A/N: Yes, new chapter. Darling Ryoga is getting worse. Kaito facing off again a Number and gets friendly Number to help. And Shark is adorable. Because sometimes we forget Shark is only 14 and 14 year olds can be cute. So, enjoy and review, ok, thanks.


Ryoga unsettled as he tried to sleep again. His chest was still sore after collapsing, almost drowning and then the pain of Honour duelling, which was still there as a dull ache. But what got him most was the message from Kaito he'd received.

Kaito: I really hope so.

It didn't sit right. What was wrong with Kaito? Why wouldn't they talk? He groaned and rolled over, picking up Jaws from the side and pulling it down into his arms, cuddling it close. It smelt of his mother's perfume. It was so reassuring. He remembered hearing how his mother got it. How they'd been at the aquarium when he'd seen her; how she was working and probably didn't have time for them but took an interest anyway. He was with his friend and his family. She'd told the kids all about the sharks in the tank and he'd fallen for them instantly, the sharks were so beautiful and graceful. Afterwards, he'd heard her telling the younger kids how she'd always wanted one of those stuffed sharks but it seemed silly, a grown woman buying on for herself. So he'd bought it for her.

A part of him wished Kaito would buy him a stuffed shark, but that was silly, wasn't it? He wasn't a girl, he didn't get to ask for stuffed animals. There was something uncomfortable around him and he frowned, gripping the toy tighter and shutting his eyes.

"Shark Drake?" he whispered. "What's wrong?"

"It's coming," Shark Drake rumbled in his mind.

"What is?" he groaned, gripping the toy as the discomfort continued to grow worse. "Urgh, stop it, you're hurting me."

"I'm hardly enjoying this myself."

"What is it?"

"Our other half."

"Other half?"

Ryoga groaned, opening his eyes a little and panting heavily, clutching at his chest. Shark Drake had gone silent but he could feel his pain now too. Why the hell couldn't he go five minutes without getting injured?

"I'm sorry, Ryoga," Shark Drake whispered. "Honour's power has made us rather weak. And he's closer than before."

He groaned and closed his eyes again, struggling to breathe. "What is it?"

"Another Number. One that could have had your soul, if I wasn't lucky enough to be with my former owner. We've been competing for a while now. I'm sorry he's hurting you."

"Honour… he's duelling."

"Perhaps. If Honour possess this Number, then we are in danger. You don't suppose, Kaito…"

Ryoga's eyes snapped wide open and he struggled to sit up. "Kaito."

That made sense of his message. If he was duelling Honour for a Number, he might never see the real Kaito again. He had to get out there and stop this duel! He stumbled out of bed but he ended up collapsing to the floor.

"Ryoga?" His mother was in the doorway. She smiled and hurried over, picking him up gently. "What are you doing out of bed, sweetie?"

"Kaito's in danger," he said quietly. "I have to find him."

"No, back to bed." She helped him back into bed, ignoring his pouting and arguing. She put Jaws back in his arms and tucked him in. "You're very warm." She frowned and put a hand on his forehead. "You're burning up, sweetie."

She pulled away the covers and folded them under the bed before hurrying out. He groaned and closed his eyes. Shark Drake was in pain too. He could feel it in his soul. And it was getting worse.

"What's going to happen to us?" he panted.

"We'll get weaker the longer it's in the duel," Shark Drake murmured. "In the weakened state we're in…"

Ryoga laughed breathlessly. "We're in a mess."

"I'm sorry."

His mother returned shortly after, carrying a thin sheet under her arm and a bowl. She sat him up for a moment and got him to take some medicine before laying the thin sheet over him. He tried to tell her he was fine but she wouldn't listen. She wrung out a cloth and gently mopped his forehead. He flinched away from the almost painful icy touch but she carried on undeterred.

"My little prince," she murmured, stroking his hair. "You're so weak right now."

"I have to be strong," he replied. "I have to save them."

"Shh, no," she said firmly. "Just rest. Let me look after you. It's a mother's job to look after her baby boy. I just wish I knew what was wrong with you."

"You and Honour have only made the situation worse and the ties between the four of us stronger," Shark Drake whispered. "It would seem we and they are enemies now."

"Weren't you always?" he whispered, ignoring his mother's frown.

"Perhaps, but now you are condemned to fight my battles with me," he replied.

"Like you fought at my side?" He smiled weakly and his mother sighed, shaking her head, muttering about the fever. "You and I are partners. No matter what. We're supposed to be together. And we'll beat Honour and his Number."

"Ryoga," his mother murmured. "No more talking. Just rest. No more battles for you until I say my little solider is ready. Hmm?" He nodded weakly. "My ferocious little Shark. It won't be long until we have you fighting fit once more."

"Not as long as that Number is in the duel," Shark Drake whispered before falling completely silent.


"Raising from the deep, the terror of the pitch dark night! Number 47: Nightmare Shark!"

The blue shape twisted and writhed, a long sharp whip-like tail extending and wings unfurling around it to reveal a horned head with no features by a snout and toothy mouth. A large dorsal thin stretched from the hump on its back, marked with the number 47. Two long arms extended, covered with armoured gauntlets and long, sharp blades. Kaito took half a step back, staring up at the monstrous creature as it roared. 3/2000/2000.

"So, that's his Number," Astral said, hovering at Kaito's side.

"Ugly, isn't it?" Kaito muttered. "I'll still tear it out with your soul, Ken."

Honour laughed and held out his hand. Kaito was stunned when Nightmare Shark lowered its head and pressed its muzzle against his palm. Kaito had only seen a monster behave like that once before. One duel, when he'd duelled despite being obviously unwell and in no condition to be at school. Shark Drake had curled its arms around him and when he'd wobbled, it had pressed its armoured head to his chest to support him. He hadn't seen many Numbers quite as sentient as Shark Drake. Nightmare Shark seemed to be one.

"I know," Honour whispered. "I can feel them too."

Kaito frowned and glanced at Astral. He'd heard Ryoga talk to Shark Drake once or twice too, during the odd duel, but normally when he thought he was alone, or in his sleep. Just how similar were Ryoga and Ken?

"Feel who?" Astral said.

Honour sneered. "Shark Drake and Ryoga."

"Shark and Shark Drake?"

"What have you done to them now?" Kaito snapped.

"It's not me," Honour replied with a shrug. "This is between the Numbers. Nightmare Shark is waiting to rip Shark Drake apart. And as their chosen duellists, we're affected. They're so weak. Normally this would be just a bit uncomfortable. But they shape they're in…" Nightmare Shark seemed to snigger and Honour sneered. "If he's not back in hospital in the morning… well, he's not made it."

"What?!" Kaito cried, taking a step back as the others cried out. "No!"

"As I said, in normal circumstances, it wouldn't be a problem for them," he said. "But when they're this weak, I'd imagine if you didn't win this duel quickly, they'll both be dead by morning."

"Then you have to hurry up and win, Kaito!" Yuma called.

He didn't know what they could do to help Ryoga, but there had to be something. They had Astral and the Key and a lot of Numbers, there had to be something. Anything to save Ryoga's life. He didn't know what other option he had but to duel at his best and pray that Ryoga could hold on long enough for him to win. He was going to win this duel. He had to.

"If you surrender, and relinquish your soul to me, I'll call Nightmare Shark off," Honour called. "They might still be strong enough to survive if the duel is called off now."

"No," Kaito hissed. He had to remain in one piece for Haruto, no matter how difficult it was to risk losing Ryoga. "I won't give up. And I won't lose!"

"Fine," he laughed. "Let's get on with this." Kaito watched silently. There was nothing on Ken's field that could get passed his Photon Wyvern. But that didn't mean he didn't have something left in his hand. "If you lose this duel, Kaito, Ryoga may not recover, just so you're aware."

"I'll win," he yelled. "I'll win and protect Ryoga from you!"

"Kaito," Astral said. "Stay calm. It'll cloud your vision."

"I activate the spell Aqua Jet!" Honour called. "With this, my Mermail Abyssteus gets an attack boost of 1000." Kaito frowned. Now it was strong enough to take on his Photon Wyvern. "Now comes the real fun. By removing an overlay unit from Nightmare Shark, I can target a WATER monster on the field." Nightmare Shark roared and smashed an overlay unit with its jaws. It faded away and its shadow engulfed Abyssteus, who grew wings and blades in place of its hands. "Now Abyssteus can attack you directly this turn. Other monsters can't attack, but that's a small price to pay."

"Then Kaito's going to take 2700 point of damage!" Yuma cried.

"That's right," he laughed. "Mermail Abyssteus, direct attack! Nightmare Tide Spear!"

Abyssteus used its wings to tear into the sky before plunging down at Kaito, it's bladed arms slashing across his chest. Kaito was knocked back with a pain cry, hitting the ground hard and panting heavily.

Honour 3000 – 1300 Kaito


Ryoga gave a weak, choked cry and his mother jumped before gently returning to comforting him, murmuring softly. It was getting worse. He could feel Shark Drake growing weak. Their souls were growing weaker.

"Make it stop," he whimpered. "Please. Kaito…"

"It's alright," she said gently. "It'll be alright, love. It's probably just a side effect from your condition and the rain."

"No," he groaned, shaking his head weakly. "No, I need Kaito to win." Tears slipped down his cheeks and she brushed them away gently. "He has to make this stop."

"He will, Ryoga," she replied. "I'm sure he will. I think he cares for you very much. And I think he would do a lot just to help you. But you have to help yourself too. You need to rest and let other people do the work for once."

"I've got to be strong. For everyone. Like Dad said."

"That was a long time ago. Things have changed. Imagine, if we were at home… It'd have a nanny looking after you, and our private doctor."

"But we're not. And it's all my fault."

"No," his father said from the doorway. "None of this is your fault, Ryoga. Expect the part where you cheated. That you have to take responsibility for, pressure or no. But it isn't your fault Rio was injured. Or that we are here now rather than back home. This is the hand life has given us and all we can do is make the best of it. Now rest, or else."

He sighed and closed his eyes. There was nothing he could do. He was too weak to argue and Shark Drake couldn't share any strength with him. They were both drained. He'd never felt something like this. He breathing was shallow and weak. Any minute it felt like his body would give out again.

"He's going to be ok," he heard his father murmur.

"I hope so," his mother replied. She removed the damp cloth and moments later Ryoga gave a sharp gasp as the once more icy cloth was laid on his forehead once more. "I've never seen him this weak. After all that they've been through, I've never been so afraid of losing one of my babies."

"He's strong," his father said. "You're losing no one."

"Kaito…" He needed Kaito to win. If he didn't win… Ryoga didn't know what would happen to them. They had to understand, he needed Kaito here when he woke up. He needed to be with him and he needed to know he'd won the duel. "Kaito…"

His mother sighed. "He's so taken with that boy."

"Is he trustworthy?" his father grumbled.

"I don't know. But I hope so. You know what young love is like. And that Ken boy seems to have cut him deep."


Honour sneered and tilted his head. "I'll set a face down and end my turn then."

Kaito frowned. "My turn. Draw."

He scowled down at his hand. There had to be something. Another direct attack would end him. And quite possibly Ryoga. There had to be something he could do to help him. But he didn't have his Galaxy-Eyes in a position to be summoned. Without Galaxy-Eyes, facing a Number was a formidable opponent, especially in the hands of a duellist like Honour.

"Kaito…" His eyes widened slightly at the deep voice in his mind. Moments later the world went dark and cold and he was floating in what seemed to be the depths of the ocean, a shape looming in the darkness. "Kaito."

The shape formed and Kaito's eyes widened. "Shark Drake?"

"So we were right, it is you duelling, hunter," the monster said. Kaito nodded slightly. "Number 47 is on the field."

"Yes."

"Then you have to win-"

"Or Ryoga may not make it," Kaito said, clenching his fists. "I know. I'm trying. I'm doing all I can to save him as quickly as possible."

Shark Drake lowered its head, burning red eyes gazing into his. Seconds later, Kaito was staring at a human boy. "Do you care for my Ryoga?"

"Yes! I would give him everything he wants if he'd let me!"

Shark Drake glared at him for a moment longer, looking him over as if inspecting him and searching for any sign of deception. He wouldn't find it. Kaito was telling the truth. He wanted Ryoga to be happy- preferably with him. He'd do almost anything to prove that to Ryoga, and Shark Drake too if that was what it took. He knew Ryoga and Shark Drake came as a pair. A part of him had been concerned that perhaps if Shark Drake didn't want him around there could be problems.

Finally, Shark Drake nodded.

Kaito groaned slightly at the bright light suddenly in his eyes once more. He blinked and glanced around. He was back on the field, facing Nightmare Shark. He glanced down at his cards. Still no Galaxy-Eyes. But something felt different. Nightmare Shark was snarling too. Kaito frowned and reached down to his extra deck where there was a strange energy.

"Kaito…" Astral said, eyes widening. "That's…"

He smiled slightly. Perhaps there was a way.

"I summon Photon Crusher to the field." The large armoured warrior appeared in a flash of light, swinging its weapon. 4/2000/0. He swallowed heavily, watching the face down. If it was a counter he could lose here and now. But he had to finish this quickly to save Ryoga. That was what this duel was for after all. "Photon Wyvern, attack Nightmare Shark! Purging Fire!"

The dragon gave a screeching roar and threw out a blaze of white fire, hitting Nightmare Shark square in the chest and flashing around blaze around Honour, pushing him back a few feet.

Honour 2500 – 1300 Kaito

"Of course, a Number can only be destroyed by another Number but the damage suits me well enough," he said. "I end me turn."

"Really?" Honour sneered.

"Kaito," Yuma cried. "If you lose, Shark will-"

"I won't lose!" Kaito called back.

"But you won't last another turn," Honour laughed. "So, it's my turn. I draw!" He smirked and glanced at his card. "I activate Nightmare Shark's effect! So buy removing another overlay unit, I allow Abyssteus to attack you directly."

Again Nightmare Shark merged with Abyssteus and it jumped forwards. Yuma and his friends yelled for him to do something and Kaito smirked. That was exactly what he wanted.

"You wasted an overlay unit," Kaito said, whipping a card from his hand. "I activate the effect of Photon Jumper! When you attack directly, I can special summon it from my hand." A man made of light appeared in a swirl of its cape. 4/0/0. "Then I activate the trap Final Life Gardna! With this, when I'm about to take damage that will reduce my life points to zero it I'm left with 100 instead!"

The blades slashed across the shield of the monster summoned by the trap and Kaito was thrown back, hitting the ground hard once more, panting heavily as he struggled to sit up.

Honour 2500 – 100 Kaito


"He's getting weaker." Ryoga couldn't even move. His chest was tight and heavy and the icy cloth against his head sent a hazy pain racing through him. "Call the hospital. We need to get him help."

"Right."

A hand brushed his hair and he struggled to push her away but he couldn't move. "Shh, shh, darling. It's alright. We'll get you back to hospital and they can help you. I knew we shouldn't have let you come home so soon."

"There's an ambulance on its way," Ryoga's father said. "Don't panic. He's going to be fine. It'll be ok."

"But he's so-"

"He'll be ok."

Ryoga whimpered weakly as his chest tightened again. It was all hurting so badly. He was losing his mind in the haze and the pain. Kaito needed to hurry or he and Shark Drake were done for. He tried to contact Shark Drake but there was nothing. He couldn't even feel him anymore. Was it already too late for his partner?


Honour laughed, grinning up at Nightmare Shark. "I can feel how weak they are. They're barely hanging on. With the last of your life the last of their life will be extinguished."

"No!" Kaito snarled, climbing to his feet shakily. "Never! I won't let you hurt him again! This ends with us!"

"Fine, fine," he laughed, waving a hand. "You're done for anyway. I end my turn."

"My turn," Kaito called. He closed his eyes tightly. This had to be a card that could help him. This had to be a card he could us. "Draw!" He opened one eye a crack and his breath caught. Haruto always told him to trust his deck. If they were trying to tell him something, he was going to listen. After all, his deck had been created for him. No one else could get it to react quite like he could except Haruto and Haruto didn't quite have the skills yet to play it to its full potential.

"Well?" Honour sneered. "Have you got the scourge of the Numbers yet, oh great hunter? Do you have your Galaxy-Eyes yet?"

"I have something just as good," he hissed. "I summon Photon Slasher!"

The warrior appeared once more and swung his its sword. 4/2100/0. Honour laughed and shook his head and Kaito smirked. Did Honour really not understand? He really hoped this would work. It was true Kaito had never been possessed by any Number he'd taken but he'd never handled a Number quite like this one.

"I form an overlay network with my level 4 Photon Slasher, Photon Crusher and Photon Jumper!" Kaito declared. Nightmare Shark snarled and Honour's eyes widened. "XYZ Summon!"

"That's not a Galaxy-Eyes," Kotori said.

"Not at all," Kaito said as the dark purple form rose from the waves. A pulse of energy ran through him and he groaned, glancing down at his hand where the numbers were blazing. He wasn't going to give into this. He was going to fight and win and return Ryoga to his normal self. "Number 32: Shark Drake!"

The sea dragon unfurled itself with deafening roar and Kaito hissed as another pulse of energy ran through him. He glared up at the beast as it hovered at his side. It certainly didn't look as strong as it normally did. 4/2800/2100.

"No way!" Yuma cried. "How did Kaito get Shark's card?"

Kaito groaned as Honour laughed. "Can the great Number Hunter not control the power that is Shark Drake?"

"Stop that!" Kaito snapped, glaring up at Shark Drake. "We both have the same goal! You're here to help me!"

He was sure he heard an apology and the number on his hand vanished, as did the energy running through him. Kaito sighed and lifted his head slowly. Now he had the power to take on Honour and his Number.

"Now," Kaito called. "Photon Wyvern, attack Nightmare Shark! Purging Fire!"

The Wyvern screamed and fire blew fire around Nightmare Shark once more, driving Honour back a few paces.

Honour 2000 – 100 Kaito

"You wanted to face Shark Drake's power!" Kaito called. "You've got it. Shark Drake, tear apart Nightmare Shark! Depth Biting!"

Shark Drake roared and it's energy attack shot forwards, clamping onto Nightmare Shark and shaking before it shattered and the power continued, knocking Honour to the ground.

Honour 1200 – 100 Kaito

Kaito smiled up at Shark Drake. There wasn't going to be another turn. He just hoped it was enough to save Ryoga.

"I activate Shark Drake's effect," Kaito called. "By removing one overlay unit, I can summon a monster just destroyed back to the field to the graveyard with 1000 less attack points!" Nightmare Shark reappeared and Shark Drake roared again. "And then I can attack again! Shark Drake! Depth Biting!"

Shark Drake let loose another attack and Honour laughed, lying his hands on Nightmare Shark's muzzle, watching the attack coming in. For a moment Kaito thought his face down would activate but it didn't. the attack hit home and he was thrown back, the barrier already fading and Kaito pulled away the Duel Anchor.

Honour 0 – 100 Kaito

Kaito took a deep breath as the rain hit him once more. Now, he needed that Number and to make sure Honour never hurt Ryoga again. His Photon Hand shot out and hit Honour's chest. He clenched his fist, gripping the soul and ripping it out. When the soul returned to his hand, he squeezed slightly but no card was revealed.

"There's… no Number?" Astral said. "But we saw it."

Kaito lifted his head but Chairty and Honour had already vanished into the storm. There was nothing to be done for now though. He took a step back and turned down the street. There were more important things to be dealt with right now.

"Orbital!" he called.

"Where are you going?!" Yuma cried.

"To Ryoga!"

"Right! I hope he's hanging in there."


In the Next Chapter: Rio and Grace meet once more, Akina and Haruto fuss over Kaito and Yuma goes searching for Nico.

Trusting Souls