A/N: Hello hello! I come with another chapter as I watch my college football game, this next chapter will start to kind of formulate Kaito and the night class working together, there will be far more planning in the future but this is the beginning of all the exciting stuff. The TAU will be brought in as well and that'll all be explained and gone into who they are and why Zero's worried about them. Thanks to everyone that's reviewed and still reading this, it's really amazing to me. For reference we're about 58 pages out of the 122 I have typed up so we're not yet halfway but things will probably start to go quicker from here on out. Without further stalling, here's chapter 10! ~Len
Ch. 10: The Market
Takuma stared out the window a little longer, it looked as though the hunter was content to stay there even though Zero had gone to bed for the night. "Kaname-sama, would you like me to approach him now or should I wait until tomorrow?" The blonde asked as he turned to face the stoically reading pureblood in the corner of the room.
"If he is relaxed enough then the sooner the better Takuma. However, if you're not getting anything from him then we should wait a few nights more." The older vampire replied to which Takuma nodded and bowed slightly before stepping outside and moving towards Zero's hunting partner.
"Kaito-kun, do you have a few minutes? I'd like to talk to you about something concerning matters involving Zero-kun." He announced almost immediately as he stepped outside. He knew he was better off starting with his own concern for Zero instead of trying to make small talk. Besides, this way he knew he had the other's attention from the beginning.
"I suppose I have some time for that, if you tell me honestly everything I want to know as well. My information isn't free after all and I too am concerned about Zero's well being here in the moon dorms." Came the response, Takuma was half expecting the conversation to go something along these lines; hunters were bargainers more than they were givers. Especially when it came to valuable information.
"I can only promise you what I know, but I will try to give you all the information you would like." The noble assured, Kaito was satisfied enough with the answer and motioned for the vampire to take a seat and join him.
"How much of this conversation is going to be reported back to your pureblood prince in there?" Kaito asked though he didn't bother to look back for the pureblood since he knew he wouldn't see him.
"As much as is getting reported back to the Chairman of the association I assume." Takuma answered honestly. He did leave out that it was likely that Kaname himself was listening in on their conversation as well. Just in case it forced the hunter to close up further and keep out vital information. Kaito sighed and nodded, working alongside vampires wasn't his idea of smart...but this was for Zero's sake.
'Maybe they can keep Zero out of the Compound, the association can't lay a finger on them right now.' The hunter thought to himself, though he didn't know if all of them would be willing to do it for Zero's sake. 'But maybe for their own sake.' He added in thought. "What do you need to know?" Kaito eventually asked looking at the noble. Takuma thought for a second on how he should word his requests but then figured the hunter would most likely rather he be blunt about it and not beat around the bush.
"I'd like to know whatever I can about two things above all else. First and foremost is this Compound that Zero-kun is supposed to go to...and secondly this thing known as the dark side of Silverblood." He stated which caused Kaito to freeze momentarily.
"Zero told you about Silverblood?" He asked, unable to entirely hide the shock from his voice.
"No, we found out on our own. Orders from Kaname-sama. Though I don't know the details, I have been informed that the third form of Silverblood is quite dangerous. Both to others and Zero himself." Came the explanation, safe to say Takuma figure he looked fairly suspicious about now since Zero hadn't told him much and he had so many intimately detailed questions.
"I see, as you probably figured not a lot of people know what all happens at the Compound aside from Zero and the Chairman himself. It's not a good place though, from what I've been told and overheard Zero will essentially be forced into his forms. The only way for that to happen is through torture, constant fighting and essentially being on the brink of death until all survival instincts kick in." Kaito started darkly, he wasn't sure if he wanted to be telling the noble all this but he needed vital information himself. Takuma stayed frozen in place while he listened, he couldn't imagine that type of treatment from anyone much less the one person he needed to take orders from on the daily basis.
'Not to mention he goes on so many missions during the week he's practically killing himself with work for the association already.' The noble added to himself bitterly. "So then this Compound place...how long will Zero-kun be there with the Chairman?" He decided on asking even though he heard earlier.
"Two months this time, which is two months too long if you would be asking me or anyone else at the HA. It's unclear so far why he has to go so early but the chairman won't budge on his decision I guess." Kaito sighed in irritation. No one in their right mind would put anyone else through that, hunter, vampire, or otherwise. Of course the Chairman didn't care about that so much as the power flowing through Zero.
"If, say, we were to put a stop to this madness that the Chairman of the association has planned out, would you stand with us or alongside the hunters?" Takuma questioned seriously, he thought he knew the answer but he had to make sure his conclusions were correct. He got a sharp snort in reply at first.
"That's a stupid question coming from you, maybe one I'd expect from Souen or Aido. But not you. Of course I'll stand behind Zero. Whether you vampires are there or not." The hunter, as affectionless as he seemed, stared at Takuma with eyes of promise. "I can guarantee you that most of the hunters would rather stand behind Zero than the crack-head Chairman we have right now. Should you be caught or in a bind caused by that asshat, you'd have plenty of backup and support." He added on with an unwavering gaze. Despite the history Takuma had known so long between hunters and vampires, he felt as though he could fully believe the other on what he said.
"Zero-kun will likely have to go to the compound for a day or two regardless of what is decided, letting the Chairman catch onto whatever we plan is not an option of course." Kaito rolled his eyes but nodded.
"It'd be best to keep Zero out of the loop as well, lest he does something rash if he hears about it." Kaito informed looking up towards the sky. It was fully dawn now. "Let's continue this conversation later shall we? I need to report in soon." He casually informed, Takuma gave him a gentle smile and a nod as the boy got up and walked out towards the gates leading back to the main building of Cross. Takuma went back inside to escape the sun and, hopefully, get to bed soon. As he walked inside he turned to Kaname and nodded.
"By Takamiya-kun's words we have the support of most of the hunters it sounds like, that would be a first in a while." He noted to which Kaname nodded.
"I have no doubt we will meet some opposition along the way from both hunter and vampire kind, this will be a delicate battle." The pureblood stated as he stood from his chair and headed to the stairs. Once again he mused at how much trouble Zero seemed to draw to him simply by existing. 'Unfortunate.' He decided fit the hunter turned ex-human quite well.
"Goodnight Kaname, I will tell you of anything further that I learn outside of your ears." Takuma bowed slightly before disappearing into his room. Kaname looked ahead of him, towards his own room, but decided he would pay a visit to Zero instead. Aido had told him he spotted the teen nearly collapsing at one point and struggling to breathe. It didn't sound like hunger, but it was best to be sure.
'You always were good at excuses.' He told himself as the door before him unlocked and he walked into the room smelling of the hunter. Zero was asleep, as expected, so Kaname approached the side of his bed to check over his breathing or any signs of pain; there were none. The pureblood couldn't help but to sigh in relief at that. Looking over however he focused on the stack of letters he assumed were from the association. There were so many of them for the hunter to do and Kaname couldn't fathom how the boy was to do it all. 'Unless he has help.' He decided when a particular letter caught his eye. It had been pulled away from the rest of the collection, a smooth white envelope with the words 'TAU Mission' scrolled across the center in black writing. Clearly this letter was special but Kaname could not figure out why.
"Kuran? What are you doing in my room?" Zero's voice suddenly sounded from behind him on the bed. Groaning to himself, and preparing to face the familiar barrel of Bloody Rose, Kaname turned around. He had to blink, there was no Bloody Rose, no glare, just Zero sitting up looking tired as he rubbed confused eyes and looked at the older vampire.
'Cute.' Kaname thought absentmindedly staring at the half-awake hunter. "I came to check on you first and foremost, Aido came to me with some observations regarding your health earlier. I simply needed to make sure you were not dying or anything of the sort." Kaname chose to answer professionally in case his stay was not welcome for much longer. Zero frowned slightly before seeming to remember and flopped back into his pillow.
"I see, well I'm not dead, simply just tired. Is there anything else?" He questioned in return though without hostility or any hint of his normal irritation. Kaname motioned slightly to the separated letter on the desk, Zero followed his gesture and raised an eyebrow.
"What is the 'TAU' exactly?" The pureblood asked, figuring if he was going to get anywhere with Zero now would be the time to do it. Zero sighed and raked a hand through his hair before sitting up and looking out the window into the slight stream of light coming from the sun, he would need to close his blinds soon. The two sat in silence for a few long minutes before Zero turned back to the pureblood.
"They're a group of specially trained hunters, at the top of their class in every category out there. However they're dangerous, the TAU is nothing short of a group of weapons for the association to send on missions too dangerous for anyone else to do." The silverette decided to leave out the details including that they were assassins and often killed other hunters as well as dangerous vampires on the elite list. Kaname nodded slightly, though he figured there was more to the group than Zero was letting on. He'd have Seiren look into it later, or maybe he could just get Takuma to ask either Kaito or Zero himself.
"I see, well then I'm sure anything more can be discussed at a later date. Goodnight Kiryuu-kun." Kaname nodded politely, to which Zero returned with a small nod of the head before he closed his blinds and slipped back under his covers. Kaname exited the teen's room and headed back to his own. Upon getting in the door the pureblood realized just how comfortable he had been in the other's room and during their entire conversation. It had been easier than talking to anyone else, not formal, just talking like normal beings. He would have enjoyed conversing with Kiryuu a lot more had their conversations always been that easy. Maybe he would talk to the teen more in the future if things stayed like they were currently.
Zero rubbed his eyes and sat up in his room, the curtains had been drawn and there was a presence moving around. A vampire's presence. Looking over he spotted Takuma dusting off his dresser with a cloth. "Good morning Zero-kun! Kaname-sama told me to come get you, in about an hour we will be headed out to town for a group outing. Since you are part of the night class we would love for you to join us." The older noble smiled and turned around when he felt eyes on him. Zero numbly nodded and yawned as he turned to look out the window to the moon young and bright.
"That would be fine, as long as I don't have to dress up." The silverette replied though he moved to stand and make his way to the bathroom. Takuma chuckled and shook his head.
"No, nothing fancy I assure, though I suppose that's a bit hard to believe coming from us. We won't be doing much, just out at the markets and things around town." Takuma replied with a smile.
"Alright, I'll be down in ten then." Zero informed before Takuma gave him another smile, how the hell could he be so happy all the time, and slipped out the door to give the other privacy. Zero sighed as he looked down at the collection of marks and scars on his arms and torso. It wasn't as though he was ashamed of them, they were hard earned with long nights of raids and countless fights. With that said he didn't feel exactly comfortable stripping in front of just anyone. Why was that? A flash of Yuki's face with her worried and pitying eyes appeared in his mind. Pity, he hated pity. He was so used to being pitied by others, hell it started as soon as he and his brother walked in the doors of the association. He didn't want to be pitied by others. He loathed it. He could stand being hated, which he got a lot of anyway, but he didn't stand to be pitied. In turn he didn't pity others to save them from those looks he always got when he walked alongside hunters and vampires alike. It was such a pain to feel as though he needed to prove that yes he was capable and still in control to everyone he came across. Little did anyone know just how able he really was, but they'd learn soon enough. Too soon and not in any way he'd wish but they would learn. He was to go to the compound soon and everything would change, Silverblood would likely be in effect in less than a week. The extra time was just going to ensure he'd be in the mindset to kill on sight. Would he be able to control himself enough to keep from killing everyone else? That was unclear and it worried him more than he'd like to admit to anyone. Staring at his changed tattoo in the mirror Zero pressed a hand against his neck, covering it from view. He was such an abnormality. A dangerous abnormality. 'Murderer.' The title fit him, that he knew better than even the nobles suspected or assumed. With a bitter smile to himself Zero got changed and walked downstairs to be greeted by Takuma with Shiki in tow as usual.
Despite how well Zero hid his inner voice, Takuma was no amateur when it came to reading others. Admittedly Zero was a perfect actor but even he had some ticks the blond picked up on when his mind was off in some dark unfavorable hole it created likely without Zero even noticing. When he came downstairs Takuma watched as he stared at the ground, he was thinking about something, when amethyst-lilac eyes lifted to his own Takuma knew there was something wrong. As a noble, he may not be able to read Zero's mind but the thoughts he was having were troubling him. Depressing him even, meaning he'd isolate himself if allowed or ignored long enough. Of course to Takuma that wasn't a solution, and he'd never let another noble do it so why should he let Zero? He'd help the teen even if Zero planted a bullet through him every time he opened his mouth. "Wonderful for you to join us, we're just waiting on Aido, Ruka and Kaname I believe. Come come! Would you prefer coffee or tea?" He started immediately trying to engage the other into doing something. The less time Zero was given to think and dwell the better it would be for all of them.
"Neither thank you I'm fine without." The silverette replied politely. Takuma mentally sighed, like Kaname Zero had a habit of becoming distantly polite when he wanted to isolate himself mentally and couldn't physically.
"You should eat something at least before we leave, Satan knows how long it'll take us to get there between Aido's flirting and Ruka's bickering." He attempted but before Zero could reply Ruka came down to defend herself.
"I do not bicker, Takuma, I merely state the fact that going anywhere with Aido is completely absurd as we never get anywhere when we need and he makes us look like fools with his constant inappropriate charming!" The vampiress stated defiantly. Takuma raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Aido was storming down the stairs less than a second later to retort.
"I don't need to hear that from such a snobby self-centered woman like you! Hell, you wonder why no one likes the Souen family? It's because you only care about yourself and your family status!" The hyper blond screeched at the other noble who glared back with fire in her eyes burning brighter than Zero had ever seen them. Takuma sighed and ran a hand through his hair, he was so sick of the two's constant fighting. The moon dorms never seemed to get away from the fighting. Zero looked over between the two and muttered something under his breath that Takuma didn't catch. All the sudden both nobles shut up and calmed before moving in separate directions. Shiki blinked and looked over at Zero, who gave him a slight shrug with a weak smile before he too walked off towards the kitchen to get an apple from the fruit bowl. Shiki followed him into the kitchen with Takuma following behind looking confused.
"What did you do to them?" He asked once they were away from the others.
"Nothing permanent or detrimental I assure you. Just a bit of magic that calms temperaments, anxieties and other emotional problems of the sort on the small scale. Commonly used on victims of vampire attacks, in interrogations, rookie hunters or when others are suffering from panic attacks or behavioral fits. It'll wear off in a couple of hours." Zero replied quietly as a peeled an orange with practiced skilled fingers.
"That's amazing! I thought magic was only used for charms during fights either offense or defense." Takuma smiled and clapped his hands together. Honestly, there was so much about the hunter community Takuma really did want to know of aside from the rumors and what he had been taught to be wary of since he was a child.
"There's magic for pretty much everything out there, of course you have to learn it which takes time but it's possible. That being said many hunters no longer care for the non-violent properties of magic." Zero replied before he popped part of the orange in his mouth. Takuma was about to question some more but the trio felt Kaname's presence at the top of the staircase. Walking back into the living room of sorts the three greeted the pureblood with nods just before Kain, Aido and Ruka walked back into the room still calm as the night class had ever seen them.
"Greetings Kaname-sama." Both Aido and Ruka chorused with Kain nodding from behind them.
"I see we're all ready, let us get going shall we?" Kaname replied after his eyes passed over the crowd of vampires before him. Everyone was present just as he had asked of them and should everything go according to plan it would be a peaceful evening. 'Well as peaceful as it can get.' The pureblood noted with a fast glance to Aido and Ruka. They weren't fighting yet which was new but not unpleasant by any means. With that Kaname lead them out of the moon dorms through the garden and woods in an effort not to draw any unwanted attention from wandering day class students. It wasn't as rigid as walking to crossover usually was but Zero was still alert and very aware of his surroundings through which the group moved. Despite his efforts, Zero found himself walking close to Takuma, Shiki, Rima, and Kain. They all seemed to show up one by one but talked mostly amongst themselves. Knowing that no one was paying him any attention Zero let his mind wander off to other topics. Such as the group of rogue hunters. He had finally gotten the mission to get rid of them along with the rest of the TAU, it would be their final mission before he was sent the compound. If any of them couldn't complete the tasks they were given he could not allow them on the battlefield just yet. They'd either get themselves or others killed. They'd have to go through more training before being given the final mission of the TAU. Now there was something he hadn't thought about.
'Will they be able to do it?' He wondered looking up to the moon for unknown answers that would not be found so easily. If he was ordered to kill Touga could he perform such a task? Physically he was stronger than his former teacher and both were aware of that. However Touga was like a second father to him, Zero doubted he could stand taking the life of another being so close to him. He already had so many deaths on his hands. He was the reason, the underlying dirty-secret reason, for the deaths and misfortunes of everyone he loved or got close to. No matter how many times they said it wasn't his fault he knew the truth.
"Zero-kun? Are you alright?" Takuma's voice cut through his thoughts like one of Kaito's charmed knives. With the world coming back into focus around him, and making his head spin a bit, he came to realize the three vampires staring at him with concerned looks. Well, as concerned as Shiki and Kain could get without breaking their masks of stoicism. Nodding slightly Zero returned his focus to where they were going however he couldn't help feeling three pairs of eyes on him as they continued. Thankfully once they got to the market the group dispersed a bit and Zero was left only with Takuma and Shiki. The former talking of something Zero had tuned out and the latter half listening while the trio walked. The market was far more inhabited than Zero expected, vampires were everywhere looking at stalls of things Zero had little interest in for the most part. No one was dressed overly fancy which he was thankful for but his senses kept sparking every time a vampire he didn't recognize walked in their vicinity. With a mental sigh Zero looked around for a place to escape from the mass amount of vampires, in passing he got quite a few dirty looks and sneers that he could ignore for the most part but it still wasn't pleasant by any means. Finally spotting a place he could escape the commotion off to the side of a building Zero pulled out his phone to check messages. There was a group message going off and he could no longer ignore the slight buzzing in his pocket. It was a group message between the assassins. That never meant anything good. Typing out a quick message to one of his best students Zero waited for her to call. 'Let's hope this isn't as bad as I think it will be.' He sighed to himself.
A/N: And there's chapter 10! I know this chapter isn't incredibly exciting but it'll come in handy later on. Thanks again to everyone reading, I hope you have a wonderful day, night, evening etc. Keep Calm and Fanfiction On~