A/N: Hey everyone~ we're back to a bigger chapter! I don't know when the next update will be - today? Tomorrow? We'll see. So about this chapter... I'm still not sure about how it came out. It feels kind of weird to me - please tell me what you think?
Enjoy reading! And please remember to follow, favourite and/or review!
Guest: I'm going to put the response to your review here, since you don't have an account. Maya was always an 'oc from the real world'. She just had temporary amnesia in the beginning because of head trauma from the vampire attack that we saw a glimpse of in her dream in the first chapter. I hope that answered your question.
Summary: Vampires are real. I attend Cross Academy, a school where the student body is populated by the human Day Class, and the vampire Night Class. This was all supposed to be fiction. A story I read for entertainment. But it's real. It's all real. SI, OC Insert.
Disclaimer: Everything to do with Vampire Knight is owned by Matsuri Hino. I only own my OC Maya.
Warning: this fanfiction includes dark themes, swearing, mentions of death, serious injury, murder and suicide.
Chapter 4 - Prefect
My plan was stupid, I'll admit. There was no reason to believe Zero would listen to me and stay, and that last bit about saving me? That was my last ditch effort in convincing him - so as you can see, I was pretty desperate near the end.
Oh, and if you didn't like that last plan, you're not going to like my new plan either.
Mostly because it means involving myself hugely in the plot of the story.
That's right, political clusterfucks all around, people.
... I seriously hate my conscience sometimes.
Right. Now that I'm done mentally whinging, I just have to convince Chairman Kaien Cross, a thousand year old, top of his class, former vampire hunter to let me be a prefect.
Great.
"You can come in, Maya-san" called the Chairman.
Out of a nervous habit, I quickly fixed my glasses, swallowed and took a deep breath. In... and out. Then I opened the door.
Inside was Yuuki, a disgruntled Zero, Chairman Cross and the pureblood Kuran Kaname.
Well. I certainly didn't know he was going to be here.
Mentally suppressing the urge to turn tail and run - though I couldn't stop my eye from twitching - I stepped into the room, and closed the door behind me.
"There was something you wanted to tell us, Maya-san?" the Chairman asked.
Taking another deep breath to calm myself down, I looked Cross straight in the eye and told him "... I lied"
"About what?" he asked gently.
"About a few things" I sighed "for starters, the memory erasing doesn't work on me. No idea why, but that just means I've known about the Night Class being vampires for a while now, and I can't forget that no matter how much I might've wanted to"
"Wanted to...?"
For the first time since walking into the room, I glanced over at Yuuki, and what I saw made me hesitate. She looked more tired than usual, I could see her eyes were still a little red from crying and the bandage on her hand covered up to her elbow now.
I could also actually feel Kaname's eyes watching.
And it's creepy as fuck.
Narrowing my eyes, I turned back to Cross, my expression determined "I'm diplomatic, logical, I have above average grades and 95% of the time I follow the rules to the letter. I consistently present a proper appearance, and I can be pretty damn convincing when I need to be" I explained "also, while most likely not up to par with your current prefects, I do have some combat and survival training and experience at my disposal, should a situation call for it"
I could see Yuuki's expression becoming a little horrified as she realized what I was saying, and Zero, well, his eyes were widening as if he couldn't believe what I was saying. Honestly, neither could I. I came up with this whole thing only a few hours ago and while my logical side had worked out most of the details, my sense of self preservation was still arguing with my conscience.
"What are you saying, Maya-san?" Cross asked, his expression had become serious. He had long realized what I was saying, he just wanted me to say it myself.
"The last couple of nights have made me realize that there are a lot of things I will never forget" I continued, my expression softening "but also that fear shouldn't stop from being who I am. I help people when I can; it's what I do, it's what I've always done. And I can't just do nothing anymore. Not when my friends need help. Make me an assistant, or probationary- whatever. I just want to help. To be a prefect"
"I agree"
My eyes snapped over to the pureblood in surprise. Di- did he just agree?!
Why- oh. He just wants another pawn to protect Yuuki. Which I was already doing.
... okay. I was probably already twisted up in his plan anyway, now that I think about it.
"Thank you, Kuran-senpai" I thanked, nodding my head respectfully. I turned back to face the Chairman, swallowing involuntarily in my apprehension and mentally struggeling to keep my face blank, I waited for him to speak.
"Yuuki, Zero, could you give us a moment please?" Cross asked. Yuuki and Zero relunctantly left the room, the latter shooting a glare at Kaname - does he just do that every chance he gets, or what?
A few seconds of tense silence followed after the door closed behind them, before Cross let out a sigh "how much do you know about vampires, Maya-san?"
"Genetic hierarchy, abilities, powers, structure of government, among other things - and I once constructed a psycological profile on a Level E" I responded. All true. Especially the last bit. Back home, one Christmas holiday I was both bored and going through a fascination with psychological behaviour profiles - you can blame Criminal Minds for that - and I just decided I would go through both the manga and anime and create one on Zero.
Not that he would ever find out about that... while my findings were incredibly interesting, it was mostly because near the end I realized it was tantamount to stalking and barely finished the profile... yeah.
"Only a Level E?" Kaname asked.
Surprised he was even interested, I forced myself to turn and face him as I answered "yes, Kuran-senpai. Level B or 'Aristocrats', and Level C and D, were too prediticable to be interesting. And while I find... purebloods much more interesting, I didn't have enough information to create anywhere near a complete profile"
Okay, that was kind of a lie. I could have. I just liked Zero more than Kaname at the time. Now, I couldn't care less, but I didn't have access to the background files I kept on my laptop. Oooooh my laptop. My poor, poor laptop. Sitting all alone at home. I've been spending so much time focusing on getting proper sleep and not getting caught here, that I completely forgot about technology! Wow, that's really weird for me...
Kaname hummed in interest - fake or not, I couldn't tell - and nodded to the Chairman. Okay, back to convincing Cros-
"Then we are in agreement"
Wait, what? What did I miss? Did I zone out again while thinking/mentally mourning over my out-of-reach laptop?
"I'll be starting you off as a probationary prefect. This means that Yuuki and Zero will be giving me daily evaluations of your behaviour and the way you carry out your duties as a Cross Academy prefect - who knows? By the end the week you could be a fully fledged prefect!"
Wow. I think I might have whiplash. Cross's attitude just did a full 180. He's all... happy.
"Ohhhh~" Cross cooed "I have another daughter~!"
... and weird, like usual.
"Maya-chan~?"
"Hmm-? Um, yes Chairman?" don't think I didn't noticed that suffix change, Cross. I maybe not be japanese, but I know how to speak it.
"Could you go get Zero-kun~ for me~?"
"Ye- yes, sir" I moved to door, nodding my head in Kaname's direction before I left "if you'll excuse me, Kuran-senpai, Chairman"
I waited until I was down the hallway before I let out the breath I hadn't even realized I was holding. God that was tense.
It's official. Kuran creeps me out.
It also means if I fuck up and Zero gets Yuuki's blood - I'll be on his fucking hit list. Great.
Shut up, self preservation. I just saved our life for now.
Yeah, you did now - but what about in the long term?!
Didn't I just say to shut up? Logic's already figuring that bit out already!
"... are you talking to yourself?"
I froze... did I mutter that all out loud?
"Yes"
"Fuck off, Zero"
"Fine"
Shit.
"Wait!" I called, turning and grabbing his sleeve.
"What?" he asked, through gritted teeth, tugging lightly at my grip in his sleeve.
"The Chairman wants to see us - don't ask me why. He just said to get you, okay?"
Zero sighed, but reluctantly allowed me to pull him towards the Chairman's office by his sleeve. What? I'm not letting him go! The prick would probably run off, knowing him.
In fact, aside from the last ten minutes when I was talking to Kuran and the Chairman, I have yet let him out of my sight. He did just try to run away, you know.
Thankfully, Kuran was gone when we returned to the Chairman's office.
Cross, however, had changed back to his serious self and was holding what looked like a letter opener and a bracelet in his hands.
"I believe you know what this is, Maya?" Cross asked, holding out the bracelet to me.
I frowned, taking the bracelet and inspecting it. My eyes widened as I realized "ancient vampire hunter magic... used to tame vampires?"
Cross nodded, then handed the small blade to Zero, who sliced open his finger and turned to me.
"Wha- why me? Wouldn't Yuuki make more sense?" I protested, taking a step back.
I had planned on getting more involved in the story, yes - but, this? This is way too invol-
"Zero asked for it to be you" Cross replied. My gaze snapped over to stare at the scowling silver-haired teenager in shock.
Becoming impatient, Zero grabbed my wrist and attached the bracelet. I didn't resist. I just watched as he let a drop of blood fall from his finger onto the single square charm inscribed with the Vampire Hunters Association symbol and it briefly glowed red, signaling the magic's activiation.
Cross then suddenly moved my wrist close to Zero's tattoo and in a brilliant red flash the spell activated, pinning Zero to the floor and disabling him.
"He's fine~" Cross sang - sounding a bit too joyful "he's only been rendered unable to move - now, if he's tries to bite anyone else, Maya-chan, you can just stop him with that! It's only on this condition that Kaname-kun gave permission for Kiryuu-kun to be left in the Day Class, okay?"
I frowned. Why is Kuran okay with me doing this?
"Though it was also because it was his beloved Yuuki's wish, of course~"
Right. Of course. Yuuki was probably 80% of that reason. He probably just pushed this on me because he didn't want his precious Yuuki jumping in harms way.
... this also kinda explains why he supported me becoming a prefect... though I'm sure it's not the only reason. Him being a scheming bastard and all.
Stupid vampire politics.
"I'm sorry, Kiryuu-kun~ I really don't want to do this. But for now just persevere with these, okay?" Cross requested, handing him his blood pill case "... and if you really~ have an urge for blood... drink my blood without restraint!"
... am I the only one creeped out by this? I mean, I was before, but in person, it's just weird- did I just sweat-drop? I can do that?! Sweeeeeet~
Oh whoa, Zero just got pissed off and punched Cross across the room! Why do I always zone out at the best parts?!
"Zero!" I called out, my concerned thoughts from earlier resurfacing, and he paused at the door "... are you sure this okay? I mean, for me to be doing this?"
"... it's fine like this" he said, and then just left. Great. Wait- aren't I supposed to be following him around on patrol tonight?! Wait for me, you jerk!
"It's not okay" Cross added from his position on the floor. I stopped running towards the door, looking back at him.
"I'm entrusting Kiryuu-kun to you, Maya-chan. Otherwise that man will-"
Well, crap. He's out for the count.
Who-? Oh. Oh. Yagari's here already-? OH~ BUT THAT MEANS ICHIJOU'S BIRTHDAY PARTY IS SOON. I wonder if I'll be invited?
Now that I'm a prefect and all, I could totally just tag along with Zero and Yuuki!
My first patrol was quiet. So quiet that Zero got bored around midnight and dragged me off to the academy's secret shooting range.
He handed me a small pistol, saying he 'borrowed' it from the Chairman - in other words, he stole it - and then began showing me how to use it.
"It's an anti-vampire gun, so while it only works on vampires, the bullets still have the same recoil as if it was a normal gun" while he spoke, he clipped up a paper target and I watched as he pressed the button to move it back down the range "try it out so I can see where you are, and then we'll go from there"
When I told him I'd never fired such a small gun before, Zero showed me the correct stance, explained the inner mechanisms and showed me the revolver style way it reloaded, then he let me start taking shots. Since I'd shot larger guns before - a styer rifle and a 9mm pistol - I managed to get the hang of the recoil of the smaller gun pretty quickly, and by the time patrol ended, Zero was satisfied with my averaging 80% accuracy rate and called it a night, saying he would bring me back tomorrow.
On the way back to the Dorms, however, he revealed the real reason he gave me the gun.
"If I ever lose the human part of me, and it seems like I'm going to become reckless... with that gun, I want you to shoot me"
I stopped walking. This again?
When I looked up, he'd stopped as well and had turned back to look at me.
I stared down at the gun in my hand, frowning.
... why does he keep trusting me with this?
Eyes closed, I sighed through my nose "promise me you won't give up"
His eyes widened.
I looked up at him over my glasses "that you'll keep fighting. And then, if it happens... if you lose control and try to hurt somebody... I'll shoot you myself"
Zero stared down at my serious expression, then slowly, he nodded "... I promise"
"Good" then we went our separate ways.
New ethics teacher? Really?
I am so trying not to laugh at the irony of this.
Really.
I've got a hand over my mouth and everything.
But seriously, why did I have to be in the same class as Yuuki, Chairman? Why.
"It appears you have already heard the details"
Well, yes, Yagari-sensei - stifle giggle - this is basically a high school. People gossip. A lot.
Have you heard the ones going around about me and Zero? They think we're together! We're only friends, god. Hell, I'm not even sure we're friends most of the bloody time. He can be such an arsehole...
"Beginning today, I, Yagari Touga, will be taking charge of your Ethics class. I look forward to working with you"
I call bullshit.
Seriously, I'm calling it right now.
The other students started asking a bunch of stupid questions - honestly, who really cares if he's kissed someone?
God. Freaking teenagers - and yes, I think this while perfectly aware I am also technically a teenager.
Suddenly Zero pushed his chair out loudly and just stormed out of the room.
Oh hell no.
"Sensei, um- as a prefect, I will bring him back!" Yuuki announced and then went after him.
Um- shit. Um, what do I do?!
"I-" fucking think, brain! "I'm also a prefect! So I need to help!"
"You need two prefects to bring back a run away student?"
I froze. Whoa, he's actually talking to me. Um. Quick, brain, say something!
"... yes" I said. I almost facepalmed. Really.
"I mean, it's Zero. He can be pretty stubborn"
That... actually sounds like a good reason. Good work, brain.
"Fine" Yagari sighed.
Despite the class prez's protests, I ran out of the door after Yuuki and Zero.
Damn it. I hate running! Just look all the running I've done for you lately, Zero! LOOK AT IT.
Oh, and I caught up just in time to see them running into Cross at the Academy gates.
"Field trip. Field trip. Field trip. Field tri-"
"Maya"
"'What~?" I asked, blinking my eyes innocently as I turned to look up at the tall teen's annoyed face as he carried the larger parcels of the errands we were running for Cross.
"Stop it" he replied.
"Stop what?"
"This 'field trip' thing you're doing. It's annoying"
"But I haven't been on one since I started at this damn school! I haven't even left the front gates, man! The front gates!" I declared, holding the stack of square packages I was carrying over my head to somehow emphasize my point.
I love being silly sometimes. And now that we're not at school and I don't have to be paranoid about my 'reputation', I can be as silly as I want!
Also, I love being in casual clothing. I seriously missed my jeans. I mean those thigh high socks make a tolerable substitute for pants and all - even though I wear mini black shorts underneath my skirt anyway, which is good both for having secret extra pockets and for me not flashing people - but my jeans are just really comfortable, ya know?
Familiar. Familiar and comfortable.
I still had to wear this purple scarf until my neck healed enough for the bandages to be removed... though with all this time wearing it, I'm starting to get attached. Kinda like a certain blue beanie I used wear almost religiously before I lost it while skiing. I'm also wearing a purple shirt and a grey hoodie, by the way. I love hoodies.
We went to a cafe later on, called Negozio di Caffe, Uno Carroza.
Or something. I was bit distracted by the fact that they actually offered watermelon. Have I mentioned that watermelon is my favourite fruit?
Oh wow, it's really fresh~
"I wanted shio ramen"
I glanced at Zero over the top of my glasses as I reached for a napkin to wipe my chin "well you should've said something before I found out they sold watermelon here"
I ignored any further annoyed noises he made as I went back to eating another large piece of watermelon. Yum~
"Hey... Zero?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you know our new Ethics teacher?"
"It's nothing. You don't have to force yourself or answer... but... that person is kind of scary"
"No, that person is just-"
"Excuse me! Are you one of the Night Class students from Cross Academy?"
Ouch. That's gotta hurt.
I looked up from my fruit at the new voice to see a waitress in a maid outfit had come over with a pitcher of water and was talking to Zero.
"Ah~ I knew it! I realized it straight away! There's always an atmosphere different to that of normal people"
Please stop talking. Can't you see that you're pissing him off? Yuuki- oh, nope. She's already failing to intervene.
"Those in the Night Class are exceptional, aren't they? There's a guy called Idol-kun, isn't there?"
It's actually 'Aidou'. And he's kind of a douchebag.
"He likes sweet things and sometimes comes here-"
"I'll be waiting outside" Zero interrupted, picking up his share of the packages and standing.
Huh... that was pretty diplomatic of him.
I should probably hurry up. Though I would love nothing more then to savour this delicious fruit... I'm coming back here again, aren't I?
Yep. I am. No one can stop me.
Eating the last piece and then wiping my mouth clean again - eating watermelon is a messy business - I collected our packages as I waited for Yuuki to finish her parfait.
Soon enough, we were exiting the cafe to find Zero gone.
A glance around revealed the packages Zero was carrying scattered on the ground to our left. What-?
Shit. I don't remember what happens today.
Fuck.
Yuuki and I ran down every street nearby, looking everywhere for our stupid silver-haired fellow prefect.
As we passed a rusty railing, she stopped and cried out in pain.
"Yuuki? You okay?" I asked as she turned around, revealing a red tear in her pink jacket sleeve.
Shit.
Now I remember?!
Without thinking it through, I dove forward, knocking Yuuki aside and grabbing Artemis from her leg strap just as the figure watching from above moved to drop down to attack.
Of course I get stuck with a bloody vampire magnet.
Applying force onto Artemis as I'd seen Yuuki do, the metal rod deployed into the long inscribed staff and I used it to block the attacking vampire's sharpened hand strike.
Then I had to exert myself just to push the guy back - it's not all fancy, easily done gestures like in the anime/manga. Maybe it's because I'm new at this?
Either way, I think I might be screwed. Where the hell is Zero when you need him?! Isn't he supposed to be here by now?!
"Your blood... smells so good"
Oh shit, now Yuuki's spacing out! Shit! What do I do? Shitshitshitshit.
"Yuuki! I need some help here, girl!" I whispered, pulling out the small pistol I'd put in my pocket. Still spaced out, she didn't answer.
Taking aim, I fired, but at this range the Level E was easily able to dodge every shot, the glowing purple crosses the anti-vampire bullets fading away harmlessly.
Fuck. What do I do? What am I supposed to do?! What the fuck am I supposed to do?!
"Let me drink it all!"
Shit-! I dropped the now empty gun, both hands bracing Artemis.
My eyes widened in fear as the vampire charged... oh god. I think I'm gonna die.
Then Artmeis began moving on it's own.
The voice from my dream whispered in my ear "do not resist" and don't ask me why, but for some reason I felt compelled to listen. My muscles relaxed as if on their own and my heartbeat slowed, a blank expression taking over my face.
Immediately my body and the staff began moving like I'd been training to fight with it my whole life. I blocked, parried, I even counter-attacked, defending against the rogue Level E all on my own.
But while I was somehow managing to hold my own - fucked if I know how, by the way - I did know that defending and attacking are two different things.
I also knew, that at this rate I would fatigue quickly, and when that happened, it would be over.
So, in summary. Still screwed. But we will live a little while longer. At least until somebody else who can actually fucking fight shows up.
Please. Anyone at this point, other than me, would be helpful!
The jingle of a chain and pounding footsteps sounded behind me, and my stupid self, for some reason feeling threatened, turned to meet this new bad feeling.
Completely forgetting about the fucking Level E I was already fighting.
Seriously, mysterious person? What the hell? This 'battle mode' thing is pretty shitty.
But the shock of realizing I was about to ripped to shreds by a crazed vampire was quickly replaced with a new shock.
One of being covered in an explosion of dust.
What... the hell.
Oh, this going to be an absolute bitch to wash out later, isn't it?
... seriously, brain. I almost fucking died. And you're thinking about dirty hair?!
... though it is going to be annoying...
"Yuuki! Maya! Are you alright?" Zero? Zero is the 'bad feeling'?
Wait. Then who-?
I turned as the lingering dust in the air cleared to reveal Ichijou Takuma, vice dorm head of the Night Class, standing there with a katana drawn, in all his glorious blonde hair and emerald eyes.
Shut up- oh, and Shiki was there too.
Not. A word.
Anyway.
Holy- holy shit. Oh, I should sit down. You are a great momentary distraction Ichijou, but momentary you still are.
"Why did you two do this kind of thing?" Yuuki asked.
Meanwhile, my free hand found the railing said girl had cut herself on earlier, and I leaned heavily against it as the fatigue brought on by the fight finally caught up with me.
Oh god, my legs feel like jelly. I'm barely able to stand up, and my arms are aching from all that movement they're not used to.
What the hell even was that?
"If it interests you, come to the Moon Dormitory tonight" Ichijou responded "I'll talk to you at length... about why we disposed of the Level E"
... huh?
Wait. Did we just get invited to Ichijou's birthday party?!
OH MY GOD. YES. FINALLY.
What should I give him? I got some manga earlier... I could give him a couple of volumes, maybe? Sacrifice. Yep.
End Chapter
A/N: So. Yep. There are a few reasons behind how that fight scene panned out. Important plot related reasons that I can't reveal.
Please remember to follow, favourite and/or review! It keeps me motivated!
Thanks,
Milley02