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Copyrighting not intended


Sitting quietly beneath a tree, Setsuna stared blankly into the forest. She was in a small clearing away from the school building, where the hustle and bustle of the students never reached. She stared at her hands, flesh and metal both stained a bright purple, a result of the increased bullying after the incident. No one would tell her anything, the muted whispers and murmurs hushed whenever she drew near.

It felt like a living hell for Setsuna, even more than usual. Konoka refused to see her, let alone talk to her, always walking the opposite way if they ever crossed paths. The entire school body looked at her with obvious utter disgust and disdain, even her own classmates.

She tried talking to Konoemon about it, but he too didn't know what was going on with Konoka, sending Setsuna an apologetic look, promising to speak to her if he ever found out. Setsuna was confused and afraid. The gap in her memory felt almost non-existent, as though she had merely fallen asleep and awoken again. Yet, something had happened to Konoka, and she couldn't remember a thing. It irked her to think about the fact that she could be the cause of Konoka's distress.

"I heard what happened from Konoka." Asuna spoke in a low voice, her sword by her side

The raven-haired girl looked up and saw the other girl standing by the edge of the clearing, blade drawn. Setsuna could see the seriousness in Asuna's body language, frowning as she stood up slowly.

"Eh? Ojou-sama did?" Setsuna let her guard down for a moment "So what did I-"

"I can't believe you did that!" Asuna swung her sword at Setsuna, narrowly missing her "How could you do that and claim not to remember it! What is wrong with you?"

"Wait! Asuna!" Setsuna dodged the incoming blows "Tell me what happened!"

Asuna sent a roundhouse kick, catching Setsuna in the face. Setsuna flew for a moment, landing hard on the ground. She quickly got up, dodging a punch Asuna threw at her and responded with a hard kick to the gut, pushing the other girl back. Setsuna drew Yuunagi just in time, blocking a downward slam from Asuna. Pushing back, Asuna gained some distance, only to kick off once more, her blade aimed to kill. Setsuna rolled out of the way, sparks flying as Asuna's blade grazed her right shoulder.

"She trusted you!" Asuna roared once more, slicing a tree in half as Setsuna dodged her blade

"Asuna. I don't remember what happened." Setsuna shouted angrily "I don't understand what is going on!"

"Fine." Asuna stopped a few feet away from her "You want to know what happened? You violated her!Against her will!"

Yuunagi clashed to the floor, the sound echoing through the clearing. Asuna's blade pointed at the base of Setsuna's neck. "W...What?"

"You violated her" Asuna repeated herself, words laced with anger, pushing the blade forward, drawing blood. "You forced her, you touched her, you took her!"

"What!? T..There must be some mistake. I would never..." Setsuna shook her head, her hands trembling "You're lying."

"And why would Konoka lie about this?" Asuna retorted angrily, throwing her own blade aside "She trusted you and you betrayed her!"

Asuna swung her fist at Setsuna, the latter didn't even dodge. Asuna's fist caught Setsuna's cheek and sent the girl flying. A cloud of dirt rose as she hit the ground hard, unmoving. Setsuna tried to pull the memory from the blank in her head, there was nothing. Her thoughts were interrupted as Asuna grabbed her by the collar, lifting her off the ground. Setsuna's head jerked backwards from the force, as though she was a lifeless doll.

"I thought i knew you Setsuna." Asuna stared into her eyes "I thought you liked her. I thought she was your everything. I thought you would protect her from all harm. I may be your friend, but I will not look past this. What you did was terrible, beyond comprehension. What were you thinking!?"

"I would never hurt Ojou-sama, or do anything against her will!" Setsuna stared back angrily

A sharp smack rang through the woods as Asuna slapped Setsuna across the cheek, leaving 4 angry red finger marks on her face "I don't know what's going on with you, but you better stay as far away as you can from Konoka."

Setsuna shut her eyes tight, her fists clenched, unable to deal with the knowledge of the situation.

"I'm not telling you to stay away." Asuna continued "I am ordering you. If I find you anywhere near Konoka, I will not hold back, you hear me? Stay away from her."

Setsuna stared at the retreating figure of Asuna, her brows furrowed. The throbbing in her temples didn't help her thoughts flow as she tried to force herself to remember.

"I.. I didn't do it... "Setsuna whispered to no one in particular. "Did I...?"

"No... I need to talk with her." Setsuna pushed herself off the ground. "I need to know what happened."

"You sure that's such a good idea?" A shrill voice came from the trees.

Setsuna whirled around in surprise, sword by her side, ready for an attack "Who's there?!"

"Put that toy down. You can't scratch me even if you tried." Two figures stepped out from the trees, the familiar silhouettes coming into view.

"E..Evangeline-san? Chachamaru-san" Setsuna relaxed a little at the sight of her classmates "What are you doing here?"

Evangeline was a short girl with a huge personality. Don't be fooled by her young appearance, Evangeline was 600 years old and a vampire as well. Despite her innocent appearance, Evangeline was known for her cruel and sadist behaviour, leading everyone to avoid her as well. Evangeline didn't care of course, 600 years and you'll learn to ignore those whose lifeapan is merely a fraction of yours and she was accompanied by Chachamaru, her loyal robot partner.

Chachamaru was made by one of their classmates as a partner for the sadistic vampire. Chachamaru was a quiet robot, disliking conflict but will not hesitate to fight alongside Evangeline. They were inseperable, no matter what situations they found themselves in, something Setsuna envied.

The short vampire scoffed, her sharp eyes piercing through Setsuna's gaze "Stopping you from doing the stupidest thing in your life."

Setsuna frowned, biting her bottom lip. "I..I don't- "

"What Master is trying to say is "Chachamaru cut in

"I can speak for myself Chachamaru" Evangeline spoke angrily, hushing the obedient robot in an instant. "If you think talking to the princess is going to solve everything, you're out of your mind."

"I need to know what happened" Setsuna sheathed her sword and began to walk away "I need to hear it from her."

"I can help you." Evangline's voice stopped Setsuna dead in her tracks "I can help you figure out what's wrong with you."

Setsuna turned slowly, facing Evangeline once more. "You... know what's going on?"

"Its not uncommon for halfbreeds to have side effects" Evangeline replied monotonously, rolling her eyes "Didn't anyone teach you anything, hanyou?"

Setsuna shook her head slowly confused. Her head was overloading with so much new information. What was going on? Everyone seems to know something that she doesn't know. She looked to Evangeline for some sort of comfort, hoping Evangeline would be able to help.

"You.. can help me?" Setsuna asked hesitantly

The short vampire nodded wordlessly, finding interest in everything but the half-demon in front of her. Her eyebrow twitched as she watched the young girl hesitate. Evangeline got more and more irritated as time past, being a short-fused vampire.

"You know where to find me once you decide" Evangeline spoke loudly before turning away "Let me warn you first, its not going to be easy and it'll probably take up a lot of time. You better decide. I want an answer tonight."

Once again, Setsuna was left alone in the clearing, her mind brimming with unanswered questions. Setsuna glanced at her hands, her gaze seemingly penetrating the white material of her gloves, boring into the palms of her purple-stained hands. She stood there in that position for a long time, gathering her scattered thoughts. Not even the sound a buzzing fly in her ears could bring Setsuna out of her deep trance.

Clenching both hands into fists, Setsuna made up her mind. Grabbing Yunnagi, she head back to the school, with only one goal in mind. She silently moved along the school buildings, spotting her target sitting by the koi ponds. Swallowing, Setsuna took a hesitant step forward, unnoticed by her target. Taking a deep breath, Setsuna walked closer, stopping a short distance away.

"Ojou-sama.." Setsuna called out in a small voice, just loud enough for her charge to hear

Setsuna saw the body language change. Shoulders became stiff, and her entire body became rigid. Konoka stood up stiffly, slowly turning to face Setsuna. Her eyes wandered from Setsuna's face, stopping at her purple stained hands, lingering for a moment in surprise before looking away. Behind those warm chocolate eyes, Setsuna could see hesitation, confusion and most of all, fear. Setsuna stopped at the sight, not sure if she should continue.

"Ojou-sama.. I.."

"What are you doing here?"

The words hit Setsuna like a punch to the face. Konoka never used such a cold tone towards her before. For the first time in many years, Setsuna felt truly alone in the world. She pushed back her feelings and looked Konoka in the eyes.

"I..I heard from Asuna.." Setsuna managed to get out "Did..I... I would never intentionally hurt Ojou-sama, but did i really do all those things to you?"

Konoka looked away, breaking their eye contact, eyes shut tight. Setsuna clenched her teeth, already knowing the answer. Her grip on Yunnagi tightened in an attempt to control her emotions. They stood there in silence, neither one moving. Konoka grabbed a fistful of her robes, and it didn't go un-noticed

"I.. have one last thing to ask." Setsuna broke the silence, her voice wavering slightly "Ojou-sama.. do.."

Setsuna swallowed "Do..Do you still trust me?"

Konoka looked at her, eyes wide in surprise, yet she didn't say anything. Her eyes darted from side to side, never resting on Setsuna. It felt like an eternity, and it would have been, had Setsuna not understood the meaning behind the empty silence. She knew Konoka was struggling with an answer, but it was more than enough. She knew she couldn't stay any longer. From the corner of her eyes, Setsuna could see a speck of orange coming towards them, she knew without a doubt that it was Asuna.

Taking one last glance at her charge, she saluted and bowed "I will take my leave. It has...been an honor."

With that, Setsuna left quickly, moments before Asuna arrived by Konoka's side. She could feel their gazes on her as she left, disappearing around the corner of the school building. Tears blurred her vision as she walked down the hallway. Brushing her tears aside, she hurriedly made her way to the dorms, and enter her room. She grabbed a small duffle bag from her closet, throwing in clothes and her tool kit. Packing only the absolute essentials,Setsuna zipped up her bag and left, locking the door behind her.

She fished the key out of her pocket, and slid it underneath the door, making sure it was out of reach. Turning on her heel, Setsuna left the building, making her way to a another building on the far end of the school. That building was old and barely used, only known to the students as the hangout for Evangeline the vampire.

A chill washed over her as she stepped into the gloomy building, the dimming light of the setting sun lighting the way. The walk down the corridor seemed long, and Setsuna took the chance to reaffirm her decisions. Stopping, Setsuna slid open the door, coming face to face with the hideout of the elusive vampire.

"I've been waiting for you." Evangeline smiled, showing her fangs. "I see you've made your decision."

Setsuna followed Evangeline's eyes to her bag "Yeah i have."

"Come on." Evangeline made her way to a door behind her, opening it.

The door was a portal, as seen by the glowing white ring around it, lighting up the dim room. Setsuna turned toward the window, her eyes settling on the main school buildings. Memories of her time here began to flash in her head, the good and the bad, all of them playing a part in who she had become. Setsuna gave a sad smile, her eyes brimming with emotion, something rare from the usually stoic girl.

"Aw come on! Don't tell me you need time to say goodbye" Evangeline rolled her eyes, crossing her arms in front of her chest, annoyed

"No." Setsuna replied turning back "There's no need to."

"There is no need to worry about the admin stuff. Setsuna-san" Chachamaru spoke "Master has already taken care of that."

Setsuna looked over at Evangeline, who rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Yeah yeah whatever. Hurry up."

Taking deep breath, Setsuna walked into the portal, feeling the magical sensation wash over her as she entered the pocket dimension. Evangeline and Chachamaru followed close behind, and once all three were through, the portal closed, leaving nothing but an empty room behind the doorway.

It was a quaint little cabin, Setsuna noted, the trees of the lush forest surrounding them. Different from the rumors of a large posh resort Evangeline was rumored to own. Quietly she followed Evangeline into the cabin, and to her surprise, the interior was much larger than the outside. It was nothing extravagant, the living area on the first floor and the bedrooms on the second.

The vampire led her to the room closest to the top of the staircase "You can leave your things here."

Setsuna entered the small room. Its was simple. The small single bed by the wall and a desk and closet a short distance away. A small door led to the bathroom, and that was it. Simple, just the way Setsuna liked it.

"We start tomorrow. Early." Evangeline walked out the door. "Be prepared"

Setsuna placed her bag and Yunnagi on the bed, and started to unpack what little she brought. A piece of paper fell out from her bag as she pulled out her armor set, flying and settling beneath the bed. Setsuna set her armor aside and went to retrieve it. Pulling it out, she frowned hard at it. It was the photo she had pinned up on her board. The one of her and Konoka as kids. Setsuna didn't remember putting it in. She didn't have any intention of bringing a reminder of Konoka with her, yet a part of her was glad the photo was with her, no matter how it got into her bag.

The swordsman slipped the photo beneath her pillow, nodding in satisfaction. She hung up the armor set she had pulled from her bag, then proceeded to peel off the one she was wearing. Pulling off her shoulder guards, leather braces and gloves, she hung them neatly in the closet together with the other set. She sighed at the sight of her bag, before throwing it onto the floor, not bothering to unpack the rest. Setsuna threw herself onto the bed, groaning as the bed was harder than she expected.

It was going to be a long experience for Setsuna, and she knew it.


End of this chapter! I'll be really busy the next few weeks, so I thought I would give you guys a longer chapter!