Chapter Eight
Ladies and gentlemen. Exams are finally over and I'm proud to present to you, Chapter 8! It's a bit of a slow chapter, but I can promise that it gets better.
And I promise more Mako x Kaname action in the next chapter.
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight or any characters thereof. I only own my original characters.
Blood.
Mako stared incredulously at the crimson splattered walls. A metallic stench filled the air––an all too familiar scent. Her nose wrinkled in disgust. She would never get used to the smell, not matter how many times she was subjected to it. The thick red liquid oozed down the cracked plaster, pooling on the white tiled floor.
Her eyes widened in surprise as the blood slowly began to creep towards her. She instinctively stepped back. Her feet were bare, she noticed, the cool tiles – amongst other things – sending a shiver down her spine. She didn't want the blood to stain her skin. She already had enough blood on her hands.
She continued to back up, searching desperately for a means of escape. The room was small and bare, with no means of exit save for the window to her right. Mako didn't hesitate to make her way over and attempt to pry open the lower sash. She glanced over her shoulder and shuddered at the sight of the blood rectifying its course, continuing on towards her with such an agonizing slowness that she felt as though it were taunting her.
Extreme measure had to be taken.
Stepping back, she suddenly launched herself at the window pane. A thump resounded loudly, but there was a distinct lack of shattering. Mako cursed as she pulled herself to her feet and glared at the unscathed window. It should have worked. The window was made of glass, ergo, it should have shattered upon impact.
A sudden feeling of terror claimed her and she clutched tightly at her throat. She wanted to die.
Her lips parted as she struggled to take a breath.
Blood pooled at her feet, ignoring the unshakable law of gravity as it slowly slithered up her calves. It burned into her flesh, long twisting patterns so sinfully beautiful they were enough to drive anyone mad. Mako heard the hammering of her heart in her ears. She was loosing her grip, going insane over the sight of blood.
It was the blood of the people she had failed.
The blood that haunted her.
An inhuman scream ripped from her throat as she tore her hand away. She launched herself at the window repeatedly. She was a woman possessed. Her actions were the very definition of insanity––to do the same thing over and over again, and expect different results. But she couldn't help herself. Every fibre of her being screamed for her to escape. She was frantic and terrified, and she hated it.
She had no control over the situation. She was helpless.
"T-They're dead."
Mako froze mid-stride as the familiar voice drifted to her ears. Sobbing filled the void, tears of grief and an overwhelming pain. The hunter could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage and clenched her fists. It couldn't be. Fear welling in her chest, she reluctantly turned away from the window and stared source of the weeping.
In the corner of the room was a small huddled figure. Her legs were drawn against her chest and she hid her face in her arms. Dirty blonde hair fell in clumps over her shoulders, her pale skin streaked with blood and dirt. The girl continued to cry, oblivious to Mako's approach until the hunter reached out.
Green eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Mako's heart stopped.
It was her.
The young girl stared at her. "Y-You did it."
"What?" The hunter shook her head. "No. No, I didn't."
"They're all dead. And it's all your fault."
Mako instinctively stepped back. Her voice was nothing but a whisper. "No."
"You killed them." The younger Mako rose to her feet, her blood stained clothes hanging in tatters upon her slim frame. Her eyes held a malicious glint and her lips curled into a cruel smile. "It was you. You did it. You murdered them all."
Mako continued to shake her head. "No. It wasn't my fault."
Retreating further, she felt her back collide without something hard. She didn't bother to turn around, her gaze locked on the younger version of herself. There was really no need to when she already knew who it was. She recognized the presence immediately.
Hideki slipped his arms around her waist, drawing her back against his chest and settling his chin on her shoulder. His breath fanned across her skin, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. The feel of his hands caressing her stomach made her sick, but she found herself unable to pull away from his embrace. And, despite herself, at this moment being in his arms felt a lot safer than being at the mercy of her sadistic younger self.
"You were not strong enough then to save them." His words made her body tremble and she bowed her head in shame. "Just like you are not strong enough now to save him."
"M-Mako."
Her head shot up and her eyes widened. An eighteen year old Zero stood beside her younger self, eyes glowing crimson and his usually emotionless face distorted in a feral expression. He breathed heavily, struggling to maintain control over the beast within him. Her younger self smirked and took hold of Zero's hand. He allowed her to pull him to his knees, at which point she proceeded to throw her arms around him and offer up her neck.
Mako shook her head, tugging weakly against the arms that restrained her. "Zero, don't! You can't!"
Vermillion eyes met hers as his lips curved into a deranged smirk, exposing the fangs he spent so long denying. He wrapped his arms around her younger self, one hand positioned behind her neck to give him a better angle. Zero's eyes never left Mako's as he sunk his fangs into the girl's tender flesh. Her younger self screamed out, trashing wildly in his arms. Zero was relentless. He held her in a tight vice, refusing to relinquish his hold.
The huntress cried out in pain. She felt it. She felt his fangs ripping mercilessly into the young girl's flesh. She felt the life being drained from her body, until the girl was nothing but an empty carcass. Zero licked his lips in relish. Not once had his gaze strayed from Mako. Even now, as he tossed aside the corpse and rose to his feet. Mako flinched as he suddenly stood in front of her, reaching out a bloodied hand to caress her cheek.
"Why so scared, Mako? You offered yourself to me."
She shivered at the unfamiliar touch. "You're not Zero. Not the real Zero."
"But I am." He leant closer. "This is the real me. What lies beneath the surface. I am what that pathetic carcass has been trying hopelessly to suppress for the last four years." His tongue roughly traced her jaw and lapped up the blood on her cheek. His lavender eyes gleamed dangerously. "I am Zero Kiryuu. Vampire."
And just like that, he was gone.
Were it not for the arms wrapped securely around her, she would have collapsed. It was too much, all of it. She was always strong. She needed to be. Her body shook as she hung her head and squeezed her eyes tightly shut. Despite her attempts to hold them back, hot tears dripped down her cheeks. She had already lost so much, she wouldn't allow herself to lose Zero too.
Not if there was something she could do to prevent it.
"This pain you feel is fleeting. As are the ties you feel to your mortal life. With me, you will be powerful beyond your imagining." His words resonated in the nape of her neck. "With me, you will transcend death."
Something snapped in her mind and she raised her head. "Now why would I want to do that?"
Hideki brushed his lips against her ear. "What human would not jump at the chance for ever-lasting life?"
"Me."
Mako's eyes snapped open and focused on the ceiling. Her fingers were tangled in the sheets beneath her, gripping the fabric so tightly it turned her knuckles white. It was the only sign of her distress. She turned her head to survey her surroundings. She was back in her room in the Sun Dorm at Cross Academy.
And she was alone.
She released the breath she wasn't aware she had been holding and slowly sat up. It was one dream amongst many since her first encounter with Hideki, and whilst she often woke up perturbed, she never remembered anything.
But she did this time.
"Zero..."
An image of glowing eyes and blood stained lips flashed into her mind. In her dream, he was nothing but a feral beast. A vampire in the truest sense of the word. That wasn't Zero. Not the real Zero. No matter how agonizingly difficult, he would never allow himself to give in. She trusted him without reservation, but she wasn't above doubt. There would come a point in the future that all his determination would be for naught.
That's why she offered her blood. It would slow his progress, not indefinitely, but as least until a more long-term solution could be found. But he rejected her at every turn, regardless of her insistence. And if he continued to do so, Mako feared the worst. He wouldn't necessarily attempt to take her life, but then, he had a whole dorm of humans to choose from. They were all in mortal danger so long as Zero continued to take the moral high road. The longer he continued to deprive himself, the more likely he was to go on a killing spree.
"I am what that pathetic carcass has been trying hopelessly to suppress for the last four years."
The hunter shook her head violently, forcing away the haunting voice of a Zero that would never exist in reality. He would never let it get that far...and neither would she.
Mako glanced at the gun sitting innocently upon her beside table. Execution was a last resort, but if Zero forced her hand, she would have no choice. She had given him her word and her word was binding.
Drawing her knees to her chest, she buried her head in her arms and sighed. She felt so unlike herself. Her strong, unwavering, willful self. She hated it. She was unsure now. Unsure of her place and her duty. Vampire or not, she cared deeply for Zero. He had always been there for her. He was always right by her side whether she wanted him there or not. And she would be there for him until the end.
Until the end.
"Mako?"
Her head shot up as she heard the familiar voice from behind the door. When she failed to respond immediately, the door swung open to reveal and armed Zero, eyes narrowed and body tensed for action. Mako straightened and arched an eyebrow at his ridiculous figure.
"Zero. What are you doing?"
"I–" Had he been one to blush, he probably would have. Instead, he straightened and cleared his throat, returning the Bloody Rose to its rightful place. "When you didn't answer I thought–"
"That I'd been kidnapped?" He nodded, earning a scoff in return. "You offend me. Besides, a lack of response immediately after you called out once is hardly justification for bursting into my room. You nearly broke my door."
Zero frowned. "I've been knocking for the better part of five minutes."
She stared at him incredulously. "Really?" He nodded again, lavender gaze watching as she swung her bare legs over the side of the bed and rose to her feet. "Well, don't I feel a little embarrassed."
"You don't get embarrassed."
Mako smirked. "True. But I like to pretend I'm normal sometimes." She turned to him. "So what's the reason for your visit at this late hour?"
Zero didn't respond. He didn't have to.
A chocolate bar and a soft drink provided more than enough of an answer. The huntress knew that it meant impending doom the moment Zero threw them to her. She caught them and quirked an eyebrow at the deadpan expression on his face. Fiddling with the can for minute, she set them both on the table beside her before beckoning him over. Zero didn't budge. He remained standing in the doorway.
Mako scoffed. "What? You're not still mad about yesterday, are you?"
"Shouldn't I be?"
"Don't even bother fishing for an apology. You're not getting one." Narrowing her gaze, Mako crossed her arms along her chest. "Both you and that Pureblood are beginning to get on my nerves with your constant concerns for my wellbeing."
He found it somewhat offensive that Mako had linked him together with Kaname, but chose not to mention it. "I'm your friend Mako. It's my job to worry."
"No." Zero flinched at the harshness of her tone, but noticed the immediate change when she spoke again. "No, it's not."
In the many years than Zero had known her, he had never once seen her like this––as close to vulnerable as Mako would willing allow herself to be. It was a mere flicker of susceptibility, something she had unconsciously revealed and immediately suppressed with a look of pure, pertinacious determination.
As strong as Mako was, even she had not conquered fear. Zero knew her well enough by now to identify the subtle changes of her posture and expression. And though she didn't seem aware of it herself, he could feel her trepidation. No matter how brave, or how determined, Mako was still human.
Zero stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Viridescent eyes observed him with a guarded suspicious. "Mako. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
He stepped over to her and firmly took hold of her shoulders. "Tell me."
"There's nothing to tell. I'm fine." Her expression didn't change.
The silver-haired hunter searched her eyes in the hopes of finding something, anything that might give her away––she remained unyielding. He found himself wondering if he was the reason. Was she faltering because of him? Because of the promise she made to him? Mako was true to her word when she gave it. Her word was her bond, it was her law. And even if it killed her, she would always make good on her promises.
Zero moved closer so she was forced to tilt her head to keep his gaze. His hands moved from her shoulders to gently cup her cheeks. "I'm sorry Mako."
"For what?"
He bowed his head. "For causing you pain."
"It's okay." She touched his hand with such tenderness that Zero wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her. "I gave you my word. And no matter what, I will fulfill it." His eyes trailed down her arm and over her shoulder until they found her neck. He tensed, feeling the overwhelming urge to rip through her flesh and devour her mercilessly. "I'm your insurance."
Abruptly pulling away, he took several steps back and averted his face from her questioning gaze. "I should go."
"Zero." He reluctantly stopped, his hand poised over the doorknob. "The last thing I need right now is to be alone with my thoughts."
There was something wrong. Forcing aside his urges, Zero glanced over at her. She held his gaze with the same intensity she always did, but there was something distinctly different about it. And it was, he realized, that she had stopped short of pleading with him. The thought of being alone unsettled her and given the circumstances, he found it justifiable. Even though she is who she is, Mako is still human and consequently, subject to human emotion.
Zero nodded. "How about we do something to take the edge off?"
"Sounds good."
"You really know how to show a girl a good time, Zero. I'm surprised you're still single."
When Zero had suggested doing something to take the edge off, Mako was expecting to raid the Headmaster's kitchen. She knew for a fact that the ex-vampire hunter had a stash of ice-cream hidden away––plus pickles and some strange yellowish sauce that smelled very odd indeed. Instead, she was pleasantly surprised to find that Zero had something more tension-relieving in mind.
She lined herself up and smiled as she unloaded an entire magazine into the target. A smirk tugged at her lips as she saw the collection of overlapping holes localized around the heart and head.
"Bless the Headmaster and his shooting range." She unloaded the empty magazine and easily reloaded another. "Granted it's a little odd to have one in a school, but I won't question it."
"I asked him to." Zero stared at the target with a ghostly smile. Mako was deadly with a gun, but not nearly as deadly as she was with her katana. "To help me train."
"Clever. You think he'll set up a training room for me if I ask?"
He looked at her. She raised the gun to her eye level, arm straight out in front of her, and turned her body towards him, presenting as small a target as possible to whatever enemy she envisioned in place of the cutout. Zero vaguely remembered the first time Mako ever held a gun. She used to hate them with a passion. She considered them a dishonourable weapon, not like swords––something he used to tease her about. After all, she hadn't been taken in by a swordsman, but by a gunslinger.
A smile tugged at his lips at the memory.
Mako's small, trembling hands gripping the gun tightly. He discomfort was obvious, but their master had insisted on teaching her at least the basics of shooting. Convincing her to do just that was considerably difficult. Zero had never laughed so hard in his life when Mako took her first shot. It missed the target completely and, not having expected the jerk back, she ended up with a sizable bruise around her eyes.
"Thinking about Yuuki?" His eyes flickered to the blonde, who was watching him closely. She let her hand and the gun fall to her side. "Whether she realizes it or not, she does love you, Zero. She'll choose you in the end." Averting her eyes to the mark, she raised the gun up again. "And if she doesn't, well," She cocked the gun and fired, hitting the centre of the bullseye, "you've always got me as a consolation prize."
Zero frowned. "You're not a consolation prize." The huntress glanced at him, gun poised to fire again. "You never will be."
She shook her head. "Idiot."
"Mako–"
"Why did you give the Pureblood the chocolates?" She questioned, her eyes fixed on the mark once more. "Yuuki wouldn't have given them to him if you hadn't interfered."
"She would've regretted it."
"Perhaps. Then again, it might have been just the push she needed to finally make a decision between the two of you." Mako tightened her jaw and pulled the trigger. The kick reverberated down her arm, jerking it back. She remained unfazed and cocked the gun again. "You would stand a better chance if you'd just left it alone."
"Is this opinion based on your desire to see me happy, or your desire to have Kaname Kuran?"
Her finger paused on the trigger. "What?" She hissed.
She was angry. But then, so was he. The silver-haired hunter leant forward, hands clasped between his knees. "His scent was in your room, Mako."
She gave a bitter chuckle. "And clearly that means I had him in my bed."
"Did you?"
There was a bang and the bullet hit the mark––where a man's heart would be. Mako lowered her arm before turning to face him, a scowl contorting her attractive features. "Don't even joke about that."
"So tell me, what else would he be doing in your room?"
"Hmm, the word stalker comes to mind." Zero got to his feet and she reacted, raising her gun and holding it level with his chest. He stared at her with narrowed eyes. "Don't go being all chivalrous and stirring up unnecessary trouble with the Night Class. Unless you genuinely plan on killing them all, then you can count me in."
He clenched his fists and set his jaw. "You shouldn't be so relaxed about this."
"I've got more pressing matters to deal with then a Pureblood with a crush." Mako lowered her gun and shrugged. "He won't do anything that might jeopardize the Headmaster's experiment, at least, for now. I'm more concerned about my psychotic stalker."
"I won't let him touch you." He growled.
Mako gave a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "How sweet, but that's not nearly as reassuring as you think it is. He'll kill you for getting in the way."
"Mako–"
"How about you drop it." It wasn't a suggestion and Zero frowned as she turned back to the target. She fired several more shots before dropping the gun with a sigh and subtly shaking her head. "I'm done."
The silver-haired hunter intended to speak, to say something that would reassure Mako or at least prove that he was capable of facing that damned vampire, but came up short. She gave another sigh and ran her fingers through her loose hair. She hardly ever wore her hair down, despite how beautiful it was. Zero watched her every movement closely. How could something so simple as running her fingers through her hair be so elegant?
It wasn't the first time he had noticed her beauty, so natural and effortless. Mako didn't bother with make-up or spending ridiculous amounts of time styling her hair. In fact, as far as he was aware, the only thing Mako did like any other girl was take a ridiculous long time when she went shopping for clothes. Even then, her clothes weren't particularly feminine. She preferred being practical and comfortable, rather than trend-setting. And yet, somehow, Mako always managed to look more beautiful than the made-up girls in their slutty dresses.
Zero shook his head and immediately averted his gaze to the floor. Thinking of Mako like that was inappropriate, amongst other things. They were close friends, more than that, they were family. She was the only family he had left in this world. And he wasn't about to loose her over something as trivial as raging hormones.
A sudden pounding erupted in his head and black dots filled his vision. The scent of blood permeated the air, saccharine and seductive. His breath caught in his throat as his body began to burn. His eyes immediately flickered to the oblivious huntress, who slowly licked the blood from her finger––she had caught her skin in the trigger. She had no idea what her scent was doing to him. She trusted him too much and this time–
This time he couldn't control himself.
He caught her wrists and in one swift move had her pinned to the wall. Mako stared into those glowing crimson eyes, unable to speak and unable to move. She was paralyzed. Those eye belonged to the monster in her dream. A Zero that she refused to believe was real. His free hand brushed aside her hair before settling against her neck, caressing the skin over her pulse.
It took a glimpse of fangs for Mako to find her voice. "Zero."
Zero growled in response, but otherwise ignored her.
"Why so scared, Mako? You offered yourself to me."
Mako wasn't scared. In fact, as she watched Zero struggle against his beastly nature, she was oddly relaxed. He continued to fight even as his dark personality took over his appearance. In the end she knew it was a lost battle, but the fact that he made the effort was reassuring. She wouldn't give up on him just yet.
She felt his tongue run the length of her neck and shuddered. His warm breath fanned across her neck as he moved closer. Fangs brushed her skin, just over the pulse, and he hesitated. He panted, tightening his grip on her wrists as he attempt to regain some control over his primal instincts. Mako bowed her head to brush her lips against his ear.
"It's alright." Ravenous crimson eyes stared at her. "I'm offering, so there's no need to hold back."
"M-Mako. I–" Struggling with himself, he squeezed his eyes shut and rested his forehead on her shoulder. "I can't–"
He pulled back enough for her to catch a glimpse of his tongue darting across his lips. Zero wanted to withdraw, in fact his mind screamed at him to stop. Mako could only forgive so much and even though she had made the offer to begin with, he didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize their friendship or alter her opinion of him. Her opinion was the only one that mattered.
Mustering the bulk of his strength, Zero released his grip on Mako's wrists which fell limply to her sides. He worried for a moment that he had caused damage in his haste to devour her, but when her hands cupped his cheeks, he was relieved to be proven wrong. Mako pressed her forehead to his and stared unflinchingly into the depths of his bloodthirsty eyes.
Closing his eyes, Zero leant into her touch. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "So sorry."
Mako brushed her thumbs lightly beneath his eyes. She observed him closely, the tormented tone of his voice and pained expression made her chest ache. She wished there was something she could do for him. She hoped he would let her help him, but he continuously refused her. All Mako could do was watch on helplessly.
Zero was hurting and Yuuki was the only one who could make it stop.
"I'm sorry." He whispered again.
"I know."
His Lordship paced.
Several hours he had spent striding the length of the chamber with an irritated expression on his handsome face. He uttered no sound, save for the occasional growl and snarl that escaped him at random moments. Fists clenched at his side, his eyes were wide with rage and searched the chamber for anything to vent his anger upon. As a result of his previous tantrum, all breakable items had been removed from the chamber in the hopes that the Order would not be forced to dip into their funds to replace priceless items.
Hiroshi watched from a safe distance. Newly appointed to the position of advisor following his predecessor's tragic passing, he had been informed of his Lordship's fluctuating emotions. One moment he was happy and the next...
But Hiroshi was not a stupid man. He knew of the cruelty of his Lordship, it was one amongst many reasons he had joined the Order. His Lordship was a man of vision, psychotic or otherwise, and Hiroshi appreciated vision in all its forms. And, whilst advisors tended to live short and unfulfilled lives, Hiroshi had no intention of being killed.
Meaning he had to make himself an invaluable asset.
"What troubles you, my Lord?"
Blue eyes snapped to him, wild and unpredictable. Hiroshi flinched at the menacing aura that enclosed him, smothering him with an unadulterated power he never thought possible. Had he not been attempting to prove his worth, Hiroshi would have turned and run away with his tail between his legs, sobbing like an infant all the while.
His Lordship was an intimidating man.
In the blink of an eye, his Lordship stood nose to nose with him. "And who are you?"
"Your new advisor, my Lord." Hiroshi stared deeply into his eyes, finding himself unable to look away.
Rage and hatred swirled in a mesmerizing pattern within pools of indescribable blue. Hiroshi took a breath. He was a man who prided himself in dealing with difficult people. He wasn't one to be easily frightened or intimidated, but at this moment, he was more than willing to rethink his decision to accept the promotion.
He shook his head, immediately dispelling the thought. He refused to give in so easily. It would bring shame upon his family name if he were to simply give up. And it would further wound his pride to know that he had cowered in fear at the mere sight of power. He had searched many years for such a powerful being, and he wasn't about to let his fear get the better of him. He would learn how to harness his Lordship's power, and then he would kill him.
"I find myself curious, just how do you intend to accomplish such a feat when I can so easily dispose of you this very moment?" A hand clamped around Hiroshi's throat and he was shoved up against the nearest wall, lifted clear off his feet. Hiroshi wheezed, gripping his Lordship's wrist in a vain attempt to free himself. His Lordship leant closer. "I have been informed that my anger sometimes gets the better of me, of course, I swiftly dealt with those who insulted me."
"M-My L-Lord–"
His grip tightened. "You shall only speak when told." Hiroshi immediately silenced himself and focused on regulating his shallow breathing. "Admittedly, I find you interesting." A deranged smirk twisted his Lordship's lips. "Very few are so open in regards to their motives."
"I-I said n-nothing."
"Silence." His Lordship slammed Hiroshi further into the wall, his head hitting with surprising force and drawing blood. "There was no need for words. It was written on your countenance as clear as night."
Black spots appeared in his vision and Hiroshi was quite certain he was about to pass out. Not at all a dignified way to die, but he didn't seem to have much choice in the matter. It wouldn't be surprising if his Lordship were to end him whilst he slept. His Lordship had no qualms in murdering his subordinates, even if killing them served no purpose.
It took a moment for Hiroshi's brain to register the sudden change, but as soon as he crumpled to the floor, he drew air into his lungs. He breathed deeply, thankful his Lordship had found an ounce of mercy in his cold, dead heart to let him live. Raising his gaze from the floor, he gently rubbed his sore neck.
Blue eyes gleamed dangerously, a hint of amusement flickering in the depths of his gaze. And yet, as his sanity screamed for him to look away before his Lordship became offended, Hiroshi couldn't pull his gaze away. He couldn't allow his pride to be damaged anymore than it already had.
"Stand."
Hiroshi's eyes widened in surprise. "W-What?"
"To your feet, boy." His Lordship spat. "I dislike being forced to repeat myself."
Hiroshi immediately scrambled to his feet and bowed his head. "Apologies, my Lord, it won't happen again."
His Lordship eyed him closely. "What do they call you?"
"My name is Hiroshi, my Lord. Hiroshi Sato."
"You are to be my advisor?" Hiroshi nodded. "And this is the will of the elders?" Hiroshi nodded again, earning a frustrated sigh. "I have no cause to heed their recommendations, but in this case, I believe they have made an acceptable choice."
Hiroshi cocked his eyebrow in surprise. "My Lord?"
"I am to retire for the day. Be sure to have everything prepared for tonight."
Hiroshi frowned. "What am I to prepare?"
"A gift."
With that said, his Lordship smiled maliciously and strode from the chamber without sparing Hiroshi a second glance. He rubbed his neck cautiously, checking for damage. Save for his wounded pride, Hiroshi was unharmed. He sighed. It would be much harder to assert himself as an asset then he had originally thought.