A/N: Yes, a bigger than normal chapter I wrote while at work again. Because it totally sucks. Quite an important chapter though. More about Mother Grace's kids, more about Miki, more about Hibiki and Yuma faces off against the mysterious Fate. Thank you for the reviews, lovely people, and please keep them coming. Enjoy reading and think you.
"Tell me about your friends, Ken?" Hiro said gently.
Ken lifted his head from his book and Hiro smiled, adjusting his red framed glasses. Ken had been acting strangely since the day before, since those other school kids had been there. After his walk that morning, his behaviour had grown even more irrational. It was time to deal with things.
"I know I asked you to make friends but you're acting strangely," he continued when Ken didn't answer. "Mother and I are worried that it might be affecting you negatively."
"I want to talk to Mother," Ken snapped.
"Tell me about your friends."
Ken glared at him a moment longer before returning his attention to his book. Hiro was about to demand more firmly when Ken sighed. "They go to school with me, except Kaito, he's older."
"I'm glad you've made friends," Hiro said softly. "The girl, the one I saw you flirting with, tell me more about her?"
"Kamishiro Rio," he said. He paused and smiled. "She's in my class. She's nice. A duellist. She seems… soft, warm and sweet. It's hard to get close though, her brother guards her well."
"Her brother?"
"Ryoga."
"Kamishiro Ryoga? Why do I-"
"National level duellist," Ken muttered. "He knows something about Hibiki."
Hiro stiffened and he adjusted his glasses again. Hibiki… He got up slowly and nodded. Ken glanced up at him and shook his head, looking almost amused. Still, Hiro smiled softly. Perhaps Ken was just taking time to settle. Akina's sudden loss of interest in duelling, and everything in general, wasn't helping matters. Ken had always been closest to her, and very protective of his family.
"Ken… you wouldn't allow anything to happen to this family, would you?" Hiro said.
"Of course not," Ken snapped, glaring up at him. "I would never let anyone hurt them! Not again!"
"You failed to protect Miki because you ignored Mother's wishes though."
"I-" Ken paused and bit his lip, making Hiro's smile soften slightly. He patted Ken's hair gently. "I won't let it happen again. I'll never let anyone hurt her again."
"Then just do as Mother says, hmm?" Ken nodded and closed his eyes. "And keep family matters between family? There's no need to get them involved." Another weak nod. "I'm glad. Now, I'm going to see what I can find out about Ryoga and Hibiki."
"If that's what Mother thinks best."
Hiro ignored that, and the way Nico was watching him from the kitchen. He wasn't having those two rebelling now. Mother had done everything for them, they had no right to be ungrateful. Hibiki was going to be trouble. Even with her supposedly out of the way, if she'd told Ryoga anything beforehand he could ruin everything. He had to know what the boy knew.
"So, Kaito stayed with you last night?" Kotori said.
Rio smiled and nodded, glancing down at her. They three of them had fallen asleep together in Ryoga's room; Ryoga slumped awkwardly in the corner where his headboard met the wall, Rio lying over his lap and Kaito half in his chair, half on the bed. If it weren't for Ryoga's nightmare and him disturbing them Rio would have woken up with Kaito's face rather close to her own. Her cheeks flushed at the thought.
"Rio?"
"He did," Rio said, trying to retain her composure. She did not like Kaito. Liking Ryoga's dorky friend was not a good plan. He was far too similar to Ryoga to ever be considered anything more than her friend because he was Ryoga's friend. "We were helping Ryoga with some research. He's acting so strangely."
Kotori nodded. They'd split up to search for Ryoga and more clues. Kotori and Rio had decided the best place to start was the shopping district. Well, it was possible Ryoga decided no one would look for him there so it was the perfect place to hide.
"But he stayed?" Kotori said.
"Yes," Rio said, nodding slightly. "Because he thought it was best to keep me company at least until Ryoga returned. He was a total gentleman."
"He's quite good looking too, don't you think?"
"I didn't really notice."
And it was true. Until yesterday, Kaito had been one of Ryoga's friends. They were friends by proxy. After all, he helped Ryoga and Yuma, he obviously sort of cared for them. But she had never taken that much interest in him until she'd been alone with him. And Ryoga's teasing and possessiveness made her think even harder about him.
And now she thought about it, Rio supposed Kaito was good looking. He still looked quite young, he didn't exactly look like an adult, but he certainly looked older. And after Ryoga had run out, Kaito had made her a drink and sent her to be in a very big brotherly way. And he'd slept on the couch so he could catch Ryoga if he came back in.
"He's a little cold though," Kotori continued. Rio nodded. "But I think he has a good heart."
"Why are we talking about Kaito anyway?" Rio said, pausing at the window.
No matter how concerned she was about Rygoa, there was always time to look at jewellery and clothes. He was tough, he'd look after himself while she was in hospital. She was sure he wasn't getting into trouble, he was probably just brooding somewhere.
"Fine," Kotori giggled. "Ken was flirting with you."
"You should see him in class, he flirts with everyone," Rio laughed. "He seems nice though. I think he wants to help but is afraid."
"We could use the help," she sighed. "It's like we're stuck until they take another soul. Do you think Ryoga's right about Miki?"
"He thinks she's connected to the weird feelings he's getting." Rio folded her arms, her stomach churning slightly. "I don't like it, you've seen how he can get when he's convinced of something."
Truthfully, Rio wasn't sure she liked any of this. Ryoga was going through something and for once she had no idea what he was happening. Having Ryoga suffering alone was painful. When he hurt, she hurt. She supposed that was the case when you cared about someone, but it was even worse for twins.
"I kind of hope he's wrong," Rio said, turning away from the jewellery. "That she's just… cold and dead inside, that it's just her. I know it sounds cruel but if her soul really is gone then Ryoga will follow Yuma to save her. They'll end up getting hurt."
"But if that is how she naturally is, won't he get hurt anyway?"
"You talk like he's a kid with a crush. That's not my Ryoga. They don't call him Shark for nothing, you know?"
The idea was almost insulting. That her brother would get so attached to a girl who'd barely said two words? It was ridiculous. If Miki really was so cold and had her soul and just didn't duel then Ryoga would be able to stop acting so strangely and things would settle.
"I know. I've seen what he did before Yuma helped him."
"Then you know he's not that type."
Of course, perhaps she was just as protect of Ryoga as he was of her. Perhaps the idea that Ryoga was taking such an interest in girls other than her bothered her more than she'd admit. Of course Ryoga just wanted to help her, and find out why he was getting these weird dreams, but still it bothered her. She was supposed to be the most important person in Ryoga's life. She was supposed to know everything and now he was going through something she couldn't understand revolving around other girls.
"Come on," Rio said, turning away and striding off. "Let's find him before he gets himself into more trouble."
Kotori nodded and ran to her side, smiling slightly. "I'm sorry. I guess this must be hard on you too."
"Yeah. It hurts to see Ryoga suffering like this."
"You need to rest."
Ryoga wasn't sure why. He just knew Hibiki needed to rest up as much as she could between duels. Hibiki laughed and picked up her hat from the table, setting it down on her head, forcing her green-blue bangs down over her face, hiding her face in even more darkness. She tilted her head, obviously watching her reflection in the window, and adjusted the pale green bow on the blue and white hat.
"I'll be fine, kid," she said firmly. Ryoga frowned, noticing a slight wobble as she got up. "They haven't got my soul just yet." She turned and offered a small smile. "Besides, you know I have to fight just as hard as you do. This is all for my sister." All his worries ebbed away as he smiled back. She really was so perfect. Her sister… They fought for their sisters. "I can't wait to see you duel. Don't be nervous. You'll be fantastic, I'm sure."
"Hibiki-"
"Hush." Her finger pressed to his lips and he fell quiet, eyes widening slightly as she laughed. "Just be quiet and win."
He nodded and Hibiki pulled her finger away. "I won't let you down, Hibiki. I'll meet you in the finals."
"I know you will," Hibiki laughed. She laughed and glanced around before leaning in close, the wide brim of her hat hiding them from anyone else who might have been passing. Ryoga took half a step back and glance up, gazing up into her eyes, still hidden in darkness. "You never let me down, Ryoga."
He closed his eyes and tried to steady himself as a delicate hand closed around his. His stomach was churning and his knees had turned to jelly. Before he could get a grip on himself, his legs buckled and Ryoga fell to his knees, squeezing the hand gently and biting his lip to stop tears.
"Rio…" he whispered hoarsely. "I'm sorry. I failed you. I've ruined everything."
There was murmuring from outside the doorway and he forced his eyes open, glancing through the blurriness to the door. The staff quickly returned to work and he scrubbed his eyes. He was a joke. They were all taking about him and laughing about him. The kid who'd cheated and blown his biggest chance. Possible the biggest change he'd ever get.
He turned and bolted out. He couldn't take it anymore. Everyone laughing at him, pointing and staring. At school his friends stopped talking to him. Even the teachers ignored him. Everyone knew and everyone was talking about it.
He brushed out into the rain, just running blindly until he figured out exactly where he needed to go. Somewhere quiet, where no one would judge him. He was soaked to the bone and his heart was pounding. Ryoga's feet suddenly flew out from under him and he slammed to the slick concrete, panting heavily. Why was this happening to him? What had he done to deserve all this? He knew he'd cheated, he bought the disqualification on himself but Rio… the humiliation… his friends and family and… Why couldn't anything go right anymore?
He groaned as the rain stopped splattering his face and forced his eyes open. Someone was above him, holding an umbrella, silhouetted against the bright light of the sky. He didn't care who it was. He didn't care about anything but Rio anymore. He sighed and closed his eyes, letting darkness take him until that scream ripped through the air.
"Hibiki!"
Ryoga jerked away and there was a gasp and the thud of something hitting the ground. He blinked a bit to focus, realising he'd fallen asleep under a tree in the park. He hadn't been able to go home after talking to Ken. He'd just parked up his bike and wandered around. After a moment, he realised he'd heard someone.
He turned his focus to the path next to the tree and found Miki sitting in the dust with bags around her. Miki… He climbed to his feet and took a deep breath before taking the few steps over to help her up. Miki looked up at him silently for a moment before, brushing away the dust.
"Thank you," she said.
Ryoga nodded, meeting her gaze for a moment. Ruby eyes. They were a strange ruby colour. Something so familiar. He shook the feeling and picked up some of her bags for her. Helping her with the shopping might be a chance to figure things out. Miki glanced at the bags he was holding, picking up the ones left over and reaching to take the others from him.
"Let me help you," he said firmly.
"Mother doesn't approve of taking charity," Miki said. Ryoga frowned. Their mother always seemed to be in the forefront of their minds. "I'm sorry for disturbing you."
"Really, it's fine," Ryoga insisted. "You didn't disturb me. I've been meaning to talk to you anyway."
"I told Tsukumo I saw nothing out of the ordinary," she replied, but at least she started walking rather than insisting on taking the bags from him. "I'm sorry I can't help anymore."
"No, I just wanted to talk." Miki nodded and he fell into step beside her. "So, you recognise me at least?"
"You're in Ken's class at school," she said, focusing on the path in front of them. "Kamishiro Ryoga, everyone calls you Shark. Akina used to talk about you a lot."
"And you?" he asked. "I only know you're called Miki."
"That's all that's needed, isn't it, Kamishiro? We only stand on ceremony for Mother, we're all hers really anyway."
Ryoga nodded. For someone who didn't stand on ceremony she was insisting on using his family name. It was strange. Especially when she refused to give her own family name. This mother was certainly suspicious.
"Do you know Tsukikage Hibiki?" Ryoga said after a few moments of silence.
It was worth a shot. Ken seemed to have known her. Perhaps Miki did too. She seemed easier to talk to. Despite her lack of emotion, if you asked a question the right way she seemed capable of giving a straight answer and certainly didn't seem to avoid questions. Miki had lifted her gaze from the path ahead of them and there was actually a flash of… something in her eyes.
"Tsukikage…" Ryoga nodded slightly, being as encouraging as he could be. "I haven't heard that name in a long while."
"Then you do know her?"
"Mother doesn't like us to talk about her."
"What can you tell me about her? Without your mother getting upset?"
"Mother doesn't get upset. Just disappointed." She turned her attention back to the path as they walked by the river. Ryoga was now certain there was something else inside her. Something had happened to make her like this. She wasn't dead inside, her soul might really have been taken. "The moon's full tonight."
The moon? Hibiki had been talking about the full moon too. "And?"
"There are stories and folk laws about moonlight," Miki explained. "It's magical apparently. It can reveal someone's true form or release them from curses. Mother taught us about myths and folk law."
Ryoga nodded slightly. Something was up with the moon then. He just had to figure out what. But for now, keeping her talking was a good thing. The more he knew, the more likely he was to figure things out.
"You're Tsukumo Yuma?"
Yuma and Kaito turned to find a hooded figure watching them. Yuma blinked and glanced at Kaito and Astral before nodding. He was pretty sure dark hooded capes weren't a good thing.
"And Tenjo Kaito. Where's Kamishiro Ryoga?"
Yuma frowned. "We don't know, we're looking for him. Why do you want him?"
"You're investigating us," he replied. "You'll have to do then. I am Fate. You'll be my opponent?"
"Investigating…?"
"He's one of the ones stealing souls," Kaito said.
Yuma's eyes widened and his fists clenched. "You… you're the ones who took all those souls? You took Miki's soul? Did you take Akina's too? Is that why she's stopped duelling?"
"Akina…" He laughed and shook his head. "You really don't understand the situation, do you?" Yuma narrowed his eyes and his fists shook. "Come then, Yuma, we'll duel."
"Right!"
He threw his duel disk into place and set his D-Gazer into place as a crystal like duel disk appeared on Fate's arm. Yuma knew there was no time for messing around. Fate had taken souls. He might have been behind Akina and Miki's conditions. He couldn't afford to become another victim.
"Duel!"
Yuma – 4000
Fate – 4000
"Yuma," Astral said quietly. "If he really is hunting souls we can't afford to lose this."
"He's right, Yuma," Kaito called. "Don't mess around."
"I won't," Yuma said. "I'm not going to lose. I'm going all out right from the start! I won't let you get away with what you've done to Miki and Akina! I'm taking the first turn. Draw!"
"You're so certain I hurt Miki and Akina?" Fate murmured. "You don't see the bigger picture, do you?"
"Like I'd listen to anything you say," he said. "I summon Gagaga Magician!" The magician burst out onto the field in a flurry of chains and Fate seemed to smirk. 4/1500/1000. Yuma couldn't believe it. How could he just be smirking? "Next, when there's a Gagaga monster on the field, I can special summon this little fella. Gagaga Child!" A child bounced onto the field, grinning and showing off his lolly. 2/800/1200. "When there's another Gagaga monster on the field I can special summon it from my hand. When I do, I can change Gagaga Child's level to that of another Gagaga monster on the field. So we go from 2 up to 4!" Gagaga Child ate the lolly and showed off the stars on his stick and Yuma smiled. "Now you're going to pay for what you did!"
"Then you plan to summon Hope?" Fate sneered. "You're showing your young age. Children are like that. You get your hopes up too early, without fully assessing the situation, and find your hope only turns to despair."
"Hope can never be destroyed!" Yuma cried. "And you, you're taking hope, you're taking duellist's spirits! They've never done anything-"
"Stupid boy," he laughed. "True, some of them were perfectly innocent but not all of them but when we duel for souls, we risk ours too. It goes both ways. Some of the so called victims were once my colleagues."
"Yuma," Astral said, moving in front of him. "He's trying to get you worked up. Just focus."
"Right," he said, nodding quickly. "I use my level 4 Gagaga Magician and Gagaga Child to build an overlay network! XYZ Summon! Number 39: Aspiring Emperor, Hope!"
There was a flash and Hope appeared, lighting up the field. 4/2500/2000. Fate smirked and Yuma smiled. Hope. Hope was the thing that got him through all this and helped everyone around him. And now Hope was going to return Miki and Akina and everyone else's souls.
"Since I used Gagaga Child's effect, I can't do battle this turn, but since it's the first turn, that doesn't matter, so I set a face down and end my turn."
Fate sighed and shook his head. "My turn then. Draw. Tell me, do you honestly believe you're doing what's best here?"
"Akina was my friend and you took her soul," Yuma replied. "You're taking the souls of innocent duellists. What you did to Miki is causing Shark pain and confusion. It's not right. And I'm going to make sure you understand what you've done!"
"If you say so, kid. Let me show you something," Fate said. He picked up three cards from his hand and revealed them to him. "These are three Spellbook spell cards. Funnily enough, they will show you exactly what you need to know. Spellbook of Judgement; my former colleague made a choice. It brought upon judgement. The Grand Spellbook Tower; a tragedy and fall from grace. And the Spellbook Library of the Crescent; the realm of dreams and mystery that reveals so much in the moons light."
"I don't get it," Yuma said as Fate put the cards back in his hand.
"By revealing three Spellbook spell cards from my hand, I can special summon a woman of mystery, magic and charms with her head constantly in the night sky and dreams. I summon High Priestess of Prophecy."
There was a flash of pink hair and white robes and a young woman appear on Fate's side of the field. She giggled and held out her hands, a glowing gem hovering between them. 7/2500/2100. Yuma's eyes widened.
"She's as strong as Hope."
"But Numbers can only be destroyed by Numbers," Kaito said.
"Oh yeah…" he laughed sheepishly.
"Very true," Fate said. "But you can't destroy her."
"What? Why?"
"Because the High Priestess contains a missing soul." The Priestess smiled and suddenly Yuma noticed the tears slipping down her cheeks. There was a soul inside the card? "If you destroy her, then the soul inside can never be saved." Yuma clenched his fists. He couldn't destroy someone's soul. "You're too naïve and kind to do that. Now, I active The Grand Tower of Spellbook field spell."
Their surroundings shifted and Yuma gazed up at the huge tower rising up above them. Kaito frowned and actually leant against the wall of the tower, folding his arms. Yuma was still trying to figure out what he could do. If Fate attacked with the High Priestess then she'd be destroyed and he'd have made it so someone could never be saved.
"You're too soft, child," Fate laughed. "You'll protect her soul, even though Tsukikage Miki lost her soul while hunting another's." Yuma faltered, staring up at the monster. Miki… It was Miki's soul? And she was… "Tsukikage was never a victim, she was a predator. So let's get rid of her, shall we? High Priestess of Prophecy, attack Hope!"
In the Next Chapter: Yuma's duel against Fate continues and Yuma finds himself pushed into a corner trying to find a way not to destroy High Priestess of Prophecy.
Sunny Emperor Vs Moonlit Priestess
