This poem is an experiment with alliteration and sibilance it's not impressive but it's not bad either… don't start pointing out the funky rhyme scheme… it's suppose to be that way
Once Was Blind…
Slowly the world became dark
Sneakily blackness scorned its mark
Surging its poison taking away my spark
Seeking its prey like a shark
Calmly it moves my way
Chaos ensues though it keeps me at bay
Captured by blindness I'm lead astray
Can't ever see the break of day
Night is constant nothing to see
Nothing in this world for me
Nagging voices wont let me be
Noises are all that's left in the darkness I cant flee
Weary and tired no way for me to rest
Waiting, hoping for the best
Wondering is this a cruel joke in jest
Weeping only constricts my chest
Fighting strong trying to win
Forgetting the pain and putting on a grin
Forsaken yet trying hard to reach with in
Feeling my way around black sin
Hoping to see your face
Hands cupped around your cheek fingers begin to trace
Heavenly angel the dark tried to erase
Has not gone but is here in my embrace
Remember I can survive
Reserve you energy and stop your strive
Rejoice the fact we are both alive
Ren your touch helped me revive…
Horo sat on the end of the bed rubbing his sore eyes after just getting up, he looked around the room and everything was dim and dismal. Even though the light shone through the curtains everything still looked shaded and blurry. Horo had been waking up with a headache for weeks now but it usually went on its own after a little while. Ren had already got up and got changed leaving Horo to sleep in. Horo rose up and got changed to meet Ren down stairs. Horo sat at the table next to Ren with everyone eating breakfast. Horo collected his food onto his plate and was about to eat when Ren pointed out something odd.
"Horo, why are you wearing odd socks?" Ren asked in slight amusement
"What?" Horo looked down at his socks and saw no difference in the two "I am not" Horo said narrowing his eyes thinking Ren was trying to play a joke on him
"Yes you are, that sock is white and that one is light yellow" Ren said agitated by Horos reply. Horo looked back down at his socks clearly seeing they were both white.
"They're both white" Horo said starting to eat his breakfast
"Horo, one is clearly yellow!" Ren said pointing to his left foot
"What ever" Horo said thinking Ren was trying too hard to make his joke work
"Horo, you are wearing odd socks!" Ren said more sternly
"Sure" Horo said not caring anymore and digging into breakfast again. Ren gave him an odd look and dropped it thinking Horo must either not be awake or colour blind.
Later that day Horo was sat outside lying in the sun when Ren came and joined him. Ren noticed Horo staring up blankly at the sky thinking him an idiot because it looked like he was almost staring directly at the sun and on a bright day like today.
"Baka don't stare up at the sun like that" Ren instructed Horo leaning over Horo blocking the sun from his eyes. Horo just gave him an odd look
"Ren, its not that bright I doubt it will blind me" Horo replied receiving a dirty look from Ren who kept silent in his own thoughts lying down next to Horo thinking of how Horo could say that on the brightest day all summer. If that wasn't strange it got worse over the next couple of days…
Horo found it very blurry when he woke up not being able to see an inch in front of his nose for hours until it cleared up. His eyes couldn't adjust to dark and light to well so when he walked from a dark room to a light room everything seemed too bright for a while after. More time passed and everything was constantly blurred and smudged. He literally couldn't read anything unless it had giant font. Horo started to suspect something but didn't want to voice out about it. He didn't realise it could have been something bad he just thought it was unnecessary worry. He saw flashes of colours and sometimes saw no colours. He didn't know what was wrong but hoped it would pass. One day Yoh and Ren noticed something strange when Horo was staring at the TV squinting to try see and eventually giving up and sitting staring blankly at the wall. Ren sat one side and Yoh sat close by the other side of Horo. Ren saw Horo staring at nothing waved the remote to the side of him to say he cold change over the channel getting no response so he moved it closer to Horo still Horo didn't seem to notice. Yoh started pulling faces to his right smiling but soon stopping when he got glares from Ren. Ren moved his head around slowly to see when Horo would notice but it wasn't until he was directly facing Horo he got noticed.
"What are you doing Ren?" Horo asked staring impassively in Rens direction
"Nothing" Ren said moving back to think about what just happened "are you alright Horo?" Ren asked eyeing Horo who didn't pay much attention
"I'm fine" Horo said flatly pretending to watch the TV with an unconvinced Ren keeping an eye on him as Yoh carried on being an idiot trying to get away with things to the side of Horo (That is to show lack of side site which means he could only see something if it was directly in front of him if you didn't pick that up)
Things got worse quick as Horo found it hard to see any object with out squinting at it no matter what distance it was from him.
Slowly the world became dark
Sneakily blackness scorned its mark
Surging its poison taking away my spark
Seeking its prey like a shark
One morning Ren rose looking at Horo and giving him a kiss on the forehead before climbing out of bed and getting changed. He left Horo to sleep in while he helped with breakfast knowing Yoh would only mess it up if left to tend to it on his own. Horo woke up about 5 minutes later rolling over and opening his eyes, he thought it must have been really late at night still because everything was in pitch black. He looked to the table not seeing the clocks glowing little light to say what time it was. He thought maybe Ren had unplugged it then tried to put on his bedside lamp. He flicked the switch but nothing happened. Now Horo was puzzled he decided to try the main light so he stood up and felt his way to the switch trying to turn on the lights but again nothing illuminated the darkness. Horo began to panic but written it off to a power cut or something tripping over a few things in his rush back to the bed. He tripped near the bedside table leaning on the clock and hearing something familiar. Pirika bought that clock for him while ago and when you pressed the button on the top…
"The time is 8:44am" the clock droned again and again as Horo pressed it wondering what was going on. The clock was on yet it didn't display anything, Horo in panic rushed to the window moving the curtain in a blind hurry seeing nothing still. He rushed over to his bed again sitting on it shaking the clock thinking maybe it was just broke. His eyes welled up trying to find out what was going on. He touched the bulb of the lamp that was warm showing it was on but he couldn't see it's light. Horo sat still on the bed blinking and rubbing his eyes before staring at where he held his hands in the air seeing nothing. He got scared wanting help from the one person he believed could
"Ren…" Horo lightly called out touching the side of the bed Ren usually is laid finding nothing so calling a little louder "Ren!" Nothing again Horos eyes were filled with tears. Horo in a fury of fear, panic and confusion screamed to the heavens "REN!"
Downstairs Ren was helping serve the food out when he heard the blood-curdling scream. He froze wide eyed hearing Horo scream his name out in that way, he rushed straight up the stairs with everyone else following hesitantly. Ren reached the door opening it and seeing Horo sat on the bed he went over to him standing looking over Horo
"What's wrong Horo?" Ren asked worriedly getting no answer as Horo stared inattentively out into the room looking around
"I-I… I" Horo stuttered trying to work out how to tell Ren. It wasn't easy he didn't even know were Ren was exactly making it more traumatic
"What is it?" Ren asked more worried seeing the look on Horos face. Yoh and Ryu were at the door with a crowd slowly building. Anna followed up with the rest heading to the room also.
"I-I can't see… I can't see Ren!" Horo blurted out a few tears falling in confusion and sorrow. Ren stood shocked looking at Horo seeing the blank look as Horo searched around for something not being able to find it. Ren touched Horo shoulder getting a flinch but Horo soon settled grabbing hold of Rens hand and squeezing it. Ren saw it was true wondering why they didn't see it coming. Ren hugged Horo who was trying desperately not to cry and be frightened by his blindness but couldn't help but let a few tears fall. Ren just held him really tight looking to the people stood at the door in shock signalling them to scram with a glare. Yoh closed the door as Pirika arrived on the scene after just climbing out the shower to see what the scream was about
-In The Hall-
"What's going on?" Pirika asked Yoh who stood in her way at the door looking grim
"Horo…. Said he can't see" Yoh said calmly
"What?" Pirika asked confused to what was going on with her brother
"We think Horo is… blind" Ryu said regretfully
"Oh dear god oniichan!" Pirika struggled to get by but Yoh kept her there
"Pirika I think its best you let Ren calm him down on his own" Ryu reasoned with Yoh nodding in agreement
"But... Oniichan" Pirika whispered looking at the door wondering what was going on
"Come on Pirika we can wait down stairs for them" Yoh lead her away as she worried for her brother in silence.
-Back In The Room-
"Ren what's going on?" Horo asked angry at what was going on now just feeling helpless
"I don't know" Ren answered tightening his grip "I just don't know" Ren repeated shaking his head. Horo still tried to stand strong but his sight was still gone and his eyes hurt like hell burning his sockets with a numb feeling. Ren looked at Horo eyes that we un-reactive to anything blood shot and teary.
"Horo, don't worry I'll help you…" Rens voice soothed and lulled Horo trusting that Ren would keep to his word…
Calmly it moves my way
Chaos ensues though it keeps me at bay
Captured by blindness I'm lead astray
Can't ever see the break of day
Ren got Horo to a doctor as quick as he could concerned for Horo who couldn't see anything at all and hadn't seen anything since he went to sleep closing his eyes not knowing that could be the last thing he ever saw. The doctors screened his eyes noticing the discolouration of his blood shot clouded eyes. The analysis finally came in late the next day. Ren and Horo arrived at the doctors Horo sitting on the table and Ren stood loyally at his side holding onto his hand so he knew he was there. Horo had fallen quiet and found it hard to fall asleep. His eyes were sore and constantly put him in agony every blink made his eyes catch fire and not only that he was nervous about what was wrong but wouldn't voice out his concerns or pain to Ren just stayed quiet. The doctor gave his news emotionlessly to the two.
"We got the results back… We thought we knew what was wrong but this case hasn't really been seen often. It's astigmatism but this type seems to be odd. The cause is usually misshapen eye's cornea or lens but yours seems to be completely off. Your experiencing complete blindness, we usually would perform surgery but the movement has damaged the lens and caused swelling we will have to perform a minor operation to take away the pain and stop further damage but you most likely will never see again" The doctor stated waiting for the reactions
"Never?" Horo asked timidly squeezing Rens hand and staring blankly at nothing
"No… I'm sorry" The doctor lowered his head and was about to walk out when Ren stopped him
"What do you mean? You can't fix it? You're a doctor it's your job!" Ren fumed glaring maliciously at the uselessness of the doctor
"We can't cure everyone all we can do is take away the pain and swelling… the rest is up to time and science" the doctor said grimly leaving the room with both shaman still in there. Ren gritted his teeth and squeezed back on Horos hand feeling outraged by what the doctor said. He turned to Horo who didn't move just sat in the darkness of blindness wanting to scream but lacking the will power to do so, he was crushed.
"Don't listen to him Horo, I will get you the best doctors they will fix this we will find a way" Rens rage filled words fell deaf in Horos head still repeating the words the doctor said "Horo!" Ren shouted trying to get Horos attention but still getting nothing "Horo, listen to me its not over!" Ren grabbed Horo shoulders and shook him slightly to get his attention
"Ren… what if it is?" Horo asked dismally. Rens heart broke, it literally shattered seeing Horo this way so quiet not able show his emotions with out the use of his eyes. It was eerie not seeing anything there just blood shot eyes filled with unknown agony misted up hiding the once dazzling blue under the hazy cover. Ren was about to comfort Horo with his words only to be cut off by the doctor returning with the nurses
"We can perform the surgery now if you'd please step this way" The doctor politely asked
"Your not touching him, I'm taking him to someone who knows how to fix this!" Ren spat at the approaching doctor
"I know your upset but this wont change the chances of him getting his sight back it will just take away the pain and prevent further damage, by all means take him to another doctor for a second opinion I encourage it but I highly suggest you stop any further pain this is causing now" the doctor said sternly with Ren glaring spitefully at him
"You better not screw this up or I'll see you live to regret it" Ren said softly and dangerously helping Horo off the table and letting the nurses lead him away.
"I assure you me and the other doctors will do our best" the doctor assured him bowing politely and leaving Ren to wait
Hours passed and Ren impatiently sat waiting for them to bring Horo back. The clock chimed for what seemed the hundredth time when Horo was walked back in with bandages covering his eyes.
"Horo?" Ren asked in worry for his Koi
"I'm fine Ren" Horo lied and Ren knew it but both just wanted to go home, Ren knew he could always confront it later right now he just grabbed Horos hand lacing their fingers and waiting to hear how it all went
"It went very well and those bandages are to stay on for 3 days before you can remove them. If you need the bandages changed bring him back to the hospital to do so because exposure to light could damage the eye and infection is a possibility. Do you understand?" The nurse asked sweetly handing a small bag containing a bottle of tablets
"Yes, but what are these for?" Ren asked holding up the bag
"They are to help him sleep and can help to prevent infections" She said with a smile "Take care now" She finished with an equally gentle goodbye
Once Ren got Horo home the atmosphere got thick with everyone wanting to know what's up especially Pirika who rushed over hugging Horo tightly.
"Oniichan, what did the doctors say? What did they do to your eyes?" Pirika questioned getting no answer from Horo "Oniichan?"
"The doctors said they cant do anything but take away the pain" Ren said solemnly before then tightening his hands into fists and narrowing his eyes "But I will get Horo real help"
"Oh oniichan" Pirika said tears forming in her eyes looking at the blank expression on Horo who didn't open his mouth to say a word. It pained Ren to look at Horo right now so he averted his gaze elsewhere while everyone else gaze sympathising glances not knowing what to say. Horo got tired of standing there feeling for the wall and trying to lead himself to the stairs. Pirika saw him trying to find his way to the stairs and automatically loving sister mode kicked in
"Oniichan let me help you" She said while trying to grab his arm
"No Pirika I need to do this on my own" Horo snapped grabbing the railing and leading himself up each step slowly making his way to the top. Ren followed knowing where he was going but everyone else feeling awkward just left to do anything as long as it was something. Ren reached the top and saw the bedroom door close he went to the door and was about to open it when he heard a bang
"Dammit!" Horo shouted throwing something at the wall. Ren opened the door to see Horo brush himself off and work his way to the bed "Who is it?" Horo asked sitting down on the end of the bed leaning on his knees with his elbows
"It's just me" Ren replied closing the door softly walking over and standing in front of Horo "Are you alright?" Ren asked with concern
"I'm fine, just tired" Horo sadly stated before laying down shifting over to face the wall curling up slightly, Horo felt the bed dip as Ren sat next to him
"If you want to talk about it I'm here" Ren assured Horo getting no answer as Horo tried to pretend to be asleep. Ren sighed laying down beside Horo curling up into Horos back fitting his shape hugging him securely from behind knowing Horo needed that comfort right now of someone protecting him just like Horo did with him when he needed it...After a minute Ren felt Horos body shake slightly and Ren knew Horo was crying under those bandages. Ren was never good with words of comfort that was always Horos department but what use could that be now. Ren climbed over the top of Horo lying on the other side hugging Horo allowing him to weep into his chest softly until he fell asleep
Night is constant nothing to see
Nothing in this world for me
Nagging voices wont let me be
Noises are all that's left in the darkness I cant flee
Three days passed and every doctor Ren could get tried to figure out a way all coming to the same conclusion. Each new doctor telling them its impossible and saying the same things. Finally Ren had ran out of doctors to call but didn't give up hope asking people to look for the best for him all saying there was none. Ren grimly sat by the phone wracking his brain while Horo sat on the sofa. His bandages were removed a week ago and he hadn't had much contact with everyone the odd conversation ending badly everyone to worried about saying the wrong things. Yoh talked about this cool new movie he saw then said to Horo he should go see it getting no reply from Horo and then Pirika brought up a play she wanted to see only to feel awkward talking about it. Anna being blunt always just spoke straight not concerned like the others to say the wrong thing, in fact at times Horo found her best to talk to being that she didn't pause to apologise every few sentences but sometimes she was to forward with him. Horo sat staring at the wall blankly with Yoh and Ryu peeking in from the other room whispering to each other
"It creeps me out" Yoh whispered to Ryu staring at Horo "His eyes don't move, they remind me of a horror movie I watched" Yoh finished turning away
"I must agree sometimes it is strange talking to him and he sits staring at you but not at you" Ryu responded keeping his voice hushed too. Anna had sat and listened to them rolling her eyes at them and rummaging through a few draws till she found what she was looking for. Horo sat still staring at nothing as usual until he felt something hit his arm. He inspected with his hands to see what it was only to find the shape of a pair of glasses. Horo picked them up inspecting them with his fingers
"Put those on, you creeping everyone out with your eyes" Anna openly said getting shocked stares from the two peering in
"Thanks" Horo grumbled not actually being grateful for that but not wanting to piss Anna off especially when he didn't know what direction he was running in or where she was coming from. Horo sighed leaning back into the chair placing the glasses on waiting for Ren to come back
"YOU ARE ALL USELESS!" Ren screamed and the phone was slammed down, Horo heard it from where he was and he knew it wasn't good. Ren came back in fuming and pacing. Horo knew all this because he could here Rens foot steps go back and forth in front of him and hear the grumbling of curses in Chinese leading from side to side.
"Anything?" Horo asked already knowing the answer but asking meant Ren would vent his frustration
"They are all useless telling me there is no one else! There has to be one competent doctor on this planet and I'm going to find them!" Ren vowed to himself before stopping and taking a deep breath looking at Horo "Where did you get those sunglasses?" Ren asked raising an eyebrow
"Anna, I guess I was creeping everyone out" Horo sighed leaning on the chair arm feeling alone in the constant darkness that engulfed his world, his love and his dreams. Nothing made sense anymore. He couldn't do anything but sit around stare at the lonely void. It wasn't easy everything disappeared waking up to nothing closing and opening your eyes to find blankness. Concepts on where things were and the space around you blurred not knowing if something is a mile away or an inch in front of your face, eyes emptied of emotion feeling and meaning. Horos key feature had become hollow and useless. Horo has thought long and hard about what he's going to miss. He wonders what Ren will look like in a few years and how everyone will change. Will be walking around with an escort the rest of his life or forget what everyone looks like. He feared not being able to picture Rens golden eyes looking into his blue lovingly or Remember Pirika smile and how sweet she could be or Yohs carefree grin making everyone believe he was there. He'd never see another smile, frown, laugh, emotion on a persons face or see the sky, loved ones, friends, earth or anything ever again. All he had was the memory of these things. Ren saw Horos expression change and his handgrip tight. Ren removed the sunglasses seeing Horos eyes water up as he thought about all the things he was going to miss. Ren not caring that people were looking sat straddling Horos legs hugging him close shushing him showing he was there even if he couldn't see. Ren hoped time would make this easier…
Weary and tired no way for me to rest
Waiting, hoping for the best
Wondering is this a cruel joke in jest
Weeping only constricts my chest
Horo had been blind for a few weeks and he had tired himself mourning now he just wanted to get out that prison of a house and go anywhere. Ren kept saying it was too early to wait a little longer but Horo had tired of that, feeling useless sulking sat on the bed waiting for Ren to come up with something to do. Ren was talking to someone on the phone about a guide dog and was taking forever. Horo had been given glasses and a stick to help guide him, Horo stood up feeling around for his stick and stubbornly going against Ren sneaking down the stairs quietly hoping no one saw him leave as he reached the door opening it and softly closing it. He was out the house now what. Horo extended his stick and tapped it on the floor getting a feel for it. He brushed it side to side feeling for edge of the path finding each side and following the direction of the path until the stick hit the curb. He followed the curb thinking if he followed the curb he could just go around the block once and get straight back piece of cake. He was sadly proven wrong. He followed the curb but walked into a lamppost turning a corner then having the keep a hand out in front to warn him of approaching poles slowing down trying to be careful.
-Back At The House-
Ren had finished on the phone and had gone back up to tell Horo only to find no one there. He looked around the entire house asking everyone and getting them to join the search. Ren was fuming and after determining he wasn't in the house knew Horo had stupidly gone off on his own out into the streets. Ren stormed out the house looking for Horo while everyone else searched the house and yard still.
-Back With Horo-
Horo had nearly been knocked over by a cyclist lost where the curb was briefly and took forever to find it again and to make matters worse when some very inconsiderate joggers ran by knocking him around in their hurry he lost which direction he was going in. He hadn't even walked to far and already he was completely lost. He walked in any direction hoping he would get lucky. Unfortunately the curb he thought he was following was a path leading into someone's backyard. The person who owned the house thought someone was trying to burgle her getting a blunt object or in other words grabbing a big umbrella and walking out shouting over to Horo to freeze. He did as he was told unmoving until he felt the umbrella contact with the back of his head.
"Hey! Ow! What was that for?" Horo asked rubbing the back of his head dropping his guiding stick, the woman immediately saw the stick and realised she just whacked a blind man.
"Oh my god, I'm sorry I didn't know. I thought you were a robber or something" she quickly picked up his stick placing it in his hand and bowing
"Why would you think that?" Horo asked clueless to where he was
"Well, you seem to be wandering around my garden" She pointed out
"What! Oh hell no I thought I was following the side of the path…. Dam joggers!" Horo cursed feeling embarrassed and frustrated at being lost in a place he had lived in for so long
"Are you lost?" she asked voice full of sympathy
"A little" Horo admitted with a sigh regretting leaving the house especially on his own
"I'll help if you tell me where you're going" she offered kindly
"I need to get back to Funbari Inn, do you know where that is?" Horo asked feeling stupid needing help back to his own home
"Yes, I believe it's just around the corner and down the road" she gave a smile and gently hooked onto his arm leading him down her path
"Thanks" Horo said smiling graciously
"No problem, after all I did kind of assault you" she blushed feeling like an idiot herself not seeing it was a lost blind man. She lead him out onto the pavement and around the corner, Ren who was also coming around the corner saw Horo and immediately started to question
"Horo! What the hell are you doing?" Ren spat getting a confused look off the woman and getting a nervous smile from Horo who was scared witless suddenly hearing Ren out the darkness shout his name
"Uh? Well you see I… I decided to take a little… walk… by myself" Horo slowly admitted sensing glaring eyes on him making him a little shifty and nervous
"Do you know this man?" the woman asked Horo
"Yes, thanks, I think I can make it from here" Horo said noting that she had let go of his arm and heard her footsteps disappear behind him
"You didn't answer me Horokeu Usui!" Ren using Horos full name to signify the height of his agitation
"I'm sorry" Horo sighed "I just got sick of sitting around not being able to do anything. I thought I could get around the block but then I walked into a lamp post got knocked by a cyclist and a couple of joggers then wandered into some ladies garden… I guess it wasn't as easy as I thought" Horo admitted feeling the fool again. Ren sympathised hooking Horos arm
"Come on, we can call off the search party" Ren lead Horo back home relieving everyone. Horo apologised and went back up stairs sitting on the bed again doing nothing. It got late and everyone headed to bed early. Ren lead Horo upstairs after dinner and locked the door getting changed ready into nightclothes settling down. Horo found his way to the bed eventually lifting the covers and climbing in snuggling down looking very cuddly. Ren looked at Horo for a change looking peaceful and not scared frustrated or emotionless. Ren kissed Horo as a good night stirring Horo who opened his eyes and let the feel of Rens lips linger and tingle with warmth. Horo liked the affection Ren gave bringing his hand up to Rens face cupping the cheek and moving his fingers over the skin until he found Rens lips leaning in to where his fingers were leading and kissing Ren softly at first then licking Rens lips for access. Ren allowed entry-letting Horo get the feel for his mouth. Horo closed his eyes savouring the tastes and feels knowing this was all he had left the sounds of Rens swoon and the feel of warmth and that amazing taste that left your mouth watering.
Horo not quite satisfied worked his hands over Ren in an attempt to create an image with his touch structuring the image of Rens chest as his hand glided up his torso and building to that adding in the well toned muscles of his stomach as his hand travelled down exploring over mapping out everything. His other hand worked around to the back tracing along the spine then to Rens side. Ren shivered as Horos pressed hard against his lips and his hands wandered over everything taking in all they touched. Ren squeezed Horos waist as Horo hands traced down the scar left along his upper body while protecting Horo. Horo noted the scar to memory and then traced around to find other features stroking along Rens strong arms at the same time leading down to his hips pulling him closer. Ren and Horo broke in their long kiss and Horos hands rested back still on Rens chest, Ren looked into Horos eyes feeling disappointed once more as Horos eyes had no emotion looking right through Ren. Ren cuddled his head under Horos chin breaking sight of the cold icy eyes that had replaced the warm breezy blue. Horo closed his eyes feeling almost ashamed, he couldn't see but he could tell when Ren felt uneasy by his movements. He could feel when Ren stared at him and knew his eyes weren't the same making people feel uncomfortable looking at them or them looking at you. Horo fell into a steady sleep with Ren praying for some sort of miracle to give him back his eyes.
Fighting strong trying to win
Forgetting the pain and putting on a grin
Forsaken yet trying hard to reach with in
Feeling my way around black sin
A little time had passed and Horo had worked hard trying to learn how to cope wit his new lifestyle put on a smile fake all is happy in his life. He's fooled the few Ryu, Chocolove, Tamao, Pirika and sometimes Yoh even believed he was happy with the way things had turned out. Ren knew better and Anna seemed to always know another's misery. Ren tried to get Horo to talk about it but Horo just drifted from subject. Horo wandered off in attempts for independence or insisted on doing things on his own just wanting to feel capable. He helped with the shopping, picked out his own clothes, walked around the neighbourhood in areas he knew and eventually could walk around the house practically with out feeling around with his "1 STEP 2 STEP" routine. Basically he counted his steps like what dancers do to try memorising his way around the house. Ren admittedly was impressed but unsure. Horo wanted to get off moving around free but Ren just wanted to keep him protected and help him with everything. The possessive and protective side of Ren reared its ugly head more often than wanted getting grumbles from Horo whenever Ren started on about needing help. This behaviour didn't go to well when matched against Horos determination.
One evening Pirika came home with tickets to see this play she had been dieing to see getting snapped at by Ren.
"What were you thinking exactly when you bought Horo a ticket to see a play?" Ren asked in a very annoyed hushed tone
"Well I just counted everyone and forgot about it for a minute" Pirika answered feeling the fool
"Well next time think before wasting your money on something like that" Ren barked unkindly. He didn't realise Horo was listening from the doorway
"It's okay Ren, I don't mind" Horo said lightly leaning against the doorframe "I'll stay here and find something to do, you go" Horo said with a small smile of encouragement
"No, Horo I'm not leaving you here by yourself" Ren said folding his arm and glaring over at Pirika for a moment
"Okay then I'll go with you" Horo said with a smirk
"Horo… she bought tickets to go watch a play" Ren said sounding down about having to give that kind of reminder
"I always fall asleep anyway, blind or not I'm usually out for those things" Horo joked trying to make Ren more comfortable going with him knowing he couldn't watch it
"Horo…" Ren sighed in defeat knowing if he continued he'd say something wrong feeling guilty like usual
"Ren are you pouting or just sulking?" Horo asked knowing that Ren would be doing one of the two right now. He smiled after hearing nothing knowing he was right but the smile was soon wiped from his face as a pillow struck his head "Hey! I didn't see that coming, no fair" Horo now stood with a fake pout until he felt a breezy touch of Rens lips against his briefly making him smile again
"You didn't see that coming either" Ren retorted. Horo brought his hand up until he felt Rens hand grab his leading him to his face so he could cup it and lean in to kiss Ren only to be stopped inches away by Pirikas voice
"Hahum, if you want to start doing stuff take it upstairs" Pirika pointed out mainly in jest
"Good idea sis, come on Ren" Horo said smirking pulling at Rens arm who by now was blushing deep red at Horos behaviour and Pirikas face that displayed utter shock. Horo laughed around the corner getting a thump from Ren. Horo rubbed the spot and then lead his arm back up to Rens face to continue where he left off. Horo pressed his lips to Rens for a moment before pulling away. Horo let his smile fade to a content look as Ren lead him off probably to find something to do.
-Night of the Play-
Everyone quickly got ready and went out to see Romeo and Juliet as performed by some big company famous for their productions. Pirika couldn't stop quoting Shakespeare and being corrected by Ren who being an A student in English literature could recite half of that play to you from memory and knew a little more about Shakespeare than she did. They all headed in standing in line for the play with everyone talking and joking
"To pee or not to pee?" Yoh asked trying to fake a strong English accent
"Yoh, we are about to see a work of art by a famous scholar and poet… I don't think anyone was impressed by your display do you?" Anna gave a harsh judgement to Yohs prattle sending him spiralling down from chirpy happy mode to a slump. They handed in the tickets one by one with Ren handing in his ticket and Horos ticket for him. Rens eyes looked as if they were about to jump out and attack the man collecting the tickets who was giving odd looks as Ren escorted a blind man into the theatre, the man quickly moved his eyes somewhere else after the look he got from Ren in return for his gawking. They got to the seats fine and they were pretty good seats considering how late Pirika bought the tickets. They were placed near the middle, 4th row with everyone comfortably lined from the one isle way to the next. Horo kept to his word about act 3 into the play he had his head on Rens shoulder asleep but thankfully he was quietly napping… Ren was used to the light snoring but he doubted everyone else would have appreciated it. After intimation Horo woke up to fill up on snacks not being able to sleep knowing they were fighting listening to the swords clatter and someone die. Horo not being the great literature lover or follower understood only the kill part of Tybalt's speech before finally hearing the scream of someone dieing… Horo had heard it was Romeos friend and Tybalt some relation of the chick (Horos little description of Juliet) and now someone had died. Horo leaned over whispering as quiet as he could to Ren
"Who won?" Horo whispered waiting for a reply
"Tybalt killed Mercutio" Ren then watched as Romeo stabbed Tybalt "So Romeo has just stabbed Tybalt" Ren flatly stated before setting all his concentration back onto what was happening. Horo leaned back in his seat and listened to the people talk hearing Romeo declare his love over and over. Horo listened in awe at the death scene listening to each say their last words only to kill themselves in the last scene, he knew of their death by the families telling each other how it was their fault the 2 lovers died. The play ended everyone clapped and cheered in different ways some quietly some loud and in Yohs case… well he was pretty much the only person screaming "YOU ROCK!"
Pirika wanted to stay and check out when they were showing it again Anna wanted to drag Yoh home to show him what it means to show her up in public, no one thought that was a good thing. One by one everyone left and the 2 lovers were left by themselves so decided to go for a walk around. It wasn't too late and had only just settled in dark. The first thing Horo wanted was food so they set about going some place to eat. After settling in a corner café Horo and Ren ordered a light dinner and waited for it to arrive. Horo got bored wondering why dinner was taking so long. He decided to entertain himself slightly, Horo leaned on his hands for a while sighing after a short time. Horo soon thought of what he would like to do smiling slightly and finding Rens hand that was resting on the table too. Horo lead up from Rens hand going up to his shoulder and eventually Rens cheek. Horo turned his body to face Ren and leaned in kissing Ren who didn't expect it. Horo got a little more explorative getting halted by Ren
"Horo!" Ren stopped Horo as people were staring "people are staring at us" Ren lowered Horos hands only to have Horo pull closer with a huge smile
"I don't see anyone staring" Horo threw back at Ren. Ren sat wide eyed not wanting to say anything knowing Horo had got him again
"You are really pushing it you know" Ren said with narrowed eyes facing away from Horo. Horo lead his hand back up to Ren face and turned it back towards him
"I know" was Horos plain reply before covering Rens lips with his own again coaxing Ren into kissing back until suddenly
"Hahum your food" the waitress said waiting until the two finally separated Horo smiling sheepishly not knowing how long she had been stood waiting and Ren blushed turning away again not making eye contact with the waitress as she set down the plates. Horo and Ren finished eating with minimal; fuss but the place seemed strangely quiet… wonder why? Ren took Horo for a little walk down the park resting on a bench for a while, as they sat Horo told of all the best lines in the play. Ren filled in the blanks.
"That Mercutio shouldn't have died, I liked him" Horo stated leaning back into the bench
"Well just because you liked him doesn't mean they are going to change one of the most famous plays in the world to suit you" Ren mocked shoving his hands in his pockets
"Why not?" Horo asked genuinely wondering why they couldn't be nice and just let Mercutio live
"Because that's how Shakespeare wrote it" Ren rolled his eyes knowing Horo would most likely not see the point
"Well he did do a good job writing it I guess, I liked the part where Mercutio shouts 'I am hurt, a plague o' both your houses! I am speed. Is he gone, and hath nothing?'" Horo quoted wrongly
"'I am sped' not 'I am speed' baka" Ren corrected wondering how Horo could make a mistake as small and stupid
"What did Mercutio mean by that anyway?" Horo questioned
"In words you may understand, he basically said 'Ouch, that hurt. What the hell, you let him get away you ass'" Ren said in a monotone voice
"Really? Well why didn't he just say that?" Horo said with that clueless look on his face that Ren loved sometimes. Ren decided not to answer that question knowing it meant trouble and Horo got the message pretty quick that he wasn't going to get an answer so got Rens arm put it around his neck and snuggled down into Ren who shifted to allow him to cuddle up.
"I'm glad Romeo killed Tybalt… that dude sucked"
"He's no worse than the others" Ren defined
"How so?" Horo asked with a raised eyebrow
"He had too much honour, he hated the Montague's just as much as they hated him and the Capulet's. He thought it an act of insult for Romeo to crash the party" Ren analysed
"How do you know so much about it?" Horo questioned with a smile
"Didn't you learn anything in school?" Ren retorted
"Not about all that stuff, we learned about all the goop you know how tragic love can be and how Romeo could sweet talk Juliet" Horo explained
"Romeo hardly sweet talked her" Ren pointed out
"Oh really, then explain the beginning" Horo pushed himself up wrapping his arms around Rens chest
"Explain what part?" Ren asked taking to the challenge
"'Then move not while my prayer's effect I take. Thus from my lips, by thine my sin is purged'" Horo again quoted but getting it correct this time leaning up and kissing Ren gently. Ren sank into it and kissed back for a minute until Horo separated himself smiling and waiting for Ren to try answer back after that.
"Okay so maybe he did use cheap pick up lines" Ren gave in accepting defeat in his analysis
"So I was right?" Horo mockingly asked
"No, he didn't sweet talk her he stuck his tongue down her throat"
"I have more if you think you're so smart" Horo tightened his grip around Ren challenging his knowledge
"Fine, prove your theory" Ren challenged back
"'Has my heart loved 'till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night'" Horo directed the comment at Ren shifting from his place on the bench into Rens lap directly facing Ren as he gave his finishing argument "now you cant tell me Romeo wasn't a sweet talker
"I think its you that's trying to sweet talk" Ren shifted to get closer to the Ainu in his lap
"What me?" Horo asked in a fake offended tone. Ren saw the smirk forever placed on Horos face wanting to remove it from the smug Ainus face. Ren knew of only one way to do that so leaned in and slowly teased Horo with light kisses getting a little longer each time soon Horo demanded entrance to Rens mouth using his tongue to slip Rens lips apart gently. Ren gave him so much but stopped abruptly in a teasing taunting way. Horo obviously caught on no longer smirking but thinking of how he could get a little more. The corners of his mouth slowly curved up as Romeos lines once again came to mind
"'O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?'" Horo smiled further
"'What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?'" Ren added on saying Juliet's line surprisingly making Horo only beam more broadly
"'The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine'" Horo quoted from Rens line some more
"I'm impressed Horo, you actually listened" Ren retorted though genuinely surprised after all Horo did sleep through a lot of the play
"I needed something to do while I wasn't sleeping" Horo cuddled up to Ren shifting so he could bury himself into Rens chest sitting to the side of Ren now. Peace had finally settled over the two but the cold got to them. Ren shivered and Horo too admittedly was no better off feeling chilled for some strange reason. Ren stepped up from the bench slowly.
"I'll get us a hot drink" Ren let go of Horos hand backing up slowly "I'll be right back" Ren then disappeared off with his footsteps fading until Horo couldn't hear them anymore. He sat for a few minutes when he heard the shuffling of footsteps again only there was more than 1 set. There were several and all approached quite quickly
Hoping to see your face
Hands cupped around your cheek fingers begin to trace
Heavenly angel the dark tried to erase
Has not gone but is here in my embrace
Horo listened as the footsteps stopped right in front of him and shuffling was heard
"Ren?" Horo asked doubting it was Ren as they all sounded like heavy people shuffling along most likely male.
"Wrong blue dude" a voice spoke out of the darkness-sounding course and ruff
"What do you want?" Horo asked not moving his head at all
"Holy shit, that mans blind Jovi" another livelier fellow spoke out
"Poor little blind man, you know your sat on my bench but I think I'll let you off… if you're a good little boy and don't scream" the Jovi character spoke dangerously making Horo nervous with each passing word "such a cute thing maybe you can scream a little its more feminine" Horo felt sickened by the nerve of this man and the suggestions he made. Horo felt for his stick that was right next to him only for it to be kicked away when he found it. Horo felt a lump build in his throat as he backed up to the end of the bench hearing the shuffles of several people in the blackness that was now his life. Horo felt an arm touch him trying to secure him making his body react and his body lash up and back off only to hit a dustbin. He stumbled back regaining his step trying to hear where these people were coming from. He could hear them shuffle and surround him like they would an animal. Horo tried to determine how many not having any success but knowing there was definitely more than 3 or 4 there. Horo got into a good stance placing himself in position hoping for the best preparing to do what he could with what he had.
Jovi was the first to approach trying to knock Horo over and pin him being evaded by the desperate Ainu only to have a blow to the back of the head and a few knocks by several other targets he couldn't see. He knew they were for now being gentle with him knowing he was handicapped. Horo got mad thinking of how helpless he was and how they were trying to take advantage of that, he wanted to prove he is not weak. Horo in some form of an attempt swung at anything he heard come near landing a few hits even if they were weak hits. The group got rougher now punching kneeing and trying to stop the struggle Horo made.
Ren started walking back only to hear a scuffle quickening his pace until he saw Horo stood in the middle of a gang that seemed to be tormenting him. Ren dropped the drinks and rushed over to help. Horo knocked one of them down as he heard him approach but another sneaked up behind him taking a knife to his throat and threatening to cut his skin if he moved. Horo froze for a minute before elbowing the person twisting the knife out of his hands and using it to warn off the rest. Few took notice with one latching onto Horos back and another trying to grab him from the front only to have his arm slashed open by the knife Horo was holding. The one on his back backed off as Horo twisted his arm off from around his neck kneeing him in the face abruptly. Ren saw one of them trying to sneak up on Horo; he clearly counted almost 10 gang members so quickly set about eliminating a few. The sight sickened Ren when he first saw it sending a few to torment Horo while the rest watched in amusement. The second Ren came into play the others stopped watching and joined the party. Ren disabled 2 quickly breaking the arm of one and winding another with a very sharp jab to his stomach. Ren cursed Pirika for a moment; he could have had them all running by now if she let him bring his kwan-doa.
It was now 5 surrounding Ren keeping him in place while the larger one and a straggly lackey began trying to unarm Horo. The big one was quicker than you would of thought but Horo kept his ground lashing out at everything that came near. He heard a scuffle to his side but in his panic didn't think anything of it trying to focus on staying alive at this point. Ren saw Horo was in trouble as the larger man toyed with Horo, smirking with every passing second making Horo more frustrated and worried. Ren soon had each of the 5 to the ground rushing as the taller man loomed over Horo, the man saw Ren running towards him smiling waiting for his moment. Ren was about to land a punch to his back when he moved abruptly Ren stopping just in front of Horo wide eyed as he felt pain shoot through his chest. Rens eyes went cold and unmoving with pupil's small and breathing halted. Ren shakily moved his hand up to his chest feeling the soft torn up flesh that oozed out blood at an alarming rate. Rens face went pained and he grasped the hand that still held the blade embedded in his chest
"Horo?" Ren whispered quietly. Horo heard the familiar voice shaking and letting go of the knife bringing his hand to the persons face feeling over the skin knowing all to well who's face it was, the smooth cool skin and shape of the face was something he knew by heart.
"Ren…" Horo whispered upset with coursing guilt at what he had just done. Ren gripped Horos shirt trying to stay up as every heartbeat sent a new and larger pain through his body. Ren slowly slipped down Horo leaving a trail of blood all the way down Horo as he fell to his knees. Horo soon fell down to the ground too feeling tears leave his eyes, as his love was lost in the darkness dieing because of him. Horo was to sorrowful and his heart ached with guilt. He heard the people gathering themselves so he wrapped around Ren protectively only hearing laughs in the blackness around him as tears fell from his motionless eyes. He listened as they began to talk cruelly.
"Look at the weak dirty Ainu"" one familiar voice spoke out, too familiar to Horo as his mouth opened in shock trying to remember those words and that voice
"Yeah, weak as ever" the big guy chuckled "I'd love to watch your friend die in your arms Ainu but I got better things to do"
"Yeah, you tree hugging loosers aren't worth the time and effort" the lackey called out laughing at Horo as his face twisted in anger with tears falling harder. He knew a few of those voices but couldn't point it out
"Come on boys, party's over looks like we broke another playmate" the big guy taunted
"Sure thing Raidon" the lackey called out. Horos eyes shot open wide and shocked. That name, he knew where it was from and knew what that bastard had done to him before. First he tried to kill him then he tried to use him as a toy, now Ren was bleeding to death right in front of him. Horo grabbed Ren tugging him to his feet. Ren was still conscious for the most part. Horo dragged shouting and screaming his lungs out for help not caring how pathetic he looked or who helped as long as Ren pulled through. Horo could feel Ren getting colder and it scared him. Ren hadn't really spoke or moved much only slightly shuffled with Horo as he was pulled along knife still embedded in his chest blood still dripping trailing along leading back to the spot the gang attacked them. Horo was too worried at that point in time to think about if the gang would come back to finish him off just hoped Ren would live. Soon out of the distant blackness a voice was heard and a few people running towards them. Horo recognised none of their voices but explained his case getting help. It didn't take long for an ambulance siren to be heard zooming to the area halting nearby. Paramedics took Ren from Horos arms with a little struggle from each, Horo not wanting to let go of Ren not knowing how he could find him again in the darkness and Ren didn't want to leave Horo with him being blind and worried. The paramedics put Ren on a stretcher and helped Horo into the ambulance too. Horo held Rens hand as Ren drifted unconscious from blood loss…
They arrived at the hospital being rushed in with Horo not once letting go of Ren hand all the way in and even when they transferred Ren to a operation table he still didn't let go. The nurses tried to remove him from his side and only just getting him to let go after lots of reasoning Horo stood by the door while they attached monitors and covered Rens chest. Horo sneaked back into the room but the nurses ignored his presence letting him stay. They worked slowly trying to remove the knife but it got complicated. They didn't realise where the knife had struck and once they removed it the blood rushed out. Doctors worked to stop it trying to seal off the area where the blood was flowing. Just then the heart monitor flat lined ringing a deathly shrill tone signalling that Rens heart had stopped. Horo began to panic trying to get to Ren
"Ren!" Horo struggled against 2 male nurses and a male doctor desperate to get to his Koi "REN! Don't go!" Horos eyes filled up with tears that fell to the ground as his head shook in the struggle. He could hear the doctor shout "clear" as they shocked Rens heart once… the shrill tone still rang… twice… nothing but the flat line sounded… third time was when Horo felt like giving up falling to his knees thinking of how he could be so stupid and kill the one person he ever truly loved. He sobbed as they again tried to bring back to life his Koi, Horo prayed swearing everything he had just for Ren back. Someone up there must like him because soon a steady beep sound came out the darkness telling him he had reason to live because Ren was alive. Horo breathed in and out deeply relieved as the doctors worked informing him of the completion. They covered Ren over with a blanket putting him in intensive care, the doctors told Horo news he really didn't like. Since then Horo sat emotionlessly next to Ren holding his hand refusing to let go
"I'm so sorry Ren, it's all my fault. I did this to you when you tried to help me… it's because I cant help myself and you got hurt trying to do what I couldn't do myself" Horo lowered his head in shame with dry eyes. You see after they did that operation he often found his eyes would dry up and because of all the crying he had literally cried till he couldn't anymore shedding the last few drops his eyes could make. It had been 3 hours of nothing just letting Ren rest; Horo wondered when he should call the others but didn't want to have to explain that a gang attacked him and Ren tried to help he stabbed him in the heart. The blade had just nicked Rens heart that's why when they tried to remove it blood began to pour like his chest had exploded. Horo didn't move just slumped back in his chair, he lost his glasses in the scuffle so now his hazy blue eyes just stared over the room passively unwavering not blinking or shifting just cold glass like orbs floating around in tired sockets. Horo was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't seem to sense a pair of eyes open and a head turn to him. Ren looked at the dry riled look on Horos face no doubt hating himself right now looking self loathing as Horo gripped his own hair leaning against the arm squeezing Rens hand just so he knew where Ren was at all times. Horo could only hear his own thoughts right now telling him how its all his fault, how stupid he was and how much a burden he really was.
Ren turned over quietly even though it was agony so he could face Horo. He brought his other hand over and placed it on Horos hand that cupped his other hand and squeezed tight. Horo soon darted his head up bringing his other hand to the bed and feeling for Rens face and upon finding it tried to make out the expression on it. He could feel the smooth skin that was relaxed and the mouth that was straight then worked up to the eyes that did not squint or tense. Horo found it hard to read Ren when he had a blank expression so this just made things harder, before all this he could look into Rens eyes and know what's going on but now he couldn't even do that. Horo just waited for Ren to say something squeezing back on his hand
"Horo, are you okay?" Ren asked in a dry voice only adding to Horos guilt
"I'm not important I didn't stab myself in the chest" Horo aid in a ruff tone sounding like a guilty man
"It's not your fault Horo, it was an accident" Ren assured pulling at Horos arm to bring him closer but Horo just sat still feeling like if he touched Ren again he'd hurt him more.
"Get some rest… you'll need it" Horo said emotionlessly turning his head so Ren couldn't see his distressed expression and empty eyes drained of everything. Ren watched his Koi sit in distress for a while but eventually Ren couldn't fight off sleep any longer and dropped off into a gentle sleep. Horo sighed knowing Ren had been laid there watching him but now Rens grip on his hand had loosened and steady even breathing was heard from the Tao as he slept. Horo thought about the gang and Raidon… he thought he recognised some of the voices, Raidon had hurt him before but this time he had cut much deeper than with a mere knife he had ripped his heart out and shown it to him before he died. Horo picked up the knife from the table counter. The nurse had brought it in and gave it to Horo for safe keeping for some odd reason. Horo felt over the knife, if it was the same knife there was a wolf engraved onto the handle. Horo ran his fingers across and felt the engravings. He couldn't make it out too good but the more he thought about it the more he was sure it was the same knife, same gang only with extra troops and the same Raidon. Horos blood boiled and face twisted gripping the knife before throwing the knife back on the table. Horo spoke out loud not sensing he and Ren were not the only 2 in the room
"Ren I don't care how but I'm going to find them and make them pay. They aren't getting away with this... not this time, not ever again" Horo gripped his fists together tight but soon they fell limp "who am I kidding I cant do anything as I am, I put you in here who knows who else I could hurt… lets face it as long as I'm blind I cant do anything"
"Then what if I said I could give you back your sight" a quiet voice arose from the room
"Who's there?" Horo questioned sitting up defensively
"I am a doctor here but unlike the rest of these doctors I can actually help you" the quiet voice held a braggy tone
"How could you possibly help me?" Horo asked interested in what this quiet man had to offer
"I can give you your sight back" the man said in a cocky manner
"You're kidding?" Horo asked wondering if it could be true
"I'm not a joker" the man assured
"What's the catch" Horo asked hesitantly knowing some people give to receive like kids that are good to get presents at Christmas
"I don't want money or anything like that if that's what you're thinking, I am not like the other doctors here I want to push the boundaries but they have dismissed my research saying it's inhumane or too risky but they are all fools" the quiet man hissed out the last of his words
"What do you mean 'inhumane' and 'too risky'?" Horo questioned suspiciously
"It means sometimes the experiments can be painful for the subject but don't you think the pain would be worth your sight?" the man questioned getting no answer "thought so, you have 15 minutes to meet me outside this hospital… so you have time to say bye to him and when he sees you again you'll be able to see him" the doctor walked out closing the door behind him. Horo sat pondering on the mans words and almost straight away decided to go but what about Ren, he didn't want to wake him and he didn't want to leave him with out a single word. Horo sat on the bed and cuddled Ren gently savouring the feel of Ren in his arms hoping this would be the last time he would have to find his Koi in the dark that had consumed his world. Horo leaned up and kissed Ren good-bye promising to be back as soon as he could running his hands through his hair one last time before standing and leaving the room. Horo stopped off at reception on his way to meet the doctor that had offered him his sight.
"Excuse me" Horo asked to whoever was typing on the computer behind the desk as he heard the clicking of the keys
"Yes Sir, how may I help?" a female voice asked
"I'd like to leave a note for Tao Ren and ask you to call some people to inform them of where he his" Horo said plainly and simply
"Sure, here's a pen and paper to write your message… if its personnel you can have an envelope too" the lady said gently placing a pen in his hand and a piece of paper
"Sure thanks" Horo quickly wrote down a message for Ren giving all his love and apologising for everything then slipped it into an envelope. Horo then wrote down the numbers she needed to call and whom she was to tell about Ren. She understood reading out the numbers and names to make sure he had them down correct before allowing him to leave. Horo walked out the doors listening for the man
"Hello?" Horo voiced out loud enough for anyone close to hear
"You came, that's good" the man seemed almost surprised when he said that
"Tell me what you're going to do then I'll go with you" Horo said in a commanding voice
"It's simple, you're the guinea pig for my work. You have an 80 chance of regaining your full sight and 100 chance of being in agony for a few days tops. But after I do this you cant change what happens, you cant try again and you cant ever fix it if something goes wrong understand?" the man stated seriously
"Yes" Horo said determined
"Good, you will stay in a small clinic of my making for a week from tomorrow… we should do the surgery straight away" the man grabbed hold of Horos arm and lead him away from the hospital "You are to stay in the clinic at all times for the week so I can monitor and research what happens… this is completely experimental but I'm sure it will all be worth it… if it works…" the man and Horo disappeared out of site into the dark streets not to be seen by anyone for a short while.
-Morning-
Everyone was notified during the night but none would be allowed to visit until morning during visiting hours. Ren when he woke was alone in the room, not long after a nurse came in and handed him an envelope leaving quickly. Ren sat up wincing at the tightness of his chest and wondering where Horo was and what was in the envelope. Ren opened it to find a piece of paper with untidy scribbles distinctively Horos handwriting. Ren read the letter carefully
'Dear Ren
I'm so sorry, I wish I could turn back time and undo what happened but I cant. I need to do something and won't be back for a little while; I hope you understand I need to do this for both of us. I'm sorry I hurt you and put you in that hospital bed, you know you died because of me but you came back like always. Tell everyone I'm fine and tell Pirika she doesn't have to worry. Know that I love you and I couldn't live with out you that's why I'm doing this. I'll be okay Ren don't worry about me… you helped me now I need to help us both, hope to see you soon
All my love
HoroHoro'
Ren sat on the bed with wet eyes reading Horos words and being enraged by them. Ren scrunched up the note and growled lowly as he threw the paper across the room breathing in heavy as his blood boiled and face twisted with a fierce enraged scowl and a hurt look in his eyes
"How dare you leave me Horo! You didn't even say good-bye! You think a measly little note wouldn't make it hurt? You… you… Ainu-Baka!" Ren shouted cursing Horo for going especially now of all times. Ren pulled his legs up into his chest and glared at the note on the floor as if it were Horo himself. Ren sat feeling abandoned and alone with no clue where Horo was or when he was coming back… that is if he's coming back. Ren sat solemnly even after Yoh and the others came he just stared at the paper on the floor not talking to them or answering their questions
"Ren? What's wrong? What you staring at?" Yoh asked looking in the direction of Ren was looking in and seeing the paper walking over and picking it up and un-crumpling it to read it
"Ren? Ren, where is Horo?" Pirika asked worrying for Horos safety too
"He's gone" Yoh said after re-reading the note
"What do you mean he's gone?" Pirika grabbed the note reading it and getting upset also. She threw the note on the floor and stormed out to look for him. Ren sat quiet not saying anything just turning to look out the window asking for mercy and for Horo to come back through that door smiling as if nothing had even happened… Rens prayer fell to deaf ears and he remained sat there gazing out over the empty streets long after the sun set alone with no word from anyone on Horo…
Remember I can survive
Reserve your energy and stop your strive
Rejoice the fact we are both alive
Ren your touch helped me revive…
EVERYONE has been cruel to Ren and Horo recently so I decided to join in… this is neither a happy or really sad ending, it's the best I could do I am not an angst writer I LOVE my happy endings so this is for those people who like sadness
Rock-On!