A/N: hi there to all readers! Once again, I'm here to put up another chapter to this ongoing story. I've been busy for the past few days so I haven't been able to update as fast as last time but luckily I had a bit of a free time to write another chapter here. This one would focus a bit on Zero and could be considered as a filler chapter since there is no Kaname and Zero interaction here. Though there would be brief mentions of Zero's past. Anyway, hope you like this chapter…
Please Read and Review… ^_^
Chapter 7 – Highly Unpredictable
The pale silver strands of moonlight streamed through the broken windows of a certain abandoned building on the far side of the city. This rundown facility that had once been a tenement for people now lie in ruins and forgotten by time. Broken glass and pieces of rocks had been scattered all over the dusty floor of the passage. Upon closer look some rooms still housed wrecked furniture though some had been boarded up. The moon was out that night and everything else was bathed by its eerie silver light.
The chill breath of the night stirred and swirled in the gas-glow, curling with a serpentine malevolence through the islands of man-made light. The mists from the river were stealthy at this hour, hiding at the edges of the clutter of the streets. It was relatively clear for the month, and the usual murk had been tattered into eddies by a sharp northerly breeze that cut through the bone without being warmed by the intervening flesh.
Time has started to move at a furious pace. Until now, I thought that I could continue to face my everyday life the way I always had, Zero thought. But not anymore.
He glanced around with a frequency that betrayed his nervous alertness. He was a little afraid, he knew that. But fear alone did not account for the whole of his manner. Like the others, he could feel the rot at the heart of the city, could feel the cancerous tendrils snaking through the veins of the metropolis.
The sensation was not a new one, even to people such as Kaname and himself – he with his highly developed intuition, honed over the years of vampire hunting. Everybody in the city felt it to some degree, something so subtle as to be almost unnoticeable. Always, it had been there on the edge of perception, leading speed to the footsteps of those who walked the city's streets, making eye flick away from eye in fear of contact with another who might be an agent of that nameless dread. In the last few days, however, it had gathered in strength until it was like a dull throb in the stones of the terraces, bleeding through the cement.
Zero Kiryuu's light footsteps echoed eerily through the silence and the occasional shifting of stones as well as scrunching of glass could be heard. It went on as a certain individual combed through the deserted hallways. He made his way deeper into the darkness and braced himself for whatever he would encounter. His lavender eyes that looked silver at times seemed to bore no hint of emotion whatsoever that night. He wore a white dress shirt with his necktie loosened as he usually preferred underneath his knee-length coat which rustled as he treaded on. A glint of light could be seen as his necklace bounced on his chest.
A silver cross.
The dispatch came a few hours ago and it was only him and Shielle in the office that time. Kaito came a few minutes later and he volunteered to accompany them on this mission. So now here he was on the second floor and still no sign of the enemy they were looking for.
He turned around the corner and came upon a new set of hallways leading deeper inside the building. The windows in this part were boarded up by planks of wood and only a few rays of light streamed through its gaps. There were also rooms in here but none seemed to hold his interest. He didn't feel anything in particular in every one of them. There was a faint presence but he couldn't identify what it was. He muttered a curse as he turned around and proceeded back to the previous path he took. He was sure that there was nothing there but a dead end. No point in wasting his time there.
"Zero, how's the search going there in the second floor? Shielle didn't find anything in particular down in the basement and there's nothing here on the first floor," Kaito's voice said from the earpiece he wore before all three of them entered this building. He came upon a set of stairs leading to the third floor and as he took a step towards it, he knew that he found what he was looking for. There was something in the third floor and he quickly went up. He looked around him and noticed that something did feel wrong in this corridor. He sensed minor presences lurking nearby though not quite distinguishable in his senses yet. But he couldn't mistake that one of those auras was the enemy they were supposed to hunt down.
"Negative, there's nothing on the second floor. But I can sense something in the third floor. I want you guys to head up here immediately. There are a number of them in here and from what I could feel they're also located on the fourth floor," he answered back as he took out his handgun, its chain making clinking sounds. It was silver with the words Bloody Rose written in its body. He positioned his finger on the trigger as he brought it at level with himself. He walked cautiously on the third floor corridor, keeping all of his senses on high alert as he treaded through the enemies den. There was a sudden shuffling noise and he stopped in his tracks. It seemed that he wasn't alone anymore.
"Very well. We're heading there this moment. Be careful, Zero," Kaito told him as the communication went off again. The silence seemed to stretch on as he stood there in the middle of the path. He closed his eyes as he expanded his senses in order to locate the enemy. In the abyss of his mind, a number of images appeared before him. In a matter of seconds, he managed to pinpoint the location of the enemy and it seemed to be heading his way from behind. As he opened his eyes, gone were its familiar lavender hue and instead in its place was a bright shade of crimson that shone like rubies in the darkness.
There was a flurry of movements as he sidestepped easily and pointed his gun straight at a creature with dark-colored eyes. It made growling noises as it prowled in front of him like a predator bearing on its prey. Its long fangs visible as it eyed him intently. No doubt attracted to the smell of fresh blood. There was a split second pause before it lunged again. Zero maneuvered easily behind the creature and fired his gun. The sound echoing in the dim silence that pervaded the whole place. There was a guttural cry that sounded like a wounded animal and once again the enemy vanished from sight. Zero watched as it bounded away, it seemed to finally figure out what he truly was. That he was not just a normal person to begin with.
A level end… No, wait… There's another stronger presence hiding here…
The mission would have been easier with Kaname Kuran around but the former had to report back to the Vampire Council. Besides, Zero was sure that he would be able to handle matters just fine without the pureblood around. It had been days since the last mission back at that town and everything seemed normal between them. There had been lots of unforgettable moments there and conversations that had been exchanged. In truth, Zero was worried that it might change the pureblood's views about all that was happening.
Another member of the council had been murdered and everyone was already on the edge. If things don't change soon, he was sure that all that they've worked hard for would all be for nothing. That the coexistence that they all wished for would fall apart without having even been realized.
Zero stirred away from those thoughts as he walked on and concentrated on what he was supposed to do. He didn't want a repeat of what happened before and he didn't want Kaname to think that he was being weak again. Didn't he already tell himself a couple of times that he would do everything he can to make sure that this problem would be solved? There was no need to worry about it now. He just needed to finish this and then, he could think of ways to prevent the rift between the association and council. Losing concentration would get him nowhere.
"Kaito, can you hear me? I'm going after the enemy in this building. Warn Shielle to stay alert," Zero said seriously as he opened his communication link. He heard Kaito's response a few seconds later and he decided to keep the line going. He saw the dark-colored blood that almost looked black staining the floor. Since he was a vampire, seeing in the dark was no problem for him at all. He could see everything as clear as day. He followed its trail towards a set of stairs leading upwards.
Zero reached the fourth floor and noticed that the level end he was chasing after wasn't alone anymore. He sighed as he pocketed his gun in his inner coat and gripped the handle of the katana he brought with him. His father had given him this particular sword made of silver when he decided to join the association years ago. It held its own power much like his Bloody Rose and despite its nature; it was customized to be used by vampires like him. He never used it much in the past but lately, he had been favoring it instead of his gun. Especially at times like this when he didn't want to waste his bullets or try flexing his powers.
There was a steady sound of gunshots a floor below and Zero knew that his allies had finally engaged the enemies. He could feel some power and charms at work and he guessed that they were using hunter-based spells. The cold winds carried the scent of blood that he knew would only be noticeable by vampires like him. He paid no attention to it as he walked on, intent on finding the real enemy he was chasing after. The one who had been controlling the other level ends.
"Another victim, huh? This guy's pretty bold to kill those humans near our territory. I wonder what Kaname Kuran thinks of this," Shielle said thoughtfully as she adjusted the ribbon on her hair in front of the mirror. She glanced behind her as the others continued their own work.
"Who knows about that? More importantly, what do you think about this Zero? Surely, we won't let something like this go," Kaito mentioned casually as he handed Zero the reports he had been filing. "Anyway, I'm heading out for a while. Don't worry, I won't take long," he said as he moved back to his desk after the others nodded their response.
"We don't know who offered their blood, but some worthless being with no common sense is taking the lives of people, which is a problem. Vampires aren't supposed to harm humans without authority and reason," Zero said impassively as leafed through the papers and arranged them with the other reports. He decided to pass them to the other departments later on.
"Looks like that vampire disregarded the rules, Kiryuu-sama. I doubt that the others would let this matter end this way. Sooner or later, we'll receive the dispatch. Besides, with the way he's been killing he's pretty easy to spot," Shielle said as she went back to her desk. She watched as Kaito began putting on his coat.
"The fact that it was unable to hide its actions shows how inferior this being is. For what it's worth, today's culprit is the lowest of the low. Its name is a disgrace to mention. No aesthetics, no pride. A stray vampire at best," Zero said in the same tone as he looked outside the window of their office. It looked like snow would fall again soon. It always looked like the cherry blossoms that his mother favored.
"This isn't like you at all, Kiryuu-sama. But I guess even someone like you would be pretty pissed off with this problem," Shielle said gently as she waved Kaito goodbye. The two shared knowing smiles before the door closed. Everyone else even Zero wouldn't let this matter slide. At least, Zero was pretty good with controlling his emotions unlike the others in their group.
"I wonder about that," was all that Zero said.
There were sudden movements as the level ends elongated their claws and rushed towards him without hesitation. Zero ducked under the strike aimed for his head and easily grabbed its hand, gaining leverage and throwing it over his shoulder towards the others aiming for his back. He sidestepped as another came after him this time aiming for his heart. The level ends continued their assault and Zero kept on avoiding their blows. His crimson eyes were focusing on each movement, taking every little detail as he memorized the pattern of attacks.
Looks like it's time to do this seriously…
Zero backed away a couple of steps from the enemies and slowly unsheathed his blade, the silver katana glinting dangerously in the semi-darkness. The sound of metal being drawn from its scabbard echoed amidst the growls of the level ends. The sword's motion created an illusionary image of the moon. The remarkable blade shone fiercely as it was fully drawn and resting in front of him. He slowly passed his fingers through the metal of the katana and invoked a charm to release its power. The sword glowed momentarily revealing a set of mysterious words in ancient language as though engraved in its surface, before it returned back to its normal state.
Contrary to what everyone else believed, he did feel an ounce of regret and sadness for these beings. Those who had been cursed into an existence that lived solely to satisfy their intense need for blood and unable to control that instinct. He didn't know if he would ever get used to doing this but he also knew that granting them death would be their only way to freedom. He had always known that fact.
But, weren't he a vampire as well?
How long had he lived in fear that he may hurt someone unintentionally? He knew that his level of control was different from normal vampires but it didn't mean that there wouldn't be occasional slips. He did care about others despite their belief that he was too cold and apathetic. Though back in high school, people seemed to think that it was pretty cool. He never really figured out that kind of thought. In the end, he tried to maintain a proper distance to the humans while also being able to be of assistance to them when they needed his help in some school matters. It was just a matter of knowing when he would cross the line he'd drawn for himself.
It was part of his nature to desire blood and to need it despite the blood tablets being produced to counter the effects of bloodlust. In a way, some would think he wasn't really different from those so-called monsters. That thought hurt quite a bit and he was well aware that some humans still think of them that way. Especially considering what kind of vampire he was. They had reason to be cautious of him. Maybe it was this kind of desire to prove to something to himself that drove him to do this job. That he was someone other than the head of the Kiryuu family. That he wasn't just a noble vampire.
He was one oddity among many. He supposed he was abnormal in several ways, he thought, as he chanced to look at himself in the broken windows. How many people could claim to be a vampire hunter at a young age? How many could afford to live in their own home, even if it was bought by his father?
And he certainly did not look abnormal. He had clear skin and pleasingly placed features, and no smallpox or trench fever had ravaged his face like so many he had seen. He was a little pale, perhaps, and he would never have the build that his father had, for his shoulders were narrower and he was naturally leaner. But he had fine eyes of the unique shade of amethysts and smooth silver hair, gifts from his mother, whom he resembled greatly. His father had often commented that he could see his mother in him; sometimes it was affectionate, sometimes in disappointment when Zero had failed to match the expectations laid out for him. Those latter moments crushed him inside, and he died a little each time.
But his father was gone now, like his mother before him. Zero was alone.
His childhood had not been an easy one. He was born the only son of a man who was already a legend by that time. The Kiryuu name was known throughout and his father, the foremost vampire hunter in the city, possibly the world. He knew more about vampire lore than any man or woman who lived. He had been a tall, heavy-set man; strong as a bull, and quick-minded with it. A veteran of a hundred scrapes with death, he had attained the status of an icon among the vampire hunters of the city. The former president of the association. Even as he fell in love and married a pureblood vampire the respect of other hunters never wavered and Zero had been in awe of his father.
But then his mother had gone. A senseless and brutal murder in a graveyard somewhere out of town. She was beautiful, artistic, and sweet; his father had worshipped her, and Zero had loved her dearly. But she died anyway.
After that, his father had changed.
"She was too good for a world such as this; she was meant for the next life, for the angels." He had said that once, when Zero was six. His voice had a terrible melancholy to it as he looked out of the window. "There is no place for people like your mother in this world. Her sweet nature, her compassion, her creative fancies… where once these were strengths, they are weaknesses now. I fear for you, son. I fear that those traits that were your mother's will mean your undoing one day."
"What of the level ends, father? Where do they fit?"
His father's head had sunk a little. "They do not fit. Not anymore," he said. "That is why we kill them."
When Zero was eleven years old, his father's fabled skill had failed him. They never discovered what he had been hunting, but there was little left of him when he was found.
It was his father's friends Touga Yagari and Kaien Cross that took him up. His father had left him a house and a healthy income, for vampire hunting was an extremely lucrative profession by virtue of its danger, and the offered salaries and bounties would make a lawyer gnash his teeth in jealousy. They moved into his house and continued Zero's education as a vampire hunter; for he was given all the responsibility after his father died, and he knew no other way. The association needed him but he needed the help of his father's friends to learn more and not afford any mistakes. In time, the teachers and apprentice became friends and finally, hunting partners.
Those thoughts and feelings had brought him to countless of missions and even this one as well. Zero stared at the level ends with his crimson gaze as he finally shifted the sword and readied his stance. The same one he had been using for years and one that was taught to him by his parents and acquaintances. Some humans that showed him that maybe living together wasn't so bad after all. That even someone like him who was born both a hunter and vampire could have a place in this world.
"Fallen vampires, your judgment have been passed," Zero whispered the words softly upon lowering the blade to his side and shifting one of his feet forward. He remembered everything he was taught clearly and his body followed the images of those training days. He narrowed his eyes in concentration and suddenly launched himself to the enemies in front of him.
The soft sound of bells echoed…
The heavy scent of blood filled the air as Zero swung his katana in a deadly arc and instantly sliced through a level ends body. He didn't break any concentration as the body thudded to the ground, the blood from its torn flesh staining the floor in a darkened shade of red. He maneuvered to the right as he avoided a fatal blow to his heart and brought down his blade vertically before the enemy could evade, decapitating it. A split second later, he thrust it forward to another vampire, straight to its heart. Zero was sure that the level ends didn't even feel their life being snuffed out as he continued with his assault. He tried to make it as painless as possible with his katana. Always making sure that he hit the vital areas instantly. Even those creatures deserved a painless death but not that level B in the rooftop. He still hadn't forgotten what that worthless trash had done the past few days. There was no excuse for its behavior.
With those thoughts in mind, Zero continued his attacks and hoped that these fallen vampires had finally found their peace at last. He easily avoided every blow sent his way and countered it with one of his own. Despite the blood bath in the fourth floor corridor, it seemed that it didn't affect him entirely. The clothes that he had been wearing were still in their normal condition. There were a few flecks of blood in his coat but none too noticeable. He knew that a minute or two later, the bodies would soon disintegrate to dust. Silence soon followed as he lashed out for the last time and he stood there in corridor as though deep in thought.
He swung his blade to the side, sending away the blood staining it. A few seconds later, he inserted the sword back to its scabbard. The bells tied to it jingled and Zero was reminded of the old days. So much has changed all these years. He was brought out of his reverie by the sound of footsteps heading his way. His eyes returned to their normal color and he instinctively looked above as he detected the only presence to be there. He quickly brought his gaze behind him as he heard footsteps heading his way.
How could death look so beautiful?
That question ran through their mind as they stumbled upon the scene. Shielle and Kaito could only stare at the lone figure standing in the middle of the hallway. The moonlight shone clearly through the open windows and it held a rather mystical look to it. The ground was covered in crimson liquid that was in all likelihood the blood of the level ends. There were no bodies in sight except for the pile of ashes and shredded pieces of clothing. No doubt that a lot has happened here. They paid no heed to the bloodbath as they stared transfixed at the individual holding a sword. There really was something breathtaking with that scene no matter how frightening it looked in reality.
"Looks like we need to call the disposal squad for this. We also made quite a mess downstairs as well," Shielle said in a friendly tone, diffusing the silence that hung in the air. A mess would be an understatement. Both she and Kaito went all out after all.
Shielle flecked her clothes of the remaining ashes from the battle below. Her light blue hair that almost looked white waving at the movement. Her motion dropped down her sleeve and a silver bracelet with an identical cross to Zero's became visible.
"I'm going to assume that this mission isn't over yet," Kaito said seriously as he addressed Zero. He pocketed his gun on the long brown trench coat he had been wearing over his black shirt. He also flecked the ashes on his brown hair. There was also that same pendant on the chain that hung on his neck.
"There's still another stronger vampire in the rooftop. The report says that he's the main target for this mission," Zero said as he walked towards another set of stairs leading to the rooftop. He began to ascend it and the two decidedly followed him.
"Well, it's something that we could handle without too much trouble. But I'm pretty sure that Zero would want to handle it alone," Kaito said to Shielle as they followed the silver-haired young man in front of them. They were fairly used to Zero's bout of silence and his indifference in most situations especially ones like this.
"That stray vampire had gone on a rampage and ignored the set rules of the purebloods and the council as well as the association so naturally Kiryuu-sama would feel that way even if he doesn't use his authority in matters like these," Shielle said politely as she stared at Zero's back. They had been classmates since high school but they had known each other farther than that. Coming from a well-known hunter family, she had been introduced to him. Zero had always been like that even in the past and that was why she couldn't help but respect him and be in awe of him every time.
The scent of human blood…
Zero was momentarily stunned as he stood outside the door of the rooftop. The scent of human blood was so strong that he had to resist the draw of his bloodlust. His amethyst eyes flashed to red for a second before it reverted back. Kaito and Shielle were confused for a moment when Zero stopped in his tracks. Then something registered in their hunter senses. The smell of blood and decaying flesh came from the other side of the door and the sudden surge of aura they felt from Zero was surprising. Something terribly wrong must be on the rooftop. But what could it be?
There was no mistaking what the stray vampire had done. Not only had he disobeyed the laws of the council, he had just massacred a number of humans. There was no doubt that it is what had happened, judging by the thick smell of blood in the air. It wasn't noticeable below with all of the level ends rampaging around. But now… Zero had never felt so disgusted in his life. This vampire was truly a shameful one. He didn't want to use his power as a noble vampire but this disgrace of a vampire was testing his patience more and more. He almost lashed out in anger before he regained control of his aura.
Maybe it was a good thing that Kaname wasn't here after all. He didn't want the pureblood to know about him being a vampire because it meant that Kaname had to know about his family, his messed-up past. There were certain areas of it that he didn't want to relive. I can't get away, Zero thought. The past will follow me, wherever I go.
He breathed deeply as he turned the knob of the door and opened it. The scene that greeted them was something they never expected. Kaito held in the urge to shout some curse words at what he saw. He had been a hunter since he was a child and he had witnessed some terrible scenes here and there but this was just plain… repulsive. Shielle merely closed her eyes and looked away from the scene. How could such a thing happen? Now they understood why Zero had trouble keeping himself from lashing out in anger. The reason why he spoke that way about this vampire as though it was nothing more than a piece of garbage.
The rooftop was covered by a dome that allowed streams of light from the moon. Even from the doorway, they all witnessed the carnage it hid. The floors and the walls were splattered with blood, some still fresh and others as though it had been there for a while. There were bodies of humans discarded in the corner and they could see not only puncture marks but claw marks as well. Most of them were naked and the vacant look in their eyes was those of pure terror.
"Lowly vampires must submit to their superiors. This is the law among vampires for the duration of their lives. I personally do not care about such trivial things but the one who did this was truly the lowest. A vampire without a shred of pride and dignity. Just a piece of garbage whose name isn't worth mentioning. Don't you think so as well?" Zero said coldly as he stared in front of him. To an individual hidden in the shadows and whose flashing eyes burned with rage at his chosen words.
"I am the true king of the night. I take orders from no one!" the vampire shouted as he rushed towards Zero and others. They evaded instantly and the impact of the blow shattered the floor. Debris flew in all directions as the vampire straightened up and looked fiercely at them.
Shielle was surprised by this vampire's nerve after what Zero had told him. That law was something that all vampires should follow. She knew that the law was important to vampires. Zero was a high-ranking vampire as well but he never really upheld the law. Her friend hated that kind of thing and he interacted just normally with lower level vampires like the ex-humans back at the association. There were times however that Zero did use his authority over vampires and she guessed that this was one of them.
The vampire in front of them suddenly shifted its form and all of them knew that it was a transformation. It was becoming a vampire in its truest form. The human-like creature in front of them melted into the darkness. In its place came a strange reptilian like creature. Something like a lizard but fiercer than one. It only meant that they were fighting a former noble. Still, it didn't change anything for them. This vampire had to be put down permanently.
"I expected something out of this farce, but I never thought you'd be this close to it. But it was entertaining, don't you think so, stray vampire?" Zero said in the same cold tone as he stared at the enemy with his steely silver gaze. His eyes bore no hint of the remorse and sadness he felt when he killed those level ends. This vampire truly deserved a painful death. "Disgusting. True forms reveal one's heart. You're just an incarnation of your self-pride and arrogance. Sound about right? How pitiful," he said once again as he gazed fixedly at its form. He could clearly see that his words were deeply affecting the vampire but he didn't care in the least. He meant every one of those words despite how insulting it was.
"Shut up!" the vampire shouted as he raised his large claws to crush this silver-haired young man in front of him. He had enough of that person's insults and he wanted nothing more than to tear him into pieces. He gazed at the young man and saw the once silver gaze flash to a bright crimson. Suddenly his motion stopped before he could reach that person. It was as if he was immobilized on the stop and he didn't have control of his body any longer. Gone were his anger, in its place was intense fear. "Who… are you?" he asked fearfully.
The power of a strong vampire…
Kaito had been acquainted with a number of vampires ever since he was at Cross Academy and it was there that he learned that maybe vampires weren't so bad after all. He had grown up hating them after his brother was turned into one and descended into madness. But then, Zero and the others changed his views. Despite their nature, they possessed a human heart. As he stared at the scene before him, he never expected a vampire's power to be this different and frightening. Is this why Zero never really used his? Was he afraid of what people would think of him? These were questions only Zero could answer after all.
"I am a descendant from a noble bloodline of great vampires and hunters. For that reason, I am faithful to my heritage," Zero said as he glared at the immobilized vampire in front of him. He felt a bit of satisfaction as he saw the fear in its eyes. The same look those humans had before they were ruthlessly killed by this monster. His crimson eyes glowed fiercely as he thought of those things. There was no reason to let this vampire live anymore. Both the council and the association have already passed judgment. "In my name, I command you: die," he ordered.
The vampire's eyes widened in fear as he heard the name and felt cold terror rushing through his being as he heard the order. "I don't want to…" he said as he tried to gain control of his traitorous limbs. Claws intending to bury itself deep into his body and crushing his heart. He struggled deeply but it seemed to no avail. As one of his hands punctured through his flesh, spraying blood everywhere that the three individuals there had to move away.
The creature's body fell with a loud thud on the ground stained crimson with its blood. Just like all vampires, its body would soon turn into dust. Though the duration of time would be different from the lower level ends. With its death, it meant that the mission was over. Their hunt had just ended.
Silence reigned in once again as they found out that they couldn't think of anything to say. What else could they say after they witnessed that scene? It had just proved that vampires were… well kind of different. Sure, both Kaito and Shielle had heard of it from others but this was probably the first time they saw it like this. But in spite of that, it really didn't make a difference in their opinion of Zero. Sure, he was pretty cold-blooded and merciless just now. But weren't they the same. They really thought that their enemy was the lowest. That it really deserved to die.
"Now that this is over. Let's head back to the office. I'm sure that the disposal squad will handle the rest," Shielle said gently as she took Zero's hand and quickly pulled him away. As she passed Kaito, she also did the same. Really, these two should lighten up a bit at times. How long had they really known each other?
The tense atmosphere died down as Shielle continued to pull the two away from the rooftop. Away from that bloodshed and back to their home. After all of this, the three of them would be in need of a good rest. That was the thought that passed through Shielle's mind as she led the way.
Zero gave a small smile as his friend continued to hold his hand and pull him away from that place. Kaito was protesting with the gesture but it seemed to no avail as Shielle refused to let go. Trust her to lighten up the mood sometimes. Maybe he didn't need to think so much of what happened. It was inevitable that it would end that way. He didn't mean to use his powers but he was pretty pissed off and somehow, it all went downhill from there. He had taken advantage of a lower level's obedience and used it. Though he was aware that it only worked on rare occasions. It truly left him feeling off-balance until Shielle took action. As they continued their way, their moods seemed to return to normal. And their interactions losing the tenseness from before.
The three of them went to the black van parked in front of the building. Kaito tossed the keys to Shielle indicating that it was her turn to drive and headed to the backseat. The latter caught it easily and walked over to the driver's seat. Zero headed to the front of the car as well and opened the door. He didn't go inside quickly and opted to stare at the top of the building they were in. His gaze traveled to the figure there, sitting on the ledge and looking at them.
Zero felt the familiar presence of that individual and despite the mask that hid that person's face; he knew that their gazes were locked onto each other. How long had it been since that day? Since that incident happened and everything almost fell apart. Nothing else would happen today; this was just a simple greeting. The person there stood up but still kept looking at them. Something glinted as it caught the light of the moon. Something silver…
"Zero, is something wrong?" Kaito's concerned voice broke through his thoughts. And he suddenly tore his gaze away from that masked person. He noticed that both of his friends were staring at him.
"No. Nothing's wrong. Don't worry about it," Zero said lightly as he climbed in and Shielle started the van. Satisfied with his answer, the two didn't question him any further.
Zero had a feeling that she was involved somehow and he knew that he needed to face her again to know if it was true. The deaths of some hunters in the association didn't seem to be just random killings and he saw that it wasn't the work of vampires. He remembered her words back then.
"You should have realized it by now. Vampires and humans are not meant to live together. Just pretending that you're like the others. But the humans don't treat you as one of them. They don't like you. They hate you. Do you still want to live in such a place? This is hell. This is one hypocritical town. To people like us, this world is painful. Don't you think so? That's why, let's rebuild this world together. Using our two hands."
As they drove away from the building, Zero could only wonder why she was there of all places. Is there a reason or just a coincidence? Despite everything else that happened, the only thing that bothered him as they headed back home was that memory. That one thing that all of them shared.
The memory of that betrayal…
