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chapter v | burned away
Zero and I were now walking towards the gates side by side. The Headmaster had asked that the two of us run some errands for him, well he had mostly directed this request to Zero as I had my usual business to attend to. Nevertheless, we were both traveling down the same path so we might as well travel together till our paths divide.
"I did not see you at the dance," my voice was soft as I broke the silence between us, "how unfortunate it is; I had been looking forward to seeing you all dressed up for once."
The silver haired boy scoffed at my words, knowing all to well that I was merely teasing and speaking out of boredom. "Wish I could say the same, you were tossed around like a rag doll all over the dance floor."
My expression soured playfully. "My dearest cousin finds great pleasure in showing me off whenever he can."
"That's surprising considering his personality."
"Watch it, Kiryū." I snapped at him, "Hana may be a playboy and a reckless flirt, but he values his family and loved ones. No one is as loyal as that foolish ice-for-brains."
Zero spared me a side glance at my remark, "didn't think the two of you were so close."
I kept my eyes on our path as I replied, "considering my status and past, it was only natural for much of vampire society to object to one of the great aristocratic households taking me under their name. Thus, Hana and Katsu took it upon themselves to protect me. Hana in particular would take every opportunity he could in order to prove to those who doubt me that I am not so meek." My expiation was long winded, and surely held far more information then necessary, however I found myself caring less and less the more time that I spent with this grouchy low-leveled vampire. "As annoying as it is, I know that it is simply his way of protecting me."
The conversation ended there, however I was feeling particularly chatty and one little question was running through my mind since the night of the ball had ended. "I heard that Hiō Shizuka made an appearance during the ball; did you do it?"
It was silent for quite some time, one that I did not feel was one for me to disturb.
"No."
● ● ●
My hand held onto smaller ones that were cursed to never grow, their grip on mine equally as tight as my own on theirs. We were standing in the middle of the forest, a circle of ash and herbs surrounding us as we stood in its centre--careful as to not disturb the intricate lines that interacted with the magic circle. A branch of silver birch was held between both of our hands and a dagger was hanging from the young boy's neck.
"Are you ready, Kenta?" I asked, my voice so soft that even the wind changed to a gentle breeze as to not carry it away too quickly. "It'll be just like how we practiced."
The young vampire nodded firmly, his hazel coloured eyes burning with determination. "Got it."
"Then we shall begin," my eyes flickered to the man standing just outside the circle. He wore a wicked grin that felt far too out of place on such a beautiful face, "remember that this ritual cannot be stopped or disturbed. You are to protect us from all those who will be attracted by the ritual's alluring power, Kuran."
The messy haired man, who was still inhabiting Shiki Senri's body, chuckled in amusement at my warning. "I know, I know, little half-breed. The success of this is as important to me as it is you." With a nip of a finger, a whip of blood formed in his hand and the old vampire stood proudly. "Just focus on getting it done right. I'll do my part, I did give my word after all."
Kenta and I began to mumble in an ancient tongue, the candle lit flames around us beginning to violently dance--some even shifting colours.
Su mi jak oc pak za ka toh
Cot rohk mak tak
Ruj zak ka ta ma lahk Ezgra rohk mu fa tu Aiy sak du ro kuhak zhak rocsh Muk ta huk lup zu rah sha kah
As our voices gradually grew lounder and louder, to compete with the ever growing strength of the wind, the sound of fighting also danced with the ritual's song. The ritual was already attracting the Level E's in the area.
As we began to repeat the ancient words, Kenta reached for the dagger at his neck and pierced me in the hollow between my collarbones. Ignoring the pain, I continued to chant the ancient tongue, paying no mind to how my blood now seeped into the white fabric of my school uniform.
Once my blood began dripping onto the ground, reacting with the circle and lines of ash and herbs, I placed the silver birch branch between Kenta's teeth for him to bite down into.
The circle began to glow an impossibly right green colour, shinning brighter and brighter as I continued to chant and Kenta continued to drive the dagger deeper into me.
We had only this one chance to succeed this, for tonight was the night that perfectly marked my first creation. The same wind, the same sky, the same hour and the same position of the moon and stars. This was repetition day, not of my birth but of my creation.
That accursed night where mother had lost herself, only to be found laying with the fangs of that she detested the most.
This accursed night was now to mark anew tragedy.
It was to mark the night of the return of the lost child of the Isaya clan.
•••
A/N: Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you enjoy this little double upload to the story, sorry it's not a quirky side story or something a little more cute, but I hope it was enjoyable on this night of festivities!
The New Year is upon us and I hope you're all being safe and trying your best to be strong and kind. It's been pretty hellish the past two years for all of us, both with this plague and just general political/social/humanitarian/environmental chaos as well.
