Chapter 1
The Forgotten Brothers.
A young man was laying down on his room, his gaze against the ceiling yet he was not looking at anything in particular. His purple eyes staring at nothing and yet his head had so many thoughts inside. He had fair skin and a bit of a fit physique; he also had short, black spiky hair with a few bangs going down his forehead, which is dyed over his original hair color, which is blonde shown by the few leftover strands of yellowish-gold underneath his dye job.
"I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic when I'm all alone like this." He chuckled dryly."But I've always been alone...ever since everything went to hell..."
"Hurry up, Kazuma! Don't just stand there and run!" The voice of an elder boy growled. He his hairstyle was a tangled mess of amber curls and his eyes were a piercing navy blue. He was wearing a black sweater, khaki pants and a pair of dress shoes.
"D-D-Dante...I-I-I'm really scared!" Said Kazuma, as he rubbed his golden hair nervously."What are we even going to do?! We won't make it to the orphanage!"
Dante bit his lower lip in irritation before he noticed a truck coming to Kazuma' way."Watch out, Kazuma!"
Kazuma immediately turned to face the upcoming truck, but his fear did not allow him to move away. Dante sprinted towards Kazuma and tackled him, managing to barely escape being hit by the uncontrollable truck that crashed into a building.
"You're okay, Kazuma?!" Dante grabbed his shoulders, shaking him.
Kazuma nodded slowly."Yes...thank you, brother. I'm sorry."
Dante grabbed his brother's arm and pulled him with him."No sweat. It's what older brothers at for after all." They continued running, carefully avoiding any of the fire or explosions that were going off.
"What...do you think it's going on?" Kazuma finally broke their silent run.
Dante shook his head, not looking back."I have no clue. I don't know what could cause people to suddenly start dying like that." He recalled the owner of the convenience store attending them and then all of a sudden started bleeding from his nose and mouth."It's rather strange that we haven't been affected by whatever is happening. But don't worry, we'll get out of danger soon, I promise."
Kazuma nodded, feeling reassured. Both boys jogged the rest of the way due to Kazuma not being able to keep running. However, they were fast enough to reach the orphanage in a matter of minutes.
"Hey, that's Kazuma and Dante!" Said a boy with curly brown hair at the entrance."Hurry up inside!"
The brother nodded wordlessly and followed the boy inside and ran up a set of stairs inside a room. There, a total of 10 children were hidden and shaking in their feet. Next to them was their director, laying on the ground without moving.
"Dante-nii, I think the director is dead..." A girl with green hair and glasses murmured under her breath.
Dante checked on the director's pulse and felt nothing."Damn it all! I need you guys to stay here and not make a sound. Kazuma, come get that shovel that's inside of the closet downstairs. I will go outside and secure the gate to make sure nothing comes in unless we see it coming.
With that, Kazuma and Dante exited the room and headed to their respective areas. Kazuma quickly got to the closet and tried opening the door but to no avail."Crap! It's locked!" The boy fearfully scanned his surroundings for something else to use and found nothing."Maybe Dante knows where the key is. No! I have to depend on myself for this! I can get this door open in no time!" Kazuma began trying to forcefully open the door to no avail. He spent a good 10 minutes trying to pry the door open. No matter how hard he turned the handle, it would not budge open."N-no way...this is impossible. I guess I do have to ask Dante for hel-"
A loud scream echoed throughout the orphanage."Upstairs!" Kazuma practically flew up the stairs and kicked the door open. And what he found left him sick to his stomach. Inside, all the kids were slaughtered. Blood was everywhere and a few limbs were in places they weren't supposed to be. Kazuma gagged and cover his mouth, tears coming out of his eyes. The blonde boy went back downstairs, almost falling due to the immense shock he was going under.
"Dante!" Kazuma cried out for his brother. Dante was standing in front of the gate, his back facing Kazuma."E-e-e-everyone! THEY KILLED EVERYONE!"
Before Kazuma attempted to ran up to his brother, two pale men wearing cloaks landed next to him."Dante! Look out!"
A quiet chuckle interrupted Kazuma's cries, which eventually became a burst of full laughter. The one laughing was none of the new beings that suddenly appeared. Kazuma took a step forward."D-D-Dan...te?"
Dante finally turned, revealing his clothes dripping in blood."Hey there, little brother. I see you didn't even get the shovel as I asked you. Quite a shame, really. I was expecting you to at least be able to do that. Instead, you went back inside the room and saw something you shouldn't, didn't you?"
Kazuma's mouth gaped open, not finding words to speak. His tears were not streaming down his face and would not cease.
"Well, I must say I had quite a bit of fun while you were struggling to be a little man." Dante wickedly grinned, revealing his fangs covered in blood."I never thought that our own family would taste so delicious! And breaking them apart was the cherry at the top!"
"Why...why would you...?" Kazuma gagged again, feeling his stomach contracting.
"Because, foolish little brother, I am a vampire. Have been for a long time now and I couldn't resist this opportunity to finally have a gourmet of fresh blood. Not to mention...I did it because I wanted to finally be able to try my vampire power!" Dante folded his arms."You're always trying to compete with me and be someone better than me. That's your goal and ambition, so perhaps I did the right thing by letting you live. I have a feeling we will have tons of fun."
"YOU BASTARD!" Kazuma sprinted to his brother, his fists readied. He threw a left hook at his brother's jaw but it didn't do nothing."HOW DARE YOU?!" Dante missed all of Kazuma' punches with ease. He had always been stronger than his brother, but Kazuma realized that this was just ridiculous. It was like Dante didn't even have to block and could take his attacks with nothing as much as a cut.
Dante grabbed Kazuma' shoulders and delivered a powerful kick on his stomach, knocking the air out of him."What's this? Is it over already? That's a downer."
Kazuma felt his eyes getting heavier and heavier."Why...why would...you...?"
Dante got close to his brother's ear and whispered."Remember this day, brother. I hope next time we meet, you'll put up a better fight that today." Letting those words sink into his soul, Kazuma passed out on his brother's arms.
"Hey, Kazuma! Your food will get cold!" Akane, a girl with long brown hair over her left shoulder cried out.
Kazuma, who was already in bed, ignored her calls and simply closed his eyes.
"Guess that's a no." Akane sighed in defeat."I can't believe I'm saying this, but he's even more stubborn than Yuu."
Yuu, a boy with black hair and green eyes rose a brow at the comment."Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Kazuma is really not used to us, is he?" A girl with two pigtails said, earning a few nods as replies.
Yuu shrugged, not really paying much attention to the matter."Big surprise. He's always been like that and only ever gets out of bed to run around."
"Well, exercising is important, so I understand his actions." A girl with dark blue hair and glasses supplied."He's as old as you and Mika but feels like he's much older."
This caused giggles from the other kids upon seeing Yuu's jealous reaction."No way!"
Kazuma listened to their conversation as background noise to isolate his mind from his thoughts, eventually falling asleep. He woke up in the middle of the night upon hearing faint voices conversing next to him.
"Quit it! Stop taking on all the burden yourself!" That was Yuichiro, clearly upset. Kazuma sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Oh, Kazuma-kun." Mika looked over to the blonde boy."I'm sorry. Did we wake you up?"
"No...I didn't expect to sleep much anyway." He drawled, looking at them curiously."What are you guys doing up this late anyway?"
"Oh, nothing. I just came home and Yuu-chan was waiting awake for me." Mika explained with a smile.
Yuu looked over his shoulder to Kazuma."By the way, no one ate your curry while you were asleep. You can go and eat it if you want."
Kazuma shook his head."I'll probably pass. I'm too restless right now to be eating something like curry. Where did you guys even get that anyways?"
Yuu scowled, avoiding his gaze. Mika rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly."It was a gift from Lord Feird. I traded some of my blood for the ingredients. I hope you're not mad at me like Yuu-chan is..."
"No, you did what you could. Thanks." Kazuma murmured. He beckoned Mika to allow him to go down the stairs and proceeded to do so.
"Where are you going?" Asked Mika, slightly concerned.
Kazuma waved a hand at them dismissively."I'm going for a walk and try to get me tired enough to go to bed again." Kazuma exited the house, leaving the two awoken boys looking where he once was standing.
"What's his problem? He's always grumpy and avoiding all of us!" Yuu pouted in annoyance, prompting Mika to chuckle."What's so funny?"
"He sounds like you in a way." Mika laughed at Yuu folding his arms and looking angry."But I guess I should tell you this. Lord Ferid actually told me about Kazuma' life before coming here."
"His life before?" Yuu seemed intrigued."Come to think of it, he's never told us anything about his past."
"That's obvious." Mika frowned."Lord Ferid told me that Kazuma has the same last name as us. Meaning he comes from a similar orphanage as us. Apparently, his only blood relative was an in the same orphanage as him. And from what it looks like...that relative, his brother, killed all the other orphans except Kazuma, thus sending him to this place."
"Y-you're kidding..." Yuu's face had turned pale."That's horrible! Why would his own brother even do something like that?"
"That I don't know." Mika replied sadly."What I do know is that he must be suffering from PTSD."
Yuu cocked his head to the side."PTS what now?"
"Post-traumatic stress disorder. It's the after-effects of going through a traumatic event." Mika stated the definition."I think he must really get uncomfortable when he's around us, as we get along as if we were real siblings."
"So that's why he avoids talking to anyone at all costs." Yuu rubbed his chin thoughtfully."All this time I thought he was just a jerk, but now I see it's much deeper. The others should know about it too."
"That's not a good idea, Yuu-chan. It would make things awkward for Kazuma and the others. Not to mention we're not in any position to be talking about his past life openly like that."
"Hey, you did it." Yuu furrowed his brow."But how does this vampire even know? Was he there when it happened? ANd what even happened to the brother?"
"Lord Ferid didn't mention whatever happened to his brother." Mika continued."And to answer your question and your worries, no, he wasn't there when it happened. I didn't know you were so worried about Kazuma."
"You guys keep taking things on by yourselves and pretending that everything is okay." Yuu clenched his fists in self-anger."But me...I'm not an idiot. I know defeating vampires is-"
Mika rose his index finger to silence Yuu's ranting."While I can't say about Kazuma, you're doing something more important than either of us. You're giving these kids hope with your words." Mika was about to tear up, but quickly rubbed his eyes."Alright, let's eat some curry."
Present
A 16 year old Kazuma had finished eating breakfast and putting on his school uniform. He combed his black dyed hair a bit and sprayed some cologne on himself.
"Gotta look presentable, mom used to say." Kazuma mumbled to himself as he looked himself at the mirror."Damn Tanaka, making me go through this just because I went a bit overboard during that last scouting mission." He exited his apartment and headed out to school.'This feeling...it's been a while since I've actually gone to a normal school. Come to think of it, all I've ever received as basic education, but still, not the actual experience."
Kazuma observed the streets and noticed people going on with their business. He had to admit it, after 4 years, he still wasn't used to being in a community where people were normal. He allowed a smile grace his lips, enjoying the rays of sunlight hit his body. Up ahead, he noticed a young man wearing the same uniform as him jogging across the street, however, his footing wasn't very coordinated and ended up tripping hard on the ground.
Kazuma took a look at his watch, noticing he still had some time before school actually started, so he decided it was alright to help the poor kid out."Hey, you okay? Really, should you really be running that fast?" Now that he was up close, he noticed the boy's hair was spiky, desaturated brown hair with a prominent ahoge, and washed-out hazel eyes.
The boy took Kazuma's hand, chuckling in embarrassment."Is that so? Sorry, but I'm kind of late to class."
"Late?" Kazuma deadpanned, putting his hands on his hips."You do know we still got about 20 minutes, right?" He offered his watch for the young man to see.
The boy studied the watch carefully before he gasped in realization."You're right! I must have messed up my watch or something! Phew! Now I can relax for a bit." His tone changed from being nervous to a laid back one."Thanks for that! My name is Yosuke Hashiko."
"Kazuma..." Kazuma frowned in thought, his mind going a 100 thoughts per second before slowing down."Kazuma Shinozaki."
Yosuke nodded, grinning a bit."That's a badass name you got. I can tell you are a hardcore dude. You must be in the army, right?"
Kazuma beckoned Yosuke to follow him to school."You could say that. Although I am in suspension at the moment. I'm a foot soldier to the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, nothing big."
"You're kidding?! That's something to be proud of, ya know?" Yosuke exclaimed with his hands in the air. He regained his composure and folded his arms."You know, I am actually aspiring to be Moon Demon Company as well. Although I still have a long way to go. But for now, I don't really mind being here. Baby steps, as they say, heh heh."
Kazuma rose a brow at that. The boy certainly had the aura of someone who wants to become stronger, but he certainly didn't look the type."Looks like we're here." He glanced around the school and noticed the students going inside."Well, I'll see you around, Yosuke Hashiko."
"It's a deal." Yosuke offered a fist bump, which was not returned."Huh? You're not gonna leave me hanging, are you?"
Kazuma looked at him idly, remembering the familiar greeting he used to have with a certain person."Sorry...it brings back bad memories for me..."
Yosuke looked genuinely confused, probably not expecting that someone had bad memories of fist bumping. However, the boy gave a radiant smile, offering his elbow."Then let's make our own greeting. Shouldn't be bad, right?"
Kazuma blinked a couple of times, not sure what to do. No matter how much he looked at him, he did not see a single speck of distrust coming from him.'Maybe I'm just overthinking things.' He returned the favor with a smile of his own."Is this alright?"
Yosuke nodded, winking."That's perfect. It'll be our own special greeting! Well, see you around, Kazuma-kun!"
Kazuma observed as Yosuke entered the school, his smile never leaving."Well, that was faster than I had expected."
A man with short red hair combed to the side with a few bangs going over his forehead appeared from behind Kazuma. He had eyes as clear as the blue sky, pale skin and was wearing the standard JIDA uniform."Sup. You're pretty fast. I knew I'd picked the right choice when Guren and I betted."
"Tanaka Jujo." Kazuma frowned upon seeing Tanaka's trademark carefree expression."What the hell is this about a bet?"
Tanaka shrugged impassively."Well, Guren happened to tell me that Yuichiro got suspended as well and had to come to school to serve his sentence, same as you. So, we made a bet to see who will make a friend first. Turns out you're more sociable than Yuu."
"That's the whole damn test?" Kazuma's eyebrow twitched."Stop using me as ways to earn favors from Guren, you idiot!"
Tanaka laughed whole-heartedly, enjoying Kazuma's cute reaction."I wonder what Yuu's reaction will be. Anyways, since you passed, you don't have to stick around. Wanna go train?"
"Actually, I'd like to try this out. I want to see and remember what a normal day of school is." Kazuma began walking into the school."Besides, this is my punishment to you for using me for a bet again, idiot."
Tanaka's eyes were wide in amusement."I didn't expect that. Although, this could be a good chance for him to meet Yuu again. Your heart is cold, Kazuma, but I'm glad to see you're slowly opening up to what life can give you...other than revenge."
"There you are. I knew if I came here I would find you." A girl with hair as red as he walked up to him.
Tanaka allowed himself a smirk, clearly not expecting this newcomer to show up."My beautiful little sister! I am so pleased to see you! I hope you're not here for that report I haven't written yet, eh?"
Mito sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose."Seriously, you're always messing around too much. Can't you take things seriously for once? You're embarrassing our bloodline, for crying aloud."
Tanaka rolled his eyes, still smiling."Sorry. As for your statement earlier, I was just checking up on the kid for a bit. You know, making sure he's good and all. Now that he's in high school, I have to make sure he knows the risks of not wearing protection and all. I'm sure there's quite a lot of pretty ladies there he'll soon fall for." His playful smiled eased up into a warm one."But nonetheless, I just want to make sure he walks on the right path. He's had it rough, rougher than all of us here."
"Look at you, acting like a big brother." Mito warmly smiled at her brother."You really took a liking to the boy."
Tanaka shrugged, closing his eyes."Well, can really blame me? After all, I always wanted to know what it feels like to be the older sibling for once."
"Speaking of siblings..." Mito's expression turned into a grim.
"Yeah, he's still focused on getting stronger to take on his brother." Tanaka gritted his teeth."Little does that bastard Dante knows that I'm also training harder than ever. I really hope to kill him before Kazuma has the chance to set eyes on him again. "It's just...the kid doesn't deserve to end his own brother's life. His last family."
"And you do?" Mito rose an eyebrow in defiance."You can't deprive him for the sense of revenge he senses. He wants to put the souls of his fellow orphans at peace by killing their murder. I understand your concern, however, as I myself do not wish to see him becoming a cold-blooded avenger. But you have to understand that he's been working hard in order to become stronger. And he looks up to you for that."
Tanaka's eyes were wide, surprised at his big sister's efforts to cheer him up."I know. I know..." Tanaka's gaze fell once again on the school, in vain efforts on locating Kazuma near a window.
Once inside, Kazuma went over to the classroom he was assigned to and entered. He gave a quick glance around the room and as expected, there wasn't anyone there whom he'd known. Then again, Kazuma didn't know many people, especially people around his age. However, he did notice a familiar green-eyed boy sitting by the window, a hand supporting his head. Yuichiro noticed him and simply turned the other way, ignoring him.'Fine by me. I didn't want to talk to you anyways.' Kazuma found an empty seat behind a girl who was sitting behind Yuu and made himself comfortable, placing a notebook on his desk and readying a pen.'Here we go. A normal day of class. I'm ready.'
Despite being excited and curious, Kazuma was quick to remember that he wasn't the type of listen to long boring lectures about different subjects. He soon enough found himself dossing off and resting his head on his arms. Before he could go deeper into his slumber, he felt a notebook hitting him gently on the head. Slightly annoyed, Kazuma looked up to see the girl in front of him showing him a notebook with a few words written on them.
"I'm Shinoa Hiragi. I'm an army surveillance officer?" Kazuma murmured under his breath, clearly interested. He waited patiently for the girl's next reply."I was told that your suspension had been lifted by Tanaka Jujo. Yet, you are here?" Kazuma looked at the teacher, still lecturing on his class and decided to simply write instead of disrupting the class by talking aloud.'I simply wanted to live a normal high school life for once. Therefore, I came on my own. So far, it reminds me of fo grade school back when I was a little kid.' He handed the notebook over to the girl and heard chuckling. A few seconds later he received the notebook once more.
'You're a funny one. I suppose I do see your point though. If I wasn't assigned to watch, I would have preferred taking a nap like you are now.' She handed him the notebook.
Now it was Kazuma's turn to snicker.'Is that so? Could have fooled me.'
Kazuma was so into their conversation that he had not noticed the commotion going on in the classroom. Apparently, Yuichiro thought it was a good idea to get into an argument with a teacher and of course, he took this as him mocking him.
Shinoa gave Kazuma a quick glance of her notebook.'Sorry, I have to take care of this trouble maker.'
With a nod, Kazuma watched with boredom how now it was Yuu's turn to have a conversation on paper with Shinoa. Interestingly enough, it seemed she had gotten his attention because he sat back down with a curious expression.
"Huh?! What does that mean?!" Cried Yuu in irritation.
The teacher didn't take this kindly and glared at Yuu."Hyakuya! If you keep interrupting my class-
"Damn it!"
"'Damn it?!'" The teacher threw his chalk on the floor.
'Leave it to this buffoon to be loud as hell.' Kazuma looked outside the window in hopes of passing time faster.
Past
'Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap!' Kazuma was paralyzed in fear as the noble stood in front of them. The whole plan of escaping had gone south in a second. The map Mika had gotten turned out to be a ruse and now their hopes were dashing away from their hearts. In the blink of an eye, the noble had managed to move at a speed none of them could react to. During that split second, he had taken Ako and was already having a feast with her blood.
"Aw, she died already." He whined, letting the dead girl fall on the floor. Yuu, enraged, pulled out the gun they had stole and fired blindly at Ferid, who easily dodged.
Kazuma began crying in fear, his jaw trembling but could not formulate words. Out of the blue, he separated from the group and made a run for it.'I can't die I can't die! I don't wanna die! Grandma, save me!'
"Huh? He's leaving them behind?" Ferid mused with a smile.
"Kazuma!" Yuu barked at the boy."You coward!"
Before Kazuma could even come close to the door, a figure landed in front of him, making him fall on the ground due to the impact.
"Good grief. Seems someone could not wait for some fun." Ferid chuckled at the figure.
Kazuma stared in awe that the impotent figure standing in front of him. He easily recognized the amber hair along with the still piercing blue eyes."Dante..." He whimpered.
Dante was now wearing the standard uniform of the vampire soldiers. He waved his hand, smiling."Look at you, all grown up. I see that you even made some friends. I knew Ferid was right when he said I would enjoy the show."
"Who is that?" Mika wondered aloud, earning a chuckle from Ferid.
"That's his older brother, Dante." Ferid responded.
Yuu took a step forward, aiming the gun ahead."What the hell are you saying? His brother is a vampire?"
Kazuma tried crawling away until he eventually could stand."Y-y-y-you..."
"What's that?" Dante put a hand around his ear."I'm afraid I can't hear you, brother dearest. The sound of death is filling up my ears."
Kazuma rushed over to his brother, jumping high and ready to deliver a kick which was easily caught."Damn you! I'm stronger than before, you monster!"
"I'm afraid that's not true. You're still as weak as before. Nothing has changed."With a swift motion, Dante grabbed Kazuma's other leg, leaving him upside down in the air."Now, let's see if you've been stretching properly." Dante began to slowly spread Kazuma's legs apart, making the boy cry in pain.
Yuu fired his gun in the air, silencing everyone."Everyone, run! Now!" The other kids began running away, their screams of terror filling the area. Ferid, however, easily began slashing them up as if having the time of his life.
"NOOOO!" Kazuma shrieked as memories of that night came to his memory.
Dante seemed unamused by the scene."Well, I'll let you say goodbye to them." With relatively ease, Dante threw Kazuma across, landing near Akane.
"Akane!" Kazuma tried to reach out for her. Akane gave the boy one last smile before Ferid slashed her throat with his nails.
"And now, there's 3. Well, soon to be 2." Ferid was about to pick up Kazuma until he was stopped by Dante."Oh, right. You wanted him for yourself, right, Dante-kun?"
"That's right, Lord Ferid. I'm sure you understand my desire to be the one to put my brother to sleep." Dante kicked his brother, sending him flying behind Yuu and Mika.
Yuu watched terrorized at Kazuma, who was coughing up blood. Mika walked up to Yuu and eyed them both."Guys, never forget. We are family." Mika took the gun away from Yuu, determined for one last stand. Ferid pierced his stomach with his arm and slashing his arm away.
Kazuma got up on his feet and this time, ran away without turning back. He heard two gunshots and assumed for the worst. During the whole run, Kazuma could feel as if someone was watching him from every direction. Deciding not to risk it, he continued running and made it outside. Kazuma stopped dead on his tracks and saw a frozen city on the horizon.
"Hey, I see someone!"
A man with red hair accompanied with a girl with similar hair color jogged over to Kazuma, removing their hoddies."Who would have thought we were right on this. Seems like this prophecy was right after all."
The girl carefully made her way to Kazuma, who warily took a step back."It's okay. We aren't going to hurt you."
"We are the good guys." The man stated, getting closer to them. "My name is Tanaka Jujo and this is my older sister, Mito." He examined the boy from top to bottom."You probably have been through a lot, but I won't ask if you don't want me too. Come with us. Lend us your strength to defeat the vampires. What do you say?"
Kazuma could not stand it anymore and cried in agony. Mito engulfed the poor boy into a hug and rubbed his hair."It's okay. It's okay."
Just then, something inside Tanaka snapped. He felt his blood boil at what the vampires had done to the kid. He grabbed them both and joined the hug."It will be alright. From now on, I will make sure you will never have to suffer again."
Present
The bell rang, announcing that the school day was over. Kazuma lazily sat on the chair and looked outside. Shinoa was now talking to Yuu, in efforts of igniting Yuu's cooperation a bit faster. Since he wasn't paying much attention, he didn't hear what she said that made Yuu explode in anger. He stood up and grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Hey, quit blabbering about me!" He snarled, his brow twitching.
"Let her go." Kazuma got up from his seat and went over to Yuu."It's improper to talk to a girl like that. A man never showcases his might on a girl like that."
"Shut it." Yuu glared daggers at him, getting dangerously closer."I don't want to hear anything about morality from you!"
Shinoa glared curiously at the boys, expecting a fight. However, she came up with the idea to play it cool."Here, this is for you." She handed a piece of paper over to Yuu.
"We don't need a cherry-boy that can't make a friend or a girlfriend in our army. If you think this is annoying, then try making a friend and introduce me to him/her to me. Of course, I know that's impossible for you." Yuu crumbled the pieces of paper and threw it at the floor, stomping angrily out of the classroom."All of you, mocking me!"
"So much for that." Kazuma rolled his eyes, picking up his bag."I assume you're going to be following him to make sure he makes it?"
Shinoa nodded."Yep. I'm his army surveillance officer after all. You seem to know him. So I guess LTC was right when he said you two were completely on each other's nerves."
"We never got along, really. I prefer it that way honestly." Kazuma confessed."I'm not one particular enjoy his behavior."
Her expression turned into a smug one, putting her hands behind her back."I do remember hearing someone say something about you being socially awkward in front of girls. Don't tell me...you're actually a cherry-boy too?"
Kazuma's cheeks turned crimson red, sweat beginning to form on his forehead."W-w-what kind of statement is that?! Don't tell me freaking Tanaka told you about me more than he should! Besides...it's normal, right? We're teenagers still. You have to be a virgin too...right?"
Shinoa stuck her tongue out, turning around."I'll leave that thought up to you to discover. See you around, Kazuma Shinozaki."
Kazuma was left alone in the classroom, not knowing what to think."Mito certainly didn't prepare me enough for an encounter like this...Well, better head to the lockers to start heading home. I have a scheduled training session later and I'd hate to be late on my own schedule." The halls of the school were a bit empty, to say the least. Kazuma overheard people making plans after school or some heading to club activities. Certainly, he wasn't interested in being part of either, but he did feel curious as to how they were. Kazuma reached the locker area and found his locker rather quickly. He had ensured studied his combination thoroughly to avoid forgetting it and embarrassed himself. Taking and putting a few things away, he closed his locker, making his way to the exit. However, he was met with a rather unique scene.
Yuu was being surrounded by three people while Shinoa, as expected was witnessing and not interfering. He also noticed a brown haired boy on the floor, a few bruises on the face. Kazuma sighed, already knowing what was happening."Yo. Sorry, but mind telling me what you're doing to this guy?"
"Another one? What's with these wanna-be heroes today?" Said the leader of the bunch.
Yuu, clearly irritated, turned to Kazuma."What do you think you're doing? I didn't ask for your help!"
"Buzz off, Yuichiro. Even for you, a three on one might be too much. Especially in a closed space like this. Besides, what can we hope for to do if we can't defend someone from a couple of bullies?"
Yuu sighed in defeat, realizing he wasn't going to convince him."Stubborn bastard. Well, let's do this."
"Sorry to interrupt you, but Yuu's suspension will extend if he beats up a civilian." Shinoa stated."Also, Kazuma will go back into suspension, but this time the goal will be more difficult to accomplish."
"Are you-" Kazuma got punched in the face.
"-kidding me?!" Yuu got punched in the face.
Kazuma spat at the ground, carrying a few drinks and snacks on his arms."I could be training right now...but here I am, somehow involved in a problem I wasn't even part of."
"You said it." Yuu agreed with a tired tone.
"I-I'm sorry...it's my fault." The boy they helped out lamented. Kazuma studied him briefly but resumed his walking.
"Hey, Shinoa. Help us carry these." Yuu casually asked her, prompting the girl to scoff and turn away.
"That's a funny joke." Much to Yuu's dismay, she denied the request.
Kazuma sneered in an indignant manner."What's with you, Yuichiro? Are you so much in pain that you need a girl's help to carry a few snacks?"
"Very funny," Yuu growled back, clenching the snacks closer to his chest.
Again, the timid boy apologized, this time earning Yuu's attention."Stop apologizing every time! Besides, what's the deal? Why are you being bullied by them?"
"I'm not being bullied by them..."
No one believed those words, but Yuu was as blunt as ever and forged on."Yeah, yeah. That's what bullied people always say."
"Yeah, if you're being bullied, best case is for you to ask out for help. I've heard rumors that most bullying victims end up offing th-"
Shinoa stood next to him and whispered in Kazuma's ear."I don't think you should be saying things like that to people."
"It's true though, I'm not being bullied." This got the attention of both former orphans."I-I have a favor to ask Yamanaka, so I asked him to add me into his circle of friends."
"Who was Yamanaka?" Yuu asked Shinoa and Kazuma.
"I'm assuming he's the one who punched you." Kazuma guessed, not sure himself.
Shinoa gave a sarcastic thumbs up to both of them."A nice deduction, you two." Yuichiro groaned in annoyance while Kazuma chose to ignore the comment. They continued on their walk, not really saying much and increasing the awkwardness around them.
"So, what did you want from that guy?" Yuichiro inquired in a bored tone.
The boy took a few seconds, probably constructing his sentence to avoid stammering."I failed the Demon Army entrance exam, but I really want to join, and Yamanaka is a potential recruit for the Moon Demon Company of the Vampire Extermination Unit."
Both Yuu and Kazuma stared incredulously at each other before saying in unison."The Moon Demon Company?! Him?! Even I couldn't get in! I'm going to kill Guren/Tanaka!"
"W-wel..." The once thought bullied teenager continued, slightly agitated at Yuu after he threw the things he was carrying on the floor."I was hoping Yamanaka had some contact and get me another chance at the entrance exam. I know it's odd for a weakling like to me join the army, but...but I really want to get revenge for my sister."
Kazuma felt a chill running down his spine at those words. Yuichiro was curious, so he decided to ask what he meant."Revenge?"
"To protect me, my sister was killed by a vampire." He said, sounding depressed at the memory. Shinoa subtly eyed Kazuma, who was keeping a decent poker face. However, his hands were slightly shaking."At that time, I couldn't go help her, and so..."
Out of the blue, Yuu went over to him and hit him on the head with a can."Idiot, if you went to help, you'd be dead. You weren't wrong"
"But-"
"No buts. I'm telling you this from your own good. Don't join the army." Yuichiro bluntly stated."Most importantly, your sister doesn't want revenge, right? A wimpy boy like you would get in the way of vampire extermination." He tossed the can and turned to take his leave, only to be intercepted by Kazuma, who grabbed him by the collar of the shirt.
"Do you have any idea what you're saying?" He growled, drawing dangerously close to his face."You can't say he can't avenge his sister! You have no idea what it feels like to not be able to avenge someone! To feel powerless!"
Yuichiro slapped his hands away and pushed him, almost knocking him down the stairs."Shut the hell up! I don't want to hear that from you out of all people! You want to talk about feeling powerless?! About not being able to defend the people you care about! You were there! I don't know whatever crap you went through because you never told anyone! So don't give me that shit, you coward!"
Kazuma bit his lower lip hard, causing it to bleed."You damn piece of sh-" A sudden explosion in a building near them stopped them from ranting further.
"Emergency alert! This is a message for all students and faculty members! A vampire from a near-by biological research facility has escaped. All students-"
"Why is a vampire in a place like this?!" Shinoa gasped, eyes wide in bewilderment."You guys, please evacuate! I'll call the Moon Demon Company for-"
"We don't need them!" Yuu took a firm step forward, a determine gaze in his eyes."I'll kill the vampire! I'm gonna actually kill one and force Guren to recognize me!" He broke into a full sprint, leaving the small group behind.
"Dumbass!" Kazuma followed after him. Truth be told, Kazuma didn't want to help him at all, but he felt the need to make sure he didn't die before time.
After pushing their way through a crowd of panicked people, Yuu and Kazuma ran up the stairs of the school."I'm going to go pick up my weapon!"
"Same here! But mine is on the other side of the locker room! I'll meet you in a few!" With a nod, both of them went to their respective lockers. Kazuma was glad to remember his combination again, even under stress and successfully opened his locker. He took a glance inside and found a pistol along with two plain daggers that he would use to train with Tanaka. A piercing scream echoed throughout the school, and boys foot soldiers knew what they had to do. Kazuma caught up with Yuu and both nodded wordlessly, rushing to the source of the scream. Yuu and Kazuma stood in front of the door and walked casually inside, taking a look at the vampire who was about to feast on a girl's blood.
"You guys..." A voice at the back of the room grumbled. Yamanaka was on the ground, shaking in his boots, a clear expression of terror printed on his face.
Yuichiro stepped up, followed by Kazuma."Try not to get in my way and I won't get in yours. Fair deal?
"Well yeah." Yuu focused his attention on the pink haired vampire."Long time no see, vampire! It's been four years!" Yuu removed unsheathed his sword, tossing it aside.
"And unfortunately for you, it will be your last time!" Kazuma spun his daggers momentarily. Both of them rushed to the vampire, Yuu was quick on his feet and delivered the first swing, but was quickly evaded by the vampire who jumped in the air, landing on a nearby desk and using it as footing to jump higher and faster.
Kazuma swung one of his weapons in no avail and tried a swift kick, but was countered by a swift elbow to the stomach, knocking him against the board. He had little time to react when he saw Yuu flying his way and crashing against his body. Kazuma saw the empire about to strike them both with her fist so he pushed Yuichiro out of danger and barely managed to avoid getting crushed against the wall. They both backed away, but the vampire continued her relentless assault by throwing chairs and desks. Kazuma dashed forward and swung both his daggers in an inwards motion, once again missing the target when the vampire jumped in the air and propulsed herself using the ceiling, coming down like a bullet. This time, Yuichiro got in front of Kazuma and managed to slice the vampire's left arm.
"Nice attack." Kazuma complimented as they stood side by side.
Yuichiro merely huffed, spitting on the ground."It was nothing."
The vampire snatched the arm from the floor and retreated to the back of the room."Hey, you!" Kazuma called out."Yamanaka! Hurry up and take this girl to safety! Go!"
Yuichiro noticed that Yamanaka wasn't moving and tried to hurry up him as well."There's no time! You're a soldier candidate, right?! Hurry up and-"
"It was a lie..."He breathed out, earning a shock expression on both of the former orphans."I thought everyone will fear me if I said I'd join the army."
"Pesky thing..."The vampire woman spoke for the first time, already having her arm healed up."Know your place, livestock. If you're going to interfere..." She grabbed a piece of metal sticking out from a nearby chair and wielded it as her weapon."...then I'll drink your blood first!"
Kazuma took the initiative and clashed with the vampire. Even if he had the advantage of having more weapons, the vampire compensated that fact by rapidly blocking his strikes. He grabbed both of his weapons with all his might and double strike the piece of metal, leaving it into pieces. Before he could deliver another blow, the vampire once again jumped in the air, landing behind them. Surprising them, the vampire was now faster and stronger than before, managing to knock one of Kazuma's daggers from his hand just before Yuichiro switched with him and cut across the vampire's chess. Almost simultaneously, Yuu and Kazuma took out their pistols and fired.
"I'm surprised you're carrying that gun. I thought you were too good for them." Yuichiro mocked, still firing
All the shots were being dodged by the vampire, but this did not stop them."What can I say? I need to dual wield otherwise I'm weaker. But it doesn't help that I barely use a gun that my aim is so bad."
The vampire smirked, once again all healed up."Playtime's over. You can't save anyone, boys. Once I recover with her blood," the vampire walked over to the girl and grabbed her hair.", I'll be no match for both of you."
"Sto-" Kazuma was about to run after the woman, but a familiar brown-haired boy tackled her to the ground, saving the innocent girl from getting her blood sucked."Hyakuya-kun! Shinozaki-kun!"
"Yoichi!" Hyakuya was baffled, not really having expected Yoichi out of all people to show up.
"You little..." The vampire rose to her feet again, readying her claws to attack Yoichi but Hyakuya intercepted the attack with his sword. Not wasting a second, Kazuma ran to Yuu's side and blocked the vampire's second free hand with his dagger.
"Impressive, Yoichi." Yuu complemented the boy's courageous act. Kazuma nodded, showing his agreement.
"W-well, we're friends after all..." Yoichi said with a proud smile, taking them by surprise, especially Yuu. The vampire took advantage of this and grabbed them by their throats, running like a behemoth towards the window and jumping off with both of them in her grasps. Kazuma saw the many broken pieces of glass falling along with them and Yoichi screaming after them. He didn't the moment long enough as he was tossed against a branch, leaving him behind while the vampire and Yuu landed on a bush. Before the pain could further limit his mobility, Kazuma threw his dagger at the vampire, piercing through her back and the damage was doubled thanks to Yuu managing to get his sword through the vampire's chess during the landing.
"Sheez, a little more and you would have broken your back, you know?" A familiar voice spoke from above. Kazuma opened his eyes and saw Tanaka standing next to him on the branch."Give me your hand, you'll be fine.
"Took you long enough..." Kazuma grunted while he accepted the help. His face turned pale after remembering that Yuu was still at the vampire's mercy."Tanaka! We have to go help Yuu! He's in dan-"
"Oh, Guren already killed the vampire, see?" He beckoned down below at Guren and his group already on the scene."I have to say, what you guys did was rather reckless and stupid, but since thanks to you, we've had fewer casualties, I'll give you a thumbs up."
"Ugh...not now..." Kazuma closed his eyes, groaning in pain when he rubbed his stiff back.
"Anyways, I'll take you to the infirmary. Otherwise, you'll be having back pains for a while." He knelt down, allowing Kazuma to get on his back."Hey, Guren, I'll take the kid to see the nurse. I think he messed up his back!" Tanaka hollered at the group, a sly smile forming on his face."Also, don't forget I won our bet!" He jumped to the ground and proceeded to leave the area.
"Damn..." Guren cursed under his breath."I thought he had forgotten..."
On the way to the hospital, Tanaka was glad to see that people were beginning to come out to the streets again, although a few of them still looked perturbed by the event. "You know, I was watching the whole fight and I must say I'm a bit disappointed."
"For what? Not killing the vampire before you guys got there?" Kazuma pondered, a scowl forming on his face."I would have killed the vampire sooner, but Yuichiro kept butting in."
"No, you knucklehead. You can't kill vampires with regular weapons." Tanaka sighed."And that's exactly why I'm disappointed! You guys didn't team up! Not even once! You kept charging in separately and switching turns! If you attacked the vampire together, as a TEAM," he emphasized the word," then you would have probably done a lot better. You and Yuu would make a fantastic duo."
"I doubt that." Kazuma pouted at the thought."He and I don't really sync well. We're complete opposites. Not to mention, he seems to hate me."
"He doesn't hate you. It's just hard for him to move on from past events." Tanaka reassured him."I guarantee you that one day the two of you will make a fine asset in the army and will fight side by side, as teammates."
Kazuma didn't say anything afterward due to the back pain he was feeling after landing back first on the tree branch. His eyes got heavier and his breathing became calmer. He had fallen asleep.
Kazuma woke up in a hospital bed and groggily looked at his surroundings before seeing something he wasn't expecting to see.
"Are you...watching me sleep?" Kazuma asked the lavender hair girl that was standing next to his bed.
"Is that a way to greet someone that comes to visit you when you're injured?" She asked nonchalantly, still wearing her carefree smile."I was informed that you were in the hospital resting, so I decided to check up on you real quick. Tanaka told me you almost broke your back and you were between life and death. But from what I can see, he was just exaggerating."
"Yeah..." Kazuma got up from the bed, his back feeling a bit stiff but felt less pain than before."That's his older brother mode. The nurse said that the landing was what hurt my back, but it didn't break it. All I need is some rest. I was taking a nap here, but I am free to go home."
"Good for you." She tilted her head."It would be a shame if you were out of commission before you even heard that news that you've been assigned to the Vampire Extermination Unit. Oh, and Yuu-san is also here along with Yoichi. Both of them have been accepted as well."
"They both did, huh?" Kazuma asked absentmindedly.
"Yuup. They admired your acts of braveness when you kept protecting each other. You and Yuu-san might not see it that way, but you were close enough to do teamwork."
He rubbed the back of his neck, a smile forming on his lips."You should tell that to Tanaka."
"Tanaka-san must really care about you as much as you care about him." She commented, eying the boy from top to bottom."He had informed me a bit about your past, so I knew from the get-go that your relationship with him is the same as Yuu-san with Luitentant Colonel." She noticed Kazuma had tensed up and decided to comfort him."It's alright, he didn't tell me everything if that's what you're wondering."
"No. It's alright. But I prefer if we didn't talk about it." He walked over to the window, the sunset light hitting his face."But to answer your question. Yes, Tanaka is like an older brother to me."
"Is Yuu-san like a brother to you? After all, you both were orphans and went to the same orphanage, right?" Shinoa inquired as she also enjoyed the view of the sunset.
Kazuma bit his lower lip in thought."It's hard to say. Our orphanages had the same names, but they were completely separate. I only met him after we were taken away by the vampires to be livestock. He hates me because I was a coward when he needed me the most. I can't blame him."
"Well, I can't really say much if you don't tell me about yourself. But don't worry, you don't have to open up right away. Whenever you want to talk, just let me know. We're comrades now after all."
"Thanks, Shinoa. You can be pretty relaxed and straightforward when you want to I suppose." He said with a laugh.
Shinoa glared at him, a brow raise."What's that? I hope that's a compliment."
"It is." He smiled, continuing to observe the outside.'Now I'm one step closer to becoming stronger. When you see me next time, you'll be in for a surprise after you realize how stronger I've become...Dante.'
What's up everyone. Welcome to my new fanfiction of Owari No Seraph! I'm currently also writing another story called Yuugioh Arc-V Another Hero, so you're much welcome to check that out while waiting for chapters to be posted. Do not worry, I plan to expand Kazuma's story and how he got to where he is today as well as Tanaka's life before the catastrophe. Also, I'll be explaining certain things in future chapters, including Dante's life post the catastrophe and about how both brothers became orphans, to begin with. If you are wondering, Shinozaki is Dante's and Kazuma's birth surname. Hyakuya was their surname after they became orphans, and as you can see, Kazuma doesn't embrace it in the present.
Overall, I hope you guys had a wonderful time reading and please feel free to leave reviews for feedback or interesting ideas for the story. Have a good one and take care!
