Chapter 3: The Revelation of the Midnight Wolf
(Kunimitsu II's POV)
What the hell just happened?
As I made my way towards Mr. Kakashi's mansion to explain everything to him, I just couldn't get my mind off of that Midnight Wolf I met after the whole operation. I never thought I'd bond with, what was supposed to be, a bloodthirsty predator towards all who face him. From what I remember from those bedtime stories, legend says that the Midnight Wolf is a mythical creature that only stalks evil souls at night. Many stories of numerous people found dead for no reason in their homes or other locations have made headlines for years throughout Japan and only half of the country believes that it's the work of the Midnight Wolf. My Mother and I are part of that half, but my father cared less. The country was better off without those deceased people, but still…
…why the hell didn't that giant canine attack me and the other officers? He's actually a K9 with them. Something's odd about that. This I had to share with Gon later, but first thing's first:
"Ah, Kuni! You made it!" The smiling Mr. Kakashi greeted me as he didn't waste a moment allowing me inside his luxurious mansion while I took my hood off along the way. "Do you have my diamonds?"
"This is where the good news and bad news comes in." I replied with honesty. "The good news is that I did find your diamonds and stopped the thieves from burning down the building with them."
"Excellent! So, what's the bad news?"
"The police have them and only I can have a chat with sheriff tomorrow at the station downtown in order to get them back."
"You can't just steal it back from them?"
"And get arrested for it the next day?!" Vaisakhi nodded twice in agreement with an understanding glare in his light brown eyes.
"Touché, young Kunimitsu. You have a point there. Well, that's understandable. You're not one to go up against the law like that because of your mother's reputation. I hope it'll be an easy negotiation, then."
"Same here, but I should also tell you something about a K9 that they have on their force. They have the legendary Midnight Wolf within their possession and he's as tamed as the average German Shepard in the same position! I even got to pet him and I somehow bonded with him. Do you know of this?"
"I've heard many rumors about the police force having a single K9 in their unit, but I never thought it was that particular wolf. And he didn't attack you obviously. Aren't foxes part of you and your mother's spirits?"
"Yes and that's the whole idea as to why I'm so shocked about it."
"No kidding! Well, regardless of that specific factor, you still have to possibly face him again along with the sheriff tomorrow. Try not to get too intimidated by him this time. I simply want my diamonds back."
"Yes, sir. I won't fail you."
About an hour later, back at the Tekken Mansion…
I had just gotten out my shower within my room and dressed in a comfortable purple tank top with black shorts as I made my way to bed for the night. Before I could get to sleep, though, I had to share this experience with Gon first. I know that he's been all over the Earth at this point since his resurrection from extinction many years ago. He would know something about the Midnight Wolf in much better detail than what my parents have told. I pulled out my smartphone from the nightstand on my right and decided to have a video call instead. I needed to see his face.
"Lil' Kuni!" Gon greeted to me in his usual cheerful manner, making me slightly smile instantly. He was in his mutated obstatricity dragon form and it looked like he was just casually watching TV with his beloved Stephanie while they ate breakfast. "Shouldn't you be sleeping, young lady?" I giggled. "Heh, heh, heh-don't answer that. I was just kiddin'. Anyway, what's up?"
"Have you heard of the Midnight Wolf?"
"I've heard of many things and this one shocked me when I first heard it from a historian about ten years ago. It's been said that this 12-foot-tall wolf only preys upon human souls that truly reeks of evil and nothing can be done to get rid of it. Having it attack those people while they're asleep is the best course of action for it. That's why it has that moniker. Why'd you ask?"
"The Tokyo Police has it as a part of their K9 unit. I had my usual errand of stealing back a couple of diamonds for a regular client of mine and I was nearly successful. The thieves burned down the building and I managed to get the diamonds out before then, but the police have them and I have to talk with the sheriff to get it back. I may encounter the wolf again."
"Did he attack ya the first time?"
"No. He almost did, but he calmed down after an officer told him to do so. Afterwards, I sort of bonded with him. I got to pet him between his ears and he gave me a stare that told me that he knew who I was long before that same officer called out to me for a quick interview. That's not supposed to happen to me, especially considering the fact that the fox is a part of me."
"The kitsune to be precise, yeah. Huh! That is odd. Maybe the police successfully tamed it or something. Whatever the case, be on guard tomorrow. That wolf may not be so friendly next time."
"Affirmative. There is one more question about him before I call it a night: Do you know what the Midnight Wolf's eyes are supposed to look like?"
"Completely pitch black. Why?"
"His eyes weren't that color. Not entirely. They were black, but he had green irises and white pupils."
"WHAT?! That's not right! (GASP!) No way!"
"What is it?"
"Kunimitsu, there is also a rumor about this wolf being more than just tamed. His soul's been taken over and controlled by a human, like two souls in one."
"…hmm. That would explain the bond we shared. I did feel a human's soul in there. You don't think that could be…?"
"Nah! It couldn't be, but let's not dwell on it right now. You've gotta get some sleep and Steph and I have to go to work in about two hours. When something crazy comes up about all this, you let me know, okay?"
"Will do. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Kuni." After that was all said and done, we both hung up and I placed down my phone back on top of the same nightstand before I got under my covers and slowly drifted off to sleep, already hoping for the easiest talk with the police in my life. I'll bet not even my mother could pull off something like that.
(Colby's POV)
The next morning at the precinct was already buzzing about everything that happened yesterday at that burning building, even at 7:30 in the morning. I walked in dressed in my favorite black with blue and purple flame vest with matching baggy jeans and the same officer from before didn't waste a moment greeting me with the usual cup of coffee and a glazed donut for me to have.
"Mornin', Colby." He greeted to me as I took a seat before his desk within the hustling and bustling station. "Hope yesterday didn't intimidate ya."
"Not really." I replied in my handsome voice casually as I took a bite of that delicious donut. "Getting in the fire was one thing, but saving that woman and the diamonds at the same time was a different story."
"Well, be thankful that you were fireproof."
"Yeah, thank God. Did you think she noticed?"
"Nah! I think she was just fascinated by you. You do know who she was, right?"
"Long before you said her name, yeah. I didn't know my all-time favorite kunoichi from Tekken had a daughter. Not that I know what she looks like because she wore that fox mask all the time, but damn. She looked amazing."
"Don't try to let that distract you. She is a thief after all. We should be apprehending her, but due to the fact that her mother's fallen ill at the moment, we can't do anything about it. Plus, she's a Freelance Phantom Thief, according to some anonymous witnesses. That client she mentioned, he's truly legit. She'll have to get the diamonds back here."
"I knew that Freelance Thief thing was real. I was about to head in that direction, too."
"And with your current state, I'm not surprised to hear that." After that was said, I decided to take my coffee with me to my own personal office. "I'm guessing you have some more investigations to cover now."
"Yeah. If that girl happens to come by for the diamonds, let me know if I don't see her first."
"Roger that!" I made my way to my office in the very back of the precinct and got right to work on some other cases that might need some attention within a few hours. By the time I sat down at my desk after closing my door, I couldn't get my mind off of that young kunoichi I met yesterday. She had no idea who I was and that's how I liked it. I know I won't keep her guessing for long by the time she gets here, though…
…especially with my pretty awesome eyes.
(Kunimitsu II's POV)
After a hearty breakfast with a few Tekken warriors, I was dressed in a new fresh Urban Ninja outfit as I just arrived at the police precinct in Downtown Tokyo. My hoodie was purple this time as I stopped at the door where there was a security entry as I predicted. I took my hood off and, as if on cue…
"Name?" A mysterious male voice started through the camera speaker.
"Kunimitsu." I announced with no worries. "I'm here for the diamonds."
"Kunimitsu's daughter, correct?"
"Yes."
"Right on time! Come on in. You'll find me at the very first desk on your right." After that last word, a buzz was heard and I was able to push my way in. Immediately, I saw the hustle and bustle of busy officers just getting everything set up for the day. There was barely any room for me to walk, but I kept my blueish-grey eyes on the right and I did indeed see a friendly-looking Asian man that looked like he was well into his forties. He wasn't ready to retire anytime soon, too. That latter thought in mind made me smile just a bit as I took a seat before his desk before I bowed down to him. I may be a thief and I shouldn't be here, but they know me and my Mother very well. They know they can't handle us, especially me. "Kunimitsu, II. I never thought I say that as a greeting. I'm Sheriff Zaituchi. It's truly an honor to finally meet the daughter of the legend we used to hate."
"So, I've heard and thank you." I kept my casual smile as the conversation continued.
"You're very welcome. First of all, before we get down to business, how is she doing?"
"She's trying to keep her strength up, but overall, she's fine for now. The worst she's suffering is her blindness right now. Her bedridden state is something she's really gotten used to."
"Huh! She'd rather retire from Tekken completely, eh?"
"That's why I'm here in her place. My skills are far beyond hers, despite the fact that I'm much younger. Not even Gigas is a challenge for me."
"Splendid! Now let's get to the real topic at hand. You're here for these." The sheriff didn't waste a moment patting the same small glass case with the two diamonds inside. "And from what I've heard from a fellow officer, you have a client within your Freelance Thief list that needs these back. Is his name Vaisakhi Tao Kakashi?"
"Yes, sir. He's a diamond connoisseur with a five-star reputation. Many thieves steal parts of his collection for greed and fortune. He trusts me to the fullest to steal them back and return them safely. His payment is the equal amount of the diamond's price."
"Huh! Interesting! Well, this black diamond is indeed worthy of keeping towards someone like him. I'm surprised, though. You know you want these diamonds for yourself, but you don't even want them at all! When it comes to being a thief, you're nothing like your mother. It fascinates me!"
"Thanks, and I still love her regardless. Now about those diamonds…"
"Say no more, young Kunimitsu." Zaituchi finally pushed the diamonds over to me gently and I didn't waste a moment taking them in the same manner before placing them away in one of my hoodie's pockets. "Please do give Mr. Kakashi our regards and make sure he's much more careful with his diamonds next time."
"Will do, but there is one question I'd like to ask before I leave: Do you really have the Midnight Wolf as your only K9 unit?"
"Ah, you saw him, didn't you? Well, in your manner of speaking, yes. Since he's so powerful, he's all we need. Did you notice anything about him that was a bit off?"
"He shouldn't have bonded with me. You see, I have the spirit of the kitsune within me and we all know that foxes and wolves don't get along very well. His eyes were also a bit strange. I've never seen eyes like those before. They're usually pitch black."
"Heh, heh. I see. Would you like to meet him?"
"Can I? This office seems a bit small and crowded for him to fit."
"Ha-ha! You have no idea…" Right after that last word and as I was flummoxed about that laugh, an American Caucasian man at a height of 6 feet and 9 inches approached us as if it was right on cue. His blonde hair was in an interesting mohawk-ponytail combination, he wore sunglasses that hid his eyes very well, had the same muscle capacity as King, and wore a beautiful blue and purple gradient flame designed vest without a shirt with his jeans to match and black sneakers. What captivated me the most about this man was that he had the most impressive tribal tattoo work I've ever seen on his entire right arm, leaving his hand out of it. Even the same image of a wolf's face on that respective pectoral connected to it like thread. He held a pretty handsome smile, but I wasn't charmed by it at all as the Sheriff continued. "…and you came right on time! Kunimitsu, this is-"
"Colby Donahoe Johannsson." I guessed right off the bat and he nodded twice in response. I couldn't believe it! The very man Gon told me about was a part of the police force! I stood up before him and I was just slightly below him, but it was enough to make us see eye-to-eye. "You work for them?!"
"And funny story: I was gonna become a Freelance Thief like you." Colby replied in a smooth male voice that was actually very soothing to hear. "When they saw how good I was at stopping crime, they hired me without any issues. Besides, I'm a huge fan of your mother."
"And me also?"
"Well, I just met you, so I can't really be sure yet. You are kinda cute in the face and in the voice, though. Are you really her daughter?"
"Yes." Then, I noticed them clipped onto his belt like a professional. "You're a ninja, aren't you?" He carefully shook those five kunai knives as a sign.
"An American Ninja, yeah. I'm a very rare sight. Many people steer clear from me nowadays, except my parents, of course."
"How rare can you be? I've yet to see your eyes."
"Oh, yeah. My bad." Colby then took his sunglasses off with his eyes closed for just a few seconds before he slowly opened them and… (GASP!) "Is that better?" He asked that question with that same handsome smirk, like he was unfazed by my look of astonishment. Even the Sheriff, who was still sitting at his desk, followed suit with Colby. I was speechless. Those same exact eyes that I saw on the Midnight Wolf yesterday are this man's eyes as well! That explains the wolf motif on his chest, too! I was in total disbelief as I slowly backed away and ended up sitting back down in my chair without looking back. Seeing that made them both chuckle, having Colby's sounding deeper. "You didn't give me that kind of reaction yesterday when I was the wolf."
"…your humor doesn't bother me in the slightest." I spat back at him with just as much sarcasm. My look of shock slowly turned back to casual as I stood back up and restored my composure. "You were just an interesting creature to begin with. How could you have possibly possessed the spirit of the Midnight Wolf within your very own soul?"
"It's a secret I vowed to never tell anyone since my freshman year of college. You really were kinda shocked to see me at first yesterday, though. Did I miss a step in the wolf's routine?"
"In a way, yes. Usually, the kitsune and wolves in general don't get along. I have that former spirit within me."
"I can tell by those badass red markings underneath those exquisite grey eyes of yours." He was starting to look appealing to me by his smooth attitude he showed with his hands in his jeans pockets. I was even a bit flattered by that phrase, but I still remained calm. "As you can see, I'm cool with it. Being the Midnight Wolf gives me so many advantages besides that, though."
"And it's obvious as to what they are." That's when time stood still for us for a moment. I just couldn't look away from his eyes. Gon told me they were green, but I didn't expect this drastic change to them. He's pretty cute and I slightly blushed because of that factor. My instincts had kicked in after that minute-long staring contest and I didn't even think as I aimlessly started to truly feel his massive tattoos along with his muscles simultaneously and I was fully focused on my handiwork with a small smile of satisfaction on my lips.
(Colby's POV)
Mm! I kinda liked what Kunimitsu was doing here. Just like when I was the Midnight Wolf, she truly became so mesmerized by me that she just had to touch me and make sure I was the real deal. During that time, she was so focused that she appeared regal to me and it made her even more beautiful than before. As she did this to me, I began to slightly frown at a thought that had just came to me. I overheard that part as I was on my way here earlier… about how her totally awesome mother suddenly became ill and was bedridden as a part of it. I felt really bad about it and it got sadder when I also sensed that her father wanted nothing to do with it. Damn! Despite this rich lifestyle she's got with the whole Freelance Phantom Thief thing, she sure is hiding these factors very well in order to keep it alive. I know it must be difficult.
Finally, after the slowest five minutes I've ever endured with a woman, Kunimitsu finally shook her head really quick and snapped herself out of her reverie, pulling her slender fingerless gloved hand away at the same speed and looked around the rest of the office to see the other fellow officers were watching us the entire time with smiles of adoration on every single one of their faces. I have the same look myself, but my cheeks never flustered, unlike Cutie Kuni here. Yeah, ya heard me. I already gave her nickname. I'm keeping it to myself for now, though.
"Aww, why'd ya stop?" My sheriff asked with humor as he stood up from his desk and approached us. "It was really cute."
"…" Kunimitsu was speechless and again, she was lookin' adorable along the way. Her pink cheeks never went away and I even tried to get her to look at me by means of my right hand, but she quickly turned away right at my touch, pulled on her hood, placed on her cool gas mask to finally hide those flushed cheeks, and without a word, she quickly dashed out the building. After she was gone, business throughout the office resumed as usual, but I still stood in that same spot with my hands back in my pockets as Zaituchi chuckled and placed an arm around me from my left.
"Heh! I've never been so moved by a couple of young ninjas who have just met." He commented with sincerity, making me nod twice in agreement. "So, the only question I have to ask now is: How do you feel about her? Has the Cupid's Arrow made a direct hit or did he miss you both and you still need more time?"
My response without eye contact to my boss and with my handsome smile:
"Cupid missed me, but he made a direct hit to Kunimitsu. I'll be his next target after my shift is over for today."
To be continued…