Son of the Storm: Rise of Eternity

Chapter 1

The Returner

What is eternity? The flow of never-ending time through the world? No, sooner or later something will change no matter how big or small. With each second time passes and with time comes new events, new stages in the world, and possibly even a new beginning. Though most left their fate in the hands of the beholder some weren't so easily persuaded. What was, what is, and what will be, starts here.

The cold, that's all they could feel as the never-ending snow continued to stir itself outside. Who's bright idea was it to take refuge in an abandoned factory in the middle of a frozen wasteland? What about a warm sunny meadow? Or a nice, calm beach setting? Nope, instead they chose to freeze their nads off. Still it was better than getting caught by the authorities.

"Tien! Reign! Noino! What's taking you so long?!" she exclaimed while watching over the three baboons.

"We're on Rei just hold your horses." answered Reign.

"I would if you three would get your butts in gear. What's the hold up anyways?" she asked impatiently.

"Well as you can see there's a lot here to bag up so if you would shut your trap for just one second maybe we'd get things done faster." answered Tien.

"Hey, I'm the one transporting us between both worlds so show some damn respect or else." she threatened.

"Or else what?" Tien challenged her.

"Or else I'll dump your butt off in the human world."

"Psh you think I'm really scared of them? I'll step on a few dozen before they even so much as lay a finger on me."

"In the south..." she hissed.

"You wouldn't..." he growled.

"Have you even been to the south? They'll draw a gun on you just for entering their land."

"Actually the people there are pretty friendly and welcoming. And not to mention the festivals they throw around March are pretty fun." Noino followed up with just to tick her off.

"Shush!"

"Oh yeah we went down there at one point. Their food's actually pretty damn good, especially the little crustaceans with the potatoes and corn. So good."

"Shut it! We've got a pretty long ways to go and all of this isn't helping so get to it." she demanded.

Just then they heard something strange coming from outside; a loud whistling sound followed by a the sound of feet hitting the walkway.

"What is it?" asked Tien.

"A big perhaps?" suggested Noino.

"That's one big ass bird then." answered Reign.

"Shush, it's getting closer." she told them as the footsteps got louder.

Of course they weren't completely defenseless, but along with their true forms they had another form of dealing with trespassers. While listening they each grabbed their own gun before turning back to face whatever was outside. Whether it was a person or wild beast they were gonna get blasted to bits with their AK47s.

"You feel that?" asked Noino.

"Yeah, it's pretty intense. Think it's one of them?" Reign followed up.

They would soon find out though as the footsteps stopped their front door. Taking deep breaths all of them lined up their sights in preparation for what was going to come through, but the moment they expected the worst they heard a gentle knock on the two large double doors.

"Hm? A friendly?" asked Tien.

"Or they're trying to pull a fast one on us. Quick one of you go check." she asked of them.

"Seriously?" Reign muttered while lowering his gun.

What wimps he though as he approached the door. What could be on the other side that was so scary? Heck their boss could beat their butts to hell and back if she wanted to so why was she shivering? Once he grabbed ahold of the handle though he felt it; a presence that felt very unfamiliar.

"What's wrong? Too scared?" she asked teasingly.

"Shush please." was all he could say as the doors swung open; knocking him out against the steel pipe behind him.

As their friend fell to the ground the rest of them raised their weapons in preparation for what was to come. While the snow outside raged a faint figure began stepping through the entry way; a man wearing a dark blue jacket that covered up his unruly white hair, though what struck them as odd was his reaction to the situation he was in.

"Now that, that's cold. Does anyone have some coffee? Maybe a little hot coco?" he asked while pulling back his hood.

"Um, no we don't?" answered Tien.

"Awe really? Shame, but at least I made it right? Almost froze my nads off trying to get here. Ever flown through falling snow? Ya get cold pretty quickly." he said while brushing the snow off his jacket.

At this point they didn't know whether to shoot or not as they kept their guns up for if he tried anything funny.

"So what exactly are you doing here?" she asked.

"Oh right, well you see I've been out there for at leat three hours and desperately needed someplace to warm up. You don't mind sharing do you?" he asked innocently.

"Uh, I guess not."

"Shut it, what are you really doing here?" she demanded to know.

"I already told you miss." he replied.

"No-no I can see it in your eyes. You're one of those stupid defense force pieces of crap aren't you?" she asked in a frustrated tone.

"Huh, you'd think that were the case but nope. By the way whatcha got back there?" he asked.

And just like that he was gone. Had he vanished into thin air? Nope, instead they turned to see him poking around at their supply. He sure seemed interested enough as he gave it a little sniff.

"Drugs huh? This could really screw someone up." he said before brushing his finger off.

"Mhm, it really gets your blood flowing and gives you high like you wouldn't believe." said Reign.

"Shut it you idiot." she demanded before jabbing him in the stomach with the handle of her weapon.

"Hey watch you're pointing that thing!" he exclaimed.

"And you shut it as well. How do we know you're not one of those E.D.F guys huh? I bet inside that head of yours you're just loving this huh?"

"Well I must say you're lovely and all but I have a." he tried to tell her before she buried the barrel in his stomach.

"You get off on this kind of stuff don't you? The rush of a danger high, the feeling that at any moment I could pull the trigger and end your meager existence." she threatened.

But even with her threats his attitude still didn't change as he simply let out a disappointing sigh. Though she underestimated him he couldn't deny that teasing her was pretty good things had to come to an end though as he began moving at top speed; after images following right behind him as he took away all their weapons.

"Wow you guys must be real paranoid if you keep these things around. I mean you're all monsters right? Or are y'all just too weak?" he asked with a cocky grin spread across his face.

"Hey those are ours now." Tien growled.

"Not anymore." the stranger replied before crushing all three of them in his hands.

"Damn, that's some strength." Noino said, impressed at the display.

"Are you kidding me? Get him?!" she demanded as they all transformed.

This seemed to arise some interest out of him as a grin spread across his face; exposing his fangs that they hadn't seen before.

"Oh, now this is good. Two ahuizotls and a nāga, wonderful. Now will this ass whooping be for here or to go?"

"Rip him to pieces." she commanded as her two goons barreled towards him.

Big freaking monkey dog hybrids, now that was new to him and with those claws attached to their tails they'd have no problem tearing his head clean off, but unlike them he was actually smart enough to plan ahead. And so as they drew closer he unbuckled his jacket as the inside began glowing bright red as he let out a soft whistle. The louder the pitch the brighter it got until both found themselves blinded by the oncoming light.

"Go my children." he whispered softly.

From all around little chirps could be heard as the light began to fade. Were they birds? Nope, bats, hundreds upon hundreds of red electrical bats surrounded the two as their little red eyes zeroed in on their target. Although they weren't attacking they noticed something they hadn't before. Around their mysterious friends arms were two red gauntlets with a glowing gem embedded right in the center of each.

"Those gauntlets..." though Tien as they both continued forward.

"No." was all he said as his small flying friends surrounded them.

In mere seconds they found themselves trapped as the vermin began melding together around them until they found themselves trapped in what looked like a giant clawed hand.

"Gah you've gotta be kidding me!" Noino grunted as they struggled.

"No kidding here I'm afraid. Now be gone!" he hissed.

Upon command thousands of volts of electricity began running through their body until he felt they had enough, or until they both cried uncle. Unfortunately there was still one other to take care of, and so with a flick of his wrist he sent both of his unconscious prey against the wall.

"Hm, that should have been more fun than it was. Oh well." he said before turning back to their leader.

"This power, what is he?" she asked herself while feeling his immense power.

"Oh right, do you want a piece too or are you gonna come quiet?" he asked.

"And you're gonna make me?" she asked as her nerves settled.

"Pretty much."

"And just who do you think you are?"

"I'm glad you asked. Ryo Keno from Sector C of the E.D.F. By orders of my commanding officer I've been sent here to take you and your goons into custody under suspicion of drug distribution in the human world. Now here comes the big question. Will you come quietly? Choose carefully or this could get a bit deadly.?" he told her with a sinister grin.

So this was it, she could either surrender and go down quietly or fight and attempt to escape. Which one would she choose? Well she didn't find being locked away in a cage for months on end all that satisfying, so there was only one reasonable solution to her predicament. Words weren't needed as she threw her tail to knock him back, but instead he jumped straight up before pumping her with a few hundred volts of electricity.

"Dang, well this isn't fair is it? Wait, I've got it." he said as both gauntlets vanished.

"What are you planning?" she thought.

"Now my little friends won't bother you, but I've still got my powers too. Heh, alright then I won't use my hands at all." he promised before putting them behind his back.

"Are you mocking me?" she asked angrily.

"Possibly, whatcha gonna do about it?" he asked in a cocky attitude.

"Grrrrr fine you wanna be my dinner? So be it!" she hissed as her tail began opening up.

Well this came out of nowhere, but wasn't uncommon for him as he stood there with a smile on his face. Oh how he loved his job, especially when he got to deal with people like her. As the tail opened up rows and rows of teeth began appearing before it came flying towards him with the intent to gobble him up. Too bad for her she didn't know what exactly she was dealing with. With his promise still being in play he instead jumped up just before she could snatch him up before giving that nasty mouth of hers strong dive kick.

"Oh, that's gonna leave a mark." he said while stomping into it.

"Gah! Stop, that's my tail you bastard!" she exclaimed in great pain.

"Awe did that hurt the big bad snake?" he teased before stomping on it again.

"Stop that you moron!" she cried out before releasing some acid from her mouth.

But just as he did before all he had to do was jump back so the acid could work its magic on her. Upon impact the liquid burned right through her skin and bone; cutting off half her tail in the process. No words came from her; only cries of pain as she tossed about in agony.

"Gah how could you do this to me?!" she cried out while looking directly at him in anger.

"Hey I did nothing, you're the one that spat that goop at me. But hey at least it'll grow back right?"

"Damn you!" she cried out while crawling towards him.

"Three, two, one."

In the end though it was safe to say they she finished herself off as she tried grabbing him, but instead she saw what looked like a card appear before a cage made of electricity surrounded her.

"What's the big idea ditching us like that?" he heard come from behind.

"Oh yeah, sorry about that Magi. I figured since they were probably packing things up and seeing as how fast we were going I thought I'd buy you guys some time." he told his partner as his fellow-men rushed in to contain the suspects.

Magi, his once childhood bully turned friend, for almost five years they'd been training together to become members of the E.D.F and after two years they finally got their chance to show everyone what they had. And ever since they'd been working together through thick and thin to prove themselves just as everyone else had.

"Oi, the commander's not gonna be happy about that." he replied as their new friends were loaded up on the ship outside.

"Don't remind me..." he groaned as they left the facility.

With everyone packed up and ready to go it seemed they were all set to head out when Ryo heard his phone go off.

"Ah crap, sorry man but I've gotta jet for now." he told his partner before letting his wings loose.

"What going on?" he asked curiously.

"I promised I'd help Minami out with the graduation ceremony today." he said with a deep breath.

"And you're just gonna bounce like that? You do know we've still got an thirty minutes left of our shift."

"No worries, I'll explain everything to the commander when I return. See ya!" he told him before kicking off the ground.

"Oi, alright let's get a move on." he told their men.

It was only thirty minutes. What was the worst that could happen? Getting hit by a bird? Besides he'd already done his fair share of work, especially when it came to training with the new recruits and sorting out files for his commander. He deserved a little break, at least that's what he thought. While flying through the sky he couldn't help but let out a pleasing sigh as the wind blew through his hair. The sensation he got of being up in the cloud without a care in the world was just great.

"Ah yes now this is what it's all about. Now then where am I?" he asked himself before ducking below the clouds.

Grassy fields covered the ground, but what stood out the most was its only real attraction. Yokai University, a school made for monsters who wanted to further their studies of the human world. Though he was done with school his best friend sure wasn't; even though she was more set on teaching others about their neighbors. With almost three miles of classrooms, dorms, and shops there was plenty of space for those who chose to attend, but at the same time made it a bit difficult to find her at first.

"Seems everyone's up and about today. Now where did she say to meet? The western courtyard?" he thought while swooping down for a closer look.

White hair, that's what he scanned the ground for as he made his descent. Of course coming from the sky he got a few weird looks from the other students but seeing as how he was the only other vampire around it was easy to understand why.

"Where oh where is my lovely lamb?" he questioned while looking around

With the number of students around the area being fairly small it surely wouldn't take him long to find her. After walking around for a minute or so though he finally spotted her and that lovely long, white hair of hers. But wait, he couldn't just walk up to her; no he needed to surprise her. And so with a mischievous grin on his face he began carefully tip toeing up behind her while also thinking of ways to surprise her.

"Chest grab? No, she'd just elbow my gut. Maybe a little spark? Hm..." he pondered before getting an idea.

He might have done some perverted things every so often but doing that stuff out in public would have killed her, and probably him as well. Slowly but surely he made his way up behind her until he was within distance. With a silent breath he quickly wrapped his hands around her eyes; only to have them fall through?

"What this?" he asked while moving his hand in and out of her.

As it turned out she got the jump on his as he heard the branches from the tree behind him starting to shake.

"She's coming!" he exclaimed.

Maybe it was to get everyone's attention or maybe it was just the first thing that came to mind, either way he was too late to stop her as she pounced on top of him. Lucky for her she had him to soften her fall while he had the hard ground below to soften his; pinned to the ground by her hands.

"Gotcha." he said while kneeling on him.

"Yeah that's great, but maybe you could move your legs? You're kind of crushing my hurting my ribs." he grunted as her knee kept jabbing his chest.

"Hm? But I thought you liked it like this?" she asked mischievously.

"Minami I swear if you don't get off I'll do you know what." he threatened with a smirk.

"You wouldn't."

"Oh I would and I can. From down here I've got access to every sensitive spot of your body, including right here." he told her before going for her sides.

"No-no stop it! You can't do that, it's not fair!" she cried out in laughter as he took advantage of the situation.

"Who's the one who struck first hm?" he asked, feeling her loosen up.

"I did!" she answered.

"Mhm, and who's turn is it for revenge?" he asked before picking her up off the ground.

"Heheh come on people are looking." she pointed out after he threw her over his shoulder.

Looking around he then noticed all the eyes focused on them, and most were the look of either creeped or weirded out.

"Geez, when's a little display of affection a bad thing." he scoffed while letting her down.

"Oh don't worry about it, after this Friday we won't have to worry about that at all." she said before leaning in towards him.

"Oh right, I thought that was on the weekend. So that's why your hair's short like that."

"Mhm, like it?" she asked cutely.

In order to look her best she decided to get herself a hair cut. The front was still a fairly long, but that back was trimmed down so only a bit dipped down behind her neck. And to finish it off she had it neatly combed with both bangs drawn back behind her ears. Even though it was short he could still run his hands through it just as he always had.

"Nice, it's got that not too short and not too long thing going on. Honestly you were reminding me of your mom with all that long hair."

"Oh god really? Was it awkward?" she asked with a slight blush.

"Nah, cause no one's as beautiful as you my dear." he said softly.

She didn't need an invitation to what was about to happen. Once she grabbed ahold of the collar of his jacket they both puckered up, but just after their lips met they heard someone come up beside them.

"Oh? Seems we've got some love-making going on out here today." they heard before breaking apart.

"Ami, don't do that."

"What? You didn't show up on time so I thought I'd come look for you, but it seems you were a bit busy with...?"

"Ryo Keno." he answered.

"Oh so you're the boy she's told me about. Tell me, is it true that you're the first of your kind?" she asked with intrigue.

"Yep, the one and only." he answered with pride.

"Interesting, you wouldn't mind if I take a sample of your DNA huh?" she asked before reaching for his hair.

"Uh no, let's just get to work please." Minami suggested after grabbing her wrist.

"Awe, just one piece of hair?" she asked of her.

"No..."

"Please?"

"No means no." she answered as her temper began to rise.

But just when all hope seemed lost to her he decided to do her a solid and pull a single strand of hair out for her.

"Ryo?" Minami asked worryingly.

"Relax, what's the worst she could do with it?" he told her before handing her friend the strand.

"Oh thank you very much. This'll be great for my last assignment." she said with joy.

Although he meant well the look he got from his girl said otherwise, but it wasn't the first time she'd given him that look. Just like any relationship it had its up and downs, but in the end they always recovered.

"So what's your plan for that piece of hair?" asked Minami.

"Oh that's a secret, but I assure you if I'm right that you'll find out soon enough." she answered as they approached the auditorium.

"Right, and speaking of secrets what was that thing you used on me?" he asked Minami.

"You're dad." she answered.

"Your birthday? That's what he gave you?"

"Mhm, he told me to use it wisely. Safe to say it worked pretty well on you." she teased before poking his forehead.

"Yeah-yeah you got me, but next time I'll get you." he teased while poking her stomach.

While talking with her though he couldn't help but admire how much she'd developed over the years. It was safe to say she'd gone through a slight metamorphose through years, that short sleeve white button up shirt and denim jeans certainly showed off her more defined features. But along with a more mature body so had her perception of education. For so long she hadn't a clue what she wanted to do with her life, but after graduating from the academy it hit her. The young ones, she wanted to teach them about not only the human world but also about their own. It was a difficult path, but after four and half long years she'd finally get her chance. And though he loved her looks he also admired her as a person; one that wouldn't give up on what she wanted and wouldn't ever stop until she achieved her goals.

"And here we are." Ami said while pushing the double doors open.

"Holy crap." he gasped as the doors flew open.

"Impressive eh? It's just a little over the size of a single football field."

"But it didn't look nearly that big from the outside." he said while looking around at all the room they had to work with.

"Well that's what happens when your dean is a wizard."

"I'll say, it's almost the size of our arena back at HQ."

"Yep, and now I guess you see why we need a bit of help. With such a large area to work with we want to make this special for everyone. Not only will the ceremony be held here but also a little celebration."

"Awesome, so whatcha need me to do?" he asked excitedly.

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble would you mind flipping the chairs up right? There's about nine hundred so."

But by the time she could finish her sentence he was already on it.

"Hot dang, you said he was fast but not this fast." Ami said as they watched him align them all.

"Yea he's a speed demon alright." she followed up.

"And you two have been together for what? Four years now?"

"Well closer to five at this point but yeah pretty much."

"And your parents? What do they think it?"

"Dad doesn't mind, mom tolerates it, and my dear old grandfather loves to test him from time to time. I tell you what though it was a pain getting to that point though."

"You mean with your family and him?"

"Yeah, it started out a bit rough, but everything's kind of settled down now."

"Nice, so you ever thought of taking it to the next level? I mean after graduation of course."

"What? Isn't it a bit too soon?" she asked with a raised brow.

"Almost five years of dating and you're still not sure? Come on, if you were meant for each other he'd be seeing someone else by now and so would you."

"Hm..." she pondered for a second.

Her thoughts were cut short though when he appeared before them with sweat dripping down his forehead.

"You're not tired already are you?" asked Minami.

"Uh-uh, just a but warm in here without any circulation, and this jacket isn't helping either." he claimed before stripping it off.

"Huh, nice job. Seems they're all order."

"Thanks, oh wait hold on a sec." he replied as his phone began ringing.

Was it Magi? Nope, worse, the commander, and judging by his grunted when he answered he was in for an earful.

"Yes sir?" he asked nervously.

"Where are you Keno?! I thought I told you no free time until your shift is done and over. Did I not?" he asked furiously while his voice blasted from the speakers.

"Yes sir, but you see my girl here needed some help so I thought I'd."

"I don't give a fat rat's posterior if she needed your help or not. You don't abandon your team like that." he told him as his nerves settled.

"Yes sir, I promise I'll be more careful next time. I'm very sorry for the disappointment." he answered.

"Very well, but when you return I expect double the training time this week with restrictions."

"Of course."

"Carry on...super size those fries!" he exclaimed before hanging up.

Now that he was out of his ear he could take a breather.

"Work?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah, what can you do? But hey since tomorrow's my off day why don't we go out and have a bit of fun? God knows you need to get out of here."

"Sounds good, but on one condition. We do what I want to do this time around?" she offered with her normal bright smile.

"Deal, besides I think we could both use some fun right about now." he said before giving her a peck on the lips.

But before he could leave her friend stopped him for a second.

"If you're leaving then thanks for the sample. I'll put it to good use." Ami told him as he ran out the door.

"No prob, nice meet you too." he said with a smile before kicking off the ground.

Balancing work and relationships was a new one, but like every challenge that came before he'd meet it head on.