Golden Festival Day 50
The evening of the Hunter Ball has arrived. Hosted at a penthouse in the downtown area of District 37, Odd Jobs made their way in a few cars with Shoyo, Ina, and Kagura being the drivers. They arrive and step out to a bunch of paparazzi and reporters. Chifuyu is in a sleek grey suit with a red vest. Yuji wore an all black suit that fit him a bit too tightly, but didn't bother him. Iris wore a white off-shoulder gown with long gloves and a draped fur-trimmed cloak, accented by a floral brooch. Diego was dripped out in a warm brown three-piece suit with double-breasted vest, patterned tie, and a pocket square for a refined, confident look. Shoyo had to show off in a white patterned tuxedo jacket with black satin lapels, matching vest, crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and black trousers. Coming out of the next car was Kagura with a bold red halter mini dress with a back opening, fur-trimmed stole, red gloves, and grey stockings. Shinatsu wore a black velvet gothic dress with sheer lace sleeves, ruffled neckline, and a lace hem. Ariel went with a similar style, a black and red gothic lolita dress with layered ruffles, lace trim, red rose accent, and dark stockings. Nicholas had a sleek navy blue three-piece suit with a slim fit, patterned tie, pocket square, and a chain detail. Caesar also had a navy three-piece suit with double-breasted vest, light blue shirt, brown tie, and a pocket square. Lastly, Ina came out of her r8 sedan with a silver form-fitting evening gown with intricate beading, deep neckline, and feathered hem, it's glamorous, elegant, and eye-catching with a luxurious, red-carpet silhouette. Shoyo found himself unable to look away. Marlon stepped out with confidence, he wore a soft pink tailored suit with matching vest, white dress shirt, and a striped tie. Beatrice was catching a lot of attention in her elegant emerald ball gown with a full satin skirt and black lace off-shoulder bodice. Esmarie bounced out immediately showing off her light cream, flared mini dress with pink patterned sleeves and hem, soft pleats, and tassel detail.
Shoyo and Ina went ahead to check everybody in, while the others waited and talked excitedly amongst each other.
Then—
A distant roar cut through everything, loud and aggressive, it was impossible to ignore.
Heads turned.
Conversations stopped.
The pitch climbed past reason, screaming at a level that made even seasoned Hunters and reporters glance toward the street.
A 1000cc machine tore into view, engine howling past sixteen thousand RPM as it shot down the road like a bullet. The rider leaned low, perfectly in control, before snapping the bike sideways in one smooth, violent motion.
Rubber screamed against pavement.
The rear tire dragged.
And the bike slid to a perfect stop.
The Akira slide.
Diego's jaw dropped: "No way…"
Chifuyu: "…That was insane."
The rider straightened, one hand casually resting on the handle as the engine idled like a beast catching its breath. She removed her helmet in one smooth motion, shaking out long blonde hair that fell in slightly wild, spiked strands.
A soft beige suit hugged her frame beneath her coat, tailored cleanly with a vest that gave her a sharp, effortless presence. She swung her leg over the bike and stepped off like she had just parked a bicycle.
Chifuyu and Diego were already halfway to her.
Chifuyu stopped just short of the bike, eyes still locked on it: "That was the coolest entrance I've ever seen."
Diego circled once, hands on his head: "You slid that like it was nothing. Do you know how hard that is?!"
The woman glanced at them, then smirked: "Yeah, I do."
Her voice carried a slight edge, confident, a little rough, not trying to impress anyone and not caring if she did: "You two are Odd Jobs, right?"
Chifuyu: "Yeah."
Diego straightened, suddenly trying to act normal: "We are."
The girl gave a short laugh: "Nice to meet you, the name's Akane." She extended a hand casually. "Heard about you guys."
Chifuyu shook her hand first: "Good things, I hope."
Akane: "Mostly."
Diego shook her hand next: "Sports bikes aren't really my thing, but this is hard to resist."
Akane: "Haha. You two ride?"
Chifuyu and Diego: "Yep."
Behind them, the rest of Odd Jobs had gathered, watching the exchange.
Esmarie leaned toward Kagura, whispering loudly enough for it not to be a whisper: "She's cool."
Kagura: "She's VERY cool."
Shinatsu: "I have to admit, she is a little cool."
Ariel: "Only a little."
Yuji: "Shinatsu's jealous of her."
Shinatsu: "Um. Am not."
Nicholas: "Haha. That's one way to make an entrance."
Beatrice: "Is this what people call aura?"
Marlon: "I think I'm in love."
Iris: "Eh?"
Caesar: "You should get a bike Iris. I can picture you on one, you'd look so cool."
Iris: "Me? No, no. I'd rather make a public speech than ride a bike."
Akane glanced at the group, catching bits of their reactions without reacting much herself: "Damn, there really is a lot of you."
Kagura stepped forward: "Nice to meet you! Akane, was it?"
Akane: "Yep, I like your style."
Kagura: "Thank you! Doesn't compare to your wild style though."
Then—
Shoyo's voice cut through cleanly: "Let's go guys!"
Everyone turned.
Shoyo and Ina walked back toward them from the entrance, both carrying themselves with the kind of composure that made it clear they belonged here.
Ina: "You're all checked in."
Shoyo adjusted his jacket, smirking slightly: "Try not to embarrass us too much."
Diego: "No promises."
Chifuyu: "Are you sure you won't beat us to it?"
Kagura: "We will be on our best behavior!"
Ariel: "There'd better be donuts."
Marlon: "Word on that."
***
The doors opened without a sound, and the world inside felt immediately different.
Warm light poured over them, soft gold reflecting across polished marble floors that looked untouched by time. The ceiling stretched high above, crowned by a massive chandelier that shimmered like suspended stars, its glow casting gentle reflections across the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city skyline, the lights of Shioto glittering far below like something distant and untouchable. A live quartet played near the far wall, violin and piano weaving together into something elegant and steady, the kind of music that didn't demand attention but quietly controlled the atmosphere.
For a brief moment, Odd Jobs stood at the threshold.
Kagura: "WOAH…"
Diego: "I never liked showy corporate events like this, but maybe I could get used to them."
Chifuyu nudged his shoulder smirking: "Who wouldn't."
Esmarie clasped her hands together, bouncing slightly on her heels: "This is so pretty…"
Yuji: "I'm only here for the food, it'd better be good."
Shoyo: "You don't have to worry about that. It'll be so good, you won't be able to stop eating."
Caesar: "Is this what they call the high life?"
Iris adjusted her gloves slightly as she stepped in, her eyes flickering between the chandeliers and the crowd: "It feels like a different world."
Marlon rolled his shoulders once, unfazed: "It's just a bigger room with better lighting."
Nicholas: "Yeah. A refined atmosphere."
Ariel stepped in beside Chifuyu, her eyes scanning the room with quiet precision rather than wonder: "Some people are watching."
Chifuyu didn't react outwardly, but his gaze shifted slightly: "Yeah."
It wasn't obvious.
But there were eyes on them.
A few.
Hunters or Agency Staff who don't approve of vampires being on their side.
A group of Hunters approached them, expressions open, welcoming.
The Hunter: "Odd Jobs, right?"
Chifuyu: "That's us."
Another Hunterstepped forward, extending a hand: "We've heard a lot about you guys."
They talked and exchanged pleasantries. More people began to approach. Not all at once, but enough to create a small shift around them.
Smiles.
Greetings.
Curiosity.
A positive energy that spread quickly.
Iris smiled softly as someone complimented her dress: "Thank you."
Nicholas nodded politely to another Hunter: "It's nice to meet you."
Beatrice introduced himself: "Beatrice, from Odd Jobs. A pleasure."
Across the hall, Ina stood near one of the pillars, speaking with a group of 1st Rank Hunters.
Shoyo, meanwhile, had already blended into conversation effortlessly: "It's been a while."
Hunter: "Too long."
The atmosphere settled into something smoother after that. The initial attention faded into natural movement. Music continued. Odd Jobs spread out slightly, not separating, but no longer clustered tightly together.
In the corners of the room, just beyond the warm light and easy smiles, a few eyes never left them.
The bar sat along the far side of the main hall, carved from dark polished wood that contrasted against the gold and ivory of the rest of the room. Bottles lined the shelves behind it in neat symmetry, their glass catching the chandelier light in soft reflections. A bartender moved with precision, pouring drinks without ever breaking the rhythm of the music that filled the air.
Shoyo stepped up first, loosening his posture just enough to look relaxed, while Ina took the seat beside him with her usual composed elegance. Neither spoke at first. The silence between them wasn't hostile, it never was, but it carried a weight that neither of them bothered to address.
Shoyo glanced sideways: "You clean up well."
Ina didn't look at him: "I don't need your flattery."
Shoyo smiled faintly.
Ina sighed quietly, though there was no real annoyance behind it: "What're you ordering?"
Shoyo raised a hand slightly toward the bartender: "2 Old Fashioneds with maple."
Before the bartender could respond, a voice cut in.
Dallas: "Make that four."
Shoyo turned.
Ina's gaze followed a second later.
Dallas stood there, composed as ever, his posture straight and unshaken by the atmosphere around him. His presence didn't demand attention, but it held it anyway, quiet authority, the kind that didn't need to prove itself.
Beside him, Soru leaned slightly forward, hands in his pockets, his expression already halfway between amused and bored. His eyes moved quickly, taking in everything at once, sharp and restless despite the lazy way he carried himself.
Soru: "Ah, good. Everyone dressed appropriately for my arrival."
Shoyo let out a short breath through his nose: "You two made it."
Ina gave a small nod: "Dallas."
Dallas inclined his head: "Ina." Then he glanced at Shoyo. "Shoyo."
Shoyo: "You sure dressed up for someone who doesn't care for events like these."
Dallas shrugged.
Soru lifted a hand lazily: "And your favorite genius."
Shoyo: "You exhausted me yesterday, Soru…"
Soru: "Haha. My bad, my bad."
Ina crossed her arms lightly: "You told me you weren't coming."
Soru smiled faintly: "That was before I found out Odd Jobs would be here."
The bartender placed the drinks down, and for a moment, the four of them stood there in a small pocket of calm amidst the noise of the hall.
Dallas took his glass, his gaze briefly shifting past them toward the rest of the room, toward Odd Jobs.
Soru: "So that's them in the flesh."
Ina followed his line of sight: "Yes."
Soru: "I've been dying to meet those 2."
He pushed himself off the bar without another word.
A brief silence settled between them again.
Then Shoyo glanced at Dallas: "How long are you staying?"
Dallas: "Not long. I don't want to be away from my post for too long."
Shoyo: "Hehe. Good to know you haven't been slacking."
Dallas: "I'm not like you."
Shoyo: "Hey, I've been super busy recently I'll have you know."
Across the hall, Odd Jobs had settled into a loose cluster again, conversation flowing easily now that the initial attention had died down. Kagura was mid-sentence about something overly dramatic, Diego was adding unnecessary commentary, and Esmarie was laughing far louder than she needed to.
Then—
An arm slipped over Chifuyu's shoulder like it had always belonged there, casual and uninvited.
Soru leaned in slightly, his voice low and easy: "Yo."
Chifuyu didn't flinch, but his eyes shifted sideways, landing on the stranger beside him.
Ariel reacted first. She stepped back half a pace, not dramatic, but enough to create distance. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him, not with hostility, but with that quiet precision she always carried.
Ariel: "Woah. I'm getting Shoyo vibes from this guy."
Soru: "That's a compliment."
Ariel: "Not from me it isn't."
Chifuyu: "Who are you?"
Soru: "Someone who's been wanting to meet you."
Chifuyu: "Are you gonna give us a riddle or something?"
Soru: "I could if you want me to."
Chifuyu: "Nah, I'm good."
Ariel: "What's your name Shoyo number 2?"
Soru: "I've been blessed with the name, Soru. I was Shoyo and Ina's kouhai at the Academy." Which means I've heard a lot about you from both sides."
Chifuyu: "I see."
Ariel: "Did they say how awesome I am?"
Soru: "Nope. Shoyo calls you a runt and Ina isn't quite fond of you because you're... y'know."
Ariel is filled with unbridled rage: "Oh, he's still calling me that is he?"
Chifuyu: "Why have you been wanting to meet us?"
Soru: "Do I really need to say? Because you're anomalies."
Chifuyu and Ariel didn't react outwardly. But the space between them shifted slightly.
Soru noticed. He smiled again, lighter this time: "Relax. That's not a bad thing."
Chifuyu: "You're not making it sound like a good thing."
Soru: "Depends on how you look at it."
Ariel's eyes narrowed slightly: "And how do you look at it?"
Soru's gaze held hers for a moment longer than necessary: "Interesting. You two stand in a place most people don't even know exists."
Chifuyu: "Yeah, our circumstances are definitely unique."
Soru: "You can say that again. Vampires fighting on the side of humans. What a twist, huh?"
Ariel leans in more: "You seem to be in the know, how many people know about us now?"
Soru: "Not too many where it would result in you guys getting exposed, but the number does grow by the day."
Chifuyu: "Still, that doesn't sound too good."
Soru: "Take my word, you'll be okay. People like you don't just show up without changing anything."
A brief silence followed, but it wasn't awkward. If anything, it felt like all three of them were trying to get a read on each other at the same time.
Then Soru spoke again, a little lighter: "Shoyo talks about both of you in high regard."
Chifuyu: "Heh. He'd better."
Ariel: "Oh. Hm… Does he now? So you were just making up what you said?"
Soru: "No, he still calls you all kinds of names like runt, pipsqueak, and loli."
Ariel: "Grrrr. He's lucky I can't kill him."
Soru: "Ina too. Talks about you guys in high regard, or at least in high expectations."
Ariel scoffed quietly: "That's even harder to believe."
Chifuyu: "Yeah it is."
Soru: "She wouldn't say it out loud." He slipped his hands into his pockets. "I want to get to know you two properly."
Chifuyu raised a brow slightly.
Soru: "People worth knowing don't come around often."
Ariel studied him for a moment longer, then relaxed just a fraction: "…You're not what I expected."
Soru: "That's usually a good thing."
Chifuyu gave a small nod, like he agreed without saying it outright.
Then Soru stepped back, finally giving them space: "I'll leave you to it." He gestured vaguely toward the rest of the ballroom. "I'll see you on the island."
Chifuyu: "Hanabi Island? You're going?"
Soru turned, already blending back into the crowd: "Try not to miss me."