My Dear Valentine [Taiu]

[Katsu Oruta]

So tired.

Walking through the streets, head tilted down from exhaustion, Katsu needed to sleep. He just got off of his shift at the grocers, where he would do heavy lifting. And that was just after he got off working at the mechanics as an assistant. Thank god that they had showers there, he could not stand the smell of gas and oil on him.

Sighing, the Sacrifice felt as if his limbs were about to die. If only SM kept their promise to take care of the medical bills fully, but now all they do is pay 25% of it! Katsu had to take in many odd-jobs in order to get a high enough income to satisfy the hospital. Hands shoved in his jacket pockets, eyes drooping with stress and overwork, he continued to his favorite place, Yoyogi Park. It was where he and his sister would go every Sunday for a picnic. That is until their mother got ill. The bittersweet memory darkened his already murky mood.

Stepping onto the grass of the park, Katsu let out a sigh of a relief and then took a deep breath in. The scent of freshly cut grass and the mist of the fountains almost brought a sincere smile on his face. Almost. Walking around, the teen discovered a nice Sakura Tree to lay under. Sitting down, back against the trunk, Katsu fell peacefully asleep. Dreaming of a picnic, his bad mood dissipated instantly. He was happy.

So happy.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] ...Why does this always happen to him? Just when he thought that he could trust someone to hold onto his cane so he could use the washroom, they took off on him, cane and all. They probably dropped his cane in some bush or whatever. Slowly shuffling his feet and holding his hands out, he had managed to find his way out of the public bathroom, but only just so. He'd probably never find his cane now. And here he thought that he had made some friends, too. That will teach him. Sighing and grumbling faintly under his breath, the boy continued to shuffle and stumble along, not even sure where he was going, but it was better than staying put and hoping that they'd come and return his cane. He knew better than that. And, at least he wasn't near the road. He could hear cars whooshing down the road a distance off, so he was safe. That, and it felt as if there was soft grass under his feet once more. Now came the tricky part. Slowly, carefully, he shuffled about, trying to find his way around, only to suddenly catch his foot on something, which he hoped wasn't a tree root and fell on something both hard and soft. Wait... hard and soft? After a moment, he pushed himself up and patted whatever he landed on, only for his sightless eyes to shoot open wide and he scrambled backward a bit, obviously spluttering. "A-Ah! S-Sorry, I didn't mean to... sorry..." [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]253 words for Katsu. Sorry this took so long. I had a phone call from my dad. [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

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[Katsu Oruta]

Katsu was having a fabulous dream, at first. He was with his family, as a small boy, maybe 5 years old at the most. Clutching onto a Duck Stuffed Animal, he was running around with Kiri, their mother sitting at a picnic table in the shade of a blooming cherry tree. Their father? Nowhere in sight. It was the perfect dream. That continued for a few minutes, until the sky darkened instantly, going from blue sprinkled with poofy duck shaped clouds to a dark, murky grey within the blink of an eye. Gasping, little Katsu looked at his mother. She was on the ground, eyes wide and dead, face hollow and skin white with illness. Kiri was standing over Mother, hands clenched into tight fists. Turning to the little boy, out of her eyes came scarlet instead of tears. Screaming, terrified, the boy ran towards his sister, but a big man with no face came and slashed her with a knife. As she fell, everything became black, except for the pure white circles underneath them. Sprinting, it took everything in order for Katsu not to stumble and fall, but as he went forward, Kiri seemed to get farther and farther away from him. Starting to hyperventilate, the child tripped. The white circle instantly disappeared and he was falling, falling, falli-

Thunk! Gasping slightly, from shock of his dream and the sudden weight on him, Katsu was surprised. Right on top of him was a boy, definitely younger than him, with green hair. For a split second, the boy seemed more surprised than the Sacrifice himself was. Blinking a few times, totally confused and still a little bit shocked, he watched the younger teen... feel him? What?! Who was this guy! As the boy backed up off of him and apologized, Katsu saw his face. 'Oh, I've seen him before...' It? It was Taiu, the new Blank. The Sacrifice had seen his picture before, and had even spotted the green-haired teen out of his window, walking around with his cane. Katsu loved to sit there and watch Taiu whenever he could for some reason... and now he knew why. Taking a good look at the blind teen, Katsu felt something rise inside of him. 'Mine.' He thought, instantly determining that Taiu was his. No matter what anyone else said.

As Katsu got out of his soul-searching moment, he had realized that the Blank had apologized. "You..." he started, a determined look forming in his eyes, face gone stone-cold with a fierce will. Standing up quickly, he grabbed Taiu's wrist forcefully, but trying not to hurt him at the same time. "Are coming with me." With the urgency in his voice, it might have sounded like the words came with a growl, but he didn't care. Taiu was coming with him to the one place he knew where no one was, and the one place where he knew where the carving tools where. After all, he had been planning to make a Blank his, so he had stored them. It was actually pretty lucky that they were in the Yoyogi Park. In the more deserted area of the green field was a shed, which is actually an abandined maintenance shed. Now it was his little hut. But it would take a little while to get there.

Pausing in his, well.... er... kidnapping(?) he let go of Taiu's wrist. "Sorry... just stay there." He ordered with as little words as possible. Digging into his pants pocket, in a rush, he took out his phone. Flipping it open, he pressed the speed-dial and put the phone to his ear. While it rang, he looked over at the Blank. Would Taiu even accept this? Would he hate him forever for forcing this on him? Biting his lip, a lady answered. Should he go through with this? Sighing, irritated beyond belief, Katsu could not believe he was thinking of another person before him. Rediculous! It was always Kiri, then himself and lastly, everyone else. "Tch.." he muttered, annoyed. All he wanted was to have Taiu. That is what he would get. No matter if Taiu would agree or not. Speaking into the phone with a fierceness that would strike fear into any normal person, he decided to go with his gut. "This is Oruta, Katsu, Sacrifice of Incurious and Septimal Moon. I am taking Taiu, the Blank as my own. Deal with it." Snapping the phone shut harshly, he frowned. "Tch!" No one was going to get in his way. Without knowing why, Katsu needed to have Taiu. No matter the cost. Shoving the phone into his pocket, he walked over and, gently this time, took the Blank's wrist and started to walk to the shed. "Lets go, Taiu." He spoke softly, starting to feel sad about taking the poor teen against his will. Oh well, to late now!

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] "You..." Taiu's ears twitched at the sound of the elder male's, listening intently to the sound of his voice. He was mad. He was clearly mad. Oh no. What should he do? What could he do? He was blind and wasn't able to do much, but still, he had to make it up to the young man somehow. "Are coming with me." "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to trip and fall on you! It won't happen agai--eh? What?" he couldn't help but ask, pausing in his flailing about when he was grabbed roughly and pulled to his feet by the strange teen. He was coming with him? What? Why was he coming with him? Was he some sort of officer or something? No. No officer would smell like grass and gasoline, would they? He supposed not, but he was still horribly confused. Just what was going on? Then it happened. "Sorry... just stay there." "...Eh?" Taiu couldn't help but stare sightlessly in the direction of the voice, his hand absently rubbing at his wrist as he heard the elder teen digging around on his person. Just what was he doing? His ears twitching and quivering alertly, he listened as he heard the faint clicking noises of something plastic being used and a sequence of beeping sounds. Was that... a phone? What was he going to do? Who was he going to call? He supposed that he would have to listen to find out. "This is Oruta, Katsu, Sacrifice of Incurious and Septimal Moon. I am taking Taiu, the Blank as my own. Deal with it." Wait... what? He was a Sacrifice of Septimal Moon and he was taking him as his Fighter? What was this? Didn't he have a say? It didn't seem so. Chewing his lip, and his ears drooping a bit, the blind boy stood there, not quite sure what to do. He could try and run, but what good would that do? The academy now would have thought of him as this man's Fighter. He didn't have a choice in the matter. He was in such shock that he barely even heard the phone snapping shut or felt the hand on his wrist again, gently pulling him in a direction. "Y-You're... Oruta..?" he asked, trying his best to keep respectful, though his voice had only barely squeaked out, his throat had tightened so much. He was really unsure about this, but he had to put up with it, now. Fate really was a cruel mistress, dealing him such a hand. "U-Um... Where... are we going...?" [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]428 words for Katsu. Poor confused Taiu. xD [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

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[Katsu Oruta]

Taiu kept apologizing. Sighing, Katsu thought that the poor Blank was hoping that he would forgive him for tripping and landing on the Sacrifice. It was to late to say sorry now though. The call has been made and after a few minutes of a slow walking, they arrived at the shed. It was a very special place to the older teen. A place where he and his sister used to run to during their picnics to play house, or with the Stuffed Ducks. An actual, small, soft smile appeared on his face as a grief went into his eyes. Sure, Kiri was only in a coma, but still. Her old self was dead, and that upset Katsu in many ways.

Loosening his already gentle grip, Katsu stopped infront of the old, run down shack. "We're here." He murmured quietly, his sad mood quickly going away and replaced by a nervous, yet excited one. This was it. Opening the door, its hinges yelling in protest, the entry slowly opened. Inside was actually a lot nicer than the outside. The floors were a nice wood, there was a small rug under an even smaller round table, room for two. Chairs were with the table, and there were a few beanbags here and there. It had taken him years of a littoe extra money here and there to save up enough to make the Shed look the way he wanted. Softly, he guided the scared teen to a chair and told him to sit in a quiet voice. Taking a deep breath in, Katsu sighed. "I don't usually talk all that much... but I am going to make an exception this time. I need to explain things to you." Already he felt uncomfortable. This much talking was definitely not his thing, at all. But Taiu deserved some answers. Just some.

"We are currently in an abandoned maintenance shed for Yoyogi Park. I have spent a lot of time refurbishing it, so it looks kind of nice..." Sighing, the Sacrifice sat down on the chair across from Taiu. "This is a special place for me, and so I only use it for important things." Resting his elbow on the table, he put his head in that hand. "I am really sorry, Taiu. I know that this is sudden and that I didn't even ask for your permission, but I do not really care." Closing his eyes, he began again. "I have been watching you for awhile. You see, my original partner died before my True Name, Incurious, even showed up. I have been searching for the right Blank ever since I teamed up with SM. You are that Blank." Katsu's heart was beating faster than he expected. Maybe talking to much was giving him oxygen deprivation? A serious possibility. Standing up again, he walked over to a corner of the Shed and went into a box. It was filled with towels, bandages and one scalpel.

Picking it up gingerly, he carried it to the blind teen. "Before I start, I need to do something..." and with all the gentleness he could muster, Katsu took one of Taiu's hands and ran his fingers down handle of the scalpel, then along the unsharpened edge of the blade, letting him know what his future Sacrifice would be carving him with. 'I'm sorry for causing you so much pain and fear... but please do not hate me...' his thoughts were desperate, but his face was cold. "Take off your shirt," his voice ordered in a soft, but in an extremely forceful way. His bizarre need to make Taiu his was almost complete... and Katsu was nearly shaking in anticipation.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] The blind Fighter slowly followed the Sacrifice, his lips nervously pressing together in a tight line. For some reason, he felt like a lamb being led to the slaughter, even though he knew what lay in store for him wasn't fatal at all. He just had no choice, and he was in this kind of situation before he really had a chance to comprehend it, or stop it for that matter. He was being led someplace he didn't know by a Sacrifice from the Academy that he didn't even know. There couldn't possibly be a worse predicament for the boy. Then he felt the hand on his wrist, which had already been gentle, slacken and he winced as a door opened with a loud protest. Wherever they were going, they had reached their destination. Was this musty place that smelled vaguely of grass where he'd cease to be Taiu the Blank of Septimal Moon? It was all too likely. He was guided to a chair and told to sit down, an order that he quickly obeyed. He didn't know what Katsu Oruta was like, and he didn't want to get himself too hurt. If things were going to go the way he suspected they would, he was already going to be hurt enough as it is. "I have been watching you for awhile. You see, my original partner died before my True Name, Incurious, even showed up. I have been searching for the right Blank ever since I teamed up with SM. You are that Blank." Taiu, who had been listening obediently until that point, couldn't help but sit there in stunned silence at those words, his useless dull grey eyes open wide with suprise. Was he serious? Had he seriously been watching him and considering him for a replacement for his dead Fighter? Why him? Why someone whose eyes were nothing more than dull-looking ornaments sitting uselessly in his head? Didn't he know he would be handicapped if he took such a Fighter as his? Sure, he was a diligent student of Yamura-sensei's, but still! He didn't have a way to restore a form of sight to himself, and thus it rendered him beyond useless in battles that would rely on sight. Only so much could be sensed with hearing, smell, and touch alone. "Y-You... Are... Are you sure you want me as your Fighter, Oruta? I... I'm practically useless. I can't even keep track of my own cane..." squeaked the Fighter as he tried his best to face the direction it sounded like the Sacrifice was in. It was polite to face people when they talk, after all. "I don't want to hold you back..." However, despite his protests, it didn't seem the Sacrifice was going to change his mind. He seemed dead set on claiming the boy to be his Fighter. He even took his hand and made him feel up the cold metallic tool that was most likely going to be used to cut into his flesh and carve in the name he was to bear. It was a small tool, but what he was able to feel told him that it was a tool made for cutting with precision. It would allow the Sacrifice to mark him in an ornate way, should he want to. Shivering from the forboding presence of the tool, Taiu turned his head downward, taking in a deep breath as if to calm himself. This was it. He wasn't leaving this place a Blank. It was certain now. Even more so with the order to remove his shirt. Taking one more deep breath to try and calm his nerves, the boy grasped the bottom of his shirt and slowly pulled it up and over his head, removing it as he was told. There was no escape, and he knew this well. He couldn't go back without facing this, now. "P-Please..." he pleaded, trying to look up at the Sacrifice before him. "...P-Please be gentle..." [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]663 words for Katsu. Aw. Lookit the boy. He's such a good boy, isn't he? <3 [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

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[Katsu Oruta]

Katsu was getting nervous. Taiu looked so tense. So scared. On the verge of tears maybe. In fact, the Sacrifice was about to apologize and let the Blank go. Taking a breath in, he was about to do just that, but then Taiu spoke.

What was he talking about? Dragging him down? Shaking his head, the Sacrifice sighed slightly. "You will not drag me down, Taiu." Walking forward, he sighed again and attempted to pat his head reassuringly, with a soft touch. Man... he was not used to this at all. "I picked you because I want you as my Fighter. I know you wont let me down." His words were spoke with a hard confidence. Going back to the table, he shook his head. "No more of that." He ordered.

As his new Fighter took of his shirt nervously, Katsu found his heart racing. What was this?! Oh, he was extremely nervous, that had to be it. Biting his lip, he clutched the scalpel hard. It was obvious that Taiu did not like this... wait, why should the Sacrifice even care what the Fighter felt! This was for him, and Taiu would be his. No matter what. An emotionless face walked up to the Blank. With a certian softness, as one would have when handling something fragile and delicate, he placed his free hand on Taiu's chest, where his heart was. The beating of the heart was quick, either from fear, anger, nervousness, possibly a combination of all three, who knew? He was a little bit of those as well, fear of accidentally making a major mistake, nervous about carving and angry at himself for resorting to kidnapping. Was his desperation to have Taiu for his very own that strong? Why? How did it come to this? What was he thinking? Feeling the heartbeat of the blind teen for a moment longer, Katsu decided to go with his gut again. A soft look on Katsu's face spread. This was it.

"Please, relax." Were the words that slipped out of his mouth when he removed his hand and replaced it with the scalpel. As the first cut was made, his heart lurched. He could only imagine how scared his Fighter was. This was different from practice. It was actual flesh and blood. When he was practicing, it was with a Pumpkin, or a Dummy or something. Taiu was different. He was alive.

He was Katsu's.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] "You will not drag me down, Taiu." Taiu's ears pricked up at those words and he angled his head back upward as if to look at the young man who spoke those words, even though his eyes no longer worked as they should've. It was then that he felt the gentle touch of a palm on his head, patting him lightly. At first, he tensed, a little bit startled by the gesture, but that was very short-lived. Comforted by the soft pets on his head, he allowed himself to slouch a little, his ears even drooping a bit in an almost lazy manner. If he was trying to get the boy to relax, it was working. "I picked you because I want you as my Fighter. I know you wont let me down. No more of that." Aww... the hand went away. He liked the feel of the hand on his head, and when Katsu retracted the hand to turn back to the table, Taiu slouched a little bit more, seemingly wilting from the disappointment that the hand, which had felt so good on his head, disappeared. In its place, however, was a set of words and a command that echoed in his brain, lodging themselves in there good. He picked him because he wanted him as his fighter and that was that, it seemed. Had he seen something in him while he was watching him? That was possible. However, he couldn't dwell on that for long. The order a Sacrifice gave to his Fighter was absolute, even if the Fighter was a Blank like he was. He had to obey his command. There would be no more saying that he wasn't good enough. The wait was agonizing. Being unable to see the other male's actions, he could only wonder how long it would be until he felt the blade bite into his flesh, marking it so Katsu could take him as his Fighter. It was comforting to know that, even without the blessing of sight, the Sacrifice had confidence in the young Fighter and was taking him anyway. It really helped. But, he was still so scared... so nervous. He jumped a little when he felt the hand touch his chest, feeling his smooth milky skin, and he felt his cheeks burn a little from the embarrassment. The faint aroma of freshly cut grass and the even fainter hint of gasoline wafted into his nose, and he realised just how close he was. The hand lingered there for a moment, as if he was hesitating. But why? "Please relax." Here it comes. Squeezing his eyes shut on reflex, Taiu took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come as he sat completely still. He could smell the sweet aroma of the grass wafting over from the other male, and he decided to simply focus on that smell. The smell of a freshly cut lawn. It was a soothing smell, and soon enough, he had himself in enough of a trance by focusing solely on the smell, that he almost didn't notice the cold touch of the blade as it came into contact with his skin. Almost, if not for the pain that followed shortly after said contact. "Tch...!" Taiu hissed under his breath, feeling his skin being sliced by the scalpel, the tender meat of his chest giving way to the kiss of the blade. Almost immediately, his blood began to flow from the wound, the metallic scent hitting his nose and making his stomach turn slightly. It wasn't a pleasant smell. He wanted the smell of the grass to return to him, but all he could smell was the thick metallic odor of his own blood. The feeling of it flowing down his chest was unsettling as well. It felt gross and sticky and he hoped that Katsu would wipe it away before it began to dry. That wouldn't be pleasant at all. However unpleasant this whole thing was already, it was only the first cut of a series of cuts, and he knew he was in for a lot more. A lot more. And he'd have to endure every last one. Such was the fate of a Blank. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]703 words for Katsu. Aw, he's so brave. Also, headpats are the best medicine. [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

Carving was indescribeable. It was beauty, it was pain. Carving was an artform and a forbidden secret at the same time. Katsu felt a crushing ammount of emotions as he cut into his Fighter. Fear. Regret. Anger. Joy. Excitement. Countless feelings that the Sacrifice had not experianced in so long were almost overpowering him, yet he kept his ground. Forcing a steady hand, making sure that the cuts were nice and clean. Any nicks or mistakes could lead to Taiu being in more pain, and that is what terrified Katsu in his emotionally weak state. With a final slice, the I was complete. Pausing for a moment, the older teen glanced at the letter. Droplets of blood were leaking from the skin, causing Taiu's skin to explode with color, pale flesh against the bright crimson liquid. The scent wafted up, and he inhaled quietly. Glancing at his Fighter, Katsu noticed something. When he first started, the young teenager was somewhat calm, but with the scent of blood in his system, the green haired boy was starting to look like he was in pain, a worse pain that physically.

Starting the N, Katsu got close to Taiu. Really close. Wrapping his free arm around the Fighter, he made sure that his own body was blocking the way of the blood while also allowing Katsu a good angle to carve, still. His white shirt was wet with Taiu's blood. It was an uncomfortable stance for Katsu, but now the smell of the scarlet drops leaking out of Taiu were mostly blocked, and most of what the Fighter now smelled was grass and faint traces of gasoline. The N was complete.

It was an odd experiance... when the blade of the scalpel kissed the flesh of Taiu, nothing would happen for a split moment. Then, tiny droplets of crimson would appear, and then all to suddenly, they would cascade down in rivers of blood. The C was easy for Katsu, all he needed to do was sweep the steel edge smoothly across Taiu's skin. A shiver went down his spine. It felt good, like cutting through air. The U was the same story, and he quickly progressed through those.

Starting on the R, a warm feeling was spreading along his spine, where the True Name was located on himself. Biting his lip, Katsu realized how much this must hurt Taiu. His free hand found itself up to the top of his green hair and started to pet. The Sacrifice was not paying attention to that to. He had to do this right or else he would force the Fighter into even more, uneccisary pain. 'I'm sorry, Taiu!' His mind cried out, wishing that the words would slip out of Katsu's mouth, but he would not let those words reach the air. Another I.

A couple of minutes pass, and the last U is done. Only one letter left. Taking a deep breath, Katsu carefully did the last letter. An S. Pressing gently on the skin, the blade went in smoothly. Curling, one curve was done. Then the other. An electric bolt went through the Sacrifice and his spine felt as if it were on fire. Holding in a gasp, taking all of his will not to let it through, he dropped the scalpel. It spun in the air, seeming to fall in slow-motion before clinking to the ground. Carefully, yet with the speed of extreme urgency, Katsu wrapped up the new True Name. Relief was shining brightly in his eyes, but his face was as passive as ever. Taiu was his. His and his alone. A smile actually broke through his mask for a moment.

Once the wrapping was done neatly, he took his Fighter in his arms, one arm wrapped around Taiu's shoulders, the other stroking his hair. Leaning down, until his mouth was right next to the ex-Blank's ear, he whispered softly, "You're mine now, Taiu. Don't let anyone ever tell you different. That is an order."

Katsu's heart roared with success, his pride and ego swelling up. He had Carved a Blank. Taiu was his. After all this time...

Taiu was his.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] Taiu gritted his teeth against the pain of the cuts, clutching at the elder male as he moved himself closer to him. He buried his face in Katsuo's hair and inhaled deeply. Grass. Soap. An ever so faint hint of gasoline. A multitude of scents drifted out of the soft black hair and into the blind boy's nose as he endured the pain of the cuts to the best of his ability. It hurt a lot, but after the first letter or two it started to not hurt as bad. Maybe the endorphins were kicking in already...? Whatever it was, he sat there, silently letting Katsu finish carving the name into his body, a faint burning feeling growing on his chest as each letter appeared, one by one. After the final letter was carved, he gasped, his chest on fire and feeling like a current of electricity had run into it at the same time. So this was the bond between Fighter and Sacrifice. He belonged to Katsu now, that much was certain, and he kind of sat there dazedly, hardly paying much attention to his new Sacrifice as he was gently and hurriedly bandaged up. He probably looked like a mess, but not like he could tell, or anything. It was then that Katsu wrapped an arm gently around him, and brought a hand to lightly pat Taiu's hair. It was soothing, even though the Sacrifice now smelled of soap, grass, gasoline, and blood, and he couldn't help but lean into the chest of his Sacrifice. There was no going back to the way things were, now. Maybe things would be better now that he was a pair with someone? Maybe there'd be less bullies with a Sacrifice around. He could only hope so. "You're mine now, Taiu. Don't let anyone ever tell you different. That is an order." "Y-Yes... Oruta," Taiu murmured quietly in response, nodding lightly as well. This was an order from his Sacrifice, and he had to obey the command. It was time for him to fulfill his role. Wait, he called him by his first name, didn't he? Should he return the favour? He wasn't really sure. "U-Um... Is it alright if I call you Katsu? You call me by my first name, so..." It was worth a shot, to say the least. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]389 words for Katsu. So brave, yes. But also so loyal. Katsu better appreciate what he stole. xD [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

Katsu's mind was calming down, his heart was slowing back to average speed. Giving Taiu a squeeze, the signal that he was letting go, he pulled away from his Fighter. Patting the green haired boy on the head a few more times, his arms fell down to their sides. "Stay there." He spoke, his words quiet and final. Walking to his box of supplies, he got a blanket and a cup. Going over to Taiu, he draped the blanket over the Fighter's shoulders, resisting the urge to ruffle his hair again. "Tch...". Stepping outside, Katsu sighed. Going to the side, he went to the water hose tap. Afterall, this WAS a maintenance shack, there is still a hose facet. Sighing again, Katsu fought the urge to yawn. Taking off his bloody shirt, he sat underneath the flowing water for a few moments, only to wash the smell of blood and the rest of the gas off of his body, not minding the freezing temperature of the water.

Standing up, he filled the glass with water. Shutting off the tap, he went back inside, pausing at the door to shake his soaking hair. Going inside, he threw his drenched shirt on the floor. Yawning, Katsu dragged a chair over in front of Taiu's. He was saying something about calling Katsu by his first name. The Sacrifice shrugged. "I don't mind." Reaching over, Katsu grabbed one of his Fighter's hands and put the cup in it. "Drink. It's water." He murmured, looking away from Taiu. Running his fingers through his hair, he sighed. "Are you Ok, Taiu?" He mumbled, tired of talking. In one day he had said more than he had in a month, maybe two! Katsu had to resist the urge to slam his palm on his forehead.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] Relaxing from being held by his Sacrifice, Taiu leaned almost heavily against the older teen, the fatigue from his pain setting in. Now that the ordeal was over, and his body had deemed himself no longer in danger of being hurt, the strength in his slender form had begun to drain away, leaving him almost completely worn out. However it seemed that he wasn't going to be allowed to rest yet. Nothing was ever that convenient. Giving him a bit of a warning squeeze, Katsu released the boy and got up, instructing him to remain just as he was. As if he had the strength to get up and move around immediately. He nodded wearily and listened to Katsu leave before he inhaled deeply, only to wince as he was reminded of the wounds on his chest. He was going to have to move very carefully for the next while. It was all too likely going to be very tender until it healed properly. Well, at least Katsu had been kind enough to bandage him so he wasn't going to be too much more of a bloody mess than he already was. How much blood did he lose, anyway? Well, they were just cuts, so it probably wasn't too much, but he was going to have to be careful regardless. His ears flicked toward the wall as he heard the squeak of the faucet on the other side, listening to the Sacrifice washing himself up. If only he had that luxury. Oh well, at least he didn't get to move right now. The cuts would be clotting shortly and he didn't want to disturb them too much. After a few moments, the running water on the other side stopped and the squeaky door was opened once more, and the faint metallic smell of someone who had stood under a metal tap to rinse himself off wafted about as Katsu moved around and handed him a cup, telling him to drink it. Slowly, carefully, the boy obeyed, gingerly bringing the cup to his lips and taking a gulp. It was cold, and it felt pleasant going down his throat, especially after all the harsh breathing and pain he had endured mere moments before. It had a funny aftertaste, but then again so did most tap water. However strange it tasted, it still went down so incredibly well. He must've been thirsty. Slowly and carefully lowering his arms and the cup, he turned his head in Katsu's direction as the Sacrifice spoke again, asking him how he was. Of course he hurt, but he wasn't sure if he should admit that. However, after a moment of thinking about it, he decided that it was most likely a good idea. After all, it was a no-brainer. "My... My chest is burning a little... and I'm a bit tired... but I'm okay... I think," he admitted, finally, his fingers lightly rotating the cup in his lap, the fingertips exploring its entire surface as if he was curious about it. "I-It... It's twinging a little, too..." [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]511 words for Katsu. Your post was fine. Don't worry. <3 [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

Taiu was interesting to watch. Smirking slightly, it tickled Katsu's ego knowing that he had just made the boy his. The Sacrifices mind, however was thinking of something else. Sleep. He was so tired. Tired beyond belief. All his brain wanted to do was shut down, yet something was wrong. Something wasn't normal. As Taiu was talking about where he felt the pain, pity overwhelmed the older, strong teen. Sighing, partially annoyed at his weakness for wanting to make the Fighter feel less pain. In the poor as dirt neighborhood, it was take care of yourself and your family, or get beat the hell out of. Frowning, Katsu shook his head. 'Its not like I care a lot about him... he is just my thing now, so I can't have it break.' Nodding, a serious look on his face, the Sacrifice thought his minds explanation was pretty good.

Getting up yet again, he sighed, annoyed. After this one last kindness, he was DONE. Sleeping for the rest of his life sounded plenty good to him. "Hold still." Katsu warned his Fighter. With extreme soft and gentleness, he picked up Taiu without bothering the Carving all to much, he sat down on an extremely old couch he... er... found(?). Sitting down, he laid Taiu on the couch so that the blind teenagers head rested on Katsu's lap for a pillow. Yawning, he took his jacket and put it over the Fighter, making it like a blanket. "Rest." Katsu yawned while absently petting Taiu's hair. His own eyes started to droop after a few minutes, but whatever he did, sleep just did not come to him. Irritated, he wanted to get up and storm off, but Taiu was on his lap. And he couldn't disturb his rest. So, he just sat there.

Petting Taiu's head.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] "Ah?" breathed the sightless boy as he was lifted up by the elder teen and moved to a couch somewhere. Had there always been a couch in here? It smelled a little musty, but then a lot of the place smelled a bit stale, at least to him. He was laid down with Katsu's lap to be used as his pillow. "O-Oh... um... T-Thank you, Katsu..." the boy managed, feeling his face flush a little. This was the first time he was using someone else as a pillow and he wasn't sure what to really think, or do, about it. Perhaps the only real thing was to obey the Sacrifice's order and rest. However, he was a bit too nervous to sleep, no matter how good the petting on his head felt. He was using someone as a pillow for the first time in his life and he was now a Fighter in a Unit pair. So much was spinning around in his head, it made it impossible to rest, no matter how long he lay there with his eyes closed. Then, slowly a bit of curiousity began to bubble up to the surface. What did the Sacrifice look like? He vaguely knew his body shape and that his hair was nice and soft, but nothing else. Would he mind? Opening his eyes, he angled his head to stare into the space he estimated Katsu's head would occupy. After a few seconds of simply staring up at him, debating whether he should just do it or ask for permission first, he slowly and carefully lifted his arm, touching the tips of his sensitive fingers to his Sacrifice's face. Soft. His skin was soft. Slowly, he allowed his fingers to explore the elder teen's face, no longer wondering if he'd get in trouble for this. He was far too curious now. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]310 words for Katsu. Oop, Taiu wants to "see" him now. xD [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

Taiu was so... light. Blinking a few times, Katsu was not sure whether to be surprised or not. 'I mean... its not like he looks all skin an bones. I just did not expect him to be this light.' Nodding slightly, he was satisfied with his minds new excuse. But for some reason, it did concern him. 'Is this baka getting enough food?' Looking down at Taiu on his lap, he shook his head. "Tch..." Why should he be concerned? Well... Taiu is his now. The Sacrifice did not want his Fighter to be in bad shape, it would come back to bite him in the ass later. Probably during a fight- Oh, Taiu was thanking him. "Welcome," Katsu muttered, closing his eyes again. Man, he was so tired. Every fiber of his being wanted to sleep. He never did get that nap he needed, did he? Smirking, his cold gaze peered at the green haired teen in his lap. At least he got a Fighter out of it.

Finally, he got what he wanted. Shutting his eyes for a final attempt, he fell into a very light sleep. Breathing softly, it was not even deep enough to dream, only blackness. But that was fine with Katsu. He was to tired to think up of anything. Suddenly, he felt a soft touch on his face. It was a hesitant feeling at first, but the fingers that were exploring quickly became curious. 'Taiu... what is that guy doing?' Sighing, of course he knew the answer. He had met more than one blind person in his life, of course. His Fighter was simply 'looking' at him. Closing his eyes once more, he let Taiu's curiousity continue. 'I'll just get him back eventually...' his mind decided. And with that, Katsu smirked.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] Taiu's finger's meandered around the Sacrifice's face, feeling him over before they withdrew and he turned to hide. From what his fingers were able to find out, Katsu was a rather good-looking young man. It was both a shame and a good thing he couldn't actually see what he looked like. He wasn't sure if he could manage to hide the embarrassment if he could see him, after all. But still... He wished that he didn't have to rely on his imagination for it. That was always a bit of a bummer. At least Katsu didn't mind having a disabled Fighter. That comforted the boy and a faint, relaxed smile formed on his lips. He found somewhere he could belong at last! Listening to Katsu's light breathing told him that the Sacrifice was beginning to fall into a light doze. That made sense, he supposed, since he probably was trying to nap out in the grass before he fell on him. Whoops. His ears began to droop a bit, but Taiu quickly caught that and mentally slapped himself. Now wasn't the time to be all gloomy and depressed! He finally had a Sacrifice! Sure, the Sacrifice was tired, but the fact that he had one now didn't change. He didn't seem to have been too upset about the rude awakening from earlier, either, which also did wonders to improve the Fighter's mood. Regardless, his Sacrifice wanted to sleep, right? He hadn't said anything about it, but that much was obvious. Sure the pain had worn Taiu out, but now that he was laying down, he felt much better. Maybe it was because of the tiny amount of blood he lost...? Whatever it was, it didn't matter. He had a job to do now, even though the Sacrifice hadn't given him an order. It was an unspoken job, and one all Fighters were expected to do: protect the Sacrifice. He wanted to sleep, so the least that Taiu could do was watch over him, right? Right. His tail swishing faintly against the couch, he began to listen intently to all that was around him, paying attention to every faint noise. No one would disturb the Sacrifice's nap, now. No one. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]369 words for Katsu. Pfft, I love how he's suddenly so >:C. It's cute. [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

Oh-sweet-anything-that-was-out-there-watching-over-everyone, Katsu could not begin to describe how amazing this dreamless sleep was. It was deep enough that him being touched would not wake him up, that he could feel lighter than air and think that he was just floating in darkness, however it was light enough that the Sacrifice could feel his fighter on his lap. The fingers on his face. The soft heartbeat within Taiu that was there only for him. Everything about his new Fighter was for him, and it just pushed his ego and pride sky-high. Sighing deeply in his sleep, the steady, gentle rhythm of his Fighters heart lulled Katsu further into his black dream realm.

In the nothingness, the teen thought. Why did he just up and kidnap one of SM's precious Blanks? Why did he feel the instant urge to make Taiu his when the Sacrifice first saw the Fighter out of his window while studying? Why did he feel so possessive over the green haired boy? So deep within his troubled sleep, Katsu did not hear the growing sound of arguments between three teenagers drawing closer, the violent opening of the door.

"We know Oruta is in here! Where is he?!" The first teenaged thug growled. The next one stepped in, tall and buff. "Yeah, we are here for a rematch!!" The last person stepped in, his footsteps booming. He was an adult, body-guard type. Bald head, tattoo's all over him, aura screeming not to mess with him. Folding his arms, he grunted as he nodded towards the two on the couch. The older thug smirked, then barked out a laugh. "Who is this little green shrimp? What a waste of our time!" The second, taller thug grunted in disgust and impatience. "Get out of here kid, before we hurt you."

With that threat, something in Katsu's subconcious screamed. Opening his eyes, a pitch black, obviously pissed aura shot out of him. He did not say anything though, wondering what Taiu would do. Lets see how the blind boy handled himself. Smirking himself, he looked over towards the trio and shrugged slightly. Things were getting interesting, and Katsu liked it.

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] Unlike Katsu, Taiu was alert, ears quivering as he listened to every faint noise, from the soft breaths of his now-Sacrifice, to the footsteps and angry voices that drew closer to their little hideout. Yes, someone was coming. The Sacrifice may have been relaxed, but Taiu tensed, bracing himself for whatever was coming. There was no way he could stop them from coming, but maybe, just maybe he could protect Katsu from them. Slowly, carefully, he sat up and turned toward the sounds, his ears trained on the door as it opened. "We know Oruta is in here! Where is he?!" "Yeah, we are here for a rematch!!" "Who is this little green shrimp? What a waste of our time!" "Get out of here kid, before we hurt you." The first thing Taiu felt was fear. He was scared of these thugs. However he didn't know what could obstruct the way to the exit, and without his cane, or Katsu, he was rather stuck. Besides, it was behind them, wasn't it? He wasn't about to come close to them. However, he had a Sacrifice now, and they wanted to hurt him. That he couldn't just sit by and allow. He was scared, but he was a Fighter, and Fighters had to protect their Sacrifices, no matter what. Taking a breath, the boy stood, but he didn't move to leave, instead fixing his sightless eyes in their general directions, his ears lightly quivering, listening to their every move as he heard movement behind him. Oh, good. Katsu was awake now. Perhaps he could have some help in the matter. "These... guys are mundanes, right?" he asked, his voice quiet as he allowed one of his feline ears to turn back and listen to the Sacrifice for a moment, focusing the rest of his attention on the gang before them. He didn't know any spells that would be appropriate to use on mundanes, so he was going to have to improvise in order to protect Katsu. That was fine, though. He might have to do that later in battles, right? Taking a breath, the boy began to calm himself and focus. "This is a sanctuary. A place of peace. That which wishes us harm is laid to rest." Well, that wasn't the best spell, but he tried. Now, if only they'd fall asleep as he intended. That would be perfect. After all, mundanes weren't to be allowed to know their world. If they slept, maybe they'd think the spell was a dream when they awoke? He could only hope so. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]428 words for Katsu. Aw, he's such a good boy. Katsu better give him treats! [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]

[Katsu Oruta]

This was officially both entertaining and pissing Katsu off at the same time. He whooped these thugs earlier that month, and they just kept on coming back. No matter how many times he would turn down the trio of idiots, they never left him alone. They would still never leave him alone, until their spirit was thoroughly beaten. And here they were. Right in-front of him. Threatening Taiu. Causing his Fighter to be scared out of his whits. Locking his jaw, rage was building inside of him. Of course, the ex-Blank was handling it quite well currently.

The spell worked efficiently enough. It was slightly beginner, but had the wanted effect. A few seconds after Taiu finished the spell, the three thugs crumpled to the ground, breathing slow, deep and even. Knocked out cold. "Hmm..." was all he could say though. Katsu kept on thinking of what could happen. The three thugs would not leave him alone unless they had their rematch. The teen was fairly confident that he could always protect himself if the idiots decided to get wreckless and attack, but he could not speak for his Fighter. Turning his gaze on the blind boy, he frowned, concerned. If they found Taiu when he was at his most vulnerable, like when his cane was gone and he was randomly stumbling around, he would not stand a chance. No matter what Katsu did, he could never be with the green-haired, young teen 24-7. Biting his lip, knowing what he would have to do, he shook his head. It was stupid, for sure. Would he win? Most likely. The thugs were pretty violent and street-trained, but not as much as Katsu. Sighing, he placed his hand on Taiu's shoulder. "Wake them up, I have to fight or else they wont leave us alone." The Sacrifice turned his new other half and placed his other hand on the free shoulder, and leaned forward. His forehead was a hair-space away from the Fighter's. To get rid of any doubts, he brought his right hand up and threaded his fingers through the green hair carefully while bringing his mouth right next to his left ear. "Don't worry. I'll win." He swore, the words leaving his lips with barely a whisper. It was a promise Katsu was sure of keeping.

It had to be kept. No matter what. Taiu would not get hurt thanks to these bozos, and with the fresh carving still hovering over the shy boy's heart, Katsu would protect him. He would not have his Fighter break right as he came into the Sacrifice's possession, would he? Of course not.

Taking a deep breath through his nose, he stood up straight. Instantly, from muscle memory, he stretched his arms. Getting ready, Katsu was prepared to whoop their asses. Smirking, a dark chuckle escaped his lips. 'Bring 'em on...'

[Taiu Weiss]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 100px;][classy=icon][/classy] "I believed in you...always."

[atrb=border,0,true] Taiu's ears twitched when he heard his Sacrifice's voice order him to wake the thugs up. Was he sure about that? Then again, something he said rang as true. They really wouldn't leave them alone unless they had their fight. As much as he hated to condone this, there was really no choice. The Sacrifice's order was absolute, after all. All there was left was to find a way to cancel his previous spell. "Don't worry. I'll win." The Sacrifice's words rang in the young Fighter's ears for a moment, quelling any fear that had bubbled up within him. That's right, his Sacrifice must know what he was doing. He just had to believe in him. Taking a deep breath, the small boy nodded lightly and then began to focus. "There shall be no rest for the intruders with no names. The warm blessing of sleep shall not claim them. Awaken!" he called out, the faint groans of the thugs stirring being his reward. He had done as he was told. Now it was up to Katsu. Turning in the direction of where Katsu's voice had come from, he tried his best to fix his sightless eyes on the other male. He was trusting his word. "I've... done as you asked. It's up to you now, Katsu. Be careful," the fighter cautioned as he turned and, by reaching out to touch Katsu lightly to gauge his position, moved back to the couch area, where he would not be in the way. He knew this was something Katsu had to do, and who was he to deny his new Sacrifice what he wanted? He was taught that Sacrifices were the masters, after all. [style=font-style: italic; text-align: center; padding: 0% 2.5% 0% 2.5%;]282 words for Katsu. Aw, he's such a good boy. Katsu better give him treats! [/style]

sometimes hope can drive people to madness made by amb tanz

[newclass=icon *]opacity: 0.35; -webkit-filter: contrast(130%); -moz-filter: contrast(130%); -o-filter: contrast(130%); filter: contrast(130%); float: left;[/newclass] [newclass=icon img]width: 120px; height: 120px; transition: 1.5s; -moz-transition: 1.5s; -webkit-transition: 1.5s; -o-transition: 1.5s;border-radius: 100px; [/newclass] [newclass=icon img:hover]opacity: 0; transition: 1s; -moz-transition: 1s; -webkit-transition: 1s; -o-transition: 1s;[/newclass]