Hmm. What should I say? This story is over three years old and I have hardly given it a second glance ever since I stopped writing it, but I still get reviews, favs, and alerts in my inbox. If I said, "I'm in college now!", would that suffice as an excuse? No. No, it wouldn't.
Rewritten: February 6, 2013
Rational vampires dare not dwell where they are unwelcome. And within the Sun Dormitory where a fearsome silver-haired teenager sleeps, none bother to sneak in. What the boy dreams in his unconscious landscape is sweet, indeed…
"Zero-kun, Ichiru-kun!" The mentioned boys looked up when they hear their names called out by a voice as melodious as a nightingale's song. "How long are you guys going to sit there?"
A young girl waltzed into view gracefully, her braided, jet-black hair swinging behind her like a cord of rope. Her pale features appeared golden in the warm sunlight. Ichiru smiled at her brightly as he replied, "Coming, Kagome-chan! Come on, Zero, get up." He nudged his twin, who yawned.
"Are you going to make me catch you again?" Zero asked, one half-open eye gazing at her sleepily.
Kagome stuck her tongue out childishly. "I bet you can't catch me this time," she said. She took off as fast as her legs would carry her. A rustle of grass behind her indicated that Zero had gotten to his feet. Quick footsteps chased after her a moment later.
"Run, Kagome-chan, run!" hollered Ichiru.
Kagome squealed when she felt Zero tackle her with a flying leap. They rolled around in the grass together, with Zero coming out on top, a smug look surfacing on his face.
"I win again," he said. "You're slow, Kagome."
Kagome pouted. "You're too fast, Zero-kun," she replied, trying to push him off. He was kind of heavy. Zero wordlessly obliged, rolling off to the side so he could lay next to her. Ichiru bounced over to join them a moment later, and the three of them laid in the grass, staring up at the wide blue sky. There was not a cloud to be seen.
"Hey, Kagome-chan?" Ichiru broke their comfortable silence. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Kagome blinked her wide blue-gray eyes at him, then pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I don't know," she said. "Maybe I'll be a vampire hunter, like your family. I'm in training to use my family's purification arts."
"That's dangerous though," Ichiru protested. "Are you sure?"
"I know it's dangerous. But they're helping people out by killing vampires, right?" Kagome answered. "I want to be like that: brave and strong and kind."
"I'm sure you can do it," Zero said. "It'll be tough though."
"You're already brave and strong and kind, Kagome-chan," Ichiru said, groping for her hand in the grass. He gave it a squeeze. Kagome rewarded him with a smile and a little giggle.
"Thank you, Ichiru-kun," she said. "You are, too." Ichiru's cheeks grew warm.
"Thanks," he mumbled, turning his blushing face away. Kagome stifled another giggle with her fist.
Neither of them noticed the way Zero's eyes darkened with jealousy and sadness.
Then the darkness flew up and swallowed them. The two boys and the girl in the grass vanished in a whirlwind of color and blackness, which is then replaced by an image of the girl, this time as a teenager.
Slash! The sharp edge of a steel blade cut through human flesh. Blood burst out in a fine explosion of red mist, followed by a thud as a body hit the cold ground.
There was pain in all of her limbs, like fiery needles burning her from the inside out. Then she was numb. She choked on her own blood, her teeth and tongue slick with red saliva. She weakly gazed up at her attacker, a white-haired young man sporting a pair of dog ears atop his head. He looked down at her with something akin to pity, the tip of his stained sword resting against the ground.
Don't…don't look at me like that, she thought venomously. I don't need your pity, Inuyasha. Not after this.
"Why?" she simply asked, coughing again. "Why did you betray me, Inuyasha?"
He was silent for a few moments. "I'm sorry, Kagome," he finally said. "I'm so sorry…" Then he turned his back on her, trying to ignore the sound of a broken, hollow laugh bubbling up from her throat. Her fingers clawed at the dirt.
"You liar," she rasped, fixing her eyes on his retreating back. "You're nothing but a dirty murderer." It was becoming difficult to breathe now. Her gaze dropped to the ground, watching in morbid fascination as her blood stained the grass a bright crimson color. Any moment now, she would die, and her spirit would be free from this wretched mortal shell at last. She wouldn't have to bear with all of her pain anymore. It was actually a pleasant thought.
She sighed, looking up at the bright white circle in the sky for the last time. "I'm sorry," she whispered, closing her eyes. "I'm sorry, Ichiru. I'm sorry, Zero—"
And the girl fell into the hands of Death.
The boy bolted up from his bed, cold sweat drenching the back of his neck and plastering his silver hair to his head. Breathing heavily, he covered his face with one hand, a single name tumbling from his lips.
"Kagome…"
Vampire Queen
1. The New Student
Sesshoumaru gazed stoically at the young woman sitting at the other side of his desk, examining her nails. Long waves of black hair fell down her back, accentuating her bluish-gray eyes. An intense look of concentration froze her features. All her nails appeared to be in perfect shape. Nodding to herself in satisfaction, she peered at him through her black bangs.
"So?" she prompted, leaning forward a bit. "What did you call me here for?"
"A new mission. There have been too many vampires cropping up lately," he said. "You are going to keep an eye on the ones attending Cross Academy."
The young woman sighed. "Dumb vampires don't know when to quit," she grumbled. "Should I kill them?"
"Dispose of the Level-E's you find in town," Sesshoumaru replied. "That is your mission. And if any of the Night Class students stray out of line, you are to inflict whatever punishment you see fit. Understood? Good, you are dismissed."
"Straight to the point as always, Sesshoumaru." The young woman got up from the comfortable armchair and headed to the door. She paused just before she turned the knob.
"Sesshoumaru?"
"What now?"
"…Never mind." She opened the door. "I'll see you later."
"Wait." She paused. "Keep in mind that your childhood friend is not the same as he was back then, Kagome. I fully expect you to complete your mission without complications."
"You don't have to worry about me, Sesshoumaru. Zero and I are going to have a nice, long talk."
The door softly clicked shut behind her.
The day was as normal as its predecessors. Yuuki and Zero managed to hold back the horde of screaming fangirls that greeted the Night Class with undying enthusiasm. Every day it was a hassle to keep these rabid girls in line, Zero wished they would just get a hint already. Unfortunately none of the Day Class students were allowed to know that the Night Class was composed entirely of vampires. Damn bloodsuckers.
After the usual excitement had passed, the two returned to the Headmaster's office for dinner. The eccentric man who called himself their adopted father eagerly presented the evening's meal: fried vegetables with soy sauce and fresh egg omelet with spring onion and tomato. And rice, of course.
Kaien Cross let his happy-go-lucky face drop after his adopted children polished off their respective portions.
"Yuuki, Kiryuu-kun," he addressed them. "There is a new transfer student joining the Night Class tonight. Can the two of you please go and make her feel welcome?"
A flash of irritation colored Zero's lilac eyes, then he nodded stiffly. Yuuki sent him a concerned gaze, knowing of his hatred of vampires. He dismissed her worries.
"There's no need for such a face, Kiryuu-kun!" said the Headmaster. "The new student is not a vampire."
"Not…a vampire?" repeated Yuuki slowly, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Then why is she—?"
"Because she's not human, either," Kaien Cross continued.
"Not human? What else could she possibly be besides a vampire, then?" asked Zero irritably.
"Tsk, tsk, Kiryuu-kun," Kaien said. "There are other supernatural existences aside from vampires, you know?"
"Like?"
"Demons. Funny creatures, they are—this new transfer girl is a human-turned-demon, and she lives with the Lord of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru. You'll find her charming, I'm sure," the Headmaster replied mysteriously. "In fact, Kiryuu-kun, you may find her shockingly familiar. But let us save the sentiments for later, shall we? She should be arriving at any moment."
Zero left the room, a decidedly-dark storm cloud settling over his face. The Headmaster seemed to be implying that he knew the new transfer student. That was impossible. He didn't know any demons, and he certainly wasn't going to acquaint himself with any if he could help it.
After Zero left, Kaien turned to his adopted daughter, a serious look falling over his face. "Yuuki, there is something important that you must know about the transfer student. However, you absolutely cannot tell Zero about this. Okay?" he said.
Yuuki frowned. "Why can't Zero know about it?" she asked, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Because it concerns someone from Zero's past—a person that he believes to be dead."
"Dead?" Yuuki repeated.
"Yes. It happened five years ago," sighed Kaien. "As you know, the Kiryuu family were famous vampire hunters. What most people don't know is that they were partners with another family—the Higurashi family. They were hunters who used the power of purification magic to kill vampires and demons and the like. The Higurashi family only had one heir: a girl named Kagome. She was Zero's fiancee."
"Fiancee?!" said Yuuki, shocked.
"Yes, fiancee. But five years ago she disappeared, presumably kidnapped. No one could find her, and there were no clues to her whereabouts, so she has been presumed dead," replied Kaien gravely. "Of course, now you and I know that that isn't true. In those five years, something must have happened for her to undergo a transformation into a demon. I can't imagine Kiryuu-kun will take it too well, so I want you to keep an eye on him, alright?"
"You can count on me!" Yuuki said, determination lighting a fire in her eyes.
Zero slouched against the school entrance, ignoring the chill of the night air. He stared up at the dark sky, the Headmaster's words echoing through his head: "In fact, Kiryuu-kun, you may find her shockingly familiar…"
He snarled, and nearly punched the wall. That man was withholding information from him, and it was frustrating him to no end. He knew no demons, he was sure of that. The way Kaien worded things…he seemed to be referring to his childhood friend and crush, Kagome. But Kagome was missing, and probably dead. There's no way the new transfer student could be her, after all, Kagome was a human through and through. A noise tore out of his throat, and he sank to the ground.
"Excuse me."
A soft voice interrupted his musings. His eyes flicked upward and his gaze latched on to the figure in front of him, hidden by a hooded black cloak.
"What?" he grumbled rudely.
"Is this Cross Academy?" the person continued, ignoring his lack of manners. "I am the new transfer student."
"Follow me, I'll take you to the Headmaster," Zero said sharply, getting up from the ground. "Don't try anything funny. I won't be amused."
A distinctly female titter reached his ears as the person stepped forward. "Of course not," she said. Zero snorted quietly, and grudgingly began to lead her towards the Headmaster's office. He noticed the way she walked gave off the impression of a stealthy predator; a noiseless, powerful gait. Fucking demons. How could he possibly have any connection to this person? The Headmaster must be off his rocker.
They reached Kaien's office in minutes. Zero opened the door to let himself and the transfer student in.
"Hello!" Kaien greeted the mysterious person kindly. "Welcome to Cross Academy."
"Hello, Headmaster," said the transfer softly. "Thank you for allowing me here. I believe you already know the reason why?"
"Indeed. Lord Sesshoumaru wants you to help keep the vampire situation under control. My darling Yuuki and Kiryuu-kun are doing a magnificent job already, but a little extra help is always nice!" said Kaien.
"Of course. I will also be taking out any Level-E's I see in town," said the transfer.
"I see. Well, it will be a busy day tomorrow, so you should get some rest. Yuuki will show you to a spare room," said Kaien. "You may join your fellow Night Class students later."
The person bowed her head respectfully before turning to the shorter brunette. "Yuuki, right? Nice to meet you. My name is—" She briefly cast a glance at Zero. "—Actually, you may call me K for now. A mystery is no fun if the answer is revealed at the beginning, after all."
"Nice to meet you too, K," said Yuuki, smiling. K didn't seem like a bad person, despite being a demon. Zero was just being a stiff prick. "Come on, you can sleep in Zero's old room."
"It's alright, I'm fully capable of sleeping in a tree," answered K. "I don't need a bed."
"But it'll be cold outside," said Yuuki, concerned. "And wouldn't a bed be more comfortable than a tree?"
"True," K agreed. "I'm quite used to sleeping in trees, though. I will be fine. And I believe there is other business I must attend to tonight. The darkness awaits. Goodnight, Headmaster." She walked out of the office with nary a sound, closing the door behind her.
"I don't trust her," said Zero, narrowed lilac eyes still fixed upon the closed door.
"We have to for now, Zero. Just bear with it," said Yuuki, putting a hand on her arm. "Now let's do our usual patrol."
"I see I have a welcoming committee," K commented offhandedly as a group of vampires surrounded her, their white uniforms indicating that they were Night Class students. "So? What do you want with me?"
A tall, dark-haired vampire with burning mahogany eyes stepped forward, his face betraying no emotion other than thinly veiled curiosity. His hair curled around his face, accentuating his high cheek bones and pale skin. The aura he exuded separated him from the other vampires—she assumed he must be the unofficial leader of the Night Class students.
The man broke the silence after a few moments, "Why are you here?"
"Why else?" said K. "To keep an eye on the Night Class, as well as exterminate any and all Level-E's in town. That is the mission given to me by Sesshoumaru."
Something flashed in the man's eyes. He turned to his companions. "Aido, Akatsuki, take everyone back to the Moon Dormitory. This person and I are going to have a private conversation," he said.
"Be careful, Kaname-sama," called out the blonde with unruly hair. He and the others left the two alone in the darkness of the night.
"How much do you know?" asked Kaname, narrowing his eyes at her. She was dangerous, he could sense it.
She smirked at him from beneath her hood. Walking up to him, she leaned close to his ear and breathed silkily, "More than you think I do." To Kaname's surprise, she vanished into mid-air, a few loose strands of ebony hair fluttering to the ground. The breeze that flew through the area after her departure seemed to echo with her voice: I know who you really are, Kaname Kuran. Let the games begin.
Kaname could not help the small smile that curved his lips. He looked up at the dark night sky, saying softly, "How interesting. I will play this game of yours, Kagome Higurashi." He turned and made his way back to the Moon Dormitory. He had some planning to do.
Well. Here it is. The rewritten version of Chapter One. Original chapter from 2009 was 2357 words and this version isn't much longer (2847 words). I like this version better though. I've introduced a new element that wasn't present in the original one: Kagome is now known as 'K' to Yuuki and Zero. However, if there is no "rewritten" across the top of the chapter, it is one of the original 5 chapters, and may not follow elements of the new chapters.
And yes, I've decided to use 'Yuuki' rather than 'Yuki'. For some unfathomable reason it looks better now as 'Yuuki' instead of 'Yuki.' Weird, three and a half years ago I was saying the opposite.
Till next time.
MangaFreak15