Hey guys, I'm back with chapter 7, I'm so happy I made it this far. Thanks for supporting this fic and keeping up with the story.
So, I read some of my most recent comments and I got a comment from a guest that touched on something I've been meaning to address, so I'll try best to explain it.
So, Auska calling Kaname 'Big Brother Kaname' is equivalent to her calling him 'Kaname nii-sama'.
'Nii-sama' is a common term used to refer to older brothers/brother figures in Japan, though the back can be interchangable to 'chan' or 'san'. 'Sama' is more appropriate in this context because Kaname is an important/authoritative figure, both within the school and among vampires.
The reason I wrote it in the way you see in the fic is because in the past, I was referring to Vampire Knight through the English dub version. However, I'm now referring to the Japanese (English sub) version since the dialogue is easier to refer back to. Therefore, if you see 'Big Brother Kaname', take it as she is saying 'Kaname nii-sama'.
I did not nor do I plan to change it to such because it also means changing other stuff like Yuki calling Kaname 'Kaname-senpai' and Kaien calling Zero 'Kiryu-kun' instead like they did in the original Japanese, and I currently don't really have that much free time to edit it all (Maybe I will in the future, but that depends on my schedule).
Hope that clarifies a few things.
Now, onto the chapter.
-0-
In the Headmaster's office at sunset, the three members of the Discipline Committee stood together in front of Kaien. Before them, the Headmaster presented Yuki with a special silver bracelet and Zero with a knife, while Auska watched them carefully from her sister's side.
She watched as the boy cut himself, the blood stained onto the knife dripped onto the main ornament of the bracelet, causing it to glow.
Auska recognized what her father was doing, having read about this method on one of her training books.
"In the past, this incantation was used by vampire hunters to tame vampires." Kaien explained. "Both the bracelet I just gave to Yuki and the tattoo are required for it to work."
To demonstrate, he brought Yuki's wrist towards Zero's neck, where the tattoo laid. True enough, sparks of light started trans-versing between the bracelet and the tattoo, causing everyone in the room to close their eyes.
When it finally stopped, the girls reopened their eyes, gasping in shock when they saw Zero getting pined onto the ground by large shadow-like kunais, one on each of his four limps. He looked just as shock as they was.
"The immobilization is only temporary." Kaien assured all of them before turning to his daughters. "Yuki, should Zero try to bite someone else, you are to use that bracelet to stop him. As for Auska, as you have your skills as a Vampire hunter, I'm sure you could handle him."
I hope. She thought worriedly, fiddling with her necklace.
"This is the condition set by Kaname for allowing Zero to remain in the Day Class." He went on, causing Yuki to look up in surprise.
"Kaname did?"
"It was the request of his beloved Yuki, after all." Kaien smiled.
Auska grabbed her her sister's hand and smiled at her proudly, causing Yuki to blush a little.
The Headmaster then squat down to Zero's level. "I'm really sorry." He apologized. "The truth is, I didn't want to do something like this either."
Kaien then went through his pocket, taking out the box of blood tablets and bringing it towards the boy. "Here, use these to suppress your cravings."
"However, should you carving for blood prove truly unquenchable..."
Zero felt a chill run down his spine as he watched Kaien pull down his shirt seductively, showing of his pale-skinned neck.
"Fell free to drink mine." He added shamelessly.
Irritated, Zero, now free from the immobilizer, got up and started hitting the headmaster. Yuki and Auska watched from the side, sweatdropping from the scene. They winced when Kaien was rolled to the side, hitting the wall with large impact.
With nothing else to say, Zero began exiting the room. While Auska rushed to help pull her father up, Yuki tried to follow Zero, wanting to know if he was really okay with the arrangement. However, she stopped when he did. "It's okay. I'm fine with it." He answered before exiting the office.
"It's... not fine." Kaien said, wincing painfully as Auska pulled him up, wrapping his arms around her neck.
"Please look after Zero, girls." He pleaded. "That man..."
"'That man?'" Yuki repeated.
But before Kaien could finish, he fell unconscious. The sisters looked at each other confusingly, both wondering who was this person their father was referring to.
-0-
The next day, just when the first school bell rung, the girls ran down the halls quickly, just barely making it to class on time, having overslept the previous night.
"Safe!" Yuki sighed as she, Auska and Sayori ran into the classroom, the latter slamming the door shut.
However, as they looked up, they notice that their classmates, mainly the girls, were out of their seats, chatting among each other excitedly. Their teacher was also not here yet, an unusual sight for the morning. "What happened?" Yuki asked one of the girls as she and her friends walked towards them.
"You didn't here? We have a new Ethics teacher today." Their classmate explained, giggling with excitement.
The three blinked in surprised. "Really, in this time of year?" Auska commented, finding it strange that Kaien has never mentioned anything about this new arrangement. Before they could ask anymore questions, the classroom door opened again.
The students quickly ran up to their seats, getting ready for class. As Auska made her way to her's, she looked up, realizing that Zero came to school today. After sending him a soft smile, she turned away and sat down, shifting her focus to the black board. Even if he has offically awakened as a vampire, Zero is still the same.
Everyone went silent as watched the new teacher walked into class. He was a mysterious looking yet handsome man dressed in Victorian-style suit, with messy dark lock of hair and piercing blue eye. He only hand one book with him, uncommon for most teachers in the school. What stood out the most was he was wearing an eye-patch over his right eye, though that just added more to his mysteriousness.
"Looks like you've already heard of me." He said in a deep voice, walking to the teacher's desk.
Auska blinked when she had a clear look of his face. Strangely, the new teacher shared a small resemblance to her, both having dark coloured hair and azure eyes. However, she just write it off as pure coincidence, knowing that they are plenty of people in the world with the same hair and eye colour as she does.
"I'm Toga Yagari, and I'll be your Ethics teacher starting today." He introduced himself. "Nice to meet you."
Yagari? Auska repeated silently, finding the name strangely familiar.
She distinctively recalled her father saying that name once when she was passing by his office few years back, but that was the last she heard of it, and she never asked him about it. Could it be someone Father knew?
After the short introduction, the new teacher looked up to Auska's direction, their eyes meeting for a moment. The girl flinched a little, feeling a slight chill as he looked at her with a cold eye. However, she realized he was not gazing towards her, but towards Zero.
Auska turned to her seating partner, noticing Zero's eyes filled with shock in horror when he saw Yagari. Yuki seem to notice too as she turned to the back to look at him.
Does he know him. The darker haired girl thought worriedly, facing the front again as their new teacher started speaking again.
"Since today is my first day, I will answer any questions you might have for me."
Immediately, the girls in the class rose their hands. "Sensei, are you single?" The first one asked.
"Yes." He answered nonchalantly.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"Such trivial answers." Auska sighed, leaning her head against her hand as she watched the whole class started to bombard their new teacher with questions. Everyone wanted in in knowing their new cool Ethics teacher. When she turned to Zero, she notice he has grown increasingly more uncomfortable.
After a moment, the class seemed to calm down after Kasumi yelled at them, asking them to raise their hands before asking Yagari their questions. Spotting Nadeshiko's hand first, he point towards her, allowing her to stand up and ask her question.
"Is that thing on your face suppose to be a fashionable or something?" She asked nervously.
After hearing the student's question, the room went silent for a second as Yagari glared at them, freaking Nadeshiko and Kasumi out a little, fearing they might have offended their new teacher.
However, before he could answer, Zero suddenly got out of his seat. Everyone in class stared in shock as they watch him storm out of the classroom. "Zero, where are you going?" Auska asked concernedly as she and Yuki stood up.
"Sensei, as members of the Disciplinary Committee, We'll bring him back to class." Yuki informed Yagari before she and her sister left the classroom and ran after Zero.
They followed Zero down the hallway and out of the school building. It was strange, in their years studying together, he never behaved so strangely in front of a teacher. There must be something that bothered him that prompted him to leave the middle of class.
"Zero, wait up!" Yuki called out as they finally caught up too him. "Seriously..."
As the three stopped in front of the gate, they notice that Kaien was standing in front of it, smiling at them.
Auuska blinked. If father is here, that could mean...
-0-
"It was nice of the Headmaster to ask us to run an errand for him." Yuki smiled as she turned to Zero and Auska.
"Not really." The silver-haired boy looked down, packages in hand.
"Well, we haven't had a break like this in a while, so I kinda like it." Auska smiled back, adjusting her hold on the package she was holding.
After the incident earlier, Kaien decided to excuse the discipline committee from school for the day. In turn, they are to help him to run some errands for him in town. The girls were more than happy to help out, hoping that the time they spend in town would help brighten Zero's mood a little and get his mind of what was bothering him.
"Hey Auska look." Yuki ran to a nearby cart, staring at the colourful scarfs sold there. She picked one up and placed it over her shoulders before turning to her sister. "What do you think?"
Auska giggled. "Looks great." She commented before turning to Zero. "What do you think, Zero?"
Zero simply hummed before looking around again. However, they just left him be. It was the first time he has gone out to town since his awakening, so they wanting him to be get comfortable with his surroundings again. At the very least, they could tell he is back to his original self again.
As they continued strolling down the town square, Yuki spotted a particular cart ahead that caught her interest. She then turned and hook her arm around Auska.
"Hey, lets check that store out." She said excitedly before pulling her sister with her.
"Wait, Yuki..."
Before she could add anything else, Auska was already in front of the cart. Displayed on top of it were a large variety of bright and colourful crystals. Some of it were left untouched, whereas some were attached to different accessories, from bracelets to rings, and necklaces.
The dark-haired girl turned to her sister. "Why did you pull me here?"
"I thought you might be interested." Yuki gleamed, picking up a topaz bracelet and staring at it. "You've wearing that amethyst necklace for so long, I figured you might be interested in buying another one."
"My necklace?" Auska repeated. With her free hand, she untucked the accessory from under her shirt.
She never really considered buying a new necklace for herself. In truth, she never cared about fancy jewelry in anyway. The only reason she wore was to honor her birth mother, whom sacrificed herself to save her baby from a pureblood vampire who massacred the village she was born in. At least that Kaien told her.
Realizing she was looking down silently, Yuki tapped Auska's shoulder. "eh, What's wrong?"
She looked up and shook her head. "It's nothing." She assured her, tucking her necklace back into her shirt.
"They are pretty, but quite expensive. Maybe next time when we have more money."
Without questioning, Yuki nodded in understanding. Zero watched from behind, knowing full well Auska has no intention in buying a new accessory.
After a moment, something else popped in the short-haired girls mind. "You know, I'm feeling quiet hungry. I know a place we can eat." Without hesitation, Yuki ran down the lane, with her adoptive siblings following behind.
"Follow me."
-0-
The two followed Yuki until they come upon a little cafe in a little corner in town. They quickly got a seat and started ordering. Yuki ordered a large parfait for herself while Auska opted for a cup of fizzy green apple soda topped with vanilla ice cream instead. Zero, on the other hand, decided on a cup of coffee.
"Thank you of the meal." Yuki cheered before digging into her dessert.
"I wanted to eat Shio ramen." Zero commented before sipping his drink, a short disgruntle look form the girl.
"B-but, I really like the parfait here." She said as she ate it. "I came here with Yori and Auska the other day, and I have been craving it ever since."
After a moment, she stopped when something came to mind. Something that has been bothering her almost the whole day.
"Zero, that new teacher...do you know him?"
Auska straighten her back up upon hearing Yuki's question. She has been meaning to ask him the question but thought it might be too personal to him. As predicted, Zero turned away, not wanting to answer.
"uh, it's okay." Yuki added. "You don't have to answer me if you don't want to."
"I don't know about you, but his name sounds very familiar somehow." Auska said, leaning against the table deep in thought. "I heard Father say his name once when I pass his office some time ago, but it felt like I've seen the name 'Yagari' before."
Her sister then turned to her sister. "Maybe he a son of a wealthy family. But, he seems really scary somehow."
"You're wrong."
The girls turned to Zero, listening to what he is going to say. "He's actually..."
"uh, Excuse me."
A waitress suddenly cut in, preventing Zero from finishing. "but are you a member of Cross Academy's Night Class?"
Auska tensed up, not liking where it was going. No, please don't. She begged mentally, staring at Zero worriedly.
"I knew it, I could tell right away." She added absentmindedly, smiling excitedly. "You exude an aura that is different from normal people."
"uh...hey..." Yuki tried to stop her but the waitress went on.
"People who are elite are of a different class! Do you know someone name Aido?"
As she continued on, ignoring the other two girls, Zero started to gather all the packages the discipline committee collected from their errand and stood up, looking frustrated. "I'll be waiting outside." He said before walking out of the café.
"Did I...say something wrong?" The waitress asked as they watch him leave.
Auska quickly finished her drink and stood up, wearing her jacket as she did. "It's nothing, he is just not in the right mood today." She said nicely, though deep down she was irritated by her. "I'll go talk to him."
"oh, okay." Yuki nodded.
After quickly exiting the store, Auska spotted Zero standing just outside it, staring at the sky. She could not imagine how he felt earlier, being lumped in the same group of beings he loathe. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked, walking towards him.
Zero lowered his gaze. "Auska, tell me truthfully. Do I have the same aura as them?"
She gasped softly and paused for a moment before answering. "Don't listen to what she said. You are nothing like them." She tried to assure him.
However, he did not seem to to hear her, seeing as he continue staring at the sky. Auska looked down solemnly. Though she could understand the waitress's ignorance, her saying what she said further solidifies that fact Zero is no longer human. He already hates vampires more than anything, she does not want him to end up hating himself.
Just then, Zero suddenly smelled the scent of blood filling the air, causing his whole being to pulsate.
Realizing he has gone stiff, Auska stepped towards him worriedly. "Zero, what's wrong."
Without warning, the silver-haired boy started running away, dropping the packages on the ground. "Zero, wait!" She cried out again. She hesitated for a moment, thinking if she should chase after him.
At the same time, Yuki exited the café. "Sorry for the wait, guys. Are you alright..."
Before she could finish, she realized that Zero was no longer outside the café as he said he was. She turned to her right and notice her sister standing amidst the packages, staring forward.
"Auska, what's wrong?" She asked worriedly.
"Yuki." She turned around before shifting back. "It's nothing. Just stay here and don't go anywhere. I'll go get Zero myself."
"huh..." Before she could ask what happened, Auska being running away. "Auska, wait!"
Ignoring her sister's cries, the dark-haired teen begin running down the direction Zero went earlier. She looked at every direction, trying to think where he could have ran to, even making sure to check even the more obscure parts of the area. However, she could not seem to find him.
It's odd for him to run away like this. She thought, stopping to look around.
Then, she started to feel a dreaded feeling down her veins as she felt the air around her go cold. Unless...
At that moment, Auska then felt something hot against her skin. She looked down a notice that her necklace has gone back to being blood-red in colour just like a few days ago.
This again...
"Who would have thought I would catch a pretty little prey so easily." A voice said creepily.
Auska narrowed her eyes and her guard up, reaching into her jacket as she slowly turned around.
Behind her, a tall man with long hair begin to walk towards her. His eyes glowed red and he bared his fangs as he extended his claws, causing the girl to step back a little, recognizing what he is.
Level E. She grid her teeth.
"LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!"
As he charged towards her, Auska pulled out her gun and started shooting at him. Surprised, the Level E quickly dodged the incoming bullets, coming out unscaved. As he was about to reach for her, Auska quickly jumped, leaping over him as she continued to shoot him. However, the Level E dodged all her shots as he jumped away from her.
She landed as far from his as possible, ignoring the growing heat of her necklace's gem as she pointed her gun at him, knowing that she is left with one bullet. I'm still not used to using it, but I have to make it count.
However, the Level E froze and began to sniff the air as he caught whiff of something. "What a sweet scent." He whispered before laughing sinisterly.
Auska drew back her arm a little, wondering why he suddenly stopped coming for her but then, the Level E jumped on top of the closest buildings and started escaping.
"Hey, wait!" She yelled before chasing after him.
That explains why Zero reacted so strongly earlier. She thought as she ran. I have to get him before any civilians get hurt.
-0-
"Your blood smells really good." The vampire said as he bared his fangs at Yuki, who was holding the activated Artemis rod.
However, the girl's eyes froze and body stiffened with fear after realizing what the man was.
"LET ME DRINK IT ALL!"
As he charged towards her, Yuki, still frozen in place, felt a third hand on her weapon, freeing it from her grip. Zero then swung the rod forward, hitting the vampire between his eyes.
The creature yelled in pain as he cupped his injury, feeling the effects of the Artemis rod travel through his head.
"Stop spacing out, Yuki." Yuki blinked when she heard the newcomer's stern voice behind her, causing her to blink from her trance-like state.
"Zero." She turned around.
"Where's Auska?" He went on asking.
"I don't know, we split up to find you." Yuki lied, knowing Auska specifically told her to stay behind.
Both looked down and notice sparks flying between Yuki's weapon and Zero's hand, though the latter did not seem bothered by it. "Artemis doesn't seem to like me using it."
They turned around to face the vampire again, who was still wincing in pain. After removing his hands from his face, he growled even more fiercely than before. The mark of the Artemis rod burned into his skin and his eyes turned black while his pupils still glowed red, his fangs also grew longer than before.
Yuki fell onto the ground terrified. "Is this...a Level E?" She whimpered.
Zero's mouth gaped open for a second before he frowned once more, holding the Artemis rod towards him. However, he then heard someone call him from behind.
"Zero!"
Turning around, the boy notice Auska entering the alleyway, tossing her gun towards him. He quickly caught it, dropping Yuki's weapon in the process. "There is still one more bullet in there. Use it." Auska said.
Shifting his attention back to the Level E, the creature began to charge at them again. Zero drew the gun up as he jumped towards him, preparing to shoot him but before he could pull the trigger, the Level E was sliced in half by a sword, more specifically a silver one, causing him to burst into dust in an instant.
As the dust settle down, the three discipline committee members looked up and notice two men around their age standing in front of them, one maroon-haired and one blond. They immediately recognized them as Senri Shiki and Takuma Ichijo, both students of the Night Class.
"Takuma? Senri?" Yuki gasped as Takuma sheath his sword.
"Mission accomplished." The blond smiled.
"There is no need for me to come here after all." His companion said in a deadpan tone.
"What are you doing here?" Auska asked as she walked to Zero and Yuki's side, helping her sister up from the ground, grabbing the Artemis rod as she did.
Takuma laughed charmingly. "Well now, my dear. Is that how you treat you and your friend's savior?"
Auska sighed and turned to the side, knowing she should have seen it coming.
Takuma was one of the only students from the Night Class, besides, Kaname, she got along with, Senri not so much despite the two always being together. He had the tendency to tease her, often acting he had a major crush on her. She found it irritating, but knows he means well. He was also one of the only few who supported her choice of becoming a Vampire hunter.
"But...why did you do this?" Yuki asked suddenly, gaining the vampire's attention.
"Why did you kill him?" She repeated more clearly.
Instead of given her a definite answer, Takuma smiled. "If you want to know the answer, then come visit the Moon dormitory tonight." He said as he started to walk away. "Then, I'll tell you why I killed the Level E."
The three watched as the two vampires walked away. Auska turned to her sister, who looked incredibly lost. She could not blame her for feeling that way. Unlike herself and Zero, Yuki is completely ignorant about the history between humans and vampires. She wish she could explain everything to her, but even she herself is not aware of somethings.
"Are you fine?" She asked softly.
"Hmm." Yuki let out softly. However, she continued staring at the ground, thinking about the invite Takuma gave to her.
"The wound does not look too serious, but it will definitely attract too much attraction when we get back to school." Auska said, gently lifting up Yuki's arm, looking at her wound. "I'll help you dress it when we get back home."
Yuki nodded. "Thanks."
While she was still in a daze, Auska and Zero looked at one another a nodded, knowing full well what is in her sister's mind.
Looks like we're going to stay up a little late tonight.
-0-
Later that night, Zero and Auska stood by the gates of the Moon dorms, both now in their uniform and weapons equiped, awaiting Yuki's arrival. They knew that she would want to go in there alone and without the knowledge, so Auska insisted that they reach there before she does.
"I'm surprised you didn't reject the offer." She said, leaning against the walls.
"There is something I wanted to take to you and Yuki about." Zero added, arms crossed as he leaned between the wall and the gate's door. He was about to say something else but Auska beat him too it.
"It was about what happened earlier, isn't it." She guessed.
Zero did not say anything, turning away from the Auska instead, unsurprised that she guess it immediately. Noticing something bulky underneath his uniform, Auska quickly reached out and snatched the object from him, revealing to the same gun she carried to town earlier that day, this time now fully loaded.
The silver-haired boy turned away again, refusing to say anything However, he was not ready for her to turn to him and knock him in the head with her wooden bow. Zero saw it coming but did not bother to stop it, knowing he deserved it. The hit was surprisingly less pain that anticipated, but it sends the point across.
"You idiot." She whispered before raising her voice slightly. "Have you forgotten what I said that day? I said no matter the circumstance, I'll be by your side, right?"
"It's much more complicated than that." He finally spoke, standing up straight. "Auska, you know that day will come, and when it does...I want you or Yuki to kill me with your bare hands."
Auska froze in shock after Zero said his request. Kill him, how could she? She knew how much he has been through these past few years, trying to control and resist his vampiric powers. And now, he is planning on giving up? Auska knew she could not settle for that. She also knew if Yuki were with them now, she would not agree it it.
However..."Okay, I'll accept your wishes."
"But..." Auska reached her hand out. Zero though she has about to try to take the gun again but instead, she cupped his hand with hers. His eyes widened a little, feeling her warmth against his skin. "I don't believe that day will come. So please, promise that you would keep struggling till the very end."
"So that I wouldn't have to kill you."
Zero's mouth gaped open as he stared at Auska, feeling his heart skip a beat. He knew he could not stop her, but her pure belief that he could fight through his troubles shocked him. Auska knows whole-heartedly the day he turns will come, but she is has faith in him. Even all that he has done, after he had hurt her and her family, she still refuse to give up on him.
That was probably why she was the only people he could truly open to over the pass few years, because even after she found out, she still continue to encourage him fight on. And that's what he liked about her.
With his free hand, Zero reached out for Auska's face, cupping her cheek, surprising her a little. "Thank you." He said softly.
Though still stunt, the girl smiled thinly, feeling her heart beat faster than usual. There is that feeling again. She thought. Why does it keep coming when Zero and I are close? We're just friends, right?
With that concluded, the two started waiting for Yuki again, though Auska's mind is still thinking about those feelings. Thinking about it alone causes her cheeks to heat up like a main female protagonist in those novels whenever she sees her crush walk pass.
Wait a minute, crush?
She then remembered when Yuki asked if she has a crush on Zero, which she denied then. However, now she began second guessing herself. Could I actually like Zero? Is that why I want to protect him so badly?
However, she mentally shook her head. No, that can't be possible. He is so hardheaded and serious most of the time. There is no way I would like guys like that. With that said, Auska quickly push that thought aside.
As few minutes passed before Yuki finally showed up. She looked around, making sure there was no one following her but she was startled by a voice in front of her.
"We knew it."
She gasp and turning around, finding Auska and Zero standing in front of her. "You guys?" She then stepped forward with a frim look. "Y-You can't stop me."
"We're not, we're coming with you." The male hunter said, stepping forward. "Auska knew you were going to accept Ichijo's invitation, so she said we should follow you."
Auska...Yuki turned to her sister, who started walking towards her.
"I know you believe that everyone in the Night Class are good people Yuki, but there are just some that can't be trusted." Auska explained. "Although I know Big Brother Kaname would probably be there to protect you, I'm just worried that something would happen to you without my knowledge."
Though Yuki felt that she was being a little to overprotective, she understood Auska's intentions.
"Okay, let's go in together." She smiled.
After opening the large metal gates they guard almost everyday, the three discipline committee members slowly made their way to the Moon dorm, uncertainty and weariness in their hearts. The last time they came together during the day, the dorm looked liked any picturesque fairytale castle. However, at night, the Moon dorms had a haunting and intimating look to like a fortress, makes sense considering the beings they hold in them.
As they walked closer, the three heard someone close to them. Instinctively, the rose their weapons up and pointed them at the newcomers.
"You guys are sure rude." Hanabusa commented as he and Akatsuki surrounded the trio.
"Aido, Kain." Yuki blinked, realizing who it was. However, the three continued having their weapons up.
"We came to get you because the dorm Vice-President told us to." Akatsuki explained nonchalantly. "Would you please put those dangerous weapons away?"
Despite their hesitance, the discipline committee eventually brought their weapons down. As she slot her arrow back into it's quiver, Auska sent the two vampires a passing glare, showing her distrust towards them. However, they ignored it as they walked in front of the group.
"Welcome to the Moon Dormitory." Hanabusa welcomed, pulling himself into a gentlemen's bow. "The two of us will show you the way in."
The two vampires soon parted, allowing Yuki, Zero and Auska to walk before them. Staring at the large building, Yuki was the first to step forward first but stop for a moment in hesitance. She turned to her sister, who simply gave a small nod of assurance. With that much need encouragement, the girl started walking, with the other two tailing behind her.
-0-
Hanabusa and Akatsuki later guided the three to the Moon Dorm's large courtyard. The area dark, but was lit up by two rolls of dozens of candle stands that stood by the side of the pathway. Along the way, they were also greeted by the Night class students, who were dresses in their prettiest clothing. They stared as the three Day class students walk pass them, some with distrust, while others surprised that they came after all.
Without thinking, she instinctively stepped closer to Yuki, covering her from some passing eyes. Seeing the number of vampires that have gathered, Auska concluded they must be holding some sort of gathering or party in the Night Dorms, though she did not know what kind.
Once they were quite far into the Moon Dorm's courtyard, Hanabusa and Akatsuki stopped. Turning to the front, Auska blinked in confusion as they are greeted by a joyous looking Takuma standing in front of them. Behind him was a large white-clothed table laid with a assortment of dishes and a large layered cake.
Wait a moment. Don't tell me...Auska sweatdropped.
"Welcome, Yuki, Auska, Kiryu!" He greeted them with his brightest smile, despite most of the discipline committee's confusion. "Tonight is my birthday party! Enjoy yourself okay?"
"Takuma...is this why you asked us to come here?" Auska asked.
"Of course, it would be rude not too." He replied teasingly. "And as a present, why don't you give me a small peck on the cheek?"
Before she could react, Zero stepped in front of her, blocking the girl from the blond-haired vampire as he glared at him with distain. "Aw, you're such a buzzkill, Kiryu." Takuma sulked.
"I-I didn't come here to play." Yuki added, still surprised by the unexpected party. "I wanted to ask you about the things that happened today."
"I see." Takuma blinked, returning to his usual persona.
"Um, why did you kill the Level E?" She asked hesitantly. "I mean, he's a vampire, just like you."
"We're all not the same as them." Hanabusa replied, walking towards the table as his schoolmate prepared a few glasses of drinks for the newcomers. Yuki gasped softly, not understanding what he meant.
"Yuki, the vampire society is ruled by the handful of Purebloods and a select number of Noble families." Takuma explained, walking towards the discipline committee, handing out glasses to them. "All the vampires in the Night class belongs to the Noble class or above, but there are normal vampires that exist beneath us."
"Then...". He then waved Zero a glass that was filled with red liquid, more specifically with blood tablet. "There are the vampires who use to be human."
Zero tensed up slightly as Takuma added his last point, but maintained his composure. "Then, there are those who don't even fall within the ranking system..." Senri added, suddenly appearing behind the discipline committee before walking towards his best friend. "The Level E's."
"Vampires who used to be humans will gradually lose their sanity," Takuma continued. "and eventually succumb to Level E, no matter what."
"The end. Destruction. And...disintegration."
Auska closed her eyes and chewed on her lower lip as she heard the fate of a human-turned-vampire, having known it since her training began. However, it hurts to hear about it again.
"We are completely different from vampires who use to be human." Hanabusa said. "Please don't lump us together."
"You don't have to say it like that!" Yuki yelled back angrily, unable to believe what she was hearing. "It's not like Level E's chose to become vampires on their own!
"Yuki..." Auska tried to pull her back.
"That's precisely why we have to control them." Takuma cut in. "Before their craving for blood forces them to start randomly attacking humans..."
"In a way, it's like repaying what has been already stolen." Auska stepped in. "Vampires of high ranking are responsible for turning humans in vampires, so they also feel its their duty to handle them when they start loosing control."
"Spot on, Auska." Takuma smiled, snapping his fingers.
"I was the one who gave the order."
The two girls turned around upon hearing the familiar voice coming from the side. There, they see Kaname standing on the dorm building's walkway, leaning against the large pillar. Next to him was a big velvet sofa and stood his assistant, Seiren. "I told Ichijou and Shiki to hunt for the Level E today."
"You did, Kaname..." Yuki blinked in shock, though her companions were least bit surprised.
"Yuki, I can't believe you actually came to such a dangerous place because Ichijou told you to." The vampire scolded her. "Luckily Auska came along, but I'm guesses you didn't plan to come with her accompanying you at first."
Of course he knows. Auska thought, shifting her gaze to her sister.
"I-I wanted to verify things in person." Yuki tried to explain.
Kaname sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "'In person', huh?" He repeated before motioning her towards him. "Come here, Yuki. You too, Auska, Zero."
Yuki was hesitant at first, but Auska placed her free hand on her shoulder, indicating it was fine. After handing Takuma back their glasses, the three made their way up the steps as all present vampires watched them from below. Kaname, now seated in the velvet sofa, then pet at the empty spot next to him. "Yuki, come sit beside me."
"Eh?" The girl gasped, feeling flustered all the sudden.
Her reaction made the vampire giggle softly. "Just come."
Taking a small peak behind her, Yuki could here a few vampires whispering among themselves, wondering why their esteem dorm president is asking a mere human girl to seat next to him. She also notice some female vampires glaring at her with jealousy. "It fine." She smiled.
"Yuki."
"Yes..." Yuki gave in, seating herself on the sofa, but a few inches away from Kaname, hoping it would hid her embarrassment. However, Kaname pulled her closer to him, leaning her body against his lovingly. "The safest place for you is by my side." He said gently.
Zero, now leaning against the walk way's stone railings, turned to face Auska, who was leaning against the pillar at the opposite side, wondering if she was really okay with Kaname bring her sister close to him. However, she was instead facing away, staring at the other vampires in front of them like a guard.
Now that he noticed, Auska has always been fine with Yuki being close to Kaname, but not with other vampires she does not trust. As far as he knew, the Moon Dorm President is the most powerful and dangerous vampire among the others. Even if they knew each other since she was a child, why does Auska trust him with Yuki so much?
"Vampires who were once human should never have been brought into existence." Kaname said to Yuki, but loud enough for the vampire hunters to hear. "But in the past, in the desolate time, when the war between vampires and vampire hunters reached its zenith, vampires transformed many humans into lesser vampires in an attempt to bolster their forces."
"Ever since then, those who are the Noble class or above are obligated to control those vampires who were once human." He continued, raising Yuki's now bandaged arm from when she scrapped herself earlier, loosening it. "As such, there are also times when one must dispose of them as well."
"Hunting vampires is the job of a vampire hunter." Zero retorted, suddenly appearing in front of them.
Kaname glared at the younger man. "In that case, why didn't you kill that Level E when you had the chance?"
Upon being questioned, Zero felt his entire body tighten. "If I recall, the last time a Level E appeared in town, Auska was the one who ended its misery." The vampire continued, lifted up Yuki's now exposed wound. Auska was about to say something in defense but relented, not wanting to make the situation worse.
"This is the wound from today, correct?" He asked softly, lowering his head. "I shall...take away the pain."
"Eh..." Yuki watched as Kaname placed his lips on her wound, causing a light blush to appear on her cheeks. Using his powers, the Pureblood slowly healed the wound.
"Ka-Kaname?" The girl let out, closing her eyes in embarrassment.
After he was done, the vampire focus his attention back to Zero. "Zero, could it be..."
"That you sympathize with him?"
Feeling something inside his snap, Zero drew Bloody Rose out, pointing it at Kaname. However, as he looked down, he notice a hand hanging closely towards his neck, almost touching its skin. Beside him, Seiren glared intimidatingly at the silver-haired boy, preventing him from shooting. All the vampires watching below followed suite.
Auska was ready to pick up and draw her bow and arrow at the female vampire but Kaname soon spoke up. "Seiren, Its alright. I was the one whose words gave offense."
He then turned to Auska, giving her a look to back down. Understanding what he meant, the long-haired girl brought her hand down from her quiver. At the same time, Zero withdrew his gun. However, the anger towards Zero's disrespect towards their dorm leader continue to grow within the other vampires.
"He actually dares to point a gun at our leader?" Hanabusa whispered in distain. "Even if I were to slice him into pieces, it wouldn't be enough!"
"But I won't do that," He continued, raising his voice so Zero could hear. "as long as I'm in this school. I do not wish to renounce Headmaster Cross' pacifism."
"But remember this, the only reason we are all gathered here at this school is because of Kaname, a Pureblood."
"Pureblood?" Yuki repeated in shock, turning to the vampire beside her. "Kaname is a Pureblood?"
The same as the vampire who killed Zero's family...and assulted Zero...
"You appear as though you have only just learned of this, Yuki." Kaname said. "Did Auska or the headmaster not tell you?"
"I was going to." Auska answered, walking towards the two. "But because of...circumstances, I though it was best if you told her yourself, Big Brother Kaname."
"I see." Kaname lowered his head in understanding before facing Yuki again, who was looking at him with wide eyes. "Yuki, are you afraid?"
Yuki gasped and lowered her gaze. "I have always been a little scared of you." She confessed softly, holding onto his hand. "Even now...I'm a little scared of you."
As the air in the compound tensed up, Takuma took the opportunity to calm everybody down. "Alright, everyone!" He clapped, attracting their attention. "It's my birthday today, so make sure to celebrate it properly for me. Yuki, Auska and Zero are my important guests."
Not wanting to upset their vice-dorm president, the Night Class students relented, though they still help on to their resentment towards Zero.
As the crowd began to part, Auska made her way towards Zero, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, if your not comfortable being here, you can head back first." She whispered to him. "I can look after Yuki myself."
Zero bowed and shook his head. "No, I'm staying." He answered, clenching his fists. I want to prove him wrong.
-0-
For the next hour, the party went smoothly despite the draft atmosphere. Yuki remained by Kaname's side while the other two discipline committee members stood beside them, watching the rather draft soiree.
As the party went on, Auska snuck a few looks at Zero, wondering how he was doing and feeling. It was clear that he was forcing himself to stay, and for reasons obvious. Still, it pains her to see him in such a position, especially after the talk they had.
Facing the front again, she return too watching the Night class students, hoping to distract herself.
"Auska." Kaname suddenly called her.
"Hm." She quickly turned around. "What is it, Big brother Kaname?"
"Come forward." The Pureblood said, motioning her towards him. "And do leave your weapons behind."
Despite her hesitance, Auska placed her bow and quiver to the side, allowing them to lean against the white pillar. Yuki shift her attention back and from the vampire and her sister, wondering what was the reason for Kaname calling for her.
Zero frowned as he watched Auska walked towards Kaname from the side, part of him wanting to step in front of her to block her from getting any closer. However, he remained in his place, trusting that Auska knows what she was doing.
"Is there something you want to talk to me about?" The raven-haired girl asked.
"Yes." Kaname nodded. "It something that I have been thinking about, but I want to hear it from you before I could confirm it."
Auska paused for a moment before nodding in understanding. "Yes."
"That night, when...you know." He began, pulling Yuki closer to his figure. "When we were in the Headmaster's office, you started to clench your chest in pain. Was there similar incidents where that happened?"
Auska opened her mouth, trying to find the right answer to his question. "umm...There was. It was earlier that day, after we parted from the school gates. In town, I began feeling this stinging sensation against my chest...and then, when I looked down, my necklace has changed colour."
She untucked her accessory from under her uniform to show Kaname. "But, after a while, it gone back to its usual colour."
"I see." The Pureblood closed his eyes. So I was right about that gem. I wonder if Kaien knew about it.
Just at that moment, the three heard footsteps walking down the steps quickly. Auska quickly turned around and realized that Zero is running away, hand covering his mouth tightly.
He must have saw blood. She thought, looking out at the Night Class students before noticing Senri lapsing on Takuma's open scar, causing her to frown.
Yuki quickly stood up, wanting to chase after him. "Kaname, I..."
"Yuki, you stay with Big brother Kaname." Auska interfered, placing her hands on her sister's shoulders. "I'll handle this myself."
Without hesitance, she quickly ran down the steps of the veranda, avoiding the gaze of the other vampires as she passed by them, assuming they were staring at her because she was human.
Unbeknownst to her, everyone was not staring at her, but the gem on her necklace that had a mixture of red and purple. They began whispering amongst themselves, wondering why she would have such a thing in her possession.
Realizing that her sister has left her weapon behind, Yuki tried to chase after her, but the Pureblood vampire grabbed hold of her hand, preventing her from going any further. "Yuki, don't. She'll be fine on her own."
"But..."
"Trust me, she will."
With Kaname's confident words of assurance, Yuki relented, remaining standing in place as she stared at the direction Auska ran to with worry, wondering what will happen.
"Your sure she would be fine?" Akatsuki asked as he walked towards Kaname.
"There is nothing to worry about." The pureblood assured his subordinate. "After, she that gem with her."
"Hmm, gem..." Yuki turned around, overhearing their conversation. "You mean Auska's amethyst necklace?"
Kaname bowed his head. "That's not an amethyst, Yuki."
"That jewel is an artificially created gem once used during the later parts of the war between the vampires and the vampire hunters. It is a gem used to prevent vampires of any rank from biting humans..."
-0-
Following the trail of clothes Zero shed from his being, Auska manage to find him leaning against the stone railings by the compound's pool side. He struggled to breathe as his mark glowed and burned painfully against his skin, preventing him from standing up straight. He held his box of blood tablets tightly in his hand, trying his best to lift it up closer to his mouth.
"Zero!" Auska cried, running up to help help him. Getting on her knees, she tried to hold him up, ignoring the burning sensation she is suddenly feeling against her neck. "Are you alright?"
As she tried to figure out how to help him, the girl notice some of the blood tablets have fallen onto the ground.
The box is open...that means. Auska eyes widened as she made her revelation "Can you not take them?"
Before he could reply, Zero grabbed hold onto her shoulders, leaning against her. "I can't." He said helplessly between breaths.
"No matter how many..."
-0-
"When a hungry vampire is in close proximity of where the human is standing, it will turn red, signaling its presence. However, if the vampire gets too close..."
-0-
Suddenly, he felt a pulse within his body, his eyes interchanging between his beautiful violet ones to haunting blood red ones.
As he tried to fight against his vampiric desires, Zero's grip on Auska's shoulders tighten. She swallowed as she felt his nails dig into the her skin, but she was too stunt to do anything. Every part of her body refused to move, no matter how hard she tried.
Then, a second wave of pulsing traveled through Zero's body, even more painful than the previous. Zero pulled himself further away from Auska as he tried to control himself. However, the pain was too unbearable. He leaned closer to Auska's body, this time hugging her tightly, unaware he was hurting her even more.
Feeling the feeling of her arms return, the black-haired girl tried to push Zero away. "Zero, it hurts."
Then, she felt a chill up her spine as she felt Zero's nose brush against her neck.
-0-
"The gem will form a barrier between them, killing the vampire in an instant."
"That is the function of the Sirius crystel."
-0-
"Auska..." Zero let out, feeling his desire take control of him. "Sorry..."
Was this...was this want Yuki had to experience that night? Auska gasps as she felt something warm and wet brush against her neck continuously.
A soft blush unwittingly formed around her cheeks and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his waist. She did not know what possessed her to do such a thing, knowing it will only encourage Zero's temptations.
She has never felt so vulnerable in her life, so hopeless. She closed her eyes, awaiting what's expected to come.
If anything happens, this will protect you She heard a voice whisper in her mind, almost motherly like, causing her eyes to snap open.
"Watch out!"
Suddenly, Auska felt her and Zero's bodies being pushed into the pool of water behind her. Before she could see who it was, they were both submerged in the water.
Feeling his body burn in the liquid, Zero blinked, his eyes returning to it's natural colour. His temptations disappeared, bring him back to his senses.
Looking down in front of him, he notice Auska looking directly at him, her hands still around his hips as they sunk deeper. Soon, everything that happened, more specifically what he nearly did, flashed through his mind.
He quickly let go of Auska's shoulders and forced himself out of her embrace, face filled with disgust. He soon swam up, with the girl following suite.
The two quickly reached the surface, gasping for air.
"Are you two alright?" Yuki asked worriedly, kneeling by the water's edge. Thank God I came in time.
"Yuki?" Auska turned in shock, realizing her sister was the one who them both into the pool. However, she failed to realize her necklace is still blood red. She then quickly turned to Zero.
"Zero..."
Before she could say anything else, a long gun barrel passed over her shoulder. And then, a loud gunshot was heard. The girl's eyes widened with shock as she watch blood bleed out of Zero's shoulder rapidly, staining the waters.
"tch, you should have left them be, girl." A familiar gruff voice said. "Saves me from wasting my bullets."
Auska looked up and came face to face with none other than their new teacher, Toga Yagari, standing intimidatingly over them. Yuki's eyes widened as she watched from the side, having been pushed away by the older man. "Who would have thought I'd actually have to use this gun to dispose of my cute disciple." He added, reloading his gun.
"Hate me and die. Vampire."
Clenching his wound, Zero turned around to face Yagari. "Master..."
Master? Then Yagari-sensei is a...Auska stared at the man. Then, she remembered something, something that bugged her the entire morning.
I remember...Yagari is the name of a powerful family of vampire hunters.
As Zero winced from his wound, Auska quickly swam towards him and held him up, checking on the wound in the process. "Zero!" She then looked up and glared at the older vampire hunter. "The bullet was laced with anti-vampire magic, wasn't it?"
"Yes." Yagari answered nonchalantly, removing his cigarette. "Zero, despite your craving for blood, are you sane enough to properly meet your end?"
Zero's eyes widened, realizing what was going to happen next. However, he closed his eyes, ready to accept his fate. Auska, on the other hand, was not having it. She wrapped her around him protectively. Blue met blue as the vampire hunters stared at one another.
"I'm sorry, but your going to get through me in order to shoot him." She threatened, water dripping over her face.
"tch, why am I not surprised." Yagari said. "Your mother was just like you, it's terrifying."
Auska mouth gasps open. "My...my mother." But...I'm was orphaned...why would someone know my mother. "What would you know anything about my mother?"
"Other than the fact she died fifteen years ago, she and her entire village killed by a vengeful Pureblood vampire." He replied, still pointing his gun towards Zero.
"And...she was my sister, Taira Yagari."
bum, Bum, BUM. I bet some of you did not expect that ending huh (Then again, I have been giving quite a bit of hints).
So if your wondering 'then, what about the prologue?' Well, rather than a flashback, that is actually the story Kaien told Auska after telling her she was adopted, so before she decided to dig deeper into her background seen in chapter 1. So, the prologue isn't a flashback, rather it is a story Kaien partially made up. You would later find out why.
The name of the 'amethyst' Auska wears is pretty hard to fine. But, I eventually chose Sirius (no particular reason other then it's a cool name).
Anyway, thank you so much for patiently waiting for this chapter, this is the longest one I have written so far. Do leave a comment if you enjoy is story, constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
An omake to this chapter would also be released in a few days time to do look out for it.
Once again, thank you and see you around.
- Gi