Ten years ago, on a cold winter night.  The young Kouyou Takashima was asked to guard the house while his parents are out on a hunt for the children of the moon.  He was getting worried already; the hunt doesn’t usually take this long before.  It was already 3:30 am and he was already asleep under the kotatsu when his parents were suddenly back.  He sleepily walked towards the door to greet them.  Seems like his parents came back with someone he hasn’t met before.

            “Welcome home, mom and dad.  Who is he?” Kouyou asked

            “Son, we want you to meet Suzuki Akira, he lost his father during the hunt earlier.  Your mother and I decided to take him in so treat him good okay?” Kouyou’s father said

            “Starting tomorrow, you’ll be training with him.  Kouyou, is it all right if you share your room to him?” Kouyou’s mother asked

            “Yes mom.” Kouyou smiled

            Kouyou studied the boy.  He smiled at him and took his hand with both hands.

            “My name is Kouyou, nice to meet you.  Let me show you our room.” Kouyou said excitedly

            The seventeen year old took Akira and pulled him to their room and began giving him a bunch of clothes and also pulling out another futon from the cabinet.

            “You don’t have to be shy okay? If your need something just call me.” Uruha smiled

            “Thank you.” Akira said

            “You’re welcome.” Kouyou answered

            “Ne, how old are you? Is it by your own will that you  become a hunter?” Kouyou asked

            “I’m 17 years old.  Becoming a hunter, it was just something that my family has done over the decades so I thought I have no choice but to do it as well.” Akira said

            “Wow, we’re at the same age!  Anyway, I don’t like to become a hunter. It doesn’t feel right seeing children of the moon killed.” Kouyou said

            “Why?  They’re just monsters, leeches that prey on other people just so they could live.” Akira said

            “Because they were also humans once, they still have memories and feeling they had while they were still alive.  Besides, not all children of the moon are bad.” Kouyou said

            “But that doesn’t change the fact that they killed my father.” Akira said bitterly

            “I’m sorry.” Kouyou said

            It was the only thing he could say.  He can’t come up with the words that could comfort him.  Kouyou slowly stretched his arms to Akira and pulled him into a comforting hug, soon the tears he had been concealing earlier poured down to Kouyou’s shoulder.  That was the start of their friendship that continued to deepen through time.  They grew up together in one roof, they trained together until they became full fledge hunters.

            “Kouyou, have you decided your hunter name yet?” Akira asked

            “Yes, I have!” Kouyou smiled

            “What is it?” Akira asked

            “My name would be Uruha.” Kouyou answered

            “Uruha, it suits you.  I’ve decided that I’ll be called Reita.” Akira smiled

            “Cool.” Uruha said

______________________________________________________________________

           Every memory he had shared with Uruha continued to replay in his mind as his blade points at his best friend.  Is Uruha still his best friend?  Is he still the person he once cherished the most?

            “The moment he became a child of the moon he is no longer our ally, he is no longer your best friend, and the person in front of us right now is just a monster wearing the same face as Uruha.” Ruki said to Reita

            “Ruki, that was rude.” Kai said

            Ruki’s words made a stinging pain in his heart.  It was as if he was never been part of the group before.  All the times he had spent with them weren’t real.  How could Reita accept the fact that Uruha is no longer human and just a monster wearing a mask as his best friend?  The way he looks, moves, and even the way he speaks are so much alike.  It pained Reita that he has to point his sword against Uruha.

            “Reita, I’m not forcing you to believe me, you are free to choose what you want to do.  I know Kazamasa-sama has done horrible things that made him get into the top of hunters’ list but now is not the right time.” Uruha said

                        “So we’ll wait until the number of people he kills reaches hundreds or even thousands?  We are here to slay that thing not to give mercy.” Aoi said

            “How rude, makes me want to rip your throat off.” Takeru smiled

            “Takeru, where are your manners?  Let them act as low as they can be, but you as someone higher than them must never display how lowlifes act.” Kazamasa said

             “I’ll remember what you have said Kazamasa-sama.” Takeru said

            “Hunters, if your want this boy then you will have to wait.  Let us pass and we will guarantee his safety.  Don’t follow us; otherwise something that shouldn’t be done will be done.” Kazamasa said

            “Who said you can negotiate with us?” Ruki asked

            “Ruki, they have a hostage.  If we let something happen to the boy then we’re not that different with these vampires.” Kai said with authority in his voice “How can we make sure that you won’t harm him?”

            “I’ll be left here.” Uruha said

            “Are you sure about that?” Takeru asked

            “Yes, I am.” Uruha said dignified

            “By dawn, this boy will be free and at that time I want Uruha to be on his way back.” Kazamasa said

            “You have my word.” Kai said

            Defensively slowly walking away from the hunters, Kazamasa still holding the rope tied around Nao was the first to move followed by Tora and Takeru.  Uruha was still there standing his gaze locked on Reita.  Kai nodded to Aoi and Ruki then the two immediately pinned Uruha to the ground.  Startled, Uruha struggled to get himself free from the tight grasps of the two.  Reita watched in surprise as the two struggled to keep Uruha down, he didn’t know what to do right now, he is being torn between his responsibility and his heart.  Kai took his bow and arrow and aimed at his target.  Before Kai could release the arrow, Uruha managed to somehow distract Kai.

            “Kazamasa-sama!” Uruha yelled

            The group heard it loud and clear, because of Kazamasa’s fast reflexes he saw again the same poisoned arrow heading at their direction, particularly to Nao being the target.  It was a very fast moment of attack of split seconds Kazamasa managed to push Nao to Tora but in return, he was the one who received the arrow making him get to his knees.

            “Kazamasa-sama, can you still stand up?” Takeru asked immediately aiding the brunette

            The brunette pulled the arrow from his arm causing blood to gush out from the wound.  Takeru tore his sleeve and tied it around the wound.

            “Takeru, take them to father while I handle the hunters.” Kazamasa ordered

            “Forgive me but I think I have to disobey.” Takeru said

            “Who do you think I am?  You’re worrying for nothing so get the hell out of here and bring them to father.” Kazamasa said

            The blonde chuckled.  If it’s his master then there’s nothing to worry about.  Kazamasa is strong, he can beat the out of those hunters.  Takeru grabbed Nao and carried him and started running.  The blonde continued the route towards east with Tora and Nao while Kazamasa went to the west.  The brunette knew that the hunters’ target was him so they’ll chase after him they didn’t care if there’s a human hostage, all they care about is the bounty on top of his head.

            “He separated himself with the group.” Kai said

            “Seems like he doesn’t want to be seen by his comrades dying in our hands.” Ruki smirked

            Uruha was chained at a tree being guarded by Aoi.  Reita has become a total useless, he refused to do anything that might hurt or help Uruha.  Right now, he’s still confused on what he should do.  He’s still confused if he should choose Uruha or being a hunter.

            “Don’t kill Kazamasa-sama.” Uruha muttered

            “You’ve changed.  The old Uruha wouldn’t be saying like that.” Aoi said

            “He’s the one who saved me.  He gave me the chance to do an unfinished business.  It is only right that I repay him for what he has done for me.” Uruha said

            “Hmm, sounds like the old you.  So tell me, how could you stand being with those things and becoming like it yourself when you’ve been killing those things for seven years?” Aoi asked

            “Aoi, we have plenty of time for that later.  You’re coming with me, we’ll chase those other two, Ruki, go chase Kazamasa, Reita stay here and watch Uruha.” Kai ordered with authority

            None of them argued with Kai’s orders.  Reita isn’t in shape to be fighting with his thoughts not fully focused on the mission, though leaving him with his weakness could be bad.  But if it’s Uruha then there’s nothing to worry about since his weakness is Reita.  Their relationship right now is a poison for themselves.  In Kai’s eyes, it was the most painful thing to watch, it was evidence that life can be so cruel and unfair sometimes.  The leader wanted to do something that could help both of his friends but now is not the right time. Heck, even if he has plenty of time in his hands right now he can’t do anything.

            “Don’t make a mistake.” Ruki said to Reita before leaving

            There was no exchange of words between the Reita and Uruha, it was just the sound of the wind and the branches hitting each other echoed in their ears.  Uruha while locked tight on the tree locked his gaze on his best friend, while Reita on the other hand did his best to avoid the other’s gaze.

            “Behind those eyes, are your seeing me as your friend or as your food?” Reita asked

            There was a sting behind Reita’s words.

            “You know I can’t do that nor would do that.” Uruha answered

            “That’s if I still know who you are right now.” Reita said

            “This is still the old me, your childhood friend and your best friend.  The only reason that I had let myself live until this time is because of you Reita.” Uruha said

            “That’s bull!  How is that I’m the reason behind all this damned we’re going through right now?!” Reita angrily asked “You made that choice for yourself, it was yours and yours alone, don’t drag me in that ing position where you are right now!”

            “I know I deserve to die for letting myself to become like this!  Kill me now if that’s what you want.  I’m happier if I’ll die by your hands but not until I have done the reason I let myself be changed.” Uruha cried

            It was painful to see Uruha crying because of him.  He never wanted to hurt Uruha, not even a thought of it came to his mind, but now he was given by Uruha himself the option of killing him.  Reita’s chest ached.

            “Please hear me out, this is after all the only reason why I had left myself to be changed.  While I was on that between life and death situation, all memories I had shared with continued to replay.  Everything came by, from the first time our eyes met and until that rainy night you were holding my hand as life is slowly spilling out of me.  Slowly, your face became so blurry that I can’t see you anymore so I called your name many times.  I could still feel the cold drops of water on my skin at that time then I felt something warm drop on my face, you were crying.  That’s when I realized something.  It was something really important, I tried telling it to your but there’s no more voice coming out from me anymore.” Uruha explained “I wanted to tell you that . . .”

           Uruha stopped midway.  Reita could feel something warm welling up on his eyes.  He shouldn’t feel this way, what he should feel right now is hatred for their race for killing his father.  But how could he hate Uruha?

            “I wanted to tell you that . . . I love you Akira.” Uruha said

            Time stopped for Reita.  Is this true?  Is this just a trick being used on him so that Uruha could be free?  Why is he asking these questions since he knew that those words are true, he knows it is.

            “Now that I have I finally said it, you can finally do what you wish.” Uruha said

            Reita took one of his twin blades from its sheath and walked towards Uruha.  With one slash, all the ropes tied on Uruha were gone, right after being freed Reita pulled Uruha and hugged him tight.

            “My hatred clouded me from the truth.  It was you Uruha who made me forget about the hatred I felt back then.  My initial reason for being a hunter was because I wanted revenge for my father’s death that I would eliminate as many as I can but then, you taught me how to smile again.  You became the moon that has lighted my path on a very dark night towards where I would be back to be the old me.  When that night came, that night that I thought I won’t be able to see your smiling face again my world begun to crumble into tiny pieces.  My moon vanished making me get lost again, but now you’re here and that’s what’s more important.” Reita smiled

            “But what will you do with Kai, Aoi, and Ruki?” Uruha asked

            “Ruki said that I shouldn’t do any mistake, and I’m doing the right choice right now.  Uruha, I know that you’re afraid of what will happen to us but are you willing to go with me?  Let’s go somewhere far that none of the vampires or the hunters can find us.” Reita said

            “I’ll go wherever you are.  But how can we live?” Uruha said

            “There are so many jobs I can do so there’s nothing to worry about it, and for your food I’m always here for you to take a nip.” Reita said

            “No!  That’s absurd!  I can never take a bite at your not even a single one.” Uruha said

            “Uruha, what’s your diet since your were changed into a child of the moon?” Reita asked

            “Animal blood, but then I get hungry faster so I go hunting myself most of the time.” Uruha answered

            “Then I’ll go hunt for you and take a nip from me as well so that you won’t get hungry faster.  Trust me okay?  I know your can do it.” Reita said

            “If it’s just a nip then that’s fine with me.” Uruha smiled

            “Then that’s settled!” Reita smiled and took Uruha’s hand

            “We’re leaving right now?” Uruha asked surprised

            “Of course, Kazamasa might send someone to fetch you from here or Kai might’ve called for reinforcements.  Better leave now before something happens.” Reita said

            “Okay.” Uruha smiled

            “I love you’re the most, Uruha.” Reita smiled

            While holding each other’s hand the two immediately left the forest out to a new life that no one knows what is ahead of them.

           **We will walk together, the future not promised

             it keeps walking together, to the future in which you are... 

-the GazettE “Cassis”

**Lyrics was slightly changed for grammatical purposes