Oblitus

Kaito paused as he reached the door to his assigned room. He glanced to his left and down the empty hall. He stood still for a moment. He then turned from the door to face the emptiness. Moments later, a low sound emanated. The plum haired warrior stepped into Kaito's sight. For a moment the two simply stared at one another. Then a wide smirk came across the warrior's face. He clutched the hilt of his sword tightly. The action served both as a warning and a threat - neither was welcomed by Kaito.

"If it isn't my dear late friend," the warrior grinned. "How wonderful it is to see you once again. I wasn't expecting to meet you so soon."

"You aren't as powerful as you believe," Kaito retorted grimly. "Don't lie to me. You wanted my death, Gakupo, you merely weren't effectual."

Gakupo's mouth settled into a stern line. "Time is not as forgiving or foolish as you. It is not unchanging,"

He turned on his heel. His cloak swished elegantly around his ankles.

"You are too late for her," Kaito warned; subtle amounts of glee slipping into his tone. "She is mine."

Gakupo glowered over his shoulder. He waited with his ill-tempered expression until Kaito closed the door. Slowly Gakupo raised his hands and clapped them in a deliberately mocking manner. He then bowed to the closed door and started back towards his own room.

"Not until the midnight sun,"

However, unbeknownst to Gakupo, his last statement was heard. Kaito stood, his back against the door. He glared, burning with hatred and rage, at the opposing wall. The midnight sun was not to arrive for days. Kaito knew that Gakupo was only the beginning. He veered to his right and snatched a letter from the table. He tore the seal away and tossed it aside. The letter fell open and his eyes raced across each line. In less than a minute he had read all that he needed to. He closed and re-folded it. Kaito placed it back into the envelope and tucked it under a fold in the bed sheets. He walked over to the window and moved the curtains to find Gakupo's fiends circling his stallion.

His fisted hand rose with the index and middle finger unfurled. He turned his wrist to the right slightly. Then he tilted his hand towards them. A rectangular orange shape appeared between his fingers and flew through the glass window. The strange shape exploded a few feet from them. The creatures cried and shrieked as they melted away. Kaito's horse stamped the ground a few times and looked over at him. The horse neighed lowly and nodded towards Miku's home. Kaito signalled his agreement and dropped the curtain. It would be too great a risk for action to be taken.

Unfortunately for Kaito his stallion thought differently. He threw his head back and stomped on the ground a few more times. He tried to walk away but the tether stopped him. His hooves padded against the wooden decking. The beast was quiet. His sounds were barely audible and would not disturb his master. From her window Miku had seen his efforts and had managed to slip past her parents. The door opened and she ran to the horse's side. The horse's feigned panic gave way when she placed her hand on his strong neck. She stroked him affectionately.

"Noctis, you must calm," she urged. "Kaito knows what is best for you. He is trying to protect you."

Noctis dipped his head and whinnied quietly. She continued to clap him and trace his contours. The magnificent horse stood tall and proud but allowed his enjoyment to be seen. Miku marvelled in his glorious beauty when Noctis' head snapped up and he backed away as far the tether allowed. At the sudden change in demeanour she looked over at the inn door. The stomp of something caught her attention and she looked at Gakupo. The warrior gestured for her to continue but she was reluctant to obey him. Noctis charged at him and neighed angrily.

"Noctis, are you alright?" Miku gasped, stroking his mane.

"Noctis? Is that his name?" Gakupo smirked. "What a lovely name. Where did you find such a majestic beast?"

"He isn't mine," Miku stammered.

"Is that so? Oh well, it's too bad for he seems to prefer you," Gakupo shrugged, enjoying his game.

Noctis whickered but remained calm. His composure in such a situation was rare. Remaining calm after such a double-edged comment was even rarer. However, Noctis was perfectly aware of how important time was. He wouldn't fall for Gakupo's childish provocation.

"No, he loves his rider," Miku explained contentedly.

"Is that so?" Gakupo forced a smile to hide his disappointment. "You're sure of that?"

"His rider is my friend," Miku replied, less nervous.

"Ah, it is nice when we can all be friends," Gakupo smiled. "Oh, look at the time. I must be away. Say, I will be staying here for a while, why don't you show me around? I feel that we haven't gotten off to the best of beginnings."

"That would be nice," Miku nodded.

Gakupo gave them a wide berth so as not to tempt Noctis into biting him. His pace was leisurely and calm until he reached the intersection. From there he ran like a mad man towards the edge of the town. He darted into the woodland and found countless bodies stacked upon each other. He growled and scowled furiously. Most of his minions had been decimated and were charred dust on the wind. As much as he would like for it to be Kaito's doing he knew it was someone else.

Kaito glanced out of his window. The scent of Gakupo's minions defiled the air. His eyes narrowed. It had truly begun once more.