(A/N: Sorry I made you guys wait so long for an update, but this chapter's over 10,000 words so I hope that's some consolidation. The middle part of this chapter kind of gets boring (in my opinion) but it's necessary to futher the plot. BUT, I am excited to publish this chapter, because it has a twist I've been planning since chapter 2. SO, look out for that, guys!
Random fact, but in the AU the technology in this world is kind of late-Victorian stage, so think of steam trains, black and white cameras, and silent films.
Thank you for all the reviews, knowing people care about the story makes me want to write more!
Edit: So I accidently copy n'pasted the story into itself 3 times, I think I;ve fixed that now..!
"The hunter examination is in a matter of days- have you prepared your classmates to succeed?"The Chairman said, peering over at his son before him with mauve eyes like chips of ice. "It doesn't matter how well you do. You can't take the test for them."
"Of course, sir. I have made sure there have been no blind spots in their training." Asano said, his tone full of pride, a smug smirk on his face. "I give you my word that I will take first place and that the rest of A class will be following behind me."
"Really? After your current failures your word doesn't mean much to me." The Chairman replied, a mocking edge to his voice, he lent back in his plump leather chair. "Are you sure you won't loose to E class?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Asano snapped sharply. "That class is for the weakest of the weak." He paused, then allowed a sly smile to grow on his face. "Although, you seem to think that they're some sort of a threat considering you sent armed thugs after them. Of course, that plan failed- "
Asano was cut off when a knife went flying towards his face. He moved out the way, the blade missing him by a fraction of an inch. Damnit! He didn't even see the Chairman throw the thing! How could that man be so fast? The sound of a dull thud resonated around the room as the knife embedded itself in the door behind him.
"The only reason that plan wasn't a success is because you allowed the Red Devil to escape, and now he's joined forces with E class in order to protect his prey." The Chairman said calmly, smiling as if he hadn't just launched a knife at his only son moments earlier. The look in his eyes was pure murder. Asano remembered how crucial it was to keep his guard up against this man, all day every day. "On that note- acing the examination isn't enough; I have a special task for you."
Asano had no idea what his father was going to ask of him, but he already felt a jolt of dread. It couldn't be anything good, but refusal wouldn't be an option. He resisted the urge to scowl and kept his expression neutral.
"What do you require of me?" Gakushuu asked, violet eyes narrowing.
"I want you to kill Nagisa Shiota. During the Hunter's examination I will create the opportunity for you to do so." The Chairman said simply, that infuriating smile still in place. At his words, Gakushuu felt his heart drop in his chest. He gritted his teeth and balled his fists.
"Why? He's nobody. He's just some weakling who the Red Devil has decided to toy with! He's not a threat- what would the use be in killing him? Surely the Red Devil should be my target!" Asano demanded. Why was his father so intent on him murdering humans? Why Shiota? The Chairman just laughed mirthlessly and pulled himself up out of his plush leather chair, and walked around his desk towards Asano.
"Oh my. Are you refusing a direct order from me?" The Chairman asked. Asano stiffened as the man approached him, not trusting himself to move. He felt rooted to the spot, his mouth suddenly going dry and his blood running cold. His instincts told him to reach for his sword, but his brain reminded him that no weapons were any protection from the Chairman. His father stopped only when he was inches in front of Asano, his intimidating aura almost overwhelming.
"I wasn't refusing you, sir." Gakushuu said, not allowing his voice to betray how he felt. "I was simply questioning your motive."
He avoided looking the Chairman in the eye, and instead focused his gaze outside the window, past the boundaries of the town to the forrest. Beyond that there were other towns and villages- A whole world away from Kunugigaoka. At times like these, Asano wished he could escape to there. The Chairman refused him even that small freedom though, and grabbed a fistful of Asano's blond hair and pulled his head back, forcing their eyes to meet.
"Nagisa Shiota must be killed because knows too much about the academy's secrets. And you, Asano, must be the one to do it to prove to me that you really can kill humans." The Chairman explained in a patronising tone, as if he were speaking to a particularly slow child. "I have told you before- I don't keep around weapons that aren't useful to me. If you cannot cut down my enemies you are a worthless I have no need for you, I will dispose of you. Do we have an understanding?"
Asano winced as his hair was tugged tighter. He hated this man, but he was impossibly strong and endlessly powerful. There was no escape from the Chairman, he was pulling all the strings.
"Yes Sir. When you give the word, I will kill Nagisa Shiota during the hunting examination."
"Excellent." The Chairman said, finally letting go. "As for the Red Devil, I'll deal with him myself."
"Lets see Karma. You had a very admirable score of 85/100, but that still isn't 100%. You lost the challenge, so as of now you are an official member of E class!" Korosensei cheered, waving the examination paper in the air triumphantly. Other members of E class, all of whom were sat around their desks, cheered too.
"Give me that!" Karma snarled, pulling the paper from Korosensei's yellow hand, a disgruntled look on his face as he started to read through his test paper.
When Korosensei had issued Karma a challenge, nobody expected it to be a written test. To make it fair, the subject had been 'Vampires'. The deal had been if Karma managed to get 100% Korosensei would assassinate himself, if Karma fell short of that, he'd have to join E class.
"You're naturally a very bright young man, but your lack of formal education is quite apparent in this test." Korosensei said smugly. "For example, you didn't know that for Vampires, ingestting their own blood gives them a quick burst of power. Another thing you didn't know that if Turned-Vampires consume the blood of natural Vampires it can keep them sane. You also didn't know that Vampire-Human relationships were banned by Vampire elders because hybrid offspring usually didn't survive infancy and it was deemed cruel."
"But you did get full points on the first question for knowing that that being badly injured makes even natural Vampires ravenously, uncontrollably thirsty because human's blood can heal injuries in Vampires. And you also wrote a lovely paragraph on how turned Vampires become more unstable depending on how far away from natural-Vampire they were turned. For example, a human turned by a natural Vampire could keep their sanity for years, but if they turned another human, they would have even less sanity, and then-
"-I get it already." Karma huffed, cutting him off, annoyed. He clearly hadn't been expecting to loose. It was an exam on his own species for heaven's sake! But Karma had no idea about the Elders banning Human-Vampire relationships eons ago. He didn't even know Vampires and Humans could have offspring together at all. The red haired Vampire glanced at Nagisa.. oh well. At least that rule wouldn't effect him and Nagisa, it's not like they could produce offspring even if they had both been born the same species.
The blue haired hunter was looking at him with a half-smile, probably trying to hide how pleased he was that Karma was now his classmate. The Vampire grinned despite himself. He glanced around the room- it really was a rundown shack, nothing like the academy's grand main building. But all these humans- his classmates, now - were smiling at him, as if they were pleased he was a part of them. Karma had never been welcomed by so many humans (or Vampires, for that matter.) It made the Vampire's chest fill with a warm feeling he didn't recognise. Without noticing it, he stopped scowling at Korosensei.
"I guess we're classmates now, Karma." Nagisa said with a bright smile, looking thoroughly ecstatic. "We'll have to get you a uniform!"
"A Vampire dressed as a Hunter- now that'll be a sight to see." Rio chortled, clapping Karma on the back non too gently, a smirk on her face. "Welcome to E class, Karma."
It was going to take some getting used to, these humans calling him 'Karma' instead of 'Red Devil'.
"Okay, class! There is no time to loose!" Korosensei declared with a renewed sense of vigour, before adding in a serious tone. "I'm sure you are all itching for revenge after what the Chairman has put you through." He paused, his eyes resting on Sugino who was sat to the side, his leg in its cast. The mood of the class suddenly changed from jovial to determined. "The best way to get revenge is to obliterate the hunter exams! Show them all your worth by coming in first place!"
The class cheered in approval. Korosensei's grin only seemed to widen.
"Now class- let's resume our training."
The day of the hunter's examination was something everyone from the village of Kunugigaoka had to endure at the ages of 15 and 16. It was a huge milestone in any young hunters life, and was something the children at the academy had been both excited for and dreading for as long as they could remember. Nagisa and the rest of E class (aside from Karma, of course) had walked through the gates of the academy countless times before on their way to school, but today it felt completely different.
Despite their earlier bravado, a solemn silence descended over E class as they approached they walked into the academy grounds, having no idea what exactly was awaiting them.
"This is were I have to leave you, boys and girls." Korosensei said as the class walked through the gate. His usually yellow skin was peach, and he had a prosthetic nose on his face. He was disguised as a very blobby human. The class turned to look at him, shocked.
"What do you mean, Sensei?" Isogai asked, golden eyes widening with fear.
"As you may know, I am a demon. And demons physically cannot break the contracts they sign." Korosensei explained. Nagisa had a sinking feeling he knew were this was going. "The only way the Chairman would allow me to teach you, was if I signed an unbreakable contract banning me from the main academy grounds."
The class looked appalled. Kayano and Okuda looked positively terrified. While Terasaka shouted out.
"So you're leaving us!"
"Class, I have spent the last few weeks training you, and I have complete faith in you." Korosensei said. "You've grown into strong individuals, even if I'm not there. I trust you to hold each other up."
Half the class still looked unsure- but then Isogai spoke up.
"I trust your judgement, Korosensei. If you think we can do this, then we can." He said. The class nodded along at what their leader said.
"But what if the Chairman tries to pull some kind of trick on us again?" Kayano asked, sounding unsure. Korosensei beamed at her.
"Rest assured, if the Chairman tries to really hurt you, we have an ace up our sleeve." Korosensei said, pointing towards Karma. The Vampire was stood next to Nagisa, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. A navy blue wig was concealing his bright red hair. Sugino was too injured to take part, so Karma was doing the test under his name. "E class' own Vampire will be there to protect anyone if the situation becomes too dire."
Karma gave a brief nod. "Trust me, non of the elites or challenges the Chairman can throw at us will be any match for me." He said with his usual arrogance. But Nagisa had noticed a change in Karma's demeanour since Korosensei had started training him; The Vampire was more focused now, and less likely to underestimate the enemy, despite his fighting words.
"Fantastic. I'd wish you luck, class, but you don't need any." Korosensei said confidently. "I'll see you after you've made it into the top fifty. Just follow the tactics I have taught you."
And with that final farewell, the class walked through the gates into the grounds of the academy. Nagisa kept his guard up as he walked alongside Karma and the others. The examination may not of have started yet, but they were in the Chairman's territory now, and you always had to be wary of him. The challenge was to be held around the back of the academy in the training grounds, but in order to get there students had to bypass a series of guards ready to check their ID. This was the part Nagisa had been dreading the most. Karma looked nothing like Sugino. Luckily the ID pictures were sepia-tone and blurry so it was difficult to discern what a person actually looked like based on it (cameras had only been invented ten years ago, so the results weren't always brilliant). But still. Would that be enough to fool the guards and allow Karma to take part in the exam? Sensing Nagisa's worry, Karma squeezed his hand.
"It's fine. As long as I don't let that Asano brat see my face nobody will know my true identity." He whispered in Nagisa's ear.
"Hurry up you lot! Just because your destined to fail this exam doesn't mean you E class losers can waste our time! Line up and show me your IDs!" A gruff looking guard with a large moustache yelled, snatching the ID out of Isogai's hand and checking it. "Yuuma Isogai- you're on the list you may proceed."
The dark haired boy was shoved through the gates.
"Next!" The guard bellowed, grabbing the ID out of Nagisa's hand before he could protest. "Nagisa Shiota? Your the brat who got kidnapped by a Vampire, right?" He said, grabbing the blue haired boy's face to inspect it. "I can't believe they're letting some Vampire's bitch take this exam. Pathetic. You may proceed."
Nagisa was shoved through the gates with excessive force, luckily, he managed to stop himself from falling. He could practically feel the anger radiating off Karma behind him. Then, to his horror, he heard the guard shout.
"There's something dodgy about this ID!" Nagisa turned around expecting to see Karma being apprehended, but instead, it was Kayano being challenged.
"It's because I'm not from this town so my ID looks a little different!" Kayano huffed at the guard, red in the face.
"This ID says you're 11. They've never let someone so young take part in the examination before, there's something fishy about this." The guard said, peering at Kayano's face a little closer. She glared at him.
"She's on the list, isn't she?" A second guard said, inspecting her ID. "If the under-cooked brat wants to get killed in this exam that's her choice."
And with that, Kayano was shoved through just as the others had been.
"How rude." Kayano huffed as she walked up to the rest of the group. Luckily, the guards were to preoccupied arguing over Kayano's situation to check the other ID's too closely, so Karma got in without a hitch.
"You ready?" Karma asked, taking Nagisa's hand again. Nagisa felt a blush creep up on his cheeks. He pulled his hand away from Karma's.
"We can't draw attention to ourselves." He said, ignoring Rio's knowing smirk.
"C'mon guys!" Isogai said, leading ahead. "We need to line up for when the Chairman makes his speech!"
The training grounds looked as they usually did- Nagisa wondered what the hunters examination could possibly consist of. Will Vampires be released onto the fields and they had to fight them off? What could it be? The the other four classes were already lined up on the field, dressed impeccably in the grey hunter's uniform. A few of them turned to sneer at E class as they arranged themselves into a line facing the podium.
"Now what?" Karma whispered into Nagisa's ear. The blue haired boy shrugged, feeling a surge of nerves as he realised he truly had no idea.
"We wait for the Chairman to come and tell us, I suppose." The Hunter said, trying to steady his breathing. He glanced over at A class, they were all the way at the other side of the field, but he could make Asano out because of his distinctive strawberry blond hair. The last time they'd seen each other, it had been in a brutal fight. The realisation sent another jolt of nerves through Nagisa. He just prayed that Asano wouldn't get close enough to recognise Karma. Hopefully he'd be too concerned with his own exam to pay E class any attention. Suddenly, Nagisa realised something strange about Asano.
"Karma- Asano's face. it isn't burnt." Nagisa hissed to the Vampire. Karma glanced at him sideways.
"Of course it isn't. We fought him almost a month ago." Karma shrugged. Nagisa rolled his eyes.
"Vampires may be able to heal from second degree burns within a matter of hours, but humans would normally be scarred from an injury like that." Nagisa explained. He once again remembered the last time he saw Asano- once side of his face had been covered in painful red blisters from were Karma had threw the Vervain over him. They reminded Nagisa of when his mother had threw boiling water over his hand last year. He still had a slight scar (that was one thing she was actually sorry for).
"He was injured with Vervain. That shouldn't normally harm humans at all. Maybe that's why the healing process is different." Karma suggested. He didn't really know much about human physiology (he had failed a test on his own species, after all). Before Nagisa had a chance to reply, the sound of a trumpet distracted him from his thoughts.
"Students of Kunugigaoka! Please welcome your Chairman to the stage!" A female voice called out. Applause erupted from the audience as the academy's leader made his way to the podium.
Despite the man being the most affluent person in the town, Nagisa hadn't seen him that often. He always got the impression Gakuhou Asano was one to work in the shadows, behind the scenes, pulling the strings. His abilities as a Vampire hunter were unrivaled if the stories were to be believed he had managed to eradicate whole communities of Vampires, and apparently had the strength of ten men, and the speed of a wild animal.
The man even looked intimidating with tall build and wide shoulders, his russet coloured hair scraped back from his face revealing a pair of mauve eyes that looked dangerously close to red. There always seemed to be an undercurrent of madness within them. In short, he was terrifying. The Chairman only had to raise his hand and the applause stopped instantly leaving behind a deafening silence.
"My students." He said, his voice resonating around the field. "I am pleased to see you here today. You are the future of our great town. You will be the ones who protect future generations from the evils of Vampires. Today we will see who has the power to become a hero." He paused, casting his eyes over E class. "And who does not."
A ripple of snickers echoed from the other classes. The E class ignored it, however.
"This task will be quite simple." The Chairman said. As soon as he spoke, silence fell once again. People were hooked on his every word. "Beneath the ground here, there is a maze." He paused, allowing for the gasps of shock. Nagisa was also surprised. How many secrets did this academy have? "The catacombs are quite extensive. Your task will be to reach the end of the maze as fast as you can. There, will of course, be some nasty surprises down there for you to defeat."
Vampires- of course they'd have to fight Vampires.
"The Vampires in the maze have all been tagged with bracelets. Every time you defeat one, you must collect that bracelet, and you will be awarded bonus points for them. The more powerful the Vampire, the more points you will receive. Aim for the highest score possible." The Chairman said, before adding with a smirk. "Of course, your participation in this event is at your own risk. The school won't be responsible if you are killed by a Vampire, or find yourself lost in the catacombs forever.."
Nagisa felt a shiver run down his spine as he realised just how serious this was.
"How could we have had this huge maze down at the bottom of the school without even knowing about it?" Maehara commented, as they traveled deeper and deeper beneath the earth's surface in an old rickety elevator.
"Quiet, E class, I'm trying to concentrate." Some D class student hissed. The participating students had been shoved into one of the many elevators that was to carry them to the dead bottom of the catacombs. Nagisa had no idea how deep beneath the ground they were actually going, but it felt as if they had been descending for miles in this stuffy little box. When Karma held his hand this time, he didn't pull it away.
The entire of E class and the bottom portion of D class were crammed into the elevator. It was dimly lit with flickering glass light bulbs, and the air was so thick with dust Nagisa had to resist the urge to cough. The walls were so thickly coated in dirt that it was impossible to tell what kind of material they were made of. The screeching sound of the rusty chains lowering the lift down filled the air, and part of Nagisa feared the Chairman was planning on killing them by shutting them in this dodgy elevator. Judging by the looks of his classmates, they shared his sentiments.
But somehow, they managed to survive the journey without the elevator's chains snapping causing them to plummet to earth. They finally shuddered to a stop, and the doors swung open revealing an endlessly dark abyss before them.
"Later E class losers. See you at the finish line- if you make it, that is!" The D student snickered as he and his classmates switched on their torches and ran off into different directions of the labyrinthine, quickly disappearing into the darkness. Karma whistled.
"They must have some kind of death wish." He commented. "Running off by themselves like that."
"In this academy we're taught to pride ourselves on our individual strengths without needing help from others." Nagisa explained. He knew at this moment, all the other students would be desperately trying to out-do their peers, refusing to work together in case they were 'dragged down'.
"That's were E class is going to be different!" Isogai declared, taking his place at the front of the class. "If we work together we'll be able to make use of each other's strengths and cover each others weaknesses."
"Just like Korosensei taught us!" Kataoka said, looking equally determined. "Now less chit-chat. Let's get in formation and finish this!"
"This is a maze, so if we just keep one hand on the left wall we eventually should find our way out." Rio suggested.
The fastest most agile of E class like Okano and Kimura were at the front, while the physically strongest members of the class were protecting the rear. Using a team this big to work together went against everything the Chairman had taught them at the academy, but Nagisa felt confident that together they could achieve great things (plus it helped that they had a Vampire to step in if things became too dire). The passageways were pitch black, only the weak light of the student's torches prevented them from being plunged into complete darkness. The walls of the cave were mostly bare rock, but there were a few carvings on the wall of patterns too faded to discern.
"These caves must of been created by ancient vampires." Karma murmured to Nagisa, his mercury eyes trailing over the carvings. He could probably see them much clearer in the darkness, Nagisa realised. "Now these labyrinths are being used to train humans to kill vampires. Kind of ironic, isn't it?"
His tone didn't sound bitter, rather, it was more amused. Nagisa nodded.
Although there was a sense of confidence exuding from E class, that didn't stop them from experiencing fear as they walked further and further through the dark passageways. There was a heavy atmosphere, and the knowledge that turned-Vampires were lurking down there with them set everyone on edge. Every time he heard footsteps from another student running past, Nagisa couldn't help the thrill of nerves that ran through him. The maze took longer than the E class had anticipated; Even after what felt like miles of walking, they still saw no signs of light, but the passageways were at least widening.
"Man, if I knew it was going to be this long I would of taken some food Mph-! " Tersaka started to say, but was cut off when Karma clamped a hand over his mouth. Terasaka glared at him, but Karma just whispered.
"There's a Vampire approaching us." Those words sent a ripple of fear through E class. For there was one thing preparing to fight a Vampire, and another actually doing it.
"Do you want me to take care of it?" Karma asked, a casual look on his face. But Rio shook her head.
"We need to learn to do this ourselves." She concluded. Karma shrugged.
"Well. You have five seconds before it gets here." Karma said, leaning against the wall of the cave. Sure enough, seconds after he spoke, the sound of rapid footsteps soon became audible to even the humans.
Everyone drew their swords. The strongest fighters, Rio, Maehara, Isogai and Terasaka stood at the front of the group, while the more vulnerable members like Kayano stood back, and aimed long-range weapons like crossbows.
It happened so fast; At first, all they could see was darkness, and then suddenly, a white figure came into view, running rapidly towards them, its bare feet slapping on the cold stone floor.
It looked like a real monster. The turned Vampire was gaunt, with overgrown fangs protruding from it's mouth like knives. It's hair had been pulled out in chunks leaving scab-filled bald patches. But the most terrifying thing about it was it's eyes; They had lost any semblance of rationality or humanity, they were wide, red and bloodshot. Around it's stick-thin arm was a silver bracelet marking it as a second-degree Vampire.
It was hard to believe this thing could of ever been human.
"Blood!" The thing screeched, it's voice grating to human ears. Isogai and Rio winced. Suddenly E class' earlier bravado shrank as they were faced with the reality of Vampires.
The Vampire turned reached out to grab Isogai, it's overgrown fingernails almost scratching his face, but before the Vampire had a chance, Rio with her quick reflexes sliced off it's arm. The thing screamed in agony, it was a horrible, demented noise. It quickly turned on Rio, but then Maehara swiped his sword at it. Nagisa could only watch, pointing his torch at the battle to allow his fellow humans to see. After all, they couldn't fight the Vampire if they couldn't see it. The Vampire of was fast, of course, but nowhere near as fast as Karma or even Asano. It must be an effect of it being so weak from thirst.
But still, it was a formidable opponent;It's movements were quick and jerky, like a feral cat- The thing dodged the arrows shot at it, and even the best fighters of E class were starting to get overwhelmed. Karma could take no more; his expression darkened and he took a step forwards, but Nagisa placed a hand on the Vampire's waist, gently stopping him in his tracks.
"Trust them." Nagisa said. He knew it must be painful for Karma to watch without intervening, especially when the Vampire knew he could win the fight within seconds. Karma gave an agitated his but relented.
"I'll give them five more seconds then I'm stepping in." He said, but even as he spoke, the tables turned; Isogai, Rio and the others got used to the Turned Vampire's fighting style, and they were driving it back. Rio slashed her sword forwards and managed to cut off one of the Vampire's arms. The thing screeched in pain, the noise was blood-curdling, it sounded almost unnatural, but Isogai didn't let his concentration falter for a second- With lightening quick precision, he jabbed his sword forwards and pierced the turned Vampire through the heart. A final unnatural, blood-curdling screech was elicited from the Vampire before it slump forwards face down, and slammed into the concrete floor as if it were a marionette who's strings had been cut. Blood gushed from it's stump of a severed arm, and pooled from it's chest onto the floor.
A heavy silence descended over the E class as the weight of what they had accomplished finally hit them. Everyone's feelings were mixed; On the one hand, they had managed to accomplish the most important task a hunter must do, on the others they had just slain something that used to be human.
"I..killed it." Isogai whispered in a low voice, half in-awe, half-horrified. Silence descended again, but was interrupted by the sound of slow clapping.
Everyone turned to see Karma, clapping his hands, a sincere look of pride on his face. "You did it. Now your all finally strong enough to hold your own." He said, then his serious expression melted away to a smile that made Nagisa's heart skip a beat. "Colour me impressed- I didn't think you guys would make it!"
With those words, the heavy atmosphere lifted; Rio punched Karma in the arm.
"Ye of little faith! Of course we can defend ourselves!" She laughed. A chorus of 'yeahs!' came from her fellow students. Maehara ruffled Isogai's hair.
"Man, watch out for Mr Badass Vampire-hunter over here!" The blond smirked. Isogai blushed.
"I couldn't of done it without you guys!"
"Come on, let's keep going." Kataoka said, a proud smile on her face. "Like Korosensei says we have to make it into the top fifty!"
As they walked away, leaving the Vampire behind, Nagisa glanced at it one last time, then gasped as he noticed something; The Vampire was wearing a torn and tattered Hunter's Uniform. Could this be the fate of students who get attacked by Vampires during the exam? They become one of the obstacles? Nagisa decided not to voice his revelation to his classmates just yet..
The rest of the challenge was by no means easy; The long walk along the catacombs was a challenge in itself, but luckily E class had built their stamina from having to climb as hill to get to class every day (the perks of being outcasts). They ran into more Vampires, but killing them became easier and easier the further they went. They even managed to kill a first-degree Vampire- One that had been directly turned by a natural. It was far faster than the rest, Karma almost intervened, but in the end Kayano managed to shoot an arrow through its head and the class was rewarded with a gold bracelet.
Nagisa killed his first; The Vampire had tried to attack Okajima, but Nagisa had managed to sneak behind the Vampire and plunge a knife into it's back before it even noticed he was felt so surreal, the sensation of his dagger cutting through the taught sinews of the Vanpire's flesh, the splatter of blood that spurted out, the death-rattle screech of the Vampire that had now become familiar to him.
When he turned to his classmates, they all wore expressions of both shock and awe.
"Whoa Nagisa, you came out of nowhere." Maehara said with a low whistle. Karma just clapped Nagisa on the back, making him jump.
"Nagisa is a lot more deadly than he first seems." Karma said with a sly grin, before tugging a lock of his blue hair affectionately. "It's one of the reasons I like him so much."
At those words, Nagisa turned bright red, a blush spreading across his face.
"K-Karma! Stop!" He squeaked. The class laughed; Because seriously, what was up with this polarity? Nagisa was a deadly killer one moment then shy and bashful the next!
They passed by a few other students on the way, all of whom took the time to mock E class for 'Needing twenty people to do a one man job'. Non of E class paid them any heed. Occasionally they would hear the screams and shouts of other students echoing through the labyrinth, Nagisa hoped they weren't in too much danger.
Asano emerged from the labyrinth, brushing dirt off his uniform, at the end of the tunnel was a large metal gate, another defence to stop the Vampires from escaping. Swiftly, he typed in the combination the students had been given at the start of the task, and the gate swung open. Asano stepped outside, The bright afternoon light assaulted his retinas, quickly he shielded his eyes with his sleeve. Finally, that task was over.
"Well done, Mister Asano! First place! In record time! Just what we'd expect from the Chairman's son." His teacher said, bounding over to him. Mr Sakada was a middle-aged man with a moustache who, like most teachers at the academy, favoured the strong. Asano's eyes adjusted to the light, and he surveyed the scene; The area around the exit from the catacombs was surrounded by Hunters and teachers, all standing guard to ensure that non of the Vampires that lurk in the labyrinth escaped. Mr Karasuma, the new E class teacher looked particularly on edge. There was a stern-looking invigilator sat at a desk on the field, noting down his time.
"It's all thanks to your teaching." Asano said to his teacher, smiling like he was supposed to, despite the lie. He passed the teacher the bag full of Vampire Bracelets he had collected. Mr Sakada beamed and started droning on about something, but Asano didn't pay him any attention; Instead his gaze shifted to the man sat on the highest podium, overlooking the whole Event: The Chairman. Catching his eye, the Chairman stood up, and walked over to Asano, his dark cape billowing behind him, making him seem like some sort of spectre.
"Congratulations on your victory." The Chairman said, but purely as a formality in front of the others. It was obvious to Asano that his smile was entirely false.
"Thank you, sir." Asano replied, returning the smile with equal falsity. The Chairman stepped closer, so only Asano could hear his voice.
"Did you complete the additional task I gave you?" The Chairman asked. "It would of been easy to make it look like an accident."
Of course killing someone it a catacomb full of Vampires, miles beneath civilization would be the perfect place to murder a classmate and 'make it look like accident'
"The E class traveled as a group during this task. It was unwise to even get close to them. I didn't want witnesses, obviously." Asano said, with a stern expression. He was secretly glad he didn't have an opportunity to kill Nagisa though, although deep down, he knew he was just delaying the inevitable, and the thought made him sick.
"Hm. If you're worried about witnesses, you should of killed all of them. That should be a problem for you, right?" The Chairman said, derisively. Asano almost gasped; His father was asking him to massacre a class-load of kids? He couldn't keep the horror from showing on his face:
"You are still too weak." His father hissed. "I will create another opportunity to kill him. You will do it then."
The two of them were brought away from their discussion by the sound of footsteps echoing up from the labyrinth.
"It seems we're about to find out who has made it to second place." The Chairman declared. Asano wondered if it would be Ren or Seo; Those two were the strongest in A class, besides himself, after all- but it sounded like more than one person. It sounded like a group of people.
Both the Asano's, the teachers and the guards watched in anticipation to see which pupils were strong enough to secure second place. But when they recognised the identity, the faculty was astounded.
"It can't be- E class!?" Mr Sakada gasped. But it was true; Emerging from the darkness was the members of E class. All of them. They looked exhausted and dirty but victorious smiles were on all their faces.
"Joint second place! Well done everyone!" Isogai declared to his class. In his hand was a bag full of Vampire Bracelets that rivaled Asano's.
"Hmm, I was kind of hoping for first, but I suppose this will do." Rio Nakamura said, feigning nonchalance. But it was clear from the look in her blue eyes she was brimming with pride.
"Wh- Wha!? All of you competed as a group!? That can't be- that must be against the rules!" Mr Sakada spluttered. But that brute of a boy, Terasaka, shook his head.
"Nah. It ain't. That was never mentioned." He said, with a smirk. He was taller than the teacher, and looked down at him as he grinned. "Looks like we ain't so useless after all."
Asano watched them, clenching his first in anger- How had those nobodies managed to beat the chosen pupils that he had trained himself? But Asano's irritation was nothing compared to the Chairman's overpowering rage. Without even looking at him, Asano could practically feel the cold fury radiating off him, and he had to repress the urge to shiver.
"My what an unexpected turn of events." The Chairman commented to the other teachers as E class ran over to their teacher, Mr Karasuma. His voice was tense as if he were moments away from snapping completely. "If you had trained your fellow pupils properly, Asano, one would think that they wouldn't be so easily beaten by E class."
Asano didn't have a response, there was nothing you could say to sate that man's temper or change his mind. He glared at E class; Nagisa Shiota in particular. Currently he was stood next to a tiny green haired girl, a proud smile on his face. The stupid little bastard didn't even know the danger he was in.
"The Red Devil must of assisted them." The Chairman hissed, "There is no way they could of succeeded any other way."
Instinctively, upon hearing that cursed name, Asano reached down to grab his sword. But the Chairman grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Now now, don't be rash. Are you going to go storming over there spouting accusations like an idiot?" The Chairman said. "No. we'll expose him first. Now- go over and congratulate your classmates on their near-victory."
"What? Why?"
"Do it." The Chairman hissed, in a voice that didn't leave any room for argument. Asano had to wonder if this was part of the plan or just the Chairman trying to humiliate him. But the look in his father's eyes told him that he'd be better off not asking.
"I'm sure Korosensei will be very proud of you all." Karasuma said, a soft smile on his face that Nagisa hadn't seen before. Normally that guy's default expression was a weary frown.
"Yeah! And did you see the look on their faces when we came second?" Nakamura laughed.
The E class were stood on the field, surrounding the Government agent who was playing the role of their teacher. All the teachers of the school kept their distance, glaring at E class as if they were a blight to the school. Mr Sakada was arguing rather irately with the invigilator, insisting that E class should be disqualified. But even those who work at the academy knew that the E class hadn't broken any rules. Just defied expectations.
"Hey is that Asano? What does he want?" Terasaka hissed. Nagisa turned to see, and sure enough, Asano was walking over to them. Involuntarily, Nagisa's heart started hammering in it's chest as he remembered exactly what this boy was capable off. He was glad that Karma had managed to slip away from the group unnoticed after they left the labyrinth. At least he wouldn't have to worry about Asano recognising him.
But still.
"Congratulations on doing so well." Asano said, as he approached them, with a smile on his face that, if Nagisa didn't know him, he would think was real. "I'm rather impressed."
The E class gaped at him- Off all the things Asano could of said, that was something nobody expected. Even the teachers nearby turned to look at him as if he'd said something scandalous. All eyes were on him. There was a moment of shocked silence before anyone replied. It was of course Isogai who smiled back (a little unsurely) and said.
"Th- Thanks Asano. Congratulations on coming first. You really are amazing." The dark haired boy said, taking Asano's sudden kindness as face value. Nagisa was more sceptical though; What was the elite hunter after?
"Well, I do have a reputation to uphold." Asano said, smile still in place, his violet eyes unreadable. Was he trying to intimidate them? Nagisa wondered, but before that train of thought could develop any further, he was interrupted by the sound of a scream.
"Th- The gate's been unlocked! The Vampires are coming through!" A guard screamed. Before she even finished speaking, a low rumbling was heard and a hoard of Vampires spilled out of the labyrinth onto the field. It was more Vampires than Nagisa had ever seen at once together. They were like a mass of pale, emancipated flesh. It was a sight so horrifying it sent a sliver of pure dread down Nagisa's spine. His happy, proud feelings from moments earlier disappeared and were replaced with terror. The Sun had lowered and the shadow of the academy overcast the field, providing just enough shade so that the Vampires wouldn't be burnt to a crisp in the light. Who had opened the gate? Why were so many attacking at once?
"Don't let any escape into the village!" The Chairman commanded, drawing his sword from under his dark robes. It was a colossal thing that looked too huge for any human to carry. That was when Nagisa realised that Asano must of come over to E class to distract everyone while the Chairman opened the gate. The Chairman had probably used some sort of enhanced blood to attract the Vampires over as well... ... but there was no time to ruminate over the Chairman's plan now- The Vampires were approaching.
Their horrific screeches and the sound of bare feet scraping against grass filled the air. The E class drew their weapons against an enemy too overwhelming to defeat.
"Class! Let's get into position!" Isogai commanded- They knew to expect no help from guards nor teachers, other than Karasuma they were all focused on the Vampires trying to flee into the town. Out of the corner of his eye, Nagisa could see Asano beheading one.
Fear gripping them, E class waited for the impact from the seven Vampires headed in their direction. Except. It didn't come; Instead, a dark figure with striking red hair darted down from the rooftops, a dagger glinting in his hands. All seven Vampires were decimated within minutes. They were clumsy with madness and blood deprivation. Karma moved around them like a dancer, slashing them with his knife, and they dropped to the floor like puppets with their strings cut.
It was amazing how, when Nagisa saw Karma, his fears melted away for a second, and his heart started racing for a very different reason. Karma turned to smile at E class, but those mercury eyes were focused purely on Nagisa.
"Looks like I managed to be of use after all." Karma said, looking pleased with himself. Nagisa smiled back at him. But then reality came crashing back down around their feet.
"That's the Red Devil!" The Chairman shouted, speeding over. "He must of let those Vampire's free!"
The eyes of dozens of skilled, adult hunters were boring into them. Nagisa felt a sick twist of his stomach; Once again they'd walked straight into a trap. The Chairman must of put E class in danger knowing it would draw Karma out, like a rat into a trap.
The next thing Nagisa knew, he felt a larger hand grab his, and suddenly, he and Karma were hunter's were covering the field, so the only way to escape was through the academy itself. Adrenaline pumping through his body, Nagisa barely registered that Karma had broken down a door, and suddenly, they were inside the academy's halls. In the background, he could vaguely here the Chairman shouting orders
"You! Keep the Vampires at bay! I'll pursue the Red Devil. Asano, come."
"This way! Keep turning left and you'll understand and exit." Nagisa told Karma. After all, Nagisa had been going to this academy for years. These wooden floors and stone walls were familiar to him. The sound of the footsteps of their pursuers filled Nagisa's ears. Somehow they were getting closer.
"Karma, leave me behind I'll only slow you down." Nagisa said, The Vampire glared at him.
"Are you insane? I'd never leave you behind!" He hissed, Nagisa shook his head, still running.
"It's you they're after. They won't care about me. Asano's had opportunities to kill me before but he's never taken them, because you are the one he wants." Nagisa said. Karma's eyes widened with the realisation that Nagisa would likely be in more danger with him than without him.
"Fine. But I'll see you later today." Karma said, suddenly pulling Nagisa closer and crashing his lips down upon his. Nagisa let out a startled squeak, but then quickly melted into the kiss, his adrenaline heightening his senses. It felt heavenly.
But before he had a chance to enjoy it, Karma had pulled away from him, and was already half way down the corridor.
"Don't fight the Chairman! Just run!" Nagisa called after him, before running down another corridor in another direction. He knew how strong Karma was, but he couldn't help but worry. If Gakushuu was able to fight on par with Karma, how strong must his father be?
"Don't move."
Nagisa turned to see Asano facing him from down the corridor, a pistol raised in his hands, pointing right at his target; Nagisa.
"The Red Devil isn't with me." Nagisa said, raising his hands slowly. He was still intimidated by Asano, but the fear of him had lessened compared to when they had confronted each other previously. "You best hurry up if you want any chance of catching up to him~"
Nagisa added the last part with the hint of a smirk (Karma must be rubbing off on him).
"Shut your filthy mouth, you're a traitor to our entire species." Asano growled harshly, walking closer until the barrel of his gun mere feet from Nagisa's head. "He's not my target, Shiota. You are. And you've given me the perfect opportunity to finish you."
Nagisa felt his heart drop in his chest. He was defences against Asano. Was he going to die?
"That look of surprise on your face! You're such an idiot. You've been harbouring a Vampire, what did you expect would happen?" Asano sneered. Through his fear, Nagisa managed to notice something; Although Asano was making a show of being arrogant and domineering, his eyes the look in his violet eyes almost seemed fearful. And why was he stalling? if he really intended to kill Nagisa, wouldn't he of done it by now?
"You don't want to kill me, do you?" Nagisa said slowly, his voice was neither taunting nor mocking, just simply understanding. His blue eyes met Asano's. "You don't want to be a murderer."
Asano actually look startled, his eyes widening his grip on his gun loosening.
"I have absolutely no problem killing you!" Asano shouted, a little too quickly, a frantic tone to his voice. "I. Am. Not. Weak."
"Not wanting to kill someone doesn't make you weak, Asano." Nagisa said, slowly, trying to sound calm. "It just makes you human."
"You don't know anything about me." Asano hissed, gritting his teeth, and raising his gun once again so it was level with Nagisa's eyes. "It doesn't matter what I want. This has to be done either way. Sorry, Shiota."
He clicked the safety off the gun, Nagisa flinched and looked away. But a few seconds passed and the sound of a gunshot wasn't heard. Nagisa opened his blue eyes slowly, and took a step towards Asano, who almost jumped back in reaction.
"Don't move! Stay back!"
"You're following commands from the Chairman, right." Nagisa said, still being careful to keep his voice low and as relaxed as possible. "Because technically, I haven't committed any crime. Killing me is illegal."
Asano didn't reply, so Nagisa continued.
"If I so happened to make it back to a populated area, before you managed to catch up to me, then it would be impossible for you to have the chance to kill me, right?" Nagisa said, meeting Asano's eyes conspiratorially. Asano understood instantly what was being offered- A chance for both of them to escape this situation.
Asano had no doubt the Chairman would catch the Red Devil. Perhaps once that Vampire was caught, he would be less insistent on killing Nagisa Shiota.
"Just because he's the Chairman of the school doesn't mean he's always right." Nagisa said, he took a chance and took another step forwards. Slowly, he put his hand over Asano's hand, and pushed it down so he was no longer aiming the gun. Asano allowed him to.
It was a sign that they were in agreement.
"Well, Well, Asano. I never thought you'd sink so low as to conspire with the enemy to escape your duties." A deep, menacing voice said.
Both Nagisa and Asano turned around to see the Chairman standing at the edge of the corridor, his dark clock and pale skin made him appear foreboding, like a symbol of death and misery. The fact he was here must mean Karma managed to escape! Nagisa thought.
"Your order was against the law." Asano replied, once again raising his gun. But despite the bravado, Nagisa could sense he was scared. Asano was the Chairman's son, so he knew first hand how brutal he was.
"Raising your gun against your own father, you've been quite unruly lately." The Chairman said, walking briskly towards them. He hadn't even made a move for his weapon yet, but the atmosphere around him was already terrifying.
"Because your commands have become increasingly insane. Could it be you are finally loosing your mind?" Asano retorted. It was if the father and son duo were the only ones present, Nagisa felt as if he had become part of the background.
"Watch your tongue, boy." The Chairman hissed, his expression darkening into a cold mask of malice when Asano accused him of being insane. Despite their similarities, it was hard to believe these two were related, there wasn't an ounce of affection or closeness between them.
"Nobody will follow an ineffectual leader." Asano said, glaring at him. "I'm not just your puppet."
"I will give you one more chance. One more chance to kill him." The Chairman offered, looking Asano dead in the eye. The scene seemed to freeze. Nagisa held his breath, pressing himself against the corridor wall, Asano still had his gun raised to his father, his defiant expression not wavering, and the Chairman was stood before the two of them, watching them as though they were inferior insects.
Asano made no move to kill Nagisa.
"No? Well I have warned you before that I don't keep around useless weapons." The Chairman growled, then faster than Nagisa could even register, he pulled out a sword from beneath his cloak. The sound of gunshot echoed around the corridor
One moment, the Chairman was stood there, the next his sword was plunged into Asano's stomach. Behind the Chairman, a bullet was lodged into the wall. Asano looked down at the injury, the blood oozing from his stomach, then up at the Chairman, his violet eyes wide and bulging.
"Fa... ther?" He chocked out, as he spoke, a trickle of blood seeped out of his mouth a dribbled down his chin. He fell to his knees as the Chairman pulled the sword out.
"Such a pity." The Chairman mused, "You have such potential."
Nagisa was frozen in shock for a moment, thoughts racing through his brain.. What just happened? Why would the Chairman do that? Asano was his son? How could he?Without even thinking about it, Nagisa fell to his knees next to Asano, and ripped and chunk of his own cloak, quickly pressing it against the bleeding.
"Here." Nagisa said, trying to staunch the flow of blood, to his surprise, Asano pushed him away with shaking hands.
"Get away! Don't touch me." He gasped. Nagisa frowned, going back once again to stop the bleeding.
"Just lie back. I'll stop the bleeding!" Nagisa insisted, he didn't know why Asano wouldn't let him help. The wound was deep, deep enough to kill a person from blood-loss. Any remnants of colour was quickly fading from Asano's face, and his attempt to push Nagisa away became increasingly weaker.
"Get away from me!"
"Just let me help!" Nagisa shouted, his hands now red. The blood pooled on the floor, a sticky crimson colour. Asano put both hands over his mouth and nose, trying to turn away from Nagisa. He glared up at the Chairman, violet eyes full of hatred. The Chairman stood above the two of them, looking down at the scene as if it was amusing, his lips curled into a smile, sharp white teeth showing behind his lips. Nagisa tried to forget he was there, tried to forget that the Chairman would probably kill him as soon as he was bored of watching this scene.
"He's your son, isn't he!" Nagisa shouted, in disbelief that someone could be so careless, so evil. "Help him! He's going to die!"
Nagisa was still kneeling over Asano, trying to stop the bleeding. The blond was still grabbing his wrist, weakly trying to push him away.
"Asano could help himself if he wasn't so stubborn." The Chairman said, sounding amused. What the hell did that mean? Nagisa wondered, but next thing he knew, Asano's grip on him suddenly tightened, and with surprising strength, Asano pulled him downwards onto the floor next to him.
"Asan- Agh!" Nagisa let out a cry as he felt the familiar feeling of fangs piercing the skin of his neck. But it felt different from Karma somehow; Less sharp, and less precise. Nagisa tried to pull his attacker off, but he was held down with an iron grip. Asano was drinking his blood. He realised with a heavy sense of shock.
"Asano!" He shouted, trying to pull the other off. But Asano didn't respond. Didn't even seem to register that Nagisa had spoken.
Korosensei's words echoed in Nagisa's brain.
'Being badly injured makes even natural Vampires ravenously thirsty because human's blood can heal injuries in Vampires'
Asano was a Vampire? But how? Since when? Nagisa glared up at the Chairman. The man looked pleased, a wide grin on his face, his mouth was open, and Nagisa caught a glimpse of fangs too long and sharp to be human... is that why he had hurt Asano? To entice him into drinking blood? Why?
Nagisa couldn't think any more, his brain was foggy, his vision faded, and his last bit of strength was depleted.
Twist Ending! Poor Nagisa. So I understand this ending might be confusing, but the whole truth about the Asano's will be shared next chapter.
What did people think of this chapter? I think it was definitely a slow start. I thought the E class parts were a bit boring, but I wanted it to seem like things are going well (Karma joining E class, E class becoming strong, defying odds and smashing their exams) so I could lull people into a false sense of security and FUCK SHIT UP!. E class had quite a big role this chapter, but I think their part may be gradually toned down.
Please review for more! Let me know if you have anything you'd like to see in the story, or any ideas/theories you might have.
Replies to reviews:
Guest; Thank you for not caring about my bad spelling (hehe) You might get your wish next chapter, since Nagisa was pretty badly injured R/N. There was a lot of focus on E class this chapter (oops) but I'm planning on toning that down now they've served their purpose so to speak.
KikiBlossom: Thank you for all the reviews! Im glad you like the action and long chapters, and Karma Sorry(?) my story made you cry..!
Guest: Your review is amizing, thank you!
Kazz And Karl: Sorry the updates are so slow, hopefully the next one wont be so many months!
Guest: I am Indeed continuing (Hopefully quicker this time)
Rage0fPheonix: Thank you for such a nice review I'm glad you love the story!
Roxasfan23: Yeah, Karma is always rebelling against authority. Next chapter is heeerreee
alicialove22: thank you for saying my story is good!
DragonHeart: I love Karma too, I wonder if you hate Asano more or less after this chapter?
NicAnime. FairyTail: Thank you for your kind words! Sorry the updates take so long x_X I think its best if we assume Karma learned nagisa's surname some time when they were living together, but I didn't write it.
Thunderclaws13: Im glad you feel so strongly about my story (Soul trembling in happiness is a new one) Once again sorry the update took so long, but I hope you enjoy regardless!
Kazz: Here is the chapter, im so happy you like my work!
FanGIRLofLIFE: I'm better at updating eventually rather than soon (oops) thank you for taking the time to review though.
Tsubasa: Yay thank you for your kind words! There was a lot of Gakushuu in this chapter, so I hope you liked it!
Jose97: Thank you for reviewing, I'm pleased you like the plot and the writing
StainedSculpture: So this chapter is long (Not sure if it is as fulfilling as the last one, hopefully it is!) There was a feeding-scene in this chapter too, but a lot more violent and a lot less sexy than the last one, lol
Soraxtsuna123: Thank you!
Loctus Sword: I think I already replied to your review, But I will again just in case! Once again, apologies for the long wait. But at least I have another long chapter! And yeah, i really need to fix that about Karma reacting twice to Korosensei's name (oops) I'm reading your review, and I kind of wish I'd done a sparring scene now.. (maybe later, or during a flashback to training? I was originally going to write more Karma and E class bonding before the exam, but I found it hard to write and i was procrastinting ;_;) and yes, poor sugino!
Guest: I like Karmagisa too! its cute to write!
Lama: Thanks for reviewing! and oops, I can hardly spell english, let along romanized Japanese :_: and yeah, I need to fic that mistake with Karma reacting twice (just a typo I promise).
Neko: Thank you x
Riorimm: Haha its okay, I always review forgien fics in my own lagnauge because its all I speak! Thank you for you lovely review!
Naomi334: Sorry for another long wait
Larix959: As displayed in this chapter, Karma loves Nagisa's bloodlust (Even if it secretly freaks him out a little) Sorry there was no karamsuma/Karma interactiong! Thank you for reviewing!
Baby-Chan: Yup, Nagisa and Karma are really cute.
BabyNightmareLady: I hope the challenge met your expectations!
KuroCiel: I hope you think this chapter is worth waiting for too! And you got your wish. Nagisa's just been badly hurt! Thank you for reviewing, and the fan art you made was amazing! Sorry for spelling your name wrong and the long wait between chapters!
Catturner7007: Sorry the next update wasnt soon (i suck!) but thank you for reviewing!
SSJ Mirai Gohan: Ty for reviwing x
MythQueen of Darkness Thank you!
Carrot: Oops! that wwas a type.
EggNogg: I agree!