It is with a warm, happy heart that I say I'm starting this chapter on page 100! I'm absolutely astonished! This is the farthest I've ever gotten with any story! (And, trust me, I've written quite a few.) Well, here's chapter ten! I haven't much to say for this one.

That is, I want to thank everyone for the reviews! I always enjoy hearing my fan's thoughts on my stories! And, surprisingly, more often than not, I get good reviews! So, I want to give a big thank you to each of you!


First, I saw the blood. Then I heard the gun shots. Then I saw the three at the far end of the hall, Principal lee moving at an impossible speed toward Raizel. Much to my amazement, Principal Lee stopped the bullets I heard with his hand. Reflexively, my body moved forward, hiding myself behind the nearest wall. I breathed heavily, nervous that someone had seen me.

While waiting, I pondered what these three were. I was under the impression that Principal Lee had been normal; after all, he did run a school.

"Simon." I heard M-21's voice faintly, followed by an unfamiliar male voice. The voice was deep and undoubtedly the one who held the gun.

"M-21. Che. What did you come back here for, after betraying the organization?" That voice, Simon, apparently, questioned, sounding tense. Was he scared of M-21?

"Betray? You call fleeing to stay a live after being tossed aside betrayal?" M-21 snapped. He was cast aside? By who, exactly; or what? What on earth were these two talking about? What were those three doing here in the first place? Principal Lee claimed it was business; but it didn't seem as such anymore. When M-21 received no answer, he continued, questioning what, I don't know. "What happened?"

"Crombel did us in." Simon spoke, sounding just as tense. M-21 repeated him in question. "Not only me; everyone in the base."

"Why would he…" M-21 cut off. "You should know why he came here in the first place." M-21 accused of Simon.

"I don't know the whole story, but he came to see the experiments that were being conducted. Whatever was happening here, it seemed to have held his interest. And he wants to be the only one to know about it. Even if it means wiping out the researchers who started the experiment…" Simon paused. "He accused the researchers here of treason and I was ordered to place a lockdown on the base and purge it. We erased everyone in this base, but ended up being wiped out by the specimen in the end. He held us as tools." Simon now sounded angry.

"A new specimen?" M-21's voice questioned with obvious hesitation. By specimen… what did they mean?

"The one that Crombel and the researchers completed. All of my troops were completely wiped out because of that monster. To think they could make something like that in this tiny facility…" Simon chucked darkly.

"Where's Crombel?"

"He's probably laughing at us from a helicopter."

"Master, I will pursue this Crombel character." I didn't move, even when I heard Principal Lee running in my direction. I held my breath and mentally willed myself invisible, even though I knew that was impossible. Much to my amazement, he didn't see me. He looked far too determined to reach this Crombel than to search for the likes of me. At that, it was all-too likely that he wasn't even aware I would have the idea to follow him to do 'business'. He jumped up, not entirely surprising anymore, the elevator.

Thinking of it now, why did I follow them? I never really set a reason, I just did. I thought for a moment before dismissing the thought. Regardless of my reasoning, or lack of, I was here, and I was glad I was.

Voices drew me from my thoughts.

"M-21. If you ran away to survive… get away from this place right now. The specimen is still here. I barricaded the door, but that won't hold him for long." Simon's voice sounded weak now. Was he injured, too, like his troops?

"Crombel…" M-21 growled. "I doubt that there's any survivors left. Crombel is the only one you're after… There shouldn't be any reason for you to stay here." For a moment, I thought M-21 may have been talking to Simon, but his words didn't make sense. My confusion was clarified when Raizel spoke.

"Did you not have something to take care of here?" Raizel questioned.

"Yeah, but the possibility that anything was left intact for me to salvage is small. For something like that, risks are too…" M-21 was interrupted.

"Lead the way." Raizel sounded sure, even as I heard his footsteps fading from my position. I glanced around the wall to see where the two were headed.

On the side of the wall leaned a man, most likely Simon, baring a cigarette in his mouth. I grimaced. I hated cigarettes. He spoke, as M-21 and Raizel walked away from him, M-21 leading. "Heh, I guess you guys aren't going to listen to my advice. That monster isn't something you can hope to handle with your abilities."

"I will decide whether I will stay or flee." M-21 declared.

"There's nothing left for you here. All of the documents here were destroyed and the data were all erased when the EMP went off. If there's anything left, your best hope is in the main computer in the lab. We didn't get the chance to use the EMP there yet." Simon continued to talk.

"Why are you telling me this information?" When M-21 stopped to turn to Simon, I ducked behind the wall quickly.

"Who knows…? I'll call it… leaving something behind before I die." I tensed at Simon's words. He was going to die. This caused my body to run cold and my frame to tense. I felt guilty, knowing there was a man dying just beside me, and that I could do nothing. I laughed lightly at my own inability to do anything, really.

I heard footsteps continue down the hall and knew M-21 and Raizel were continuing on their trek. I pursued, silently, not allowing myself to glance in Simon's direction as his body now rested against the floor and wall. No doubt, he was either gone, or close. I closed my eyes tight as I passed him, willing myself to forget, only for now. Death was not something I was akin to. I was too scared to look at it directly. So I didn't.

I continued on my pursuit of M-21 and Raizel, keeping my eyes strictly on their backs as we passed bodies and blood. It was hard to shake the trembling in my legs. I just wanted to collapse and mourn those around me, strangers or not. The loss of innocents was the most overbearing for me. Even though I didn't look at a single body directly, I could still see the mass of blood and gore around me.

At long last, the two stood motionless before a massive hole in a set of metal doors. Then the two stepped forward into the room. I continued forward, glad to rid of the gore behind me. I stepped beside the door, mostly hidden by it as I peeked inside.

An eerie voice caught my attention. I blinked at the frame of a thin being in the center of the room, sitting with obvious impatience. His skin was an eerie and suspicious shade of blue. "Hey~ Look who's here?"

"You're…!" M-21 sounded shocked.

"What a nice surprise~ I didn't think I would end up meeting you so soon, M-21." The voice sounded high for a male, which it clearly was, as he wore the necessary undergarments.

"You… what happened to you?" M-21 spoke with caution.

"Why? Are you baffled that I'm not the trash you guys made me out to be?" He chucked manically. "Whatever. This is good. I don't see the big one. Where did he go? Weren't you guys always together? Did he get killed by Jake, or what?"

"Bastard!" M-21 sounded especially angry.

So he did lose an ally… My suspicions were correct in the end…

"Was I right?" The man grinned. "What a waste~ I wanted to kill him myself…"

M-21 suddenly leapt forward, toward the man, his arm extended before him. I noticed his nails were especially longer than when I shook his hand several hours before. My brows furrowed at this. How…? Everything that didn't make sense just kept adding up…

Just before M-21's claws could reach the man, he grinned and leaned back, dodging just in time for only his hair to get cut.

In the next moment, the creature spun around, and with a blow to M-21, sent him flying. Before I could react, the creature disappeared and reappeared behind M-21. His leg lifted and he threw it down, landing another blow at M-21. With an audible slam, M-21 hit the ground, leaving a hole.

I stared, wide-eyed at the creature. I stepped forward, involuntarily into the opening of the door.

The creature laughed. "How disappointing~ Were you always this weak? To think I had to grovel like a beast to these weaklings!" I glanced down at M-21 to see him glaring up at the beast."

"We… gave you many chances. The one who deceived us was…" M-21 started.

"Shut it!" With a rise of its foot, the beast slammed it down onto M-21's chest. M-21 coughed blood. Without a doubt, a rib was likely to be broken. I grimaced as I watched the scene. "I remember back when I first met you guys. I was scared shitless. You guys were too fast for me to even catch a glimpse. Guns were useless, too… But to think you guys were this weak… I guess it's not surprising that you guys were tossed." The beast grinned. "I heard you guys were labeled as failures and thrown out?"

"You…" M-21 growled.

"Keke~! Don't get me wrong, I'm still thankful to you guys. It's because trash like you died in testing that I was able to obtain such a perfect body. Kekekeke."

M-21's nails grew once again and he lashed out at the creature's foot. He hit right above the ankle, leaving three deep scratches. This caught the creature's attention, who jumped and leapt away from M-21.

M-21 wiped at his mouth and glanced back at Raizel. In the process, he noticed me, who remained froze, eyes wide.

"Mirai!?" His voice sounded surprised, which was likely to be expected. I glanced between him and the beast, then back. "What the hell…" He made a noise, likely out of annoyance. After all, M-21 would now have to worry about protecting two of us; Raizel and myself. He looked forward and glared at the creature.

I glanced over to Raizel to see him looking at me. I stepped forward, then stopped. Getting closer would only hinder M-21's fight, wouldn't it? I stepped back, only to be taken by surprise.

The feeling of hands on each of my shoulders shocked me. Not just the fact that someone unexpectedly grabbed hold of me, but the tight grip was a shock. I threw a look over my shoulder to see the creature grinning down at me. The gesture knocked the hat I wore right onto the floor.

"Ah, I remember you." The wild look in this creature's eyes frightened me. "You were with those two, too~ I remember drinking your blood!"

My head turned back around. I'd met this creature before? And it drank my blood? My eyes widened. Vampire?

"It was strange, that through it all, you worked to defend me…" I defended this creature? What the hell had I been thinking? On top of that, when was this?

I glanced back at the creature again. His grin still remained in place. His hands moved from my shoulders to around my upper chest. His arms wrapped around me, each hand gripping the opposite shoulder as he leaned down. "Perhaps I shouldn't harm you… Heh~ Who am I kidding~?" Without warning, the creature's body jerked forward as he bit down into my neck.

The pain of several fangs piercing my neck took me by surprise, but more surprising was the fact that I didn't make a noise. My face contorted, reflecting the pain I felt, but I never released a noise.

A moment later, I shivered at the sound of the man draining my blood. "Let…" My voice cracked, sounding weak. I looked over at M-21 to see him starting forward. Raizel, however, stood in place. With newfound confidence, I lifted my leg and threw it back, searching for the creature's own leg. It took a moment, but when I found it, I wrapped mine around his and kicked forward. "Let me go!" With surprising ease, the creature and I fell to the side, his grip on me loosening. I took that time to break free of his grasp and leap forward. With a moment of surprise and exceptional pain, the beast's fangs were ripped from my neck. I rolled forward and landed in a crouch, facing the beast, who stood to his feet by the time I looked at him.

"Good, good. It's more fun when the prey is squirming, right~?" The beast leaned over and grinned. His back arched. "This is a bit overboard to kill someone like you, but I'll show you my new power." My eyes widened at the appearance of several blades protruding from the beast's body, as well as a sort of vine with more blades protruding obscenely from its back. "And after I kill you, M-21, I will kill the girl slowly, followed by that man over there." The beast grinned, tilting his head to the side.

M-21 ran forward, attempting to attack straight on. He hit the target right on, but it only seemed to enjoy this. "Keke, that tickles~!" M-21 jumped back, sliding back to Raizel. I stood and moved away from the beast, who's wound was healing noticeably. I looked away, too disgusted to watch such a feat. "Don't think something like this will kill me!" The look in his eyes grew more intense. With a start, the vine-like material from its back lurched forward and started after M-21. M-21 dodged easily, but the more he did, the faster the material pursued its target. "You're pretty good at running away, aren't you? I guess weaklings have to know how to run at least."

Expectedly, the vine material his M-21. A deep gash now graced M-21's side. He staggered momentarily before moving to dodge another attack thrown from the beast. M-21 scowled over at the beast, who only chuckled.

Assuming the usual approach, M-21 launched another head-on attack. His attempt was easily countered as the beast rammed one of his vine-like things through M-21's stomach.

I cried out and started forward, moving past Raizel. Raizel lifted his arm out and stopped me. I glanced over to him with question. He shook his head. I cringed, but stepped back, beside Raizel. My body fidgeted.

"I attacked slow enough for you to dodge and look how confident you get. I guess I should stop fooling around." The beast started to raise M-21 into the air, who grabbed onto the material as to prevent himself from falling.

"M-21!" I cried as he coughed more blood, just before being tossed aside and into a wall with a loud crash. M-21 staggered forward before the creature lashed out again and scraped M-21's arm, then at his thigh with incredible speed. M-21 collapsed to his knees. The creature moved forward with startling speed and grabbed a fistful of M-21 hair, bringing his head back.

"What's wrong? Having a hard time believing how strong I've become? When I was turned into a monster by you guys, a very small amount of the big guy's thoughts flew into me." The beast grinned before continuing. "You guys were searching for your names? I was shocked. I was expecting some grand ambition, but to think you guys had such a pathetic goal." M-21's eyes widened and he glared furiously at the creature, his teeth bare, at which I noticed slight fangs. "Only trash that's been thrown away would think of something like that." The beast laughed at M-21. "Your expression looks mad. What are you going to do about it?"

I looked over to Raizel. "Do something!" Even as the creature slammed M-21 back into the wall repeatedly, Raizel didn't move. "Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, do something!" With a step forward, I started after M-21. If Raizel wouldn't do something, I would try something of my own.

"What can trash like you possibly do to me? Trash like you… What can you do about it?!" With a shout, the beast slammed M-21 into the wall. With a rip, M-21's shirt was shredded by the shear force of the blow. M-21's body hunched over as he used the wall to stay up.

I took the beast's distraction as an advantage and jumped onto his back, wrapping my arms around his neck as tightly as I could. The beast ignored me and continued his pursuit on M-21. He glanced back at Raizel. "Wait right there. I'll make sure you get your turn next. Just don't start crying from the pain."

I grimaced and took this time to use the only other defense I had. I opened my mouth wide and, with obvious disgust, bit down as hard as I was able onto the beats neck. The beast didn't cry out, or even groan, but he showed obvious annoyance.

How I didn't see the next move coming was beyond me. Perhaps I was too worried about M-21 too much to consider my own consequences. Before I could predict the movements of the creature, I felt an indescribable pain in my stomach. The only way I could describe the feeling was that a vine with periodic blades ripped through two sections of my stomach. Well, that is, that's exactly what happened. Much to my surprise, the beast ran those vine-like whips through two side of my gut.

I forced myself to bite down the pain and bit harder into his neck in an aid to that.

The beast forced the vines further into my gut, which earned a groan from me. Involuntarily, my bite loosened and the beast took that time to remove my grip from him and throw me to the side, and onto the floor. I grimaced as my body violently twitched. My back arched before falling flat.

I lay still, breathing deeply. My body shook with periodic spasms. Still, I watched the fight between M-21 and the creature. Maybe I earned time for M-21 to be able to gain some sort of advantage.

"This is getting boring, so I'll just finish you off." The creature's body seemed to grow in size; that is, his muscles, at least. "I'll trample you with this power that you can never hope to overcome! DIE!" The creature threw his fist forward, aiming for M-21.

"No!" I attempted to move, to somehow protect M-21, but I hardly turned onto my side before collapsing again. "MOVE, M-21!"

M-21 didn't move, and smoke gathered around the area. I didn't want to look, but I had to. I had to see that M-21 was still alive. When the smoke cleared, I gasped, much to my dismay. My body rocked with pain before I recollected myself.

I stared, appalled at the form of Raizel before M-21. His hand was lifted and somehow managed to stop the fist of the creature with extreme ease. Behind him stood an injured M-21, surprised just as much as me.

"Do not misunderstand." Raizel spoke, looking to M-21. "I only… cannot stand for disrespect and mockery against me." Raizel lowered his hand as the creature jumped back several feet. Before I could blink, a massive pool of blood formed from seemingly nowhere and started to whirl around the three, leaving me nearly incapable of seeing the three.

"Wh-what's this?" The creature questioned, noticeably trembling.

"Huh?" M-21's voice rose, just as the blood barrier started to deteriorate.

"You are not weak." Raizel spoke to M-21, turning to him once more.

"What?"

"The origin of your power is not to be taken lightly. Do you wish to see proof?" Raizel turned completely to M-21 and raised a hand. Gently, Raizel wiped at M-21's cheek, smearing a bit of M-21's blood on to his thumb. Raizel lifted that thumb to his mouth and slid the blood lightly against his bottom lip.

Were it not for M-21's own reaction, I would have questioned Raizel. M-21's frame suddenly grew tense, and his eyes widened. He bared his teeth.

"Awaken." Raizel said one word which drew an even greater reaction from M-21.

In the next moment, hair began to grow across M-21's body. His nails grew into actual claws, silver and especially pointed, and his fangs from before grew considerably. An immense energy seemed to form around him, pressing me down onto the ground.

I gasped, the feeling intensifying the pain in my stomach. I moaned, wondering just how much longer I would have. Unlike these three around me, I was human. This wound would surely kill me. It was only a matter of time.

I fought to keep my eyes open and watch as M-21 seemed to change entirely before me.

"This power you possess. Show your enemy what kind of being you are."

M-21 threw himself forward and launched an incredibly powerful attack against the beast. He was sent flying into the far wall, which created a massive crater.

"I don't know what you just did, but… this just got more interesting." With a sinister grin, four more of those vine materials protruded from the creature's back and attack M-21 quickly.

M-21 dodged several times before the vines grabbed a hold of him, one on each arm, and one around his chest and shoulders. "Gotcha!" The beast hollered, feeling victorious.

M-21 bared his teeth and with a growl, broke the vines, tearing free of their grasp. He charged at the creature and with an incredible attack, damaged the creature heavily.

When M-21 stepped forward menacingly, the creature stepped back and started begging. "W-wait! D-don't kill me! I didn't do anything wrong to you guys! It was Crombel who turned us into this. We're both in the same situation! Your enemy is Crombel!" M-21 seemed to pause at the creature's pathetic words. The creature, obviously lying, made a move to attack M-21. "Die!"

The creature's hand pierced M-21's chest. "How's that?! You thought I would beg for my life to trash like you?! Huh?"

For a moment, I wanted to cry out, but when M-21's form vanished, I blinked hard. My vision was starting to fade now. Of course, my time was starting to draw close, but as long as I knew M-21 and Raizel would leave this situation in one piece, I didn't mind. So, I fought to watch.

M-21 reappeared behind the creature. M-21 threw a punch at it. He went flying into the nearest wall with such strength that the wall broke entirely and collapsed upon the beast, pronouncing him dead immediately.

M-21 stared at himself, confused. He returned to normal.

It was strange, that even at a time like now, seeing a man so attractive shirtless caused me to flush. I positioned my arms below by head and allowed my body to relax. I suppose that if I was going to die here, it would be comfortably, at least. I closed my eyes and listened. If anyone were looking at me, given my position, they may believe I was sleeping, were it not for the blood that soaked my black shirt and the ground around me.

"Did we enter into a contract? Was that how I was able to obtain such power?" When Raizel didn't respond, M-21 continued. "Then it seems that I have to serve you as my master from now on." This grabbed my attention. Is this why Principal Lee called Raizel his master? Yes, that would explain some of my confusion.

"I do not know what you are talking about." Raizel spoke.

"What? Then how was I able to use such a power?"

"That is the strength hidden inside you. Your origin is the source of your strength. I only used your blood to show you its form."

"You're saying… that is my power?"

"Whether or not you awake it once more rests on your will."

The sudden aura of another person appeared. His voice was easily recognizable. "Master. My apologies. I lost him." The three remained silent for some time. "Master, are you alright?" Principal Lee's voice contained worry for Raizel.

"There is no need to worry. I merely showed him his strength for a brief moment. Instead, I should be asking that of you." Raizel spoke. Was Principal Lee injured? Or was he just curious about his overall state?

"Ah. It is nothing. The wound as already healed." I was right, then. Principal Lee was injured. "The humans have progressed far more than I expected. I am surprised as well."

"I think I understand why they were so cautious of humans." The three fell silent for a brief moment. I was starting to wonder if anyone even remembered I was there, slowly fading away.

"Master, we should hurry. I heard sirens from outside. This place will be flooded with people soon."

I opened my eyes to watch the three. Raizel and Principal Lee were already making a move to leave, while M-21 glanced around the room desperately. He grit his teeth and closed his eye tightly.

"What are you doing? Master is waiting for you." M-21 looks indecisive while Principal Lee awaited a response. "How long are you planning on making master wait?"

"Ah, right…" M-21 smiled lightly as he followed after the two.

The three made a move to leave, but, at last, were drawn back to me when I started coughing.

The cough was strangled and tasted like copper. I moaned in distaste.

"Mirai!" I snickered when M-21 called out my name and ran over to me.

"It's-" I cut off with a pained gasp. "About time you remembered." I held my breath for a moment before exhaling audibly, feeling the pain again. I looked up at him, still resting on my stomach. I couldn't seem to find the energy to move. "Oh." I was startled when my eyesight began to fade, though slowly.

"Mirai?" Principal Lee approached me, standing beside M-21.

"Hey, sorry." I moaned lightly. "Something pushed me to follow you three…" I spoke quietly, unable to muster much of a voice. "But, I…" I trailed off. I didn't really have anything to say to the three.

"M-21, grab her. We'll have to get her back to the house quickly." Principal Lee ordered of M-21.

"Don't-" I started.

"We have to, Mirai." Principal Lee's voice held authority. I sighed, knowing full well I was about to experience quite a bit of pain.

Without warning, M-21 gently turned me onto my back, which caused my body to spasm again. My back arched and I groaned lightly. He used the motion to his advantage and slid one of his arms under my lower back, while he had to force the other under my upper back. When he lifted me, with surprising ease, he moved his lower arm to the back of my knees.

My body seemed to be shocked into numbness. Surely this wasn't a good sign… I don't think I'd ever heard of such a thing. Maybe I was just nervous to be pressed against a shirtless, attractive man? My face flushed at this and I looked down, not allowing anyone to see my expression.

I moaned with nearly each step as M-21 carried me back to the house. Wouldn't it have been better to take me to a hospital? I mean, I obviously needed medical attention…

My eyes closed, and with a sharp movement of M-21, the pain grew to be too much and I fell unconscious.

When I woke, the room was white. It was so intensely white, I was certain I was in a hospital room. Of course that wouldn't be the case. My wounds weren't caused by any normal.. anything, really.

I wasn't at all surprised to see Principal Lee working beside me. What he was doing, though, was entirely undetermined. I wasn't good with things medical, as I never could comprehend them, but he appeared to be sampling, perhaps, my blood?

"Oh, you're awake." Principal Lee smiled down at me.

"Yes…" I stared up at him. I half expected him to scold me, telling me I had no business following the three to such a thing.

"Why did you follow us, Mirai?" Though he still smiled, I could tell he hid an underlying bout of annoyance.

"That is… I had asked myself the same question." I inhaled, held it, then exhaled slowly. "I don't know why I didn't accept your answer of leaving to do business. I think that I didn't believe you. Even though it was absolutely none of my business, I felt the need to follow you three." I paused. "In the end… this happened." I mentally examined myself, only realizing I didn't feel any form of pain. "Eh?" I leaned up slowly, exercising caution. I glanced down at myself, finding myself wearing hardly any clothes.

I blushed immediately and attempted to cover myself.

"Mirai, you're hardly the first girl I've seen in such attire." Principal Lee smiled at me, attempting to console me.

"S-still!" I avoided his direct gaze and faced away from him, my face still red.

"Mirai, you can relax. I'm not interested in someone so much younger than me. Especially one who is my student."

"I-I get it." I sighed and moved my arms. I wore my usual undergarments, but that was it. At the least, they were the same as what I'd put on this morning, so he didn't see me entirely. I straightened and glanced down at my stomach. Other than two small scar marks, no remnants of the injuries remained. "What… Principal Lee, did you do this? I was on the brink of death yesterday… This kind of thing… it's impossible."

Principal Lee seemed to glower for a moment, before he forced a smile. "Are you doubting my capabilities?" This undeniable dark aura wrapped around him and I shook my head fiercely.

"Absolutely not. Of course you have the talent!" I forced a smile of my own, saving my own hide. I raised my hands and forced a laugh. "But…" I lowered my hands to my lap and looked down at my stomach. "What did you do to me?"

"I made a simple salve that would heal your wounds rapidly. It took a few hours to make, and several more to heal this far, but the process is nearly complete. The only thing left to do is rid of the scars." Principal Lee spoke simply. Yes, because doing such a thing was simple.

"Well, I don't want to know the details. I only wish to thank you for taking care of me beyond what my parents requested." I smiled genuinely up at him.

"Aren't you surprised?" He asked suddenly.

"Ah… I am. I'm somehow refraining from running to M-21 and asking him questions… You, as well." I looked up to Principal Lee. "It's obvious that you aren't… normal, either." I paused, before hesitantly continuing. "And neither is Raizel. The thing is… I'm starting to question a lot."

I sighed. "Taking a guess, the creature that M-21 fought was a vampire. After all, he did bite me." Oh, that's right. I placed a hand on my neck to see that injury had faded, too. I smiled before continuing. "M-21 is likely… a werewolf. But… Even more so than those…"

"Mirai?" Principal Lee urged me to continue.

"I think I've forgotten something. I don't want to go as far as to say memory loss… But may that is what this is. Or maybe I suppressed memories that were too painful?" I blinked hard, fighting against the emotions that seemed to overwhelm me. "The vampire knew me. He said he'd bitten me before, that he'd drank from me before." Unconsciously, my hand raised to the opposite side of my neck that the vampire partook from just a few hours ago. "And he said I used to… settle around with M-21 and 'another one'."

"Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure those memories will return." Principal Lee reassured.

With a look of hesitance, I threw my head up at Principal Lee. He didn't deny these thoughts. Was it true? "That isn't all… I keep seeing images of people… Mostly of M-21…" I trailed off. I had all the verification I needed. I knew these people at some point in time. I lowered my head and grimaced. So, why did I forget? What was so horrible that I'd forgotten everything about these people?

I felt myself starting to tear up and I shook my head to keep them from falling. If I'd forgotten, it was within reason.

"Principal Lee, are you capable of bringing back my memories? If I knew you, and M-21, and Raizel… I don't want to forget those memories. I'm sure they were good memories… Can't you do anything?"

Principal Lee seemed to hesitate. "I cannot." My head lowered.

"I thought as much. I guess it would be impossible, wouldn't it? I'll just… have to focus on remembering and see if it helps."

"Mirai, I would suggest you don't. If you've forgotten something, it was likely within reason. Our minds don't repress memories for no reason; it is generally done to protect us from something. Yours is likely no different."

"I understand that… but it feels so wrong to just forget you three…" I stopped. Talking about it would do nothing but make me feel worse.

Principal Lee said nothing, so I decided to ask something myself.

"Uh… If you're finished, can I get some clothes?"

"Oh, I'm not finished quite yet. Lie back down." I hesitated, but did as he asked. "Just lie still for a moment. This may be cold." And, cold it was. Principal Lee placed more of the salve on my wounds. Not only was it cold, but it tickled as he had to rub it lightly into my stomach. I had to force myself not to move. Principal Lee seemed amused by my reactions. "Now, tilt your head. I'm sure you would like this scar to disappear." I did as he asked as he placed salve on the bites I'd received from the vampire.

"Alright, I'm finished. You can stand now. I brought down a dress from your room. It's behind you." I stood and glanced at the head of the bed I lay on to see one of my orange dressing carefully placed upon a stool. The dress was a light orange in color and reached down below my knees, but not down to the floor.

Principal Lee faced away from me and continued with some form of work, likely to distract himself while I dressed. I slid the dress on easily and walked up to Principal Lee.

"So, where is this?" I asked him as I watched what he was doing. He appeared to be cleaning his messes, which were exceptionally minimal.

"This is still our house. This is just below the house. It's well hidden and not something I just brag about."

"Interesting…" I glanced around the room. The entire room was filled with the latest equipment and countless mixtures of which I could never hope to name. "This is quite impressive, Principal Lee." I smiled at him.

Principal Lee smirked, seeming to appreciate the comment. "Shall we go upstairs."

"Lead the way." I agreed.

In the living room sat M-21, who seemed entirely healed and Raizel, who also sat on the couch drinking tea. When Principal Lee and I walked in, M-21 glanced at us, his eyes lingering on me.

Right off the back, Principal Lee started speaking to the two about Crombel. I moved over to the couch opposite of Raizel and M-21. I sat for several moments before staring longingly at the tea Raizel drank.

I paid minimal attention to the three until M-21's voice suddenly called out, startling me.

"Crombel's helicopter was on the roof?!"

"To be exact, he wasn't there when we first arrived. For whatever reason, he must have decided to return."

"And what happened to him?"

"I lost him."

"Che. That's a shame. I wanted at least him dead."

"He was not an easy opponent."

As Principal Lee and M-21 spoke, my eyes switched between the two, according to who spoke.

"What? You mean you fought him and he still managed to get away?"

"Correct. It seems he wasn't just an ordinary researcher."

"Crombel is strong enough to fight you head on?" M-21's eyes were widened. Was this something he wasn't aware of?

"I see this is news for you."

"Yeah, Crombel is only known as the most talented scientist within the organization. I never heard anything about him being able to fight."

"He must have been hiding it, then."

"To think he was far more powerful than Jake or Mary, and no one noticed…"

"Are you sure that you're the only one who didn't know this?"

"Unlikely. Jake always looked down on him because he thought Crombel was weak. The ones with strong abilities tend to look down on the researchers in the organization. I doubt Crombel was spared from that. The only reason Crombel was ever recognized in the organization was because of his genius. That's how he climbed up to be one of the top executives." M-21 explained.

"For whatever reason, he must have been very careful not to be exposed. I should have pursued him…" Principal Lee looked over to Raizel. "Master, I can't say how much he knows, but it is certain that he won't stop here." He then looked up to M-21. "Do you have anything urgent to take care of? If not, then you should stay here."

"What?" M-21 looked suspicious and almost angry of the request. He sighed. "So you're not letting me go since I know too much." He paused, likely thinking of something. "Hm?" When he opened his eyes, he saw not only Principal Lee staring at him, but Raizel, too, his eyes wide open. "Why are you looking at me like that?!"

The atmosphere in the room made me want to smile, but I refrained. What I did notice, though, was how adorable Raizel looked with his eyes wide open. He looked significantly younger, for one, and more human-like. As opposed to that vacant look he always carried around.

"What are you saying? I don't know what gave you the idea that we're going to force you here."

"Enough of the acting. It's natural to not let me go since there's the danger that I will leak your location. I would've done the same thing if I was in your position."

"I only said you can stay here if you have nowhere to go. You may leave whenever you wish…" Principal Lee clarified.

"Stop with this. You're saying I can live here and take off whenever I feel like it? You expect me to believe that?"

"Yep." I chuckled at Principal Lee's simplicity.

M-21 cast a nervous glance at Raizel. "Even if you do mean it… How can you guys trust me?"

Principal Lee smirked. "On what basis do you think that I trust you?"

"Ah…"

"My trust is not important. The only thing that matters is the will of my master."

Again, M-21 looked surprised. I glanced at Raizel to see him, perhaps, enjoying the scent of his tea. This made me want tea more. Once again, even as I listened to the two converse, I stared at Raizel's tea.

"If you do wish to stay, could I ask you to do something for me? I am in charge of a school at the moment, and we are in need of security. The job is to protect the students as well as respond to any incidents occurring around the campus. You don't have to worry about it being some secret organization. They're just regular civilians."

"And you want me to work there?"

"At times like now, I would be very grateful if you take up the job."

"It doesn't sound like you're giving me a choice. So, you want me to stop fights between students and take money from other students?" M-21 glared at Principal Lee.

"You should at least work for your food. Then, were you thinking of lodging for free?" Principal Lee glared back at M-21.

While the two held their own little glaring fest, which was rather amusing, I continued to stare longingly at Raizel's tea, which was very nearly running out, no doubt.

Accidentally, I whimpered just as Principal Lee's phone started ringing. It seemed as though the only one who heard me whimper was Raizel, who now watched me as I stared at his tea. He closed his eyes again and continued to drink.

Principal Lee suddenly held out his phone to Raizel. "It's Shinwoo." Raizel stared at the phone for a moment before reaching to take it.

I laughed in the next moment as Raizel placed the phone to his ear, upside-down.

Raizel seemed terrified for a brief moment, while M-21 glanced at me curiously, no doubt unable to see what made me laugh from his position. Raizel removed the phone from his ear and placed it on the table before standing. He walked over to the door.

"Master, are you heading out?"

Raizel stopped. "Shinwoo wishes to meet me."

"Sorry?"

"He said he is bored."

M-21 and Principal Lee stared after Raizel. Because Raizel left, and neither of the two were watching me, I grabbed Raizel's tea slowly as to not get noticed.

Very slowly, I raised it to my lips, using the opposite side that Raizel drank from and sipped it as slowly and quietly as possible.

With an audible stifled gasp, I looked up at Principal Lee, who stared at me. My expression turned guilty as I continued to sip from the cup. I glanced to the side, to M-21, then at the wall to my right.

I took a moment to talk before returning to drinking. "I really wanted some tea… And by the time Raizel gets back, this would have been wasted…"

"Mirai…" I glanced back to Principal Lee who glowered down at me. He was obviously trying to restrain himself.

"Sorry, sorry." I sighed, took one last sip, and placed the cup back on the plate. I sat back down with a huff. I pouted and crossed my arms over my chest. I avoided making eye contact with either to emphasize my pouting.

"Mirai..." M-21 spoke my name, to which I looked up reflexively.

"Mm?"

"How are you?" I was taken aback by his question. He was worried? It was likely about the wounds I'd received in an attempt to aid him.

"I'm healed. Don't worry. But, ah, how long was I out?"

Principal Lee finally stopped glaring at me and started to pick up Raizel's tea to clean it.

"Almost an entire day, actually."

"Ah… I thought it might have been a while, or a very short time, considering it's night. And it was night when you…" I trailed off, recalling the events of the night before. I blushed deeply when I remembered that M-21 carried me against him. Shirtless.

I placed my head in my hands to hide the blush. To anyone looking, it would look as though I was frustrated, not embarrassed. I sighed heavily to clear my mind. That was nothing to be embarrassed about. No matter how nice he looked and felt…

And just like that, I my face flushed again. I groaned lightly.

"Mirai, are you alright? Do you have a headache?" M-21 moved to beside me.

"No. It's nothing like that." I forced myself to calm down and stop thinking about that. I looked up at M-21. "I am sorry, though."

M-21 blinked. "What about?"

"According to that vampire creature thing, we were once... allies, I guess? I can't remember this. Apparently we had a comrade." I hesitated with my next question. "M-21… This comrade of yours… ours… did he have the appearance of a brute, have light-pink skin, and have light-blue eyes?"

M-21's eyes widened. I was right.

I looked down. "He… He's not… anymore…" I couldn't seem to voice the words I knew were true. Even though I was openly upset at this, I didn't cry. I couldn't remember this man, and I felt bad for that, and I was sad to know I'd never get the chance to see him again, but that was just it; I couldn't remember him. It was as though he was a stranger to me now. And I couldn't cry over a stranger. "I'm so sorry I've forgotten you both…"

"Mirai, don't apologize. You don't need to concern yourself with such matters anymore."

"But I do! It's an insult to forget someone who was previously important!" I stood, now facing M-21, as he stood only a few feet before me. "Don't you get how that makes me feel?" I sighed and placed a hand on my temple. My head was starting to hurt. It was aggravating being unable to remember him and his ally.

And, yet, there was nothing I could do to bring those memories back. Nothing at all.


Chapter ten, everyone! Whoo... Yeah, it wasn't all that great. The next chapter will be better! (I'm getting rather impatient to include Tao, Takeo, Regis, and Seira, though... I just wanna move right along to each of those characters' introductions!)