Mikazuki woke in a dark field. It was windy and the air was cool, fall was upon him. He was dazed, didn't recognize where he was. He tried to lift himself off of the damp ground, but as he did he felt a searing pain coming from the side of his abdomen. He looked down and his white shirt was red with blood. Mika bit his lip as he pushed through the pain and made it to his feet. He placed a hand over his wound and began to walk to the best of his ability.

After a few painful minutes that felt like an eternity he made it to a roadway. He looked down both ends, but could see no signs of life in either direction. Mike could see a glow in the distance coming from one end of the road. He took this to be the lights of a nearby town lighting up the night sky. He mustered his strength and began walking in that direction. Mika's vision was beginning to blur, his legs becoming numb and cumbersome. 

As he pushed himself to his physical limits, his feet gave out from under him. He hid the road hard. The cold damp asphalt pressed against his face. He tried to think of how he ended up in this situation. He reached towards his lower back, retrieving his pistol from its holster. He pulled the magazine out and saw that he had three rounds left, with another still in the chamber. He religiously carried his pistol fully loaded, but could not for the life of him remember firing the missing shots. 

Holstering his pistol once more, he gathered enough strength to regain his footing and press on. Minutes later he spotted a small house with smoke escaping a chimney. There had to be someone inside. He stumbled down the long dirt driveway towards the house, and stepped onto the massive yard leading towards the front door. His mind raced, a surge of energy racing through him. This was a false sense of salvation, as his legs once more gave out. Mika fell hard once more, this time his vision began to constrict into a narrow tunnel. He was familiar with this feeling. He would soon black out.

Laying in the damp field in front of a stranger's home, he would lose consciousness and die unless he could do something. His hand once more slid along his side towards his lower back. He retrieved his pistol. His hands felt numb as he released the thumb safety and pointed the pistol to the sky. He fired one round, the echo carried into the tree line, and surely into the ears of whoever was inside. Almost instantly he could see the front door of the house open, the silhouette of a woman in the threshold. He could see that she was looking in the wrong direction. He lifted his arm once more, firing another round. At that moment, his tunnel vision snapped shut and he lost consciousness. 

Luna's mind raced with possible things she could do to end her night peacefully. Finally, after a long day of running errands for her crew, she sat by her cozy fireplace and enjoyed its warmth. With the weather getting colder, she had been having the fireplace on a lot more than usual lately. Leaning back in her chair, she contemplated her life so far and how much of a rollercoaster it had been. She then began to doze off, a book still opened in her lap and her hot chocolate on the coffee table beside her getting cold.

Minutes later, she heard it.

The sound of a gunshot being fired alerted her senses and she quickly stood up heading to the front door. Trouble was definitely brewing. She started running towards where she thought the gun sound might've come from and soon after that realizes her mistake. A badly wounded male stranger, whom she hadn't noticed before, was laying on her freshly mowed grass at the front. Oh shit, Luna thought to herself. Well then... it was goodbye to a peaceful night, and hello to an unconscious body laying at the front of her house. She didn't need to worry about neighbours reporting it as she didn't live next to anyone. And luckily, she had been in a similar situation where she had to use her nursing abilities to bring someone back to consciousness, so Luna took a deep breath and reassessed the situation.

She bent down on the ground. The man in her vision looked to be quite a young fella. A gun was resting in the palm of his hand with one round left. She unloaded the pistol and put it in her back pocket. She frowned, wondering what the hell happened to the guy. Erasing that thought away temporarily, she focused on getting him up. She got down to his level and grabbed his arm to fling it around her neck, before lifting his body with hers as she stood up slowly. The blood that was oozing out of his wound had stained her shirt, but that didn't matter. Luna winced, pulling herself and him closer to the inside of the house. Almost there. 

Luna almost dropped him as she tried to lay him down on her couch by the fireplace. "Fuck," she whispered to herself before adjusting his body on the seats so that she could have easy access to the side of his abdomen where the wound was located. The bullet didn't seem to have penetrated far enough to cut deep into his skin, so she sighed in relief for that. She could treat a minor gunshot wound. Luna grabbed her medical supplies from upstairs and returned quickly to his side. It was going to be a long night.

After about an hour or so, she had finally finished treating his wound. Luna's living room was a scary, bloody mess. Plus she still needed to change herself into some clean clothes. Before going back to her bedroom to transform her appearance, she puts the kettle on and gets a mug ready for tea. Then she goes into her laundry room and slides her storage doors open to find some spare pillows. She uses them to prop the man's head up at a more comfortable level.

As she walked up the stairs, she picks out a new outfit - one that was more suited for her bed time. Luna took a moment to fall back into her head, her eyes focused on the ceiling. "Oh geezus, help me..."

Mikazuki's eyes slowly opened. He immediately felt the warmth, smelt the smoke, and heard the crackle of the fire across from him. He smiled slightly knowing that he must be inside the house. His last minute effort to be found had worked. He realized that his shirt was off now, he looked down and noticed that his wound was wrapped in bandages. He was starting to regain his strength. He looked around the house and could tell that whoever lived here took great care to make it a home. 

At that same moment he realized that his blood was all over the place. His eyes suddenly grew wide and he knew he would need to clean it all up. He was in debt to the soul that had saved him. He would start paying them back by cleaning the mess he had made. As he laid there he could hear faint footsteps on the floor above him. They were still awake, and if they were to come down he wanted them to know that he was grateful.

He pushed himself to a seated position, then onto his feet. Quietly he made his way over to the sink in the kitchen. He found a rag that had clearly been use for cleaning dishes and soaked it with water. He then walked over to where he was laying, got on his hands and knees and began to wipe up the blood. He was very cautious not to make noise. He would wipe up as much blood as he could before the cloth couldn't contain anymore. Then he would get up and walk back to the sink, wring it out under water, and repeat the process. He did this for about forty minutes, and for the most part all of the blood had been removed from the ground and surrounding furniture. 

He just had one small spot with some blood underneath the coffee table to get to. He wiped it up with relative ease, but as he did hand bumped the leg of the table. A cup of hot chocolate tumbled off of the table, but thankfully Mika's reflexes had returned to him. He was able to catch it before it hit the floor and shattered. Though, in catching it the contents being the hot chocolate splashed into Mika's face and onto his chest, as well as onto his bandages. 

He grinned thankful that the glass didn't shatter, but his eyes went wide as he heard the footsteps near the top of the stairs. Mika had made too much noise and they were aware he was awake. He didn't have time to even try to get back up or onto the couch. He simply sat back onto his knees and turned in the direction of the staircase holding the now empty mug in his hands. He was finally about to meet to one that saved him from a cold and lonely demise.

Luna was just about ready to go to sleep when she heard rummaging sounds from down below. Then the sound of shattered glass made her move instantly. The male stranger must be awake now, she had to herself as she rushed downstairs and finally ran into the man's presence. She looked down at the broken glass, then up at him. She noticed that the living room was also significantly cleaner than the state which she had left it in earlier.

The man obviously seemed to be apologetic about the situation, though she didn't think of it as a big deal. Luna was going to replace most of her mug collection anyway. Luna's eyes became fixed on his wound. She hoped that the bandages wouldn't come undone. Then she looked at his appearance and she nodded. "That's fine. I'll clean up the mess. Take a seat, please, and I'll go get you a clean shirt." Luna smiled then disappeared, suddenly feeling shy.

She tried hard to find something in her closet that would properly suit him, as Luna was a pretty petite girl and her clothes consisted mostly of crop tops and skinny jeans. Finally, she spotted an old tee. One of her male friends had once spent the night at hers and had left his shirt. She came back down the stairs and gave it to him without hesitation. There was a moment of awkwardness as she stood patiently waiting for him to put it on. "Um," she cleared her throat, then said, "do you have somewhere you need to be in the morning? I'm happy to drop you off. I gotta go into the city anyway for work."

Mikazuki saw her face, then her reaction, he looked down and saw that his hands were empty and that the mug he thought he'd caught had actually shattered. He placed his hand on his head and sighed. How much blood had he lost. He nodded and did as she told him taking a seat on the couch. He sat in silence until she came over to him with a tee shirt. He took the shirt and smiled up to her. "Thanks!"

He slowly pulled the shirt on and over his bandage. He looked at her again and before he could say anything she was asking about what he intended to do in the morning. Mika frowned and looked down at the floor.

"I do have to go in the morning. I'm really sorry for inconveniencing you this evening. I am very thankful for you saving me."

He ran his hand through his hair and scratched the back of his head.

"My name is Mikazuki. I'm from LA. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I have no idea where I am right now."

He looked back up and directly into her eyes.

"What's your name?"

Luna giggled. The man was probably still exhausted from the seemingly terrible events he went through to end up in the situation he was in at that moment. She was of course thankful as well for him using the energy he had to help clean up the glass and blood. She headed into the kitchen to pour water into her tea and suddenly heard him ask about her name. While pouring water from the kettle she answered, "the name is Luna!"

She came back, cup of tea in her hands and she sat down on a chair. Looking up at Mikazuki, she said in a more relaxed tone now, "you should get some rest. Your wound still needs time to heal. I would ask how did everything start but it might put more stress on your body." Luna took a few sips.

In the living room, the coziness was starting to make Luna feel sleepy. And not long after her eyelids shut, putting her into a long-awaited sleep. 

Mikazuki smiled as she said her name. He listened as she went to go make herself a cup of tea. He lay there waiting to come back. Mika had so many more questions to ask about her. His eyes closed for a few seconds, but he jolted himself back awake. She was still making her tea in the kitchen. He started to recall some of the events which led him to this house. He was luring people away. Using himself to get these people away from something. His eyes closed again.

A few moments later he startled himself awake again. He could hear her pouring the tea into a cup. He smiled to himself, feeling his eyes becoming too heavy to keep open. He whispered to himself, "Luna" and fell fast asleep. 

The next morning he slowly woke, he could see her sleeping in the chair across from him. Had she really fallen asleep sitting like that? He wanted to wake her, but she looked so very peaceful in her sleep. He figured he would just lay there, trying to remember what happened the night before.

It turned out that Luna had been sleeping in an uncomfortable position. She wasn't too surprised when she woke up with a sore neck.

"Morning," she said in her low morning voice.

Luna looked at him for a moment, tempted to ask him what was on his mind, but she figured it might too personal so she refrained. Looking away, she moves her attention to the window. The morning sun threatening to peer through her curtains. Maybe the brightness of the sun might motivate her to get up and make breakfast.

"If you're going to leave in the morning, let me make us breakfast." Luna got up finally, yawning with her arms outstretched.

In the kitchen she made a little mess, though the smells that were coming out and making its way to the living room was delicious. There was waffles and tea. She smiled, cupping her mug close to her lips and letting Mikazuki help himself to the food on the plate she fixed up for him.

It seemed to be a peaceful morning. For her, breakfast time was the one time she could have this peace and quiet as the rest of the day would be lots of work apart from her cigarette breaks.

Mikazuki was still very much in pain from his wound, yet serenely comfortable in the presence of this kind soul. He laid back on the couch, angry at himself for not being the one to get up and make breakfast himself. After all, she had done so much for him already. As he lay there, it began to come back to him. What he was doing, why he was doing it, what led him to this moment. Before he could have another thought though, the wonderful smell of Luna's cooking hit him.

Mika sat up and made his way into the kitchen with her. He made himself a plate and sat with Luna. "This smells amazing.." He said as he took a few bites and closed his eyes savoring the taste. He slowly opened his eyes, they were transfixed on Luna. "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

Mika looked down to the floor as he continued. "The people that did this to me... there's still one left somewhere out there." He took a small sip of water. "I managed to kill four of the five men I lured out here, but when I wounded the fifth, he struck me as well." He looked into her eyes trying to gauge her reaction. "I can only hope he was wounded badly enough to die, but there is still a chance he's out there... watching and waiting."

Mika didn't say anything else and slowly finished the food she had prepared for him. It gave him much of his strength. He was returning to his old self again. "I normally wouldn't tell anyone this, but you have a right to know. I have a ward, a young girl. I am charged with protecting this lady until she comes of age and ascends to her throne as the leader of Los Angeles. Those men were following me to get to her, so I led them away. I led them here. I am so sorry for the burden I've brought down upon you..."

The words that were coming out of his mouth were being processed in her mind. She widened her eyes in response when she realised everything. Well then, this was definitely going to be a problem. She already enough to deal with back at work, and now this. Part of her started to wonder if it was a wise decision to let him into her home. Luna started to get irritated, though she tried not to show it. Instead, she put down her tea and started to clean up the kitchen. As she was doing that, she spoke.

"I don't think it's safe for you to stay here any longer. Like you said, he could still be out there waiting for the perfect time to strike," she tried to sound calm, but it was evident in her voice that she was concerned.

She finished up cleaning and started getting out her loaded pistol. She didn't trust Mikazuki enough to give him one though. Not yet, at least.

"Where were you heading?" Luna looked at him, somehow managing to smile a bit.

She had more questions about this girl he was protecting, but she thought she would save those for later. Right now, she just wanted to get this guy to safety... a place where he could be properly protected.

Mika's eyes grew wide watching her react. He smiled slightly and then began to shake his head and placed his hand up. "There's no need for you to get anxious." Mika couldn't help but grin slightly. "He's pretty hurt and his group is completely wiped out." He placed his hand on her shoulder in an effort to comfort her. "He's not going to attack. He's not after you at all. Hell, he's not even after me. He wants the girl, and with his group dead his only logical option is to try and stalk me. Hoping I take him to her."

He placed his hands back into his pockets and sighed.

"Thanks to you, I've regained my strength for the most part. I doubt he's been so lucky out there watching from the distance, still wounded. If I can just get my things back I'll be on my way." He looked out of the window knowing he couldn't ask anything more of this woman before him. "I'll be able to manage, there's nothing you need to worry about. I'll find him first."

Luna felt a little more calm. She knew now that the guy had everything under control, and she was definitely underestimating his abilities. She nodded and took a deep breath in and out. "Well, um.. alright. If you say so. Sit down and I'll go get your gun." Luna went away and returned quickly with his things, not forgetting to thank him for being a respectful guest and cleaning up after himself even though he was still pretty wounded.

She dropped her hands to her side and stood kind of awkwardly. "I gotta get to work..." 

The weather outside had a cool breeze as usual. She waited for Mikazuki to head out the house first before she followed after and locked her door behind her. In the distance her car was waiting. She felt a little embarrassed to be driving around an old mess, but all she cared about was that it would get her from point A to B. 

Luna turned to Mikazuki with a smile. "Where am I dropping you off this morning?"

Mikazuki smiled as she returned his things. He checked his pistol after she gave it back to him. He still had one round in the chamber. That would have to be enough he thought to himself. He put his jacket on, the hole from the round that struck him was very visible. Mika placed his pistol in the right jacket pocket. They made their way out of the house. As she started her car and asked where he would like to be dropped off, Mika frowned slightly.

"I can't get in that car with you. I'm sorry..."

He took a moment to scan the tree line. He didn't see any obvious signs of anyone out in the woods, but that was to be expected. Whoever had attacked Mika and survived was no novice to the hunt. He turned back to Luna and feigned a smile.

"If he's watching us, he more than likely expects you're just a good samaritan helping an injured person. If I get in that car with you, then you may become a target. I can't have that."

Mika placed his right hand in his right jacket pocket, gripping his pistol. He then smiled and waved to Luna with his left hand. He then yelled out loudly as he made his way into the tree line, certain whoever was watching would hear.

"Sorry for the trouble lady! Thanks for the bandage!!"

He then turned away walking through the damp brush and into the woods. His face grew serious. The hunt was now on. Two apex predators, one stalking the other. Mika would stop abruptly on his hike and listen. He did this for hours, but would hear nothing. He neared the bank of a stream and once again abruptly stopped. When he did he heard it, a footstep on leaves and twigs. His enemy had not died in the night. His enemy was very much still intent on killing Mika. The sound let Mika know the man was behind him, over his left shoulder, on a hilltop very likely looking just over a ridge to keep himself concealed.

Mika knew what the man was after. His team was dead. His only hope to complete his objective was not to kill Mika, but to follow him back and report the location of his ward. Unless.. Mika were injured or collapsed. Then the man would have an opportunity to capture me. This would be the key for Mika to rid himself of this nuisance. Mike quickly ran across the stream,  up the hill on the other side, and just before reaching the ridgeline where he would be out of his enemy's sight. He tripped on a rock and tumbled, purposefully. 

Mika knew the man would be quickly attempting to cross the stream and get to the next ridgeline and keep eyes on Mika. Mika stripped his clothing as quickly as he could and stuffed them with branches and leaves. He lay them out to make it appear as though Mika had been knocked unconscious during the fall. Now completely naked, Mika covered himself in dirt to the best of his ability and sat under a rotting log, concealing himself almost completely. He sat there in the cold with only his pistol with one round left in his hand. 

Moments later he spotted a head pear over the ridge, it looked directly at Mika's stuffed clothing. It stayed in position for about fifteen minutes, peeking and ducking on the ridge. However, after seeing no movement at all. The man began to slowly move down towards Mika's decoy. The man was injured, walking with a limp. Mika must have thought correctly in that he had shot the man in the leg. As the man got closer to the decoy, he stopped suddenly. At this moment, Mika knew that his enemy realized his mistake. At that moment, Mika took aim and fired one round crisply into the side of the man's head. Killing him instantly.

The pistols slide locked to the rear, indicating that it was now empty. Mika collapsed back and lay against the rotting log. The team which had come for him, in hopes of killing his ward, was now all but dead. He had fulfilled his duties. It was now safe for him to return to her. The stress of the encounter had reopened his wound, he had lost more blood. He looked down realizing this, and his eyes closed slowly.