Saiga tapped gently on Kazahaya's door. The young blonde trotted over to the plastic door and opened it cautiously. As he peered into the older man's face he could see the seriousness in his face, regardless of the fact his eyes were hidden by dark glasses.
"Are you coming in Saiga – san?" Kazahaya asked, opening the door wider.
"Only for a moment, we have to get moving soon." The tall man walked into the little apartment. The faint smell of bacon still lingered as he walked further in and took a seat at the dining table, his long legs stretched in front of him on the floor, his posture relaxed. He yawned loudly as his hidden eyes took in the surroundings. The pale paint on the walls was chipping and cracks had started to form around the cabinets that were screwed to the walls. As Saiga lost himself in thought Kazahaya walked in and sat opposite his boss's lover, looking him in the eyes he could not see.
"First, what is going on? Second, is he coming with us? Third, am I being paid?" Saiga couldn't help but chuckled at Kazahaya's last question. His face was quick to bear a serious expression once more as he prepared to answer the teenager's questions.
"There is a city beyond this dimension and the next that resides in total darkness and is filled with pain and anger. It is surrounded by a long steep wall of rock, over which no creature has been able to climb. For many centuries, this city was thought to be harmless for none could get out and so the inhabitants of other dimensions weren't bothered by its existence. However, seven years ago a report was sent to the mages and spiritually powered members of each dimension speaking of a creature with claws that can break through even the strongest materials and teeth the colour of old water stained with darkness and pointed like those of a dog. They are vicious and can leave the walled city. We call them the Darkness who live in the city of Shadows. According to Kakei's vision they want Rikuo's soul and may have taken the soul of Tsukiko to find him. So that we don't put his life in further danger we will leave him behind, and yes, you will be paid."
"The city of Shadow's. How are we going to get there?"
"Have you ever walked on the wrong side of a lamp post?"
"Yes. Don't tell me that's how we're going to get there." Kazahaya said, obviously slightly annoyed by this idea.
"It's no biggie. Now, I suggest we get moving. Time is running out for Rikuo."
The two men made their way from the store to the lamp post that stood proud nearby. Saiga gestured for Kazahaya to go first and reluctantly he stepped forward, moving his left foot into the third dimension where the darkness ruled and evil resided. He felt a hiss of pain shoot through his leg and jumped back, surprised by the sudden feeling. Saiga frowned and carefully placed a finger in the vortex before feeling the same thing as his companion.
"I don't think that's a good sign Saiga – san." Kazahaya stated, light eyes studying the portal.
"Only one way to find out." Replied the dark haired man as he stepped fearlessly through the portal and on to the other side. Kazahaya's jaw dropped. Did Saiga really just decide to walk through the portal that just hurt them both? The teenager took a moment to recover before stepping reluctantly through the portal and onto the other side.
Rikuo's breathing was laboured as he tried to take in deep breaths of air, desperately attempting to refill his seemingly empty lungs. Kakei had closed the shop and our or so early and made his way up the stairs that led to the young men's apartment. He had entered Rikuo's room and was sitting next to him, listening to his ragged breathing and the occasional words he spoke during his restless slumber. He spoke of darkness and pain as well as the woman he loved more than any other – Tsukiko.
He wasn't running now. The enemy had decided to let him rest and for that Rikuo was thankful. He was sure he had spent most of the day running from the invisible monster than stalked him in the eternal darkness that surrounded his blurred eyesight. He couldn't understand why his head hurt so much and sat in the corner of an alley, holding it in his large hands. As he tried desperately to rid himself of the pain in his head a voice whispered to him in the darkness.
"I live in the dark, but seek the light. I watch over enemies in the eternal night."
"Who's there?" Rikuo asked, standing straight to confront the enemy. As he scanned the area he noticed a dark figure glide towards him, slender hands reaching towards him, stopping only a few centimetres away from his muscular chest.
"I am the one who watches the darkness and protects those of the light from harm."
"Am I of the light?" Rikuo asked hopefully.
"You are. I will help you escape this world. For a price." The figure stated harshly.
"And what would that be?" Rikuo asked as butterflies danced angrily in his stomach.
"I ask only for you. Your love for all eternity. " Rikuo's face turned grey with fear as he debated the decision in his mind. How could he love a shadow? One he has never met? As id answering his question the figure removed a black cloak to reveal a young woman, who was a little too thin with raven locks that stayed obediently at her back. "I will only help you if you agree." Unaware of Tsukiko's situation and presence Rikuo agreed reluctantly for he needed to escape the darkness and find his way home. "And now we shall escape the world of thought."