The Wounded

13

Breakfast was quite interesting. Masamune had accidentally slipped in a couple pieces of tomatoes in his omelets, normally he loves tomatoes but never in omelets. He says they "taste weird," but The look on this was priceless, he looked as if he had swallowed a banana pepper in pickle juice. After a wonderful breakfast Masamune pulled out a pair of dark blue -almost black- jeans and a green v-neck. He said they were for our date. I would be lying if I claimed that I was not, in any way, excited.

I looked at the black clock that adorned the right corner of Masamune's bedside table. It read 7:53. I shivered from the excited tingles I got. Only 27 more minutes to get ready! I quickly grabbed my clothes before sprinting towards the bathroom that was connected to the fine decorated room. I stripped before getting into the cool water. I let the cool flowing water caress my skin in unanimated wonder. The water drew my attention to my wrist, I glanced at my thin forearm wincing at the memory that came with it. You did this to yourself! Fear prickled throughout my body. "No. Please not now. Breathe Ritsu." I inhaled the cool air, only to feel my heart clenching and my body being compressed. You were worthless, that's why he didn't love you. Admit it, you knew he couldn't ever love you. "NO!" My hands flew to my head and clenched the hair found there. "Breathe Ritsu." Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

A sob ripped from my throat. This was not suppose to happen. This is not the time for me to have a breakdown. Blood dripped down my forearms as my wounds reopened. A whimper tore from my throat. "No." I slid down the glass doors of the shower stall and onto the marble floors. Ritsu, you're so stupid. Did you actually think he'd fall for someone like you? You are years his junior. "Stop. Stop. I can get through this. Breathe Ritsu." My thoughts ran clear before I weakly stood up on unstable legs. I reached through the cold water that gunned out of the shower head and turned the handle downwords- further seizing the flow of water. Standing there for a few silent minutes, I finally wrapped the black towel around my body, stepped out from the stall onto the bathroom carpet, and shut the glass door behind me.

I stared into the mirror at my reflection slightly disgusted at my slim and pale figure. Reluctantly, I put my clothing on and fixed my unruly hair. I let out a huff of air, this was not supposed to happen on the day of our date. Gathering up my courage and pride, I walked out from the bathroom -towel in hand- and into the elegant room. "Hey are you alright? I heard you scream inside the bathroom- wasn't sure if you want me to burst in there and see you nude." I jumped at the booming voice in the otherwise silent room. "I'm fine. You can shower now. C-can I borrow a hoodie or a jacket?" Takano-San nodded and walked over to the black dresser that was supporting his flat screen. "Do you mind wearing a gray one? It's the smallest I have." I nodded and thanked him. "I'll be taking my shower now. I'll see you in 5 minutes?" My heart sped up, did I make him shorten his usual shower time? Guilt gnawed at my conscious, "You don't have to rush. I think the date can wait." His eyes widened at the blush that began to take over my face. "I'll see you in five minutes. My showers usually don't take long anyway." I felt my face heat up again. "O-okay." He flashed a smile before closing the bathroom doors.

Five minutes pass and as he said he came out in all his clothed glory. He adorned black pants with a casual button down- with the sleeves rolled up to his elbow. "Are you ready?" I nodded tugging on the gray sleeves, I practically bathed in his scent but I was definitely not complaining, mind you. We walked our together towards the dining area, after all- he said we were having a picnic. "Ritsu-San!" I turned around to see Misaki with Usami and Yukina with Kisa - both couples holding hands. Reality hit me with a frying pan just then. What am I doing? I'm supposed to be trying to find the soul not standing here trying to start a new with my ex Sempai. Fear swelled throughout my body- what if I was kept here for all eternity because I never found my soul or gotten my mark. Subconsciously I was hyperventilating, I don't want to stay here! "Hey Ritsu-San are you alright?" Misaki walked towards me worriedly. His eye brows clenched in worry. "No I'm fine, thanks Misaki. Where are all you guys going?" Both couples flashed worried looks at one another but answer my question- "We are going on dates." I nodded in acknowledgement. "We are to-" "Takano-sama!" All of our attention was diverted to a young demon, about 17 in age, running towards us in panic. "Takano-sama! The training room is highly low on staff and needs your assistance." Takano was hesitant about agreeing. "Are you sure there aren't any other trainers available?" The young demon nodded frantically. "Y-yes sir. I checked twice. The other trainers are either at conference meetings or on leave." Takano nodded in understanding. "Ritsu. Is it alright if we move the date to another date? You see, lowly staffed training areas a highly dangerous, the demons don't know how to control their powers correctly and can hurt someone." I nodded smiling reassuringly, "Yea go ahead." He thanked me before following the young demon towards the room in the back. "So where are you guys going on your dates?" "Misaki and I have decided to attend to the Rose Resort for two days" Misaki glanced at me for approval. "Its fine. Go. Don't worry about me." The worried angel nodded hesitantly before being towed away by Usami. "So Yukina decided that we should go to the cafe where we actually started talking. Do you want to come? I'm sure Yukina wouldn't mind, right?" He glanced up at his lover who agreed. "No thanks. I think I'm just going to stay here." They nodded and said their 'see you laters' I waved goodbye before walking towards the training room where I saw Takano head.

"Yah!" The room was filled with the odor of perspiration and musk. The yells and screams of people who were in pain or attacking rang all throughout the area. "Ooof." People, left and right, fell onto the Mat that was surrounding the room. I searched the area to see Takano-San with a female demon. She was beautiful, long brown hair with large amethyst eyes. Jealousy filled my head as he wrapped his arms around her to correct her stance. I glanced at one of the other trainers who was staring at me only just to turn back as I heard Takano-San and the woman laugh. They almost seem, dare I say, In love. They would look like the most content and perfect couple, Takano-San seemed happy... Maybe without me. Misaki also seemed happier with Usami.

My heart broke just then and everything around me seemed duller. No one needed me. Misaki didn't. Takano-San didn't. Yukina and Kisa don't need me either. The only one that needs me, is the soul I must save. And I haven't met them yet.. Maybe I should just leave. You're a hinderance Ritsu. Finally you've realized it. No one needs you Ritsu, not even Misaki. You should leave, they'd be happy wouldn't they? Leave Ritsu. Leave. Leave.

Without thinking, I ran- no I sprinted towards the guards who were guarding the main doors. Once I made it within 8 feet of them, I slowed to a stopped. "Are you alright sir?" I nodded, panting and trying to catch my breath. "Can you let me out?" The guards looked at me sympathetically, "No sir. I'm afraid we can't. You must have signed papers declaring that you've been granted the permission to leave The Wings Estate." Tears welled in my eyes. "Please? I can't stay here. I must leave." The guards shook their heads sadly. "I'm sorry sir, we can not-" A resonant voice interrupted his objection to my departure. "I give him permission. As second chair in the council of the Wings Estate I give him permission to depart and return upon his own wishes." I glanced back at the navy blue, almost black, haired man. "T-thank you M-mister..." I trailed off not having the knowledge of his name. "Just call me Yokozawa. You may Leave Onodera." I was shocked, how did he know my name? As if reading my mind, he answered, "Masamune has spoken all about you. A warning though Onodera, if you hurt him once more. I will personally make your life a living hell." I shook in raw fear as the calm voice rung within my ears. Hurt him? "I-I won't hurt him." Yokozawa-San nodded, "Just know that he needs you more than he lets on. Come back Onodera. Takano is more fragile that even your short friend." I was unsure why he would need me but I promised Yokozawa I would come back and I wouldn't hurt Takano-San. "Whatever you need ,Onodera, from the outside world. Hurry back. You wouldn't want Takano to worry. Would you?" I shook my head 'No' before heading out the opened door.

He needs me?

Hey guys! Sorry about not updating sooner. This chapter would NOT have been posted without the help of NiniJoy. She has been there for me with this fanfic since the beginning! She deserves a standing ovation! Give it up for NiniJoy!! Check out her fanfics to guys. They are amazing. She is an amazing writer and she comes up with the best ideas. Check her out. Like please. And now. She's amazing! She's inspired me to keep writing when I was almost giving up on The Wounded. She's just so talented :,)

http://www.wattpad.com/user/ninijoy