A/N: Wow, look at all those reviews. You see, lots of reviews means a nice quick update and a lovely long chapter. So, we have more of Shark and Kaito (and Haruto) being dorks, Yuma trying to help, Haruto being adorable, Kaito and Ryoga getting a little shippy, Rio turns up after a while out of the chapters, Arclights, Pride and we finally meet Honour. Yay! So, lots and lots of reviews again please, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.


Kaito had tried to keep Ryoga from thinking about Ken for the rest of the day. After seeing Ryoga almost break down over Ken, he'd grown more concerned. This wasn't normal. He didn't know much about relationships, he didn't have time for relationships but he knew enough. He wasn't as cold and unfeeling as some people thought. This didn't sit right. It reminded him almost of withdrawal symptoms. Of someone struggling without something they'd grown to depend on. Was it possible Ryoga was really so reliant on Ken that he was like that? Or was it something more?

Akina was currently up on Ryoga's back, seemingly her favourite spot to be since she demanded he let her up there. And Ryoga hd given in, rather wearily, and lifted her onto his back, prompting Haruto to request the same. But Kaito wasn't Ryoga and wasn't about to give in so easily. So instead, Haruto walked along at his side, clinging onto his hand as the kids chatted. Kaito and Ryoga hadn't spoken much. Kaito wasn't sure what else to say to him or how to reassure him he'd get through this.

"Shark! Kaito!" Yuma called, running over with Kotori right behind him. He paused in front of them and offered them a goody smile. "Hey Haruto. And Akina." He grinned. "How'd you get Shark to let you up there?"

Akina smiled and nuzzled Shark's shoulder. "Sharks can be easy to get on with as long as you treat them with respect."

"Alright…" he laughed, looking lost. Kaito frowned slightly as Ryoga said nothing. "You ok, Shark?"

"Yeah," Ryoga muttered. "Great."

"He's lying," Haruto said. Yuma frowned and Ryoga glanced away. "He's really hurt because he and Ken broke up but that's ok."

"Kaito's been comforting him," Akina said, nodding slightly. "Us too."

"Yeah," he agreed. "We've been helping."

"Shark?" Kotori said.

Ryoga was obviously pained by the pitying tone. Ryoga never wanted pity, he didn't want them to feel they had to look after him, Kaito knew that. But he was their friend, if he was hurt, they hurt too. They felt for him.

Suddenly, Ryoga let out an oof and Akina yelped. Kaito glanced over to find Yuma had grabbed him, probably trying to be comforting, as Akina demanded that he release her Shark. After a moment, Yuma stepped back and stared up at him.

"We're sorry, Shark," Yuma said.

"He doesn't need you anymore," Akina snapped, tightening her arms around Ryoga's neck. "He's got us now."

Pain flashed through Yuma's eyes and this time Ryoga did interfere. "That's enough, Akina."

"But Shark-"

"No. Enough."

She fell silent and buried her head in his shoulder, obviously sulking. Kaito smiled slightly. He remembered Haruto sulking like that. He hadn't done it recently but it could certainly be a pain. There was silence for a moment before Ryoga continued walking. He was hurting, that was obvious for anyone to see. Even Yuma was lost, staring after him. After that, the group followed behind him. It wasn't right. Ryoga shouldn't have been like that.

"Any sign of Rio yet?" Kotori said, obviously trying to change the subject to something more comfortable. "Did she have fun last night?"

"I assume so," he muttered. "I haven't heard from her. So she must be having fun."

"You wish she was here to help, don't you?" Haruto said.

"Hush, Haruto," Kaito said softly. "Ryoga will talk when he's ready."

But Yuma was frowning, watching Ryoga as they walked. He planning something wasn't he? This could only be bad news. Really, he had to know Ryoga needed to be handled with care right now. He could be a little delicate at the best of times but in his current state Kaito was considerably more worried about him than normal. Whatever Yuma was planning could make him even worse.

"Shark!" Yuma called, running over. "Can we take Akina?"

"Huh?" Akina cried, gripping Ryoga's shirt and shaking her head. "I wanna stay with Shark and Haruto!"

"You don't want to duel with me again?" Yuma said. Akina's eyes widened and she squirmed until Ryoga set her down. "Come on then!"

She cheered and grabbed Yuma's hand, letting him and Kotori pull her away. So much for Ryoga's excuse of taking Akina home. That was why Kaito had insisted on going with him. He knew if Ryoga took Akina home he'd just be waiting to bump into Ken. Kaito wasn't going to allow that to happen so quickly. Ryoga was hurting so much, whether it would ease his pain or not, Kaito wasn't about to just forgive Ken and let him back into Ryoga's life.

"Ryoga," he said quietly. Ryoga glanced up. "Unless Rio comes home, I want you to stay with me tonight."

"I'm not a child," Ryoga snapped.

"I understand that," Kaito argued. "But I want to keep an eye on you."

Ryoga frowned and Kaito laid his hand on his shoulder. "I really don't need you to watch over me, Kaito."

"I want to. Until Rio comes home, someone has to watch over you."

Ryoga clicked his tongue and Kaito lowered his head as Haruto grabbed Ryoga's hand. "Can I have a piggy back?"

"Say please, Haruto," Kaito said.

"Please?"

Ryoga sighed and pulled him up, letting him ride on his back. Despite everything Kaito couldn't help smiling. He was adorable and Ryoga, despite his problems, was good with kids. It didn't feel right to take Ryoga home right now. They needed something to distract Ryoga from his pain.

"Where do you want to go, Haruto?" Kaito said.

"To find some caramel, it'll make Shark feel better," Haruto replied.

Kaito smiled and nodded. So they headed into the city centre, to find Haruto's favourite sweet shop to find some caramel for Ryoga. He smiled softly, watching Haruto and Ryoga in the sweet shop. There was a little truth to Haruto's teasing about the two of them. Even before Rio's appearance, Kaito had been drawn to Ryoga. He'd respected him from their first meeting even if he was reckless and emotional. Calling out a number hunter knowing he had no number? It was either stupid or brave and Kaito still wasn't sure which.

Whatever it was, Ryoga was special. He was the first person he'd met who could control a Number without any outside help. Despite the early wobbles, he had control of Shark Drake as a partner. And the mystery of him certainly kept Kaito intrigued.


"Hey, Akina?" Yuma said, sitting on a grassy bank. "Is Shark really that broken up over Ken?" Akina frowned and flopped down next to him, tilting her head slightly. "Is it really that bad?"

"Shark's with Kaito now," Akina said.

Yuma and Kotori glanced at each other before Kotori leant over and smiled at Akina. "Are you sure about that?"

"Kaito kissed him on the roof," Akina said nodding quickly. "They were really close and Kaito was holding him and then he kissed him."

"Kissed him like how?" Yuma said.

"Like on the top of his head," she replied. "Really sweet."

They glanced at each other again. Well, it was easy to misinterpret that. It could well be something more, he supposed, but it was probably just Kaito comforting him. But what if Akina was right? Yuma wasn't sure what to think about that. He would be pleased for them, obviously, but they were his best friends. He wasn't sure how he felt about his two best friends being together. He'd have to ask Shark and Kaito about this.

"So, we need to talk to Ken," Yuma said.

"Why?" Akina said. "You said we could duel."

"So we could get you away from Ryoga," he replied. "We need to talk to Ken so we can make Shark happy again, right?"

She frowned for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I want Shark to be happy again."

"Great!" He jumped up and pulled Akina up, heading down the road with Kotori next to them. "Hey, do you know what hunters are in town, Akina?" She nodded quickly. "Can you tell me?"

"Grace, Pride, Fate, Destiny, Glory, Honour, Charity, Love, Wrath, Envy and Fury."

Yuma faltered slightly. "That many?" She nodded. "Well, we know Fate and Destiny. Glory is Miki and that Charity girl is dangerous, what about the others."

She shrugged and Yuma frowned. Ken had been a hunter too, so he must have been one of them, hopefully. If he wasn't then that was one more hunter to potentially worry about. This could be trouble. When they reached the house, Hibiki was leaning against the wall, talking with Miki in the orange glow of the sunset.

"Akina," Miki called with a soft smile. Akina ran over and climbed up onto the wall, leaning on Miki's shoulders. "Hey, where've you been all day?"

"With Haruto," Akina replied.

"Who's Haruto?" Hibiki giggled. "Have you got yourself a boyfriend, Akina?"

Akina's eyes widened and she blushed furiously. "No! Don't be stupid! He's just a boy who's a friend. He's Kaito's brother! I don't like him!"

The pair laughed as Akina jumped off the wall and stomped off up the steps. Miki smiled and turned to Yuma and Kotori. "Something wrong?"

"Did you hear about Ken and Shark?" Kotori said. Miki scowled and Hibiki sighed. "Yes then?"

"Yeah, it was hard not to hear the way those two were arguing," Hibiki said. Miki got up and stormed off as Akina had. "I'm afraid what goes on between Ryoga and Ken is for them to sort out, not us."

"But Shark's hurting," Yuma cried.

"Not really my problem."

"You used to care about him."

"There are things that come before silly little boys," Hibiki snapped. "Now, stay out of this. There are things that you shouldn't interfere with."

"He's my best friend! I have to help him!"

Hibiki scowled and folded her arms. "The road to Hell is waved with good intentions, Yuma. If you try to help you might just make things worse."

"But-"

"She's right, Yuma," Kotori whispered. "We should support him but he and Ken have to work things out."

Yuma glanced between them before giving in a slumping. He just wanted to help. Kotori sighed and patted his shoulder. Hibiki smiled and waved as Kotori sighed, drawing Yuma away. He had wanted Shark to feel better but if they all thought he needed to leave it to them, he supposed he had to.


There was a clank and Rio smiled. Yes! Finally. Who said she needed Ryoga to save her all the time? She'd been arguing with the lock for who knew how long and finally she'd got out. Ryoga had to have been looking for her by now. She'd been grabbed out the house and next thing she knew she'd woken up in that room. Ryoga had to have known something was wrong and have been looking for her.

She pushed open the door slowly and glanced out into the hall. Empty. Perfect. She smiled to herself and ran down the dark hallway. Where was she? How long had she been here? She'd been speaking to Thomas about his new dog when she'd been taken so wasn't he missing her too? He had to be missing her. He must have known she'd vanished. They were going to be there any moment.

Suddenly a door opened and Rio paused and frowned, glancing inside. Something felt wrong. There was something strange in there. Still, going into a dark room that opened by itself when she was being held captive? She wasn't stupid. That was how the first girl got murdered in horror films. But what if there was a way out?

Rio frowned and stepped into the room, padding around the walls for the light switch. The lights didn't come on until the door slammed. She was right. It hadn't been a good plan to come in. Still… she glanced around. It was a bedroom. A large, luxurious bedroom. A little girl's room. It was pink and purple and there was stuffed animals and teddy bears and porcelain dolls in fancy princess like dresses covering the shelves. She smiled and wandered over to the bed. Pride of place was a doll. She frowned and picked it up slowly. After a moment, she realised it was a duel monster.

"Athena," said a voice from behind her. Rio spun on her heel and found herself staring up at a blonde man with a tired smile. He gestured to the doll. "It belonged to my daughter."

"Oh," Rio said quietly. She frowned and glanced at the doll. "Why am I here?"

He smiled. "I was about to ask you the same question. You're a little well dress to be a delinquent."

"I woke up in a room down the hall," she replied. He nodded. "Do you have any ideas?"

"No, sorry," he said with a shrug. He smiled and took the doll from her, playing absently with the long hair. "Athena… the goddess of wisdom and defensive war. It was her favourite card." He laid it back down on the bed. "She'll come back to me one day."

"She's gone?" Rio smiled sadly as he nodded. "Do you mind if I… ask what happened?"

"She was taken away," he murmured. "She was torn away." Rio lowered her gaze to the doll again. "More poor girl, I don't know where she is anymore. I'll find her, I'll save her and bring her home where she belongs."

"I'm sorry," she said, clasping her hands.

"Don't worry," he murmured. "Do you have anyone who can come and pick you up?"

"Umm… my brother should if we're still close to Heartland." He smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

"Come downstairs," he said, unlocking the door and gesturing to the hall. "Let's call your brother and get you home."

"Thank you very much," Rio said with a smile, slipping out the room.

He nodded and led her down a long hall and down the stairs. It was a huge manor house. Stunning and obviously high class. Rio felt almost out of place there. And then there was the picture on the wall that made her blood run cold. A family of five. The man with the tired smile, only he was younger, ruby eyes sparkling and a bright smile lighting up his face. Sitting next to him, a stunning redheaded woman, laughing warmly, green eyes focused lovingly on the young boy standing behind her next to the man. Blonde, with his mother's green eyes, barely ten, glasses perched on his nose. Her stomach churned as her gaze flickered over to the blonde girl sitting on the floor. Ruby eyes and blonde hair. And finally, in her father's arms, a tiny girl in a big poofy princess dress.

"Is something wrong?" the man called.

"I know them," she whispered.

"Oh? That's Fate, Destiny and Glory," he said. Rio shook her head, stepping up to the picture and resting her hand against it. "My dear, is something the matter?"

"You're Pride." He laughed. "And that's Miki and Hibiki and…"

"And?" he sneered.

Her gaze trailed down to the name plate and her worst fears were confirmed. Pride laughed and she closed her eyes. Ryoga had to hurry.


Ryoga wasn't pleased, but Kaito had forced him back to Heartland Tower. Rio hadn't sent him anything to let them know she was coming home and Haruto insisted he came. So Ryoga had given in for a handful of caramel.

He was currently sitting on Haruto's bed, reading him his story- with voices- and avoiding Haruto's questions on their relationship. Kaito adored watching them. He was leaning against the window, watching with a small smile. During the day, he'd started to notice just how fond of the twins he was. And watching Ryoga with Haruto and thinking of how Rio had been, it made something warm in his chest. Finally, Ryoga was done for that chapter and closed the book, only for Haruto to catch his sleeve as he got up.

"If you and my big brother are a couple," he said quietly.

"We're not," Ryoga said gently.

"Then would that stop you hurting over Akina's brother?" he continued.

Kaito frowned as Ryoga struggled with an answer and Kaito set his hand on Ryoga's shoulder, squeezing gently. "That's a complicated question, Haruto."

"But wouldn't it?"

"You know when you've hurt yourself and I give you a spoonful of medicine?" he said with a small smile. Haruto nodded. "It makes it stop hurting for a bit but soon it wears off and you hurt again?" Another nod. "That's all it would be. Just something to make him stop hurting for a while and then it would be just as bad."

"But after a couple of doses the pain stops all together," Haruto argued.

"And then you stop taking the medicine," Ryoga said, walking away.

Kaito frowned, watching him go and Haruto sighed. "I'm sorry. I upset him."

"No, Haruto," Kaito replied, tucking him in. "He's upset anyway. He's just trying to be strong." He smiled and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry too much about it, I'll look after Ryoga. You go to sleep."

"Alright. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Haruto."

"Say goodnight to Shark too."

"I will."

Ryoga was lying on the settee downstairs, curled up and resting his head and arms on the arm of the settee. His eyes were closed and he looked almost relaxed but Kaito saw the tension in his body. He sighed and walked over slowly, sitting next to him and resting a hand on his back. Ryoga's back tensed beneath his hand and his fists clenched.

"He won't answer me when I message him," Ryoga muttered. "Everything you said, I want to trust him. I want what you said about him not hating me anymore to be true. But it hurts so much. And what Haruto said it just…"

"I know," Kaito said.

"Have you ever…"

"Yes," he replied. He knew exactly what Ryoga meant. And he wasn't the best with relationships but he knew. "When I was about your age I… had a relationship, I suppose, that… didn't end well."

Ryoga lifted his head slightly, sitting a little straighter and Kaito was sure there were tears in his eyes threatening to fall. Kaito smiled gently, cupping his cheek and brushing his thumb over the surprisingly soft, heated skin. Ryoga wasn't supposed to look so broken. He was supposed to be strong and argumentative.

"What happened?" Ryoga said quietly.

Kaito didn't exactly like thinking about it, and certainly not talking about it. But Ryoga needed this. He needed help. Kaito knew how Ryoga felt, somewhat. Young love burned fast and bright and it was the end of the world when it broke down. He shifted slightly and Ryoga shifted to sit closer.

"Like I said, I was about your age," Kaito said slowly. "And I had a… thing with an older boy."

"A thing?" Ryoga muttered.

"You know what I mean."

"No," Ryoga murmured, leaning a little closer. A small, teasing smirk formed and Kaito was at little reassured by his slight return to form. "Tell me, what thing?"

"He was teaching me, and when he figured out I had a thing for him he started to reward me for good progress with kisses and touches," Kaito snapped. Ryoga's smirk grew. At least that was something. "And one thing just led to another."

Ryoga nodded slightly and tilted his head. "You were having a little affair with your teacher."

"Something like that."

"And don't think for a second I don't know who you're talking about."

Kaito was sure his cheeks were flushed and Ryoga's grin wasn't reassuring. "You have no idea."

"Hmm, someone who could actually stand being in your presence for more than five minutes?" Ryoga murmured. "Not a long list." Kaito scowled but it was hard to keep it. Ryoga was at least a little better. It was worth the teasing. "And just how many of them are older than you?"

"Shut up," Kaito muttered, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Imagine if Haruto walked in on us on like this," he laughed.

Kaito blinked in confusion before realising what he meant. They were sitting rather close, Kaito's hand still resting absently on Ryoga's face. And now he thought about it, their faces were rather close as well, and Ryoga's hands were actually resting on his thighs for support as he leant in. Haruto would have never shut up about it. But it wasn't uncomfortable, even knowing how close they'd got.

"I don't think Haruto cares who I'm with, as long as I'm not alone anymore," Kaito admitted.

"You're not alone," Ryoga said, his voice so low Kaito found himself leaning in a little closer to hear him. "Yuma won't let you be alone." There was a pause and Ryoga chewed on his lip, his fists closing slightly. "Neither will I. If you can put up with all my drama recently, I think I can do you the favour of keeping your brother happy." Kaito was pretty sure that was Ryoga's way of thanking him. "So, how did it end with you and your mystery teacher?"

"You know how it ended."

"I don't know who your lover was," Ryoga teased. "So how can I know how it ended?"

"My father ruined things," Kaito murmured. "But that's all in the past."

"Is it really that simple?"

"No. It took a long time to truly come to terms with it," he replied. "Ryoga, what you said earlier, about how if sibling as close your feelings for one can blur with your feeling for another? Do you honestly believe that?"

"I'm not sure, Ken was muttering about it," Ryoga said quietly, a flash of pain going through his eyes. "He said just because I had a crush on Hibiki didn't mean I got to hurt Miki."

"Of course," he murmured. "You can hurt a lot of people like that."

"So, do you care for Rio?"

"See, this is the problem." Ryoga frowned and Kaito smiled slightly. "I'm unsure as to whether I care about Rio and seeing you in so much pain is triggering something."

"Or?" Ryoga insisted.

Kaito smiled. Of course Ryoga would demand the other possibility, even if he'd probably already put it together from what he'd already said. He really wasn't as dumb as he seemed or acted- Kaito wasn't sure which sometimes.

"Or?" Ryoga said again. "Kaito?"

"I shouldn't listen to you," Kaito said. "You put stupid ideas into my head."

"Or if you have feelings for me," he said. "That's what you were getting at."

"Shut up."

Ryoga smirked. "No fancy words now?"

"I'm not going to insult your intelligence, Ryoga-"

"Every other sentence out of your mouth is an insult to my intelligence."

"Will you just shut up?"

Kaito didn't even register what Ryoga said next. His lips were moving. He knew that, he was watching them, but he didn't really hear what. Not that it mattered. Ryoga's snide remarks were all the same really. But Ryoga was right. He was starting to doubt himself. It was plausible that this was all because seeing Ryoga in so much pain was killing him, and his need to comfort him was being subconsciously altered by Haruto's words, that he had no feeling towards either twin beyond friendship. It was possible his feelings for one merged with the other, that seeing Ryoga hurting made his feelings for Rio that much stronger too, they were twins after all, a part of each other.

It wasn't entirely clear how it began, Kaito assumed it was his fault, but next thing he knew their lips were pressed softly together and Ryoga showed no signs of being uncomfortable with it. A few weeks ago, Kaito would imagine Ryoga would have slapped him away. Although, a few weeks ago, Kaito still saw Ryoga as something of a friendly rival and younger brother figure. Things had changed so drastically in such a short space of time.

Deciding he'd pushed his luck far enough, Kaito drew back slowly, watching Ryoga's eyes open again. Their eyes met and Ryoga swallowed heavily. It was stupid, after their conversation with Haruto and on the balcony, especially with what Ryoga was going through, but it had happened and it couldn't be undone. They'd just have to ignore it and move on.

Somewhere along the line, Ryoga's purple shirt had been displaced and was hanging down around his elbows and middle. Kaito's gaze moved over him slowly, watching him panting slightly when something under his top caught his eye. Something that made his heart sink.

Ryoga must have noticed. He pulled his shirt back around himself and turned away, all but confirming to Kaito what it was.

"Ryoga-"

"Save it," he hissed, getting up and storming away. "I think I should head home."

"No, Ryoga-" The door slammed and Kaito winced, getting up and chasing after him. "Damn it, Ryoga, just talk to me!"

The doors to the elevator closed moments before Kaito reached it and Kaito slammed his hand against the button, trying desperately to get the doors open again before he lost him. His heart was pounding against his chest and all he could do was curse at the doors as Ryoga slipped out of his grasp. He couldn't beat him down their using the stairs. Even if he could, would Ryoga even talk to him? Orbital was upstairs keeping an eye on Haruto as he did every night unless Kaito needed him. It would take too long to get him down there and go after Ryoga now. He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the doors.

Why? It was all that kept spinning through his head. Why had Ryoga done it? Why hadn't they been able to hold onto him? Why couldn't they keep him safe from this?

Kaito turned slowly and returned to his settee, taking out his D-Pad. He needed help with this. Chris took a few moments to answer before his face finally appeared on screen. To Kaito's surprise, Thomas was lying across their couch, his head in Chris' lap, apparently asleep and with a large fluffy dog with him. Kaito couldn't help smiling.

"Kaito? I've been hearing a lot from you recently," Chris said with a pleasant smile. "What can I do for you this time?"

"I'm worried about Ryoga," Kaito said.

"Why? I hear he has a boyfriend who's an incredibly good influence on him," he said.

"That's the problem," he replied. "He doesn't anymore. And things are getting worse. He's done something dangerous and I don't know if we can reach him anymore."

Chris frowned. Maybe he was too worried but he really didn't care. Ryoga was too important to lose to something like this. Over a boy. He wasn't going to let that happen. He wasn't going to let Ryoga lose himself the way he had.


Ryoga hurried through the streets in silence. He couldn't go home. What if Rio was there? She'd ask questions and make a big deal of things and he couldn't lie to her. What if Kaito called Rio? Or Yuma? What if he told them all? How was he supposed to explain this to them? His stomach churned and he stumbled slightly, ending up hitting his knees hard on the concrete.

Why the hell did Kaito have to do that? Why did he have to get him to drop his guard? Why did he have to see it? His stomach dropped and he closed his eyes tightly. How did Kaito even know what it was? How could he have known what it meant?

"You've seen the picture Fate sent you, right?" Ryoga's eyes widened at the smooth voice from behind him. He turned slightly and found a hunter a few feet away, smiling at him. "Or not." He laughed and shrugged. "Never mind. Take your time, I'll wait."

Ryoga stared up at him. He must have been about the same age as Ryoga, the same height too but slimmer. A long black coat fell around his knees, placed over a waist coat and trousers. Hiding under his messy black hair was an ornate mask, hiding his face. Just like everyone else, always hiding their faces.

"Who are you?" Ryoga hissed, slowly climbing back up to his feet.

"You know who I am," he laughed. "So, Fate's picture?"

Ryoga frowned and slowly took out his D-Pad, flicking through to the picture he'd received. He hesitated for a second before opening the file. And there it was. The reason Kaito knew. The picture showed Kaito pinning Ken to the wall, Ken obviously struggling against him, and Kaito pulling away his shirt. And Ryoga could just about Ken's own tattoo on his shoulder. He still couldn't read the name on it but it didn't matter. It was dated just a little before they'd broken up. Was this why it happened? Was this why this had happened? Why Kaito was so insistent on looking after him now? Because he knew it was his fault, because this happened because of him?

"So? Still think he's trustworthy?" the hunter purred.

"This doesn't prove anything," Ryoga snapped. "Now who the hell are you?" The hunter laughed and approached slowly. Before he could stop himself, Ryoga took a step back. Something was different about this one. Something was more angry, more sadistic and malicious. "Who are you?!"

Something cold clenched in Ryoga's chest and his breath was torn from his chest. His legs collapsed from beneath him and he hit the floor once more. Struggling to breathe, all he could do was watch as the hunter approached.

"What do they call you?" he murmured, tipping Ryoga's chin up with two fingers. His chest tightened with something close to terror and the hunter tugged away his shirt, revealing his tattoo. "Wrath? How cute? That was an impressive transformation you have, you know? Knocked me on my ass. But you should wait to feel my power." He paused and grinned. "Oh, but you already do." Ryoga's eyes widened and he tried to speak but the pressure in his chest stopped him. "How do you like having my curse running through you veins, Wrath?" Again, he tried to snap at him, but his chest just hurt even more and the hunter sneered. "Oh, go on then. Say it. Say it for me, Wrath. Say my name."

This time when he tried to speak his words came out strangled and weak and desperate and it lit up the hunter's face to hear it. "Honour…"

"Very good," he purred. "Now, let's wake up that wonderful darkness in you, shall we?"

The pressure in his chest exploded and Ryoga gasped, clutching at his chest as his vision went spotted at dark and his mind went blank.


In the Next Chapter: Wrath and Honor's powers collide as Ryoga seeks answers about the curse he's under, and Kaito struggles to stop him losing himself to Wrath's lure.

Honour and Glory