(A/n: Believe it or not, this fic is actually coming to an end soon. Please enjoy)
Chapter 43: The TRUE Villain
"We must talk."
"...Meet me in my room."
After the brief telepathic exchange, two men soon wound up standing directly in front of each other inside of Vincent's unilluminated bedroom. There weren't any windows around for the moon to shine its light through, however there was a lamp sat on a small round table right next to his elegantly adorned bed. A square-shaped, ceiling light was in the very center of the room. A single Japanese painting was hanging on the wall above his bed, the lack of light making it a bit difficult to see what it really showed. Two small, white pillows were on corresponding sides of a chabudai in the middle of the floor.
"I'm very aware that I've come at an inconvenient time," the hooded male spoke. "But there's something I want to ask you."
Vincent crossed his arms. "Hmph, fine, and make it quick."
The dark clothed man chuckled at his impatient tone. "Yes, yes, I'll do just that. May I accompany you on your second trip back to the academy?"
First Rosa, and now this guy...Vincent suddenly acquired an idea, but masked it by raising a eyebrow. "Why?"
"I know your real purpose for returning there, and I would like to join in on the action. I especially wanna surprise my new underling with my unforeseen appearance in the real world."
Vincent lowered his brow, looking indifferent that the man revealed his true intentions. He already knew of this newly obtained lackey of his. "I suppose so, but on one condition."
The enigmatic figure titled his head to the side slightly, curious. "Oh?"
With a menacing smirk, Vincent opened his eyes halfway, gleaming in a lambent reddish-purple in the dark. "Help Rosa carry out her revenge on her pitiful brother, Craig Tucker." He couldn't see it, but could definitely sense a similar grin emerging on the man's lips.
"Will do."
"Well, Chris, looks like today will be the very last day for you."
Pouring rain and thunder overlaps the silence that follows.
Disappointed, Michael frowns at yet another failed attempt to scare the vampire hunter. He paid this guy a visit yesterday evening, provoked him about this very day, however he didn't receive the expected snappy remark from the man. After being left alone with Vincent that day, not one word has come out of the vampire hunter's mouth since then. In fact, he's been as still as a statue. Perhaps Vincent did more than just use hypnotism on him, and it actually makes Michael wonder what he did or said to Chris that left him lifeless like a doll.
Pushing the vampire hunter matter aside now that he's been reminded of Vincent, Michael walks out of the rancid smelling chamber room as he recalls Vincent calling earlier to briefly tell him that he is going to be here sometime this late afternoon. He closes the door behind him. He deemed that an acceptable time, even though it wasn't very precise. In the center of the door, the silver cross pushes forth from the brownish-red wood like it's going through thick liquid, securely locking the door once it's entirely in place.
A minute after Michael's departure, miniature cracks start breaking out on Chris' face, hands, and feet.
Now in his office, Michael becomes curious about what Vincent has planned for this afternoon. He conceals the passageway with the bookshelf, then heads towards his desk. When Vincent called the next day after his visit, he said he was going to come by again with a final decision in three days. Michael wanted to know what he had in mind, but was teased that it was left up to his imagination. He should've anticipated he would say that.
Standing in front of his desk, Michael gazes out the big window that's being bombarded with raindrops. He manages to see a bright flicker of light within the dark grey clouds, afterwards comes thunder. Michael feels the corners of his lips curling upwards slightly, finding it fitting yet also odd that it persists to storm outside. He mostly prefers when it just rains, it's far more soothing that way to enjoy them falling without any disturbances. But at least the halls are quiet, though Michael doubts they are completely barren. A few staff members could be roaming around as well as some sneaky students that like to skip class - which he's sure they're doing right now. The few teachers that don't have a class to teach at this time would always spot and either give them a warning, detention, or send them straight to the him, depending on their record.
Michael continues to watch the window get pelted by the rain for another minute longer, he moves around his desk to sit down in his chair. The moment he glimpses at the papers on the surface of his desk, he frowns, not at how messily scattered they are again, but at one sheet in particular that's sticking out underneath the other papers. He swipes the unimportant documents to the side and grabs the one he's looking at, gazing straight at the face of an overwrought blonde with blue-green eyes.
"Poor kid. He hadn't even been here long, and he was turned into a vampire." He sets the paper down with a woeful shake of the head. This is what he feared would happen, he knew at least one of the humans would be turned into a vampire, and it's one of the main reasons why none have been to this academy from the start. "Vincent's never once thought about having humans here before.If he wanted to see how vampires and humans would get along with each other, then he would've thought of this the day he made this building into an academy. So why now...?"Michael ponders.
Surely, Vincent also knew of the two possible outcomes of a vampire and human meeting: one, they get their blood sucked and/or two, they get turned into a vampire. Tweek is the first and only one to suffer both end results. Now that he's no longer human, the rest of his friends cannot step foot out of this building. They are practically forbidden to return to their homes, not even to visit their family and other friends, which was what Michael had initially planned for them for the holidays.
"Once we finish dealing with the vampire hunter, I'm gonna have a long talk with Vincent about this."
Two knocks sound at the door. "Come in," Michael says grabbing a random paper and placing it over Tweek's document. The door opens, Henrietta walking in followed by another vampire, revealing themselves to be Luther. He closes the door, and they both approach the Principal's desk.
"What brings you two here?" Michael asks.
They stop before his desk, Henrietta and Luther wearing serious expressions on their faces. "We need to discuss a plan," Henrietta declares tersely.
Thunder sounds overhead, neither adult flinches. "What do you have in mind?" Michael inquires.
"It's not for the vampire hunter, but for Mr. Valentine." Michael's face morphs into a puzzled frown. "Me and Luther heard from Kurai that he's up to something."
"And you guys believed him?"
Henrietta tightens her lips into a line, looking a little conflicted. "Not entirely. I can't imagine Mr. Valentine plotting behind our backs, but Kurai's premonitions have never been wrong before."
"And I think it's no coincidence that a thunderstorm emerged after Mr. Valentine left," Luther chips in, now engrossed with the rain hammering against the only window in the office. "It was only raining heavily prior to and when the vampire hunter attacked. This storm further proves who the real threat is."
The heavy rainfall with occasional flashes of lightning and thunderclaps fill the silence between the three. Henrietta and Luther await their Principal's response, observing his facial expression attentively. Michael turns away from them with a sigh, facing the window. Crossing a leg over the other, he finally says, "You two...are thinking way too much into this."
Henrietta and Luther eye the back of his chair, trying to distinguish the current emotion/s going through Michael, however doing so becomes challenging since the man isn't deliberately making what he's feeling known to them. "Or you could be blind to the fact that Kurai might be right," Henrietta retorts, getting a little angry. "Look, I know you and Mr. Valentine have been friends for a very long time, but you told us after the conference meeting regarding the vampire hunter that you think he's working for someone-"
"Wait," Michael spins back around to look solely at Henrietta, his mint-green eyes narrowing into a skeptical scowl. "Are you implying that Mr. Valentine is Chris' boss?"
"Yes," the vampiress says with a hesitant nod. "I know it sounds very hard to believe considering he's just as childish as you are, but you said so yourself that he's full of mysteries so think about it. He-"
"There's nothing to think about except for a plan for the actual bad guy, which is the vampire hunter. Why would Mr. Valentine be involved with him?"
"Michael, just listen-"
"It was merely a hunch anyway, Henrietta. We didn't have any solid evidence that made it seem like Chris was actually working under someone or not at the time." Michael returns his attention to the window. "But since the three of you seem certain that Mr. Valentine is up to no good, then you guys can figure out how to deal with him by yourselves. I will warn him about this."
Henrietta balls her hands into fists, ready to protest when a hand touches her shoulder. "Let's go, there's nothing else we can say that will change his mind," Luther says.
It takes a moment, but Henrietta calms down. "Tch, you're right. We're just gonna be wasting our breath at this point." She turns around, and heads towards the door, Luther sparing the back of Michael's chair one last glance before walking after her. Henrietta flings the door back, being mindful not to use too much strength so as to not rip it off its hinges, then proceeds out of the office. Luther stops in the doorway.
"There's still time, Principal Brimestone, to think about who the true villain is."
Once he hears the door close behind him, Michael closes his eyes with a sigh, and keeps them closed. He's no fool, it really pains him to admit it, but...he knows that Vincent is indeed scheming something. And it doubtlessly involves the vampire hunter. Vincent's hypnotism ability has done more harm than good in the past, just as Kurai had speculated Michael also believes that Vincent utilized his hypnosis on the vampire hunter deceptively. Michael has always known that he used the ability to get his way most of the time, but simply feigned being oblivious of his actions or treated them lightly. The mere thought of Vincent being an enemy makes Michael anxious, not just because of his hypnotism, but because he's formidable in combat and other magical attributes.
Frowning, Michael opens his eyes seeing lightning flicker in the clouds again, thunder sounds right after. But there is one thing he's certain of, and it's thanks to Vincent for bringing up the possibility that Chris could be working under someone, confirming the suspicions he had after the conference meeting about the vampire hunter. "Vincent, you really are one mysterious bastard. Just what could you be plotting with the vampire hunter, and why...?" He raises his left arm slightly while pushing his sleeve back a bit, glancing down at a black wristwatch. He sometimes forgets that he's wearing it, but he'll never forget who gifted this to him. He doesn't know how to feel about the current time as he rolls his sleeve back down, there's still quite awhile until Vincent arrives.
"There's still time, Principal Brimestone, to think about who the true villain is."
Michael smiles faintly at the reminder of Luther's parting words. He feels kind of bad for playing dumb, but since Vincent could potentially be an antagonist along with the vampire hunter, he feels that he should be the one to handle him on his own. Thus is the reason he kept some information to himself.
He's prepared to confront Vincent and get some much deserved answers, hoping it doesn't escalate into violence. If it somehow comes down to that, he's not so confident that he'll win against him that way...
For some inexplicable reason, lunch seems extremely tense. Perhaps it's due to the sudden severity of the storm. Today's colors even match the dreary atmosphere, and have stayed the same ever since this morning; they are dark blue, black, and grey.
Stan feels uncomfortable altogether as he eats his food, which is a grilled cheese sandwich. Gregory skipped lunch to work on some homework he got from one of his classes in the library, and Brendon is sat two seats down in front of him, but his attention was diverted by two students from another class. Stan doesn't mind not having anyone to talk to, it gives him some peace to be in his thoughts. Thanks to Kenny, he's finally started going back to his classes. He made sure to apologize to both Gary and Vice for how he had behaved the last couple of days first thing this morning, thanking them also for trying to make him feel better. Gary accepted his apology without any hesitation like Stan figured he would while Vice seemed a little reluctant. But before they left for their first class, Vice accepted his apology in the end, warning him that if he ever moped like that again without providing a reason, then he wouldn't ever worry about him again. Even though they forgave him, Tweek was Stan's top priority. He must apologize to him. So when he entered Mr. DeLorne's class with Kenny in tow since they'd went to breakfast together, he was ready to give Tweek his sincerest apology. However, Mr. DeLorne wanted to speak with him out in the hallway for a moment. He demanded to know why he had stopped coming to his class, just as Stan expected. He told him that he wasn't feeling well which wasn't a total lie, though he didn't tell the man that he was mentally unwell. He only got a moderate scolding, and was then informed about the test they'll be taking today. Something he was already aware of, but not fully prepared to take, even with the additional information he obtained from Kenny's notes. As soon as the tardy bell rang, Tweek never showed up to class. Stan was a bit disappointed, but mostly relieved because he had a test to focus on passing. Even now, he's worried about the grade he'll receive on it. He really hopes he didn't flunk it...
A loud and abrupt screech not only startles Stan out of his thoughts, but also puts a stop to some vampires' chitchat, and the cafeteria becomes semi-quiet.
"Good afternoon, everyone, and sorry to disrupt your lunch," the Principal's voice speaks through a single IP speaker that's placed over one of the sets of double doors. "I have news to tell you all so listen carefully. Today, the vampire hunter will receive his punishment from Mr. Valentine, who will be arriving shortly. Fourth block has been cancelled so everyone are to head and stay in their bedrooms until further notice." The intercom clicks off, only the downpour and the infrequent vibrations of thunder are heard.
With a bit of a delay, multiple voices start discussing about the possible punishment that will befall the vampire hunter.
"Why don't they just stab him in the heart?" Questions a vampire with plum-colored hair and blue eyes. "It's that simple."
A brown-haired teen with peach-colored eyes sitting next to him shrugs. "Maybe they wanna make him suffer again before killing him."
"Where's the vampire hunter being kept anyway?" A boy with golden-brown hair asks curiously. After pondering for a short while, he blinks then widens his brown eyes at what comes to mind. Glancing both left and right to see if anyone is listening in on their conversation (Stan is, but he's just not looking like it), he leans forward a bit, holding eye contact with the two boys sitting across from him as he hovers his hands over both sides of his mouth. Keeping his voice low, he asks, "What if he's been in Mr. Akuma's storage house all this time?"
The two boys raise an eyebrow, but before either one of them can say anything, a new voice inserts itself into their conversation. "Did I just hear somethin' about Mr. Demon's not-so-very secret playhouse?"
The three boys gawk at the newcomer, who is standing behind the student that last spoke. "When the hell did you get here, Clyde?!" He glances around for the brunette's scary boyfriend.
Clyde laughs at his panicked expression. "Relaaax, I'm by myself. This is my free period."
"Every period is a free period to you," the student with dark purple hair says, rolling his eyes playfully.
"Except gym," Clyde grins.
Stan tunes out from there, having long since finished his sandwich. He's not really concerned about the gossip he just eavesdropped on. He doesn't care where the vampire hunter is being detained nor how the Principal and Mr. Valentine will go about killing him, he is happy that his last class got cancelled though. He wants to apologize to Tweek, and be done with it although he is worried about how the pale-haired blonde will react. He'll hate him, that he's certain of...
Five minutes later, the bell ending lunch rings. Everyone starts rising from their seats with their empty dishes and bottles in hand to throw them into one of the five trash cans that are lined side by side.
Stan makes his way back to Mr. Edgewood's class, seeing Gregory already sat at his desk, seemingly still working on his homework. "Can't believe you got suspended for destroying academy property," he snickers while heading towards his seat in the middle row. Gregory ignores him, how boring.
The last few minutes of third period fly by. Stan first goes to his shared bedroom to drop his binder off on his nightstand, and remove his blazer. After he's done doing both, he heads out towards the bedroom Tweek is in. Until he realizes...he doesn't know which room he is in. Sighing, Stan stands off to the side leaning against the wall. This whole time he never knew where the room Tweek was switched to is located. Makes him wonder how Kenny knew where his shared bedroom was that night.
"What're you doin' just standin' here?"
"Holy shit!" Stan jumps away from the wall, gaping at the vampire that startled him, who bursts out laughing. He exhales deeply placing a hand over his racing heart, he glares at the familiar blonde. "Don't sneak up on me like that, Jesus."
"S-sorry, I didn't mean to," Kenny says calming down from his laughing fit. "But seriously though, why are you standing here?"
Stan drops his hand from his chest. "I don't know where your room is."
Kenny blinks, then frowns, suddenly appearing tentative. "Oh. Well, follow me."
Confused by his quick change in expression, but doesn't question it, Stan trails after Kenny. Turns out his shared bedroom is nine doors down from his own, Stan will try to remember this.
"Kyle is in there too so if you wanna talk to Tweek in private, you'll have to ask him to leave first," Kenny says frowning at the closed door. He turns his head to give Stan a weak small smile. "I know you hate him, but trust me, Kyle is a nice guy."
Stan becomes so nervous that he doesn't even inquire why Kyle stayed in also, he almost forgot that he didn't see him in Gym. "O-okay." Kenny turns to walk away. "A-actually..." Kenny pauses mid-step, turning back around and cocking an eyebrow at Stan's timid behavior. "Could you...stay? I mean if you aren't too busy o-or anything." He can't explain it, but he thinks he'll feel more at ease with Kenny by his side when he apologies to Tweek.
Kenny once again appears hesitant. "I've got nothin' important to do, but..." He was going to go back to Markus' room, but perhaps he should make use of this opportunity to speak with Kyle. He shakes his head. "Never mind." He approaches the door, opens it, and is surprised to see that it's dark inside the room. He turns on the ceiling light, and is rendered even more surprised at what he sees.
"What's wrong?" Instead of waiting for an answer, Stan peeks past Kenny's shoulder. His eyes widen also, but in immense disbelief.
Laying in one of the beds on the left side of the room are Kyle and Tweek, both sound asleep with Tweek snuggled up in Kyle's arms. The sheets on Kyle's bed have been changed.
"What...the hell?" Stan can't believe what he's seeing right now. Didn't Tweek detest Kyle after what he did to him? Wait, now that Stan thinks about it, he noticed Tweek started getting along with Kyle after their talk in the infirmary that day. Which is incredibly strange. Suddenly, he's pulled into the room, Kenny closing the door. Kenny drags him over to the isolated bed, sitting down on it with an indescribable look on his face.
Stan sits down next to him. "Umm, did you know about this?" He whispers jabbing a thumb at Kyle and Tweek.
Kenny is silent a moment longer. "I did, they're in a relationship..." He answers through telepathy.
"Wha-" Stan quickly stops himself from shouting. "Seriously?! For how long?"
Kenny shakes his head. "I can't say for sure when, but..."
"But what?" Stan presses, but Kenny doesn't say anything more - rather, he refuses to. "Kenny, what did you guys talk about that day in the infirmary?"
All of a sudden, the intercom turns on once again just as it thunders, the simultaneous sounds stirring the couple from their peaceful sleep.
*A Few Minutes Earlier*
Michael was stood in the center of the first floor all by himself, waiting for Vincent. He's bored and felt awkward standing here alone. Usually, Henrietta would be here keeping him company, but after what happened this morning, he knew she wouldn't want to see or speak to him again for quite some time. The last batch of students and teachers were still in the process of leaving the cafeteria, aware of some of the students' eyes on him as they walked back to their third class, their conversations moderately loud yet difficult to discern due to the numerous voices speaking all at once.
Tapping his foot impatiently with a sigh, Michael stuffed his hands into his pants pockets. It's when the halls became almost silent that both of the front doors were pushed open, Michael assuming Vincent brought his kids again. However, he's proven wrong the moment three vampires entered the building, only one of the kids came along with Vincent, who's carrying a white wagasa and wearing a different pair of brightly colored Japanese clothes although his kimono wrap was still the same. The other person he brought with him deeply contrasted his outfit, wearing nothing but black from head to toe.
"Oh my, did you and Henrietta have a lovers spat?" Were Vincent's greeting words, an insouciant grin on his pale and beautiful face as he lowered and closed the drenched parasol, a dark mist whisking it away.
Michael strained a smile, taking his hands out of his pockets. "No, she has other things to do."
"I see," Vincent mused.
Michael didn't know what to make of his tone so he decided to change the topic. "I don't mean to be rude, but who's that guy and why'd you only bring Rosa?" s
"Suuure you don't," Rosa said rolling her eyes. Michael chuckled sheepishly.
"Because she wanted to come," Vincent answered. "Yuna and Edward weren't so interested in seeing the vampire hunter's demise like she was." Michael believed his lie without a seconds thought since he knew Rosa was more tough-minded than her younger brother and sister. Vincent glanced over at his left. "Introduce yourself, will you?"
The male two inches taller than Vincent bowed at Michael. "My name is Ingrum, it's a pleasure to meet you." He straightened back up.
"Nice to meet you too..." Michael greeted back with a forced friendly smile, his uneasiness didn't subside not one bit. Just who was he to Vincent? And why couldn't see a hint of his face within his hood?
"Come, let's walk to your office," Vincent said. He led the way, nearing and ascending the left staircase, the other three following him. "Before we deal with the vampire hunter, there's something I want you to do first, Michael."
"What will that be exactly?" Michael asked.
"When we get to your office, I'll tell you."
No more words were spoken during the rest of the walk, only the sounds of the rain could be heard. Their footsteps were just as quiet. They reached the Principal's office, Michael unlocking and opening the door, allowing his guests to go in first. "What's the point of locking the doors when your students can just teleport in?" Rosa asked.
After closing the door, Michael turned around and joined them by the front of his desk. He showed her his golden key. "Because these keys were specifically made to prevent the students from doing just that." Rosa just hummed her understanding.
"You should put it on a key chain before you lose it one day," Vincent advised.
"It's fine." Michael walked around his desk, and opened one of the drawers. He put the key inside it. "I always keep it in here."
"...Instead of losing it, you might forget it one day."
"That won't happen either."
Vincent just shook his head with a short laugh. "Well, anyway, I want you to make an announcement for everyone to be present in the auditorium."
Michael frowned confusedly at his demand. "But I told them all to wait in their bedrooms until we settled things with the vampire hunter."
"That's boring. Change it," Vincent ordered, crossing his arms over his chest.
With a sigh, Michael opened another drawer to his desk, pulling out an intercom microphone. He simply pressed a button on it to turn it on, needing no electricity to fuel it. Instead, it's powered by magic. He leaned down a bit towards the microphone.
"Attention, there's been a change of plans. Instead, everyone must go to the auditorium, per Mr. Valentine's orders."
Pushing another button to switch off the device, Michael straightens himself up giving Vincent a skeptical glare. "What are you planning by having everyone be in the auditorium?" The hallways slowly begin to fill with students, faculty, and staff members, all wondering why Mr. Valentine wanted them to go to auditorium out of the blue.
Chuckling, Vincent develops an amused look on his face, one Michael knows all too well. "Something I think the vampire hunter will very well much deserve." His arms still crossed, he turns around and approaches the bookshelf. "I hope you don't mind if Ingrum retrieves and brings the vampire hunter down to the auditorium." He squats down to pull the red book back, moving away once the bookshelf starts sliding open. Ingrum and Rosa walk over to the opening bookshelf.
"Umm, I do actually," Michael opposes. "And where do you think you're going, Rosa?"
"I wanna see what the vampire hunter looks like," the girl says, not looking the least bit eager despite her statement.
"You can see him when we get to the auditorium," Michael argues. "There's no need for you to-Oi!"
Vincent grabs his hand, pulling him towards the door. "We'll see you two there." He opens it, and they walk out.
"Make sure to close it back when you guys leave," Michael calls back over his shoulder before the door shuts.
Rosa and Ingrum start descending the steps. Michael starts berating Vincent, who laughs at his annoyance as he continues to drag him to the auditorium.
"So, how are we gonna get Craig?" Rosa asks, ready to start torturing her second oldest brother.
"We'll get to that once I confirm Chris' state to Lord Vincent," Ingrum answers.
They are the first to reach their destination, standing before the door with a silver cross in its middle. Ingrum tries the doorknob, but it doesn't even budge as it starts burning his gloved palm.
Rosa winces in his stead. "He could've told us that it was locked. Since the doorknob hurt you, I guess we can't teleport in, huh?"
Ingrum's palm begins to heal itself. "This cross acts like a barrier, no vampire can enter or leave without removing it first. But don't worry, Lord Vincent informed me on how to get rid of it." The girl watches him with a raised eyebrow, unable to see his eyes glowing a bright red within in his hood. She closes her eyes when the cross dazzles in a blinding bright light. As soon as it fades away, the door gradually swings open on its own. A powerful stench wafts through the cool air.
"Ugh, it fucking reeks!" Rosa grimaces, making a face of disgust as she covers her nose with both hands.
"Indeed it does," Ingrum agrees, sauntering in. Rosa does the same.
Their eyes adjusting to the darkness, Rosa is quick to notice something. "He's not here." They both stop in front of where the vampire hunter's body is supposed to be.
Ingrum looks down. "Lord Vincent, the body is nothing but a pile of ashes."
He waits a few seconds for a response. "Excellent. I'll handle things from here, you make sure Rosa gets her satisfactory revenge. By using any means."
Ingrum's red eyes gleam eerily. "Of course."