Hi guys, sorry that I update a lot longer than I expected again because I almost got writers block. I hope you guys still support it and please review~!
Chapter 8: Let the Best Man Wins
Natsumes' POV
"Ok, since the ladies are already done, it's time for the gentleman to show their skills." Kiryuu said, still his face in his small notebook which I think it's a class record. I smirk with a feeling of satisfaction since it's our turn. Let's see how Mr. goody-two-shoes skilful he is.
It doesn't mean that I'm confident to win this completion. Base on my observation, he is the same level as me and I doubt that we might end up tie or even worse, I might lose. No! I won't lose! I'll show him how skilful I am; even it also includes using my alice.
"As I call your name, please step forward and by the way, Hyuuga and Tsukihara…." Kiryuu called as out which brings me back to the reality and look at him with my emotionless face.
"…I heard that you guys are having a completion." He said as he came near us and looks at us with his serious face.
"So what, are going to mangle in our competition?" I asked as I look at him scornfully. "HEY!" I heard Polka called out which I just ignore it; since I know that she will scold me that I didn't show respect on her cousin.
"Sorry sensie, but it's our own problem, not yours." Tsukihara Len said, which he seems to know what I'm gesturing at Kiryuu Zero. It's not his business it's ours, so, he shouldn't get involve and put to stop to it even though we're fighting on his precious cousin.
"Relax kids; I'm not going to mangle your business but how about I'll make this more interesting." He said giving us a smirk which causes me to be more intriguing about him. He's different from the teachers that I know. If the teachers heard about this competition, I bet they will think that this is childish and need to stop it but too him, he seems to be, well I can't describe it, but he's different alright.
"And what would that be?" Tsukihara said which causes me to be annoyed a bit because he steals my line.
"After all your classmates finish their shots, I'll move the FITA targets to 40 yards and you guys will use my special stoke of arrows that I have. How's that sound?" Kiryuu said while giving us a smirk.40 yards, that's pretty far but what can I say, this is a completion after all and it needs fire versus fire.
"I like the sound of that. What do you think Hyuuga?" Tsukihara asked which giving me a smirk which causes my annoyance to be increasing. I hate the guts of this kid and this is not includes my jealousy at the cafeteria.
I just hate him, because I have a feeling that he's up to no good and that's what I notice on his first day in the classroom. Not just that, I admit that I'm jealous back then but, when I see him talking some sweet words and comes near on Polka, I also have a feeling that he'll just hurt her emotionally but there is a part that might end up Polka physically hurt and I don't want to happened it. I know my instincts are always correct and I'm going to make sure that what I'm thinking right now won't happen in the near future.
"Fine by me." I said giving him a smirk which causes him to change his smirk to grin and my annoyance perimeter is almost at his burst.
"Ok then, you guys sit down and prepare yourself and observe your fellow men while I'll record their scores." Kiryuu said, gesturing us to sit down on the bleachers where Imai and Polka is located.
"Good luck Natsume..." Ruka said as we were heading to the bleachers. I nodded at him and proceed to the go to the bleachers.
Miyakos' POV
"WHAT?! You just let her study in the Alice Academy even though you know that her life is at stake?!" I shouted angrily and stood up as I look at the old man. I can't believe this, all this years of hiding in other dimension, not giving contacts and train just to get stronger to be able to protect Mikan and find my siblings will end up stuck in the web of our enemy?
"Miyako calm down." Kain-san said as he pats my shoulder and looks at me with sincere eyes.
"How can I calm down in this very moment Kain-san? Even you didn't make a move yet. What if she's in grave danger right now? What if she might end up in the hands of that…. That creature you're talking about? What if-" "Miyako, calm down, she's safe. Zero and the others are in the academy to guard her." Kain interrupt me which he pushes me down to seat again.
"My deepest apologue Miyako-san but just as what I say, Mikan was the one who went there on her own decision even though I disagree. That kid is a stubborn one" The Old man said as I lean at the chair with exhausted in my face and frown a bit. This is not good, especially knowing that Ridos' creator is somewhere out there. I can't just sit ducks and do nothing knowing that her actual birthday is coming. I signed and close my eyes and massage my temple.
"Tell me, do you know what is today?" I asked to make sure that what I'm analyzing right now is right about them.
"It's November 22, why do… Oh no…" Kain-san exclaimed as he covers his eyes with full of frustration, especially the old hunter as he stood up and went to the window for some fresh air and to release his frustration. I was right, they totally forgot about her actual birthday.
"Oh yes Kain-san, we have only a week. A week to worry for and before her necklace will be broken. Now, do you realize what I'm feeling right now?" I said with sarcastic on my voice as I stood up and look at them both.
"Ok, we understand and Miyako-san, you're not the only one who's been all work up, we do and we're trying our best to make Mikan safe. Don't worry, I'll have a little chat with Zero and the others and lastly, we'll go in the academy before the day of her birthday which we'll have reinforcements while going there." Kain-san said as he looks at me seriously. I nod, gesturing that I agree on his idea. That way we can protect Mikan in no time problem.
"Look, I'm sorry that I over reacted a while back then, it is just…" "We understand you Miyako-san" the old hunter interrupts me as he pats my head gently. "…You've been through a lot of sufferings, just for the sake of your sisters' protection." He added which I smiled and looks down, feeling guiltier on yelling him.
This time that I'm back, I should take action before it's too late. We never know what happened to them, more than that, I'm worried if they were a lot of level Es there and worse, and they might be out numbered.
"…Even Zero and the other is there…" I murmured as I think of something, when suddenly, we heard a shattered glass outside the house.
"Hey! What was that for?! Haven't you thought that you might hit a cute little 10 years old like me!" Here we go again, those two servants of mine is having another "session" of themselves knowing that they might attract attention to the neighbours.
"Oh really? I thought that I was hitting a 45 year old woman which is disguising herself an innocent child which makes me sick to think everyone attracts to you, especially those innocent elementary boys." It was Chris, my servant and one and only vampire butler.
Actually, I found him almost dead in the road to a curtain village that I'm heading to. He was attacked by bandits and took his things. Knowing that he was almost dying at that moment when I was trying to help him, I don't have a choice but to turn him into like this but, I gave him a choice when he was still a little bit more unconscious. After turning him into one of my kind, I was amazed by his vampire ability which he was really happy about it and also, returning his favour to me, he oblige himself to serve me for eternity even though I gave him freedom after training him for 3 days in the forest how to control his thirst and powers and at the same time, not knowing my back for 2 weeks, he was able to take revenge on the bandits.
Same as Chris, I found Luisa in a dying stated but the worst part is that, she was kidnapped and at the same time, her family was murder in front of her. She was the first one that I turn to vampire that's what makes her older than Chris. Chris's vampire age is 5 years old while Luisa is what really; mention by Chris is 45 years old. Actually, she is more a gifted vampire than Chris because she was able to do a lot of tricks on her abilities and I've never heard about this from anyone that an ordinary vampire like her can do more tricks than a pureblood like me. Same as Chris, she was ever faithful to me, like a baby girl always sticks to her mother no matter what and, she was able to kill the murderer and avenge her family but the differences is, I was there, witnessing the cries of the murderers who ask for my help and forgiveness to Luisa.
"Just admit that you're jealous that I look young and pretty while you're stuck in a hormone teenage body." Luisa teased which I think that Chris might be bursting out his anger any minute. I step out in the house which causes them to stop and look at me with a surprise faces.
"Haven't you guys learnt how to behave yourselves? How many times do I have to tell you, no I mean no, fighting in this minute and especially in this human area? Am I that difficult to understand?" I scold them as I look at them scornfully.
"We're sorry, ojousama." They said with unison while bowing down. I sign with a little relief when suddenly, an idea hit me and I hope this will work perfectly.
"Kain-san, I have something in my mind which is a little bit alternative to your suggestion a while ago and I don't know if this will work out…" I said as I look back at Kain-san which causes him and the old hunter to look more serious.
"… And that's includes you two in it and you better listen." I added as I look back to my two servants who look stunned a bit. This time, I will try my best to protect my sister; even if it causes to give up my life.
Natsumes' POV
Two more boys to go before we'll be the one to take those bows and start the competition when suddenly, somebody poke at me. I look around and it was the two new teachers.
"Hey ya boys can't wait for the completion aye?" it was Takamiya Kaito form the elementary division.
"I never thought that the news was spread like a wild fire." Tsukihara said with a shock on his face. That's right, we're seating next to each other and the annoying part is, he was beside with Imai and Polka at his right side.
"That's what you get if you're famous in the campus. Oh, I could remember my old school days when I was really as famous as you guys." It was Hanabusa Aido from the junior division. Like the hell I care for my popularity. Like what good looking people would say, beauty is a curse.
"Are you that really famous Aido-sensie?" Polka poked up in the conversation with a hint of interest of her voice in it.
"Why yes little rose-" "Little Rose?" We interrupt except for Takamiya the conversation of Hanabusa because we were surprise that somebody would give her a pet name or something.
"Actually, that was her nickname that everybody gave her when she was still a baby." Takamiya said.
"Why little rose? It will be fitting for her to call her little babbly than little rose." I said while smirking and teasingly.
"What did you just say Mr. Popular Boy?" Polka asked as she scornfully looks at me as I stuck my tongue out to her which causes her to be annoyed more.
"Actually, I kind of agree with Natsume in it." Imai said as she nod and tease at Polka which causes them to laugh a bit except for me.
"Not you too Hotaru. I thought you'll defend me." Polka whined as she look away and act like she was about to cry.
"Anyway, I think that nickname of her really suites her." Tsukihara said as he looks at Polka which causes to calm her down and blush. Here comes my annoyance perimeter, almost going to burst out.
"We can't actually change her nickname in fact; it was originally given by her mother." Hanabusa said as he looks at Mikan with sincere eyes which cause Polka to look at him with a shocking face.
"Y-you know m-my m-mother?" She asked still in her shock state with a hint of sad tone in her voice.
"Everybody knows her Little Rose. You're family is quiet famous..." Takamiya said as he pats Polkas' head. "…And knowing that you might ask about your family, it will be the best if you ask that question to a curtain someone. She knows more than we do." He added with a smile.
"Takamiya Kaito, you said too much. You might heart broke her." Hanabusa said as he looks at him scornfully with a hint of warning from his voice.
"Oh, did I Mikan or Mommy Aido just seems so over protective to you" Takamiya said with a teasing tone which causes Mikan to laugh, so do Tsukihara.
"What did you-" "Oi, Hyuuga, Tsukihara, it's your guys turn and you two, you better return to your division and don't bring something that might damage my students brains." Kiryuu called us out while Ruka and Kitsuneme move the FITA target to the exact 40 yards away.
"He started it." Hanabusa said while pinpointing Takamiya as me and Mr. goody-two-shoes stood up and went to get our bows from the last two boys.
As we get our bows, we proceed on getting the special arrows of Kiryuu which it's with Kokoro. The arrows are made with pure silver which is very priceless and very hard to found this kind of metal which is also very heavy. How on earth a teacher would have this kind of weapon design? Only rich people can afford this kind of material and to the looks of him, he is not a rich person but an ordinary guy. Oh well, some rich people really wants to be ordinary though.
"Nice weapons you got here sensie." Tsukihara said as he was wearing his black glove from his right and get it the arrows from Kokoro. "Thanks…" he added as he proceeds on his place.
"Well, it is a fine weapon that my father has which is pass from generation to generation and by the way, why are you wearing gloves in your right hand?" Kiryuu said as he looks at Tsukihara suspiciously.
"Oh, I heard that some of the archery professions also use gloves as they play the archery so, I just want to try it." He said which causes Kiryuu to nod.
"That is true, but it really depends from the personal taste of the archer, I might say." Kiryuu said as he proceeds on looking at his recording book.
"Ready Natsume? Let the best man wins." Tsukihara said as he extends his hand to shake it, which I also extend mine and just answered him with a smirk. "Let's get this over with…"
"Ok, the first one to hit the target will be Hyuuga." Kiryuu said as I step forward and start to postion myself. Damn, I never thought 40 yards will be so hard to aim and the weapon is so heavy which is really challenging. When I look at my right side, I saw Polka, looking at me, which causes me to full charge and gain little confidence and trust myself that I can do this. I let go of my first arrow and it straight hit from the red which causes me to let go heavy sign.
"Giving up?" I heard Tsukihara which he is at my back.
"Not a chance." I said as not looking at him and start to position myself to hit the second aim at my right side.
"Go Natsume-sama, Go~!" I heard Sumire cheered together with some of the girls. Damn, I can't concentrate with this so much noise.
"WILL YOU GUYS CUT THAT OUT~!" Polka shouted which causes me to surprise a bit. "Can't you see somebody is trying to concentrate?!" she added, still in her angry state. Thanks to her, I can fully concentrate and at the second time, I almost hit the blue part but luckily, I still hit the red portion.
"You're almost there Hyuuga…" I heard Kiryuu said while I get my last set of arrow and am to the last FITA target which is located far from my right.
"You can do this Natsume, You can do this…." I mentally cheered myself as I aim the last FITA target which is the most challenging part. Damn, it's so far away which causes me to feel a little bit of dilemma which I didn't show it in front of everyone.
"Don't think about the others Hyuuga for a while; think about yourself and the FITA target…" I heard Kiryuu said as he steps a little forward but away from my position. "Think that it is very close to you and you can able to aim it without a problem." He added.
For the first time, I nodded to a teacher and listen to his instruction which causes my confidence to burst and trust to myself that I really can do this. As I let it go, I was able to hit the red target which causes some of the fan girls to exclaim with joy while some just clap their hands, especially Kiryuu.
"Well, that was a good shot, and a perfect score might say…" He said with a satisfying grin.
"Good shot you got there Hyuuga…" Tsukihara said as he smirk and went to his position.
"I hope you'll not back down from this challenge Tsukihara." I said as I smirk back at him who causes his smirk to fade away and replace it with a smile.
"I never back down on challenges but…" He said as he aims the first FITA target. "… You're too slow to hit the target." He added as he let go the arrow without difficulty and proceed to get his second arrow. To my surprise, he was able to hit the FITA target like for 10 seconds without difficulty and adjusting the aiming will I just like only 35 seconds. I was stunned at that move especially everyone except for Kiryuu and the two teachers in the bleachers.
"T-that was pretty fast Len" "WOW, you look like a superman" "That was amazing…." Lots of complements showered to my classmates while surrounding him which cause me to be back from the reality.
"That was nothing…" I heard him while giggling. How can he be so fast if he is just a beginner or is he? Damn, I can't believe that we're tie and at the same time, I'm too slow to aim. Suddenly, somebody pat my shoulder which is it was Kiryuu.
"He might be the fastest one to aim, what more important is you're trying your best…" He said will giving me a smile which causes me to smirk back. "… And by the way that was a nice game." He added as he let go and proceed to went to the bleachers.
"Looks like it's a tie…" I heard Ruka said as he stands beside me while holding his bunny.
"Yeah…" I said, still looking at the crowd and notice Polka came closer to him. Oh no you don't…
Mikans' POV
"Congratulations Len-kun!" I said as I hugged him tightly which he chuckled and pats my back and we break free.
"It's the only best that I can do…" He said while giving me a devil may cry smile of his when suddenly somebody grabbed my arm and pulled me. I look at my right side and it was Natsume.
"Hyuuga, we both know that we're tie so this means we're even, so what's the problem now?" Len-kun said as he looks at him scornfully.
"I'm not satisfied with the results, why don't we move this to the next level." Natsume said still holding my arm. "I can't believe this jerk…" I said as I break free from his hold and as I gather a little strength, I slap him which causes everyone to be stunned and surprise.
"Haven't you had enough Hyuuga Natsume?! For once, why don't you be nice to others and at the same time, don't be a total jerk to my friend!" I scolded at him with all my might. He didn't utter a word but simply look at me with the same emotionless face of his.
"It is my choice whether Len-kun can hang out with me, not yours! What am I to you, you're girlfriend?!" I added still mad looking at him and trying to calm myself down. "Knowing you for the past 7 years, I know that you have gold of heart but at least once, pay respect to Len-kun." I said as I look away and cover my face with my hands from frustration.
"I don't know what to do with-"Suddenly, I fee dizzy all of the sudden which causes me to uncover my face and touch my head. As I look from afar, I saw my vampire self, smiling at me while her voice was in my head saying….
"We will become one soon enough, Mikan…."
W-what's that suppose to mean? Then, another vision showed up, a girl running to the deepest part to the forest, carrying a baby and that girl was the same girl that I was keep on seeing at the new comers day. Suddenly, my vision starts to blurry which causes me to close my eyes and left me fell to the empty space…
Natsumes' POV
"MIKAN!" I called her out as she passed out all of the sudden while Tsukihara catch her at the neck of time before she might fall down to the hard ground.
"What's going on there?" Kiryuu said as he came near at us. When he saw Polka, he suddenly rushes down and put her into his arms and let her lean her head to his chest while he touches her forhead.
"S-she's burning…" he said with a worried voice while the two teachers came near at us. Hanabusa gently grabs her hand while Takamiya was just standing but still worried at Polka's state.
"Not just any normal burning…" Hanabusa said as he touches her forehead. This is really bad, is she going to be ok? "…We have to get her out of here." he added while he looks at Kiryuu which he nods in return.
"Everyone, after changing your uniforms precede to the classroom while I…" "I will be the one to bring her to the hospital." I suddenly interrupted Kiryuu which causes everyone to look at me with a stunned face.
"Hyuuga, it's a bit a long-" "I insist." I interrupt him again with determination of my voice. "And I'm sure I can bring her there in the neck of time with the help of Imai." I added while looking at th stunned Imai which she comes back to the reality and nodded.
"We have no time to deal this, let the boy bring her to the hospital." Takamiya said while touching his shoulder. He looks at me for a while and sign.
"Make sure you bring her there a soon as possible." He said and I nodded while I carry Mikan bridal style. For few minutes, Imai's invention arrived which is a very fast invention, we proceed to ride it and go with a full speed. Imai is the one driving while I, with Polka, seating at my lap was seating at the back. Don't worry Mikan, I'm here, you're goin to be ok…..
Mysteriouse POV
"What a show isn't it my dearest servant?" I said as I look at the window of my dark room, showing the events what happened outside while using my powers.
"It is master…" he agreed while I take a sip of my wine as I still look at the conscious face of my fiancé. I stood up and went near to the window, pretending to teach her cheeks and smile.
"You'll going to be wake up soon, my dearest bride…" I said while I lastly laugh evil. One week to go and it is her birthday and now that she's going to be a little bit weak, I might end up visiting her, hmmm, maybe tomorrow…
Zeros' POV
Here comes the evil presence again, damn I'm right, he's spying on us. As I finish changing clothes I asked Jinno- sensie to watch over my students as we'll visit Mikan at the hospital which is Aido-senpai and Kaito is waiting downstairs. On the way I spotted Tsukihara standing at the corridor as he was just staring blankly from the floor. Even though I hate him, it doesn't mean I'll just leave him behind like that.
"Tsukihara, are you ok?" I called out which cause him to look up and smile at me.
"Yes sensie, I'm fine…" He answered as I stop at him and watch him closely.
"Are you sure?" I asked again which he smiled and nodded.
"Then you better return to the classroom." I said which he nod again and run. When I look at him heading to the stairs, I spotted something on his neck, like an invisible string? What is really that kid?
~Sweet Dreams~
It is hard to find inspiration and I almost have a writer's block! Thanks to some people who encourage me to continue writing, my strength started to boost again.