I simply had to look once to figure it out and I didn't wait for Soubi, who was calling my name. Dropping the umbrella, I just ran. I ran outside past the bridge, past my school, past the park where we took pictures, until I reached near the outskirts of town. Out of breath, I finally slowed to a walk.

There was a beach. No one was around since it was raining; my clothes started clinging to my pale skin. I stared at the ocean; it was rough and dangerous, suicide if anyone went into it. Then I stared down the road, it would take me out of town completely if I kept going but I would have nowhere to go and no money. What was I going to do for my life? Do I even care?

No, No, I was screaming in my head. Why am I thinking like this?

I was so confused, with Soubi and Shizume and what Midori told me.

Would Soubi really be seduced and be with Shizume?

I couldn't think and I didn't know what to feel. I just knew pain and lost and before I knew it I was pounding the ground, crying and screaming.

"Wow, Ritsuka, You can really run," Damn Shizume was here and with a smirk on his face.

"What the hell do you want?" I cried. "Aren't you busy with Soubi?"

He laughed, "Believe it or not, Ritsuka, Soubi isn't fooled or seduced that easily. When he wasn't looking I snuck that kiss in, you just happened to be in the room."

He brushed some of his wet, black hair out the way as he walked over to me in silent anger.

"I really just can't understand why," He picked me up easily by my collar. I was too scared to fight back, his face looked absolutely insane. "Why Soubi could love such an immature brat!"

He threw me against the ground then picked me up again only to punch and slap me silly.

After being hit and thrown a couple of times, I coughed up some blood; I was useless I couldn't fight unless my Fighter was with me. (Damn Irony)

Shizume gave a dark laugh, "And he actually asked, no, begged me to come find you! That poor man burdened by you and your brother,"

"You leave my brother out of this!" I screamed. How could he talk about Seimei! He's not even here!

"Shut up," He kicked me into a metal railing. The railing was old and rusty; when I landed it gave me a deep cut across my back.

"Why," I croaked, my voice barely mangable. "Why are you doing this?"

"Wow, you are stupid, isn't it obvious?" He smiled. "I want Soubi, and you're in my way, so why don't you just leave? Or better yet, disappear,"

I shivered from the cold rain on my wounds, "No,I worked too hard. I've worked to hard trying for this,"

I tried getting up grabbing the top of the railing, putting most of my weight.

"I'm staying here, in this town, with my friends, family, and I'M KEEPING MY FIGHTER! So just shut the hell up"

Shizume yelled and kicked me again, "I guess you don't get it do you?"

He grabbed me by the hair and dragged me to the side of the road where no one could see us. He threw me against a back wall, leaving a nice bloody mark.

"I guess I'll have to ruin your dreams the old fashion way,"

I understood what he meant when he started taking his shirt off and coming closer to me. He used the sleeves off his shirt to tie my hands and it was useless to struggle. I was tired and bloody and wet. I didn't have the strength to run and all I wanted…..was for Soubi to hold me again.

I felt some weight on my body, but my vision was blurry so I couldn't see. Then suddenly I heard rushing footsteps, a gasp or surprise and then the weight was gone and I heard a slam against wall and a voice grunt. I heard the footsteps come towards me.

Was it Shizume again? I started to buck and kick wildly.

A familiar hand constricted my legs and another hand untied my hands then cradled me high in his chest. Some of the rain washed some blood out my face and I could barely make out the person holding me.

"Soubi," I smiled, and then blanked out.

I first woke up to a warm towel and warm hands rubbing my body. My back was arched off a bed and my chest breathing heavily as I softly moaned. My body reacted to him, even as I was sleeping.

"Soubi," I coughed, my voice was rough and dry.

He hushed me, "It's alright, Ritsuka, You're home and I'm right here,"

I reached out and he came close instantly, I opened my eyes to his beautiful face.

"Soubi," I cried. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me" I buried my face in his shoulder.

"Ritsuka, it's alright. It's my fault I should've paid more

attention. Then you wouldn't get hurt, this is my faul-,"

"No it's not, I should have not thought such a stupid thing and maybe I should've listen to Midori and- Oh crap! I forgot to turn off the comp!"

I started to get up but I then realized that I was bandaged head to toe and the dried blood cracked at my skin. The pain set in and I instantly lied back down.

"Ritsuka, Shizume got you pretty bad. You're not getting up till you are completely healed. Don't worry I talked to Youji and the others on the computer and I also told them to tell Sensei to come picked up his trash and I don't care if he is raped I told him to give Shizume his sacrifice."

"That poor Sacrifice," I said in shame.

"Who cares about him, I'm more worried about you," Soubi turned my over and checked the deep cut on my back. "This won't b healed until a few weeks,"

I frowned, "Don't you go fighting without me! The last thing I need is you hurt,"

He shook his head, "I won't, just get better,"

I nodded, but still doubted him. He's fought without me before, why should I trust him?

"Ritsuka,"

Still on my stomach, I looked over my shoulder.

"When you get healed, I mean fully healed, I'm going to take something away from you," I looked at me seriously.

"Take something? Like what, my computer?"

Soubi shook his head, "No, Ritsuka, I'm going to take your ears,"

I blushed wildly, "What!"

He hushed me, "I don't want anyone to try and take you like Shizume. I don't want to see that again, I want you to be happy when you lose them,"

Still in a blushed I looked away, "You want me to be happy…..with you,"

He didn't answer that question, "Will you let me Ritsuka? Will you let me take them away from you?"

I couldn't answer, I was too embarrassed to say yes, but after a while, I nodded and he carefully turned me over to kiss me lightly on the lips.

I smiled, everything was back to normal. (Well, you know what I mean) I was still here, with my friends and I was still with my fighter. Ever thing was exactly how it should be.

(And a few weeks later, Soubi fulfilled his promise to me. Natsuo was right; I did look cute without my ears.)