A/N: Soooo, brand new chapter. More of Ryoga being a normal fourteen year old. Because some times we forget he's only a kid and teenagers can be kind of stroppy and dramatic and grumpy and have parent issues. And lots of Kaito Ryoga drama. Because those two have to be dramatic and argumentative. And Kaito's back to his old ways. So, thanks for the reviews, keep going and enjoy the drama. Also more Thomas next chapter since he's back tomorrow (cue ridiculous squealing and more of my protag Shingetsu and Thomas to celebrate)


Kaito smiled softly, letting Ryog nuzzle into his shoulder. He had been unusually affectionate but Kaito put that down to his near death experience. They were lying silently together on Kaito's bed, apparently content with the situation. And, Kaito wouldn't have thought it, but just having his arms wrapped around Ryoga and lying here with him was just as satisfying as the hot kisses they'd shared previously. He smiled and kissed Ryoga's forehead softly, making Ryoga smile.

"Are we a couple now or something?" Ryoga murmured.

"I don't know," Kaito replied softly. "I mean… who knows when you're going to end up back in Ken's arms?"

"I told you," he grumbled. "I don't want Ken, I want you."

Kaito sighed and kissed his temple softly. "You don't know how much I want to believe you."

"You don't believe me?" Ryoga muttered, sitting up on his elbows. "After everything?"

Kaito sat up quickly and shook his head. "That's not what I mean."

"What other meaning is there to 'I want to believe you'?" he snapped. Kaito sighed and shook his head. "What do you want me to do, Kaito? When I tell you I want you, you don't believe me and when I'm with someone else, you're all rough and demanding. I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore."

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," he said softly. He leant over and slowly pushed Ryoga back to the mattress. "I just don't want this to end like it did with Chris."

For a moment there was silence and Kaito wondered if Ryoga would accept the explanation but finally Ryoga sighed and pulled him down, to press their lips softly together. Content that Ryoga was settled again, Kaito ran his hand through Ryoga's still damp hair, listening to the storm still raging outside. It was brief and sweet and Kaito drew back after a moment, lying next to him once more.

"So… this deal between you and her?"

Kaito sighed and tugged his hair slightly, pulling him into another sweet kiss. "I don't want to talk about her or Chris. It should just be you and me right now, shouldn't it?"

"Then just…" He sighed and shook his head, tilting his head to kiss Kaito's palm. "Promise this won't turn out like it did with Ken?"

"I'm nothing like him." Kaito promised himself that too. He hadn't asked for Envy to affect Ryoga. He hadn't asked for any of this, he just desperately wanted Ryoga. Was that so wrong? "But…"

"But?" Ryoga said with a frown.

"But her name is Envy," he said quietly. "And she offered you to me."

"Offered?" Kaito nodded. "Offered me to you? What does that mean? Exactly?"

"It means…" He frowned and shook his head as Ryog glared at him. "It means that if I convinced you to hunt, and we took souls, you could have Rio back. And she said if it made me more keen to help, I could have you. She has a variation on Honour's powers."

Ryoga's eyes widened and he sat up again. "You would do that to me?"

"No," Kaito said quietly. He squeezed his hand gently and Ryoga closed his eyes. "Never. I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask her to do this. I told her I could never do that to you."

"Then… is anything I feel for you real?"

"I couldn't tell you. I just… hope I'm wrong."

"But you'd take advantage," Ryoga whispered.

"I don't know if it's real or not, Ryoga," Kaito argued. "And I can't tell you when it'll wear off if it is her doing. I just know that I don't want anything more than you."

Ryoga scowled. "I don't think I should be around you until I know what I feel."

"Ryoga, I think the fact that you can be mad at me is proof enough that it's worn off."

"They call me Wrath, Kaito," he hissed. "That means anger takes forefront over everything."

"Alright," Kaito sighed. "If that's what you want. But please, understand, it didn't cross my mind to use you. I just wasn't thinking. I didn't think she'd do it after I refused. And I desperately want this to be real."

Ryoga turned away and picked up his top and purple shirt from the radiator, pulling them on and striding out. Kaito sighed and flopped back on the bed, running his hand through his hair. His chest was tight and almost hurt at the thought of losing Ryoga over this. Why had he told him? Why hadn't he kept his mouth shut and just gone with it? He could have claimed ignorance, that he thought Ryog's feelings were genuine and he had no idea Ryoga was under Envy's curse. He prayed she hadn't used her powers, that Ryoga had been drawn to him honestly, because he wanted to be there with him.

His thoughts drifted to hunting. That was all they wanted, right? Souls. So, if it saved Ryoga the pain of taking souls, he'd happily do so. He reached for his coat and pulled out the little box. It was a small bracelet. He frowned and clicked it into place, and a dark energy tore through him, knocking the wind from his lungs. The power was incredible.

There was a note inside the box as well. He picked it up slowly and glanced over it. It just made things even easier. He got up from bed slowly and pulled on his shoes. He knew exactly where he was going to get his soul from.

"Orbital," he called.

Orbital followed after him and Haruto looked up from where he was sitting on the couch with their father. "Shark let in a hurry."

"Yes."

"Did you say something wrong gain?" Haruto said, folding his arms.

"Why do you always assume it's me?" he muttered.

"Because Shark really badly wants to be with you," he replied. Kaito frowned. "And he's really trying to give you what you want and so he wouldn't just storm off if you didn't say something. Chris said you should stop arguing and getting a feel for each other and start working things out soon."

"Stop talking to Chris about my relationship with Ryoga."

"Don't snap at your brother, Kaito," Faker said. "Where are you going in this weather?"

"Hunting." Haruto scowled. "Don't look at me like that."

"Shark won't approve."

"He doesn't need to know."

"I hope you and Ryoga aren't going to cause trouble for each other," Faker said.

He frowned and walked away silently. He had something he needed to do. He had to find a soul to save Rio. He had to save her and maybe prove to Ryoga… something. He didn't even know what. But he knew that just like Kaito himself, that the way to gain his trust and perhaps the way to soften him. It was ridiculous. When had he become so smitten with some teenage trouble maker?

He flew silently through the rain with Orbital, searching for his prey. "Orbital, search for Numbers."

"Numbers?"

"Yes. Find them."

"Yes, Master Kaito."

He frowned and glanced around at the ground. Envy's note had been the most satisfying thing all day. According to her, the hunters were in possession of five Numbers. And the note had, of course, quite clearly hinted at who owned them.


"Ryoga?"

Ryoga ignored his mother and shut the door to his bedroom behind him. He was still numb after the news that his feeling for Kaito could have been just as fake as his feelings for Ken. He dumped his soaked clothes and climbed into bed, curling up under the sheets and trying to keep from making any sound as his mother came in.

"Ryoga…" She sighed and sat on the bed, gently laying a hand on his side. "Do you want me to run you a nice warm bath?"

"Yes," he murmured. "Please."

"Alright, love," she said quietly. "And you'll tell me what's happening?"

"I can't."

"At least tell me what's wrong."

"Kaito."

"Oh… you two had a fight?"

"Yeah, something like that."

"We'll talk about it soon, alright?"

She got up slowly and moments later Ryoga heard the bath running. No matter what, they were family. She was his mother and no matter how much they argued, he loved her. He needed her more than ever right now. And she was only trying to keep him safe. The front door opened again and Ryoga frowned, sitting up slightly.

"I came as soon as I could," came his father's voice. He actually sounded worried for once. "How is he?"

His mother sighed. "Physically, I'm not sure. No one can figure it out and he won't tell me anything. He's been in and out in this weather and… He's having relationship troubles, I think."

"Oh? He's finally found a nice girl? Maybe she'll help him settle."

"Boy," his mother replied.

"Boy?"

"Older boy."

He sighed. "Why can't that boy be normal? Everything with him is trouble."

Ryoga frowned and slid down under his covers again, burying his head in his pillow again. His father had never been as kind as his mother. He didn't really deny it, he was a mummy's boy. He loved her and he was pretty sure he was her favourite, even if parents weren't supposed to have favourites. It was alright though. His father preferred Rio. Their mother always said it was because they were too similar, he and his father.

"Shh," she hissed. "He's our son. Whatever makes him happy should make us happy."

"You're constantly supporting him," he snapped. "That boy is trouble. He always has been."

"Stop that."

"He's throwing away his life and he obviously doesn't care if he's straight back out in the storm to see his boyfriend."

"He's scared."

"Scared." His father laughed cruelly and Ryoga wished this pillow would shut out all the noise. "Maybe he should have thought of all that before he got involved in gangs and trouble a like that. And whatever he's taking to put him in this condition-"

"He promises he's not and I'm inclined to believe him."

"Pathetic. You're always taking his word. Even when Rio was in hospital, he was still the centre of attention."

"I wish you wouldn't say thing you'll regret in the morning. You always do this."

She sighed and Ryoga curled up as his bedroom door opened again. "Ryoga."

He sighed as his mother pulled away the covers. They remained in silence before Ryoga sat up and wrapped his arms around her. She murmured softly as Ryoga nuzzled into her shoulder, stroking his hair softly.

"He doesn't mean it, Ryoga," she murmured. "You know he doesn't mean it. You know he's just worried about you. Come on, let's get you into that nice warm bath so you don't catch a chill, then you can tell me what's going on."

"Even if I could, you won't believe me."

"Try me, love. If it's important to you, I won't ignore you. And I've taken the rest of the week off, so I can look after you." He nodded weakly and she kissed his cheek, helping him gently from the bed and down the hall to the bathroom. "You take your time. I'll have something for you to eat when you get out."

Ryoga nodded and shut the door silently behind him. He smiled, slipping into the steamy water. It was so soothing and relaxing. He closed his eyes and sank down lower in the water, letting his mind wander. It was so confusing. He didn't know what he was feeling anymore or what he was supposed to think.

"You're tired," Shark Drake murmured, drawing Ryoga into his chest. Ryoga nodded and Shark Drake stroked his hair. "What does your mother have against me?"

"Nothing," he murmured. "She's just worried about me. She wants to keep me safe."

"That's my job," he grumbled. "I'll protect you from everything."

"It's what mother's do," he said softly. "It's a primal instinct, you know, to protect their young."

"I want to protect you and I'm not your mother."

"I should hope not."

"I can't help wonder about her too." Ryoga scowled, lifting his head and Shark Drake smiled. "Never mind."

"No, what do you mean?"

"Just that… you had the power to create a Chaos XYZ monster."

"That was you," Ryoga replied. "I took your power."

"And I took yours," Shark Drake said. "I couldn't have achieved that without you. And that's not normal." Ryoga frowned. "I just think there's more to you than meets the eye. After all, up until these Barians appeared, the only other person with that power was Yuma, probably because of Astral." He nodded. He supposed that made sense. "And now the only people capable of summoning them are Barians or controlled by them."

Ryoga nodded. "I suppose… I must have something special about me then."

"And how many people have you met who can control a Number? Yuma because of Astral. Kaito had powers from other worlds, as do the Arclights-"

"Do? I thought their crest-"

"Not important. And then the Barians. All have powers not of this world. This world, normal humans, can't handle the power of the Numbers. And then there's you."

"Ryoga!"

He was coughing and spluttering and struggling to breath. What the hell had happened? Where was he?

"Ryoga!" His mother's voice reached him through the darkness. She sounded terrified and he could feel her arm tight in his grip. He hadn't even realised he was holding onto her so tightly. "It's alright, Ryoga. You're alright."

It took a few minutes before Ryoga calmed down and stopped coughing enough to realise he was still in the bath, now hanging over the edge and holding his mother tightly. He absently noticed his father in the doorway with a mug in his hand, not looking at all impressed.

"My poor boy," his mother murmured, pushing his hair from his face. "I shouldn't have left you alone. I could have lost you right under my nose."

"What happened?" he whispered hoarsely.

"You must have passed out," she replied. "I was worried when you wouldn't answer me and I found you underwater. I should have known better, you're already ill-"

"I'm fine," he said quietly. "I'm sorry for worrying you."

"It's fine, dear, let's get you back to be so you can rest."

He nodded weakly and his father walked away with a grumble, leaving Ryoga in his mother's care. Soon, he was dried off and in warm, freshly ironed pyjama's- he hadn't actually worn pyjama's in a while but they were lovely and soft and warm and it made her happy- and was climbing into bed.

"He's worried about you really, dear," his mother murmured, offering him a mug of hot chocolate. He nodded weakly, sipping the drink. She smiled and glanced around, her gaze falling on the stuffed shark that Kaito had been pointed out the first time he'd been there. "I wondered where he'd had gone."

Ryoga's cheeks flushed. He might have told Kaito it was a present from Rio but that wasn't quite the truth. It was a gift, yes, just not to him. Or from Rio. His mother got up slowly nd walked over, slowly taking the stuffed animal and hugging it to her chest, closing her eyes for a moment and a soft smile coming to her lips.

"Why's he in here?" Ryoga frowned and fixed his eyes on his drink, sipping slowly. "Ryoga? Why's Jaw's in here?"

Ryoga frowned and she came over, sitting with him on the bed. Jaws, as his mother had named the toy, had been a present from his father to her years before he'd even been born. As if knowing why it was really in his room, his mother smiled and offered Jaws to him, letting him take it hesitantly in his arms. It smelled like her perfume.

"I just like having something that reminds me of you when you're away."

She smiled and nodded, kissing his forehead. "I'm so proud to take credit for you. Every part of you, my little Shark. And if Jaws makes you feel safe and loved, then you keep him."

"Thank you."

"So, perhaps you can tell me what's going on now?"

Ryoga hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. Maybe this would be a burden off his shoulders. Maybe it would help her trust him more. So he finished his drink, set down the mug and held Jaws close as he struggled to explain right from the start. His mother sat silently, letting him explain as best he could.

When he was done, she frowned and laid her hands on her shoulders. She didn't believe him. He could see it in her eyes. And who would unless they'd been there? Talk of aliens and missing parents and scientists finding other worlds and monster that could possess people and now hunting souls and changing people's emotions? It all sounded crazy, he knew that.

"Ryoga, I know you've been going through a tough time since Rio was put in hospital-"

"It's not that," he insisted. "Please, you have to believe me, I'm not insane and I'm not lying."

"Of course you're not," she said gently, cupping his cheeks. "I think you've been under a lot of stress and it's affecting your perception of the world." She smiled and Ryoga squeezed Jaws. "I know it's hard to accept what happened to Rio was an accident, you want a reason to and-"

"I swear, this is all real. I just… there has to be something I can do to prove it."

"It's alright, Ryoga, you're young. You're allowed to have problems you can't handle. You're allowed to run from these things."

Ryoga huffed, squeezing the shark again before realising he had a way to prove these things. She'd have to believe it all if an adult told her and showed her. "What if you spoke to Kaito's dad about it?"

"Kaito's father?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding quickly. "Dr Faker knows about this stuff. He was involved in it. You'd believe him, right?"

"I… suppose if he had proof that the things you're saying are real- or at least that you're not just running from the truth- I suppose I'd have no choice."

"Then let me talk to Kaito," he said. "I'll get him to talk to Faker and see if you can talk with him."

"And Rio?" she said. "Does she know about this?"

"I keep her as safe and out of harm's way as possible. But you know what she's like. I can't stop her if she wants to get involved."

"Alright." She sighed and nodded, getting up slowly. "I'll get you your things back. But if you're lying to me, you're not duelling again until you're eighteen."

Ryoga nodded and she left him before returning a few minutes later with his D-Pad and deck. He took his D-Pad and took it slowly. Much as he didn't like the idea of his mother meeting with Dr Faker, it was his best option right now.

Shark: Want to start making this up to me?

Kaito: I'm busy right now.

Ryoga frowned and set his D-Pad down again. Didn't Kaito care about his feelings anymore? It hurt. When he'd gone to Kaito, he'd thought he needed to be there. That he really needed to be with him and that wanted to be with him. He'd thought his relationship with Ken had just been a mistake and he'd wanted Kaito for a while now but… It all felt so wrong knowing it could all be fake.

And now Kaito didn't even have time to talk to him? What was he doing and nearly midnight that was so important?

Kaito: I'm sorry. If you want to talk we can. Just not right now.

Shark: It's nothing. It doesn't matter.

Kaito: If there's something I can do to make earlier easier for you then of course I'll do it for you.

Shark: It's not important don't worry about it. Just have fun with whatever you're doing.

Kaito: It's not as important as your feelings, Ryoga. Tell me what to do to make things better.

Shark: It's fine. It doesn't matter. Just leave it.

Kaito: Don't do that. If you have something you want me to do, tell me. I will do whatever you want to prove to you how much you mean to me. I honestly didn't ask her to do that to you, it didn't even cross my mind that it might be the reason behind this until you brought up Ken. Tell me how to make it up to you.

Ryoga ignored that. Whatever he wanted to prove how much he meant? How did Kaito think he was ever going to trust anyone again? Everyone he'd thought he could have had a relationship with had torn his trust apart. How was he supposed to open up to Kaito again after he'd take advantage of Envy changing the way he felt?

Kaito: Please don't ignore me. If there's something you want that I can provide, please just tell me and I'll do it for you.

"Is everything ok, sweetie?" his mother said from the doorway. "You're glaring at that like it's insulted you."

"It's nothing," he grumbled, putting the D-Pad down.

She glanced at the screen and frowned. "He seems to want to make it up to you, whatever happened. And what happened to talking to his father?"

"I'll ask him when I'm done being mad at the jerk," he muttered.

"That's the bit of your temper you get from me." He smiled slightly and she kissed his cheek. "There, at least you're smiling. You let him sweat for a bit, darling. If he hurt you he has to suffer before you forgive him." His D-Pad lit up again and his mother leant over. "He says he's sorry he didn't think about it before things got so serious. He'll do anything you want if you'll talk to him again. He doesn't want to lose you."

He sighed and tilted his head away. He didn't want to let Kaito go either. He felt amazing with Kaito. Better than with anyone, at least, anyone who wasn't manipulating him into feeling that way. And he wanted to be with Kaito right now but what happened if that wore off and he went back to seeing Kaito as a friend and rival and something of a big brother? What if he went back to normal and Kaito still wanted more from him?

"Oh, honey…" his mother sighed, gently stroking his cheeks. A lump was already forming in his throat and he pressed his eyes closed to keep any tears from falling. "He's really got a hold on your heart, hasn't he?"

"No," he breathed, shaking his head. "No, it's not a big deal."

His D-Pad lit up again and she turned to investigate. "He wants you to know that he's not going to let this ruin things between you. If you don't want a relationship anymore that's fine but he wants you to tell him honestly."

"I'm fine letting him suffer until morning at least." She smiled and nodded. "Can you… do me a favour?"

"What is it?"

"Fetch me Rio's D-Pad?"

"She hasn't taken it with her?"

"No. I'll explain later. Can you just find it, please?"

"Only if you promise to sleep soon."

He nodded and she smiled, heading out. When she returned, she had Rio's D-Pad. Ryoga hated himself for what he was about to do but he needed this. She left him alone and Ryoga flicked through it. It wasn't hard to figure out her password and Ryoga soon found what he was after.

"Really…" he muttered. "How did anyone think you had a thing for Kaito?"

She had a diary of Thomas' tours. And a clock telling her what time it was where Thomas was. Luckily for Ryoga, he had a night off and it wasn't too late. He couldn't believe he was going to call Thomas but he couldn't figure anything else out. Thomas knew everything that was happening and, unfortunately, understood Ryoga's mind.

"Rio, you were save the- Ryoga?" Thomas sat up on his bed and his dog huffed slightly, readjusting its position on his lap. "I didn't expect to hear from you, and not from Rio's contact."

"Things happen," he muttered. "I wanted to talk to you. And you can't tell your brothers about this."

"Oh?"

"You tell Chris and he'll tell Kaito."

Thomas laughed. "This is about Kaito? What has your boyfriend done now?"


Kaito frowned, sheltering in a doorway and watching the rain, just wanting Ryoga to message him back. Anything would do him. Even if he just wanted to shout at him and berate him and insult him. He didn't care as long as he stopped ignoring him.

But his target was running through the rain and he'd run out of time. So he sent one last message and all he could do was hope he'd see Ryoga again in the morning.

Kaito: Forgive me.

He stepped out into the rain and ran after his prey, throwing out his Duel Anchor and stopping him in his tracks. He didn't have any choice. He couldn't even use Orbital's time stop powers. He no longer held a Number. So he just had to do this the old fashioned way.

"I thought we were going to put or differences aside and be friends, Kaito?" Ken laughed, turning slowly. He smirked and tugged at the Duel Anchor before shaking his head. "Fine. What exactly do you want to achieve by duelling me?"

"I'm a Number Hunter," Kaito replied. "So let me hunt for your Number."

"You think I have a Number?"

"I believe so."

Ken laughed. "As you wish, then, you can hunt for my Number and let me hunt for your soul. Let's put our differences to rest once at for all."

"If you lose, you'll lose your soul."

"So I will. That's how the life of the hunter goes, but Ryoga will still see me every day. Do you think I can undo the curse if you've taken the part of me that makes me more than a shell?"

"You won't even be a shell," Kaito hissed. "You will fall into a deep sleep and never wake up again. So, let's duel."


In the Next Chapter: Kaito and Honour duel for their souls. Ryoga struggles to open up to Thomas and Akina and Haruto are up well gone their bedtime.

Clash of the Hunters