Ai No Kusabi Fan Fiction ❯ The Final Decision ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: As before, the characters of Ai No Kusabi and the Taming Riki series do not belong to me, nor do I profit from this story.

 

* * *

 

Chapter Four

 

For we walk by faith; not by sight.

 

-2 Corinthians 5.v7

 

* * *

 

Explaining the complicated situation to the household had been easier than Iason expected. While some were confused and others a bit troubled by their decision, all understood how much citizenship meant to the mongrel. The servants and staff all loved Master Iason and his rebellious Riki, and they all desired to see the unlikely couple finally find peace.

 

Iason lounged on his side of the massive bed, his head propped carefully on one hand as he studied his troubled pet. Something had been bothering Riki since their earlier meeting with Jupiter. After their return to the penthouse, his pet had been most enthusiastic in their lovemaking, but the Blondie could sense that he was holding back. They had so little, precious time left together before the procedure, and Iason did not wish to waste any on meaningless brooding.

 

His breath momentarily caught in his throat as he studied the exotic mongrel in the fading light of the evening. Riki was so beautiful that it was difficult to believe how many resented the young man. Could they truly not see his worth and appeal? A light sheen of perspiration from their earlier activities covered Riki's nude form as he leaned casually against the balcony frame and stared out toward the city's skyline. The fading light of the setting sun caught the mongrel's dark hair, setting it ablaze with fiery highlights and causing his flushed skin to sparkle enticingly in every dip and curve of his muscular form.

 

Riki sighed softly as he felt a pair of strong arms wind slowly around his naked waist and pull him firmly into a solid chest. "Iason," he murmured, sinking back into the protective embrace.

 

"What troubles you, my pet?" Iason whispered into his ear, causing a shiver to snake down his spine.

 

Turning in the Blondie's arms, Riki leaned forward and pressed his trembling lips against Iason's. He didn't want to talk about the fear eating away at his carefully formed façade, or voice the questions that plagued his weary heart. Perhaps if he kept Iason's attentions away from his mood, he could avoid any unpleasant conversation.

 

The Blondie responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around the mongrel and drawing him closer. However, his enthusiasm soon wavered as he sensed Riki's inattention. Sighing, he pulled away and planted a small kiss upon his pet's furrowed brow. "Please talk to me."

 

Swallowing hard, Riki shook his head and tried to manufacture a cheerful smile. One look at Iason's expression told him that he hadn't been successful in the ruse. With a sigh of his own, Riki turned back toward the window and pushed a hand through his unruly hair. What should he say? How could he ask?

 

Concern flittered through Iason as he felt Riki tense beneath his hands. What was causing his pet such distress? Determined to find out the answer, Iason stepped away and retrieved a discarded robe from his bedroom floor. "Riki, please," he began as he tied the sash at his waist, "tell me what is on your mind."

 

Riki sighed again and retrieved a cigarette he had ingeniously hidden on the ledge. After his Blondie master had confiscated his smokes, he had taken careful measure to ensure he would never be without them again. Hundreds of Dark Baccalias littered the luxurious penthouse, concealed expertly, in case of an emergency. Lighting up, he inhaled deeply, relaxing slightly as the smoke filled his lungs.

 

Iason watched, waiting patiently for his troubled pet to reveal the cause of his inner turmoil. He knew that pushing the mongrel to answer would yield the opposite result. Riki was one to reveal things in his own way, and in his own time. The Blondie didn't even flinch when his pet seemingly produced a cigarette from thin air. It was one of the many 'rebellions' that Iason allowed Riki in order for his pet to maintain his perceived independence. Did the silly little mongrel truly believe he did not know everything that went on his household?

 

When it became apparent that Riki was not going to initiate any conversation, Iason decided to take matters into his own hands. "You are upset that I agreed to take another pet?"

 

Riki flinched as though Iason had physically struck him. Of course he was upset. He was jealous as hell! And nothing his Blondie master could say would make it right again. Iason couldn't promise he wouldn't touch his new pet. After this procedure, they wouldn't remember one another. Though the thought of Iason intimate with another pet curdled his blood, it was actually the implication behind the act that terrified Riki; that Iason only wanted Riki because of his 'pet' status.

 

Iason continued on, though he was well aware of his pet's rising agitation. "Raoul is not going to perform the procedure," he said quietly, crossing his arms. "There is nothing you need to worry about, Riki. Everything will turn out just fine."

 

"That's what you think," Riki muttered, flicking the butt of his cigarette over the balcony edge.

 

Iason frowned, slightly hurt from his pet's lack of faith. "You don't believe we'll find each other," he accused. "Is that it? You think that what we feel isn't strong enough to survive Jupiter's test."

 

Riki shrugged but didn't answer.

 

Incensed, Iason grabbed the mongrel's shoulders and forced him to turn around. "Is that it, Riki?" he demanded.

 

Again, the young man remained silent, his eyes lowered guiltily.

 

Iason's chest tightened as he released Riki and turned away. "I suppose either way, you'll get your wish," he whispered sadly, fighting back tears of heartache.

 

"My wish?" Riki lifted his head to stare at the Blondie's back. He was confused. What wish was that?

 

Iason nodded, allowing his shoulders to slump in defeat as he walked away. "If we find one another again, you'll become a citizen. If we don't… I suppose you're life will continue as it would have if we had never met. Either way, you'll have the freedom that you so desire."

 

Riki nearly reeled in shock. Is that what Iason truly believed? How had they misinterpreted each other so badly? "Iason, stop!"

 

The Blondie paused, but didn't turn around. He didn't want Riki to see the agony that was no doubt written clearly upon his features. It was as though his worst fears were being realized. Of course Riki would want to be free from the life he had been forced to live, and Iason couldn't find it within his heart to blame the mongrel for wanting to remove himself from every aspect of his life in Amoi. Even if that meant he would never see his beloved pet again.

 

Iason was so absorbed in his own inner turmoil that he wasn't prepared for the impact of another body against his own. Grunting, he barely had time to fling his arms before him to break his fall and winced as he landed in an awkward heap. Annoyed, he rose to his knees, but his anger quickly dissipated as he glanced down and caught sight of two, trembling arms clinging tightly to his waist.

 

"I don't want to do this so that I can leave you forever," Riki whispered into Iason's silk covered shoulder. "I'm just afraid that… I mean…"

 

"Riki?"

 

"I'm just afraid that afterward, you'll prefer someone you can still dress up in chains and spank whenever you want," he rushed out, blushing furiously and burying his face into Iason's hair. Though his next words were muffled, the Blondie heard them loud and clear: "I'm afraid you won't want me any longer."

 

There were many things that Iason could have said or done that would not have surprised Riki. However, the Blondie's sudden, roaring laughter was not one of them.

 

"Iason?"

 

"Oh, Riki," Iason chuckled, turning in his pet's embrace and pulling the confused mongrel to his chest. "You're afraid that once you're a citizen, I'll no longer want you?"

 

Still bewildered and slightly hurt by Iason's obvious amusement, Riki nodded.

 

"My silly pet," the Blondie crooned, placing a gentle kiss on Riki's furrowed brow. "I was afraid that being my pet was the only thing that kept you with me. I was afraid that once you had the freedom you so desired all these years, you would quickly cut all ties with your former life and move on. Don't you know that if you were to leave, I would no longer be able to live? You are everything to me."

 

Blushing at his words, Riki searched Iason's eyes for any hint of deceit or mendacity hidden in their sparkling depths, but only honest sincerity and love shone through. Nearly overcome with emotion, the mongrel buried his face in the Blondie's chest, biting his lip to keep his tears at bay. Whether they were tears of gratitude or love, he couldn't be sure, but in that moment, he was sure of one thing and one thing only:

 

He and Iason were going to find one another again.

 

Resolve burned in his weary heart as he felt his master's arms wind around his trembling torso. Lifting his head, he sought out the Blondie's lips and spilt his very soul into the passionate kiss. He wanted to convey his gratitude and his determination with this one embrace, but more than anything else, he wanted to show Iason that he was just as confident the two would be reunited once again; he wanted to show that doubt no longer shadowed him and that his whole heart and his very being belonged to his Blondie master.

 

* * *

 

Heiku's hands trembled, and he nearly crushed the delicate vial between his bionic fingers in his agitated state. He understood the reason that Iason had asked for him to oversee the procedure, but it didn't mean he was completely ready to take on the responsibility. Although it had been many years since his Yousi's mind had been altered, to this very day, the whole mess of mind alteration scared the hell out of him. Minds were such fragile things. No one should be given permission to tamper with one.

 

"Are you well, my friend?"

 

Iason's voice startled him, and he pulled a sharp gasp of air through tightly clenched teeth as the small vial nearly slipped from his fingers. Blushing as the two gave him a curious look, he swiftly motioned toward a pair of comfortable leather chairs and positioned a polished, metal tray between them.

 

"Are you two sure about this?" Heiku asked, obviously more nervous than either of his patients. "There is still time to reconsider."

 

Iason shook his head and smiled at the doctor. "We've talked it through extensively. There is nothing further to discuss."

 

"It is impossible to foresee every outcome when -"

 

The Syndicate Head chuckled softly and laid a gentle hand upon his friend's trembling shoulder. "I understand your hesitancy to perform this procedure, but in truth, you are the only one I trust, not only with myself, but also the one who is most precious to me."

 

Heiku swallowed hard. Iason's praise was welcomed, but a hard pill to choke down. "I just… I don't want to see anything terrible befall either of you."

 

Riki smiled, speaking for the first time since he entered the room, "Thanks." He knew it wasn't much, but he hoped it conveyed his gratitude that the doctor considered him in this as well. It proved, more than ever, that Iason had made a wise choice.

 

Sighing, Heiku motioned for the two to take their seats and turned toward the west wall, activating the large monitor. Almost instantly, Jupiter's image filled the immense screen.

 

"Are we ready to proceed?" Curiously, her electronic voice sounded almost…excited.

 

Pushing aside the remainder of his reservations, Iason nodded and replied, "We are."

 

"I trust you have informed your household of the terms of our agreement?"

 

Iason nodded again. "No one is to interfere in anyway. My entire staff is well informed that breaking these rules will not only result in punishment from me, but from you as well."

 

He paused, recalling the terrifying expressions that had decorated the faces of his household. The threat of Jupiter had run deep, and he was certain they would abide by the rules. Even more, they all loved Iason and Riki, and they wanted to see the two together at last.

 

"I am confident they will do as told."

 

Jupiter hummed with satisfaction. "Lord Quiahtenon has been ordered to fit you with a special transmitter so that I may monitor your progress."

 

Feeling a bit queasy that his private life would no longer be very private, Iason simply nodded. He was not doing this for himself, after all, and he would suffer any indignity necessary if in the end, it meant he could be with Riki. Though he didn't readily believe in any higher power, he hoped that if one existed, it would protect his precious pet and return him safely. Closing his eyes, he sent up his silent prayer as Heiku fitted them with an IV attached to a shared saline drip.

 

A bit nauseous himself, Heiku finished the preparations and situated himself behind the tray, studying his patients. "Do either of you have any questions before we proceed?"

 

Riki cleared his throat and prayed his voice would not reflect the turmoil he felt inside. "What is going to happen to us?"

 

All eyes turned to Jupiter as she hummed once more. "You will be injected with a special mixture of both a powerful sedative and a number of nano-ites."

 

"Nano-ites?" Riki repeated.

 

"They are microscopic processors that are designed to recognize and erase information in the brain," Heiku supplied. "The sedative essentially shuts down the electrical function of the brain while the nano-ites integrate themselves within the tissue. They distinguish specific patterns in the gray matter and eliminate it; basically destroying the cell that contains a targeted memory."

 

The mongrel appeared horrified at the thought. "So…they destroy the memories permanently? We can never get them back? Won't destroying parts of our brain harm us? Will we have these nano-ites in our brains forever?"

 

"One question at a time, Riki!" Iason chided playfully. Smiling, he took his hand and squeezed gently, hoping to reassure his agitated pet with his touch.

 

"You are rather inquisitive for a mongrel," Jupiter observed, unaware of the insult she had placed upon the proud Bison leader. "The number of gray cells that will be destroyed is akin to a night of heavy alcohol consumption, and once the nano-ites have performed their function, they are flushed you're your bodies naturally. There is no reason to fear for your safety."

 

"And as for the memories," Heiku added, "the nano-ites copy the information before it is destroyed and relay it to a central computer. Once you and Iason find each other, the procedure to restore your memory is a simple one."

 

"But how will you explain why the last three years are missing?" Riki pressed on.

 

The doctor shook his head. "You won't completely lose your memories of the last three years. The nano-ites are only programmed to remove your memories of each other."

 

"So," Riki's brows furrowed with confusion, "we'll remember the last three years, but not each other? How does that work?"

 

If Heiku hadn't felt ill at the thought of tampering with their minds, he might have found amusement in the mongrel's utter bewilderment. "We don't know exactly how it is going to work," he explained. "We've only ever blocked electrical impulses to eradicate intelligence or erased complete blocks of memory; not removed one person from one's memories. Most likely, you will recall the last three years, but with large holes in your memories where Iason used to reside."

 

Riki's eyes shifted nervously from one person to the other before resting on his beautiful Blondie master. "So there is no way we will remember one another until we have the reverse procedure?"

 

Iason nodded. "Correct. The memories will no longer exist within us. Jupiter wants us to prove our love by finding one another again." He smiled. "Everything about us will remain the same, Riki. The only difference is that we will not recognize one another. However, the attraction will be there. Our preferences and our feelings will not have been altered."

 

Chewing his lip nervously, Riki tried to return the smile, but it appeared as more of a grimace as he settled back in the chair. Heiku carefully filled two syringes with the clear liquid, hesitating for only a moment before slipping the needle into the port and emptying its contents into the lovers' shared saline lines.

 

Trembling with both fear and apprehension, Riki shifted to his side so he could watch his Blondie master - the man he loved more than life itself - drift to sleep. Feeling the dizzying affects of the powerful drug, he reached out and closed his hand over Iason's larger one, feeling the Blondie's fingers curl gently around his own.

 

"I love you, Iason," he whispered, his consciousness fading quickly.

 

Though the Blondie's beautiful blue eyes were fogged with drugs, they radiated with his pleasure and adoration at the simple statement. "Riki," he murmured, almost overcome by drowsiness. "Love…you."

 

Heiku felt his own heart swell as the two finally slipped into drug induced comas. Their last vision had been of each other as they each declared their love. Though he still did not agree with their decision to participate in this procedure, his restless heart was more at peace with renewed confidence that the two would succeed. He didn't know how, but he was certain they would find each other again.

 

Stepping forward, he disconnected the tubes and needles from their arms and carefully monitored their progress. Neither patient seemed to signify any distress as the nano-ites slowly and methodically destroyed their memories. Having reassured himself that everything was going smoothly, he turned and faced the west wall, awaiting Jupiter's instructions.

 

She was still for several moments, her aura pulsing softly as she absorbed the information the nano-ites transmitted to the central computer. Although she really hadn't planned to look into the memories of the two lovers, she filed them away for future study. Perhaps by witnessing their relationship from its origins, it would help her understand the overwhelming emotion of 'love' that Iason and his pet seemed to feel for one another.

 

After a few moments, she hummed her approval. "It appears the procedure is a success," she noted solemnly.

 

Heiku nodded. "We won't know for sure until they awaken, but it seems to be working as planned."

 

"And the transmitter is in place?"

 

"Of course," Heiku nodded once more, trying to hide his disgust at this particular aspect of the experiment. "You will be able to monitor Iason's location, as well as see and hear everything he does."

 

A number of chirps and beeps sounded from the screen, and the doctor took the gentle noise to mean her satisfaction with everything. "Acceptable," Jupiter answered. "Summon the others. Iason is to be moved to his penthouse for the duration of the procedure."

 

Reclining the chairs to make his patients more comfortable, Heiku took another moment to reevaluate Iason and Riki's condition. Satisfied that they were not suffering in any way, he sent a beacon to Iason's bodyguard and spread a blanket over the two. He turned at a slight, hydraulic hiss and nodded to Ayuda as he entered.

 

"Is everything all right in here?" Ayuda asked hesitantly, deactivating the beacon.

 

Heiku tried to smile, failed, and answered with a small shrug. "It is impossible to tell until they regain consciousness, but it seemed to go smoothly," he answered. Gently, he rolled Iason's chair toward the bodyguard. "Jupiter has ordered Lord Mink to be taken back to his penthouse for the duration of the procedure. That responsibility will be yours."

 

Ayuda nodded, moving behind the slumbering Blondie and tucking the thin blanket around his form. "What about Riki?"

 

"I believe he's my responsibility."

 

The two turned as Katze slid through the door with his signature grin. Feeling somewhat relieved, Ayuda relaxed. Riki was in good hands with Katze.

 

"He's ready," Heiku said, engaging the wheels on Riki's chair.

 

Nodding, Katze moved forward and relieved the doctor of his responsibility. For several moments, the bronze-haired youth merely studied the unconscious pet, wondering what was happening in that strange head of his. Damn it, Riki, he thought silently, tenderly smoothing back an unruly lock of hair. I hope this shit is worth it.

 

"Can we take them?" Ayuda asked, testing the weight of the recliner.

 

Heiku nodded. "They are ready for transport."

 

"What are your plans for the mongrel?"

 

Everyone jumped visibly as Jupiter's voice rang clear through the room. For a moment, they had forgotten she was still on the visual receptor. Feeling uncomfortably in her somewhat sacrosanct presence, Katze glanced nervously between her image and his toes.

 

"I promised Master Iason that I would keep him employed and out of trouble," he answered softly.

 

"Will that not compromise the integrity of this experiment?" Jupiter's tone revealed her annoyance.

 

Shaking his head, Katze braved a look at the sentient computer. "Riki knew me before he became a pet. Since the individuals in Riki's past are no longer around and he is somewhat famous around Midas, it was decided that my part would greatly reduce the risk of contamination."

 

Jupiter remained silent for several seconds. "You also…care for this…mongrel?"

 

Katze resisted the urge to correct her and nodded. "I do. I would never do anything to bring harm to him or Master Iason."

 

Jupiter hummed once more as though deep in thought. "The experiment will continue on as planned. I will be monitoring everyone carefully." And with that, she disappeared.

 

Heiku released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and regarded the two solicitously. "Everyone needs to be very careful," he reiterated, wanting very much to convey the importance of their continued obedience. "Please remind the staff and the servants how very important this is."

 

Ayuda nodded before wheeling the unconscious Blondie out the door.

 

"Good luck!" Katze called. Before he could follow, however, he felt the cold steel of the doctor's mechanical arm upon his shoulder.

 

"What do you plan to tell him?" Heiku asked softly. He couldn't help it. As much as the others still held reservations about Iason's decision and his mongrel pet, the doctor had a soft spot for Riki. He liked him.

 

Katze relaxed a bit, recognizing the bionic doctor's obvious concern. "I'm taking him to a safe house in Ceres where I've already made arrangements with the director to contact me the moment Riki regains consciousness. I'll tell him that he was in a terrible accident that killed the members of his gang and because of his prior association with me, I've decided to give him a job until he can get back on his own two feet."

 

The explanation seemed to reassure the doctor and he nodded before turning away to gather the many medical instruments used in the procedure. Slipping a cigarette between his lips, Katze checked on his unconscious charge before pushing him through the door. The halls of the medical center were empty at this hour, allowing Katze to maneuver through the maze with little thought. His handheld buzzed as he approached the elevator, and he flipped it open as he pushed the button for the ground floor.

 

"Yeah," he grunted into the mouthpiece.

 

"Master Iason is safe. How are you on your end?" Ayuda's voice conveyed his concern for the mongrel pet.

 

"He's sleeping like a baby," Katze chuckled. "I wish I had a camera with me right now. A holopic like this would be worth its weight in gold!"

 

"Too bad we didn't think of that."

 

Katze nodded, although he knew the bodyguard couldn't see him. "We're waiting for the elevator now. I should have him at the safe house in under an hour."

 

"Good," Ayuda sighed in relief. "The sooner everyone is where they are supposed to be, the better. I can't shake this feeling of foreboding."

 

Katze laughed as the elevator chimed, announcing its arrival. "You worry too much," he chided gently. "I promise, Ayuda. Everything will be fine."

 

"Don't forget that old saying, 'famous last words', Katze."

 

Closing the handheld, Katze shook his head, chuckling softly at the bodyguard's needless concern. Slipping the handheld back into his pocket, he grasped the mongrel's chair and prepared to enter the elevator as the doors hissed open.

 

He never even felt the laser blast that tore through his back.

 

* * *

 

The sun was just setting over the Tanagura skyline when Iason finally made his way back to the land of the living. Groaning softly from the dull ache behind his eyes, he rolled to the side and unconsciously reached toward the empty side of his bed. Blinking, he rested his large hand on the smooth covering and sought to clear his bleary mind of its confusion. What had he been doing? It had been years - decades even - since someone had shared his bed, and yet he couldn't help but feel as though something or someone was missing.

 

Pulling the cool linens from his body, he sat on the edge of the mattress and frowned as he gazed around the room. Why couldn't he remember what day it was? Why couldn't he recall retiring for the evening? If the sun was just beginning to set, how long had he been sleeping?

 

Sighing, the bewildered Blondie dropped his head to his hands and massaged his throbbing temples. It felt as though he had been underwater, and this was his first breath of fresh air. Had he been ill? Searching his memories, Iason tried to recall the events of the last few weeks, but everything was a blur. It didn't matter. He would get dressed, call on his staff, and they would explain everything to him.

 

Resolved, he pulled on long, silk robe and stepped from the room.

 

The sight of the Head of the Syndicate brought silence to the household as everyone immediately stopped what they were doing and openly gawked at their master. For the first time in his entire life, Iason felt a bit self-conscious in his own home, and he scowled at his staff to banish the ridiculous feeling. Gathering his wits, Toma approached hesitantly, careful to gauge the Blondie's reaction. They had all been warned that Iason might have suffered some unforeseen damage due to the nano-ites, and until they knew the extent of that damage, everyone was to proceed with caution.

 

Ayuda watched with wide eyes as Toma made his way toward the motionless Blondie. A war raged within him, between protecting the Syndicate Head and the small blue-haired boy he was falling in love with. If Iason were to turn on Toma, who would Ayuda aid? Where would his loyalties lie? It was a chilling dilemma, and the bodyguard prayed he wouldn't have to make such a decision.

 

"Master Iason?" Toma's voice shook with fear as the Blondie's penetrating blue eyes drilled into his. "Would you like something to drink?"

 

Iason studied the small boy before him carefully before his eyes roamed around the room. Ayuda stood rigid just a few feet away, and Odi and Tai were near the kitchen, their eyes wide with some unrecognizable emotion. Where was everyone else? Was there anyone else? Almost at once, more faces bloomed within his mind.

 

Freyn and Askel, the brothers, must be on patrol somewhere else in the penthouse, but where was Daryl? And Katze? The two were no longer employed in his house, but they were around so frequently it was as though they had never left. Surely, if he had been ill, they would be here as well?

 

His eyes found Toma once more, and he immediately remembered that a question had been presented to him.

 

"Yes," he answered, his voice a bit raspy. "Icarian Amber and an Opiate-6."

 

Toma seemed to relax, and with a quick bow he excused himself to retrieve his master's drink and medication. Sighing at the pain in his head, Iason slowly moved to his favorite chair and sank within its luxurious depths. Ayuda immediately knelt before the fireplace and rekindled the dwindling flame, adding more logs until the air warmed considerably and the coals roared to life. Iason smiled his appreciation as the bodyguard stood and nodded.

 

All this was fine, but Iason couldn't help feel as though something else were missing. At the thought, his hands twitched of their own volition, and instantly, he knew what he wanted.

 

"Pet," he called, settling deeper into the chair, "come here."

 

At this, everyone within hearing distance stilled in anticipation, even holding their breath so as not to ruffle the very air. The sudden hush nearly sent a chill down the Blondie's spine, and he gazed at each member of his staff, studying their various expressions. It wasn't the normal, respectful intimidation that he was used to. Everyone was acting as though they were…frightened.

 

"Is something wrong?" Iason watched as they glanced warily at each other, his anger mounting considerably. After several more minutes of intense silence, he finally lost his patience. "What is going on? Where is my pet!"

 

Braving his wrath, Toma approached slowly and handed the furious Blondie his wine and the opiate with trembling hands. "Master Iason," he nearly squeaked in fear, "you gave Enyu to Lord Ghan, remember?"

 

Frowning, Iason swallowed the pill, sipped his wine and searched his bleary mind. He could recall that particular exchange, but there were so many holes in his memories, he couldn't concentrate fully. Why had he given Enyu to Omaki? And why hadn't he replaced him? It was well known that Iason was fond of his pets, obtaining a new one every couple of months. He liked nothing better than to hold them in his lap after a stressful day maintaining the grid. So why hadn't he acquired a new one?

 

"Have I been ill?" he asked, sipping his wine once more.

 

"Yes," Toma nodded, relaxing visibly. "You've continually suffered from terrible headaches as a result of the poisoning. This last one was rather frightening."

 

Instantly, Iason recalled the terrible day he had unwittingly consumed Agatha with a bottle of contaminated wine. Wrinkling his brow, he struggled to bring the memories into crystal clarity, but they remained fuzzy; disjointed even. Try as he might, he could only regain flashes and pictures - mostly emotions from that terrible day. A rush of tenderness filled his heart, and he immediately wondered who had caused such a reaction. The more he concentrated, the more Raoul's face floated predominately into his mind. It was strange. He hadn't felt this stronger toward Raoul since they had been pairing partners, and even then, it was only in the beginning.

 

Nevertheless, he couldn't argue with his memories. He was in bed, and Raoul was sitting by his side… "It seems I'm in your debt. Thank you, Raoul."

 

That must have been it. Raoul saved him.

 

"Of course," Iason murmured softly. "I suppose I was very ill."

 

Everyone stared, waiting.

 

"Well, carry on," the Blondie commanded curtly, annoyed with his servants' bizarre behavior. Almost at once, everyone vanished.

 

Confused, Iason decided to contemplate the strangeness of his household at another time. He was far too tired and emotionally exhausted to worry about his servants. Though he was still confused, at least he had a bit of an explanation. He had been ill. That answered a lot. Basking in the cozy warmth of the roaring fire, he had almost drifted to sleep when Toma's soft voice drew his attention.

 

"Master? Lord Quiahtenon is here to see you."

 

Opening his eyes in surprise, he nearly dropped his wine glass in his haste to stand. He smiled at the fellow Elite as the imposing doctor entered the room.

 

"Heiku," Iason greeted warmly. "Can I offer you something to drink?"

 

"No thank you," the doctor answered and watched as Iason dismissed the nervous, blue-haired furniture. Turning his full attention to his patient, Heiku studied his flawless features. "How are you feeling, Iason?"

 

Iason sighed and motioned for Heiku to take a seat opposite his own. Abandoning his usual grace, he plopped unceremoniously into his chair and shook his head. "What happened to me?"

 

Heiku eyed him warily. "You don't remember?"

 

Iason shook his head once more and winced as a bolt of pain lanced through his temples.

 

Settling back in his own chair, Heiku sighed. "You had another headache, my friend; most likely the worst one yet. You lost consciousness during Headmaster Sung's lecture on the general code."

 

"I did?" Iason's head was reeling with confusion as he closed his eyes. Yes. He remembered listening to Headmaster Sung, and then he had received an incoming beacon… What had the beacon been about? He couldn't remember, and the effort only brought fresh pain to his throbbing head. "Did anything…extraordinary happen that night?"

 

"You mean beside you passing out in the middle of the floor?"

 

Iason nodded.

 

"No," Heiku answered through clenched teeth, shaking his head. "You complained of another headache, but that was all."

 

Like before, Iason recalled his emotions more than the actual memories of that night. He remembered feeling nearly sick with concern, and then the headache… Raoul had been there as well. He remembered Raoul massaging his shoulders, trying to ease his tension. And then… Iason blushed. Why was he remembering Raoul so frequently, and with such feelings of tenderness? Had the two somehow rekindled their relationship? No, surely he would remember something like that. Wouldn't he?

 

"Heiku," he began, struggling to give voice to such a personal question. "Have I… I mean, have Raoul and I…"

 

"What is it, Iason?" Heiku urged.

 

Biting his lip, the Blondie lost his courage. "Is it normal to have such terrible side effects from Agatha poisoning?"

 

Heiku's jaw bulged with the effort to hold his tongue. He hated lying to his old friend, but knowing Jupiter could see and hear his every word, he forced himself to play the role he had been assigned. "What side effects?"

 

Iason leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Well, these terrible headaches and the gaping holes in my memories, for one."

 

The doctor shrugged. "Agatha poisoning is not something we completely understand as it is more common in the slums," he explained. "From what I know, you'll suffer terrible headaches now and again, and you'll see the halo from time to time, but as far as your memory, I cannot be certain."

 

"I was afraid you'd say that," Iason sighed.

 

Unable to maintain the sham for much longer, Heiku rose from his seat. He needed to get out of the penthouse before he said something that would get them all killed.

 

"Look, Iason," he began, "the best thing for you right now is just to rest. In the next few weeks, if you are feeling up to it, you can come in for a brain scan to see if there is anything we can do to help with your headaches. In the mean time, I have already given my firm instructions that you are not to engage in any activities for the next month."

 

"A month! Heiku -"

 

"A month, Iason," the doctor interrupted with a pointed look. "That means no memorizing the general code, no public functions, no parties, and most of all, no work."

 

"Heiku, I can't do that," Iason protested. "Jupiter -"

 

Raising his bionic arm, Heiku cut him off once more. "The situation has already been brought to Jupiter's attention. I believe she will be sending you instructions shortly now that you've regained consciousness. Raoul has taken care of the grid, and Headmaster Sung has been notified as well. You're only job for the next month is to recover."

 

Though he wanted to argue, Iason knew it would do no good. Defeated, he slumped forward, burying his head in his hands. "A month," he muttered miserably.

 

Sighing, Heiku placed a comforting hand on the Blondie's shoulder. He hated seeing Iason like this. "I didn't say you couldn't have any visitors, though I suggest you keep it to a minimum." He gave Iason a gently squeeze. "I'll let Raoul, Omaki and the others know that you are awake. I'm sure they'll want to stop by for a visit."

 

Iason nodded, far too tired to even be his normal, cordial self.

 

"I'll see myself out," Heiku said softly. "I hope you feel better soon." And with that, he was gone.

 

Sitting back, Iason allowed himself to sink into the comfort of the old chair and closed his eyes, fighting back tears of humiliation. He hated these feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, but most of all, he hated that he did not have complete control over his own mind. Why were there such terrible gaps in his memories? Would he continue to suffer like this for the rest of his life? What happened when this condition made him unable to function as Head of the Syndicate?

 

Wallowing in misery, Iason resisted the urge to wrap his arms around his own, trembling torso, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was missing something vital; something fundamental and undeniably important to his very being. Perhaps it had something to do with these terrible headaches; something he had seen or heard in the past. He dropped his hands to his lap feeling hollow and empty, his heart crying for comfort with every beat. Now, more than ever, he wished he had a pet to cradle in his lap.

 

Taking a deep breath, Iason stood and smoothed his long, silk robe. Perhaps that was the first step he needed to take to begin his mental recovery; the first thing he needed to accomplish to bring a sense of normalcy back into his chaotic life. In the morning, he would file a request to purchase a new pet.

 

Moving toward his bedroom, he paused at the sight of the taming post in the corner of the great hall, and for a moment, he stared at it in utter confusion. For the life of him, he couldn't remember why it was there. Obviously, he had ordered it put in for the purpose of taming a wayward pet, but he couldn't remember the particular pet it had been intended for. All of the pets from the Academy were so docile and well-trained that severe discipline was nearly unheard of now days.

 

Frowning, he shook his head and continued to his bedroom. First thing in the morning, he would have the taming post removed, and then he would purchase a new pet. Firm in his decisions, he disrobed and slipped beneath the sheets, hesitating for only a moment before pulling a pillow to his chest and burying his face within the fabric. It was hours before the beautiful Blondie found sleep, tossing fitfully, as a dark, featureless face floated relentlessly through his dreams.

 

* * *

 

Eyes fluttering against the harsh glare of the overhead lights, Katze's strangled gasp turned into an agonized groan as he became aware of his own fiercely pounding heart. He wanted to move; to shield his eyes from the light, but the effort it would have required was far beyond his current capabilities.

 

"Katze? Oh Jupiter, Katze, can you hear me?"

 

Cracking open his swollen lids, he tried to smile as Daryl's tear-blotched face filled his view. "Lights," he managed to wheeze between chapped lips. Instantly, the lights dimmed, and he sighed in relief as the throbbing behind his temples lessened almost immediately.

 

"Katze! Oh Katze, I've been so sick with worry!" Daryl sobbed as he dropped to his knees beside the bed and gently cradled Katze's needle-free hand. "We all have!"

 

Confused, the bronze-haired youth tried to take a deep breath, but the pain in his chest nearly stole his consciousness from him once more. Wincing, he closed his eyes and struggled to stay alert. He needed to know what had happened to him. A straw was place between his lips, and he nearly whimpered as cool, fresh water flowed down his parched throat. Opening his eyes, he smiled his gratitude to the handsome, burly bodyguard and drank his fill.

 

"How are you feeling?" Ayuda asked after the glass had been emptied.

 

Groaning, Katze released his hold on the straw and sank into the soft mattress. "Like shit," he answered solemnly.

 

"That's to be expected," Ayuda replied dryly. "You are damn lucky to be alive." He cringed as the statement brought a fresh round of tears from Daryl. He hadn't meant to agitate the young man, but it was the truth. Katze owed his life to the Blondie doctor with the bionic arm.

 

"What happened?" Daryl nearly wailed, pressing his cheek against the ashen skin of his hand. "Who did this to you?"

 

Katze shook his head, momentarily confused. He was hoping one of them could explain what he was doing in the hospital.

 

"I told you, Katze," Ayuda chided gently, though his eyes shone with sorrow. "What did I say about famous last words?"

 

All at once, the memory returned and Katze's heart nearly seized in his panic. "Riki!" he rasped, struggling to sit up. "What happened…to Riki?"

 

"Katze, stop!" Daryl cried, springing to his feet to restrain the struggling youth. "You must overdo it yet! You are still in danger!"

 

Slumping against the pillows, Katze frowned. "Danger?" he wheezed.

 

"Yes," Heiku said as he swept into the room and closed the door firmly behind him. "You must try to keep your heart rate steady and level until your body has adjusted to its new organs. You really are a very lucky man."

 

Katze groaned softly. "I don't feel like it."

 

"You are," Ayuda confirmed, placing the empty glass by the bed. "That laser destroyed your heart and both your lungs. If you hadn't already been in the medical center, and if Lord Quiahtenon hadn't have found you when he did, you would not have survived."

 

Katze placed a comforting hand against Daryl's hair as the grey-eyed youth dropped to his knees once more and sobbed silently into his mattress. Turning this new revelation over in his mind, he could only stare at the imposing Blondie doctor in awe. Truly, the bionic man's talent knew no bounds.

 

"Thank you," he murmured, hoping it was enough to convey his gratitude.

 

"What happened, Katze?" Ayuda asked, sitting carefully on the other side of his bed.

 

Swallowing loudly, Katze's gaze shifted from one person to another before falling to his hands. "I honestly don't know," he confessed, ashamed. "I was talking to you, and then…I was here."

 

"Lord Quiahtenon found you in the elevator, bleeding from a laser wound," Daryl managed to choke out.

 

Katze frowned. "I didn't see anyone. Whoever it was, they got me from behind."

 

Biting his lip to hold back more sobs, Daryl squeezed Katze's hand. "I'm just so grateful that you were found in time!"

 

The bronze-haired youth managed a smile, but it only lasted for a few seconds before he turned his attention back to the others. "Where is Riki?" he asked as cold fear filled his new heart with every beat. "Has he regained consciousness yet? What happened to Master Iason?"

 

The feeling of dread multiplied tenfold at the look Ayuda and Heiku shared.

 

"What is it? What happened?"

 

"It's Riki," Ayuda sighed, lowering his eyes to hide his shame and sorrow. "I'm sorry, Katze. He's missing."

 

* * *

 

A/N: Wow, it's been awhile, huh? Haha. I'm sorry, but if fanfiction paid the bills, I'd happily plant my fanny in a chair and plunk away. Unfortunately, in this economy, one has to work (hard) if one wants to keep things like the computer and the internet. Not to mention the home that houses it all. I hope you would all accept my sincerest apologies and enjoy your update. I am so bad at keeping up with replying to your reviews, but I promise to try my best! And as for the story, I am working on more as you read! Thank you for your continued support and happy reading!

 

PS. I received a review from the actual author of the Taming Riki series! Talk about humbling! Her stuff is amazing and the sole reason I fell in love with Iason and Riki! I believe she is posting her own work for your viewing pleasure and I definitely urge you all to check it out!

 

Forever yours, clnv.