The Rise of Poison

Chapter 8: A Long walk home: Part 3

        When the boys came out of the restaurant, the sun had set. The members of the Lighter Service already went around and lit all the evening lanterns around Central.  More people were outside now, but these weren't your usual civilians.

        These people were part of the nocturnal crowd. They were appropriately nicknamed, "Nocturnals." They were the unique individuals that didn't really enjoy being seen in the daylight. There was the usual crowd of witches, vampires, and werewolves, but you also had members of the Feline Clan, Nezumi Clan, Rascals or Raz Clan, a few Reborns and various other clans all out at this hour. In fact, there were a lot of younger adolescent Reborns out at this hour of the day. They were trying to enjoy their last hour of freedom before they had to go home. 

            Although, with night, comes more irresponsibility. So, not only were there more species out, there was an increased amount of Military Police Officers patrolling Central.

"Shit, an M.P.O," muttered Kenta.

Yuuto kept his eyes on the officer, "Is that the same one from the restaurant? I guess we missed him walk out."

        The officer had his back facing them with a baton in his hand. The M.P.O wore the signature blue wind breaker jacket with the Military Police Symbol on the back. The symbol was a solid white star on top of a brown badge with three points on top.

Yuuto put his hand on Kenta's shoulder, "We should be fine Kenta, I'm technically still allowed outside right no-"

"But you don't have your kimono! That is the issue," he snapped at him. "But, you're right, we shouldn't have to worry. If anyone asks, you're not Yuuto, and you're older then seventeen."

Yuuto reached into a side pocket on his book bag and got out a rubber band.  "I'm already ahead of you." 

He pulled down his hood and used the rubber band pull his hair into a bun.

Kenta rolled his eyes at him, "That's really not going to make a difference."

"Actually, I'm pulling all my hair back in the hood. Since, my most prominent feature is the blue in my hair, might as well hide it."

 "Hmph, I guess so. Plus, all your blue tips on the end look kind of cool."

"Thanks," said Yuuto with an accomplished smile. He put his hood back on and the boys proceeded to walk behind the M.P.O. They continued northeast on their way to Yuuto's house.

Before long, they approached the water fountain in front of the castle.

"Let's take a break," said Yuuto as he sat down on the edge of the water fountain and placed his school bags on the ground.

"Are you sure? I think we should just keep walking."

"Nah, it's fine. I wanted to show you something. Here, take seat."

 Kenta put down his stuff and sat beside Yuuto on the edge of the concrete fountain. Behind them, there was the soft sound of water flowing in and out of the Half-moon, Half-star sculpture.

"What did you want to show me," Kenta asked as he leaned forward.

"I wanted you to look at the scenery, it's beautiful," Yuuto said. He gazed at the nightlife in Central.

            It was a beautiful scene indeed. The lanterns danced in the wind and the Cherry Blossoms couldn't help but join in. The way the lights shined on the buildings enhanced their appearance more than usual. Restaurants were energetic with their lavish smells and chatter from the customers. Musicians played their passionate nocturnes so loud that it forced the atmosphere to change into a more romantic setting. Many different nocturnal species danced together to the passion. This particular area of central had a dreamy feel to it. Whether or not this spot in front of the castle was created to be this romantically beautiful intentionally, was unclear.

            Yuuto looked up at the sky. The stars sprinkled across the night sky above them illuminated the night sky and the full moon shined down on them like a spot light on a performer. He closed his eyes and just listened to the sounds that flew around him. The wind gently blew up both boys' hair.

     "It's been awhile since I sat down and watched everyone dance and party. My parents used to take me here all the time as a child. But, we got older and the curfew laws for Reborns were passed. So we don't come here anymore. This place hasn't change.  I really do enjoy this part of the Kingdom."  

A slight frown appeared on Yuuto's face, "Well, let's go." 

With that, Kenta understood why he adored this place. Kenta looked down at the ground. For some reason, it bothered him that his friend couldn't come here and sit down at his favorite place. He reached out and grabbed Yuuto's arm. 

 "Yuuto, you should be fine for as long as you keep my jacket on.  Let's stay here for a bit. Dance a little, have some fun!" He gestured toward the crowd.           

Yuuto shook his head, "I need to get home, Kenta. It will be six thirty soon. I'm pushing it right now." He grabbed his items.

Kenta looked back at the crowd of Nocturnals enjoying their night out. 

"Alright, that's true. By the time we reach your house, it will be almost seven o'clock."

Yuuto nodded and he began walking towards his house. Kenta slung his items over his shoulder and hurried along.

        Although it was a chilly night, this area of Central warmed their hearts. Yuuto glanced back one more time at the fountain before setting foot on the road home. Kenta did the same as well, but he held his glaze longer. For him, this was a scene he was not familiar with, but he kinda liked it.

  Maybe I'll sneak Yuuto out later on tonight and we can come back here. Kenta turned himself around and sped up to catch up with the Reborn.