DISCLAIMER: Never will. Never have. Why even ask?

Hey hey hey. I know this seemed like it'd get somewhere, but I realized i'd keep deleting it if i typed more. I just wanted things to be more...climatic. Not that they arn't already. But...meh.

Perhaps I should invest in a mallet to break this block?

CHAPTER 25: Calling Havoc Home

I think I noticed it immediately. I mean, who wouldn't? It was going on lunch now (the countdown had begun, I felt like saying some sort of goodbye just in case, but I didn't have anyone I knew well enough to say so) and no one recognizable was nearby. That's a problem.

Where on earth is Rima?

It's sad to say I've got used to her stalking, to where I'm actually worried otherwise. It seemed Ruka had disappeared into her room, Kain and Aido were still harassing Yuki, Senri was still…bleh, Seiren was on a roof somewhere, the twins were still missing and Rima was gone.

What. The. Hell.

I ignored the cafeteria for the most part, not having the stomach for lunch. Everything was so wonky, especially with Yuki still human, the twins together, and Akemi. I wasn't sure what to do anymore, or where to go either. Questions tumbled and swirled in my head and I was still recovering from this morning's surprise.

Shouldn't the night class be heading out soon? I mused over this, remembering how I'd watch them leave the gates below; a lot of the fan girls amassed looked displeased over Kaname's disappearance. Yuki held them off alone (valiantly, I might add, even for someone so mentally tortured) and it only furthered my concern for the missing twins.

Though if Yuki isn't worried, and knowing her personality, then it can't be too bad.

I briefly wondered if Kaien knew of Kaname's plans, but I wouldn't know for sure. The right thing to do would be to tell him, but then again, I haven't found out anything about anyone. I wasn't too keen on giving him a heart attack either.

"You're gonna walk into a wall like that."

I almost choked.

I turned, mechanically; to the one man I probably would have never thought to see again. He leaned against the commons door, cigarette lit and cowboy hat tilted downwards. His blue eyes were narrowed on me.

"Yagari-san." I greeted, thoroughly surprised. He snorted, mumbling something under his breath as he stood up, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"That coot wanted you to have this," He tossed a letter forward and I scrambled to catch it, "I'm not his damn messenger, so don't do the 'please tell him' crap."

I blinked as I opened it, confused at the fancy scrawl across it.

Meet me in the basement

-M

M? Who was M?

"Do you know-"

"No." He started to walk away, "Try not to get yourself killed, kid."

"With you around, that's kind of hard." I grumbled, but I think he heard it, if his chuckling was anything to go by. Glancing briefly at the empty common rooms (everyone was at lunch, but it felt weird), I made my way out of the dorm. It was strange not being escorted or having a companion with me. It made me feel just a bit more exposed to outside forces.

Of course, it seemed day class students were starting to group around the gates, whispering excitedly to each other. A few took notice of me, especially the uniform (I've been spotted a few times by day class but nothing noteworthy has happened). I wondered why I became so unconcerned with them, considering as of tonight their lives were at stake and a huge secret will be exposed.

I guess I was envious. Because once upon a time, that was me.

I shook off negative thoughts as I approached the central building. I considered approaching the headmaster about his mysterious note, but felt too nervous for that at the moment. I simply decided to follow the instructions, however vague they were. In the building, it was incredibly hard to find the basement door (at which point I really did consider approaching the headmaster, only to ask for directions) and after the seventh supply closet, I finally found it.

It actually seemed more like a door to another level of the building before it flattened out. A door to my right read 'shooting range' and my left read 'dungeons'.

. . .

Curious, I tried opening the range, only to find the door locked. Slightly put off, I reluctantly opened the dungeon doors (why would this place even need a dungeon?). It was dark and gave a wet soil smell, but I trudged down the winding staircase, half of me questioning why the heck I was even here. Then again, I could trust the headmaster.

It flattened out again, and I was surprised to find only one cage in the darkness, lit by torches. The door was already open but I remained outside as I carefully examined my surroundings. It actually looked maintained, like it was being prepared for something. I cringed as a rat ran across the floor.

"Shimouto!"

I jumped before getting tackled to the ground, half mortified I was now covered in dirt and grime that's been here for centuries. Something snuggled into my side and I glanced down wearily at my relative.

"K-Kurenai-san…what are you doing here?" I grunted, "Please let me go."

She stood, dragging me up with her with a blinding smile, "It's been too long!"

I wanted to twitch but simply sighed, "Why are you here? Aren't your parents worried?"

"They don't know I've left," Her voice lowered from her usual peppiness, "I needed to talk to you, though."

"About what?"

"Shizuka, she…" She looked up at me, almost like a deer in headlights, before shakily continuing at my reassuring nod, "…she mentioned the 'enemy of the purebloods' a lot. I don't know what's going on, but the entire Senate has been…been…" Then she leaned forward, eyes wide as if she still couldn't comprehend what she was going to say, "…been killed."

So he's done it then.

"That's not the worst of it though," She whispered as I feigned surprise, "There's a rumor…that it was Kaname. Everyone on the council is gone but…but you."

Oh. Oh. Now I see. Minute she got word of this she probably flipped out thinking I was either dead or hiding. I felt sort of bad for being aggravated with her, but decided to carry on with the conversation anyhow.

"What's going on now?" Then I clarified, "With the Association?"

"They've rallied all their hunters," Which explains the twin's disappearance, "and seem to be preparing for battle. The nobles are everywhere trying to search for Kaname." She took a worried glance at the staircase; as if afraid someone will magically appear and accuse her of treason. I furrowed my eyebrows. I guess this would explain the Association's precautions but why…?

"Yagari-san is still here." I pointed out skeptically much to Maria's surprise.

"He is…? Maybe he's here to watch the school. It is where the night class is." She reminded me; much she would a child (which only slightly irritated me, only slightly). She turned her head towards the cell with a thoughtful frown.

"Ichiru should be back soon, though." I noticed how she left out Zero but didn't comment, "Ne, Shimouto, maybe you should-"

Blood.

I almost collapsed, dizzily swaying on my two feet and it took Maria to steady me. She was saying something to me, but it just flew overhead. I couldn't make sense of things, all I could was remember the metallic taste on my tongue and shrink back at the awful memory. Something nagged at the back of my head and the scent tugged with familiarity.

It took me a minute to settle down and another full minute to realize who it belonged to.

Yuki!

"You…you smell it too?" Maria asked, shakily gripping my shoulders and looking at the ceiling bewildered. I nodded. Even if it was blood, there was that familiarity that couldn't be swayed. It was too pure, too unflawed, too-

Oh. I'm stupid.

Better late than never I suppose.

"Kurenai-san," She snapped her head in attention, "I need you to tell the headmaster about this. Tell him 'he' has arrived and to move the day class to the safest place on campus. Okay?"

Dumbfounded, she nodded. Satisfied, I grabbed her hand to drag her up the stairs and out of the dungeon, trying to refrain from running. Maria wouldn't have come along anyways.

She was shocked speechless, for some reason.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outside seemed to quiet for my liking. It was as if the school itself was anticipating the worse and was already mourning the loss. Maria was on edge, staying close to me as we jogged into the courtyard. We were a little scrapped up from going up the stairs ("Kurenai-san, your elbowing me in the stomach!" "Your hair is too long! Let me cut it!" "This is not the time or place for that!") But otherwise unharmed.

"This is where we split up," I panted, gesturing the headmasters building, "Remember what I told you."

"Shimouto…" She looked conflicted, gazing between the doors, the flowers, and me, "It's not safe here, is it?"

I decided to be blunt with her, "Not at all."

"C-can you…be okay?" She fidgeted, pushing her silver bangs behind her ear and straightening out the black dress on her, "Will you promise to be safe?"

I blinked, slowly.

Well this is awkward.

"…sure." I turned towards the moon dorms, "Now go!"

She did, although reluctantly. I was mildly concerned with how everyone was treating me like a child (I'm almost thirteen people that has to count for something). I've been on my own since day one, I don't need any help.

A scent drifted with the leaves and I scratched the back of my neck. Aido and Kain are still with Yuki's new scent (along with a strange one that I deemed Kaname's) and it seemed most of the night class and day class were heading towards the main building. I wondered briefly what conflict that would bring before shaking my head.

The main problem is-

"What a delicious little girl."

I froze.

Why hadn't I noticed the scent? It was almost too thick through the air that I was surprised I wasn't choking on it yet. The smell of rotting corpses, oil, and wet dog. And acid. A burning, itchy, acid. One that stung and suffocated, but if I wasn't focusing on it, it passed overhead without notice.

"The master will be most pleased with such a prize."

It was so quick; I almost didn't believe it happened. It came at me, though looking human, its red eyes and large fangs and claws reached for me forebodingly. My hand shot up, energy flaring with adrenaline and in the next moment he was thrown through a tree, bursting into ash as if he'd never existed in the first place.

I panted, blinking multiple times to get my head straight.

Did I just…? Was that a…?

I swallowed.

Damn.

I should have seen that coming. Rido did summon his army of level E minions to this place, didn't he? They are no different from the one's I saw at the senate, so I should have been able to sense them miles away. I pinched myself on the arm, waking me up from my stupor and punishing myself for being ignorant (I wish I could remember EVEYTHING for Kami sake!).

Wait…if the vampires are showing up already and the day classes are still out…

I paled.

Crap. All we have is Yagari and he's smoking somewhere while every night class is worshipping Yuki. Crap. Crap. Crap!

I made a complete backtrack, bolting for the front gates as fast as my legs could carry me. Getting to the dorms was the last thing on my mind, especially if Rido was still in his son's body. It was useless to confront him now. However, if his stupid minions are showing up now and endangering everyone's lives…

Now that I think about it, the story never did tell what happened to the students in broad terms. It only shows a few getting saved and the rest getting herded up. Could my existence…?

The million dollar question, yet it still struck me with fear.

What if things change? What if people actually start dying?

I resolved that'd never happen.

At least…I hope it won't.

Oh Shi and her paranoia. it cracks me up. AnyWHO i got a lot of reviews last chapter so I figured I'd answer them atleast. :P

treavellergirl- Um. Ya know, the human brain has never been one of my strong points. XP

herondalefan- thank you! And don't fall off your chair, you might break your neck and then I'd be unhappy and I'd pobably...Idk. make waffles :3

Cassandra- Woah. Okay. Um, is Shizumi as beautiful as Sara or Ruka? Well, if she's like a mirror midget image of Shizuka and Shizuka's pretty...then I guess so :P. And No, she's gonna stay her age xD Don't worry I'll make sure there's plenty of fluff.

ChristinCC- what is up with people and falling off their chairs? My story is probably gonna need a warning that says 'Beware- Awesomeness may make you fall out of chair and break your neck'. Actually, that sounds kind of cool...

Thank you my reviewers and those Ive not acknowledged yet :P Keep reading~!

AND REVIEW AGAIN :D