Birth

The warm embrace of the afternoon sun heralded the arrival of spring, painting the world with vibrant colors as the flowers blossomed and the day unfolded in serene tranquility. However, amidst the peaceful silence, the cries of a child pierced the air. Just as a season transitions and transforms sadness into joy, so does the blessed child Izumi Motoyo Norishige, whose name embodies the spirit of springing into life. Despite the jolliness of the day, the night descended with a stormy turmoil, the howling wind and heavy rain serving as an ominous prelude as if beckoning attention to an impending tempest.

"The sunset is quite beautiful. It's perfect for vampire hunting," she mentioned. A man then approached her, saying, "Mrs. Norishige, the council is requesting your presence for an urgent meeting." "Oh, why? I was just about to head out for a hunt," replied Izumi. "Please, it's important," he emphasized. She shrugged and walked away from the council chamber, one may find the representation of five distinguished lineages: the Asahis, overseen by Ryochi Asahi, the eldest scion of the family; the Zenakus, governed by Tsutomu Zenaku, the patriarch and leader; the Yosios, helmed by Masumi Yosio, the empress of Yosios and matriarch of the clan; the Kiseis, presided over by Yutaka Kisei, the youngest sibling in the family; and lastly, the Norishiges, under the sole leadership of Izumi Motoyo Norishige, the descendant of the Norishiges*. As she settled into her seat, the meeting swiftly commenced. "I truly hope this meeting convenes for a substantial reason," Izumi expressed with a hint of concern. "Indeed there is," responded Ryochi, his tone serious. "We have been receiving distressing reports from the vampire community regarding your increasing involvement in the demise of its members," Tsutomu addressed Izumi with a stern gaze. "My increased presence during city patrols has led to the apprehension of more criminals. Thus, I've taken the necessary measures to enforce the decree that any vampire found guilty of murdering humans must face execution," explained Izumi, her demeanor unwavering."But why don't you wait until they're on the kill list or just start hunting those who are?," Yutaka said. "Why can't I just keep doing what I am doing?" said Izumi. Masumi slammed her fists on the table. "Why are you trying to ruin our relationship with the vampires? You don't need to patrol the city; you are the commander, those things are beneath you, and you are just jeopardizing everything our families have worked for," she said."I am not jeopardizing anything. These rules were implemented to safeguard humans and cannot be altered," stated Izumi. "Perhaps you could consider moderating your approach," suggested Tsutomu. In response, Izumi rose and departed. "Where are your manners, young lady?" Masumi inquired, displaying a hint of displeasure. After leaving the room, the assistant approached her and inquired, "How did the meeting go, Commander?"

To which, she responded, "The leaders have requested that I cease patrolling the city, which is quite frustrating."

Her assistant, Naoko, then respectfully reminded her, "Ma'am, I understand that you are my superior, but the council has hired me, so I would appreciate it if you refrain from speaking ill of them."

Realizing her mistake, the commander apologized, "I'm sorry, Naoko. I shouldn't have said that," while rolling her eyes. "Excuse me, Commander," Naoko said cautiously. "I wanted to bring to your attention that there seems to be a discrepancy in the information regarding the recent mission. Initially, we dispatched three mid-level hunters to eliminate a semi-middle vampire named Mistuko. However, according to the report on the site, it appears that the target was a high-level vampire, necessitating your assistance."

Izumi, the commander, inquired, "Is it not possible to assign other hunters to this task?"

Naoko responded, "Regrettably, all other hunters are currently occupied with their respective missions, leaving us with limited options."

Understanding the situation, Izumi calmly requested, "Could you please arrange for my dai to be prepared promptly?"

"Of course, Commander. I will attend to it immediately," Naoko acknowledged as she quickly departed to fulfill the request.* "DAI" refers to "sword", specifically a type made from a rare, durable metal that can withstand the full force of psychic power for combat. She swiftly returned with the Dai*, after which Izumi promptly collected it and ran off.

The mid-level hunter pleaded, "Please, don't kill me." However, the assailant callously retorted, "Why should I spare you when I've already taken the lives of the other two hunters? It wouldn't be wise to leave any witnesses," as the terrified man broke down in tears. With a chilling smile playing on his lips, the vampire spoke softly, his voice dripping with malice and hunger. "Oh, don't worry. I will savor every moment with you," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "First, your eyes. They look so delicious." With deliberate care, he leaned in, his cold fingers delicately plucking out the man's eyes, one by one.

A primal scream tore through the air as agony consumed the man, his world reduced to searing pain and darkness. The vampire, undeterred by the sound, swiftly moved to his next act. In a swift motion, he severed the man's head from his trembling shoulders, the blade of his hand slicing through flesh and bone with macabre ease.

Blood pulsed from the gaping wound, a crimson river pooling around the lifeless body. Yet, the vampire was not done. With a sudden and unnerving calmness, he extended his hand towards the man's chest, fingers curling as they pierced through skin and muscle until his hand found its mark— the man's still-beating heart.

With a savage grin, the vampire tore the heart free, blood dripping down his chin as he brought the pulsing organ to his lips. Each bite was deliberate, each moment savored, as he consumed the essence of his victim with an insatiable hunger that knew no bounds.

The night echoed with the grotesque symphony of flesh rending and blood gushing, a testament to the horrors that lurked in the darkness where the vampire fed upon the lifeblood of mortals. "Have you sampled the heart and are Mistuko?" inquired Izumi, while standing in the building. "Indeed, it is quite delicious and yes I am Mistuko. Please pardon me, were you intending to assist this gentleman?" No, I only came to eliminate you. I have no concern for those men," she said. "That's a harsh perspective, disregarding their existence. May I inquire about your name? I prefer to know the people I eliminate," he responded. "I am Izumi Norishige she asked.

"Well, could you tell me why you are pretending to be a mid-level vampire?" she asked.

"Well, I like killing weak people. Their screams are just so exhilarating, it makes me feel high," he replied.

She narrowed her eyes and said, "You are very sick."

He laughed a cold and mocking sound that echoed through the night. "You can't kill me," he replied, his voice dripping with scorn. "You are weak."

Her eyes blazed with determination. "Okay, I will show you my strength," she said, her voice steady and resolute. In one swift motion, she leaped from the rooftop, her silhouette cutting through the moonlit sky. With a fluid, almost dance-like grace, she unsheathed her dai, the blade gleaming ominously.

In a single, deadly arc, she brought the weapon down, slicing cleanly through his neck. His head tumbled to the ground, rolling to a stop. She stood there, breathing heavily, her heart pounding in her chest.

But then, before her eyes, his body began."He said, grinning as he turned to look at her, "You are in such denial, thinking that one strike could kill me." However, by the time he turned to look, she had already disappeared."I'm right here," she reassured him. He followed the sound of her voice, his heart pounding with each step. There she stood, a vision of ethereal grace, her hand resting gently on his chest. Her eyes bore into his as she spoke softly, "I staged the show to divert your attention because I sensed arrogance in you.

With each word, it was as if she peeled away layers of his soul, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath. His breath caught, and a storm of emotions swirling within him. He managed to choke out, "You are unpleasant," his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and despair.

At that moment, he began to dissolve, his form crumbling into a speck of fine dust, carried away by an unseen wind, leaving only the echo of her voice lingering in the air. "How pathetic," she muttered, wiping the blood off her dai with a disdainful flick. "Why do I tolerate such feeble vampires?" She sheathed her weapon, her eyes narrowing in irritation. With a swift motion, she pulled out her phone and dialed Naoko's number. The phone rang incessantly, each tone echoing her growing impatience until Naoko finally picked up.