A/N: Finally, chapter eight. I hope it's worth the wait. (That rhymes. 0.o Oh well) There is some more about Tyson's mate in this chapter. Just like many of you were asking for. :P So if you are dying to know who it is, read on. You're about to find out. Enjoy :)

Warning: Slash.

Soul's Journey

Chapter Eight

Normal POV

That afternoon, Tyson and his friends had an...interesting conversation. To say the least. Of course, he didn't have the easiest time explaining to them that he was Gabriel and yet was Tyson at the same time.

"So, you're saying you're both?" Max asked, head tilted in confusion.

"Yes." Answered Tyson as patiently as he could.

"And Gabriel told you this."

He sighed. Inwardly of course. "Yes."

"But you and Gabriel are the same person?" Max asked slowly. Tyson felt his eye begin to twitch.

"Yes."

"So you told yourself?"

Considering this was the fourth time they had been through this, Tyson was understandably frustrated. He really, really wished he hadn't mentioned anything about his weird encounter. "Look," he said finally, running a hand through his much longer hair. "I know it sounds weird, but that's what happened. Don't ask me to explain it any more, because even I don't fully understand it!"

Luckily, for both his sanity and their health, they decided to do just that. After Rei pointed out that the fact that Tyson was a powerful reincarnation of an angel really was more important than whether or not one could talk to themselves. Of course, that made everyone remember that the boy in front of them was anything but normal. After all, he had wings for crying out loud.

The next discussion almost made him wish that he could go back to explaining how he is both Gabriel and Tyson, and yet the two had a talk. Almost.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyson's POV

Tyson loved his friends, really he did. There was nothing he wouldn't do for those he cared about. But right now, he really felt like strangling them. It had been almost an hour since he had woken up from his 'nap', and he was tired of talking. Yes he had planned to tell them. And he thought he had prepared himself for the resulting questions. He had been wrong.

"So what are you going to do now, Tyson," Asked Rei curiously. He and Max had been the most talkative. Understandable really. Kai and Tala never were great conversationalists. Though Tyson did wonder if maybe they were being a little too quiet. And they both had a strange look in their eyes every time they looked at him. It was kinda creepy. Ah well, it was probably a Russian thing or something.

Tyson looked seriously into golden eyes. "I am not one hundred percent sure Rei."

"But don't you have Gabriel's memories?" Max asked.

"Yes, but you see, even Gabriel doesn't know what to do." They looked confused at that. Shaking his head, Tyson said gently, "He died, remember. He didn't know he was going to be reborn." He saw recognition pass through their eyes at this. Sitting back against the couch, being mindful not to squash his wings (been there done that, don't want to do it again. That hurt), he leaned his head back gazing at the ceiling. "Part of his, or my soul did find out it would be reborn. But that's mainly because it was conscious of the other part of itself. In all honesty, I have no idea why I'm here in the first place." Lowering his head, he met his friends gazes. "But, I have a bad feeling about it."

"Damien," Max whispered.

Tyson nodded grimly. "Yeah."

Tala spoke up. "Do you think he's still around?"

Tyson shrugged, he had no clue. Anything could have happened between Gabriel's time and now.

"Unfortunately, yes." Tyson jumped at the new voice. Feathers, he forgot those men. They hadn't made a sound since he awoke. (1)

Tyson narrowed his eyes. Perhaps it was time to have a little chat with his so called 'followers'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kai's POV

Kai watched avidly as Tyson questioned the strangers; Max and Rei adding their two cents every once in a while. It turns out they were an ancient order set up long ago when Gabriel fell. The group consisted of Gaurdians and humans who knew Gabriel or knew about the fallen leader. Their duty was to keep some of Gabriel's affects safe for him and await his return. Though they didn't know exactly how long it would be before the 'light', as they called him, would be reborn, every generation still made ready for his return.

They also kept eyes out for Damien and his demons. Though according to the leader, who introduced himself as Calib, there hadn't been much movement from the crazed ex-Gaurdian. It seems he really did wish to wait for Gabriel's return.

Inwardly, Kai shook his head. Really, this was all a little surreal. Tyson, the hyperactive, brash, talented young blader turns out to be some prophesied leader of the 'bit beasts' who now most likely has some weirdo and his pack of demons after him. It was beyond unbelievable. Though honestly, having him connected in some deeper way to the bit beasts wasn't really surprising at all. It was plain to see to those who knew how to look that Tyson had a very special connection with Dragoon.

Though it was still shocking to see the now blue eyed boy with his newly formed wings.

Wings that were absolutely beautiful, a luminescent pearly white that looked incredibly soft. Kai's fingers itched to touch that feathery softness. He was entranced. The dual haired blader wanted to touch those wings as badly as he wanted to run his fingers through that gorgeous blue/black hair. And that was a lot.

Kai forcefully turned his attention back to the conversation itself. He was Kai Hiwitari for crying out loud. He should be able to keep his composure no matter what. Even if the boy he loved, the boy he had always found alluring and attractive in more ways than one, had just turned into something that was beautiful beyond belief. No matter how tempting he was, Kai was still going to keep himself in check. No matter what.

Though it was damn hard as he watched Tyson interact with Calib and his men. Kai could believe the Tyson was once a great leader. It was in the way he inspired loyalty without even trying, the way he could motivate and push other's to excel. He had always had these qualities. Now they were simply more recognizable.

Kai could practically see the loyalty and devotion to Tyson in the Order's eyes. It had been there from the beginning, but he could see it grow as they spoke with Gabriel's reincarnation. If any of them had ever held doubts or regrets about devoting their lives to the service of Gabriel, they sure didn't now.

Eventually the conversation came to a close. After informing Tyson of the location of their base and reiterating that they were here to help, they reluctantly left.

As the door closed behind them, Tyson let out a huge sigh and plopped back onto the couch. Of course, a moment later he jumped back up with a sqeak having successfully squashed his wings.

Max giggled. "Got to be careful now Ty, don't want to squish your knew wings. Again" He teased. Tyson glared at him, but Max just laughed some more. So Tyson settled into a pout. A really cute pout.

God, he doesn't even know what he is doing to me. Kai groaned in his head. Sometimes he is just way too cute for his own good.

Still pouting, Tyson walked around the room, stretching his legs, and his wings, as he went. Pausing near the center of the room, Tyson looked around at them carefully. "So you guys are okay with this right? I mean, I know this is probably really weird to you not to mention a lot to take in. It's not everyday your friend becomes the 'hero' of a prophesy." He said with a small somewhat sad grin.

Rei scoffed. "Of course we're okay with this. You're still you Tyson. You may look different, and you may have a few more experiences under your belt, but you are still you." Max nodded his assent as Rei continued with a frown. "You didn't think we would just stop being your friends because of this did you?"

When Tyson didn't answer and looked away, Max gasped. "What? How could you think that! We'll always be your friend Ty, we wouldn't abandon you. Especially not over something like this!" When blue eyes looked up at them uncertainty, Max huffed and then pulled Tyson into a big hug. "We're your friends Ty, forever."

"That's right Tyson," Rei smiled.

Tala spoke up. "I haven't been your friend long, in fact I haven't really had real friends before you, but I'm not going to give that up because of recent events." His voice was soft, but stern.

A smile broke across Tyson's face at that. "Thanks Tala."

Rei sent a pointed look at Kai. Kai stiffened. What did he want? When the raven haired boy pointedly looked at Tyson still in the blondes arms, and then back at him Kairealized what he wanted. Steeling himself, Kai decided to add his reassurance. "You would never give up your friendship with me, Kinomiya, I'm not about to do so."

Tyson's smile grew to immense proportions at that. Max laughed, and then proceeded to hug the boy tighter in happiness.

"Um, Max, Can't breath"

Max let go with a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry Ty."

"It's okay," Tyson shook his head, smiling at his friend once he got his breath back. "I'm just glad you're all still my friends. It means a lot."

"Yes well, that's enough sappiness for one day." Tala spoke up. His face was expressionless, but his voice and eyes gave way his amusement. Tyson smiled again and agreed.

"It was mostly Max's fault anyway." At that Max huffed in outrage, and gave a mock lunge at the boy. Tyson quickly got out of the way of the blonde's mock anger.

Kai stiffened as Tyson's dodge not only put him really close to the dual haired boy, but caused his wing to brush against Kai's bare forearm. He was right, it was as soft as silk.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tyson's POV

He felt his wing brush against warm skin. Tyson felt a shiver go down his spine at the contact. Suddenly a burning need filled him. A need to be touched, to be held, to be loved. Trembling at the force of the feelings, Tyson put a hand to his head in and attempt to steady himself.

It almost hurt, the feelings inside him; caused by just one accidental touch by Kai. Blinking, the realization of what this was dawned on Tyson. Kai was his mate. His mate! Another small shudder racked his body at the thought. He had found his mate.

Who might not want anything to do with him. Tyson had to bite his lip to keep from making a sound at the pain that went trough him. It hurt, oh gods it hurt. To think that Kai, his mate, may not want him. Might reject him if he were told. He didn't think he could survive that.

And that is why he forced himself to calm down. To slow down his rapidly beating heart, to cease his trembling. He couldn't let anyone know what was going on. He couldn't tell Kai. Not yet. He would have to live without his mate until he knew that Damien was no longer a threat. Then he would face the rejection that would likely come. Until then he would enjoy being as close to his mate as he could; with the knowledge that at least now he had Kai's friendship if nothing else.

Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes. And noticed the concerned faces of his friends staring back at him.

TBC

(1) Feathers is like a cuss words of sorts. It's like saying shit, or darn. Like, oh feathers (oh crap) I just made it up. I though it would be funny if Tyson had something different he said when things went wrong. If you can think of anything else that would work, feel free to share. :P

A/N: Yes, Kai still doesn't know about Tyson and the mate issue. That will come eventually. In fact, I have parts of that scene written already. :P

I know the conversation between Tyson and his new followers was barely touched, but it was holding me up. I've had half this chapter written forever, and was simply stuck on one part. Grrr, it's really annoying to hit writers block. Hopefully it won't happen again; or at least not that bad.

I hope you liked the latest chapter. I have a few pages of the next chapter already written, so hopefully I'll be able to post soon. Thanks for reading, and please leave a review. It helps keep the writers block at bay. :)

Wing