Time for Yuu to fight and to find an old friend. But first ... let's face his mother.
Enjoy and review ^^
When Yuu was certain that a confrontation would take place in Shinjuku, he went to have a word with his mother. Krul suspected he would, and immediately replied no when he mentioned the subject. Yuu then took a deep breath. If he wanted to succeed, he had to remain calm and show how he had grown up.
« So mom, tell me of what use am I here ? » he said.
Krul looked at him with astonishment.
« I learned to fight like any vampire. I am certainly the most agile here, my strength has grown with time. Despite that, you still forbid me to even going out. So what is my role, my contribution to our society ? Am I therefore here to decorate ? Are you going to condemn me to a totally useless existence ? »
The sovereign looked down. Her baby was no longer one. He had the physique of a young child but had 16 years. The last time she had forbidden him to go out, Yuu had literally run away. He had boarded a plane in secret. To remedy this, Crowley had proposed to take him with him from time to time. It worked : Yuu simply and patiently waited for the turn to go to Nagoya arises. But then, what would happen ? Yuu will backslide, it was certain. However, to allow him to face humans able to kill him, it was a different story. On the other hand, if she continued to be stubborn, Yuu was going to end up hating her. She knew how a particularly long life could be painful. That had only improved when the child entered her life.
« I … »
Krul looked down again. She only wished to protect him, and he knew it.
« It's dangerous. » she ended up saying.
« Yes thanks, I know perfectly well that war is not a game. But I'm tired of constantly staying away. Whether you like it or not I'm old enough to take my decisions alone. I still came to talk to you, so I consider that you are warned. » continued Yuu.
With that, the Prince turned his back. Krul lifted her head and held her hand in vain. She remained frozen in the same position for a minute. Then she called a servant.
« Go find Crowley Eusford. Tell him to come here urgently. »
The messenger nodded and went out. Krul for her part, went to stand in front of a window, losing herself in her thoughts. She saw her son in the distance coming toward the house belonging to his father, normally occupied by Akane. Well, was it she who put this idea in the head of the little brown ? If that was the case she would hear about her.
Yuu meanwhile, sighed back to the door. Akane met him. Yuu looked at her a moment.
« Well, it's done. » he said.
« And ? »
« I told her what I thought, and I was old enough to decide. » he told very shortly.
« And how did she react ? » asked Akane again.
« Dunno, I left before. In any case, I made up my mind. I'll come with you to Shinjuku. »
Akane just nodded. None of them really knew what awaited them there. Barely why was there a battle. Akane knew it was because of experiences of men. And that humans would never let them in peace, them the vampires, even though they had lived side by side for centuries without problems. Well, you see what I mean. Yuu remained all day with his friend, exchanging a few passes to the sword with her.
The next day, Crowley Eusford arrived at the palace. He was rather surprised that the Queen's requested him, but guessed it had to do with their son. Why else would she want his presence ? The vampire stood in the throne room. Krul was standing in front of a French window, giving the impression that she had not moved for 48 hours. The 13th progenitor approached and stopped three meters behind her.
" I'm here Krul. What is happening with Yuu ?" he asked without delay.
« It happen that Yuu want to take part in the battle of Shinjuku. » responded Krul with a gloomy tone.
Crowley rounded eyes. Ah ! Indeed this was a worthwhile trip.
« And …. I guess that your answer was negative. Did you quarrel ? » supposed Eusford.
« Not even. The way he talk to me about it show that he thought about it. Those weren't the words of a child. He grew up so fast. » answered Krul, closing her eyes.
The ginger squinted.
« Do you want me to dissuade him ? »
« If you can do it. But a part of me is doubting it. In case he'll go, I count on you to protect him. » asked Krul, looking behind her without turning.
« No need to ask. But it's true that he quickly pushed. I sometimes feel like it was yesterday that he was trudging around all fours, and overthrew everything in his path. » resumed Crowley.
Krul smiled at the memory. She also had this feeling, even now. Crowley announced that he would go to their son, and wanted to know where to find it.
« At your place, as always. Now that I think about it, try to find out where this idea come from. »
« Hmm, you think that Akane is responsible ? She must have talk to him that's certain, but he would have figure it out. Krul our son isn't stupid, he can perfectly think about all this on his own, without anybody to speak to him. » said Crowley with common sense.
« I know right. Now go. »
He left.
Crowley found Akane in the living room arriving home. The vampire looked at him almost bored. She knew why the redhead was there, and complained Yuuichiro. A little bit. She greeted him and then called his friend. Yuu appeared, but without his usual joy, which surprised a little the noble.
« Let me guess : mom sent you isn't it ? » he said.
« You're right. » smiled Crowley.
« I was sure of it. Well, sit down and make yourself at home. Hello by the way. » sighed Yuu.
« How lovely of you little scamp ! And to think I was afraid to disturb you under my own roof. » ironized Crowley.
« No it's okay, you're not too boring yet. » responded the young one, getting away.
He came back with a carafe and glasses.
« Thanks for the compliment. So, now that you know why I'm here, let's get to the point, what do you say ? » suggested Crowley while Akane was doing service.
« Very well. I won't change my mind, dad. I estimate being old enough now to decide about my life. Besides, I won't go there hands in my pockets since you taught me how to handle a sword. » answered Yuu.
Crowley sighed. What to say to that ? He was right basically. He took a sip, taking time time to order his thoughts. Then he asked his son to tell him what he knew, to make sure he knew where he set foot. Yuu then spoke of the Imperial Japanese Army and his demonic weapons. Their taboo experience and results. Crowley noted that the small one in effect was not on a whim and wanted to be helpful in addition to forming his judgment.
« Good. Just to you know you'll have to stay in my field of view. Any disobedience could cost you your life. » concluded Eusford.
« Thank you dad. And it's alright. I was planning it this way, anyway. » smiled Yuu.
On the human side, Mikaela Hyakuya was preparing for battle. He had grown up and enlisted in the army. Some family members had wanted to join, but Mika had told them it was a burden he preferred to shoulder alone. He did not want that anyone of them to be in danger. Mika had always felt responsible and guilty for what had happened on the day of their escape. If Yuu had not been there, they would probably be all dead. The young finished putting on his uniform. He was assigned to a squad composed of people his age.
He got along well with them, and had come to consider them as family members. It was not simple at first : Mika already had a family and he had often repeated to Guren Ichinose. To which the officer had consistently repeated that it was a second here. Mika and his family had been slow to recover from their bloody escapade, but all together had supported each other to heal. Concerning his teammates, Mika was not difficult to live and obedient. However, he did not let walk all over, as had found Kimizuki Shiho. The teen had knowingly caused him, to end up being soundly defeated by the blond. Now the young respected him. Mika girded his sword bearer black demon Asuramaru.
The blond-haired wondered if he would see Yuuichiro on the battlefield. Thinking they would be now the enemy was struggling a little : without him, life in Sanguinem would probably have been very different. Mika was always grateful for his friendship. But he would probably resent him for having escaped. The young soldier then went out to meet the other members of his team. He crossed Shinoa Hiiragi first. The latter felt her cheeks turn pink.
« Hi Mika-san. The uniform really suits you. » she said.
« Thank you Shinoa. I return you the compliment. » smiled Mika.
« Aaaah ! Didn't you want to say : this uniform suits Shinoa so well I could die ? I'm still a virgin after all. » she mocked.
« You too, and with this kind of attitude it's not going to change soon. You might end up spinster. » he retorted with a smile.
Shinoa blushed with embarrassment. She changed the subject by mentioning what brought them here. Finally, Mika was able to compete with vampires. He thought as often about Akane and Suri, and his younger brother who died because of one of them. He then found Yoichi and Kimizuki. Guren arrived later with a blonde girl they did not know. A new member apparently. But she was not happy at all to be assigned to their squad. Guren waited for her to calm down before making presentations. Mika then greeted friendly the newcomer, who replied with a nod. This done, it was time for them to leave.
In Harajuku, at the place of their mission vampires tended a trap. Mika was petrified, struggling against the urge to rush to the aid of the little girl chased by a Horseman of the Apocalypse, and the need to stay in formation. Finally, he could no longer restrain. The image of Akane he had to leave behind danced before his eyes. He urged his comrades to take action : trap or no trap they couldn't possibly leave the child facing death. Fortunately, others agreed and they rushed all together. Eventually, they overcame the trap and vampires. Much later, they entered the lair of the vampires. Again, they fell into another trap. There were more vampires than expected, one that captured Mitsuba by the neck.
« Mitsuba ! » exclaimed Mika.
He did not had more to decide. The young rushed through by exterminating almost all vampires. He gained one or two cuts before ripping his teammate from the hands of the vampire, all cutting him on half.
« You do not think so right, you bunch of ticks. When one of us is taken hostage, humans become true devils. » said Mika.
His sapphire eyes went dark as a cold aura arose. The small team managed to destroy all vampires. Only remained for them to sail to Shinjuku. Mitsuba wanted to thank Mika for saving her, but the words remained stuck in her throat.
« You're welcome. » said then Mika.
« Eh ? »
« We're a team, so it's normal to watch each others back. » smiled Mika.
Mitsuba's complexion changed color. Shinoa teased her while internally feeling some annoyance. A moment later, the squad unearthed a car that Kimizuki started. Shinoa wanted to get in and drive.
« Pfff Hahahaha ! » guwaffed Mika and Shiho.
Shinoa let out the small metal rod that contained her scythe. A bit later ...
« I didn't know she was that susceptible. » said Mika, all tousled.
« Me too. But I'll remember it. »
Farther in Shinjuku, the vampires had arrived. Yuuichiro stood between Akane and his father, Ferid beside the young vampire.
« Good. I'm going reconnoiter. Yuu, you stay here. » announced Crowley.
But the young vampire returned him a Puss in Boots look. Eusford tensed. Oh no, everything but not THIS face !
« Ugh alright. Come with me. » he sighed.
« Ahaaah ! Yuu, you gotta learn me your technique. » tossed Ferid.
« You'll have to be as cute as me first, Fid. » responded Yuu, hands around his face.
« You brat ! » said the noble, amused.
The brown then joined his father. They went out of the city walls, while others sank in it. For a long moment, they crossed no one so Yuu wondered if he had not made the wrong choice. But soon his ears caught an unknown sound.
« What's that ? » he asked.
« A car. Stay behind me. » advised Crowley.
He continued to advance. Yuu soon spotted the vehicle rushing to them. He remembered having seen one on his first hunt. He looked up to his father. The latter continued to advance despite the impressive vehicle rushing over him. Crowley then reached a hand against which the car came and crashed, just ruffling his mane. Eusford then lifted the car with one hand, before returning it to sender.
" Fuiiiiii impressive dad ! I knew you were strong but not to that extent !" whistled Yuu, appreciative.
Crowley smiled. He then drew his sword to fend off a stream of arrows. He then counter-attacked.
" I'm feeling so like a dwarf next to you, it's not funny actually." said Yuu.
" Ahahah ! And that was just the beginning !"
In an instant the vampire was behind Shinoa. That's when Yuu saw a blond head rushing to his father. Yuu move. He was not as fast as his elder alas. Mika severed the arm of the vampire. Yuu clenched teeth. Then, he was dead. But gradually as he approached, he detailed the face of his future opponent. His eyes widened. Yuuichiro stopped at Crowley height.
"Mika !" he exclaimed.
The concerned lowered eyes and opened his mouth.
" Yuu ?"
The crew of the blond looked at him in astonishment. He knew this vampire child.
"Well that's a surprise ! I was wondering if I could see you again ! In any case, you sure grew a lot !" resumed Yuuichiro happily coming a bit closer.
" You on the other hand, you didn't change." said Mika with a smile.
" Don't mention it ! It's so fucking boring to be small !" exclaimed Yuu, rising a hand.
" Yuuichiro ! Language !" said Crowley, in a reflex.
" Not now, will you. By the Mika, I have to tell you …"
The blonde returned him a questioning look.
" Akane …"
" …"
" She's alive."
Mika's face decomposed, at the same time a whole bunch of memories flocked in.
"What ?" he said, with a shaking voice.
" She's alive, and here. But in the other hand, she's got a little thing different." revealed the vampire, describing a circle around his red eyes.
Mika was silent. Akane was alive. She was still alive, and here in Shinjuku. On the other hand, this change of which Yuu spoke ... he had shown his eyes. Was she ...
"You mean … she's a vampire ?" he asked.
Yuu nodded. Crowley, on his side, picked up his arm and put it back in place. Well, if he understood well he could not kill them, at least not the blonde. At that moment, Chess Belle and Horn Skuld fell from the sky. Shinoa clenched her scythe. The situation became more complicated. Horn announced that Ferid was asking for the progenitor.
" Oh ? In that cas, we're going Yuu." announced Crowley.
" Sorry, I got to go." said the young vampire.
" What ? No wait ! I have to find Akane ! Tell me where she is !" exclaimed Mika.
" In the city. You'll certainly find her on the battlefield. And me too, I suppose. I'm glad I could see you, Mika." answered Yuu.
He then followed his father and rode on the roofs. Mika watched him leave, before collapsing on his knees. The tears ran down his cheeks. Shinoa approached him.
" Mika-san ?" she called.
" Akane …" breathed the blonde.
Akane was alive. She had survived, and she was here in Shinjuku. Suddenly he jumped up and ran to the ramparts.
" Mika !" called four voices.
Then they hastened to follow him. For their part, the vampires descended into Shinjuku. Yuuichiro was in front, gliding skillfully over the stone, swinging at a ledge and then a lying lamppost.
" Whoah Yuu ! Not so fast !" called Crowley behind.
"What, don't tell me you can't follow seriously !" responded the young, a hand in support on a stone.
He pirouetted and fell back on the ground. He had to tell his friend that he had found Mika. Suddenly he perceived a threat. Turning his head, he saw a soldier coming towards him. Yuu unsheathed and blocked. He then stooped, and cut off the legs of the enemy at the knees level before planting his blade in the soldier's torso. Then he went away. Crowley made a speed point that made him catch up with his son. But other humans loomed. Yuu jumped into the air, just avoiding them. What his father did not do : blood fell behind him. He then set out to catch the brown. The latter rose and ran to a wall. Undoubtedly, this child was a bar of soap since a very young age, thought Crowley. At least he was hard to grasp, and was able to defeat an opponent.
Eventually, Yuu arrived not far from a confrontation. He saw Akane, the sword buried in a soldier. A cry alerted him. Mika arrived with his group, and went straight on the vampire with the saber unseathed.
" Shit !" he said.
" Hey Yuu …" said Crowley, tending his hand.
But the child fled. He ran towards his friend, and intercepted Mika's blade. The latter rounded his eyes.
" You were about to make a mistake." declared Yuuichiro.
The vampire behind him turned and froze at the same time.
"Mika !"
"Akane !"
They both stared at each other for a moment. Yuu sheathed back with a smile.
"Aaaahaaaa ! But if it isn't my dear Mika ! It's really been a while." said suddenly Ferid.
Yuu froze. Crap, he had completely forgotten that one.
" Mika what the hell are you doing ? Kill her goddamnit !" exclaimed Guren.
Akane then turned her sword and managed to free herself. She fell back next to Ferid. Yuu preferred not to stay in the middle, and jumped to land next to his friend.
" So ! What do we do ? Akane my little one, you sure know that these humans are using Mika. What wil you do ?" asked Ferid.
" Then I'll save him."
" Whoah two secs ! What do you mean they use him ?" intervened Yuu.
" I'll explain it to you later, Yuu." Responded Akane.
" I know ! Just like Krul did for you, I can turn him into a vampire, so you two will be reunited forever !" suggested suddenly Ferid.
Yuu passed behind the nobleman, and launched a good kick to his buttocks, which made him take off from the ground and fall back on all fours. Akane gave him a smile to which he answered.
"Yuuichiro !" called Crowley, arriving.
Yuu turned his head towards him. The redhead advanced to his son, and flattened his fist on his head.
" I already told you to not do that !" he exclaimed.
" Yeah but he asked for it !" responded Yuu, hand on his head.
Ferid stood up, chasing his cloak over his head.
" Hmph ! Ah there you are Crowley. You should …"
"Yes I know, I already explained myself with my son. So, what now ?" said the ginger.
" Why not make them livestock ?" proposed Ferid.
This is the moment chosen by Guren to sound the retreat. That got Mika out of his stupor. The vampires were not willing to let them go. Ferid was the first to go on the attack, and Yuu thought that he might have knocked him out. He did not want his friend to be hurt. But the vampire child was aware that he could not choose the human side. He suddenly saw the sark-haired man rushing towards Ferid. Good. Let us act. Yuu darted and hit the man with a knee in the shoulder, sending him toss.
"Ara Yuu. Thanks for the help." said Ferid.
" You're welcome. But don't overdo it, old thing !"
" Old thing ?!" exclaimed Ferid.
Mika called Guren. He wanted to come to him, but Yuu blocked the road, waving the index finger. He then turned his eyes to where Ferid was standing. Mika seemed to grasp the message. Don't, too dangerous.
" What's that suppose to mean, old thing ?" resumed the noble, hands on his hips.
Akane seized the opportunity and headed for Mika. There she loaded him on one shoulder and went with him. Shinoa saw her doing it, and call her teammate.
"Is the old thing me ?!" continued the 7th progenitor.
Yuu raised his head to heaven, and glared at Ferid. Had he touched a sensitive nerve ? Meanwhile, the clash between vampires and humans resumed. Yuu decided to let Bathory struggle with his ego to join his father. He struck several humans as he passed. Crowley was relieved to see him arrive, even if he did not show it.
" Who's the old thing ?!" shouted suddenly Ferid.
And to send a whole lot of humans ad patres. Yuuichiro rolled his eyes as he watched him, and walked to his father. Eusford had captured a girl he recognized as Mika's teammate.
"Are you thirsty, little scamp ?" asked Crowley.
Yuu swallowed. Yes, he was a bit thirsty indeed. But ... Mika would not be happy. Although Akane had took him away, he would not see it. Just a sip.
"Yes a bit." said the child.
Crowley smiled, lifted Shinoa as he held out to her son. Yuu approached her.
" No stop it." she begged.
" It's useless to struggle." answered Yuu, relentless.
She wanted to free herself, but Crowley held her by the back of her neck with an iron grip. He even squeezed, so much that she thought he was going to break her neck. Instead, Shinoa threw his fist at the little vampire. Eusford threw her violently on the ground, which took her breath away. Yuu leaned toward her and bit her neck. A moment later Crowley detected a threat. He saw Mika arriving in a funny state. This vision worried him. He grabbed his son by the waist and jumped away.
" Whoah ! Hey what are you doing ?" exclaimed Yuu.
Crowley put him down, and hid him behind him. He did well, for the next moment Mika launched a devastating attack that dug a deep, wide crater. Yuuichiro emerged from behind the leg of his father. He opened his mouth wide by uncovering the blond. But ... but what had they done to him ? So that was what Akane and Ferid meant by using him ? But it was horrible !
" Daddy … what is that thing ?" he asked with worry.
" The result of human madness, my son. Don't approach it at any cost." recommanded Crowley, a hand in front of him.
" That wouldn't even cross my mind !"
Mika went to Shinoa with his sword raised. Akane arrived and interposed, receiving the saber. Yuu escaped a cry. But the human teenager stood up, walked around Akane and embraced Mika. Finally, after a few moments of anguish, Mika seemed to return to him and fainted. Crowley released Yuu but asked him to follow him. He went to Ferid, who had just escaped a sniper shot.
" Hey, you're still alive old thing ?" ironized Yuu.
" There he goes again ! I'm not an old thing, you vampire embryo !" exclaimed Ferid.
" Hahaha ! If you say so Fid ! But I'm still glad to see you still in one piece." smiled Yuu.
He grabbed his hand. Ferid merely grumbled. The little hand of the young one touched him in spite of everything, and he felt smiling in return. Meanwhile, it was time to retreat. The rest of the army was arriving. Yuu then began calling his friend. Ferid assured him that he was going to fetch her, which made the prince wonder. Was it such a good idea ? Ferid returned a moment later carrying Akane in his arms. The latter was struggling. She wanted to join Mika.
"Akane. Right now it's not possible. You'll get killed. Come on, it's time to get back home." said Yuu, taking her hand.
" But …"
" Come." he said gently but firmly.
Akane looked behind her, then let herself be carried away. Crowley took his son in his arms, and escaped like the others. They left Shinjuku. The ginger undertook to bring back Yuu, in spite of the proposal of Ferid to replace him. Akane preferred to follow them. Yuu glanced at her. The vampire kept a smooth face.
In the capital, Krul was relieved to see her baby intact again. She came to him, and the young vampire smiled before they hugged.
"Are you okay ?" she asked.
" Does it look like otherwise ? Don't you worry, I stayed with dad the whole time." assured Yuu.
" I confirm, he behaved very well and even defeated some humans." announced Crowley.
" Ooooh I'm impressed !" said Krul, petting his head.
Yuu smiled broadly. Yuu then announced that he wanted to get change. He thanked his father and walked away. He really wanted to talk to Akane. Know what had happened to Mika in Shinjuku. He nevertheless went into the room to lay down his sword and change his clothes, and then set out to join his friend at the Eusford manor. There he begged her to tell him how his friend had come to lose all control. Akane explained everything to him in detail, reminding him that the subject had been revealed to them two years ago, when the prince had followed him in secret. Akane mentioned her desire to save Mika.
" I see. I understand your concern, but it's going to be complicated. From what I saw, it's precisely a human girl who made him pull together. They mustn't all convet for him."
" As if ! Of course they do. It must all be part of the experiment." objected Akane.
" I don't think so. If you judge it by the look of his comrade, they weren't aware. And you really believe this is something you yell on the roofs ? No, according to me only a very few must know about this." judged the brunette.
" But it doesn't keep the fact that we can't let him among them ! Did you see what he did ? The state he was in ?" insisted Akane.
" I am not blind. And I'm aslo realistic Akane. If you want to save him, you'll have to wait for the next battle. And to make a plan. A real one this time." answered Yuu.
Akane nodded. She would kidnap him if that was what it takes, but Mika would not go back to the humans.