of the bed. "To look pretty and entice the kids into their grasp. It's my job to provide fanservice."
"What's fanservice?" Haruto said quietly.
"Nothing for a kid your age to worry about," Kaito replied. "You're such a bad influence."
"Oh please." Thomas laughed and caught his collar, dragging him down into a brief, rough kiss. "You fell for my charms, didn't you? You must like the bad boys."
"I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"
"I've never regretted a thing I've done with you."
"You're such a sap. Wake up. I think we've left them alone for long enough. And you've calmed down, at least."
"Fine, fine."
Kaito smiled and took Haruto's hand as Thomas leant against Disaster Leo once more. He wondered if Thomas actually intended to wake up just yet or did he need longer. Perhaps he wasn't as calm as he seemed. But Disaster Leo and Thomas were a pair as much as he and Kaito were. They'd be ok together.
Kaito and Haruto woke to the camp once more. Things seemed more peaceful. Chris and Kotori had vanished, Lionheart was training the civilians and the Barians were with Takashi. Kaito tilted his head, watching Takashi and Alit. Takashi really had come a long way. Thomas was still sleeping at his side and Kaito smiled sadly, brushing Thomas' damp cheeks and leaning down to kiss him softly. They had a lot to talk about still, and there were things to be talked about with the group. He couldn't hide with Disaster Leo forever.
"Wake up."
Thomas stirred and his eyes fluttered open, gazing up at Kaito for a moment before sitting up and glancing around. A grin spread across his face and he pressed a finger to his lips as he unstrapped his sword's sheath, leaving his weapon lying on the back seats. What was he upto now?
He stood slowly, leaving the brothers as he watched Takashi and Alit. Kaito scowled. Thomas' fists were clenching and unclenching. There was a fire in his eyes. Kaito nodded. He got it. He left his sword and guns with Haruto, murmuring to him to keep quiet, and followed Thomas towards the pair sparring.
The other two Barians spotted them immediately, but Thomas' smile as he paced the perimeter of the fight seemed to reassure them. They weren't going to hurt anyone. Just have a little fun. Thomas was watching Alit. Kaito understood. He moved a lot like Michael.
They circled slowly, moving in a pincer, watching the pair who hadn't noticed them at all. It would be an exercise in paying attention to their surroundings then. There was little warning Thomas was about to move. His fists clenched tighter, his muscles tensed and his eyes narrowed.
And then he went in for the kill.
Kaito followed.
"Get down!" Alit yelled, pushing Takashi down.
Thomas' boot connected with Alti's arm above Takashi's head. Alit's eyes widen and Thomas grinned. Alit wanted a challenge, right? Thomas and Kaito would give him one.
Thomas twisted away and Kaito was in before Alit could recover, only for Takashi to tackle him to the ground and Kaito's fist whistled past Thomas' ear. Good. Takashi had decided to play with them too and support Alit. Now it was a proper fight.
Perhaps there were better things to be doing than play fighting with the youngsters, but it had been a long time since he and Thomas had let loose against opponents like this without it being a real situation. They'd sparred less and less as their workload increased. It was fun to play for a while. It was the only fun soldiers like them really had. Some of the most fun Kaito had ever had was in the training rooms with Thomas. With Gauche and Droite. Chris and Mamoru- who at the time had been referred to as Thomas' partner.
Michael.
"Good luck, Thomas! Kaito!" Haruto cheered from the roof of the car.
Thomas was already moving as Kaito regained this balance and Alit and Takashi got to their feet. Kaito is right on his heels. Time to see just how much Takashi had learnt.
Alit moved in front of Takashi, fists raised and Thomas grinned. Kaito watched Thomas' movements carefully. Even before they were partners, he knew Thomas' patterns. He could read him like no one else. So when Alit came in with his lightning fast punch and Thomas dropped beneath it, Kaito was ready.
Alit's eyes widened as Kaito caught Alit's punch, keeping his from getting away as Thomas drove his knee into his stomach. He almost felt bad for someone so young, he had to remind himself Alit was one of the most feared Barian Lords in the kingdom.
"The stories about you guys really weren't exaggerated," Alit hissed, doubling over for a moment. He straightened up and shook his head, glancing back at Takashi. "You wanna take them down a peg or two?"
Takashi hesitated but Thomas was already pushing on. "Focus, kid!"
Takashi stiffened stiffened as Thomas twisted passed Alit, coming straight at him. He threw his arms up, bracing himself against a brutal kick. At least he held his ground this time. The last thing they needed was for Thomas to injure Takashi again.
"Stop hesitating," Thomas snapped. "He moves like Michael. Trust him and work with him like you would Michael or this is going to be a very one-sided match. There's more to than just Michael's partner, isn't there?"
Takashi's eyes hardened with determination and he nodded. He knocked away Thomas' leg and Thomas let him. And he let Takashi move and slam his elbow between Thomas' shoulders, knocking him off balance. Thomas was smiling.
"That's better," he murmured, straightening up and rolling his shoulder. "It'd be boring if it were any other way."
"Two on three isn't fair, Nasch!"
Haruto's call was the only warning they got before Thomas was knocked back by Ryoga's hit. Kaito caught him as he stumbled and smiled a little. Things really were getting interesting. Although, maybe they should take their own lessons about paying attention to the surroundings. Ryoga stepped up between Takashi and Alit, sneering down at him. There was the same fire in his eyes as Thomas'.
What was it with those two? Being around each other got them both so excitable.
"Sorry, Haruto," Ryoga said, putting his hands in his pockets. "But I couldn't just stand around and watch your big brothers bullying my juniors, could I?"
"Shark?"
Both Takashi and Ryoga looked rather amazed at Takashi's slip, staring at each other for a moment before Ryoga laughed and shook his head, turning his glare back to the two of them. Now he wanted to protect his juniors? Sure, why not?
"The kid's right though," Lionheart sighed, joining him and Thomas. "It's not fair. And you lot over there pay attention!" He glared over at Takashi's friends. "This is a serious mess you've got yourselves involved in. Don't think it's all going to be easy. This lot are some of the best there are, so try to watch and learn."
"Don't you dare lose, Ryoga!" Iris demanded, having joined Haruto on the car roof. "I won't forgive you if you do!"
Ryoga muttered something about a mini-Rio but that was unimportant. Thomas shook himself off and stretched his arms above their head, glaring at Ryoga.
"Don't let me down, Ryoga," he said, slowly lowering his arms. "I want to see the best of you guys. Come at me with everything you've got."
There hadn't been much news from the generals out in the field. Vector was still sore after Don Thousand's punishment. Byron had done a good job helping him afterwards, but he just wanted to rest and see Durbe again, to let him know what was going on, but he was wary of another punishment.
"Vector."
Just when Vector thought it couldn't get any worse, Don Thousand came sauntering into his room. His room. This was supposed to be his safe place. His sanctuary.
His eyes narrowed and Don Thousand smiled. "We've just heard back from some of your generals. They've found your father."
"Where?" Vector hissed.
"Why should I talk you into killing your father?" Don Thousand said. "You're my children, all of you. And he is very sympathetic to my plans for the other Sorcerers. You still want to be with your precious Durbe, you're still planning to overthrow me."
"If my dad manages to actually force the Princess into marriage, Prince isn't a good enough place for you," he argued. "He might be sympathetic to your plans, but he's also a direct rival to them."
"True. Durbe did teach you well, didn't he?" He smiled and cupped Vector's chin gently. "Do you know how much like Durbe you really are?"
"Get to the point."
Don Thousand smiled, grasping the pendant hanging around Vector's neck. Vector went to jerk back but Don Thousand caught a handful of his hair. "I'll let you go after him but not without precautions."
There was a hideous giggle and Vector shuddered. Black Mist. That was his mother's pendant. It was all he had left of her. It was all he had, and Don Thousand was going to let that disgusting corrupted creature into it. Was he going to use it how he had that pendant around Nasch's neck, or Orrim's jewelled bracelet?
Finally, Don Thousand's grip loosened and Vector fell back to his bed exhausted, panting and trembling. His hand went to the pendant. Don Thousand's dark energy radiated off it. His mother's crystal and he'd corrupted it!
"They're at a ruin," Don Thousand said, a crystal screen appearing so Vector could see the map with a flashing dot. That wasn't too far. What was he up to there? "It was on the list of places for Nasch and Orrim to visit. It's one of the places where this world meets the others." The screen changed to reveal a ruined castle in an overgrown forest. It looked familiar. "An ancient king once ruled there. You are descended from his line."
"I am?"
"Through your father."
"Then Orrim too?"
"Yes. Even as Infernals, you two are well bred." He smiled and played gently with Vector's hair. "The others have diluted their bloodline but you and Orrim are as wellbred as they come. There is a reason you are my favoured pair."
"Our favoured pair." Vector's eyes widened, tilting his head as much as he could while in so much pain. Merag was in the doorway, smiling cruelly. She strode over, sitting on the other side of the bed, petting his hair too. "Such beautiful children."
"You- You're-" Merag smiled and nodded. "E'Rah. Then, that's why-"
"Why Mizael had to be sacrificed," Merag replied. "Why Orrim and Nasch had to suffer. My sacrifices of despair." She smiled and tapped his nose lightly. "If you do see my dear brother, bring him home or kill him. Don't let him walk away."
"I'll allow you to kill your father," Don Thousand said, getting up and Merag followed. "So long as the Princess dies with him. You can head out as soon as you've recovered."
