Fanfiction is quite strange. Second time repeat chapter.
Footsteps echoed throughout the the cobbled streets of the city, its once grandiose architecture which brought forth great power now remaining as a sign of its former glory. The once prosperous city of Yharnam had long descended into a state of disorder, having being left abandoned by the Healing Church for its residents to fend for themselves. Many beasts and many hunters abundantly scattered as the city further descends into disarray.
Everywhere one would look, within every corner and cranny, one could taste the despair within the air as the populace fell to madness as they succumbed into their fear.
It was his duty, and the only thing he could do, to end their suffering before further collapse to the already broken city takes place. Although, regardless on what justification he gave to himself, it mattered not.
Within one of the main streets of the city, several of the already succumbed Yharmanites crowded together as they partook in the immolation of a Scourge Beast, a werewolf-like beast which were once human, whom had been tied into a makeshift stake.
They all heard his footsteps growing ever closer, turning to him.
"It's all your fault!"
"Cursed beast!"
"You plague-ridden rat!"
"You foul beast!"
"You are not wanted here!"
They all cursed him for bringing misfortune upon the city, despite him having little to no involvement in their suffering. All armed with armaments as they all crowded towards him, yet he could not say anything to them, only arming himself to confront the angered crowd.
The Hunter awoke in a startle, a cold sweat breaking down his face. His breath haggard as his eyes strained to adjust themselves to the sudden brightness. Once he took a moment to process his surroundings, he noticed it to be his newly assigned dormitory room within the strange new world he found himself in. Only when he realised he was not in immediate danger did he calm down.
'To think I would dream about the hunt.'
The Hunt, his hunt, had certainly took its toll on him. No matter how long he progressed throughout the hunt on that night, it seemed almost as if no time had passed; what could have been a never ending night of hunting could be only a few blinks from another's perspective. The sunrise he saw outside his windows acting as a reminder that the night was indeed over.
It was his second day as a member of faculty, and he intends to remain punctual to set a good example. Even if he was still conflicted on the Headmaster's decision on granting him the role, especially for a teaching facility which taught beasts to blend into human society.
Oral hygiene had long since became a foreign aspect to the Hunter because of his long arduous hunt, yet he had managed to wash up immediately upon awakening. Quick and ready was the key, after he had finished, he decided it was time to stroll to the academy.
The Hunter paused before the door. 'I should withhold my weaponry.' He thought, placing his Chikage and Evelyn onto his desk. Yesterday had been a special case due to sudden circumstances he could not have predicted, which left him forced to bring his armaments along without any chance to place them away. 'It is best to not intimate the students any more than necessary. Ah, my headpiece as well.' The Hunter also thought, removing his trusted tricorn hat, placing it next to his weaponry. Then he left his dormitory room.
Because of the commotion Saizou Komiya had caused the day before - collateral damage, revealing his true form and harming fellow students - just to name a few. It was decided the punishment he would receive was a suspension for a duration, though one could argue that causing all these offenses in a single day on the first day would have warrant an expulsion.
And with the rapidly spreading rumours of the Hunter subduing the unruly student. The students kept a wide berth from him as he passed by, it was not that he did not understand the reason they did so, but he did not mind. After all, it meant he had his own personal space. Although there was one student that did not mind the rumours.
"Good morning Mr. Syn!" a familiar voice called from behind him. Speak of the devil, here was that one aforementioned student.
Out of courtesy, he turned to source of the voice and returned a greeting of his own with a bow. "A pleasant morning to you, Miss Akashiya."
Raising his head to observe the pinkette student, a sudden thought came to the Hunter's mind. He could not recall when or where, but he remember hearing talks of vampiric beasts being unable to walk in the light of day. However, the living example before him, Moka Akashiya, defied those claims. In any case, it seems he needed to forget any and all hearsay for all the beasts he had not yet seen and to make notes of new knowledge.
A brief glance also allowed him to observe the surrounding male students becoming enamoured with Moka. Although his presence there meant they gave a wide berth for the two to converse comfortably without interruptions, yet that did not stop them from praising her (as he could recognise from their postures and mannerisms) to the point of becoming overbearing.
"Are you faring well from yesterday?" The Hunter asked.
Moka's face conformed into one of both worry and surprise. "I should be the one asking you, Mr. Syn. Are you okay?" Moka made quick glances up towards his forehead, and as quickly as she took a glance, she reverted her attention to him. It did not go unnoticed by the the Hunter.
"My wounds have healed significantly since yesterday."
"That's a relief." Moka sighed, her concern relieving itself. "You're not wearing your hat today?" She asked, already becoming accustomed to the sight of him wearing the tricorn hat.
"It would make do for an image change."
"Well, you look good!"
"I give my thanks." The Hunter bowed at the compliment.
Moka remained silent momentarily, before she begun to sniff the air, already slowly becoming intoxicated as the seconds went by. "Oh Mr. Sy-"
"Miss Akashiya." The Hunter called out cutting Moka off mid-sentence, having already becoming accustomed to the telltale signs of her cravings, and snapping the student out of her intoxicated state.
"Y-yes?!" Moka asked, becoming embarrassed at losing her self-control after sniffing the Hunter's blood once again.
"Mr. Aono is right ahead, perhaps you may wish to converse with him?" The Hunter mentioned, diverting the vampiress' attention away from him.
"O-oh, I should do that!" Moka exclaimed, "Then I'll see you in class later!"
"Even though you are not in one of my classes today?" The Hunter asked, after all, due to the size of the academy and its cohort, there was more than enough freshmen to split to roughly five separate homerooms.
"O-oh right! Then I'll see you later Mr. Syn!" Moka shouted with embarrassment, bowing at the Hunter.
"Farewell, Miss Akashiya." The Hunter returned, giving his own one handed bow.
The Hunter observed as Moka ran up to Tsukune, giving what seemed to be a lighthearted conversation... Just for her to bite his neck again afterwards.
Perhaps something should be done about her self-control, and her inability to hide her true appearance more discreetly.
It wasn't Moka's intention to act as she did, she didn't mean to drink Tsukune's blood spontaneously... probably, but the smell of Syn-sensei's blood had caused her to lose herself in desire somewhat 'slightly', and she had no other way to ease her cravings.
But what Moka had done ended up with Tsukune running off from her, proclaiming that he wasn't her food. Yet when she followed behind, Moka saw Tsukune with another girl, one who she saw in her English class yesterday, but who she couldn't remember the name of, embracing each other closely.
Before Moka knew it, it was already the second break time. Yet her mind still wandered towards Tsukune and the blue-haired girl from earlier. She could not understand what their relationship was
"You are a vampire, right?"" a female voice asked from above.
Moka turned to the voice, noticing it was the blue-haired girl with Tsukune earlier, sitting upon the stair handrails. The girl hopped of the handrail, landing next to her, the surrounding boys begun talking about her immediately, praising her appearance as an equal to hers.
"I'm the succubus, Kurumu Kurono." The girl introduced herself, revealing both her name and her true form. "I've come to defeat you."
Naturally, Moka was confused by Kurumu's statement, having barely even knowing who she was at all. Yet Kurumu still considered her to be the biggest obstacle to her grand plans, revealing it to be to seduce the male student body into becoming her slaves with her innate abilities as a succubus upon enrollment, much to the surprise of Moka and the surrounding male students, as the aforementioned male students were talking about Moka and not Kurumu.
Kurumu claimed to Moka that she will take Tsukune from her, in order to prove her to possess the superior feminine charms. Moka tried to claim Tsukune had to involvement with her, yet Kurumu claimed Tsukune possessed a delicious smell, akin to a human.
"Is his blood delicious? You're just using Tsukune-kun as 'food', aren't you?" Kurumu accused.
"N-no! I'm not using him! I'-" Moka tried to deny.
"And Syn-sensei too!" Kurumu interrupted. "You've been around him a lot too! And his smell is even more potent than Tsukune's! Maybe I'll claim him from you while I'm at it!"
"B-but Syn-sensei has nothing to do with this!" Moka tried to reason. "And he's a sensei!"
"And he'll surely fall for my charms like Tsukune-kun will!" Kurumu exclaimed. "That way I'll absolutely win against you!"
Tsukune later arrived at the scene at the absolute worst timing, immediately falling prey into Kurumu's succubus abilities. Moka tried desperately to warn the hypnotised Tsukune to avoid Kurumu under the danger of her plan to consume him. Yet the possessed Tsukune stated he would more likely be consumed by her first instead of Kurumu.
Upon hearing these words from Tsukune, Moka ran in a state of tears, leaving Tsukune, and Kurumu to rejoice in her victory.
Before the Hunter knew it, it had already closely reaching third period (out of the six periods with a small break in between as standard in the education system). He had been temporarily assigned to mainly lecturing in the English subject for all three various year levels, until the Headmaster was able to think of more subjects he could assign him to. The 3rd year level students had a stronger fundamental understanding of the English language than the 1st years, therefore the disadvantage of a language barrier was significantly lower, resulting in a smoother teaching period.
A curiosity the Hunter noticed from the class rolls he had received, was that every student had been present since classes begun yesterday. Yet in the 1st Year Level, a student had already became increasingly tardy early within the school year, already missing the first two days of classes, Mizore Shirayuki was it?
While he understood it was possible for individual students to not have the desire to attend classes. Youkai Academy, due to its nature of educating beasts in secrecy from human society, mandates its student body to relocate and reside within the Student Dormitories, which is located within the academy ground, which in turn cannot be left without academy permission, as he was told by the Headmaster. And the Hunter had confirmation from Shizuka, that Mizore Shirayuki has indeed relocated to the Student Dormitories, yet she already remain absent.
Perhaps Moka was able to check on her peer's status when she was unoccupied?
Speak of the devil, the aforementioned student was heading towards him.
"Ah Miss Akashiya, I need to ask of a favou-."
The Hunter's words went unheard, as Moka had ran passed him without acknowledging his presence. She seemed to have been in great distress, as he had also noticed her shedding tears. Sparing a glance opposite of the direction Miss Akashiya headed, the Hunter noticed one of the female students, a familiar blue-haired female student, enveloped by a majority of the male student body and Mr. Aono who seemed unnaturally captivated, and a loose hypothesis was already made in his mind of the events that had transpired.
It seems the Hunter was not the only one whom noticed the female student's presence, as she too noticed him. "Syn-sensei~." The female student called out, while slowly approaching him.
The student, whom he recognised as Kurumu Kurono from his yesterday English class, was strangely exertive towards him, flaunting and pressing her body onto him as if it were second nature. Out of profession, he felt it inappropriate for the... admittedly well-bosomed student, to be clinging onto him as she was currently doing. Yet for the strangest reasons, she seemed infatuated with his eyes (albeit one being covered by his bangs), gazing upon them with great concentration. He felt a mild irritation as her staring prolonged, it was strangely as if he was at the brink of becoming captivated. Although the irritation ceased when the staring prolonged further.
"Miss Kurono." The Hunter called out.
"Wha-?"
With his binder in hand, the Hunter lightly smacked the student on the head.
"Oww!" Kurumu cried.
"Please refrain from indecency towards staff." The Hunter reprimanded, before turning towards the direction Moka had ran off.
Moka sat on the stairs outside one of the entrances of the academy buildings, Tsukune's words had took a heavy toll upon Moka.
'How long do you plan just sit here and cry?' the Rosary, which housed her other form, asked with a tone of annoyance.
"But... what if I really only want Tsukune for his blood...?"
'Don't be foolish, it's only that succubus' charm at work.'
Moka and the Rosary had a small conversation about the succubi race, with their powerful innate abilities to charm their victims. So powerful in fact that it was near impossible to escape from one's charms.
'That teacher called for you, yet you left him alone with that succubus. What would you do if he got seduced by that harlot?'
Only then did Moka remember that she had left Syn-sensei behind with Kurumu, yet her emotions didn't allow her to see anything else... What if Kurumu had already charmed him too?
Moka heard the door open behind her, she turned to check who had appeared behind her.
"Have I disturbed your conversation?" a familiar presence asked her.
"Syn-sensei?"
"Is something the matter for you to tear up this much?" Syn-sensei asked, sitting a few distances away from her.
Moka turned to face away from him in shame. "Kurumu's a succubus, so I thought you would've fallen for her spell too..."
Syn-sensei paused for a brief moment, seemingly as if he connected the dots to something Moka didn't know. "Ah, after you made your leave, Miss Kurono did make an attempt to place me under her charm, that must have been those succubus abilities at work."
The statement surprised Moka, after her conversation with her other self about succubi and their near unbreakable charm abilities. "Her abilities didn't work on you?"
"I suppose you could say I have... strong mental capacities. Were you speaking with your... alternate self?" Syn-sensei tried to phrase, as if unsure how he was supposed to refer to her other self.
"Yes, its been happening just recently." Moka admitted, grasping at her Rosary. "We were speaking about how succubus could make their victims their slaves forever."
"Fascinating, although I would have liked to take the opportunity to converse with your alternate self, there is no time for you to remain. Someone is in need of your assistance."
"Oh! I must save Tsukune before he becomes a slave!" Moka shouted, standing from her position suddenly.
"I presume Miss Kurono would be in the infirmary with Mr. Aono, do hurry Miss Akashiya."
"Thank you so much Mr. Syn!" Moka thanked, as she ran towards the double doors.
"The pleasure is mine."
Moka paused before she entered the building, a thought immediately coming to her mind. "Wait, how did you know Kurumu and Tsukune would be there?"
"Ah, I smacked Miss Kurono on the head after she tried to charm me." Syn-sensei explained nonchalantly.
"Oh... Did you call me earlier? While I was... running away?"
"Do not worry of it, for now there are other pressing matters you must attend."
"Hey, are there people fighting out there?" A student asked.
"Did the skies turn red all of a sudden?" Another one asked.
The Hunter noticed the commotion caused by the students in his class, the class that he was currently lecturing was another 1st Year English Class, and he too decided to observe the outdoors to see what had caught their collective attentions.
The skies had turned red with an large number of bats congregating into one area. A familiar sight, this time not reminding him of the red night skies he observed in Yharnam, but the sight of the events which transpired within yesterday afternoon. It was certain Moka had entered conflict with Kurumu. Therefore as faculty, he must intervene before matters escalate even further.
"Miss Sendo," The Hunter called out, "May you take over the class while I investigate the commotion?"
"W-what? Me?" The student, whom adorned a stereotypical witch outfit and was noticeably younger than the rest of the class, called out timidly in fluent English.
The Hunter nodded as confirmation. "I believe you would be the most capable student as the sole English speaker, but I suppose I must choose another if you do not desire it."
"N-no! It's not a problem!" The student named Yukari Sendo exclaimed. "I'll be happy to do it!"
The displeasure from three particular students did not go unnoticed, it seemed as if the young girl was being discriminated against by them for reasons he did not know. But for now, the Hunter must prevent any further commotions by Moka and Kurumu.
"... need to learn your place!" Moka shouted, delivering a powerful kick onto Kurumu's abdomen, after pulling the succubus' tail to pull her closer for a more impactful force.
Kurumu felt her body being in pain in many regions of her body, a fight against an S-ranked youkai like a Vampire against a even an A-rank like a Succubus meant the result was already decided and that resisting was pointless. Yet that did not mean Kurumu would give up so easily.
Somebody had unexpectly arrived on the scene, and Kurumu took their appearance as her chance to try and ensure an escape route.
A flight charge of abnormally quick speed was charged at the new arrival, and they were caught within her grasp.
"Don't move!" Kurumu shouted at the Moka in a state of panic, although it surprisingly proved rather effective in stopping Moka in place. It seemed the hysteria made the succubus not realise who she had held captive.
Kurumu had believed she had gained the upper hand by holding the Hunter hostage, though in her state of panic, she remained unaware of her elongated nails had accidentally pierced his neck through the scarf and mask, causing a small wound which released a slow flow of crimson, although he made no motion to acknowledge the wound.
However, the Hunter purposely allowed her to hold him hostage, so the distance could be dramatically shortened. He knew he would be unable to reach the succubus should she take to the skies with that earlier demonstrated abnormal speed, especially without Evelyn which he left behind in is assigned dormitory residence.
If the Hunter had noticed at least one significant distinction between the beasts found here and the beasts of Yharnam, it was that the beasts in this world can were far more intelligent, therefore it was best to not hold back, lest he wished to find himself at the mercy of his attackers. He threw a heavy elbow blow at Kurumu's solar plexus, where she had earlier been kicked, rapidly taking away her breath and forcing her to release her hold on him, the injury partially healing his neck wound. Once released, the Hunter immediately grabbed Kurumu by her sweater, and threw the succubus with great force to Moka, whom in turn grabbed Kurumu and slammed her onto the ground with the added centrifugal force, creating a noticeable crack upon impact beneath to render the succubus immobile.
"What are you even doing outside?" Moka asked the Hunter after delivering the final impact, facing upwards towards him. "Isn't it already class time?"
"A good question Miss Akashiya." The Hunter responded. "I could ask you three the same."
"Although," The Hunter examined the surroundings which showed signs of conflict, with a large abundance of trees sliced to their trunk, most definitely due to Kurumu and her elongated nails. "My question has already been answered."
With only one glance at the scene, the Hunter had immediately came to the conclusion that Kurumu was the main instigator of the confrontation, with Moka acting out in self-defense. With this realisation, he took out the binder from within his coat.
"What are you scribbling down?" Moka asked in curiosity.
"Notes regarding misconducts by Miss Kurono. A submission to the Headmaster will surely cause immediate punishment." The Hunter said, showing the note to Moka.
KURUMU KURONO
EXPULSION
- Revealing of one's true appearance.
- Usage of abilities upon peers and faculty.
- Damage of academic property.
- Instigating a fight among peers.
- Instigating and causing harm to faculty.
The lenience the Hunter had given to Saizou Komiya on the first day no longer applied now that it was no longer the first day. From today onward, punishments were to be now given in proportion to violations caused.
Tsukune and Kurumu were naturally confused of the conversation that was spoken, due to their English not being affluent like the Hunter or Moka.
Moka on the other hand smirked, immediately translating the conversation to the two, Tsukune shocked and Kurumu frightened.
Tsukune tried to convince the Hunter to cancel Kurumu's expulsion. Kurumu barely managing to stand in order to plead to him.
The Hunter faced Moka, his eyebrow raised, as if he were asking the vampiress to provide a translation, which she begrudgingly complied (with rather excellent fluency and a strangely seductive tone).
With an eyebrow raised, he lifted a finger pointed towards his neck, the freshly created wound still bleeding, as evidence against Tsukune's claims. Although this wound was merely a minor inconvenience, him admittedly having dealt with far more grievous injuries, he thought it appropriate to enforce authority of faculty to student misconduct. It could also be interpreted as why he should cancel Kurumu's expulsion.
Tsukune had no other arguments against the expulsion, the wound inflicted by Kurumu acting as solid evidence for her punishment. And mere flowery words like "she is not really a bad girl" would not be enough to suffice as an argument for the Hunter.
Yet, when the Hunter faced downwards towards Kurumu who slumped onto the ground, upon observing her clearly frightened expression on the idea of being expelled, and the regret she felt at wounding him, unlike Saizou Komiya who took pleasure in doing so. He merely sighed, it would perhaps be best not to ruin the future on a student so callously. Especially now that he understood why she did as she did through him elbowing her. He crouched downwards to the downed succubus, raising two fingers for her to see. "Two days suspension, that is all the leniency I will give."
Kurumu gave him her most sincere gratitude, tearfully thanking him repeatedly for allowing her to be left with a lighter sentence.
Once everything settled, it was time for the Hunter to return back to lecturing the class he had left behind. Although, it felt as if he forgot something. He turned to Moka, who examined him in great detail.
It did not take a second to figure out what had caught Moka's interests, and quickly the Hunter held his hand over the still bleeding wound. As well as taking a quick back-step away from her just for a safety precaution, which proved to be the correct choice due to Moka's sudden attempt to grab the lapel of his coat once again.
"Your blood, really is intoxicating." Moka claimed, easing her arm upon her failed attempt to grab him.
"I would still prefer it to stay within my body." The Hunter stated, on guard for another sudden action from the fully fledged vampiress.
"Hmph, I'll let you have it your way for now. A word of advice, learn Japanese so you can stop bothering me." Moka advised as she strolled towards Tsukune, taking the Rosary from him and replacing it onto the choker.
"Duly noted, Miss Akashiya." The Hunter said, observing Moka becoming Moka once again.
The two days of suspension had already passed within the blink of an eye. The neck wound was of course healed with a blood vial used immediately afterwards in secrecy. Yet it somehow still managed to be potent enough to intoxicate Moka greatly even after the days passed.
"Your self-control truly is a thing to behold Miss Akashiya." The Hunter stated, after once again prevented Moka from biting him.
"Was that sarcasm?" Moka pouted, though she was still embarrassed at losing her self-control again.
"Why, I could do no such tone. Perhaps Mr. Aono would better suit as a conversation partner." The Hunter said, immediately using Tsukune, who was up ahead from the two, as a sacrifice to draw Moka's attention away from him.
"T-then I'll see you later!"Moka shouted, before running towards the aforementioned student.
"Of course, Miss Akashiya." the Hunter said, resuming his trek to the academy. A moment later, he felt a tug on his coat from behind. Turning behind him, he saw...
"Miss Kurono?" A surprise encounter with the succubus, given the rather... uncomfortable situations the two had been together in.
Though to the Hunter, Kurumu this time did not seem to possess some ulterior motive, instead, she held a small bag in her hands.
"...?" The Hunter stared at the small bag in mild curiosity, which Kurumu seemed to offer as if she wanted him to take it. An action he had done with some caution, a brief examination to see it being filled with baked goods.
"I wanted to thank you for not expelling me, Syn-sensei." Kurumu told the Hunter, although he still could not comprehend the words she had spoke, he knew she was expressing her gratitude.
It had seemed the two days of suspension was indeed enough for Kurumu to lessen her excessive mannerisms, hopefully. The Hunter bowed for the small gift. Kurumu went on to follow Moka and Tsukune up ahead. Though he did not miss the larger bag of baked treats though hidden behind Kurumu's back, perhaps with the intention of sharing them with Tsukune.
It seems Kurumu did have some genuine admirers as well, the Hunter concluded, gouging the reactions of the male students showing clear jealousy over the attention the succubus gave to Tsukune. He found it humourous that despite the supposed distaste the beasts show towards humanity, they themselves yearn after the affections of the human appearances of the two female students surrounding Tsukune, much like he had seen with Saizou Komiya after Moka. But the Hunter put those thoughts aside, only deciding to observe as the two female students seemed to compete against one another over Tsukune's affections.
'Quite a popular one Mr. Aono is.' Were his only thoughts.