Volume 1, Chapter 8 - "The Raid" Part 1

 (5 days later)

We were outside what looked like a warehouse in a dead forest that was ravaged by the constant war. This was the apparent base of the Nosferatu, or rather, Barron V. Vlad. Our intel told us that there were also stairs that led to an underground room. We had 50 people; 25 policemen, 15 manifesters including me, Dai, Fujiwara, the manifester duo, and Headmistress Lisagarte, and 10 medics in the back. Ina Watson was forbidden to take part in any internal affairs of clothes nations due to her contract, which I was not aware of until that night.

But I have to say, I think we're pretty well rounded. I don't think there's going to be a lot of casualties. The enemy numbers around 50, so I think we're equal in terms of power. Then Dai spoke–

"Whew, I'm quite nervous. Are you guys nervous? I'm nervous."

"Everyone is Yagami Dai. But remember, you are going to be with Nicolas and Dronikus so you don't need to worry," Headmistress Lisagarte smiled with assurance.

I have a feeling that we've been jinxed.

Before we got here, Fujiwara came to me looking determined "I want to get back Yoru and to do that I need your help."

I have been thinking about that time when Yoru's tear dropped from her mask. I can tell she had no other choice but to follow Baron's orders. I smiled.

"Let's get her back."

And with that, the raid begins.

The policemen started first with us Manifesters in the fray. The enemy Nosferatu were surprised at our attack. You would expect them to be ready for our raid but that does not seem to be the case. I was in the backline with the others. One by one, the Nosferatu were subdued.

We were merely observing and only interfering if a Nosferatu went for us. Thankfully we were well trained to fight these people. Nicolas and Dronikus watched over the medics, and they did a pretty good job at that. If I was one of the Nosferatu, I probably wouldn't be able to get through them let alone leave a scratch.

I then saw a shadow zip past several policemen knocking them onto the ground rendering them unconscious. I knew who it was. And I bet Fujiwara also knew as well. Yoru used an ability called Shadow Step when I was training against her. And during the time Yoru was at the academy, Fujiwara built a friendly relationship with her. How? I have no clue, but they were together in the same room most of the time that I've known.

Then the shadow came at us knocking out the Manifesters next to us. Headmistress Lisagarte was no where to be seen. Where was she? Then the blade came to Fujiwara.

[CLANNNNNNNNNNNNK]

 I quickly reacted by drawing my blade and we locked swords in place.

"Yoru! Why are you doing this!" Fujiwara had asked from behind me.

"Baron V. Vlad. He wants you to go to him, Seiryu" Her voice was hesitant. She backed away and pointed to the back of us. A staircase formed that led underground. I looked back at Fujiwara and Yoru, Fujiwara gave me a nod.

"I got this."

"You better. If you do, I'll take you out for lunch" I said this with a smile. Fujiwara looked surprised and a blush formed on her cheeks. "Man, look at me" I said this with a smug walking down the stairs.

 (Fujiwara Suisei's POV)

As our blades clashed with each other, the dust flew. In a high speed fight between two people who care about each other, swords are the only way to save another.

[CLANK CLANK CLANK]

Sigh. Yoru's Shadow Step puts me at a disadvantage. Her Shadow Step allows her to travel at the speed of sound. I'm just barely able to block her attacks. She has me on the defensive.

"I know your every move! You can't beat me!"

[CLANK]

We locked swords just as Konpeki and she had done.

"Why are you doing this! I thought you wanted to live a normal life!"

"I may have said that. But you won't understand if I were to tell you everything!."

We both backed away.

I can't beat Yoru if this goes on. Even Seiryu couldn't beat her in combat, but he still beats her in intelligence. He's smart enough to beat a talented fighter like Yoru in a fair fight thanks to his manifest.

"Sigh. If you wanna know, then be prepared for what you're about to see, Fujiwara."

As she lifter her hand to her mask, she took it off. When she took it off, I was baffled. I couldn't believe it. She had a somewhat baby face, her eyes were blue. She was me.

"That look you're giving me. So you don't know then? I knew you'd be surprised, but I didn't think you would have this reaction."

What? I'm still processing what I'm seeing. I am standing in front of me. This doesn't make sense!

"Who are you really? Is this some sort of illusion or is my mind playing tricks on me?"

"You know me. However, my full name is Fujiwara Von Yoru. The adoptive daughter of Baron V Vlad."

"You're the rumored Baron V Vlad's daughter? No, I shouldn't be asking that" What I should be asking is why does she look like me.

"Why do you look like me?"

"Like I said, you wouldn't understand." Yoru then used her Shadow Step and I once again just barely block her sword and locked blades once again.

Without saying anything we resumed fighting as our blades clashed with my mind fixated on her appearance.

(Konpeki Seiryu's POV)

Man, these stairs are long. I've been walking down these stairs for 10 minutes. Seriously, how deep does this even go? Although, I am fortunate enough for torches to light the way.

Speaking of lighting the way, I can imagine Dai just lighting the warehouse on fire. He's prone to this kind of stuff since he just recently awakened his manifest. Well, not so much awakening it, but inheriting it. Yagami comes from a family that passes their manifests down, which is all I know.

I finally see a light that leads to an open room. I have to say, this was a pretty big room. I'd have to say that its big enough to have a small town in it. When did they even have the time and resources to make this room?

"How's the view, Konpeki Seiryu?"

An all too familiar voice. A figure is standing a distance away.

"Baron V. Vlad."