While I lost most the files on MOH I did actually write the ending. The very very ending.
"Come back with me," Nasch hissed. Thomas shook his head quickly and Nasch grasped his hand. "You know the truth now. You remember everything, we both do. You have a past life. You need to come with me, back to the Barian world. You need to be with us. I can't lose you again, IV!"
"No," Thomas hissed, jerking his hand back.
"No?" Vector giggled behind him and Nasch glared at him over his shoulder. "IV-"
"Thomas," he snapped. "My name is Thomas. And my family is leaving."
"No, IV- Thomas," he argued, struggling to keep a hold of his hand. He couldn't let his Sorcerer go again. Not now he understood the pain of losing him. Not now he knew how empty his life had been without him. He'd been given a second life for a reason; so they could make the mistakes of the past right this time around. "You're a Barian. You have been given a second life. A second chance. We can make things right."
"He's a Sorcerer," Vector murmured.
"What does that matter?!" he snarled. "He's one-"
"One of us?" he laughed. "No. Sorcerers all reincarnate unless specifically cursed not to," Nasch's eyes widened slightly and his grip on Thomas' hand loosened enough for Thomas to slip away. "He's not one of us. This is his natural cycle."
"No, IV, I-"
"He's not one of us, Nasch," Vector said firmly. "Accept it."
"No."
He grasped Thomas' hand once more, pulling him around and kissing him deeply. His precious IV. His Sorcerer. His one and only love through every life. Vector growled slightly but Nasch didn't care. He had loved IV and he loved Thomas now. Not just as his beloved IV's reincarnation but as the person he was. As Thomas. He kissed back slowly and Nasch wrapped his arms tightly around his middle, pulling him close against him as IV tangled his hands into his hair. There was a part of Thomas that was IV. There were still love. Whether Thomas loved him or it was IV, he didn't know and he didn't really care. He couldn't lose IV again.
Thomas pulled away slowly and pushed Nasch away. "I'm sorry, Nasch, if you thought this was something special or that we can rekindle what we had in a previous life, but no."
"You loved me once," Nasch insisted. "There's a apart of you that still does, I know."
"Do you know what it did to me... to IV when you refused to fulfil your promise and release him?" Nasch scowled. "I loved you and you didn't trust him. Through all your love, you couldn't put your trust in him and fulfill the only promise that mattered. You didn't understand that while it would have destroyed you to lose me... my love for you dwindled every time you refused to free me."
"IV... I didn't mean... I was so afraid that... you didn't really love me. You were my slave. I didn-"
"You didn't think you'd earnt my love," Thomas snapped. "Because I was a slave, you thought I only tolerated you. That if I was free I would leave despite promising to serve you and remain with you. All I ever wanted was to be able to sit at your side as you lover, not your slave. Like he could." His gaze touched Durbe and Nasch scowled. "Besides, what kind of relationship is it when I can't say no?"
"You could always-"
"I was a slave."
"I'll make it right this time. You'll be free this time. You can have whatever you want. Just come home with me."
"Free me then," he whispered, gripping his hands gently. "Let me do what I want this time."
Nasch's nodded slightly, trembling hands releasing Thomas'. "Alright. Alright. I get it. I trust you. I love you and I know you love me. Do what you need to. I know we'll find each other again one day, even if I have to let you go for now."
"Thank you," Thomas whispered, kissing him softly.
He stepped away and his hands slipped from Nasch's hand and Durbe squeezed his shoulder gently, murmuring something about letting him go and some old saying but Nasch didn't care. Thomas was walking away from him. He was going to be empty again.
Vector ran passed him and Durbe yelled something but Vector ignored them, catching Thomas' wrist, pulling him around. Thomas glared at him for a moment as Vector spoke, glancing over at him and Durbe. Thomas didn't say much. He seemed to be only answering questions Vector posed. The way Vector gazed up at Thomas made something boil in Nasch's chest. And then Thomas brushed Vector's hair from his face, his eyes softening and a soft smile forming before he wrapped his arms tightly around the smaller man. After everything Vector had put them both through, why was Thomas warmer towards him than Nasch?!
"Thomas!" called his father's voice. Thomas drew back and smiled, whispering something to Vector before kissing his cheek. "WE have to go or we'll lose the light!"
"Coming!" Thomas called. He smiled and glanced up at Nasch once more. "I won't ever come back here. I've remembered enough. Now I want to forget again. I don't want to see any of you again. IV is dead and gone. Forget him, Nasch. I'm all that's left and I'm not him. Goodbye, you majesties."
He turned on his heel and slung his bag over his shoulder, hurrying out the palace after his family. Nasch ran down the stairs, Durbe and Merag on his heels and they joined Vector at the doors, watching Thomas run to his family.
"What did you two talk about?" Nasch whispered.
"How things could have been," Vector replied. "If he ever could have come back to me and loved me. If I ever stood a chance."
"And?"
"If I hadn't pushed him away. He knew how I felt about him. He could have felt the same one day if I had been a little softer. If he'd remained with me and never become a slave. I was special to him too." He smiled bitterly. "He said he wished IV had taken up my offer of running away with him. He knows I loved him more than you did."
Nasch snarled. "How dare you-"
"I would have freed him without questions. I never questioned him. And I know when to let him go."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"If I asked him, he'd come back to the Barian world with us."
"Then do it," Merag snapped. "Cant you see how much Nasch needs him here?!"
Vector tilted his head, meeting Nasch's gaze. "IV was my only friend. One of the only people I've ever cared about. And I watched him fall madly in love with you then break apart because you didn't trust him like I did. Do you know how much I hated you for that? Do you ever think I could give him to you again after that? Do you think I could ever forgive you for stealing my IV from me?! Could you ever forgive someone who did that to him?!"
"No," Nasch whispered, glaring down at the family as Thomas grabbed Chris' arm, leaning against him and grinning up at him. Yuma and Michael joined them, following their fathers as they headed towards the docks. Never to return according to Thomas. "I wouldn't. And I would never forgive anyone who took him from me."
He scowled as Chris wrapped his arm gently around Thomas' body. IV was forced into slavery for sleeping with his brother.
Right. WIP shots of Barian!IVs. Top is ivgasm’s Asterope (Nasch is attached to the other end of that cape) and he’s adorable and I hope I’m doing him justice. And then bottom left is cutestscytheaus’ Solaris (probably looking that grumpy because Durbe is lecturing him on why Vector is not a suitable role model) and he’s adorable too. And my own Zaura.
More Solaris AU. In which Merag is unimpressed by Solaris.
"What is it?"
"Shh," Mizael hissed.
Solaris huffed, the cheeks of his muzzle puffing out and Vector chuckled. "I'll take him away if you want, Durbe."
"You touch him and I'll make you do recon work in the human world," Durbe replied, tucking his arms around Solaris' waist and shooting Vector a glare over his shoulder. "Go and make yourself useful someplace else."
Solaris leant his head on Durbe's shoulder and Mizael petted his hair gently on the other side. Vector glared at the trio. Durbe and Mizael were far too cuddly and protective when it came to their pet. They had been ever since Vector had got to play with him last year. Over a year, you'd have think they'd have got over it by now. He was only playing anyway. And it was Durbe's fault for blocking Vector out of the fun. They'd played with him and Alit had and they were purposefully blocking Vector out.
And they were doing it now as well. They were constantly shutting him out. He was so underappreciated around here.
There was a glow in the middle of the throne room and Vector already recognised the shape as well as Durbe did. What did it take to kill someone around here? No one seemed to stay dead anymore.
She ran her hand through her hair as she finally became solid and Durbe's hold around Solaris tightened slightly. Vector almost laughed. Were they worried about what she'd make of their little experiment?
"Merag," Durbe said calmly.
Her gaze turned to them on the steps of the throne. "Durbe. Mizael."
"It's good to see you again," Vector sneered. Merag's gaze flickered up to him. "I'm glad you're alright. We were worried."
"Alit, Gilag, I'm glad we're all still here," Merag said, apparently ignoring him. "Nasch?"
"I'm afraid not," Durbe said.
Merag's gaze touched Solaris and Mizael and Durbe tucked him behind them protectively. It was trick not to laugh as her eyes narrowed. She was quite temperamental. She stepped forwards slowly, the click of her heels echoing around the silent throne room. Durbe stepped forwards slightly and Mizael kept Solaris back behind him.
"Who is this?" Merag said, hands going to her hips.
"Solaris," Vector chuckled. "He's new."
"Well yes, Vector, I can see he's new," she snapped.
Durbe glanced between them. "Solaris, this is Merag. She's Nasch's twin sister. Merag, this is Solaris. He appeared about a year ago."
"It's nice to meet you," Solaris said quietly, gazing up at her.
Merag was still glaring down at him Solaris drew back behind Mizael a little further. Durbe glanced between them again before getting between Merag and Mizael. "Mizael, take Solaris to his room, please. Watch over him."
Mizael nodded and took Solaris' hands leading him away. Solaris glanced back and Alit waved slightly. Vector smirked and sat back on the steps, leaning on his knees. This was going to be fun.
"Durbe," Merag said quietly. She was at her most dangerous when she was quiet. "There has never been a new Barian. Why now?"
"Solaris is our creation," Durbe replied, straightening up. "Vector and I… We conducted experiments on a human child in an effort to create a new Barian. With you and Nasch vanishing for now reason, we felt we needed extra power. Solaris is the result."
"He's a fake," she hissed. Vector laughed. "Destroy him." Durbe's eyes widened and Vector fell silent. "Well?"
"You can't make this decision without even speaking with him," Durb argued.
"He's a fake," Merag replied. "What if he finds out? What if he turns on us? How many secrets has he already found?" They all remained silent and Merag nodded. "You've let your hearts rule your heads and let him in too close. Put him down."
Vector narrowed his gaze and his muzzle crinkled. All that hard work and fun and she wanted to destroy it without a word. She hadn't even looked at their workmanship for more than five seconds. Solaris could be a great weapon.
"No."
Vector blinked as the air became heavy. Had Durbe just…? Merag seemed just as surprised. "What?"
"I said no," Durbe replied. "We created Solaris, it's our duty to protect him."
"Durbe, if you won't destroy him, I will," Merag hissed.
"Then you will lose my respect and friendship," he said, shaking his head. "You are my friend, Merag, and I don't want to fight with you about this, but I will protect Solaris and if you want to kill such a young, innocent creature without even giving him a chance then perhaps I've misjudged you all these years. If you want to kill Solaris, then you'll have to go through me."
"Durbe-"
"I've got a agree with Durbe on this one," Vector sighed. "Much as if pains me to do so. Solaris is ours and you can't just waltz in here and order us to get rid of him."
"I'd expect such insubordination from you, Vector," Merag said "But I'm disappointed in you, Durbe."
"I'm with them," Alit called, folding his arms. "You're not hurting Solaris."
"They're right," Gilag agreed, nodding slightly. "Solaris stays And you know Mizael will agree with Durbe."
Merag glanced between them and let out a low sigh before nodding. "Fine, he can live. Take me to him. But you cannot keep this boy in the centre of our lives. If he finds out what you did to him and turns on us do you think he'll keep quiet what he's learnt?"
Durbe turned and walked away slowly, leading Merag away down the halls. Vector followed and Gilag and Alit were behind them as they went through to Solaris' room. The door opened and they found Solaris and Mizael nuzzling each other's muzzles. Vector snorted with laughed. For all Mizael's insistence that he was indifferent to Solaris, he spent a lot of time very close to him.
"Mizael," Merag snapped. Mizael drew back slightly and Merag set her gaze on Solaris. "Come here, little one." Solaris got up slowly and stood in front of her, head lowered. "Do you like it here, Solaris?" Solaris nodded quickly. "And you would never betray us?"
"Of course not," Solaris cried, shaking his head. "Never."
"I see, and what if someone had done something really bad?" she continued. "What if someone here had lied to you and hurt you?" Solaris tilted his head. "What if everything was a lie?"
"Why would…?" Solaris shook his head and Mizael stood from the bed. "Durbe?"
"It's fine, Solaris," Durbe said softly. "She's testing you."
Suddenly, Merag caught Solaris' hair. He yelped and she opened and porthole, pushing him through. Durbe and Mizael followed quickly and Vector was right on their heels. Whatever was going on, he didn't want his toy getting hurt.
They stepped out into the sealed crystal cave they'd experiment on IV in. There was a cage at one end and Solaris was crying out for Durbe, digging his heels in desperately, in fits of tears. Merag shoved him into the crystal cage and the bars sealed up around him. He spun on his heel, reaching through the bars, crying desperately for Durbe still. Durbe caught his hand, pressing against the bars and hanging onto him.
"He's staying there until I'm certain he's safe," Merag said striding him away.
"You can't do this!" Alit cried. "He's not a threat to anyone."
"He wouldn't hurt a fly," Gilag said, folding his arms. "He's a child."
"Durbe," Solaris whimpered. "Please. I didn't do anything."
"No, I know," Durbe said softly. "I know you didn't. I'll get you out, I promise."
"I've agreed to let him live, Durbe," Merag snapped. "Take him out of that cage without permission and I'll kill him."
Solaris' eyes widened and Durbe hushed him gently as Vector glared at Merag. "This is cruel and unfair."
He was just as surprised as anyone to be on Durbe and Mizael's side but Solaris was far more important that his dislike of Durbe and Mizael. He was his favourite toy. He couldn't let Merag kill him.
"We wouldn't be having this discussion if this was Nasch," Merag snapped, storming away.
"Nasch would know better," Durbe replied.
Merag's steps faltered but she didn't stop. Vector growled, watching her vanish through the porthole. Durbe was still hanging onto Solaris, trying to comfort him. Mizael was at his side, holding Solaris' other hand gently. It wasn't going to last. They'd get him out soon. There was no way they'd let Merag leave him in a cage for long.
"Durbe, please," Solaris sobbed. "Please. Get me out, I didn't do anything wrong."
"It's alright," Durbe replied gently. "It won't last long, I promise. I'll get you out as soon as possible Just hang on. I'll have someone here keeping an eye on you and I won't let her keep you here for long."
"I don't know," Vector purred, running his fingers over a bar. "I could get used to having you caged, Solaris."
Solaris shied away and Durbe cupped his cheeks, holding him close through the bars. "Go away, Vector."
"That's not way to thank me for my support, Durbe," he laughed.
"We didn't want or need your support. Now go away."
In which the decision and regicideshipping origins are explained. Also Thomas emotionally torturing Vector through almost gemsex.
Mizael was pacing his new cell anxiously. Faker frowned, watching him on the screen. In the Barian's habitats Durbe was pacing too. He'd given them a week before he began serious research. The Barians still weren't eating solid foods but he'd moved them onto essentially smoothies with extra nutrients. They seemed to be handling them well enough. And signs of stress had mostly abated. They weren't getting worked up into states every few hours, they weren't constantly trying to break out of their cells of lashing out when they were being given their food.
The only thing that persisted were Nasch's terrible stomach pains and Faker decided that if they carried on he'd have Nasch restrained so he could inspect him and see what was going on. He couldn't have one of his research subjects becoming ill so soon.
Now he was onto research though. Starting with figuring out these pairings. Getting Mizael out of his cell, without him escaping and helping the others or injuring himself, had been tough. However, much as Faker wasn't fond of resorting to such levels, threatening to punish Durbe for his fighting did the trick.
And now Mizael was trapped in one of two large empty rooms surrounded by a containment field like the habitats. They were just all purpose rooms in case he needed to move them for any reason. It was perfect for keeping him separate from the others.
"What do you want from me?!" Mizael yelled at one of the cameras.
Faker chuckled. He was terribly high strung. He switched on the microphone. "I just want to have a little chat."
"Then get on with it!"
"You and Durbe are a pair, correct?"
"I suppose."
"What kind of pairing is it?"
Mizael scowled up at the camera. "How do I know? I don't know what you Humans consider a pair."
Of course. Their worlds were different. There were some issues of communications when their ideas were so different. Perhaps Durbe or Vector would be able to explain it better, they were the two that experienced the Human world most. Still, Mizael was the one he'd picked and he'd picked him for good reason.
"Tell me about your relationship with him."
"No."
"I am only currently curious about how your kind pairs off," Faker said firmly. "I've noticed you and Durbe and, if my suspicions are correct, there is something between Nasch and Vector as well, isn't there?" Mizael folded his arms and strode away, pacing again. "That's a yes then?"
"Vector and Nasch are everything that's wrong with this system."
"How so?"
"Nasch and Durbe don't appreciate it when I speak ill of Vector."
"Nasch and Durbe can't hear you."
Mizael glared at nothing and folded his arms. He obviously wanted to rant and rave about the situation with Vector and Nasch but it seemed his loyalty to Durbe made him reluctant. Never mind. He'd deal with that easily enough. He turned to the screen and gave Mizael a quick blast from the bracelets. Mizael dropped to his knees, gasping and trembling. That was expected. But what was more surprising was that in the Barian's habitats, completely cut off from these research rooms, Durbe froze mid-stride, fear flashing across his face.
"Mizael…" He spun and glared up at the most obvious camera. "What are you doing to him?"
That was fascinating. Nasch frowned and stood, alerted by Durbe. There was no way he could have known Mizael was in pain and no one else seemed to have noticed it like he did. Was it possible because they were a pair he could feel Mizael's pain?
Mizael sat up straighter and glaring at the camera.
"Will you tell me what I want now?" Dr Faker said. Mizael growled. "Or would you prefer to continue worrying Durbe? How does he know when you're in pain?"
"Pair bonded Barians can sense each other," Mizael hissed.
"How? And how much can you feel from each other?" he pushed.
"The crystals," he grumbled. "You've seen our Barian forms. The crystals on our chests."
"What about them?"
He frowned. He remembered the brief glance he got of all seven Barians together in their true forms. They all had a larger crystal on their chests, often with some sort of decoration around it. Touching them seemed utterly forbidden. It had come to his attention that the crystals inlaid in their bodies were sensitive, he supposed that one must have been more sensitive than the others.
Mizael scowled and stood slowly, glaring up at the camera. "It's not the sort of thing that's just explained. It's an instinct."
"Try to explain."
"They work… like…" Mizael gave a frustrated sigh and shook his head before trying again. "They can transmit and receive emotions… Normally it would only happen if you brush against them but if two of them are pressed together it forms a link."
Faker nodded to himself. A more permanent link would explain it. Even if Durbe couldn't feel Mizael's exact emotions, he seemed to know if he was in any discomfort. That was probably why these creatures sought close contact. It was likely the closer they were the stronger the connection. After all, couples liked to know what the other was thinking. Wouldn't it make sense they wanted to feel as much as possible?
"And that's how you become a pair?" Mizael folded his arms and nodded. "Besides this link, what happens with bonded pairs?"
"I would assume it's similar to what happens with bonded Humans." Faker remained silent and Mizael sighed. "It's an emotional bond, what do you expect? Sometimes, we're intimate. Once you're bonded to someone, the chances of forming a bond with someone else are next to nothing. If the crystal on your chest touches someone else's it can be excruciating."
Faker frowned. "Then Vector and Nasch?"
"It was an accident," Mizael grumbled. "Apparently."
"You don’t believe so?"
"I know that Vector was too close to Nasch for a long time," he hissed. "No one believed he was actually interested, just that he wanted to annoy Durbe and Vector knew that any… companion of a king has more influence than any advisor."
"So you think he did it on purpose," Faker said, nodding slightly. Form what he'd seen of Vector, he was certainly ruthless. "You think he formed a link with Nasch so he could have more power."
"I wouldn't put anything passed him. Nasch pushed Durbe away and toward me long before that. Everyone but Durbe saw it. He pushed us together, even if none of us know why. And then when the earthquake hit, Nasch and Vector ended up in a heap and bonded. Now they're uncontrollably drawn together. They were forced to feel each other's emotions and now they can't stop."
"Vector tried to kill Nasch."
"Yes. Nasch won't talk about it though. He wants to hate Vector, he wants to kill him for what he did but he can't."
Faker hummed thoughtfully. That explained it. "Why did Vector try to kill Nasch?"
"They won't talk about it," Mizael grumbled.
"But you have your suspicions?" Faker said. Mizael turned away from the camera and Faker sighed. He didn’t want to give him another jolt, perhaps there was another way. "If you cooperate with me, I will allow you to spend some times alone with Durbe."
Mizael scowled and folded his arms. "When they got to know each other, they started to enjoy each other's company. Merag was allowed to be more vocal about her suspicions than the rest of us. She was constantly trying to convince Nasch that just being bonded wasn't enough to excuse what a-" He frowned and paused. "She didn't think some accident meant he deserved Nasch, if it was even an accident. Even Vector knew Nasch would listen to Merag eventually. He's stubborn, he always holds out and hates admitting she's right, but he always sees things her way in the end. She was competition. She was in his way."
"He attempted to take her life?"
"That's what we think. Next thing we know Nasch is in critical condition as well with Vector standing over him."
"You think Nasch confronted Vector and nearly paid with his life."
"Can I see Durbe yet?"
Faker switched off the microphone. It would be interesting to see a pair interacting without the glass between them. They did seem to yearn for physical contact. Perhaps he should put Nasch and Vector in a room together as well. Perhaps when he'd seen how, what seemed to be, a normal pair interacted, he'd look into their abnormal bonding.
Given what he'd seen of Vector and Nasch during the first few days, he suspected their bond wasn't quite as pragmatic as Mizael thought. Both seemed genuinely bothered by the situation between them and Vector seemed honestly sorry for his actions against Nasch, even if he seemed to have no remorse over Merag. Although perhaps that was just the result of spending so long feeling the other's emotions.
"Orbital," Faker said, glancing back at the robot. He was by far the most useful of his robotic creations and now Christopher was here to look after Kaito and Haruto Faker could put him to other uses. "Take Durbe down to Mizael."
"Yes Dr Faker."
He frowned watching the screen. Durbe was pacing again and Nasch was leaning against the glass nearby, talking softly and trying to calm him but Durbe wasn't registering it and Vector wasn't helping, he was laughing about Mizael's pain. Merag had taken to ignoring the males and seemed taken with daytime TV. Gilag too. Although while she seemed interested in the soaps, Gilag found the cute music videos of more interest, which Alit teased him relentlessly about.
Durbe went with Orbital without argument once he informed him that he was being taken to Mizael. Vector laughed, encouraging him to just leave Mizael and escape only for Nasch to snap at him. And for once Vector did as he was told. Those two would be fascinating to watch when he put them together. For now he had Mizael and Durbe to watch.
Mizael was leaning against the wall when Durbe entered. The door closed and Mizael glanced up, not moving as Durbe approached, looking him over slowly. He cupped his cheeks and Mizael frowned.
"Are you hurt?" Durbe murmured.
"It was uncomfortable," Mizael replied. "Nothing serious."
"Why are you letting them be together?" Thomas muttered, suddenly behind him.
Faker frowned and glanced back. Thomas was broken inside. Christopher had been muttering about that. He was afraid that Byron's death was too much for Thomas. He was a problem child, he'd been different to the others since he was young, but he always looked up to his father as though he was absolutely perfect.
Thomas shared very little in common with his brothers or Byron. His skin wasn't pale, his eyes were fiery, he was of a shorter build and lacked the calm respectful demeanour. Byron had joked more than once about suspicions Thomas wasn't his. And Faker knew why. But sometimes he pulled faces and huffed in just the right way and he looked so much like Byron. Perhaps the broken little boy could be of some use.
"For science, dear boy," Faker said, lifting him up to sit on the side. Thomas gazed at the screens, at Vector, kicking his legs in the air. "After all, they should be put to good use while they're here."
"What does putting them together have to do with science?" Thomas said, folding his arms.
"They're a bonded pair, Thomas," he replied. Thomas frowned, looking lost. Well, he was only ten, it was forgivable. "They're a couple, Thomas."
"Like being married."
"Kind of. More like… do you know what soul mates are?"
Thomas nodded. "The one person in the entire world who understands you and you're meant to be with forever."
"That's right." He glanced at Mizael and Durbe, they seemed to just be a normal couple. There was nothing special. They were talking quietly and Durbe was reassuring Mizael that Nasch would get them out of this mess somehow. Perhaps he'd have to see them in their Barian forms to get something more. "These creatures have jewels in their chests. Apparently, when you touch it, they can feel your emotions."
Thomas scowled over at the screen. "Then I could make him feel what I'm feeling."
"Well…" Faker frowned. He supposed in theory he could. "That's not the point, Thomas."
"Why not?"
"Well, because that's just not how research goes."
"I'm not interested in research."
Faker frowned, watching Durbe and Mizael for a moment before nodding slowly and handing him and ear piece. "Listen to my instructions carefully and don't act out. Just do what I tell you. Remember they're dangerous."
A twisted, broken smile spread across his face. It was wrong. A child so young shouldn't look like that. Haruto looked like that sometimes, when his fever flared up and he heard those screams. Haruto was just scared and ill. Thomas was hurting and heading down a slippery slope. But Faker was confident he could handle it. He could handle Kaito and with Christopher's help he'd manage Thomas as well.
Kiato and Thomas were very similar in many ways, but there were fundamental differences in their behaviour. Kaito wasn't exactly well behaved, if you weren't Haruto or Christopher, he was generally cold, standoffish and sometimes downright rude. Kaito had been isolated, partly because Faker had kept him and Haruto so, so his like so social graces were to be expected. He only really interacted with other kids when Faker couldn't get out of meetings with the city's elite. He knew how to behave, and did when he needed to, but he just generally refused to. The Arclight boys had been raised in a far more social environment. They were constantly attending parties and dinners and events. Thomas himself was a social butterfly, even at such a young age. His problems weren't down to lack of social skills. His problems weren't because of his social situation, they were natural.
Thomas needed to be controlled and tamed. His anger and pain needed to be channelled. Maybe confronting Vector was the first step to that. He watched the screen as Thomas walked through the halls, down to the secure habitats, punching in the security codes when prompted. Thomas walked in slowly, watching the Barians.
"What are you doing here, little boy?" Merag said softly, coming out from her back room. Thomas took half a step back and Merag smiled. "It's ok, don't be afraid."
"That's Merag," Faker said gently in his ear. "She's never been any kind of threat. She seems the mothering type."
Merag beckoned his closer. Thomas hesitated before stepping over. She brushed her hair from her face. "You look scared, little boy. What are you doing here?"
"An experiment," Thomas whispered.
"Maybe we should have experimented on you Humans," Vector hissed.
Thomas turned but Merag hushed him gently, pressing her hands to the glass. "Hey, ignore him. Ignore him, sweetheart."
"He killed them," Thomas murmured.
"So I did," Vector laughed.
"Hey," Merag insisted. "Me. Focus on me." She smiled and tilted his head. "No one likes Vector, don't think about him."
"I like me-"
"Shut up, Vector," Alit snapped. Thomas turned, staring at him. "He's so tiny."
"Alit," Merag warned.
"Alit's like a child," Faker told him. "He's excitable and got a quick temper but generally harmless. They all are mostly in this state. The only ones I'd consider a danger to you right now are Vector and Nasch. Just be careful. You know you don't have to do this."
Thomas tilted his head and walked away slowly. Merag frowned. "Where are you going, little Thomas? You mustn't let you anger get the better of you."
"There are other ways, Thomas," Faker said.
He frowned, watching the screen as Thomas moved down the hall towards the end. If Thomas needed to do this, Faker would allow it. If he could help Thomas through this, he'd have an incredible duellist with and unstable mind at his disposable. He could have an army of talented duellists on his side. Duellists could certainly come in handy, the world seemed to revolve around duelling these days and tournaments paid well if nothing else. Thomas was incredible and ranked highly in every tournament he competed. Chris was certainly talented and was doing a good job teaching Kaito- and Haruto when he could- and Michael seemed to have skills too, above average for his age. Hopefully interacting with Vector wouldn't do more harm than good.
"Hey," Alit said softly as Thomas passed him. Thomas paused slightly and Alit. "Wow, look at you. You're so tiny."
"You look short to me," Thomas hissed back.
Alit laughed warmly and nodded. "Yeah, I am. But you're so cute. I'd never seen a human kid before I came here. You're so small and fragile and breakable."
"I'm strong," he snapped. "And I'm not small. I'm tall for my age."
Thomas stopped outside Vector's cell and Faker sighed. "Alright, if you insist."
He activated the cuffs around Vector's wrists. He gasped and fell to his knees and Thomas smiled slightly, tilting his head and watching as Vector doubled over, struggling to get the bracelets off. Faker wasn't about to let a ten year old child in with a sadistic creature like Vector without some precautions. Even if he was trapped in the body of a teenage child, he was bigger and probably stronger than little Thomas.
As with every other time, Nasch banged against the glass, calling to Vector. Now knowing what he did, Faker saw the bond between them. Nasch wasn't just concerned, he felt Vector's pain. He felt him and his connection demanded he try to help him.
Faker smiled slightly, feeding Thomas the security code and watching warily as the door opened and Thomas stepped in slowly. Vector glared up at him and Nasch slammed his hands against the glass.
"Hey!" Thomas paused at the sudden aggression. Faker frowned, he'd never seen Nasch so agitated before. "This isn't the way to do things, kid. We're sorry about your father but I need you to stop this."
Thomas watched him for a moment and Faker frowned. "You can stop if you want."
There was a long moment of silence before Thomas shook his head and walked in slowly. Faker watched him carefully and the door shut behind him. He'd increase the power of the bracelets if Vector went for Thomas but he doubted even Vector would be so cruel. He activated the anchor and it dropped from the ceiling. Vector all but snarled and Thomas took a small step back.
"It's alright, Thomas," Faker said gently. "I won't let him hurt you."
Thomas nodded and stepped forward slowly, tugging the bright red anchor and wrapping it around Vector's wrists. When Vector tried to pull away, Faker simply increased the power and Nasch gave a weak gasp, holding his chest. When Vector was secure, Thomas drew back and Faker switched off the power. The anchor pulled Vector up onto his toes and Thomas watched silently.
"Stay back," Faker warned.
He adjusted the field around Vector's habitat and after a few moments, Vector's body took a red glow and Thomas staggered back against the glass and Vector's true form was revealed. Vector must have been rather intimidating for a young boy like Thomas. Their mouth-less faces were rather creepy and Vector's form had those strange leathery looking wings and long clawed fingers.
"Hey, hey, kid," Nasch called softly. "Come on, whatever you're thinking, you don't have to do this. Come on, you're hurt and you're angry and that's ok, but hurting Vector won't bring your father back."
"It's the crystal on his chest, you see it?" Thomas nodded again, his eyes hardening and smiling softly. "Be careful. I won't let him hurt you, and I'll monitor the situation, but if I tell you to stop, you have to stop."
"I will," Thomas murmured, walking forwards again.
Vector was twisting his wrists and struggling against the anchor but Faker gave him a small jolt from the bracelets and he fell still and silent. So he settled for glaring at Thomas as he approached.
"You wanted to watch people suffer," Thomas hissed, that broken smile spreading across his lips once more. Nasch continued to call to him, pounding against the glass and trying to calm him down but Thomas was too far gone. He was lost in his grief and rage. "You want to see how I'm going to make you suffer?"
"Oh… You think you can hurt me?" Vector sneered.
"He and Nasch are bonded, Thomas," Faker said softly. "Nasch feels his pain."
Thomas glanced at Nasch, who stopped banging against the glass and stood straight. "You two feel each other's pain?"
"Don't," Nasch hissed. "You don't have to do this."
"You leave him alone," Vector snapped tugging at the anchor again. Thomas tilted his head and stalked forwards. Vector watched him warily and Thomas' fingers hovered over the crystal. "Don't touch it."
"Come on, kid," Nasch said. "You don't know what you're doing."
"Don't play with things you don't understand," Gilag rumbled, having been brought out of his back room by the noise.
It was fascinating how even those who hated him wanted Thomas to keep his hands off. Thomas' fingers brushed the gem and Vector tried to jerk back but Thomas moved forward and laid his hand over the jewel. Vector gasped and twisted and Nasch closed his eyes, clenching his fists against the glass.
"Do you get it now?" Thomas said, glaring up at him.
"Stop it," Vector said, his voice cracking.
"You did this!" he cried, tears dripping down his cheeks. "You caused this, you need to understand it!"
"Dr Faker, have you seen-" Faker turned and to Christopher in the doorway. "Is that Thomas? Have you let him in with those creatures?"
"Christopher-" The young boy was already sweeping out the door and Faker sighed. "Christopher is on his way down, Thomas."
~♥~
Chris ran through the halls faster than he ever had. He punched in the security codes and stormed through the corridor and found Thomas in with Vector. The creature had fallen to his knees, shaking and panting and straining against the anchor. Nasch was leaning heavily against the glass, looking shaken, even a few tears dripping down his cheeks. He opened the door as quickly as he could and hurried over. Thomas had his hand against the crystal on Vector's chest, laughing softly through his tears at Vector's obvious distress, the pulsing light of the crystal reflecting an eerie glow of those crimson eyes. And Chris faltered.
This wasn't his brother. This wasn't the sweet little Thomas he'd left behind to search for their father. This couldn't be the same boy. He wasn't Thomas. He couldn't be Thomas.
It was just the grief. He'd just found the monster that murdered their father. It was just grief and justifiable pain. His young mind couldn't handle this. He grabbed the back of Thomas' shirt and pulled him away as quickly as he could, dragging him up and wrapping him in his coat as he hurried him out.
"There's something wrong with that boy," Alit whispered as Chris hurried Thomas passed.
"Alit," Merag hissed. "He's in pain."
"He tortured him!" Alit argued. "Not even Vector deserved that! And what about what he did to Nasch?!"
"This is why you shouldn't be allowed anywhere near him!" Merag yelled at Vector. "This is all your fault! Look what you've done to Nasch! How can you do that to him?!"
They erupted into arguments and Chris just wanted to get Thomas as far away from them as possible. How could Faker think it was a good idea to let Thomas anywhere near them? Chris wrapped his arms tightly around Thomas once they were outside, taking the ear piece from him and holding him close.
"I hope you got whatever answers you wanted, Dr Faker," he whispered, stroking Thomas' hair as he all but screamed into his chest. It was something about those disgusting creatures but Chris just couldn't make any of it make sense. "I hope it was worth putting Thomas through that."
"It was Thomas' idea," Faker replied through the earpiece. "He insisted."
"I'm taking him out," Chris said. "He needs to get away for a bit… Tell Kaito he can bring Haruto if he's up for it. Get Michael ready. We have to go out away from those things for a while."
Half an hour later, Chris had barely managed to get Thomas calm enough to go out. He was infinitely grateful to Kaito for how helpful and responsible he was being through all this. He doubted he could manage alone.
"Why's Tommy been crying again?" Michael whispered.
"Because no one cares about us anymore," Thomas replied, his voice hoarse and soar. He tugged off the scarf Chris had just wrapped around his neck and brushed his tears. "Because Faker doesn't care. He's only doing this because he feels guilty for letting them die-"
"Thomas," Chris said, wrapping the scarf around his neck again. "Behave."
"It's the truth."
"I care," Haruto put in.
Thomas smiled weakly and Chris hoped there was still something of his little brother left under all that pain and anger. He unwrapped the scarf again and gently wrapped it around Haruto instead.
"I know you do, little fella," he whispered hoarsely. He put on a forced smile and Haruto stroked his cheeks. "I know."
Haruto wrapped his arms around him and Thomas sighed, holding him gently and moments later, Michael piled on, hugging Thomas from behind. They'd be ok soon. They'd be ok. A hand slipped into his Chris glanced down to find Kaito smiling up at him awkwardly.
"It'll just take time, won't it?" Kaito whispered.
"Do you want to… try talking to him for me?" Chris said, gazing over at the three youngsters. "You're more his age and I don't know what else to do and maybe you'll be able to figure it out."
"I'm not very good at talk to people, Chris, you know that."
"Please, just try."
Kaito nodded weakly and Chris smiled, picking up Haruto from the hug and taking Michael's hand. Thomas gazed up at them and Kaito walked over slowly. Chris held the younger two, taking them along out into the fresh air of Heartland. They'd never really been so far in. When their father was working with Dr Faker they'd not really explored the city and their home was on the outskirts where there was more land. He frowned slightly, looking at the beautiful city. Maybe he should enrol in school. He was smart than everyone else but it might be good to get out into more social situations. Maybe Michael and Thomas was benefit from going to a local school, and Kaito certainly would. He'd talk to Faker about it.
Thomas was walking with Kaito a few steps behind as Haruto told him where to go to the best sweet shop. They weren't talking but Thomas at least looked more stable than he had over recent days. He smiled listened to Haruto and Michael chatting and tried to listen for Thomas and Katio as well. Maybe the fresh air would do Thomas good.
"What were you doing with the Barians?" Kaito said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I forced him to feel what I was feeling," Thomas replied. Chris glanced back. Thomas' eyes were trained on the ground and Kaito was looking anywhere but Thomas but at least they were talking. "That crystal makes the feel what the people who press against it feel."
"You made him feel your grief?" he murmured. Thomas grunted. "That must be torture."
"It was. I doubt he's ever felt grief in his life. And then he had the pain of knowing his partner was feeling it too."
"Partner?"
"Bonded Barian's feel each other's pain according to your father."
"I see… You know, if you ever need someone to… you know, talk to?"
Ok last bit of Solaris AU for now. Chapter 3 of Between Worlds at the weekend. Have some esteemshipping.
Takashi was stunned when Shingetsu introduced them. He didn't even know why Shingetsu wanted to introduce them, he just grabbed him after class, he got his position back. Shingetsu said it was to celebrate. He'd dragged him to a café and there he was.
Even Takashi knew the moment he saw him he was smitten. The stunning older redhead was sitting at the table, sipping tea, looking bored and tired. He glanced over at them and Takashi froze. His face was gorgeous, soft and handsome. Shingetsu had introduced him as his old friend Thomas and told them he thought they'd get along.
And they had. Thomas was amazing. He was kind and sweet and smiled softly as they chatted. He would complement him and when they duelled he was a great teacher. Takashi met him more and more after school, even without Shingetsu. Thomas would send him flirtatious messages in class- at least Takashi thought they were flirtatious- and he had to fight not to blush. He had totally and utterly fallen for him. And he was starting to think maybe Thomas liked him too.
And then it happened.
He'd been cleaning up after class, heading out passed the gym to avoid anyone that might be around so he could carry on messaging Thomas. Their messages were becoming more and more serious and Takashi was no longer in any doubt that they were flirtatious. Actually, by this point they were beyond flirtatious, they were out right smutty. The equipment shed door was open and there was noise inside. He frowned. It was his job to make sure no one was messing around he supposed.
"That is filthy," came a voice from inside.
"Not romantic at all," came another. Only he knew that one. That was Alit! Why was Alit hanging out in the storage shed? "You can do better than that, Solaris."
"The point isn't to be romantic, Alit." Takashi's blood froze. Thomas. That was Thomas' voice. Why was Thomas with Alit? Why was he calling him Solaris? His breath hitched as Thomas moaned deeply. "Mizael…"
Takashi's cheeks flushed as Thomas moaned again. He knew who Mizael was. He'd put Yuma and Shark in hospital just the other day. He was Kaito's rival. Why were Thomas and Alit near him? Takashi edged closer as a new message popped up on his D-Gazer's screen. His cheeks burned. Not only was it rather graphic- and gosh it really was, but Thomas had been slowly ramping up the vividness of their messages- but that meant the others were reading their messages.
"Will you two stop it," grumbled another voice. "I'm trying to watching TV. It's hard enough with Alit around without you two groping each other."
"Yeah, I thought you two only screwed around for Durbe's entertainment anyway," Alit said. "He's not here, what's going on?"
"If he was here we could let him know we don't need you two watching over us."
Takashi crept forward, glancing through the cracked open door. There were four of them in there. A large second year was watching a TV with that idol on the screen. He was… the one in charge of those sports duels. Alit was drinking a milkshake through a straw, pointedly avoiding looking at the back of the room. Takashi strained and found a blonde sitting on a pile of mats, who he could only assume was Mizael. And sitting against his side, leaning against him, was Thomas. His head was rolled back, leaning on Mizael's shoulder. The blonde's hand was just out of sight, hidden by the way Thomas' legs were drawn up but his arm was moving slightly and Takashi realised, much to his horror, that the Barian likely had his hand between his legs.
It had to be against his will, right? Why would Thomas be sending him dirty messages and letting a Barian touch him intimately at the same time? Obviously the Barians had captured him and Mizael was molesting him, right? Or they'd brainwashed him using that Barian's Force. Had Mizael or one of the others seen him and wanted him enough to force him? It wasn't a pleasant thought but it was better than the alternative… right?
"I would not be here if you didn't need supervision," Mizael hissed. Thomas groaned and closed his eyes, arching his back and Mizael chuckled. "For the record, we get along well enough without Durbe watching over us. He insisted we made the effort to get to know each other properly. And Solaris is merely here visiting, although I will send him back with a report for Durbe."
"No way, I've seen him hanging around for ages now," the second year huffed. "Well before you turned up."
Mizael frowned, his movements stopping, and Thomas whined. "Solaris?"
"Vector sent me," Thomas said.
Takashi's stomach dropped as his suspicions were confirmed. Thomas was a Barian. He wasn't being manipulated, he was working for them. He turned and ran as fast as he could. If he was a Barian, why had Shingetsu introduced them? Had Thomas- no Solaris- always planned to use them to get into Yuma's gang?
Suddenly he slammed into someone and tumbled to the ground. Panic hit him and he scrambled to his feet only to hear a family giggle. "Takashi?"
"Shingetsu?" The panic faded as he found himself gazing at Shingetsu's goofy smile. Then there was movement in the sports hall and a clatter and his heart raced. "Come on, we have to get out of here!"
"Why?" Shingetsu cried as he grabbed him and dragged him away. "What's going on?"
"Barians."
"Barians?! We need to get Yuma and Shark and get them to come help then!"
"We just need to get out of here first. They might have seen me."
"Right, we can hide out at my place."
Takashi nodded and followed Shingetsu back to his house. It was empty and quiet and clean but it looked like he wasn't alone. It looked like there was a second person lived there. Takashi glanced around, realising he actually knew very little about the other boy. He'd been at their school for a while but they didn't know much about him at all. Shingestsu smiled and sat on the settee, patting it for Takashi to sit with him. And he did. No one knew where Shingetsu lived. They should be safe.
"What did you see?"
"It was Alit and that guy from the sports duels and Mizael," Takashi said quietly. "And…" He frowned and lowered his head. "To summarise, Thomas is a Barian." Shingetsu frowned but didn't look surprised. "You knew?!"
Shingetsu got up and Takashi watched in horror as he locked the door. When he turned back to him, his goofy smile was gone and was replaced by a serious scowl. A sudden horrible idea hit him. He said Thomas was an old friend. What if he really was? What if Shingetsu was a Barian too?!
"Yes, I know," he said. His voice had dropped and he was suddenly serious and formal. "You can't tell anyone."
"What's going on?" he said, staggering to his feet. "Why would you introduce him to us if you knew?"
The door unlocked and opened and Thomas- Solaris- stepped in. Takashi's cheeks flushed as Solaris flashed a charming smile only to notice the tension. Shingestsu glanced up at him. "He knows, Solaris."
"Ah…" He smiled weakly then sighed, his own attitude changing to something more serious. "Sorry."
"It's fine," he replied. Takashi frowned as they gazed at him. They were both Barians. "You're going to have to make sure he doesn't tell anyone though."
Solaris glanced at him and Takashi stepped back as he nodded. "Fine."
"You see, we're both Barians," Shingetsu told him, sitting on the settee again. Takashi stared down at him, trying to ignore Solaris stalking around the back of the settee. "We're undercover, you see. Just as there are good Humans and bad Humans, there are good Barians and bad Barians."
"There are?"
"Yes," Solaris muttered. There was something almost bitter in his voice. "Some of the Barian Lords are merciless, cruel creatures who hurt people for their own amusement."
"Ah, and if you don't do as they ask, they'll make you suffer." Solaris and Shingetsu were watching each other and Takashi got the feeling they weren't exactly friends. "Solaris is undercover with the Barian Lords, Takashi. They can be a vile bunch. You've heard the story of the Arclights, right? Did you hear how they took the middle brother and how they tortured him and experimented on him until he died?" Takashi paled at the idea. They were really that cruel? "Before Solaris agreed to work with me, when he was still young, one of the lords trapped him and-"
"Shut up," he hissed. Takashi glanced over at Solaris. There was a wildness in his eyes. Something uncomfortable and scared. "Just stop talking about it."
There was silence for a moment before Shingetsu sighed. "The Lords are the rulers of our world. They're tyrants and anyone who disagrees with them suffers. We're part of a group called the Barian Guardians. We were like a police force, then we were turned into their own private army but we fight still, subtlety. We're trying to protect our people and yours. That's why Solaris is undercover with the lords, and why I'm undercover to protect Yuma."
"So… you're the good guys?" Takashi said. Solaris nodded and Shingetsu smiled slightly. "Then, why can't we tell the others?"
"Because they'll find out," Solaris murmured. He turned and strode up the stairs. "You tell anyone and the lords find out and we'll both be tortured and killed."
Takashi gazed at his back as he disappeared up the stairs. Shingetsu chuckled and watched him for a moment. "You can go after him."
"I… should be going," Takashi stammered, heading towards the door.
Shingetsu chuckled. "We're Barian, but we're not that different from you Humans. I think you like Solaris. And I doubt he'd be messaging you constantly if he wasn't fond of you too."
Takashi gulped. He'd been falling for Thomas hard. But Solaris… He was an alien. He wasn't the person he thought he was. Still, what if he was capable of liking him too? If what they'd said was true, he couldn't turn his back on them, right?
He hesitated for a moment before slowly climbing up the first few steps. Shingetsu was watching with a smile and Takashi couldn't help wonder what his real name was. Shingetsu was a Human name. The Barians seemed to have names he'd never heard of before. They weren't normal names. Shingetsu chuckled and waved him off.
"Go on. He really is Thomas. Far more than I'm Shingetsu."
Takashi decided to ignore that. He didn't want to know how much of this was a cover. He wanted it to just be their names. He climbed the stairs slowly and found Solaris' room, the door half open. Solaris was inside, curled up on the bed. He knocked quietly and stepped in as Solaris sat up. They watched each other silently for a moment before Takashi shut the door and approached, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"So… you were never really Thomas then?"
"No," he muttered. "No. Do you know who Thomas is? He's the Arclight boy. That was his real name. Thomas Arclight. And they tortured him until he died. And I remind everyone of him so when it's useful to them I have to play the part of a dead boy."
"I'm so sorry," Takashi murmured. He reached out cautiously and laid his hands over Solaris'. He flinched slightly and lowered his gaze. "What Shingetsu was saying… one of the Lords… I saw you with Mizael… to summarise, you were abused by one of the Lords?"
Solaris nodded. "That's why I work with Shingetsu… so it never happens again."
"You're so brave."
"No," he laughed bitterly. "I'm a coward." He frowned and tilted his head, slowly taking Takashi's hand and leaning over slightly. "Now… you're going to keep this secret, right?"
"Of course," he replied, nodding quickly. "I wouldn't say a word that would put you in danger. You're my friend whether you're Thomas or not and you're fighting for a god cause and I saw you with Mizael earlier and… in summary, I really like you."
There was a moment of silence before Solaris nodded, leaning over and kissing him softly. It wasn't weird. Takashi had expected sharing his first kiss with an alien would have been weird but it wasn't. It was… normal. Special. He kissed back hesitantly, reaching up to his shoulders and closing his eyes. He'd sent filthy messages in response to Solaris' but he'd never even been kissed before. He'd thought Thomas was special, the kind of person who walked into the lives of romance heroines and swept them away and made first kisses perfect. He'd thought Thomas would be the kind of gentleman who could make his first time amazing. Only Thomas was a dead boy and the person he thought he'd loved was a rebel inside the Barian's inner circle. Now he didn't know what to think.
But it felt right.
Solaris' tongue slipped past his lips and he gave a small moan. It felt so good. He might not have been quite who Takashi thought he was but he certainly made him feel amazing. Before Takashi even realised they were moving, he was lying on his back with Solaris over him, slowly moving his kisses down to his neck. Takashi groaned, pushing his hands into his thick red hair as the older boy sucked softly at his neck.
"S-Solaris…" he whined, arching his back slightly.
"What do you say I make your suggestions reality?" Solaris purred.
Realising what he could be suggesting, Takashi's cheeks flushed. They'd sent some pretty racy things back and forth. He'd been lucky he knew enough about tech to make sure no one could see the messages he'd sent to Thomas. Solaris' hands moved slowly over his body, finding weak spots Takashi didn't know he had, with obviously practised eased. Takashi almost wondered how much abuse Solaris had taken but he quickly pushed those thoughts away.
It was all just so incredible. Solaris knew exactly how to please him, exactly what to do to make him moan and squirm beneath him. Perhaps he was just doing this so that Takashi wouldn't spill their secret- he wouldn't say a word whether Solaris did this or not, he couldn't put him in any kind of danger because Barian or not Takashi was mad about him- but he didn't care. It just felt so good.
"Do you want more?" Solaris murmured.
"Yes," he breathed. "Please."
"As you wish."
Before Takashi could really register what he meant by more, his belt was undone and his clothes were being pulled away. He gazed down at him, completely enchanted by the sight of the older redhead between his legs. He gasped and tossed his head, gripping the sheets tightly as Solaris took his hardened length into his mouth. It was incredible. Everything was a complete blur except Solaris. He'd never even imagined it could be so amazing. He bit his lip, struggling to keep some dignity but it was hard. Solaris barely had to touch him to make him a mess.
Takashi didn't last long at all, and he was actually a little ashamed when he came so soon. But Solaris chuckled and sat up slowly, gazing down at him. They watched each other for a moment before Solaris chuckled and kissed him softly.
"You will keep this secret, won't you?" Solaris murmured.
Takashi sighed, shaken from the bliss. He frowned and gazed up at him, slowly reached up and stroking his cheek. "Of course. But… why not- I mean, why would you- I just-"
He frowned as Solaris chuckled. It was hard to think clearly, he his head was still spinning. It was embarrassing, not being able to say what he wanted. And Solaris just smiled. He got up slowly and straightened out his clothes and all Takashi could do was watch. He was beautiful. He wished Solaris liked him too. He was just going this keep his secret and he'd only been sending him those messages and pretending to be his friend so he could get closer to Yuma under that Barian's orders.
"To summaries, I'd always keep your secret, and I wish you'd done that because you liked me as much as I liked you."
Solaris gazed at him for a moment, looking lost before smiling softly. He looked so confused by the idea of genuine care and affection. Takashi frowned, slowly making himself presentable and moving over to kiss his cheek.
"I don't know how much of Thomas was you and how much was acting but you seem like a good person who's been through some bad things and you shouldn't have to do things you're not comfortable with just to survive." Solaris was staring down at him in silence, twisting the hem of his shirt. "The Barian Lords are using you and Shingetsu's intentions might be for the best but it seems like he's using you too. And I know I don't know you that well and maybe everything you've said and done with me is a lie and you're really nothing like the person I imagine, but I think you're better than that and if you wanted to get away I'm sure Yuma and the others would protect you."
Solaris sighed and shook his head. "I know that, and I'd turn to you guys for help, but they know what my Human form looks like. Shingetsu gets away with it because I'm the only one who's seen him in both forms."
"To summaries, Solaris, I like you. I want you to be safe."
Solaris sighed and nodded and Takashi was stunned when Solaris caught his cheeks and kissed him gently. It was short and sweet and when he was released, Takashi's cheeks flushed, gazing up at him.
"Perhaps once this is over," he murmured, kissing his forehead. "You're a good kid and I like you too. I'm not everything I led you to believe and you should get away while you can. Getting involved in this war will only cause you pain. Go on. Get out of here while you still can."
Takashi sighed and nodded, slowly turning away, heading to the door but he paused and glanced back. "Promise I can see you again?"
"I promise," he replied. "But I can't say when."
Takashi nodded. That was enough. He smiled and turned away, hurrying down the stairs. Shingetsu had vanished but Takashi didn't have time to worry about that. He'd arranged to meet the others and he was already late. They'd already be worrying. He hurried out the door and got away from the house as quickly as he could.
~♥~
"That was rather cute," Vector chuckled. Solaris glanced back at him and shook his head. "Oh please. That cute little speech didn't get to you, did it?"
"He's right though," Solaris snapped. Takashi was surprisingly nice. He'd been led to believe Humans were cruel, useless creatures who cared for nothing but themselves and destroyed their world. They were destroying their world and those around them. To find Takashi actually seeming to genuinely care about him was surprising. "I shouldn't keep letting you do this to me."
Vector's face twisted into a furious snarl. "You misbehave and you will know what will happen."
"I'm done with this," he argued. "He's a good kid and I'm not going to let you use me to hurt them. I get that we need to stop the Astral world but those are innocent kids!"
"Not so innocent anymore," Vector laughed. Solaris glared furiously and opened a porthole. "Where are you going?"
"Home. To Durbe. I'm done playing your games."
"Fine, but you say a word and you know what will happen."
He glared back at him but carried on through the porthole. Merag was just wandering out and Durbe sighed, as if they'd been arguing again. They'd been arguing a lot recently. Often about Nasch. Solaris tried to tell them he suspected it was Ryoga who was Nasch but whenever he was bought up they got very stress and what did he know anyway? He'd never met Nasch. He was just guessing. So he'd given up. Durbe smiled over at him. A crystal chair came over and Durbe sat and Solaris climbed up next to him, leaning on his shoulder.
"Vector's been making me do bad stuff again."
Durbe sighed and rubbed their muzzles together softly. "I'm starting to think letting Mizael hurt him might not be a bad idea."
In which Alit thinks he's going to have Solaris' gemsex virginity. If only didn't ship holypuppet harder.
Solaris was adorable. Even more than IV. He was still fiery and argumentative and headstrong. He had no memories, but it was like being born, he supposed. And if they'd turned IV into a Solaris, perhaps it was like being reborn. After a few days, he was still weak and struggling to form more than a few words at a time. It was adorable. Durbe was still very rather protective of his little experiment and forced Vector to keep his distance. Mizael was practically his bodyguard. And apparently Alit was too excitable to be left too long with him. He remained wrapped in his black robes and hood most of the time although Vector kept trying to convince him to take them off.
Mizael was guarding Solaris' room. Durbe was inside giving him another check-up. Alit wanted to spend time with Solaris. He knew Vector wanted to spend time with him too. They were waiting for Durbe to give the all clear so they could bicker over who got to experiment with him first. Alit didn't see why he had to wait. He'd be gentle and careful. He wouldn't hurt him like Vector would.
When Durbe finally left Solaris' room. Mizael followed and Alit went to sneak in but a large hand fell on his shoulder. He turned to find Gilag glaring down at him.
"This is a mistake, Alit."
"It'll be fine," he replied, patting his arm. "Just keep them distracted."
"Fine, fine."
He slipped down the hall and opened up Solaris' room, sneaking inside and shutting the door within seconds. Solaris was under the bed covers, apparently resting. It was adorable. Alit stepped forwards slowly and sat on the bed, resting a hand on Solaris' side to wake him. Solaris gave a soft groan and his eyes cracked open.
"Good morning, sleepy," Alit teased.
"Morning," Solaris murmured into his pillow. "Finally back?"
"Yes well, Mother Durbe is particularly protective over her little boy," he chuckled. Solaris laughed softly and rolled onto his back. Alit took a moment looking over him, finally without those heavy black robes on. His body was lean but well built, much like he was as a Human, and the gem over his chest and decoration around it took the form and a shield, decorated with a crest. "But, we get to spend time together now."
"Right."
Alit nodded and leant down, pressing their foreheads together. Solaris' eyes closed slightly and Alit matched the expression. Mizael tried to avoid touching Solaris, Vector touched him too much and Gilag didn't seem interested. And he only really seemed to trust Durbe, but Alit considered him a friend. When he'd been IV he'd considered them a little more. He leant in slowly, rubbing their muzzles together slowly. Solaris' eyes widened a little and Alit nuzzles against him softly, trying to encourage him.
And then, finally, Solaris moved back, nuzzling back. At last. Alit gave a small, please hum, playing with his hair as Solaris' fingers touched the outcrops of his face. Solaris was like Vector and Durbe, no mask like features on his face. They nuzzled and rubbed against his each slowly, Alit being careful to treat Solaris with tenderness and care. After all, Durbe would kill him if he hurt him in anyway, and he wanted to prove he wasn't going to get too excitable. He was perfectly capable of keeping control when he wanted to.
His hands slid down Solaris' body, pushing away the covers and resting and hand on one of the gems on Solaris' upper. Solaris hissed and arched slightly, but Alit continued to rub their muzzles together reassuringly. It was better his first time experiencing this was with him. After all, Vector was likely to want to be the first to experiment with this and he tended to get his own way. Vector would be cruel. But Alit would look after Solaris.
He rubbed his palm slowly over the gem and Solaris groaned weakly. He was so cute. His hands moved back up slowly, exploring his body and leaning down to rub his muzzle against the jewel on his shoulder.
Solaris AU vendettashipping for you guys. Happy New Year.
"Thomas."
The Barian stopped in front of him and Chris took a deep breath to steel his nerves. It was a strange feeling. He didn't know whether to believe he could somehow save his brother from the darkness clouding his mind or whether he should give up and accept that this creature was a Barian and he had to fight and free his brother from this hell.
"You don't have to fight with them, Thomas," Chris said softly, holding out his hand. "Please."
"My name is Solaris."
"No. No, it's not. It's Thomas. Your name is Thomas Arclight, you're my little brother."
"I'm Barian," he replied. "Even if that was who I once was… that was a long time ago. It's not me anymore."
"You came to me," Chris argued. "That was you, wasn't it? Durbe brought you to me and I have to believe that's because you wanted your family. You know you belong with us. You're not like them, you don't want this war."
"I doubt how things were for a moment, yes," he said, nodding slightly. Chris let himself smile, stepping forwards slightly and holding out his hands for his brother. "You didn't want me."
"I didn't realise it was you." He hadn't. All he'd seen was Durbe and another Barian. All he knew was that Durbe had shown him to his brother's grave and that a Barian had interrupted. He'd never imagined that it was Thomas. "I'm sorry. If you'd told me it was you, I would have welcomed you home. I promise."
"All you saw was a Barian. You don't love me anymore."
"All I see now is my brother. I always loved you, Thomas. I never stopped loving you. I never stopped hoping you would come home to us one day. To me. When he showed me your grave and told me they'd laid you to rest there… It destroy me, Thomas. It meant you were really gone. That there wasn't hope anymore. That I'd really lost you forever. But you're here now. We've got a second chance."
Thomas shook his head and threw out his arm, his twisted fiery duel disk forming. Chris' heart wrenched. They had to duel. They had to end this. But he'd seen the others lose. He'd seen their lives taken from them. If Thomas lost would he vanish too?
"Thomas, it doesn't have to be like this."
"My name is Solaris!" Thomas cried. "And if you're going to stand between us and our goal then that makes us enemies!"
Chris frowned and glanced at his bracelet, the gem flashing in the strange red light. "What if I stepped aside then?"
"What?"
"What if I stepped aside? What if I allowed you to pass without challenging you?" Chris replied, lifting his gaze to meet Thomas'. "I let you down when I let them take you away, Thomas, and I have hated since that day for not saving you. I can't fight you, Thomas. I can't." Thomas faltered for the first time and Chris smiled and softly, reaching for his hands. "I love you no matter who you are now." His fingers finally closed around Thomas' and he pulled him a little closer, gazing down at the young, scared face, eyes full of tears. "You'll always be my little brother. And I've failed you and let you down and let them take you from us and let your life be taken but… If this is where you think you need to be… Solaris."
Thomas smiled shyly and Chris smiled, leaning down and stroking his cheek. He had to still be in there somewhere. Thomas had come to him. Durbe had brought Thomas to him in their lab. Thomas had tried to make some sort of contact with him. He'd tried to let him know. And Chris had slapped him away and forced him away. There had to be some part of him that was still his lovely sweet little brother.
"It'll be ok," Chris whispered. "If Solaris is who you are now, who you're happy being, then I can't argue with that. I only ever wanted my family to be happy." He smiled and tipped Thomas' chin up slightly, resting their foreheads together. "Solaris?"
"Chris," Solaris breathed, reaching up and gripping his collar tightly. "Chris, I…"
Chris smiled weakly and cupped his cheeks, leaning down and pressing their lips together gently. And as if Solaris didn't understand how wrong it was, or maybe he did and just didn't care as much as Chris didn't care, he kissed him back. It was almost laughable. In the middle of a war that could end with their worlds being destroyed and he was kissing his now alien brother in the middle of the street.
"It'll be ok," Chris whispered running a hand through Solaris' hair. "Soon. Everything will work itself out, one way or another."
Terribly out off schedule but I felt Muse AU MizaKai was needed.
Nothing was working! Kaito sighed and slammed his laptop shut, running a hand through his hair. What was wrong with him?! Nothing was working. He just couldn't get himself together and make this work. He didn't even know why he bothered.
He turned in his chair and went to turn on the TV but there was nothing but darkness on the screen. He groaned. That was why. He needed money. Apparently he was good at this, apparently people would pay well for it. Kaito didn't get it but writing paid the bills. Apparently he was good at it. But this was something else. He'd never written a love story before. There had been romance before but not an outright love story. It just wasn't working.
And then there was his new flatmate. Kaito hadn't actually seen him yet. He'd spoke with his friend Durbe, who was a friend of Ryoga's. And they both said Mizael was a good person; he was tidy, quiet, generally kept to himself and would pay his share. And in the week he'd been there, he'd been quiet and hidden away in his room when he was in and Kaito never saw him come or go just knew that sometimes he was gone.
Sighing, Kaito got up and called the two eldest Arclights. They'd moved out together, because Thomas couldn't be trusted on his own really, and they were where he went for advice.
"Morning, Kaito," came back voices on the other end.
Kaito smiled and set it on loud speaker. "Good morning, angels."
"You watch too many old movies," Thomas laughed
"Only because of your lovely brother," Kaito replied.
"What can we do to you?" Chris said quietly.
"Not much, I'm just struggling to write again," he said quietly. Thomas laughed and Kaito rolled his eyes as he poured out some coffee. Thomas was a fantastic writer and a talented musician and skilful artist. Creativity came easily to Thomas. "Shut up, Thomas. It's hard."
"What's the problem?" Chris said.
"They want me to write another serialised story," he sighed. "But it's supposed to be a romance and I don't know how to write romance."
"Just write you and Chris," Thomas laughed. "He makes a wonderful leading lady."
"Shut up, Thomas," Chris said. "Or at least be serious."
"Alright, alright fine," he muttered. "If you want to write a hot romance you have to find your muse."
"My muse?"
"Uh huh, you know, the thing that makes your writing strong. The person who inspires you."
"Inspires me… Well, that's Haruto. He's always been where my writing comes from."
"You can't write hot steamy romance with Haruto as inspiration," Thomas laughed. Kaito sighed. He knew that. "You need to find someone who stirs lust and need in you. You need someone you want badly. A beauty who not even you can resist."
"Thomas-"
"Is there enough hot water left for me to have some tea?"
Kaito turned slightly. He knew the strange voice could only be his flatmate Mizael but it was interesting to finally see him. He was leaning on the corner of the wall, and the first thing Kaito noticed were his long, elegant bare legs. His gaze moved up slowly, over the loose button down shirt that fell around his upper thighs and was only just long enough to be decent. His face was handsome and defined. His eyes were a beautiful icy blue and his golden blonde hair was pulled up into a mess ponytail, a few wisps falling around his face a framing it perfectly. The pale morning light caught his hair, making it almost glitter as he pushed off the wall and approached slowly. Despite obviously being half asleep, he was graceful and elegant, covering the ground with long, easy strides and a soft sway to his hips.
"I'll call you back," Kaito said quietly, not even giving the Arclights a chance to respond before hanging up.
Mizael flicked his hair from his face with one hand as he leant against the counter, reaching up for a mug. And as he stretched Kaito couldn't help notice the way his shirt rode up, revealing a little more of his thighs and-
Realising exactly where his gaze was going, Kaito turned away, glaring down at his mug, his cheeks burning. Damn it, what was wrong with him? It wasn't like him to be looking at someone he'd just met like this. Thomas' words returned to him hard and he scowled.
"Oi," Mizael snapped. Kaito turned and Mizael was glaring at him, and that was horribly hot. "Is there enough hot water?"
"Probably," he replied. Mizael rolled his eyes and turned away, swirling the kettle before deciding to refill it and boil it again. There was silence for a while and Kaito tried desperately not the think about the glimpses of Mizael's body he'd caught. "It's Mizael, isn't it?"
"You know it is, Kaito," he snapped. Kaito frowned and glanced back to see Mizael pulling down his ponytail. His long golden hair tumbled down past his shoulder and Mizael shook his head, running his fingers through it before pulling it over one shoulder and into a braid. "I have enough people gawking at me at work. I'd rather not be stared at in my own home, thank you."
"Oh, right," Kaito said, turning away quickly.
He didn't mean to stare but it was the first time he'd seen Mizael and he was incredible. He picked up his coffee and return to his laptop, opening it up again and returning to his writing. This was driving him insane. He turned his attention to the rough plan and sighed. Without thinking, he reached for his pen and began scrawling over the plan, changing things all over the place. It made sense. Suddenly all these things made sense when he changed them. He frowned and sat back, sipping his coffee and looking over the new plan. Yes, that definitely looked better.
"What are you doing?" Mizael said, suddenly close to his ear. Kaito jumped and glared up at him. "Well?"
Kaito scowled. "I'm a writer. They're paying me to write a romance."
"So your answer is to this is to delete everything and scribble all over your notes," he said, straightening up and walking away. "That sounds like a smart idea. No wonder you haven't got a proper job."
"I'm getting paid," Kaito snapped. "So I think it counts as a proper job."
"If you say so."
He slumped in the arm chair, his legs over the arm, leaning back and Kaito was far too aware of Mizael watching him. But he ignored his flat mate and got to work. And somehow everything seemed to make sense now. He managed to write easily. It just seemed to flow. A muse. Thomas didn't know what he was talking about. He didn't need a muse, he just needed some coffee.
There was silence for a while and Kaito's writing flowed. The characters were perfect, three dimensional and had chemistry and tension. It really wasn't so hard. He was on a roll. It was just coming so easily. And then they leant in to kiss and-
Kaito frowned and glared at the page, tapping his fingers against the desk. Maybe he just needed more coffee. So he got up to make some more coffee and noticed Mizael was still sitting in the armchair, busy on his phone. As he was waiting for the kettle to boil, he found his gaze moving over Mizael's long, slender legs once more as the other blond kicked them absently in the air. He was gorgeous. He remembered Durbe and Ryoga mentioning he was a model. He definitely looked like one.
"I'll take mine black," Mizael said, holding out his mug. "Two sugars."
"Excuse me?" Kaito snapped.
"I'm sorry, are you death as well as uninspired?" he replied, swinging around and sauntering over, setting his mug on the side. "What's stopping you this time?"
"It's just not working," he muttered, pouring out the water. "I don't know why. It was all fine and suddenly it's stopped working."
Mizael snorted. "That's what you get for having a pseudo job like this. Obviously your mind isn't up to even this pathetic job."
Kaito scowled and glared up at him. He'd be far prettier if he kept his mouth shut. It was a shame when such a good looking person had such a foul attitude. Still, he couldn't waste time focusing on Mizael. He had to write.
"You're writing romance, right?" Mizael said suddenly.
"Yes," Kaito replied stiffly as Mizael smirked. "Why?"
"What do you know about romance?" Kaito scowled and Mizael sneered, moving a little closer. "When was the last time you got laid?"
"That's personal."
"A while then. No wonder you can't write romance."
Kaito pursed his lips and glared at his coffee. "And I suppose you're so perfect?"
"You'll have to find out for yourself," Mizael whispered, suddenly very close, lips brushing his ear. Kaito shivered and turned to glare at Mizael, who gave him an amused, cruel smirk and stalked off again, back down the hall towards the bathroom. Kaito watched him curiously, once again finding his gaze drawn to the way his hips swayed as he walked and those long, elegant legs. "Your book won't write itself, Kaito."
Kaito's eyes widened slightly and he started as Mizael pushed open the door to the bathroom, his shirt dropping to the floor as he vanished into his room again. But for a brief second Kaito to see Mizael in his full glory and very nearly dropped his coffee mug. He swallowed heavily, hearing the shower running and returned to his laptop. Now he had more coffee, it all seem to be working again. The scene spilled onto the page, practically writing itself. He nearly snorted. What did Mizael know about writing? He was just fine on his own.
"Come on, Ryoga," Rio laughed, jumping back when he jumped for her. She smiled and waved the card in front of him before jumping back again when he went for it again. "You're too slow, Ryoga."
She laughed and ran off down the hall with Ryoga on her heels. On their thirteenth birthday, they'd received a token gift from every other child in the orphanage, although Ryoga suspected one of his gifts wasn't honestly from who it said it was. But there was a card that came in the post, addressed to him alone in handwriting he didn't recognise. And Rio had snatched it away, teasing him about him getting mysterious cards, probably from girls.
They swung around a corner and smacked straight into Ryoga's roommate, Thomas. He scowled down at them and Ryoga put himself between him and Rio. While she was normally the more forward of the pair, there was something about Thomas that riled Ryoga.
"Thomas," Michael said quietly, appearing behind him.
"Come on, Michael," Thomas said.
He pushed past and carried on down the hall, much to Ryoga's surprise. Normally, Thomas couldn't wait to argue with Ryoga. Perhaps it was just because it was their birthday. Or perhaps there was something wrong with him, maybe he was sick. Ryoga hoped not, when Thomas was sick, he ended up whining a lot and as his roommate Ryoga had to listen to it. It couldn't have been the letter clasped in his hand. Their brother Chris had written to them dutifully every week and Ryoga knew they wrote back without fail. It always cheered them up, it made Thomas' attitude worse than normal. Chris' letters would only ever serve to cheer him up not put that dull look in his eyes.
Thomas was a few years older than them, and would be leaving soon. He kept saying he would walk out on his sixteenth birthday and taking Michael with him so they could go and help their brother with his search for their father. At least there was still some hope their father was out there.
Realising Rio was as distracted as he was, Ryoga took the opportunity to snatch to card from her a hurry into his room. Once safely on his bed, he opened it up, hoping to figure out who it was from but inside was just a plain generic birthday card. Inside there was that unfamiliar writing again. Just a simple greeting and wishing him happy birthday and nothing more. No name or signature or indication of who it was who sent it.
But what was more important was what fell from the card. A playing card. He frowned and picked it up slowly and his eyes widened. Aero-Shark. He'd been after this for so long. He kept staring at it in the shop window but he couldn't afford it, not on the allowance the orphanage gave him. Someone had known and someone had bought it for him? Rio took the birthday card from him and looked over it slowly.
"Who sent it?" Rio said quietly.
"No idea," he replied.
"And why didn't I get one?"
"I don't know, I don't know who sent it."
Ryoga was puzzling over the card all day at school and Ryoga was still no closer to the truth. It was distracting him from his homework when they were all in the study together. He didn't know who could be sending him expense XYZ cards.
"I know you aren't bright, Ryoga, but those are basic sums," Thomas sneering, suddenly leaning over his shoulder and making Ryoga jump. Laughing cruelly, Thomas leant his chin on his shoulder and glanced down at the card in his hand. "Oh? You finally saved up enough for your precious shark?"
"Get lost, Thomas, it was a birthday present," Ryoga snapped, shoving him away.
Thomas laughed. "From who?"
"I… I don't know." He frowned and held the card tightly. "There was no name."
"Some secret admirer," Thomas laughed. Ryoga clenched his fists and turned to glare up at him. "Some poor misguided girl who thinks she can win over your cold lonely heart?"
"Shut up, Thomas."
"We can't have that, can we?" he muttered.
Ryoga scowled. "What are you talking about?"
Thomas laughed for a moment and next thing Ryoga knew Thomas' hands fell on his shoulders and his soft warm lips were pressed to his. Ryoga was stunned. He thought Thomas hated him. And he could hear the others in the study murmuring and already starting to gossip, and it only got worse when Ryoga's trembling hand lifted and gripped his collar as he kissed back. And Thomas pushed him back in his seat. Ryoga's mind was spinning. Thomas' tongue tasted of cinnamon and his skin was so warm- Thomas had always been warm and fiery and apparently that meant everything about him. He was obviously far more experienced than him and Ryoga tried to keep up but it was a lot to take in. And finally Thomas drew away, sneering down at him and before Ryoga could register much else, Thomas was whispering in his ear.
"You're always going to be mine, little Shark. No one here's going to touch you now they know you're mine."
He laughed and strode off, calling to Michael to hurry up. And, of course, Michael hurried after him, leaving a stunned Ryoga behind to try and figure out what the hell had just happened. Had Thomas just kissed him just to stop whoever gave him that card getting any ideas? Just to keep anyone from taking an interest in him? Was Thomas that dead set on ruining his life?
Thomas was right though. Everyone but Rio avoided Ryoga from then on. Ryoga was fuming. Did they Thomas honestly think he was going to put up with this? He was going to kill him for this.
"Thomas!" he yelled, bursting into their room after dinner. He'd not been seen since their kiss in the study. "What the hell did you think you were- Thomas?" The room was empty. Ryoga scowled. Thomas' bed had been stripped and the sheets were in a pile at the foot of the bed. "Thomas?"
He threw open the wardrobe doors. Thomas' clothes were gone. All his pictures had vanished from his desk, and all his mess had vanished. Had Thomas moved rooms? It wasn't unheard of and the brothers desperately wanted to be in the same room. Perhaps he'd worked his way into a trade and was going to be in with Michael now.
Only, when Ryoga checked all the other rooms, Michael was gone too. There was no sign of the Arclight brothers anywhere. Or their things. The front door shut down below and Ryoga frowned, leaning over the railings to investigate. There was a young man there in a black rain coat and long, flowing silvery blue hair. He frowned and the man ran his hand through his hair, talking to the owner of the orphanage. He looked familiar. Ryoga was sure he'd seen him before.
He scowled and returned to his room. Where had Thomas and Michael got to? Ryoga sat silently on his bed, looking at Thomas' empty bed, his fingers brushing his lips. The taste of cinnamon still lingered. The tingle of Thomas' lips against his, the heat of skin on skin contact, his heart pounding… Whatever reason for it, Thomas' kiss had changed everything. Where had he gone? They might not have liked each other but the room felt lonely without him.
And then he spotted it. There were papers in the bin. Ryoga frowned and went over slowly, picking up the papers and setting them on his desk. They were letters. His letters from Chris. They were loving and kind words, always. Reassuring him and helping him through, always promising to Thomas that he was nearly there, that he could find their father soon and Thomas had to just behave a little longer.
And perhaps it was wrong to go through Thomas' private letters between him and his brother but Thomas shouldn't have left them in the bin. There was a new subject and apparently Michael had mentioned Thomas had a crush on someone. Ryoga smiled slightly. Thomas was only human after all. And then something else hit. The writing.
He hurried back to his bed and picked up his birthday card and setting it on the desk next to Chris' letters. The writing was the same. That… that didn't make any sense. Why would Thomas' older brother, who he'd never even met, send him a birthday card with an expensive card he desperately wanted inside? Unless…
He turned to the last letter Thomas received. Today's letter. He scanned it quickly and scowled at it. Thomas had asked Chris to get a card and Chris had done as Thomas asked and sent it in the birthday card. The card was from Thomas? Chris had even made a point that it was coming out of the money he'd saved for him. Thomas gave him Aero-Shark but hadn't wanted Ryoga to know? Why had he wanted to send it to him anonymously? If he wanted to give him a gift, why not just give it to him? Thomas just couldn't do anything simply, could he?
He frowned and continued to read through the letter quickly for any clues. It switched back to Thomas' crush and how he should just… Ryoga's fingers pressed to his lips once more. Chris suggested he just kissed him and be done with it, that Thomas would figure out how he felt pretty quickly. "It's now or never Thomas" the letter said. It was him? Was that why Thomas had kissed him and why he'd given him Aero-Shark? Because he liked him? Then why had he been so mean? And where was he?
"I'm coming to get you after dinner. Be ready, I want to get home by the time it gets dark. Father doesn't have much strength."
Father? Their missing father? Chris had found him? And Chris was coming to get them? His heart pounded as he realised he recognised the young man in the entrance hall from the photos Thomas used to have on his shelf. That was Chris. He was here for Thomas and Michael. That was where their stuff had gone. That was where they had gone. Thomas and Michael were leaving.
He hurried out of his room as the front door shut again. He couldn't let Thomas go without explaining this? He had to know exactly what was going on. Thomas had to explain this. Rio called to him but he ran down the stairs without stopping and pulled open the front door, staring out into the storm. There was a car a little way off and Chris was there, holding an umbrella over the open door as Thomas climbed in with his bag.
"Thomas!" Chris glanced at him and Thomas paused only to be pushed into the car by his older brother. He stepped out into the rain but the car door slammed and Chris got into the driver's seat. "Thomas!"
Thomas glanced at him and his hand pressed against the steamy glass window. For a moment Thomas actually seemed sad to be leaving before his eyes hardened and became emotionless. His hand moved from the window and he turned his gaze to the seat in front of him as the car pulled away.
"Ryoga?" Rio said quietly from the doorway. "Are you ok?"
"I don't understand," Ryoga said, staring after the car.
"Ryoga," she said, gently taking his arm and pulling him back inside. He frowned and the owner of the home wrapped a towel around his shoulders. "I thought you and Thomas hated each other, what's wrong?"
"He gave me Aero-Shark," he muttered. "And he kissed me and I don't understand what he…"
"Thomas left this for you, Ryoga," one of the older boys said, handing him an envelope.
Ryoga frowned and opened it slowly. Inside was a folded piece of paper and an invitation to a duelling tournament. He recognised the name. Everyone had been super excited because Thomas had been sent an invitation. It was one of the most prestigious tournaments for kids their age. Why had Thomas left this for him? He frowned and turned to the note.
"If you don't meet me in the finals I want my card back."
Your AUs are amazing! How did you learn to write so well?
Oh gosh thank you.
Umm, I don't really know. I'm not sure I write all that well yet but ok. Definitely lots and lots of practice. Like everything I'm afraid. I spend nearly all day every day writing in some form or another and I look back at things I wrote last year/early this year and still cringe at how terrible they are. Lots of mistakes. I make a lot of mistakes and write terrible things. And lots and lots of encouragement from friends.I think I'd have given up a long time ago if it wasn't gor all the encouragement from my friends.
In which we get tiny broken little Arclights, especially Thomas, and Vector just makes it worse.
"Tommy," Michael murmured, dabbing disinfectant on his big brother's scrapes and wounds. "I'm sure if Chris knew what was going on he'd-"
"We don't need him," Tommy snapped, flinching away from his touch. Michael sighed and gently dabbed more disinfectant against the cut on his shoulder. He was so insistent on fighting and forgetting Chris. The past few visits, Tommy had refused to see Chris and had forced Michael to promise not to tell him anything. "He doesn't care about us."
Michael sighed. It was the least he could do to fix up his brother. They'd been in the orphanage for nearly six months and Tommy protected him all the time. It wasn't a nice place, no matter how good it looked. The kids were bullies and Tommy fought with them all the time only to be punished by the carers. He only fought with them to protect Michael. And he always refused to tell Chris about any of it.
Tommy was mad a Chris. Michael wished he could make things better between his big brothers but he couldn't figure out how. Tommy thought Chris had abandoned them. Michael was sure he hadn't. He was looking for answers about their father. And it wasn't like he could look after them. He was lucky Dr Faker had given him a home or he'd be stuck there with them.
"He's coming to see us again today," Michael said quietly. Tommy stiffened. "Please come and see him?"
"No."
Michael sighed. Maybe one day Tommy would calm down and be comfortable with Chris again. Time was a great healer, right? A carer strode in and pulled Michael from the bed, throwing some clothes at him, demanding he dressed. Tommy was glared at and a moment later, his best clothes were dumped on him too, despite his insistence he wasn't going to see his brother.
"You're going with him," she snapped. Michael gazed up at her in wonder and Tommy frowned and she sighed. "Your brother and the doctor are coming to take you away."
"He's… taking us away?" Tommy said quietly. "He's taking us home?"
"I don't know where he's taking you," she replied. "So pack up and get ready to go."
Michael hadn't seen Tommy move so fast in a long time. It barely took an hour before he was entirely packed and ready to go. Michael tried to keep up but Tommy had two speeds; can't be bothered and faster than a duel disk's auto-shuffle.
And then there was a knock on the front door and Tommy shot out the room. Michael was on his heels. He leant over the railings and Michael struggled to stretch high enough to see over the rail with him. So he settled for crouching down and gazing between the spindles. It was Chris and Dr Faker. Tommy was grinning.
Chris lifted his head and his gaze settled on Tommy, a soft smile spreading across his lips. Tommy' grin faded and Michael frowned as Chris' did too.
"Is it true?" Tommy said quietly. "Are you taking us away?"
"Yes," Chris said, nodding slightly. "We have all the answers now. It's safe for you two to stay with us as well."
There was silence for a moment before Tommy pushed off the railings and ran down the stairs, throwing his arms around Chris and holding him tightly. Chris smiled and held him back as Michael climbed down the stairs after him. Tommy' refusal to see him had hurt Chris, Michael saw it every time he visited. He'd wait in hope that Tommy would change his mind and just let him catch a glimpse of him, just to know he was alright. But Tommy had always refused to be seen. Even when he'd been duelling, he refused to acknowledge Chris had been there to see him. So Michael didn't mind staying back and letting them hang onto each other. Perhaps Tommy was finally going to forgive Chris, maybe he'd understand Chris had no choice, he hadn't wanted to leave them.
"I missed you," Chris whispered, stroking his hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't want to leave you, please understand that."
"Just don't leave us again," Tommy demanded. "Don't ever leave us again."
"I won't, Tommy," Chris whispered, hugging his tightly. "I won't. You're coming home with me and Dr Faker is going to look after us. We'll have a home again, and we'll be together. I won't let you go again."
Tommy nodded weakly and buried his head in Chris' shoulder. Michael smiled. Chris had always looked after them, no matter how young they were. Their father had to work so Chris looked after them. Chris lifted his head and smiled, holding out a hand to Michael. He jumped at the offer, grasping his hand and being pulling into the hug, holding his big brothers tightly. They were going to be a family again.
After a while, Dr Faker cleared his throat and they turned to him. The carer had already brought down what few possessions they had and Chris smiled down at them.
"Are you ready to go then?" Chris said with a soft smile.
The pair nodded and grabbed their bags, following Chris and Dr Faker out into the storm where one of Heartlands helicopters was waiting. Tommy had always thought that Chris sending them so far away was more proof he didn't want them anymore, but Michael always believed it was because he thought it was the best place for them. Chris would never have abandoned them. He only ever wanted to protect them.
Inside, Chris wrapped them in new warm coats and handed them each a mug of hot cocoa. Tommy was watching him suspiciously but Michael drank happily. They were going to be a family again but Tommy seemed far more suspicious. Not that Michael expected anything less. He was always suspicious and the orphanage had made things worse.
"I want you two to know that we think we know what happened to Father." Their heads snapped up and Tommy gripped his mug tighter. Chris sighed. "He's not coming back."
"What do you mean he's not going back?" Michael whispered, his lip wobbling slightly.
"You said he was just missing!" Tommy snapped. "He's just missing, remember?! Like Mr Kazuma! That's what you said, Chris! You promised!"
"I'm sorry," Chris said, lowering his head.
"You promised!" he yelled, tears dripping down his cheeks. "You promised he'd come home! You promised you'd find him!"
"Chris…" Michael whimpered, closing his eyes tightly.
He couldn't be telling them what it sounded like. He couldn't be saying their father was gone. He couldn't be dead. People didn't just go missing and die. They died in their sleep. They were supposed to be with their families when they died. The only exception was when they died like heroes like on TV. And no one stayed dead when that happened.
"I'm sorry," Chris said again. His voice was soft and weak and Michael opened his eyes to see Chris struggling with his own tears. "I'm so sorry, you two. I tried. I tried so hard to find him."
"You lied to us," Tommy hissed.
"No," he said quickly. "Tommy, I didn't-"
"You promised you'd find him and now you're telling us he's gone! You broke your promise! You lied!"
Michael closed his eyes again, whimpering and hanging onto his mug, trying to keep himself from crying. He didn't want to cry. Tommy always said he was a cry baby so he wouldn't cry no matter how his chest was bursting. He almost sobbed but he bit it back only to hear a chocked out sob from Tommy.
"I'm sorry, boys," Dr Faker said. Michael opened his burning eyes and looked up at his blurry shape. Tommy and Chris were on the floor, Tommy struggling against Chris' hold as he cried. All Chris could do was hold him and stroke his hair and try to calm him. "I know it hurts but if there's anything I can do to help you through this difficult time-"
"Why do you get to survive and not them?!" Tommy cried.
"Shhh, Tommy," Chris murmured. "It's not Dr Faker's fault. He's being kind to take us in."
"More likely he's just feeling guilty!"
"Stop it."
"It's alright, Christopher," Dr Faker said, shaking his head. "He's allowed to be angry. It's part of the natural process."
Chris sighed and closed his eyes, holding Tommy tightly to stop him lashing out. It was how Tommy dealt with things. He made other people hurt and right now Chris and Dr Faker were the focus of his rage. Michael curled up in the corner whimpering softly. It was all he could do. Dr Faker joined him, gently putting a hand on his shoulder. Before Michael could think to stop himself, he leant over, clinging to Dr Faker and burying his head in his chest. Anything just for a little bit of comfort. They'd believed Chris could help their father. Even when Tommy believed they'd been abandoned, he'd hung onto the belief that Chris would find their father and bring him home to them.
When they landed at Heartland Tower, Kaito and Haruto were waiting just inside the doors, sheltering from the storm. Haruto went to greet them as they walked down the ramp but Kaito held him back. Chris was still holding Tommy tightly, holding his hand as the led them through the rain. Michael hurried after them and caught Chris' other hand with Dr Faker following just behind. There were robot assistants to bring their bags. Kaito smiled weakly but his smile quickly vanished when he noticed their pain.
"Orbital is watching the creatures," Kaito informed his father, sounding incredibly awkward.
Dr Faker nodded. "Good. You remember Thomas and Michael."
"Of course," he said, nodding slightly. "I'm glad you're going to be here with us now."
"Me too," Haruto said, hanging onto Kaito's arm. "Now I have loads of big brothers."
Tommy glared down at him and Haruto hid behind Kaito a little. Michael sighed and forced a small smile, brushing his damp cheeks and releasing Chris' hand. He took a step forward, crouching down to Haruto's height.
"I've always wanted a little brother." Haruto smiled and stepped out from behind Kaito. He was so pale and fragile but he was smiling. He reached up and brushed Michael's cheeks with his tiny hands and Michael could only smile, taking his hands in his. "You have to forgive Tommy. He's upset."
"Why? Doesn't he want to be here?"
"Our father is dead," Tommy hissed.
Chris frowned and tugged him along, away into the tower. Haruto watched Tommy silently and Dr Faker sighed. "It will take time, Haruto. Don't worry. He's hurting."
"When Tommy is hurting, he likes to lash out," Michael explained softly. "It helps him to feel better to hurt other people too. He'll get better though."
Haruto nodded. "Will seeing the Barians help?"
"Barians?"
"How do you know about them?" Dr Faker said, folding his arms. Haruto smiled up at him. "Haruto?"
"They know why I'm sick, right?"
"They do," he said slowly. "But that doesn't explain how you know about them."
"And Chris blames them for Byron and Kazuma."
"What are Barians?" Michael said, gazing up at them.
Kaito frowned and glanced at Dr Faker who sighed and nodded. "Go and find your brothers, Michael. Tell Chris to bring you along once you're settled."
Michael frowned but nodded, then offered Haruto his hand. "Want to come with me, Haruto? We'll see if we can get Tommy to be nice for a bit."
Haruto nodded and took Michael's hand, letting him lead him down the hall. Kaito was a few steps behind. Tommy wouldn't be too harsh on Haruto, Michael was sure of it, but he knew Kaito would want to protect him. He didn't blame Tommy for being angry or hurt but Dr Faker was being kind, taking them in like this. He had Kaito, who wasn't the best behaved boy, and Haruto was sick, taking on the antisocial Tommy and him and Chris was almost saintly. He had so many troubles with his own family, no one expected him to take on theirs as well but he was. And Tommy was grateful too. He knew Tommy was, he was just too hurt to show it.
Chris was setting up Tommy in one of the bedrooms, not that Tommy was cooperating. He was sitting on the bed, knees drawn to his chest and just hugging himself. Apparently the anger had faded and he'd fallen into shock. Michael sighed and gently helped Haruto up onto the bed with Tommy. He hadn't seen Tommy so withdrawn in a long time.
"Your room will be next door, Michael," Chris said.
Michael nodded and Haruto tugged on Tommy's sleeve. When Tommy looked up, Haruto was holding out a paper bag. Tommy frowned and Kaito took a step forwards but Chris shot him a glance and shook his head. Tommy could snap, but he was a good big brother, he was good with kids.
"It's magic caramel," Haruto said. Tommy frowned and Haruto shook the bag. "It'll make you feel better. Kaito told me so."
Tommy gazed at him for a moment before he sighed and took a caramel from the bag, munching on it slowly. And after a moment, he gave a small smile and Haruto beamed, moving over and gently leaning against his side, resting a tiny hand over Tommy'.
"You're family now," Haruto told him. "So we won't let you be sad."
Chris smiled and Tommy nodded weakly. Michael watched quietly as Haruto did his best to comfort Tommy. After a while, Chris came over and guided him away to his own room helping him set up his things.
"Things will get better, Michael," Chris said quietly.
Michael smiled and nodded. "Of course they will. We're with you now. And we're out of that awful place."
"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."
"You didn't see Tommy being bruised and beaten."
Chris froze. "He…"
"He kept getting into fights because he wouldn't back down," Michael said quietly. "Because he couldn't just sit there and accept how cruel they were. He always protected me."
"You should have told me," Chris snapped. Michael flinched back and Chris sighed. "I'm sorry. It's just… if I'd known I could have done something."
"I know, he just didn't want you to know, you know what he's like," he murmured.
"I suppose," he said, sitting on the bed.
He patted the sheets next to him and Michael walked over, sitting next to him and letting Chris hold him tightly. Tommy might have wanted to lash out but Michael needed comfort. He'd missed their father for so long and now knowing that he was never going to come home…
All the barriers came crashing down and he gave up. Tommy wasn't here to call him a cry baby so it didn't matter. He closed his eyes tightly, sobbing into Chris' chest until his sides hurt, his throat was raw and his eyes burned. Their father was gone and he was never coming back. Chris held him tightly, gently rubbing his back and murmuring to him softly. He needed this comfort. He needed his brothers to protect him but he didn't want to put his burdens on Tommy. He needed to be strong and support Tommy too.
"I'm sorry, Chris," Michael whispered. "I need to be stronger."
"It's alright," Chris replied with a smile. "We're not supposed to go through this stuff at our age. You're a kid. You're allowed to cry."
"You're a kid too," he said, gazing up at him.
Chris smiled and nodded. "I've cried. I've been hurt. But you two need me to be strong now."
"What happened to him?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll have answers soon."
~♥~
Faker strode into the monitoring station and found Orbital watching the screens. The bio monitors showed normal signs from most of the Barians, and most were in their private back rooms, sleeping. He'd watched them until late last night, watching them struggling with their situation.
Vector had been more aggravated than the others and that wound up Mizael which in turn got Alit and Gilag worked up into states. Not even Durbe could calm the situation. It was only when Nasch had stormed out and demanded they all shut up and sleep that the situation began to unwind. Mizael and Vector had remained in the front rooms until Nasch reassured Mizael he'd keep guard for a while and he could rest.
Vector and Nasch had all but ignored each other. Nasch had sat on his bunk and Vector had been on the floor, slumped against the front pane of glass. And that was the way things had been when Faker had returned the next morning. He'd sent Orbital down that morning to slip a bottle into each cell. It was a basic mix of water and nutritional supplements, he wasn't sure yet if their bodies could handle Human food but Faker didn't want his research subject becoming ill.
That was when things had changed. Vector had lashed out at Orbital and while he couldn't do any damage, he'd been punished. The bracelets around his wrists flooded his body with the same energy as the containment field and he'd fallen to the floor in pain. And that was the moment Nasch had changed, getting up from his bunk and slamming his fists against the glass, calling to Vector, wearing the same look as Durbe had when Mizael had been in pain.
Faker began to wonder just what the relationship between the Barian King and his second in command was. He had been upset by Mizael's pain but not to the same level. This level of distress matched Durbe's. Was it possible they had two pairs? It would be an interesting thing to study. No one had alien creatures to study and he had seven, including one obvious pair and perhaps a second.
That had been hours ago and Vector had since recovered from his shock. He remained against the front wall, leaning his head back against the glass, his eyes closed and his arms wrapped around himself. Nasch had grabbed a pillow from his bed and was sitting in the corner closest to Vector. There were solid walls rather than glass between them, since they were corner cells. They weren't speaking, but there was obviously something going on without words being needed. The others were resting, but those two seemed incapable of it.
"What do you make of them, Orbital?" Faker said, watching the screens. If he hadn't been able to see the seconds ticking by on the time stamp he would have thought the feed had frozen since both were perfectly still. "Objectively? What's your opinion?"
"In Human terms, perhaps a recently separated couple," Orbital replied. "However, we have no information on how Barians act."
Faker nodded. These were moments when he wished Byron was still here and his help wasn't a thirteen year old. He'd have to figure things out on his own. Or perhaps the teens were what he needed.to figure them out. Teens had an unhealthy obsession with romance.
"I'm sorry, ok?" Vector hissed.
Nasch adjusted his pillow and tilted his head back. "For what?"
"Trying to kill you."
"Only took you three years," Nasch snorted.
He closed his eyes and stretched his arms above his head. Faker frowned, watching the bio signs begin to spike and change. While all overs remained at normal levels, Vector and Nasch were showing signs of stress. And so was Merag, although she appeared to still be sleeping. Vector had tried to kill Nasch? Nothing about their relationship seemed to make sense. They seemed like a bonded pair, there were many parallels between their relationship and that of Durbe and Mizael, and there must have been a reason Nasch allowed Vector's constant disrespect. But Vector trying to kill Nasch was something else. Why was Vector still serving at Nasch's side, as one of his two closest confidants, after trying to kill him?
"But you know that's not what I'm mad about."
"I won't apologise for something I don't regret," Vector snapped.
"But you should regret it!" Nasch snarled.
"I don’t! I won't apologise for what she made me do!"
"You did this, Vector! You made this mess, no one else!"
He sighed and shook his head. There was an awkward uncomfortable silence and Faker watched as his the heart rates eased slightly and breathing slowed but they didn't return to normal. There was something between them. They weren't a pair like Mizael and Durbe but they were something.
"Why can't you see what you've done?"
"I watched you fall apart," Vector laughed bitterly. "Over her."
"Yeah, and you enjoyed it," Nasch hissed. "You enjoyed watching me like that. And you expected me to just forgive you?"
"I did it for you," he chuckled. Nasch glared at him and Vector sneered. "I am sorry for trying to kill you. I lost my temper. Nearly losing you was…" Vector let out a frustrated grunt and slammed a fist back against the glass. "I hate that you do this to me!"
Nasch sighed and tapped the glass. Vector seemed to understand without a word and crawled over, sitting in the corner, as close as they could get. Faker frowned, switching cameras to watch them better. Barians seemed to enjoy close contact. Mizael and Durbe stayed close to each other with the glass between them. Being separated more awkwardly, this pair found it harder but they were as close as they could be. But they didn't look at each other. Their backs were against the corners. It was strange. Like they longed for contact but wouldn't acknowledge it.
"You look good as a Human," Vector muttered.
"Thanks…" Nasch said, playing with the hem of his shirt. "You too."
"You want me to take responsibility for the kids' father?"
"You're the best option," he muttered. "No one else would be believable. Will you do it?"
Vector laughed. "And watch them break and fall into despair? You know how to give me what I like, my king. It would be my greatest pleasure."
The door open and Faker muted the feed. The last thing he needed was for Chris and the others to hear the pair discussing Byron. Chris came in, leading Thomas still, but at least the little redhead looked calmer now. Michael and Kaito were on either side of Haruto, holding his hand and following quietly behind them. Chris' gaze touched the screens.
"How are they?" Chris murmured.
"Mostly resting," Faker replied. "I sent Orbital down to deliver their nurturance drinks this morning and Vector got aggressive but nothing to worry about. They seem calm enough now."
"Why are you keeping a bunch of kids prisoner?" Thomas muttered, clinging onto Chris' arm.
"They only look Human," Kaito said, folding his arms.
"They're Barians," Haruto said, gazing up at Michael proudly.
The two boys looked lost. Faker nodded slightly. "The work I was doing with Byron and Kazuma was to open the doors to another world. The Barian world. We succeeded."
"They're aliens," Thomas breathed, his eyes widening. Faker nodded. "And they know what happened to Father?"
"They're what happened to your father," Faker replied. Thomas' grip on Chris visibly tightened. "They murdered your father and Kazuma."
"We don't know that yet," Chris whispered.
Faker frowned. "Then let's go talk to them."
They nodded and Chris took Michael's hand gently as the group went down to containment cells. By the time the security doors pulled back, all seven Barians were up in the front rooms. Some looked bleary and tired and Mizael had obviously woken up already in a bad mood, but they were all awake and ready to face Faker.
Nasch's gaze moved to Chris straight away and then down to his younger brothers, a soft smile coming to his lips. Vector turned and walked away, sitting on his bunk as Chris approached Nasch. Haruto was watching Merag, who'd crouched and was talking quietly to him. They'd always been fond of each other. She was the most obviously caring of the bunch.
"Do you have an answer for me?" Chris said quietly. "For my brothers?"
"I'm afraid so," Nasch replied softly. He sighed and smiled sadly. "It seems one of my companions was responsible for your father's death."
"No way!" Alit called, punching the glass. "We didn't do it, Nasch! You haven't even asked us about it!"
"I didn't ask you because I knew you weren't responsible, Alit," he snapped.
Alit frowned and stepped back as Mizael scowled, glaring at Vector. "You."
"Vector," Durbe said with a sigh, adjusting his glasses. "Why would you be so stupid?"
Thomas tugged away from Chris and stood in front of the glass, watching Vector. And Vector seemed almost curious. He got off his bunk and moved over to the glass, smirking down at the youngster.
"Because I could," Vector said, with not a hint of remorse, even fake remorse. Almost pride. "Because it was fun. You should have heard them scream. Our world is a nasty place for you lot but when I was done they were begging for mercy."
There was fury and pain in Chris' eyes and Michael whimpered, burying his head in Chris' middle, begging him to stop. Even Kaito and the other Barians looked disturbed. But not Thomas. Thomas just watched Vector, his face completely blank, eyes cold and hard. Faker had never seen little Thomas like that. The boy was usually the first to let his emotions show, normally in some destructive or disruptive display.
"You should have seen it, kid," Vector laughed. "He was a mess and he tried to hang on, because he wanted to get back to his brats. What a waste. Why would he want to get back to lot?" He chuckled and banged his hands on the glass, making Thomas jump back slightly. And that just made Vector cackle even more. "What would he want with you? I mean, big brother's smart but kind of uptight, and obviously there are daddy worship issues. Little Tiny over there is cute but let's face it he's not much of interest and probably just ran around needing his poor dad's help with his big nasty brothers because he couldn't keep up with them." He paused and Thomas just continued watching him blankly. "And you…. Did he never tell you he was proud of you? Is that why you have so many problems? I can just see it in your eyes, kid, you're a mess. I bet you get into fights and I bet you're the best at everything you do but it's never enough is it? And now he's gone it was all pointless. You were always a disgrace."
Suddenly, Thomas' entire demeanour changed again. He slammed his hands against the glass and Vector jerked back. Thomas' eyes flashed and his face twisted into a sneer. Chris frowned and stepped forwards, reaching out a hand to his shoulder but Thomas slapped him away.
"You are going to suffer," Thomas hissed. Vector laughed. "I will make you suffer. I will make you beg like he did and watch you break like he did. I don't care what it takes. I'll make you pay!"
Chris pulled him away by the back of his collar and wrapped him in his arms with Michael, but Thomas continued to glare at Vector just sneered back. "Well, little boy, I look forward to it."
Durbe had hidden Solaris away in his chambers with Mizael guarding him. This was not the time for Solaris' tantrums or talk of his past as a human apparently. So he sat on his bed, waiting silently as Mizael paced. Durbe had said Nasch was returning. No wonder Merag had been so worked up. He wondered if it was true. If he'd been right thinking that Nasch and Ryoga were one and the same.
After what felt like hours, the door slid open and Alit was there. "Come on, Solaris. Time to meet the King."
Solaris nodded slowly and he and Mizael followed Alit through the halls to the throne room. Merag was next to the throne, and a Barian Solaris could only imagine was Nasch was on the throne. Mizael nudged Solaris down onto his knees at the bottom of the steps. Nasch stood from the throne slowly and Solaris gazed up at him, trying not to worry about what Nasch would make of him.
"It's been a long time, Mizael," Nasch murmured. Mizael bowed his head slightly before Nasch's gaze fell on Solaris. "Come up here."
Alit helped Solaris up to his feet and he climbed the stairs slowly, stopping a few steps below the throne. Meraga watched him kindly and Nasch stepped down out from the swords, letting Solaris see him. He was mostly purples and blues, one eye red and one blue. Solaris took a deep breath, watching him carefully.
"Don't be afraid of me," Nasch said quietly. "I am the Barian King, and you are a Barian."
"I was human," Solaris whispered.
Nasch nodded, laying a hand on his cheek. "We were all human once."
Solaris nodded slightly, a little reassured by Nasch's acceptance. There was silence for a moment and he could head the others murmuring, especially Vector. There was silence for a while as Nasch inspected him. Solaris wondered if this was as strange for him as it was for Solaris. They had seen each other a few times. Always on opposite sides of the war.
"Everyone leave us," Nasch said suddenly. Solaris glanced around as the others murmured but eventually left them together. Merag patted his shoulder as he passed and Solaris stood frozen as Nasch sat on his throne once more. "IV…"
"Solaris," he murmured. "I know I was IV once but… I can't go back. I like it here really. They're my friends."
"Have you ever tried it there?"
"I- when I first remembered, I went back to the old house," Solaris said quietly. "Durbe explained and took me to see V. He's my big brother, apparently. I didn't… know him. He took us to my grave and I tried to tell him who I was but all he saw was that I was Barian."
Nasch nodded and gestured to the throne. After a moment of silence, Solaris sat with him and Nasch tilted his head slightly. "You shouldn't be ashamed of what you are. I tried to fight it. I tried not to accept what I was. But I'm a Barian. The King. I won't have one of my people being ashamed of what he is."
"Thank you," Solaris whispered. Nasch reached over and their hands brushed, sending sparks through him. The last time they'd been alone together, they'd ended up in each other's arms and then in bed with Merag. "Thank you, I was afraid you wouldn't accept me."
"Why? Because Durbe and Vector tortured you? Because they forced your transformation?"
Nasch shook his head, squeezing his hands. "It's not your fault. You are one of my people. I will always look after you." Solaris nodded and Nasch leant forwards, lying their foreheads together. There was a moment of hesitation before Solaris pushed back. Nasch's acceptance meant a lot. Mizael had been resistant at first and Vector had been a bit too forward with his acceptance and friendship but for Nasch to accept him meant he was one of them. No matter what or who he'd once been, he was Solaris now and King Nasch accepted him as such.
"Do you want to see what it's really like?"
"Really like?" Solaris whispered.
"The human world," Nasch said. He got up and pulled Solaris up with him. "Let me show you what it's really like. Not thinking about your brothers. Just us. Just having fun."
Solaris nodded and Nasch open a porthole, pulling him through into the human world. Heartland City was covered in snow, flakes falling from the sky and Solaris frowned as he noticed he was in a heavier coat than normal. Nasch smiled and squeezed his hand, leading him down the snowy street.
"The human world isn't as cruel as people would have you believe, Thomas," he murmured. His heart stung at the name and he frowned but Nasch smiled. "Come on, have you ever been ice skating?"
"I… don't know?"
Nasch smirked and pulled him away, running through the streets. The snow was crunching underfoot. Their heavy bots slipped a bit but Nasch pulled him along. Solaris was amazed by the decorations and lights. Everyone seemed happy and laughing despite the cold and wet snow.
They ended up at an enclosed oval of ice and Solaris frowned as Nasch handed him some boots with blades on, instructing him to put them on. Solaris was sceptical but trusted Nasch to pull him out onto the ice. He struggled and wobbled but Nasch held his hands, guiding him along.
It took a while for him to get the hang of it but Nasch held his hand tightly, helping him along. For such a simple activity it was surprisingly fun. Even falling over and dragging Nasch on top of him. They laughed and Nasch pulled him along, chatting away and laughing, telling him all about the memories he'd recovered and asked Solaris quietly about his time with the Barians.
"If Vector lays a hand on you again, come and tell me," Nasch said quietly. They were sitting at the café at the side of the rink, drinking hot cocoa and watching the others on the ice. "I won't let him touch you again. Never. I won't accept that sort of behaviour from my Lords."
"Thank you, Nasch," Solaris whispered.
"I can't imagine how terrible it must have been for you," he said, Solaris nodded, sipping his drink and offering him a smile. "So, the human world isn't so bad, is it?"
"No," he admitted after a moment. "It's been fun. I'm glad I got to spent some time with you. It's been nice. I'm sure you're going to be a great king again. Durbe always spoke well of you."
"You knew I was Nasch," he muttered. Solaris frowned and Nasch set his drink down and taking his hands. "When you came to me and we… with Merag… you knew I was Nasch. I didn't even know I was Nasch, Durbe didn't. We didn't have any idea but you knew."
"Merag kept talking about you- the Ryoga you," Solaris said, leaning his chin on his palm. "And Durbe kept talking about you- Nasch you- and I just put things together."
Nasch nodded slightly and leant over. Solaris was stunned, blinking in confusion as Nasch's lips pressed softly to him. It wasn't that he hadn't been kissed before. He'd even kissed Nasch before- well, when he was still Ryoga- but it was still a surprise. But… he supposed if he thought about it, it was almost a date, just the two of them messing around in the snow, holding hands and drinking together. His eyes slid shut a little, kissing back cautiously. It was sweet and innocent and chaste and Nasch drew back after a moment.
"I hope it's ok," Nasch murmured.
"It's fine," Solaris replied quietly.
"I thought our night together a lot," he said, squeezing his hands. "Whenever I saw you, I couldn't help thinking about us." Solaris' cheeks flushed and Nasch smiled, pecking his lips. "I'm glad to be able to teach you how good things are in this world. It's a shame you don't remember more of your past life. I'm sure you were happy until you were taken away."
"I don't know."
"I've met your brothers, they're good people. They loved you."
Solaris nodded and smiled. Thomas Arclight was another person, a life time ago. He was Solaris now, a Barian warrior. He served Nasch and the Barian world, even if that meant his brothers were against him. They weren't his brothers anymore. They weren't his brothers anymore. Durbe and Vector had created him, they were his family. The Barians were his friends and family and all he needed.
"I can fight, Nasch," Solaris said softly. "I'll fight at your side, don't leave me out of this. Let me fight, I can do it. I won't falter."
"I can't ask you to fight your family," Nasch whispered, squeezing his hand.
"I need to. They're not my family anymore. You are."
Nasch sighed and nodded. "Alright then, but I think, for now, we should just enjoy the festive season."
The huge regicide piece that was a request once upon a time. It's huge. Biggest oneshot I've ever written. Becase I ship this hard and Vector is ridiculously yandere over Nasch.
"Is love really such a foreign concept to you, Vector?" Alit had said before this entire mess started.
"Vector understands nothing but hatred and selfishness," Mizael replied.
"Love would make you weak, as you well know, Mizael," Vector had said, completely unfazed by the conversation. They'd had it several times and he had ignored it every time. "Look at these humans, they're giving up everything and becoming our puppets for their love."
Durbe had interrupted before Mizael and Alit could continue their pointless rambling. Vector certainly had no interest in their ramblings back then but in hindsight he may have wanted to listen a little more. It might have helped him see what was coming. But how was he supposed to see this coming?
It had all started out as simple curiosity.
~♥~
After all, Vector had observed the WDC and Durbe had picked him out as a possible target for the Arclight family years before. He was special, everyone recognised that. A skilled duellist with a tragic past and something to protect, they were always the best targets but something about that Ryoga boy made him uneasy.
Seeing him take the Number's power and how the Number chose him, it was fascinating and disturbing. His power was something Vector had never seen before in that world. Something a Human couldn't possibly have without outside influence. So, when his new plan gave him the chance to get close to him, he needed to take the opportunity. He wanted to see how that brat was capable of wielding such power, because no normal human could have overcome Vector's power.
For a while, Vector hid in plain sight, watching them all. His cover was accepted and he was soon even part of Yuma's inner circle. Ryoga hung around on the outskirts. He didn't seem to pay much attention to the group unless Yuma was in life threatening danger. It wasn't until after his sister, who made Vector just as uncomfortable, was "saved" that he actually got a chance to sit down at speak with him. He supposed he had Gilag to thank for that, although getting rid of Ryoga's precious little sister would have been a nice bonus. Still, he couldn't have everything.
Yet.
As he sat watching Ryoga, piping up in conversation every now and again, trying to glean some information from him, he noticed the soft lines of his face and those clear blue eyes that made him all the more uncomfortable. He was familiar. Horribly familiar. And Ryoga was so closed off he couldn't push him without breaking his cover. He'd have to take his time and wait and let his "college" do the majority of the work, mainly bumbling.
Then Alit showed up and things just got even more frustrating. Honestly, was he the only one taking this at all seriously? What was Alit doing with the Kotori girl? Still, him distracting Kotori gave him more time to distract Yuma even if Ryoga was still being distant and difficult and he didn't know where he was supposed to Kaito but he was sure if he hung around long enough he'd find them.
And finally did Kaito showed up. When Mizael- stupid stuck up, grumpy, no-fun Mizael- did. If anyone was going to recognise him, it was Mizael, so Vector made sure to stay out of sight during that whole farce. But one good thing came of the mess his fellow lords had created. Ryoga was in the hospital and on quite the cocktail of painkillers. It was the perfect time to indulge his curiosity. The only problem was that he was sharing a room with Yuma.
Vector waited until late night before porting into the room. The curtain was pulled across the room, separating the pair of boys, and Vector smirked, looking over Ryoga. Maybe he could dissect him. That sounded like a good idea. Drag him back to the Barian world, chain him up and break into his mind, then cut him open while he was still screaming. A grin spread across his lips at the thought and he nearly laughed but the boy opened his eyes at little. Hopefully he would be nice about this and hopefully Yuma was a heavy sleeper.
"Oh, it's just you," Ryoga mumbled. "What are you doing here? It's midnight or something."
"I know," Vector replied, putting on that stupid childish voice. "I just wanted to see you."
"Me? Yuma's over the other side of the room."
"I do mean you," he insisted, sitting on the bed. "I mean, only your sister visits, right? I mean the other are only really here to be Yuma, right?" Something in Ryoga's eyes dulled slightly and Vector smirked internally. That was a sore spot then. But instead of smirking, he widened his eyes a little. "Sorry, Shark. I didn't mean it to sound like that. I only meant well. But you seemed lonely so I thought I'd visit. Aren't your parents going to visit?"
Ryoga scowled but he couldn't hide the way his eyes filled with more pain. Another sore spot. Fantastic. "They died when Rio and I were young."
"Mine too…" Vector murmured, lowering his head, mainly to hide the smile tugging at his lips.
It was a shame though. He would have liked to investigate Ryoga's parents and figure out if they had anything to do with his strange power. But still, it was another little weak spot he could use. He smiled and laid his hand over Ryoga's. He tensed but didn't pull away.
"It's really hard when your own, I know," he said softly.
Ryoga nodded slightly, but gave a small smile. "I'm not alone anymore."
"No," Vector murmured, gently squeezing his hand. "None of us are. Thanks to Yuma."
Ryoga nodded a little. But Vector was more interested in his hand. He could feel Ryoga's pulse under his fingers. He had a pulse. That meant he was a normal Human, or at least had a heart. Or… did he have heart? Did he have a pulse while in this form? He'd think about that later, right now Ryoga seemed normal and that was what mattered.
"So you really came all this way in the middle of the night just to see me?" Ryoga said, looking a little sleepy. "What's the catch?"
"No catch," he said, leaning over and laying a hand casually on his chest. Well, he could definitely feel his breathing and a heartbeat and he didn't feel any strange energies. "I just know you're not so great with crowds, I thought it was for the best that I got you alone."
"You're being a little hands on there, Shingetsu."
"Do the painkillers make you tired?" he said softly, watching Ryoga's eyes slip shut for a moment. His mind and body were injured and exhausted, just like a normal human too. What was he? "Maybe I should leave you to sleep."
Ryoga nodded. "Thanks for the effort, I guess."
"You know I only mean well."
He smiled and watched Ryoga's eyes drooping again. Was he really just a normal Human? His gaze travelled over him slowly and he was hit with that feeling of meeting an old friend. Well, maybe not a friend. But someone. And for a moment, he eyes settled on his lips. Well… he was a little curious about what it was like. Mouths were something new to him. And perhaps he could get a good reaction too.
"Goodnight, Shark."
He leant over and tilted his head slightly, pressing his lips against Ryoga's. The boy's eyes snapped open and he'd quickly been shoved away. Vector frowned. He wasn't sure what the attraction was. Why was that how Humans showed affection for each other? It did nothing. Perhaps it was the equivalent of their nuzzling. He saw enough of that back home. There was always someone nuzzling their muzzle against someone else. It wasn't meant to stir up any needs or desires; it was just a display of comfort and affection. Or maybe he just hadn't got the hang of it yet. He wasn't quite perfect. He might need another go before he got it just right. It would help if Ryoga was a little more cooperative too, but he was the only practise partner at hand at that moment.
So he tried again, pressing his lips to Ryoga's once more, this time a little more forcefully. Ryoga tried to push him off again but this time Vector wasn't giving in. He wasn't about to be overpowered by some juvenile Human. He was a Barian Lord and if Ryoga had power, he'd have to use it to finish this before he was ready. He pinned Ryoga's wrists to the bed and he didn't know whether it was because he was tired or drugged or he knew he couldn't escape or something else, but Ryoga gave in and Vector was stunned when the boy pushed back into the kiss. Perhaps they needed to lower his medication somewhat.
Whatever the reason it was a lot more fun with Ryoga's cooperation. He was starting to understand how this worked now and why Human's did it so often. And then there were open mouths and tongues and Vector shiver, making a small involuntary noise in the back of his throat, nearly overwhelmed by it all. He allowed Ryoga to take the dominant role, he didn't know enough about this and wanted to keep up his meek little act.
Then Yuma gasped and his bed creaked. Ryoga went to push Vector away again and this time Vector let him. He didn't want Yuma catching them like this. It might cause friction in the friendship he'd so carefully built. Ryoga sat up and got off the bed, storming over to the curtain. And the second his back was to him, Vector ported away.
"Are you alright, Shark?" Vector asked the next day.
They were escorting Ryoga and Yuma from the hospital, since apparently everyone was alright now. Ryoga shot him a glance and Vector was sure his cheeks went a bit pink as he nodded.
"Just… had a weird dream last night…"
Well that explained why he hadn't said anything about it. Ryoga thought their kiss was a dream. How amusing. That meant perhaps he could have some fun. But he'd have to wait a little while. He'd put that on the back burner for a while but he'd certainly come back to Ryoga.
For a while he focused on Yuma and his ridiculous colleges. Their bumbling attempts at getting Yuma's Numbers did help him position himself better though. It wasn't all bad. Using Alit to work up Gilag had worked perfectly. He'd managed to get Limited Barian's Force into Yuma's deck and his trust was so strong he wasn't even going to tell Astral he was a Barian. And Vector kept an eye on Ryoga while he worked. Ryoga had returned to hanging around on the edges, although it seemed Rio's presence had drawn him closer into the group. And Vector sat and watched and waiting.
Until finally the time was right and he created the clone. It was a work of art. But… he had to test it out. And suddenly his two goals became one.
"Shark!" Vector called, skidding to a halt in front of him. He'd been waiting all day for Ryoga to be on his own. Ryoga folded his arms and glared down at him. "It's Yuma! Barians! We couldn't get in contact with you for some reason!"
How could they stand him? If he actually had to put up with a kid like Shingetsu he'd have snapped within five minutes. But Ryoga nodded and demanded he led the way. He took Ryoga to the docks, to a warehouse that had recently been emptied for sale. And Ryoga ran in without a second thought, calling out for Yuma. Vector smirked, slipping in behind him and sliding the door closed silently, locking a padlock in place. The key was already with his clone, waiting in the shadows. It was time to see how effective this could be.
He'd not been able to stop thinking about that kiss. About how it had sent an unfamiliar heat through him and how he wanted to see what else these bodies were capable of. And he would use Ryoga to satisfy his curiosity. After all, Ryoga was a proud little child. He wasn't going to tell anyone what happened to him, not even when it was for the best.
"Yuma?" Ryoga was starting to go the idea. "Yuma?"
"I'm sorry, Shark," Vector said, putting on a slightly dazed voice. He was a wonderful actor even if he said so himself. He turned and glared at Vector, eyes darkening as it sunk in. "I only meant well."
"Shingetsu," Ryoga hissed. "What have you done?"
He let his eyes glow for a moment and Ryoga took a step back. "For the sake of the Barian world."
"Alright," he snapped, pulling out his duel disk. "This shouldn't be so hard. You're a pretty wimpy duellist."
There was laughter from behind him and Ryoga turned just in time to be caught by the large energy hand, his duel disk clattering to the ground. He twisted and struggled and Vector was glad that his clone's power seemed strong enough to hold him. Perhaps now he'd see that power Ryoga had.
"I have something much more fun than duelling planned for you, Ryoga," his clone laughed. Ryoga was still struggling even as his clone pulled him in, running a clawed finger down his cheek. "I'll have you begging for mercy soon."
"Shingetsu!" Ryoga snapped, glaring back at Vector. "Snap out of it!"
"It's for the best, Shark," Vector droned in response. "For the sake of the Barian world."
"Shingetsu!"
Vector put on that goofy smile and his eyes glowed for another moment, making it obvious to Ryoga he was being controlled by the Barians. After all, if by some chance this went wrong, he'd need his position in Yuma's group secure, Shingetsu couldn't take the blame. He walked over slowly and caught Ryoga's wrists, dragging them back as he struggled and locking a cuff around his wrists. They were Barian made. He wasn't taking any chances. If Ryoga wanted to get loose, he'd have to use whatever power let him control a Number.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Ryoga yelled, twisting his wrists. Vector's clone dropped him and Vector himself smirked. For once it was hard to put back on the act. But he had to when he knelt and turned Ryoga to face him. "Shingetsu, fight it."
"Do you honestly think a weakling like him could fight my control?" his clone chuckled, gripping Ryoga's hair and tugging his head back. "You'll be happy to know that after my defeat at the hands of you and your friends, my colleges were less than gracious."
"What are you talking about?" he hissed. "I've never seen you before. I'd remember a face like yours."
"Oh," he laughed, running a claw along Ryoga's jaw. "You don't remember the last time we met. I'm hurt. Although, I was in that Dr Faker's body, perhaps you don't recognise me."
Ryoga's eyes widened and Vector fought back a laugh. His clone laughed for him though, so it wasn't all bad. Ryoga finally understood who he was dealing with. And that might have been a tiny hint of fear in his eyes. Mostly nerves, but there was just a hint of fear. Vector smiled, leaning over and coming nose to nose with Ryoga.
"What are you doing?" Ryoga snapped. Oh, that was bravado now. He was getting spooked. "Let me go and duel me!"
"Didn't I tell you, Ryoga?" his clone sneered. "I've got more fun to have with you than duelling. You control duelling, you're strong when you duel, but outside of a duel, you're a weak immature Human. Utterly helpless against my power. When you and your friends defeated me, I was humiliated in the Barian world. My defeat made me a laughing stock." Not true, he'd barely been to the Barian world since his defeat but he didn't need to go home to know Alit and Mizael would have been gloating shamelessly and Durbe wold probably be silently smug. Ryoga didn't have to know any of that though. "I was humiliated, so you will have to feel the same."
Vector smiled and tilted his head, leaning in for a kiss only Ryoga drew back as much as he could. "Wait! Wait."
"Yes?" the clone chuckled.
"Why- why him?" Ryoga said, obviously scrambling for time. Probably hoping someone would notice him missing and come looking if he stalled for long enough. "Out of all the people I know and who you could have used, why the wimpy kid I barely know?"
That was a good question actually. He hadn't thought about that. How would he explain that? Luckily, his clone seemed to have that covered. "For that exact reason, Ryoga. He's the weakest kid you know. How better to make you feel utterly helpless? Now, no more stalling, little Ryoga."
This time Vector didn't give him a chance to escape. He captured Ryoga's lips forcefully. Ryoga gasped and struggled to break free of his restraints but Vector knew that a normal Human couldn't escape. With his clone holding him still, Vector could explore as he wished. He put what he'd learnt from last time, and since, to push the kiss deeper. Ryoga barely reacted, he didn't particularly fight. Again, it seemed he'd given in. It seemed Ryoga was one for self-preservation above almost everything else. Or perhaps just a kiss wasn't enough to get him worked up. Still, it was that strange, unfamiliar pleasure that made Vector want more. He wanted to know how good these pathetic Human bodies could make him feel.
He wasn't sure if it was more fun having Ryoga absolutely powerless or not. It was fun to watch him squirming though. Vector let his instincts guide him, gently moving his kisses down over Ryoga's jaw and throat. He'd learnt by himself that that neck was quite a sensitive Ryoga made a small noise- Vector could only call it a whimper- and bit his lip, apparently trying not to make it again. His cheeks had turned a nice shade of pink though. His instincts were right this time at least, he was hitting the right spots.
"Shingetsu," Ryoga hissed. "You have to fight this."
"I'm not sure I want to, Shark," Vector replied softly, trailing his hands down Ryoga's side. The way Ryoga shivered was beautiful. "I'm sorry, Shark. I only mean well."
"Aren't you pair so cute? You think you can break my control over him," the clone laughed. "He can't fight it, Ryoga. His mind is mine."
Vector nuzzled against Ryoga's neck, moving his hands slowly up under his school shirt. Ryoga's skin was surprisingly cool and smooth despite being littered with scars. The young boy was murmuring his name softly, pleading with him to listen and to stop before things went too far, probably in a feeble attempt to shake him to his senses. Purely on a whim, Vector ran his tongue up the length of his neck. And in return his got to feel the shiver running through the boy's body, and the low shaking breath he let out.
"Cute little thing when you're being teased, aren't you?" the clone chuckled, dragging his claw through Ryoga's hair. "I wonder what other pretty noises we can get you to make."
Vector smiled up at Ryoga, who looked almost panicked now, as his hands slid lower. He'd very quickly learnt where the most sensitive part of a male Human was. Ryoga quickly drew his knees together, obviously knowing what was going on. But Vector managed to pry his legs apart, pressing his palm between his legs. And he was incredibly pleased when Ryoga choked out a moan. How cute. He wanted more of that.
"Shingetsu," Ryoga stammered. "Stop it."
"He can't," the clone chuckled. "He doesn't have any control, haven't you figured that out yet? He can't stop until I say he can. When will you believe me? You can't escape." He sneered and Vector continued teasing him, drawing soft pants and groans from Ryoga. "I'm not sure you want him to stop either."
"Shingetsu," he groaned, closing his eyes tightly. "You have to fight it."
Vector closed his eyes for a moment before lifting his head and meeting Ryoga's gaze as he opened his eyes. They were gorgeous. Those deep blue eyes reminded him of someone. They were mesmerizing.
"Shingetsu," Ryoga said. "I know you can hear me. You don't want this."
"Shark?" Vector whispered, tilting his head slightly.
Honestly, did he really think he could break their control like this? If he really was under the control of a Barian there was no way this would work. But perhaps he could get more information out of Ryoga by acting like he was saved.
"Shark, what's going on?" he said, drawing back slightly. He glanced around and quickly drew his hands away from Ryoga's body. "I-I'm sorry, I don't know why I-"
"Interesting," his clone chuckled, shoving Ryoga away to the floor. Vector gave a small, startled cry and hurried over to Ryoga, fumbling with the cuffs. "You're both stronger than I expected. I'll have to come back to you later. It's not as if you can escape."
He chuckled and vanished into a porthole as Ryoga struggled to get his legs under him. His clone had the key to the exit, leaving him to play with Ryoga for a while. He wanted to introduce his clone to Yuma tonight as well, but he had a little time to carry on with Ryoga.
"These are really tight, Shark," he said quietly.
"I know," Ryoga snapped. "I'm wearing them. Get them off."
"Right, right," he said, nodding quickly. He ran his fingers over the cuffs. Poor Ryoga. He needed to show off his power if he was going to get loose on his own. "Shark, these are weird, I can't figure out how-"
"Stop talking and do it!"
"I'm trying! Stop yelling!" He sighed and tugged at the cuffs, knowing it would do no good. "What happened anyway? I don't remember. I'd just said goodbye to Yuma and then next thing I know I'm… touching you."
"Yeah, I'd noticed that," Ryoga grumbled. "It's nothing. Those Barians took control of you. That Barian who just ran off, he'd the one who took control of Faker and set everything up. He's out for revenge after we beat him."
"No way, we have to warn Yuma and Kaito then!" Vector cried.
"Well yeah," he snapped. "But first you need to get me out of these!"
"Oh yeah." He returned to playing with the cuffs and Ryoga glanced over his shoulder at him. "So… why was I… you know?"
"Because he wanted to humiliate me."
"Am I humiliating?"
"You're a wimpy dork." Vector put on a pained look and Ryoga glanced away. "Being forced to do anything is humiliating, let alone having that forced on me for the entertainment of some freaky alien."
Vector was almost offended by that. Freaky alien. Who did this brat think he was? "Are you alright though?"
"I'm fine. Just a little uncomfortable."
"O-oh, right. Of course. Umm… I could, maybe, give you a hand with that?"
He was sure that pink colour returned to Ryoga's cheeks and Vector lowered his head to hide his smile. How did he expect Vector to behave if he was so rude? Or so enticing? Of course he was going to say cheeky things if Ryoga insisted on being like this. Still, after a moment of silence, Ryoga gave a small nod.
"Since you're being so useless when it comes to freeing me," he said softly. "You might as well do something." Vector nodded quickly and slowly moved around to sit in front of him. "Uh-"
"You know me," Vector said softly. "I only mean well."
"Yeah…" he said quietly, tilting his head away. "Just promise not to tell anyone."
"Of course."
He smiled, returning to teasing him gently. Ryoga was far more open about his little pleasured noises now they were alone. It was strange. A different kind of fun. Watching him twist and squirm was amusing but having Ryoga moaning and panting of his own free will was completely different. Vector smiled to himself. He was getting the hang of this Human stuff. He leant down, kissing Ryoga once more. And Ryoga seemed so taken in the moment that he quickly returned the kiss. It was just as pleasurable as the kiss in the hospital too. While forcing Ryoga to accept his attention was fun, it was nice to have it returned.
And soon Ryoga shuddered and hissed. And Vector drew back slightly as his hand was coated in… something. It was warm and slick. He frowned and looked over Ryoga, who had his eyes tight shut and his cheeks flushed red.
"Well, that was fun, wasn't it?" Vector murmured.
It was getting harder and harder to keep his act up. He wanted to laugh and almost purr and kiss him all over until he hand him squirming again. But he had other things that needed to be done and he couldn't risk blowing his cover in case things went wrong. If he hadn't needed his cover as Shingetsu, he'd leave Ryoga there locked up and cuffed and come back for him later. He had to deal with Yuma. He picked up a discarded rag, cleaning off his hands before cleaning off Ryoga as well.
"Let's give these another go," Vector said, turning to his cuffs again. "Then we need a way out."
Ryoga nodded and Vector ran his fingers over the cuffs again. "You've been struggling with them for long enough. Call someone."
"They won't be able to get in," he replied. "And what if that Barian comes back before they make it here?"
"What if he comes back before you manage to get them off?"
"I have to try."
"Call Kaito, then try."
"Why Kaito? Why not Yuma?"
"Which one do you think is going to be better at tracking us and breaking in warehouses?"
That was a very good point. A practical boy if nothing else. He smiled and released the cuffs with a laugh. "Got it."
Ryoga drew his arms forward slowly, rubbing his wrists and getting up slowly. Vector sat back, watching silently as Ryoga made himself presentable again and fixed him with a cold glare. He wished he could laugh. He wished he could smile. What a fantastic little boy he was. So strong and dignified. He wanted more from him. Vector stood slowly and stepped up close to him, slowly closing his hands around Ryoga's. He was stunning. Powerful, beautiful and mysterious. He leant up slowly and claimed another brief kiss, one that was, surprisingly, fully returned.
"Don't tell anyone about this," Ryoga said firmly. He smiled and nodded, receiving another kiss as a reward. "I mean it."
"I know," Vector murmured, tucking his head under Ryoga's chin. "They won't know unless you tell them."
"Good, because when we get out this doesn't go any further," he said.
A moment later, Vector was pushed away and Ryoga was stalking off to the door. "Hey."
"What? You thought a quick fumble and a few kisses makes us a couple or something?" Ryoga snapped. Vector frowned and tilted his head as Ryoga scowled. "You're a moron. There is nothing between us. You were just… there when I needed someone."
Vector followed him to the door. He didn't really want to give up those brief kisses when they got out- he didn't care about meaning something to Ryoga but he liked the kisses and touches- but he could easily get Ryoga under control again later. "We need to get out."
"But-" Ryoga crouched and looked over the padlock for a moment before he nodded and glanced around. "What are we going to do, Shark?"
"We go out a window."
Ryoga was a surprisingly resourceful little Human. He managed to get up to a ledge and break a window and help Vector up with him. And Ryoga managed to land gracefully on his feet and while Vector could have, his cover story meant he had to land on his ass. It was entirely undignified but he supposed it would all be worth it soon.
"So, it's like nothing ever happened?" Vector mumbled, getting to his feet.
"Precisely," Ryoga replied. He caught Vector's chin and pressed another soft kiss to his lips before pushing him away. Those kisses were quickly becoming addictive. He didn't want them to stop. "Not a word to anyone. But thanks."
Vector nodded and they spilt up, searching for Yuma and the Barian. Although, he'd actually gone to find his clone and call Yuma to set up his own kidnapping. But it was absolute proof that his clone was as strong as he needed it to be. The entire night was a blur though. His mind kept wandering back to Ryoga. He wanted to have him again. But, after tomorrow, the act would be all but done with. He would break Yuma, destroy Astral and perhaps claim Ryoga as spoils of war.
Kaito was Mizael's business and in all honesty Vector could not be bothered with arguing with Mizael on who got to destroy the pompous photon wielding bastard, he just wanted him to suffer. He didn't care what happened to Yuma once he was broken beyond repair, he was sure soft hearted Alit would want to save him and keep him safe but Vector didn't care about Alit's whims. Durbe liked Vector's original idea of bringing the Kamishiro twins back to the Barian world and investigating them. Vector decided he'd allow Durbe one of the twins. He could have the girl. She gave him the creeps more than her brother and he wanted Ryoga for himself.
~♥~
Looking back, Vector knew that night was when he fell too deep. He walked absently through the halls of the Barian palace thinking of nothing but Ryoga. Hardly a palace really but their headquarters he supposed. The home of the Barian Lords. His home. He should have killed Ryoga. He should have walked away or let Durbe have him for research. But he hadn't. Vector chuckled to himself. Hindsight was a wonderful thing. It was easy now to pinpoint where he'd gone wrong.
Well, wrong implied he wasn't pleased with the outcome. He'd never been more pleased. He had everything he wanted. But, a better man might have done things differently. He might have recognised the weakness his adoration for the boy was bringing. But he had longed for the boy. He had wanted him desperately. His kisses had sent shivers through him and his moans made his heart race, especially when he caused them. His mind had been clouded with thoughts of his that stunning little Human, and just the mention of his name made him want to smile.
"You've been so pleased with yourself recently, Vector," Mizael hissed in passing. "Where do you hide away all this time? What are you doing?"
"You're concern is touching, Mizael," Vector replied with a shrug. "I've just found something to keep me busy. You should be pleased, shouldn't you? It's not bothering you."
"It's suspicious," he snapped. "If Durbe-"
"Durbe doesn't worry me," he said. "I can deal with him if he decides I'm causing trouble. But really, I'm not bothering anyone." His gaze narrowed and his eyes flashed. "So keep out of it."
Mizael narrowed his gaze, raising a hand. "You would dare give me an order-"
"Mizael," came Durbe's voice from down the hall. They turned and glared at him. "It's not worth it." Mizael glared at Vector for a moment longer before sweeping off towards Durbe and passed him. "He is right, Vector. Your strange behaviour recently is worrying all of us."
"Like I told Mizael," Vector snapped. "I've found something to keep me busy."
"While you're not causing trouble, I do worry, Vector." He was getting sick of being pestered constantly. He had something to keep him busy and it had been a long day since he'd last been able to enjoy himself. "The last time you kept quiet and out the way you were playing dress up in the Human world."
"Well, rest assured I'm remaining in our world," Vector said, shaking his head. He never wanted to return to the Human world again. He hadn't spent so long finding the perfect distraction to waste time of Humans. "I can enjoy myself without causing trouble, you know."
Durbe didn't believe him, that was obvious but Vector ignored that. He continued down the halls. He was being good for once. Ever since he had found Ryoga, things were different. Destroying Ryoga's home world seemed more appealing than ever. Just the thought of his Human put a spring back in his step. As long as he could think of him not even Mizael could bring him down.
They hadn't really noticed the change, not that much anyway, but Vector himself had. It wasn't curiosity about Ryoga after that night in the warehouse. It wasn't curiosity that made him brush his fingers over his muzzle where his lips would have been. And it wasn't curiosity that plagued his imagination.
His curiosity had got him addicted.
~♥~
The duel had been thrilling. Vector was elated by suffering of Yuma and Astral, the cracks between them and the pain that put his friends through. When he first revealed himself, he'd caught sight of Ryoga's fingers touching his lips. It could have just been just coincidence but something told Vector it was more. Ryoga had figured out exactly what had happened that night in the warehouse. And the look in his eyes was so delicious. He wanted to see more of that. He wanted to see Ryoga break for him.
Yuma's bond with Astral was unexpectedly strong, and his bond with his friends too. It was a shame. But Vector was nothing if not patient. He could take a loss to come back stronger. And he would. He would be stronger than ever.
Needless to say, Shingetsu was the last person Ryoga expected to drag him into a stationary closet the next morning at school. Don Thousand kept harping on about what a bad idea it was but honestly, Vector didn't see the harm. It was just playing with the Human a little. He pushed Ryoga against the door and held it firmly when Ryoga tried to escape. There was no point hiding how strong he was. Not now his secret was
"You've recovered from your duel rather well," Vector murmured, running his fingers tenderly over his cheeks. "No scratches at all. I'm glad. I'd hate to see that pretty face of yours to be marked."
"Get off me," Ryoga hissed, slapping his hand away. Vector sneered, that was one of the things he enjoyed. Ryoga had such a fiery spirit. To tame him would be incredible. "What the hell are you doing here? Yuma beat you."
"I came all this way just to see you," he laughed. Ryoga practically growled and Vector chuckled, moved closer, slowly pressing his body to Ryoga's and kissing his jaw softly. "I know you enjoyed our time together."
"You think I enjoyed your filthy, slimy hands on me?" he snapped.
Vector frowned and looked over one hand before laying it one Ryoga's cheek again. "Not slimy, Ryoga. And not filthy. I wouldn't want to dirty you at all."
"What the hell do you want?"
"I want to see more of you, just the two of us." Ryoga laughed, slapping his hand away again. "I know what I did to you must have tainted your view of me-"
"After what you did to Yuma, you can forget about it," Ryoga hissed. Vector frowned. Ryoga was more bothered by how he'd hurt Yuma that how he'd tricked him. That could work just as well though. "There is no way I'm spending any amount of time around you."
"Then let me make you a deal."
Ryoga frowned and Vector knew he was going to get his way. "What sort of deal?"
"I want more of what we had," Vector said bluntly. Ryoga tried to push him away but Vector kept him pinned. "So, I what I am offering you is very simple." Again, Ryoga tried to push him away and this time Vector slammed his wrists to the door, making him hiss softly. "If you give me what you want, I won't target your friends like that again."
"You intend to target them again?" Ryoga hissed.
"If you don't give me what I want, I might. I could go after Yuma again, let him think he can save me and turn me into a good person again. Let him know about us? Won't that hurt him? Knowing that you've been betrayed. And maybe Kaito, I can get to him through his little brother, right? And you… I can target your heart, can't I? I know who to use for that-"
"How much, exactly, do you want?"
He leant up and kissed his roughly. Ryoga growled and pushed him away and Vector laughed. "I want nothing more than we've already had. Don't you worry, I don't want to violate your cute little body." He smiled and stroked his cheek once more. "I just want to be able to kiss you and touch you when I want you."
"Not a chance," Ryoga hissed.
"Let's talk about Rio then?"
"Leave Rio-"
"Keep her safe then," Vector chuckled. "I'm not asking for you to come to the Barian world with me. I'm not asking for you to give yourself to me completely. I'm asking you to give me the odd kiss every now and again. No one needs to know. Just a quiet, discreet arrangement that no one has to know about, Ryoga. Do this for me and I will make sure that this is no more personal than trying to save the Barian world. No personal vendettas. I swear. Although, I can't say anything for Mizael. Old misery guts is out of my control, unfortunately, won't listen to anyone but Durbe and-"
"Alright," Ryoga snapped. "Alright, enough, I'll do it. Just shut up already. I'll do it. Just stay away from them."
"Of course," Vector purred. "I'm glad you've seen sense."
He drew Ryoga down and pressed their lips together again. Ryoga's arms wrapped slowly around his body and Vector tangled his hand into his hair. That was what he wanted. That pleasing warmth spread through him again and he held tightly onto Ryoga.
"You've had your kiss, leave me alone," Ryoga said, turning away.
"That wasn't our deal," Vector sneered. "But I'll let you go for now. I'll see you soon though, alright? I expect full cooperation."
Ryoga swung for him and Vector laughed, disappearing into a porthole. That was the problem with these hero types, willing to give up their own needs for their friends and family. Love honestly was pathetic. He returned to the Barian room, slumping in the throne. Durbe had gone somewhere on that quest to get the Legendary Numbers.
"Learnt anything from your time in the Human world?" Mizael muttered.
Vector glared at him. Why did it have to be just him? Why couldn't Alit and Gilag be awake again? "Plenty, but nothing to talk to you about."
"You've been acting strangely," he snapped. "What are you doing? You went to the Human world this morning."
"I went to visit someone."
Mizael laughed. "Well, we know it's not a Human lover at least. Not even a Human is dumb enough to fall in love with you."
"Love is weakness, Mizael," he laughed. "And like everything else, it's a matter of playing it right, isn't it? You make the first move, feel each other out, then you build up a relationship in an exchange of trust and affection and intimacy so neither of you feels right without the other and then finally you close the deal and they're yours forever, right? Like a duel."
"How cynical."
"Not cynical," Vector sneered. "Just realistic."
Vector waited for a while before going in search of a Legendary Number. He had to get a new recruit. Ryoga was with them and Number 96 would be a great help if he chose to resist again. Don Thousand's influence was growing. He kept reminding him that his interest in Ryoga would lead him down a terrible road but Vector had spent too long away from Ryoga. He needed to be close to him again.
So when they fell into the dungeons, Vector was ready to make his move. Don Thousand said they should just put the prisoner in their holding cells and find let Black Mist duel Astral but Vector kept his guests separate for now. He ported into Ryoga's cell and found his prize sitting in one corner.
"I expected you," Ryoga muttered. "Who else would be up to this?"
"I'm glad you weren't taken by surprise then," Vector said, putting a hand on his hip. "Do you like my new look?"
"Insanity suits you," he muttered, standing slowly. "I know what you're here for and it's not happening. Not this time."
"I worried you might say that." He smiled and approached slowly. "Do you know Number 96?"
Before Ryoga could even say a word Black Mist's tentacles wrapped around him, holding him just off the ground and completely immobile. Vector smiled and ran his hand through Ryoga's hair lovingly.
"I missed you," he murmured. "You really are quite intoxicating."
Ryoga hissed and twisted. "You get your thing's disgusting tentacles off me."
"You should be more respectful, boy," Black Mist hissed, leaning over his shoulder. "You are the thing here, not me. I am a Number. You are an abomination no one can figure out."
Ryoga stopped struggling and stared up at Black Mist. "I'm what?"
"Not the point," Vector hissed. "I want to play and you can either come here willingly or Black Mist can help us along."
Ryoga glared down at him for a moment before shaking his head. "Screw you."
"Fine."
Black Mist chuckled, holding Ryoga in place as Vector kissed him. Ryoga closed his eyes tightly and Vector smirked into the kiss. His new partner was incredibly useful. His tentacles moved Ryoga's body and slid over him and even forced a few moans for him. Everything was better now he had his Ryoga. His Ryoga? When had he stared thinking like that? But he was. His Ryoga. He moved his kisses slowly lower, pushing away Ryoga's collar and gently nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin. He could be gentle, but he was going to leave a mark for everyone to see. He was beautiful, it was a shame to mark such soft ivory skin but Ryoga was his and he wanted people to know. Vector's hands slid down slowly, brushing his sides and pushing up his shirt only to find Black Mist's tentacles already exploring.
Well, now he was less helpful and more annoying. How dare he put his hand- tentacles on his Ryoga? Vector glanced up at Ryoga.
"Want to do it my way yet?" Ryoga nodded quickly, biting back a weak whine as Black Mist moved his tentacles again. Vector glared up at him. "You should get ready to duel. I won't be long."
Black Mist glared at him for a moment and finally he let go, practically dropping Ryoga to the floor and vanishing, muttering about calling if he changed him mind. Ryoga watched him silently for a moment and Vector sat with him. He reached over, gently cupping his cheek and drawing him closer.
"This is better, isn't it?" Vector murmured. Ryoga nodded. "This is what it can be like."
"Don't ever let him near me again," Ryoga whispered. Vector smiled. He was asking favours of him. Maybe that meant they were getting somewhere. He nodded and brought him close, sharing another long, deep kiss. "Where are the others?"
"Safe. For now. Astral is going to duel Black Mist."
"And you expect me to sit here like your pet?"
"Of course not. I'm not that cruel. Once we're done here, I'll let you get back to them."
Ryoga frowned but didn't fight or complain. Vector was glad he was finally starting to understand. He was going to have what he wanted whether Ryoga agreed to it or not. It was better for everyone if he just cooperated. Just the thought of letting Ryoga go was becoming harder and harder to deal with. The more time he spent with him, the more tempted he was to drag him back to the Barian world and keep him there, so he could have him whenever he wanted him. Still, Humans couldn't survive in the Barian world, not for any extended period of time. He would have to keep him somewhere in the Human world.
"What's wrong now?" Ryoga hissed.
"Nothing," Vector murmured, realising he'd blanked out. He shook his head and pecked his cheek. "Thank you for today, Ryoga. You're so sweet to look after your friends and sister like this. I look forward to our next meeting."
And Vector was rather surprised by the lack of rude comment in return. He glanced down and found Ryoga was just sitting there, glaring at his hands. Just the thought of leaving him made him uneasy. Vector frowned and reached down, gently tipping Ryoga's chin up so he was gazing up at him. Those stunning deep blue eyes had dulled a little. He'd given up. How sad.
"Ryoga…" His fingers brushed his cheek softly. "I won't hurt you. You know that, don't you? What I'm doing to you might seem cruel and unfair, Ryoga, but I could do far worse."
Ryoga clenched his jaw, jerked out of his grip. "I preferred being trapped with Durbe."
"Durbe?" Durbe had been trapped with his Ryoga? If he's put his hands on his Ryoga… He clenched his jaw and pulled Ryoga up, shoving him back against the wall. "What about Durbe?"
"We were trapped together in the last ruins," Ryoga hissed, stalking around him and stomping across the room. "He was civil. He saved my life, much as I didn't want to be touched by you creatures."
Vector scowled and caught Ryoga's wrist, dragging him back around and pulling him into his arms once more. Ryoga growled and managed to prize himself free, attempting to put distance between them. Not that Vector was going to allow him to do that. As Ryoga turned he wrapped his arms around his waist, pulling the child back against him despite Ryoga digging in his heels. Ryoga might have been powerful but he was still a Human child and Vector was not about to be beaten. Ryoga only stopped fighting when Vector pinned his arms to his side with a firm arm around his chest. His little Ryoga was a fighter. Just one more thing he found adorable. He smiled to himself, nuzzling into the crook of his neck, peppering the soft skin with kisses.
"You are mine." His arms tightened around him and Ryoga grunted slightly, twisting a little. "I couldn't care less about your silly Human friends but other Barians I won't stand for. Do you understand?"
"Like I want any of you anywhere near me."
"Do you understand, Ryoga?" Vector snarled, tightening his grip again. Ryoga gave a pained gasp but nodded quickly and Vector loosened his hold. "Good boy. Now…" He took Ryoga's hand and pushed a small crystal pad into his palm. "As I was saying, I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to see you hurt. If you ever need me, or if you ever want something, contact me and I will do everything I can to see you needs are met."
"I'd never accept anything from you," Ryoga snapped.
"I understand you have your pride," he chuckled, releasing him. "But keep it just in case." Ryoga glared at him as he moved away, throwing the crystal across the room. Vector sighed and shook his head. "I'll see you soon then."
He opened a porthole and left Ryoga alone. He waited five minutes or so before dropping his captives from their holding cells and down into the cells around the arena. His nerves had been calmed by his time with Ryoga but it didn't stop him getting worked up. Every time he got stressed he wanted to go to Ryoga gain but the boy was trapped behind bars, in plain sight of everyone. He couldn't be near him now. Even he knew that pushing his luck that far could cause Ryoga to snap. It could cause far too much trouble.
The only thing that eased his annoyance at the entire farce- Black Mist's mess had caused him more trouble than he was worth- was that when Vector returned to the ruins, he couldn't sense the crystal. Ryoga had taken it with him. Perhaps he'd reconsidered.
Vector couldn't have been more pleased when he sensed Ryoga's crystal locator. He honed in on the signal and headed out there immediately. He'd been starting to miss his sweet Ryoga. The more he saw of him the harder it was to go without and the more desperate he was to be with him longer. If he could bring him to the Barian world he would have. Deal or not, he wanted to drag Ryoga kicking and screaming back to his home and keep him within reach at all times. If only Ryoga would survive. He was becoming more and more tempted to lock him up somewhere in the Human world.
He found Ryoga in a hotel room in a city that was a strange mix of history and modern life. Ryoga seemed to be investigating the crystal but what annoyed Vector was Yuma's presence in the bed on the other side of the room. Ryoga glanced up and sat back against the headboard, tapping his fingers against the crystal pad.
"You called?" Vector purred, offering him a mock bow.
"How does that work?" Ryoga said as Vector approached. "I didn't see it doing anything."
"Well," he said slowly, taking a seat on the bed. "It is essentially an empathic connection." Ryoga frowned and Vector took his hand with the crystal in. "Most of the time it's dormant but when you're thinking about me, it registers it, registers your emotions and calls to me inside so I can find you."
"So, whenever I think about you, you turn up?" Vector smirked and kissed his hand only for it to be snatched away. Things certainly felt better now he was with Ryoga. As long as Yuma didn't wake up and interrupt. "You keep your hands off me."
"We had a deal, Ryoga," Vector replied sternly. "And you called me." He smiled and leant over, touching his nose to Ryoga's. Noses were fun too, Human noses were so cute. "I missed you."
"I was glad to be away from you," Ryoga hissed back.
"I don't think so," he chuckled. He leant in a pressed their lips together briefly and this time Ryoga didn't argue. He was definitely starting to settle into their arrangement. It had taken long enough. "I think you called me because you miss me too. I think you're starting to like me."
"You can think what you like, it doesn't make it true."
Vector chuckled and forced Ryoga down to the bed, climbing over him and capturing his lips. For the first time since their time in a while, Ryoga was completely cooperative. Obviously he was right. Ryoga was starting to like him. After all, he had called him here. He'd been thinking about him whether it was on purpose or not.
"Perhaps we should take things a little further," Vector murmured, sliding his fingers over Ryoga's thigh. "To celebrate you finally succumbing to my charms."
"Yuma is right over there," Ryoga snapped.
Vector laughed and glanced over. "So he is. But that wasn't an outright no."
"No."
"Why are you sharing a room with Yuma?" Ryoga rolled his eyes. "Tell me."
"Are you actually jealous?" Ryoga laughed.
"Who wouldn't be possessive over you?" Vector teased.
Although, no matter how he joked, he was a little suspicious of Yuma's presence in Ryoga's room. Yuma and Ryoga were close. Ryoga always put Yuma's safety first and it was Yuma who reached Ryoga through Shark Drake's darkness. Was there more between Ryoga and Yuma?
Ryoga laughed and shoved him off so he could sit up. "Oh please. I share a room with Kaito on the airship, you know?"
"You do?"
"Yes." He sat on the edge of the bed watching Yuma silently as Vector came up behind him. He wasn't jealous. He wasn't. There was no way he could be jealous over some pathetic Human's sharing a room with his Ryoga? What harm was there in that? "Sometimes we even share a bed."
"Why?" Vector hissed.
"Jealous?" Ryoga muttered.
"Why would you share a bed with Kaito?" he snapped. Ryoga laughed and shook his head. "Answer me, Ryoga."
Ryoga turned to meet his gaze as Vector wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Vector nearly smiled at the teasing glint in his eyes. He was making fun of him? And somehow it made him want the boy even more. He really was too infatuated with this boy if he was allowing him to mock him.
"You know, I just get a little cold sometimes and end up cuddling up to him for warmth," Ryoga said with a small smirk.
"You… are mocking me," Vector said.
"You think?" Ryoga laughed and Vector kissed his cheek. "Are you're taking it?"
"Consider it a testament to how much I want to keep you happy?" Ryoga flashed a sneer and Vector pressed a few soft kisses along his jaw. "Besides, a boy like Yuma is no threat to me. And from what I hear Kaito only has eyes for one of those Arclight boys."
"Hmm, I suppose," he murmured, sounding almost serious and thoughtful. "Humans are social creatures, apparently. We need company, at least a little. That's why I put up with them. You lot were behind the whole Arclight affair, weren't you?" Vector frowned. He wasn't sure if Ryoga was teasing him or not anymore, but he nodded. "So it's your fault IV and I have been a bit physical with each other."
"Physcial?"
He really didn't like this joking anymore. Yuma was a stupid little brat and Kaito was cold and apparently liked the oldest Arclight. But IV was different. He had seen the WDC, he'd seen IV provoke Ryoga to the point where he unlocked a Chaos Number- something else which made him wonder just what the hell Ryoga really was- and even an idiot could see the sparks that flew between them every time they were so much as caught a glimpse of each other. Ryoga laughed again. He didn't like this game anymore.
"You really are possessive, aren't you?"
"Shark?" Yuma groaned, stirring slightly.
Vector scowled over but knew it was time to go. "I'll see you soon. Stay away from IV."
"I thought you couldn't care less about other Humans?" Ryoga sneered.
"Not IV," he hissed. He leant in and gave him one final goodbye kiss before getting off the bed. "Behave and I'll find you again soon."
"Shark?" Yuma groaned, finally rolling over as Vector opened a porthole in the shadows. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
That was all Vector heard before he stepped through the porthole. Yuma didn't seem to have noticed him. And that was fine by Vector. If anyone found out about his relationship with Ryoga, they would do all they could to make it stop. Ryoga's friends would try to guard him constantly and the other Barians would throw a hissy fit, especially old misery Mizael. But Ryoga was warming up to him. The fact that they had passed from constant bickering and rude comments to teasing was a good sign.
Vector had to waist after that. His crystal's signal was interrupted by the airship and the rest of the time Ryoga was in the company of his friends or other Barians. He had to wait as patiently as he could. He couldn't sit still. He needed to be with Ryoga, just for a little. Don Thousand was laughing at him. How pathetic was he? A Barian Lord being driven insane due to separation from a Human boy. None of his original goals had been accomplished. He was no closed to figuring Ryoga out and Yuma seemed stronger than ever but he didn't care. He just wanted Ryoga in his arms again. Just for a little while. Just to see him on his own would be enough.
"What's wrong with you?" Alit snapped. "Why are you moping around?"
"I'm not moping," Vector snapped back. He was, Don Thousand reminded him. He was flopped on the steps below the throne, glaring at the crystals, wishing he could be running his fingers through Ryoga's hair right now. "Go away."
"He looks almost love sick," Gilag laughed.
Vector sat bolt upright. "I don't love him."
They stared at him and Vector sighed. He shouldn't have blurted that out. Now there were going to be lots of questions. His three companions crowded around him and Vector put his head in his hands, ignoring Don Thousand laughing. He didn't love him. But Ryoga was intoxicating. He was addictive and Vector couldn't get enough. He'd been days without in and it was driving him to distraction.
"You love someone?" Gilag said.
"Who?" Alit insisted. "Why are you denying it?"
"I don't and no one," Vector snapped.
"Which means he doesn't love you back," Mizael said. "Right, Vector?"
"Shut up," he groaned. "Where's Durbe when I need him?"
"I'm right here," Durbe said, stalking in. Finally. He could get these morons to stop bothering him now. "And I have news."
"That's never good," Alit sighed.
"We all remembered these supposed past lives in the ruins we visited," he said solemnly. Vector frowned and folded his arms. This gave him a sinking feeling. "When I went to the final ruins, I saw the memories that would have belonged to Merag and Nasch." Now he lifted his head a little. Nasch… A shiver ran through him. And then Ryoga, much to his great pleasure, Ryoga called to him. He went to get up but Mizael shoved him down. "Vector and I were a part of their past lives."
"We're what?" Vector snapped. The call from Ryoga got worse and Vector stood, this time shoving Mizael off. "How is that possible?"
"I don’t know, but that is what I saw," Durbe replied.
"And you believe this?" Mizael muttered. "That we were Human once?"
"I couldn't say," he said, lowering his gaze. "But in the vision, Merag and Nasch were the Kamishiro twins."
For a moment there was only a stunned silence. Then Mizael growled and stormed off with Durbe following to calm him down. No wonder Ryoga always felt like an old friend. No wonder those eyes had been so familiar. No wonder Ryoga was calling to him now.
He hurried down a hall and as soon as he was out of sight went to the Human world. He stepped out into a hospital room only to be knocked to the ground by a powerful punch. Ryoga was standing above him, arms folded. He frowned and got up slowly, dusting himself off. Yes… now he saw it. He saw Nasch in him.
He stepped forward and caught Ryoga's cheeks, crush their lips together in a desperate kiss. For some reason Ryoga was stunned. He made a strange yelp and turned away, keeping his eyes on the floor as Vector tried to get his attention. No matter how good it felt to finally have his hands on Ryoga once more, seeing him like this tugged at his emotions.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, lowering his head slightly and gazing up at him. "Will you forgive me?"
Ryoga frowned and glanced at him. "What are you talking about?"
"For what I did, Nasch-"
"Don't call me that," Ryoga hissed, shoving him away. "That wasn't my past life or something, it was just a weird effect of the temple and the Numbers. It needed someone to remember and it picked on me and Rio because we fitted the figures in the legend. I'm not him and I'm not one of you things."
"That hurts," he muttered, catching Ryoga's wrist. Ryoga glared at him for a moment before snatching his wrist away and returning to his sister's side. It was like a knife through the heart. Again. "Be reasonable, Nasch-"
"My name is Ryoga! I'm not a Barian!" Vector frowned as Ryoga threw the crystal across the room. He knew the boy was confused and hurting and his sister was sick again so it was no surprise he was upset. But if he was allowed, Vector would comfort him. He wanted to keep his dear Ryoga safe and well. He sighed and gently laid his hand over Ryoga's but he snatched it away quickly. "This isn't going to happen any longer. I'm done with you."
"That's not your choice," Vector snapped.
"Why?" he hissed. "What else can you do? Rio is on death's door, Yuma is still struggling, and I-" He paused and frowned and Vector felt something familiar bubbling in his chest as Don Thousand laughed about history repeating itself. "I want you out of my life, now. I won't deal with you Barians anymore."
"Nasch-"
"Get out! We're through! Leave me alone!"
Vector's fists clenched. "Alright. If that's the way you want things to be."
Ryoga seemed to be ignoring him now and that filled Vector with a swirling black rage. A familiar all-consuming rage. After everything, Ryoga was ignoring him? He had been kind to him. He'd been gentle and bargained with him rather than forcing him to bend to his will but if he refused him…
Vector approached him quietly from behind. That sister of his. She always got in his way. Always messing things up between them. Merag never learnt to keep her nose out of things that didn't concern her either. He could see how the two were one and the same. How dare she get in the way? How dare she take Ryoga's attention? Ryoga was his. He was his link to Nasch. And he would never let him go.
His arm shot out and he dragged Ryoga from the bed, quickly clamping a hand over his mouth and holding him close. "This isn't over until I say it is."
~♥~
Addiction didn't even describe what was going on at that point. It was past that. Vector knew know that was something more. Something so much stronger. He could never let his prize go.
In the depths of the Barian headquarters, Vector opened up an inconspicuous door. From the darkness inside, piercing blue eyes locked onto him. Vector smiled, letting the door shut behind him and striding in. Those big blue eyes looked so sad. Never mind. He'd fix that. Vector knelt in front of him, slowly leaning in and nuzzling his muzzle against his jaw.
"My Nasch," he murmured. Chains clanked and he chuckled, using on hand to hold the chained wrists against the wall above their hands. It was such a weak, fragile body and mind but somewhere in there was Nasch. No wonder he'd become so obsessed with him. It was Nasch. His Nasch. "I won't let you slip through my fingers again, Nasch."
Ok because it's Christmas tomorrow, I will upload some completely new never before seen Solaris AU (it's hellshark because you know, christmas) so today I will give you the big regicide one.
Well there's nothing to extend in the first chapter but it is the first chapter of the captive Barians.
"Trust the Humans, you said."
Faker frowned, listening to his specimens bickering. Since making contact with the Barian world, he'd earned the trust of the alien creatures. They'd decided they could use him for their own goals. Faker was not so easily manipulated.
"They're weak creatures, you said."
He glanced back. In the Human world they presented as Humans, mainly young Humans- teens. There were six of them, all males of varying heights and builds. He already had the female in an underground containment unit.
"Give them our technology, they won't figure it out, you said."
They had given him technology and secrets to help him achieve their goals. They hadn't imagined he'd be smart enough, to use their technology to trap them. The female had been easiest to capture. She had a soft spot for his son Haruto. He'd been the perfect bait. And she was the perfect bait for them. They were so possessive over the only female among them.
"Shut up, Vector!"
Vector- one of the high ranking Barians- seemed to be the most contentious of the group. He was one of the ones Faker had dealt with most often. One of the leader's two generals, he supposed. In this world they were forced to take Human forms and none of them seemed at all pleased about it either. Vector was one of the shorter ones. Rather thinly built, seemed to look around Christopher's age, thirteen or so. He had sharp purple eyes and strange, gravity defying orange hair that seemed to stick straight up. He argued a lot with the leader from what little he'd seen of the pair together, and what he'd heard from Vector's grumbling when working with him. He seemed almost triumphant over their capture.
The leader himself presented as only a little older. This was only the second time Faker had seen him and the first time in his Human form. He was tethered next to Vector and none too happy about it. It was obvious he wasn't used to his Human form either. Nasch- Faker believed that was his name- kept huffing and tossing his head and blowing his long violet hair out of his face, apparently very frustrated with it, and grumbling about how fragile this soft skin was and the anchor was hurting his wrists and his middle felt strange- Faker assumed that was some sort of stomach ache, probably brought on by stress or nerves. Those clear blue eyes were filled with fury and frustration as he tugged up against the anchor again, apparently just wanting some space between himself and Vector.
Faker actually found it rather amusing, but he couldn't afford to be complacent. They were still incredibly powerful creatures. Their Human forms restricted their powers and their strength and the anchors that bound them- created using their own technology- reduced their strength even further, but the situation wasn't risk free. The sooner he got them into containment fields the better.
"Dr Faker?" Christopher said quietly. "We should hurry."
Faker glanced at his young assistant. He looked so much like his father. Poor Byron. Never mind, his sacrifice was necessary. Little Christopher was only thirteen, such a tragically young age to lose his father. Still, as long as he blamed the Barians it would be no trouble, he could use Christopher to continue his father's work and the poor boy would be none the wiser. Kaito and Haruto needed someone to help them, Kaito needed someone to teach him how to be social and Christopher needed someone to look after. It was the perfect combination really.
"We should." Christopher nodded and hurried to the control panel. "Ready?"
"Ready, Dr Faker."
The Barians finally seemed to have noticed they were moving along with something and were twisting against their restraints to watch them. Faker smiled. "Power up the containment fields."
"Powering up."
Faker walked over to another panel behind some glass and a heavy glass shield dropped around Christopher's work stations. Christopher smiled and flicked on the intercom. The youngster was just as dedicated to this as he was. Mainly because he believed the creatures were responsible for his father's death. Faker couldn't tell him the truth. He would make a dangerous enemy and Christopher leaving would tear Kaito and Haruto apart. The lie was better for everyone.
Watching Christopher work tugged at Faker's heartstrings. He really did look so much like his father. Sometimes Faker caught himself staring a little too long, almost seeing Byron in his place, sometimes nearly calling him by his father's name. He had that same tight smile when he worked. And although his eyes were blue, not that golden-hazel colour that none of his sons had inherited, they glittered in the same way when he found something new, saw a beautiful new machine or finally cracked a puzzle. Byron's hair didn't have the same bluish tint either, but it was just as long and fine and braided over his shoulder just the same.
"Containment fields at eighty per cent, Dr Faker," Christopher said over the intercom.
"Good," Faker said. "Prepare for transport."
"All systems ready."
"Hey!" Vector yelled from down below. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Containment fields ready, Dr Faker."
"Activating transport."
The floor beneath the Barians moved and they staggered, struggling with the anchors keeping them tied on separate platforms as walls came up around them. This was it. He was the only person in the world to have seven creatures from another world in captivity. Once they were inside these fields, they were be little more than Human teens. Their powers would be severely diminished and using their powers, no matter how weak, would drain them. The floors flipped over completely- there were quite a few startled cries at that- and locked into place as the ceilings to the Barian's habitats. A blue energy field formed over the top and a new floor slid into place.
"Containment fields seem to be holding, Dr Faker," Christopher called over the intercom.
Dr Faker smiled, checking the monitors and readings. "Cameras are all functional, setting feed to the main monitoring station."
"All life signs seem to be registering within normal levels. They're showing signs of stress but nothing out of the ordinary for the situation."
"Good," Dr Faker said, stepping down from the work station and taking a D-Pad with his work programs on it. Christopher followed quickly behind him. "Let's go and visit our guests."
Christopher nodded and followed behind him as they went. As they went, Kaito appeared from around one of the corners. Faker smiled softly. This was all for him and Haruto. If he didn't get the Barians to give him the cure for Haruto, he would lose them both.
"What's going on?" Kaito said quietly.
"Nothing for you to worry about," Faker replied. "Christopher and I are going to inspect some research subjects."
"The Barians?" Faker frowned. He wasn't supposed to know about that. "I heard you and Chris talking earlier. And that girl who came around to see Haruto, she was one of them, wasn't she?"
"Yes," he said, nodding slightly. "Please stay out of this until I'm certain they're safe."
"Do- do you really think Chris should be near it if you're not sure they're safely contained?" Katio said, cheeks going pink.
Faker frowned. He's suspected Kaito had a crush on Christopher but he hadn't realised it was this serious. He'd have to deal with this. The last thing he needed was Christopher finding out what he did to his father and hurting Kaito. Or worse, turning Kaito against him. Christopher smiled and patted Kaito's shoulder.
"I'll be fine, Kaito. Don't worry."
Kaito smiled weakly and nodded, watching as they carried on down to the lowest level of the tower. It was the safest place for them. If they used too much power the bottom floor would collapse, leaving the upper levels unaffected and destroying the creatures before they could do any damage. There were several security doors to pass through before they reached the hall way the Barians had been dropped in. Faker didn't want to take any chances. His sons were in the tower above, he wasn't going to risk these creatures getting free and taking out their revenge on them.
The long hall had seven habitats. Three on each side and one at the end. They were all pretty much identical. The one at the end of the hall was a little larger, but only because for convenience when building was going on. There were small rooms on show, most of the walls made of reinforced glass, and with only a single bunk and chair inside. This was where the six males had been dropped. They were kept in the middle of the rooms while the female was already free in hers. The anchors, still attached to what had been the floor and was now the ceiling, kept their hands above their heads, keeping them from struggling too much, particularly the small ones. Vector, Nasch, a little brown haired one Faker had yet to be introduced to and the one he dealt with most- a silver haired, grey eyed Barian named Durbe who presented as slightly older but still rather short- struggled were practically helpless. Nasch's feet just brushed the floor and if he moved wrong he'd be in a great deal of discomfort, Vector was stretched on his toes to the point where he was obviously in pain and the other two were held clear off the ground.
"You monster!" Merag yelled, slamming her fists against the front of her cell. "Let them go!"
Christopher glanced at her and Faker didn't miss the flash of pain and fury in his protégé's eyes. Merag was softer than the others. She liked stopping by and tending to Haruto when she could. Apparently she was Nasch's twin sister, although she was certainly more used to her Human form. She was pretty girl, presented around Christopher's age, just like her brother, with flowing blue hair and striking almost pink eyes.
"You're the monsters," Christopher hissed. "You're going to pay for what you did to my father and Kazuma."
"Enough, Christopher," Faker said, shaking his head. He turned his gaze on Nasch. The lead Barian was in the cell at the end of the hall- Durbe and Vector in the cells either side- looking absolutely furious. "At least make an attempt to be civil to our guests."
"You can't keep us here," Durbe said.
"I swear, Faker, when I get out of here I'm going to destroy you," Vector snarled.
"I'm sure you've noticed by now that you're weakened," Faker replied. "You can't fight. You can't escape and the bracelets around your wrists will make sure you cooperate. If you're well behaved guests, we'll treat you with care."
"You're keeping us captive," Nasch hissed. "What makes you think we'll cooperate with you in any way?"
"I want a cure for Haruto."
"Haruto's pain is caused by the Astral world," Durbe said. "That is nothing to do with us."
"But you know how to cure him."
"Perhaps."
"Then tell me."
"We won't be bullied into talking while you're keeping us tied up like this," Nasch said. Faker smiled and kept his gaze on Nasch. Those piercing blue eyes made his nervous, almost like Nasch was looking right through him, into him, as if he could see his mind and soul. "Let us go."
Faker sighed and pressed a button on his D-Pad, releasing them from the anchors. They dropped to the ground. Nasch rubbed his wrists, stalking away towards the back room. There were quieter, darker room behind the front ones. Places for the creatures to have some privacy. There was a desk, a more comfortable chair, a soft bed and a television. He assumed even Barians needed rest and time alone.
"You should have left them stuck there," Christopher muttered. "They deserve to suffer."
Durbe moved over to the front of his cell, gazing over at Christopher. "What have we done to make you hate us so much?"
"You monsters murdered my father," he hissed back.
"Christopher," Dr Faker murmured.
"Why would we waste time on a pathetic Human," snapped the blond in the cell next to Durbe. "I have better creatures to focus my wrath on."
His eyes were locked on Vector as he spoke. Not that Vector seemed to care. He was sneering at Christopher. The blond was an interesting one. Mizael, Durbe's ever present bodyguard. His human form had strange facial markings and his hair had a strange wing like protrusion. He was rather rude, blunt and obviously disliked Vector. And the one time he'd met Kaito- Faker hadn't been at all pleased about that- there had been an uncomfortable tension between them. Kaito wasn't normally that hostile.
And it was likely to be either him or Vector that blurted out the truth.
"I can't imagine why we would ever see fit to kill your father," Durbe said.
"You Humans are weak and to murder one so callously would be dishonourable," Mizael agreed.
"Who told you this nonsense?" Vector snapped.
"Nasch?" Merag said softly. "We didn't, did we?"
"No way," the brown haired boy cried. "Nasch, we didn't."
Nasch moved slowly back to the front of his cell, watching Christopher curiously, apparently ignoring the others. The brown haired boy seemed to be the youngest. He was the same height as Durbe but presented as a lot younger, his eyes were big and green, one hidden behind his bangs, and he seemed loud and excitable. And the one in the cell next to him, the largest most physically intimidating of the bunch, was grumbling about how they wouldn't have done such a thing without Nasch's order. He was a strange one, oddly different from the others. He had green hair and was much more muscle-bound than the others and seemed rather attached to the youngest of the bunch, generally quieter as well.
"Christopher, isn't it?" Nasch said quietly. Christopher frowned but took a step forwards. Nasch's eyes were soft and concerned and apparently that was drawing Christopher in. Nasch offered a small smile. "You think we had something to do with your father's death."
"You did, you creatures murdered him and Kazuma," Christopher hissed.
"Nasch," Durbe said in a hushed low voice. "If we didn't-"
"I know," Nasch snapped, glaring at him for a moment before turning his gaze back to Christopher. "Tell me about him."
"As if I'll tell you anything," he said. "You monsters took him from us."
"Us?"
"My two younger brothers are stuck in an orphanage because of you! Kazuma's kids don't have a father because of you!"
"I see…" Nasch frowned and glanced at his companions before locking his gaze with Christopher's. "I don't know what happened to your father or his friend, I give you my word, but if one of my people did this, I will find out and if I could I would make them suffer." Faker scowled. Christopher seemed to be softening up His featured softened and he stood in front of the glass, just watching Nasch. "Leave it with me for a day. I'll figure out what I can and get back to you, alright?"
Christopher watched him silently for a moment, the pair just gazing at each other before he sighed and nodded. "Thank you for your honesty."
"Christopher," Faker said, stiffening slightly. Christopher glanced back, eyes low and pained. "Will you make sure the monitors are all working properly for me?"
"Yes, Dr Faker."
Christopher strode away and the moment the door closed, Nasch slammed his fists against the glass. It shook and groaned, but held. Faker smirked. The boy snarled and whipped around, pacing back a few steps before turning and glaring at Faker.
"Mizael!"
The blond narrowed his eyes and took a few steps back firing several pink blasts on energy at the glass. He was the most powerful Barian as far as raw energy went, from what Faker had heard. This was the perfect test of his containment field. Faker watched warily as blue containment field fired up and the energy fizzled away. The Barains were starting to get worked up now. Faker couldn't blame them but he needed to make sure Christopher didn't find out about what really happened to him father. Not even a second after the energy fields absorbed the attack, Faker noticed Mizael shaking and panting. The others seemed to notice too and when Mizael's legs gave out and he fell to his hands and knees, there was outright panic and fury.
"Mizael," Durbe called.
His was voice sharp and alarmed as he slammed his hands against the glass wall separating him from his bodyguard, demanding to know what was wrong. Faker took note of how easy his Human face was to read, how he was terrified for his companion. Perhaps there was more between them than a protector and ward relationship. That would certainly be interesting to investigate.
"These bodies are so weak," Mizael panted, struggling back to his feet and leaning against the wall. On the other side, Durbe gazed up at him in concern, the pain of seeing his companion suffering and being so helpless obvious in his eyes. "That shouldn't have drained so much energy."
"You should rest," Durbe murmured.
Mizael smiled weakly in what was obviously a show just to reassure Durbe. "I'm already recovering."
"That's the containment field," Faker said, watching Nasch still. "Any amount of power used will drain you of energy. If I turn up the power the effects will get worse. You can't escape. This is your technology."
"You sacrificed them," Vector hissed. Faker clenched his jaw and Vector cackled. He hadn't wanted them to figure that out so quickly. "Wait until he finds out."
"He won't find out," Nasch said softly.
"Nasch," Durbe said, whipping around and staring at him. "You can't honestly mean that."
"We're not taking the blame for what some Human did," Mizael snapped.
"After what he just did to Mizael?" he continued. "You can not expect us to work with him."
"I wasn't asking for your opinions," Nasch snapped.
"Nasch, I can't go along with this, not after seeing that."
"I thought you trusted me, Durbe. You of all people should trust me." Durbe and Mizael glanced at each other before falling silent and Mizael staggered off to sit on the bunk with Durbe watching worridly. Nasch glanced back at Faker, who suppressed a shudder at the wicked glint in his eyes. "I assume he'll be watching soon, since I would assume this place is monitored, so I'll make this brief. You have until he comes to talk to me tomorrow to do right by his father and give those brothers of his a home. Understand?"
"You're blackmailing me?" Faker hissed. Vector laughed and Durbe leant against the wall, smiling slightly and apparently appeased. "I will not be blackmailed."
"Then he can find out the truth," Vector sneered.
"He won't believe you."
"Do you want to take that risk?" Durbe murmured.
There was silence for a moment and Nasch smiled, watching smugly. Finally Faker sighed and walked away. What annoyingly resourceful creatures. He couldn't risk Christopher finding out the truth. He supposed he'd have to get those brats out of the orphanage. Honestly, he didn't mind Michael, but Thomas was a troublemaker even at such a young age. There was a reason Christopher was the only one he'd offered a home too. He supposed he had no choice though.
As he left, there was a thud and he glanced back to see Vector had kicked the front pane of glass. When he reached the monitoring station, Kaito was sitting on of the work surfaces, chatting with Christopher as they watched the screens. He was definitely going to put a stop to this. Although he'd wait to see if the Barians would keep their word or not.
Christopher smiled seeing him approaching and switched the screens to focus on the seven Barians. Mizael had moved his chair to the wall separating him and Durbe while Durbe himself was on the bunk against the same wall. The pair was leaning against the wall, eyes closed and hands pressed against the glass palm to palm.
"They're a pair," Christopher murmured, noticing his gaze. Faker nodded. That would explain their behaviour. "It's rather sweet."
"For murderous aliens," Kaito muttered.
Christopher frowned. "The leader said he didn't know anything about it. He said he's going to look into it."
"Do you trust them?" he said, folding his arms. "If they're capable of murder, they're capable of lying."
"Why is Nasch cooperating with them?" Mizael muttered. Faker frowned as the boys turned their attention to monitor, listening to their discussion. Nasch himself was in his back room, lying on the bed with his arms tucked behind his head. "They've accused us of murder, and we wouldn't do it without his order."
"You have to trust him," Durbe replied softly.
"It was his soft heart that got us into this mess."
"You're just as fond of Merag as any of us," the brown haired boy said.
"I wanted to just destroy the lot of them," Vetor grumbled.
"Mizael," Durbe sighed, opening his eyes as Mizael did the same. "I know the situation makes it hard, but I trust Nasch. And I know you trust me, don't you?"
"You know I do," Mizael grumbled. He moved so they were eye to eye, forehead resting together against the glass. "But being held prisoner here hardly fills me with confidence."
"I'm sure he has a plan. Trust us."
"I'd trust you more if Vector wasn't involved."
The Barians fell into bickering, mainly between Vector and Mizael. Christopher and Kaito watched with small smiles and Faker scowled. The little brown haired boy seemed to be called Alit and was certainly one of the most childish. He was yelling and arguing like a young boy, obviously far too excitable. His larger companion, Gilag apparently, was quieter but no less blunt about his dislike of Vector or their situation. Merag had followed her brother's lead and was on her bed, resting silently, while Durbe just sat on his bunk, watching the bickering.
"Christopher," Faker said quietly. Christopher glanced up at him. "I think, now we've got the creatures that killed your father, perhaps it's time you were reunited with your brothers."
"My brothers…"
Christopher blinked slowly and Kaito grasped his hand. "You're not kicking him out, are you, Father?"
"No, of course not," Faker said, shaking his head. "I'd like to bring your brothers here. Now there's no danger from the Barians, I think it's best that the three of you are together. I know I can never replace your father, but boys need someone to look after them."
"Thank you," Christopher breathed, a small, shy smile coming across his lips. "Thank you so much, Dr Faker. I know it's a difficult decision, I'll make sure they understand how lucky they are and make sure they behave. Thank you."
"It's the least I can do," he replied, forcing a smile. He couldn't risk it. The boys might even be of some use. "I'll call up the orphanage, and we'll see if we can pick them up first thing tomorrow."
Christopher nodded quickly, his smile widening and Kaito squeezed his hand, smiling up at him. Thomas was closed to Kaito's age. Perhaps that would distract him from his little crush on Christopher. Perhaps this would be a good thing. Kaito was learning to improve his duelling, Christopher was teaching him, and Thomas was a duelling protégé. Faker remembered Christopher taking a day or two off to go and watch Thomas compete in prestigious tournaments. If he kept ranking highly there could be extra money in it, and someone to help Kaito learn. This could be a very good thing for very little inconvenience. And if it made Kaito and Christopher happier, that was a nice bonus.
o.o this is the between worlds extended~? omg really?! I FINALLY FOUND IT -hugs you- Between Worlds is literally my favorite fanfic of zexal and I'm so happy to have found this~
Yes it is and I'm going to start posting it today (nearly forgot about it) and yes it is the extended full smut version. Thank you..
At the time I was theorizing about why Shark Drake wanted to be with Ryoga.
"Hey," Nasch murmured, crouching down in front of the beast. "Hello." The beast growled and opened its jaws, blazing red eyes locked on him and he reach out a hand. "Don't be afraid I won't hurt you."
He moved forwards slowly and the creature snarled, launching from the lagoon and gnashing its jaws at him. Nasch stumbled back and the beast dropped back into the lagoon, disappearing under the soft ripples. Nasch frowned and moved forwards slowly, watching the shape under the water. When people had told him all about a beast in the lagoon eating their livestock on one of the furthest islands, he'd had to investigate. The young prince couldn’t resist a chance to get out of the palace for a while and a chance to tame a wild beast was something he couldn't pass up. He slid off his armour and boots and slowly climbed off the bank into the water. The shape was watching him from below and he left his sword on the edge of the bank, within reach if he needed it.
"It's alright," he called into the lagoon. "I won't hurt you."
The shape disappeared, probably sinking deeper, and Nasch frowned. After a moment, he took a breath and dived down into the clear waters after the creature. It was up ahead, a strange creature with long, flattened arms and stocky legs and a sharp snout with formidable teeth. Seemingly armoured as well. It was watching him warily and after a moment of looking of it, Nasch spotted a spear in its leg.
After heading up to get another deep breath, Nasch dove back into the lagoon. The beast was closer to the surface this time. He swam over to the creature. It was huge. Its jaws were bigger than him. If it wanted it could have swallowed him in one or two bites. Nasch wasn't going to deny it. He was nervous. If the creature wanted to kill him, he couldn't defend himself. Bracing against the creature's leg- its skin was hard and smooth, definitely like armour and surprisingly warm- he tugged the spear loose.
The creature's roar made the water tremble and it whipped around, jaws snapping so close Nasch barely had time to react, accidently letting out a startled scream and taking in a gulp of water. Long sharp claws tore across his chest and another mouthful of water entered his lungs. Knowing he couldn't keep this up, Nasch struggled to get up to the surface before things got worse or the creature attacked again.
But the creature seemed to have retreated again. Nasch broke the surface, coughing and spluttering, struggling to get air into his lungs. His hands found the bank and Nasch pulled himself up, hanging on tightly as he coughed. Finally, he braved a glance down and saw the three slashes across his chest, blood dripping into the water. Luckily, the creature in the lagoon seemed to be the only predator in the water, so at least he wasn't attracting attention.
There was a quiet growl behind him. He turned and found the beast's eyes just above the water. Nasch backed against the bank as it moved slowly forwards. Its jaws opened and Nasch struggled, reaching up and patting the bank for his sword.
And then his clothes were shredded by those teeth and claws and Nasch finally found his sword. Obviously the creature didn't like the taste of clothes. He doubted his sword would be much more than an irritant against its armour but he had to try. But then, there was a heat against his skin. Nasch gasped softly, glancing down to see the beast's tongue sliding over his stomach, licking away the blood and moving slowly up to his chest. It licked the wounds clean and Nasch could do nothing but grip the edge of the bank and take it, biting back the shameful moans bought on by the hot tongue moving over his body. Whenever he tried to move away those huge claws trapped him, forcing him to remain in place as it cleaned him off.
Finally, it was content he was clean and disappeared back into the water, allowing Nasch to scramble ashore, wrapping his travelling cloak around him and grasping his sword. He was trembling and panting but he watched the lagoon for the creature. After a while, it appeared, peaking up out of the water and gazing at him.
"You can't keep taking livestock," Nasch explained, whether the creature could understand or not. "People don't like it." It tilted its head and Nasch sighed. "There has to be some way to get you and them to get along."
He left the lagoon and didn't return until a few weeks later. It had come to his attention that the lagoon used to feed into the sea until a landslide a few months ago. And that was when the creature appeared. Perhaps it had been trapped in the lagoon by the landslide. He led a team of soldiers to the lagoon and had a sheep for the creature. Soon, it appeared, eating greedily. It watched Nasch carefully but seemed to recognise him. He reached out and the creature watched him, completely distracted until the soldiers caught it was ropes and chains. It roared and screeched and Nasch spoke as soothingly as possible, making sure his soldiers remained calm and didn't make the situation worse.
They managed to get the creature onto a sturdy cart and they tied down its jaws as they hitched the horses to the cart. Nasch climbed up onto the cart with the beast and pulled off his cape, tying it over its eyes. Often wild animals would calm once their eyes were covered. And this one was the same. Nasch sat at its side, gently stroking the armoured skin and murmuring softly as they moved the cart through the village to the sea shore. The islanders crowded around, demanding the beast be executed for eating their food but Nasch silenced them all, demanding they not punish a wild animal for trying to survive.
At the shore, the beast seemed to perk up. They took the cart into the water so the waves lapped at the edge of the cart. That was when Nasch took the cape from the creature's eyes. It struggled against its bindings and Nasch got up, taking his cape with him. He carefully moved around the beast, wrapping his cloak around the slowly healing wound in its leg.
"Everyone ready?" he said, as calmly as he could. Everything could go wrong now. If the beast wanted to turn around and kill them, it would be a blood bath. They nodded and Nasch slid off the cart, moving around so if the beast attacked, it would be him first. This was his idea, if things went wrong he'd take responsibility. "Release the creature."
They cut the ropes and the beast roared, throwing itself from the cart and into the water. Nasch felt the rush of the water as the beast tore passed and he smiled, turning and watching the shape tearing through the sea. Wading out a little way after it, Nasch couldn't help grinning. They'd done a good thing. They'd saved that beast, whatever it was, from a slow, agonising death in a tiny pool. The water moved around him and the creatures head popped up. His men moved forwards but Nasch held up a hand in a signal to stop. The beast's jaws opened slowly and its tongue lapped against his cheek.
Nasch laughed, nervously laying a hand on the armoured muzzle. "You're welcome, friend."
The creature disappeared back into the water again, vanishing into the depths of the ocean. All Nasch could do was smile and gaze out into the waves, wondering where the creature would go and if it would ever come back. He wondered if the creature would even remember him a few months from now. If they ever met again, would it recognise him?
"What was that?" one of the men muttered.
Nasch frowned. That was a good question. Well… it was huge and powerful and predatory, and if it had wings it might be a dragon. But it was aquatic. A water dragon? It was a predator, with the sharp snout and sharp teeth. Like a shark. Sharks were royal creatures, unrivalled and deadly, kings of the sea. That's why they were on their family's crest.
"Shark Drake," Nasch said quietly. "We'll call it Shark Drake. And I think saving it is going to bring us great fortune."
