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To Forgive and Forget	By : missanime4eva Category: +. to F > Ai no Kusabi Views: 3596 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Ai no Kusabi does not belong to me no do I make any money off this fic

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
Hey they're all. Well I must say this story is getting interesting. Not even I saw that one coming. No pun intended. Lol. Damn hands just couldn't help themselves. Anyway please keep reading and remember to review.
Ai no Kusabi does not belong to me.
Enjoy.
Chapter 5
'What's taking them so long?’
Raoul growled as he leaned against the white walls of Jupiter Tower. Drumming his fingers against his barracan sleeved arm, he found himself looking towards the large regal doors for-he suddenly realised- what seemed like the tenth time in a span of five minutes. Impatience worked its way through him and he caught himself before he started to pace. Ion and Iason had yet to appear and it was causing him to feel uneasy. When he realised this, he sneered at his rising anxiety and flipped his golden hair over his shoulder. Raoul Am was not accustomed to feeling such low emotions and yet it still managed to manifest itself snugly inside his gut and it was all Raoul could do not to hit his head against the wall in frustration. And it had all started when Riki had returned from the dead.
In the company of Ion Cassis no less. A man who, in Raoul's opinion, was more of an enigma then the mongrel was. Strange yet curious. Those cobalt blue eyes could be sharp like fine glass then warm and tender in a space of a second. A Blondie who chose to surround himself with beings that Amoi had cast out as abominations, instead of those of his own breeding. Also pets and furniture never held much interest to Ion. His interest lay more in travelling around Amoi helping the lesser people and researching genetics and gene development. He had never kept a pet and he had treated his furniture as more of a roommate then a housekeeper. It was beyond abnormal. Beyond comprehension. It was almost like Ion was…human. Now that he thought about it, Ion had always acted that way. Ever since they were in the Academy together.
He ran a hand down his face and his green eyes travelled to the other side of the corridor where the female mongrel stood, waiting as well. Eyes closed, her arms were crossed lightly over her buxom chest. She was leaning against the wall, her dark brown ringlets surrounding her beautiful face and cascaded down her shoulders. Her skintight body suit hugged her form nicely and outlined her well-endowed hourglass figure like a second skin. The assistants who crossed their path couldn't keep their eyes off her. Not because of her alluring physique-and exotic beauty- but because of the reality that a mongrel, a female was standing inside Jupiter's tower. She looked completely at ease, as if being in a Blondie's presences, surrounded by Tanagura Elite and standing in Jupiter's home was the norm for her. Raoul found it strange and oddly curious.
'Aren't you afraid?' Raoul voiced his thoughts before her could stop himself.
The female cracked opened her eyes and vivid green orbs stared back at him. 'Of what?'
'Being here? A female mongrel in place dominated with men?' Raoul stated calmly. 'A Blondie who is twice as fast and strong as you just mere meters from where you stand?'
Luca thought for a moment, before she closed her eyes. 'No.'
'No?' Raoul raised a blonde eyebrow. Ok, he was not expecting an answer so casually
'Sir Am, wasn't it?' Luca lifted her head and reopened her eyes. Green met green. 'You underestimate me. I will not lie to you. Being in a place like this would warrant some form of doubt. But, the things I have seen and done far outweigh the fear you accuse me off. If I feel any unease, it is for my friend and companions.'
'A mongrel is considered nothing in this world. A Blondie that calls one a friend is nothing but unnatural. His reputation will be tarnished.' Raoul said, hoping to at least get a rise out of the female. But Luca did not bite. She sighed and turned her head towards the towering doors.
'Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is who you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. Ion isn't someone who cares what others think about him. He simply pays no attention to those who talk behind his back but merely listens to those around him. Is it so wrong to care about someone weaker then you?'
Raoul opened his mouth to say something before he closed it and realised he didn't know how to respond to the mongrels question. If he was expecting any reaction out of the female, that was not it. It was deep. Cuts down to the bone. He was broken out of his thoughts by a soft voice on the other side of the wall.
'What of you Raoul Am?' She responded levelly. She ran a hand through her hair and absent played with the ends.
Raoul's eyes narrowed. 'You use my name in such a casual manner, mongrel when you know nothing of me.'
'I know that you hold great apprehension and doubt towards Iason Mink. More so now that Riki the dark has returned.' With a flick of her dark hair, Luca hid the smirk that flashed across her face.
'How dare you…' Raoul was cut off when the chamber's large double doors opened and a second later the large frames of Ion and Iason stepped out. The door closed behind them with a final bang and as the two Blondies began to approach them, both he and the female mongrel stepped away from the wall at the same time. When the two stopped in front of them Raoul took one look at each of their faces and knew something was wrong.
'So what did Jupiter have to say?’ As soon as the words left his mouth tension suddenly sizzled in the air around them and Raoul immediately regretted speaking as the nail-biting pressure sucked up all the air and electricity sparked between the two tall males. Pissed was too mild a word to describe the roaring emotions the two emitted. Rage. Violence. Each one looking as closed off as the other. Their faces` were expressionless and void like a blank sheet of paper. Raoul could count on whatever had transpired inside Jupiter's sanctum, had not gone down well.
'Ion?' Luca stepped forward and laid a hand of a massive arm. 'What is it?’
Without looking down Ion squared his jaw painfully. 'Jupiter has demanded that I take Riki as my pet.'
Raoul gasped and Luca tightened her hold on Ion's arm- but knowing his strength- the Blondie probably didn't feel a thing. 'You’re joking right?
'No.'
Ion's closed off attitude was starting to annoy her. 'How can you be so calm about this Ion? She basically told you to take Riki as your sex slave.'
'Jupiter's word is law.'
'But, Ion.'
'Luca.' Ion said sharply, cutting her off. He realised his mistake instantly when he saw the slight hurt flash across her eyes. He sighed and tried to reassure her. 'It was the only way he could remain under my care, Luca. Don't make this harder than it already is.'
Luca stared at him for a moment before giving a reluctant nod. She took a glance at the other equally beautiful Blondie standing beside Ion and found what she saw oddly disturbing. Iason Mink, the Tanagura leader was as still as a marble statue. Solid and unmoving. His jaw was clenched in such a painful way that Luca had to resist the urge to reach up and rub her own jaw and it looked like the tiniest movement could cause the man to loose what little resolve he had left. If it wasn't for the deep fire that blazed in that cold azure stare, Luca might have thought the man had fainted with his eyes open. Considering he was a Blondie, it was unlikely. But it still puzzled her. Just what could be going on behind those cold blue eyes?
She was not ignorant of the fact that Riki used to be the mongrel pet of Iason Mink nor to the fact that syndicate leader had bedded Riki in the past. Still, that does not disguise the fact the Sir Iason Mink loved the rebellious mongrel. Loved him even now, after two years apart. Hell, the man had been willing to die for him. Had, in a sense, given up his life so that he might live.
She left Mink's face and glanced back up at Ion. 'Are you okay with this Ion? You've never taken a pet before.'
Ion ran a hand through his hair. 'I'll just have to deal with it I suppose. You can't move forward if you don't try to deal with the problems you already have.' He patted her arm and walked past her. 'I think it’s time we headed back to Eos. Who knows what kind of hell those five have raised.'
Luca nodded and went to follow when Iason's cold voice stopped them. 'Cassis.' Ion didn't turn around when Iason addressed him. 'Jupiter may have given him to you, but remember that Riki will always belong to me. Mind, body and soul.'
Ion remained silent for a moment at the barrier of Iason's jealousy before he spoke. 'I don’t doubt that your Excellency. Five years is a long time. And even I can't begin to imagine what you went through for him that day. You were willing to die for him. That is something I could never live up to. But Riki is my pet now; no matter how much I wish it were different. And you have to accept that if you wish to move forward.'
'Are you lecturing me, Sir Cassis?’
'Lecturing you, Your Excellency.' Ion said without a hint of humour. 'I was merely saying that nothing good comes from holding on to the past. What happened; happened. But no matter what, he is still the same person. Just changed a little that's all. Time can change a person’s appearance but not their soul. Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become gateways to new beginnings.'
Iason's eyes narrowed at Ion's cryptic words. The eccentric Blondie turned his head and grinned mysteriously before turning back and walking away. 'Come, Luca.'
'Right.' Luca fell into step behind him.
'Oh and Iason. I would like it very much if you could escort me back to Eos as we did arrive in your hover car after all. Mine is a little tied up at the moment.' The two mis-matched companions walked away, leaving the two Blondies in their wake. One shocked the other suspicious. Raoul chanced a glance at his long-time friend.
'Iason?'
'Yes.'
Yes? That is all you have to say? What are you going to do?’
'I am not going to do anything.'
'You’re not?’ Raoul eyebrows shot up. He tried to read the expressions on Iason's face but all he got was zilch. Just what was going on in that calculating, formidable brain of his Tanagura leader?
'There is nothing I can do. Jupiter laid down her law. Riki is now Ion's pet.'
Raoul scoffed, refused to believe his words for a second. 'Nothing you can do. If I recall, wasn't it you who was willing to brake every pet law; find any loop hole just to keep the mongrel by your side and yet your willing to stand there and tell me there is nothing you can do? Pull the other one.'
Humour suddenly filled Iason's azure gaze and it threw Raoul for a loop. 'This is unexpected, Raoul. I thought you of all people would be glad that Riki is no longer my pet. Considering it was you who tried to convince me to get rid of him.'
Raoul coughed into his hand. 'Well a person can change in two years. I believe Riki is a good example of that.'
'He is.' A strange note crept into Iason's voice that made Raoul cringe inwardly. Sadness. Affliction. It was foreign. Out of place in Iason's persona but the intonation of regret was there all the same. Then just as it appeared, it disappeared just as quick with a cool look of indifference and a flick of satin blonde hair.
'Well then Raoul, 1 shall take my leave. Sir Ion is awaiting my arrival' Iason said goodbye and walked away, leaving Raoul to stare after his retreating back, wondering what in the world just happened and what mayhem would Riki’s return bring?
…..
Darkness.
Overwhelming, oppressive darkness.
He rubbed his eyes but that was all he could see. From east to west. North to south. Just a pitch black void of twilight. Was he dead? Probably. It was hard to tell. His body felt light. Weightless, like he was floating on air. Floating through time and space were nothing existed except total blackness. It was calming, almost comforting and he found it oddly confusing. He felt at ease when he should be scared shitless. He felt peace when he should be trembling in fear. He felt… free. He brought his legs to his chest and rested his head on his knees as he felt himself drifting away.
'Riki.'
A soothing, placid voice called out to him from beyond the void. Riki turned towards the voice, his eyes searching but all he could see was the darkness stretched out in front of him. Too tired to keep his head up, he laid it back down and closed his eyes.
'Riki.'
The voice was closer this time but Riki had no energy left to respond. He was not afraid of the voice calling out to him. He had no strength left to stay awake. For all he wanted to do was sleep forever in this blissful calmness.
'Riki.'
'Go away.'
A light chuckle overhead, a hand suddenly touched his dark head lightly and the stranger brushed his hair away. 'Riki, you have to wake up.'
The mongrel shook his head at the tranquil voice overhead. 'I don't want to. I'm too tired.'
He heard rustling of clothes and warm arms wrapped around his shoulders. Riki was brought against a solid chest enveloping him in a soothing embrace. The figure laid his head on top of Riki's and whispered comfortingly. 'But you must. Everyone is waiting for you.'
'The darkness is so inviting here. It feels like home.'
'But this isn't your home. Your home is where you shine the brightest. It is where your life is waiting for you.'
'What's the purpose of my life?’ The dark angel asked with the faintest murmur. The shadow sighed and played with a lone strand of black hair.
'The purpose of life is yours to discover, Riki. It’s what you make of it that counts. If it’s your wish to die then that is your choice but death is not the greatest of evils; it is worst to want to die, then not have experienced life for yourself.'
'But it's so peaceful here.' Riki whispered and his voice dropped lower. 'I just want to go to sleep.' The presence’s embrace made him feel oddly safe and protected. Like a mother holding her upset child. He wanted to stay like this forever. The stranger seemed to feel his essence fading away and held him tighter.
'Stay with me, Riki. I know that it hasn't been easy and things are just going to get harder but there is still so much in life you need to discover. Our first journey is to find that special place to call our own. All you have to do is wake up and see.'
'I…can't,' Riki said stubbornly, 'I'm… having a little trouble. I…can't see.'
The figure chuckled. 'Don't worry I'll help you.' The dark stranger stilled a hand on top of Riki's head and a white light radiated from the middle of the outstretched palm.
'What are you doing?’ Riki asked sleepily even as the light enveloped him.
'I am going to give you a very special gift. But, you have to trust me.'
'I do.' Riki said without hesitation as his voice became softer and softer. He buried himself further into the strangers` giving embrace 'It's funny I…never even asked…your name.'
'My name?’ The shadow smiled in the dark. 'I think you know who I am. I am…'
Riki slowly opened his eyes and the phantom of his dreams vanished as reality set in. He was greeted with the usual, soothing presence of darkness and it brought him a measure of comfort and familiarity. His long raven hair flowed around him like a black halo on the large bed he seemed to be laying on. Lightly brushing his hand over the fine silky sheets that were spread around him before, he slowly sat up and let the sensual silk fall down his naked chest to bunch around his fine muscled torso. He touched his bare chest, wondering where his shirt was.
Must have been Heath.
He touched his head and pain from his previous headache was now nothing but a dim twinge pulsating at the back of his brain. His dull eyes stared ahead while his other sense surveyed the seemly large room. With an expert nudge, Riki opened his ears and let his gift of echolocation scanned his surroundings. Waves of sound energy flowed around him, pleasantly pulsing with life before he pushed them outward with precise precision. Waves of energy bounced off objects around the room and echoed back to him, making him able to locate them with simple ease. The influx of energy expanded even further and Riki was able to hear his companion’s conversation word for word. The sound was so clear it was like they were right in the room with him.
With a sigh, Riki pulled back the thin silk sheet and swung his legs to the side of the bed. He reached out and grabbed the bedside table, his hand brushing a tall drinking glass. He picked up the glass and brought to his nose to sniff the contents. It had a pleasing, fruity aroma so he brought it to his lips and took a sip. The flavour was delicious and refreshing, he drowned the rest of the juice and placed the glass back on the table, while catching the flash of lavender laced with gold that made up his aura. Since being blind, he has developed not only the gift of echolocation but also the art of seeing auras. He couldn't explain why nor could he see them all the time. They were more flashes of colour were a person would be standing. Ion said it's a side effect of his condition and that his senses had become much stronger. Almost like a Blondie.
At the thought of the Blondies, Riki stood up and walked to the open window to gaze out, even though he couldn't see anything. A soft breeze drifted in and caressed his dusty, tanned exposed chest with the softest touch before rapping itself around his heart like invisible vice and it was all due to a name he couldn’t get out of his head.
Iason Mink.
Meeting the man was like meeting the sun. Get too close and you could get burned. There were so many reds, yellows and oranges; it was hard for Riki to sort through them all. The differences between Ion Cassis and Iason Mink were astounding. Ion's essence was like a rainy, spring day. Swirls of pale and prussian blue with hints of lemon yellow and iridescent green while Iason's was a different kettle altogether. He had never seen an aura so intense or dominating before. It flared and coiled around him like a serpent ready to strike. He found it curious and slightly frightening yet he wanted to get closer.
He had let Ion lead him towards-simply out of interest- to where Iason Mink stood and suddenly the man's aura was weaved with pale pink and lavender. Not only that but the Blondies` heartbeat steadily climbed as he approached him. It was strong and familiar. So familiar that for an instant he could have sworn he had heard the beat before.
Oh, God and the man's scent.
It was so powerful and vigorous that if sex was a cologne, that would be it. It made Riki's head swim as he breathed it deep into his lungs. It was potent and untamed and so very, very familiar. He could quite put his finger on it where he had smelt it before and it was right on the tip of his tongue. He just couldn't quite grasp the memory. Like so many of his lost memories and it frustrated the hell out of him. The man's aura. The man's scent. Riki could just imagine what he looked like. Was he as beautiful as Blondies were claimed to be. Did his blonde hair flow down his back like Ion's did? What was the colour of his eyes? Were they Sky blue or maybe forest green? Did he look….
Then the mind-numbing pain shot through his head like a piercing arrow. It was so sudden and unexpected that it had knocked the breath right out of him. Riki could remember falling to his knees and Ion injecting him with the pain neutralizer- the bastard- before he had fallen into a healing sleep thanks to the sedatives in the medication.
Riki sighed and ran a hand through his long midnight hair before he travelled down his left arm where he knew his black tattoo was. He caressed the twirling design for an absent moment. He had acquired the exotic tattoo in his first year with Ion. They had landed on a small backwater plant in the south quadrant of the Sonia Galaxy. The tattoo is an incitation symbol of brotherhood. Of family and whoever bears the mark, the people of Ramona will always come to their aid. Its citizens were saviours, were warriors. It reminded him of the mongrels of Amoi. The ones Heath had told him about. The race he belonged to. He sighed again and dropped his arm. He turned around and hissed lightly at the strain it caused his weakened body. He moved his neck from side to side and rotated his shoulders, trying to relinquish the strain that rested there.
'Well, these knots aren't going to work themselves out.'
….
Eos tower was in an uproar, Ion realised with growing amusement as he stepped into the lobby of the tall building and looked around the familiar settings. Without warning, vertigo hit him with full force. It would seem nothing had changed in all his years of absence. He had not stepped foot in its luxurious, cramped walls in over five years and it occurred to him why he preferred the wide open recesses of space to the in closed, suffocating environment of Tanagura. It was not hatred of Tanagura that drove him to feel like this but more of what Tanagura was becoming. Of course this was something he dare not speak about.
As he walked further into the lobby the whispers and gossiping chatter got louder and it didn't take a scientist to know what caused the sudden buzz to sweep through the Elite home. So much for not causing a scene. Pets and Elites pointed in his direction, chatting more vigorously behind their hands. He didn't have to turn and see the sly smirk that obviously graced Luca's face.
'It would seem I am causing quite a stir.' Luca said from behind him with a hint of suppressed amusement laced in her voice.
'It was inevitable.' Ion responded neutrally.
'What did you expect with the five of them?'
Suddenly a familiar, redheaded man separated himself from the whispering crowd causing Ion and the rest of his group to stop as the red head walked towards them. Ion recognised the man behind the gold eyes and the long scar that ran down his cheek.
'Katze, I thought it was you, scourging around in the crowd.'
'Ion Cassis. Welcome back to Eos.' Katze bowed his head slightly in respect.
'What brings you to Eos, Katze? I don't recall calling you here?' Iason asked neutrally.
Katze kept his head lowered, his golden eyes however were troubled. 'My apologise Sir but I received a call from one of my informant that a few mongrels were making a scene at the gates of the tower so I came to investigate. It would seem they demanded entrance and that they were the companions of Ion Cassis.'
'They were denied entry.' Ion asked, making a mental note to have a chat with the security guards later.
'Yes, but they are safely at your penthouse also I…'
'You saw Riki, didn't you?’ Iason finished for him. His tone chilly.
Katze bowed his head lower at his Ex-master's tone. If being Iason's furniture for many years taught him anything, it was reading Iason's moods and pissed was right up there. 'I did, yes.'
'Was he alright?’ Ion asked.
Katze tried to hide his surprise and confusion. 'He looked a little pale but it was actually Riki who prompt the guards to open the gates. If it weren't for him, your crewmembers would probably be still out there. But it looked like he couldn't see or knew where he was.’
'He doesn't. He is blind.'
Katze head shot up in surprise. He looked at Iason for confirmation. 'Iason?'
'I'm afraid it’s true.'
'But, how?'
'I think it best that we don't discuss this here.' Ion suggested. 'Everyone is waiting up at my penthouse. All will be answered if you just be patient.'
….
'Hit me. '
Seiren leant over the table and looked at the two cards in front of Heath before glancing up to meet chestnut brown eyes. 'Are you serious? Twelve. There is no way you’re gonna win.'
'Just shut up, Amorian and deal me.' Heath grinned and swung on his chair. He drowned down a shot of expansive imported Caol lla whiskey and grinned wider when Seiren clicked his tongue in annoyance and pulled a new card from the deck and flipped it over. His eyes widened and he groaned.
'Nine.'
'Well I’m pretty bad at numbers but I am pretty sure that twelve plus nine equals…'
'Twenty-one.' Seiren said sarcastically.
'Now come Seiren. Sarcasm is anger's ugly cousin. Pay up.' Heath held out his hands. Seiren scowled and reached into his pocket and pulled out a square key card. He reluctantly handed it to Heath.
'Thank you.'
'That the most expansive item I own, well did own. All five thousand credits…gone.' Seiren sobbed and through his arms in the air. 'I don't know how you doing it Heath, I don't know how you manage it but I know your cheating? Nobody gets twenty-one four times in a row.'
Heath sighed and put his feet up on the table. He started to inspect his fingernails before replying nonchalantly. 'I don't know what you mean. Seiren?'
'Don't play coy with me,' the upset Amorian pointed a finger at the sly mongrel, 'it doesn't suit you.'
'Ok. Play me again.' Heath decided to humour Seiren's theory. 'And this time well wager something more valuable.'
'Oh yeah. Like what? You've basically taken my livelihood. You want my manhood as well.'
'Tempting, but no. I have a little disc hidden away that has very…. interesting information on it about a certain engine that a certain someone is trying to get their hands on.'
Seiren's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. 'You don't mean…the X17 model. The only one of its kind. Duel equipped with the strongest titanium alloy metal for durability and the finest copper wiring that can only be found on certain planets, ' The Cronos` engineer's mouth salivated before reality set in, 'and you’re just going to give it to me.’
'Will you two be quite. If you hadn't notice, I have a baby growing in me the size of a watermelon. Is a little peace too much to ask.' Aya whined from her spot on the curved white couch. Maddy was on the floor beside her, playing with one of her toys. The four of them, excluding a sleeping Riki had marvelled at the extensive, luxurious penthouse they walked into. The walls were splashes of light blue and cream, blending nicely with the fur carpet and white couch. High windows stood from floor to ceiling and led to a large balcony with a small fountain. A mini bar-if you want to call it that- was stocked up with any brand, type or mix of alcohol you could imagine and the bedrooms were large enough that all seven of them could sleep in just one with plenty of room to spare. The apartment was spacious and grand. The cost of the plush couch alone could keep Heath comfortable for probably, the rest of his life. Was this how all Blondies lived? While the mongrels of Ceres barely manage to scarp by with what they got.
'Yeah, Yeah.' Heath waved his hand lazily.
'Don't take that tone with me you Neanderthal. Or I'll beat you so far back to the dark ages; you'll be meeting your own ancestors.'
'I'm a mongrel. Give me your best shot.'
'Ohhh!'
'Heath, you just pissed off a severely hormonal pregnant woman.' Seiren whispered then turned around to apologise to the Faeierian. 'Sorry Aya, but this is an opportunity I can't pass up.' He turned back and stared at the mongrel across from him. 'So, are you going to give it to me?'
'Give it to you, no. First you have to beat me.'
'You’re on, mongrel.' Seiren teased and Heath grinned. 'I think I'll deal this time.' The tall, handsome man had pulled back his long midnight hair into a low ponytail with a couple of lone dark strains lightly brushing his face. Heath began shuffling the deck of cards with an expert hand before he cut them in half and shuffled once more. He dealed Seiren and himself a single card before he place the deck in the middle of the table. He looked at Seiren and flipped over his card.
'King.'
Seiren nodded and flipped over his own. 'Ace.'
'Your call.' Heath said.
'Hit me.' Heath nodded and dealed another card. 'Six.'
Heath dealt his own with his famous poker face. 'Four.'
Seiren could feel his palms getting sweaty underneath the table. He gulped and signalled for his last hit. Heath read the silent command and pulled the last card from the deck and placed it with Seiren's other two. 'Three.'
It was now or never. Heath placed his hand on the deck and fluently dragged out the top card. He glanced at the sweating Amorian who swallowed loudly and Heath smirked. 'I'll do it quickly, like a band-aid. Nice and swift.'
'Just get it over with idiot.' Seiren bit out. Heath flipped over his last card.
'Five.'
Time stood still as Seiren sat and stared at his cards. He then punched the table and rose up in triumph. 'Twenty. Twenty. Twenty beats your nineteen. I can't believe it. I won.
'So it would seem.' The dark-haired man said trying not to let his amusement show. If the Amorian knew that he let him win, Heath would have to start sleeping with one eye open.
'Now hand it over.' Seiren held out his hand, ready to receive his prize. Heath sighed and reached down to his boot. He pulled out a small clear case with a disc inside.
'This…is valuable.' Heath warned before he handed it over.
'Yeah, Yeah.' Seiren waved an unconcerned hand. 'This, coming from someone who has just taken all my savings.'
'I see you have made yourselves at home.' A familiar voice said from the double front doors. Heath and Seiren looked up and found Ion and Luca had arrived, with Sir Mink and Katze in tow
Heath grinned. 'We sure have. Have you seen this place? It's almost like the living quarters you bribed that noble official to give us after you caught him frolicking with the lord's daughter back on Estiria. Except this place is far better. The Elite sure know how to live in style. We even have a Furniture.'
Ion coughed into his hand. 'I thought we agreed to never mention that. And did you say furniture?' The door to the left of them opened and a small, slim boy walked into the room, carrying a tray with an assortment of refreshments. The beautiful lad had short light blue hair with dark highlights and bright green eyes. He walked over to Aya and Maddy with graceful swiftness- trait of a well-trained Furniture- and handed them each a drink. Aya slowly sat up and accepted the offered cup.
'Tea?' She asked.
'Yes.'
'Two sugars?'
'Yes.'
'A squeeze of lemon?'
'Yes.'
'Stirred three times clockwise; stirred three times anti-clockwise. And warmed to drinkable eighty degrees?'
'Yes.'
'Thank you.' Aya nodded and sipped her tea. The blue-haired boy then went to proceeded to where Heath and Siren and placed their whiskey in front of them.
'Thank you.' Heath said and drowned back his beverage in one gulp. 'Ion, this is Noel.' A nod towards the delicate boy who smiled and moved to stand in front of Ion. The boy bowed.
'Welcome home master. My name is Noel. I am to be your new Furniture.'
Ion raised an eyebrow and his eyes darted to his left.' Was this you’re doing, your Excellency.'
'Yes. I thought it would be proper etiquette that I provide you with the proper necessities since you have been away from Tanagura for quite some time.' Iason said coolly.
'Are you angry master?' large green eyes poked through blue bangs. 'I will promise to try and please you, if that is your wish. My previous Master had to let me go as he had purchased a new Furniture.'
In other words he was disposed of. Ion looked down at the boy with cool azure eyes. Not in a scrutinizing way but in a curious way. The boy was certainly willing to please. If Ion asked if to get down on his knees and bark like a dog he probably would. He looked like your typical furniture. Beautiful, young- thanks to the removal of the male reproductive organs- and had graceful posture. He was sure however that his steady gaze was unnerving the poor boy so he smiled and nodded.
'Then I welcome you into my home, Noel. As you can see I have a few guests within my home and it will be rowdy at times. God knows how loud they can get.'
'Hey.' Seiren protested. Ion ignored him. 'It will not be an easy task to look after them all. I will make sure they do their share as well so that not everything falls on you. But if I ask anything of you it is just treat me as your equal. Nothing more. Can you do that?'
Noel stood stunned for a moment before he nodded and bowed his head. 'I will be honoured, Master.'
'Maybe I should start calling you master as well.' Heath teased and flipped his long hair over his shoulder. Noel blush faintly and lowered his eyes to the floor. Ion glared at Heath for a moment before he bent down and tried to catch those green eyes.
'You can call me Ion.' Ion smiled and patted the young man on the shoulder. Noel looked up and said slowly. 'I…Ion.'
'That's much better.' Ion said with satisfaction. 'Now if you could get us some refreshments for my guests I would really appreciate it.' Noel nodded and skipped off, seemingly happy to do his master's bidding. 'Now that is out of the way, Heath where is Riki?' Ion asked. Heath was shuffling the deck of cards and pointed to the door on his right. Ion nodded and scanned his wrist pad.
'I’ts been over an hour now. The sleepiness of the drug should have warned off by now. He might still be a little groggy. Your Excellency, follow me.' Ion moved towards the door Heath indicated and he could feel Iason right behind him. He tapped once.
'Riki. Are you awake? It’s me' Ion asked. He looked back at Iason.
After a moment he heard a 'come in.' Ion turned the handle and opened the door. Iason and Ion stepped inside and both sets of blue eyes landed on the exotic half-naked figure pushing himself up and down on one hand. The dusty skin on his back rippled and stretched over defined muscles as he did his workout. Sweat gleamed like diamonds from the sun on his sun-kissed back and ran down the centre of his spine to pool into his hairline.
Iason couldn't take his eyes off that familiar, delicious figure working out in the sun. He could almost feel his naked hands running down that sweat-drenched body but the sweat would have been from some other form of exercise. To run his tongue along that exposed collarbone and down to trace the dark pattern of the tattoo twirling around his arm like a snake. Two years and the deep lust and obsession he felt for Riki still managed to shock him. It burned with such passion that it had not abated, even after their separation. The flame just refused to go out. If anything, it burned brighter and stronger as if somewhere deep inside him just refused to believe that he was dead. That his beloved had died, while he lived.
'What do you think you are doing? You now you shouldn't overdo it after the medication.' Ion chided the young mongrel.
'And do you know you sound like an old man when you nag like that.'
'I don't nag. And FYI; I am only a few years older than you.'
'In dog years maybe.'
Iason listen to the two of them banter back and forth just as the green demon of dark jealousy began to rear its ugly head. The emotions were deep and overwhelming, threatening to consume him if he let them. Riki was just within his grasp. Just one more step and he would have that delicious body in his arms again. Just like…
'You are very beautiful, Iason Mink.' Riki said without stopping his count, breaking Iason out of his thoughts.
'I beg your pardon.'
'I said you are very beautiful.' Riki repeated smoothly and Iason's breath caught in his throat. His hard body flared to life and he had to mentally count down from ten, shamelessly willing his body to calm down.
'H..How…'Iason cursed his raging emotions and coughed in his hand. 'How could you possibly know that if you are blind?’ Riki smiled and flipped to his feet, his back still to them. His black hair stuck to his sweat-gleaming back as he reached over to grab the white towel he had put on the arm of the chair beside him. He dried his neck and face before turning around. Riki's dull eyes landed right on him.
'Even a blind man can see that your beautiful, Sir Mink. But beauty is only skin deep. Your jealousy is quite unexpected. I can see it in your aura.'
'Aura?'
'Yeah about that.' Ion stepped in. 'It would seem that while Riki was in the healing tank, he required a few very special…gifts along the way to make up for the loss of his eyes. I have been trying to figure out how these gifts managed to manifest themselves but I am still coming up naught. Aura detecting is just one of the things Riki has picked up. He also has the gift of something I have named echolocation.'
'Echolocation'
'It simply means that I project out soundwaves to locate things, even people that are around me. Those soundwaves bounce off objects before they bounce back to me. That is how I know you are standing right there.' The mongrel pointed in his direction.
'So you can see us?’ Iason asked. Surprising even himself had how well he was hiding his shock.
'See, no.' Riki shook his dark head. 'I’m still blind in every sense of the word. It is only flashes of colour or an object that my soundwaves bounce off that I can 'see'. Everyone's aura or electro wave is different. Like a signature. It’s not so much a gift as Ion put it but a curse. When I see a person's aura I see their emotions. But sometimes when it gets too intense I can get overwhelmed and I can get severe headaches. Just like at the space dock today.'
'I overwhelmed you.' Iason asked, curiosity peeking.
'Don't flatter yourself. Your emotions did. They were, how should I put this…familiar. It’s funny, I have no memory of my past or who I was before I was found, yet your passionate ardour surprised me. It caught me off guard. Power. Authority and yet I sense deep sadness. A sense of loss that I myself have felt for some time.' Riki said and his heart suddenly quicken when the Blondie's Aura shifted and became laced pale and iridescent pinks, indication of deep lust. Did the Blondie lust after him? It was preposterous to even comprehend and of course someone he just met. He tried not to show how affected he was by this by turning around and continued to dry his face.
'You might want to get your wiring systems rechecked on this tower. We had a hell of a time getting in here. I temporarily fixed it with gum, but it won’t hold for long.' Riki said. Iason looked at Ion who shrugged.
'So Ion what do you want to tell me.' Riki placed the towel on the chair and turned around. 'And don't give me that BS about not knowing what I'm talking about. You’re practically lighting up like a circuit board.'
Ion looked at the mongrel and cursed his sensitive emotion feelers. 'Yes there is something I must discuss with you. Something that I know you aren’t going to like but it’s necessary for the future. If you want to continue to stay here with me you have to become my pet.'
'Your pet.'? A twinge in the back of Riki's head caused him to wince, catching Ion and Iason's eye.
'Riki?'
The mongrel waved away Ion's concern 'It's nothing. Just an aftershock from today. ' Riki lied but kept his face neutral. He didn't want to have to explain that the cause of the twinge was a flash of blue eyes looking at him with such sadness that it almost split his heart in two. And that was because the word 'Pet' was spoken.
'Was there no other choice?’
'No. Jupiter insisted.'
Riki was silent for a moment and Ion took that as a troubled sign before Riki shrugged and said. 'Okay.'
'What?’
'I said Okay. I will become your pet. I am curious to see what kind of pet I'll make with you as my guide, old man.'
'A disobedient one, I imagine.'
…
Iason returned to his own apartment a while later. He shook of his jacket from his heavy shoulders and handed it to Dante. His furniture took it without a word and went to hand his master a flute of champagne. Iason declined the offer and walked past the surprised furniture into his spacious living area where he continued to his master bedroom. He closed the door and uncharacteristically leant against the door. He lowered his head and his long blonde hair fell around his face like a curtain.
'Even a blind man can see that you’re beautiful. I can see it in your aura.' Dull onyx eyes looked at him with something akin to curiosity.
'Don't flatter yourself. Your emotions did. They were, how should I put this…familiar.'
'I have no memory of my past or who I was before.' Riki had said with scepticism and wavering doubt.
Riki did not know who he was. Didn’t remember what had occurred between them for the five years he was Iason's pet. Those beautiful, familiar eyes were now dull and lifeless. Blind. Dead. But Riki's spirit had not wavered, even after all this time. It burned with such brightness that it still left Iason speechless and he wanted to hold it close until it burned him from the inside out. But Riki now belonged to another.
Iason shook himself from his slum. It was unlike him to dwell like this. He was an opportunist. A gambler. The head of an entire syndicate. He should not take this as a defeat but an opening. All hands were not on the table and the dice had not been rolled. Only when the time was right will be play his winning hand.
To be continued…
I apologise that it took so long. It would have been posted sooner but if I said 'dog ate my homework' it would sound cliché so I'll say 'computer ate my homework'. I had to rewrite the whole chapter, all 16 pages. But I did have fun writing this chapter so I hope you like it to so remember to read and review.
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To Forgive and Forget