Chapter 11: Taming of the Wolf

(Colby's POV)

Wow… did… uh… did last night really happen?

That's all that was cluttering in my mind as I woke up on this beautiful Friday morning. Usually, back in my hometown of Xolton, Maine, the sunrises there always made the sky in many beautiful shades of pink, purple, and maybe a splash of orange along with just a small peak of the sun at the horizon. This time, in Japan, it was just in various shades of pink and orange with the rising sun looking bright yellow as I turned my head towards the only window in my room. It sent nothing but positive vibes towards me and my Midnight Wolf and he even softly growled as a response to this magnificent sight that Mother Nature took the time to paint for us.

In addition to that, I took the time to recollect what had happened the night before by looking down with just my eyes towards my precious fox, Kunimitsu II, still sleeping on my chest underneath the comforter. I had my left hand behind my head in a casual position as I was still laid on my back and I just couldn't dare to touch her. She looks like an absolute angel when she's asleep and I probably could watch her all day, if I could. After five minutes, though, I looked over at my digital clock on the wall above my mirror before me and saw that it was 6:25 AM. My Mom was due to call us down for breakfast as usual within another five minutes, but before that happened, I heard three soft knocks on my bedroom door. I smiled before I softly said that it was open and in popped my Dad's head with a smile of his usual humor, making me widen my smile.

"Mornin', son." Jawkin semi-whispered happily.

"Morning, Dad." I replied back in the same soft tone. "Did we wake you at all last night?"

"Not at all! It was actually music to our ears before we fell asleep after hearing ya for about fifteen minutes. I've gotta admit: For your first time since your freshman year of college, you've still got those same sex skills that I still lack right now."

"Don't say that about yourself, Dad. I'm sure you could still satisfy Mom someday. Ya just gotta be patient."

"You're right, Colby. Speaking of, how was she for her first time?"

"Incredible… magnificent, actually!" I chuckled after that first word and he laughed softly with me at that same moment. "And do you know what the funny thing about it was?"

"…"

"Looking for a man was never her top priority, even after she matured. Her family and her reputation as a high profile freelance thief comes first before something like this and that's what I love about Kuni the most."

"Aww, that's so sweet. You two are really connecting rather quickly for such a young couple. Many other young couples at your ages could learn a thing or two from ya, even with that Midnight Wolf embedded within your soul. How's he doing?"

"He's gotten very well acquainted with Kunimitsu's kitsune now. They haven't been at each other's throats for a couple of days now."

"Great! So glad to hear it!"

"BREAKFAST IS READY, EVERYONE!" Called out Valtina from downstairs right on schedule. My Dad made a silent salute before he made his way downstairs after closing my door. Seconds later, Kunimitsu's heavenly grey eyes finally opened up beautifully and she looked right at me while she had a slender hand lightly massage my left pectoral with passion. I returned the favor by using my right hand to play in her raven black hair with the purple and red highlights for the added flair that I love so much.

"Good morning, Cutie-Kuni." I greeted to her sweetly. It made her giggle and I just adore how cute it sounds every time. "Looks like you slept well for someone who was seriously manhandled last night."

"Good morning and the same could be said about you, Colby-chan." Kunimitsu greeted back to me with honor at the end with that new moniker she just gave me. "You were absolutely amazing. That session taught me so much more about you."

"Same here. C'mon. My mom just called us down for breakfast. Hope you like pancakes."

"Never had them, but I'm sure I will like them anyway."

A few minutes later after we got dressed…

I rocked only a pair of baggy blue and black plaid pajama pants with black socks while Kunimitsu borrowed a very long purple t-shirt from me with her crop top and shorts underneath it with her white socks as we both approached the kitchen table, where my parents were already setting up the usual breakfast atmosphere: We each had a plate of with a stack of three pancakes with plenty of room for any of the available sides that we wanted – bacon, sausage patties, scrambled eggs, and biscuits. As Kuni and I took our seats, she needed a minute to take it all in visually and my Mom didn't even hesitate to introduce it all.

"Well, good morning, Kunimitsu-dear." Valtina greeted with her usual motherly charm that I grew up with as she just took her seat after making her mug of coffee. "Welcome to your first all-American breakfast. We've got pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and sausage that you can serve yourself with. There's plenty for all of us plus seconds, if you want. Help yourself, honey." And she sure didn't waste any time doing just that, even though she was taking her time with it. I couldn't help but watch her by a sideglance for a few seconds before I eventually gathered my desired servings as my Mom continued: "So, I've heard from my husband that you two performed quite well last night. You don't have to give us the specific details, but if you would give it an honest rating from 1 to 10, what would you say?"

"Your only son is definitely a 10, Mrs. Johannsson." Kunimitsu replied with a casual tone in her adorable voice. I blushed at that comment as I started cutting into my short stack of pancakes after I buttered them. I'd say the same thing about her, especially for her very first time. "I can tell he has been around before and has taught me so much."

"Aww, that's so sweet of you to say."

"I forgot to ask ya, Colby…" My Dad came in after that last word spoken from my Mom. "…who called you after dinner last night?"

"It was JT." I replied as both Cutie-Kuni and I turned serious in the face simultaneously, even while we were eating. "He called during his break at work to check up on me and I just had to ask him the question while I had the chance."

"How'd he take it, son?"

"Not very well, I'm afraid. He automatically accused Kunimitsu of lying and, adding insult to that injury, he said that she inherited that from her Mother."

"The bastard! He's covering it all up! I just know it!"

"Exactly what I was thinking, but deep down, I know he wouldn't do that to me."

"That's what I'm thinking." My Mother agreed. "You two have been friends since you were adorable little boys. How could he and why?"

"Both of those answers will be harder to get from him at this point. So, for now, I… well… we will try to tame this wild wolf to the point where I don't get into an uncontrollable rage whenever I sniff out truly evil energy from a human."

"A task that's easier said than done, I'd take it." Kuni and I both nodded twice simultaneously… slowly. "Mm! I fear the worst for you both."

"Same here." My Dad agreed. "Regardless of this, though, we all have total faith in you and Kunimitsu, might I suggest you tell your Mother about this dangerous quest?"

"Already have that planned for today." Kunimitsu replied with reassurance. "Besides, it'll give Colby the opportunity to finally meet her in person for the first time since we've met." Hearing that last statement made me slightly jump with both astonishment and realization. "She may not be able to see him, but just hearing his voice should give her some insight on what a good man he is towards me." Damn! That… was the most benevolent thing she's ever said about me so far. I held her left hand in respect and as a thanks with my handsome smile to match. She took it in and returned it with a cute smile of her own, making those glowing grey eyes look so regal and heavenly. "It'll be an utmost honor for her to hear your voice for the first time. She'll accept you for sure."

"Thanks, Kuni. That… really means a lot to me." Truly it did. I'll be sure to treat her with all the respect I can give to the legendary woman.

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

Apart from my male clients, I've never felt such positive vibes from a man before and after I made Colby feel so loved by that statement I made just now, it made them shoot up even more within my soul. Despite that small argument with JT, I can already sense that he's willing to never give up on trying to prove it all and tame the wolf all at the same time. With that in mind, we both embraced each other with every last ounce of our love wrapping us up in the process. His parents watched us from across the table and adored every second of it.

About five minutes later…

We both got back to Colby's bedroom to freshen up for our day ahead, but since I've gotten such a close connection with him, I couldn't shower alone this time. Even after he humbly volunteered to let me go first. He saw that within my grey eyes after he gathered his desired clothes for the day, which consisted of a very attractive blue leather vest with light brown khakis. As for me, it was a fresh new purple crop top with matching shorts and signature fox-eared hoodie. Both of our clothes were laid perfectly upon his bed as he approached me with two sets of clean washcloths and towels. We never exchanged words during this moment. Just peaceful smiles as we both headed for his bathroom hand-in-hand to start our first intimate shower together as a couple.

I know he'll find it hard to resist watching me, especially when I wash my derriere. That's… why I'm wearing those shorts.

20 more slow minutes afterwards, we both made our way towards my Vermilion Gates home by having me riding on Colby's wolf first since we still had one more hour to kill before the precinct opened. By the time we reached the top of the entrance steps, he had to stop to take it all in while I dismounted. He stayed in his wolf form for a bit longer while he casually walked around the main grounds to observe the beautiful atmosphere of it all. During that time, I saw a Caucasian female nurse escorting my blind Mother down the second flight of stairs that led to our home temple in the distance and the nurse had to stop to make sure she wasn't seeing things. I giggled at this reaction before I approached them in the same casual manner as if the wolf wasn't even there.

"Please tell me that's your family pet." The American nurse started nervously, making me and my Mother lightly chuckle. Her solid gray blind eyes with a hint of red upon the irises were trying so hard to break past the darkness to see for herself, but her illness was holding it back.

"This must be this Colby Johannsson you've told me about." She started after giving up her futile struggle. I gave the nurse a reassuring glare, telling her that I've got my Mother from here. She took the hint and never said another word as she made her way back upstairs. "He truly is the fabled Midnight Wolf, isn't he?"

"The one and the same you've told many bedtime stories about back when I was a little girl, yes." I replied with confidence. I gently took her right arm and led her closer to Colby, who reacted to her presence quickly by breaking out of his reverie and, still in his wolf form, sat down like the most obedient dog on Earth before us. "He's been excited to meet you since we've met."

"I can sense that, daughter. Colby-chan, how can you handle such a dangerous creature with half of your soul? They say the Midnight Wolf is truly a loner and doesn't need any assistance."

"To be honest with you, Master Kunimitsu, I have no idea." Colby replied telepathically in his most handsome friendly tone I've ever heard from him thus far. It aroused me a bit, but I held back my moan as he continued. "But rest assured that this wolf doesn't mind me at all. In fact, it's like he's been adopted and is ecstatic about it, even though I nearly died in the process."

"Which is the fate I expected because no mere human shall control it… and yet, you can and there's nobody else that can do the same. May I pet you?"

"Absolutely, Master." First of all, it's heartwarming to hear him call my Mother 'Master'. She really does play that part very well, too. Secondly, I had to lead her towards Colby, who had just bowed down his massive head to meet up with her bare hand between his pointed ears. Mother didn't waste a second afterwards, giving him loving scratches at that same area and it made his massively fluffy tail wag with all the happiness in his heart. It made her smile as well and I just couldn't help but cry the happiest tears in my life. Even through sickness, disease, and her blindness, she can still remain strong and full of that spirit I knew she had all these years.

This scene lasted for the next ten minutes before they both slowly separated and that's when Colby turned back into his human self. I humbly stepped aside after that, so he could embrace her with honor and respect. It was like she was hugging a family member and my joyful tears never ceased, creating a pair of the world's smallest waterfalls upon my cheeks. I dared not to wipe them away until this was all over.

Fifteen of those amazing minutes later, we were inside my humble home where I carefully helped my fragile Mother lay back down in her bed within the main living room and I had to get her covers back over her to keep her warm. She kept her arms out while she sat up against the backboard, making her completely comfortable while Colby sat in the sofa on her left side opposite of me. He kept his handsome smile in check and I blushed upon that sight, but never said a word until after I sat down next to him several seconds later. My Mother turned her blind eyes towards us and still kept her heavenly smile upon her blood red lips.

"If only your Father could witness this historical moment with us…" She started sweetly, despite her deep elderly voice.

"I figured he wouldn't even accept this." I playfully protested. "Anyway, what do you think of Colby, Mother?"

"Although I cannot see him, I can already tell that he's the perfect mate for you. I feel nothing but positivity within his spirit."

"I'm glad to hear you say that, Master Kunimitsu." Colby replied in his deepest, honorable tone to date. Damn, I'm loving him more and more every single second. "Your daughter has really inherited your own heart and soul. I never thought she would accept me after she saw that I was the one and the same Midnight Wolf. Do you… accept me as well?"

"Embracing you wasn't just for my well-being. Of course, I do. And I'm humbled to hear that you've been a fan of mine for your whole life."

"Even with your darkened heart after your exile from the Manji Clan, you still inspired me to become the best ninja I can ever be for an American. Not even Raven or Master Raven could steer me away from you. Now that I'm in love with your daughter, all of that honor is so high up that it cannot be reached by anyone else but the three of us."

"I'm deeply touched by your words beyond your years, young Colby-chan. But I also sense this heavy burden within you and the wolf."

"I've been trying to gain full control of him since I acquired him back in college. Since he is a separate living entity, this task is a lot harder than it looks. Your daughter and I are trying our best to work together to keep him in line. So far, it's working… but I still fear the worst for us."

"I see. You dare to take this journey, despite the danger." We both nodded simultaneously and she somehow nodded along with us at the same time. "Hmm… a risky mission, but it is absolutely necessary. I'll allow it and this man you know by the name of JT… he's the mastermind behind it all, am I correct?"

"Yes, ma'am. We've been best friends since we were toddlers and hearing that he did this to me after all these years just doesn't make any sense to me and my parents at all."

"Especially since you nearly died as well. I don't know what the motive is, but I'm sure that it's an understandable one."

"…even if there was an explicable motive, it should be illegal to have it happen to me at all! JT and I are that close!" His wolf's fury took over him a bit when he said that last statement. I knew it because the green iris with the white pupil appeared to have zoomed backwards into the blackness of his sclera. Fortunately, he realized it just seconds later and calmed down immediately. My Mother never flinched, but hummed with expectancy. "Sorry, Master Kunimitsu. It's just that… when a friendship is in jeopardy like this, it's hard to accept it."

"I understand, but if I were you, I wouldn't jump to those conclusions so quickly." That's when Colby bowed his head with the heavy weight of guilt upon his shoulders. I rubbed them to keep him comfortable and let him know that I still love him regardless. My Mother sensed this bow and she leaned back with concern in her blind eyes. "Seems like I said that command a little too late."

"And it's something I hate to do in life sometimes. Everything he said to me in that phone call last night just pierced both me and my wolf's heart like your daughter's blades within Yoshimitsu's. He… sounded like he truly did it, but he's hiding it."

"I see. Do you think he'll call back after that?"

"I doubt it, especially after hearing how harsh I was towards him. Looks like I'll have to call him from now on."

"And that's okay. I do know one thing out of this whole ordeal…" Mother paused with a smile drawn upon her red lips and I had to tap Colby to make sure he saw it. He immediately smiled with her as she continued. "…your friendship shall and will remain after it's all been said and done. I bet my life on it."

"A massive bet, Master." He reached out a hand to her for an honorable handshake and she didn't even hesitate to oblige. Again, my smile never ceased as he continued: "I believe it. Even with these circumstances, my everlasting friendship with JT cannot be broken."

"That's the spirit! For now, you should focus on taming your Midnight Wolf. I pray that you'll succeed."

"Thank you, Master Kunimitsu. It was truly an honor to meet and talk with you. I'll take good care of your daughter as well. It's the first time I've been with a woman for this long in a while. She's… perfect for me." Colby's eyes became glossy with pride and I returned the glare with my usually cute smile. We both never blushed. "I love you, Cutie-Kuni."

"I love you more, Colby." I finally spoke after so long before we didn't waste a moment passionately kissing each other before my Mother. We had our tongues practically have a wrestling match within our mouths and our moans of pleasure was sufficient to tell my blind Mother that she loved what she heard. After a full minute, we slowly parted and just looked as deeply into each other's eyes as humanly possible. "Let's walk down this dangerous path together."

"Yes, ma'am." Colby replied with humor before just the two of us stood up and I gave my Mother a loving kiss on her forehead before our group hug for another quick thirty seconds before we had to head to the precinct to start our workday.

Safe to say that his first meeting with my legendary Mother is something he'll cherish forever, no matter what.

(Colby's POV)

With five minutes to spare before my boss of a sheriff came in, Kuni and I made it to my personal office in the very back of the seemingly small building and I had to take this moment to process everything that happened with Master Kunimitsu earlier. Cutie-Kuni sat casually the left corner of my desk while I sat in my chair and leaned back with extreme delight with a small hint of astonishment. I just couldn't believe it! It was like meeting a celebrity and it just made every one of my senses go nuts for a few seconds. Even Midnight expressed his happiness by wagging his tail behind me through the coincidental hole in the back of my chair for ten seconds before I whistled for him to stop. We were both ecstatic about it all and Kuni couldn't help but giggle at us after three of those minutes.

"Tee-hee! Safe to say you were really true to your word when you said that you're a big fan of my Mother." She started in her sweetest tone of her half-deepened expert voice. "You weren't nervous at all and that's a first for her."

"No shit!" I exclaimed with humor as I finally sat up straight in my chair and remained focused on her. "Her cold heart and her formerly selfish ways is what intimidated many enemies back in her day, especially Yoshimitsu. Did you know about that?"

"That was the very first thing she told me about after I turned 13. She wanted me to make sure who I was about to go up against when the time finally came. Her numerous failures did eventually become her downfall health-wise, but despite that, she still remained strong just for me, even after she became ill."

"I've been meaning to ask you about that…" That's when she turned that smile upside down real quick and she bowed her head with grief. I still maintained my bravery as I continued: "…what exactly happened that day when she just got sick? Was it that bad?"

"…" That's when I grew concerned for her. She never said a word for the next minute and I even saw two tear drops from her cheek and onto her silky smooth thighs. I was about to add more to the question, but right when I opened my mouth to do so…

"MORNING, COLBY!" Greeted my happy-go-lucky Sheriff Zaituchi before he opened my office door with a smile to match. "Oh, and Kunimitsu II! How was last night, you two?"

"Incredible, sir!" I replied in a much more cheerful tone, making Kunimitsu immediately smile once more and her tears even stopped almost instantly. She remained sitting on my desk as I got up to approach my boss. "Cutie-Kuni here didn't miss a beat for her first time. I've never made love to a woman with so much stamina before."

"Ha! I knew it! Well, this is something all young couples could learn from nowadays. You both keep up the good work. You've got our full support."

"Why say that, Chief?" I had a hunch already, but I wanted to hear his take on it anyway.

"On the way here, Debbie and I had a small phone call with your parents about that conversation you had with JT and your current mission to try to tame this powerful wolf of yours. First of all, why would somebody so close to you since you both were children do such a horrible thing to you? What the hell was the motive?!"

"That remains to be seen, sir. Just simply asking him that question at every one of our future calls will be much more difficult to do at this rate. Simply put: He knows he did it. He just… doesn't want to admit it."

"Well, as an expert of investigations, I'll have to say that your statement will be dubbed as questionable for now, son! You never saw who did it to you, right?"

"…true." I had to pause for effect after that question and realized that I do remember the discovery of the wolf hairs in the soup and the aftermath of the massacre at the hospital, but I didn't see who did it to me and I sure as hell don't remember what I did prior to waking up on that dreadful day. Zaituchi sensed that specific factor on my face and gave me two reassuring pats on my tattooed shoulder. "Master Kunimitsu was right. I'm jumping to conclusions too quickly without substantial evidence."

"Exactly! We'll bring this case into our investigation files for your sake, but we'll call it a cold case for the time being. When new information arises from anyone… and I do mean from anyone… we'll reopen the case right away, no questions asked. How does that sound?" I was internally grateful to hear this from my boss. It was the most sincere thing he's ever said to me since my family and I moved here. I gave him a man hug as a response to it. I felt Kunimitsu slightly smile behind me as well. "Aww, you're very welcome, Colby. Anything for a fellow officer that's trying to reshape his own destiny, even with a deadly force within his soul. You've been a very important asset to the force thus far. Now's not the time for you to stop."

"I agree, sir. Just promise me one thing…" I heaved my biggest sigh of worry after I said that last word and Zaituchi nodded once with understanding before I continued. "…when the wolf gets too much to handle and my human self is completely gone, do not interfere. None of you. Only let Kunimitsu handle it."

"Affirmative! I'll inform the rest of the force of this command at once. In the meantime, you two can continue with whatever you were doing until I call you out for your next case." At that last word, that's when my boss left and was courteous enough to close my door on the way out, leaving Kunimitsu and I alone again. That's when I saw her glossy grey eyes of sorrow, but without any tears escaping. I approached her with my most heartwarming smile I could ever pull off and, as soon as I held her slender fingerless gloved hands within both of mine, that's when she spoke to me in a dulcet tone of her cute voice:

"First of all, you know I would never hurt you, Colby-chan." I nodded twice in agreement while I still kept my smile, but this time, I started to gently give her sweet strokes on her cheek, letting my tattooed arm make her feel a little better.

"I know and I don't want you to die trying, but promise me. Please…" I pleaded towards her and I embraced her with my face snuggling between her clothed breasts for added comfort. She never turned away and even massage my back and shoulders with all the passion in her heart. "…I don't want the three of us to suffer." It became silent for the next three minutes after that and I made her slightly jump with surprise when she heard me softly cry for the first time since we've met. That's when she laid her head upon the top of mine with extra comfort and I felt her tears of sympathy stream down a perfectly clean shaven part of it, away from my ponytail mohawk. Despite all this, I managed to continue, even though it was muffled: "…I love you."

"I love you more, Colby-chan." Kuni II replied sweetly before I finally regained my composure and stood before her once more with her slender hands within my own as she continued: "I promise to do whatever it takes to help you, no matter how heavy the burden may be."

"Thank you, Cutie-Kuni. I appreciate ya."

"Anything for you. Speaking of which, I suppose you want to know what happened on that very first day my Mother became ill."

"Yeah! She looked like she really accepted her disease with finesse back there. That's why I'm asking."

"Well, first of all, it's because of her doctors and nurses. They did indeed find that the extreme stress from her past failures is the root cause of it all and did the right procedures to help heal those mental scars along with finding a cure for her illness, which they still can't find a name for."

"It's fine. So long as they've got solutions to help get rid of it." She nodded twice in understanding before she kept her head bowed down on the second nod and continued with a small hint of a struggle in her cute voice. I kept my bizarre eyes on her as she did so.

"Secondly, it all seemed to happen so fast. We were all gathered in the kitchen and I was the closest to my Mother at the time. While she spoke to me, she suddenly had trouble breathing and her gasping was horrifying enough to hear. It caught the attention of the others almost instantly. That's when they saw her skin turn pale and I held her arms as she was about to collapse and she felt so cold. Soon after, she became too heavy for me and I had no choice but to let her fall to the tile floor while Alisa quickly called 911 right away. I was on my knees beside my Mother the entire time, even while we waited for the ambulance to arrive. I've… never seen her in such a state! It seemed like she was dying before my eyes right then. I couldn't let go of her until they finally got there and took her to the hospital. After that, I just… secluded myself away from everyone."

"…" Damn! I was speechless after hearing that whole story. At first, I thought that was a severe case of asthma, but after hearing that she turned pale and cold before collapsing, it's much worse than that. Good to see that Master Kunimitsu healed up significantly since then. It seemed like she never went through all that in the first place. Those doctors and nurses know what they're doing.

"Thankfully, it didn't depress me." That made me smile from ear to ear. That's what I was fearing after all that. "It's like I told my new Father figure, Gon: I was stricken with grief, but not depressed. There's a difference."

"Amen to that, Kuni-baby." I agreed tenderly as we embraced each other once more. "Safe to say that she's in good hands."

"Indeed. I'm so glad you care about her. She's even willing to risk her life on this mission. That's how much she adores you… and… well… I'll accept it. She's lived a pretty long life, but I have no doubt she'll still live when we succeed."

"When we succeed, huh?" My confidence shot through the roof when she said that last statement. "Not if?"

"We can and we will succeed, Colby. I believe in us enough to make it so." Our embrace was much warmer than ever before after that was said. This lasted for two more minutes before Zaituchi finally called us to his desk for our first assignment of the day. Without another word spoken from either of us, we pulled ourselves together and made our way towards him with loving smiles on our faces.

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

Colby and I had just arrived at Sheriff Zaituchi's desk for our mission briefing and as we sat down in our own chairs beside each other, my smile never ceased. Despite the fact that he'll have to call JT back to try to get the truth out again and how futile of a struggle that task will be, we're all keeping our confidence in full stride. Even the added support of this police force is making our chance of succeeding slightly increase as well.

For now, this next mission will be another test to see if this wolf can truly be tamed.

"Okay, you two." Zaituchi started with his usual authority as he pulled out a case file from his desk and opened it for us all to see. "Looks like you'll be fighting fire with fire once more when it comes to the age of the suspects in this case. There have been numerous reports of violent gang activity in the busy streets of Downtown Nagasaki. The good news is that it's only a gang of four. The bad news is that the violence is the most we've ever heard. They use a plethora of weapons: various guns, knives, two of them wield a machete, and they even resort to using their fists to do the work. Police forces there are already overwhelmed by it all and desperately requested that you two should deal with them in any way you wish. I… hope your wolf can handle it, Colby."

"…me too, chief." Colby struggled to get that out and I even heard it in his handsome voice. I looked over at him with utmost concern for a few seconds before he continued. "I mean, I've dealt with bullies and the like before back in high school and during my freshman year of college, but that was all before I got this Midnight Wolf. Now… (sigh)"

"Don't doubt yourself now. We all believe in you already. You'll be fine. The main objective for this mission is to eliminate them. The police there are already saying that placing them in jail is completely out of the question at this point. They want this gang killed instead. It'll definitely ensure safety for everyone."

"I understand and I'll try."

"Atta boy! Now, here are the directions to their hideout first." I humbly volunteered to take the sheet of paper with that said information and we both read it together as our sheriff continued. "We need you two to find any clues as to what their motive behind their criminal acts might be, if they even have one. Personally, I don't count boredom as a motive. It's as useless as a phony US 100 dollar bill."

"Same here, sir. We've got 'em for you. Pray for us, okay?" Hearing this last statement made Deborah and another fellow male Japanese officer named Kariyushi watch this from behind Colby and I with confusion since they were both just coming in.

"Already on it. Good luck and be careful. This gang's 'armed and dangerous' status is the highest we've ever gotten since we've established this force." After that last word, we both made our way out the main entrance and, by the time we had enough space, Colby turned into the wolf before I mounted on top of him and we were on our way to Downtown Nagasaki.

It took us about 20 minutes to reach the domain of the gang first since it was in an abandoned building just off the Nagasaki city limits. Since we both knew the place was locked, we did the usual routine of walking through the black brick wall by having me hold my breath briefly while he carefully walked right through without any problems. When we were inside, it looked like your typical apartment set up for four roommates, but without a kitchen or a television. I dismounted seconds later before Colby transformed back into his human form to help with the investigation. We looked everywhere for the next ten minutes and, right when we thought there was nothing to be found, my sixth sense picked up a secret chamber hidden behind their refrigerator. I gained access to it by simply pulling on the freezer door above the main one and it ended up moving the entire fridge. That got Colby's attention immediately before both made our way inside and seeing the room light up on its own to reveal the ultimate motive:

"It's a meth lab." Colby pointed out professionally as we both just walked around the place without touching anything. "These guys are trying to make sure that they get what they need and stop any potential protesters who get in their way. Damn! This will make Midnight go insane for sure."

"That's the main test in this mission." I reassured him as I just finished inspecting a boiling beaker full of a mysterious clear substance. "You will pass this with flying colors, Colby. I know you will."

"Thanks, Kuni. I… just need to keep hearing that, despite my nervousness." Immediately after that was said, the sound of a bell tower chiming was heard and it puzzled me for a moment. That's when Colby pulled out his cell phone and grew wide eyed and began to sweat heavily upon his head, not counting the cool golden blonde mohawk ponytail hairstyle in the center of it. "FUCK! I knew this would be difficult!"

"What's wrong?" I became curious as I approached him to see his phone. It was his weather app notifying him of something we both didn't want to know during this mission:

"It's only midday, but it's already telling me that it's a new moon tonight." Colby paused as he placed it away in his jean pocket before we casually made our way out the hidden laboratory as he continued. "You know what that means for the wolf, don't you?"

"No moonlight means the wolf may become temporarily irrepressible. He is called the Midnight Wolf for so many more reasons than previously suspected."

"It's… more than that, Kunimitsu. If there's one thing I remember from that massacre at the hospital, it's one witness saying that I was an extremely violent beast. I didn't know what he meant by that at first, but now…" I softly gasped at this realization for I knew exactly what that meant. This test was truly going to be a problematic one and regardless, I'm still willing to take a chance.

"You've got this! I love you, Colby! I believe in you!" I gave him a tender kiss on his right cheek after I said this with determination in my moist grey eyes. "Let's put an end to this gang with a serving of their own bad medicine."

"Thanks! I love you too, Cutie-Kuni." It was so good to hear that moniker in a slightly happier tone after that. With all of this in mind, Colby turned back into the wolf and I mounted back on top of him before we made our way towards the scene of the crime that was already in progress…

…at a local mall.

(Colby's POV)

It's bad enough that this has to happen on the night of a new moon, but it's made even worse that the crime is currently happening at a local mall. There's a risk of many innocent bystanders getting caught in the fray, but still… I'm gonna try to tame this wolf for Kunimitsu, her totally badass Mother, and my parents. By the time we were about five miles away from the mall's entrance, that's when the wolf held me back within a split second, nearly making Kuni fall off in the process. He snarled his loudest and was about to get up on his hind legs in a furious frenzy, but Kunimitsu never backed down as she pulled me by the scruff of the neck and I had to get into an alley that was big enough for both of us. She dismounted and didn't even take a breath as she held my head with both of her slender hands, giving me a cold glare that was actually full of valor.

"Fight it, Colby! You have to fight it!" She pleaded with me in a low scolding tone of her cute voice. "Don't let him overpower you!"

I'm trying! I spat back with a struggle. I mean, I was slowly losing my consciousness inside of him. It's like he despises the new moon and the criminals at the same time. Their evil souls are too strong. I… I can't do it, Kuni!

"Yes, you can, Colby!" A few seconds after that was said, the distant sound of a machete slashing a human body was heard before the bloodcurdling scream of a woman came afterwards.

That. Did it. For me!

(Kunimitsu II's POV)

"Colby…?" I slowly asked with horror in my soul as I had no choice but to step backwards while he was slowly mutating before my very eyes! The curse of the new moon affected him by the hundred fold at this point, especially after we both heard those terrifying sounds from the mall. He gained 30 percent more muscle, slowly started to stand on two feet at a height of 15 feet, and he basically became a monstrous anthropomorphic wolf with pitch black eyes and snarling white sharp teeth with the most drool I've ever seen in my life! I knew it! This is what that witness meant by a violent beast!

My only hope was that Colby was still alive within this monster's body.

Seconds after that transformation was complete, he saw me and released a thunderous bark before he shoved me out of the way without harming me before running towards the mall. I'm glad he didn't sense no evil in me, but still. I promised I'd help him and nothing will stop me! With that in mind, I placed on my gas mask that comes with this purple rendition of my urban ninja ensemble, got my blades at the ready, and ran after him with all the courage in my heart.

By the time I made it inside, the crowds were already in extreme panic. They were running all over the mall, trying to take cover or escape in any way they can. Despite this chaotic scene, I still remained focused and managed to put my phantom ninja skills to excellent use by dashing through the crowd as if they weren't even there as I tracked down Colby and the dangerous gang. Three minutes into it, I heard the sound of a few blades slashing and guns firing, but no impact. It was very close and I never slowed down.

A few seconds later, I saw it at a distance and it was just incredibly surreal to witness:

Colby's mutated New Moon Wolf stood with hunger before the gang of four Japanese men that was dressed in all black. Two of them had a machete while the other two had an AK-47. Those were the only weapons they had and that was somewhat good news on our part. Those men were fearless and ready to tear Colby to shreds. By the time they all did move for the attack simultaneously, that when Colby released a violent howling bark before he made a flashing dash for one of the machete wielders. He tried to stab him along the way, but the wolf was too strong and picked him up with a massive claw before holding him in both of them, which made the thug drop his weapon, and Colby ate him alive!

My grey eyes widened with extreme horror and, beneath the mask, I nearly gagged at the sickening scene. I held it back, though, as I focused on the other three distracted criminals. This was my chance to assist in the kill by performing my Setsunagake before I just went right through both of the gun slingers simultaneously since one was standing before the other for defense from Colby-chan. This impact killed them both instantly and it was down to just one of the swordsmen. When he saw this for a fact, he became courageous and picked up the other abandoned blade and formed the shape of an X before us. During that time, the wolf somehow became calm as I kept my grey eyes on the criminal, but with my left hand holding the wakizashi blade horizontally in front of the wolf. He was still breathing heavily and I could hear his oozing drool dripping upon the diamond tile floor. Of course, this stopped the bystanders all over the mall from panicking and spectated this scene with curiosity.

They weren't afraid of Colby's New Moon Wolf at all!

"What the hell is that?!" The brave criminal asked with astonishment, still holding his titanium silver X before us. The wolf made one thunderous bark as a response to how cold it sounded as well, but he still stayed back with my blade before him in a non-threatening way. "And how are you controlling it?!"

"That latter factor is none of your business." I replied with the same dark tone my Mother used to be so famous for, only mine had a small hint of that cuteness that Colby's already grown so fond of. "Just be lucky that you're left alive for the police's sake. They're looking for a motive behind all of this violence you've placed upon these people and they'll soon find out in a few minutes."

"Like I give a damn!" He then pointed both blades at us with the most evil smile I've ever seen. "It's payback time for what he did to my comrades!"

After those last words, I continued to hold my ground for a little longer as he was slowly walking towards us with the blades still aimed at us. At about a mere 5 inches away, however, I heard the distant voice of a ten year old child say this with amazement:

"Look at the wolf!"

I made a sideglance at first to see what he meant and that's when the criminal stopped with a flabbergasted look upon his face as well as I saw that Colby's New Moon Wolf was still furious in terms of his emotions, but he became as curious as a puppy as he started to sniff my wakizashi blade like he's never seen it before. I became wide eyed with confusion for a moment, especially after he emitted a soothing humming growl that sounded tranquil, bowed his head, and closed his eyes for five seconds. After that amount of time went by, he opened his eyes and the green irises with white pupils zoomed into view within the blackness before he gently pushed me aside and he used his sharp teeth to bite down on the two machetes before cracking them to shiny silver pieces without any effort. That's when the criminal backed away slowly for another slow five seconds before some of the Nagasaki police force busted through from an alternate entrance, commanding him to put his hands behind his head in surrender along the way.

During that arresting process, I took the time to put my blades away before turning towards the still mutated Colby. He didn't sit like the typical obedient dog this time. He stood in a hunched over position and, even though the green and white within the eyes went away again, he never became vicious. All he did was just… stand there before me. I had to take off my hood and gas mask to take it all in. By the time he saw my face, he made a few low whines with a hint of a howl for added measure as he slowly approached me, reached out a massive paw to me, and gently pulled me close to him for an embrace and nuzzled me from his scruffy fur between his pointed ears upon my forehead for added comfort. It all made me smile and it made the crowd of bystanders admire this in awe. He must've heard our entire conversation back at Colby's office. He… wants his separate soul to become one with Colby's in perfect harmony, but he too finds it difficult to make it so with his automatic wild instincts getting stronger by each day. He… he's doing this for me as well…

…and he also wants my Mother to live.

These cuddles lasted for another three minutes before we slowly ended it with Colby's famous eyes zooming back in from the darkness and he still held me close, but in a typical embrace between humans somehow with his 15 foot tall monstrous form. His sexy muscles were so firm and his fur felt so soft and luxurious! I never, ever wanted to let him go. This made the onlookers sing out a harmonious "AWWWW!" and it never bothered us. It felt like it was just the two of us alone and this was the most peaceful we've ever been since we've met.

But, of course, this heartwarming moment is just the tip of the iceberg. He's far from being completely tamed…

…but it's sufficient to make it count as an extraordinary start.

I'm proud of him already.

To be continued…