Kiss of the vampire volume 2
"The Girl with the Sharp sword"
Mission 26: Fangs and folklore Again!?
"I thought I lost you... but here you are, like a dream I'm scared to wake up from."
The morning air was cold but calm, carrying the scent of dew and distant chimneys. Out on the rocky field behind Elisia's home, Deyviel stood with Denver and Alex, all three already drenched in sweat. The rising sun painted long shadows behind their moving bodies.
"Alright," Deyviel said, catching his breath. "Let's move on to something new. Ki manipulation."
Denver tilted his head. "That's the thing the monks use, right? Internal energy?"
"It's more than that," Deyviel replied, stepping forward. "It's life energy—raw, unrefined, and not dependent on magic. That's why vampires are weak to it. It bypasses their regeneration, hits their soul directly."
He looked between them, pausing a second longer on Alex. The kid looked sharper these days, more grounded. Maybe it was just the weight of reality settling in. Or maybe Deyviel being here had already changed the course of things. He hoped so.
"Close your eyes," Deyviel instructed. "Focus on the point two inches below your navel. That's where your Ki pool sits. Feel the warmth. Guide it. Don't force it."
Denver followed instantly, but Alex struggled. His hands trembled slightly.
"You're thinking too much," Deyviel told him, soft but firm. "It's not about imagining fire or light. It's about feeling that you're alive. Let it rise."
Minutes passed in silence, broken only by quiet breaths and rustling wind. Then a small pulse sparked around Denver's palm.
"I felt it," Denver said, eyes flying open. "Like something pushed from the inside."
"Good," Deyviel smiled. "That's just the start."
He looked at Alex again—he still hadn't gotten it, but he was trying.
Maybe this time, Deyviel thought. Maybe it'll be different.
Alex was still here.
Still human.
Not yet twisted by the Evangelist's lies.
Not yet gone.
Deyviel tightened his fists, eyes narrowing slightly. He couldn't let his guard down. Not again. Alex may seem different now, but he'd be watching. Always.
Still, he allowed himself a moment of hope.
Maybe this time, there'd be no betrayal.
Maybe this time… he could save them all.
Morning light bathed the wide backyard in a soft golden glow. The dew-covered grass shimmered slightly as the sun peeked from behind the trees.
Deyviel, Denver, and Alex were sprawled out across the cold ground, their clothes dusted with dirt, sweat clinging to their skin after a long night of intense training.
The training session had gone deeper than usual. Deyviel had pushed them—teaching the fundamentals of ki manipulation, a form of energy control known to counteract a vampire's regenerative abilities. It wasn't easy. The energy was volatile and required focus, breath control, and internal balance. But they managed. Even Alex, whose usual cocky nature got buried beneath genuine effort, took it seriously.
As Deyviel laid on the grass, his arm resting over his forehead, he stared up at the lightening sky. Maybe things really will be different this time. Alex hadn't joined the Evangelist Church. Not yet, at least. That single fact made something heavy in his chest feel just a little lighter.
He glanced sideways at Alex and Denver, both snoring softly. I'll keep an eye on you from now on, Alex. Even if you don't remember what you became… I do.
The scent of something sweet in the air stirred him slightly, but it wasn't until a soft voice broke the silence that his eyes fluttered open fully.
"These three really are getting along well," Elisia said with a small laugh, stepping into the backyard. She wore a light cardigan over a sundress, a grocery bag tucked in one arm. She paused for a moment, just watching them—like a mother seeing her kids grow up too fast. There was warmth in her eyes.
Then she smiled and turned toward the house.
"Alright… I'll cook you guys breakfast."
The three boys remained asleep, faces relaxed, bodies limp on the grass, not even stirring as she walked away—leaving only the rustle of leaves and the comforting clink of a kitchen window opening in her wake.
Later, in the dining area—
Steam rose from bowls and plates stacked high. Rice, eggs, grilled meat, soup, toast—Elisia had gone all-out. And the boys were going all-in.
"FOOD!" Alex practically dove for a drumstick, shoving it in his mouth like a starving hyena. "Oh god—I can taste color!"
"Pass me the rice!" Denver shouted, already stuffing his face with fried eggs. "Holy crap, this is insane!"
Deyviel, more composed but just as voracious, was quietly eating five servings' worth like it was nothing. "More miso, please."
Elisia sat across them, laughing softly behind her hand. "You guys are unbelievable."
"You're the one who cooked like a professional chef," Denver said through a mouthful.
"I think I love you," Alex muttered, eyes glazed in bliss.
"I heard that," Elisia smirked, flicking a chopstick at him.
Deyviel paused, glancing between the two before chuckling under his breath.
For a moment, everything was still.
No blood.
No war.
No fate creeping behind their backs.
Just warmth, food, and laughter.
And in that fleeting slice of peace, Deyviel let himself believe it:
Maybe things really will change this time.
The clatter of plates echoed through Alex's modern kitchen as Elisia slid another pan of eggs onto the table. Toast popped up from the steel toaster, while bacon crackled behind her. Outside, the golden morning light spilled onto the wide backyard, where Deyviel, Denver, and Alex were already stuffing their faces like ravenous beasts.
Denver was halfway through a mountain of rice and eggs, crumbs scattered across his cheeks. Alex had both hands full—one with toast, the other with a strip of bacon, his face buried in a bowl of noodles he probably wasn't supposed to eat for breakfast. Deyviel? He was the worst. He was chewing on a chicken leg with one hand while shoveling rice with the other like his life depended on it.
"Oi, slow down or you're gonna choke!" Elisia called out with a laugh, watching them from the patio door.
The three just looked up at her mid-bite, cheeks puffed, then went right back to inhaling food.
She smiled warmly. "These three really are getting along well." Her voice was soft, affectionate, with the hint of something bittersweet. For a brief second, her eyes lingered on Deyviel—like she wanted to say more. But instead, she turned on her heel, apron fluttering. "Alright, I'll cook you guys lunch too at this rate."
After another ten minutes of chaos and second helpings, they finally cleaned up, each guy slouching a little from the food coma.
"You guys done acting like anime protagonists now?" Elisia teased, hands on her hips.
"Let me digest first..." Denver groaned, clutching his stomach and leaning back into the grass.
"No time for that," Deyviel said, stretching his arms with a grin. "We're meeting the others at the movie theater soon."
Alex glanced at the clock. "I'll drive. Theater's across the river—it'll take thirty minutes."
"Let's not be late this time," Deyviel said as he glanced at Elisia, then at Alex. A rare calmness settled in his chest. Things are different now. Alex didn't join the Evangelist. Elisia is here. Maybe... maybe this time, everything won't fall apart.
He made a mental note to keep watching Alex. No matter what this new timeline threw at him, he wouldn't let his guard down completely. Just in case.
The three guys disappeared into the house to freshen up while Elisia packed snacks into a small cooler.
As they walked down the bustling city streets, heading toward the meeting spot, the chatter of passing strangers and the noise of traffic buzzed faintly in the background. Alex, Denver, and Deyviel walked close together, their steps steady but their eyes alert.
"So, this is really happening?" Alex whispered, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the tension in his voice.
"Yeah," Deyviel muttered. "A vampire attack. Tonight. Here."
"A vampire? You mean... there's more of them?" Alex leaned in, lowering his voice.
Deyviel didn't stop walking. "A whole army to be exact, dummy. Keep your voice down."
Denver gave a small chuckle, but it quickly faded. "And you're sure about this?"
"I wouldn't be dragging you guys into this if I wasn't," Deyviel replied. "Someone tipped me off. This theater is the next target. We can't let them escape again—if even one calls for backup, we're screwed."
He glanced at Alex, then pointed subtly to the small scar in the yard from where he'd split a stone earlier that morning with a single Ki-infused slash. "You saw what Ki can do. It's the only way to hurt them badly enough to kill or slow them down."
Alex nodded, still a little pale. "Right... Ki. I still can't believe I can actually use it now."
"You're welcome," Deyviel smirked. "Your job is simple. Protect Elisia. Don't let anything touch her."
Alex looked back toward the nearby cafe where Elisia waited for them, sipping a smoothie. "Got it."
Then, just ahead of them, standing near the theater entrance, a group of familiar figures came into view.
Ethan, arms crossed but face relaxed.
Mizuno, adjusting her glasses and scanning the crowd like a hawk.
Cymac, chewing gum, hands in his jacket pockets, wearing that same cocky grin.
Deyviel's steps halted. The world seemed to slow.
Suddenly, his vision blurred—not from the present, but from the weight of the past. Memories surged in.
—Ethan, bleeding out beside him, his last breath barely a whisper.
—Mizuno's screams as a vampire lunged at her in a burning alley.
—Cymac, broken and still, his hand outstretched toward nothing.
He froze.
A single tear slid down his cheek before he quickly wiped it away. He straightened his back and forced a small smile.
"This time," he thought, "I won't let that happen."
He stepped forward again, and as he approached, Ethan noticed him first. His eyes lit up.
"Deyviel!" Ethan called out with a grin.
Mizuno turned sharply. "Is that—?"
"Yo!" Cymac raised his hand casually. "Look who finally decided to show up."
Deyviel smiled for real now, warmth returning to his chest. He waved back and picked up the pace.
The gang was back together.
And this time, they'd be ready.
The gang had taken their seats near the back row of the theater. The lights dimmed as the trailers rolled on screen. Popcorn buckets shifted from hand to hand, soda cans hissed open, and laughter filled the space—just like old times.
Deyviel sat at the center, eyes darting subtly around the place. His fingers tapped against the armrest in a quiet rhythm. Denver, on his right, kept a low profile but stayed alert. Alex sat on the aisle seat, legs bouncing, feigning excitement, but his hand never strayed far from his hoodie pocket—just in case.
Mizuno stood and stretched, flashing a grin. "Be right back. Nature calls."
Deyviel's eyes followed her as she walked off toward the comfort room.
"Denver," he whispered, voice barely audible over the booming trailer playing in front. "Keep eyes on the crowd. I'll deal with the one in the CR."
Denver nodded.
"Me?" Alex whispered quickly, leaning in. "What do I do?"
"You and Denver cover the theater," Deyviel replied. "There are two more here. They'll strike during the climax of the movie when it's loud, and the lights are dimmest."
Alex swallowed hard. "Wait—two more? Vampires, plural?"
"Yeah," Denver muttered. "A whole goddamn army, apparently."
"Lower your voice," Deyviel snapped softly, already standing. "Keep Elysia safe. That's your job."
Alex glanced two rows down at Elysia, who sat beside Cymac and Ethan, laughing as if nothing was wrong. "Got it…"
Deyviel moved down the steps, slow but purposeful. Each stride heavier than the last.
---
In his head:
It starts here again… but this time, I know what's coming.
As he stepped into the hallway toward the comfort room, a flicker of memory slammed into him—Ethan bleeding out under a shattered screen. Mizuno's last scream. Cymac's crushed leg. Blood, fire, and the sound of tearing flesh. All of them... dying again and again.
His eyes stung. He paused just short of the bathroom door, reached up, and wiped the corner of his eye with his sleeve.
Then he smiled—a calm, resolute smile.
Not this time.
I won't let that happen again.
He pushed the door open.
The smell hit Deyviel the moment he pushed the door open—blood, coppery and raw.
A muffled gasp. A thud.
And then a low growl.
His eyes locked onto the scene: the vampire—pale, gaunt, with dried blood crusting its lips—crouched over a slumped man in a stall. The tiles were streaked red, the flickering fluorescent light overhead buzzed like a dying wasp.
Click.
Deyviel clicked his tongue, his jaw tightening. The vampire's head snapped toward him, black eyes gleaming.
"You're late," it rasped, tongue slithering over its teeth.
"Yeah. Traffic." Deyviel cracked his knuckles.
The vampire lunged with a screech.
Deyviel sidestepped, slamming the stall door into the vampire's face. Bone crunched. The creature hissed and backhanded the door off its hinges, sending it crashing into the wall. Deyviel ducked low, driving a ki-charged punch into its ribs—the impact cratered the tile wall behind them.
The vampire retaliated, grabbing a broken pipe from the sink and swinging it like a club. Deyviel barely parried it with his forearm, wincing as sparks of ki danced from the contact. He kicked the vampire's knee, trying to drop it—but it twisted midair and slammed Deyviel into a urinal.
Porcelain shattered.
Clack! Clack! Their feet skidded over the blood-slick floor. Deyviel twisted out of a chokehold, elbowing the vampire's throat and slamming its head into the mirror.
Crash!
Glass rained down on both of them, cutting into skin.
The vampire shrieked and swiped his claws across Deyviel's chest, tearing his shirt and leaving bloody welts. Deyviel gritted his teeth, focused his breath—ki flared around his body in golden pulses.
"You're not leaving this bathroom," he muttered, voice cold.
He weaved through a barrage of claw swipes, fists cracking against ribs, knees hammering stomachs. Every move was tight, desperate—the space so narrow they were practically breathing each other's air. Deyviel ducked a lunge, grabbed the vampire's arm, and spun—using the stall wall as leverage to throw him into the sink counter.
The vampire's back cracked the marble edge.
Before it could rise, Deyviel struck.
Palm strike. Ki surge. A blinding flash of light exploded from his hand.
The vampire screamed as the ki tore through its chest, cauterizing flesh as it burned straight through.
A final thud echoed.
The vampire slumped lifelessly, body twitching in the pool of red and cracked white tile.
Deyviel stood over it, panting, blood dripping from his lip. He glanced at the barely conscious man in the corner.
Still breathing.
"Good," he muttered, wiping his face. He grabbed some tissue, cleaned the worst of the blood off his hands, and turned to the exit.
He had two more waiting in the theater.
"One down, two more to go!"
Inside the Movie Theater – Moments After Deyviel Entered the CR
Ethan stretched his legs a little, yawning as he leaned back on the cushioned chair. Cymac was lazily flipping through the pamphlet he picked up at the entrance while Mizuno had just returned from the comfort room, slipping into his seat beside Ethan.
"Man, that line was long," Mizuno muttered.
Ethan opened his mouth to reply—then suddenly stopped.
His instincts screamed.
From the far-left entrance, two figures emerged. Pale-skinned. Yellow eyes. And fangs.
Vampires.
"...Mizuno. Cymac," Ethan said sharply, standing up. "Vampires."
"What? Inside the theater?" Mizuno's voice dropped to a whisper as he reached under his jacket.
The theater crowd didn't notice yet. The vampires stood at the entrance with eerie calm, eyes scanning. They hadn't struck—but it was only seconds away.
Then—
CRASH!
The side wall exploded inward, tiles and metal chunks flying.
From the smoke stepped a tall figure in black noble garb. He wasn't just a vampire.
He was a Noble Rank.
Long crimson hair tied behind his back. A monocle over one glowing red eye. His aura alone made the temperature drop and the crowd begin to shiver without knowing why.
"Tch," Ethan muttered. "Of course."
Mizuno froze. "That's not just any vampire..."
"Cymac," Ethan ordered, pointing toward the two low-class vampires. "Engage them. Don't let them harm civilians. Mizuno—call for backup. Now."
"And you?" Mizuno asked.
Ethan pulled out his spirit blade and slid his foot back into stance.
"I'm dealing with the Noble."
At the same moment, Denver and Alex leapt from their seats near the aisle.
"We've got the trash vamps!" Denver shouted, cracking his knuckles with a wild grin. "Go get your boss, sir!"
Alex unsheathed a short dagger laced with silver. "Let's get loud, partner."
Elysia, already moving, clapped her hands loudly to get the panicking civilians' attention.
"This way! Everyone, to the exits! Hurry! Stay calm!" Her voice was commanding but kind.
Outside, Deyviel was still inside the CR... unaware of the new threat that just crashed into the movie.
To be continued...