Moonlight Waltz (COMPLETED)

Episode 2

- Have you forgotten about your job?- Koe continued, his eyes glowing with a fiery glow.

- Forgive me, but I have one important rule.- answered Hidoi.- I never hunt the good demons.- he added looking at him.

Hikari backed away, hiding behind the hunter.

- I told you that this is a very dangerous demon. - Koe growled in response.

- Do you think I'm an i***t? I know the entire book of demons very well, and there is not mentioned that the moonlight demon is dangerous.- said Hidoi, reaching for his sword.

- Well, you are too honorable and too well trained.- sighed Koe, closing his eyelids.- I warned my boss not to hire you, but well... Looks like I'll have to do everything myself.- he finished, opening his eyes that burned with fire. Then his hair burned too, and fireballs appeared in both hands.

Hidoi drew his sword, setting up a defensive position.

- Hikari, hide yourself quickly!- he ordered without even looking at her. She obeyed him immediately, escaping into the nearby bushes.

Koe threw the fireball straight at Hidoi, who in turn bounced it with his sword. Then more fireballs showered, perfectly protected by the hunter. The angry demon raised his hands up, causing the whole body to burn with fire, then went straight to Hidoi, embracing him with his arms and holding in a fiery embrace. Hidoi dropped his sword and a scream escaped his lips, which quickly turned into an inhuman roar. Hikari looked out of the bushes, terrified by the sight. Finally she ran out and stood in the middle, unleashing the gale again. Her kimono sleeves lengthened, reaching out to those fighting. She managed to pull out Hidoi, but the kimono sleeves began to burn. Hikari tried to put out the fire by the wind but with no effect.

Hidoi, thanks to the amulet from Miko, quickly regenerated. He stood up angry and walked toward Koe. In his eyes flashed a blue flame, and a ball of bluish fire appeared in his hand, which he threw straight at his opponent. Koe's body stopped burning and with it the sleeves of Hikari's kimono.

- Let's get out of here while he is unconscious.- Hidoi said, hiding his sword, then grabbed her and pulled with him.

- But where?- she asked, leaning back.

- To my place. I live with priestess and guardian of Elements, Miko Negai. He won't dare to come there.- he explained, stopping.- It will be faster if we teleport. Close your eyes, because it may make you dizzy.- he commanded, grabbing both hands of the girl. Hikari obeyed. Suddenly she got a feeling that was similar to what she felt while traveling through the night sky. It meant, Hikari felt as if she was running, but much faster than during her everyday journey. It lasted only a few seconds, but it was a very intense feeling. After a while she heard Hidoi's voice again.

- You can open your eyes now.- he said.

Hikari slowly raised her eyelids and saw that she was in the spacious living room. The view from the window suggested that the apartment was on a high floor.

- Will I really be safe here?- she asked, looking at Hidoi.

- Of course you will.- a short girl with brown hair and a friendly expression answered for him.- Koe, as a fire demon, knows very well what kind of power I have over him.- she said, approaching them.- I am Miko Negai, a friend of Hidoi.- she introduced herself, extending her hand to greet the guest. Hikari hearing the girl's voice immediately turned gaze on her. Miko's voice was very pleasant to the ear, gentle but at the same time joyful, and it aroused very positive emotions. It would seem that just by speaking she could comfort a person. Her aura also emanated with kindness, goodness and pure love. It was extremely bright too. Hikari saw similar auras around angels, which she sometimes met on her way, but not only. Some people could also emanate such an aura, but the one belonging to Miko was definitely brighter and stronger. Hikari has not met any priestesses yet, so she did not know if such aura is something normal or maybe Miko is more than just a regular priestess.

- So... I will leave both of you alone. Get to know each other, you'll live together a bit.- said Hidoi, going to his room.

- Priestess and guardian of Elements, right?- Hikari asked, shaking Miko's hand. When she confirmed with a nod, Hikari smiled slightly.- Nice to meet you. I am Hikari Tsuki.- she added.

- I know.- Miko smiled back at her, then gave a critical look at a damaged white kimono.- The shower will do you good. And you must change your clothes, I will give you something of my own.- she decided.

- Ah, thank you very much.- Hikari said.- But I should come back... Parents will worry, especially mother.- she sighed. Hikari could already see her mother, Megami, through her imagination - she would surely make her daughters disappearance a major issue in the Underground, hire every yokai to search... And if mother will finally found her and found out the reason - that someone was chasing Hikari and hiring hunters on her - she wouldn't let her out of the room at all. Then it would also come out that Hikari, knowing about the attacks, concealed them from her own parents. So being locked up at home, Hikari would also have to listen to claims like, "Why didn't you tell me? Are you aware of the danger? And what would happen if you couldn't handle the battle alone with one of the hunters?". However, she was even more afraid of her father's reaction. Fushigi may not have been as overprotective as his wife, but he cared for his daughter. Every day he showed it with small gestures, but Hikari saw them and knew that father loved her very much as well. But despite this, or maybe because of his love, Fushigi was a strict father. Megami was nagging, but he watched Hikari in silence. And when she did something wrong, inappropriate, or showed a serious disobedience or irresponsibility, Fushigi could freeze Hikari's blood with one glance and cause to bite her tongue immediately or stop whatever she wanted to do in anger. He spoke little but firmly, and Hikari was sure he would be very angry that she had not informed them that something was threatening her. Father repeated many times that yokai's must stay together, especially in these dangerous times, and even more so if they are family. Therefore, if any member of a yokai community or family is under attack, should immediately inform others.

- You can't go back. Koe is still chasing you. I will inform your parents somehow and I will assure them that you are safe. I'll calm down any of their worries too.- Miko promised.- My name is known in the yokai world so I think they will not mind you staying under my protection... Also, Hidoi, as a good hunter Oni, is a bit like a hero to all of you, right?- she asked, and when Hikari confirmed with a nod, she continued.- You have nothing to worry about then. Your parents and the rest of your kinsmen will be sure that you are in good hands. And when it comes to organizational matters, you will sleep in my room, I'll give you one of my nightgowns.- she added with a smile.

- But that's too much...- Hikari replied shyly. In fact, she was a stranger to her, and yet Miko was ready to show her so much heart... If every priestess was like her, Hikari would love to meet more of them.

- There's nothing to talk about. As Hidoi said, you'll live here for a bit so you have to wear something and I have a lot of clothes.- Miko said, leading her to the bathroom.- Take a shower and I'll bring you something to wear, okay?- she offered, then walked out of the bathroom, leaving her alone.

Hikari looked around the room uncertainly, feeling strange because of the sudden situation she was in. Yes, Hikari wanted to get to know Oni better, but never thought she would live with him and his friend under one roof. Although it may not be so bad? She had to get used to it somehow, in the end Miko was right. Someone was chasing her for unknown reasons, sending hunters, and this someone seemed not to give up. Hikari was confident and sure of her skills, but had to admit that after today's fight she began to be a bit afraid. Besides, Hikari didn't want to go back to the Underworld and perhaps bring danger to her parents or the rest of the yokai. Also, she did not know who really stood behind these attacks. The fire demon they met today did not seem to be the main opponent. He seemed to be more of a helper of someone who could be much more powerful. It was probably a demon from the 1st or 2nd Circle of Hell, for it was mainly these demons who attacked the yokai, using demons or creatures from the lower Circles. They rarely entered personally, especially when it came to tormenting or even getting rid of creatures as harmless as good yokai. However, they usually did it if they were to benefit from getting rid of the yokai, and not some small but really big benefit. Therefore, Hikari did not fully understand why the demons from the high Circles of Hell would want to bother her? The only thing they could achieve was the lack of moonlight, and therefore greater darkness on Earth. Maybe in some way it would help them, the demons could more easily roam the dark streets and hunt people, and hunters would theoretically have a difficult task in eliminating them... However, there were still stars, people had artificial light and many hunters used magical sources to illuminate the streets while they hunted the demons. That's why the benefits from getting rid of her would be really small and insignificant. Maybe if humanity were still stuck in the olden days, but not nowadays.

Finally, Hikari shook off all these thoughts and went on to what she should do now - slowly took off her kimono, looking sadly at it. It's sleeves were badly burned and the rest of it was torn, worn and dirty. She threw it on the ground while entering the cabin, then slid the door that covered the body from shoulders to knees. When a stream of warm water touched her skin, Hikari understood how much she needed a shower. The muscles tensed after the fight slowly relaxed, stress passed, the skin began to breathe, freed from sweat and dirt. She closed her eyes, sighing.

Suddenly she heard the door open. Hikari raised her eyelids and turned gaze in that direction. It was Hidoi who went in, wearing only pants and had a towel hung over his shoulder. He probably also wanted to take a shower. Hikari squealed, covering herself with her hands even though the shower sliding door were covering her.

- I'm so sorry... I didn't knew someone was here...- said Hidoi, immediately covering eyes with his hands, then quickly turned and left, passing by Miko in the doorway, who was visibly surprised by what she saw.

- I didn't close the door and Hidoi thought the bathroom was free.- Hikari explained, seeing the girl's surprised look.

- I understand.- Miko replied with a slight smile.- But Hidoi should knock to make sure the bathroom is empty. After all, he doesn't live here alone, but with me. And I'm a woman too, even if he only thinks of me as a friend. Hidoi should remember to knock to avoid embarrassing situations like this. It's amazing that he hasn't learned it yet.- she comforted Hikari, coming closer. In her hand was a long, white nightgown with slightly puffy sleeves and embroidered roses on the neckline.- How is it?- she asked, showing the nightgown.

- It's beautiful. Thank you, really.- Hikari said, smiling broadly.

- You're welcome.- Miko smiled back.- I'll leave it here for you.- she added, hanging the nightgown next to the towel and left the bathroom.

Soon Hikari, refreshed, in her nightgown, went to Miko's room. The bed was already made, so she went to it almost immediately. Although Hikari was really tired because of the events of today's evening and wanted to fall asleep as soon as possible, she could still see Hidoi shirtless in front of her eyes. His torso and arms were muscular, strong, hard, like a real warrior's body. It matched the overall first impression he had made on Hikari when they first met face to face on the meadow. He was undoubtedly handsome, with male features, black eyes and hair that were slightly longer. They covered his neck, but lacked a few centimeters to touch his broad shoulders. Although Hikari had just met Hidoi, she noticed and also read from his aura that he was very introverted. He probably also built a wall around his heart and did not allow anyone too close, except maybe Miko. She was clearly the only person he looked at with more affection. However, it certainly wasn't a look you would give your lover. It was much more a gaze of a child looking at it's beloved mother.

The situation in the bathroom was undoubtedly a bit awkward, but Hikari had to admit that Hidoi was so cute with that embarrassed expression on his face when seeing her in a shower. Also, he looked away so quickly... This one thing did not quite fit the overall picture of the invincible hunter. But at least it meant he was a gentleman and that was a very good trait.

Finally Hikari fell asleep, deciding that the next day she would finally look at the world bathed in the light of the sun. She was very excited about this thought, which made her falling into a deeper sleep not easy, but in the end it eventually happened.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When the bathroom finally freed, Hidoi took a hot shower with pleasure. After the fight, it was indispensable in his daily routine. And disruption of the daily rhythm learned for almost 300 years of life wasn't very pleasant.

He stood in the shower cabin, leaning against the wall, letting the water flow down his body. He wanted not only to relax his body and wash it from dirt, but also to clear his mind before going to sleep. That evening, however, his thoughts persistently revolved around Hikari. He could not deny that she was beautiful, both in this white kimono and without it. The cabin door hid most of her body, but it further stimulated his imagination. It was normal that he was interested in her this way. After all, she was a woman, and a very beautiful one, and he was a man who had not tasted love for a long time, both emotional and physical. Hikari's beauty suited his ideal woman almost perfectly. Her dark blue eyes and black hair, long almost to the waist, only added to her charm. Hikari's smile was also extremely sweet, and her bold and sociable character attracted him very much. She was definitely an extrovert, and thus his complete opposite. Maybe they didn't talk for too long, but her aura emanated with confidence, joy, honesty and curiosity. It reminded him a lot of a little child's aura, except that Hikari definitely defended herself better than a child. The very fact that she managed to defeat him in battle impressed Hidoi a lot, and even more because she was a yokai of nature, the ones that didn't have many enemies and and which usually were not trained so well in martial arts. He had to admit that no woman, no matter what race, was able to attract his attention as much as Hikari. However, Hidoi scolded himself in thoughts for making any fantasies. He couldn't get carried away by such feelings, because it would certainly prevent him from thinking logically, which was necessary to protect her. He had to think of Hikari as a yokai who needs his protection and help in getting rid of someone who is threatening her. She had duties and had to return to them as quickly as possible.

Hidoi sighed as he left the cabin, then wrapped himself in a towel and went to his room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next morning, Miko woke up around 7 a.m. To her surprise, she saw that Hikari has disappeared. Concerned, she left the bedroom and found her in the living room. Hikari was sitting by the window, in a nightgown, looking at the city with fascination.

- When did you got up? - Miko asked surprised.

- As soon as the sun came up. It was 4 a.m. on the watch.- Hikari replied, literally taking her eyes away from the window for a second to look at Miko. Then her gaze returned to the window

- You should at least change your clothes.- Miko sighed. It was understable that yokai normally wandering at night was curious about the world visible during the day, but Miko had several rules and would like Hikari, as a guest, to fully comply with them. It was enough that Hidoi sometimes forgot what Miko kept telling him all the time, even though they lived together for several hundred years.

- I know, but it's all so fascinating. People look quite different during the day. There are so many of them, they are so lively...- Hikari said with bated breath. She really looked like a small child now. Miko noticed some of Hikari's nature in her aura yesterday but now she was gradually making sure that this girl was different from Hidoi like fire is different from water.

- Yes, yes.- Miko laughed. - We're going to get dressed. You will come back here soon and will be able to watch people again.- she took her hand and dragged to the room. In there she chose for her beautiful, white knee-length dress, with on wider straps and a square neckline.

- It is wonderful, Miko. I don't know how to repay you for all this.- Hikari said, looking at her own reflection in the mirror.

- There is no need, really. Helping others is my duty as an angel.- Miko said with a smile.

- Are you an angel?- Hikari asked surprised, turning gaze on her. Miko's aura was beaming with extraordinary light, but Hikari did not expect that she really had a part of an angel in her.

- Yes. I received wings as a reward for helping the archangel Asariel, my current fiance.- she explained.

- Wow, how romantic..- Hikari was delighted.- Tell me more about angels.- she asked then. Hikari was always very interested in these creatures, but she did not have the opportunity to talk to any of them.

Miko sat on the bed, patting the place next to her. Hikari sat quickly, looking at her expectantly.

- God created the first angels a long time ago.- she began, looking thoughtfully at the window.- Then he divided them according to their skills, and then entrusted each type with specific tasks.- Miko explained.- The first type is Platinum Angels. They are God's messengers, His connection with the world of humans. They appear to the chosen, giving them messages from the Lord. They do not have any special abilities, they only move very quickly in space. As they are the most numerous, Guardian Angels are chosen from among them.- she took a breath, doing pause.- The second type is Silver Angels, which are designed to convert the greatest sinners. They have a valid gift they need. They can partially influence the will of people, but it does not always turn out to be effective, because there are so many soaked in evil that they will never give in to the whispers of angels. Silver ones can also create strong illusions. They use them to frighten the sinner with a vision of Hell.- she said, clearly deep in thought.- Another type is the Golden Angels, the comforters. They have the gift of empathy, which means that they have compassion with others... That is why their task is to support people's spirits, answer prayers, and save suicides by trying to heal their soul. They don't always succeed, but well...- she sighed.

- And are those all kinds? - asked Hikari.

- No, there is one more kind. Diamond Angels, God's warriors, otherwise known as archangels. They have many gifts that are useful in fighting army of demons: healing, strength, shields against magic, they use special weapons.- she listed.

- Your fiance Asariel is one of them, isn't he?- Hikari said.- And you? Which one do you belong to?- she asked after a moment.

- Due to the fact that I inherited the gift of empathy from my mother, I received the wings of a Golden Angel - said Miko.

- Ah, I get it. And why aren't you with your fiance?- she asked again.

- Both Asariel and I have our duties. We see each other once every five to ten years.- she explained.

- It's sad.- Hikari said, lowering her head.

- Hey, don't worry about it.- Miko grabbed Hikari's chin, lifting her face up.- For me the most important thing is that I see him at all.- she added with a smile.

Hikari said nothing but returned the smile.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hidoi woke up around ten in the morning. The sun was shining in his eyes. He narrowed them, covering his face with a pillow. After a while, however, he got up, went to the window and covered it with a blind. He was about to return to bed when his nostrils sensed the smell of his favorite cheese toasts. He quickly pulled on black sweatpants and a gray, loose T-shirt. Then Hidoi left his room and went to the kitchen. There he found Miko and Hikari standing together near the stove. He slowly sat up in a chair, leaning back comfortably. His eyes went to Hikari. She looked beautiful in the white dress she was wearing. It wonderfully emphasized her thin waist, shapely breasts and thighs. Such a pity that it was long to the knees... Although the calves of the girl also presented themselves well.

- Finally you decided to get up.- Miko's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He smiled sourly.

- I usually work at night, so I have to sleep.- he replied, at the same time scolding himself in thoughts for recent fantasies.

- Oh, I know. - Miko rolled her eyes, placing a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes in front of him, next to it toasts and a glass of orange juice.- Enjoy your meal.- she said smiling broadly.

Hikari sat down opposite to Hidoi with her plate. She clearly avoided looking at him. He suspected it was because of the bathroom incident yesterday. Well, she obviously belonged to shameful people. All in all, he also felt quite awkward.

- What's with this grave silence?- Miko asked, sitting down at the table with her portion.

- Well, I don't have much to say.- Hidoi answered.- Except that those toasts and scrambled eggs are delicious.- he added after a moment.

- And you, Hikari?- Miko looked at her.

- I like everything very much.- she said softly. Her plate emptied the fastest. It looked as if she wanted to escape from the kitchen as soon as possible. She put the dish in the dishwasher and quickly disappeared behind the door.

- Why is she in such a hurry?- asked Hidoi, surprised.

- You know, Hikari never watched the world during the day, so she will probably sit near the window.- Miko explained, sipping her juice.

Hidoi felt relieved. It wasn't his presence that made her disappear quickly, but only curiosity. He laughed to himself, then get to his breakfast.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hikari was sitting in the living room, by the window, staring at the street. It was so busy... The sunlight reflected beautifully on the glass. However, this could not be compared to the moonlight reflecting on the surface of the lake. The day was fascinating, but night remained her time.

Despite all these wonderful views, Hikari could not completely abandon the persistent thoughts of Hidoi. She did not expect that it would be so awkward to sit with him in one room. Hikari knew, or rather hoped, that this feeling would soon pass. She sighed, following the cars speeding down the street with her eyes. Suddenly Hikari wanted to feel the rays of the sun on her skin. She slowly opened the window, putting her right hand out. And then a sudden, huge burning pain appeared. Hikari looked at her skin, which began to peel. She hissed, retracting the hand, then sank onto the couch. Now she understood why parents warned her about the sun. Sun rays fell into the living room, injuring Hikari's bare shoulders. She screamed, feeling as if the skin on her body began to burn. At that moment her guardians came to the living room.

- Hidoi, close the window.- Miko told him, immediately sitting down next to Hikari. She examined the skin wounds carefully. Hidoi, after closing the window, immediately appeared beside her.

- How is it?- he asked, clearly worried.

- It's not so bad. We arrived just in time.- Miko answered with relief.- I'll go for a herbal ointment that will speed up the healing of burns and prevent scars.- she turned to Hikari while getting up from the couch.

- The same one with which you treated my ribs?- Hidoi asked again, taking her place.

- Yes.- confirmed Miko, going to her room.- Look after her well for a moment.- she instructed him, then disappeared behind the doors.

Hidoi saw the burns up close. They looked really nasty. Hikari's expression indicated that the pain must have been really terrible.

- It hurts you a lot, doesn't it?- he asked with concern.- Hold on a little, Miko will be right back.- he calmed Hikari, stroking her head lightly. He had no idea how he managed to do that.

- How stupid I am... My parents warned me about the sun. I didn't knew why, but I should have guessed that they had a good reason to do so.- Hikari said in a broken voice.

- Don't be so harsh on yourself.- replied Hidoi.- Your parents should tell you what are the exact consequences of exposing your skin to sunlight.- he said after a moment, looking at her.

- Maybe you're right...- she sighed, then hissed in pain.

- Well, I already have an ointment.- Miko's voice sounded. Hidoi stood up, giving her place. She immediately began lubricating Hikari's arms and hands. Ointment made the girl apparently relieved.

- Well, now you have to lie down a bit.- Miko said after everything, took the ointment and got off the couch.- And remember for the future... You are a night demon, so the sun is bad for you.- she added, going to her room and then to the kitchen to turn on the dishwasher and clean up after breakfast.

Hidoi wanted to flee to his room but Hikari's voice stopped him.

- Wait... Stay, sit here with me.- she asked.

So he sat next to her in an armchair. They sat in silence for a longer while.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Hikari burns disappeared, Hidoi went to his room to take care of his weapon.

In the evening, Miko took her protegee to shopping deciding that she deserved better clothes than those after her. Hikari assured that these would be enough, but that didn't convince Miko.

Hidoi remained alone at home. He was happy because he could clean the guns in peace. Unfortunately, his thoughts were not kind to him. They circled around Hikari all the time, which resulted in him being unable to focus on the work. He didn't have to wait long for the effects of this distraction. While sharpening the sword, for the first time in his long, over 300 years of life, he cut his finger. A trickle of blood ran down his hand, lightly staining the shirt sleeve. He went to the bathroom, to the sink and turned on the tap. When a stream of warm water touched his finger, he felt a burning sensation. After rinsing blood, Hidoi opened the cabinet hanging to the right of the sink, looking for a first aid kit. Before he found it, the wound healed. He laughed quietly, closing the cabinet.

- Well of course, I'm half a demon after all.- he said to his reflection in the mirror, then left the bathroom, returning to the room.