X~I.3~X
The floor coldness bleeding into his skin. The taste of copper was coating his tongue and the gnawing pain twisting in his lower stomach. He struggled up to his knees, his eyes bleeding green and red dots into his blurry vision. He saw a cluster of shadowed figures grouped together against the peeling green wall. The figures had different sizes and lengths but covered by the darkness blanketing their faces. Zero's knees quickly buckled in agony, hurling himself back towards the icy floor again.
Bare feet in different shades, crusted in dirt, approached him and they all had a overwhelming sickening sulfur smell. Zero tried pushing himself up, mustering all the strength he could, as he could only just barely stand on his knees. He gasped short, violent and desperate breaths while he watched the figures approached him and expose themselves underneath the swinging ceiling light.
"They brought him in last night," One of the figures announced. "He was making a ruckus. So they drugged him."
Zero lurched his chest forward, snapping his hand against his throat, the metallic taste became more apparent as it seeped between his lips and rolled off the corners of his mouth. His throat ached, as a increasingly whining pain begged to be satisfied.
"What's your name?"
Zero lifted his head up. His eyes exactly matched two cold blue pupils glaring back at him. The man who owned those blue eyes looked about 40 at least. A black burn covered half his face, his teeth were almost gone; only a few in the front and a couple located in the back remained. Salt and pepper hair slicked back against his skull, a square face with a bold body structure. The man, like the rest of the them, wore barely stitched clothing. His pants had large holes ripped at the seems and tattered white sleeves of his shirt.
Zero didn't answer the man.
The man in turn clicked his tongue, "You're not going to tell us." He said as his hand motioned towards the men surrounding Zero. "We'll make you talk." Zero balled his hand into a fist and hissed.
The man snapped his fingers at once, "Grab him."
Several hands from the circle shot at Zero all at once. Hands grasping full clumps of his silver hair, yanking it at the side. Zero bared his teeth as the pain at his skull ripped through his neck and seared down at his spine. He thrashed his arms at everything, but also at nothing. The men had already dug their nails into his arms and legs. Someone had cold fingers snapped at the base of his throat slowly squeezing it. Zero clenched his teeth harder already feeling the strength in his body draining. He couldn't fight them even if he tried; he was outmatched and outnumbered. Seconds passed, and Zero had gave up- the men had him pinned on the floor.
"Someone check his execution date."
Slim fingers scaled up to his throat, pushing his loose shirt collar on the side. "He has until two days, Daichi."
"2 days," Daichi mumbled rubbing his chin. His bold blue eyes were already calculating the situation."He has to be falling fast if they gave him that short of a execution."
Execution?
Distorted thoughts swam across his mind in a panic - all jumping out at once. He couldn't find the words to think, even say. He was speechless.
Ichiru, he finally thought. What about Ichiru? What about escaping and leaving with him? Am i going to die here without purpose? Who would take care of Ichiru, he'll stay by himself and Ichiru has a weak body as it is...
"Will you tell us your name already?" Daichi snarled.
"...Call me Kiryuu."
"As you heard, my name is Daichi, and i'm the leader of the rebels around you."
Zero flickered his eyes at the many men still holding him down but their eyes still shown the stress of the past struggle he had with them. "Some rebels you got here."
"Soon to be a army," He remarked with a small smile "You do well if you listen."
"I'll listen if you have answers. Where the hell am i?"
"Let 'em go boys," Daichi declaimed pridefully snapping his fingers repeatedly . Carefully, the men pinning Zero released their aggressive hold on him one by one. He rotated his shoulder until he heard a crack popping in his joint before staggering himself back on his feet. The men had placed themselves around the cell- surrounding Zero. Overhead, the swinging light bulb, covered in spider's silver silk, twitched its light on and off. The light bounced off the cell walls like a game, where it eventually laid its light on Daichi's face.
Daichi amusement narrowed as he sauntered himself over to the nearest peeling green wall. The sounds of his footsteps echoed in the cell like water falling onto concrete over and over again. Large arms folded gently across his chest, Daichi leaned himself at the wall using the balls of his feet. "This my brethren...is Cell E."
"Cell E," Zero muttered following suit in crossing his arms. Then he quickly arched an eyebrow, "Brethren?"
"We are the same you see. All of us in here. Which is why i'm telling you this."
Zero glanced at his right side, the men lined up next to him had eyes showered in years of pain and sorrow...regret rested in small traces in their eyes. Zero could feel himself...understanding their pain.
" Continuing my original statement." Daichi said. "This is Cell E- some call it Cell End, Cell Hell- call it what you may. But realize once you're in here- you're never coming back out and that, Kiryuu, is where we come in." Daichi snapped his finger at the closed steel doors. "We're breaking out."
"Wait," Zero stared at Daichi. "So we're basically being sent here to...die? Or in lack of better words- Executed."
"Ding Ding~"
"But what for? I haven't..."
"You didn't have to do anything, boy. You're only offence is being what you are- actually its more like the amount of luck you actually had. You might have played a gamble, Like me, and lost everything."
"Right now, I'm loosing something to me if i die. I have a younger brother-."
"If you stick with us, Kiryuu, you'll see your brother again. I already told you- We're breaking out of here and we need as much of help as possible. We're going to flip this whole prison upside down. So Are you in, Boy?"
Zero shut his eyes closed.
"You didn't have to do anything, boy. You're only offence is being what you are
What i am...
But
What...am i?
"I'm in."
There was an onslaught of rain drumming itself on the black street top which joined in a soft song with the frogs dwelling in the tall wet grass. Yuuki edged herself closer to Kaname underneath his black umbrella as a way she could avoid the rain all together. Even despite of the terrible weather nothing would ruin her day today. Yuuki felt herself beam in joy; Her parents this morning told her she could go on the trip and all that should be heavily credited at her Godfather. Sometimes she felt grateful for having him but other times...
"Hurry along children~ or the bus will leave you~" Kaien teased.
She wanted to hide in the deepest hole she could find.
Yuuki shuddered looking at him. Cross was fully dress not in serious gear, or rainy weather clothing but a tropical flamingo patterned red shirt, short brown cargo pants reveling his blonde hairy legs and a bright blue visor. Most of the students were fully aware about Cross odd attire and continued taking their places on the bus, but still stares remained as their principal rambled. He stopped, turned towards her then rushed over, puddles being splashed as his brown strapped sandals soaked.
"Yuuki glad you made it on time."
"Y-Yeah," She giggled, refraining from laughing at his get up- took alot more manpower than she ever imagined. "Thanks to you."
"Aww don't stress it, Kid." He paused, "Kaname, you are not coming along?"
Kaname underneath his black umbrella had a shade of darkness covering his entire face. But due mostly to the moisture in the air, the ends of his dark brown hair were curling and hung heavy raindrops. "I have issues i'm attending. I've only walked Yuuki here to drop her off, that's all."
"Alright then," Kaien sighed. "We're almost heading off now. Yuuki, Yori is waiting for you on the bus."
Kaname bent over, softly planting a kiss at her forehead, "See you later."
She smiled, nodding her head before slipping underneath his black umbrella. "I'll see you later, Kaname. Tell mother and father i'm going to be okay for me." She hollered saying her last goodbyes for the day.
Yuuki was excited. It felt like butterflies fluttered in her stomach and in reality, when she really thought about it, it was pretty strange that any girl her age would want to go to a prison where criminals lived in the first place.
But she felt liberated for the first time in her life. For the first time, her parents weren't holding her back, controlling her, making her choices for her. She already knew times like this were scarce- she'll probably never have another chance like this again. So why not relish in it, she thought.
Racing her way towards the bus, puddles exploding from her feet, Yuuki developed a grin as she spotted her best friend sending a isolated arm signaling where she sat on the bus.
"Yuuki, you convinced your parents in coming," A cold laugh giggled interrupting her run. She knew that voice better than anyone. It was petty, soft and fragile but had a cackle at the very ends.
Sara.
Yuuki halted herself, and politely smoothed down her hair sticking upwards. "Oh yes, my parents were fine with me coming." She answered turning to face Sara.
Sara blue eyes were framed by her dripping wet long black eye lashes, blonde hair sticking against her face but despite it, she still somehow managed to remain just as perfect as everyone always gave her credit for. She wore a knee length plum dress that was simple, it wasn't too flashy, but not as boring as it could have been. She noticed Sara smile widened, flashing her bright pearl teeth.
"Oh."
"Yes."
"Well, that's good to hear, Doll." She said waving her polished pink nails.
"You look bright today," Yuuki countered, using one of her fake smiles, hoping it'll scream her sarcasm.
And it seemed it worked, for Sara dropped her hand and placed it at her hips.
Success.
Yuuki turned her back at Sara and climbed on the bus without a glance behind her. She could feel Sara's burning glare at her back, but she didn't care and it surely didn't faze her at the moment because as soon as she walked in her best friend Yori shot her head up.
"Hurry up," Yori mouthed.
"Oh, Yuuki."
Yuuki rolled her eyes, already curling her hands into tight fists. Yuuki and Sara never got along, but that goes for her whole family. The Kurans were considered the Kings of the Kings- Head of the Pure-bloods. The Shirabuki always had a hard time struggling with their lack of power, believing heavily that the Kurans were inadequate to lead them, that her family were selfish, uncountable, naive.
For whatever reason, she did not know.
But it was still a jab at her family.
And she'll never forgive them.
But her relationship worsened with Sara during their time together at school. Sara took great pride as class president for her their homeroom; one in which she volunteered against Yuuki to try to prove a point. Yuuki was in the first placed recommended by Yori, she never wanted to. But when voting came, Sara won by a landslide and she pulled her privileges against Yuuki. Her and her groupies behind her had a habit of playing childish tricks and games. Breaking into Yuuki's locker, putting red paint in her seat so when she sat down and stood up it gave a illusion that she had her "time of the month" accident.
Sara didn't do a lick of it, she had her groupies doing the dirty work for her. But honestly, Yuuki had revenge here and there- and since then the two had a struggle of tug and war. Every encounter they had ended up as a battle- someone was going to lose and someone was to win.
Yuuki wasn't going to lose today.
"Sara," Yuuki drawled dryly. Behind her, Yuuki could hear the bus fall in silence as the two girls stood in the middle of the bus aisle.
"How's Kaname?"
"Kaname is fine."
"Yuuki?" Yori pleaded, shaking her head. Her eyes said everything- "Don't start with her today"
"I was just wondering. I saw him dropping him off and he looks very handsome. But then again, Kaname was always handsome isn't he? All the girls flock over him you know. Oh...i bet you know."
Yuuki felt her temper rising.
"Or maybe not? I mean, your expecting him to marry you right? Since he's your only brother. But what a shame the great and beautiful Kaname himself...has such a flop of a little sister. And ironically, i'm sure your parents agree? Probably why they wont let you out the house. Afraid one look at you would tarnish their entire image."
"You're right, Sara," Yuuki admitted, relaxing her fist. "You're completely right." Yori released a short breath and leaned back against her seat, slumping her shoulders.
"I'm glad the doll finally realize it! You hear that everyone, she admits Kaname is too good for her. And...that the baby-."
Yuuki felt Sara hands grab at her arm, snapping her to face her. The two of them eyes staring into the other.
"You can't break me," Yuuki whispered harshly.
"We'll see."
"Children!" Kaien announced walking abroad the bus. "Settle down, settle down. Everyone take a seat, we're leaving right this second."
Yuuki shook her head before sharply turning around. She marched down the aisle and flopped herself besides Yori.
"Bitch." She gritted.
Yori sighed, resting her head on her best friend shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Yuuki."
"I want to hit her for saying those things..."
"She's not even worth the energy, Yuuki."
Yuuki fuemed, crossing her arms across her chest. The bus rumbled, Kaien did his last checkup, then the bus started rolling on.
"Hey, did Kaname give you that ring?"
Yuuki lifted her hands in front of her. She had a variety of rings on, she loved collecting them. Plenty were given to her by Kaname as birthday presents, Christmas , any holiday. Her parents gave her a few as well out of habit. They looked about the same, rings decorated in sparkling crystals encrusted around the outside. But there was one that broke from the rest.
It was the simplest ring she was wearing . A dull crimson red ring that sat at the top of her rings stacked on her finger.
"No, Kaname didn't give it to me. I found it this morning on my mother's dresser," She smiled. "I stole it."
"It isn't something i would assume your mother would wear."
"I know. That's why i took it, it isn't her style anyway. She wouldn't miss it. And...its really pretty."
"Not compared to the other ones they gave you."
Yuuki shrugged.
"Well, this is a 4 hour drive," Yori stated snuggling Yuuki. "I'm sleepy."
"Me too," Yuuki yawned. "I hardly had any sleep last time. My parents were talking to cross and i..."
"Eavesdropped."
She cracked a small smile.
"Of course."
"Yuuki," She sighed again.
"But that wasn't why i-." She stopped and paused. Yori had already fallen asleep on her shoulder. Giggling, Yuuki smoothed her hair and pressed her own head against her friend.
"Kiryuu..." She mumbled glancing at the window. It was the first time she actually had time to rethink what she overheard last night. About a boy who died in a accident, and this boy had ties to her somehow or her parents wouldn't bother bringing it up.
But she never heard of the last name Kiryuu.
He wasn't in her class for sure. She knew all the boys in Kaname's class also. So who was it? She wondered endlessly.
"Kiryuu...Kiryuu...Kiryuu...I wonder how he was like?" She whispered. "Did i know him when i was little maybe? Probably a lost child hood friend? Then, its miserable i can't remember him. I hope he forgives me."
"I mean who talk to themselves," A loud laugh boomed.
She shrugged her shoulder then twisted the red ring at her finger.
"Only loners and weirdos."
Yuuki closed her eyes.
"Sara, isn't someone who should worry about Yuuki. She's a type of person who's lonely and take joy in ruining others happiness. She kind of like a nut without a seed."
"A nut without a seed, huh. Then she's a rotten, small nut nobody wants," Yuuki spit.
His bright lavender eyes shone. "That...may be the case."
She busted out laughing. "Aren't you suppose to make me realize the error of my ways."
"Not exactly," he smirked. "When it comes to bad nuts like her."
"I can't deal with her anymore Zero. Can't i just stay here you?" She glanced up at him. The two curled on his single sized bed, the flicker of the candle shaking back and forth lighting a dim light around the room. The fireplace crackled infront of them. She dug her face into his cotton shirt.
"You have to go back. Not here in my pathetic home anyway. Back to your Mansion."
"I'll leave it all for you," She whispered.
"I know."
"Zero, lets runaway."
Zero paused, mouth opened slightly for a minute before closing shut. "Let's talk about that later."
"You don't want to be with me?"
"How did you guess?"
"I'm being serious, Zero," She pouted sitting upward.
"Here let me make it up." He reached over the bed for a moment, then appeared back to her holding a small white box.
"Open it."
Carefully, she unwrapped the ribbon from the white box, and opened the top. "Zero, its beautiful."
"Yeah...i know."
She squinted her eyes at him, fighting back a smile as he stretched on the bed.
"I'll always wear it."
"You don't have to, its really cheap."
"It means alot to me. Thank You."
Long time no update!?
Crappy chapter /eye twitch
Thanks for reading and ill update soon :3
