“We got information from other guilds that a vampire called Ryu has come to our area. Goro and Hachiro have accepted the mission to go hunt him down. Their patrolling shift is to be covered by Donghae and Hyukjae.”

 

Having been briefed about the recent situation and given the new patrolling arrangements, the 2 of them came out of the guild. There were still some hours before their shift would start.

 

Wandering aimlessly in the central market, again Hyukjae couldn’t resist the temptation. Again naturally his feet took him to the fruit store. Like every day, Mrs. Park was expecting him. “Here your strawberries for the day my dear.” The shop owner was more than happy to see Hyukjae. And there’s a reason.

 

Apart from Donghae, strawberries were the only other reason on earth which was capable of bringing that smile onto Hyukjae’s face. He took a gold coin out of his pocket and handed it to Mrs. Park. “Thank you! Keep the change.” Smiling genuinely Hyukjae took the bag of strawberries and came to join Donghae.

 

“A bag of strawberries for one gold coin is ridiculously over-priced!” Donghae gave Hyukjae an accusing look.

 

“Donghae we are earning so much by just walking around. Why can’t we be more generous towards others? They’re doing hard work indeed.” Hyukjae picked a strawberry and put it into his mouth.

 

Donghae grunted. “Sigh! You’re right! So far we’re only walking around. We haven’t killed a single vampire yet!!”

 

“The day will come Donghae. It’s only been a week since we completed our trainings… Oh no!!” Suddenly Hyukjae rushed away.

 

Bewildered Donghae quickly followed. “What is it? Hyukkie?”

 

Hyukjae walked through some winding paths…

 

A little puppy was at the bottom of a bush. It’s lamed and one of its legs was bleeding. Probably it had just narrowly escaped from some sort of predators. The puppy looked at them with the most heart-melting puppy dog eyes…

 

As they kneeled down by the puppy Hyukjae examined its wound. When his hand touched its injured leg the puppy let out a loud moan and squirmed. “Oh sorry… Don’t be scared… It will be over soon…”

 

Hyukjae fixed his tender gaze on the eyes of the puppy. For some reason the puppy trusted him. When he slowly and gently put his hand upon its wound this time the puppy let him.

 

Soothing bluish silver light radiated from Hyukjae’s palm. It enveloped the puppy’s injured leg. Minutes later, when the light vanished; the bleeding was no more, the wound was closed and the leg was restored to whole.

 

Running around Hyukjae and wagging its tail, the puppy was more than happy. ing the bag of strawberries into Donghae’s hands, Hyukjae lifted the puppy with both his hands. The next minute the puppy was Hyukjae’s face…

 

Donghae gasped and blinked in disbelief. What… just happened? W… What are you doing to my Hyukkie?!

 

“OK Hyukkie we have work to do. Let go of the puppy!”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why what? Soon it would be our patrolling shift.”

 

Hyukjae regarded Donghae with eyes like they were smiling. “I’m asking. Why are you jealous of a puppy Donghae?”

 

“No I’m not jealous!” Donghae glared at Hyukjae and pouted.

 

Gently Hyukjae put the puppy back down. “Sorry we have to leave now. Take good care of yourself OK?” His eyes still on the puppy, Hyukjae was smiling the most charming smile. No secret between us Donghae. I heard you…

 

Without a word, Donghae grabbed Hyukjae’s hand and started walking. Donghae couldn’t say a word. All he could do was to puff his cheeks out.

 

It’s the first time. It’s the first time Donghae didn’t come out on the triumphant side…

 

……

 

Winding his arm around Donghae’s, Hyukjae came closer and rested his head on Donghae’s shoulder. Donghae threw a sidelong glance. Biting his lip grinning, Hyukjae’s face was beaming with sweetness. Like tasting honey, Donghae couldn’t help but let the sweetness twist the corner of his mouth into a smile.

 

Gripping Hyukjae tighter, Donghae pulled the other even closer and the 2 souls were drowned in honey.

 

At the same time, Ryu killed Goro and Hachiro.

 

……

 

More hunters were sent to kill Ryu. None came back.

 

Now let’s think about the whole thing from the other side of the game. If you’re a vampire, and that you knew the strategy of vampire hunters, how would you fight them?

 

……

 

Think. You don’t have to rush. Think about it.

 

……

 

Any idea? Do you see any flaw in the strategy?

 

……

 

I have one. Not sure if it’s the same as yours.

 

……

 

Get the catcher. The catcher is the key… or the flaw.

 

The slayer would come to fight you; and try to kill you. He / she would probably be a skilled fighter. He / she would probably give you a lot of troubles…

 

as long as the catcher was there.

 

Though hidden behind the scene, the catcher was the key to the fight. The fight could continue only because of the catcher, whose magic was hindering you, containing you. Without those there would be no match. And the slayer would be at your mercy.

 

Next question. How to get the catcher?

 

Option 1 was to break the magical field with your power. If the magical field was broken the magical circuit in the catcher would be destroyed. That would cost his / her life.

 

There’s one problem to option 1. Since you’re caught in the magical field already, your power was limited. If a vampire was to break the magical field with this limited power, the vampire had to be a very powerful one. Like Eunhyuk.

 

So for most vampires, option 1 was no option. Let’s take a look at option 2 then.

 

Option 2 was… to simply get the catcher…

 

with your claws… with your fangs. No one said you couldn’t do that.

 

While fighting the slayer, gradually close the distance between the catcher and you. And then… when the critical moment came… claim the catcher’s life.

 

Smirk on your face, you’re then freed from the magical field. Take your time. Close your eyes and breathe in the winning scent; before deciding what you would do with the slayer. Maybe you would like to toy with him / her first. Don’t rush. Torture the slayer painstakingly slowly. Remember you have time until eternity…

 

Now wake up! You’re not a vampire!

 

Please. Do not disclose this to any vampire! Yes I said vampires once existed. But I haven’t told you if vampires are going to return yet!!

 

Let’s continue with the story.

 

It was winter time. It was snowing. The air was chilly.

 

Though wrapped in layers of blankets, Hyukjae was still feeling cold…

 

Suddenly he woke up with a jolt. His eyes flickered open as he gasped. The chill, the thickness in air, the awful feeling, the presence… Vampire…

 

Both of them sat up straight on their beds at the same time. Without a word, with the most fluid motion they got up and crouched below the window. Slowly they raised their heads and peeked outside…

 

From their window they could oversee the city. The day was dawning. The city was covered with a blanket of snow. It was calm and peaceful. So early in the morning there was no one on the streets…

 

except a tiny black dot far away moving around like a phantom.

 

Putting on the battle clothing, grabbing their swords they rushed out.

 

At the city gate they confronted their opponent. The unforgettable awful feeling of vampire presence threatened to engulf them. Name of that vampire was Ryu.

 

Having killed so many vampire hunters, Ryu was amazed by Donghae and Hyukjae. He rolled his eyes. What do you think you are doing kids?

 

But the smirk on his face soon disappeared when Ryu found himself caged in the strongest magical field he had ever encountered. He himself enveloped in a silver flame, magic surging out from Hyukjae was fueling the magic prison which was gleaming blinding silver. Ribbons of bluish hues were dancing inside.

 

Before Ryu could register, he saw a golden beam shot at him. He gasped as he jumped backwards. His heart was a split second from being pierced by Donghae’s sword.

 

Just as his feet touched the ground Donghae was right in front of Ryu already. On the one hand that’s because Donghae was such a skilled sword user he’s giving Ryu no time to even breathe. On the other hand, even more important, was the magical field set in place by Hyukjae slowing down and absorbing a great deal of Ryu’s power.

 

Golden light from Donghae’s sword flashed as he it forward, aiming for Ryu’s heart. Ryu knew he couldn’t retreat anymore. He had to counter attack or else he would have no chance. Tilting his body, paralleling the sword, Ryu fixed his eyes on Donghae’s heart and stretched his right hand. Even if Ryu couldn’t kill Donghae right away, he could at least force the other to retreat.

 

As Ryu expected, Donghae took a step back. Ryu wasted no time to dart forward…

 

and met the silver shield suddenly materialized in front of Donghae. It was like he had just smashed himself onto a metallic wall. Damn magic!!

 

The next instant the silver shield disappeared, taken over by a blur of golden movements. Ryu had to concentrate to make sure his heart remained intact. He had to at least double his effort in every move he made because of Hyukjae’s magic.

 

There were times when Ryu could counter and make his attacks between those from Donghae. However every time he could only make one move. It’s like Hyukjae knew exactly where Donghae would go. Whenever Ryu tried to follow he’s immediately blocked by those annoying silver walls.

 

Soon Ryu was sweating cold sweats.

 

He had to come up with a plan, the one which had never failed him.

 

Ryu pretended to dodge to his right. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Donghae started moving toward that direction. Like a phantom Ryu shifted his balance and stepped to the other side. The next second, though still facing Donghae, Ryu was between Donghae and Hyukjae.

 

Still concentrated on countering Donghae, slowly Ryu retreated towards Hyukjae. He took one small step at a time. He didn’t want to raise suspicion. He couldn’t risk jeopardizing his plan.

 

It felt like forever to Ryu…

 

20 feet…

 

15 feet…

 

10 feet…

 

5 feet…

 

Donghae attempted another stab. Ryu took a big step backwards… Now!!

 

No more counter attack. Ryu turned around and dashed towards Hyukjae. That surprised them both. Both Donghae and Hyukjae didn’t expect that.

 

……

 

Even the best hunters would fail.Ryu let out an evil grin.

 

……

 

Ryu couldn’t believe his eyes the next moment. The original silver light cast by the magical field turned gold. Instead of a silver shield, he was blocked by a golden one this time. There was not even time for him to try to comprehend; when the golden shield vanished a bluish silver sword held by Hyukjae had penetrated his heart…

 

His gaze fixed on Hyukjae’s, Ryu saw flames burning inside. Just as the bitter smile formed on his face, Ryu breathed his last breath and whispered. “You guys… are… no… ordinary…” Onto the ground Ryu collapsed.

 

Even the best hunters would have failed. But the 2 of them were not just the best. Ryu was right. Donghae and Hyukjae were no ordinary vampire hunters. They were not just the best slayer and the best catcher working together. Both of them were slayers. Both of them were catchers. They could interchange positions whenever they saw fit. And they were capable of fighting seamlessly, flawlessly together. They fought with truly, one, single mind.

 

With each other they could conquer all.

 

Could they?

 

At least it looked like so at that time…

 

The 2 of them indeed gave people hope. There was a time when the eastern continent was almost cleansed from vampires. There was a time when darkness was almost cast out of the world.

 

People were celebrating, chanting their names on the streets, when Donghae and Hyukjae were awarded the platinum medallions.

 

……

 

In the darkest corner of the world there stood a tower. The whole tower shook when the devil punched his fist against its wall furiously.

 

Who do you think you are?!

Lee Donghae!!

Lee Hyukjae!!

YOU WILL PAY!!! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!!!

I WILL TORTURE THE 2 OF YOU!!!

THE TIME WILL COME WHEN YOU WILL EVEN CURSE THE MOMENT YOU’RE BORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

……

 

That moment was approaching.

 

The moment which would cruelly kill the flow of love…

 

mercilessly separable the inseparables…

 

ruthlessly wrench their souls from one another…

 

brutally tear their hearts apart…

 

leaving behind wounds impossible to close…

 

bleeding impossible to stop…

 

pain impossible to heal…

 

scars impossible to fade…

 

so that going forward all they could taste was bitterness…

 

all they could feel was regret…

 

all they could see was despair…

 

all they could hear was the devil’s shrieking laughs…

 

The moment which would forever take away the beauty of sunset… was approaching…

 

 

--------------------------------

A/N: Oh this is a long chapter! Good I could finish it, instead of releasing part 3!!

A/N2: This is chapter 15... You know what? Originally I had planned 15 chapters only. And now... we're not even through "that moment" yet!!! hahahahaha~~~

A/N3: Eunhae fighting!!! I LOVE THEM!!!