A/N: Hello darlings. New chapter for you. Did you think I'd abandoned you? Nope, just being torn apart by canon feels. Anyway. This chapter. Adorable morons, adorable shy awkward kids and Rio finds out The Truth. And Shark and Thomas and starting to figure out their tension. Thanks for being so patient, please enjoy and review, ok?


Ryoga hadn't told Kiato about Akina getting in contact, or Pride's demands. He hadn't said a word to anyone and asked Haruto not the tell Kaito. Thomas had been half-heartedly teasing Michael about Miki, and Ryoga tried not to get too involved in that conversation, until Michael snapped at him about Rio and Thomas huffed off. Then Haruto had picked up the slack and told Ryoga what a good pair Miki and Michael would make. The teasing had continued through the night and over dinner, which Faker had joined them for, and carried on until Kaito took Haruto to bed and Chris insisted Michael and Ryoga head off to bed as well.

Ryoga had waited patiently in bed and sure enough, Kaito had appeared after putting Haruto to bed. He'd come in to kiss him goodnight and it was only when Michael cleared his throat and reminded them he was there that they drew apart.

He wasn't going to wait to go and save Akina. Kaito would insist he waited until he was stronger but he wouldn't put it passed Pride to hurt Akina again just to hurry him along. That was probably the only reason he'd done it. To get Ryoga's attention and force him to understand he was serious. He couldn't wait much longer. He was waiting until everyone was asleep but before he could think about it, the door opened. He half expected it to be Kaito sneaking in for more attention now Michael was asleep. He certainly didn't expect Thomas. This was going to go one of two ways and Ryoga wasn't sure which worried him more.

Thomas sat on the bed and leant over him, shaking him gently. "Ryoga, wake up."

"I'm awake," he grumbled pulling the covers down to Thomas could see him properly. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?" Thomas whispered.

"Well, I'm hoping you're not here to use me to make up for Rio's lack of interest." Thomas scowled. "She likes you, moron, she's just too huffy and proud. She likes you she just has a funny way of showing it."

"Can we not talk about Rio?" Thomas huffed. Ryoga smirked and Thomas shook his head. "Akina called you."

Ryoga frowned. "I told him not to say anything."

"He said you told him not to tell Kaito."

"That kid is too smart for his own good," Ryoga grumbled, sitting up slowly. "I take it you're coming with me then." Thomas nodded and stood. "It'll be dangerous, and I don't really know where we're going."

"That's fine, we'll get to it," Thomas replied. He walked over to Michael and clamped his hand over his mouth. The youngest Arclight's eyes snapped open straight away and he tried to push his brother away but Thomas pinned him down. Ryoga quickly realised Michael had been awake all this time and they couldn't let him tell Kaito about this. "Get dressed and don't make a sound."

Michael nodded weakly and Thomas sat on the bed as Michael got up and dressed. Ryoga followed suit, wishing the brothers would leave him to it, Thomas more than Michael given the way they felt about each other.

"Let's get going," Ryoga murmured, heading out.

"We're really not even telling Chris about this?" Michael whispered as they pulled him out.

"Nope," Thomas replied. "He'll tell Kaito."

"Why aren't we telling Kaito?" he said, following quickly.

"Because he'll try to stop us," Ryoga replied. "He'll try to tell me to wait until I'm stronger. I don't have time to wait. Akina needs us now."

They dragged him down to the elevator and pushed him inside, heading down to the car park. Ryoga was quite surprised to find a car there. Thomas pushed Michael into the back seat and Ryoga paused, watching Thomas silently for a moment. There was a horrible part of him that still wanted Thomas, he couldn't deny it. He closed his eyes only to open them again when Thomas brushed his hair from his face.

"Rio won't stand for this anymore than Kaito," Ryoga said finally.

"I know," Thomas muttered. "Not that I'm getting anywhere with Rio."

"If I tell her the truth, maybe she'll understand why you couldn't say anything," he said, leaning back against the car.

"You shouldn't be forced to talk about it before you're ready."

"I've been living with this for so long…" He sighed and shook his head. "Maybe it's about time I was ready."

"They shouldn't make you talk about it before you're ready," Thomas muttered, turning away.

Ryoga nodded. "You're driving?"

"I'm not letting you drive," he replied, getting behind the wheel.

"I drive perfectly well," Ryoga snapped, slamming his door and glaring up at him.

Thomas glared back and Michael leant forwards between them seat. "Maybe he's right, Thomas."

Thomas glanced at him but shook his head and started the engine anyway. Ryoga quickly figured out what Michael was worried. Thomas was not a particularly safe driver. Why were they even driving so fast if they didn't know where they were going? It wasn't even the speed or recklessness that bothered him, it was the fact that Thomas obvious had a plan and wasn't sharing. That and he didn't want to get into too any trouble while Akina needed him.

By the time they stopped, Ryoga's heart was racing. Thomas really was a reckless driver. Even Ryoga, who didn't exactly drive by the rules, was a little shaken.

"Michael," Thomas said, turning to face him. "Call your girlfriend. Get her down here."

"She is not my girlfriend," Michael huffed, but he pulled out his D-Pad away. After a few moments, Michael sighed. "She wants to know why?"

"Because we need her help," he replied.

Ryoga caught on and twisted to watch Michael. "She knows the way to her family home. She can tell us where Akina is."

Michael nodded and it wasn't long before Miki slipped out from the window above the porch, just as she had the night he first kissed Ken. The memory still stun but… Ryoga sighed and pulled out his own D-Pad. He supposed he had to face the past. He had to deal with these things. He wrote a message to Rio but set it not to send until early the next morning. Before anyone else was up but long enough away that when she went running to Ami- or possibly straight to Kaito- he'd already have saved Akina and be on his way home. They weren't going to stop him.

"So, this Akina girl is in danger?" Miki said, getting comfortable on the back seat next to Michael. "And you two are going to save her?"

"Pretty much," Thomas said, nodding slightly.

"And you think this has something to do with my family?"

"Your parents were the first hunters," Michael said softly. "They hunted people's souls by duelled, trying to bring your soul back."

"My soul?"

"You died," Thomas said. Miki frowned and stared up at him, shaking her head. "And your parents tried to get your soul back but until then, they used replacement souls for as long as they could hold out and every time the replacement gave out, it was replaced with a new one and you lost your memories and became a completely different personality. Now they've finally got your proper soul back but your father won't stop."

"Stop it," she snapped. "He's not like that."

Well, he didn't know how Thomas and Michael knew even more about it than he did, he could only assume Tomiko had filled them in when they met her yesterday but there was something he had over them. If she was still Glory.

Ryoga twisted in his chair and reached back. He paused for a moment before letting his instincts guide him and he pulled up Miki's shirt to reveal the top of her hip. And the top of a marking.

"Ryoga!" Michael snapped, pushing his hand away. "Have a bit of respect."

Miki frowned, running her fingers over the mark and Thomas scowled. "You have a tattoo a lot like that, Ryoga."

"I do," Ryoga said, pulling away his shirt. Miki frowned and reached over, her finger brushing it slowly. And the moment they did there was a jolt of electricity and Ryoga jerked back, staring at her. Miki seemed just as shocked. That had never happened before. But then… he'd never seen a hunter touch another hunter's mark before. "I'm a hunter too."

"The whole point of me hunting was so that you didn't have to, Kamishiro," Miki muttered, sitting back on the seat.

Ryoga smirked. That was nearly the same tone she'd had before she'd got her soul back. Perhaps if she started to remember, she'd be similar to how she was before. Maybe she'd not be so different.

"I had to save my friends," Ryoga replied, turning away. "You weren't doing it quickly enough."

"Ok, that's enough bickering," Michael said quietly.

"He's right, if we're going to save Akina we're going to need to get on with this," Thomas agreed. "Can you direct us to your house?"

"Yeah, of course."

"Let's get going then."

Thomas turned the car around and tore back through the city. Miki seemed bothered by his reckless driving but Michael quickly reassured her that Thomas was actually rather safe despite not seeming so. Miki wasn't convinced but she seemed to trust Michael's word.

Then Thomas suddenly turned off the road Miki had put them on. Ryoga frowned. He thought Thomas was just as keen to find Akina as he was. They stopped outside a pair of large gates and Ryoga's frown deepened. This was a cemetery.

"Thomas?" Michael whispered.

"There's something I have to do," Thomas murmured, his eyes suddenly dull and lifeless. "I won't be long."

Michael nodded weakly and Thomas got out the car. After a moment hesitating, Ryoga got out and followed him to the cemetery wall. Thomas was apparently used to coming here when the gates were locked because he knew exactly where the generator was, and there were several scuffs and scrapes on the metal box, like it had been used as a step over and over. And that was exactly what Thomas used it for. He climbed up onto the housing and then quickly disappeared over the wall with Ryoga right behind him.

Ryoga found it a little harder than Thomas. He was smaller and his back was still a little sore. He didn't know how they'd get back over the wall but he was sure Thomas had a way out as well. Not that Thomas seemed to be paying him any attention. The older boy was striding along the path, knowing exactly where he was going.

They finally arrived at a gravestone. Ryoga's heart ached at the sight. Emma Arclight. Beloved daughter, wife and mother. Thomas' mother. Ryoga waited behind respectfully. He might have pushed his luck when it came to Thomas, he might have enjoyed getting him angry and annoyed and pushing his buttons, but this was another matter entirely. Thomas fell to his knees with a dull thud, his fingers brushing the marble.

"I miss you," Thomas whispered hoarsely. "And… if I'm going to be duelling for my soul, I couldn't go into those duels without know I've said goodbye properly." Ryoga wanted to tell him he wouldn't lose. They wouldn't lose and even if Thomas lost his soul, Ryoga would find a way to get it back. But he didn't interfere. Thomas he to do this and he would interfere. "I've done so many bad things, but I did that all for Father and Michael." Not Chris? Ryoga frowned and folded his arms. Was there still a simmering tension between Thomas and Chris, hidden underneath their apparent content? "I just screw up everything though-"

"Don't say things like that," Ryoga snapped before he could stop himself. Thomas sat up slightly straighter, like he'd forgotten Ryoga was there entirely. "You try so hard at everything, and you've done bad things, but you're a good person and you're my rival and if you're a screw up what does that say about me?!"

"Ryoga…"

He knelt next to Thomas and after a moment of hesitation, wrapped his arms gingerly around him. And when Thomas returned his hold warily, Ryoga closed his eyes and tightened his hold, bringing Thomas close against him.

"We're hopeless," he murmured when Thomas tightened his grip in return. "But you've helped me deal with this, I'll help you too."

Thomas nodded and leant against him silently. They were friends. Ryoga would deny it and laugh about it and say he hated the guy but he didn't. Thomas was a good friend. They could have been so much more.

"Are you sure he's what you want, Ryoga?"

"Thomas…"

"Ryoga, I'm being serious. Just answer me. Are you sure he's what you want?"

"Yes," Ryoga said quietly. "Yes, he's everything I want."

"Tell me," Thomas murmured.

"What's going on?" Ryoga muttered. "Why are you asking me all this stuff?"

Thomas drew back slightly and leant their forehead together. "Because you and me and him and Chris, it's not going to be easy. I want to know you're where you belong."

"I am," he replied, nodding slightly. "I really think I'm finally in a good place."

"Alright," Thomas said slowly. "You know I care about you, Ryoga."

"I know. And I'm grateful I can call you my friend now."

"You know, I was alright with you never forgiving me. I deserved it. I never deserve to be forgiven for everything I did to you and your family, but I hoped…"

"Yeah, well, nearly dying makes you a little more willing to forgive."

"I guess Kaito's pretty lucky there."

"Kaito?" He frowned and tilted his head. "I mean, yeah, the idiot makes mistakes and says stupid things all the time but he means well most the time, you know. He's tries to do what's best for me, you know?"

"Yeah, of course," Thomas said with a smile. He nodded and Ryoga got the distinct feeling he was missing something. "Which particular incident are you talking about, Thomas?"

"The Chris thing."

"Chris thing?"

Thomas' eyes widened slightly and he drew back. "You didn't know."

"Apparently not," Ryoga snapped. "What happened with Chris?"

"You really don't want to hear this from me," Thomas said, shaking his head.

"You bought it up-"

"I assumed you knew!"

"What happened?!"

"He slept with Chris while you were in your coma!"

The words came out quickly and almost muddled and Thomas shied back like a kid in trouble. Ryoga's stomach churned. Kaito had slept with Chris while he was in hospital? But they were together then, weren't they? Or had Kaito thought they weren't? They had that huge argument about whether he'd got Envy to manipulate him or not so maybe he'd thought they weren't together.

"Are you ok?" Thomas said quietly.

"Yeah," Ryoga murmured. "Fine, I think. Just… surprised."

"You really didn't know?"

"No…"

Thomas sighed and lowered his head slightly. How had it ended up like this? Thomas had been here to visit his mother's grave and somehow it had ended up with them both feeling bad.

"Hey, you're always going to be special to me, you know that?" Ryoga murmured. Thomas lifted his gaze, nodding slightly. "No one gets me like you do."

"Unfortunately," Thomas muttered, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah well, if I ever decide to sleep with someone for revenge, you're much first choice," he laughed weakly.

Thomas nodded and smiled. "If you and Kaito ever want to play around, I expect to be your first choice as well."

"I'm sure Rio would love that."

"Rio and I aren't going to happen, Ryoga. Unless Haruto really is a miracle worker."

"He worked his magic on me and Kaito," Ryoga laughed. "Maybe you'll get your happy ending too."

"Or maybe I really am just a screw up," Thomas muttered, lowering his head again.

"Shut up."

Thomas glanced up and opened his mouth to speak but Ryoga was done letting him feel sorry for himself. This wasn't the Thomas he knew. He didn't care if he was weak and scared inside, he wanted the old Thomas back. Without thinking for too long, Ryoga leant up and captured his lips in a soft kiss. So maybe he was hurt and mad at Kaito and just needed to get do something to make him feel like things were even but it might help Thomas as well, and that was what mattered. That was what he told himself at least.

"We shouldn't," Thomas murmured. "Kaito's insecure enough as it is."

"I know. Just stop looking so sad."


"I thought Thomas said he wouldn't be long," Miki said, leaning back against the car door. "What's keeping them?"

"Thomas probably got bored and decided to pounce on Ryoga for the fun of his reaction," Michael said softly, gazing out the window.

No. It was more likely Thomas had broken down at their mother's grave but he knew his older brother wouldn't appreciate him saying that. He wished Thomas was more open about his feelings but he knew it was hoping in vain. Thomas was always going to be more closed than open. He had suspicions about why and he knew Chris worried about things in Thomas' past, things Michael wasn't allowed to ask about. There were things only Chris and Tron were allowed to speak about with him, and rarely did. Thomas was unlucky. It seemed the universe wanted to hurt him.

Miki nodded slightly, apparently buying his story, and closed her eyes. There was silence for a moment before Michael shifted and leant back on his seat. He didn't really know what to say. He'd not spent much time with people outside of his family. Yuma and his group were his first friends, and he hadn't been kissed by any of them.

"I'm sorry," Miki said quietly. Michael glanced over and found her watching him. "For kissing you. I just wanted to give Haruto what he wanted."

"It's fine," Michael replied quietly. "He's a good kid. He's just trying to make everyone happy. And, as far as first kisses go, it wasn't exactly unpleasant."

Miki's cheeks flushed and she sat bolt upright, staring at him. For a moment he couldn't figure out why, then he realised it. His first kiss. He'd just told her it was his first kiss. Now he really had no idea what to say. He smiled weakly and kept his gaze on his hands in his lap. What on earth made Haruto think he was in any position to have a relationship? He had no experience in social situations, he'd barely interacted with anyone who wasn't Yuma or his family or the Tenjos. What made Haruto think this was a good idea?

There was a soft kiss on his cheek and Michael's head snapped up to see Miki smiling shyly. "It was the first kiss I can remember. I didn't find it unpleasant either."

"I'm glad."

"Umm…"

"Yes?"

He smiled and leant a little closer and Miki smiled, moving to lean her forehead against his. "Maybe… we should indulge Haruto a little more."

"Well, he definitely got Kaito and Ryoga right," Michael murmured, finding it a little hard to focus on words. Their fingers brushed and Miki's smile grew a little bolder as she entwined their hands. "Perhaps we should trust him."

"Worth a try."

He nodded a little, licking his lips nervously before tilting his head and leaning in as Miki did. Haruto did have a good track record when it came to matches. And he'd never know if he never tried.

"Oi!" Thomas's yelled was accompanied by a bang on the roof and they jerks apart, faced flushed red. "We're done here."

"Right," Michael said, nodding quickly as Thomas and Ryoga got back into the front. Both were flushed and refusing to look at each other and Michael wondered if his joking about IV jumping Ryoga was more accurate than he'd imagined. "Did you get everything done you needed to?"

"Yeah," Ryoga said, nodding slightly. "Let's go."

Thomas started up the car again and did a rather reckless turn in the road, especially given it was dark and narrow and tore off again. Thomas glanced up in the rear-view mirror. "How far is it?"

"Should be there by morning the way you drive," Miki replied quietly.

"If you start looking tired, I'm taking over," Ryoga snapped.

"Like you could even reach the pedals," Thomas sniped back.

"Whatever," he grumbled, shifting and curling up slightly. "You two wake me if he starts drifting."

"Will do," Michael said.

Thomas nodded and focused his attention back on the road. He hoped they'd be a good distance away by the time Kaito and Chris realised they were gone. They were going to be in so much trouble.


Rio groaned slightly when her D-Pad light up and rang Ryoga's tone. Then it hit her. Ryoga! Ryoga, who'd been staying with Kaito and refusing to open up to her because someone had been abusing him. He'd messaged her.

Although why did it have to be this early?

She sat up quickly and fumbled with her D-Pad trying to focus enough to get up the message and read it. After a long moment, she managed to get over the sleepiness. Then there is was.

Shark: It was Father, ok? He's been beating me for years and he said if I ever told anyone he'd send me away and never let me see you or Mother again. That's why Kaito and Thomas weren't allowed to tell you. But I'm done hiding it now. Even if I'm never allowed home again, I'm happy with Kaito, and you were right, I'd be an idiot to let him. I'm really sorry and we can still see each other at school and stuff. And don't be so mean to IV. He really likes you and I have to put up him complain.

Rio took a long moment to take that all it. Their father. It was their father. She threw her D-Pad away, practically screaming. He said he'd changed! He was supposed to have changed! How could he have done that to Ryoga?!

"Rio?" Ami cried, bursting in. "Rio are you ok?"

Rio glared up at her, tears slipping down her cheeks. "How could you let him do that? How could you not know?!"

"Rio?" her father said, appearing behind Ami. "It's four in the morning."

"You did this to him!" she yelled.

"Did what?" Ami said gently, sitting on the bed and holding her gently. "To who? Rio, darling, what's wrong?"

"Ryoga," she whimpered, her anger fading into despair.

"I know you miss him, honey," she said. There was a sighed and her father turned away. "He'll come home when we can figure out who hurt him. Once we know who's hurt him he'll stop acting out and he can come home."

"It's him."

"Rio? You know how hurt him."

"It was him. It was Father."

"Don't be silly. He'd have said something after the last time-"

"He told me. Just now. He sent me a message. He told me. It's him! He's still hurting him!"

Ami frowned and kissed her forehead before getting up to pick up the D-Pad. There was a moment of silence while she read the message before she turned. Rio shrank back slightly. She hadn't seen that look in a long time. Someone was going to suffer.

"We need to talk to Ryoga and make sure he's not covering up for someone," she said. Her voice was perfectly calm and level and Rio nodded. She didn't believe he was covering up for someone, Rio knew he mother better than that. She just wanted to be absolutely certain before she did something drastic. "He might be pointing the finger to get us off his back. It's much harder to lie in person. I'll call Dr Faker."

"Isn't it a bit early-"

"That man doesn't sleep."


In the Next Chapter:

The Truth