Chapter Five
Hey guys! Apologies for always leaving massive gaps between updates, but I'm full of work and I also like to make sure that my chapters are up to standard when I load them so they don't disappoint.
Saying that, this isn't my best chapter and I apologize in advance for the filler-like qualities.
Read, enjoy, and be sure to comment!
Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight or any character thereof. I only own my original characters.
Zero stared aimlessly into the distance as he strode down the abandoned corridor with Yuuki trailing behind him. She struggled to keep up with his lengthy strides, but made no attempt to ask him to slow. Over the last four years, she'd learnt that whenever he was deep in thought, it was best to keep her questions to herself. And even though there were times she didn't quite follow that unwritten rule, she found herself hesitant to break it now.
Partially due to the expression on his face, and partially because of the somber presage of his presence. He was hurting. Yuuki felt a familiar pang of guilt in her chest and the unconscious desire to reach out and comfort him, but she didn't. She remained at a distance and hoped; she hoped he would be able to work through whatever it was that was troubling him. And she would be there for him should he ask for help.
The hunter was completely oblivious to the guardian's sympathetic expression. He was far too busy recollecting just how rapidly Mako had left the classroom the moment the bell for lunch had sounded. She seemed different somehow. More withdrawn than ever, despite her attempts to engage others around her and throw off suspicion. Others were gullible, but not Zero. Ten years together meant he knew her, at least, well enough not to fall for such a facade.
Mako Osaragi was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Indomitable and unshakeable in the face of overwhelming odds, and unyielding to the will of others. But even Mako had her limits. She was still human, after all. Zero found himself wondering if she'd finally discovered them. What could have happened in town to provoke such a reaction? He doubted that being bitten had been the trigger, according to her, she hadn't been bitten by a Pureblood. But then, what else could it be?
"Uh, Zero." He paused mid-stride and glanced at the small brunette behind him. Yuuki pointed to the door on her left. "We're here to see the Headmaster, remember?"
He stared at her before giving a low grunt and unceremoniously barging into the Headmaster's office. The guardian followed behind him, silently scolding the hunter for his lack proper etiquette. An unwanted, and thankfully brief, moment of reluctant family bonding occurred, during which Zero once again reiterated his lack of relation to the Headmaster. Once he'd finally calmed down, the Headmaster turned his undivided attention to the matter at hand and Zero was forced to push all thoughts of Mako aside. At least for the moment.
"So then." The Headmaster clasped his hands and propped his elbows on his desk. "Tomorrow is St. Xocolat's Day. The entire school is already buzzing with excitement. The truth about the Night Class could easily be revealed in all this frenzy. I need you to be more alert than usual. Is that understood, guardians?"
A determined Yuuki raised her hand in acknowledgment. "Yes, Headmaster!"
Zero scoffed. "I can't see why you don't just ban this event."
"Now, Zero. If I were to do that, there would be a riot. This allows students to let off a little steam." He noticed the blush on the Headmaster's cheeks and scowled. "Of course the Day Class is going to fawn over the Night Class. All of the vampires are incredibly accomplished and beautiful people. If they're out allies, then they're a great resource to us."
The hunter's ominous aura filled the room as he trained his murderous gaze upon the oblivious Headmaster. His reaction to the Headmaster's positive words was something Yuuki had become accustom to over the years. She came to expect it from Zero. And she turned to humour to diffuse the situation, lest Zero suddenly feel the urge to beat the Headmaster to a bloody pulp.
"I think that look means 'how dare you compliment them in front of me'." She turned back to the Headmaster with a hand cupped around her mouth. "He's not happy."
The Headmaster cringed. "Yeah, got it." He stood from his desk and positioned himself at the window. "I know all too well that vampires have been the enemies of humans for many centuries. But there are vampires out there who want to peacefully co-exist, and I'm proud to educate the children of such vampires. Your generation can build the bridge that connects our two species." Zero narrowed his eyes. "Zero, look. I know it's difficult, but some day you will come to understand my philosophy."
His words could only be a joke. There was no way Zero would ever understand his philosophy, and he wasn't the only one. "I doubt it. Not unless you can make the past disappear."
A short silence followed and a nervous Yuuki was left to look back and forth between the two men. Until, finally, the Headmaster glanced over his shoulder at Zero. "They are nothing but beasts in human form, who drink the blood from living humans. That's your view?"
Zero said nothing. The Headmaster knew exactly what he thought of vampires. It was exactly the same opinion as Mako's and every other self-respecting vampire hunter. Vampires were an eternal enemy the hunters strove to eradicate. They were nothing but lowly monsters that deserved to die.
Having been a bystander and ignored throughout majority of the conversation, Yuuki shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. The atmosphere in the office had very quickly become tense and awkward, both of which didn't agree with her.
"Uh. Yeah. I– Uh, um. Headma– Father! Here!" The guardian perched herself on top of the Headmaster's desk and held out a small wad of notes. "I have a St. Xocolat's gift for you." She extended her free hand back towards Zero, holding out a similar gift. "And you too Zero. My annual gift to you."
The Headmaster overreacted, as was to be expected, flailing around like the idiot he could genuinely be. "It's twenty coupons for Yuuki's shoulder massages! Yay!"
"A coupon for one errand." Zero met her gaze. "You realize you've given me the same gift every year since grade-school."
"Oh, shut it!" Irritated, Yuuki grabbed his wrist and proceeded to drag him from the Headmaster's office. "Come on! Lunch is about over."
Something odd had happened. She wasn't certain exactly what that something was, but it was obvious enough from the searing sensation fanning across her neck that it had to do with her encounter in town. The hunter clenched and unclenched her hand, attempting to distract herself from the overwhelming desire she felt to rip away the gauze and scratch at the wound until it bled.
If she didn't know any better, she would have likened the sensation to a snake bite. But as far as biology was concerned, only Purebloods carried the venom capable of changing a human into a blood-thirsty vampire. There shouldn't have been a doubt in her mind that the vampire she had encountered was an Aristocrat, but there was.
There was something decidedly peculiar about his manner. The mysterious vampire smelled like an Aristocrat, looked like an Aristocrat, but he certainly didn't act like an Aristocrat, nor did he speak like one. And his presence only furthered her theory that the vampire wasn't in fact an Aristocrat. She recalled it vividly. His existence was something older, more sinister and horrifyingly familiar.
Mako shook her head with a vigor, as though her efforts would truly remove those thoughts from her mind. But no such luck. She continued to ponder over the notion that the rogue vampire was potentially infinitely more dangerous than she originally anticipated. At first she merely assumed he was a stalker. In the last few years such an occurrence was more common than she cared to admit. However down-played her reputation was at the moment, there were those few vampires who caught wind of her and decided she would be the perfect way to make a name for themselves.
It was obvious enough what the outcome of those attempts were. Mako was still alive and her reputation remained near non-existent, just as she liked it. But this vampire was unlike the others. He knew her. Not just her name, but her. The way he spoke to her and they way he looked at her. Mako didn't remember him. She knew nothing about him. And yet, she had the strange sensation that he was somehow familiar.
"Mako." She glanced at the silver-haired boy leaning against the tree beside her. His brow creased with concern. "Is everything alright?"
She nodded. "Fine."
Zero raised his eyebrow. "Really? Because you've been clawing at that gauze for the better part of ten minutes."
Mako said nothing and focused her attention on the mass of swooning girls situated outside the Moon Dorm gates. She found no just cause to sound the alarm. Although it was a slightly uncomfortable pain, it was easily manageable, and given a few days would no doubt dissipate into a dull throbbing before disappearing altogether.
Deafening screams of over-excited fanatics intensified and alerted both hunters to the arrival of the Night Class. Yuuki had strategically positioned herself in front of the gate in the hopes of addressing the girls before the vampires made their appearance, with no such luck. Her small voice was easily overwhelmed by the roar of temperamental teenagers.
Hanabusa Aidou pranced through the crowd with his usual vigor, inspiring further animated behaviour from the girls, some of whom looked about ready to faint when he flashed them a toothy grin. As far as Mako could recall, he was the only vampire apart from Daisuke who actively enjoyed crowds of screaming fans. She found it odd, especially considering the Headmaster's very strict 'look but don't bite' policy.
The procession of vampires shuffled slowly along the path, held up by the swarm of fangirls that seemed to cut them off at every turn despite Yuuki's best efforts. They didn't seem too happy with the current situation. Why would they? It must be torturous to have their food source dangled right in front of their faces and not be able to so much as sample. It was like waving a big juicy steak in front of a starved pit-bull.
Mako locked her gaze with a familiar pair of azure orbs. Daisuke stared intently at her, scrutinizing every inch of her to be certain of her condition. A few days ago, she would have assumed he was searching for any sign of weakness that he could take advantage of. But after the incident, however reluctant she was to admit it, she doubted that the vampire's motives were such.
He didn't speak, instead opting to cast her a suggestive wolfish smirk as he made his way past. At the very least he was back to normal. No more uncharacteristic concern, no more sympathetic reactions. Daisuke was once again the Aristocratic pain in the arse she'd had the misfortune of meeting nearly two weeks ago. Mako rolled her eyes and averted her gaze, though she made sure to keep a sharp ear in their direction.
Her body tensed and something akin to waves of nausea rippled in the pit of her stomach. The sudden urge to heave overcame her and she immediately clamped a hand over her mouth to choke back the bile rising to her throat. Thankfully, Zero had yet to notice her, he was too busy getting a rise out of Yuuki. Mako turned her back to them and rested her forehead against the rough bark of the tree trunk.
It took a moment longer than she would have liked to will her body under control, but she managed in the end. Attributing her symptoms to her lack of sleep and nourishment, she took a deep, shaky breath before turning to supervise the girls once again, only to be met by a broad chest. Mako froze, her whole body tensing up in an almost immediate response to his presence.
"Are you feeling well, Osaragi-san? You look pale."
In that instant, Mako became hypersensitive to the Pureblood, more so than usual. She could feel his heat radiating like a furnace, feel his breath fanning across her skin and his intense gaze threatening to over-power her. She blinked one. Twice. And the sudden ridiculousness of her thoughts nearly made her dissolve into laughter. But she held it back and adopted the deadpan expression she found herself using a fair deal lately.
She stared right back at him. "I honestly don't see how that's any of your business."
"I was simply inquiring." Kaname gave a gentle smile. "I made several attempts to visit you whilst you were in the infirmary, unfortunately, Zero-san wouldn't allow it."
"And aren't I grateful for that." He observed her silently as she crossed her arms along her chest and tapped her fingers impatiently. Mako raised an eyebrow. "Is there anything else Kuran-san?"
"I would very much like to continue our earlier conversation."
Mako frowned. "Care to elaborate?"
"The discussion we were having moments before you passed out." He noticed her twitch at the last few words. The corner of his lips tugged in amusement. "Whenever you're feeling better, of course."
Fangirls waited with baited breath. The Night Class watched on with a curiosity rivaling Ruka's visible anger. Daisuke was as irritated as his female counterpart. Yuuki wasn't certain of her conflicting feelings. And Zero...Zero looked like he wanted to rip the Pureblood's heart from his chest and feed it to him. All in all, an array of emotions that Mako hadn't so much as noticed due to her desperate attempts to stop herself from shooting Kaname where he stood.
Either she had been too subtle in expressing her feelings, or the Pureblood simply wasn't willing to take no for an answer. Mako would bet her life on the latter. She glared daggers at him; at his immaculate uniform, at his elegant posture, at those damned eyes that constantly gazed at her as though she were someone incredibly important. As though she were his lover.
She really hated those eyes.
"Don't count on it."
Gasps erupted from the onlooking Day Class, both in disbelief and utter outrage that she would so easily reject Kaname's advances when they would give every appendage just to catch a glimpse of him. A unanimous hiss told her that the vampires weren't too happy with the way she had dared to speak to their Pureblood prince. Ruka in particular.
It was well known that Mako had an instinctual animosity towards vampires in general, every hunter did. But Kaname seemed to be receiving the bulk of it. She was convinced it was because of her survival instinct. Purebloods were increasingly more dangerous than any other vampire, so it was only a natural response.
Daisuke smirked at her blatant refusal of the Moon Dorm President. It was incredibly gratifying to witness his rival's failure to obtain what they both desired. The hunter was adamant in her rejection, her opinion unchanged by any show of sentiment or any attempt to impress. Mako met his gaze knowingly. She would be quick to reject him as well.
The Pureblood followed her gaze and his expression hardened for a fraction of a second before he reclaimed control over his emotions. Kaname smiled pleasantly at her. "It's reassuring to see you up and about so quickly, Osaragi-san. Though it might have been wiser to remain under observation for a few more days. You lost a fair amount of blood."
Mako's attention immediately snapped to him; eyes narrowed and a fierce mien expressive enough to convey her deepest desire. That the infuriating Pureblood would self-combust right before her eyes. It wasn't his intent to patronize her, but that was exactly how she understood it. He insinuated weakness and she didn't like that one bit.
The resemblance was...surreal. Kaname stared silently at the indignant human before him. He could have sworn it was she who glared back at him. Before he could exert control over himself, he reached out to brush his fingers across her heated skin. The hunter abruptly tensed and became increasingly aware of the sudden feeling of exposure she experienced.
She reacted barely a few seconds after Kaname made contact, slapping away the offending appendage and narrowing her gaze further, if such a thing were even possible. The action received varying reactions from their spectators, the most prominent being a united sense of outrage.
"Kuran-san." Mako gritted her teeth and purged all thought of sudden vulnerability from her mind. She wouldn't allow a vampire to get the better of her, especially not this vampire. "As I've mentioned time and time again, my wellbeing is none of your concern. You would do well to remember that."
She expected him to acknowledge her demand and simply walk away. Instead, he graced her with an infuriatingly kind smile. "I can't help myself. Take care Osaragi-san."
He left. The rest of the Night Class trailed behind him in the same poised and dignified manner they tackled every other aspect of their unnaturally elongated lives. Some shot Mako spiteful looks as they passed, a silent vow that one day her disrespect would be repaid. Daisuke took a moment to congratulate her for yet another successful refusal.
"Nicely done, my dearest Mako-chan."
The hunter tensed. That's what he had called her. "Don't call me that." She growled.
Daisuke raised an eyebrow. "Mako-chan? I'm not going to stop calling you by your name." He scoffed. "I don't do formalities."
"Then stop talking to me." She narrowed her eyes. "Both you and the Pureblood don't seem to realize that I have no interest in befriending vampires."
"But you're friends with Kiryuu."
Mako froze and immediately snapped her attention to the silver-haired boy and his brunette companion, both of whom were in ear-shot of the conversation. Zero looked about ready to kill the Aristocrat as his hand inched towards his concealed Bloody Rose. Of course, Daisuke was oblivious to his reaction, more focused on catching Mako's attention than anything else. A frown creased Yuuki's brow as she glanced between the three, confused by the sudden rise in tension and unable to understand Daisuke's implication. Zero had not yet been able to work up the courage to divulge his secret to the guardian.
The Aristocrat stepped closer and leant down to whisper in her ear. "And I have no intention of simply being your friend, Mako-chan."
Horses were larger in person than they were in books. And while most were said to have a calm and docile temperament, this particular horse looked like it wanted to eat her. Of course, that was ridiculous because horses were strictly herbivorous.
While Mako stood at the entrance of the stable, the white horse glared at her, a wicked gleam in its eye. Doubt settled in. If it was even remotely possible that a carnivorous horse existed, Mako was certain it would be this one. What she found even more confusing than the concept of a meat-eating horse, was the fact that Zero slept so peacefully in the stall beside it.
Mako tilted her head. If there was one thing Mako was attuned to it was signs of aggression, and this horse was certainly showing indications of hostility. Ears pinned back flat, head raised and neck muscles tense, along with the obvious striking of the front legs. The horse emitted a loud nasal snort as it inched closer, effectively blocking Zero from view. Mako remained still, finding the entire situation unnecessarily puzzling. She had never been particular good with animals, but nevertheless, she hadn't done anything to antagonize the horse. And as charming as she found this display of gallantry in protecting Zero from something it deemed a threat, Mako wasn't in the mood.
She had barely taken a step forward when the horse squealed and threw its head. Mako instantly froze, recognizing the aggressive temperament. It didn't want her anywhere near the sleeping Zero and seemed prepared to injure her. She narrowed her eyes and let out a low growl.
"I don't have any intention of hurting him." The horse snorted in response and Mako rolled her eyes. "Seriously? I'd be more likely to hurt you than Zero." It wasn't the smartest thing she could have said at that moment. Mako instinctively stepped back as the horse repeatedly struck the ground and let out another loud squeal. "Okay, so maybe I shouldn't have explained it like that. But my point stands."
A groan interrupted the confrontation, and both the horse and the hunter turned to look at the drowsy Zero. "Mako?" The horse neighed at Zero, who immediately stood and set about stroking its side affectionately. "It's alright White Lily. She couldn't hurt you even if she wanted to."
Mako glared at them. "Watch me." She instantly regretted it when the horse struck the ground in warning. She threw her hands up in exasperation. "A guard horse? Really Zero? You couldn't just get a dog like everybody else?"
Zero gave a forced chuckle before moving over to stand at her side. "I find horses to be more effective. Don't you think?"
"Point taken." She glanced at White Lily, who glared malevolently at her. "Your horse looks like it want's to kill me."
He shrugged. "Don't take it personally. She doesn't much like anyone."
She watched as he brushed past her and into the adjacent stall. Zero moved slowly, as though his body were heavy and difficult to maneuver. He sat in the straw and reclined back against the wood with a sigh. Mako remained standing for a moment longer before she took a seat beside him, ignoring the horse's snorts of protest. A period of silence followed, strangely more awkward than most, as they stared aimlessly into the distance.
Mako glanced at him. He sat with his head resting against the stall and his eyes trained on the ceiling. And even though he avoided her gaze, Mako recognized the symptoms of stress and exhaustion. It caused her discomfort to see him so beaten down. But after four years, it didn't come as much of a surprise to her. Not that she hadn't been hoping he would be able to keep it at bay for the rest of his life. She stared ahead of her.
"You're losing."
The sentence struck a chord and Zero looked at her. "What?"
Ignoring his expression, she fiddled aimlessly with a piece of straw. "Four years is impressive, but you can't hold out much longer."
He scoffed. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Your body is rejecting the blood tablets."
Her blunt statement was followed by silence, but resounded loudly in Zero's mind. For the last few weeks he'd had his feet firmly planted in denial, convinced that he could overcome his urges and stop the process of his transformation altogether. It had taken Mako all of one minute to rip that carpet right out from under him. If he failed to control himself, he was more than prepared to have Mako end this miserable excuse for a life.
Zero averted his gaze. "Will you do it?"
She blinked. "What?" Seeing the expression on his face, she understood. "Not yet. But if it's any consolation, you're the only vampire I'd ever consider befriending."
His head shot up and he made eye contact with her. She had the faintest hint of a smile on her face. And what else could he do but smile. Zero chuckled warmly as he draped an arm around her shoulders and drew her against him. It tested his control, but he felt the need to prove to Mako that her trust was well placed.
Mako leant against him with a sigh. "Mind if I stay here for a while?"
"Vampires giving you trouble?" She tensed and Zero rested his chin on her head. Her scent flooded his senses and his eyes focused on the gauze on her neck. Realizing his mistake, he immediately averted his gaze.
"More irritating than anything else. I don't know how Yuuki can sympathize with them." Mako pulled a face. "They're stalkers, the lot of them."
"That vampire hasn't shown up? The one that bit you."
She scoffed. "I'd kill him on sight."
Her confidence was waning and Zero knew it. "You couldn't before."
"I wasn't prepared last time." The female hunter pulled away and turned to face him. "It would be a fatal mistake to underestimate me, Zero."
Zero leant forward. "I know perfectly well what you're capable of and I have the utmost respect for what you can do, but that doesn't mean that you can do this by yourself." He took hold of her arm. "I want to help you Mako, so let me."
"Hypocrite." She leant in so close that their noses brushed. "How many times have I offered to help you? And how many times have you rejected my help?"
He frowned. "It's not the same."
"But it is." She pursed her lips as she stared at him. "You don't want my help because you're afraid you won't be able to stop. You're convinced that I'll die and you'll lose what remaining humanity you're so desperately clinging to." She gripped his arm. "That Aristocrat knows me, and for some reason he wants me. I doubt he'll have any qualms about murdering you if you get in his way."
His gaze darkened. "This isn't up for discussion, Mako. The circumstances aren't the same."
"Because I'm a girl?" His lack of an immediate response prompted offense and she stared at him in disbelief. "Sexist? Please tell me you're joking."
"Gender has nothing to do with it."
"Then what?"
Engaged in an impassioned staring competition, neither was willing to back down so easily, and Mako's question went unanswered. Zero simply couldn't say the words out loud. There were no words to describe just how much Mako meant to him, or just how painful it would be for him to lose her. He hadn't been able to save her before and he sure as hell wasn't about to abandon her.
A familiar scent drifted towards them and caught his attention. It wasn't a potent as Mako's, but distinguishable all the same. "Yuuki."