Lina POV
"Step away from the body." I command from behind my mask. My fingers twitch as Minato looks at me with his steel eyes. I know that look, I have seen it more times than I can count. The flames of arrogance flicker in his eyes. I can tell he is considering attacking me, to defeat me and my allies to secure the body. The poor boy even thinks he has a chance. However, he is mistaken. I have read his files and I am backed by two elite agents. He only has a mere robot at his side. Furthermore, I am not acting as Angelina Shields. This mask makes me Angie Sirius, one of the strongest magicians in the U.S.N.A if not the world. I am no longer bound to keep my abilities hidden. If Minato attacks, I will use any force necessary to complete my mission. My hand tightens on the handle of my gun as Minato continues to analyze me. The seconds tick by as Minato slowly comes to his decision. Finally, without warning he speaks.
"We'll retreat for now." With those words he turns and departs, the mechanical maiden following a moment later. I internally smirk, it seems he had met his match. Still I am relieved. While I am confident I can beat Minato in a fight, I would rather not attract any more attention than necessary. Severely injuring someone from the ten master clans would all but ruin our operation.
"Commander." My radio crackles to life and I reflexively answer.
"What is it Sylvia?"
"We have detected another vampire in a different area. Leave Hunter Q and Hunter R to collect the body and come back to me immediately. I will transport you." With that the radio dies and I quickly turn to my companions to confirm they received their orders. Both give me a nod which I return. A few minutes later I am seated next to Sylvia who is speeding through the backstreets.
"Where was it located?" I ask as the cityscape flashes by.
"The target has appeared in a park nearby to here. We should be fast enough to intercept him." Sylvia answers as she navigates the concrete jungle. My hand tightens on the armrest as my thoughts turn inward. Not only has this vampire business completely disrupted my initial mission, my targets are beginning to piece together who I am already am… if they don't know already. This all but negates my effectiveness for the mission. Perhaps once this is over I could ask to be withdrawn. I will be disappointing to leave Honoka, Mizuki, Leo, Erika and Miki, but it is a small price to pay to avoid Tatsuya's and Minato probing questions. I give a small sigh, allowing my breath to slightly fog the glass. I just want to go home.
-Ω-
Mikihiko POV
Regret was not a foreign emotion to me. It wasn't a close companion, but I certainly knew it better than I would have liked. Thus, as I follow Erika closer and closer to what almost killed Leo, I can feel the cold sensation slowly trickle into my stomach. I have no doubts about Erika's and my abilities, however we are going up against something beyond our understanding. Not for the first time do I wish that I have been more forceful in my denial. It would have saved me from the impeding dread I am feeling. Hopefully Tatsuya or Minato would give us some backup… if they read the message I sent to them. Perhaps I should send another just to be safe…
"Miki," Erika's whisper was harsh, and I immediately focus, reaching out my senses. It was faint at first, but I am able to pick up the sounds of a pair of rushed footsteps. One pair of feet quickly followed by another. One was clearly the predator, the other, the prey. And the noise was getting closer. Without another word, Erika and I exchanged nods and immediately rushed forward. Erika's hand went to the box she was carrying on her back and withdrew a sword. With a flick of my wrist, I withdrew the metal fan I had hidden I my sleeve. As we jump into the fray I am met with a strange scene. One figure is completely covered. A hat and white mask covering their face and a long black trench coat covering the rest of their figure. The other was what drew a majority of my attention. Blood Red hair is bound tightly atop her head. They were also wearing a mask and are clearly equipped for battle.
"I'll take the one with red hair!" Without another word Erika breaks away from me, sword already glowing with psion. I can see her reasoning. The red-haired opponent is an unknown and being the stronger of the two, Erika has decided to take them on. I soon follow spreading my iron fan revealing the paper-thin metal within. This fan is my newest CAD, using Tatsuya's suggestions as a base and my own personal ideas. Each of the fan's strips had spell engraved into them. Instead of pressing buttons on a normal CAD I am able to invoke my magic simply by channeling my psion into one of the fan's strips. Erika's attack separates the two and I quickly enter the battlefield weapon at the ready.
The figure before me is exactly as Leo described them to be, therefore I can safely assume this is the vampire that has been appearing the news as of late. I mentally go through what I know of Leo's encounter with the vampire before me. Aside from a few bruises, Leo hadn't suffered any external injuries. This leads me to believe that Leo has been struck by a blunt, bludgeoning weapon. A quick once over of my opponent gave me little in the way of weaponry, thus they were either hiding it or they had none. Had Leo mentioned the vampire using a weapon? I give an internal frown realizing that Erika and I should have asked more questions before willingly hunting the figure before me. Regardless, I am aware of the most important fact. Not allowing the vampire to touch me. If that occurs it would be game over. With my thoughts in order, I refocus on the figure who seemed to be regarding me curiously. It waits for a beat before charging me. I react immediately, one of my finger quickly tapping one of my fans metal strips.
"Wataboshi." At my magic's activation a fierce wind came up from behind the vampire as it struck with its fist. I am picked up and float away with the gust, narrowly avoiding the attack. The magic I used was derived from the ancient magic of 'riding the wind.' As my opponent attacks the wind would carry me away from the strike, and as they retract their attack the wind would follow allowing me to counter attack quickly. As expected, the vampire retreats slightly withdrawing their arm. The wind changes direction and is now to my back. I charge forward with the wind accelerating my movement. I bring up the cane, that I used to guide Erika and I, and strike. I hit the vampire's wrist intending to bruise or break it, but instead my cane shatters. I ignore the numbness in my arm as I toss away my broken weapon. I quickly leap away from a karate chop and readdress my situation.
The cane was by no mean durable but not something that would shatter again human bone. The cane was relatively new therefore I conclude that my opponent is using magic. But which type? Barrier to reinforce their clothing or withering to weaken my weapon? I decide the fastest way to reach the desired answer is to test my hypothesis. My hand grasps the hidden throwing knife in my pocket and hurl it at my opposition. The effect is lackluster as it fails to pierce the vampire's coat. However, my effort is not wasted. My experiment has proved that my opponent is using barrier type magic. This means a physical assault would be ineffective. However, a magical one… I immediately change tactics, my pointer finger pressing another of my fan's strips.
"Thunder Child!" Three charged balls of lightening appeared simultaneously above the vampire. They may have been fast, but even they can move faster than lightning. Within an instant the electricity struck, and the vampire let out a screech as it took the attack head on. However to my confusion instead of disappearing, the electricity persists and even begins to grow as it moves to the hands of my enemy. I gasp as I realize that they are using Dispersion type magic. In short Dispersion magic is the act of removing electrons from a substance and utilizing them elsewhere… and I had just supplied my opponent with an excess amount of power. Not a moment too late, I dive to the side as the vampire lets out two streams of lightning to where I had stood moments before. I collapse to the ground, the air leaving my lungs at my impromptu landing. I scramble to reorient myself, but I am too late. The vampire still has plenty of electricity to spare and I have no time to activate another spell. I close my eyes and wait for my demise.
-Ω-
Lina POV
Why are all my classmates out so late at night? First my run in with Minato and now Erika and Miki have decided to jump into my pursuit. I bury frustration as I refocus on the battle before me. I knew Erika was good but now that I am at the end of her blade, I am beginning to regret not being more prepared. Her skill as a swordsman is top notch as well as her magical attacks. Personal acceleration magic is just the tip of her arsenal. I dodge another flurry of strikes and leap back creating some semblance of distance between us. This is completely unfair. I don't want to hurt my classmates and I am doing my best to avoid all of Erika's attacks. Unlike Minato who had been wise enough to leave, Erika has a one-track mind. It seems I will have to show the difference in our strength to convince her to leave.
Again, Erika charges me and I activate move type magic on my CAD. However, she is one step ahead of me. She saw me activate my magic and her honed intuition tells her what she needs to know. To my horror, she uses her inertia cancel magic to change her trajectory to my destination. I react immediately and throw a knife at her, interrupting Erika's attack. I land in a crouch breathing deeply. It seems I have managed to avoid her assault. My thoughts grind to a halt as I feel my hair spill down my neck. It seems that the band holding my hair back has been sliced by Erika blade. I repress a shiver. If I had been a second too late… I shake myself and focus my resolve. I can't afford to drag this out any longer. I need to find a decisive opening. Erika seems to be thinking the same thing as she is no longer attacking relentlessly but examining me passively. It is then that a roar of thunder explodes from behind Erika and my attention flickers to the fight between Miki and the vampire.
"YAHHH!" I realize my mistake too late as Erika closes the distance between us in mere moments. Her sword is already raised and glowing. I raise my left arm to block the incoming blow. They connect, and I grunt at the force of Erika's blade, but I do not falter. The armor beneath my coat it more than strong enough not to be pierced by the attack. We struggle for dominance for a few moments until I realize that this is the opening I was waiting for. My free hand disappears into my jacket and grabs one of my remaining knives. I then drop my left arm, Erika stumbling closer due to the lack of a counter force. My knife lashes out and I slice into Erika's stomach. While my blade does not pierce skin, her clothes are most definitely torn. She must be wearing armor as well. Erika leaps away clutching at her stomach and to my relief I see no stain forming. My attention returns to the vampire as it releases a bolt of lighting causing Miki to dodge. My eyes widen as the vampire begins to strike again, leaving Miki no route to escape. The bolt leaves the vampire hand, but it is stopped halfway to it's target. A mechanical blond has appeared before Miki taking the shot.
"Target found, engaging!" Aigis has made an appearance and saved Miki from harm. I breath a sigh of relief before my mind connect the dots. If Aigis is here then-
"Leave." Minato's voice echoes from behind me and I twirl around, his shape coming into view. I am relieved to find him empty handed. He is looking at me with a solemn expression. I only react when he speaks again. "Leave, I don't want to fight you." I am tempted by Minato's offer. I have used a large amount of psion fighting not only two vampires but Erika as well. While I am by no means low I certainly don't have an abundance. Still I cannot allow my objective to escape. If the vampire were to fall into enemy hands, I would spell trouble for the U.N.S.A. Resolutely I raise my knife and point it at Minato. His face falls, a frown cutting across his expression. He sighs and shakes his head.
"Fine…so be it." With that he raises his palm. My body tenses, but I remain unperturbed. He has no CAD in hand and he hasn't made any movement that would indicate him activating a spell. My feeble reasoning is thrown out the window as he mutters a single word. "Ziodyne." My battle instincts kick in before I can even register what he has said. I am already diving to the side as lightning drops onto my location. A flash of panic washes over me. There was no activation sequence. Minato is just like the vampires. Even as the thought passes through my head I know it is impossible for him to be one. I had met Minato twice tonight and neither time had our equipment picked up more than one vampire. Still that leaves the question of how he is completing such a feat. I am broken from my inner turmoil just before Minato continues his assault.
"Aigidyne." A searing ball of flames appear before me, and I leap to the side to avoid the scorching tongues of fire. Unfortunately, I am too naïve. The ball expands then explodes sending me spiraling through the air. I bounce once before grinding to a halt. While the attack has winded me, I am not particularly worse for wear. I can still fight. I quickly scramble to my feet only to realize Minato's true intention for his attacks. He didn't mean to actually mean to hit, he meant to distract me long enough for him to close the distance. The silver eye boy is already before me, fist cocked back.
"God's Hand." The strike itself cracks my armor and I choke as air is forcefully expelled from my lungs. I am flung like a rag doll and slam into a tree which groans under the force of my impact. I cry out in pain as my brain registers the thousands of signals my nervous system is sending. I collapse onto the ground clutching my stomach, which has easily begun to bruise from Minato's previous attack. I try to stand but, I am visibly shaking, and my breath is coming is heaving gasps. The crunching footsteps approaching me alert me and while my vision is still blurry I can make out that Minato has finally draw his weapon.
"This is your last chance. Leave." My vision clears, and his face finally comes into focus. I had seen Minato face countless times before. His stern almost bored expression from the files I read on him. His gentle smile that he shared with his friends at the lunch table. The look of concentration he held as we fought for superiority in that activity during class. However, the face before me I have never seen. There is no kindness in his eyes, no hesitation. His silver irises seem to glow with some ethereal light, one peeking through from behind a screen of blue hair. His expression is unreadable putting Tatsuya's almost mechanical face to shame. It strikes me then, that I am afraid. Minato's gaze is piercing me, and his killer intent is coming off of him in waves. I am too terrified to move much less attack.
"Minato!" Someone shouts, and the monster turns, his gaze leaving me. I take in a heaving breath, as if a giant weight has been lifted from my chest. My body reacts faster than I can think and before I know it I am already halfway through activating a spell to attack Minato. It is only then does my mind catch up and I begin to question the legitimacy of my actions. However, I never have to make the choice. Before my spell can reach completion, the data held within shatters scattering my spell to the four winds. As my mind tries to comprehend such a feat, my eyes look to what has captured Minato's attention. A lone motorcycle has approached during our skirmishes. The rider, whom I assume destroyed my spell, has a shimmering silver gun in his hand. His face is covered by a helmet, but I can guess who the newcomer is. I can only curse that another one of my classmates has taken the stage.
"Minato, shall I give chase?" Aigis' second call brings me back to the situation and I watch in despair as the vampire I was tracking leap away at inhuman speed. Minato attention diverts again, allowing me to scramble to my feet. Not only is my primary objective gone, but I am injured and outnumbered. There is no reason to stay. Within moments my personal acceleration magic is active and I sprint away into the night.
-Ω-
Minato POV
I watch Lina flee with mixed feelings. Guilt swirls in my stomach from the injuries the girl must have received. I did hold my power back, but I still crushed her armor. She will have a few damaged bones or at the very least a deep bruise. Still annoyance is the stronger of my emotions. I can understand Lina's situation, but I can only tolerate a certain level of pride before my patience wears thin. She must have known I was stronger, our match in class had shown as much, coupled with the fact that I have live combat experience. She should have taken my offer to retreat as soon as it was given.
"Minato," I bring attention back to Aigis who is giving me a conflicted look. "Was it really wise to let the vampire escape?"
"Taking care of our friends takes priority," I respond tilting my head to Erika and Mikihiko. While I have no doubts that Aigis could have tracked down the vampire, I do not want her to face it alone. There are still too many unknowns about the situation. Better to regroup than to charge blindly ahead. My attention refocuses on said friends as Erika calls out.
"Not that I am unhappy to see you, but how did you know we were here?" Tatsuya has descended from his vehicle and taken off his helmet.
"Mikihiko sent me your coordinates," he explains tucking his helmet under his arm. "Minato, I assume it was much the same for you?" I nod in agreement.
"I was out hunting before this, when I got Mikihiko's message. I ran here as quickly as I could." I elaborate. Upon receiving the text I had Aigis relay what had happened to Mayumi. She had told us to confirm the validity of his message then contact her back. She would not be happy to hear my report.
"Wait…you're hunting for vampires too?" Mikihiko exclaims looking between Aigis and me in confusion.
"Minato was asked by Mayumi to assist the Juumonji and Saegusa in their investigation." Aigis informs from beside me.
"See, they're working with our senpai! We should all be working together!" Mikihiko exclaims looking at Erika in exasperation. Erika ignores him in favor of glaring at me. The words 'traitor' hang in the air, but I only shrug it off.
"Speaking of our upperclassmen, we should probably leave." Tatsuya announces breaking into the conversation. "Both the police and clan members are on their way here." That would make sense, the battles weren't the most discreet after all. Without warning Tatsuya tosses the helmet he is holding at me. I catch it with confusion. "I need to speak with you, we can converse at my house." I raise my brow, but Tatsuya has already mounted his bike and is giving me a determined look. I inwardly sigh at my misfortune. Not only have I been staying up for the last several nights, but tonight I not only fought a vampire but Lina as well. Exhaustion is slowly accumulating, and tiredness is seeping into my bones. Still if Tatsuya needs to talk it must be important. I send a look to Aigis.
"Help Erika and Mikihiko get out without being caught then return home. I will be arriving later." At my orders Aigis nods and quickly begins to leave, Erika and Mikihiko hurrying to follow suit. I watch them for a few more seconds before I slip on the helmet given to me. I quickly mount the bike and Tatsuya speeds off once I am on. As I watch the city fly past, I can only guess what Tatsuya needs to ask me. Whatever it is I hope it is quick. I need my sleep tonight.
-Ω-
Miyuki POV
"Welcome back Onii- Minato?" My greeting is cut short as I catch sight of our blue-haired classmate. He raises his hand in way of greeting and stumbled his way to our living room. I can hardly blame him, the dark bags under his eyes are telling and I quickly grab another mug to fill with coffee. Luckily, I had prepared some while Onii-sama was away and have plenty to spare our weary friend. As I set the steaming beverage down before Minato, he gives me a genuine smile and drinks deeply despite its temperature. I set the other mug before my brother before fetching a third glass for myself. Once I have taken my seat beside Onii-sama does he begin to speak.
"Minato, I want you to tell me how Parade works." His words are followed by a stunned silence to which both Minato and I stare at Tatsuya.
"Sorry, could you repeat that?" Minato finally responds trying to keep the disbelief out of his voice. "I am still a bit tired from today's events."
"I said I want you to tell me how Parade works." Onii-sama repeats, no hint of hesitation in his voice. Minato frowns leveling my brother with a glare. I can't blame him in the least.
"You are well aware that, the counter magic 'Parade' is literally the clan's most closely guarded secret, right? Why in the world would I tell you how it works?" Minato question is left hanging before Onii-sama begins to speak.
"The counter magic "Parade" applies Data Fortification on your own Eidos and rewrites or alters your appearance. To be precise, it is a Magic Sequence that applies a different appearance or a fake mask on the Eidos and creates a false appearance, using the new appearance to mask the original in order to protect the real form from hostile magical effects, correct?" I am unsure of whether Onii-sama actually knows the effects of Parade or is simply hypothesizing from what he has seen. Minato rubs his temples seemingly in an attempt keep a headache at bay.
"Where in the world do you get your information?" He mutters quietly before returning his attention across the table. "While not completely accurate I can confirm your theory. The general idea behind the spell is to cloak or hide one's eidos so it can stay safe from magic attacks."
"Can Parade be cast on top of itself?" Onii-sama continues his questioning to which Minato holds up a hand.
"Before I answer any more of your questions, I have a few of my own." He states, "Most importantly, why all the questions about Parade?"
"I couldn't decompose Lina's spell." Onii-sama explains. "My vision also was unable to pick up her edios. I need to know what to do if I meet her again. And the likelihood of that is…" Here he trails off, but his message is clear. If two groups are after the same prize they are bound to meet. Minato considers this before speaking.
"To completely remove Parade you would need to removed the data fortification as well as the data changing one's appearance. You would need multiple spells or at least several spells in sequence to remove it." He thinks for a few moments more before speaking again. "If all else fails you can use a spell with a wide area of attack. Even if you can't lock onto their eidos, they should still be affected by spells." Onii-sama nods apparently satisfied with the information.
"Thanks, sorry for dragging you all the way out here. I can-." The rest of his statement is cut off as a phone begins to chime. Minato withdraws the offending device from his pocket and reflexively checks the number.
"Sorry I have to take this." Minato give an apologetic wave as he stands from the couch and walks into the foyer. Although he keeps his voice to a minimum level I can hear clips of conversation. "No, got away… Not that simple… Some classmates… Erika, Mikihiko and… I don't think… All right I can pass on the message." With a beep, Minato appears back in the living room, but stays standing rather than returning to his seat. "Mayumi would like to speak with you after school tomorrow. In the second cross-field clubroom." He relays to Onii-sama who only sighs but nods wearily. He turns to leave, and I stand from my seated position.
"You don't need to walk we could-," Minato only waves off my concern.
"I will be fine Miyuki, I need to think about a few things anyway." He gently assures me. As Tatsuya and I bid him farewell at the door, Minato stops to look at the moon hanging low in the sky. "Two weeks." The phase catches me off guard and I fail to comprehend the meaning until Minato speaks again. "There will be a full moon in two weeks. Make sure to be ready then." My eyes widen as the hidden meaning dawns on me. The first life or death battle I am about to face is a mere two weeks away. My brother pulls me closer and I feel myself calm slightly at his contact.
"Don't worry, I will be prepared." Minato gives me one last look before accepting my answer and walking into the night. My fist tightens as I try and fight my nerves. I need to be ready to fight till the end. I won't get a second chance after all.
-Ω-
Has it really been nine months? I suppose between writer's block, a new job and family matters time can slip away from anyone. To be honest I never stopped thinking about this story, but it never really made its way to my list of priorities. For that you have my apologies, but that is how life works. I would love to promise a chapter in a week or two, but I know that even the best plans don't survive first contact. All I can promise it that I will complete this. I have never liked the idea of leaving this particular story without a proper ending.
My eternal gratitude to my beta Mingyu, who still is keeping up even with my nonexistent schedule. Not sure where I would be without his remarks.
As always feel free to contact me via PM or review If you have any comments or question. I will respond once I have enough time.