Eyes Red as Blood
Twenty Ninth Night: Aftermath II
``Good bye``
To Arisu it seemed that the days and nights dragged on. It was always the same scenery. The stone walls, steel bars, and all with terrible lighting at best, even with her vampire eyes. She had been laying on her bed with her arms folded under her head when the doors to the dungeon opened and closed. Arisu sat up. Two sets of footsteps were in no hurry to reach her, so she waited patiently. They didn't feel familiar at least.
"Hello, Miss Kuran." The first of the two women greeted her when they came into view. The woman was about her height. The other one with red hair was easily taller and looked more mature.
"Hello," Arisu responded, standing up.
"I'm Katherine Abbott and this is Vasilisa Alexeev," Abbott introduced. She was wearing formal clothing, black skirt and blazer over a white dress shirt. Alexeev was wearing something similar, but instead of a skirt and blazer, she had on black slacks and a long trench coat.
"Pleased to meet you." The names clicked into place. They were the heads of the Abbott and Alexeev hunter families. What did they want with her? Cross had said that her final interrogation had been on that day. Was it her trial already? Or was it the funeral? Zero had told her it was Monday, but that was of no help considering she didn't even know what day it had been.
"Likewise." Abbott smiled at her tentatively and moved to unlock the cell door. "Please follow us."
"It's not like I have much choice, do I?" Arisu could see the shashka sword the red-haired woman, Alexeev, was carrying.
"'Fraid not." Abbott stepped to the side to let Arisu through the door. "Don't worry. We have no desire to use force."
"Okay." Arisu tentatively stepped out of her cell and followed the two women. They led her up the stairs and out of the dungeon part of the stronghold. She winced because of the sunlight. She would have laughed if not for the pain. Really, it was too much. Leading to the center of the fortress, at least from the dungeon area, was a glass hallway. The walls and ceiling made of glass held together by steel archways. From the looks of it, it was reinforced. "That is –
"Hilarious, isn't it?" Abbott grinned. "It seems that the earlier hunters believed in the myth that vampires were destroyed by sunlight, so when they built this, they thought it ingenious to make the entrances to the dungeon out of glass."
"Yes, it's quite amusing to laugh at your ancestors, Katherine. You do know that it was the first of your line that proposed it." Alexeev reminded her.
"That's what makes it even more funny!" Abbott chortled away. Arisu stared at her. The woman didn't look much older and was so carefree. She didn't look at all like the head of a family. The pureblood glanced at Vasilisa Alexeev. She could easily believe her to be the matriarch of her family. The woman's grey eyes shone of experience. The vertical scar on her cheek under her left eye told of her battles. The woman's posture, proud and unshakable. Alexeev could feel the young girl's gaze in her but decided to do nothing. The girl must be curious is all. Eventually Arisu looked away.
"How old are you, Arisu?" Abort inquired from over her shoulder. It was such a casual question it threw her off.
"Sixteen," she answered after brief hesitation.
"So, you're younger than Zero." Abbott thought aloud, "Except it seems you two know each other quite well. At least enough so that you could attend his brother's funeral."
"Katherine," Alexeev cautioned.
"Oops, sorry." Katherine at least looked apologetic. "I didn't mean to."
"No, it's nothing," Arisu assured. It hadn't bothered her as much. "I'm guessing today is Monday?"
"Yes," Alexeev affirmed. "We have been instructed to take you to one of the barracks here so you can wash up. Katherine and I have taken the liberty to provide you with proper attire."
"Thank you," Arisu replied stiltedly. She held her head up and looked straight ahead.
When they were about to enter the center of the stronghold, Abbott stopped Arisu with her arm. "One of us has to carry you in, or else the gate will impale you."
"Because I'm an untamed vampire?"
"Precisely." Abbott was about to reach to lift Arisu in her arms, but the girl stopped her.
"I'll be fine."
Abbott raised a brow. Arisu looked back smugly and started forward again. Alexeev stepped forward, sure the gate would start to shoot down, ready to pull the foolish girl back. Except she and Abbott. Alexeev because she stopped feeling the girl's presence entirely, and Abbott because she stopped sensing the vampire. The gate never came down, Arisu stood behind the threshold of the door on the other side, smiling.
"You –
"Have got to tell us how you do that!" Abbott exclaimed, sending Alexeev a brief side glance. "Are you the only one of your kind that can trick the wards or are there more of you?"
Arisu wasn't born yesterday. She knew the hunter was fishing for information, so she played along. "I can think of only one other person who could probably do this same thing. Hunters know how to use magic too?"
"Yup! Well, only the few spells and potions that were given to us by the Ancestress," Abbott continued the falsely amiable conversation. It wasn't too much information she was giving away anyways, "who is the person, if you don't mind me asking."
That means they knew quite a couple of spells, probably not as many potions, Arisu reasoned. "I'm not too sure they can even do it. They can do something similar to me, but they were born with their ability. It's hereditary for their family, I think."
"Hereditary?"
"I would say so. Though I don't know much about the other families. It's all very secretive, especially pureblood matters," Arisu genuinely smiled then, "your ancestors were right, technically. The earliest turned vampires did burn in the sunlight."
"Seriously?! All the hunters and trainees laugh at my people about that!"
Alexeev gaped at Abbott. That's what she was focusing on? Could she even imagine how much information the vampires had that the hunters didn't? Magic and history long forgotten, but of course, just resurrect an Ancestor and you get all the information you would want to know.
"I do believe you two were taking me somewhere?" Arisu grinned.
Abbott opened her mouth, but closed it, amused, while Alexeev was still mulling over her ideas. Arisu was led through a maze of hallways and rooms to the trainees' barracks. Few people outwardly stopped and stared at them. Those that did whispered more about the head of the families than about Arisu because they couldn't sense that Arisu was a pureblood vampire. Once they got in the barracks, Abbott showed her to the washroom and Alexeev brought over a plain black dress and shoes in a bag. If it fit well, the dress would end by her knees and the sleeves below the elbow. The shoes were plain black ankle wrap flats.
"The clothes and shoes are hers," Alexeev referred to Abbott, "the undergarments are new, however."
Arisu stammered a thank you and received the square bag from the woman.
"Lis and I will be outside for if you need anything," Abbott said and left the room with Alexeev.
Arisu looked around. There were rows of shelves with empty baskets on them, two baskets per cubicle. She guessed she'd stuff her belongings there. One of the baskets was labeled 'soiled,' so that's where she put the clothes she had been wearing. It felt indecent to be in such a large space naked, so she wrapped one of the towels around herself, letting her hair down from its knot. She grimaced at its oily texture. In the other basket she put the bag, remembering to take out the shampoo and soap they had brought her.
The shower room had rows of shower heads, some separated by wooden partitions while others were just out in the open. Off to the end there was a large pool like bath. Nothing was too fancy, just stone and wood and white tile. It was more utilitarian than anything. She unwrapped the towel and placed it on the nearby rail before stepping under the shower head in between one of the partitions. The handle squeaked when she turned it to get the water running. She recoiled when the cold water hit her but stayed under it. The water eventually warmed. It felt nice, quiet, and peaceful. It was plenty quiet in the dungeons, but the darkness made it maddening after a while.
The shocked expressions of the other two came back to her, and she could finally laugh until she had to grip the tiles in front to keep from slipping. Arisu was facing down, still laughing as the water beat against her back. It had almost been like every other time she showed someone what she could do. The shocked and mildly horrified expressions were so similar to...
No. Her hearty laugh turned weak, molding to strangled sobs. No. No. No. She promised herself she wouldn't cry. Not now. Arisu was hiccupping and rubbing her eyes to stop the tears.
"Just breathe." She faced the shower head directly, allowing the water to wash away her thoughts.
Arisu turned away from the water to wash herself. It felt releasing to get the dirt and grim off. It was as if she were going to square one. To a state where everything around her stilled. It was calming, the sound of the water. It flowed, only crashing against her and the ground. She moved quickly to wash herself. The soap and shampoo were unscented, but Arisu could discern some of the chemicals in it. It wasn't entirely unpleasant; she could barely smell anything because it was so faint, but it was something she could focus on.
When she was finished, she stepped back under the water stream. By now the water was cooling, and she wondered how long she would be allowed to take. The two didn't mention anything, but why avoid the inevitable? She passed her fingers through her hair to untangle it and rinse away all the product. Reluctantly Arisu turned the water off and reached for the towel to dry herself. Wrapping it around her body again, she stepped out and went back to the changing area. The dress nearly fit as was the case with the other clothes. The shoes were of the right size. She combed her fingers through her hair, but this time to style it in a side ponytail. It was only when she went to gather everything that she noted that her old clothes and boots were gone. She looked in the adjoining cubicle to see if she had mixed the placement up, but she couldn't find them anywhere.
Arisu ended up only taking what she had and walked outside where the two hunters were waiting still. She debated whether she should ask them about her missing things, but decided against it as they ushered her along. They passed through the center of the Association again. This time heading for the front of the fortress. The arched hallways and high vaulted ceilings made it seem like they were in a different age. Everything was ornately adorned, but it wasn't gaudy. Tasteful would be the word Arisu would use to describe it. The building must have been hundreds of years old, but it looked completely new. The three reached the front where the large wooden door swung open to reveal a large entrance of sorts. The front gate lifted and the three-continued walking until they were fully outside of the Association where a carriage awaited.
"We have to take a carriage to the bottom of the hill," Abbott explained, "the old coots refuse to let us build a paved road all the way up here. Something about preserving history or something."
Arisu nodded and got into the carriage after her. It looked like early morning, but Arisu couldn't be too sure.
"After we get to the car it won't be long 'till we reach the cemetery," Alexeev explained as she closed the carriage door. "We are ahead of schedule."
"Where is Zero?" Arisu pinched her left forefinger with two other fingers in her lap.
"He is… He should be there once we arrive."
Arisu bit the inside of her cheek and looked out the carriage window as they started moving down the forested path.
There was no sign of Zero when they reached the cemetery.
"He must be running late," Abbott offered. Arisu inclined her head, but her stomach lurched as they made their way through the path in the graveyard. The Kiryu graves were on the other side. The brunette's hands became clammy with each step she took. Everywhere she looked there were headstones.
Little ways into the grass and past a couple of headstones, there was already a marked grave and a gaping hole for the casket. The three stood around for a couple of minutes. Abbott tried to strike up a conversation, but really, how much was there to talk about in a graveyard? The hunter quickly gave up, and they lapsed into silence. Soon they were joined by the other heads of families, but Arisu didn't have it in her to interact with any of them. Cross came to stand by her, and she appreciated his silent support as she remained hidden away behind the two women.
It wasn't long before the undertaker and their assistants carried the casket over. Of course, it was closed. It seemed she wouldn't be able to speak face to face with him one last time. One of them carried a bouquet of white lilies which they placed on top of the casket as it was held next to the rectangular hole.
As they stood in front of the grave, Arisu realized how cold it was. The morning sun did nothing for her. Usually it was delicious as it hit her skin, calming and exhilarating all at once, but now, everything was as cold as a night in the snow.
Cross stepped forward to give the eulogy. Zero never came.
"Your trial is tomorrow," Alexeev murmured as she closed the cell after the girl got in. Alexeev was alone in returning her to the cell as Abbott had been called away to oversee the trainees.
"... Oh, is it?" Arisu responded. She played with the sleeve of the dress.
"You'll find your clothes in that bag on your bed. Katherine said you could keep the dress and shoes for tomorrow if you wanted."
Arisu said her thanks and bade the hunter well. Alexeev nodded before leaving. The pureblood stood there until she heard the dungeon doors close shut. Exhausted, Arisu turned and barely pushed the bag out of the way before crashing down onto the bed. She clutched at the flimsy pillow and screamed into it. It was releasing... Only for a moment before she came back to her senses and admonished herself. She dragged herself up to change out of the dress so it wouldn't get wrinkled. Then she sat on the bed with her knees tucked close to her. Placing her head on her arms, she took deep breaths as she closed her eyes.
"Trial"
"Arisu Kuran, you are being charged of violating the treaty between the Hunter Association and the Vampire Council, Apunishable offense. How do you plead to your charge?" The rickety old man sitting at the front of the room behind an equally ancient desk asked her.
There was a small gathering for the trail that seemed to compromise of a jury made up by the heads of the hunter families and those that wished to drop by and bear witness. Kai had agreed to provide testimony as did Charlie. They were currently sitting with Reiko and Nathaniel. Unfortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Koruya had been called away by company matters. That was fine with Arisu. She didn't really know the two personally she realized. She would have burdened them too much had they been there. She already had enough of the concerned looks the others had given her when they entered the courtroom.
"Guilty." There were a couple of gasps; no one thought she would admit to it right away. She didn't have to turn around to know that Reiko was digging her manicured nails into Nathaniel's arm.
"Very well," the old man seemed pleased with her answer. She thought him to be the hunter Zaldivar, but she could be mistaken. "I'm sure you know the importance the treaty you violated. Would you like to defend your decision to divulge sensitive information to the humans at Cross Academy?"
She stared at him. "The humans were already cowering in fear, not knowing what they were hiding from. Their imaginations were running wild. Two of their own had already gotten attacked, which made their fear worse. What I chose to tell them, the truth, was intended to help ease their fears." There was some murmuring behind her. "If they had a name, an image, something to stand together against, then they could become less afraid."
"Is that so? Many of the students we interviewed said they realized that those who were protecting them were, I quote, 'monsters as well.' How could you quell their fears when you are also the very thing they were afraid of?"
"That is true. Some of them became wary of us, but we gave them no reason to distrust us."
"This 'us' is?"
"The aristocrat vampires as well as Kai Koruya who stayed to protect them from the attacks. Myself included." She held her head up as she's spoke, unwavering, "I'm sure the details are in that file in front of you if you don't already know, sir."
Cross winced from his seat at the jury. Fuch's face went from tanned to an angry red. It looked like he was about to start yelling when Helsing placed his hand on his shoulder and shook his head no. Alexeev looked more relived that that crisis had been averted than perturbed by the girl's cheek. Abbott was hiding a smile behind carefully placed hands as was Abra Zaldivar. The woman had no choice but to show up to the trail to be part of the jury. Her greying hair was pulled up in a chignon, and even with her wrinkles and three horizontal scars under her left eye, she looked every bit the picture of grace and beauty. In contrast, Zero sat next to her looking bored.
"Indeed, they are." He looked fairly amused looking down at the file, so Arisu relaxed in her chair. He turned back to her, eyes scrutinizing her again. "However, the files don't have any details about your motives. That also includes the motives of those that were aiding you. So, I have to ask: was that your only motivation behind your actions?"
"If you are implying that I purposefully told them so that I could later turn them do they could become my servants, then you are mistaken." By the time she had finished, Arisus voice was hard. She took a deep breath before continuing. "I have no need nor desire for servants."
Zaldívar hummed to himself and looked back down at the papers. After a moment's thought he looked up again. "You also have a copy in front of you. Kindly look through it to see if there is any other information you wish to add or negate. Everyone else, either remain silent or you will be kicked out of the room."
The room became incredibly silent. There was the occasional rustle of clothes as some people shifted in their seats. Arisu was soon done reading. For the most part, the information they'd gathered was accurate. The bits that weren't, weren't terribly important in her opinion, so she had no qualms with the report overall. It mostly detailed her own escapades that night, delving extensively on what happened when the dorms were attacked. There was another long portion about later in the night where it seemed they had tried to follow her actions minute by minute. She he snorted, causing Zaldívar to look at her with an eyebrow raised.
"If I may, sir, and for what it's worth, I was not aware nor involved in the plans to eliminate the Vampire Council. I was as surprised as everyone was." She had to prevent herself from laughing. Arisu schooled her face blank. "Though that particular event isn't at all related to what I'm on trial for."
Zaldívar glanced at the jury. "So you say."
She didn't miss the nod Cross sent to the older man.
"You are correct that your involvement in Kaname Kuran's has zilch to do with your trial, so I would like the jury to keep that in mind as they deliberate. Discussions, thereby decisions, made while considering your involvement in the Council incident will be annulled."
Arisu nodded, that seemed fair enough.
"Now that you have read the file, is there anything you wish to dispute or amend? This truly is your final chance to speak up."
Arisu thought about it but decided not to change anything and see where it led her.
"Very well. Then Mr. Koruya's testimony is no longer necessary. All that is left is for your sentence to be sorted."
There was crack of wood, and Zaldívar shifted his attention behind Arisu. Kai had stood and gripped the wood dividing the well of the courtroom. A couple of hunters appeared with their weapons in hand.
"Apologies," Kai ground out, "Why do you say my testimony is longer required? I was there that night, yet I wasn't interviewed despite making myself available repeatedly."
"Stand down," Zaldívar spoke mostly to his trainees and hunters. Once the room settled, the old hunter spoke again, "As you've seen, the defendant pleaded guilty and had no qualms with what she read in the file. There is no use in wasting any more time with formalities."
Kai looked like he wanted to argue further, but he glanced at Arisu, who by that time had shifted around in her seat and subtly shook her head no.
"Now that is sorted," Zaldívar waited for Kai to sit back down and addressed Arisu again, "the jury will deliberate on your sentence. Miss Arisu, you will be escorted back in once they have made their decision. The rest of you will be asked to wait outside the courtroom."
Arisu stood up as two hunters moved towards her. She looked back over her shoulder and saw Reiko and Kai scowling at Zaldívar. Nathaniel was murmuring something to them. She gave a little smile when she caught Charlie's worried gaze. The hunters took her away into a small waiting room next to the courtroom. There she stayed until someone else came to fetch the three of them. By that time the audience had already come back in. A few people were murmuring amongst themselves, but they soon quieted when Zaldivar entered the room and sat down at the judge's seat.
"President Cross, has the jury decided on a sentence?"
Cross stood up from his seat. "Yes. If I may?"
Cross may be the new head of the Hunter Association, but in this room, Zaldívar held the highest authority. He gestured for Cross to continue.
"It has been decided in a majority vote that Arisu Kuran is to serve the Hunter Association for a minimum of two years. During this time, Miss Kuran will be required to live at the Hunter Association. She is not to be in contact with Kaname Kuran or any other vampires unless communication has been approved. Even then, any and all meetings between them will be monitored. Likewise, if outside the Association, she is to be escorted by a designated, licensed Hunter. If Miss Kuran does not abide by these rules, a harsher sentence will be enacted immediately."
The room was deathly quiet. Arisu looked at Cross in unadulterated shock. What use could she possibly be to the Hunter Association? There was nothing special about her. She didn't know how to fight properly. She wouldn't be trusted. She was a pureblood... Oh, so that's what it was. A power play.
"Very well," Zaldívar nodded, "Then this court is adjourned." There were whispers as the trainees, hunters, and others filed out. Just as Arisu was standing up to go to the guards, Zaldivar stopped her. "Miss Kuran, you can meet with your guardians briefly."
Arisu didn't waste a second. She turned around and hurriedly walked to meet the others, not caring that the two hunters had tried to pull her back. She quickly hugged both Nathaniel and Reiko, not knowing if she'd see them anytime soon.
"Arisu, what is –
"Not now, Reiko." She murmured to her as she let the woman go. Unhesitatingly, she turned to Charlie. "Do you require any more of my blood?"
Charlie shook her head.
"That's good then." She smiled briefly to make the younger girl feel more at ease. She turned to Kai, and faltered before stepping forward and pulling him down into a hug. There were a couple of gasps, but she ignored them as she muttered, "Watch over Charlie. I'll try to get in contact as soon as possible."
Kai looked startled by her gesture, but nodded. He opened his mouth to reply, but Arisu shook her head. It wasn't the right time. Too many prying ears and watchful eye.
She smiled at all of them abruptly and perhaps a little bit too loudly exclaimed, "Oh, come now. I'm not going to my execution!"
Reiko and Charlie looked back at her worriedly. At least Nathaniel tried smiling back. Kai just stared at her.
"Right... I suppose this is the time I reassure you guys that the world most definitely isn't ending."
"Arisu." Nathaniel admonished. This time he really did try to suppress a grin.
The pureblood girl laughed, and opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by Cross. The man had broken off from his jury when Zaldivar had joined them. The other hutners were already walking out of the room.
"Hello, Miss Asakura, Nathaniel." He greeted the adults first then Kai and Arisu. When he looked at Charlie, however he just said, "Miss?"
"Atkinson." Kai replied for her. His tone biting. Clearly, he placed some of the blame on the former headmaster.
"Miss Atkinson," Cross cheerfully replied, unwilling to pay attention to Kai's attitude. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Charlie glanced unsurely between Kai and Arisu before addressing the hunter, "The pleasure is all mine, sir."
Cross smiled at her, but then addressed everyone else. "I do apologize, but Arisu has to come with me now."
Arisu felt a pang of emotion, but she pushed it down and her expression remained unchanged. She had barely spoken to them.
Reiko looked positively livid. Nathaniel placed a hand on her shoulder, which she promptly shrugged off. "You can't be serious, Cross!"
"I'm afraid so." Cross placed a hand on Arisu's shoulder and gently nudged her. Arisu bit her lip but bowed her head to the group. She turned around and made to leave, but Kai reached out to grab her arm and twirled her back into his arms. Cross and the others were equal parts shocked and suspicious.
Very softly so that only she could hear, he whispered, "We've yet to contact Kuran. He and Yuki have gone missing. Some are calling for his head." He released her but held her at arm's length. "I'll figure out a way to see you soon. Alright?"
Cross cleared his throat. There was a twinkle in his eyes to accompany the speculative expression. The others were quietly observing as well. Arisu nodded. "See you."
She wasn't really shaken up by the news; she suspected as much. No doubt Kaname would find a way to charm all vampire society back to his side. Arisu needed to look out for herself and the others, especially Charlie. There was something odd about her. It was strange how the girl seemed to be unquestioningly obedient. Not all servants were treated fairly, Arisu knew that much, and the fear she had witnessed from Charlie, if only brief, revealed how horrid her previous Mistress was. Lost in thought, Arisu followed Cross and the other two hunters to the center of the Association, into a big room with a large round table where the heads of the hunter families were already sitting at. They were all skewed to one side; it looked like another tribunal.
"Miss Kuran." Arisu looked up and saw Zaldivar gesturing for her to take a seat at the table.
"Shall we star this meeting then?" Cross cheerfully asked as he took the seat at the head of the table in between all of the hunters. There was a chorus of assent, but Arisu just stared at all of them, confused and slightly intrigued. "Arisu, welcome. As a part of your sentence you will be serving two years at the Hunter Association."
Arisu nodded and waited for the man to continue.
"I'm sure you are aware of the significance of the sentence you received. While not harsh, it has placed you in a precarious position."
"You mean it places a pureblood at the mercy of the hunters."
"You could look at it that way," Cross replied, voice overriding the murmurs of some the hunters. "But you could see it as a pureblood allying with the hunters, just as the Ancestress did."
"What are you getting at?" She glanced wearily at the hunters. Zero's attentive gaze was fixed on his former headmaster. The other hunters' faces ranged from incredulous, in the case of Fuchs, to amusement like Helsing.
"I'm offering you the chance to worl with the Association, to train under our tutelage."
Tutelage. What a funny word, she thought. It meant protection of or authority over someone, guardianship as well as instruction. While she would have to follow the authority of the hunters, she would receive protection and knowledge. It seemed too beneficial. There must be a catch.
"In exchange for what?"
"Your public support of the Association." Cross looked at Abra then at Alexeev. "As well, as your cooperation in the Association's research and knowledge pool. You will also have to carry out certain missions given to you as well."
Though she had no intention to, she had to ask. "If I were to refuse?"
Cross frowned. "It really would be in your best interest to accept."
Arisu sighed, "Humor me?"
"Arisu." Cross' frowned deepened.
"Alright. Alright," Arisu smiled much too brightly, "When do I start?"
A/N: As you can tell… I'm a liar. A week turned into five. No regrets! Despite my lack of consistent uploads, this story is almost at 100 followers! Thank you so much guys. If you want, leave a review or follow/favorite because it's a huge morale boost when I receive one!