Chereads / Crimson Moon / Chapter 45 - Chapter 2: Silent Invasion

Chapter 45 - Chapter 2: Silent Invasion

Sun City International Highschool

After the meeting was over, Alejandro walked towards the HISTOREA Clubroom...Waiting for him in the hallway, Marjorie looked at the window to see the sports clubs practice in the field…

"Sorry, did you wait for too long?" Alejandro approaches Marjorie, Marjorie smiles and replies; "Not at all" Alejandro and Marjorie stand in the hallway looking outside, Alejandro takes a quick look at Marjorie thinking:

"Now that I look at her, she really is pretty…."

Marjorie turns to see him; "Is there something wrong?" Alejandro immediately turns his face blushing; "No...nothing...so...did Aleister and you break up?"

"..." Marjorie doesn't respond at first, Alejandro gets nervous; "Oh, sorry...that was too personal and direct…"

"No...it's not that, actually, you're correct, he did break up with me...just like that…"

"I see…"

"I never actually understood him, he was really caring at first, but he later changed and started acting really cold towards me...but breaking up with me in front of you? I am the one who should be apologizing…"

"No...don't worry about it...it's just…"

"No, I'm serious, I want to apologize for the things I said and did a few months ago...When I hit you like that...no friend does that...and what I said isn't true, I don't petty you because, you're my friend and I…"

Alejandro stops her as he thinks; "You're friend huh...I guess you don't like me in that way…" Alejandro smiles at her; "You're forgiven, in fact, I was the jerk back then but not anymore, I am the President now…" Alejandro and Marjorie chuckle. Alejandro looks at her and says:

"Hey, if you're looking for a club, join HISTOREA. I'm sure Uriel and Tiwa wouldn't mind having you there…"

"Really? You think I could be part of that club?"

"Sure...I don't see why not…LOOK OUT"

(CCRRAASSHHH)

Suddenly a baseball came flying towards their direction, the baseball breaks the glass and it's about to hit Marjorie, however, Alejandro was fast enough to tackle her and avoid her getting hit.

"Are you alright?" Alejandro asks as he stands up, suddenly he realizes that he is on top of Marjorie, Marjorie slowly opens her eyes as she replies; "I am...thank you…"

(BADUMP BADUMP)

Marjorie realizes her position and her face turns red. Alejandro and Marjorie stare at each other for a couple of seconds when…

"Ahem...it looks like you are enjoying yourself, Mr. President…" Alejandro hears a feminine voice and looks up. He gets scared as he sees Valerie standing there with a smile.

"Valerie, wait...it's not what it looks like…" Alejandro and Marjorie immediately separate. Valerie chuckles; "It looks like now that you are president, you're making your way with a cute girl...I'll leave you two alone to continue…" Valerie begins to leave.

"VALERIE WAIT!" Alejadnro tries to follow her; "Don't follow me, or else...you'll regret it...." Valerie says as purple manna comes out of her body. Alejandro is frozen as he thinks; "Aww man, why did it have to happen to me…"

"I'm sorry, I think I made her mad...I'll go talk to her…"

"No..leave like that, I'm sure she'll be alright if I give her some time...anyway, stop by the club with me...I'll introduce you to the other members…"

Marjorie smiles; "Okay…"

***************************************************************************

At the HISTOREA Clubroom, Carlos and Chelsea sit there waiting for instructions...

"Hey, Chelsea, I have a question?" Carlos who is eating chips asks Chelsea, Chelsea is looking at her phone and replies; "What is it?"

"Why are we here? I mean...Alejandro is the President now, Uriel is out injured and Tiwa suspended and they are the members of this stupid club...We, on the other hand, had our clubs and lives...So why do we keep coming here?"

"Because...those were Kasumi-Senpai's orders...did you forget?"

"Oh yeah…" Carlos throws the empty bag of chips and walks to the door. "Where are you going?"

"I'm leaving, I don't have any business here...Besides, Alejandro might be a traitor so…"

(KNOCK KNOCK)

Someone knocks at the door. "Who is it?"

"It 's me, Alejandro…"

Carlos immediately opens the door, pulls Alejandro in and closes the door with speed.-PUMM- Carlos slams Alejandro at the table; "Okay...Now then, you traitor, did you join forces with Aleister in order to take us down?"

"What...No...it's a misunderstanding…"

"Really? Or is it that you were just playing with us?" Carlos grabs his shirt neck tighter. Chelsea stands up; "Carlos...stop it….because…"

"Uhmm...excuse me?" Marjorie slowly opens the door and sees Carlos holding Alejandro at the table. Marjorie looks confused; "Uhmm...what's going on?"

Carlos panics and runs to a wall. Alejandro coughs as he chuckles; "Nothing...Nothing...come in…"

Carlos shakes as Chelsea takes out a lollipop; "Well, this is a surprise, why is Marjorie Bellerose here?"

"Yeah man...why is she here?" Carlos looks nervous. Alejandro begins to explain; "Well...Marjorie was forced to quit the council and she had no other club to go to...So, starting today, she is a member of HISTOREA…"

"Seriously…" Chelsea and Carlos look surprised. Marjorie looks nervous; "Uhmm...I know this is all sudden, but thank you for accepting me…"

"No...problem...welcome aboard…" Carlos says with a nervous smile. Chelsea chuckles; "Man, you're so pathetic…" Alejandro sighs, Chelsea gets closer to him; "You're not off the hook yet...Senpai is waiting for you…"

Alejandro looks nervous as he knows that he has a lot to explain.

***************************************************************************

After school, Carlos, Chelsea and Alejandro went to Yggdrasil's hideout located under Jairo's Restaurant...Alejandro was going to meet with Allan Carter...The Director of Yggdrasil in America…

"Very well, let's begin with our meeting…" Kasumi puts the orb on the round table. The orb breaks into four parts and a reddish light illuminates the whole room. The light forms a hologram of a man standing next to Kasumi.

The man has white skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. Everyone stands and bow to him as they say; "Director Carter, welcome…"

"Now, now, there is no need to be so formal...Call me Allan okay…" Allan Carter says as he feels overjoyed. He looks at Alejandro and asks; "So, you're the boy that Rosa and Jairo have been recommending for months now…"

Alejandro, feeling nervous replies; "Yes sir...my name is Alejandro Sanchez...and I like to join Yggdrasil…"

"I see...okay you're in…" Allan says it so casually. "WWHHHATTT?" Everyone says surprised, Carlos immediately stands up:

"With all you respect sir, weren't you a bit too flexible, I mean you just accepted him to be part of our secret organization without hesitation."

Allan begins to laugh; "Carlos, you're always too strict, let me tell you something. We are a secret organization that dedicates itself to protect the world from evil, such as Sombras or Yokais...But let me tell you something, in the rulebook, there is nowhere that it says that we are a private club that only accepts specific members…"

"Really? I didn't know that?" Shion immediately takes out her handbook and begins to read it. Carlos sighs; "I understand sir…"

Allan looks at Alejandro; "Alejandro, Yggdrasil will accept you, we accept anyone who is willing to risk their lives for the sake of maintaining balance in the world...However, as you may have seen, members of Yggdrasil, including me, often risks our lives in dangerous missions and against dangerous monster like the Chupacabras…"

Alejandro remembers the attack of the Chupacabras. Allan continues to speak; "Right now, we have agents working all over the world. There are countries like the Scandanavians countries in Europe and Japan that support the organization, but there are others that don't. We are in a hostile area, this country does not support Yggdrasil, that's we have a small number of members in the country. They have their own system when it comes to fighting the supernatural."

Allan shows a map of the world and continues to explain, pointing at Latin America; "In Latin American countries, we also have few members working and cooperating with the Order of the Holy Cross...that's the Catholic Church's Organization in charge of protecting people from evil beings. Yggdrasil doesn't have members in Mexico, because they are also protected by the Order of the Holy Cross. "

"I see…" Alejandro is very impressed by Allan's explanation. Allan continues to explain; "Since we don't have enough members and many of our Elites are busy in Europe or other regions, we were forced to make an Alliance with El Charro Negro...Good thing he is your friend right?"

Allan makes the globe disappear and continues to speak; "Now, I already explain what we do, our advantages and disadvantages...Alejandro, I want to hear from you...why do you want to join Yggdrasil? and be honest with us...otherwise, you will face consequences…"

(GULP)

Alejandro looks at his hand and thinks about everything he has gone through. He takes a deep breath and looks at Allan with a confident expression:

"The truth is that my whole life, people have been protecting me...ever since that night 5 years ago when an angel saved my life during the earthquake…"

"An angel?" Kasumi thinks to herself. Alejandro continues to speak; "When I was saved from falling to my death, I decided I wanted to be strong to protect people but it has been the contrary. Now, I learned that there are powers that can help protect people, that's why...I...want to be part of this organization, I don't care if I put my life on the line...if it means that I can protect the people I care about...I will take that risk…"

"Man, that is so lame…" Carlos chuckles along with Chelsea. "Shut up, you two…" Jairo looks at them angry. At first, everyone is silent, Alejandro gets nervous as he thinks; "Did I say something wrong? No, I said what I felt and what I feel my purpose is...if he says no...then…"

"Hahaha...you know, I like your motivation, Alejandro...To be honest, the things you said were so lame and cliche…" Alan chuckles, Alejandro looks at him feeling weird, Carlos quickly says; "See, I told you…"

Allan continues to speak; "Alejandro Sanchez, I, Allan Carter...Director of Yggdrasil, American Branch, accept your request to join Yggdrasil...welcome aboard…"

"Seriously…" Alejandro says with excitement, Kasumi sighs at first and then smiles; "Congratulations…you're one of us now…"

"Seriously...that idiot…" Carlos looks mad. "I think it's fine…" Chelsea chuckles, Shion smiles along with Jairo. Rosa cries; "Wahh...Alejandro, my son, I knew he could do it…"

Allan looks at Kasumi and says; "Kasumi, please take out the seed…"

"Right…" Kasumi goes to the panel located in the front, and presses one button. Suddenly, a small door opens and an object begins to come out. The object has the form of a giant seed, the seed shines in a bright golden color and illuminates the room.

"What is that?" Alejandro asks nervously, Kasumi turns around and smiles; " This is one of the World Tree seeds"

"World Tree...you mean it actually exists?"

"It does, but its location is a secret...I know you have seen our Esper Suits right?"

"Yes, I have seen yours…" Alejandro thinks back to when he saw Kasumi fight the Chupacabras. Kasumi continues to explain; " Our esper suits are the manifestation of manna, they help us release and control manna. We obtain the esper suits by absorbing the seed."

"Wow.." Alejandro is speechless. Allan begins to explain; "Alejandro, you will absorb the seed and obtain an esper suit…"

"Really?" Alejandro looks excited. Allan continues to explain; "Of course, you will need some training first…"

"Wait what?" Alejandro looks confused. Allan chuckles; "You see, in order to obtain the power of the seed, you need to be strong on both body and soul. That's why...Kasumi's team will train you in order to be strong enough to accept the seed...I'd say, it will take you six months to be prepared…"

"SIX MONTHS?" Alejandro looks shocked. Kasumi begins to explain; "That's right, it takes around six months to a year to be fully prepared. That's why agents go to school in Japan and learn about controlling their esper suits."

"Japan, I mean that's too far away…" Alejandro laughs nervously. "Don't worry, we will make an exception, since Kasumi and her unit are on a mission. We will train you here in Sun City. That intense training will only be for three months and you will be able to get the seed."

"What happens if I touch the seed now?"

Shion steps forward; "You will be consumed by the seed and you will turn into manna and forever be lost in this world…."

(GULP)

Alejandro chuckles nervously; "I guess...I prefer to train…"

"There is also the situation with your left hand, that golden key may also absorb you…" Allan says with a serious expression. "Alejandro, every time you use the key's power, you are shortening your life.." Kasumi says to Alejandro, Alejandro smiles and says with confidence:

"I know...but I promise you that I won't use it,unless my life depends on it…"

"Excellent...very well everyone, please stay safe…" Allan ends the holographic meeting. Kasumi sighs and looks at Alejandro; "I guess, it was fate huh…" Kasumi walks towards Alejandro and says; "Very well...Alejandro, Carlos and Jairo will be incharge of your physical training...and Shion will be incharge of your mental and soul training…"

"EHH WHY ME?" Carlos exclaims, Kasumi looks at Carlos with a sad expression; "Are you...against it…"

"So cute…" Carlos bleeds from his nose as he shakes his head; "Not at all...I will do my best...Senpai…"

"Okay everyone, I declare this meeting over…" Kasumi puts away the seed.

Meanwhile…

"Phew...that was tough, good thing Alejandro accepted right?" Allan sitting in an office stands up and walks to the window, standing in the window, a beautiful red-head woman smiles; "You know that Rebecca will get mad right?"

"I know...but, I see potential in him...plus, he is friends with El Charro Negro…and we need to protect that golden key..."

"I see...Allan...you always like to think ahead...don't you…" Allan smiles at her; "Heidi...you know me too well…"

Sun City…

After the meeting ended...Alejandro decided to take a walk in order to analyze what just happened...He did not notice that someone or something was following him…

"The Golden Key...every time I use it, it shortens my life...Uriel and his mother managed to seal it, but still…" Alejandro walks towards a famous spot known as "Plaza de los Lagartos" (Alligator Plaza) This famous spot has multiple alligator statues and a fountain in the middle.

Alejandro looks at the fountain and thinks; "I wonder, if I could ever be strong enough to protect someone"

(WOOF WOOF)

Suddenly, a dog stands in the back. "A dog?" Alejandro looks at the dog, the dog gets closer. "No, is that a coyote?" Alejandro sees that the coyote slowly passes through the lights, Alejandro looks confused.

"What is a coyote doing here?"

"I finally found you...host of the golden key…" Alejandro hears a voice coming from somewhere; "Who said that?"

Suddenly, the coyote begins to transform into a human. "Wait, what's going on...the coyote transformed into a woman?" Alejandro rubs his eyes, the human walks towards him. Alejandro opens his eyes and clearly sees...he was wrong…

"No...don't tell me that's a…" Alejandro is in shock as he sees a young man with brown skin, and yellowish eyes, the young man has a very femimine posture with long brown hair.

"It's a pleasure, my name is Navajo…" The young man (who is naked) extends his hand towards Alejandro.

"Hey, dude...cover yourself…" Alejandro covers his eyes. "Ups, I forgot when I transformed, my clothes disappeared...fufufu…"

(CLICK)

Navajo snaps his fingers.-POOF- Suddenly, he makes his clothes appear, his clothes consist of a tight high collar and sleeveless greenish-shirt with native american patterns, black skinny jeans with native-style sandals. He has a native style bandana and bracelets in his arms.

"Is this better?" Navajo asks in a feminine style. Alejandro stops covering his face and nods in agreement with suspicion. "How did you know who I was?" Alejandro asks suspiciously, Navajo chuckles; "Fufufu...well, let's just say, a girl's intuition…"

"Cut the crap, judging from your clothing and the way you call yourself,and you mentioned the golden key…"

"Fufufu...I see that you are smarter than you look, and you didn't even flinch when I transformed from a coyote to a human...So, I knew who you were because I knew a way to release the golden key from your hand…"

Alejandro opens his eyes wider, looking surprised; "Are you serious? How...How can you do that?"

"Fufu...that's a secret...you see, I know a ritual in order to release that power, but it needs to happen at a special time…"

"A special time?"

"That's right, it must happen in a lunar eclipse…when the moon is slightly tainted in red..."

Alejandro looks surprised upon hearing the moon and asks; "The moon...why?"

"We need the moon's power to release the key...but, we will need to make a contract…"

"A contract?"

"Yes...it's a simple contract in which our souls will combine…" Navajo begins to move his hand around his body; "Yes...we will need to become one…"

"Okay, that's creepy…"

"Fufufu...so, what do you say?" Navajo begins to move closer, he extends his hand and paralyzes Alejandro. Alejandro begins to feel his bloodlust; "This isn't good…" Navajo smiles as his fangs appear; "You look very delicious, maybe I'll just have a bite…"

"Wait…"

(BBBOOOMMM)

At that moment, a figure falls in between Navajo and Alejandro. Alejandro is pushed away by the force, Navajo jumps back; "Oh, we have a visitor?"

"Are you okay, President?" Alejandro a feminine voice, as the smoke screen clears, revealing a girl with black hair, pale skin and reddish colored eyes.

"A-A-Anastasia?" Alejandro looks at her in shock, Anastasia wearing her uniform stands in between them. Anastasia without any expression lifts a double-edge long sword. Navajo laughs:

"Fufufu...it appears that we have company...how about we meet again in 10 days...right here in this spot…"

"Go to hell…" Alejandro says with anger. "Fufufu...I really like your attitude, I think I am attracted to you…"

Alejandro feels chills down his spine; "Oh great, another weirdo…"

Navajo begins to walk backwards as he transforms into a coyote; "I'll be waiting...and I know, you will come…"

Anastasia lowers her weapon; "It appears, his presence disappeared."

"Phew...that was a close one, thank you Anastasia...but wait, were you following me?" Alejandro asks as he chuckles nervously. "Indeed, I was…" Anastasia replies without hesitation.

"Wow, so forward…" Alejandro sighs with his eyes closed and asks; "So...why did you follow me?"

"I was instructed by Master Aleister that you would be my new Master...meaning that I must obey every command…"

"Aleister really said that?" Alejandro once again sighs; "Well, thank you for helping me...but I'm going to be okay now...so, I'll see you at school…" Alejandro begins to walk away waving at Anastasia.

***************************************************************************

Alejandro walks to his apartment; "Well, that was weird, perhaps I should tell Kasumi about this...or maybe not, I wouldn't want to give her any…" Alejandro stops at his door, and sees luggage in front of it.

"What the…who left this luggage here…"

"That's mine…" Anastasia says as she appears behind Alejandro; "Woahh...you were following me?"

"Yes, as I told you before, you are my new master now…'

"So, you are going to live with me?"

"Indeed…"

Alejandro looks nervous; "What the hell is wrong with this girl…this may be a trick from Aleister to kill me..." Alejandro crosses his arms and says; "Sorry...but no...you can't stay here...I mean, it isn't right… I am a man you know..."

"I see...then would you let me stay here outside?"

"Wait...don't you have a home?"

"I do, but I was ordered to stay with you…" Anastasia says without any particular expression, Alejandro begins to feel guilty and sighs with his eyes closed; "Hey...are you going to kill me?"

"No sir, I wasn't ordered to kill you…"

"Okay...you may come in…but please, don't tell anyone about this okay..."

"Thank you…" Anastasia carries her luggage and enters Alejandro's apartment. Alejandro sighs once again and thinks; "If anyone sees a girl living in my apartment, I am going to be in a lot of trouble…"

From that moment on...Anastasia and Alejandro became roommates…

***************************************************************************

Later that night…

In a luxurious apartment located in the richest part of Sun City...a beautiful woman gets out of her bed and walks to the restroom...that woman is Johanna Gomez, the nurse of the Sun City International Highschool…

"I'm so hungry...I guess, I should've eaten more dinner on that date I had…" Johanna heads to the fridge and grabs something to eat; "Oh well, I guess I'll have some late night snack…"

"If you eat that, you will get fat…" A voice from behind her stops Johanna from eating her snack. She lowers her food and chuckles; "Haven't you heard of knocking?"

Johanna turns around and sees three figures. One of them is on her couch, the other sitting in a chair and the other standing in front of her.

"Sorry to interrupt your agent Gomez, but came here to inform you…" The one that is standing in front of her says. The one standing in front of Johanna has average height.

"Man, this sofa is comfortable...you live in heaven…" The one on her couch says with the voice of a little girl. She is moving around and playing on her couch. The one sitting in the chair stands up, he is taller than average to the point that he almost touches the ceiling of the apartment; "Please mind your manners…Flood"

"Tee...hee...sorry, Drought, I got a little excited...."

"Flood...Drought, please settle down…"

"Right...Typhoon…"

Johanna smiles; "So, what is the famous group of M.I.S.T. doing in my apartment?"

Typhoon, the one that stands in front of her, begins to explain; "We came here to inform you that we will begin our mission in a couple of days...Agent Watson sent you this order…" Typhoon shows Johanna a piece of paper. Johanna reads it and opens her eyes wider, she proceeds to burn the piece of paper.

"Understood…" Johanna says as she finishes burning the paper. "We expect full cooperation, Agent Gomez…" The agents of M.I.S.T disappeared. Johanna chuckles; "So, their target is Yggdrasil and I was ordered to not interfere...Agent Watson...do you plan to start a war?"

***************************************************************************

February 24th; Sun City

One week has passed since Alejandro was presented as a candidate to join Yggdrasil...There have been peaceful days in Sun City and in Alejandro's life…Right now, it is past 10 pm...and Jairo's cafe is about to close...

"Thank you...come again…" Alejandro waves at the last of the customers. He locks the door and sits in a booth; "Oh man, I'm beat…" Alejandro says as scratches his arms. Jairo walks towards him and puts a cup of coffee on the table; "Good job today Alejandro…"

"Thank you…"

Jairo notices that Alejandro is tired; "Say...how has school been? Is it hard to be the President?"

"It's too tiresome...on the second day, I had a meeting with the Principal and got chewed out because her daughter is too clingy on me...next I had to see the personal and budget of the athletic teams who will be competing on the spring tournament...On the next day, I had a meeting with the art clubs, and discussed about their budgets as well...and after that, I met with the Student council presidents of the other schools…and that was just the first five days of my life as President…"

"Fufufu...you sure have it hard…" Jairo chuckles, Alejandro puts his head on the table; "Tell me about it...and yet, I feel as if the school still hates me...plus, Valerie…"

"What's wrong with Valerie?"

"She's been avoiding me all this time, because she saw me on top of Marjorie…I think now, she hates me..."

"You know dear, I don't think she hates you, I think it's the opposite…"

"You really think so?"

"Of course, that's the way my hobby and I always play around…"

"I see…"

"Maybe, you should try talking to her tomorrow…" Jairo smiles, Alejandro stands up with confidence; "You're right, I will do my best...and tomorrow, I will speak to her…"

"Excellent…now, how about if he does some training..." Jairo smiles at him. "Not again, Carlos' methods are extreme and training to control manna with Shion is a pain also…"

"Well, you said you wanted to be strong right?" Alejandro looks at Jairo and asks; "Mr. Jairo, why did you decide to be a member?"

"That's a tricky question…" Jairo says as he changes his expression. "Sorry, I think I was too forward…" Jairo chuckles; "It's okay dear, I'll tell you...you see, I was one of the people Carlos said was forced to be part of Yggdrasil…"

"Really?"

"You see, my full name is Jairo de la Hoya and my father was in charge of the Economic division of Yggdrasil...he raised me and my brother to be members as well...at the end my brother Alvaro was the one who took the post...he was smarter and more talented…"

"You mean you have a brother?"

"Yes...my family lives in Spain along with my hubbie...I'm sure he is waiting for me with open arms…"

Alejandro chuckles and changes his expression; "At least you have someone waiting for you...my sister doesn't even want to see me...I haven't seen her in 5 years…"

"I'm sure that she has her motives and she is working hard...Alejandro, you must be strong and think that people who trust you...I, myself am one of them and Rosa as well…" Jairo puts his hand on his shoulder and smiles. Alejandro chuckles; "Well...I'm glad...I don't care what other people say, you are my best friend….and I will become stronger…"

Slowly...and without anyone noticing...a thick mist began to surround the restaurant…

"So...what do you think this Golden Key opens?" Alejandro asks as he looks at his hand. Jairo scratches his cheek; "I don't know dear...but...it's dangerous to use it...we of Yggdrasil will try to keep you safe so please, don't use it…"

"I know...I know...but I'm just curious, according to Uriel, there are seven in total right?"

"That I don't know…" Jairo stands up and says; "Let's go finish cleaning the kitchen and get ready for the meeting okay?"

"Right...I wonder if other people know about the golden keys…"

"That...young man...is classified information…" Alejandro and Jairo are frozen upon hearing those words. They turn to look at the entrance and see the members of M.I.S.T. Flood is drinking coffee as she says; "Delicious, you have quite the talent…"

The members of M.I.S.T have full black military attires, they all have black robes with hoods and theater style masks that make their identity a secret. Flood has a white mask, Drought has a black mask. Finally, the Typhoon has a mask that is divided into white and black.

"Flood, please mind your manners…" Drought says to Flood. Flood takes out a dollar and puts it on the table; "Keep the change…"

"Mr. Jairo, who are these people?" Alejandro asks in fear. Jairo looks angry; "Stay behind me…" Jairo walks forward; "How may I help you?"

"Jairo de la Hoya...member of Yggdrasil, we the members of M.I.S.T have come to kill you…"

"M.I.S.T?" Alejandro asks, confused. Jairo takes a step back; "It can't be...Alejandro, you must get away…"

"Flood...do it…" Typhoon, the leader orders Flood to take action. Flood takes a step forward and charges manna in her hands; "Okay...time to begin our mission." The manna forms into an orb, Flood releases it slowly to the restaurant.

"What is…" Jairo quickly grabs Alejandro. The manna sphere expands causing a great explosion.

(BBBOOOOOOMMMM)

Soon Jairo's restaurant suffered a large explosion. Destroying everything inside.

***************************************************************************

A few minutes before…

"Senpai...do we really need to go to the meeting? I'm kinda tired today?" Chelsea complains as she walks with the others. "Chelsea, this meeting is important so move…" Carlos exclaims to Chelsea, who turns around and replies; "Oh shut up, you just want to brag about how awesome a trainer you are…"

"That's right…" Carlos replies with "stars" shining around him. Kasumi chuckles; "Okay you two, try not to get carried away with the rookie…"

"Senpai...you seem more happy lately, is it because Alejandro is part of Yggdrasil now?" Shion asks Kasumi with a curious expression. Kasumi nods; "Indeed I am, you see, ever since I arrived here 2 years ago...Alejandro has always been so casual and very kind to me...feeling alone in a place like this well...I'm just glad…"

"I see...if you're happy senpai, then I am as well…"

(BBBOOOMMMM)

"Senpai, what is that?" Chelsea points at the explosion, suddenly everyone notices a thick mist surrounding them. "Wait, why are there no people here? And this Mist?" Shion says feeling anxious.

"Everyone, get ready...this is not normal...the explosion, that's Jairo's direction…" Kasumi says feeling nervous. "Senpai, I tried calling Rosa, but she is not responding…" Shion informs Kasumi. Kasumi begins to run as she orders everyone to follow her:

"This is bad...we're under attack."

(BBBOOOMMM)

A giant explosion destroys the restaurant. Coming out of the smokescreen, Jairo jumps back holding Alejandro. Jairo falls along with Alejandro. "A-A-Alejandro, are you okay?" Jairo asks Alejandro. Alejandro grabs his head; "Yeah, it's a bump…"

"G-G-Good…" Alejandro feels something warm in his hand. He looks at Jairo and his eyes open wider; "J-J-Jairo...you're arm…" Jairo is missing his left arm, and blood comes out non-stop, he is also burned from the left side of his face.

Alejandro is shaking as he sees Jairo coughing up blood; "J-J-Jairo…"

"S-S-Stay focused Alejandro, they're coming, don't worry about me...I'll be fine…"

"Wait, what's with all the mist...when did it get here?" Alejandro stands up and looks around.

"So you've noticed boy…I was informed that the members of Yggdrasil were Kasumi Miyazono, Shion Saito, Rosa Gutierrez, Jairo de la Hoya, Carlos Valverde and Chelsea Lockhart...but I didn't see any other members on the list...who are you?" Typhoon says as he and the other members walk out of the smokescreen. They throw a body to the ground:

"RROOOSSAAA"

"Don't worry, she's still alive...but...who are you boy?"

Alejandro looks really nervous; "I-I-I…"

"He's just a highschool student who was curious about the golden keys, that's all…" Jairo immediately responds as he thinks; "There hasn't been any updates...if there was a spy, he wouldn't know about Alejandro…"

"I see...well, because our order is to kill the members of Yggdrasil...the boy may leave after we erase his memories…Mm…" Typhoon notices someone entering the mist; "Drought, take care of Jairo, Rosa and the kid...it appears that four people have entered the mist...Flood comes with me…"

"Right…" Typhoon and Flood disappear in the mist. "Too bad for you...I am your opponent…" Drought says as he reveals to have a pair of giant iron gauntlets that shine a red color.

"Hahaha...do you think I will go down so easily? Don't make me laugh…" Jairo stands up and with manna, he stops the bleeding. Jairo lifts his arm revealing a pink crest that has the shape of a wing. He takes a deep breath and shouts; "Activate; Flamingo Elegante; Completo" (Elegant Flamingo; Complete)

Jairo's crest begins to spread around his body causing him to transform into his esper suit. The suit consists of black military pants with pink stripes shining on his side. A black vest that has pink stripes in the borders and a flamingo figure on his back. Pink gauntlets and a black police hat with pink borders. Finally, a short pink cape that hangs on his right side.

"I am not going to permit you to lay a hand on my best friend…" Jairo says as he prepares to fight. He looks at Alejandro and says; "Alejandro...this is your first mission...save Rosa...I will distract him…"

Jairo looks at Alejandro shaking and screams; "ALEJANDRO…PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!" Alejandro hears Jairo and looks at him enraged, he breathes heavily as he thinks; "I'm sorry...but I am scared...however, I must save Rosa…"

Alejandro stands up, Drought looks at Alejandro and says; "Are you going to attack too? A civilian that gets involved will count as an accomplice…"

"I don't know what you are talking about, but your main focus is me…" Jairo charges straight into Drought and prepares to attack.

(BBBBOOOOMMMM)

***************************************************************************

At the same time…

Kasumi's group decided to separate into teams...Kasumi and Chelsea head to the left side...Shion and Carlos head to the right…Their goal is to reach the cafe on both sides simultaneously...

"Shion, where is your location?" Kasumi asks as she and Chelsea as they approach the cafe. They suddenly hear loud noises; "Senpai, what is that?" Chelsea asks Kasumi. "I don't know, but it appears Jairo is fighting…let's hurry…"

"Right…"

On the right side, Shion and Carlos head down the street, only 3 blocks away. "Shion-Senpai, what's with this mist...it's so thick, I can't see a thing…"

"Carlos, stay in position, this is probably a mechanism used by the enemy to attack…"

"You got that right…" Shion and Carlos hear a little girl's voice. Suddenly, a projectile heads their way.

(BBBOOOMMM)

Carlos and Shion evade the attack with ease. They see a small figure walking in the mist and heading their way. Carlos gets angry; "You bastard, was it your doing?"

"Tee...hee… it looks like I missed…hello there...my name is Flood and I came here to play with you…"

"A girl…" Carlos asks as he tries to figure out who is behind the suit. "Carlos, change into your suit now…" Shion exclaims as she raises her arm. Shion begins to chant:

"Activate: Gorudenkuren Complete" (Golden Crane)

Shion´s crest begins to spread around her body causing her to shine into a golden color revealing an esper suit. The suit consists of a black kimono with golden lines around the edges of the borders of the kimono. The kimono is adjusted into her body with the skirt being short above the knees. She has black stockings that go up to her knees with her border being golden color. She has sandals with golden colored strings.

Carlos lifts his arm as well showing his crest which consists of a circle with two rectangles up and down and chants; "Activate, Gorrion de Safiro, Completo" (Sapphire Swallow, Complete.)

Carlos' crest begins to spread around his body causing him to shine into a blue color revealing an esper suit.He is wearing a blue short sleeve shirt with long sleeve black jacket with blue borders and black military pants with blue military boots. The back of the jacket has an image of a swallow with bluish borders.

Flood begins to jump with excitement; "Oh wow, so these are the famous esper suits...it's my first time seeing them...how exciting, I can't wait to kill you…"

Shion and Carlos prepare to fight; "Carlos, we're going with formation B…"

"Got it…"

Meanwhile on Kasumi's side…

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kasumi Miyazono…" Typhoon, the leader, stands in front of Chelsea and Kasumi. Kasumi looks at him with anger; "Who are you?"

"I am Typhoon, the leader of the special group known as, Mystery Intelligence Special Task Force...in other words, M.I.S.T."

"Mist? That's so lame…" Chelsea thinks as she looks at the Typhoon. "Did you say M.I.S.T? Why are government assassins here?" Chelsea notices Kasumi shaking.

"You see...we received direct orders to assassinate all members of Yggdrasil involved with the terrorist attack ten days ago on Sun City International Highschool...Jairo de la Hoya and Shion Saito…"

Kasumi opens her eyes wider and says; "W-W-Wait, they only defended the school from an attack...who told you that they were terrorists?"

"That's none of your concern...this is nothing personal but we were given orders and we will fulfill them...so if you please let us finish our jobs, we will be on our way…"

Kasumi is left standing and makes a fist as she thinks about Jairo and Shion; "I see...so Olivia Lucifugus was the one right? You can try...but, as the leader of the team...I will not let you kill them…" Katsumi lifts her right arm to reveal an orange light crest. The crest has a circle in the center of her forearm with two curving lines. The crest begins to shine brighter as Katsumi says:

"Activate Orenjikji: Complete" (Translates: Orange Pheasant)

Katsumi's crest begins to spread around her body causing her to shine into an orange revealing an esper suit. The suit consists of a black kimono with an orange line around the borders of the kimono.

The kimono is adjusted into her body with the skirt being short above the knees. She has black stockings that go up to her knees with her border being orange color. She has sandals with orange color strings and a black jacket that she holds with her shoulders. The back of the jacket has an image of a pheasant with orange borders.

Chelsea lifts her left arm as well showing her crest which consists of two rectangles and chants; "Activate, Sky-blue Hawk, Complete"

Chelsea's crest begins to spread around her body causing her to shine into an orange revealing an esper suit. She is wearing a black vest with light blue borders with a long shirt below her vest. She has black shorts with leggings and military boots. She has headphones with a special blue lens on her left eye. On her back, an image of a Hawk with light blue borders.

Typhoon sighs; "I knew this wouldn't be easy...oh well...please be aware that I warned you…"

***************************************************************************

Flood vs. Shion and Carlos

(SSLLASSHHH)

Carlos with a pair of ninja kunais fights Flood who has a sword made of manna (similar to a lightsaber) both of them clash their weapons. Flood's sword is superior and destroys every kunai that Carlos makes:

-TCH- "What's with this guy...his sword is like something out of Star Wars…"

"Tee...hee...sorry but I have bad news for you…" Flood gets closer to Carlos and says; "I'm a woman…"

"You're a what?"

(PPUUUMM)

Flood kicks Carlos and sends him flying towards Shion; "Carlos, are you okay?"

"Yeah...don't worry senpai…but what's with this mist?"

"Tee...hee...That's classified, I won't tell you that this mist is a special barrier that keeps people without any manna away and makes our job as assassins easier…those who smell it are affected by the mist and turn around…"

"WAIT, YOU ALREADY TOLD YOUR SECRET…"Carlos exclaims angry. "Oh, that's right...tee...hee…" Flood chuckles causing Carlos to get angrier. Shion steps forward; "Calm down, analyze the situation, and figure out her moves…"

"Right, sorry Senpai…" Carlos makes two kunai appear and throws one of them towards her, suddenly, the kunai travels faster and higher.-PPUM- "What the...my kunai…"

Shion looks at Flood and says; "Carlos, you sent the kunai and missed, what happened?"

"I don't know...I just threw it to her." Carlos looks at his hand, Shion begins to think; "I trust him, Carlos is the type that never misses...so let's try this…" Shion takes out two talisman paper that have the kanji word; "鎖" (Chains) She makes a hand sign with only her index finger up as she chants:

"Kogane no Shinseina kusari" (Golden Sacred Chains)

Two golden come out, Shion aims at Flood, however, the chains missed going to higher. -BBBOOOMMM- "Tee...hee...you missed.." Flood chuckles, Shion looks nervous and says; "I get it, you have the ability to increase manna or strength right?"

"That's right, they call me "Flood" because I can increase manna and everything in large proportions like a flood, you may think it's a disadvantage but, it's quite the opposite…." Flood disappears from their sight and appears in front of Carlos; "Now then, my business isn't with you, but with the woman."

(BBOOOOMMM)

Flood kicks Carlos with force that sends him flying to a car, completely destroying one side and causing Carlos to bleed and lose consciousness.

"CCCCAAARRRLLOOOSSS" Shion screams, she makes her chains chase after Flood but Flood avoids every attack, she takes out a gun and prepares to fire; "Shion Saito, you are guilty for the terrorist attack on Sun City International Highschool and now you're sentenced…."

"Guilty?" Shion looks surprised. -BBBAANNNGG- Flood fires from her gun, Shion makes a shield but it's useless. The bullet connects with her stomach. Shion begins to bleed and falls down to the ground; "No way...my shield…"

"Tee...he...I already told you, I can increase anything I want, including bullets and momentum…" Flood changes to a serious tone; "Now then, Shion Saito, time to die…"

(BANG BANG BANG BANG)

Flood shots multiple times, blood begins to cover the street, Flood begins to walk away as she takes out a cell phone and says; "Mission Accomplished…"

**************************************************************************

Typhoon vs. Kasumi and Chelsea

On Kasumi's side, Chelsea quickly moved to a secret location as she is a sharpshooter. Kasumi battles Typhoon directly…

(SSSLLLAASSHHH)

Kasumi with her katana clashes with Typhoon with a manna saber similar to a lightsaber. Kasumi tries to attack multiple times but the Typhoon predicts every movement. "Is this the best you got?

Kasumi breathes heavily as she thinks; "I can't waste time here...I need to help the others."

"What's wrong, you seem a little off...first time being a leader? Let me tell you, your subordinates are replaceable. Concentrate here and now…" Typhoon makes fun of Kasumi. Kasumi gets angrier and holds her sword tighter; "What did you say? You bastard, how can you think that way…"

Kasumi charges at the Typhoon, Chelsea is in the building next to them and points her a rifle that consists of a small telescope lens, it has a pink color and black flames on the side. She is camouflaged as she eats a lollipop; "Senpai, I got the target locked…"

"Fire…" Kasumi jumps back.-BBAANNNGG- Chelsea shoots a bullet and connects with Typhoon. "Got him…" Chelsea says with confidence however, there is a figure standing in the smokescreen; "Not bad, sniper...however…"

Typhoon swings his sword causing a wind barrage and completely destroys the building where Chelsea was. "KKYYAAHHH" Chelsea flies away with the building.

"CHELSEA!" Kasumi gets distracted, Typhoon uses the opportunity to swing his sword releasing a wind barrage at her as well. Kasumi flies a couple of blocks away. She lies on the floor as blood comes out of her. Typhoon appears and points his sword at her; "It's over, I was ordered not to kill you, so you are safe...but I have orders to get rid of Jairo...Shion was already taken care off…"

"What….did you…" Kasumi tries to get up, Typhoon puts his sword away as he begins to walk away; "Now, it's time to take care of the other target…"

(BBBOOOOOMMM)

At that moment, manna begins to come out of the location where Alejandro and Jairo were. The manna is golden and black at the same time, destroying the buildings surrounding them.

***************************************************************************

Drought vs Jairo and Alejandro

Jairo charges at Drought and punches him with force; "NOOWWWW…" Alejandro runs quickly to Rosa and carries her thinking; "Damn it, I'm so weak…" Alejandro gets Rosa out of the fire range. Jairo and Drought continue with their fight. Jairo decided to use his "Kawai Flamingo" minigun.

(PIU PIU PIU PIU)

The minigun has a 6-barreled, air-cooled, electrically operated rotary machine gun. The electric motor rotates the barrel chamber and firing system inside the weapon. Multiple barrels have a higher capacity to withstand a high rate of fire, and they are recharged by manna.

The bullets connect with Drought but none of them seem to affect him; "What's happening, my attacks don't work." Drought begins to laugh; "You're wasting your manna and bullets, let me ask you something, when you hit me...didn't you feel weak…"

Jairo notices that and begins to think; "That's right, I thought it was just my imagination but…" Drought laughs; "You get it now...my ability is to dry things up just like a drought...now then…" Drought moves quickly and attacks Jairo.

(PPPUUUMMM)

Drought punches Jairo in the stomach, Jairo spills out blood. Jair tries to punch Drought but he dodges it and punches Jairo in the face. Drought has the upper hand punching and kicking Jairo without mercy. Alejandro only shakes and thinks:

"What do I do? Jairo is being killed in front of me...damn it...the key…"

Alejandro looks at his hand and thinks; "I can use its power….I'm sorry, but I have no choice…" Alejandro stands up and takes a deep breath. "Master, are you okay?" Alejandro gets surprised upon seeing Anastasia next to him; "Wow, how did you get here?"

"I will be on my master's side…" Anastasia says without any expression, Alejandro smiles and says; "Perfect timing, please take Rosa and run as fast as you can...I am about to unleash this power, please take her away, out of the mist...now…"

"As you wish…" Anastasia grabs Rosa and begins to run. In the top of the building a coyote is looking at the scene; "Oh, so there you are my beloved...and I can see that girl is also special, she may be in handy in the future...now then, will I get to see the golden key in action?"

Alejandro unwraps his left hand revealing a scar in the shape of a key; "I'm sorry, but I need to release this power in order to save my friend…"

(BBAADDUUUMMPPP)

Manna comes out of Alejandro's hand. Alejandro feels that someone is behind him, the old man with the Native American attire is behind him as he says:

"Young one...the golden key...use it…"

Golden manna comes out of his fist. "Focus, just like a Space Ranger attack…just like the Chupacabra"

The coyote says with excitement; "Finally, the golden key…" Jairo and Drought notice; "ALEJANDRO NOO!!!"

"AAAHHH" Alejandro charges towards Drought; " Golpe de Plata" (Silver Punch) Alejandro tries to punch Drought.

(BBBBOOOMMMM)

Drought punches Alejandro with force and sends him flying; "Too weak…" Alejandro lies on the ground; "AAHHHHHH" He grabs his bleeding head as he thinks; "This hurts, hurts, why, I thought I punched him…"

Drought slams Jairo in the ground and walks towards Alejandro, he grabs his left hand and says; "This thing, a golden key huh...you thought that just by screaming and charging at me, you would connect. Don't be an idiot boy...does it hurt? Of course it does, because you are weak…"

Drought squeezes Alejandro's arm with force; "AAAHHHHH" Alejandro screams as Drought chuckles; "Maybe I'll do you a favor and rip this hand off…." Alejandro begins to scream; "NOOO!!! PLEASE NOOO!!!".

(BBBAADDDUUUMMMPPP)

Suddenly, manna begins to emerge with a violent wave pushing Drought back; "What the...what's happening to the kid?"

(BBBOOOOMMM)

Golden and Black manna come out in the shape of tentacles and begin to destroy everything. Alejandro's left side is covered in black veins as he holds it with pain; "Damn it, my hand...no…."Alejandro begins to cry of pain. Jairo notices and charges at him trying to help:

"Alejandro, pull yourself together...Alejandro…"

"Damn it...I'm losing control…" Alejandro begins to lose consciousness. The coyote jumps off as he slowly turns into Navajo and says; "Finally, that power is mine…"

Navajo extends his hand and begins to absorb the manna. Jairo notices and grabs Alejandro, exposing himself to the power; "SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"HAHAH MORE! MORE!" Navajo continues to absorb the manna. Suddenly, Anastasia appears and quickly grabs the bandage and begins to wrap Alejandro's arm. The manna begins to disappear, Navajo lands in front of them and whines:

"Aww, is that all...well, I guess you'll eventually give me that power okay…" Navajo begins to walk away and disappears in the mist. Jairo and Alejandro fall to the ground exhausted. Anastasia looks at Alejandro without any expression and asks:

"Are you okay Master?"

"Ha...ha...ha...yes, thank you Anastasia…" Alejandro replies, he looks at Jairo who is burned by the key's power. Alejandro feels tired as he apologizes to Jairo. Jairo smiles and says; "Don't worry about this...I'm sure I'll be…"

(SSSLLLASSSHHH)

Alejandro opens his eyes wider, Anastasia also opens her eyes a little. Blood falls into Alejandro's face as he sees a manna sword piercing through Jairo's chest. Blood comes out of Jairo's mouth as he slowly falls to the ground.

"JJJJAAAIIIRROOOO!" Alejandro screams as he looks at Typhoon, the one who stabbed Jairo; "Why, why did you do that?"

"Because, it was our mission...Jairo de la Hoya was a threat that needed to be eliminated…" Typhoon begins to walk away, Alejandro breathes heavily as he looks at Jairo; "J-J-Jairo…" Alejandro loses consciousness in Anastasia's arms.

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP)

"Aww, that was too easy...I can't believe these were members of the famous Yggdrasil…" Flood says as she walks casually. "It was necessary, these guys needed to be stopped from being terrorists…" Drought replies as he walks alongside her.

Both of them head towards Typhoon. Typhoon communicates with Agent Watson:

"Yes boss, it was something easy, we have eliminated all of the members including one pedestrian who tried to help them…"

The three figures begin to walk away, the mist begins to clear as it shows all the members of Yggdrasil on the floor, they are covered in blood. Rain begins to fall as the man says:

"Mission Accomplished…"