A weakened body that is burdened more by the shackles.  He was about to be locked in darkness.  His light was smiling brightly at him, emitting a sweet scent.  He tried to reach for her but his body won’t allow him.  His strength was drained, his light is now leaving him and he can’t do anything to stop it from happening.  Slowly, darkness swallowed him, burying him into deep slumber.  How long will he wait?  Will he ever be able to see his light again?

            “How much longer are your going to sleep?” a voice asked

            Someone spoke; he could suddenly hear a heartbeat, and smell a familiar sweet scent.  His light finally came back for him. He slowly opened his eyes.  An unfamiliar ceiling was the first he saw.  He tilted his head to the direction where the voice came from.  He was expecting to see his light.

            “You finally woke up!  How are you feeling?” Nao asked

            “Who are you?  Where is this place?” Tora asked

            “This is the Murai clan’s mansion; I’m the young master here, my name is Murai Naoyuki, but please call me Nao for short.” Nao smiled

             There was a short moment of silence between the two.  Tora didn’t expect that he would be able to get out immediately.  He wondered where he could find her.  Tora was a bit disappointed that it wasn’t his light that took him out of the cave or the first person that he’ll first see when he woke up.  But, it can never be denied that the person seating next to him and his light has huge resemblance to each other in terms of their physical appearance.

            “My friend and I found you at the cave so I decided to bring you’re here.  I have a change of clothes prepared for your there.” Nao pointed at the side

             “Thank you for getting me out of the cave.  I wish I could something as a payment but I have nothing on me, and I need to go.  I have to find someone right now.” Tora lowered his head

             “Become my friend, that’s enough as payment.” Nao smiled

             “Sorry, I can’t be your friend.” Tora lowered his head “I need to go now.”

            That’s right; he can never be Nao’s friend.  If he became friends with him, with the way things are right now it would only put him in harm’s way.  Tora wouldn’t know until when he will be able to stay beside Nao without hurting him.

           “Can’t you wait till it dawns?  It’s still in the middle of the night and the priests said that not to go out during the feast of the red moon.  They say children of the moon are most powerful during this night, but I don’t actually believe if it’s true.” Nao said

            “What are you talking about?  Is it really happening tonight?” Tora asked surprised holding Nao on both shoulders

            “I-it is tonight.” Nao answered

           Tora removed his grip on Nao’s shoulder and rushed to the door and opened it.  Tonight definitely is the feast of the red moon.  Crimson light is emitted from the moon and entered the room.  Nao studied the man by the door that is looking at the crimson moon as his body was being showered by the moon’s red light as if his body is absorbing the light.

            “Is something wrong?” Nao asked

            The feast of the red moon only happens every 150 years.  He could still remember, the first time Fuyuka and he met.  His memories were still clear of that night as if it was just yesterday; he couldn’t make a mistake because in his memories it was also in the night of the feast of the red moon.

            “Then it really is impossible for her to be still alive.” Tora muttered

            “Are you okay?” Nao asked

            “I’m fine, thank you for your concern.” Tora said

            Tora closed the door and went to the neatly folded clothes at the side of his futon and began changing.  Nao watched as the older man dresses himself.

            “Are your still going?” Nao asked

            “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” Tora said

            Without any sign of hesitation, Tora went out of the room to the garden.  He looked for any possible exit but found no unless he goes to the main gates which is on the other side of the huge mansion.  He has no other choice but to go over the high walls.  The walls may be high for a normal person to cross over but not for Tora.  With a smirk on his face, Tora jumped on top of the wall and crossing over it effortless.

            Tora started walking in the town.  It was certainly deserted.  If this place is like this then he has nothing to worry about people being preyed by children of the moon.  No one will get hurt.

            “Tora wait for me!” a voice called out from behind

            “What are you doing?!” Tora asked “Go back to your home!”

            “I don’t want to go home!” Nao answered back “Just take me with you.  I promise I won’t cause things that would bother you.

            “You are not safe with me.” Tora said

            “But why? I know you are not a bad person, I can tell it just by looking at your eyes.” Nao said

            “I know you are not a bad person, I can tell it just by looking at your eyes.”  A voice from Tora’s memory said

            He could still remember his light spoke the same words to him with those same dignified eyes as Nao’s.

            “Are your planning on leaving your family behind?” Tora asked

            “My mom is dead and my dad is not home, he’s currently residing at the palace working as the king’s senior advisor.” Nao answered

            “What about your friend? You’ll just abandon him for a total stranger that could put your life in harm’s way.” Tora said

            Nao fell silent for a while.  Tora knew it, Nao’s friend is the only one left for him.

            “Saga is my one and only true friend.  He knew I was a member of a noble family, yet he treated me as if there’s no difference in our social standing.  He’s really nice to me.” Nao smiled

            “Then don’t leave him.  You two became friends because both of your knew that your could watch each other’s back.” Tora patted Nao’s head

            “You’ll still be my friend right even though we can’t see each other?” Nao asked

            “Of course.” Tora smiled

            Nao bowed and turned his back to Tora.  He realized that Tora’s right, he shouldn’t leave Saga after all he has done for him.  Walking his way back, a woman suddenly blocked his way.

            “Do you need something?” Nao asked

            “Yes, I need you to become my dinner for tonight.” The woman answered smiling at him

            “What?  Who are you?” Nao asked a bit terrified

            “I’m sure you are aware what tonight is, and now you ask who I am after telling you that you’ll be my dinner.”  The woman smiled

            Nao felt something bad about this woman.  No matter how much he thinks, the only explanation is that she’s a child of the moon.  He couldn’t move out of fear as his eyes studied the beautiful creature, her smooth pale skin, the eyes that glow the same color as the moon, and her body that seem to absorb the moon’s crimson light.

            The woman took a step closer to him.  In normal instances, Nao should have run away after realizing the explanation, but he just realized that his body can’t move.

            “T-tora, help me.” Nao muttered

            “The woman stopped walking.  At first, her reaction was surprised but then, her expression smoothened and turned into a smirk.

            “It must be a coincidence.  There’s no way that it would be the black prince.” The woman said

            She continued to walk closer to her prey until she’s a few inches away from him.  She touched Nao’s face admiring her dinner.

            “I can’t wait anymore.” The woman her lips

            “Get away from him.”

            The woman grabbed Nao and jumped a few yards away from the direction where the voice came from.  She looked through the shadows to see who it was but it was too dark for her to identify who it was.

            “Who dares to interrupt me?” the woman asked

            “Let him go before I rip your throat off.” The voice replied

            The woman didn’t listen.  She smiled looking at the direction where the voice came from.  Her nails extended up until it touches the nape of Nao’s neck slicing the soft skin.  The smell of his blood has spread into the air.

            “What a beautiful scent.  It is the same scent that lured me here and your right?” the woman asked still looking at the unknown man in the shadows then she the blood on her nails

            “Were your not listening to me from the start?” Tora stepped out of the dark

            Before the woman could recognize Tora, she suddenly let Nao go and began to writher in pain.  Nao immediately went to Tora’s side and watch the woman in pain.

            “M-my body, i-it feels burning!” the woman yelled

            Nao watched in horror as he watches the woman crawl her way to Tora.  Her pained cries continued to ring Nao’s ears.

            “Help me, c-comrade.” The woman said

            By the second she had her grip on Tora’s clothing, her body dissolved into sand.

            “What happened to her?” Nao asked terrified

            “Do you know anyone by the name of Fuyuka?” Tora asked

            “She’s is my great grandmother; they said she was once a shrine maiden before she married my great grandfather.” Nao explained

            “So four generations have passed since then.” Tora chuckled

            “Hey are your all right?” Nao asked

            “The woman who attacked you was poisoned by your blood.  Seems like your inherited this ability from your great grandmother.  Fuyuka isn’t just any other shrine maiden, she specializes in hunting down and killing children of the moon.  Her clan was known for using poison in their body for weapon.  Four generations has already passed but that ability didn’t even wither.” Tora said

            “How did you know about these things?” Nao asked

            “I’ve met Fuyuka long ago, in this same night 150 years ago.” Tora answered

            Nao didn’t want to believe what Tora has been talking about, but the scenes that had happened earlier kept kicking in.  That woman called Tora her comrade, and Tora also knew some secrets that are only kept within the family of Murai.

            “Do you believe me?” Tora asked

            “I believe the facts, and those facts are saying that you are not lying.  Now that you’re here, what are you planning to do now?  Do your plan on going back to where your came from before your were hidden in the cave?” Nao asked

            “I have nowhere to go.  I left my home and I met her, I helped saving human lives, then they locked me up, your freed me, and now we’re here.  Honestly, I have no idea what to do.” Tora said

            “Then would you like to stay with me, just like how you stayed beside Fuyuka-baachan?” Nao asked

            “Then be locked up again?” Tora asked “I don’t mind being locked up again as long as it not on the place where I came from.” Tora smiled

            The next day was a bright autumn morning.  News of a screaming woman last night near the Murai residence has spread.  Since no body was found or anyone reporting someone missing the case was closed and the incident last night was considered a prank.  Aside from the news, everything seemed normal, except to Saga.

            “Who is this guy?” Saga asked

            “He is Tora, the guy we found from the cave the other day.” Nao answered

            “Who is this kid?” Tora asked

            “He is Saga, my friend.  He’s currently learning kendo.” Nao said

            “Kendo huh, this kid might not last.” Tora said

            “Shut up! I just started yesterday! Don’t get too cocky just because you’re an old man!” Saga yelled

            “Old man? Hmm . . .  technically you are right, but I don’t look one.  Why don’t you go there and train with your little stick over there.” Tora shooed

            “Stop it your two.” Nao sighed

            “Nao, let’s go to that place.” Saga said

            “What place?” Tora asked

            “That doesn’t concern you!  That place is our secret place!” Saga said

            “But don’t you have lessons yet?” Nao asked

            “They gave me a day off.” Saga said

            “But didn’t you just started your training yesterday?” Nao asked

            “They said I’m too hot for them to handle so they gave me a day off.  No more buts, let’s go.” Saga said and ran grabbing Nao’s hand

            Saga is really pissed right now. A while ago, he just finished doing the morning exercise and was given a five minuet break.  While going for a drink of water, he saw Nao hanging around with Tora.  Normally, a person would just ignore the scene but Saga hated it.  He hated the fact that Nao is smiling not because of him but because of Tora who he just met yesterday.

            Nao and Saga reached their secret place while catching their breaths.  Saga made sure that they ran so fast that there’s no way for Tora to follow them there.  Nao and Saga went to the river to have a drink.

            “Saga, what’s wrong?” Nao asked

            “Nothing’s wrong.” Saga answered looking away from Nao

            “If your say so.” Nao said

            Nao knew that something is wrong.  However, if Saga decided not to tell him then he can’t force him.  After all there are some things that you can’t tell to a friend.

            “Nao, why are your spending so much time with him? Doesn’t he give off some sort of aura saying that he’s dangerous?” Saga asked

            “What is your talking about? No wonder they gave you’re a day off. Isn’t it just your imagination?” Nao laughed

            It wasn’t his imagination.  He knew it isn’t, because even other people could feel it as well specially the person who is training Saga in kendo.

            “Don’t let the young master be alone with that guy.” Saga’s trainer warned “Something is telling me he’s dangerous.”

            “I thought it was just me.” Saga said

            “As a guard, your instincts are the most reliable thing.  You have to make full use of it if your want to protect your master.” Saga’s trainer explained

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

            “Don’t you think we’ll get in trouble if we don’t return now?” Nao asked

            "They won't scold us, after all I'm doing my job as a guard.  I'll protect you." Saga smiled

            “As a guard? I bet your can’t even protect yourself, how will you be able to protect Nao?” Tora asked emerging from the forest

            “Tora!” Nao called out with a smile

            “Do people these days use wooden sticks to train students in sword fighting?” Tora asked with a smirk on his face

            “That’s to prevent students from hurting ourselves and others as well while they are still in training.” Saga answered

            “If a student has hurt someone then it is the result of the trainer’s irresponsibility.” Tora smirked “Catch this!”

            Tora threw a sword on Saga.  The young boy panicked but managed to catch the sword.

            “Are your stupid?!  What if the sheath was removed?!” Saga yelled

            “How does it feel carrying a real sword?” Tora asked

            Saga could not only feel the weight of the sword, he could also feel weight of responsibility bearing a real sword.  He suddenly felt overwhelmed by the sword.

            “Unsheathe that sword and I’ll be your opponent.” Tora pointed at Saga with another sword

            “Wait, what are you doing?” Nao asked “Where did you get those swords?”

            “From the cave, don’t worry these are mine.” Tora said “Now Saga I’m telling you to attack me first.”

            Saga unsheathed the heavy sword in his hands and attacked Tora without hesitation.  Tora met Saga’s blade expectantly.

            “That’s right, without hesitation.  But your attacks are too weak!” Tora laughed

            “Don’t take me so lightly!” Saga yelled

            “Your can’t even make me move from this spot.” Tora smirked

            “Don’t hurt Saga!” Nao yelled

            “Pain is what makes a person learn.” Tora said “Now attack me with all you’ve got, make that blade a part of your own arm.”

            “I don’t need you to tell that to me!” Saga yelled

            “Don’t get too hot headed kid, or else you’ll lose.”

            “I won’t lose to someone like you!” Saga yelled

            “We’ll see.  Prepare yourself, this time I’ll be the one attacking.” Tora said

            Despite the warning, Saga was surprised.  Tora isn’t joking when he said he’ll attack him.  From Tora’s laid back expression, his expression bear the face of someone going to murder someone.  He attacked Saga hard, even with intent of actually killing him Saga could see it in Tora’s eyes.  The opponent didn’t stopped pounding Saga with heavy attacks.  Every second, every swing of Tora’s sword, the more it is unbearable to block, the more heavy it becomes, the faster it strikes down.

            “Too slow!” Tora yelled and attacked Saga with the other side of his blade to the shoulder

            Saga dropped the sword and he fell to the ground.  His heart was beating so fast.  Saga thought he was actually going to die. The way Tora’s eyes looked at him seems like there are also blades in them.  Nao was about to go to Saga’s side and scold Tora but the older man made eye contact saying not to go.  Nao understood it and obeyed, this was after all for Saga’s improvement.

            Saga looked at his bleeding hands.  The pain was throbbing from being hit at his left arm.  Tora picked up the sword and handed it to Saga but the younger boy didn’t took it.  Tora sighed and leaned close to Saga.

            “I know your hate my guts and your want me away from Nao, but I won’t leave him without having someone who can protect him.  If you can defeat me then I’ll leave.  Now your don’t have other choice but to learn from me.” Tora whispered

            “Fine I’ll do it! Just keep your word.” Saga tore a piece of his clothing and wrapped it on his injured hand and took the sword from Tora

            Since that day, Saga has been trained Tora as well as by the people in the mansion.  During the day he trains at the mansion with other guards but kept on rapidly increasing his level than the others with the help of Tora’s training during the night.  Unknowingly, a black butterfly has been watching them.

            Meanwhile, at a western mansion situated on top of a mountain a few miles away from the village . . .

            “I have good news for you.” A blond guy smiled

            “What is it?” the brunette asked sounding bored

            “News, I’m sure you’ll love to hear this one.” The blond guy said

            “What news? I hope it’s not another pack of thieves you killed last night.” The brunette said

            “Hmm, I’m actually proud of them since I’m the one who did it.  Anyway, the news I got for your is something interesting.” The blond smiled

            “If it’s something I’ll love, hurry up and say it.” The brunette hissed

            “Your brother is already free.” The blond smiled

            “Does father knew about this?” the brunette asked

            “You were the first one I’ve told this about.  But I’m sure he already knows about it.  I’m just giving you’re a heads up.” The blond said

            “Kazamasa-sama, you’re being summoned by your father.” A little guy said

            “That’s your cue!” the blond smiled

            “You should stop smiling like that Takeru, its creepy.” The little guy said

            “Shut up Shinpei.” Takeru said

            Just as ordered, Kazamasa immediately went to his father’s quarters.  He has a good guess that the reason he is being called there is because of his brother.  Hell, all that mattered to his father is Tora being the successor.

            “Father, you called for me?” Kazamasa kneeled

            “I’m sure your have heard about Shinji.”

            “Yes, I’m already aware of it.  What do you want me to do?” Kazamasa asked

            “Bring him back.  Your can do anything just to make it happen.  I don’t care if your need to kill anyone just bring him back here.”

            “Yes father.” Kazamasa said

            Kazamasa got up from the floor and went out of the room.  After going through the door he saw Takeru waiting for him at the end of the corridor with a smile on his face.

            “Going out?” Takeru asked

            “I’m going to drag my older brother back here.” Kazamasa answered

            “You want a chaperone?” Takeru asked

            “I’d rather go alone than see your annoying smile.” Kazamasa muttered leaving Takeru behind

            “Annoying? It’s actually called cute.  That guy should smile sometimes maybe he could get a few friends other than me if he does that.” Takeru sighed

            “I don’t need friends.” Kazamasa said

            Night came and Kazamasa has done all his preparations for his trip.  He has to make sure that he won’t do any mistake.  He doesn’t want to disappoint his father after all.  Even if he doesn’t like the idea of taking his brother back he has to do it, he can’t afford to lose his father’s trust.  Not this time.

            “I want souvenirs when your get back!” Takeru said

            “I’m not going on a vacation.” Kazamasa replied

            In just a split second Kazamasa sprinted through the woods, disappearing in the shadows.  As the moon got swallowed by the clouds, Takeru’s eyes glowed into crimson while following another pair of crimson eyes moving fast deep within the forest.

            “Have a safe trip, Kazamasa-sama.” Takeru bowed