Loveless Fan Fiction ❯ Fearless ❯ Maybe We Don't Wanna Live in a World Where Our Innocense is so Short ( Chapter 5 )

Maybe We Don't Want to Live in a World Where Our Innocence is so Short

 

It was too stuffy in his room. Long lashes fluttered opened exposing cloudy violet eyes that took some time adjusting to the late morning brightness filtering through his almost sheer curtains. A groan escaped his tightly closed mouth that wanted to shove a yawn out so badly passed pouting lips. It was Sunday. His week had been total shit except for the small moments he managed to obtain for himself outside of his hectic school time and now he had training to think about. No! The petulant neko boy shook his head at the thought of his training and at the stupid sun climbing ever so steadily along his blanket and turned to bury himself into the delicious warmth of his bed.

 

“You are so adorably lazy.” An amused voice said in regular volume right next to his ear, vibrating down his back and making his tail quiver under the blankets. Once his purple eye not shoved into his “cushion” responded to his brainwaves and cracked open to glare he felt a weight against him and was pushed onto his back once again. “Mornin', my little lovey-dovey.”

 

Ritsuka rolled his eyes at Ryu's stupid nickname for the day but didn't say anything about it or against his sappy actions when his nose nuzzled his velvety cheek and his Equal gave him a faint kiss on the side of his face. As unthinkable as it was, he was used it by now. It didn't take him long to figure out once they moved up to a more intimate status that Ryu was much more liberal with his affection than he was. Not that he was emotionally constipated, mind you; to him he was making leaps and bounds! But no one would ever catch him calling his other half something so mushy.

 

“Mmmm, morning Ryu.” He answered as he stretched his well-rested body and threw his arms around him to give him their now ritualistic “good morning make-out session”.

 

It had been two and a half weeks since they kicked it up a notch in their relationship and all since then Ryu had been sleeping over almost every night. It was as if he could sense when Ritsuka's deranged mother was at her worst and he would be there to calm her rage. Now Ritsuka wasn't so creeped out by Ryu's immense powers over the mind and was actually thankful. His mother wasn't as jumpy as before, didn't spend most of her time at Seimei's shrine, wasn't so unpleasant to be around, and dare he hope she was getting better? He liked to think so. Plus, he just wanted to be with him. Ritsuka of course couldn't reject him and he really didn't want to.

 

Ritsuka's hands ran along Ryu's back and under his black tank top. Muscles twitched at the ticklish caresses of his spidery travels but it wasn't enough to get him off his victim. Ryu tilted his head and long, dark auburn hair fell around them, encasing them in a spicy, floral scented curtain. Ritsuka sighed and guided the hand that moved from beside his head to his stomach underneath his large t-shirt. A moan escaped him and Ryu moved to kiss and snuggle against the graceful arch of his neck while his hand played across the smooth planes of his abs and chest. Before he could get really hot and bothered, Ryu stopped his movements and his lips left him after another peck on his lips and moved away to his stomach to smile at him. His hand went to brush away the hair in front of Ritsuka's vision and when he moved away, he brushed his lips against his wrist. A very large, very “Alice In Wonderland” grin spread across Ryu's face as he still kept his eyes on his Equal.

 

“What?” Ritsuka was almost too afraid to ask.

 

“I'm taking you somewhere today.” He smiled and propped his chin in his hand. “To meet someone who's very eager to speak with you.”

 

“Who?” Ritsuka yawned and rubbed at his sleep-puffed eyes.

 

“Mitori-sensei.” Another grin, another kiss stolen from surprised lips and Ryu was off the bed and hopping into the bathroom.

 

“This is the House of the Fourth Phoenix?” Ritsuka gawked as he stood in front of the establishment.

 

“Yep.” Ryu affirmed happily and came to his side and put his hand to the middle of his back to encourage his forward movement onto the grounds.

 

Ritsuka still couldn't believe he was here. He blamed Ryu, who purposely woke him up the way he did so he would be easily manipulated. Damn his clever and talented boyfriend! Ritsuka felt like slapping him and throwing rocks at the smug boy. The morning lost its glow when he heard his plans and he fought against them all the way afterward. Training for two and a half weeks did not make him ready! Try telling that to your overenthusiastic Equal! Ryu threw him into the shower, passed the unwilling his body wash, shampoo, and towel, and even was helpful enough to pick his clothes out for him. What an obliging guy. Devious bastard. Ritsuka grumbled in his head as he came nearer to the main building.

 

He didn't belong here. That was all that kept repeating in his head. Now he understood even more the strange calm that came from Ryu. The buildings were on a stretch of land, surrounded by wood and iron gates, and tucked away in the ever-foggy countryside outside of the city. Everything was very traditional, with dark, stained wood houses and structures, cherry trees lining the yards along with polished stones set in the walkways, and elaborate fountains flowing with the hypnotic *thunk* sound every couple of seconds. It was beautiful and Ryu sighed and gave a peaceful smile as he neared the main construction.

 

Ritsuka followed close behind Ryu as the boy made sure steps in unknown directions until they were well inside the place he guessed was the main part of the school. The low seats and desks were all empty from the large room they stepped into but he could here voices of other young people just in rooms over. Some were in normal conversational tones and others were much louder, feverish, stammering, and passionate. Sparring. Ryu sparred with him a lot since their first trial run and he knew how involved one could get. He shook himself from his thoughts as he came closer to Ryu and just then, an older man came from behind a sliding door and first looked surprised but then a smile came over his face.

 

“Ah, Ryu-chan! What brings you here today?” The man had a shaved head and many gold earrings pierced his ears and he had glittering, dark chocolate eyes. He was tall with a broad and muscular look about him and his black and gold kimono flowed about him as he came forward. Ryu bowed but as soon as he lowered his head, the man scowled and pulled him into a hug.

 

“Shinji-sensei.” Ryu smiled and returned the hug with gusto before stepping away from him and clasping his hand with Ritsuka's and almost pulled him off his feet when he drew him to his side; he was positively glowing in front of his old teacher. “I came to visit Master Mitori.”

 

“Of course, you know where to find him then.” Shinji replied after his eyes lighted on the slight angel beside his pupil who was trying his best to blend in with the décor. Ryu seemed to read his thoughts and smiled even wider.

 

“Shinji-sensei, this is Ritsuka. Loveless.” Now Ryu was practically bursting with fruit flavor he was so positively happy and proud and giddy! Ritsuka blushed and his eyes widened when the tower of a man bowed low and elegantly without hesitation.

 

“It is an honor, Loveless.” He rose and smiled a flashing and perfect smile. “Your arrival is most welcomed here.”

 

“Thank you very much, Shinji-san.” Ritsuka bowed and when he rose, Shinji laughed a bit and patted his head.

 

“No need to be so formal to me, Loveless.” He looked once again to Ryu. “Mitori is not having any teachings at the moment, you know where to find him. He'll be happy you came to him, he's missed you.” Ryu thanked him before leaving with Ritsuka still held in his grasp.

 

And they were off again. Ritsuka found himself running to keep up with Ryu as the latter rushed out of the room and off the porch into the crisp afternoon. Children from thirteen years of age to nineteen could be seen every now and again and Ritsuka looked this way and that taking in everything he could. Groups of youngsters that were spread out on blankets on the cold ground paused in their activities to watch the two passed by. Whispers of “Loveless” drifted in the air and Ritsuka was once again reminded of the celebrity eminence they had and he wanted to shrink away from it all. Soon he felt Ryu slow his pace into an almost cautious walk. From the way he spoke of his sensei this behavior was surprising and Ritsuka looked up to see what the matter was. The sight before him was majestic.

 

It could have been from a dream, or a really corny scene from a movie Ritsuka debated. They had come to the edge of the paved and tended property of the Fourth Phoenix estates and were now among tall trees surrounding a small opening. A pavilion was built among the farthest trees and inside he could see cushions and blankets strewn about in elegant disarray and the smell of incense was faint but present. Time held no place here, even the wind seemed to blow differently and Ritsuka felt no shame in staring at the area beyond. Just finishing with some sort of workout, a man stretched toward the sky and then his sinewy arms fell to his sides in a careless yet beautiful grace. His pale skin shown with a slight sheen of sweat and his white silk pants rippled in the breeze, even from his position Ritsuka could tell that he was relishing in the airy touches against his body. Stooping low, the man grabbed his layered, white and red robe and when it was tied in a lazy knot, a wiry hand rose to a tight bun at the back of his head and soon glowing red hair splashed down to the middle of his back. This person oozed respect.

 

A gust of wind flew into the clearing and Ritsuka drank in the sight of leaves falling all around him as he turned to walk up the steps and onto a pile of cushions with his robes flapping madly behind. As if on cue, Ryu gave his hand a squeeze before letting go and walked forward. Ritsuka followed but there was a pause in his gait when the boy beside him took off in a run. The sound of heavy thumping across polished boards brought the man out of his musings and when he turned to investigate he was tackled. With a grunt he was thrown back with an armload full of squirming cat-boy. Ritsuka almost fainted. Honestly, Ryu didn't seem to have any manners at all!

 

Ritsuka was almost too afraid to enter the pavilion. Laughter twinkled from inside and he heard a much deeper, velvet laugh drown out the familiar silver chiming of Ryu's and all his fear washed away at the sound. Timid feet brought him to the small first step and Ritsuka toed his shoes off. As he neared the entrance he saw Ryu managed to untangle himself from his prey and was now sitting cross-legged and beaming among the silk pillows. His violet eyes met Ryu's who broke away for an instant to motion him toward the man. When he gathered his courage his gaze was met with a relaxed being leaning back on his palms and a shiny set of perfect lips curved into an appealing smile while a pale hand gestured for him to sit.

 

“Hello, Ritsuka.” The voice coming from this vessel of power surprised him. It was deep and elegant with humor and love laced throughout, not at all what he was expecting. And the face was even more startling. He was foreign. Not that he didn't have the telltale signs of a native-born but there was no mistaking the extra allure of exotic blood in his veins that made him even more gorgeous. Mitori was the quintessence of androgynous exquisiteness and Ritsuka was having a hard time trying not to stare.

 

“Hello, Master Mitori.” Ritsuka was in awe and bowed from his position on his knees. Cool fingers lifted his chin and he was met with electric mint eyes. An artful smile parted for breezy laughter.

 

“Never bow to me, I lack the position.” The lingering warmth of his hand tingled Ritsuka's skin and he leaned back slightly when Mitori came forward into his personal space. “Never bow to anyone, Loveless. That is not what Destiny has planned for you.”

 

They sat for a good ten minutes in silence. Mitori went about serving them all tea without actually having to get up as he stretched in all directions from his comfy spot on the floor. For having such a fine figure, the man was very lazy. Ryu took his cup and lay on his side, his tail swishing back and forth making the swirling smoke in the air fade quickly. Ritsuka sensed a familiarity among the two. This must be something they did often he thought and blew the steam from his light drink before sipping the sweet liquid down his throat.

 

“He's extraordinary.” Mitori stated and Ritsuka looked up from the cup he was staring into and noticed two sets of eyes were on him. A blush washed over his entire body at the scrutinizing.

 

“Yes, he is. He's come very far—thanks to your patience in teaching me, but he has questions that I cannot answer in my ignorance, Mitori.” Ryu said and rested his head in his hand as he looked from his sensei to his Equal. Ritsuka knew they were waiting for him to speak and with shaky hands he decided it would be best to put his tea down.

 

“You want to know why. Why are you like this when everyone else you know is normal.” Mitori sat up straighter and poured himself more tea and without pause handed the plate of biscuits to Ryu who had been eyeing them since they arrived.

 

“That and so much more plagues my thoughts, Mitori-san.” Ritsuka said, looking at his small hands balled into tight fists.

 

“Mitori.” The older man lifted a shapely eyebrow at him. “Fighters and Sacrifices…there's more of us than you think.”

 

“Even in that respect I'm not normal.” Ritsuka smiled bitterly. Ryu instantly grabbed hold of his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Mitori, why are Ryu and I this way?” Watering purple pools pleaded for an answer.

 

“We don't know how the change came about or why exactly, but there are more and more if us every year. It is clear to me that this is for the future.” Mitori stated with a firm look in his eyes. “The world evolves, so must humans. There are wars between Earth's children now but such is the way of survival of the fittest. Once this is not so new, the blood will stop spilling and we will be able to study our kind better. You two, Loveless, are a new breed. Nothing of the like has existed before to our knowledge. You have all power that is usually divided between Fighter and Sacrifice, you can stand alone and beat all but when together, you are unstoppable. A glitch in our nature maybe, but still significant.” Mitori couldn't help but crawl closer and cup the sad boy's cheek. This being was too enchanting. “Embrace your power Ritsuka, you will be one to shape the future. You mustn't be afraid.” Ritsuka wanted to hug the man but as soon as he appeared he was even quicker to step back again. Ryu felt his loneliness and the younger boy sighed and leaned back when he felt warmth behind him and strong arms wrapped him in a protective cocoon.

 

Mitori smiled at the sight before him. Yes, these were the infamous music makers to bring them all into the future. Things were going to start getting interesting. New he was to their society but he had faith in Ritsuka, already Ryu had unlocked so much of his stifled potential. It truly was amazing to behold.

 

“Your bond is strengthening every second.” Ryu smiled and held Ritsuka tighter and kissed his temple at his sensei's words. “I know you're apprehensive but Beloved is no match for you although they are more powerful than the rest of us.”

 

“You know about them?” Ritsuka ask and shrank back into the embrace on impulse. Mitori shrugged and ran a hand through his hair.

 

“When a Fighter with power such as Agatsuma Soubi and an ambitious little tyrant like Seimei driving it to hostile take-over, one such as I hears very quickly their progress.”

 

“And what is their progress?” Ryu asked; his playful nature pushed aside for the time being.

 

“Challenges are being made and fights are occurring all over the city and surrounding areas. The children are either dieing or are falling in beside Seimei to support him. Seven Moons will most likely be attacked after they take on the other schools.” Ritsuka's heart sank when he heard all what was happening. He never had Soubi kill their opponents.

 

“Will they attack the Fourth Phoenix?” Ryu was certain they would try but he needed to have it affirmed.

 

“Of course. Especially now that Seimei knows Loveless is active.”