Eyes Red as Blood
Twenty-Seventh Night: Masks
"What did you do to her," Zero demands from his cell. He is unsure of what happened, but Arisu lay limp in Kaname's arms. Kaname ignores him as he places her on the floor, brushing her hair off her face. "Answer me."
"You seem awfully concerned for her, Kiryu." He stood up, and walked around her to stand in front of the silver-haired boy. Zero glares back at him, unwilling to take the bait. "Don't fret, she'll wake in a couple of hours or less, depending on how fast her body metabolizes the sedative."
"What is the point of all this, Kuran?" Kaname stays silent, irritating Zero further. Zero sits back down, "Never mind, just go away. You're annoying."
"Ah, if you are not in such good spirits, it'll trouble me."
Zero chuckles darkly. "How are you troubled exactly?"
"The chess piece I have so carefully raised for years shall become the king that will devour the board. You." Kaname neared the bars. "The monster, Rido, awakened from his coffin," Zero scoffs at his evasion of the truth, "you will destroy him."
"Do it yourself," Zero trains his sights on Arisu who still lays on the ground behind Kaname. "You seem adept at –
"Do you want to pretend that you haven't slowly begun to change? First, taking your twin's power in your mother's womb. You were born with excellent lineage because of that, but you didn't completely devour him. So, when Shizuka turned you vampire, you were falling to level E much more rapidly than normal."
"Stop. You've no idea what you speak of, Kuran."
"You feasted upon Yuki causing the barrier caging her vampire side to crack and let some memories out. Did you know that Yuki wasn't the only one to suffer from it?" Zero's face contorts in confusion and pain. "Yuki and Arisu are twins, so they are linked to each other. To what extent, I do not know," Kaname's tone drops to a murmur, "the memories that pained Yuki also haunted Arisu because your actions stirred them back to life." Zero closed his eyes, and it took all his strength not to curl into himself and shut out Kaname. He didn't want to show any weakness to the other vampire, so he shielded himself behind layers of anger and burning hatred. When he opened his eyes, it was to glare at Kaname. "I forgave things that were not to be forgiven for this moment. Kiryu, you will become the most powerful hunter. You are the only one who can lift Rido's curse on me."
Zero laughs, burying his face in his hand, "Did you really think I would do anything to save you?" He was determined not to. Let those filthy vampires fix their own damn problems.
"You will never betray Yuki," Kaname smiled slightly as if he was telling a joke only he could understand, "after this, I don't think you'll have it in you to betray Arisu either. Remember that as long as Rido isn't destroyed. He will continue to come after the two of them." Zero remains silent and unmoving. He hates the pureblood. He hates him for all the hurt he caused Yuki. He hates him because he took her away from him. Most of all, he hates Kaname because he is right. Zero watches in silence as Kaname bade him farewell and kneeled beside Arisu, reaching out to pick her up.
"Don't you dare touch her." Zero, slightly surprised. He watches his twin storms into the room. His body language challenging the pureblood in every way. Kaname raises an eyebrow. "You've done enough, Kuran." Zero was at a loss for words, but when Ichiru glanced at him bfriefly, he understood. Ichiru was livid, but part of him worried over the girl. He cares for her, Zero determined. "Leave," Ichiru spits out, voice filled with so much venom. Kaname relents and leaves the room.
"Ichiru…" His brother finally turns to look at him. He was looking for something, and when he found it, Ichiru moved wordlessly, reaching down into the cell to get Bloody Rose from where it lay discarded. "That's – What are you –
Zero was cut off by the loud bang. Pain sears through his chest all the way to the tips of his fingers. Blood rapidly seeps into his rumpled white shirt.
"Look at you, slowly dying of blood loss," Ichiru takes the keys he swiped from the Headmasters office and opens the cell now that Zero is incapacitated somewhat, "it's always been you, Zero."
"What are you talking about?" Zero manages to gasp through the pain. Ichiru rolls his eyes, tossing the keys aside before moving away to kneel beside the sleeping girl. From where Zero was, he couldn't see the longing in his brother's eyes or the tinge of regret. All he could see were his younger brother's broad shoulders. No longer was Ichiru his tiny, weak brother.
"I never got the chance to tell you..." Ichiru said so softly that Zero wonders if he imagines it. The younger Kiryu twin caressed the girl's sleeping face before leaning forward to place a fleeting kiss to her forehead. Zero can't make out what Ichiru says after that because the ringing in his ears overwhelms his hearing.
"Zero, look at me."
When had Ichiru moved in front of him? Zero tries to focus his attention, but his vision blurs. Zero feels Ichiru grip his chin, forcing him to look at him.
"You've never stopped punishing yourself, have you? Or is it atonement to make yor little brother feel better?" Ichiru pauses deliberately, "Even if I hate it, I can see that you will feel free when I'm gone," Zero glares at him, but it falters, "I know you didn't kill Shizuka, nor do I really care actually. In the end, I was only using her, Zero, so don't worry."
"I haven't worried ever since that night when I saw you smiling. How could you smile at mom and da'd deaths?" Zero grips Ichiru's hand and forces it away from his face. Ichiru glares at his brother.
"Seems like you're still energetic, but it's of no concern. One more bullet, and even you will lose rationality – It hurts, Zero," Ichiru hisses, trying to get out of Zero's grasp, "Are you already going insane?"
"No, but I am anticipating death," Zero darkly replies with the truth.
"That won't do," Ichiru mutters, "Did you know Zero? At one point I really did care deeply for that woman, and I even wanted to get revenge on the man that caged her and ordered her lover to be killed. Did you know that was the reason for our parents' death? They killed the lover of a pureblood who shouldn't have even been on the Association's kill list yet he was because of that man."
Zero needed to put an end to that line of conversation, and as he looked down he saw the deep gashes on Ichiru's side. "Why are you so badly injured, Ichiru," Zero spoke through clenched teeth.
"Ah ah, I must finish the story, Zero," Ichiru rebukes, "Can you guess who that man is? Well, it is Rido Kuran, and I too want him dead. You may be wondering why I want his head on a platter when I claim to not care about Shizuka, so I'll tell you: Arisu Kuran. She too is being hunted by Rido, and I would very much like to prevent him from capturing her for reasons I'll keep to myself. All you need to know is that you'll help." By the end of his speech, Ichiru is severely winded, the blood loss taking its toll on his body. "The smell of blood must be tantalizing for you, Zero." Ichiru slumps forward, collapsing against his brother. Ichiru nurries his head on his brothers shoulder, too weak to hold himself upright anymore. "You are bearing it extremely well."
"Ichiru –
"Although we have become different species, hugging you like this is really comfortable"
"Isn't it because we are from the same egg?" Zero asks into Ichiru's hair.
Ichiru hums before answering, "Zero, the last piece of my life, eat it all…"
Zero stills, his eyes wide, "Ichiru –
"If you ate me, you will be whole again, Zero. You will gain the strength that was rightfully yours to begin with, and you won't have to suffer as much."
"No, I won't do it," Zero hugs Ichiru closer, tighter.
"You will, that's why I shot you using that gun…" His voice is growing weaker.
"No! Stop this, Ichiru! I don't want to lose anyone else," Zero pleads into his shoulder. Ichiru weakly graps Zero's shirt in his hand.
"You know what, Zero? It makes me happy to know that I'm not dead inside your heart even after all I've done," Ichiru can feel Zero tense before he speaks.
"Mom and Dad watched over you and loved you too."
"I know…Z ero, I don't regret what I've done. Soon I will –
"Ichiru, this is wrong!"
"Is it?... Perhaps, but… soon, Zero, you and I will become one," Ichiru smiles into his brother's shoulder, hugging him back just as fiercely. "Zero, brother…"
Something finally snaps within Zero. The vampire in Zero berates him for nearly letting a perfectly meal go to waste. Zero is disgusted with himself as his fangs pulse within his mouth. Ichiru is still softly breathing, coaxing him to feed. Zero has lost too much blood already to think rationally, humanly. He is filled with self-loathing when his fangs slide into Ichiru's neck. Ichiru closes his eyes, preferring to be the one to choose when his vision blackens. The younger twin is content in reliving his most fond memories in his final moments.
Zero heals completely and feels Ichiru's being as it integrates with himself. Flashes of memories ingrain themselves with his own. Memories of when the two were children, fighting over something trivial. Memories of their parents hovering worriedly over him. Memories of the night they were taken away. How wrong Zero had been in thinking that Ichiru reveled in their deaths. Memories of meeting the pureblood girl by coincidence at the market. Memories of letters long since burned that exchanged between them. Memories of chasing Arisu through the manor, Zero could feel that Ichiru was smiling. Memories of her smiling when Ichiru asked her to dance one night when there was nothing better to do. Memories of watching her walk away through the gates of the Academy. All of this overpower the memories of digging through information and playing puppet to others. With each new memory Zero also feels Ichiru's emotions. Fear, anger, hatred, regret then a sliver of hope, nervousness, acceptance, love, protectiveness, longing.
Zero closes his eyes and clutches his head in his hands to make the images go away. He doesn't need them. He doesn't need the reminders. He already knew. Zero opens his eyes once the images stop, and his feelings are his again. There is a swell of power coursing through his veins, and he is no longer as depraved as he used to be. Something in him is complete now.
He reaches to Bloody Rose, having it in his hand makes the power intensify before it calms down. Now it is only a soothing hum in the back of his mind. He gazes at the silver barrel of the gun, and it resonates to his touch. He sighs and puts it back in its holster. He gently lifts Ichiru's limp body from his own, and places him on the floor. Ichiru looks so peaceful now as if he was only sleeping, but the deathly pale skin reminds Zero otherwise. He knows his brother will never wake up again. He laments being unable to mend things with him before, and his stomach churns with guilt.
Arisu. Take care of Arisu. The thought pops into his head, interrupting his moment of grief. It held no malice. Just a passing thought that seems so natural now. Zero pried his glance from his brother to look over at Arisu who was unaware of the events that transpired. He felt like vomiting upon realizing that he would have to tell her what happened, that he had eaten his own flesh and blood. Why should I care what she thinks?
After this I don't think you'll have it in you to betray Arisu either.
"So that's what he meant," Zero murmurs as he realizes the extent of what happened. He stood up even though the ground wobbled under his feet and made his way to the sleeping girl. Before he realizes, his forearm hits the cold stone, breaking his fall. He grunts as he stands again, but this time Zero makes sure that he is in full control over his body. He stops and bends down when she is laying at his feet. Arisu's head falls back as he picks her up, so he repositions her so that she is nuzzled against his chest in his arms. Zero doesn't feel the disgust he expects from touching her or being this close to her. He resigns to his new need of keeping her safe. It's because of Ichiru and those damn memories, he thinks as he carries her out of the dungeons. He can only hope that it will go away after a while.
The Academy grounds are eerily quiet, but his senses are on high alert because the smell of blood permeates the air outside. His eyes don't have to adjust much to the darkness outside; the dungeons were dark enough. Zero didn't realize he was in the dungeons so long. His muscles tense as the scent of blood becomes increasingly stronger with every step he takes to the Day Class Dorms.
"What did you do to her?"
The hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Zero decides it best not to turn around, but he was sure the person behind him was Koruya.
"I did nothing. It was Kuran," he explains calmly, "I just came to drop her off. She seems to trust you, so I thought it fitting to bring her to you." The scent of blood concentrated behind him.
"Turn around, Kiryu." The silver haired male does as he is told, slowly turning around. He nearly reaches for Bloddy Rose when he sees the pureblood before him. Kai''s hair is disheveled, and there is a faint shine of sweat coating his forehead. What drew Zero's attention most was the blood. It was spattered all over the white uniform, creating a vivid contrast. Kai extends his arms out, but Zero pulls back, making Kai smile. "You said so yourself; she trusts me. I wouldn't do anything to betray her trust." Zero nods, determining that it was alright to trust the pureblood.
"When she wakes up, tell her that... I need to speak with her." Zero hands her over. Kai doesn't ask questions, simply taking the girl from the hunter. Their attention snaps to the loud ruckus in the distance. "Keep her safe," Zero blurts out without meaning to. Kai looks confused. "I have to take care of some things."
Without saying anything more, Zero turns and leaves in the direction of the crashes. Surely, he himself will be cautious. Kai assumes Zero knows what he's dealing with. The blond focuses on his own actions when he senses another wave of vampires fast approaching. He jogs back to the building with Arisu in his arms; she doesn't stir at all, further worrying him. As he nears the building, he is stopped by Akatsuki and Ruka, who had gone out of the building.
"Arisu!" Ruka runs towards them while Akatsuki remained behind, waiting.
"I have no time to explain," nor do I know what happened, "It would be best to take her inside with the humans until she wakes up." Kai didn't wait for Ruka's response, and pushed past the aristocrat. Akatsuki stepped in his way before he could make it close to the entrance of the dorms. "Move, Akastuki."
The aristocrat wasn't budging. "Hand her over. I still don't know if you can be trusted." Ruka tenses behind Kai, ready to move in order to take Arisu by force if necessary.
"I already told you she sent me here to protect the humans," Kai spat back, "We're just wasting time here. All I want to do is take her inside where she can stay safe. If it's about the blood on my clothes, I killed a couple of vampires that were trying to sneak into the Dorm building through the back."
"We didn't sense any vampires so close!" Ruka exclaimed.
"Then I'm sure you can't sense the others that are on their way." Kai looks directly at Akatsuki, "You can't sense them because of what is going on. Your nerves are frazzled. You need to calm down and focus." Akatsuki looks surprised, even Ruka hadn't picked up on his panic. Wordlessly, he steps aside to let him through. Kai glances back and sees the two aristocrats exchange words just as the door closes his view. It is the scream that makes him realize that he should have let Akatsuki bring Arisu in. A horrified brunette falls to her knees in the hallway while myriad footstep patter in all directions towards them.
"Anya, what happened?" The girls gasp once they see Kai and stop dead in their tracks. The few male students push their way forward to keep the girls back, and Kai commends them for their bravery. They were all weary of him, awaiting his move.
"Everyone, calm down." Kai is surprised when Sayori Wakaba steps past the newly established wall. He supposed he thought it would have been their student council president to make the effort, but no, it id this delicate human. "If Souen and Akatsuki allowed him in, then that means he's not a threat we should worry about." The girl is sharp, Kai thinks.
"I don't have time to explain, but I would like to leave Arisu here. That is, if you agree to it," Kai expresses, looking at Sayori and a couple of students who seem to be the leaders of this scared pack of humans
"Of course, but I have a question," she wasn't about to agree to anything without gaining some thing, "is it any danger for us to have her here?" Most of the students snap their attention toward him even as whispers erupt throughout the entrance hallway.
Kai ponders, should he lie and say no to trick them into letting Arisu stay? Should he tell the truth and perhaps increase the chance of rejection? "Yes."
Time seemed to stop before Sayori nods. "Alright, bring her into the common room. You can leave her on the sofa if you'd like." Several protests erupted in the room.
"Sayori, it doesn't make sense to bring in someone who will –"
"So you'd rather leave her out there when you know there's danger?"
"Well, no, but –"
"Then it's settled," Sayori stepped forwards to lead Kai to the common rom, "follow me."
"That was impressive," he mutters low enough for only her to hear. She had such command over the other humans without holding any power over them.
"Not really," she glanced at Arisu, "is she hurt?"
"She doesn't seem to be."
"Where did that blood come from?"
"That's hard to explain."
"Hmm," Sayori walks into the common room, and removes the stray books from the sofa. "Do try."
"I can't. Not right now. I have to help Souen and Akatsuki." Kai places Arisu on the sofa and turns around to leave. There are many peering faces looking in from the hallway. All of them weary of having the two night class students in their dorm building. "Don't worry. We aren't here to cause harm, so just trust in the three of us. Do not go out of this building for whatever reason."
"You heard him," Sayori interjects, standing next to him without fear. This eased some of the students a bit. "Now let him through." The students quickly made way for the pureblood. As soon as Kai was out the door, they all rushed into the room to surround Arisu.
"Wow, I can't believe Arisu Kuran is here, sleeping!"
"Hey, don't be rude! Something must have happened to her!"
"Is she alright? Do you think she's hurt?"
"What on earth is going on at this school? Just wait until my father hears about this!"
"Oh shut it, Malroy. There are more important things at stake here."
Sayori sighed, "Everyone, quiet down or take the conversation elsewhere. You shouldn't disturb her." There were many murmurs of consent while others left the room only to come back after a couple of minutes.
"Say, Wakaba, what do you think is going on?" The student council president wondered out loud, taking a seat on the ground, leaning against the sofa. That's how everyone who was in the room was, laying or sitting next to one another on the floor if they didn't manage to win a seat.
"I'm not sure. We'll ask Arisu once she wakes up. I'm sure she knows something." Sayori was sitting in the chair next to the sofa. She was still overwhelmed about the whole situation, especially knowing that vampires were involved. If she hadn't been saved by Yuki and Aido, she was sure she'd have died already when that vampire was after her. She sighs. Things weren't just black and white, so she wondered where Arisu fit into all of this. The other Day Class students did not know much, and most of it was just speculation from what they had seen through the windows of the Dorm Building or from the other girls who had tried going out. She looked around the room, and those girls were still cowering, huddled by their friends. Arisu's appearance had helped in distracting most of them. There wasn't as much tension in the building as there was before. Now all they had to do was wait. Their fate is in the hands of the vampires though most of them weren't aware.
Arisu wakes up confused. The room spins when she tries sitting up, so she falls back onto the pillows. Then she notices the students surrounding her, all peering at her. Most looked frightened and were standing farther away while others looked uncomfortable.
"How are you feeling?" Arisu turns her head and looks at the source of the voice. Concern mars the girl's delicate features, and bags are starting to form under Sayori's eyes.
"I feel a bit dizzy, but I should be fine," Arisu responds. She tries sitting up again, and it doesn't escape her that all the humans, except Sayori, are hesitant in coming any closer. Arisu attempts to stand up, but Sayori easily pushes her back down.
"You should rest," keeping her hand on her shoulder, "I do not know the details, but Koruya brought you here with the intention that you'd be safe... I assume from whatever is out there." Arisu looks up at her, shock written on her face. How much did these humans know? Again she glances around, all eyes still on her. "You have to stay."
"How much do you know?"
"Enough to know you aren't in any condition to go out there," the other girl replies. It appears there was no convincing her though the others appeared uncomfortable with Arisu here.
"If I left, most of you would be at ease." Even as she said that, her legs were numb and overall, she was weak. It seemed that whatever Kaname had injected into her hadn't fully cleared her system yet.
"While that is true, we all came to a consensus that we would let you stay." Arisu studies her. She isn't lying, so the pureblood decides she can stay until she regains all her physical capacity.
"W-we also have some questions," one of the girls steps forward. Arisu narrows her eyes. The look on her face must have been frightening because the same girl took a step back. Her frightened face startling Arisu.
"Apologies, I didn't mean to scare you," Arisu smiles, trying to sooth their fear without influencing them. It worked for some as they visibly relax. Humans are so easily captivated. "I'm not entirely sure I will be able to answer your questions, however."
Several of them nodded eagerly. "What exactly is going on out there?"
Upon her hesitation, another human stepped forward, "We have a right to know."
She was torn, she really was. Should she tell them or should she just leave them in the dark and say sweet words.
"How much do you know," Arisu asks instead.
"We all know next to nothing," Sayori interjects, "I was attacked in front of the dorms by some thing, but Yuki and Hanabusa Aido were able to save me. Two other girls were attacked close to the dorms as well."
Arisu's eyes widen. If Sayori was attacked, how could she remain so calm about it? "Where are the two other girls you speak of?"
"One just went up to her room, and is refusing to come out." Sayori clasps her hands in front of herself. "The other is sleeping over there."
"Yes!" Arisu turns to look at one of the other girls. "They were babbling on about vampires and monsters when the Night Class students brought them in and told us to stay inside." That sent anew flurry of whispers around the room as the students tried making sense of the information.
"Honestly, I thought they had gone crazy, but now I'm not so sure."
Arisu thought things over, and decides this is a perfect opportunity to test something out. "They are telling the truth. Those girls and Sayori were most likely attacked by rogue vampires who are targeting the Academy because of the Night Class." Vry loose and vague terms. Silence. Sayori doesn't look surprised, but the other student do. Some nervously laugh.
"You must be joking. Do you think we are children? Vampires don't exist."
"I don't think she's lying, Malroy," a sandy haired girl defended, her voice trembling.
"Indeed, I have no reason to lie to you," Arisu confirms, looking around the room, "If you don't believe me, fine. However – Shit." She stood up so fast her vision blacked out and she stumbled. Sayori reached out to steady her. "Everyone, get behind me, and away from the entrance." Some of the students hesitate, looking at her as if she had lost her mind. "Now!"
"My dear, I didn't expect you to be here," the voice precedes the figure, "I thought I would have a quick meal before heading on my merry way." Arisu tenses, and pushes Sayori behind her. A man wearing a long brown coat and fedora walk into view. His eyes shift from green to red, attempting to stay in control of his thirst. "This is a problem indeed," he sighs, dramatically placing a hand to his cheek. "Master Rido wanted to have you," a twisted smile graces his lips, "but I guess it's my lucky day, don't you think?"
"Stay back," Arisu orders, eyes blazing red, "You will not cause harm to anyone here."
"No, no, no. That won't work, dear," he cocks his head to the side. His fangs protrudes as he speaks, "You know the upside to becoming level e? I don't have to take orders anymore. Not even from a pureblood." He hummed, "But still, I wonder if I will be able to deal with you before your little friend claws his way back. An admiral young man he is, fighting all those vampires by himself with no one else. I'm not so sure the blood on his clothes belonged only to his enemies, but I managed to slip past him while he was getting ambushed and here I am."
The man smiles in mock apology. Arisu bares her fangs at him, and his own slip through his smile. Several of the students gasp or whimper behind Arisu while Sayori clutches onto her arm. There were screams all around as they saw him transform into a horrible beast, finger nails growing into sharp weapons, a crazy grin plastered on his face, and his eyes glowing an unforgettable red when he lunged forward.
The screams only intensify when Arisu steps forward out of Sayori's grip, dodging the arms that aim to rip her apart. Aim for his heart, Arisu, a soft voice whispers into her head. Rip his heart out. Without hesitation, she sidesteps his next assault and grabs onto his nearest arm with her left hand. His other hand instantly reaches for her neck. The man's face contorts in twisted joy, but then his actions stop all together.
"I'm amazed, Miss." He glances down at his chest where blood spurts out of torn veins. Blood runs down her right hand where the fresh heart is still beating frantically. She'd never forget that feeling. The elasticity of his skin as it ripped under the pressure of her claws, the sharp snap of his ribs, the veins and arteries that popped out of place and gave way for the heart to be ripped out, the heat. Then the man crumbles away. Arisu stares at her hand where the blood was quickly dissolving so was the blood that had splattered onto her face, but the blood that seeped into her uniform remained, bonded to the fibers.
"You monster!" Absentmindedly she turns to look at the students. There is a wide range of shock, horror, and terror.
"Right. Then," she says, backing away from the group, "that's my cue to leave. Stay here."
"Why would we? We would be cows to the slaughter if we were to stay here." Arisu sighs. She could have made a guess as to their response, but it would have been woefully optimistic. Arisu realized how fragile these creatures really are. Humans live a different world from that of vampires. They live in a bubble where the only danger is themselves, other humans. They think they are the top of the food chain, that nothing else can touch them. How wrong they are. Trying to mask fear and anxiety with anger. Trying to put up a front to ensure their self-preservation. Why not give them a rational footing for their fear?
"You would have already been dead if monsters like me weren't protecting you," Arisu replies, no longer smiling, "Be my guest if you want to go out there, but know that you'll be doing nothing other than presenting yourselves on a silver platter." Maybe she goes overboard. A couple of girls burst into tears and even more glare at her. At least some of them aren't completely terrified anymore, she thinks, now that they have something to be angry at. Arisu doesn't wait for a response before turning to leave the common room.
"Arisu, thank you." Arisu looks back at Sayori, surprised. The human girl gives her a slight, apologetic smile before addressing everyone else, "As harsh as she phrased her words, she's right. None of us would stand a chance going outside, so it's best we stay in here. I'm sure the Night Class students will keep us safe." There were several grumbles from the students, but also a few murmurs of agreement. Arisu nods to Sayori in gratitude, knowing the human girl would take charge of the group. Quietly, she walks out of the common room. Just as she is about to open the front door a shriek resounds through the dorm building.
"Stay there!" Arisu yells at the students who moved to go upstairs towards the sound though most stayed frozen in the common room. The pure blood barely registers the protests as she sprints up the stairs, hearing loud crashes and screams for help. It doesn't take long for Arisu to reach the room where the sounds seem to come from, but the other side of the door is deathly silent now. Without hesitation, she opens the door. The smell of blood assaults her senses.
Hunched over a deathly pale girl is a crazed female vampire. The vampire turns to hiss at Arisu, too far gone to be able to form words. Its clothes were tattered, and has blood smudged all over its mouth and chin. Arisu walks sideways around the room to get closer to the two. All the while the deranged vampire drags the girl's unconscious body closer to itself, following Arisu's every movement with its eyes. The pureblood needs to find a way to get the human girl away from the vampire. Then, an idea forms in her mind.
"Even in your state, pure blood should be more desirable," she spoke to it. It tilts its head, but remains crouched over its meal.
"I'll only offer once," she pauses to make sure it is listening, "my blood in exchange for the girl. You'll regain your sanity." All she can do was hope that in its state it could still understand her. She cautiously steps forward, intentionally leaving the open door at its back, giving it a sense of having a way out. It hisses at her and retreats with each of her steps, so Arisu stops and reaches out. The crazed vampire stills. Its red eyes flicker from the girl beneath to the pureblood standing defenselessly in front. It's decision clear.
Arisu didn't have the forethought to brace herself, toppling over with the force the vampire as it leaped on her. That's when she realized her mistake. She hissed as fangs buried themselves into the base of her neck, and winced when the back of her head collided with the floor. Arisu closed her eyes, ignoring the pain of the bite, the pounding of her head, and the claws that were digging into her shoulders. She concentrated so that her memories stay hidden from the vampire. She opens her eyes when the claws become fingers, easing their hold on her. Looking down she is captivated by the color of the female vampires hair, a beautiful rose gold. Slowly that head lifts, and Arisu winces once more when the fangs slide out of her skin. Stormy grey eyes found hers and widen. Arisu is still underneath her.
"... Miss Kuran," her voice sounds unnaturally raspy, a pained look accompanies her words. It hurts to speak. "I... I don't know why I'm here - Mistress will be angry." The young girl recoiled into herself, trying to hide from the world. Her thin limbs trembling as tears shone in her eyes. Arisu knew that this could very well be a trap, but she still had to somehow connect with the vampire. If anything, it's because I need to ensure the safety of the humans, she tells herself l. Besides, the Vampire can't be more than 13 years old.
"Hush now. What do you last remember before...?" She held onto the girl's hands as she pushes herself up into a sitting position with the girl in her lap.
"It's... it's so cold," she whimpered, "Mis-Mistress is angry again. She... she's not allowing me to feed. It hurts. Please, I don't want to hurt." The vampire girl jumps when hurried footsteps near the doorway, coming from the hallway.
"Arisu!" Kai stops at the door. He rushed into the dorm building as soon as he heard the screams, leaving Ruka and Akatsuki to deal with the other level E vampires stalking outside. His blue eyes darken when he recognizes the smell. Arisu's blood lingers underneath the overwhelming odor of human blood. His gaze flicked over the human girl on the floor to Arisu. The vampire girl has already scurried behind her.
"Get away from her," Kai demands, eyes trained on the vampire cowering behind the pureblood.
"Kai, stop," Arisu softly speaks, "you're scaring her." Arisu turns enough to place a hand to on top the girl's grip, trying to calm her.
"She's the enemy. For all you know she could still be planning to kill you." He was furious and confused. The vampire hadn't followed his orders.
"N-no! I would never," the accused stammers to Arisu. Her grip tightens on Arisus blazer.
"She would've done it before you got here," Arisu defended the girl, "you won't hurt me, right?" The girl shakes her head.
"As if," Kai spat, "she has already bitten you and that human girl."
"But she's not level E anymore," Arisu stresses, and realization dawns on him. Arisu now had more control over the vampire than her original master did. By allowing the level e to drink from her pure blood, by allowing a discarded servant to regain sanity, Arisu had accepted her into her house.
Kai ran his fingers through his damp, disheveled hair, "Whatever." Arisu gave him a small smile before fully turning around to comfort the other vampire. The male sighed and walked forward to take care of the human girl, dully noting the frantic gaze aimed at him.
"What a mess," Kai mutters more to himself than the vampire, looking at the destroyed room. He kneels next to the unconscious human while Arisu comforts her new servant. "Should I give her my blood?" He asked, referring to the healing properties of pure blood.
"I don't think that's necessary -"
"She's deathly pale," Kai interjected.
"She'll live, I'm sure," then addressing the girl, "you didn't fatally drain her did you?" The vampire looks guilty, but knows enough to shake her head no. "Just heal the wound then. I'm more than convinced she'll be one of the ones that will be obliviated of all memories regarding today." He nods back and sweeps the human a girl into his arms, lifting her up as if she were as light as a feather her. All the while the vampire girl has finally relaxed. The tinge of fear nearly gone from her eyes.
"We should get her back to the others, all in one room to make sure they stay safe," Kai hesitates before continuing, "when you said heal her, you mean..." Arisu raised an eyebrow causing him to sigh, "I don't want to be a creep. You do it."
"Spit on you hand or something." She retorted while standing up, pulling the vampire along with her. She looks at him, and he raises the girl in her direction. Arisu rolls her eyes, but steps forward, "and it's not at all going to be creepy when I do it?"
"It is, but it's you not me." Arisu sighed, but leans in. Her tongue darts out between her lips to graze the broken skin. The blood tasted ever so sweet, but it paled in comparison to Kaname's, she thinks. Arisu steps back in time to see the skin mending itself back together.
"I should learn a healing spell," she says out loud, more to herself than the others in the room. "Shall we go down?" Kai nods, and moves aside to have her walk in front. The girl, however, seems to hesitate. "Come along, young one." It wasn't more than murmur, but it drew the girl forward until she stood next to Arisu, glancing cautiously at Kai every now and then as they joined the group of humans on the first floor.
"Oh my god! What happened?"
"Abby!"
"Arisu!...Kai Koruya?!"
"What did you do to her?" In their haste, they don't notice or didn't think to voice notice of the third Vampire.
"She'll be completely fine after a day's rest. Please make way so that we can set her down on the sofa," Arisu replies. Sayori walks to heard the students closest to them away.
"Is she..." Sayori started, low enough for only Arisu to hear.
"No. Just a little... drained," both girls grimace at the phrasing. Kai places the girl on the sofa before turning to Arisu, his gaze questioning. "We should get going. Take care of her, Sayori." Sayori confirms, instructing the others to give up one of their blankets for the unconscious girl. Arisu quickly leads the vampire girl out of the room just as the humans are starting to ask about her, leaving many of them disgruntled.
"How is the situation out here," Arisu asks once they step out of the dorm building. Ruka notices them, and begins walking over.
"I'm not sure, honestly. The three of us are getting tired," Kia admits sheepishly, "and I don't know if that last group was the last of them."
"That's why Kaien decided to go investigate nearby," Ruka added, having overheard the last part of his statement. Kai nods while Ruka carefully watches the young girl standing behind Arisu. "Who is that?"
"My servant," Arisu vaguely replies hoping that Ruka hadn't seen the rose haired girl before. Ruka seems surprised, but otherwise says nothing. "Anything else regarding the rogue vampires or…"
"I'm not entirely sure of what has been going on, but things have gone eerily quiet after all that ruckus earlier," Ruka supplied.
"Okay, then after Akatsuki comes back, I am going in search of Yuki," Arisu declares, and continues before Ruka could protest, "If you wouldn't mind, Ruka, could you stay here and watch over the humans? I would appreciate it immensely." Ruka looks unsure, but nods nonetheless.
The girl behind her fidgets with the sleeve of her shirt. Only then does Arisu notice how underdressed she was. A flimsy white long sleeve shirt and black torn shorts were her only garments. She was barefoot. Quickly Arisu takes off her blazer and wraps it around the girl. She fixes her a pointed look when she begins to protest.
"Hey, do you think you could head back in there and fetch some slippers or socks?" Arisu asked turning to the aristocrat. "I would go back in or send Kai, but I think they've seen enough blood for one day." Ruka was the only one out of them that didn't have blood spattered on any part of her.
"Of course. I'll be right back," Ruka replies. The three stepped aside to let her pass.
"Uhm," Arisu starts once the door closed, turning slightly to address the girl, "I never caught your name, but you certainly know mine."
"Charlotte Atkinson," the girl informs, "of course, you can change my name to suit your tastes, Mistress." Arisu cringes.
"You were born Charlotte, correct?" The girl nods, "Then I'll call you Charlotte unless you have a nickname you'd prefer I call you by?"
"Uhm, Charlie?"
"Okay." Arisu smiles at her, and Charlie buries herself deeper into the blood stained blazer. "I'll call you Charlie only if you promise not to call me 'Mistress'."
"But-"
"No exceptions! Otherwise I'll have to call you Charlotte," Arisu teases. The girl blushes pink and turnes away. Satisfied and confident that Charlie will listen, Arisu turns back to Kai.
"You've certainly taken a shine to her," he spoke.
"Hmm," Arisu responds, "I think it's only fitting." Kai raises his eyebrow, but the door opened, interrupting their conversation.
Ruka steps out, holding long stockings and light blue slippers. Indoor slippers were better than no shoes at all, she guessed. "I didn't know her foot size, so..."
"Quite alright," Arisu takes the objects from her, "thank you." Charlie meekly reaches out to receive them from Arisu, but the brunette tuts in response, kneeling down causing Ruka to gasp. Kai watches with vague amusement.
Charlie hastily protests, "Mist- Miss Kuran, you shouldn't -"
"But I want to," Arisu interrupted, "so lift your leg." Charlie purses her lips, but lifted her foot, one at a time, so Arisu could slip on the stockinngs and slippers. "There," Arisu stood up smiling, but her smile faltered momentarily.
"It's just Akatsuki," Kai assures. Arisu nods and faces the direction of the presence she detected. Moments later said aristocrat rounds the building corner, and Ruka waves him over.
"Arisu-sama, you're awake," he notes upon reaching them.
"Indeed. This is Charlie," she replies. Akatsuki nods a greeting. "Ruka tells me you went to investigate?"
"Ah, yes. I went two miles outward. It appears that there aren't any more rogue vampires in the near vicinity."
"That's good." Arisu hums in approval.
"Also... it seems that Kiryu and Cross' battle has concluded as well." Kai shifts his weight from one foot to the other.
"How- never mind. Do you know where Yuki is?"
"No, Arisu-Sama, though I suspect she went looking for Kaname-sama."
"And he is?"
"We don't know. He suddenly left in the middle of everything."
"Of course he did," Arisu replies bitterly, trying to mask her seething anger. She closes her eyes as she takes a deep breath before turning to Akatsuki. "It's fine. Okay. Do you think you could stay here with Ruka to keep watch? Just in case."
Akatsuki consents. There was no way he is going to leave Ruka on her own, and he doesn't bother asking where Arisu is going because he figures he doesn't need to know. Just like how Kaname hadn't told them anything.
"Okay. Well, we'll be leaving now to look for my sister. Take care," Arisu states with an air of finality and begins walking away, Kai and Charlie behind her. Ruka makes a move to stop her, but Akatsuki quickly pulls her back, murmuring something in her ear.
"So where are we headed to?" Kai jovially asked once they were far enough away.
"Don't know," she replies honestly, "do you know where they were battling?"
"By the classroom buildings nearest to the moon dorms, I would imagine," he answers, "oh, I forgot to tell you-"
"Arisu-sama!" All three of them look in the direction of the voice. Hanabusa is running over to them, waving his arm in the air. He looks surprisingly calm considering the situation. The trio continue walking in his direction though Charlie shrinks back under Hanabusa's questioning gaze.
"Hanabusa," Arisu calls his attention.
"Don't worry, Arisu-sama! The academy is safe once again," he dutifully divulges, a bit too chipper, tearing his eyes away from Charlie. "Yuki Cro- Kuran defeated the enemy, so it seems. Though not without Kiryu's help," he amends.
"Right. Well, where is she?" She asks after a moments silence.
"Er. I don't know-" Kai rolls his eyes "-probably after Kaname-sama, I think."
"Great help you were," Kai sardonically interjects, earning a glare from the blond.
"Anyways! Mr. Yagari would like to speak with the vampires who stood up to the attacks," he continues, "he knows that this was orchestrated by the Council, and he wants to meet to talk. In the tower by the Moon Dorms, I believe."
"Okay," Arisu looks away, no intention of going whatsoever.
"He expects you to be there. You were part of the cause of this whole mess," a skeptical gaze from Arisu had Hanabusa lifting his hands, showing her his palms, "his words not mine."
"Very well. We shall head over right now," Arisu acquiesced.
"I'm going to tell Ruka and Kaien. I'll see you there, Arisu-sama." He bows and leaves.
"Do you think there's something wrong with him?" Kai asks as they watched Hanabusa run away.
"He does seem off," Arisu agreed, and sighs. "It's of no consequence right now though. Let's go."
It didn't take long to get back to their side of the campus, just a quick walk.
There were a couple of vampires huddled around in the tower near the gate to the moon dorms. They all looked up as they sensed Arisu and Kai approaching. Some of them gasped at their state while others rushed to them. Arisu ignored most of them. In total there were no more than eleven. Rima isn't here. Neither are Shiki or Ichijo. She frowns when she notices Seirin idly standing with the group and walks towards her. "Seirin!" The silver haired woman bows as the purebloods approached. "What are – where is Kaname?"
"He left on business," voice and face devoid of any compromising details. Arisu raises an eyebrow in response, but the older girl doesn't budge. It is irritating. "Might I inquire as to who that young lady is?"
Without turning back, Arisu responds, "Charlotte Atkinson, one of my servants." Charlie slightly bobs her head at Seirin, wholly unsure as to how she should address her. Seirin inclined her head in greeting before turning back to Arisu. The brunette's eyes narrowed in thought. Seirin unintentionally looks away when Arisu's eyes meet hers. The group calms down after a bit, and the remaining vampires joined them. Ruka worriedly gazes at Arisu while Akatsuki looks at her in interest, but neither make a move to speak with her. So, she shrugs their stares off. A couple of minutes later Yagari joins them, bringing them all to attention.
"You kids did an incredible job in helping to finish those guys up. There was certainly a lot less work for me to do, but even you should know the risks," he looks at Arisu briefly as he speaks, "usually vampires who oppose the council are ostracized by family and are murdered in the most horrible manners. I'm sure its the same for aristocrats, so why did you all go so far to protect the humans?"
Arisu pointedly ignores his question, preferring to let Ruka and Kaiden take control over the conversation. They say something or other about it being their families' fault for allowing things to escalate this far, how being part of the same academy somehow created a link between them and the humans, and of not wanting to follow the council blindly when it was them who orchestrated the attacks. They were partially correct, Arisu admits. Except they were wrong in placing all the blame on the council. Someone else was involved. Someone very much interested in breaking the Kurans' power, but who?
She snaps back into attention when she senses Kaname and Yuki's presence approaching. Next to her, Kai stirs and steps closer to her in case he needs to reach out to her. How her blood boils under her skin as fury etches itself into her being. Some of the aristocrats sense the change in mood and become restless. Charlie shrinks back, unsure of what brought this rapid change in her new master's attitude.
Yagari hears the footsteps before he is able to pick up the shift in the groups dynamics and turns to look at the nearby archway. The eldest Kuran strolls right on under it, stopping whilst still in the shadows.
"You need not worry," he starts, willing calmness into the aristocrats that let themselves be lulled. He addresses Yagari when he says, "for the past couple of years I've been investigating why the Kiryu were murdered by a pure blood. Then it turns out there was corruption within the council that bled into the relations with the Association, so I came to the conclusion that those murders didn't happen by chance. They didn't happen because a pure blood lost their mind. Someone was orchestrating this from the shadows. This man was after my sisters' blood," Arisu grits her teeth, still seething silently, "but Zero has already taken care of him." Kaname pauses, looking down as if gathering himself, and Arisu nearly laughs at the sympathetic murmurs that erupt from behind her. Kaname is such a great actor. "That man... in the past had already been banished from our family tree."
"Kaname-sama," Ruka softly spoke, wanting to comfort the eldest Kuran.
"It's okay now, Ruka, everyone," Kaname continued to influence them, "because the council of elders no longer exists."
What? Had she really heard him correctly? Even Arisu is at a loss for words by what he implies, momentarily shocked. Just what was his end game? She composes herself just as Yuki hugs Kaname and thanks him for keeping his promise. No, that didn't make sense. Yuki shouldn't have known anything, so for what was she thanking him for?
"As hateful as those bastards were and even if the council was a farce, they still upheld some degree of order," Yagari venomously spat, raising his shotgun at Kaname, "without them, there is no telling how quickly things will turn into chaos. It's all your fault, you.."
Arisu's temper lessens considerably, but... She stares back at Yuki when her younger twin looks at her, urging her to incapacitate the armed hunter. Arisu glances at Yagari, and she did have an opening to strike him down. Instead she continues to be a spectator as Yuki steps forward to shield Kaname. It slowly sinks in that she has no desire to stop the hunter.
Kaname moves with Yuki so that he is the one shielding her now and spares a solitary glance at Arisu while wrapping a protective arm around Yuki. "What I did was to protect the future, your precious future. I do intend to take responsibility. How could I not when I worked so hard for this moment?"
"Responsibility? What load of-"
"Let's go, Yuki, Arisu-"
Go to hell. She glares at him, not budging from her spot. Her resolve nearly breaks when Yuki turns back, pleading her to go with them. Kai reaches out to hold onto her sleeve, grounding her in place. Yuki's eyes zero in on the motion before turning around. The two of them leave with Kaname murmuring thanks to the group.
Moments later, Yuki breaks the silence as the walk down the stairs, "Kaname, shouldn't we bring-"
"She'll come of her own volition, Yuki. Don't worry." Even so, the pit in Yuki's stomach doesn't go away instead, it worsens when she glances out the window just in time to see Zero carrying his brother in his arms. From this distance she can see death's cruel work, and her heart bleeds.
"Kiryu wants to speak with you." The voice sounds distant. Arisu nods mechanically, and steps forward, but something holds her back. She glances down and notices the hand that's holding on to her blood stained sleeve. Following the hand up to the arm then shoulder, neck and face, she is able to ground herself once again. Kai looks at her, a mix of concern and caution in his eyes.
"I- I am fine," she reassures. The vampires in the room shift uncomfortably now that Kaname is no longer there to sway their moods. Charlie jumps slightly when Arisu's gaze falls on her. "We should go." This time her voice is unsure, a mere suggestion not a definite direction.
"Yes," Kai agrees, and Charlie dutifully follows behind the two.
Arisu isn't sure if the other vampires or Yagari call out for her attention, but it doesn't matter. Zero has to talk to her. She has a goal she latches on to. The three are barely less than halfway from the bottom of the tower when Kai sees Kiryu's retreating figure through the windows.
"Kiryu is heading towards the main building," he states, still walking down the steps. Arisu makes a small sound of assent but otherwise says nothing. The echoes of their footsteps precedes and follows them.
It isn't at all hard to find Zero once they search for a presence in the deserted main building. Their footsteps carry them into the infirmary wing of the building. Cautiously, Kai enters first, unsure of how the hunter will respond to their presence.
"Only Arisu can come from this point forward," Zero steps into the hallway leading to the infirmary, his voice resigned.
Kai is about to protest, but Arisu grabs his arm, pulling him back. He looks at her, so she inclined her head towards Charlie, indicating for him to wait for her. "Just stay." She slightly squeezes his arm for reassurance, but for him and herself. Kai relents and goes to stand by Charlie as Arisu makes her way to Zero.
Once the girl was in front of him, Zero nearly breaks. A sliver of emotion escapes his stony facade and dread pools in Arisu's stomach. Something must have happened for Zero to look so distraught and pained. "Zero, what's happened?"
He shakes his head, not trusting his voice to respond. Instead he motions for her to follow him. His silence worries her deeply, but she follows close behind. The infirmary is sterile white and metallic silver, all the bed curtains open save for the one at the end. There is only Arisu and Zero in the room.
"I... I...," Zero starts, but he can't bring himself to finish. He stops in front of the drawn curtain and faces Arisu. No longer is he able to control his emotions. No longer can he keep up his facade. The walls crumble around him, and he cries, bringing his hands up to his face to scrub the tears away. Arisu is unsure of what to do, what to say to make it all better, but she has to do something. She reaches up to the Hunter, grabbing hold of his wrists to lower his arms. He weakly frowns, but the tears don't stop.
"Zero. Look at me," she lets go of his wrists, and cups his face in her hands, "whatever it is, it's going to be fine. You-"
"It's NOT going to be fine," he interrupts, prying himself away from her, "it's all... ruined. Everything is ruined!" By me.
"Zero, you have to calm down let me help you," she reaches out to him, but he slaps her hand away.
"Don't touch me!" You won't want to after you see. "I don't even know why you're here!" Lies. You asked her to come. "Just..." Don't hate me. It's my fault. Zero yells and falls to floor on his knees. His face touching the floor, he violently sobs. Arisu kneels next to him, slowly rubbing circles into his back as his breath hitches and violently sobs. She is scared. He seems so broken, but unlike her, he was never as fragile as glass.
After a while, he manages to calm down some. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Arisu asks confused, but Zero doesn't respond. He wobbly stands up and she follows. Slowly, without looking at her, he opens the curtain.
It as if she is punched in the stomach and her legs give out from underneath her. Zero isn't nearly quick enough, so she falls to the floor. The pain doesn't register. Zero moves to her, but she refuses his assistance; it hurts him. Her eyes are wide, and she is numb all over. Her tears fall without her noticing. Tentatively she reaches out to clasp the hand resting on the bed. It's so cold and beginning to stiffen. She looks at his face, and her heart breaks. Arisu stands and shakes his body. He doesn't move, doesn't respond, doesn't open his eyes.
"No no no no. Ichiru, wake up," she pleads, continuing to shake and hit at his chest
"Please! You have to!" She yells, but he still doesn't stir. "You can't be..." she can't bring herself to say it, so she pleads again, "you can't leave, please, just open your eyes!"
She finds herself sobbing and wailing into his chest. It's cold, so very cold. There's a hand on her shoulder, but she doesn't look up. She doesn't see that Zero is silently crying beside her. They stay like that until she calms down enough to ask how it happens, still not looking at Zero because her eyes are focused on Ichiru's face. He ero opens and closes his mouth, incapable of saying it out loud, not to her.
"How, Zero?" she asks again, weakly. Her voice is hoarse from crying.
"I –
They both flinch at the loud crash outside in the hallway. Kai grunts as he appears in the door frame. There is another bang, and Charlie screams. Kai snarls, and lunges forward to grab Charlie and throw her into the room behind him. Arisu is frozen as the girl falls onto the ground, blood oozing from her shoulder. Zero steps forward to block Arisu and Ichiru from whatever it is.
"That's the Koruya brat, you idiots!" They hear from the hallway. Whoever it is sounds angry.
"He's in the way!" Kai snarls again. "He's preventing us from completing our orders, sir!"
"Fuck! Koruya, get out of the way. We're not here for you."
"As if I'd let you through. It's all the same to you hunters, shoot first, ask questions later," Kai responds, sneering.
"Have it your way-"
"Stop!"
There's another bang, and Kai falls to the ground. Arisu screams. Kai glances back at her, barely hiding his pain. They shot both his legs, and now he's useless. He's too exhausted and can't heal because of the bullets. The two hunters step through the door, one of them kicks Kai away when he tries to stop them. Charlie crawls to where Kai is, away from the hunters.
"Sir," Zero is appalled. Yagari stands before them, accompanied by a sandy haired hunter, the one who kicked Kai aside. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Zero Kiryu, the Association has deemed you a threat to both yourself and others. You will come with us willingly or we will use force to bring you with us," Yagari replies monotonously. Zero glances back at Arisu, and her face is a mixture of fear and shock.
"I can't leave until... my brother," he tries to explain that he needs time to bury him.
"These are orders from the Association, Kiryu," Yagari presses on. His grip is white where he holds his shotgun. Zero furiously growls, causing the sandy haired hunter to flinch and raise his revolver. Yagari grips the revolver and takes it. "Come with us Zero. We'll make sure to give Ichiru a proper burial after everything is settled."
Zero steps forward, resigned. There is no reason to resist anyways. Arisu latches on to his arm, but Zero priest her fingers off him and continues forward. When he reaches Yagari, however, he doesn't expect the blow that blackens his world. Yagari hit him with the back of the revolver, effectively knocking him out. Arisu gasps, horrified and even the other hunger is surprised as Zero crashes down. His fall is broken by his teacher who gently places him on the ground.
"To lessen the danger," Yagari tersely explains. It is only then that Arisu realizes how many hunters there are now in the building. "Miss Kuran, you are hereby under arrest on grounds of violating the Treaty between the Association and the Council by divulging sensitive information to the human students of the Academy. A direct breach of the treaties first clause. You are to be escorted to the Association where you will wait and stand trial for your crime. As with Zero, you can come willingly or we take you by force."
Arisu doesn't know what to feel, but she understands the gravity of the situation. She ignores Kai and Charlie's protests as she rises to her feet, composing herself behind the mask that slips on, "Allow me a moment to... speak with my companions who you so readily assaulted."
Yagari scowls, but concedes. Arisu walks cautiously to the two, always keeping the two hunters in sight.
"Are you out of your damn mind?" Kai angrily whispers to her when she kneels next to them, "you can't go with them!"
Charlie remains silent, awaiting orders.
"It would be crazy of me not to," she reasons, "not going would be a greater excuse for there to be a war than if I did!"
"You –
"I'll be fine. I doubt Kaname won't stick his nose in this," she bitterly remembers, "but I need you to remember: the secret lies with Charlotte." At this point, Kai readily believes she's out of her mind. What kind of stupid riddle is that? Arisu rolls her eyes at his incredulous expression before turning to Charlie. "And you, I'd like you to help Kai recover, but first let me take that bullet out of you. You need to heal." As she prods the girl's shoulder to get the bullet out, everything is silent, and she makes sure Charlie doesn't need any blood. Satisfied, she continues, "You are to stick with him and listen to him within reason. I'll be back soon." Charlie dutifully nods, more relaxed now that she doesn't have the stinging pain in her shoulder anymore.
Arisu nods at them, and stands up again, facing the two idle hunters. The broken Arisu is buried beneath the mask. "Alright, I'm ready. Are you knocking me out too or just the shackles?"
Her overly cheerful voice is unsettling, Yagari notes. "If you don't intend to flee or attack, then neither is necessary." Arisu hums and joins the two hunters. Zero is lifted by the sandy haired hunter, and Yagari instructs Arisu to walk in front of them. As the four of them leave, Kai sees the carefully blank expression on her face. The mask is barely hanging on.
A/N: Wow, that took forever to write. I got stuck on a couple of parts. Hopefully next chapter goes along more quickly. I own not Vampire Knight. I gain no rewards from doing this, only your reviews and follows. Seriously, these keep me motivated to write.