Moonlight Waltz (COMPLETED)

Episode 4

Hidoi sat with Miko on the couch in the living room.

- Well, I'm all ears.- she said, looking at him expectantly.

- I was thinking recently about my fight with Koe. Being close to him I sensed that he was being assisted by some powerful force.- replied Hidoi.

- It's obvious that the 1st Circle demon employing him increases Koe's attack power.- Miko sighed.

- Yes, but there is a small problem.- he noted.- I've dealt with the demons supported by those from the 1st Circle many times.- he continued.- The power that surrounded Koe belonged to someone equally powerful, but it's not a demon. The power structure of this person was slightly different from that of the demon.- he added.

- How is that?- Miko was surprised.- If it's not a 1st Circle demon, then who?- she asked, trying to find some meaningful explanation.

- I have no idea. I was next to him too short to accurately empathize with the structure of the aura that surrounded him.- Hidoi replied, clearly dissatisfied with this fact.

- Why are you just telling me now?- Miko asked again, slightly annoyed.

- I just thought I knew the structure of this aura from somewhere. All the time I wanted to remember where or on whom I felt it before, but I failed to do it.- he explained.- That's why I decided to tell you about it.- he added, looking at her uncertainly.

Miko sighed heavily.

- Well, it's always an important clue... At least we know where we have nothing to look for...- she said after a moment of thought.- I will go through the book again, maybe I will find something...- she got up, slowly heading towards her room.- And you try to remember from where you know this structure, okay? - she asked.

- I'll try my best.- Hidoi promised, smiling uncertainly.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hikari, bored of waiting for Miko, began looking through her book. Particularly interested in the chapter containing descriptions of various entities. She even came across the one describing her.

Suddenly, on one of the pages, the figure of Aoi Honou, a demon of the Blue Flame, one of the Fallen who left Heaven with Lucifer, caught her eye.

- "Aoi Honou... Blue Flame... Demon from the 1st Circle..."- Hikari read in snatches, thinking.- Hidoi's last name is also Honou...- she said to herself.- Is this demon his father?- she added, slightly terrified by her discovery. Hikari knew well that the 1st Circle demons were very powerful. Therefore, it was obvious that Hidoi, as a descendant of such a demon, also had enormous power. In his case it was the Blue Flame. Hidoi used this attack when fighting Koe, but only when all other means failed. But if he did it right away, no further fight would be needed.

Knowing how much Hidoi hates his demonic half, Hikari guessed why he did not want to use this attack.

- Oh yes, I understand. It must be really hard for him.- she sighed.- Using the power of the demon too often could drag him to the side of evil. That's why Hidoi is trying to keep this side of his nature in.- she added sadly. Hikari had heard many stories about hybrids who succumbed to their demonic instincts. Like some vampires, they lost their humanity and became monsters. She shuddered at the very thought of Hidoi becoming such a being.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening. When Hikari turned her gaze that way, she saw Miko.

- What's that expression?- she asked, sitting next to Hikari, then looked at the book lying on the bed and understood immediately.- So you met Hidoi's father...- she added.

- So it is his father.- said Hikari, looking at the description in the book.

- Don't be afraid, Hidoi will never be like him. He would rather die than become a monster.- Miko calmed her, reading the anxiety in the girl's eyes

- I guess, but what if one day Aoi Honou finds him wanting to drag to his side?- she asked, clearly worried.

- Hikari, this will never happen.- Miko assured her.- Because the demon Aoi Honou was destroyed some time ago.- she added.

- How is that? After all, he is a demon from the 1st Circle... And they are immortal.- Hikari was surprised.

- I know, but other immortal beings can destroy them.- explained Miko.- But only few know about it. Demons diligently guard such information.- she continued.- Hidoi's father was annihilated by Meijin after killing his mother and trying to drag his son to evil side.- she finished looking at her.

- Ah, I understand.- said Hikari. It was obvious that this news brought her great relief. - Miko, you know so much about demons. Tell me about the 6 Circles.- she asked.

- Okay.- Miko smiled slightly.- Such knowledge will always be useful.- she said, taking a deep breath.- Just after the creation of the world, when man appeared in Paradise, God chose him as Lord of Earth.- Miko began her story, looking somewhere in front of her.- Certain angel did not like it. He believed that his species should rule. His name was Lucifer.- she said, underlining the last sentence.- He rebelled and left Heaven with some other angels. This is how the 1st Circle of demons was created. Then there were another two revolts that formed the 2nd Circle in Hell. They are powerful demons, but can be destroyed. However, it is difficult to kill them. The 1st and 2nd Circle are called Fallen Angels, because they have the form of an angel with black wings.- she added.

Hikari listened to her carefully.

- The 3rd Circle is made up of smaller demons, created by the Fallen in the image of yokai, like you Hikari.- Miko continued.- They derive power from nature. The strongest of them are the elemental demons - of Water, Earth, Air, Fire and Spirit, the counterparts of the Elements that I look after. However, their power is much more limited than that of the Elements. Koe is such a demon. They usually have a human form, but most of them have a terrifying appearance. The next, 4th Circle, brings together ordinary demons, easy to kill, they use fireball attacks, etc. and have the form of a human. The 5th Circle consists of goblins, vampires, malicious spirits and other creatures that are not harmful to people, but often burdensome. The Last Circle, 6th, is the so-called Circle of Rejected or Despised. It includes demons that feed on the souls of other demons, such as Gaijin, and hybrids, like Hidoi, although the demons don't count hybrids as one of their kind. Sometimes demons from higher circles who betrayed their race are degraded into this circle.

- These are really useful information.- Hikari said, smiling slightly.

- Of course.- Miko agreed, then looked at her watch.- It's late and I'm tired. We'd better go to sleep.- she said after a moment.

Hikari had to agree with this. Her fatigue also showed up. She quickly took a shower, changed into pajamas and went to bed. Miko flipped through her book for another half hour and then followed her footsteps.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The rays of the sun fell inside the dingy room, located in an abandoned house intended for demolition. Gaijin moved a little on his bed made of a dozen rags beaten in a mound. Finally he stood up, completely awakened by the sun, in regret for removing the only curtain from the window and using it as a quilt.

He got up slowly, leaning on his sword. His gaze swept the entire room. During the day it looked even more shabby than at night. The only comforting fact was that he slept in worse places. He had no money for accommodation, because he was paid with souls. Money didn't interest him. Gaijin needed souls, he was still alive thanks to them. And that's why demons were rejecting him. He felt their contempt very well. For them Gaijin was something worse than a vampire - because he did not feed on people, but demons, his brothers. The only plus was that by eating the soul of his victim for some time he took on the gift it had. Depending on the demon's age, it lasted from a month to a year. He has now taken over the gift of reading mind and invisibility. He had to admit that these skills were very useful.

Gaijin quickly abandoned these depressing thoughts. He had an important mission to accomplish. He threw a coat over his shoulders, hiding a sword attached to his belt. Then he opened the window and looked down.

- Only ten floors.- he laughed, then jumped out.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the evening, when the sun hid behind the clouds, Hidoi again took Hikari for a walk around the city. He liked spending time with her. He needed her childish joy like air. The high wall that surrounded his heart slowly crumbled. Hidoi felt that he had finally found someone perfect for him - a girl from whom he did not have to hide anything.

There were a lot of people on the streets. Tokyo was full of life, full of movement, bustle and lights.

- Ah, how beautiful it is at this hour.- Hikari said with a smile.

- Yes, you are right.- Hidoi agreed with her, although it was difficult for him to focus on admiring the views when she was near. He kind of knew why something like this happens, but it was his habit to suppress such feelings.

- You know, before you appeared I did not pay attention to such things.- Hidoi added after a moment.- Thank you for that... And for your joy.- he smiled slightly.

- You're welcome.- said Hikari with a bright smile. She didn't expect to ever hear such words from him. Earlier Hidoi seemed introverted, inaccessible, extremely careful with showing his feelings, and above all very sad. Hikari was very happy to see Hidoi smile. She also felt him slowly opening up to her. The distance that divided them was getting smaller every day.

Finally she dared and grabbed his hand. To her joy, he did not step back as before when they were in the cafe, but he squeezed her hand and smiled once again.

They were returning home late in the evening. They were just turning into one of the darker streets when someone suddenly whipped past them, with sword in hand. Were it not for the fact that Hidoi bent quickly, dragging Hikari with him, one of them would probably be hurt. The attacker quickly returned, striking again. This time Hidoi drew his sword and with one blow he came into contact with the enemy's weapon, stopping him. Gaijin's familiar face appeared in front of his eyes.

- Give me the girl and nothing will happen to you.- he said, smiling slightly at Hikari, who was hiding behind a nearby container.

- Have they hired you too?- Hidoi asked contemptuously. He knew well that if Gaijin meant Hikari, he probably worked for the same person who had once employed him.

Gaijin just smiled and attacked. They fought for some time, demolishing trash containers along the way. Finally, Hidoi knocked his opponent off with one powerful blow, then nailed him to the wall, putting sword blade against his throat.

- Nice move.- Gaijin praised him.- Come on, finish it, kill me.- he added, looking him in the eye.

Hidoi was about to take his head off, but suddenly a thought flashed through his head.

- What kind of reward did Koe promised you for bringing Hikari?- he asked, ready to get the answer out of him by force.

- Relax, I'll tell you.- said Gaijin, reading all his anger from Hidoi's thoughts. Seeing the surprised face of the opponent he smiled slightly.- From one of my victims I took over the gift of reading minds.- he explained.

- Okay, I understand.- he grunted, loosening his embrace.- And now answer my question.- he added, piercing the opponent with his eyes.

- So this fire demon is called Koe, right?- Gaijin raised his eyebrows slightly upwards. He read the answer from Hidoi's thoughts.- So he offered me the soul of a 2nd Circle demon. You know that for me it is an extremely tempting offer.- he said after a moment.

- Then I have a better offer for you.- replied Hidoi, and then smiled for the first time after the fight.

Hearing Hidoi's words, Gaijin frowned, clearly interested. Hikari curiously came out from behind the container, stepping closer to hear their conversation better.

- If you help us find and defeat the one who commands Koe, you will be able to take his soul.- proposed Hidoi, already quite letting go of him, but still ready to fight.

- And why is that better?- Gaijin asked, looking at him questioningly.

- When I fought Koe, I sensed the blurred aura of the person who was helping him. Undoubtedly, it was the person who gave him orders.- Hidoi began, turning his head to the side.- At first I thought it was an 1st Circle demon's aura, but the structure didn't quite match. It was similar, but I think that this being is more powerful.- he finished, turning his eyes back to him, observing the reaction. Just as he thought, Gaijin was clearly interested in this news.

- Hmm...- Gaijin thought for a moment.- If you offer me something like that, I would love to work with you.- he agreed after a moment.

Then the three of them went to Miko's apartment to discuss the details.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Miko was sitting in her room going through her book. Suddenly a friend, an angel who was bringing messages from God, stood beside her.

- Hello. - she stood up, embracing him warmly.

- Hello, Miko.- he replied, sending her a smile.- I have some important message for you.- he continued as they sat together on the couch in the living room.- You know the story of the demon king that ruled some 3,000 years ago, right?- he asked.

- Yes.- Miko confirmed.- He created stones that would drain the power of yokai and other demons. This way, he wanted to possess all the power, become invincible and control the world.- she told the story shortly.- But God took the stones from him and hid them in a temple in the mountains, giving two Golden Angels as the guards.- she added after a moment.

- That's right, but a few days ago this temple was broken into. Demons diverted the attention of one of the angels, and the other was defeated by the attacker.- he stopped, taking a deep breath.- With them was a Silver Angel, the same one you have to find. They took two stones from the temple, fire and moon ones.- he finished.

- What is she doing? - Miko was surprised. - I have to find her as soon as possible.- she decided, looking at the messenger.

- In that case I wish you good luck. - he replied, then got up, gave her a smile and disappeared.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Soon after that, Hidoi, along with Hikari and Gaijin, found themselves in the apartment. Miko, hearing exactly what happened in the dark alley, sighed.

- Do you think we can trust him?- she asked Hidoi, looking at Gaijin from time to time.

- Honestly, we have no choice.- he replied.- Besides he can help us. From his recent victim, he took over the gift of reading minds.- he added.

Miko thought about it, closing her eyes. Everyone who was present intently watched her with great attention, in complete silence.

- I know how we can locate the person who gives Koe orders.- she finally said, looking around the apartment and stopping at Gaijin.- I have a task for you. You will meet with Koe, try to read from his thoughts everything about his superior. Then you'll get something that belongs to him. It could be a piece of clothing, but a strand of hair would be best.- she said.

- Well, of course I can do that.- Gaijin agreed and smiled slightly.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Koe wandered around the city, slightly worried that Gaijin didn't share any information since their last meeting. Has he not yet completed his mission?

When Koe entered between two large buildings, he saw someone in the darkness leaning against one of the walls. After coming a little bit closer, he recognized the face of the person - it was Gaijin.

- Where have you been?- asked Koe, displeased.

- Here and there.- he replied, turning his bored look at him.

- I see you still haven't done the job.- Koe said accusingly.

- You're right.- Gaijin confirmed.- Actually, I met the yokai you told me to bring. Hidoi Honou, my industry colleague, was with her.- he explained after a while, slowly approaching Koe.- Unfortunately, he threw my gun away. When I thought he would kill me, in exchange for my cooperation, he promised me the soul of the one who gives you orders, noting that during the fight with you he sensed the aura of your supervisor.- he quickly spat out words, getting closer to Koe, in the meantime browsing through his mind, capturing the important details.- On this basis, Hidoi concluded that it is someone like the 1st Circle demon, but a bit more powerful. So, as you can see, he has significantly beat your offer.- Gaijin added at the end, smiling slightly.

- Well...- Koe sighed and his superior's words immediately appeared in his mind.- "Demons like Gaijin should not be trusted."- he heard them as clearly as if they had just been spoken.

Gaijin watched Koe's changing facial expressions. From the demon's thoughts, he read many useful hints about the person who gave him orders. The next stage was getting something that belonged to Koe. However, he had to distract him somehow. Gaijin reached for his sword and aimed it directly at the demon's face.

- And what does that mean? They told you to get rid of me? - Koe asked mockingly, and in his eyes the spark of fire began to blur.

- No, but your soul is such a tasty treat that I can't resist the temptation to kill you.- Gaijin replied calmly. All in all, he didn't lie. A strong aura emanating from the Koe's soul really stimulated his appetite.

- And you think you can beat me?- his opponent laughed, full of confidence. A ball of fire flashed in his hand after a moment. That's how the fight began. It lasted a good fifteen minutes, until Gaijin flicked just above Koe's head, deliberately raising the sword higher, thereby cutting off the lock of almost red demon's hair. He already had what Miko wanted, so he quickly ran away to the city center.

Gaijin read into Koe's mind even before he recognized his silhouette in the dark. However, it was only when he touched on a sensitive topic about his alleged employer that Koe's thoughts went down the track that was interesting, because not only Hidoi and Miko wanted to know who was giving him orders. Gaijin was also extremely troubled by this issue, after all the soul of this mysterious creature supposed to be his reward. He tried to analyze carefully everything read from Koe's thoughts. One thing was certain - that creature wasn't a demon.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hidoi was sitting on the couch in the living room, lost in his own thoughts. Hikari sat next to him, curled up, looking nervously at the door. Miko flipped through her book with one hand and nervously tapped the rhythm on the table top with the fingers of the other hand.

- I know where from I felt the structure of aura that surrounded Koe.- Hidoi said suddenly.

- Where from?- Miko asked, ignoring Hikari's questioning look.

- You have a similar structure.- he answered, looking at her.- But not completely. Only part of your aura is like that.- he added.

Miko drowned in thoughts, staring at the table.

- This must mean that Koe's boss is either a wizard or angel.- she said after a longer while.- I was born into a wizard's family, and then I received wings. The structure of my aura consists of these two elements.- she continued, seeing Hidoi's slightly confused expression. Hikari listened to their conversation, barely understanding its meaning.

- Oh, I understand.- said Hidoi.- Unfortunately, this does not answer the question who gives Koe orders. - he sighed disappointed.

- But it significantly reduces the number of suspects.- Miko consoled him.

Then Gaijin burst into the apartment.

- Koe's boss is definitely not a demon.- he said at once, wandering his eyes on all those gathered.

- We already know that. According to Hidoi, it has a similar aura structure to mine, so it's either an angel or wizard.- Miko replied, sighing slightly.

- That's not all.- continued Gaijin.- Reading the thoughts of the demon I learned that his boss is a woman and Koe is strongly attracted to her. I also know that they're hiding in a tall building from which the entire panorama of Tokyo can be seen. When it comes to decor, it's probably the former headquarters of a company.- he added.

- Interesting...- Hidoi drowned in thoughts.- Buildings from which you can see the panorama of Tokyo are located on a hill, on the outskirts of the city.- he added.

- And I have what you asked for.- Gaijin said to Miko, taking a handful of Koe's hair from his pocket.

- Wonderful.- she said, giving him a smile, then took the lock of hair from his hands and began to go through her book. Suddenly she stopped on a page and put the hair in the center of the table, previously removing everything except the book. Then her eyes glared over everyone present.- Now we all have to sit around the table.- she ordered.

When everyone took their place, Miko grabbed the hand of Gaijin and Hikari, who sat on her right and left. The rest did the same. Then she began to utter a Latin spell and focused all her attention on a handful of hair lying on the table. After a few minutes she went into the Koe's mind. The truth she read in there exceeded her wildest expectations.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Koe had just entered a huge, dark room when he suddenly felt a huge headache. His knees buckled.

The huge chair, usually facing the window, creaked slightly and turned toward the door. The figure who was sitting in it jumped up - it was a tall, slim woman with brown hair and dark blue eyes. She ran to Koe, supported him and touched his forehead.

- Someone has connected to your mind.- said woman, then closed her eyes, massaging his temples.- Time to break this connection.- she added with a slight smile.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

When Miko was about to discover the address where Koe's boss was hiding, the contact suddenly broke off. She opened her eyes wide, gasping for breath.

- Is everything okay?- she heard Hikari's worried voice.

- Yes.- replied Miko, slowly recovering.- It's just that Koe's boss discovered that I made contact with his mind and brutally interrupted it.- she explained after a moment.

- Have you found out where exactly their hideout is?- Hidoi asked.

- Almost. I would already have an address if she didn't break the connection.- answered Miko.- But I know who it is.- she added mysteriously.

- Who's that?- Hikari livened up. The others gave Miko questioning glances.

- It's Gin Tenshi.- she confessed finally.

- Wait... Isn't that the name of the Silver Angel that you were supposed to find?- asked Hidoi, confused.

- Exactly. It's the same person.- Miko confirmed.- In addition, I recently received the message that Gin broke into the temple where power stones were hidden. She took the fire and the moon stone.- she added after a while.

- Fire and moon, right?- said Gaijin this time.- Well, we know now why she needed Hikari. She wants to use the moon stone to take her power away. And fire stone is probably took to deprive Koe of power.- he deduced.

- Finally, it all starts to make sense.- Hidoi said.

- Well, it's a reasonable explanation, but I do not understand how my power could be useful for an angel? - Hikari interjected.

- You're right, it's kind of weird.- Miko agreed with her.- But that's how it looks.- she sighed.- Anyway, we have to act. If we are dealing with an angel, killing her will be very difficult.- she continued, looking at Gaijin.- You must quickly go to Kyoto and find Meijin. According to my information he should be there.- she instructed him.

- Wait.- Hidoi interjected.- You are not going to bring him here, are you?- he asked, slightly indignant.

- We need him. He is an immortal magician, and I'm afraid that only he will be able to defeat Gin.- Miko replied, looking him straight in the eye.

Gaijin immediately set off, leaving the other three.

- Why can only Meijin defeat her?- asked Hikari.- You are higher than her in the hierarchy because you belong to the Golden Angels, so you should be stronger.- she added.

- I suppose so, but she is being helped by demons from the highest circles of Hell. Thanks to this, unfortunately, she is stronger.- Miko sighed.- Besides, I received a command from God to bring Gin back to Heaven, not kill her. All I can do is persuade her to return and defend myself against her attacks.- she explained.

- That's just great.- Hidoi said sarcastically, brushing his hair back from forehead.

- We'll manage somehow.- Hikari said in a comforting tone.- Each of us has the power to use.- she gave them a smile.

- Wait, what are you talking about? - Hidoi asked her.- Me and Miko will fight, but you won't. It's too dangerous for you.- he added, frowning.

- He's right.- Miko agreed.

- But why? I can fight.- indignant, Hikari looked at both of them in disbelief.

- You are so carefree, delicate... You won't be able to handle it...- Hidoi explained.

- Are you suggesting that since I'm not as bleak as a corpse like you, I can't handle the fight?- she snapped at him, leaping to her feet.- Do you still think of me as a sweet i***t, even though I defeated you in battle during our first meeting?- she asked in resentment, frowning angrily.

- Hikari, this angel is much more powerful than me.- answered Hidoi calmly.- She wants to hurt you. And neither of us wants anything to happen to you.- he added pleadingly. Miko looked from her to him, not knowing what to say to break this quarrel.

- And that's why I should sit here idly while she will be murdering you?- Hikari shouted with tears in her eyes.- You both became so close to me... Why should I allow something like this?- she asked desperately.

- Relax, Meijin will come and help us.- Miko said, looking at Hikari.

- Before Gaijin finds him, this angel will kill you.- she hissed even more enraged.- I won't allow it.- she went to the open window, directing her gaze to the street.- I'll find Gin myself and kill her.- she added, jumping out.

Hidoi jumped to his feet almost immediately and was at the window in a few seconds. Hikari was no longer seen tough, only a luminous glow remained in the sky.

- Damn.- he cursed, quickly took the weapon and put the coat on his shoulders.- I'm going after her.- he turned to Miko, then disappeared, teleport outside.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Koe walked around the city, completely resigned. He didn't want to go back to Gin because he knew she would be angry with him. The next day was a new moon, the day she could realize her plan. Unfortunately, Hikari was needed for that too. He cursed himself in mind while passing the buildings. When Koe was on the outskirts of the city, on the way to the hideout, he saw something in the sky. Suddenly this thing came and appeared just before him. It was Hikari Tsuki.

- What a pleasant surprise.- Koe smiled.

- I'm looking for your supervisor, Gin Tenshi. I want to fight her.- she replied, looking at him defiantly.

- To deserve a fight with my lady you must defeat me first.- he said and sparks of fire flashed in his eyes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hidoi combed almost the entire city, following the footsteps Hikari left behind in the sky. He felt terrible - she ran away because of him. He offended her, although did not intended to. Hidoi knew that this girl fights well, after all he experienced it firsthand. Still, she seemed so fragile to him... But it wasn't just that. He didn't want to lose Hikari. She was so precious to him... And that's why he was losing his mind, searching for her without a second of rest. Hidoi felt something terrible would happen.

Finally he reached the outskirts of the city, where he saw the most terrible scene in his life. Koe was holding a semi-conscious Hikari in his arms.

- You're late, Oni. Miss Tsuki belongs to my lady now.- the demon laughed in his face.

- You...- hissed Hidoi and, drawing his sword, threw himself at him. Unfortunately, before he reached Koe, the demon dissolved into the air, taking Hikari with him.