Ambrose, having delivered the message and leaving the PDA with Tsukune, returned to homeroom. He just wanted some quiet time, not that that was possible considering his hearing. Honestly, even from his homeroom inside school he could hear everything going on in the whole campus—a gift he wished wouldn't last, something he wanted gone. He often wondered just how far his hearing stretched, just a he wonder about his other characteristics: raw strength be it physical or another form, speed when running, agility, flexibility, eye sight… the list went on, it amazed him how little he knew about his own abilities and how much his superior did know. It was truly perplexing.
Perplexing yes, but Ambrose did always have exactly what he needed when the time came, nothing even really caught him off guard— a subconscious clairvoyance ensured that, at times it was his only guide. More importantly however, was that it had never failed him. But most of his thoughts were just mere speculation, nothing on entirely solid ground—not that his life, at any point, could be called 'solid'—he would do his job and leave, return perhaps, to a place he belonged.
Ambrose felt two powerful urges, the former less sentient than the latter; he focused on the sentient first as the forefront, the thought and possible action most welcomed. This being the urge to leave or at the very least lure some of them here, a place where, for one, he could move freely, and for two, his action would be pertinent to his mission while satisfying a very deep want. Alas, this was just wishful thinking. Nothing went that perfectly. As for the second urge, while being less sentient, it was quite possible, something within his at any given moment. He just needed to take the initiative—anyone or anything would do.
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My world seemed to crash as I reread the PDA's screen. A brush with death; add to that the time—tomorrow. I had read and reread the message hoping to figure it out, to dissect it, yet I neigh could draw from it! The girls looked over the message as well, all wearing the same mask of horror—this did not necessarily mean they believed.
I realized something; I had nearly died before, it wasn't pleasant, but if Moka hadn't injected her blood into me I'd have never survived. Thus, rightfully death could seek revenge for my escape. I pushed the thought of the message to the back of my mind, despite how badly I wanted to analyze it. I pocketed the PDA and made an attempt at continuing club activities. The girls seemed to already have created an unspoken pact to protect me. And there we have it, my entrance into the denial stage, well as perhaps not, but regardless nothing I do will change my circumstances. That is probably the most important fact…
My mind thundered. I'm just a pitiful human yet again! Despite my resolve to not think, to not feel! How helpless I was! How helpless I am! I can never do things on my own! Never! I am always protected by everyone else! I hate this, this most of all!
Out of shear frustration I slammed my hand on the closest desk, palm down. "I'll not have this protection, something I cannot give back! It said I will have to make a choice, then, right now, I choose to live!" Still frustrated I sighed; these were just the outbursts of a human fearing death, trying to comfort itself. Just like that, the rage is gone—the frustration remains—emotions are so fickle, so predictable, yet powerful. "I'm going to call it a night."
No one wanted me to leave; however, they sensed that it was probably for the best. Nothing would happen just yet—that in itself was comforting, but still a double-edged sword—the calm before the storm. My body still felt fine, no anxiety, my stomach wasn't in knots. Essentially everything was perfect. Maybe this was all just a joke. Just some hoax meant to give me a fright.
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Ambrose heard Tsukune and the girls their breathing their hearts pounding, the comments Tsukune made, the comments he didn't hear. The entire conversation he missed, due to his heavy thinking. A conversation so insignificant in actual meaning that in Ambrose's opinion it didn't deserve the time of day. Even then he still heard it, and it only served to make his barbaric urge greater. Ambrose chuckled. His urge may just ruin the plan before it could start. He would have to make a conscious effort to not give in to something so unprofessional. For Ambrose this would be very long night.
Suddenly, yet without being abrupt, something changed, Ambrose felt it, the change was so slight one with less sensitivity may not have caught it. Everything felt the same, yet different, the change could however be deadly. Over the years that Ambrose had done this type of job he had learned one thing, when things change so should you. The only question was how he should change. He now needed to stay closer to Tsukune. But first, before taking any offensive action, he would satisfy his other craving-quickly-turning-to-necessity.
Bloodlust.
The feelings of excitement and anxiousness were slowly creeping up on Ambrose. His clairvoyance seemed to pull him away to a secluded spot, almost as if he materialized there, moving through space so quickly so effortlessly. It led him to a target, some unsuspecting creature of the night. Ambrose cared nothing of species. Any one was just as good as the other.
His target, his soon-to-be prey, laid waiting for something, or perhaps for someone, it mattered not. Ambrose observed it or rather him, laying there back against an old willow. How peaceful he looked, how somber, the moment was ever so perfect!
Ambrose approached, silent and swift and even more effortless, neigh a sound out of place; no disturbance to be heard. Like a ghost he stood above the prey and there he stood, for a few minutes listening to the sound of its breathing and his own, the sound of its heart—pumping that delectable liquid known as blood! It sent tremors down his spine! Yet alas, he could not kill, he was robbed of that natural privilege, how his superior loved his tormented suffering!
Ambrose could wait no longer! Swiftly he came down upon his prey, movements as light and soundless as before, his prey would never know of this event—even as it happened. Ambrose however, could not linger and enjoy his treat—business needed to be taken care of.
As one would expect the night moved onward, Tsukune failed miserably in his attempt at sleep, as did the girls, and Ambrose made preparations. The enemy had made theirs and Ambrose had reacted, but ultimately the outcome of today's assignment lay with Tuskune—it was truly his fate to decide. The message had made light of the upcoming incident calling it an "encounter with death." This was something much more lethal and near instantaneous.
Today Ambrose would need to control the schools 'territories' and 'contracts.' The enemy wanted any of three things. One: Tsukune dead—Ambrose didn't have a problem with that. Two: Tsukune to put up a fight, lose, and be dragged off. Or finally three: Tsukune to come willingly—they didn't actually want that, it would be too boring and they wanted a fight… Hell, so did Ambrose.
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Somewhere far away
A female sat in an executive computer chair facing an HD plasma screen T.V. with a bucket of popcorn in her lap. She watched the screen intently, the screen itself was in a split view mode allowing for multiple channel viewing on one side it showed Tsukune, who was still very slowly losing his mind, and on the other side was Ambrose, looking focused.
"This is gonna be a good show… I can't wait!" She exclaimed. "Now, if only I could Tivo this. Or fast forward to the good part. Damn you school systems and your darn time-consumingness! I want to see the fight now!"
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(Ok, I'm at a loss right now and need to spend the next few days figuring out how to articulate the, I suppose I can call it, 'dance with death.' Word to the wise: The chapter after this one is probably going to be long, I'm talking like the length of an annoyingly long battle in Bleach. [Nothing against Bleach or anything.] I also feel the need to change to complete third person. Thus, I will also rewrite the beginning chapter into a third person form…….. in a little while…. Bye for now!)
