A/N: Bumbadabum! New chapter! As I said, cute kids, Grace and Rio and Miki, more on Envy and Yuma and Nico. Don't worry, soon we'll be at the end of this tragic section and get some cute fluffy fillery chapters (with lots of important plot details you'll miss in the cuteness) before it starts getting serious again. So, thanks for reading, enjoy and review, ok? Awesome guys.


"Kaito..."

Ryoga squirmed as Kaito's hands slid down his sides, his breath hitching as Kaito nipped at his neck. A part of him acknowledged this was probably a dream. Last time he'd been aware of anything he'd been in bed with his parents watching over him. It was unlikely that the next thing to happen would be Kaito pushing him down to the bed.

But who cared. Maybe this Kaito wouldn't open his big mouth and ruin the mood.

"Kaito…"

His moan was smothered by a bruising kiss from Kaito. He was so weak. He could barely move but when Kaito ran his hand through Ryoga's hair, he arched up slightly, whimpering for more.

"You want more, my sweet Ryoga?" Ryoga's eyes snapped open. That wasn't Kaito. Ken sneered down at him, holding him down by the hand in his hair. "We can arrange that."

His hand closed around Ryoga's through and he gasped for breath, struggling to push him away but he was too weak. He could barely lift his arms. All he could do was gasp for breath. He struggled as much as he could but Ken held his head still and pressed into a rough, near violent kiss, apparently enjoying his breathlessness.

There was a dark shadow looming over them and he prayed for Shark Drake's strength but there was nothing. He couldn't feel Shark Drake. For the first time since he'd gained the Number, he was alone to face the terrors inside his dreams.


Kaito lifted his head as nurses rushed into Ryoga's room and his parents were ushered out. Yuma, Kotori and Cathy had been sent home shortly after Ryoga was declared stable, it was too late for them to be in the hospital. But Kaito was determined to stay at least until he was able to speak to Ryoga. He had to let him know he was here, that he hadn't meant to take advantage of him, not really, and he genuinely didn't know if it was manipulated or real but he wanted to be with him. He just needed Ryoga to know he'd do everything to protect him and make him happy.

"You don't have to be here," Mrs Kamishiro said softly. Kaito frowned and she smiled gently. "I appreciate you being here for Ryoga but your family must be worried."

"I just want to wait until I know he's alright," Kaito replied, his voice hoarse and strained. "I'll go home when I know he's going to be ok."

She sighed and nodded. "He was asking for you before he became too weak. He kept saying he wanted to come and find you."

"I wanted to come and see him too."

"At least get some rest," she said, patting his head. "I don't want you here for hours without any rest."

He nodded slightly didn't intend on resting until he knew Ryoga wasn't seriously hurt. A nurse came out and left the door open, so hopefully that was a good sign. A doctor came over and Ryoga's parents stood stiffly as Kaito turned to listen.

"It was likely a nightmare," the doctor explained. "Or something similar. We're still unsure how deep he is. But, you should be prepared for the worst."

"The worst?" Mr Kamishiro snapped. "This place has some of the top doctors in the world, how can you not save him from a fever?"

"I'm sorry," she said, lowering her head. "But it's up to Ryoga now. We've done all we can for him. It's just a matter of whether he's strong enough to pull through. But I should warn you, if he doesn't wake up within the next day, the odds of him ever waking up significantly decrease."

"Then…"

Ryoga's father wrapped around the trembling woman as she sobbed and Kaito's world span out of control. Ryoga might never wake up. He might never get to talk to him again. All because he hadn't won the duel quickly enough. He staggered to his feet and hurried out the waiting room. He couldn't handle anymore.

He hid in the hospital toilets, thankful that there was no one there. His fists clenched against the cold white surface, the sharp edge digging into his palms. His breath caught in his throat and he closed his eyes tightly. He'd been strong through everything. He'd been strong every time someone told him to be. When his mother told him to be strong and look after Haruto! When Chris told him to be strong and protect his family! When his father told him to be strong and do what was best for his family! He couldn't keep doing this!

He opened his eyes slowly, gazing at his reflection. Why couldn't he be strong enough? He'd spent his entire life being strong for other people. He'd dirtied his soul with sins for other people and help them achieve their potential. Why was it when he found the thing he wanted most he couldn't grasp it?

"Kaito?" He stood straight and spun to find Haruto gazing up at him. He sighed and knelt in front of him and to his surprise, Haruto put his hands on his damp cheeks. "What's wrong?"

He pulled Haruto into his arms gently and held him close as he closed his eyes. "Haruto… I don't want to lie to you… Ryoga is very sick. He fallen into a deep sleep and the doctors aren't sure he's ever going to wake up."

"No…" Haruto gasped. He pulled back at stared up at him, shaking his head. "No. No!"

"Haruto-"

"No!" Haruto cried. "You two were just figuring out you loved each other!"

"No, Haruto-"

"Yes, last night he came to see us! You two were together!" There were tears forming in his eyes and Kaito closed his eyes for a moment. "You two were just figuring it out."

"Haruto, I'm sorry," he whispered, cupping his cheek. "I'm so sorry but… I made a deal with Envy. I didn't mean to, but I did. Ryoga came to see us because of that. He came to see us because Envy made him think he wanted me. It wasn't real. And that's why Ryoga left. Because I told him the truth, how I took advantage of him. And he had every right to be angry. But I just wanted some time with him."

"Kaito…" Haruto smiled weakly and took his hands. "Akina saved Shark. She got rid of Honour's curse and she put a protection spell on him. Shark came to see us because he wanted to."

Kaito's eyes widened and he gazed silently at Haruto, taking it in slowly. Ryoga was clear of all curses. He was himself. Protected by Akina. He'd braved that storm last night because he honestly wanted to be with him. He wanted to be there with Kaito. Haruto wrapped his arms around his neck again and Kaito held him back, trying to stop himself trembling. That just made it worse, didn't it? He and Ryoga had been together because they both wanted it. They both wanted this. But now there was a chance Ryoga would never know that.

He didn't know how long it had been before Kaito drew back and got to his feet, holding out his hand for Haruto. His younger brother smiled and took his hand, squeezing slightly and letting Kaito guide him out. Out in the hall, Akina was waiting with a green haired woman. Kaito frowned and she smiled.

"Miss Tomiko!" Haruto cried, running over to Akina. "Shark's not well."

Tomiko frowned. "That's unfortunate."

"Unfortunate?" Kaito snapped.

"I understand your pain," she said softly. "Believe me, Kaito. That's why I'm so keen to help you and him. Come back to the waiting room and we'll talk."

"Envy?" he said, frowning slightly.

Tomiko nodded. "Come on."

He nodded dumbly and followed her and the kids back through to the waiting room. Ryoga's parents were gone but he could hear Mrs Kamishiro sobbing in Ryoga's room, begging her son to wake up. He sighed and sat on the settee, drawing his knees to his chest. Akina and Haruto sat either side of him and Tomiko sat on the arm of the settee.

"Kaito," Haruto whispered, patting his arm. "It'll be ok."

"It will," Tomiko said. "As agreed, you've taken a soul, so we'll return Rio to you."

"You will?" Kaito said, lifting his head.

"You sound surprised."

"I was a little suspicious. I expected you to go back on your word."

She smiled and shook her head. "I understand the need to protect your family. Mother is there, she'll bring Rio back when she comes."

"When?"

"The next few days at the latest," she replied. She smiled sadly. "I wouldn't go back on my word. I told you, I understand."

"How can you?"

"My little brother Aito was the original Honour. It tore him apart." Kaito nodded, not really dwelling on it for too long, just making a mental note to get back to it later. "I'll be around if you want to talk, Kaito."

He nodded again and she wandered away, leaving him with the kids. They watched him silently for a moment before nodding to each other. Haruto kissed his cheek as Akina climbed off the seat before grabbing Haruto's hand guiding him away. Kaito scowled, watching silently as they scurried away. He should follow and watch over them but everything hurt too much. He shouldn't have been so negative. Ryoga could have awoken any moment. He might not be as bad as they thought. They said they didn't know how deep he was. But it was so hard to think positively.

When they returned, Haruto was carrying a pillow and Akina had a blanket. Kaito frowned but the kids were undeterred. Haruto climbed up and put the pillow down before unbuttoning Kaito's coat, ignoring his protests, and pulling it off. Moments later, Kaito found himself pushed down onto the settee, his head on the pillow.

"What are you two doing?" he said quietly.

"You haven't slept for two days," Haruto replied as he and Akina unfolded the blanket and laid it over him. "You need a nap."

"No," he groaned. But the settee and pillows were so comfortable and warm. His eyes were already growing heavy and Akina and Hartuo sat around him, making it all the warmer. "I'm not tired. I just need to wait for Ryoga."

"You've always looked after everyone," he murmured. "Let us look after you now."

Kaito yawned and couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. He sighed and Haruto climbed up under the blanket, curling up against him. And to his surprise, Akina was soon on his other side, under his arm and laying her head on his side. There was no point arguing though. Both kids needed comfort.

"Will Shark be ok?" Haruto whispered.

Kaito was about to reply when Akina beat him to it. "He's really strong. He'll be ok."

"Kaito will be really sad if Shark's not ok," he replied. "I don't want him to be that sad again."

"Him and Kaito are supposed to be together," Akina said. "It'll be ok, Haruto. You'll see. I told you, love is the strongest thing in the world. There's no way he won't be saved."

"But what if he's not strong enough?" Haruto whispered, his voice trembling.

"He will be. If he's not strong enough, we'll find him some extra strength. We won't let Kaito get hurt like that."


"Nico!" Yuma called, banging on the door to Mother Grace's house. "Nico! I'm not leaving until you talk to me. Nico!"

It was early in the morning, he'd barely slept after seeing Shark's condition. He'd only caught sight of him for a brief moment. Shark was lying there in bed, a soft sheen of sweat covering his skin, his hair soaked and the bedding around him already damp too. There had been a breathing mask cover his pale face. If he hadn't been so obviously weak and trembling and pained, Yuma could have pretended he was just sleeping.

But he wasn't. He was deadly ill and all because of that duel. Because of a duel with Honour and that Number. Shark could die. No one would tell him anything. And he hoped Kaito would call him soon and let him know he was ok. Akina and Haruto had been heading to the hospital to see Kaito. He just hoped everything would be ok and Shark just needed rest.

"Nico!"

"I don't think she's going to answer, Yuma," Astral said.

"She has to," Yuma replied. "Nico, talk to me!"

The door swung open suddenly and Hibiki was glaring down at him as he nearly fell on his face. "She's not here."

"Where is she?" Yuma said, standing straight and trying to ignore the fact that Hibiki was in only a short top and shorts. "I need to talk to her."

"I don't know," she huffed. "She was with Ken last I heard. Hiding from the rain."

"It's important, Hibiki," he cried. "I need to convince her not to keep hunting." Hibiki frowned. "Do you know how I can help her?"

Hibiki sighed and folded her arms over her chest. "Try the harbour. Her parents owned a boat. She goes there to think."

"Thanks, Hibki," he said, nodding quickly.

"Whatever. Just no more banging on my door this early again."

"Right!" He was about to turn but he paused. "Have you heard about Shark?"

She smiled sadly. "I have, my friend is there watching over him but… I can't have too much contact with him right now. He needs to do this on his own. He has to remember everything on his own before things go too far. Good luck helping him, Yuma."

He nodded and ran off, Astral still floating at his side. He ran along the river, following it to the harbour. It wasn't a very big harbour, but there were some good sized yachts and boats. And there was Nico. On the end of one of the jetties, watching the waves in the early morning light.

"Nico," he called, running down the jetty, careful of its rocking in the waves. She turned slightly, purple hair whipping across her face. "Hi…"

Nico smiled weakly, turning back to the water. "Hi."

He walked over slowly and stood at her side, watching the waves with her. There was something sad in her eyes. Something so broken and betrayed. Yuma frowned and touched her shoulder gently only for her to flinch away.

"Nico… why did you become a hunter?" he said quietly.

"I thought he was a good person," she whispered. She tilted her head and smiled at him. "He just wanted save his daughter, you know? I wanted to help. I remember losing my parents. I just wanted to help other people, so they didn't feel the same pain."

"You lost your parents?" She nodded. "Do you mind if I ask how?"

"There was a fire. Papa always said Mama should stop smoking." She smiled weakly. "I wasn't there. I was staying with Grandpa. But even he was gone soon after that. Then Pride found me. I wanted to do something good with the money my parents left me. And he told me how he wanted to resurrect his daughter's soul. He seemed so genuine."

"But?"

"That kind of power corrupts the soul," she whispered.

"Nico…" He sighed and turned his attention back to the water. "My parents went missing when I was younger. But I have to stay strong, because I know they're out there somewhere. I'm sure they are and I'll find them eventually. I do my best to make them proud, like I'm sure you do." She nodded. "You shouldn't hunt."

"They took me in!" Nico cried. "They're my family! I can't betray them!"

"So, we find a way to save Miki's soul and then all this can stop, right?"

"No! It's all corrupted now. No one can stop it. It's gone too far. The only way out is to lose a duel… Or go the way of Honour."

"Honour?"

She nodded slowly. "The first Honour. Ken didn't mean to take on Honour. He took his box by accident. Hibiki thinks it was Pride's fault. He swapped Despair and Honour's boxes somehow. But the first Honour… he went insane. The power and force of it tore his mind apart."

"What happened?"

"I wasn't there to witness it. But if you listen to the stories…" She sighed and shifted her weight. "He continued a duel, because it was dishonourable to abandon it, while the building around them collapsed."

Yuma let out a slow breath, taking that in. Honour had driven its previous host insane? But Kaito had taken Ken's soul. Didn't that mean Honour couldn't hurt him anymore?

"Ken's a good person," Nico insisted. "He just wanted to protect Miki. Honour's driving him insane."

"Kaito took his soul though."

"He took Ken's soul," she snapped, glaring at him. "Now there's just Honour."

Yuma frowned. That meant Honour would be worse than ever and he'd be more determined to hurt Kaito and Shark than ever. Still, if he could break through to Nico, it was a start.

"Maybe we can help," he said quietly. "I think we should stick together."

She sighed and shook her head. "You should stay out of it before you get hurt."

"You're my friend. It's my job to help you and get hurt for you."

She smiled and tilted her head, running her hands through her hair. After a moment, of silence, Nico smiled and pushed his shoulder gently. Yuma blinked and whipped around, gazing at her.

"Come on," she said, pulling him away. "Let's duel, Yuma."

"Duel?" Yuma repeated.

Nico flashed a smile, running down the jetty and back to dry land. Yuma followed and Nico grinned. "Duel me. Properly, Yuma, as Nico not Charity. Just for fun."

"Right!" Yuma cheered. "That way we can really understand each other's hearts."


"Leo!" Miki and Hiro's heads snapped up at the call and Rio frowned. Even Fury looked on edge. "Leo, where is my baby girl?"

"Grace," Pride called. The group ran from the bedroom and leant over the railings, gazing down at the entrance hall with Rio on their heels. She frowned and gripped the railings. Mother Grace was setting down a bag as Pride approached. "What on earth are you doing here, my love? I thought I was never going to see you again."

Grace glared up at him for a moment before slapping him hard across the face. "You're abusing my powers, Leo. I agreed to this for once reason and one reason alone and you are using it for your own again."

"Mother…" Hiro sighed.

Grace's gaze snapped up and she smiled. "Hiro, I came because I heard you were close to finding Miki."

"I'm right here, Mother," Miki said quietly.

"I can see you, Glory," Grace muttered, turning away. "And Wrath's sister. You, come with me."

Rio frowned as the others gazed at her until she realised Grace really meant her. That meant Ryoga really was Wrath. He'd become one of them. The thought made her stomach drop. But she followed Grace none the less. Maybe she had answers. If she was the first hunter, maybe she knew how to save him And everyone else.

She shut the door behind her in the dining room. She was trapped with Pride and Grace now. She frowned and folded her arms, waiting to know what was going to happen now. It was a little unnerving.

"You brother is seriously ill," Grace said finally. "He collapsed two days ago after Honour put a curse on him. He was discharged only to fall into a coma. It's believed to be an infection but no one is sure how deep it is or how long he'll be under."

Rio's eyes widened. She'd been told Ryoga was in hospital but she had no idea it was that serious. Her hands trembled and she clenched her fists. Someone had hurt Ryoga. Someone had put him back in hospital! Someone had to pay!

And suddenly she realised how Ryoga must have felt when she was in a coma. How scared he must had been. And how angry. Her stomach churned and her knees went weak. Ryoga was that ill and she couldn't do anything.

"I'm taking you back with me when I go," Grace continued. "I'll take you to see him right away."

"I have to see him!" Rio cried. "I have to get back to him now! Please! Please, let me go back to him!"

"When I'm certain you can either find Miki's soul or not," Pride snapped.

"Leo," Grace hissed. She smiled and gestured to a settee at the far end of the room. Rio frowned but walked over slowly and sat. Grace smiled softly and sat with her. "I understand this is scary and difficult. But I need my little girl back." She raised her hands and brushed Rio's hair from her eyes. "You're such a pretty girl. You don't look all that much like Wrath, but he had his own charms, I suppose. Imagine losing him. Imagine watching him slip away in your arms and there being nothing you can do to stop it."

Rio swallowed heavily. From the sound of it, if she didn't get back to Ryoga soon that might be exactly the situation. She couldn't do that. She couldn't watch him slowly fading.

"And then there's the hope," she continued. "That you can save the person you love, by finding their true soul. Right now my daughter's body is kept moving by a dark energy and by a soul that isn't hers. She looks like her, but she's not. She's not really my girl. And I just want her back."

"I don't know how to help," Rio whispered. "I just want to go home. Please. I have to be with Ryoga right now."

Grace nodded, gently taking her hands. "Then we will figure out if you can help us as quickly as possible and get you back to your family."

Rio nodded. Anything to get back to Ryoga as quickly as possible, just to see him before he grew any weaker. Grace smiled and squeezed her hands but before she could say anything, the doors slammed and there was laughter in the hallway. Grace scowled and stood as Pride smirked. Rio knew that voice and it sent shivers down her spine. It was Ken's voice, just a little different.

"That one," Grace hissed, sweeping out. Pride hurried after her and Rio ran behind them to see Grace stride over to Ken and fold her arms, blocking his path. "You let him go, right now."

Ken smirked. "Don't be so grumpy, Mother. I'm only doing what he wanted."

"You deplorable-"

"Grace," Pride snapped. "Honour is doing us a service."

"Honour lost his host's soul," Grace said, glaring at him and shaking her head. "Just like he destroyed his last host. Don't think I didn't feel it. You are reckless and Envy is doing a far better job than him."

Ken laughed and glanced at Rio, who took a half a step back. "Your brother has been so much fun. I hope he recovers so we can carry on."

Rio lunged at him but Grace caught her. "You-"

"Honour!" He spun and Rio gasped as Miki gripped his collar, shaking him roughly and tears slipping down her cheeks. "You give him back! You give him back right now!"

"Miki," he murmured, laying his hands on hers and forcing her hands away. "Please, I'm only doing what he wants. I'm protecting you and making him pay for your pain. That's all Ken wanted."

"You give him back to me!" she yelled, her voice cracking. Rio let out a shaky breath as Honour tossed Miki away, sending her crashing to the floor, shaking and crying. Miki really did love Ken, that at least was obvious. "Ken… Give him back!"

"You're making a disgrace of yourself," Hiro said, pulling her to her feet by her arm. "Pull yourself together."

"Please," Miki begged, staggering away from Hiro and gazing up at Honour. "Please, just give him back to me."

"I don't have his soul," Ken said with a shrug. "The Tenjo boy took it."

The pain in Miki's eyes turned to anger faster than Rio could register. How could someone look so angry and so broken at the same time? And instantly, she realised what was going through Miki's mind.

"Miki-" She was already storming passed and it was all Rio could do to catch her wrist and pull her arm. "He didn't do it to hurt him."

"He's going to give Ken's soul back or lose his own!" Miki snarled.

"He hates hunting souls!" Rio argued, pulling herself up to her full height, facing Miki eye to eye. "He wouldn't do it without a reason. Honour hurt Ryoga. You think I don't want to hurt him too?"

"Then what do you expect me to do?!"

Rio clasped her hands and squeezed tightly, watching the anger fade from Miki's eyes, sheer agony returning. "We'll figure it out. I'll help you. We'll figure it out somehow, I promise, we'll get home and everything will be alright again."

Miki nodded weakly and Rio sighed, glancing around. They were completely alone in the entrance hall as Miki's knees gave out and she collapsed to the cold marble floor, dragging Rio with her. Miki was murmuring something about Ken not being there anymore. About it just being Honour now. How nothing would stop him now. She'd lost him forever. Rio closed her eyes, resting her head on Miki's shoulder. Would that be her soon? Would she get home and find Ryoga wasn't really there anymore? That he was so far under that he would never be her brother again? The thought brought tears to Rio's eyes and she closed them tightly as Miki wrapped her arms around her.

"It'll be ok though," Miki whispered. "Mother's here now, so it'll be ok."


In the Next Chapter: Yuma and Nico duel to understand each other's hearts, Rio confronts Miki with the truth about the hunters and Kaito waits for Ryoga to wake up.

The Honest Answer