Author's notes:

complete: It is commonly said that people is afraid of the unknown, and it is said that people is afraid of death, is panic created by a combination of these… fears? With so little help, so many disasters, and so little knowledge on this… mess; and, when all his life is falling to the ground; how will Ritsuka, help shamans fight panic?. Joining with friends is easy, only by uniting on common forces, against common fears with their "enemies", shall they accomplish peace.

2. The cat ears: though the characters will eventually explain themselves, the ears are thought to be symbols for innocence; in all senses of the word, including spiritual, when a Shaman makes such a strong connection with the spiritual world we assume he or she has lost its "innocence"

3. Shaman King: it goes from the end of the anime/manga and on the assumption Anna wanted to make a inn, we changed the idea of an inn to a place in the mountains were cottages are rented

Loveless: it goes from the chapter were Ritsuka and Soubi come back from the Nanatsu no Tsuki

1…But humanity remains so, and in hardest times, love keeps hearts strong, head prepared and feet on the ground, so how can those vague and terrified fingers push the loved glory from her loosening thighs?, and how can body, laid in that white rush, but feel the strange heart beating where it lies?

-chapter 1: Funbari hill

-What's wrong with you?- asked Soubi with an ironic smile – you're unusually silent, generally you can't stop complaining about everything when we travel by car.

- Soubi! I don't complain that much…- "what does this feeling mean?"- Anyway I'm just happy we left that place, even though I didn't have much opportunity to ask about… to talk with your teacher "does he know why we went?"

…Normally he would have answered immediately, but after all that happened last night, Soubi couldn't bring himself to talk about Seimei just yet, he knew He was forgiven but it didn't make the guilt go away. Ritsuka leaned back the chair's backrest, he wasn't feeling sleepy but he didn't want to talk either, even though he noticed Soubi's awkward reaction.

-Take me home now, let's not go to your house… don't wake me up until we get there- He hated giving orders, but he would feel worse talking.

-Are you really going to sleep? - There was that smile again

-I said; don't wake me up 'till we get there- Soubi smiled again but just kept silent "you don't have to be considerate of my feelings Ritsuka, talk all you want" But then again, said nothing aloud.

The road was empty, so it only took them about two hours to get to Ritsuka's house, he didn't want to fall fully asleep but then decided that he needed to if he wanted to play Wisdom, and because spending the night at Nanatsu no Tsuki had been quite horrible; tiring, sad and distressing . When he woke up, he was in his room, it was 7:00 already and he didn't see Soubi.

–Soubi! Ah! I told him to wake me up! – he stood up fast and ran to the computer to play.

–But that would have been so cruel, I love how you look when you're sleeping – He jumped a little with the surprise of him still being there

–Soubi I told you to wake me up when we got here, I shouldn't have slept so much, now I won´t sleep at night, and its your fault – "really angry?" He smiled and sat on the bed while Ritsuka turned on the computer

–You were not planning to anyway- "does he read my thoughts?"

–Is not the same!…. Leave now, you have to get some sleep too, I'll see you later-. Soubi walked towards the window and blew a kiss while disappearing through the curtains.

-RITSUKA-KUN!- The timbre of that voice always made him jump – you missed three days of school! Are you ok?-

-good morning Yuiko, I… took a trip… Sort of- They walked towards the school entrance, while Yuiko told him all the "wonderful" things they done while he was gone, and all the changes made, the whole class was going on a school trip, and they were separated by groups of six people, Yuiko managed to get him into her group… with a new transferred student…. He looked at Yuiko, who didn't seem very happy about that detail- Who's the new transfer? …- She blushed but didn't seem eager to answer…

-Surprise Ritsuka….- Said a female voice behind him, he turned and saw her

-Osamu-chan! What are you doing here?- He smiled, happy to see her

-I transferred, I missed you, so I decided to move here, this school has its benefits, I feel so relaxed without uniform, and we're going on a school trip..!- She seemed unusually happy.

-I´m happy you're here, but, what about the photography club? Aren't you going to miss it?- asked Ritsuka ignoring the reason given.

-Well a little, but I miss you more, besides; its not like I have to stop taking pictures just because I´m not in an official club, do I?- That thought made him a little nervous, but she was right, and it made the school trip look a little less horrible.

By that time they entered the classroom, and sat down, He was happy to be back, its not like something in his life was right, but at least, he hated himself a little less.

-Good Morning everyone! Today I´ll explain the last… RITSUKA-KUN!-she scream suddenly realizing he had came back- You're back! Are you feeling better?-

"what a nuisance to have them worried about me" -Yes Shinonome-sensei, it was just a cold, I´m fine- that smile, the smile, which made everyone relax, yeah, sure, he´s fine.

-So..- said she, not very convinced but sure they could talk about it later-, on the school trip, we´ll be going on groups of six, three men and….- continued the teacher, on a calmer tone.

-Ritsuka, ne Ritsuka! - Called Osamu on a whisper- Were you really sick? Or was it….. That?

-mmm… its nothing, don´t worry- Said Ritsuka on the same tone, seeing a little disgusted the preoccupation on his friend's eyes- its something else, I really am ok.

-…So, we will be going to two different places, the class then will be divided again on two groups the first will come with me and will be conformed by groups 2, 4 and 6 and the other will be conformed by groups 1, 3 and 5, now, the teacher meant to accompany you called in sick and won´t be able to come by tomorrow so we still have to find an escort for that group, and on finding that person depends the whole trip, anybody has ideas?- "yes! (Saved by the bell?)" Maybe he wouldn´t need to go to such bothersome trip if they didn't find someone…

-I have an idea Shinonome-sensei – Said Yuiko raising her hand – Agatsuma Soubi could go with us, he obviously has the time….- "dammit, impossible, can I say no?"

-that would be great- Answered Osamu, which won her a killing stare from Ritsuka

-That is a good idea Yuiko, Ritsuka do you think you could ask him to come with us? I´m sure we can trust him, and the problem would be solved for everybody- "except for me of course" he stared at her as if he hadn't heard but answered immediately:

-I´m sorry Shinonome-sensei, I think I won´t be able to convince him, he's not very fond of kids in particular- as if he wasn't one- besides he's still on collage and I doubt he would find the time- she blushed, and sat down at her desk, with sad eyes, but after a very silent minute, looked back at Ritsuka and asked:

-Do you think I could talk to him? I know I can convince him, and if he can find the time to come and pick you up and play with you he will find the time and the disposition for this too…-she seemed mad while she said it, but the hesitated and added doubtfully- if he wants to.- Ritsuka didn´t answer, not taking her seriously, "is this a joke I´m not getting?"

-please Ritsuka-kun give me his number, I´ll call him immediately…- she seemed really serious now "Useless woman, I can´t believe it, he better not be the reason I have to go to this crap, dammit Soubi! He will say no, he mentioned the other day that it would be a nuisance to have her falling for him so, he will understand this as some kind of harassment and will say no" He did a good job convincing himself, Soubi wouldn´t accept and there was no doubt on that.

-Unacceptable, I CAN NOT believe you just said yes without even confirming it with me, without even asking me first, and now I HAVE to go and it's all your fault- He'd be raging for at least one hour now, and all Soubi did was listen

-You don't have to go if you don't want to- he said with a smile sounding really calm

-oh really! And who would give them explanations? You?, That's impossible, I will not let you, only god knows what you will come up with, let you go alone with my friends? Are you freaking out of your mind! Yes, yes you are. And I´ll be left alone thinking only of you!- that last part flew on its own, but it was too late when he realized it…

-you would only be thinking of me?- he smiled, and grabbed Ritsuka by the hair, sending electric shocks right to his heart. He moved a step back momentarily out of balance, getting far from Soubi's hand

-that…. That's not the point- he said, not denying it, which made Soubi's smile even bigger

-Anyway I could just say something came up and I can´t go- Said he as a solution.

-Oh! so its not only to me, that you lie- Said Ritsuka furious again, that Soubi thought in such despicable ways – there's no way I´m letting you break your word, ah! But you couldn't wait! You just had to answer, right there right then…. Ah!-

-she required an answer what was I supposed to do without knowing what you wanted?- he said, not desperate, but really asking

-you were supposed to wait, tell her something, 'till you talked to me- he was speaking really fast, it was late and he was tired, he didn't want to discus any longer but he was still mad…

-…so it would HAVE been ok to lie- he said with a really ironic smile

-NO! you could have told her that you needed to check if you could, and that would be telling the truth!-

-I thought you didn´t want to control me…- that left him without words, it was true, he wanted to be more that the master who issues the orders, "but… this is … is different" … he was looking to his feet, and was ready to answer, but when he looked at Soubi he had taken off his shirt, and was showing his back to Ritsuka, the shirt was on he floor and Soubi had his hands in the wall before him…

-what… what are you doing? What is this? SOUBI!-

-if you really are so mad, please punish me, I did wrong-

Ritsuka couldn't move, how could he be doing all this, why punish him? "I did nothing wrong, he was the one mistaken, why does he punishes me?" But he knew Soubi's feelings were truthful and he didn't mean to harm Ritsuka.

-Don't be late tomorrow; put on your shirt and leave-he said throwing the shirt at Soubi- I told you I would never use violence, don't make me repeat it again.- He looked surprised at the reaction but took the shirt and walked towards the window – Ritsuka….-

-Don't be late tomorrow- he said blushing and a little bit mad again-

-Ritsuka…..- he didn't quite know what to say

-just leave now…-

-I'm sorry…..- he closed his eyes and smiled – I love you – he said before disappearing.

-…and strawberries and gave me some money if we find something we need to buy in the way, is that ok with you Kimizuka-san?- Yuiko was so happy because of the trip she couldn't stop talking, which wasn't really that weird.

-yes! Sure, you Ritsuka?- they were planning the details of the group and talking about things they have brought to take to the trip, according to the manual given, they all needed to agree on everything before taking any decision-

-Yes, it's fine like that- Said almost falling asleep again, he spent the night thinking about Soubi and couldn't sleep well.

-You didn't even listen!-

-And you want me to be the voice of disagreement? Can't you just accept a yes?-

-Ritsuka!- Said an stressed Shinonome – don't be so mean to you friends!-

-Yes Shinonome-sensei- He answered taking the nose out of the pillow/book.

-Agatsuma-san, as I told you, your group will be going to Funbari hill, which is kind of a campground- explained Hitomi to Soubi – but I don't know what will happen when you get there, the director told me they would be waiting for you, so there's probably someone who will take care of everything there.

Soubi had been the first one to arrive to the school that day, and was presenting himself to everyone in a nice manner but not exactly happy. Although he was very interested in Osamu, for her relationship with Ritsuka, he had told him about her before, suppressing the beauty and elegance of the girl. She had shown Soubi all the photos of Ritsuka that she had with her, and he seemed to be a little upset about Ritsuka being the only exception to her interest, which was photographing objects instead of humans.

-What's with the rocky attitude with my best friend?- He asked, when Osamu went to check up on the others agreement

-It's not rocky, she was showing me your pictures, and I told her they were really good- he denied- right Osamu-chan?

She turned a little angry, but he was not looking at her- ye… yes.-

-OK! Groups 2, 4 and 6 please come here, EVERYBODY GET ON THE BUS!- Screamed the teacher -Groups 1, 3 and 5 will go with Agatsuma-san, on that one.

-this time – said Ritsuka – really wake me up, when we get there

-…..Wow! it really is big, isn't it Kimizuka-san?- "do they really have to speak so loud" he didn't want to wake up, but those words gave him the message that they have arrived to Funbari hill.

-are we there yet?- asked Ritsuka, but there was no need for someone to answer, the giant wood carved words spoke for themselves-Wow!-. What you could see was mostly forest with lots of cottages; they were going in and were headed for what seemed to be the principal office, where two of the school teachers were waiting. While everybody waited at the bus Soubi went down to talk to them, they explained that they needed someone to bring the kids but that they would take care of everything now.

-Although you can stay with them since you were so kind to bring them-said one of them to Soubi, to which he answered with a smile and said he would be thrilled to stay. "with Ritsuka" he added on his mind. They opened the bus's door and everybody went out, the teacher started to give instructions but as soon as Ritsuka got off the bus he caught Soubi's gaze at the woods.

-is it a fighter?- He asked before going in.

-no, it has a fighting aura but I can't sense the battle domain of a fighter, you should stay- said Soubi, looking at him.

-no, you start….. well… is better when I'm around- he answered.

-where's Ritsuka?- Asked Osamu, not paying much attention to what the teacher was saying – Yuiko, did you see Ritsuka getting off the bus? Do you know where he is? – but Yuiko was paying attention to the instructions and didn't listen to her. "crap, I'll ask someone later, where the hell did Ritsuka go?" It wasn't difficult to get past the teachers, she went in the principal office right to the back, to look for Ritsuka on the assigned cottage, she had come before and they always assigned the back cottages to visiting schools, and they would only be on two because there wasn't much people to accommodate. But she didn't find him in the first one and ran to the second, thinking how to find him and looking mostly at the floor, which stopped her from seeing the man that came running in the same direction.

-ouuch! Can't you see were you're walking?- said she without even looking at him

-me? You were the one running with the eyes on the floor- answered a really angry Ren Tao, but then looked at what seemed a sprained ankle – that looks bad, can you get to the infirmary alone?- How dare him talk like that after tackling her like that.

-yes, thank you- she said trying to make her voice sound like a hammer, but when she tried to stand up, the pain in the ankle increased in a manner she didn't think possible. The scream surprised her as much as him, she fell again, the pain was increasing, she couldn't stand it… she didn't.

the light over her eyes was very uncomfortable, she tried to stand up and realized her really heavy left foot, then remembered everything…

-you're finally awake, by the way you were screaming when Ren brought you in, I suppose you never broke anything before – the doctor was looking at her with a nice smile, he looked a little freaky for a doctor but nice.

-You suppose correctly – answered Osamu a little uncomfortable, but then remembered and asked in an angry tone – where's the asshole who did this to me?

-Hey! It was an accident – answered Ren coming out of the curtains – and it was your fault for not asking for help and standing up if you couldn't! It could have been worse.

-Oh really! Because you were the most caring soul when it was only a sprained ankle – screamed in a violently ironic response – you just seemed eager to help!

-yeah well forgive me for not being exuberantly cheerful and caring with someone that tackles me and then yells at me! – his voice was perfectly calm, which made him look even more serious. "God, she doesn't look bad" – I just don't care about strangers.-

-Which is why you stayed 'till I woke up! – she didn't wait 'till he answered, but turned immediately to the doctor, who was looking at them like a tennis match – How long… - "should I?" – will it take to heal" – "no".

-It wasn't serious – answered Faust, noticing that wasn't her question - It'll be ok in a month or so. You were asleep for at least five hours – he said guessing her real question, Ren blushed and turned back, while Osamu smiled "that reaction…did he wait for five hours?"

-anyway – she said, not liking to fight- thanks for caring now- Ren stared at her with amaze, thanks?, and she even went further – My name is Kimizuka Osamu, nice to meet you- he couldn't talk for a split second

-Ren Tao – he answered, going back to coldness "she's weird, wasn't she just raging at me? Where does this niceness come from?" when he looked back she just had a plain face

-I gotta get back with my school, thanks doc –

-here – said Faust giving her some pills and crotches – these are for the pain if you get it again, if you feel anything else just come back, my name is Faust VIII

-thank you again- she directed to the doctor- could you tell me how to get to cottage 30 or 32 from here? - But it was Ren who answered

-It's a little complicated – he said blushing a little - I'll take you.

-mmh okay- but as soon as they were out, she asked again – hey are we far away from the coffee shop?, maybe I can make it up to you with one!-

he looked surprised but said- no, is a shorter way, but, make up for what?-

-for making you wait-

-you didn't make me… - but then corrected – why would I wait for someone?.-

-then for taking me to the infirmary so fast- she smiled – well, which way to the coffee shop?-

-mmmh… this way – "I can't understand her, but that smile…"

-Yoh do you know where Ren is?- she had Ren's birthday gift in her bag to give it to him as soon as she saw her brother

-no, he said he would go for towels - he answered, now noticing his friend's disappearance- but that was about eight o'clock and its two already – Anna picked the phone and dialed without saying a word

-"hi Faust is Anna ….-they waited, all looking at her - …no, I'm fine, hey, has Ren been there? He's been missing since this morning…. – Anna's eyes grew wide for a minute while Faust talked, (which made everyone jump and stand up in the spot), then got back to normal – I see, thank you, yes please meet us for dinner.- she hung up but said nothing, like enjoying a private joke.

-Oh my god Anna, is he ok? – asked Jun with a hand in her heart "what happened to him? ah! Ren, and on his birthday too!".

-he is fine, Faust said that he left the infirmary a little less than an hour ago with a girl he was accompanying-

-EH! WHAT! That's impossible! Ren?- screamed Jun, while the rest of them tried to put their jaws back where they belonged. Anna didn't answer she just smiled, in that moment someone knocked, and Ren went in with towels in his arms without waiting for an answer. Everyone was looking at him suspiciously, while he went to put the towels in the bath.

-do I have a monkey on my face?- he said finally stressed by the staring of his friends.

-do you?- answered Chocolove

-where were you?- asked Jun

-in the cafeteria- he answered instead of his normal: "none of your busyness" . Point at which all efforts were lost, tongues and jaws rolled to the floor.

-with whom?- asked Anna, pretty calmed.

-that's none of your busyness- "crap, how in hell do they know? Did they call Faust?" that confirmed it to everybody.

"-who is she?

-is she here?

-what's her name?

-did she drug you?

-why didn't you bring her?

-was it you own birthday present Renny?"

-DON'T CALL ME WEIRD THINGS!- was all he answered to the billion-in-a-second-sent questions, shutting his room's door behind him. "the price of a nice conversation with a beautiful woman!"

…he stood there thinking of her while drinking the third bottle of milk.

-flashback-

"-hahahaha yeah he always looks like he didn't sleep well- said Ren not believing how she made him laugh

-yeah or like he slept with the dead- that made Ren's eyes darken "there's that look again, was it the word dead?"

-do you believe in ghosts and spirits Kimizuka-san?- he asked, with that same sad and dark look.

-you can call me Osamu – she said cheering him a little – and… yes I guess so, I had thought about it sometimes, but I think people that bond with spirits are cruel, because I guess those spirits are in pain; hehehehe although, I'm not an expert, and I don't know someone like that, so I'm only guessing-….

-end of flashback-

"ahhh… what do I care what she thinks? For all I know I won't see her again, she might as well have already left Funbari"

-who are you sighting about- asked a very suspicious Jun

-lack of breath – he answered – too much exercise

-when? You've been like that all day since you came back from….the cafeteria-

-you have to stop making up stories and seeing things –he said genuinely mad she was talking about that again- I already told you I wanted to be alone

-what's gotten you so mad again?

-NOTHING! I SAID NOTHING!-

-Ren…- she was going to say its ok to have someone you like but the noise of an opening (shutting) door interrupted her.

-…them there's no such thing available, -screamed Anna, threatening the manager - they will have to use 31 and 32…-someone answered something to Anna in the other side of the phone- I don't give a damn what they want, they paid for something and that's what they're getting, they can't retire now, and you can tell them I said so!.- She hanged up, and threw the phone against Jun, (which didn't matter because it was instantly stopped by Lee) – what in hell did you offer to that public school? They're asking for specifically separated cottages and won't leave me rest in peace –

-nothing, I swear I…

-cottages 30 and 32 specifically?

-Was it you the….

-No! they're surely inventing everything Anna…- but that wasn't what he cared about, those cottages…- were those cottages used in the last 8 days Anna?-

She stopped looking at Ren eager's face, what did he care? –No, they are only used for schools, they haven't been used in a month, 'till today.

-flashback-

-I gotta get back with my school, thanks doc –

-here – said Faust giving her some pills and crotches – these are for the pain if you get it again, if you feel anything else just come back, my name is Faust VIII

-thank you again- she directed to the doctor- could you tell me how to get to cottage 30 or 32 from here? - But it was Ren who answered

-It's a little complicated – he said blushing a little - I'll take you.

-end of flashback-

-I couldn't…- that meant she was still there, and he smiled, without knowing exactly why "she's still here"

-why would you care?- asked Anna , smiling like she knew it all "does she? Know it all?"

-I don't – he answered fast – I as just curious, I just haven't heard you talking about it before.

She smiled - curious?...-

-Yeah, well gotta go Anna –

"go where? What am I doing?" he ran down the stairs to the front desk, - hello Tamao, please show me the new lists –

-Konichiwa Ren-sama, I… am not allowed to show…-

-…. Sorry they're Anna's orders Tamao – "why am I doing all this?"

-yes sir – he waited – here it is, there's only one from a public school-

in eight days only appeared one entry made that day, cottages 31 and 32, "yes!" he opened the list, it was a small group of 19 people, down, down, down, down and THERE: 17. Kimizuka Osamu COTTAGE 31. "SHE'S HERE!"