Chapter 2

Creatures frozen in time like Damian didn’t dream. They are incapable of it because they do not sleep either, their rest is more so a meditative state, than anything else and instead of dreams, memories come forth from lives lived for centuries.
Faces flashing by, the many he has met, and many he had watched grow old. And the ones that didn’t.

– Why her? – The shorter man asked, clad in a sharp edged tuxedo. Both him and Damian were sitting in a theater balcony, clad with gold accents, masked in the darkness.
It was a late night performance, the only one he was able to enjoy in his current non-living state. Not many had attended besides them and it was painfully obvious that the actors down below, who tried to look put together, knew that most of their audience were just seeking shelter from the rain.
Damian’s eyes were watching unwavering, but not the play put in front of him. He knew that by heart and had no interest in the intricacies that seeing this piece multiply times would bring.
No he was much more fascinated by the sidelines, where a young woman sat on the ground, just hiding behind the heavy red curtains. Her lips were moving in sync with the play.

Her long wavy platinum blonde locks of hair fell in her perfectly round face and light blue eyes that pierced through everyone that looked into them. She must have been in her late teens or early twenties, it was hard to tell because of her youthful complex that almost resembled a porcelain doll.
Damian knew her by now. Elizabeth was a very smart and talented actress, but she didn’t strive for fame. The only reason she was even here and not locked up in a library was because she had to make ends meet.

Like many, she was left an orphan after the war, and not many options were there when it came to such beautiful girls.
It was either they had talent and joined a performer group of some kind or they had a less fortunate fate in brothels. 

Over the last few years, Damian developed a habit of visiting her, giving her small gifts; at first flowers, then jewelry and when he got to know her better, books.
The girl had an insatiable hunger for knowledge that he had never seen before. After a while she let him stay after the plays. They talked as long as the night lasted and even then it was a pain to leave.
One might have called it love, but it was much more than that. Admiration, protectiveness, Damian felt alive when he was around her, something foreign for him by that time. But he always left before sunrise.
It was not love, but a connection, two souls meeting on equal ground.
– Why anyone else, when she exists? – He answered, not looking at his companion.

But human life was fragile. He knew this as soon as small changes happened. Her warm hands got colder more often, her eyes lost their shine, her body grew tired.
And her scent changed from the sweet lilacs to something he only smelled around hospitals. The scent of death, his friend called it. Humans usually couldn’t pinpoint it but still had that feeling of passing, but their heightened sense, the brush with death itself left vampires prone to pick it up more accurately.

It was again one of those nights when he stayed. Elizabeth had been tired all evening as she pulled through her parts, her voice never faltering when she was on stage, but collapsing as soon as she was out of sight.
Damian found her in her dressing room, half-laying on her sofa, still in her white gown that was her costume for tonight. She looked up with tired eyes, dark circles starting to form under them and smiled. She always smiled for him.
– I’m afraid you will have to do without my performance for a while, it is time I rest it a bit. – Her voice cracked a bit.
– I’m sure you can get better, I can bring the best doctors to cure you… – he stopped when she put up a hand.
– Like I said before, I do not wish to see a doctor. Or anyone for that matter. I just want you to sit with me as usual. Like nothing is happening.

Damian strode over and knelt next to the sofa, wishing to be as close as possible. It was amazing how she still looked like a porcelain doll. It must have been the reason so many didn’t notice her dire state.
– I feel like you know what ails you. – He concluded, listening to the words she did not speak. Elizabeth was a clever girl. – And you deliberately will not do anything about it.
– You are too smart for your own good aren’t you? – Her voice was just above a whisper.
– Can you keep a secret? Take it to your grave?
It was such an irony, that he will never have one.
– If you ask, I will. Even if I have to dig it myself.
She reached out and ran a light hand over his graying lock of hair, coming to a rest on his cheek. She was cold, almost as cold as him. It was unusual, she was always the one providing the warmth that he missed for many years now.
– L’appel du vide – He closed his eyes basking in her touch. – I know I am poisoned. He poisoned me because only my body could he reach, not my soul. And the void is calling me.
She didn’t say who it was, Damian didn’t need to know, because if he knew, that man would not live to see the next day.

It broke something in him. He would have years to ponder on who was at fault; him for not noticing soon enough and taking her away, away from this sick world into his own, the man that in his sick mind though that he owed anything that was her, or her self, for enduring and slipping into such a state, never asking his help.
He would have years, but she would be gone by the time he would come to a conclusion only to start the spiral again. He was not going to lose her, not like this, not to a man like that.

Her blood tasted of the poison that cursed through her veins, it was bitter and salty and underneath it all there was her sweetness still. The hand that rested on his cheek a moment ago was now limp under his lips, as he drank up the tar that tainted her, right up until the only thing left was her essence.
She didn’t fight, didn’t scream, not even a sharp breath escaped her as she watched through piercing eyes how his fangs punctured her soft skin, how her dark red blood spilled over and dripped down to the old carpet forever staining it.

As her eyelids got heavy, almost slipping into darkness, she felt a hand hold her head up and thick liquid dripped onto her mouth. Against any logic, it was warm, dripping from the same kind of bitten wound, now on his own wrist.
– I can only show you darkness, I can show you the void, but you have to choose it. – He whispered to her. – You will be mine and I will be there to protect you, as long as I exist.

Damian opened his eyes to a dark ceiling. It has been so many decades since that day, they lived through another great war together and he always kept his promise, until a few years ago. 

He was only sure about her existence now, because of their bond. That was something unbreakable, no distance or time could make it undone. However it hurt, he would never admit to that, but he felt a great hole in his chest, missing her presence.

***

-What the hell did you do to him?
An angry looking Sorel was looking at the two with such disappointment, well mainly at Aiji. Who’s hands were draped over Isaac, not helping the situation.
Poor boy was drying his eyes still, even after hearing three more songs, all new to him. Sorel reached under the bar and silently gave a napkin to him, offering some help at least, still sporting a frown.

– I didn’t do anything! – Aiji exclaimed. – I’ll swear to any god I didn’t know he would react like this. – He looked pretty sincere, eyebrows raised high as he looked over to the young boy.
– I’m sorry, it’s not anyone’s fault. – Isaac tried to get it out before the two started anything else. – It took me by surprise, that’s all.
The other two looked at him, questions apparent on their faces.
– I don’t know how you knew it, but that is my favorite song. I heard it when I was a teen and was devastated to learn how you disappeared from the band… – He used the napkin to blow his nose a bit – I never thought I would hear it live…it’s a bit overwhelming considering how much I…
He stopped himself there, eyes wide then immediately looking away.
– Yes go on, I would love to hear the end of that sentence. – Aiji grinned, leaning into his line of vision, hand propped under his chin, leaning on the bar.
– How much I loved your voice. – It was almost too quiet to hear it. But Aiji did, as it was apparent by the way he looked like he just got a badge of honor. 

Sorel huffed and rolled his eyes at him.
– Don’t feed his ego, it’s barely fitting in here as it is.
– And will my ego get a drink? Oh dear keeper of ale’s?
– Did you drive here? – Sorel raised an inquiring brow.
– Since when do you care about that?
– Since you’re giving him a ride too. – Sorel pointed a glass at Isao – I could care less if you ended up in a ditch, but I don’t want him to get in that mess you call driving.
– You only got a ride from me once! – Aiji protested.
– Yeah, and I have deliberately avoided it at all cost ever since! – Sorel glared at him.

The night went by relatively peacefully.
While Aiji joined the band again, Sorel kept Isaac at the bar and chatted with him between orders, when he was too busy Isao turned to the stage and with a small smile listened to Aiji’s voice.
Nothing else was familiar that he played, compared to the old album, this Aiji seemed much more mature in his words and style, even his voice seemed different. Calmer somehow. Which was a feat considering the last few day’s events.
Seemed like the band was just there to provide some background noise and whoever was interested could listen sitting in the middle. There were always a few people just sitting and listening to them, but most were seated at the booths on the side, chatting with various drinks in hand. 

The later it got, the more people gathered here and went about their night in a few hours. Sometime around midnight all three of the band members took their break, going out for a smoke, chatting about their life. Isao was around them following Aiji like a cute little puppy. He introduced both of them but by the time they got back Isaac completely forgot their names.
It was late and he was tired. He would ask later.

Another smoke break was issued a few hours later, but this time Aiji stood in the street alone with Isao leaning against the wall.
– Another hour and we can go home and rest. You’re good for that? – He asked between puffs, blowing the smoke away from the young boy.
– It’s fine. I’m usually up at night, it’s just so much all at once. – He smiled at him. – I still can’t imagine how all this comes into your… job.- He gave a confused smile.
– Oh, this? It’s just better than sitting around waiting for something to happen. Third of the people you saw were hunters of all kinds. The rest were either not human or knew about all of this world in some capacity. There are plenty who know, some just come here to unwind freely.
– Somehow I thought it’s just you… – Isao confessed.
– Nah, it would kill me to run around that much. – he laughed – No, there are hunters all around the continent. They have basic training and then they sign their life away. Most of them see a quick buck in the jobs, those are the ones that usually don’t come back at one point. They get assignments the same way I do, many going abroad.
– I’d still like to know what exactly you do. I mean I get the jest of it, but I’d like to clear it up before I jump to conclusions on my own. – He was basically asking to be spoon fed the information.
– Well, now you’ve met Damian, he’s the head of all of this region. I think he does it to keep his territory clean, at least that’s what is commonly known.
Another puff of smoke, Isao could smell the minty flavor. It was not unpleasant.
– He’s old, and thus has old money that can provide for all of this. I also know for a fact that he’s not alone. There are three of them, but I have just briefly met the others. In basic terms, Damian’s kind is a predator, he needs humans to feed on, but he is more than an animal. If something messes with his food, then he protects the herd he has. And something has been messing around with his as well as the other’s.
Isao was looking at him intently.
– How did you even end up here? – He asked. – You were…you still are an entertainer, I wouldn’t think you needed to do this just for the money, like the others you mentioned.

Aiji let himself fall back to the wall next to him, looking up at the city sky. There were no stars here, only the pale yellow of the street lamps and the shine of the bugs that were lured to it. Seeing the stars at night was something he didn’t know he missed.
– I was very young when I joined that band you found. – He sighed. – We were only doing gigs locally and did well for that scale. But the others were aiming for something bigger. Especially the lead singer. It frustrated them to no end that I was comfortable at the stage we were at, blaming it on my background, not having to worry about money, about the future since I was ‘a trust fund kid’, they called it. It’s not like I kept it to myself, I shared, usually paid for our studios, the meals, I didn’t mind because I knew they weren’t well off. But it seems that was just an insult to injury. The last thing I wrote for them was your favorite. – He took a long smoke, pausing a bit, not entirely here.
– How did you know? I mean it was a freakish coincidence that you played it.
– That was no coincidence. I heard your ringtone, back in the car. You probably were still out of it, cause you didn’t really react to it. – Aiji explained simply.
– Oh…yes, that seems plausible.
– Never thought someone would like it so much. – Aiji let a half-smile linger on his lips but it was masking something.
– I always thought that it was about someone you couldn’t have. It felt like that anyways.
– Oh it was.

The half-smile now fading Isaac could see a glimmer of sadness there.
– Norio, the lead guitarist. We were together for almost the entire time. – Another longer drag from the smoke.
Isao blinked a few times at him. To be honest, he did not have a hard time imagining Aiji to be with a man, or with anyone for what it’s worth. But this knowledge somehow warmed him.
– But that was not the image they wanted us to have. The others knew too by the end, but most of them, and especially Norio, wanted to keep it a secret. We had a huge fight about it before I left the band and also left Japan, came here on a whim and started performing on the streets. That’s how Damian found me and saw something that no-one did before. A potential to do good for once.
Aiji looked down at his hands, looking at the tattoos littering his fingers.
– I don’t do this because it pays for a lifestyle I want. I wanted to do something that has meaning. I was always the spoiled brat on the surface, daddy’s money paying for everything and at that moment, when I left, something just clicked. Damian showed me what these creatures can do to humans, then trained me with his right-hand man to be able to defend those, who have no idea how to do it themselves.

He saw a freckled hand reach and cradle his own. It was funny, because Aiji still had bigger hands but it felt reassuring, the touch sending little electrical waves up his arm. He let it fall between them, turning his palm to hold Isao’s hand back, not wanting to let go of the touch.
They stayed like that, silent for the last few minutes of the smoke break. He didn’t know what the seeker saw in that moment, but Isaac’s eyes gleamed with some spark that wasn’t there before.

The last hour went by quickly, with less and less people circling the club. Isaac now watched everyone around, looking for clues about their identity. He didn’t see any of the ugly spirits here, which was strange, spirits lingered almost everywhere, specially the places people frequented.
Now that he looked around more, knowing what to search for, he could spot a few strange things. He realized that most here, who are not human, are disguising themselves to blend in. 

He spotted a tall blonde man, hair in neat braids, deliberately hiding his ears. He also had the same set of pendants Aiji wore. The black cross and name tag. A hunter.
Then he saw something strange.
At first, the woman standing there at the bar was like any other ordinary human. Nice curves and a flirty smile, but as he was looking at her, the image somehow shifted, her skin darkened to almost pitch black, hair white and lilac eyes gleaming in the artificial light. She was definitely using some kind of disguise even though she could have looked like herself, she was human enough. 

The strangest thing happened in the next few minutes.
Damian, in all his tall glory graced their presence, but it was nothing like Isaac could have imagined. People greeted him with respect but there was no fanfare or surprise, like this was a natural occurrence that the vampire that basically employed every one of them was here, even greeting a few of them personally.
And he was coming right to Isaac. At least that was what it looked like, but the boy didn’t get more than a glance before the tall man came to halt next to the illusion of the woman at the bar. He had to bow his head to whisper in her ear and she just laughed and nodded and he offered her a hand that she took fondly. They both left towards where he came from, probably guiding her to his office, her figure clinging to his side.

Sorel grabbed his attention, poking him in the shoulder.
– Hey, do you know where you will have a place to stay? I have a spare room if you need to find something quickly.
Isaac looked at him with a questioning look. – I was told to stay with Aiji, that he will look out for me.
– Well good luck with that then. – Sorel said sarcastically.
– You don’t like him that much? – Between the two, Sorel was always the social one, a good judge of character. And it seemed he knew these new people around Isaac better than him.
– What can I say? He’s an ass. Just don’t get too close to him. He’s the best hunter here, but he’s still an insufferable prick.
Two of them saw completely different sides of the man then. He was nothing but nice to Isaac so far.
– He was nice to me. Even talked about his past. He seemed like he could use someone who listens.
– You are adorable. Look, I’m sure he has his moments, but he’s a player. Flirts with everyone he fancies but don’t think for a moment he is serious about anything. – Seeing Isaac’s face fall a bit he added – Look, I’m just saying because you tend to see the good in everyone. Honestly, you are a bit naive, and he can use that to get under your skin. So just take care okay?
– I promise I won’t fall for any dirty tricks. – He made an old scout’s honor sing in the air, an old notion they used to do.

– What dirty tricks? – Came Aiji’s voice from behind him, startling Isaac.
– Nothing! – The two said in union. Like kids caught with their hands in the cookie jar.
– Oookay – Aiji looked between the two suspiciously. – We’re done here tonight, so we can head out.
They both said their goodbyes to Sorel, who looked funny at Aiji at the sentiment – Well that was a first – He commented to himself.

The car ride home was again silent, but it was a comfortable silence this time. Aiji humming softly lulled Isaac to sleep almost instantly, dreaming of seeing him on stage, looking down at him with those dark dark blue eyes, devouring his soul.
Aiji pulled up to their building, into the underground garage. He stopped his humming when he noticed Isao sleeping soundly beside him. The boy was out cold, and that’s no surprise. Too much has happened too quickly and he needed to sleep it off. He was reluctant to wake him, he seemed so peaceful like this. 

Aiji unbuckled him and then pulled Isaac from his seat, holding him up and resting his head to his shoulders. He noted how he snaked his arms around his neck, not even waking. That’s how he bought him up to the penthouse, then up the stairs, carefully laying him in the guest bed again.
– Really, like Nyans when he’s drunk…. – he mumbled, referring to his band-mate. He then pulled Isao’s shoes, tossing them aside then carefully pulled the covers over him. He stirred in his sleep, but didn’t wake up. Before closing the door to his room, Aiji whispered to the dark room:
– Sweet dreams.

After tucking in his new flatmate, Aiji finally got to his own room, on his own bed. Flopping down he stared at the ceiling. He felt the bed shift a bit as Chino, as a gray cat jumped up next to him, coming out of hiding from under his bed. She smelled around his neck and face, purring a bit.
– Hey darling. What were you doing down there? – He reached up, petting behind her ears before she changed forms. Her small frame sat next to Aiji, still purring low.
– I wanted to talk about Isaac. About his part in your work. – She said in her sweet voice.
– Hm? You didn’t seem to mind him. – Aiji sat up so Chino could see him eye-to-eye.
– I don’t, he is a sweet boy. I’m just wondering if you know just how much your fates are intertwining. – She often talked about this. When Damian offered him this job, Chino only advised him to take the opportunity, because she saw something in him that needed to go down this road.
She didn’t like Damian, there was no surprise there. They were polar opposites, Chino being the selfless ray of sunshine, and Damian…well he was Damian, even before he was a vampire.

– Are you even supposed to say that to me? – Aiji asked her, raising an eyebrow.
– Well, no, not really. But you tend to pull on your fate strings until they snap. I’m just saying not to pull away this time. He is meant to be here, with you. – She stated matter-of-factly.
– Then could you please look out for him tonight? A lot has happened, make sure he sleeps well. – Aiji asked with tired eyes. He wanted to sleep too. In bed.
– Of course, you both look spent. – Her little hand reached out to stroke some hair from his face. – I will take care of him tonight and you sleep tight.
He knew what she was doing. It was some kind of hypnotic spell that helps him to a night of dreamless slumber.

***

Aiji hated mornings. Not just because it was way too bright, for his way too hungover brain at most times – although this was a strong case against it – but because he ran into so many happy and motivated people on his way to the coffee shop on the corner. Now this would have not been a problem, had he not had the pleasure of the foulest mornings of all.
He was not hung over today, he was shaken up. And that was worse because the coffee shop he frequented was adamant in not putting any liquor in his order before noon.

It was a nice little cozy thing, tucked away in an old building that was way past its prime, pretty quiet as it was located in a more hidden corner of the street, not on the main road. He discovered it when he moved into the penthouse and he could not sleep properly for days.
In his frustration, he roamed the streets at night till dawn broke, when he was not chasing down god know what creature that is. Having this job, mostly required to work at night, fucked up his sleeping schedule royally.
But back to the shop…he found it because albeit the late hour it was the only thing open. A little warmth in the cold city with its orange lights and cozy decor.
Normally, when he got here at night, he would stay in one of the corner booths, just sipping on his spiked liquid to soothe his soul. There were few others with the same nightly routine it seemed. A tall lean figure, dark brown hair always in a bun, typing away on a beat up laptop. Writer maybe? Journalist? Who knows, but they have seen each other come and go so many times that they nodded when Aiji plopped down on to his usual place. Nothing was said, just a nod. A silent acknowledgement of their presence in the same space.
The other that came by, short, red hair and bright green eyes, older than himself, maybe forty-something. He always asked for a to-go order, but always stayed in front of the café drinking it.
By now Aiji also learned the barista’s names, four of them rotating the night shift. He met the owner as he too, came in the late hours, not to check on them, but to make himself comfortable and have a drink in peace, reading a book.
There were many, it seemed, that couldn’t catch sleep at night and for them it was routine to visit.
At night.
Because this morning rush was just unbearable.

Aiji did wonder what he should get for Isaac. If he should get him anything at all, but he guessed it would be common courtesy, since he was here anyways. So he went with something popular, warm and sweet. He didn’t want to open the floodgates of thoughts why that made him think of the young boy in his guestroom – Isaac’s room, now. And why he felt the need that if the younger has trouble sleeping, he would bring him here too.
He would be a nice addition to the collection of people that only reared their heads that late. But this was a thought for another day, Aiji’s was already starting on a bad foot as it was anyway.

He should have silenced his phone.
He should have just tossed it across the room when it rang in the early hour yanking him from a sweet dream.
Or at least he should have just checked who was calling but after a mere 4 hours of sleep, he was not thinking, just abiding to his muscles automatically picking up, eyes still screwed shut. Being used to emergency calls from Damian was not helping either.
– What? – His voice was hoarse, he noted, dry and it was hard to speak. He tried to swallow to ease his vocal cords.
– Good morning, Aiji. – Came a familiar sound, a voice he hasn’t heard in years. One he ignored every time. His eyes flew open.
– You still sound half asleep.
– And you sound way too pleased with that. – He groaned back sarcastically. Finding his spite in a mere moment.
– I thought I’d try calling when you’re most out of it. It also aligns with my lunch break. – Oh he could hear the smug grin, much like his own sometimes.
– Well, you got me. Congratulations. What do you want Ryou?
Silence.
Maybe he didn’t even know. Maybe he was so stunned that Aiji actually picked up that he didn’t know where to go from there.
Maybe this is why Aiji hesitated to hang up, because he knew that after years, it was hard to gather one’s thoughts so suddenly. Then he heard a heavy sigh.
– I’ll be flying there this weekend for work. I want to see you.
Now that was a bad idea. But he also noted that it was not a question.
– What makes you think I want to see you? – It was cruel, how he put it. He didn’t mean it to sound so mean. But Aiji’s walls were slowly crumbling and he had to put them up again.
– Because you owe me this much. To see you are fine, with my own eyes. You have no idea how worried I was. – A soft tone. A more than believable excuse.
He should say no. And the final blow.
– I missed you.

He should have said no.
He should have ignored the whole call.
He should have hung up.
For years he could avoid it, but once they started talking, it was over. Aiji knew this would happen, this is why he ignored the other. And now he had to think about what to tell him. How to explain the changes, the scars on his face, the penthouse and everything. Because Ryou will not let it go now. In this, they were the same, and Aiji hated it.
The weekend. He had a few days to mentally and emotionally prepare. And coffee helped with that.

Once he made it back to the penthouse, he noticed Isaac was already up too. Bundled up in a blanket on his couch, flipping through his phone.
Aiji made sure to make his presence known before he approached and talked, as a way to not startle the boy.
– ‘Morning. – Big honey-brown eyes looked up at him. His cheeks were puffy.
– I don’t know what you prefer but I bought coffee. – He handed him the untouched cup.
– I just guessed so you don’t have to drink it if it’s something you don’t like…Or god forbid allergic to … You’re not, right? – He rambled on. What the hell was he thinking? He didn’t even know if the boy liked coffee.

– Oh, thank you. – A small smile graced his tired face.
– I’m sure it’s fine whatever it is. I’m not picky. And no, I’m not allergic to anything either. – He took a sip and his face brightened up. Cheeks still puffy but now adorned with a bit of blush from the hot beverage.
Aiji noticed that the boy’s skin blushed easily and somewhere in the back of his mind, he wanted to test just how many pretty shades of pink it got.
Stop it.

– This is really good. Thank you. – God forbid anyone take that smile away from him. Why was this better than his morning spiked coffee?

Aiji took a seat in the armchair positioned a little askew, carelessly throwing his wallet and phone on the coffee table. He still looked at the offending device like it had done something wrong.
– Didn’t sleep well? – Aiji looked up and saw that Isao has abandoned his phone screen and has been following him with his eyes. Frustration must have been clearly written on him.
So naturally, Aiji deflected, you know, like the adult he is.
– Did you? I tried not to wake you when we got home. – Ah perfect, a new tint of a blush crept up on Isao’s cheeks.
– Ah, I was a bit restless. I’m sorry, you must have had to carry me up… – What was it? Shyness? Shame?
– It’s nothing. I’m used to it. – He laughed. – I’m pulling Nyans to his bed every other weekend because I can hold my liquor better than him. I’m used to carrying the dead weight.
– Nyans is… – Isao thought hard, he knew he should pinpoint a face to the name, but didn’t know which one.
– The other one with the guitar. Black hair. – Aiji explained.
– You’ll get used to them soon enough. Nobody will hold it against you if you are a bit overwhelmed with all the new names and people. – He tried to reassure him. He was not doing a good work, seeing as Isao’s gaze fell on Aiji’s leg that was bouncing on its own rapid beat.
– Did something happen? – Isaac raised his gaze to Aiji’s face.
For a moment his eyes glinted. Aiji only heard for seekers and their natural perception, but seeing that glint he realized that this natural skill was very similar to his own heightened senses.
Almost instinctual in nature, had it been not for his training to control it. Isaac had no such training, not that he knew of or mentioned it in his file, so it must be innate for him.

Aiji let out a huff and found something very interesting to look at over on the wall. Anything but to look into the eyes of the seeker with those pupils that see everything. For a moment Aiji thought if seekers can be used as lie detectors. They probably could.

– Nothing that should concern you. – It was not a lie.
– It’s a personal matter. Nothing noteworthy. – He forced his leg to still.
– Okay… – The boy didn’t sound convinced but saw that he should not push this one. He went back to his coffee and phone a moment later and Aiji was glad that he did. He didn’t want to lie to him, but the situation with Ryou was far too complex to tap into.

***

The week seemed to rush by with how much they had to do. The distraction was a welcome guest, for Aiji it took his mind off the impending meeting on the weekend and for Isaac, well he had little time to think about his evident trauma from his arrival.
Isaac planned to get everything he needed once he got his bearings in his new living situation, so the only thing that he bought was that one suitcase of clothes and essentials.
He had a bit saved up to do just that, what he didn’t expect was that he didn’t have to even touch that amount in his bank. Because Aiji didn’t let him.
“Don’t think of it as me paying, think of it as Damian giving you a little advance payment. Comes out of his pocket anyways.”
He stated ginning. Though Isaac did insist on buying at least lunch for them, if not for the full cart of distorted items ranging from simple household items to some clothes and decorations, then for the fact that Aiji chauffeured him around all day.

The other fun thing was that Chino actually accompanied them.
It was a bit strange, seeing the little cat trot around in such a huge and industrial environment, looking completely out of place browsing though the kid’s clothing – because that was what fit her true form.
Isao watched in awe how almost nobody batted an eye at the small creature whose cat ears moved naturally to the sounds and even indicated her excitement when finding something of interest, perking up.

– Oh, I don’t look like this to them. – She chirped happily gesturing round them as she held up an outfit to herself looking questioningly at Aiji who shook his head.
– I have a disguise when going out so people see me differently, more human. I’m surprised you still see through it. It must be tiresome.
She put the dress back after a little contemplation.
– I’m not really doing anything. – Isaac said as he looked at her, her ears picking up as she found something white on the rack.
– I mean I don’t do it purposefully. At least I don’t think so. – He looked around them to see if anyone was listening in on their not so ordinary conversation.
Neither Aiji or Chino bothered to not talk about these things out and about. He guessed that if anyone were to listen in, it would just confuse them anyway.
– Hmmm, I think you are hyper-focused. You have done it for such a long time, you don’t even know how to let it go now. How to see just the veil and not beyond it. Which is good on one hand, evidently you see more of the truth than most. But on the other hand, your senses didn’t relax for a while now. Only when sleeping I suppose. That takes up a lot of energy and can cause side-effects. Like being irritable or thinking slower even exhibiting lack of judgment.
Chino held up the white top, this time her questioning look directed at Isao. It was a nice little thing, a loose fit with cute flowers on all the edges. Isao nodded in agreement and Chino seemed happy.
Was that a purr?
– Try to relax your eyes a bit. I don’t want to help with it, because then you will never learn.- She said going back to the cart, standing next to him as Aiji wandered around the accessories, picking up sunglasses and trying them on.
– I don’t know how, really. I mean do I just think about it? Or is there something I need to do?
– Hm, well, it’s like trying to control your breathing. Like when you’re agitated and want to calm down. – She said, a finger on her chin thinking.
– Yeah, that’s not going to happen. I can’t calm myself down from simple anxiety either. – He said with a small sad smile at her.
– Then what happens when it’s too much? – She asked, ears going down. She genuinely looked concerned.
– Ah..well I pass out when I’m at the limit. I have some pills for it too, but I don’t like to use them. They make me drowsy, which probably is the point, but still feels like it’s not me. – Isaac sighed. He didn’t want to go into detail about passing out when he had exams coming up or the number of doctors that tried to admit him into psychic wards before he realized he’s better off if he just kept quiet.

– I’m sorry. I hoped humans would be much more perceptive to learning about the world they don’t see by this time, but there are only a select few who are willing and don’t see it as a threat. – She continued with that honest tone of hers.
– Is that why you chose Aiji? Because you saw him as perceptive?
Isao followed Aiji though the isles, keeping a bit of distance. If the mentioned hunter wanted to listen in, he could.

– It was a part of it. Some people start to see when something happens in their lives that ‘open their eyes’ to it. When we met he was already at this point but unlike you, had a better control over it. Honestly I was just intrigued.
She left it at that. They went back to small-talk after that, Aiji especially silent while he was driving them and Isao was sure he caught a glimpse of worry in the small cat’s eyes.

As the week progressed he admitted that the hunter was acting out of character, for what he came to know of him at least. But when Chino’s worried look flashed across the usually content face, Isao knew he was not wrong in his assumption. However he didn’t feel like he was close enough to probe. Aiji said before, that it was nothing concerning him, so he took his word.

There seemed to be other distractions too throughout the week. Ever since the first night at the bar, Aiji’s phone was constantly beeping with messages. Especially in the late afternoons.
At first Isaac thought it was something work related, but soon found out it not to be the case.

– Should you be somewhere else? – He asked when the nth little cling of a message came. 

Both boys took to a small habit of sitting on the living room couch, content with each other’s company, silently doing whatever. There were times they were showing each other fragments of their life, like Aiji showing off photos, mostly with his band mates, some even with Chino, both as a cat and human.
Chino looked exactly like she could be Aiji’s little sister as a human. Japanese features, long black straight hair and a small frame. The only thing that didn’t change was her eyes, shining blue and yellow.
Aiji then showed photos of his actual sister, who definitely did not look like him at all. She had different features all around and lighter hair, light brown and striking light blue eyes. Later pictures and a quick search for her social media showed her recently with bright pink hair.

“Karin was unofficially adopted when she was little. – Aiji explained – Her parents were close to mine and it was not a question when both of them died in a car accident that we would take care of her.” He explained.

Currently Isaac was typing away at his laptop, rows of codes in front of him, and Aiji was sitting on the other end, making sure not to pry, scribbling away on paper.
From the occasional frowns and paper crumpling up, there wasn’t much other noise coming from him and with Isaac’s rapid typing it was a nice harmony. If not for the beeping every few minutes. 

Aiji looked up then looked at his phone groaning.
– No, it’s just Nyans. – His voice was strained a bit, but held no real displeasure.
– Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good friend…probably my best friend to be honest, but he’s been insufferable the last few days.

Aiji picked up his phone to look at the messages. A small grin spread on his lips as he scooted closer to Isaac, showing him the phone. There were numerous messages from the other party, all seen but never graced with a reply.

Isaac chuckled a bit but looked at Aiji with a scrutinizing look.
– At least tell him I’m here of my own free will. – He giggled.
– Sure, I just need a good enough excuse as to why. He’s the only one that knows nothing about what we really do. For him, it’s just a nice little band with a few chill nights. Honestly, that kid has no idea how blind he is. – Aiji said laughing while he sent a text back.
“Use your brain. You’ve been here a million times.”
– Just tell him I’m working with you and Damian asked you. No details. – Isaac offered.
– That could work.
A text came in “Get me off the street? T.T “ which Aiji sighed at.
– It will. Trust me, I’ve been hiding things my entire life. – Aiji looked up at him, searching his eyes.
– You okay with him here? Nyans will probably have a lot of questions for you.
Isaac nodded, smiling at him. He didn’t mind, they will probably spend a lot of time together anyway. Better get to know each other.

Aiji actually went down to get him, despite acting like he could care less, but it seemed that this was their dynamic. Their arrival was heard all the way from the front entrance as Nyans was kicking his boots off and throwing very heated and very foreign arguments at Aiji.

– Don’t yell at me in languages I don’t understand. – Aiji answered with an amused smile. – Man this really got you worked up.
– Worked up? I almost had an aneurysm when I heard it. Sometimes you are so careless. – Nyans motioned at his face, surely poking at the many scars that were there.
When he got to the living area and Isaac went up to meet him -again- he let out a last huff in Aiji’s direction and turned with a beaming smile to the young boy.
– Hi! I’m sorry I just invited myself – He was cut off.
– You had no problem with that when I lived alone. – Aiji deadpanned at him.
– As I was saying, it’s nice to meet you again, I’m sorry we’ve been preoccupied the first time around. I hope to get to know each other soon.
Aiji looked at the other shocked. Never in his life saw this man be so proper. Isaac held out his hand for him for a handshake that he gladly took.
– It’s nice to meet you again. I’m Isaac Brooks and yes I am past the legal age.
Aiji almost fell to the ground at the face Nyans made as the color left him and realized that the boy did in fact see his outburst of texts.

After the awkward moments till they got their bearings and sat down talking, it was evident that Nyans and Aiji were closer to brothers than friends. Poking fun at one another without any real malice.
Isaac also noticed that they are not shy of touch either, which was probably the result of both of them having such a laid back attitude towards it. Nyans was comfortable putting his legs in Aiji’s lap when sprawled across the couch and Aiji was not shy to take the other man’s cold feet and warm it with his hands.
It seemed a very solid friendship, it could be even interpreted as something more if not for the fact that Nyans lamented to the older how he should come out with him in the weekend clubbing, cause he needed a wingman to get a girl. It was then that Aiji said with a frown that he had a personal obligation at the weekend.
– What? Who’s more important than your bestest buddy? – If puppy eyes were a person, Nyans would have been it.
– Ryou called, he’s in town. – There was a long silence between them and it was not mentioned again. As to who Ryou was, Isaac never asked. It seemed too sore of a spot. Maybe after Aiji got home.

Luckily Nyans was very easy to talk to, he himself seemed an open book, and Isaac found that they did share some interests, like video games.
This revelation quickly turned into a full on game-night where the two of them glued themselves to their controllers and had a mini-tournament right there on the living room floor while Aiji watched and cheered, turning on Nyans real fast when he was getting the upper-hand. It was the most fun Isaac had since getting here, laughing carefree.
Aiji wanted to hear more of that laugh. It was intoxicating.

For Isaac, nights were spent in dreamless sleep, tired from the day’s happenings. He also noticed Chino, in her cat form, made a habit of sleeping at the end of his bed. He had a suspicion that his dreamless nights were somehow connected to her.
He still felt on edge, especially when he was alone so whatever Chino did, he was grateful.
Until one night she stopped.

She had to leave for something – the little spirit not often telling where her daily escapades took her. Isaac didn’t ask her what it was either, but when she asked if he would be fine, like the stupid liar, he said yes. Not wanting to inconvenience anyone.
Same thing when Aiji asked, because he had that meeting with Ryou. A personal meeting.
“I’ll have my phone if you need anything.” He reassured Isaac but that just made it more solid in the young boy’s head that he should not bother Aiji tonight. It looked important and Isaac didn’t want to be any more of a burden than he already was.
What could go wrong anyway? He’s in a secure place, no-one should be able to get to him.
He didn’t account for his own mind.

It must have been around ten when the first signs started. Nothing much, just a hint of a movement in the corner of his eyes as he sat in his room, illuminated by his screen.
A few more of this and his breath was getting a bit labored.
– Come on, there’s nobody here. – He told himself. But even if he did so, he got up and moved around the penthouse, looking at the locks.
He shuddered a bit when he heard a thunder, miles away.

***

The place Ryou set up to meet at was fancy, a high-end bar with private rooms and very advanced reservations. Aiji was familiar, it was a month’s wait time, so if Ryou managed to get in at a week’s notice, well he had to pull some strings.
And just to mess with the staff, Aiji pulled up on his motorbike. No valet parking for his baby, if he needs to leave, then he will without waiting for anyone.
He stepped in, helmet in hand, not planning to give it up either.

– Reservation for Sato? – Was what he asked. And the girl who stood at the front flushed a crimson red, looking up at him. It must be the smirk. Or the boyish charm he still possessed.
– Yes, yes please come with me, Mister Sato is already here. – Aiji smiled at her, but she was a true professional, getting over her stutter and leading him to the back of the bar.
A private room even, man Ryou really didn’t spare a cent on this. Usually these were used for corporate outings, not private affairs.
The hostess left him before he would enter, and he waited till she was out of sight, shamelessly watching the knee-length skirt flow around her tights and round bottom.

The private room was the epitome of luxury. A round table, with seating for up to six people in the middle, large plants as decoration, a big folding door to an outside area and a tea-table with sofas under the covers there. The light inside was bright and cascaded outside to reveal Ryou in a fitted dark blue suit, standing up to greet him.
Then stopping mid step as he saw Aiji, eyes going wide.

Aiji felt like he was looking in a mirror that took him back a few years. The identical dark blue eyes looking back at him, the upturn of his own grin slowly fading from the other’s mouth as he took in the sight. 

Aiji made it to the table inside, pulling down his gloves as well as resting the helmet on the table, before he heard the other speak.

– Dear God. What the hell happened to you?
It didn’t have the accusatory tone he expected. In fact, Ryou was full of concern when Aiji dared to look up to his eyes, too late to stop the other marching over and pulling him into a tight hug.
– Nah, you should see the other guy. – Aiji grinned but patted the other’s back.
Ryou pulled back, holding Aiji at an arm’s length, looking him over once again, Aiji doing the same.
He hasn’t seen his twin in years, there weren’t big changes, not like on himself with all the scars and tattoos, but he did change. He looked more mature and grown up now and he could see a hint of dark circles under his eyes. Looking at his dark oceans closer, he could see the hurt in them, all the years of silence. They said: How could you do this? Why did you do this?
– Come on, you got me here – Aiji sighed.
– I’ll tell you everything.
– You better. – Ryou relaxed his shoulders visibly. He was open to hear anything as long as he had his brother here.

***

Isaac moved to the couch sometime before midnight. In hindsight it might have not been the best choice, because this space was bigger, with more doors and even more shadows that could move in his peripheral view.
That’s why all the lights were on. The kitchen, the dining area, even the light leading up the staircase. It was a quick fix to sooth out the shadows that danced there before.
He also had the tv on some late night comedy show, his phone next to him on the couch, looking at it every five minutes. To say he was anxious was an understatement. With the lights and noise, he could trick his mind thinking he was not alone, that’s why he was still so put together, but it was slowly falling apart, as the night crawled on in an agonizingly slow pace.
The rain was coming down hard outside. In the last hour, the storm that brewed miles away had moved over to the city, enveloping the outside world in its fury.
The thought that he was going to be alone till morning crossed his mind. Chino definitely had to stay where she went and Aiji might too.
He was truly alone. For a moment his hand hovered over his phone’s screen that had his contacts but decided against it.
The lights helped. He will not sleep, but at least he still has a sense of control. It was not like he didn’t have nights where he worked till morning.
He looked down at his phone.
He can do this, without calling anyone for aid. He was not a kid anymore. He was capable and that shadow in the kitchen is definitely not a tall long eared drow holding a knife.

Isaac stood up from his spot, phone in hand.
– Maybe I should just…
He mumbled to himself as he made his way to the entrance where his backpack sat under the entry table and mirror.
Rummaging through a small pocket in it, he found the small tin box, opening it and staring at the little white pills.
– I mean, it’s this or… – He could not continue this trail of thought.

Suddenly a large lightning enveloped the city and with a big crackling sound everything went silent and dark. For a few moments, it really was a deafening silence, Isaac’s body refusing to move to pick up the little pills or the phone that scattered across the hallway when he jumped from the sudden crack and darkness.
He was frozen there, hands clutching the little box and slightly shaking.

His trance was cut when another lightning enveloped the now dark floor in a sudden lilac light, because all the shadows now looked like moving figures and when it was dark again he didn’t see them.
But they were there, his mind screamed at him. 

The first sound he heard again was his own shallow breathing, his heartbeat in his ears and the harsh pattering against the windows as the rain came down. It sounded more and more like quick small footsteps, like some nasty spirits made as their claws hit the hardwood floor.
His eyes darted to every other corner of the space and his legs slowly started to move.
Move damn it! 

Another lightning and crack and he darted up the stairs, haphazardly pulling a door closed behind him, leaving only a crack. Isaac vaguely noted that his own room didn’t have a closet this close to the bed, that his wall above the bed was not black and he didn’t have a plush rug underneath the bed, but it didn’t matter.
The one thing that mattered was that his back was pushed against the wall, to his left there was a wardrobe, to his right a nightstand and he could see the door from here, wide honey brown eyes never leaving it.

***

-I only have one question.
Ryou looked at his twin, trying to stomach everything that was said in the last few hours.
– Several, actually, but one is important.

It took a long time for Aiji to tell him everything that happened in the past seven years.
The whole truth.
It’s not like he ever lied to his brother, not saying anything was not a lie. Now everything was on the table. Chino, Damian and his work as well as his feelings from when he left and felt completely useless to now, where albeit risking his life, he felt he did something worthwhile.
He didn’t miss Ryou’s small smile at that.
– I have nothing more to hide really. – Aiji said, sipping on his tea. They ordered tea, because both were driving and Ryou was adamant they did not drink. The ever responsible one.

They started their talk outside, when the air was fresh and only smelled vaguely of rain. Then as the storm came in, so did the brothers. Now rain was coming down heavily and lightnings adorned the skies.
– Are you happy, like this? – Ryou asked, looking at Aiji who was staring out into the rain.
– Hard to tell. – The other replied honestly.
– I feel better. But happiness is still a bit ways to go…
The other only nodded. He understood the feeling more than Aiji would have thought. Happiness was always just a second thought for him too.
– You should come home sometime… – Aiji opened his mouth to retort – …wait, hear me out. I’m not saying to move back. I’m just saying, to visit. We all miss you.
– I’m sure you and Karin do. Even mom, but I don’t think it’s a good idea just yet. But I promise, you will be the first one to know if I plan to set foot in Japan again.
Aiji smiled a sad smile. It would be a lie, that he didn’t miss his home. He did, greatly at times, like when he could not see the stars. He missed their bickering, their sister’s cute enthusiasm, their mother’s care. He did not miss his father’s disappointed looks or his grandfather’s cruel comments.
– Of course, ‘cause you would need the private jet and I’m the only one that would arrange it for you. – Ryou joked with a grin the same as Aiji’s
– You’re not the only one who has changed though. Father’s been … better for lack of better words. When you come up he actually has a nice thing to say.
– Suuuuure, like how I’m the disgrace and you’re the perfect one. I remember the lectures. – The tea soured in Aiji’s mouth. He didn’t repeat the actual words he endured. 

There was a big crack and light in the sky, and part of the city outside went dark.
– Aiji. I would in a heartbeat have changed places with you. But it was not easy for me either. – There was that trademark stern look, the Sato gene. Aiji waited for it to rear its ugly head all night long. But it only lasted a moment.
– And I wouldn’t want to trade you as you are for anything else. I don’t care what father or anyone says.
He didn’t have a comeback to that. It was so raw and true that he feared that if he didn’t move then he might just do something that he hadn’t done since he was ten. And in no world will he cry at such simple words in front of his brother after he told him he was basically a hardened urban mercenary. So he did the next best thing and got up from his seat, downing the last of his tea like a shot.
– It’s getting late and it’s coming down pretty hard. I should go. – Ryou stood too, not knowing if he said something wrong or not. Aiji’s face was unreadable after the initial shock. Another trademark of the Sato gene, but he would never admit to that.
– Do you need a lift? – He asked, eyeing the helmet.
– Nah, I need to clear my head anyways and, forgive me dear brother, your presence will not help me with that. – He did not look at Ryou as he made his way to the table, picking up his gloves and helmet. Another step and he was out the door.
– Say hi to mom for me okay?
– Sure… – Ryou stood there, Watching Aiji leave in a haste. He should have just left it at the pleasantries. He always managed to sour the mood and chase Aiji away. But at least he saw him now.
At least they seem to be on talking terms now.

Aiji winked at the hostess as he was exiting. He actually had half a mind to ask when her shift ends, but it was too close to Ryou still. He needed some distance more than a distraction, that feeling gripping his throat. Flight. That’s what it was. Because if he fought, both of them would crumble.

The rain was heavy but nothing he hadn’t ridden in before. He remembered when he had to chase down some creature in a storm similar to this.
He actually crashed that time, but that was because he had to multitask by shooting the creature too, now it was just a simple ride home.
Home to his secure, cozy penthouse, where he could draw a long hot bath and drown his thought of his family. 

Thinking of home, a certain blonde’s face came to him, how he would still be bundled up on the couch in one of the fluffy blankets, either playing a game on the tv or typing away on his laptop. Maybe he would even have a mug of hot cocoa on the table next to him.
That was all Aiji’s mind could come up with. They didn’t knew each other for that long, so this was the most he saw of him so far. 

But he wanted to see more. Wanted to experience more of the boy that seemed more and more complex as the days went by. 

By the time he got on the bike and was halfway there his mind was full of the cozy images of the last few days, a strange sense of calmness coming over him. He already saw Isao as part of his life, as part of that space. He just hoped that Isao felt like he belonged too. Chino was right, something tugged and pulled him to his newfound partner, but to what purpose he didn’t know. They fit perfectly in each other’s everyday lives, like puzzle pieces and Aiji had half of a mind to wonder if it was a natural occurrence or something made up.

When Aiji’s bike zoomed into the long street the penthouse was on, he noticed it was clad in darkness. Even street lamps were out and the only shine was his headlights illuminating the path and the occasional lightning high above him.
He reached into the back of his mind, sharpening out his senses, to see if there was anything out of the ordinary on the street, but besides a few wandering spirits, there was nothing. Then a simple power outage, good, he was not in the mood to fight.

He pulled up to the building, cursing under his breath that of course, if the power is out then there’s a good few flights of stairs to climb.
Suddenly as he maneuvered around the gate, the hairs on his back spiked up. He snapped his head to the depths of the parking lot that led up to the third floor, where he stored all his vehicles. Two bright eyes looked at him, at about waist height. He didn’t see the body, it was too dark.
He looked at those eyes, challenging it, making up a plan to at least run it over if nothing else, should it attack. But it didn’t, instead it waited for a lightning, to illuminate its form, truly strange from a creature who thrived in darkness.

Aiji saw the tell-tale signs. The long upright ears, the black fur, the long tail and black fangs.
A hellhound.
A nasty creature, but only present if death is.
Why is it waiting?

At the next lightning strike, Aiji saw the hound dart, up towards the next floor. Like he was showing where he was going.
Why show him? They had only one purpose, hellhounds snatched up souls that passed. Why did it act like a dog that wanted to catch his attention?
Aiji turned the bike to follow it, zooming past cars as the hound ran from him – no, he’s running in front of me, not from me – up the next garage floor.
Aiji watched as it waited for him to get off the bike as he reached the last floor. Just for good measure, Aiji reached into the compartment under his seat, pulling out a gun. The hound snarled at him, baring its teeth but just continued to dart, in the open door that led to the staircase.

– Where are you going? – Aiji mumbled under the helmet, running after it, taking the steps in leaps. The hound was quick, leaving a dark cloud after his every step. As they reached more and more floors, Aiji’s mind couldn’t shake the feeling that this creature was leading him to his own apartment.
His heart started to race. The unwanted thought that something happened…

Flashes of Isaac’s smiling face plagued his mind as he said “I’ll be fine.” mere hours ago. He doubled his effort trying to catch up to the hound, hearing its claws clank on the stairs then coming to an abrupt stop.

Standing at the top of the stairs the hound bared his glowing eyes down at him before leaping through the closed door, leaving a puff of black cloud behind him.
– No! – Aiji basically burst through the door and now more than ever was glad that his own front door had a fingerprint scanner, because he could not bother fidgeting with a key.

The whole apartment seemed still, clad in darkness as he stepped in. Looking up ahead where the hound was, his now smokey figure looking at him before turning and claws patting against the floor coming to a halt under the stairs.
Aiji stepped in further, pulling the helmet off his head. He came to an abrupt stop when he felt and heard something crunch under his feet. Taking a risk by averting his gaze from the hound he looked down at what he had stepped on. Pills, scattered on the floor. And a phone, Isao’s phone tossed, it’s small led blinking.

– Isaac? – He called out into the darkness. No answer. Looking back, the hound was gone, but so was the feeling of imminent danger that came with its presence.
– Isaac! – again nothing.

Still holding on to his gun, but now lowering it, he made his way farther into the first floor.
A quick assessment of the surroundings: The boy’s laptop on the couch, with a dead battery, the mug on the coffee table, blanket bundled up and pushed aside. He’s not here.
Besides the stairs a plant toppled over, like someone ran past it and up the stairs from the entrance. 

It took a few quick steps to get to the second floor, Aiji first opening Isao’s bedroom, to see if the boy was there. What was concerning is that he was not, the room clad in darkness, bed still made.
The only other space inside was his own room, so he stepped to his door, fixing his gaze in the crack when his eyes met the honey-brown ones. Wide, a glossy sheen to them and pupils so small they almost looked nonexistent. 

Aiji had half a mind to put his gun away, as a means to not seem threatening to the boy, before slowly pushing the door open, taking slow steps towards him.
It hurt when there was a small whimper from the small form, trying to push himself to the wall even more.
– Isaac, it’s okay. – He tried, voice low.
The boy’s eyes darted from his face to his hands to his feet then up again as he came closer crouching down. It was clear he was not seeing Aiji, he was looking at something completely different. But he didn’t have it in him to move away further, like a deer caught in headlights.

Close enough to touch, Aiji bought a hand, then another around him, prying his form from the small space at the wall, enveloping him in a tight hold.
– Isaac, it’s me, I’m home. Nothing will hurt you. – He felt the rapid pulse, the hitched breaths.
How long was Isaac here? Afraid from monsters that were not there. And still he felt rigid, still seeing his nightmares.
Bringing his hand to cup the boy’s cheek in one hand, forcing him to look at him.
– Come back to me Isao. You need to wake up. – He begged, looking at those terrified eyes.

Agonizing few minutes have passed when a slow huff of breath left Isaac, blinking in recognition.
– Aiji? – It was barely audible coming out with his next gasp.
– Yes, I’m here. I’m here. – Aiji exhaled, not realizing he was holding his own breath. He pulled back Isaac’s head against him, holding him firmly and close.
– I’m here. You’re alright. You’re alright. – not sure who he was reassuring with it.

***

“Yes, I’m here. I’m here. You’re alright. You’re alright.”
The words echoed in his conscience, the now familiar voice soothing his senses that were in overdrive.
Isaac was not sure how long he had been sitting in his little corner, watching the crack in the door. Not much registers to him when he’s like this. Panicked. His eyes working against him, because he just can’t close them and look away and he just can’t shut out what he sees.
It’s paralyzing. The world vibrates with tense energy around him, forming shadows that are not there, not anymore at least.
Creatures long gone and just the residue lingering that he picks up on. But he also can’t tell what is really there and what no longer holds any threat. 

Like seeing a tall figure in the doorway, looking at him with hollow black eyes that seem to burn at the edges, hands also black and clawed reaching for him as he tries to make himself smaller.
Seeing, really seeing like he does, is a burden, Isaac thinks.

He is prepared for the pain those black claws will bring him, but it never comes. Instead he hears the quick beating of a heart that he realizes in a few moments, isn’t his own. Familiar warmth embraces him and the black residue fades away as he is forced in to a firm chest, blinding his vision and forcing his brain to relax as a result. 

As the panic subsides he hears Aiji’s heart beating fast, his breathing was shallow too, strained. It was strange, seeing the older man so…anxious? Was it that?
Isaac tried to pry his head away from the other’s hold once he felt it loosen around him. Looking up into dark eyes he realized the emotion he was trying to pinpoint.
Fear.
Aiji Sato, who was fighting monsters and spirits and god knows what else as a chosen occupation, was afraid. It was like a fresh cold shower on Isaac.

– I’m fine now. – He said meekly when he realized he was staring.
– Thank you, Aiji.
– Are you? – He looked really concerned, still holding him around his shoulders.
– What the hell happened?
Isaac looked away to the side, not meeting his eyes anymore.
– I’m sorry. – Was the only thing he offered in response but it seems like it was not enough. Not even close.
– It’s okay, I just need to know what happened. Did you see something? You need to tell me Isaac.
No nickname, he must be serious then. Isao was quick to pick up the habits. Aiji only called him by his given name when he was serious.
– I don’t think so. At least not that I remember. – Isaac still refused to look and Aiji refused to let him go.
– I was just alone and even though I tried to ease my nerves, once the power went out I panicked. I guess all the things that happened caught up to me.
He smiled sadly. How pathetic, he’s supposed to work with the man and he’s acting like a child.
– You told us you will be fine alone.
Aiji reached up forcing his head to turn to him with a hand on his cheek.
– Don’t dare to do this again. If something is wrong, just tell me. For fucks sake… – Aiji let out a deep breath.
I thought I lost you. 
– Please just trust that I will be here to protect you.
– Why?
– What why?
– I’m supposed to help you, not the other way around. It’s pathetic, I can’t even be left alone for one night. What good am I then?
– Isaac…It’s barely been a week. You can’t expect yourself to jump in and be prepared for these things. You know what I did on my first week?
Isaac shook his head.
– Broke my arm. In training. I spent months just getting used to seeing stuff, not to mention learning how to deal with them. Had freaking nightmares on and off for the first year.
– That’s….not as reassuring as you might think. For me it seems impossible to handle what you do. Just watching those security footage … All of this is overwhelming and now you have to look out for me too.
Aiji looked at him like he was searching, for what Isaac didn’t know. He didn’t know if he found it either, because when he dropped his hand to his shoulders, the only thing he said was:
“Get your jacket.”

He was waiting at the front door, still in the dark, his own helmet held to his side by his arm and another one in his hand. Then when the boy stepped to him, he took his wrist with a gloved hand and pulled him out of the penthouse and down the stairs.
Was he angry with him?
They were not familiar enough with each other to have these silent conversations, but Isaac let himself be dragged down the stairs, all the way to the dark parking lot.
It started to be really obvious that Aiji was not one to talk his problems out, he was more on the take action side of things, which honestly, not surprising. 

– Have you ever ridden before?
Aiji asked, standing beside the bike, a shake of a head his answer.
– Here, let me.
He then took one of the helmets and pushed it on Isaac’s head, making sure it was secure. Then he pulled on his own. He helped the boy up before mounting his bike, giving him pointers where to put his feet.
– Hold on to me like this.
He brought his hands in front, cradling his firm middle. Isaac’s grip was only slack for a moment before the engine roared to life and they heaved forward a bit, after that, it felt like a death-grip.

Aiji made his way down and out to the streets with ease and was glad the rain had stopped completely, only light rumbling left of the storm that cast over the city. The air was new and fresh and everything was still and quiet, like a whisper.
It was after a good 15 minutes that Isaac realized they were not going anywhere in particular. Aiji had driven on wide roads, out of the city center and was now aimlessly following a dark path around the capital they lived in.
Few lamps at crossroads, but otherwise dark, only the white markings reflecting on concrete and the bike’s lights gleaming.
The cold sharp wind in his face, the smell of rain, the dark with just a glimpse of lights washing away with the speed, the strong body under his grasps.
It was not terrifying. Even if it was dark. Even the speed was much higher than anything he felt before. The racing of his heart that started with the engine now was steady, it was peaceful.
Aiji felt the hands loosen around him, not letting go, but just enough to not be digging into him. A few moments later he felt a hard surface leaning on his back. He smiled to himself as he took the next turns, taking a route he was familiar with, slowly reaching the part of the highway that ran along the shoreline.
He reached back to nudge Issac on his knee, to look out to the left. He felt it when the boy did, his fingers gripping onto his clothes.
The sea.
Dark blue sea. So terrifying and yet, it calmed him like nothing else. Barely seeing where the sky met water, barely different from the dark blue orbs, looking out for him.

***

Isaac forced himself to sleep alone for the next few days and swore to do it so for the upcoming weeks too. As much as he wished to crawl to Aiji’s secure embrace, that now he was way too familiar with, he refused to be that weak. Yes, there would be nightmares, and yes he had woken up in cold sweat more than he likes to admit, but the only way to get over it was to go through it.
Just as promised, his new documents were ready by the next week, all pristine and new, several of them. A new ID, a special one that indicated all information that the normal didn’t. That he was a seeker, that he had an A+ blood type and at the corner there was the indicator of the organization he worked for as of now.
There was also a priority ranking on it.
The highest.
He also received a credit card. Not different from the one Aiji used when buying things a few days ago, his eyes almost bulged from their sockets when he saw the statement next to it.
“I hope that will be sufficient for the first set of equipment you need” was the answer when he asked. Damian seemed way too nonchalant dishing out this much to him to buy whatever was needed, but it seemed the old vampire trusted him with this work.
So he started to look and order, utilizing the card he got. Soon the room he was shown the first time he set foot in The Crimson was full of boxes. He wanted to start to work as soon as possible, to feel useful.

Besides settling in, he also started to let up a bit around the others.
Nyans was a regular at Aiji’s place now, looking at him with big eyes when he wanted to play games.
Seems Aiji didn’t entertain him in that regard, but he did in others. They often met up to practice at the penthouse too. This clearly was Aiji’s element, showing his band mates what he had worked on eagerly and them coming up with their own parts to compliment it. These sessions sometimes lasted into late nights with takeout and beer.
Isaac was content in just watching them, sipping on his own can of beer the other three gave stunned looks at.
– What? I’m British, of course I like it. – Isaac lay on a thick accent to get his point across. He kept it to himself that the first time he drank it, at a high school event where his classmates dared him to, the taste caught him off guard so much he coughed up foam.
He found himself spacing out not once, just enjoying the presence of the others, which was a first. It was relaxing, even for his eyes and other senses.

Other times they gathered at Nyans’s place, which was overwhelming and disappointing at the same time. He had a rented loft apartment that had these huge floor to ceiling windows, and a big space, but there was barely anything there.
A bed, later Aiji told him that he made him get the frame, instead of a simple mattress on the floor, a tv and a couch. Everything else was bare, some personal items boxed away in plastic containers that acted as bedside tables.
It was a blessing the place had a kitchen and a built-in closet. But the younger boy seemed content with this. Their drummer, who they just called ‘dad’ most of the time, teased him relentlessly because of the state of his place, and they teased right back that he has it easy with a wife and kid to look after his nice little townhouse.
Aiji later told Isaac that the oldest one was indeed a married and settled man, with a mechanic’s day-job and a 3 year old boy. He just loved to play the drums.
He also saw Aiji accidentally one night out on a mission and he had to be let in on what his real connection to Damian was. He seemed nonchalant about it.
Like about everything.

As the days passed, their lives almost seemed to set into a domestic lull. Both would occupy themselves with something at night and sleep in in the mornings.
To Isaac’s biggest surprise Aiji could actually cook, pretty decently too so they took turns with meals, reminding the other to feed themselves since they both often forgot.
He would sometimes disappear for the day, saying that he was training and sometimes for the night too, but always made sure that someone was over if Chino was not available.
Which she often wasn’t, leaving the home for days at times, but always coming back and staying for a few after.
Sorel was also a welcome new presence again, even if they didn’t really see eye-to-eye with Aiji or Nyans, they remained civil for the sake of the blonde.

After a handful of weeks Isaac was sat once again across Damian, his desk littered with files, in the middle of some sort of sorting it seemed. It was actually strange to be here so early, the sun was still up, it was barely noon. Did Damian not leave by the crack of dawn? Was there a secret passage here where he would exit.
He spent a good portion of the last week shadowing Aiji and coming here, but he never saw Mr. Roux leave the place or arrive for that matter.
– I take it you have settled in?
It was a bit strange, hearing the tall and bulky vampire ask something like that, especially that he seemed to mean it. Like he cared if he did.
– Yes sir. I have, Aiji is a great host too.
He answered politely, ignoring the scoff of a light laugh beside him as the mentioned turned away.
– Really? – It was a genuine surprise with a raised eyebrow.
A bit comical if you see it from the outside, how Damian’s face turned amused to Aiji who was standing perched against the other seat’s armrest.
– Come on, I can be nice. – the mentioned said, trying to sound uncaring.
As if the conversation no longer held any importance, Damian looked down, gathering a few files in a stack. He looked up and held it out for the young boy.
– I want you to memorize these. Especially the top one. You will need to know it by heart.
Then he looked down at the other files, some as thick in itself as the pile he was handed.
– Then we will move on to these.
Isao looked at the top one to read a very familiar name.
Aiji Sato.
He crocked an eyebrow and looked up at the name’s owner and then at their boss.
– You two will have a dynamic here. Sato will continue on as is, as one of our top hunters and you will monitor him. Track him on his missions like a shadow and erase his existence from any surveillance. This is our main priority as of now. – Damian spelled it out.
– Memorizing that file, and a few others, will help with that. I also want to reassure you that this is just the first step.
Isaac looked down again, looking at the other files. They were names he didn’t recognize.
– Will I have to monitor others too? – he asked, pointing at the other two.
– No, I am exclusively putting you two in a pair. The others will help you understand the extent of our hunter’s training. Some that you will receive as well.
Isaac nodded at that. It was not like he had a choice in the matter right now and he had expected that much.
– Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to talk with Mr. Sato alone.
– Yes, of course. Thank you, again for your generosity sir. I will make good use of it.
Isaac felt the need to say it, to confirm that the resources will not go to waste.
– I will be in my room.
He looked at Aiji then left, not going far. He had work to do.

After Isaac closed the door Aiji plopped down in the seat he got up from.
– So, how’s phase two coming along?
He asked as if he knew anything about the vampire’s long-term plans. In all honesty, he was only aware that they were preparing for something called ‘the raid’.
And that there was a phase two.
What phase one was, how it went and how many there are, he had no clue whatsoever. Even this sliver of information he got accidentally.
– How are his nightmares? – Damian ignored the pointless question.
– Will he be able to do this?
– I’m positive. I heard him a few times since that night. It will take time. – Aiji answered, a caring look on his face.
– But he seems determined.
– Hm. – His eyes bore into the other’s.
– You like him. Your heart-rate quickened when he looked at you.
Damian stated. It was not a question.

– He’s a nice kid. Plus he adores my music, what’s not to like? You don’t have to worry, I’m not planning to have any more affairs with people you entrust to me. Once was too much as it is.
He said with a distaste on his tongue, remembering his first solo mission, where he was basically a glorified bodyguard to a very attractive and very much open woman, back then about his own age. Never again, he received too many scars on that job, both literal and figurative. He will never forget the day he almost lost his eye and got that deep gash on his lip.
– Oh, I’m not worried
Damian brought him back from his thoughts.
– But you need to report to me anything and everything. Mr. Brooks is still young and he will need to learn how to use his innate skills. Since he received no training regarding this, once we start, I expect it to grow exponentially.
-What exactly is your plan with him?
Aiji crocked an eyebrow at his boss.
– I am not a liar Sato, I intend to use him as I stated, his expert knowledge in hacking will be most useful.
A pause.
– Aaand? – the hunter urged on.
– I cannot tell you more.
The finality of the tone said it all. There was no room for questions.
Aiji huffed and laid back in the seat.
– I will be meeting with the others soon. Well, soon in vampire terms. – He mused. – I expect you and Mr. Brooks as well as Kravcs to attend. There I will lay out Phase two. I will let you know when and where this will happen in due time.

-Sorel, what does ‘Irretrievable’ mean?
Isaac looked up at the much taller man, who was kneeling in front of a bigger box on top of another box.
The both of them looked like two boys around Christmas, sitting in a pile of presents. Sorel had a gleam in his eyes as he unpacked the contents of the shipping box, laying it out carefully.
Isaac has been occupied with the files he was given, precisely one file. He only deemed it fair since Aiji has seen his before too but the contents didn’t reveal anything surprising yet.
All physical data, like just an inch short from 6 feet, perfectly balanced body weight to it and that was nothing new about all this, since Isaac has seen it up close…felt it up close, come to think of it. And he really doesn’t what to think of it.

– Impossible to correct or return to a previously existing situation or condition.
Sorel retorted, box cutter in hand and looking over to what Isao was reading.
– Yes, I know what the word means, thank you, but in the context of…well here.
Isaac gestured around them with the file shooting a displeased look at Sorel.
Sorel put down the newest shiny part that he retrieved from a bundle of bubble wraps.
– Who’s file is that?
He asked, reaching for it.
– Ah, Sato. Well, yes, that kind of makes sense.
Isaac took back the file looking at it offended. Then back at his friend.
– Gods those two idiots didn’t explain a thing did they?
Isaac shook his head.
– It means that if he cannot complete a mission, like he gets so injured that he is no longer capable, then there is no rescue team, he is left behind.
– What? But why? Isn’t he, like, the best?
A thousand reasons ran through his head already, and scenarios that were less than fortunate for the hunter.

– Well, as much as I hate to admit it, yes, he’s currently in the top rank. That comes with a lot of privileges and it seems to have a lot of unfortunate consequences. Like, think about it, if something is so bad that he can’t make it out, then who’s going to go in and get him? He is but one hunter, Damian won’t sacrifice ten or twenty more when he has time to train another in two years time. The only one I can think of probably being in the same ballpark as Aiji is the one who trained him, but Kravcs is currently in retirement due to some…ahm…unfortunate personal circumstances.

Isaac was looking down at the opened page in front of him. It was but a pile of data, information on a body, a tool. He looked at the photo attached, hard eyes looking in the camera, determined and dark like the sea at night.
Then at the bar code under it with the numbers: 1-7 019
It didn’t take a genius to know that he was the 19th. The previous numbers probably indicate rank and region. He needed to look into this more.
– Hey – Sorel poked his forehead, pushing him to look up.
– It’s okay, he’ll be around for many many annoying years. Spite keeps him alive.

– Are you flirting with me Sorel?
Aiji’s head popped up from the open door.
The two jumped at the sudden comment, now they really looked like children who got into their pile of presents before they were supposed to.
Aiji let out a low whistle.
– Well someone went on a shopping spree.
– In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
Isaac laughed up at him quickly closing the file and for a moment Sorel saw something flash over the hunter’s eyes, making them softer.
– I’ll leave you to your work then. I have some errands to run.
He turned to leave but then leaned back a bit. 

– Oh, and we’ll have our first job together tonight.
And with that he was off, leaving the blonde blinking in his spot.
– What?
He asked, then replayed the last seconds in his head. It didn’t help.
– WHAT?!

***

Seemed like Aiji had more hands-on plans to show Isaac how this all worked. It was now dusk as they drove to a more remote location. It took an hour to arrive at a make-shift temporary gate, various men stationed outside, with very evident and large guns in hand. It almost looked like a military blockade just without any flags.
They did have that same logo his new ID bore.

One of the bigger men came over to the driver’s side. Aiji asked for Isaac’s ID and he showed it to him, as well as his own, all the while making small talk even though the other had a ski mask to cover his face.
They were granted entrance almost immediately.
– Ask away, I can see it in your face.
Aiji said after they left the gate and started down a dirt-road.
Isaac seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, looking out, trying to spot anything unusual.
– I don’t know what to ask first…I guess you could start at the top.
Isaac deadpanned at him.
– Like why do we have military personnel here. What is your assignment exactly?
– Well, you’re not wrong, they are soldiers. A special division that is deployed whenever there is a bigger problem. Their work is to secure a big enough area for me to do my job, evacuate if necessary and keep everyone out. Also makes life easier when I’m not the one who has to come up with an explanation of what we are doing here.
He looked over to Isaac who nodded, satisfied with that part.
– The other crew you will see is a clean-up crew. It’s in the name really, they dispose of what’s left of the creatures, other bodies that might be around. Basically they clean up enough so people can come back and be none the wiser.

The road evened out a bit, going into gravel as they approached a very rural area. There was a barn and house there, old looking but not abandoned. The area was kept clean cut and there were corps growing in the soil around it. Mainly corn.
– As for what we have for us tonight; the owners here went missing a few weeks back. We didn’t get to it before because they were so out here that by the time people noticed they were gone, there were others reported too. The place belonged to an older couple. They were the first to disappear, then a neighbor and a friend of theirs. The report came in when their daughter didn’t return home from her visit.
They stayed in the car as Aiji stopped at the house.
– Now, I want you to look around carefully. What do you see?

Isaac flicked a few stray hairs from his face and looked up. To him there was nothing out of the ordinary at first.
– Well, itt looks like an old farm. No lights are on, since you said the people here have been gone for weeks now. It’s quiet too. If I were to just drive by, it would not seem anything to be amiss.
– Yes, but?
– But…it’s too quiet. A farm usually has animals. There’s a doghouse but no dog has come up to see who’s here. There are pens outside but they are empty. It’s eerie.
– Good, now, if you can, open your eyes.

To accurately describe it, Isaac could only think of layers; the first and always present one showing him the obvious spirits and such. As transparent layers of reality fell into place he could see more, every new one adding something to the picture. It was strange using it purposefully, a small pang of fear in his mind that he might not be able to come back from it again.
That he might lose control over it like that night.

It was mesmerizing, seeing the your boy’s eyes, catching that gleam, that light that was not a reflection, that was coming from within, like thousand little rainbow sparkles mixing in with the honey browns and the more he saw, the more his eyes sharpened, pupils going small against its natural reaction to the dark environment where they should let more light in.
Aiji watched this happen in great detail. Noting every small change.
– I can’t see anyone outside. There is some residue of presence around the barn, but it’s strangely empty here. Like, no lingering spirits either.
Aiji hummed and reached for Isaac’s hand to get his attention.
– Okay then, let’s go inside. Keep it up, I want to check the house first.
As they got out of the car, the wind brought a strange chiderring sound with it. It was reminiscent of the cicada’s back in Japan, only a bit more muted and distant.
Going to the back of the car and opening the trunk, then something in the trunk, Aiji brought out a long metal looking case that he pulled over onto his back.
– Stay behind me and don’t wander off okay? – He added as they made their way to the farmhouse. 

The doors were open, a few windows still letting air in. It was lived in, many small knick-knacks in every room they discovered going deeper and deeper, Aiji slowly making sure they were alone.
– It looks like they just left yesterday. – Isaac noted. There was food out on the table, a laundry basket with folded clothes on the floor at the back door, water glasses across the rooms and unmade beds on the upper floor.
Aiji settled at a window, looking out to the barn and most of the yard.
– Perfect.
He noted happily and opened the case next to him.
Isaac was busy looking through the room, finding pictures on the walls of the old couple, of a young girl and a young boy. He sat on the unmade bed, looking out to the room, not minding Aiji at the window.
Slowly light movement danced in front of him, small specks of dust moving just barely. A domestic dance of figures started, going about the room, leaving, then coming back, folding clothes into a dresser at the far end, coming to lay on the spot next to him.
Two lives reduced to the habits of their every day. Then a darker cloud of dust, more fresh but still faint, like it was trying to erase itself. It didn’t perform tasks, it just came and went, looked around, out the window, lay on the bed then left.
Without as much as a creak, Isaac got up from his spot, following the dark residue out the room.
– There was someone here. Other than the old man and his wife.

Aiji looked up as Issac just stepped out the door. With hasting leaps he was right behind the boy, who was slowly moving back down to the first floor, not even noticing the other man with a now assembled rifle behind him.
– Talk to me then. – This was news to him. The house had been cleared before they arrived.
– Tall, but I can’t see any details. He was moving around for some time. He ate their food, used their bed and went around like he was at home. – Isaac concluded – But I don’t see interactions between them.
The dark residue guided them outside, going to the barn, that’s when Isaac stopped.
Now he could feel it.

Aiji moved in front of him, slowly edging to the large doors. The sound of muffled cicadas were getting louder here, and as he got closer he could finally smell it.
The stench of decay.
The hairs on his neck rose as a rhythmic thudding sound was heard from inside.
– Okay, the lesson’s over. Isaac, go back in the house.
The tone was nothing Isao had ever heard from him, it was an order, one that had no place for debate. He only heard this tone from Damian before, but he was cold. Aiji’s voice held some warmth to it, as always.
– Now, Isaac. Go.
He heard a clicking as Aiji held up the rifle, pointing it at the barn door, at about head-height.

Just as the doors burst open Isaac bolted, running back to the house as fast as his legs could carry him, up the stairs and into the bedroom, ducking under the window. He heard the other shoot once, twice and a third time, but the unnerving noise was still present.
He chanced a peak from the window.

The first bullet hit something soft and plush. Whatever this thing was, it was taller than a human. The form slowly making its way, jumping on a single stick.
A scarecrow.
A freaking pumpkin-headed scarecrow. 

Only this one had cravings of ancient words on its head, all around, besides the permanently smiling face that glowed faintly, just as if a candle was lit inside.
This was all fine really, nothing Aiji hadn’t seen before, an object that was used as a host in a summoning ritual.
Now the problem was that despite it being hilarious how it moved on it’s one peg leg, it had a little surprise.
A swarm of something, the origin of the noise they heard was a swarm of little pieces of corp. Sharp little pieces of grain and corn as they tore along the scarecrow, cutting in its denim clothes.

Two other shots confirmed that the swarm will stop his bullets, protecting the host. It will tear through anything it touches.
So why didn’t it attack then?

Aiji slowly circled around the thing as it made its way away from the barn, seemingly going in the direction the bullets came from but not turning directly to him.
Coming closer to the building, he risked a peek inside and even his stomach churned by the sight. He spotted the dark circle in the middle of the barn, pulsing with energy.
The portal.
Around it various writings and symbols, much like on the pumpkin head, painted with blood and the remains of the missing couple. Around them clean bones, some from animals, so clean there was not even blood on them.

He looked back as the chiderring sound launched at him and he was lucky it didn’t hit as he bolted, jumping to the side and turning the gun to the pumpkin.
He shot again and this time hit the head.
And nothing.

The swarm was coming back around and he jumped up, running.
As soon as he reached a few meters and stopped the swarm was back around the scarecrow, protecting it. The possessed thing turned to him, almost as if to look him in the eyes.

Suddenly, something hit the ground on the opposite side, crashing loudly.
– What the ever loving fuck?!
He looked up and saw Isaac throw another glass down, now aiming closer.
– Heh, so you figured it out too huh?
He whispered to himself. Sure enough the distraction gave him a moment to slip to the door silently. He took the stairs two at a time to get up more quickly and once he was there he also slid under the window.
He didn’t waste time in setting his gun down to the windowsill, quickly searching for his target.
– Can you hit it closer? I need a clear shot at its head.
He asked as Isaac ducked to the side again.
– You did hit its head, it didn’t do anything.
– I know, I need to hit one of the symbols.
He looked down at the boy who was panting, probably from the nerves.
– Now can you do it?
– Yes.
– On my count.
He looked back into the scope, the swarm blurring the target still.

Isaac grabbed a bigger vase this time.
– One.
He rushed over to the dresser, pulling out a cloth, anything and stuffed one end in, creating a long tail.
– Two.
Isaac braced himself to throw.
– Three.

The vase flew out and once it entered the scarecrow’s field of vision, the swarm bolted to it. For a moment it was all silent until Aiji pulled the trigger and the bullet rushed to its destination right between the pumpkin’s eyes where it tore through the symbol carved there then coming out on the back where it tore through at least three.
The swarm barely reached their target when every last grain froze in the air and fell to the ground.

Both of them saw the outline of something forming as black smoke emerged from the pumpkin, its eyes no longer glowing faintly and the scarecrow falling on its back.
As it made contact with the ground the pumpkin burst open and the rest of the smoke got out. It opened four red slit eyes at them and Isaac ducked beside the window again.
Aiji watched, challenging the eyes but before he could come up with anything to do, the smoke bolted to the barn screeching in a high pitched voice.
After what felt like hours but was merely minutes, Aiji lowered his gun and sat down leaning to the wall.

– You okay there?
He asked, looking over at the blonde boy, slowly sliding down the wall to sit down himself.
– Yes. I’m fine. – He said. – I don’t think I’ll ever go trick or treating again, but I’m fine.
He looked over at Aiji. Then like something has clicked for both of them, they grinned at each other and started laughing.
– Oh gods, what was that? – He asked.
– That, my good boy, was a classic case of ‘how to fuck over the demon you tried to summon’. Poor guy, imagine, you can finally have a bit of carnage and you are stuck in a pumpkin hopping around.
Aiji laughed with him, gesturing with his fingers.
– No wonder it was so pissed. – The other laughed back.
– So what now?
– Well, the portal in the barn sucked its ass back home, so we’re done here.
– I never saw one up close. Can I check it out?
Aiji went rigid for a moment.

– No. Trust me, not this one.
He looked over to the other wall with the pictures.
– It’s not something you need to see and the portal closed anyway.

Isaac blinked at him then followed his line of vision, realization slowly hitting him.
– You found them, didn’t you?
Aiji nodded for him.
– You also knew what was here right? That’s why you stopped me.
– I ran over the case before I picked you up. The signs were there for a summoning. We had a few of these in a row for a few months now. No idea why they are doing it. Now the cleaning crew will come in and gather information, sweeping everything. Then someone will contact the families, making up something about how they died. This one, they will probably burn down the barn. We are also expected to write a report on what we saw.
Aiji reached over a glowed hand and ruffled the boy’s hair.
– You did great. When did you figure out that it can only see in a ten meter radius?
Isaac swatted away the hand lightly, freighting offense.
– When you circled it. It did see outside of that too, but only movements. Then when I threw the glasses it turned but never attacked them. So it probably made it a priority to guard its head.
– Yes. The symbols were the same as in the barn around the portal. – Aiji added. – I had to get one on its head but the swarm was impenetrable.
– So when you asked to distract him, I thought that something bigger, more heavy might catch its attention, if it’s close enough.

Aiji stood up and reached a hand to him, pride shining in his eyes.
– Good job, Isaac. It will be a pleasure to work with you.
He grinned as the other took the offered hand and he pulled him up, pulling him up close too, which was met with wide eyes and a little blush.
– A real pleasure.