Tatsuya POV
This morning I find myself at Yakumo's temple performing my morning Kata to stretch and warm my muscles in the frigid morning air. January still drags on and as Minato warns the full moon is drawing ever closer. With this in mind Minato had begun accompanying Miyuki and I to practice more often. From what I know, the Dark Hour was physically exhausting thus having extra stamina was important.
"That's enough practice," Yakumo's voice rings out dragging me from my thoughts. Minato and I, as well as the rest of the disciples, rise out of our forms and stand at attention. "We will be moving onto sparring next." Like clockwork the mass of student begin to find their partners however Yakumo stops them. "You will all be fighting Minato." I send my sensei a look of shock and Miyuki even gives a concerned noise from the sidelines.
"Sensei, not to belittle your decision, but Minato is not a very…apt choice." I declare. My words hold true. While Minato could equip a persona to make him invulnerable to attacks, he is trying to keep his abilities a secret, not trying to show off his abilities. On a Personaless playing field, Minato is barely stronger than some of the disciples here. In fact even I have him beaten in both physical and mental categories. Against everyone here, Minato wouldn't stand a chance. "I think I would be a more appropriate match."
"I agree Tatsuya." Yakumo gives us his infamous feline grin. "That is why Minato will be able to use the magic for the fight." I send Minato a questioning frown while he glares daggers into Yakumo. Yakumo's expression doesn't change as he simply smiles at Minato. With a sigh of defeat Minato takes his stance before the twenty or so disciples who mimic his posture. "Ready? Begin!" No sooner do the words leave Yakumo's mouth than do the twenty men charge. An instant later, Minato raises his CAD.
"Festival." My eye widen in horror as Minato seems to dematerialize before me. He fades not only from the physical realm, but the information dimension as well. My elemental sight cannot find a trance of him. However, it seems his magic is not done. Another presence make itself known fading in behind the confused monks. A boy no older than Minato appears with black swept back hair. He has piercing blue eyes and around his face he wears a yellow scarf like a mask. Without missing a beat, the figure charges taking the disciples by surprise. For such a small looking boy he is deceptively strong and he easily dismantles the opponent. My brain is still trying to catch up with what is before me when one of the disciples manages to blindside the newcomer. While the mystery boy is busy with another combatant, the monk takes his back and charges. Mere moments before the fist would hit, the boy disappears into thin air causing the first man to stumble into the second. Minato then reappears into separate location and the fight continues.
"His new magic seems to be working quite well, wouldn't you agree?" Yakumo asks slyly from beside me. His smile would be infuriating to any other person, and even almost emotionless person like me, I feel mild annoyance.
"What is he using sensei?" Miyuki ask from beside me as she tries to follow the battle. Minato and the mystery boy continually fade from existence and reappear seemingly at random. It is only thanks to my sharp eyes that I realize that every time one of the monk makes an attack that cannot be blocked or dodged that Minato or the mystery boy change places.
"He is using an upgraded form of his clan's technique of course. Instead of calling it 'Parade' though, he references this new spell as 'Festival.' I mental grasp at all the information I know about the signature Kudou clan technique. I know little of it, seeing as it is a closely kept secret but I know it is an illusionary technique, meant to cover the eidos of the user. It has been recorded as both changing the users appearance or even the user's perceived location. However it seems Minato is somehow using both simultaneously, changing appearance and location. I have several questions to ask but settle on the biggest one.
"How did you know about Minato's new technique?" I ask.
"Who do you think helped him develop it?" Yakumo laughs good naturedly. "He approached me about a month ago to help him redefine it and I couldn't turn down one of my beloved disciples. As I'm sure you know, my predecessor taught Kudou Retsu a similar ninjustu, Matoi. It was used to make an illusion of yourself to distract the spirit into attacking your clone. Retsu redesigned it into the modern magic known as Parade. Minato then came to me and using that as a framework we developed it further."
"And how does it work?" I press; however, the answer never comes.
"That's a clan secret." Minato announces from the battlefield. It is only then do I realize that Minato has finished. The other disciples are either laying on the ground moaning or sitting trying to catch their breath. Minato amazingly looks no worse for wear, only sweating lightly from the excursion. He approaches us lightly wiping the sweat from his brow with a towel.
"You don't seem too tired." Miyuki observes curiously picking up on the detail I did.
"Of course not." Minato laughs. "There were two people fighting, so I only had to fight half the time." I shake my head slightly at the sarcasm. There is no way that he summoned another person to fight for him. My train of thought comes to halt at that. Could he summon something to take his place in a fight? The thought slips away as Miyuki calls to me. It is time to leave for school.
-Ω-
Minato POV
"I can't find anything!" Kyouko growls in frustration from across the table. Aigis and I both look up from our own respective computers to my mother. After my meeting with Leo a day ago, I informed both Kyouko and Aigis to Mikihiko's thoughts on the matter. Thus, the three of us were perusing the internet trying to track down anything relates to the keywords, parasite, paranormal parasite, vampire, and whatever else we could think of. However, the search was in vain. Nothing we found was of any use to our investigation.
"I don't think any of us have found a lead." I say with sigh. I give another glance to my computer screen but nothing of interest catches my eye. Everything is just a mess of either books or movies focusing on said legendary creature of the night. There are a few news articles about the incidents here in Japan but nothing else.
"I may have found something, but it is not too solid." Kyouko and I quickly gather around her computer. I quickly realize she has not be searching in Japanese but English. "There are quite a few sites talking about a rumor over in the U.N.S.A" Agis announces as she navigates to one of the sites. "Apparently Vampire attacks are happening there as well, but I can't tell it these are serious or these are simply sites for spreading rumors. There is no real way to confirm this information." Aigis sighs in dismay and even Kyouko frowns. I however watch the pieces fall into place. There are rumors of vampires in the U.N.S.A and here in Japan. Lina, and elite member of the U.N.S.A is here as well. Perhaps there is a connection. Maybe the vampire originated in U.N.S.A? I decide to take out my cellphone.
"Minato?" Kyouko asks as I begin to scroll through my contact, "Who are you calling?"
"A friend," I reply. "How far behind is California from here?"
-Ω-
Shizuku POV
I rub the remainder of sleep from my eyes as pack my bag for the day. Going to school here isn't much different than back home. We practically have the same lesson plans. If anything I feel like Japan is bit ahead, but it could be imagination. I was never one to slack on my studies. My phone begins to ring alerting me of a call. Odd, Honoka usually texts or use mails for her correspondence. I glance at the number curiously and upon seeing it I quickly grab the device and answer. Soon the face of one of my closest friends appears on screen.
"Good Morning, Shizuku." Minato sends me a small smile and can't help but send him one back. I can hardly keep my excitement down from hearing his voice again. It's not like we haven't be in contact, we exchange mail with each other though not as frequently as Honoka and I.
"Good Morning- Ah! I suppose it would be afternoon for you now." I quickly correct myself, but Minato only shakes his head and waves off my apology.
"It's fine. I should be the one apologizing for calling so early." This time it is my turn to shake my head.
"No no, it's fine. It is almost time for class anyway." Minato hums taking in my statement.
"Do you have time to talk or…?" He trails off allowing me to glance at the clock. 7:40 am. I have twenty minutes until class starts. Less than I would like, but I have some time to spare.
"I have time but not too much." Minato seems my pinched expression and nods.
"Then I will get straight to the point." Have you heard anything about the vampire attacks in America?" I stare blankly at the screen for a moment searching my memory. Then it clicks. I had heard rumors about it from several of my classmates but I had simply assumed that it was pointless gossip, nothing more.
"I have, but it is only rumors here. There isn't any coverage about it on the news or anything." The question remains though. Why would Minato be looking into this? However my internal question is easily answered.
"I see, here there have been several attacks by a supposed vampire. Leo has been attacked as well." My face becomes ashen and my eyes widen. Minato notices my expression and quickly rectifies his statement. "Leo is doing fine, he was able to ward off the attack and was placed in the hospital for mild care. Nothing life threatening." His words calm me more so than I would like to admit. I take a deep breath to gather my emotions and continue.
"So that's why you are looking into this because of Leo?" I deduce and Minato nods. "Then you want me to collect any information I hear?"
"That's right. I have a guess that these vampires originated in the U.N.S.A. If there are any clues closest to the truth you would be my best bet." His face quickly grows serous. "However, I don't want this search to put you in danger. Don't put yourself at risk on my account." I quickly nod. I am not foolish enough to put my life on the line especially in foreign territory.
"Understood, I will see what I can find out here. I will contact you if I discover anything."
"Thanks, Shizuku, you're a lifesaver." Minato face turns to side seemingly off to nowhere. At his next statement, I realize he was checking the time. "I've taken up enough of your time. Talk to you later." My heart throbs painfully at the thought of parting and I speak without thinking.
"Goodbye, I love you." My hand immediately covers my mouth as warmth floods my cheeks. Minato's eyes widen in surprise but then he gives a gentle smile.
"Goodbye, I love you too." With that the call ends. His face disappears from the screen leaving me to collapse on my bed. I lay there for a few more minutes just enjoying the feeling of talking with him again. The euphoria of his words. I take a deep breath in and steel myself, I have to focus on classes for now. Three months until I return, until I see him again. Perhaps a lot will change, maybe it will stay the same. I will need to be ready for that eventuality when I return. With one last breath, I rise and exit my dorm room.
-Ω-
Minato POV
It had been a few days since Leo's attack and he was still bound to his bed. He was recovering slowly but there seemed to be no complications. He would be healed completely in a matter of time. All he needed was plenty of rest. Which was something that Erika and Mikihiko were apparently in desperate need of. I arrived at their homeroom for lunch seeing as Honoka and Miyuki went to the Student Council room to finish some work. As I arrived I found Erika was sleeping soundly on her desk while Mikihiko was complaining about a headache. Apparently, they are not getting enough sleep. Mikihiko leaves for the infirmary, a worried Mizuki trailing behind.
"They came in right before the bell." Tatsuya comments as I draw up beside him. "Seems like they are out late every night." I take another look at the sleeping girl trying to figure her reason for the sleepless nights with Mikihiko. Knowing Erika though…
"Vampire hunting, is it?" Though I phrase it as a question, I am rather certain of the answer. Tatsuya only shrugs.
"I am not willing to ask, if they need help they will ask for it." I nod understanding his situation. His one and only concern was Miyuki. He was willing to help his friends but if they didn't ask he wasn't going to take the initiative.
"I talked with Shizuku yesterday." I announce. "It seemed that there have been vampire attacks in the U.N.S.A as well." Tatsuya nods.
"You think that the vampires originated there as well, don't you?" I am hardly impressed at Tatsuya's intuition. If I am able to draw that conclusion he must have as well. Perhaps he received information from the Yotsuba clan.
"Exactly, hopefully Shizuku will be able to get us a lead on where these attacks are coming from." I agree. "I told her not to get involved in anything dangerous so we shouldn't have to worry about anything on that end."
"I suppose we probably meet up with Miyuki and Honoka for lunch then." Tatsuya comment airily as he stands from his desk. "I don't think the others will be joining us." I nod my agreement, sparing one last look to the sleeping red-head. If they are searching as much as I am, they will need all the sleep they can get.
-Ω-
Erika POV
"Erika wait for me!" Mikihiko calls as I briskly walk through the night. I stop momentarily before moving again much to my companion's displeasure. This is the third night I am out hunting vampires. My grip unconsciouously tightens on my sword. My mind flashes to Leo when I first found him in the hospital. Struggle to breath, his face twisted in pain. Not only is he my friend but he is also my first disciple. Even if it was only for a few weeks I took him under my wing to teach him the art of sword play. If these vampires think they can get away with this they have another thing coming. My internal musing come to a halt as I reach the end of the alleyway. The path splits left or right.
"Miki, which way?" I have brought along Miki for this exact reason. He is helping me track down the creatures. With a sigh of annoyance, most likely to my use of his nickname, he steps forward and balances his walking stick on the ground. More accurately it was more of a wooden pole covered in black ink and characters. He removes his hand and it stays upright, held by some unseen support. Miki closes his eyes and whispers under his breath. Without warning the stick falls to the ground and comes to a stop pointing in the right direction. I have seen this happen several times, but this time the stick fell quite quickly. Miki seems to come to the same realization as me. The faster the drop the closer the target we are hunting. The vampire is near.
"Should we call for back-up?" Miki tries again but I ignore him walking in the direction the stick has pointed. He gives another sigh and follows obediently. I don't want to trouble my friends with a personal problem. We are strong enough to take care of ourselves. Perhaps if I wasn't so focused on my mission I would have noticed Miki, taking out his phone and messaging for back up.
-Ω-
Minato POV
As always, I am out at night with Mayumi as my support, however this time Aigis insisted that she accompany me. Her reasoning was that she could potentially detect the vampire if she was able to get close enough. Whether or not this was strictly true I had yet to decide, but I didn't deny her request. I would feel more comfortable with her by my side. Interestedly enough, her claims turned out to quite accurate. After hour of searching the street she locked onto a signature.
"Aigis, are you sure?" Mayumi's voice filters through the coms we have attached to our ears. "We can afford any mistakes."
"I am positive," Aigis replies firmly. "The man…his brain is different. I have never seen anything like it. It is as if a small structure has formed in his pre-frontal cortex." There are a few moments of silence on the radio as Mayumi considers her options. Whether or not to trust Aigis.
"Close in on him as see if you can get a more definitive proof. Once we have that I can call in back-up."
"You don't want us to engage?" I question breaking into the conversation with my device. "I think we can take care of a single target."
"You are working separately from the rest of my clan, remember?" Mayumi counters. "If you are found, there will be plenty of questions. I can tell the investigators that I happened to spot the vampire on one of the street cameras." Though I disagree with her decision I accept it. I am only lending a helping hand, not running the operation. Without another word Aigis and I separate. I will approach the target head on while Aigis will stay behind incase backup is needed. I walk down the abandoned alley and soon the sound of another pair footsteps reaches my ears. From the shadows emerges a man cloaked in a black trench coat. He wears a black hat, the brim pulled down. He reeks of suspicion and I can already tell he is our man. I causally lift my hand to my earpiece and press it once as confirmation to both Aigis and Mayumi. My mission complete I pass by the man without a backward glance.
"Minato!" Aigis' shout rings through the alley way and I immediately turn. The mask man is already before me showing incredible agility. However, with my Persona augmentation I am far faster. Keeping Leo's warning in mind, I duck and weave away from the vampire's grabs and soon create a sizable distance between us. In the back of my mind I can hear Aigis' voice coming over the channel alerting Mayumi about the attack. Not a moment later Aigis rushes into the alley way, fingers pointed at our target. "Firing!" Bullets propel themselves forward at lightning speed, but to my horror they begin to curve. Soon I find myself as the new target.
"Metatron!" I switch persona and bullets bounce off me harmlessly. My mind is still reeling from the display however. He altered the trajectory of the bullets. It must have been magic, but to do so without a CAD is insane. The vampire is regarding me with interest. Clearly, he assumed I would have taken serious damage with the barrage of bullets that hit me.
"Minato, I don't know how quickly I can call for back-up. Can you handle this on your own?" Mayumi's worried voice comes through my earpiece.
"Yeah, I will be fine." I quickly respond. If this man can alter trajectories, he would be a difficult adversary. Depending on his strength not only projectiles, but physical weapons could become worthless. However, to alter the trajectory of an object you need to see it. Being part of the Kudou clan, I have the perfect spell. "Festival." Within a moment I disappear and Pharos, or more accurately Ryoji, takes my place. To be technical realistic I don't disappear into thin air. Using my magic, I summon Ryoji or Thanatos. I then erase my presence from both the visual and informational spectrum. I am still present but cannot affect the real word. At its simplest, Pharos and I trade places. I become a ghost and he becomes human. There is much more to that, as this spell seems to break several laws of physics, thermodynamics and reality itself, but Persona magic has always been a mystery to me. The nearly godlike spell has a massive consumption rate though. Even with all my psion, I will faint from continuous use. The spell lasts for a few minutes until I need to renew it. I am trying to extend my stamina with Yakumo, but such thoughts are for another time. I refocus on the fight as Ryoji charges at inhuman speed. His fist meets the vampire's chest, and the creature stumbles back before righting himself. It leaps forward grabbing hold of Ryoji's arm, but it meets nothing but air. I shift back into reality behind the assailant, changing my Persona as I do so.
"Draw! Masamune!" With a flash, the demonic sword appears in my hand glowing menacingly. "Tempest slash!" I slash twice leaving deep marks in the vampire's chest and leg. He crumples to the ground, his armor unable to hold up to my sword. I reach for my ear intent on reporting to Mayumi, but Aigis calls out.
"Minato, three signatures approaching!" I turn to the end of the alley way where three figures stand. Two seems to be normal woman while the last seems to be some demon. A mane of red hair is bundled in to a bun atop her head. She also seems to wearing a mask. My muscles tense when she raises a gun pointing at Aigis and I. I change my persona to Metatron for caution and my sword fades away. However, our target seems to try to take this change to flee and makes a break for it. Without delay, the demon shifts targets and fires. I briefly think that the vampire will curve the bullet but it strikes true opening a gaping hole in his chest where the heart would be. I belatedly realize that she must have used data fortification on the bullet. Thus, if the vampire had tried to change the trajectory, he would first need to overcome her inference strength. And if the demon was who I think she is, then that man stood no chance.
"Step away from the body." The order was immediate and the gun was refocused on Aigis and I. I quickly go through my options. If the demon is Lina, I am relatively confident I could defeat her in combat. However, there was no point. The target is dead and while we could gather some information from the corpse it would be much harder to defeat it from these people who simply wanted to destroy it. The negatives far outweighed the positives.
"Well retreat for now," I announce to Aigis who nods. With that I turn my back to the women confident they won't cause harm and Aigis follows my lead a second later. It seems we have hit a dead end. That is until my phone beeps notifying me of a message. I withdraw the device and see it is from Mikihiko, telling me they are close to a vampire with coordinates attached. I grit my teeth and break out into a sprint. Just when I thought I could get some rest.
-Ω-
Well I didn't hit the sweet spot of two chapters for the month but on the bright side I didn't wait four months this time. I suppose I am getting back into the rhythm of things. Hopefully with my newfound free time I will start writing more. I suppose I will see if it happens.
Regardless I do apologize for the lateness (and shortness) of the chapter, but work has a tendency to eat up my time.
A huge thank you to my beta Mingyu. I can never give him a break with my random updates.
As always thank you to everyone who favorited followed and reviewed. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave a review or send me a private message. I will answer them as soon as I can.