Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its character's; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Vampire Knight or its characters; that right belong to Matsuri Hino.
Author's Notes: TO READERS! IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE WAY THIS IS TURNING OUT, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS MY INSANITY AND CREATIVITY, TURN AROUND AND LEAVE NOW! FLAMES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. RUDE PEOPLE WILL BE BLOCKED.
General P.O.V.
They all stood there listening in as Ichijo explained the vampire ranking to the girl, before having Kiryu confirm it. The shock on her face as it sunk into her little brown-haired head was not as satisfying as they all thought it would be. Then again, it was not commonly known and was privileged information hardly given out. But since she had been there when the Ex-human Vampire was taken care of, it was beneficial to educate the girl, at Ichijo's insistence.
The moment Kaname spoke, they all turned to look at him, not having felt his presence until he had spoken. Only to feel a mix of emotions as he had the girl sitting next to him, because of the honor of that position was lost on the girl, even as he explained to her that she was safest by him — very true spoken words.
So they just stood there watching and listening as Kaname touched the girl, explaining more in-depth about Ex-human Vampires to her. Everyone was well aware of the dark aura that was coming off Kiryu as Kaname took his liberties with the human girl he favored. So, it came as no surprise when Kiryu commented on it being a hunter's job before Kaname snipped back at him. It was an obvious goad from their leader. Something he was not prone to do.
The moment Kiryu pulled his gun, Bloody Rose, out and pointed it at Kaname, the mood shifted as they all tensed as one. Ready to defend Kaname when Seirin had her hand at the boy's throat. Before the command was given to back off, Kaname being the gracious one by saying he misspoke before the tension deflated just a little bit. Ichijo was making the comment he had a small scare, followed by Aidou seeming shocked that Kiryu had even dared to point a gun at Kaname.
When a soft chuckle resounded after Aidou mentioned that Kaname was a pureblood, all eyes whipped around to look where it had come from. Shock coursing through them all at the sight of the raven-haired girl that had intrigued, or in Aidou's case aggravated, them to no end. Her blue eyes were dancing with her apparent mirth as she watched them all. Body completely relaxed as if she was at home in her element amongst them. As several of them wondered just how much this human girl had heard.
"Now, now. Please don't look at me like that. I came here tonight because Kuran-san sent me an invitation. See."
At her words, she lifted a small cream-colored envelope that had the distinctive writing of said person on it — leaving them all to have more questions than answers. But at the soft smile she gave everyone, she looked past them all to Kaname, the understanding in her eyes as they heard Kaname ask Yuki while they were slightly distracted if it scared her that he was a pureblood. To hear that Yuki had always been a little scared of him, they felt the small shift in their leader's aura.
Soon enough, Ichijo broke the silence that was growing heavier. Reminding them all, it was his birthday. Claiming that both Yuki and Kiryu were his honored guest as they witnessed a small flicker of sadness in the raven-haired girl's blue eyes before her face was that polite mask and a smile.
Kagome P.O.V.
When she had arrived, the tension in the air had been thick enough; she was sure she could grasp and twist it in an attempt to break it. But still, as things played out, she could not help but chuckle softly, drawing the gazes of every vampire present to look at her. The shock was evident on their pale, beautiful faces. It was rather funny, and she wanted nothing more than to double over, holding her stomach and laugh, but that would make the whole situation worse. So, instead, she chose to chide them.
Watching as their aura's changed with the emotions and thoughts, they were keeping silent on. When Ichijo called out that this was his birthday, and that both Yuki and Zero where his honored guest, Kagome couldn't help but feel sad. The loss of those she once did this with and being here for business, not pleasure, was almost painful. Having to keep herself separate from the rest of the student body, not allowing any to close to make sure that they were not put in danger because of her. Still, she put her mask back on as they started to turn away from her.
After a few more minutes, Kagome weaved through the group and made her way to the couch that held Kaname. She was summoned via an invitation, not their link, so she had no clue what he wanted her for. But, if she had to hazard a guess, in this relaxed situation, it was to make her known to the vampires gathered. After the meeting almost a week before, it had been agreed that she would soon expose what she was to them all. It was hard to deny not only her Lord and Guardian but Kaname when he agreed softly with it.
Things had started to move forward again, as she came to stand a small distance away from the couch and its occupants. Not wanting to be rude when it was apparent, most of the female vampires were peeved at Yuki being next to Kaname so intimately. None of them the wiser of why she was here or who she was. The moment she smelled blood on the air, Kagome had turned to look but was shoved out of the way as Zero flew by her. Hardening her gaze where the smell was coming from, she narrowed her eyes at both Senri Shiki and Takuma Ichijo, frowning at the soft conversation they were having.
When Yuki ran off after Zero, Kagome gave a small sigh and turned to follow. Only to be stopped by a hand on her wrist, making her pause as she turned to look at who had grabbed her.
"Kagome."
The small nod of her head as she stared up into Kaname's eyes. Knowing she was not hiding anything. The look of understanding in his eyes when he let her wrist go, she gave a small tilt of her head as a response.
"Return once you're done. We have business to conclude."
"Of course, Lord Kuran. I will do as you bid me."
The small, soft gasps at what she said as she slid her wrist from his hand and lit after the two prefects. Pausing to grab her bow case and quiver, earning only a few more gasps as she darted after the two prefects, blue-black hair flying behind her at the speed she used.
It didn't take her long to find a scene that was less than pleasing, as she stayed still, hidden from view, completely masking her presence. There was no mistaking that the man was a Vampire Hunter; his clothing gave it away. Though the moment the man fired and spoke, Kagome felt her body react as she stepped out, an arrow already put to the string of her bow, pulling it and releasing it, her aim true as it took the cigarette from his lips as he jumped back in shock. Her eyes were flashing as she felt anger flood her mind.
He just attacked a student at the Academy, drawing blood, potentially endangering another that was with him — insulting Kiryu by calling him a vampire, just to call him his cute student. So, it was no surprise when not only him but Zero and Yuki turned to look at her. No longer hiding, having fired her first arrow, and taking the cigarette from his mouth to pin it to the ground, Kagome had already pulled another arrow and had it notched. The look in that man's singular blue eye should have put her on guard, but it didn't.
"I wasn't aware that just any old bum could just wander onto the academy's ground and attack its students. I suggest Mister Vampire Hunter, you put that gun away and back away from those two. Now, please."
A smile was threatening to spread across her well-placed mask as the man looked at her. Neither willing to back down as they stared at each other until a cry drew their attention away from the other. There in the pool was Zero, clutching at his shoulder, clearly in pain. He was making the man smile as he spoke, completely unconcerned.
"Even if it was a light brush, the pain inflicted is great. Because the bullet is imbued with the magic arts."
Hissing, Kagome started to move forward, only to have the man raises his gun at her, not even looking at her, forcing her to stop as he continued to speak down to Kiryu. Knowing if she took any actions, it would cause some serious problems, just like her arrow that held the slowly smoldering cigarette pinned to the ground just beside the man. Hating that she had to stand there, watching as the scene played out, Yuki defending Zero, the man insulting her.
She was flinching when the voice of the Headmaster called out. She knew that it was too late to leave and pretend she hadn't been there. Groaning silently, she attempted to step back as the man rushed and tried to help the two from the water, only to be ignored by them. Always comical to see. But when Yuki stopped and asked the man a simple question, Kagome closed her eyes, knowing that the girl would not like the answer given.
"Yagari Toga, Vampire Hunter. I was Zero's sensei."
Unaware of the look Yuki gave the man, she listened as they talked. No one was bringing her into the conversation, for which she was grateful. Though as she heard them start to head to the main building, Kagome opened her eyes and saw both the Headmaster and the Hunter staring at her. Something was telling her that things were about to get more difficult for her shortly.
Sighing, she went over to her arrow once they were gone, pulling it from the ground, shaking the half-burnt cigarette off with a disgusted look on her face before grounding it out. Not wanting to risk anything more than what she already had and would be in a few minutes, she kicked it towards a planter to hide it. Slipping her arrow back into the quiver, Kagome slung her bow over her back and made her way back to the night dorm.
Kaname's P.O.V.
The moment Kagome had left to follow after Yuki and Zero Kaname sat back down on the couch. He was watching and waiting, as he felt what she was feeling through their link. The week before had been rather enlightening, so to say, meeting her 'Lord' had been only a mild surprise and strenuous as the man was not one to mince words and proved to be rather intense. Though the result of both himself and the man agreeing that Kagome should let the rest of the night class know what she was and that she was temporarily under his protection, yes, that had been genuinely amusing.
Watching as the girl tried to get out of it, showing she was nervous, as they ganged up on her in nothing more than a silent staring contest before she caved. Face flushed darkly, eyes narrowing as she pouted like a small child being scolded by a parent. Finding out more about Kagome had left Kaname in shock. She was over five hundred years old. Meaning that the miko he knew that long ago was indeed her. Kaname was impressed that she hadn't aged, even being bounded to her Lord, the ruler of the Demon Realm, she should have aged, even if slowly. No, she still looked like a sixteen-year-old girl.
Furthering the mystery around her, something he would solve before all this was over. With a slow deep breath, Kaname sent a small smile to his ever silent watcher, Seirin, who was looking at him with worry evident in her eyes — shaking his head when he heard the soft thunk of wood hitting the stone-paved walkway. He already knew who it was, even with her masking herself.
Standing up, Kaname walked over to her, noting her head was hung, so she looked at the ground. The tension in her shoulders as she made her way towards him, weaving through the others, who were slowly taking notice of her person. When she stopped before him, head still down, not looking up, he knew something was wrong as he heard a mental sigh, followed by the commentary of I am so screwed.
"Kagome."
Again he only spoke her name, causing her to lift her head and look at him. Blue eyes were shimmering with frustration and unshed tears. Which she tried to rapidly blink away as she put on a sunny smile, knowing he wouldn't be fooled, but didn't want the others to ask questions.
"Yes, Lord Kuran?"
He stared down at her, wanting to ask what happened though he would get no answer as tightly as she was clamping down on the link between them.
"I am glad you returned. Shall we conclude our business for the night."
"Yes, sir."
As they conversed, Kaname felt the others gather around them, watching, listening, and waiting. When Takuma took his spot beside him, he decided it was time.
"Everyone, you all have met Miss Higurashi. I think it is time for you all to learn a bit more about her. You can stop masking yourself now."
The soft murmuring from everyone at his words that were being complied with, he looked down at the said girl who was looking just past him, up at the night sky. In the span of a few seconds, a soft scent of lilies and morning dew filled the area around him and the others. The scent soothing, yet alluring before the air began to smell clearer.
"I am sure you all remember the day we went into the classroom and was met with a rather unpleasant surprise, followed by my seat being cleansed. She is the culprit."
Quiet descended upon all gathered as Kaname knew everyone was looking at the girl. Who slowly turned to look at them all, half-smirk curling her lips at the edges as she looked unrepentantly at them. The looks and baring of fangs in reactions, from his view of her aura now glowing faintly around her person, didn't seem to deter her one bit.
"Kagome, aura, please."
"Yes, Lord Kuran."
Soon the pale glow was gone, but the scent she gave off was lingering in the air, almost as if it was a memory. Kaname smiled as he came up and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Miss Higurashi, or Kagome, if you all will is under my care. Harm her, just like Yuki; you will face my wrath if she doesn't outright kill you. She is here for a sole purpose, given to her by her Lord, who has asked me to watch her. She and I have a blood contract."
Horror shone in their eyes as he let his words hang heavy in the air along with their meaning and implications. Kagome was to be untouched and had permission if attacked to kill, but only in defense. His word was the law to those gathered, and he knew they would not like it.
"Who is your...Lord, Lady Kagome."
Slowly Kaname blinked and gave a light squeeze to Kagome to indicate that this was her choice to tell them.
"He is not a human or a vampire. He is older than most of your Vampire Elders, and well known among the nobles of both Humans and Vampires. Though, that stick in the mud fuddy-duddy is a recluse. That is all I am willing to give you, as I cannot outright tell you all. Please forgive me."
Watching as a few of those closest to him processed the information given. And knowing that Kagome's asking of forgiveness was not just for this little bit, but her stint in getting his attention.
"It makes no sense what you have said. This is too troublesome."
Kaname looked at Ruka after she spoke up, narrowing his eyes at her. Kaname was well aware of the girl's feelings for him, feelings he would never return. He had a wife-to-be, even if she didn't remember at the current moment.
"Again, I am sorry for inconveniencing any of you... except for Hanabusa. You, sir... are aggravating and fun to tease."
Kaname couldn't help the smile that he knew appeared on his face at Kagome's words as he saw others either chuckling or laughing or looking away to hide their amusement, while said person was looking at the girl as if she had several heads and turned green.
? P.O.V.
It had been one thing after another starting with earlier in the day's little mishap. But orders were orders, and it had been done, now with everyone standing around mingling for Ichijo's birthday, I was okay with just going to my room and resting. But of course, that was not allowed, no, I had to stay. So, I got to see the interactions of those around me, the arrival and leaving of the prefects. And that odd girl again.
I was not sure what to make of the girl — Enigma, puzzle, and alluring strangely. But by no means was I stupid. When Senri had accidentally cut Ichijo, Kiryu's reaction was highly suspicious. Though I understood why Yuki followed the boy, it was the raven-haired girl that made me curious. Or the fact that Kaname had invited the girl and reminded her to come back because of some business they had.
I didn't like being curious; it was too much effort in the end. Following orders was what I was supposed to do, and then I could be left alone, give or take certain people's idiocy. Even then, I didn't care to insert myself, though often I was drug through the mud for it. I was leaning back against the table next to Ichijo and Senri, listening in on the various snippets of conversations the others were having. Of course, it was either about Kiryu, Yuki, or the girl.
An hour had gone by, the girl, Kagome had returned. Seeing her with her head hung as she placed her case for her bow and quiver by the gate post, I couldn't help but stare. She always seemed to be happy and proud; now she looked dejected if her shoulders slightly slumping were an indication, meaning whatever happened with Zero and Yuki was not good.
Shooting a side glance at Kaname, their Gang Leader, as she came to stand before him. Silently Just letting the conversation that was going on around me happen. Shifting my eyes up to the night sky, noting that the moon was on its descent, so they would have to head to bed soon.
When my ears caught Kaname ousting the girl for the purifying of the classroom and his seat, there was no hiding the shock I felt. This girl was the threat or someone who had the potential to be a significant threat and couldn't help but shake my head. All those odd little pieces of information I had gathered since seeing her for the first time. Not being afraid of them, acting as if it was reasonable to be amongst a group of vampires, saying they were no different than ordinary people, and so much more. Yeah, it was leaving me stunned.
Making me do a double-take as I was finally able to catch her scent. Soothing and calming is how it could be described, though as she released that aura of hers, I stood up and tensed. The way it brushed against my aura and skin had my nerve endings tingling. There was no threat in it, just a mild curiosity. So, when others began to hiss and recoil, I began to debate why it didn't affect me mentally.
Soon though, her aura was gone as Kaname dropped a hell of a bomb on them all. That he was in a contract, not just any contract, a blood contract with Kagome, a priestess, an enemy, she was his to protect, and she had permission to kill any of them if they attack her. The small, teasing smirk on her lips as she answered Senri's question left more questions. But for one reason or another, I wanted to get to know more about this girl and had a niggling suspicion about who her guardian was. Either way, my prior thought of things getting interesting with her around was correct.
TBC!
