Eternal Melody



HINO

"Toh means well, and San does in his own strange way. They probably didn't come to that agreement easily."

"Yeah but, feeding is an intimate action. Doing that with both of them doesn't make you feel weird?" Hino wondered.

"O-of course it does." Sumire stammered. "That's why when I get back I will do some more research. I can't let that happen again."

"I'll help you." Hino offered.

"Mm, but I wonder if we could just ask Eli. I am sure he knows more about this."

Hino frowned. He really doesn't want Sumire to have any further contact with Eli. But, it seems like Sumire won't stay away from him. He sighed deeply. He already told Sumire why he disliked Eli and while she sat and listened saying she understood. She also said that people change and Eli genuinely seemed remorseful for his actions in the past.

Indeed, people do change. He understands that, and yet how can he possibly trust any of the researchers who put them through that hell? He still remembers Eli's cold eyes when he forced him to erase Sumire's memories after the failed escape attempt, still remember Eli being the one in charge of giving him those cruel missions.

His thoughts break off feeling the presence of several people following them. Their blood lust was hard to miss and he clenched his fist.

"Hino? Whats wrong--"

"Whatever you do, don't look back."

'Damn it, another attack already? Can't these people give her a rest.' Hino shakes his head. He needs to get her away quickly. Mashima said he would be working late tonight, but Senbi and Tsueno said they'd be waiting back at the apartment.

He reached out for his phone and clicked a random button before shutting it down and tossing it back into his pocket.

"Hino, I don't think we can out run them. We will have to fight."

Hino sighed deeply seeing her load her gun. "Please tell me you're going to use lethal bullets."

"After what happened last time, of course I am." Sumire winked. "If you can trap them with your fancy shadow power, my shots will be better."

Hino grunted. "You don't need my help to aim perfectly."

"Now, now it's a rare chance to work as a team." 

With those words said Sumire turned around and started to shoot their enemies. It's a good thing he chose a quiet road, otherwise they would have attracted some attention by now. He parked the car not too far from here, so if they can just get there. But, thinking it through having people chase them when they are in a vehicle is far more dangerous.

"Hino, don't get distracted." Sumire called out.

Hino takes his own gun out of his holster and aimed it at one of the cloaked figures that had gotten closer to him. "Don't worry about it, I'm fine."

Sumire sighed deeply. "Alright. Just focus."

Hino nodded. Between the two of them, it didn't take them long to take down the cloaked figures. In fact, it was almost too easy. Hino tried to shake the feeling off. However, even after Sumire took the last person down. Something felt amiss. 

Sumire was looking at the man passed out on the ground and frowned. "They were too weak, surely they didn't think these people would stop me? I know I am weakening myself but, this is underestimating me too much."

"Either way, let's get to the car." Hino said, tugging her arm. 

Sumire nodded. "Mm, okay."

On their way to the car. It felt like the the darkness around them was getting worse, and there was an odd chill in the air. The colour of the moon seemed to change from a white colour to a bright shade of red. 

"A blood moon." Sumire whispered. She glanced at their surroundings with more caution. "Hino, stay close to me." She said protectively.

"What does that-"

Before Hino could finish that sentence, they hear a blood curdling screech. Hino whiped his head back to see several glowing eyes in the darkness. Creatures made out of darkness, blood familiars. He has heard of them before, but this is his first time seeing them. 

His and Sumire's pace increased and Sumire puts the gun away, and took out a small knife. The moment she cut her finger, droplets of red blood wrapped around the knife swallowing it, until it slowly formed into a larger blade. 

Hino's eyes widened surprised. 

"Those things, won't get hurt with normal weapons." Sumire looked at him worriedly. "Hino, just leave this to me okay?"

"What about physical attacks?"

"It won't be as effective. But-" Sumire paused.

'It's better than being unarmed.' Hino immediately understood and stood back to back with Sumire. 

"Alright, watch my back, since I won't be much use."

Sumire looked like she wanted to protest. But the creatures started to attack them, not giving her a chance to say anymore. Hino didn't understand why she was so worried. He might slow her down, but he won't be entirely useless. 

 __________________

It didn't take long for Hino to realize how useless he actually was going to be against these strange beings. Within the first few minutes of simply using his fists, to fight the creatures. He noticed. He wasn't even making a dent in them, meanwhile he was getting worn down by the minute. It felt like they were zapping his energy.

Sumire looked back at him with a nervous look in her eyes. It more than conveyed why she tried to insist for him to stay back. Damn, he really does need to listen to her. So these creatures can zap his energy? No wonder, he is feeling so exhausted.

Still, they are making progress. If they can just get through this and get in the car. If they can just reach the apartment, with Tsueno and Senbi there as back ups, they can deal with anything else that comes for them.

With that thought, he felt more hopeful and immediately headbutted one of the beasts. It seemed the creatures weren't expecting that since the others looked puzzled. He used that chance to gather the two that had been flocking the one he headbutted into his arms, and threw various punches and kicks with as much strength as he had at them. Continuous attacks, non stop.

It seemed to be doing some damage since he heard groans of pain. But right as he thought that, Hino felt something sharp graze his arm.

Hino hears Sumire's frantic scream. "Hino!" Sumire exclaimed alarmed.

More creatures surrounded him as he fell to the ground motionless. Hino felt his vision turning blurry as he glanced at the markings on his arm. Small purple spots covered his arm where the creature had bitten him. Damn it, what is he doing being so careless tonight? No it's not just since tonight. He's been letting his guard down far too often. How many times has he gotten in the way?

*Unedited*