Hello Everyone!
Welp, she did it! Mei had told them about being in a world people watched for entertainment and created by someone's thoughts and ideas. Let us see the characters' reactions, but let me first respond to some of the reviews in the last chapter.
Guest: Thank you so much for understanding about my college. I will try to write more frequently, but there are so many ideas in my head that it's hard to distinguish which is better. I cannot promise that the chapters will come out super fast.
Rogue Reader: Thank you for liking the story, and I hope you are enjoying it.
Starrat: I am glad that you loved it.
KEZZ 1: Thank you so much. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
MysteryShadow1896: I'm glad that you're breathing right now. I wanted to make the chapter intense.
seed: I am glad you're enjoying this story so far. I hope you will continue to support the storyline.
RoseHana: ? ?
XoxoSocalsweetheartxoxo: Thank you for your kind words. I read my first vampire knight story repeatedly until I noticed some things I would have changed back then. It was the first story I've finished on this website, and I'm determined to finish this one. I hope you can continue to support this story.
Those are all thanks for now. I have been thinking about how to create this story for months and have decided on an interesting idea. You see when I have not written for a long time. I am not ignoring my passion for writing but coming up with ideas for the next chapters. Hopefully, you all enjoy it.
Chapter 25
Betrayal
Hatred
Disappointment
Darkness
These are the words I expected to describe their expression—the look of betrayal and disappointment at keeping my previous life a secret from them for so long. The darkness in Ichiru's heart expanded onto me—the hatred in their eyes from keeping all the answers that could save them pain and suffering. I was prepared not to be forgiven. They would turn their backs on me, creating distance and wishing to never speak to me again. All the events I've worked hard to prevent have become a reality because of my deceiving and lying.
Zero ate his sibling. Yuki has become a pureblood vampire, with Rido gaining the upper hand and destroying parts of the Academy. Zero, Kaname, and Yuki received a more horrible ending than the original had planned. All relationships have been destroyed because I kept the truth from them. Everything was my fault. I was prepared for the screaming. I was prepared for the anger. The rejection that was coming from the people I love.
I waited and waited.
.
.
.
There was nothing.
I stared at them with shallow breaths. I could feel myself about to faint, waiting for their responses. Ichiru was the first to make a move by gripping my shoulder to pull me forward in a tight hug. His warm arms around my waist and soft pat on my head seemed unreal. Ichiru was hugging me? Ichiru wasn't angry.
"Breathe, Mei. You need to breathe."
My eyes widen at the gentleness in his voice. Why isn't he angry? Why is my body being enveloped in something so warm? Ichiru kept whispering the same thing in my ear, adding more pats and rubbing my back for comfort. I listened to the sounds of Ichiru's breathing, copying it as my own. I could feel my tense muscles relaxing as I gave myself into his hold. I slowly raised my shaking hands to grip his shirt and nuzzle my face on his shoulder. He returned the action by holding me tighter, his face nuzzling my shoulder. What is Ichiru thinking at this moment? Why isn't he saying anything about my confession?
Ichiru...
"Meimei, I have kept a secret from you too."
His voice was muffled from my shirt, but I could hear him.
A secret?
I pulled back to stare at him, but he kept his head down and arms around my waist. His body seems shaken like the secret warning me that it will be too much, as if the secret would change even more of the plot.
"Mei, I knew you were Anastasia Davis four years ago."
My eyes widen at his confession. How? How could he have possibly known? Wait, he said four years ago. Four years ago was the day that Shizuka took Ichiru, and the pureblood princess bit Zero. The only person that could have told him during that time was-
"...Shizuka"
He flinched at that response, which confirmed my answer. I touched his cheeks with both hands to force him to face me. We were more alike in our expression than I could have ever thought—the same fear of being betrayed or hated by the other. There was the agonizing question of how Shizuka could have known—however, all of these connections of the Purebloods in my life. Kaname, Shizuka, and Haruka, how did they all know about me? Who was Anastasia Davis to these people? Why was my past self so important?
My thoughts were interrupted by a squeeze in my hand. I look toward the person responsible, seeing Yuki stare at me. Her gaze was sad, but the expression of an elder sister worried for her family. Ichiru's face was no longer in my hands, but Yuki locked hers with mine. We stared at each other until she released them and wrapped her arms around me. My eyes widen, unsure of how to respond to the affection. Do I accept this? Am I allowed to accept something like this? Her voice was near my ear, echoing every word, vowel, and pitch. I concentrated on her speech because losing focus would make me believe this was not reality.
"This explains why you screamed at the Headmaster to go to Kiryuu's household that night. You were covering Kaname-sama's mouth to prevent me from touching his fangs because something bad would happen. You constantly protected me for so long and suffered through all this alone."
"...Yuki..."
She removed herself from the hug, touching my shoulder and shaking me.
"You idiot!"
My body flinches from surprise at the sudden loud voice.
"We could have helped you! We could have done something to keep you safe or make it to where you didn't do this alone!"
Keep me safe? Was the plot meant to keep me safe? No, I knew what would happen, so I trained and prepared for those moments. I've worked hard to give everyone involved a chance to live in this world filled with light, joy, and peace. If they knew, the story would- it might-. I gripped Yuki's wrist, narrowing my eyes at her.
"None of you were ready to understand any of the story. I've already changed so much of this timeline that having you know would cause the storyline to go out of balance! I would be more confused, thrown off the plot, and nothing would have changed how it is now!"
"This world is not a story anymore, Mei! It is the world that you and I live in!
"I know it isn't the story anymore! That's why I'm terrified!"
Yuki paused, releasing her grip on my shoulders. However, I did not let go of her wrist as I stared at the floor. My body was shaking, and I could feel myself about to explode. However, I started laughing. All I did was laugh, letting go of Yuki, and running my hands through my hair.
"Listen to me talk. I would be confused. I've changed so much of this timeline. All I do is talk about myself and how I want things to be within this story. Why did I not tell you the truth from the beginning? Why did I keep you and Zero oblivious to everything I've done? However, we all have kept secrets from each other. Had I told you from the beginning, would you have changed your personality? Your actions towards people? Those thoughts have me scared and worried. The truth is, I didn't want any of you to change. I wanted to be part of your world but not the main focus. Yuki, I wanted you to be with Kaname and Zero."
I heard a gasp but was unaware of who since my view remained on the floor.
"Ichiru, I wanted you and Shizuka to discuss the darkness within your hearts since you both have similar issues. I had hoped that the darkness would be gone and live a life with your parents and each other. Zero would be more open to vampires, and things would be different. However, the story only changed slightly. There is only so much that I can change in the story by myself. Fate is funny. No matter what I do, the results remain the same as the original. I do not know what comes next anymore. I do not know what will happen after telling you. I... don't know what is to become of me."
It was quiet. Every little terrifying thing I was worried about finally came out in the open. I have been living as Mei Kursou with the memories of Anastasia, but I do know who I am as her. If I didn't have the memories of Anastasia, then would this Mei be different? Would everything I've done before be different? I can feel the world swallowing me whole. The world was becoming darker, with my terrifying thoughts making it worst. Yuki and Ichiru slowly disappeared from my sight, and they were replaced with the black world.
"Who am I?"
"You're the most overdramatic, annoying, stubborn, controlling, and protective little girl I'm dating."
My eyes widened as lavender eyes came into view, with their silver hair appearing in the dark world. Piece by piece, he showed himself as a bright light to me. His eyes looked soft and caring, like the boy I'd seen in the stories.
"...Zero"
His hand reached out to softly touch my cheek in the most calming way possible. The area surrounding him was filled in with color, texture, Ichiru, and Yuki behind him. He moved his thumb in slow circles, continuing to speak.
"You know who you are, Mei. You have chosen to become the Mei Kurosu of this world, but keep the past close to your heart. In ways, I have seen moments of you and Anastasia combined. You are the girl who cries for those that are suffering. You smile to keep the heavy atmosphere light and feel life. You are the guiding hand that we have needed. You are you. No matter what comes next, you are not alone anymore."
Ichiru and Yuki smile, nodding their heads in agreement with Zero. My heart grew heavy, tears building up and falling down my cheeks. How many times have I cried during these moments? How often have I shown vulnerability to these people I have accepted as family and friends? I reached forward to touch Zero's cheek in the same gentleness he gave me.
"I think along the way, I've been losing myself."
Zero nods his head in agreement.
"You have, Mei. You continue to worry about the events of our life but forget about yourself. I've noticed your obsession since you became the vampire hunter president."
My obsession...
My obsession with trying to understand Rido Kuran. The man has taken the life of the original Kaname, Juri Kuran, and-. The red scarf around Haruka's neck came back to mind, and my mom's appearance was covered in blood. I removed my hand from Zero's cheek, slowly standing while staring at all three. Confused, the three stared at me, but I returned it with a smile. I leaned down to kiss Yuki's cheek and Ichiru's forehead and kissed Zero. He returned my affection gently since there were other people around. The kiss lasted for only a few seconds before pulling back and staring at them with a newfound determination.
"You're right about one thing, Zero. I have forgotten about myself, but not anymore. I'm no longer alone and ready to get my desired answers."
They all stood up from the ground nodding their head in agreement. They are right. I am not alone in this anymore; perhaps this is why Haruka wanted to make that deal with me. Why all of them wanted me to tell them? I closed my eyes, imagining the people aware of my past life, even those who had never said anything. Reopening my eyes, I connected them with Yuki's piercing gaze. The idea of telling Yuki about her missing memories came into my head. However, Yuki is cursed to have anything burn in fire upon the incident of 10 years ago. It is as if Juri never wants her daughter to find out about her real identity. I hate to imagine what would happen if a human told her the truth. Could that be the reason why Kaname smiled when she asked that day? Why does no one say anything about that day in front of her? If that is true, then she might not be able to find out anything about the incident of 10 years ago. What about before then? What about a time before she was born? I reached into my pocket to reveal the keys that gave me access to everything in the Academy, including Father's study. I threw the keys at surprised Yuki, catching them easily. She stared at them, confused, then looked up at me.
"Mei?"
"Father has documents of when he was a vampire hunter. There may be something you can find there to help you with missing memories, Yuki."
Her eyes widen in surprise, gripping the keys tightly in her hands.
"You mean I can find out what happened ten years ago."
I shook my head with a seldom look.
"No, Yuki. Someone who dearly loves you put a curse on you upon the incident ten years ago. Anything you gaze upon or anybody that tells you anything from that incident will be put in flames. For your memories carry so much bloodshed and heartache. This person does not want you to relieve or remember the incident, but you desperately want to find out why, right?"
Yuki stared at me for a few seconds, contemplating her next actions. After some thought, her eyes seemed to return to the present, and she nodded. My heart felt warm and proud seeing my adopted sister before me. She is taking action for her own life.
"Alright, you won't be able to read about an incident from 10 years ago, but maybe you don't have to? What about 11 years ago or 12 years ago? I got to Father's study and looked at any papers that might spark something from those years ago. You may have something that no one has ever known before."
Yuki nodded in understanding, taking off from the other side of the hallway. She waved her hand towards me, shouting thank you. A smile spread on my face as I watch her disappear from the dark hallway. My attention went to Zero, lightly punching his chest. He stared at me in shock and anger.
"You better not kill, Kaname, got it?"
Zero smirked, grasping my hand in his large one, towering over me.
"Who do you think you're talking to?"
Zero kissed my hand before going in the opposite direction. Ichiru and I were the only ones remaining in the hallway. I heard his footsteps coming closer to my side. My focus went onto Ichiru to see him smile happily. His gaze stares at me with pride and hopes towards me. Ichiru, how can I save you from a fate that is to be eaten by your brother? How can I make it to where you and Shizuka live happily together? Ichiru surprised me by touching my cheek to return to the now. He shook his head with that smile remaining on his face.
"Meimei, I know what you are thinking, and it is okay. I've accepted my fate."
My eyes widen in shock, feeling my heart beat faster than normal.
"Ichi, no. There has to be another way. A way for you and Shizuka to live happily together. A way where you can connect with your brother and-"
"But there isn't."
The smile on his face turned out to be more than happy, but accepting the outcome after this moment.
"Ichi, please... we have to try."
"Meimei, my brother, and I are called the cursed twins for a reason. My appearance as a frail and sickly child was created for a reason. When the time comes, Zero will need my strength and consumption to defeat the monster we are trying to defeat. Before that happens, please let me live my life by helping you. Ask me to do whatever you want. Please, Meimei."
I can feel the pain in my heart increasing as Ichiru speaks. The whole day has been nothing but surprises, and there are still yet to come. Ichiru, I'll accept what you want but won't let you die. You deserve to live and fight alongside your brother and be with the woman you love. I'll make sure of it.
"Yamato."
A strong gust of wind opened a hallway window to reveal Yamato's human form behind me. Ichiru stared at Yamato, confused, then returned his gaze toward me.
"Rido Kuran is an enemy we are facing and is inhabiting a body I care about. Please go to the Academy and Hunter Association library that has anything to do with a vampire taking one's body. Can I count on you both for that?"
Ichiru nodded his head; then I turned to face Yamato. Yamato nodded in understanding, but I had another task for the familiar. Yamato narrowed his eyes at the second command before shifting his human form into the crow and flying onto Ichiru's shoulder. Ichiru glared at the creature before taking off to do what I asked. They all have somewhere important that needs to be done, and so do I.
My feet felt like they were moving independently as I took off in a sprint. The deal with Haruka and Kaname echoed in my head. They were not the only that had kept my knowledge secret. Yamato, Shizuka, and Ichiru knew who I was without my knowledge. However, they were the people that confessed who knew me, but others haven't confessed. They choose not to speak up because- because-
I slammed the door open to my final destination.
"Now, it is your turn to explain. All three of you."
Haruka, Father, and Uncle Yagari turned their attention to me standing near the door of the Headmaster's office.
"Who told you about Anastasia Davis?"
The room was silent. The air around us was thick and heavy. We each had a story and a secret to share that we knew would be leaked. We did not know how to face each other when the time came. All of these secrets were to keep us safe because we love each other. I couldn't help but chuckle slightly as I remember thinking about how scary love can be. However, here I am. I hid so many things to keep them safe for love. Man, I want to return and smack myself from my earlier thinking. I should have learned that anything I was going to say was never going to happen.
Haruka was the one to break the heavy atmosphere by chuckling. We stared at the Pureblood King, confused at his behavior. He walked towards me and stretched out his hand for me to take.
"I apologize, Mei. You looked so deep in thought that it reminded me of somebody."
Haruka's charming smile made my heart race. He is way too handsome for his good. Plus, he looks like the older version of Kaname. Gosh darn it, heart! You need to calm down, Mei! I felt my cheeks flush to put my hand in his.
"I remind you of somebody?"
With that charming smile, Haruka continued to guide me further into the room and sat on a chair across from him. Father remained behind his desk. I can sense Uncle Yagari close behind me. Haruka took his seat to put one leg over the other, resting his elbow on the armchair and placing his cheek on his knuckles. Every small action that he was doing reminds me so much of Kaname. I suppose Kaname takes after his father, or he must look up to his father more than I thought.
"Mei, what do you know about the Kuran family?"
"Huh?"
"Exactly as I said. What do you know about the Kuran family?"
"The Kuran family... Well, I know about you, Juri, and Rido. I remember the late Queen and King being killed by Rido. Rido was supposed to marry Shizuka but had a child with Senri's mother, your nephew. Then, there are your and Juri's children, Yuki and Kaname."
I wanted to continue by mentioning that Kaname is not the Kaname that Juri gave birth to. However, I reframed from doing so in case Haruka did not want to speak-
"And that Kaname is not the son that my wife gave birth to, correct?"
My eyes widen at Haruka, gripping my uniform skirt. I have been intimated by Kaname, Shizuka, Yagari, and my Father, but how things are going with Haruka. Every word that he speaks feels intense. My body feels cold, and my hands are so clammy from nerves. He stares at me with no hesitation in his eyes. Is this what it feels like to be near the King Vampires? Everything that he does is calculated with precision and no hesitation in anything that he does. Is this Haruka Kuran?
"Well, am I right?"
"Um, uh, yes, but how did you-"
"I told you to tell me what you know about the Kuran family, Mei. I want the full truth and nothing as such. Things will go smoother and easier if you do so. Is that understood?"
I feel like a child getting scolded.
"Yes, sir."
I sighed in response. Somehow, there is a sense of guilt in my heart. I want to know so much, but I'm selfish by not giving him the answers he seeks. There was a shuffling sound seconds later to notice Haruka reaching forward and patting my head. From the first meeting, I remember his actions were strange and unusual. There was a sense of warmth and comfort in him. I have felt it so long ago, but I can't remember.
"Kuran-sama?"
He stopped patting my head, for that charming smile turned into one of pain. He bites his bottom lip to sit back down in his chair properly. The King was staring out the window while continuing the conversation.
"I do not blame you for not knowing all of it. You were right about most of my family, but you are missing something."
"Missing something?"
"My father and mother never met for what happened. It shocked everyone in the family, but they decided to keep their existence a secret from the entire vampire society. Once my father realized what the Vampire council had become, they wanted to remain things secret. The only other person to have ever known about this person's existence is Shizuka and Shunsuke Hio."
I felt my heart stop as the name Shunsuke echoed in my ears. My hands were shaking from this story.
"Shun...suke Hio. Shizuka has a brother."
Haruka did not move his posture from the chair but glanced at me to make eye contact.
"Yes. Shunsuke, the younger brother of Shizuka, met the person when they were only a baby. My father and mother did not see it then, but it was obvious their first meeting would not be their last. The child grew up away from the Vampire society to be protected by the Queen and King and may only interact with me, Juri, and the Hio siblings."
"Wait, what about your brother?"
Haruka's eyes glowed red for a second, and a gun click could be heard behind me. Father shouted at Yagari to put away his weapon. His response was a click of his tongue in annoyance, but I knew Uncle listened to Father. Haruka closed his eyes to calm down from what he would say next.
"My brother tends to be possessive over the things he 'loves'. My parents made it clear to my brother that they would meet once a month with supervision because they feared Rido would be possessive of them too. If anything, that seems to have irritated my brother more. I did not know what my brother saw, but each time he looked at the child, his eyes looked crazier than the next. It was starting to become obvious. My brother's fascination was no longer on Juri but the child."
Oh no.
"The child... did they die?"
Haruka shook his head before responding.
"No, the child grew to be strong and healthy. The smile on their face was brighter than the sun. Their voice was soft and gentle with the most beautiful idealist I've ever met. There was no hatred in their heart. The child was the kindest person you could have ever met. However, their biggest flaw was being shy. They were so shy to be near the person they were in love with that getting them out of their room was sometimes impossible. Who would have thought that the child would be in love with Shunsuke Hio, of all people? Despite that, Shunsuke had similar feelings toward the child. He confessed to them, and I'd never seen them so happy till that moment. What we didn't realize was Rido's heart and mind were more distorted than before. Rido was upset with the knowledge that another person they loved was taken from them, and his heart was filled with more hatred. I made the mistake of having Rido part of my wedding and showing them our first son. I thought he had changed. I believe my elder brother would finally be part of the family. I was mistaken. Not only did he kill my son, but he vowed to make the child theirs and kill the person they love in front of them. Shunsuke and the child decided to stay in the villa the Hio family had created for them was better. It will keep the child safe, but we could no longer meet for fear that Rido would follow. We receive weekly letters about their well-being. Each letter would make us filled with dread and sadness. When Yuki was born, we received a letter from them about the child being pregnant. It was the last letter we would ever receive from them."
Haruka reopened his eyes to stare at me.
"The child was pregnant with you, Mei."
I remained in shock listening to all of this. How can I respond to any of this? Wait, there was something he wasn't telling me.
"Haruka, wait a minute. You keep saying 'the child' but not telling me their name. What is their name?"
Haruka glanced at Father, nodding his head, then at Yagari doing the same. My hands were in Haruka's as he stared at me. How his aura is portrayed shows that the next things he will say will change everything I've known about him.
"Anastasia Davis, you're mother, Elizabeth Davis, is the youngest daughter of the Kuran family, Emiko Kuran."
I can feel my soul leaving my body at that moment. Everything in my world was turned upside down, and the light in my eyes was gone.
"...What?"
...Okay, before you come at me with harsh comments and questions! I know! I know! Some of you would be happy if she weren't a pureblood and remained a Vampire Hunter. I am sorry, but I have considered this scenario in Chapter 2. Trust me, I have thought long and hard about this chapter for months! I'm sorry, but not only is my character a Vampire Hunter President, but she is a Pureblood with the Kuran bloodline and a Hio. I had to do it. She would be more powerful that way. I thought about her being a Pureblood from a Hio family and dating a Vampire Hunter. I've thought of ideas of the Kuran family being friends with a different Pureblood and Vampire Hunter. Either way, Mei Kurosu was going to be a vampire. What kind? I haven't figured that out yet. Anyway, please wait till the next chapter because I know there will be a lot of comments about incest. I understand! I'm reading them over and over. However, this scenario works with how my vision for Mei is to be. I hope to read kind and understanding reviews and comments. More things will happen in the next chapter, so be patient and see what happens next.
Until Next Time!