Chapter 17: Mission seventeen: land of the rising sun
Previously on Kiss Of The Vampire
After the ice, Queen retreated because of being outmatched by all of the generals. She went back to her castle to properly heal her wounds that usually take a second to heal but now will take a month because she got hit by ki-imbued weapons.
(Authors note: Ki manipulation is the vampire's biggest weakness. They can't heal if they get wounded by a weapon imbued by it.)
Right after I saw that child, suddenly using that Ki enforce fist, I realized something: he's looks like him in looks and demeanor, something like a copy of him. And this whole time we're fighting the real prophecy child that could unite the vampires. Then I realized why a human child is not a vampire. Then it hits me. Maybe it's because of the dragon king's wish a long time ago.
The very Dragon King that fell by the hands of his own brothers and sisters (elder brother Vampire King Lancer, second brother Chardin werewolf, Lilith sister Devil Kind) got jealous because he is the only one who got all the favor from their father, the Great Emperor Kaspier (fallen angel), and they planned an attack into the Dragon King kingdom because he was in line to inherit the emperor's throne, so they conspired with the human (the hero) to kill their brother, but right after they killed the dragon king, but before his last breath, he uttered a spell that we didn't anticipate.
the spell of will of prophecy, in which he'll give his will to a being capable of wielding his immense power and all of his remaining life essens transfer in his flesh and blood.
And after he finishes his spell and draws his last breath, he dies with a smile, and his body turns into four parts that are scattered around the world. And the human hero (Lancelot) turns against us, the vampire werewolf Devil Kin Alliance; he kills most of us. While the werewolf got wipeout and all the Devilkin managed to slip past the gate to the underworld. The story of my mother told me.
Kiss of the vampire
"The Girl with the Sharp sword"
Mission seventeen: Land of the Rising sun
Meanwhile, Deyviel and the others are currently at the Japan airport. And having a brief briefing for their mission.
"Alright, we'll split up. You, Deyviel, Denver, and Alicia are with Cymac and the twins. Your spot is in Shinjuku, and the rest with me; our spot is in Tokyo. Ok, call us if you find her. No one is a long wolf, but you are free to engage if there's a treat to her. But prioritize her safety at all costs. And call for backup, ok?" Ethan ordered to them.
Deyviel nodded, his expression serious as he absorbed Ethan's instructions. The weight of their mission hung heavily in the air, a palpable tension that underscored the urgency of their task. He glanced at Denver and Alicia, both of whom shared his determination. The twins, always a bit more playful, seemed to sense the gravity of the situation and kept their chatter to a minimum.
"Got it, Ethan," Deyviel replied, his voice steady. "We'll keep our eyes peeled for any signs of her. If we find her, we'll make sure she's safe."
"Let's move out," Ethan commanded, and the group dispersed, each member heading toward their designated areas. Deyviel, Denver, Alicia, and the twins made their way to Shinjuku, the bustling streets alive with the sounds of the city. Neon lights flickered overhead, casting vibrant colors on the pavement as they navigated through the crowd.
As they walked, Deyviel took a moment to observe the surroundings. Shinjuku was a whirlwind of activity, with people rushing past, street vendors calling out, and the distant hum of trains echoing from the nearby station. The atmosphere was electric, but Deyviel couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in his stomach. They were in a foreign land, and their mission was critical.
"Stay close," he instructed, glancing back at the twins, who were momentarily distracted by a street performer juggling flaming torches. "We can't afford to lose anyone in this crowd."
Denver nodded, his eyes scanning the area. "I've got a good feeling about this place. If she's anywhere, it's likely she'll be drawn to the energy here."
Alicia, ever the pragmatist, pulled out her phone. "Let's set up a group chat for quick communication. If we spot anything, we can alert each other immediately."
"Good idea," Deyviel agreed, watching as Alicia typed out the group message. The twins, now back in line, exchanged glances, their playful demeanor replaced by a more serious focus.
As they moved deeper into Shinjuku, the group split up slightly, each member taking a different angle to cover more ground. Deyviel and Denver headed toward a nearby shopping district, while Alicia and the twins ventured toward a popular café known for its unique desserts.
"Let's check in every thirty minutes," Deyviel suggested, his voice low but firm. "If anything feels off, we regroup."
"Hey Keith (Deyviel), look, that's oddly off," Denver pointed to the hooded guy following four girls.
"Alright, call the others. Tell them to follow us and send our location to Ethan's team," he ordered.
"Copy"he replied.
Meanwhile, Ethan and the others are in the hotel; Ghelle's checking in. "So they're out?" Ethan asks.
The receptionist: Yes, sir. About 3 hours ago," she said.
"So cap, what's the plan now?" Mizuno asks.
"I had an idea; me and Kliev are going to stay here; you guys go search the area," Andrew suggested.
"Good plan, already you two stay hear whole me and Mizuno will search around. Call us if you saw something. "He ordered. As for that, their team split too.
Meanwhile, after eating at the ramen house, Ghelle, Micah, Ronna, and Kylie decided to go back to their hotel because they're tired.
As they walked back, the streets were alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, the warm glow of lanterns illuminating their path. Ghelle, pretending to be still savoring the rich flavors of her ramen, couldn't help but share her favorite moments from the meal with her friends to not alarm them just like what the massage said.
"Don't go further; you'd been followed by the vampires. Go to your hotel room and pretend not to panic. Just act normal. The Hunters are going to get you into the safety. So you can rest assured, my baby. Dad is here," her sad messages. So she just swallowed her fear and still herself, took a deep breath, and smiled again.
"I swear, that broth was like a hug in a bowl," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Micah chuckled, adjusting his backpack. "I think I could eat that every day and never get tired of it. But I'm definitely going to need a nap after all that."
Ronna, who had been quiet, suddenly piped up, "Did you guys see the way the chef tossed the noodles? It was like a performance! I almost wanted to clap."
Kylie laughed, her ponytail swaying as she walked. "Next time, we should sit at the counter and watch them cook. It's like dinner and a show!"
As they approached their hotel, the familiar sight of the building brought a sense of relief. The day had been long, filled with exploration and new experiences, and they were all ready to unwind. But as they were going to enter the hotel, Ghelle suddenly stopped because she saw someone she knew, and the man spoke with a relief to his voice.
"What a surprise! That didn't take long," Ethan said. With a wide smiles as Ghelle and her friends landed hee gaze at Ethan and the others. Hee eyes widen as she expects to see Deyviel,But his not there.
Meanwhile, Deyviel and the others are still following that mysterious hooded man. As they approach the man and Deyvieliss about to grab the man's shoulder, it's suddenly vanished.
"Fuck, "Deyviel cursed.
"Well, if it's our wannabe hero Deyviel, long time no see, dear boy," Balthazar said while sitting at the top of a trash truck.
Deyviel's heart raced as he recognized the voice. Balthazar, the enigmatic figure who had always danced on the edge of their world, was perched casually atop a trash truck, a smirk playing on his lips. The hooded man had vanished, leaving Deyviel with a mix of frustration and intrigue.
"Balthazar," Deyviel replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the surge of emotions. "What are you doing here? We don't have time for games."
Balthazar chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh, but this is no game, dear Deyviel. I come bearing news—news that could change everything for you and your little band of misfits."
Denver stepped forward, his brow furrowed. "What do you know about the girl? Where is she?"
Balthazar raised a hand, silencing Denver with a wave. "Patience, my eager friend. The girl is safe for now, but she is not the only one in danger. The forces at play are far more complex than you realize."
If I'm you, I'll go and find her now, he smuggly said. As Balthazar said, Deyviel was hit by the realization, "Fuck Denver, call the rest and tell them to go at Ethan's location. This is a diversion. To separate us. "As he said, he opened a black case and revealed a big sword. Here (handed Deyviel a big sword):This baby is just a prototype; I want you to try it out at the field. Don't worry about breaking it. I just want you to test it. So give it a shot out there," Blacksmith Shane Jun said with a smirk. "And what's this baby's name?"As he said that, Balthazar's eyes widen. But not in shock but in amusement. "That's a big and glowing sword you got, kid," he said with amusement.
"You got it right, this baby is the one who will cut you in half. You can call this baby 'The Red Queen'!!!. Deyviel said with raging confidence.
Balthazar's laughter echoed through the alley, a sound that seemed to dance with the shadows. "The Red Queen, you say? Quite the name for a weapon, especially one that looks like it could cleave a mountain in two. But tell me, dear Deyviel, do you truly believe that a sword can change your fate?"
Deyviel tightened his grip on the hilt, feeling the weight of the blade resonate with a power he had yet to fully understand. "It's not just the sword, Balthazar. It's what I intend to do with it. I'm not just going to sit back and let others dictate my fate. Like you ugly mugg."
Denver, still on edge, glanced between Deyviel and Balthazar. "Enough with the theatrics. We need to move. If this is a distraction, we can't afford to waste any more time."
Balthazar shrugged, his smirk never fading. "Ah, but time is a luxury, my friends. You see, the girl is a pawn in a much larger game just like you. The real players are far more dangerous than you can imagine." As he said, Deyviel lounged forward and swung his big sword. And Balthazar Parry it like it was nothing.
"Oh, you got strength, kid, but that wasn't enough to defeat me,Balthazar said as he counters Deyviel's attacks. They continue their exchange while Denver calls Ethan.
Meanwhile, at Ethan's side
"Ok, I want you guys just to sit tight. Don't go anywhere far. Just stay here at the hotel. If you're going to the bathroom, call Alicia to escort you. We can't take any chances. Your safety is our priority, "he said as he drank a cup of coffee.
"Yes, sir, but where's?" As before Ghelle finished her words, Mizuno chime in. "They'll be coming; don't worry, he's here too," he said and smiled.
Ethan nodded, his gaze shifting to the window as he contemplated their precarious situation. The city outside was alive with energy, but within the walls of the hotel, a different kind of tension simmered. He could feel it in the air—a sense of impending danger that loomed over them like a dark cloud.
"Let's keep our communication lines open," Ethan said, setting his coffee cup down. "If anything feels off, we regroup immediately. I don't want any surprises.
Ghelle, still feeling the weight of the earlier message, glanced at Mizuno. "What if they don't make it back in time? What if something happens to them?"
Mizuno placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Deyviel and the others are capable. They know what's at stake. We just have to trust them."
"Trust is one thing, but we can't afford to be complacent," Ethan interjected, his voice firm. "We need to be ready for anything. If Balthazar is involved, it means he's playing a game that we don't fully understand yet."
Just then, Alicia burst into the room, her expression a mix of urgency and concern. "Ethan! I just got a message from Denver. They encountered Balthazar, and it sounds like they're fighting. We need to move now!
Ethan's heart sinks at the news. Balthazar was a wildcard, and if he was involved, it meant they were in deeper trouble than he had anticipated. "Alright, everyone, gear up. We're heading out," he commanded, his voice steady despite the rising tension.
Ghelle's eyes widened. "But what if they need backup? What if—"
"We can't afford to split our forces any further," Ethan interrupted, his tone brokering no argument. "We need to regroup and find a more safe location for them.(Pointung at Ghelle's group of friends) Alicia calls the H.Q., tells them what's going on, and asks for Q.R.F. (Quick Response Force). If Balthazar is stalling them, we have to make sure they don't get overwhelmed.
Alicia nodded, her heart racing as she processed Ethan's orders. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on her, but she knew they had to act quickly. "I'll call HQ right now," she said, pulling out her phone and dialing the number.
As Alicia spoke into the phone, the tension in the room thickened. Ethan paced back and forth, his mind racing with strategies and contingencies. Ghelle, Micah, Ronna, and Kylie exchanged worried glances, the gravity of the situation settling heavily on their shoulders.
"ahm.. Sir, Mr. Captain Ethan, what if Balthazar has something planned for us too? "Ronna asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's always been unpredictable."
Ethan paused, his brow furrowing at Ronna's question. "That's a valid concern," he admitted, his voice low and serious. "Balthazar thrives on chaos and manipulation. We can't underestimate his ability to orchestrate distractions or traps."
Micah chimed in, his tone thoughtful. "If he's targeting Deyviel and the others, it stands to reason he might have something in store for us as well. We need to be prepared for anything.
Mizuno nodded, his expression resolved. "We should set up a defensive perimeter around the hotel. If Balthazar is trying to draw us out, we can use this location to our advantage."
"Good thinking," Ethan replied, appreciating Mizuno's proactive approach. "We'll fortify our position here while we wait for updates from Deyviel and the others. If they're in a fight, we need to be ready to back them up."
Alicia finished her call, her face pale. "HQ is sending the Q.R.F., but they'll take some time to arrive. We need to hold our ground until then."
Alright, let's split up the tasks," Ethan ordered. "Mizuno, Andrew, and Alicia, you three set up a lookout at the entrance. Yumi, you're going to guard them (pointing at Ghelle and her friends), and Kliev, you're with me. We'll check the back exits and ensure no one can sneak in. Stay alert, everyone."
Meanwhile, Deyviel and Denver were still engaged in a fierce battle with Balthazar. The alleyway echoed with the clash of steel as Deyviel swung the Red Queen, its blade glowing ominously in the dim light. Balthazar danced around him, his movements fluid and almost mocking.
"You think you can defeat me with that flashy sword?" Balthazar taunted, parrying another of Deyviel's strikes effortlessly. "You're still just a child playing with toys." As he was about to parry another attack from Deyviel. As Deyviel suddenly rolls or squeezes the sword's throttle. The whole sword ignites, and Deyviel slashes become covered by flame. And Balthazar got caught off guard and got hit and flanged away and landed in the side of the building, destroying its wall.
The impact of Balthazar's body against the wall sent a shockwave through the alley, dust and debris cascading down like confetti. Deyviel stood there, breathless, the Red Queen still glowing with an intense heat, its flames flickering like a living entity. He had never felt such power coursing through him, and for a moment, he reveled in the thrill of it.
"Did you really think I was just a child playing with toys?" Deyviel shot back, his voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through him. "This is more than just a sword; it's a symbol of my resolve." (He said, pointing at the middle rune at his sword with a red gem.)
Balthazar, momentarily stunned, pushed himself off the ground, brushing off the dust and debris with a smirk that belied the pain he must have felt. "Impressive, that sword packs a bit of punch, but you need more of that; also, don't let it go to your head. You're still outmatched." He straightened, his demeanor shifting as he prepared for another round.
Denver turned his head and saw his best friend land a clean hit to his opponent, giving a surge of pride in him.Man, I got hit by it a lot," remembering their practice match. "Deyviel, keep pushing! You've got this!"He shouted, his voice filled with encouragement. But another vampire attacked him, and now he's facing six more vampires.
Deyviel's heart raced as he heard Denver's shout of encouragement, but the moment was fleeting. Balthazar was already recovering, and the alleyway was becoming a battleground. The air crackled with tension as more vampires emerged from the shadows, their eyes glinting with malice. Deyviel could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but he refused to back down.
"Stay focused, Deyviel!" he reminded himself, gripping the hilt of the Red Queen tightly. The sword pulsed with energy, as if it could sense the urgency of the moment. He had to make this count.
To be continued…