Chapter 9: The Traumatic Truth – Part 1

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

Usually, being a thief and confessing truths doesn't come hand in hand, but in this case between Colby and I…

…it's all for love.

That's all that was on our minds for the moment as I was riding on his Midnight Wolf form towards the triplet thieves hideout to get back the money for the bank. Of course, this mission was due to be our most dangerous one to date so far and we were overwhelmingly prepared for anything, but despite this, our passion towards each other was at a thousand fold at this rate if not a million… yet. On top of that, there was also Colby's grandparents within our minds as well. While he and his parents are here for job purposes, all four of his grandparents are still residing back at his home state of Maine and literally have their last remaining years on this Earth hanging by a thread. We, Colby and I, have already vowed to make sure that we strengthen that thread for all its worth while they can't be here with us physically at the moment. First thing's first, however:

We've got a crucial mission to complete.

As usual, it didn't take us too long to find it and Colby's growls were deep and menacing as we were just ten feet away from the abandoned factory. He was ready to eat the triplets right then and there, but fortunately, his human soul inside the wolf kept him sane for now. I dismounted off of him right before he sat like an obedient dog once more and we both assessed the situation for a moment.

They sure did pick the perfect hiding spot here. Colby started with his telepathy. He snarled for a quick second after that was said and I had to look at him at that moment to make sure he was okay. This wolf is a separate living entity and tends to have a mind of his own, but Colby isn't concerned by the tone of his voice as he continued. Midnight here is sensing nothing but evil inside this building and I can feel his stomach growling with him. I guess we gotta do the 'smash and grab' operation again.

"And run the risk of losing your sanity again?" I asked him with utmost concern, which is a first for me. He gave me eye contact after that and those eyes… they mesmerized me instantly, especially since his muzzle pulled off a smile along the way as well. "After hearing what happened to you when you first acquired the wolf and witnessing it for the first time before returning that golden statue, I'm already worried about you."

And that's okay, Kuni. I'll be fine. I've had this wolf since after I graduated from college. We're connected like your typical owner and pet. The only difference is… well… you know…

"I understand. I have total faith in you and, as for your grandparents, they're fine as well. I do want to know more about them after this is over."

Aww, thanks! I would like nothing better. With that in our minds, we both held high hopes for one another as I mounted back onto Colby's back and I held my breath before he slowly walked through the red brick walls of the building and it was a success once more. I swear! That's a skill that I must learn on my own one day. Damn, I'm so jealous! But I still love him regardless.

Upon entry, it was pretty quiet. We even saw the pile of money that was stolen. Colby and I never approached it, however. We both knew one thing about this specific scene:

"That's a trap." I pointed out as I looked around for the triplets. Colby kept his eyes on the pile while he sniffed around. "Apparently, they don't know us."

That's exactly how I like it. Colby replied in agreement. That tone in his voice when it said that… it sounded sensual in a way. It made me blush a bit underneath my mask, but I never stopped looking around as I started walking around the pile this time. A blood bath is what they're asking for and they're gonna get one.

"Typical for these thieves."

And you also? I looked over at him with a raised eyebrow of confidence.

"What my Mother and I did is far different from these guys here. We are thieves that don't do silly traps like this for heroes. Mother used to steal first, then kill later. I do the same, but on a more modern level. You'll see in a minute." Colby snorted, which made me giggle a bit.

You sure do have the same strong determined confidence as your Mother, too. So, Miss Thief Master, if a trap like this isn't what you do, what do you suppose they're planning besides trying to kill us?

"Don't test me, Colby." We were already getting playful at this rate and I loved it! This is what love feels like so far. "Trust me: When those thieves finally decide show up for a fight, you'll know."

(Colby's POV)

Heh! Cutie-Kuni's already teasing me in her own playful way and it just tickles every sense in both my human soul and my wolf. After that small talk while we observed the trap before us, we both sensed oncoming gun shots from our left and we both dodged out of the way of the speeding bullets just millimeters away, making it seemed like the bullets were to slightly nip at us along the way, but they didn't. I stood my ferocious ground as I snarled at my deepest with immense drool oozing from my clenched teeth while looking towards the triplet thieves before us. Kunimitsu got into her famous fighting stance with both of her blades at the ready on my left side. Those grey eyes looked stunning when she's in this mode and it just made my heart flutter a bit, but I maintained my focus while the triplets stared down at us. They were over 6 feet tall, had just as much muscle as me, and of course, they were 100 percent Japanese this time. Their long black hair really showed like capes behind them while they held on to their steaming chain guns with fury.

What amazed me about this is that those triplets weren't the lease bit intimidated or scared of my Midnight Wolf form. No words were spoken from all five of us for the next five minutes before they started shooting at us again, but both Kuni and I were too quick for the bullets as we practically teleported towards two out of the three brothers. The ringleader in the middle managed to stop shooting just milliseconds before both of Kunimitsu's blades made fatal stabs towards one brother's neck while I viciously attacked the other with all snarls and growls to add more to the bloodbath that I was currently serving myself. After that clean kill from us both, we realized that the only surviving brother had fled into hiding within the building while we were occupied for that small amount of time. I quickly regained myself after that delicious appetizer of a human bastard and started getting to sniffing mode like the typical hound dog. Kunimitsu saw this and I felt her crossing her arms with humor while she walked alongside me.

"And you didn't even bother with licking up the rest of the blood." She quoted with her adorable humor. I chuckled while I still continued to sniff. "Those kills were too easy. I guess that trap was a waste."

Safe to say, yeah. I replied telepathically. Hmm… that last brother we missed, he is the oldest of the trio by a total of ten minutes, so it makes sense that he would be the smart one to run off and hide.

"He's a coward. Those brothers may not have been intimidated by you at first, but I guess Xaivan knew better by the time he saw his younger brothers get killed by my blades and your teeth." Ha! There she goes again. Getting the name of someone she's never met before! And I thought my skills of walking through walls was impressive. "Yes, I did get his name before he ran off.

Impressive as usual.

"Thanks!" I felt her smile underneath that gas mask after she said this and that made me do the same after we reached basement door. Xaivan's scent led me there and I ended up sitting like the obedient pet I trained the wolf to be. "So, he's in there. He's probably waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs. He's really not letting us take the money back without a fight."

I've got a surefire plan here… and I need you to sit this one out. I said that last part with a bit of a crackling struggle in my deep voice. I didn't want to tell her that because of her everlasting strong-willed personality that I get unlimited tingles from, but it had to be said and she did indeed show me that she wasn't the least bit pleased with it. Those grey eyes appeared so regal with anger, but I didn't cower. Trust me on this, Kuni.

"I've never been told to 'sit on the sidelines'! Never! I've always done these jobs my way and without any effort. Why now?!" I looked over at her with a solemn frown on my muzzle and even the wolf whined a bit with fear as I spoke.

You're a precious gem towards your legendary Mother and, even though you've been at this job for a decent amount of years now, I don't wanna risk it. Besides, that episode with the kidnapper is due to be much more severe once I head down there. I don't want you to see me in such a state again. I'm… afraid I might count you as a target and-

"Stop! Stop talking, Colby!" I obeyed immediately and just looked at her. She took off her mask, but not the hood. My wolf went silent as well, especially since she slowly sent a slender partially fingerless gloved hand towards the tuft of fur between my pointed ears to calm me down. We were looking deeply into each other's eyes in this position, even though I had to slightly bow down towards her. Her beautiful lips frowned with worry. "You can control him when you get to that stage. I can feel that strong determination within you. Obviously, these episodes happen at a severe rate when you mostly expect it-"

But at a much higher extent than I predicted, making me much more dangerous than I thought when I first got it. All those witness accounts from those doctors and nurses at the hospital that day… I can't get them out of my head. I killed innocent people that were just trying to help me and it was far beyond my control, Kuni! That's why you have to stay up here, despite your professional skills! I… I don't wanna hurt you…"

"You won't." That sounded so cute in that semi-whisper as she held my muzzle close to her and then, she gave me a small kiss on my wet nose. At that moment, I felt refreshed. It was a surreal feeling and I couldn't pass it up. "I know you won't. I promise. I have total faith in you, Colby. I love you." Another kiss on the nose after that and my wolf released a pleasing combination of a whine and bark while I physically nodded in agreement.

Thank you so much. I love you too, Cutie-Kuni. After that was finalized, she volunteered to open the basement door and held it open, allowing me to head down the staircase first. I did so with extreme caution, but Kunimitsu stayed up there for a little bit longer by the time I was at the halfway mark.

Her utmost faith in me is helping her give me a head start before she sees the safe zone approaching.

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

As I'm watching Colby make his way downstairs, I felt my heart flutter a bit. After that fateful conversation we shared, it turns out that Colby's confidence in eventually gaining full control of the wolf was overshadowed by the current lack of power to make it so. He needed me to clear away some of those doubtful clouds and I'm not one to refuse. I see great promise in him already and it's only been a few days since we met. Still, there's much more to learn when it comes to all of this love and so far…

…so good. I like it!

Colby had finally made it near the bottom of the basement steps and that was my cue to make my way down with my kodachi and wakizashi within my hands at the ready. His big puffy tail flipped the light switch along the way and that's when I froze in my tracks at the deepest snarls I've ever heard from him. I did so to take a closer look at his eyes from here and they were completely black. I kept my determined look with a hint of hope within my grey eyes as I put my gas mask back on to hide the frown I made in addition to it. They were so bloodcurdling to hear and I felt chills down my spine, but I still kept my current calm position at the middle of the steps. The final brother was in the room ahead of us, but he was unseen in my vision. He remained silent and I didn't know what was happening at first. A full minute later, the chain gun started up again and a horrifying bark was the response from the wolf before I saw him lunge at him with all of his strength.

That was finally my cue to dash down there, but again, I froze in my tracks as I saw what was happening within the roomy basement: Bullets were flying everywhere at an alarming rate, but Colby was just as fast, despite his size. The chaos forced me to dodge a few of those bullets with my phantom ninja skills that I've had since I was 12. I eventually made it to the cowardly brother and made a blue flaming slash at his left side just milliseconds before Colby made a biting dive for him, nearly getting me! Fortunately, I pulled my hand into a sleeve of my hoodie right on time, but the forceful impact with his teeth made him grab me along with Xaivan's right arm. I tried my best to pull myself free, but he was much stronger. It was a small game of Tug of War for fifteen seconds before I finally surrendered my hoodie alone to the massacre, freeing myself and keeping a safe distance from it all.

My heart was racing to the max the entire time and all I had to do was just watch him eat this criminal alive like a savage beast on a violent rampage. It was just like the golden statue mission! All of those claims he mentioned were all true and this Midnight Wolf was indeed acting all on his own. Colby's soul was just… cut off. That made me become brave, however. I knew he was still there within him and has the will to regain control. It took him about five minutes to completely devour the body before he looked over at me with his snarling teeth showing how bloody red they were along with some more blood dripping from them with satisfaction. That's when his words echoed within my mind only:

I… I don't wanna hurt you…

I knew he really didn't want to and I wasn't gonna back away from him, even as he was slowly approaching me like a wild wolf on the hunt for prey. A horrifying look like this would surely send anyone else running instantly, but I stood my ground with no fear in my eyes with my blades ready to do what I don't want to do to him. His voice just told me that he doesn't want to hurt me. Well, I don't wanna do the same towards him. He was just mere inches away from me now and I changed my mind by dropping my blades by the time I was cornered. I then took off my gloves and threw them away to nowhere in particular as I kept my grey eyes on his pitch black ones. By the time he was right before my eyes and ready to eat me, I did what would probably be insane to most:

I gently placed my right hand right between his pointed ears while my left hand started a soothing massage all over his muzzle and I kept my eyes upon his.

It took him a terrifyingly slow two minutes before he finally stopped the snarls and growls, closed his bloody mouth, and sat like a very well behaved dog with his head bowed down towards me and his eyes closed to take in these touches, especially since I decided to massage between his ears as well. I then heard him make a sound that was a combination of howl and a whine, which sounded sultry and adorable to me. After that, I saw that his puffy tail was wagging happily, making me smile, before his eyes opened up again and they were back to normal. After all of this, he just had one thing to say to me telepathically:

Thank you, Kunimitsu. I was so afraid of myself there.

My response: I simply hugged him as best I could at my height of only five feet and eight inches versus his 12 foot tall self. His fur felt so velvety soft, luxurious, and warm; I never wanted to let go of him. He responded to the embrace by slowly wrapping a massive paw around my lower back and have his chin resting on the top of my head for additional comfort.

All in all, it's safe to say that it was good to have him back and within my very arms.

(Colby's POV)

Awww, man! Cutie-Kuni really loves me, no matter what.

This touching embrace we were currently in seemed like it lasted forever, but unfortunately, it ended in only about a minute or so when my extra sensitive wolf ears picked up the faint sound of police sirens approaching the building above us. That's when I released my paw from her and she took three steps backwards immediately afterwards, giving me transformation space. I turned back into my human self and had to take a moment to look around at what happened down here. I turned around towards the aftermath of my feast for a beast and I never gagged at it. Neither did Kunimitsu. She just casually walked up until she was standing right next to me on my left as she professionally placed away her blades without even looking at her handiwork. It really was quite the bloody mess and I saw her hoodie within the puddle. Being the gentleman that I am, I volunteered to go over there and pick it up after observing the scene for fifteen seconds. It was soaked in Xaivan's blood and it was dripping quickly as I held it in my hands for a few seconds before wringing it out as best as I could with all my might. That's when she approached me with a smile that was just oh-so-adorable with those glowing grey eyes, telling me that she was fine with what I could get out. She then grabbed her hoodie and placed it back on, inspecting the damaged sleeve afterwards. That's when I got a little concerned and I had to ask her:

"I didn't actually hurt you, did I?"

"Not at all." Kunimitsu replied truthfully. "But, you almost did."

"Almost counts in my book. Sorry about that. I hope that damage doesn't cost me."

"The only payment for this small amount of damage is a second date. That's not asking too much, now is it?" I chuckled at that offer as we started to casually walk back upstairs to meet with the rest of my police force.

"That sounds fair enough. We have so much more to talk about, but for now, ya know what I gotta ask you…"

"No need to waste your breath, either." We both stopped right before the pile of money that's due to be returned to the bank soon as she continued. "I did see everything that happened and it all added up perfectly. When that wolf takes over you, it's like you weren't there anymore, but thanks to my sixth sense, it turns out that you weren't entirely gone. Where exactly were you before I continue?"

"…it's hard to say. Since I don't remember it every single time, I don't really know what happens to me. All I know is that, when you petted me afterwards, I kinda… came back from an unknown source." She showed that beautiful regal glare of deep thought as she was looking at the pile of cash before us. "What do you think happened to me?"

"While that wolf was eating Xaivan, I actually felt that your soul was asleep. That's probably what it is, but I wouldn't bet on it right now." I nodded in agreement. Having me being asleep while the wolf takes over my soul does make sense, but since we both don't really know, we'll just have to find out the hard way eventually. In the meantime…

"Colby! Kunimitsu!" Called out Sheriff Zaituchi as he came in with three other male Japanese officers, who worked together to confiscate the money. "What exactly happened here?"

"Long story short, we both knew that the pile of money in the middle of the empty building was a trap and we outsmarted the triplets." I replied while Kunimitsu had just put her fox-eared hood back on. "Kuni killed one while I ate the other two."

"Yikes! Way to go, you two. Kaivi Daikyu will be most pleased to hear about this. Did you lose it again during your feast?"

"Yeah, but this time, Kunimitsu helped me out."

"Excellent! Well, we got the money. You just lead the way back to the bank and we'll make this mission a success."

"Yes, sir." Both Kuni and I said in unison, having me make a salute of honor alone.

Several minutes later, back at the humble bank owner's main office…

"I am eternally grateful! Thank you all so much for returning the money." Kaivi replied with his brown eyes filled with tears of joy as Sheriff Zaituchi handed over the silver suitcase with every last yen inside. He didn't open it just yet, though. Kuni and I were sitting right before him in our own chairs while the others stood behind us. "Were the triplet's as dangerous as we all expected?"

"Definitely, Mr. Daikyu." Kunimitsu replied first. "They left that money for us to easily grab, but Colby and I knew better."

"Ah, I see and what of them? Did you arrest them?"

"All three of them got killed by these two young ninjas here." Zaituchi replied with pride, having one hand on a shoulder of both of us. "Kunimitsu II used her blades while Colby literally ate the remaining two in his wolf form."

"Why am I not surprised to hear the latter? After seeing that Midnight Wolf in person for the first time, it's no wonder. Since that's the case, I have a question about that: When you do eat a human in your wolf form, does that count as cannibalism to you?"

"Technically, no." I replied in an expert tone, which made Cutie-Kuni look towards me with curiosity. She was probably wondering the same thing. "I'm not human when I eat another human. To simply put it, I have two separate appetites. My wolf is full, but I'm not. I'm actually starving right now."

"Huh! Interesting. Well, at any rate, you all did a job well done and, Kunimitsu, I didn't forget the reward for your service." That's when Mr. Daikyu opened the silver case full of cash and took his time separating exactly half of it into another brown leather suitcase that he had pulled out while I was answering his question. When he was finished, he slid the closed briefcase towards Kuni and she didn't even hesitate to take the handle before settling it in her lap for now. "There you go! 250,000 yen in cash for your outstanding performance. Spend it any way you wish. You deserve it!"

"Thank you, Kaivi." Kunimitsu II replied with an honorable bow. "Rest assured that your money will never be stolen again."

"Excellent and give my regards to your sickly Mother. I know you must be worried about her by now."

"Every single day, but thanks anyway."

A few minutes later, outside the building…

Zaituchi was already in a police car waiting for me while I had a small chat with Kunimitsu for a moment. She held on to the briefcase with her left hand while I just held her opposite hand within both of mine as we never looked away from each other's eyes.

"I just love learning more and more about you at every free chance we get." Kuni II started with a cheerful tone, but still had that cute deep voice I love so much. "We can still go on our date that you still owe me for this damage you did to my hoodie. Where do you wanna go tonight?"

"Well, we did have a nice nighttime picnic on our first date." I replied in a handsome casual tone of my own. "I don't like to brag, but my Mom makes a pretty mean turkey meatloaf with cabbage, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and homemade mac and cheese on the side. If you want, you can join us for dinner. Have a true American feast for once. What do ya say?" My empty stomach rumbled loudly at the thought of it and Kuni just held hers with hunger as well, which made her release her hand. "Sounds good, doesn't it?"

"It sounds delicious! I'd love to join your family for dinner, but will that still count as a date for us?"

"It will when we get our own plates and sit out on the balcony on the second floor."

"Fine by me. Just let me freshen up at the Tekken Mansion first, okay?"

"I'll do the same at my place. Don't make us wait too long for ya."

"I promise." We then shared a small peck on the lips before she placed on her gas mask and dashed her way back to that said mansion to get ready. As for me, I finally got in the police car and buckled myself in before my boss drove us back to the precinct to call his case closed before clocking out for the day.

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

This case made my usual work day end early, but it was for the better for once. Usually, I'd have another job call up right now as I'm walking towards the kitchen first for my usual light lunch of a Bento box, which consisted of some white rice with chargrilled flounder. It was as small in width as a TV remote, so it wasn't too filling. After I grabbed a can of green tea from the fridge, that's when I took a seat with my chopsticks and started eating it casually while I had my cell phone facing me. I had to speak to Gon about all of this and not even seeing Marduk and King enter the kitchen bothered me as my father figure finally showed up on the screen. He was back in his short carnosaur self with his beloved Stephanie nowhere in sight. That was my first question as soon as he got comfortable and made a small laugh of humor.

"Ya actually called in at just the right time, Lil' Kuni." Gon replied with his usual funny charm, never making my smile cease. "Steph and I just finished a quickie and she's in the shower. I already took mine."

"Figures." I replied after swallowing my first serving. "Anyway, I'm calling you because I wanted to give you an update on my relationship with Colby."

"YES! About time! What took ya?!"

"So many things. He confessed that his first time as the Midnight Wolf wasn't so easy. He had fallen for a deadly prank, which was basically a piece of wolf's fur in his soup during lunch one day back when he was in college. He swallowed it, nearly died from it, and woke up after being in a coma for hours. He saw many deceased doctors and nurses at the hospital where he was being treated… and he knew that the wolf did all of it out of rage. Basically, these bouts of rage come on occasion for him whenever he turns into the wolf and I got to witness it twice now."

"Whhhhoah… that's intense! Did he hurt ya?"

"Not the first time, but the second time nearly did it. He did this to my hoodie." I paused as I showed him the damaged sleeve and he gasped with horror as he saw the blood on it. "Don't panic, though. This is the blood of one of the robbers we had to kill today."

"Oh, whew! I thought that was your blood there for a moment. So, despite all this, are ya still in love with him?"

"More than ever now." Saying that phrase made me blush, but my smile of confidence never went away as the conversation continued. "We've got a second date lined up. That's his payment for this damage."

"Ha! Excellent way to put it! Where are ya heading this time?"

"His house. He's treated me to his family dinner tonight. It'll only be my second time eating American food since his arrival."

"Awesome! What's on the menu, then?"

"Turkey meatloaf with three sides: cabbage, mashed potatoes with gravy, and macaroni and cheese."

"Yum-yum-yummy! I haven't had a dish like that in a long time! You're in for a treat, Kuni! Here's hoping for more confessions from him, too."

"That's another thing I wanted to share with you before I get ready for my date. I… confessed to him that his longtime childhood friend, JT, was the mastermind behind the near-death experience Colby took before his body accepted the wolf." That last statement made Gon released another terrifying gasp right when Stephanie finally took her seat in bed next to him. She heard that last statement as well, making her become wide eyed and speechless. "Of course, he denies it. Their brotherly bond is so strong, even if they aren't really blood related."

"Oh, no! How could he?!" Stephanie asked. Gon shook his head with a regal glare of anger.

"He couldn't possibly have done it! I would deny it, too!" Gon agreed. "Why would JT try to kill his own best buddy, but ended up giving him the Midnight Wolf instead?"

"That's the only problem." I replied. "We both don't have any idea, but I keep sensing that in my soul and Colby will just have to accept it with a grain of salt for now. We'll have to hear it from JT himself to really get the truth out. Hopefully, we can do that tonight during our date."

"I sure do hope so. He's got a lot of explaining to do. Anyway, I better not hold ya back anymore. Go ahead and get ready for your date, Lil' Kuni. We'll be waitin' for the results, okay?"

"Okay. See you later then." We both hung up and I was just aimlessly sipping my green tea in silence after that.

Here's hoping that our date doesn't fail us.

(Colby's POV)

6PM just struck right when I just got downstairs after fifteen minutes of the most refreshing shower I ever took in my life. I was dressed in a white tank top with baggy black and blue gothic pants and sky blue socks on my feet. On my way to the kitchen, preparations for dinner were already underway: My Mom was currently cooking the last of the four-course meal, which was the cabbage. My Dad was setting up the table and I smiled from ear to ear when I saw him set up one extra plate with its own set of utensils in front of an extra chair that was placed next to my usual seat on its right. I mean, I know I promised we'd sit on the balcony, but after seeing this setup, I'd rather have the parentals excuse themselves. I hope they won't mind.

"Hey, Colby!" Jawkin replied to me as I took a good look and whiff at everything at the table. Everything was steaming hot and ready to eat, especially that perfect meatloaf at the center. "I can't believe you actually invited Kunimitsu II to join us for dinner tonight! We can't wait to meet her in person for the first time!"

"Me too." I replied calmly before I walked all around the table alongside him. "Even though she's the only daughter of the most badass kunoichi Tekken has to offer, she's actually quite nice. Heh, although, my wolf and I still sense that dark heart that she inherited from her as well."

"Well, it makes sense, dear." Valtina agreed as she kept her eyes on the bubbling cabbage. "By having both of her parents being ninjas, it's no surprise. Is she just as good as her beloved Mother?"

"She's better than her, actually. Her skills are 100 times more than any other ninjas I've seen already and that cute face she has hides it so well."

"Heh, heh. Of course, son!" Dad laughed, then replied with humor as he just finished setting up the table and already took his seat across from mine. "I only hope she likes what we're having."

"Oh, I'm sure she will." After that last word, the doorbell rang and it was right at the exact moment my Mom placing the piping hot bowl of cabbage on the last empty spot on the table. She then took her seat on Dad's left as I headed for the front double doors to answer it. When I opened them, I shifted my smile from casual to amorous, which was completely oblivious to my parents as I saw Kunimitsu II at the door, dressed in the tank top and shorts that she wears with that badass hoodie, except she didn't have that hoodie and her smooth legs didn't have the wraps around them. She still rocked those awesome sneakers, though. Her whole outfit was colored in purple tonight and she just looked amazing! At this moment, we even forgot that my parents were even there just feet away from us in the kitchen.

"Hey." I greeted with a small hint of seduction in my handsome voice. Kuni showed her off her best affectionate smile and those grey eyes glowed in the moonlight as she stood casually at the front porch.

"Hi." She greeted back to me sweetly. Damn, she sounds so cute! "I'm not underdressed, am I?"

"Look at me." Her eyes did so without her moving her head and she scoffed.

"Apparently not. We're pretty much in sync with our sense of style, I see. The only difference is that your impressive tattoo really stands out."

"Totally worth every dollar on it. Anyway, ya ready to eat? The food's steaming hot and ready."

"I'm starving. Let's see if your Mom's cooking prowess is just as good as my Mother's."

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

Moments after I sat down at the table, Colby's Father gave me the full plate of quite the generous serving of each entreé and, like Colby said, this food was steaming hot and it does look really good. I've never had any of this kind of food before and I was already excited to try my first serving. Without any hesitation, I picked up a fork and got right to the main course, which was the meatloaf. It was silent all over the table as I did so, having Colby sitting right next to me with his most observant stare to date since I've met the man. I slowly took in that first forkful and, as soon as it touched my tongue, the taste was… incredible! The meat was like silk and its authentic flavor just rattled every sense within me! Seeing this melodramatic reaction made my brave wolf warrior chuckle while he just casually started eating along with his parents like it was a routine. Seconds later after I took in my next forkful, his father started the conversation:

"Heh-heh, looks like you love this already. You'd be surprised with so much more you've been missing from the United States. You're just getting started."

"I see!" I replied after I swallowed my second forkful and became just as relaxed as the others as we continued. "Mrs. Johannsson, this is truly an amazing dish so far."

"Why, thank you!" His Mother replied with praise. Colby remained silent with his handsome smile still in check as he ate. "Ever since you two met, Colby has been speaking positively about you. Are you really the only daughter of the legendary Kunimitsu I herself?"

"The one and the same, yes. My entire family, Father included, all share the deadly art of ninjutsu, but my skills are mostly from my Mother. She personally trained me alone by the time I turned 11 and the rest is history."

"Oh, my! For that long?! That's amazing! No wonder you're so good at it at such a young age. How is your Mother, then? Is she doing well?"

"She can at least keep her food down, that's for sure. Her illness has rendered her completely blind and bedridden back at our Vermilion Gates home. She does have her occasional nurses visit her every now and then. She was at a primary care facility at first, but she somehow became strong enough to be taken care of at home."

"That's a blessing in our books, honey." I love this family already. They treat me like I'm a part of them.

"It surely is." Jawkin agreed. Got this man's name once more. Love his wife's name as well: Valtina. It's pretty. "So, what do think of Colby so far?"

"I honestly didn't expect to meet a man like your son, especially with the fact that his Midnight Wolf is the one and very same I've been hearing so many stories about when I was a little girl." I replied with honesty as I moved on to the creamy macaroni and cheese. "He's unlike anybody I've ever met in my life and, I don't know if you know this, but his selflessness is amazing! You both have raised him well."

"Awww, you're too kind." Valtina commented with tearful brown eyes of joy, but without any tears escaping.

"What made you suspect that, though? Was it something he did for you recently?" Jawkin asked with a curious tone in his deep, gruff voice. That's when I frowned a bit.

"He's made so many confessions to me since our first encounter." I replied, which made Colby slowly take his time eating along with me. "I know he's already told you how he acquired the wolf. Am I right?"

"Well, he did tell us that he just simply gained it after many days of studying ninjutsu during college, but something tells me that there's more to the story."

"…" I remained silent for a moment as I looked over at Colby with a gleam in my grey eyes that silently asked him for permission to tell his parents the horrifying truth. My inner kitsune's heat burned my blades a bit behind me without actually burning the wooden chair I was currently sitting in as I saw that regal stare towards me as the wolf's growl was low and brooding with discomfort. Regardless of it, however, he nodded twice with approval of one thing:

He wanted to tell them himself.

I nodded twice back at him in response to that factor and he cleared his throat softly before he faced his parents at the exact same time I did before he replied without remorse:

"I did get the wolf during college, but not in the way you expected. Someone tried to actually kill me with the hairs of a wolf in my soup during lunch one day and I did die for a little while, but I woke up to many doctors and nurses ripped to bloody shreds all over the hospital. The Midnight Wolf awakened while I was completely gone for that moment. I… I truly didn't mean to."

"…" Both of his parents were speechless with extremely wide eyes of horror and this scene lasted for a very slow two minutes before I continued:

"And I suspected that his childhood friend, JT Walsted, is the mastermind behind the deadly prank."

"…whhhhat?!" Valtina gasped with shock. "That sweet young man you've grown up with back in Maine? Impossible!"

"That's what I kept saying, too." Colby confessed as dinner was getting down to the wire. I guess our trip to the balcony isn't happening at this rate. I didn't mind it, though. Everything had to be said to the parentals now. "But, Kuni keeps telling me that it's all true. I'm… remaining a skeptic until I hear from JT himself."

"And you have the right to do so, son!" Jawkin agreed with authority.

"But, despite all this…" Colby was done with his plate at this moment as he turned towards me without getting out of his chair and I slightly turned towards him as I was just finishing up my mashed potatoes now. "…we're still in love. My chief said it best: 'Usually, confessions like this would cause a break-up right now.', but her strong-willed nature and everlasting love towards her own Mother is what's keeping me close to her. And she's cute, too." Hearing that last comment made me blush my deepest shade of pink upon my cheeks as I kept my adorable smile of appreciation. "Even my Midnight Wolf and her kitsune are slowly getting along now as we speak. They both finally realize that our romance is slowly becoming imminent. It's a learning curve for Kuni, but…" He then kissed my hand like the gentleman that he grew into and my blushing never ceased. "…she's getting better and I'm proud of her for it."

"Aww, thanks, Colby." I replied sweetly before I paused my final portion of my meal to give him a loving embrace in return for his kindhearted compliment. Of course, having his parents see this right before their very eyes is a momentous event for them and I can sense their extreme happiness from here.

This lasted for another three minutes before Colby's cellphone rang from within his jean pocket and we slowly ended the hug to allow him to answer it privately by heading towards the balcony. When he was gone, I looked over at his smiling parents and they both nodded once, allowing me to follow him while they cleaned up the table. I nodded right back before I proceeded to do so.

Hopefully, this was the phone call he's been waiting for since I met him.

To be continued…