Tokyo

The drive to Mr. Takahashi’s dojo was short.

Kiochi sat through some dad jokes as Mr. Takahashi teased his son, it was a rather pleasant sight for Kiochi seeing as he didn’t Have much experience with such things.

Rin was a Kynigoi, so it was surprising to see him get flustered when his dad recalled an embarrassing memory from his childhood.

As for why Rin chose to be a Kynigoi, apparently after failing to master his father’s martial art, he pursued the path of a different kind of warrior and since Rin’s father was a wisdom holder, it’s not a surprise that he managed to become a member of an army that didn’t exist, on paper at least.

Kiochi, Rin and his father got out of the taxi and walked up a short series of stairs and reached the entrance of Mr. Takahashi’s dojo.

The exterior had a classical Japanese aesthetic, but once the attended who stood by the door led Kiochi and company inside, everything classical about the building disappeared.

The floor was made of a dark grey material and the walls looked like they were made from reinforced concrete.

The building felt more like a bunker, rather than a place where people learnt martial arts.

Kiochi and company walked down a corridor which was brightly lit before walking into the central dojo area.

It was about as big as four tennis courts and the roof was about twenty or so meters above Kiochi’s head.

Inside the training hall were several men and women who looked like they were honing in and sharpening their skills.

Some were practicing in pairs while other’s did group exercises.

However, they all stopped once Mr. Takahashi entered.

They bowed in unison and moved to the edges of the dojo.

Kiochi still didn’t understand why he needed martial arts training.

He was a Kynigoi after all.

But maybe he was being to conceited.

That’s why he was trying this out.

“Who is that with master?”

“I don’t know.”

“He look’s like a normal person to me.”

“Don’t you think he’s kinda cute?”

“No way! He’s totally not my type.”

“The master must have found yet another stray. I wonder how this will turn out.”

The students spoke as though Kiochi couldn’t hear them.

“Students, I’d like you to meet Kiochi Suzuki. He is a solider. One of the best in the world and he joins us today with the hope that we may teach a thing or two. Treat him well.” Mr. Takahashi announced and all his students simultaneously bowed again.

After Kiochi was done being introduced to everyone, he was given the dojo’s uniform.

It looked like an ordinary karategi, except it was all black.

The material felt very light and easy to move in, so Kiochi didn’t complain.

He returned to the central training area and the he saw Mr. Takahashi who wore an outfit similar to Kiochi’s, except Mr. Takahashi’s one had white highlights.

The two stood opposite each other, but before Mr. Takahashi could say anything, one of his students spoke up.

“Sir, I don’t mean to be rude, but can I spar with Mr. Suzuki?” An uptight looking man wearing glasses said.

“Oh? Why would you want to do that?” Mr. Takahashi asked.

The student bowed in a frantic manner.

“I’d like to see if Mr. Suzuki is worthy of sparing with you, master.”

‘Really? That’s all?’ Kiochi thought.

“Fine. The first one to lose his footing and gets knocked down loses.” Mr. Takahashi announced.

Kiochi and the passionate student stood opposite each other and waited for the signal to begin.

Kiochi assumed the regular combat pose, adjusting his feet and raising his fists.

The Mr. Takahashi’s student on the other hand had his legs apart and his stance was unusually low.

He looked like a panther, just before it pounced it’s prey.

“Begin!” Mr. Takahashi shouted and almost immediately Kiochi dashed towards the student.

The student must have panicked, because he froze up as Kiochi grabbed his right arm.

Kiochi twisted the students arm backwards, without breaking or dislocating it, then pulled him towards the ground.

“It’s over!” Mr. Takahashi Shouted as he approached the two fighters.

“What was your first mistake in that fight, boy?” He asked his student.

The student remained silent and kept his gaze low as he was overcome by shame and embarrassment.

“You fought your opponent head on even though you didn’t have the slightest idea of how he fought. Then you froze up. I’ll have to punish you later for that.” Mr. Takahashi scolded his pupil.

The student bowed his head and returned to where the other students were.

“Honestly, I’m a bit embarrassed by how easily you won.” Mr. Takahashi said as he scratched the back of his head.

“No, I’m at fault for using advanced combat tactics on a student.” Kiochi said.

Kiochi and Mr. Takahashi agreed.

Then took their places.

They were about five meters apart.

“Now, I’m not sure exactly what you are, but I’m going to have to ask you to be as human as possible in this fight, ok?” Mr. Takahashi asked.

‘As human as possible? What does that even mean?’ Kiochi wondered.

‘Eve, can you place limiters on my body?’ Kiochi asked.

[Yes. Reducing your power to that of a human would mean a reduction of about 75% of your overall power.]

‘That much?’ Kiochi groaned internally.

‘Fine. Do it.’ Kiochi said.

Then suddenly, he felt heavier.

He could actually feel his muscles weaken as his body changed.

“Ok. I’m ready.” Kiochi said.

Then suddenly the air sank.

Mr. Takahashi was still standing where he was before, but now surrounding him was the unmistakable aura of death.

“I’m surprised that you haven’t asked what the name of my unique martial art is.” He said.

Kiochi was disoriented by the waves of darkness emanating from the human in front of him.

“That’s because I knew that you were going to tell me anyway, so I thought It’d be pointless to ask.” Kiochi said, his voice was strained under the sheer pressure Mr. Takahashi was releasing.

[Threat identified!]

..

[Preparing countermeasures]

‘No! That’s not necessary. I’m sure he doesn’t want to kill me. Maybe… Let’s see where this goes.’ Kiochi stopped Eve just in time.

[Ok.]

She complied.

Kiochi raised his fists and prepared for battle.

“You’re right. I was going to tell you whether you asked or not. My martial art…” Mr. Takahashi lowered his stance just like his student had done before him.

It was animalistic.

He looked like a predator, custom designed by nature to hunt, kill and feast on its prey.

Kiochi blinked and in an instant, Mr. Takahashi was gone.

Kiochi then felt it.

Something dangerous was coming his way extremely quickly, so he used every instinct he had and dashed to the right.

He then saw Mr. Takahashi’s fist reappear where his face was mere moments before.

The rest of Mr. Takahashi’s body reappeared soon after.

“This is the Kamaitachi art and I would like to teach it to you.” Mr. Takahashi said.

Kiochi swallowed the non existent saliva in his mouth and nodded.

“Good!” Mr. Takahashi and all of a sudden the air lifted back into life.

The students were all amazed by what they had just seen.

Their eyes were all filled with shock and amazement.

“Did you see what just happened?”

“Yeah, I think master used a secret technique.”

“That guy survived one of masters punches?”

“He must really be something, huh?”

Once again, the students spoke as though neither Kiochi nor Mr. Takahashi could hear them.

“Ok, everyone, you can go home early. I’d like to spend some more time with Kiochi here.” Mr. Takahashi announced and all his students did as they were told.

Aside from Kiochi, Rin, his father and a few of his attendants, the dojo was completely empty.

Kiochi sat with Rin and his father on the training halls floor and an attendant served them some tea.

Even though Kiochi preferred coffee, he didn’t complain.

“I’m sure you’re wondering how an ordinary man like me did that and how it looked like I wanted to kill you. The truth is I did. At that moment I concentrated all I had into trying to kill you but it seems as though I fell short of the mark.” Mr. Takahashi admitted.

“I see. Tell me more about the Kamaitachi style of combat.” Kiochi asked.

“Wait a minute. You’re not at all surprised that I tried to kill you during a practice match?” Mr. Takahashi asked.

“You did catch me off guard. Especially when you killing intent manifested as a tangible aura around you. But I learnt a lot from that and I’m also not dead, so I couldn’t possibly dislike you for what you did.” Kiochi said.

“Ah, I see... Very well. First let me tell you the legend of the Kamaitachi and the wounded soldier." Mr. Takahashi took a sip of tea as he recollected the story as best as he could.

“The Kamaitachi Art was created many centuries ago in ancient Japan, when a wounded soldier met three spirits who help him avenge his comrades. The enemy slaughtered the soldier’s comrades deep in a long forgotten forest. However, the soldier was the only one who survived as he only sustained minor injuries.” Yamamoto paused to take another sip of tea.

Kiochi and Rin did the same.

“Hours after the battle had come to an end, a strange dark creature appeared before the wounded soldier as he laid on the ground. The soldier was frightened by the creature’s sharp teeth, it's sword like claws and its pitch black fur. The soldier’s fear only worsened when two more similar creatures appeared before him. The third one to arrive licked the soldier's face, the soldier felt an extreme sense of drowsiness and he slept. When the solder woke, All of the wounds and scars on his body had disappeared. He kneeled before the creatures who introduced themselves as the Kamaitachi and begged them to help him avenge his comrades. He couldn't allow himself to live on while his enemies enjoyed victory. The Kamaitachi agreed to help, under the condition that the soldier returned to the unknown forest afterwards. The soldier agreed and the Kamaitachi taught him how to use some of their powers and he set out to defeat his enemies and succeeded. However, when the soldier returned to the unknown forests he had lost his right arm and his left eye. The Kamaitachi did what they could, but even they could not recover what he had lost. The soldier humbly accepted their treatment and he proceeded to live with Kamaitachi in the forgotten forest and helped them defend it from any who would try and desecrate it.” Mr. Takahashi sighed, then took another sip of tea.

“It is said that many years later, those who entered the forgotten forest bearing ill will were brutally mutilated, while those who were good natured were spared. Those who were spared left the forest and spread the legend of a one armed man, walking along side three black weasels as guardians of the forest.” Mr. Takahashi finished.

Kiochi was moved by the story as he too had lost his comrades before.

Not only that, but he actually felt the pain of losing them and he regretted going on that mission.

“Wow. That story gets me every time.” Rin stayed as he wiped a tear from his eye.

“I’ve been thinking about something for sometime. Why didn’t you teach Rin the Kamaitachi art?” Kiochi asked.

Mr. Takahashi let out a hearty laugh.

“Oh, about that… I’m the only one who actually knows how to perform the true art. Everything I teach my students is a poor imitation, that can be used for self defence or offence in emergencies. Rin got so bored he left and asked Mr. Saito to get him into the Kynigoi corps. Ha!” He said with a grin.

“Father!” Rin whined.

The three of them ended up talking more about Rin’s embarrassing past for the rest of the day.

.

..

Saito headquarters, Tokyo

Yassine had finally arrived in this room on the top floor.

The past few days had been a rollercoaster of emotions for him.

First he discovered the second Ovum Vitae, but then found out that it was actually the fourth.

Then he met Yamamoto Saito himself along with his group of intense looking associates.

Then he experienced something that could only be described as unbelievable.

He witnesses the man known as Kiochi get shot several times without taking any significant amounts of damage.

Then he saw the footage of what Kiochi turned into on the roof.

Kiochi didn’t believe much in the Devine nor was he superstitious, but what he saw Kiochi become could only be described as a demon.

A creature born from the darkness.

It’s sole purpose being to burn fear into the eyes of ant who would bare witness to its visage.

It was all too much for Yassine.

To top it all of, it seemed as though Dr. Tahiri was avoiding him.

He wanted to ask her so many questions but any time he tried talking to her, she would say that she was busy analysing the Ovum Vitae.

“Mmm.” Yassine sighed.

Well, although he was scared most of the time, his time in Japan had been rather exciting.

Knock!

Yassine heard a soft knock on the door.

He got up from his bed and opened the door to see Dr. Tahiri.

She wore a silky white nightgown, that sat gently on her body.

But it was rather late at night.

What business could she possibly have that couldn’t wait till morning? Yassine wondered.

“May I come in?” Dr. Tahiri asked.

Yassine noticed that he had been staring at her for far too long and so he let out a fake cough and gestured for he to enter.

“Of course. But it’s pretty late. Is there something you need?” Yassine asked as he closed the door.

The professor completely passed his couch and sat on his bed.

Yassine’s heart started racing.

Dr. Tahiri patted the spot on the bed next to her and Yassine sat.

“I’m… sure you’re confused about all that’s happening, right?” She asked.

“N- yeah.” Yassine admitted as he scratched his cheek sheepishly.

“Well, you can ask me anything right now. I feel like I owe it to you for dragging you into all this.” Dr. Tahiri said.

“Oh no, please don’t! Although what happened was quite scary, it wasn’t your fault.” Yassine said.

Dr. Tahiri held Yassine hand and squeezed gently.

“No. I’m serious about this. Ask me anything. Answering any of your questions is the least I could do.” She said sternly.

Yassine sighed and thought about the things that mystified him the most.

“Who are you exactly?” He asked straightforwardly.

Dr. Tahiri took a deep breath.

“My real name is Rose Tahiri, but I’m a wisdom holder. Mr. Yamamoto is the same. I’m pretty sure I don’t need to tell you this but when the Aethon’s descended, they gave the wisdom holders the knowledge to guarantee our species survival. Although it may seem like a grand duty, all we do is protect the knowledge the Aethon’s gave us and use it to further advance civilization.”

Yassine understood that much.

“Ok, what do the Ova have to do with all this?” Yassine asked.

“I don’t know. Actually, no one does. When the first council discovered the first Ova and didn’t know what to do with it, they assumed that it was a relic that the Aethon’s left to remind mankind of their visit. But that changed when Kiochi absorbed the energy hidden within the Ovum Vitae.” Dr. Tahiri explained.

“oh yeah. What does Mr. Kiochi have to do with all this?” Yassine asked.

“Why do you call him Mr. Kiochi? His younger than you.” Dr. Tahiri giggled.

“Well… after what he did to those guys that day, I’m afraid that I’ll be his next target if I get on his bad side.” Yassine admitted with his head lowered in shame.

Dr. Tahiri giggled at his answer.

“I see. Well, Kiochi is an anomaly. He is the first human to come in contact with the Aethon’s in the past fifteen or so thousand years. That and he is somehow able to absorb the Ovum Vitae's energy. He truly is an amazing individual.” Dr. Tahiri said.

Yassine heart sank slightly.

Compared to Kiochi, he felt inferior.

He didn’t have the strength to protect Dr. Tahiri when Aaron took her away.

He just stood there, frightened.

It was something Yassine would never forget.

“One last question. What is this council I keep hearing about?” Yassine asked.

“They lead and guide the wisdom holders. You see, when the Aethon’s blessed mankind with their knowledge all those eons ago, mankind was incapable of using it due to technological limitations. So the council was devised to monitor the use of the sacred knowledge. They are behind ever major event in mankind’s history. There are three council members. One of them is our leader, Alexander. He is wisest man alive and he has guided humanity for many years.” Dr. Tahiri explained.

“I see. Thanks. It’s still a lot to take in, but at least I know now.” Yassine sighed.

“Do you hate me now? All these secrets… I’m sure you’re quite frustrated.” Dr. Tahiri said with her head slightly lowered.

“No, not at all. Actually, I’m quite relieved. For a second i thought you were part of some organized crime ring. Hehe.” Yassine laughed.

The professor remained silent and gazed into Yassine’s eyes.

He was extremely nervous and her stare wasn’t helping.

She extended her arms and gave Yassine a warm hug.

“Thank you for understanding. I’m sure things are going to get more complicated from now on, but at least I’ll have you here.” She said as she rose from the bed.

Yassine led her to the door and they exchanged goodbyes.

After she left, Yassine’s heart felt rather heavy.

He had been forced into a world where godlike men like Kiochi existed, but he couldn’t let that stop him.

He had to be of use to the Dr. Tahiri in some way.

Yassine grabbed his jacket and went to the eight floor.

There he found Freeman tinkering with a strange spherical device.

“Um- excuse me sir. I wanted to share something with you.” Yassine said shyly.

Freeman dropped his tools and looked at Yassine.

“Mmm… okay, I’ll hear you out. But I’m going to need a hand with something afterwards. Everyone else is asleep, but you’ll do just fine.” David Freeman said casually.

“Ok. I’ll gladly help with anything.” Yassine said as he sat on the dirty couch near Freeman.

“I know this may sound strange, but every time I touch the Ovum Vitae or even go near it, I feel a strange sensation. Like heat radiating from a flame.” Yassine explained.

Freeman looked at the Ovum which was still inside the machine.

“Come, let’s test that.” He pointed at the scary looking machine.

Yassine followed and entered the machine.

Freeman tapped a few buttons on the machines console and the machine hummed into life.

Yassine could feel it.

The warmth coming from the Ovum Vitae.

“Mmm… you’re right. The Ova is definitely reacting. But in a different way. Its gradually heating up, rather than transferring energy to you. Let me take a closer look.” Freeman typed in several command as he monitored Yassine’s vitals.

Yassine felt the warmth from before slowly increasing.

It was staring to get hot inside the machine.

“Is it hot in there? Cause I’m definitely feeling something.” Freeman said.

“Yeah, I think we should stop now.” Yassine pleaded as he climbed out of the machine.

Freeman walked towards Yassine and gave him a bottle of water.

Yassine downed the bottle then let out a weak sigh.

“You see what I was talking about?” Yassine retorted.

Freeman returned to his messy table and jotted something down in his notes.

“Yassine, I believe that you and Kiochi will be the keys to understanding the true nature of Ethereal energy. What do you say? Do you wanna help this old man unlock the secrets of the Cosmo’s?” For the first time since Yassine saw him, David Freeman actually looked excited.

“Yes!” Yassine said.

.

..

Meanwhile in a Kynigoi safe house in Tokyo

It had been two days since Camila returned with Trevor from their failed mission.

Although they had failed intentionally as their final act of mercy towards their ex comrade Kiochi, the books still counted it as a loss.

Tony met Camila and Trevor in a safe house near Saito headquarters.

Trevor was in a terrible state, both mentally and physically.

Not only had Trevor lost his left arm, most of the fingers on his right hand but he watched his brother get killed in front of him.

The council had ordered that he be taken to a secret facility for treatment.

Tony was sure that the council would be able to stop his physical pain.

But what Kiochi did was incredibly horrible, even by Kynigoi standards.

How did Tony know?

He watched the whole thing from a distance tower.

Tony’s super rifle, the Kleiner Gustav, was equipped with a space grade scope that allowed him to witness all that took place on the roof of Saito headquarters and in all honesty, he was scared.

What Kiochi had become was far more nightmarish than anything he had encountered over his many years of service to the council.

He remembered it all so clearly.

Kiochi looked like a demon from the darkest pits of hell.

His dark skin and long horns made burnt themselves into Tony’s mind.

His hands trembled.

The Kleiner Gustav was designed to destroy targets from a distance.

But Kiochi specialized in close combat, meaning he was Tony’s worst possible enemy.

“A-2, make sure you get some rest. Our orders are coming in first thing in the morning.” Camila said.

Camila had special access to luxurious safe houses, unlike most Kynigoi who could only use the small and tactically placed safe houses, Camila had access to apartment’s all over the world.

Tony stood up and walked to his room but stopped abruptly.

His hands were still shaking.

“You saw it… up close. You saw what he became. Do you think you can beat him when he’s like that?” Tony asked.

“I don’t know.” Camila answered straightforwardly.

Tony sighed deeply.

If Camila can’t beat him, then who can? He wondered.

Tony stumbled into his room, got undressed and jumped onto the bed.

Thankfully, the beds were extremely comfortable, so Tony’s stressed was reduced by a small amount.

He thought about the future.

He wondered what would happen if he and Kiochi were to fight.

Would he be killed?

Was he afraid of dying?

No.

But to die by Kiochi’s hand was not as simple as it sounded.

Kiochi always made his enemies know terror before he killed them.

Whether it was intentional or not.

Whenever Kiochi set foot on the battlefield, the wills of his enemies would become break as though they were made from the thinnest of glasses.

Tony thought back to his childhood.

Like many Kynigoi, he was an orphan.

But before that, he had a family.

His father was an outstanding detective and his mother took care of him in their home in the Spain.

But things took a tragic turn when his father picked up the trail of an organized crime group.

He followed the trail until he got caught.

According to file’s Tony uncovered, his father had lots of evidence against key members of the crime ring and was about to turn it in.

But the crime ring tracked Tony’s father and found out that he had a wife and child.

They used Tony and his mother as hostages and forced Tony’s father to destroy the evidence.

Everything would have been fine had that been all that happened, but fate is not so kind.

The crime group executed Tony’s mother in front of him and left him and his father for dead.

Tony’s father was overcome with grief and guilt, so after dropping Tony off at a local orphanage, he shot himself in the head.

Tony found this out soon after being orphaned when he read the following weeks newspaper.

Yeah, Tony Martinez had a rough childhood.

But when the council picked him up, he decided that he would live a carefree life.

One where he simply took orders and took care to mind his own business, because not doing so is what got his parents killed.

All that aside, Tony couldn’t help but feel as helpless as he did on the night of his mother’s death.

Tony shook those thoughts away.

He needed to live, so that he could have the carefree life he always wanted.

Tony slept, but his night was spent tossing and turning.

The next day came too soon for Tony.

The sun was barely up, yet it was already bright outside.

Tony got up, wore some casual clothes and left his room.

He saw Camila eating cereal on the couch.

She was dressed in comfortable looking pyjamas.

He made himself some tea and sat next to her.

“Have you received our orders?” Tony asked as he ate a spoonful of cereal.

“Yes. We’re going to meet a council member today.” Camila calmly said.

Tony almost spat the cereal he had in his mouth all over the place.

He quickly swallowed and stared at Camila.

“What? I thought they were sealed in secret bunkers or something. But now were going to meet one… is that even allowed?” Kiochi asked loudly.

“Yes. It was Ms. Natasha Lebedev herself who authorized it. Oh, and Trevor is there as well.” She finished her cereal and got up.

Tony was still trying to process everything.

The council member’s were not supposed to leave their bunkers.

That was an ironclad rule.

Those special bunkers that were called Vestibules, we designed to survive nuclear blasts and other disasters.

But now Tony heard that they were letting Kynigoi into those very bunkers?

What was Natasha Lebedev thinking? Tony wondered.

“Get dressed. The Vestibule Charlie is quite far.” Camila said.

Tony spring into action.

He didn’t care about the reason anymore.

What mattered to him was reaching the Vestibule , because that would be the one place that Kiochi would never enter, even if he was in his demonic form.

‘Ha!’ Tony laughed internally.

He wished that he could stay inside Vestibule Charlie forever.