Hikaru Mochizuki

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Mentions: N/A

"Nock!"

"Draw!"

"Aim!"

"Release!"

The air brimmed with numerous high-pitched whistling as the arrows flew off the strings of the bows, piercing the air as they soared through the skies toward their targets. Soft thuds were made as the projectiles embedded deep into the training dummies assembled from straw. The clouds above were a gloomy grey and concealing the Sun, snowflakes leisurely gliding in the chilly winds before landing on the snow-covered terrain. A group of men dressed in worn-down armor was lined up in a single file line. All of them held the handle of their bows with their left hands, with the arm of the bow towering over them.

Standing amongst them was a tall man with an odd feminine visage. His long, straight black hair idly glides with the freezing winds, yet his eyes remain immersed in the training dummy. With each hot breath leaving him, water vapors were exposed due to the combination of cold and hot zephyrs. His skin was a healthy light color, while his cheeks tinged with pink as the cold nipped his skin. The man towers over most of the men lined up beside him; nevertheless, none harbored any interest in him. Even when alive, no one recorded his presence, or perhaps, it was forbidden to do so.

"Training is over for today. Return to your schedule!" Their training instructor barked, with the foot soldiers obediently following his orders. All except for one. Tokito. Who remained in his spot and kept practicing with his bow. His instructor glances at him for a brief second before brushing him off. The older man walks away from the training grounds, leaving Tokito alone in the training field. He kept going for what appeared to be for hours, with the surrounding area growing darker by the minute and torches at the camp being lit.

Tokito kept going, ignoring his drawing hand aching with pain and the tips of his fingers steadily bleeding. A bit of his bowstring was stained with said blood, causing his fingers to slip when he fired his bow, making the arrow miss his target by a few inches. He lowers the training bow to his side, gazing upon his work with dissatisfaction. He missed one shot out of 100, his mind bashing him for failing a straightforward task. From his perspective, he was ineffective-blaming himself for the utter defeat. He could hear someone slowly clapping behind him Tokito shifted his body to turn around to regard who it was. Seeing his father furthermore, lord, he bowed respectfully in his spot and closed his eyes. "Lord Nobunaga," he said with utmost graciousness, and he could hear the man huff with amusement. "Why are you disappointed in yourself? You've done well." Tokito listened to the other's footsteps growing closer, yet he remained in place. "I would like to oppose your sentiment." Lord Nobunaga stops in front of him and considers his words. Next, he moves his hands behind his back and dips his head. "You may and do rise, young one."

Tokito straightens his posture, keeping his eyes forward. "It wasn't noteworthy as you might believe." Disagreeing with the other's words, witnessing a shift in his lord's eyes. "Why is that?" The older man probed, wanting to dig further into what Tokito predetermined. "That one mistake could've cost everyone their lives. That fault would've caused one enemy to survive and report back to his commanding officer." His lord took in his discussion entirely, momentarily regarding the arrow on the ground, then focused back to Tokito. "A soldier who exhausts himself would be a greater threat to his allies. Therefore, he will miss more than once and leave many enemies alive. Take notice of my warning," the way he spoke was authoritative and of true wisdom, "don't tire yourself. You'll make many mistakes that will truly matter."

Tokito's eyes shuffled to the ground to avoid eye contact, ashamed of himself for not focusing on some direr. "I understand and will take your words with care." Lord Nobunaga nods before talking again, but this time, placing a hand on the younger's shoulder. "I'll leave in the morning for headquarters. I want your company me for a bit." The two reserved after their brief conversation while strolling side by side in the dimly lit camp.

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Mentions: Ming and the others (Ind.)| Location: The Bar

Hikaru watched Rouge's car drive away for a while before walking towards the bar. He kept to himself, ignoring the scene in the parking lot as it had little importance personally. He kept his eyes on the building he was about to enter, minding his business, not wanting to get dragged into the redundant drama. He pulls a bulk of colorless hair over his abnormal ears, hiding them from the sight of others. Aimlessly he twirls a strand of hair around his index finger, keeping his other arm tucked in his jacket's pocket. With each step he took and growing closer to the bar by the minute, his mind flourished with an antagonistic dilemma. Crowded places bothered him, and the unfamiliar faces were troublesome. It was making him backtrack his decision to arrive here in the first place.

If he was so tormented with socializing, then why did he come out here in the first place? As embarrassingly as it will be for him, Hikaru came out because he was envious of Rouge's ability to mingle without hindrance. She's able to befriend (as well as make enemies) so many people-able to compose a deep bond with them. As the years grew on and the longer he stuck by her side, his resentment grew with failed attempts to suppress it. His steps were losing confidence, his body becoming firm, and his mind racing with perilous visions overfilling his mentality with dread. Innocently, he wandered inside the pub and didn't notice until the smell of alcohol hit his sensitive nose.

Not wanting to be judged as an odd man, Hikaru stalks to an empty table in the back of the building. Far away from the rumbustious crowd, needing to adjust to the foreign atmosphere first before attempting to mingle. Finding his way into one of the chairs, Hikaru leans against the backrest while settling his arms on the surface, doing his best to lessen his increasing nerves to focus on introductions to not make a fool of himself if he managed to converse with someone. His eyes survey the crowd, taking in the people's interactions to see how they're doing and what gesture is appropriate. Hikaru's lips are thin, resisting the urge to mess with pieces of his hair, not wanting to be perceived as flurried. "Ugh," rubbing his forehead with his eyes on the table, "I'm a nitwit for trying to do this without a detailed plan first." Wait. . .does socializing involve one anyway? Not planning things was Rouge's job. He's not an expert on not thinking ahead.

As his gazed glide over to the window, he noticed a familiar face amongst the crowd he ignored on the way in. It was the face of someone from his past, or perhaps, it was that of a phantom. A ghost hunting him of misdeeds eons ago. Unbeknownst to him, his jaw clenched tight and his teeth squeezed together. His eyes of gold inspects the face of the man. Wanting to be certain on he thinks it could be. Gradually the tall man rise to his feet, then heads out the door to the bar. Strolling in the direction of a tree, a good distance away and he can have a closer look. Hikaru leans against the tree, pretending to stare at someone else. Only to peek over to the Chinese man, his eyes swelling with many emotions that were starting to become overbearing.

If it truly was him, then consider himself lucky, or unlucky. It depends on how things turns out. His undead heart grew heavy like it did ages ago when it was alive. It was like the day he parted from his friend and was preparing for his wedding. His free hand trailed through his hairline, latching onto his bangs as a his head began to ache. Hikaru is unsure how to control the new feelings creeping in. The combination of joy and sadness were burrowing deep into his mind. He twists his body to where his back was perched against the tree, then crosses his arms together as he thinks. Could it be fate? Although he never did believe in such a thing. . .it couldn't be him. For all he knows, it could be a stranger that has that exact face, but something in his heart was telling him that it was really him. An emotion he finds unsettling.

Briar Solanine Tinuviel

The Beta Male | Male | Mentions: Ikaris, Angela

The male took in Ikaris and his little movements. The two had known each other since they were practically in the womb, and it was safe to say that he pretty much knew his tells. Like the way his cheeks puffed slightly when he was refraining from saying something. And he raised a brow as it was at his comment on taking him to bed, had he wanted to say something different? But it was deflected by the surprise in the new nickname he had used for the male, and so he decided to go with the flow. He'd circle back to that previous statement later. And he tilted his head in response, " What? Do you not like Val? If not I can come up with something else. Maybe sunshine? Because Icarus flew too close to the sun? But no, that's based on a tragedy and not romantic and all." And he gave out a small huff of annoyance, and a look of concentration came on his face as he thought of other possible nicknames for him and that's when he looked at his eyes for a moment just started at them, how they looked at him with beautiful doe-like innocent and reminded him of forest and the way he looked like a cute forest creature. And his face softened as he cupped Ikaris's face and a soft smile, spread across his face as he chose his nickname, " Bambi " he said softly, and lovingly.

And he realized he had been starting, his golden eyes widening in shock and embarrassment, a hint of shyness in them for being so sappy. He gave a small nervous chuckle as he removed his hands, and nervously rubbed his thumbs together. " Uh, that is if you like it. I just thought about it because of your eyes, and how light they are, and they remind me of pine trees, and that reminded me of a fawn that lives in the forest. And you always have this cute doe-like expression on your face when you see something you like and it reminded me of Bambi, and Bambi is my favorite Disney Movie." He said, rambling on , and he gave Ikaris a meek smile before continuing with an awkward laugh, " Anyway, that was dumb, and cheesy. I'm sure you have something much better for my nickname than I have for you."

He was feeling like this because, in most of his past relationships, his partner didn't appreciate the meaningful pet names he gave them and that hurt him. He had been called cheesy and clingy just because he did that, and he was pretty sure Ikaris wouldn't care about the nickname, after all he could come up with another one. Pet names were important, his parents weren't in love and he never saw love until he saw his grandparents : his grandpa affectionately calling his grandma his eternal flame or fiery lady and her calling him, her teddy bear or her precious treasure. He may not have been affectionate with his actions at times but he damn well could be with his words. It was better that way, but with Ikaris he felt the desire and need to be affectionate and he definitely didn't mind it. It would be obvious his mind had drifted for a moment, but he was sure it wasn't that noticeable or concerning.

He then tilted his head at Ikaris mentioning it was an impulse, the kiss, and he gently held his boyfriend, a soft hum coming from him at that information. "Well, you should follow your impulses more, because, I very much so enjoyed that." He said with a peck on his cheek and a small giggle saying, " you really need to stop second-guessing yourself and go for it. You deserve happiness too you know, and I won't stop staying it until you know it. "

And he gave a small frown at the nervous laugh and the response that came afterwards. And a small uncommon, pout came form him, Briar doesn't pout, but he damn well would if it got his boyfriend to have some damn confidence. " Of course I was serious about the date, I don't go back on my word." He remarked as he scrunched up his nose in annoyance, a habit he did when he was upset, annoyed, or disgusted by something, it reminded one of a bunny wiggling it's nose in a way. And then he continued, "Gods, what did that witch, scratch that, she's not even worthy of being associated with them. What did that heathen do to you. How many dates has she flaked on? Knowing you, you went all out for her and she didn't even get to see it nor care to see." He said practically fuming about it, and then their was a fierce possessiveness in his words as he said them with conviction and determination, " Well, I'm glad to be the one to erase her horrible and hideous ass from every bad memory of what a relationship is to look like. I am going to all the first things that should be fun over with you so you don't remember that bitch. So our first date is going to be spectacular, you hear me! I'm pulling out all the stops." He said getting closer to Ikaris face and giving him a determined look.

And then a mischievous look came across his face as he leaned closer to him, his lips brushing Ikaris ear as he spoke, " And when I say everything, I mean everything. So don't be so coy with me. You are so obvious. " he said, his tone dripping with silkiness, and a coy and flirtatious nature. And he gave a flirtatious giggle before kissing him.

" I'm doing to check on your food. " he said innocently a teasing grin on his face as excited to the kitchen to check on his food.

Briar Solanine Tinuviel

The Beta Male | Male | Mentions: Ikaris

He didn't expect Ikaris to like the nickname, and a shocked expression crossed his face as his eyes widened and brows furrowed in confusion and surprise. His lips quivering a bit, as his eyes threatened to turn glassy, and he gave a soft sniff as a singular tear fell out, " You don't think it's cheesy or unnecessary . . . " he asked lowly, his voice sounded rather hollow and sad . And he gave a rather small smile, " You know. You're one of the first partners I've had that's taken my pet names seriously, so thank you, even if it's dumb." He said with appreciation. And he felt himself blushing at Ikaris saying that he couldn't say anything dumb and gave an awkward laugh saying, " Aw, come on that's not true, I'm pretty sure I can say some dumb shit at times. " he said with a little snort and dismissive wave of his hands, and he gave a curious look as he say Ikaris looking at him. And he looked around to see what he was looking at, and frowned a bit. What was he looking at? And then he realized Ikaris was looking at him like that. Surely he was looking at the wrong person.

" Do I have something on my face? " he asked a bit confused as to why the other male was staring at him like that. But what caught his eyes was the forming of a smile. And he had to stare in awe, it had been a while since he saw a genuine smile from him, besides earlier, but now he could fully see it in the light and it warmed his heart. And he gave a scandalized laugh at the mention of him being sunshine, " Me? Bring sunshine? , that doesn't sound like me." He said with a nervous laugh, and he was about to say more, but he had gone quiet with what was said next. " Wh- What?" He has said breathless at the sentiment, and if he wasn't crying then, there were tears coming from his face now, how could his boyfriend be this damn cute? And then he felt his face being cupped and a a thumb being rubbed over the growing crimson on his cheeks, and it was extending to his ears. He didn't expect the nickname to be reinforced, nor, for his boyfriend to sing part of a song and he sounded beautiful. " It's been so long since I've heard you sing." He said rather whistfully, a soft smile on his face at the memory of the two singing their hearts out in karaoke duets.

The man had to give a small laugh in appreciation, and look at his boyfriend with an uncommonly wide grin on his face. And he didn't miss the sort of flinch at the mention of Elle, and he felt bad for bringing her up and he listened attentively to Ikaris, his blood boiling by the second, how could she trash his efforts and kindness like that. And he swore then and there that every bad memory Ikaris had with her in the dating scenario would be replaced by an amazing one with him. " Well, I'd never do that. So plan as many dates you want, steal as many kisses and hugs you want," he said as he cupped Ikaris face with a soft expression, "I want to burn every memory you have with that dumb blonde, and replace it with me. I want to show you what a real relationship is, it's based on love and care, from both parties, it's not a one way road . I know your heart has been hurt, my dear, but please let me be the one to mend it. " and his tone was soft and gentle, full of care and confidence. And he sealed it with a soft kiss to Ikaris's forehead.

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Briar hadn't missed how Ikaris had reacted to his teasing and it left him going to the kitchen with muffled giggles, and he found that the toaster oven was off and the food he had made for Ikaris was now nice and hot, and he put it on a plate and got a cup of orange juice. And he rather gracefully walked over to the male, and placed the food on the table with a smile saying, " Here's your long delayed meal, sir." And he said the last word with a playful tone, and he grumbled as he took in his rather comfy look.

" I'm changing this shirt, because I don't want to be burning up when I'm baking and cooking. " He said more so to himself as he scurried off back to the kitchen and set the oven to preheat to 425 degrees fahrenheit. And then he moved on to go to his room and get changed, he closed the door behind him.

And he quickly abandoned the warm, tan turtleneck he had been sporting. And he was looking through his shirts when he found an oversized black tee that had a gothic white sun on the back and he had to snort at the irony, but he put it on anyway. And he took a quick look in the mirror to see the front of his hair was looking a mess, it definitely would be time for a wash soon. He sighed and took a black, silk scarf and wrapped it around the front to at least keep it smooth . And for now he was satisfied with how he looked. He began working on a text to the group chat , as he walked back to the kitchen.

Briar: Making chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, and sugar cookies for some sweets for the movie. And some fresh, homemade popcorn, and if you heathens are good, I might make a fresh pizza. Also, I've decided : we're watching . . . Coraline, since you all didn't chip in and give your opinions. Please get home safe, also I'm not making anymore food tonight, so if it's cold when you arrive - you're on your own.

Sent. 8:01 PM

He then put in his AirPods and played his Spotify. He then began moving like a busy bee around Angelca after putting on a black apron with a cat on it. He grabbed flour, eggs, salt, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, premium chocolate chips, unsalted butter, cocoa power, baking soda , vanilla extract, and buttermilk. As he made the dough he swayed and hummed softly to his music, he was in the zone and it was quite obvious he wasn't paying attention . After he had made the dough for the cookies he checked and saw that the oven was heated now and since it was he placed the 3 racks for the cookies in the oven, each rack held 20 cookies so 60 cookies in total were being baked. And his favorites were the soft bake chocolate chip ones that he was making. Now that the cookies were baking he could begin working on the popcorn, and he set some butter in the microwave to melt. Afterwards, he grabbed two bottom heavy saucepans and put extra virgin olive oil in them, and turned the heat on medium. And after ten minutes he placed two kernels in each pot and was satisfied to see that the oil was hot, and afterwards he dumped a generous amount of kernels in each pot. And placed the top on them with it slightly slanted so the popcorn didn't get soggy and lose their crunch. Afterwards he got the melted butter and mixed it with a pinch of sugar, honey, and cinnamon. And then got the fresh black pepper and Kosher salt out, and then some big buckets for the popcorn, about six big buckets because that should be enough, considering there would be other snacks and such.

For five buckets he seasoned them with salt and pepper and then added butter and a pinch of fresh olive oil. And for his bucket he added the sweet honey-cinnamon mixture and put his up. He gathered the rest of your buckets on a basket and placed it on the table along with coasters for the future drinks and small bowls and mini-plates and napkins. Afterwards he went back and checked on the cookies , he bent down to open the oven, and with mitted hands grabbed two racks of cookies and placed them on a clear spot on the counter to let them cool down. And while those two were coolimh down he prepared some warm dishwater and neatly gathered the items he used, he had to bend down to place the silverware and baking and cooking utensils in the dishwasher along with plates and bowls, and after loading it he set it up and let those dishes wash. Now all he had to do was wash the pots, and before he started on that he began placing cookies in a big cookie jar and then put a sticky note on the ones with peanuts saying, " Warning : Has Peanuts 🥜 " . And he placed the three big jars in a row on the kitchen island.

After that, he went to his final task after he had cleaned off the counters and turned the oven off. He started on the dishes. What he didn't realize, was how loose his shirt was. Because one could see the beauty marks adorning his shoulder blade and neck now that his neck was covered and in proper view. Along with strands of curly black hair clinging to his neck.

Rouge

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Mentions: Shadow (dir.)

Rouge pulled to the side at a convenience store, her tongue craving something sweet to eat, but it could be her thirst for blood. Oh yes, the glorious life of an undead human. Honestly, the only negative thing she has about being a vampire is the urgency for blood. Like. . .literal blood. Her face twisted in repugnance. You don't know what's in their blood, yet vampires blindly slurp it up without questioning it. If she were human and had the urge to barf, she would've at this second. Perhaps she was stingy and kept ruining her mind with such thoughts. Or maybe, she detests drinking from kerns. Yes. That could be the case. She's too dignified to do such a thing, and her taste is rather richly for the likes of commoner blood.

Rouge leans back into her seat, her hands trailing the steering wheel to give her hands something to do. She huffs, then steps out of the car before slamming the door behind her. In a hangry mood, she struts in the direction of the store and seeks to busy her mind to sway away her hunger. Her eyes shifted to the individual humans walking by, staring firmly at their necks with ravenous intention. She could've sworn she witnessed their plasmas pumping beneath the surface. It was taunting her to take a sip from its feeble host, daring her to savor every moment. Her legs carried the woman without her knowledge. Her mind (and fangs) elsewhere. Rouge's movements were stiff and hesitant; still, she blindly headed towards a young man talking with his friend.

"Excuse me. What are you doing?" She blinked a few times to recollect herself, with her senses returning gradually. It took the man to speak out over her weird actions to stop her from drinking. Regaining enough to compose herself, she recognized her chin on the man's shoulder; at that moment, his friend was gazing at her with bewilderment. Rouge pulls back, giving the man a forced, apologetic smile. "I thought you were someone I know and tried to pull a prank. I'm deeply sorry," she wasn't and criticized his plasma mentally for alluring her in the first place, "for being an inconvenience." With a warm and soft stare to make her words believable, Rouge shuffled her feet to get inside the store, not wanting to delay herself further.

She received peculiar looks upon entering the store, making her left eye twitch with annoyance. "What? None of you seen someone attempt to kiss another's neck before?" Rouge scoffs, her lips shifting to a mischievous grin, "Bunch of virgins." Although she whispered such a word, not wanting to start a fight at this second. Maybe once she has her fill. That could be up for consideration. Psychologically writing "start a brawl" at the top of her to-do list. Oddly, she has a feeling her desires will come true today. Though, she's an impatient woman and hates the teasing that fate is doing to her. She strolls to the wine aisle, her eyes checking out the glass bottles, then the prices. "Cheap prices mean cheaply made. Still and all," grabbing a bottle and examining the label, "it'll suffice my exigency." Her tongue shriveled in disgust, sensing its impending doom. This is her karma for being haughty in her previous (living) life. Living a rich life is distressing.

She purchased her singular item and left the store promptly to return to her car. Rouge settled herself in the driver's seat and snugly leaned against the seat. Using her teeth to remove the cork and spits it to the side, her eyes trained on the humans walking by-treating them as a source of entertainment. She took a small sip from the bottle, only for her body to quiver at the cheaply made beverage. The essence of the drink was putrid, but it was the only thing that'll suppress her famine for a few hours.

That's until she spotted something in the distance, and her eyes only shined brighter. It appears to be a canine of sorts chasing off a coyote. She was a fool in many things, albeit she's not one to admit it, but that creature right there wasn't like any other. It was a-

"-Werewolf." With the declining human populace when nighttime sweeps over the skies, it was time for the dog folks and bloodsuckers to party. Should she tease the doggy a bit? Why, of course! There's no harm in socializing, even if it results in a rumble. It adds amusement and boasting rights to the experience. With urgency, she leaped out of the car. Not really, as she cautiously stepped out, having little desire to scuff her expensive heels. To clarify, she carefully and eagerly left her vehicle, having little devotion to restocking her shoe supplies tomorrow. Rouge stealthily chased after the werewolf.

When they were alone, her smile steadily grew as she spoke, "Hello, little dog-shifter." Her tone was malicious upon communicating with the canine, with her eyes illuminating in the ever-increasing darkness. If someone walks by and deems her crazy for trying to talk with a wolf, Rouge will wallop them with glee. To be frank. She is bizarre for speaking with the creature in the first place. What if this wolf was an actual animal and not a shifter? If that were the case, she's most certainly insane. "Wait. . .can you even understand me in that form? Let me speak to you in a language you'll understand." Egging the werewolf on and not lighting up on her teasing, "Arf. Bark. Woof. Woof. Awoo." She held back her laughter, needing to cover her lips with her hand. Rouge probably cursed in dog language without her knowledge. The dogs in the area would take offense to such words.

Hikaru Mochizuki

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Mentions: Ming and others (ind.)

Upon gazing at the man with dilemma clashing in his eyes, his undead heart began to ache. It felt like an invisible hand was squeezing it immensely, and it wasn't letting up. It was getting worse with every second he kept staring at the man. Whatever the feeling may be, it's tearing down his mood, causing a shift of storms to formulate in his typically calm hues. His stomach was light-like it was unoccupied. He doesn't understand why his body is behaving this way. His mind wasn't his at the moment. It was always in control. He enforced his body to work for him. He DEMANDED his mind and body to function. So why is it betraying him like this? Why do his eyes dare to water without his decree? Why are his hands shaking and feeling stuck? What is going on with him?

"Hachimitsu (honey)," his voice shaky, and the confidence in his voice was snatched. The longer he gazed upon that haunting face of his past, the more it was causing an immense amount of heartache. Hikaru's face was twined before forcing himself to turn away. Such an enticing presence dared him to come closer. Hikaru was conflicted: go over there and reunite with his possible long-lost friend, or turn-tail and scurry off back home to his cats? His eyebrows knitted together, trying to keep his gaze away from the man. Such a face is cursed-it was damning. It was an omen of the crimes that he executed eons ago. The Gods were punishing him. He knows it. His instincts were telling him to run. To give up and hide someplace as if the person in front of him was a threat. This is peculiar. He wasn't one to run from a fight and handled it diligently. Hikaru felt like an unmovable stone. Trapped in a glacier and frozen in time. Immobile. That's what he believed he was, yet why does his body tremble? Memories of his past haunt his brain, recalling the man across from him appearing to him like an angel to banish his internal demons. His light in his darkest of times. A Sun that shone down on him during the cloudiest of days.

"Wēndù Shoi-Ming." The name made his tongue fall off, his words fumbling, and his undead breath hitches. Without waiting for him to be noticed by the fellow, believing he won't be spotted. Hikaru races off to duck into an alley. Seeking protection from that nostalgic face-a face that brought both good and bad memories. His hand covered his eyes, forcing the tears to vanish with a singular swipe. Glancing at the palm of his hand when he felt the moisture from his eyes on his pale flesh. This feeling felt similar to what it did eons ago when he thought he. . .no. No need to think about it now. There's no reason to mention THAT day. Briefly, illusionary flames erupt in front of him, the concrete ground becoming dirt with a familiar red liquid staining it. The brick buildings are now wooden and burning in a raging inferno. Hikaru could hear the screams of surprise and rage. The faint sound of weapons clashing together. He felt himself fall to the ground, his back pressed against the wall and his hands covering his face. Spurious smoke of the flames burned his nose and throat upon his rapid breathing.

His mind and body brought him back to that night when his life fell apart. It was the beginning of him walking on a dark path for selfish reasons. Hikaru shuts his eyes tightly while plugging his ears with his hands, drowning out the echoes of his past and concealing the calamity of it all. "It was," his voice breaking as his throat was squeezed tight, "it was-" his words interrupted when he pulled his knees closer to his chest, "-it was my fault," his eyes were becoming wetter by the minute, "my fault," Hikaru's mind was riled with confusion at these unknowing emotions. His long, alabaster hair fell, covering the entirety of his face, The area around him was fading, bringing Hikaru back to the present, with him curled up in a ball in a filthy alleyway. He cuts himself off, mainly his emotions and his body loosening its tightness. The tears were no longer pouring, and his eyes sober again. His mind was finally quiet after what seemed like an eternity of nightmares.

He takes deep calm breaths to regain composure, staring at the brick wall in front of him. Everything was normal. Peaceful, even. Hikaru waited a little bit before pulling out his phone to text Rouge to pick him up, but he struggled to turn it on. His brows lowered themselves, a disappointed expression on his face. "Forgot to charge it. Great." Tonight wasn't his night, and now he wants to go home to his two cats to forget all of this. He gets up from his sitting position and walks out the alley away from the bar. He can't go back now until Ming leaves. He shoves his hands into his pockets, hurrying home and longing his beloved felines.