(A/N): Hello my darlings and welcome to chapter 6! I can't believe that I'm already on chapter 6... I feel like I just started writing this story... but anyway... thank you to all of you who have read and added this story to your alerts or favorites lists ^.^ And a very special OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH 8D to my chapter 5 reviewers!
ChiyoChi-Yamamoto: I'm so glad that you enjoyed chapter five! And I know... I'm mean to Takuma... but maybe not for long ;)
Princesa de la Luna: Thank you for reading and for your interest in my story! Sorry I can't help more by drawing... but I'm really terrible at it '~'
Emi and Alex: Here's the next chapter for you! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well ^.^
TwilightAnimeGamer: My ever faithful reviewer! HaHa. Thank you so much for your continued support since the beginning! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)
kelly70702: Thanks for reading my story and I'm glad you like it! And thanks for commenting on my chapter length, because I agree. Short chapters suck.
Ippen shinde miru: I'm glad you're enjoying my story and here's an update! Hm... do you wanna see a love triangle? *for more on that, see my ending author's note. Or go to my profile page ;)*
unknown player: I'm glad I could introduce you to the wonderful world of Vampire Knight fanfiction! Now watch in terror as your life slowly passes you by... mwahahahaha! I hope you enjoy this speedy update (just don't get used to it :P)
Now, ON TO CHAPTER SIX!
"You've reached Asai Shizuki—"
"Damn it..."
"I'm busy right now, so leave me a message and I'll get back to you soon," said Asai's answering machine on his cell phone. I sighed and waited for the beep.
"Hey Asai, it's Karu. Uh... the President has gone crazy and she's sending me on an assignment in town with Zero and I'm kinda freaking out! So please call me soon. Be safe," I said, before hanging up.
"Karuko?"
"Yes?!" I asked, turning around quickly to face the door of my room. I sighed. I was so on-edge. I need to calm down.
"Zero's ready. Are you?" asked Headmaster Cross.
"It's time to go already?!"
"Relax... Zero is fine. And he'll take good care of you," said the headmaster, ushering me out of my room. We walked to the main entrance, where I saw Zero standing with a scowl. The headmaster presented me to Zero like he was handing over his child to a babysitter.
"You're not even giving her her sword?" Zero asked, annoyed.
"Kaname's orders. I'm afraid I can't. But she shouldn't need it. You're all the weapon that she needs. Well, you two have fun now!" said the headmaster, shoving us out the door. Zero and I stood awkwardly together for a moment, before he began walking.
"Come on, let's get this over with..." he muttered. I followed him, slowly and grudgingly. We arrived in town sooner than I would've liked. It was fairly busy today.
"Uh... Zero, do you know—?" He suddenly grabbed me, putting his arm around me and pulling me into him. I was about to panic. I thought he had snapped again, but when I looked out, I realized that there was a vampire walking towards us, staring at me. When he walked past, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I didn't have to look up at Zero to feel his angry gaze.
"Honestly... you didn't even sense him?! Be on your guard! I have a level E to hunt," he scolded me, as quietly as he could.
"I thought it was you—"
"I'm not gonna be your babysitter. If you're gonna be like this all day, then just go shopping or something. Don't get in my way."
"I was assigned to come with you..."
"Don't think that I don't know why you're here... you're here to make sure I get the job done and to report to the President. And trust me... I'm gonna make sure you have something to report to that bitch," he seethed, his voice lined with malice. Though, not necessarily at me...
"Zero, I just—"
"Save it. Look... I've seen what you can do when you're determined. That's what I need you to be right now," said Zero. I was more afraid of Zero now than I had ever been. Was he being... nice?! "Now, come on. The level E is this way. Stay close to me," he said as he began walking. I hurried up next to him.
"How do you know that—?"
"Intuition." Intuition? Yeah, sure. Whatever. I followed Zero in silence. He led me to an abandoned part of town. It was very rundown. And very creepy. "Let's split up."
"Huh?!"
"We'll find it faster that way."
"Screw you, Zero! I don't want to find it! I'm not sure if you've heard or not, but this vampire has been killing teenage girls!"
"Keep your voice down. And for the love of God, take a breath. Your heart is gonna stop. You're to do as I say. Now, go into that house and look for the vampire."
"B-But what if I find it?!"
"Then scream... idiot," Zero seethed. Really? Scream? What if it kills me before then?! Zero grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me towards the abandoned building. "Go search. I'll be right next door. You'll be fine," he said, walking away and into the next building.
"Zero?! Damn it, Zero! Answer me!" I yelled in a hushed whisper. But he never came back. I slowly turned to look inside of the house. There was no furniture, it was covered in cobwebs, and it looked like it might collapse if I kicked the wall at a certain angle. I walked in slowly, the building creaking with every step I took. The further I walked into the building, the less and less this seemed like a good idea. That's when I suddenly sensed it. It was obvious now. With Zero gone, the other vampire was much easier to sense. He was closer. Much closer than the second building that Zero had disappeared off to.
"He-Hello?" I asked nervously as my knees started to shake. "HEL—!"
"Oh, what is this? A cute little vampire hunter has wandered over. Have you come to feed me?" it asked, falling from the ceiling and landing before me.
"AHH— MMMF!"
That was all I managed to scream before he clasped his hand over my mouth. He picked me up and carried me to another part of the house. I'm gonna die. Are you happy, President? I'm gonna die and you won't have to worry about me anymore. I recoiled from his touch.
"Aw... why are you so resilient? Come on... you're cute so I'll be gentle," he hissed, moving his hand from my mouth and then licking my neck. Violent chills ran up my spine.
"ZERO!" I yelled, and then he covered my mouth again.
"Who's Zero? Your boyfriend? You're breaking my heart," it said with mock sadness. I closed my eyes tight. Then heard a click. "Oh, who is this? The boyfriend?" I opened my eyes and saw Zero standing before us, the Bloody Rose pressed against the vampire's head.
"Four teenage girls. All dead. You're the one who killed them?"
"Come on. Don't ask questions— shoot first. Heh heh... or else, I can slash her neck before you pull the trigger," said the vampire as he plunged his claws into my neck and dragged them across.
"AAH! ZERO?!" I cried out in pain. Why didn't he shoot it?!
"Maybe this is your first hunt? You're such a kind hunter," it said, as it then punched the wall, forming an opening. "Hahahahaha! You can't sacrifice the hostage, nor can you save her. I feel sorry for you. Hahaha!" he cackled as he walked through the opening. He sniffed my neck, and then I felt him lick away the blood that oozed from my wounds.
"Zero..." I called. I was starting to feel lightheaded. Soon, he was out of sight. I tried to fight against the vampire, but I could hardly move in its grasp.
"Now, now... don't struggle. If you do, I'll have to drink you slowly," he hissed. Was I really gonna have to kill this vampire? How?! We passed another hole in the wall and then he stopped, looking out of it. Senri and Toya? What were they doing here? "Would you look at that..." said the level E, as he jumped through the hole and to the ground. I clung to him, startled by the three story fall. "My comrades came to see me? Sorry, but I'm busy now," he said as he licked more blood off of my neck. "Do you intend to swipe my dessert? That's not fair. I can't let you do that. I'm saving her for later," he said.
I watched Senri as he raised his finger to his mouth, and then bit it. A drop of blood appeared on his finger, and then the next thing I knew, ribbons of crimson were flying towards me. I let out a startled shriek as I felt the ground give out from under me. The arms that had held me prisoner disappeared, and I frantically reached for the ledge before falling into the crater. It took all the upper body strength I had to keep myself poised on the ledge. When I tried to lift out my entire body, I found myself being restricted.
"Trying to get away so soon? Come on... I'll be nice," said the vampire, who held me down. He reached out to my arm, but at the same time, the sound of a shotgun reverberated through my ears. And I watched as his hand disintegrated before my eyes. He fell into the crater, followed by Zero. Zero landed on top of him, pinning him to the asphalt.
"Your stupid game of tag is over," said Zero, pointing his gun to the vampire's head. "Don't you dare touch her with your filthy hands."
I felt someone grab my arms and effortlessly pull me out of the hole. I turned and looked at Senri, whose eyes were still focused on the level E. "Your desire for blood has turned you into a serial killer. I will purge you of your sin," said Zero.
"Oh dear... I've been caught. But now I won't have to kill anymore, right?" asked the vampire. In the next moment, a bright light covered us. And all that remained of the vampire was a pile of dust. It was over. He was gone. I should have been happy. But for some reason, all I could think about was him. Who was he, before he was turned? Did he have a family? Was he a father? A brother?
"Karuko!"
I jumped at the suddenness of Zero's voice. He sighed at my reaction and rolled his eyes. "I asked you if you're alright," he said. It took me a moment before I could find my voice.
"Y-Yeah... peachy," I replied.
"Let me see your neck."
"What?!"
He scowled at me and then held up a long strip of cloth. "So I can wrap this around it. To stop the bleeding," he said. I knew what he wanted me to do, but it was like I couldn't. "Come on..." he said. Surprisingly gently, he took my arm and pulled it back down to my side. He wrapped the cloth around my neck and tied it loosely.
"Well, this was a waste of time..." said Toya, who sighed.
"Why are you two here anyway?" asked Zero.
"Ask Kaname," said Senri, who turned around and began walking away with Toya.
"Damn Kuran... killing level Es is the duty of the Society. Come on. You have to go there, right?" he asked.
"What?" I asked. I hadn't been paying very much attention. And the only thing I could seem to think of was that vampire's claws, digging into my neck. I had nearly forgotten everything about meeting with the President. "Oh... yeah," I replied as I began to slowly walk towards the direction of the Society.
"You're swaying..." Zero said uneasily.
"I'm fine," I lied. I felt like shit. I couldn't shake the feeling of being in that vampire's clutch. The feel of his clawed hand raking my neck.
"Hey, would you stop—" Zero reached out to me, but I squealed and jumped away from his touch.
"Don't! I'm sorry Zero, but don't— j-just leave me alone right now!" I yelled, walking away from him. The walk to the Society was a lot longer than I remembered. And even though I yelled at him, Zero followed me until I reached the gates. Once I made it in, I was escorted to the President's office by two men, who I recognized but couldn't remember their names. When I walked into her office, I saw Headmaster Cross. He was sitting on the floor and his eyes widened at the sight of me.
"Karuko? What happened?!" he asked.
"I fell—WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK HAPPENED?! A damn level E happened!" I yelled.
"Raise your voice in here one more time, Shizuki..." said the President, entering from another door. She took a seat at her throne. "Kneel," she ordered. I stood there a moment, before I grudgingly fell to my knees. My entire body felt numb with pain. "So, I assume the assignment was completed?"
"Yes," I answered painstakingly.
"By whom?"
"Zero."
"And how did Kiryu do?"
"Fine. He saved me," I answered.
"And how did you manage to get in a situation like that?"
"We split up—"
"Heh heh... I figured as much when I decided to put you on the assignment as well. Tell me, Karuko... do you get some strange enjoyment out of playing the damsel in distress?" she asked. This bitch...
"I don't know... do you get some sick enjoyment out of trying to kill me? Out of setting me up?!" I yelled. I couldn't help it. I was pissed. And lightheaded. And being here wasn't helping.
"Pardon her, President. She seems to have lost a lot of blood," said the headmaster, putting his hand on my shoulder. All the while, the President and I were having staring battle to the death. I was hoping that if I started at her long enough that she might catch on fire or something.
"Karuko Shizuki... in the event that Zero Kiryu is no longer able to carry out his duties as a vampire hunter, you are the one who is to kill him. Is that understood?"
Me? Kill Zero? Was this some kind of joke? "But he's not—"
"A level E? Trust me, he is. He may not have fallen past the point of no return yet, but he's spiraling. If the real Zero Kiryu had been hunting with you today, you would have never gotten wounded. He paused, didn't he? The level E had you in his clutches, but Kiryu didn't shoot right away. Isn't that correct?" she asked, her voice like ice. How could she know that? It was all true. But still...
"Zero saved—"
"Stop denying it. If he had done his job right, there never would have been a need to save you. Furthermore, I see that you have made no improvement since I enrolled you into that pathetic excuse of an Academy. You lied to me, Kaien," said the President, glaring at him.
"I'd hardly say I lied, madam President. I merely... stretched the truth. If you ask me, Karuko has indeed made improvement since you entrusted her to me. If you had put her in the same situation two months ago, I believe she'd be dead," said the Headmaster.
"Be that as it may, do you understand the duty which you've been entrusted?" asked the President.
"You were serious?" I asked bluntly. I really can't believe this request. I won't do it. I can't do it...
"I'm always serious," she replied, smirking at me.
"You don't put enough faith in Zero, madam. I think he'll be fine. He's struggling, but—"
"I have had it with your foolish ideology, Cross! You say that I don't trust enough... it's you who trusts too much! One of these days... a vampire student of yours is going to put you in your rightful place," she spat. After that, the room went quiet for a moment before the Headmaster stood up.
"Yes, well... I think everything has been said. Please call a cab so I can get Karuko home. I don't think she'll make it if we walk," he said to one of the President's subordinates, who nodded and walked out of the room. "Come on, Karuko-kun," he said, taking my hands and helping me to my feet. I lost my balance almost immediately and fell into him, but he quickly helped to steady me. "Once we get back to the Academy, I'll take you to the infirmary and we'll put you on a blood drip," he said, as he helped me make my way towards the door. Behind me, I heard a door open and close, and then someone whispering with the President. A moment went by before—
"Shizuki," she said. Shivers ran up my spine. I can't stand the way she says my name...
"What?" I asked, exasperatedly. I felt empty inside.
"Have you tried to contact your brother since he left for assignment?"
"Yes. Why?" I asked. What was she asking me for? And how was this related?
"And you didn't receive an answer?"
"No... but he doesn't usually answer his phone when he's on assignments anyway. Why?" I asked again. She whispered something to the man, who nodded and walked out of the door he had entered from. "Why are you asking about Asai?" I asked again.
"It's none of your concern."
"None of my concern? He's my brother!"
"Kaien, if you know what's best for her, you'll escort her out."
"Come on, Karu—"
"No! Did something happen?!"
"Escort them out," said the President to her staff. Three men surrounded us.
"What happened to Asai?!" I asked again, shoving myself against the men, staring intently at the President. But I suddenly found my vision getting hazy and darkening around the edges. I had lost too much blood, and exhaustion was getting the better of me.
"Karuko, don't panic. I'm sure he's fine."
"No... what happened? Where is he? Where's my brother...?" I asked, before I finally collapsed.
"It's gonna be okay, Karu-chan. Dad will be back any minute," said Asai. I clung to him tightly. And even though we were inside, we could hear our father fighting with the vampire like we were there. Suddenly, our father let out an anguished cry. One that stopped my heart. And then everything fell silent.
"Come on, Karu," said Asai, taking my hand and walking towards the exit of our basement.
"No, Asai! Daddy told us to stay here!" I replied in a hushed panic.
"He also told me not to leave you. The fight is over, okay? We have to make sure dad is alright."
"But didn't you hear?! I'm scared! What if something happened?!"
"Be brave for dad. I promise that I won't let anything bad happen to you, Karu-chan. We need to go up there," he said, gripping my hand as we walked out of the basement. Our home was eerily quiet, creaking with every step we took. "Dad?" asked Asai. A gust of wind picked up, making our door swing open. Through it we saw our father lying against the ground, covered in blood. "Dad!" Asai yelled, letting go of my hand and running outside to our father. But I couldn't move. All I could do was stand there as I watched my father begin to bleed to death.
"Karuko..." my father uttered.
"No dad... it's Asai," he replied, trying to stop the bleeding. But it was hopeless.
"No... Karuko. Asai, get Karuko!" he yelled.
"Hello cutie... heh heh..."
I spun around and came face to face with my first vampire. He looked crazed, his eyes glowing red and fangs protruding from his mouth. I opened my mouth to scream, but no sound came out.
"Karuko!"
"You smell so sweet and luscious... I can't wait to sink my fangs into you. Heh heh heh!"
He lunged at me. I expected to hear my blood being sucked from my body, but instead I heard the sound of a shotgun.
"AH!"
I sat up in bed. My heart was pounding and I was sweating. I grabbed my neck, which pulsed with pain. It was bandaged, and that's when I realized that I was in the hospital wing. How many more times would I wake up in here?
"Shizuki-sa—"
"Gyaah! Takuma?!" I asked, surprised. He stood next to the hospital bed I was in. I suddenly remembered the last conversation I had with him. The one where I pretty much told him that he was incapable of loving or caring for anyone, and that he's just a predator. My cheeks went red and the room got twenty degrees hotter.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you. Are you alright? Did you have a bad dream?"
"I— uh... I j-just remembered something..." I replied. Takuma reached out to my hand, which I realized was still holding onto my neck. He gently took my hand and brought it down to my side.
"It's alright... you're back at the Academy..." he said, soothingly.
"How long have I been asleep?"
"A few hours. Night class is in session now."
"Shouldn't you—?"
"Don't worry about it. I wouldn't have been able to pay attention anyway," he said with a smile. But I still didn't understand. Why was he here? Why does he still pay any attention to me? Especially after I insulted him the way I did... that memory made me feel sick. But not as sick as the next memory I remembered, because I suddenly recalled the conversation I had been having before I passed out. Asai.
"My phone... my cell phone, where is it? Has anyone called it?!" I asked, getting worked up again. Takuma looked at me, confused.
"Uh... it's right here, on the bedside table. It's been quiet the entire time I've been here," he said, picking it up and handing it to me. I took it hastily. He was right. I had no missed calls and no new messages.
"Damn it... that bitch," I muttered to myself as I dialed Asai's number and waited desperately for an answer.
"Shizuki-san, what's wrong? You shouldn't get so worked up yet. You're still missing a lot of blood..." said Takuma.
"You've reached Asai Shizuki. I'm sorry I can't—"
I shut my phone, squeezing it in my hand. It couldn't be possible, could it? I mean, I spoke to him just the other day. He promised me he'd be safe...
"Uh... I'm sorry for whatever has happened. I'll go get the headmaster and tell him that you're awake," said Takuma, turning to leave.
"No!" I replied without thinking, reaching out and barely grabbing his sleeve. "Please... don't get him. Just stay with me for a minute. Please, I just... I just don't know what to do right now. My brother won't answer his phone and the President can't get in touch with him either, so what does that mean?! I mean, he can't be dead, can he?!"
Why was I like this? I was a mental wreck, and I just poured all my problems into him. He doesn't deserve this. He doesn't need to be bothered by my problems. He probably doesn't care either way. I looked away from him, embarrassed. But the next thing I knew, I felt his hand on my face and he made me look at him.
"Do you believe that he's gone?" he asked. His eyes... they were serious. They pierced me, like he was looking right through me and into my soul. A shiver ran up my spine.
"I... I don't. B-But something's happened to him..." I answered. Suddenly, someone cleared their throat, causing me to jump in surprise. Takuma's hand slipped from my cheek as we both turned to look at the door. Zero stood there, scowling.
"Night class is over," he said, not taking his eyes off of Takuma. He just smiled and scratched his head.
"Is it? I hardly realized how early it was... I hope you heal well, Shizuki-san," he said, walking towards the door. "Excuse me."
Zero grudgingly stepped aside and let him through. And I watched him until he was out of sight. "Hey..." I looked at Zero. He looked pissed off. Oh crap…
"I just... I'm sorry, alright? For losing control with you the other night. And for anything I said or did. And— And for hesitating today. That... it wasn't me. It's what I'm becoming. And... I'd like to tell you to not be afraid of me, but... I know that's why the Society ridicules you. They all think that you're a fool for being afraid of vampires. But they're the fools. Vampires should be feared," said Zero, looking at me grimly. And for a moment there, I thought he was being nice.
"I— I'm tired of being scared all the time, Zero. It's an embarrassment. You wouldn't understand…"
"Yeah? Well that embarrassment might save your life one day. Don't get stupid on me now..." he said, walking away. I sighed and sat back against the bed. My whole world has been turned upside down. Which is it, huh? Don't be afraid, or be afraid? Maybe I could decide for myself one day. But for now, I'm just gonna call Asai. I'm not gonna stop. I can't stop. He's not dead... and I just have to keep telling myself that.
(A/N): Uh-oh... what happened to Asai?! Is he dead? Alive? A robot ninja? Well, that's for me to know and for you to find out at a later date.
In other news, I HAVE CREATED A POLL! It involves this story and anyone interested in helping to steer the plot line should GO VOTE for it! Now, you're probably asking yourself "but stacyTHEemo, how do I do this?!" Well, it's as simple as going to my profile page. And at the top, in the bar right below my pen name, is the poll. Simply read the question, click "Vote Now", read your options, and VOTE! I have an idea of what the results may be... and I know what I want to do... but I'm not the only one reading this story. So make your opinion heard and GO VOTE! Right after you review ;)
Thanks for reading! Reviews keep the new chapters coming!
stacyTHEemo :)