Chapter One - Tsuruko Arc: The Violet Swords

Tsuruko had been through much heartache in the past several months. She couldn't discern the emotions she was feeling. Was she exhausted because she was angry or angry because she was exhausted. The mission she was currently working on has pushed her to the end of her rope. While she was here on this assignment, Motoko was suffering.

It almost seemed to be a dream when Tsuruko was told the news. Keitaro had been kicked out of the Hinata Apartments and in that short time frame, her dear sister had descended into a torment of her own making. Tsuruko was still unsure of what exactly happened to spark this chain of events, but she was absolutely sure that Motoko needed her more than ever.

Yet here she was, in this city of filth to complete a mission. Though the Shinmei-ryuu's purpose is to exorcise demons and the like, there is an elite group of people called the Violet Swords that take on dangerous missions from protection to assassination. This time, the mission was to locate and kidnap a certain gangster and hand her over to the Estonian government. It sounded simple enough, but finding was very difficult. In addition, the gangsters loyal to the target were far from ordinary.

At first glance, the scouts seemed to be placed all over the place, but in reality they were stationed at strategic points. Almost as if they were expecting them, which was impossible. Informing their employers, Tsuruko had asked about who her team was dealing with, but to no avail. All she was told was to wait until they signaled for assistance. Rather than being angry, Tsuruko concentrated on her worries, namely Motoko.

It was hard for Tsuruko to think of any kind of reason that would make the girls, especially Motoko, to turn on Keitaro. When she first met him, she thought he was average and therefore normal, but soon after Tsuruko's opinion changed. For that Motoko to trust a man enough to keep up such an obvious farce, was truly unexpected. As for Keitaro, he was a different quality of man. Rather than being a go-getter as it were, he was a natural supporter. If a difficult situation would arise for any of the girls, he would be there no matter what. Simply, he put the people important to him first.

But Keitaro was gone now and no one has any idea where he went. Tsuruko was sure that Motoko had deeply regretted her decision and that was why she was suffering. Even if Tsuruko were by Motoko's side, she knew that only the immediate presence of Keitaro would give her peace. However, that was easier said than done. No one knows where Keitaro was. It was as though he disappeared off the face of the earth. Tsuruko didn't want to think about it, but one possibility was that he was no longer in this world. If that was the case, Motoko would have to live with tormented regret for the rest of her life...

Such things were not meant to be contemplated in such crucial times though. She had to stay frosty focused. Carelessness invites death. This was the night when her employers finally make their move. As usual, they were vague as to what they were supposed to be looking for. Tsuruko and her team stationed themselves a few blocks from the "Valkyrie Host". The place scarcely had a bird's eye view of the targeted building, but this was so they were at a safe distance and still close enough to take action. However, Tsuruko wasn't the only one frustrated with their current situation.

"This is ridiculous Nee-san." said Asuka. "We're being treated as grunts. Can't you do something?" Tsuruko turned away from the window and glanced at the pink short haired girl. Unlike most of the Aoyama clan, Asuka staunchly rejected the traditional appearance of all clan members. Instead the traditional hakama, she dresses in all black with silver accessories from head to toe. Asuka is frustrated with her place in the world, to put it lightly.

"Perhaps under favorable circumstances, these are less than adequate circumstances, Asuka." Tsuruko replied. "This type of assignment is also a new experience for me as well."

"No shit about this mission, Nee-san. We get in and get out with enough time to make it back usually."

"Don't forget who you're talking to, you punk." said Subaru. "Tsuruko-sama is what we all aspire to be, show respect." Perhaps the epitome of the clan's customs, Subaru exudes the poise of an Aoyama. She's the typical practitioner of the Shinmeiryu, but far more dedicated. Tsuruko believes that she has the potential to rival Motoko, which makes Subaru a force to be reckoned with.

"It's alright, Subaru we're all frustrated with this standstill in the operation."

"Yeah, so back of you Aoyama-maniac." Asuka said in anger.

"I'd rather not dirty my hands, it would be a disgrace." Subaru retorted.

"Knock it off you two." ordered Reina. "Before I give you a spanking and you know I'll do it too." The oldest swordswoman in this group, Reina is known for her wittiness. Reina is the most senior agent of the Violet Swords. Even in her early forties, Reina is still one of the best agents of the Shinmeiryu.

"Anything, Reina?" Tsuruko asked.

"I checked the perimeter around the Valkyrie Host and it looks like someone is moving. A fairly large group is making their way towards our target." Reina answered.

"Yes, that's got to be the signal!" In exuberance, Asuka stood up.

"But we can't be sure, we haven't been contacted." Subaru pointed out.

"It's your call Tsuruko." said Reina.

"The fact that someone is moving towards are target makes me feel uneasy, but we also have to remember that we must keep to the shadows until the pivotal moment... What do you think?"

Tsuruko deliberated.

"Like I said, it's up to you. Personally, I'd rather move now. This mission is more difficult because we need to obtain the target and deliver the person unharmed."

"I disagree with Reina-sama. If our employers find out that we moved without their consent, it will bring shame upon the clan." said Subaru.

"Come on, we've been stuck here forever. I need some action!" Asuka shrieked.

"Better to ask for forgiveness than permission." Tsuruko thought. After all, she really wasn't the patient type either. "Fasten your swords, we're moving out."

Alright, so I'm putting up the first chapter of the first of multiple sequels. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, put it up in the form of a review. ~Yuelyn the Vampire