While running thru the pitch black forest, Kazamasa’s memories continued to replay on his mind.  He hated it, every time this happens its making him hate his brother more.  He is more suitable to be the next in line, even during his life as a human he is supposed to lead.  Kazamasa couldn’t understand why his brother is still chosen to lead their race.  He left the mansion, he betrayed their father, and he killed his own race.  What does Tora have that he didn’t have?  Tora should have been sentenced to death already if it wasn’t because of his father.

            Then, a flashback came to his mind . . .

            Everything was on fire, the place once called home is now in ruins, the people he once been with were all dead,  he could see his parents bathing with their own blood.  Everything is in chaos.  It was as if he was already seeing hell before his very eyes.  He could feel something warm on his chest and it was the most painful thing he has ever experienced.  He looked down to his chest and saw an arrow sticking out from it.  He doesn’t want to die yet.

            “I don’t want to die.  I don’t want to die.” He muttered in a very weak voice

            “Is that what you really wish?” a man wearing a black hood asked

            He could feel tears running down his face.

            “I don’t want to die.” He cried

            That was the last thing he remembered before becoming a child of the moon.  He stopped running and punched a tree out of anger.  He couldn’t understand the frustration he’s feeling right now.  He couldn’t understand if he should continue to hate his brother.  After all, if it wasn’t because his brother forced their father to save him then he shouldn’t been there. 

            “If only Shinji didn’t betrayed father, I would have gladly accepted him to lead our race.” Kazamasa said

            Kazamasa has no time to dilly dally knowing that Shinji is free and might leave the place.  As much as possible, he wants to get his job done.  He continued his journey and finally reached the town.  The night was beautifully lit by the moon and the wind blew its cold breeze making Kazamasa pick up a scent, a very familiar scent.  Shou grinned and continued to walk towards a mansion.

            “He’s not even covering his tracks.” Kazamasa said

            A guard blocked his way.

            “Stop right where you are! Who are you?” the guard asked

            Kazamasa pulled out his sword and slashed the guard’s neck not even giving him the chance to scream.

            Meanwhile, on Nao and Saga’s secret place, Tora and Saga took some time to rest after a few hours of training.  Nao was stuck in the mansion for some lessons regarding politics.

            “You know, after spending some time with you I realized that you’re not a bad person after all.” Saga said

            Tora was just silent while lying on his back watching the sky.

            “Hey, couldn’t you at least be happy tha-“ Saga said halfway when Tora suddenly stood up and faced the direction of the woods

            Tora threw a dagger at the forest.  Saga was surprised when Tora did it.

            “Not much of a warm welcome your have.” Kazamasa smiled

            “Who would want to welcome someone like you?” Tora smirked

            “That was cold, specially hearing it from my own brother.” Kazamasa said

            “At least I’m not as cold as you.” Tora said

            “Hmm, I don’t want to hear that from someone who has killed hundreds of his brethren before.” Kazamasa hissed

            Saga just stared at the beautiful stranger that just came out of the forest.  He couldn’t help but just stare at the brunette’s eyes.  He felt the same atmosphere of danger on the stranger just like on Tora once.  Saga held his sword against the brunette.

            “Saga, go home for tonight.” Tora said

            “Why would I do that? Who’s this guy anyway?” Saga asked

            “Just as he said, he is my brother.  Don’t be fooled by his looks, he’s far more dangerous than you’ll ever know.” Tora said

            “You’ve got a nice looking kid here.” Kazamasa said looking at Saga

            Somehow, Saga felt that he was not seen as a person but as a food, being stared at by those eyes made him petrified all of a sudden.

            “Don’t worry, I only bite girls.” Kazamasa smirked

            “Why are you’re here?” Tora asked grabbing Kazamasa’s attention back

            “Father wants your back.  I’m just ordered to fetch your back.” Kazamasa said

            The brunette turned his back and pulled out someone from behind the tree.  His head was covered with a bag and his hands were tied from the back.  Even with a cover on the face, just by looking at the stature of that person he clearly knew who it was.

            “Nao!” Saga called

            “All I have to do is take away the reason for your stay here.  I’m sure your don’t want this boy to get hurt.  After all he is also a part of her.” Kazamasa smiled

            “Let go of him.” Tora hissed

            “Don’t give me orders. Know your place.” Kazamasa said

            “Let go of Nao!” Saga yelled

            “Shut up lowlife.  Now, as much as I care, I don’t want any blood spilled tonight.  I won’t fight against you or hurt this kid.  All you have to do is come home with me, I’ll only let go of this kid once you are in father’s quarters.  Isn’t that a great offer?” Kazamasa smirked

            “How will I know that you are not lying?” Tora asked

            “Don’t treat me like those low life maggots without any sense on nobility left, as a member of the pureblood family, your have my word.” Kazamasa glared

            Kazamasa’s offer is good enough.  Tora can’t start a fight with his brother that might endanger Nao’s life.  Hell, even if there’s no hostage there’s no chance of winning against someone who has been feeding on for decades and who’s fighting skills that kept on improving.  Tora deduced that Kazamasa has already surpassed him.  Kazamasa is the type of person who doesn’t want to lose.

            “I’ll go.” Tora said

            “Where will you take Nao?” Saga asked

            “To a place where the likes of you has no right to step in.” Kazamasa answered

            “Saga, go home for now.  I promise that Nao will be able to come back safe.” Tora said

            “I’ll come with you!  No matter what happens, I will protect Nao.” Saga said

            “I’m sorry, but I can’t afford to put your into danger as well.” Tora said

            Saga was about to talk back to Tora but he suddenly felt his eyes getting heavy.  He was losing all his strength.  Tora reflexively caught the falling unconscious boy before it could fell to the ground.

            “Let me take him home before we leave.” Tora said

            “I think I made a little mess at the mansion, well it’s up to you if you want that boy back there.” Kazamasa smirked

            “I’m bringing him back to his family.” Tora carried the boy on his back

            After bring Saga back to his home, Tora went back to the woods where Kazamasa and Nao is.

            “Now, start walking I’m sure your still know the way.” Kazamasa said

            “Aren’t we running?” Tora asked

            “I don’t want to carry someone who might puke while I’m running and ruin my clothes.” Kazamasa said

            “Well that was expected from you.” Tora said

            Kazamasa ignored Tora’s comment and continued to walk in the dark forest.

            “Can you at least remove the cover on Nao’s head?” Tora asked

            “Damn it, fine!” Kazamasa said

            Kazamasa removed the bag over Nao’s head and removed the gag on him.

            “Tora~!” Nao cried

            “Shut up kid,” Kazamasa pulled the rope

            “Nao, all you have to do is to stay quiet okay? Do as he says and you won’t get hurt.” Tora said

            “But he killed the people at the mansion.” Nao said

            “I just sliced a few who blocks my way, I didn’t kill all of them.” Kazamasa said

            The night was getting deeper by the minute.  If they kept on stopping every time, the sunrise will reach them, not that the sun could kill Kazamasa but he only hated it when he sees the sun’s light.  He gets irritated when the sun touches his skin.

            “Oi, let’s hurry up.” Kazamasa said

            The group continued to walk into the dark forest.  The wind blew its cold breeze that sent shivers to Nao’s skin, winter is coming fast.  It wasn’t the cold breeze that the wind brought, but also scents of four different people.  Kazamasa knew those scents.

            “, hunters.” Kazamasa hissed

            Kazamasa carried Nao and stated running while Tora followed from behind.  Having to face with ordinary hunters at this time wouldn’t be a problem for Kazamasa since he could take care of them easily.  But the scents of hunters that he caught weren’t ordinary hunters; they are ranked as number 1 on the list of the most dangerous hunters out there.  Kazamasa was running at the speed where Nao can tolerate it since he promised that he won’t do anything that could harm the boy.

            “Kazamasa, look out!” Tora warned

            Thanks to Tora’s warning, Kazamasa was able to evade a poisoned arrow targeting him.  Kazamasa sensed an individual’s presence not far from them so he stopped and place Nao down.

            “Damn it, they were expecting us.” Kazamasa said

            “Yes, we were expecting you.  One of us felt you pass this way some time ago so we took our chances that you might come back, and you didn’t fail us you even brought a friend with you.” A man carrying a sword illuminated himself using the moon

            “Sorry Ruki but I’m really busy right now.  Let’s just do this some other time.” Kazamasa said sounding bored

            “Not a chance while you have a human boy with you.” Ruki smirked

            Soon, the other three finally caught up at the scene.

            “I’m going to kill all of you, in revenge for Uruha’s death.” Reita said glaring at the two vampires

            “Calm down Reita, you’ll lose your focus with that hot head of yours.” Aoi said

            “Can you just kindly give the boy to us so that we could settle this peacefully?” Kai asked

            “So being slain is a way of ending this peacefully?” Kazamasa asked as he holds his sword against Ruki

            “Well for us it is.” Reita said

            “Damn it, why do they have to appear at this time now that I’m in the middle of something important.  I should’ve brought that annoying Takeru along.” Shou thought

            “Drop your weapons right now.” A voice called out

            Everyone turned to the direction where the voice came from.  The group hunters could somehow recognize the voice.  They could feel the presence of two vampires in the dark.  Kazamasa smiled in triumph, he knew he could get away easily this time.  Takeru stepped out to the moonlight along with another vampire.  The hunters froze in their places, they couldn’t believe who they are seeing right now.

            “Uruha.” Reita called out softly

            “This must be an illusion.” Aoi said

            “You’re in a good timing Takeru.” Kazamasa said

            “I saw with my butterflies that you’re in pinch so I brought a friend along.” Takeru smiled

            “H-how could this happen? Uruha, you died already didn’t you?” Reita asked feeling weak on the knees

            “Reita, Kazamasa-sama saved me from death.” Uruha softly answered

            “Reita, he’s not one of us anymore.  We need to slay him too.” Ruki said

            “I decided to live so that I could be with you again.” Uruha said