Sunlight barely shone through the enormous windows extending from floor to ceiling because of the heavy red curtains draped over them. The peeking light was just enough to illuminate the inside. The room, a little gloomy, was neatly arranged with finely crafted furniture. What looks like a vanity table rested on a wall, glistening jewelry piled on one another, dangling dangerously. Next to the pile lay a carefully arranged set of bulky jewelry—a necklace with big rubies going all around connected with many small diamonds with it a matching pair of earrings long enough to just dangle right above the collarbone.
In the center of the room lay a dark wooden coffin.
A young man with rich brown hair rushed in.
Bang! Bang! A beefy fist slammed on the coffin, slightly shaking it.
"Vayne, if you're late again, you're not getting away with just writing the rules 100 times!" The young man hollered. Startling red eyes and a head full of thick brown hair neatly combed back with what seemed like a whole tube of gel. He raised his sizeable pale hand as far up as he can to once again bang on the coffin door but was slammed back by the sudden swing, leaving a nasty red mark on his chin.
Vayne, the young man in the coffin, suddenly opened his eyes. His iris resembled melted gold, slightly glowing, hypnotizing anyone who looks too long. His pupils shrank, and his forehead creased. Hastily opening the door, the force creaking and almost unhinging it. Vayne looked around in a daze. His eyebrows rose, Charles was swatting on the floor, holding his chin that sported a deep purple bruise.
Vayne Von Marinette, with golden eyes and brilliant silver hair, looks like a delicate angel. Firstborn of the Marinette clan, one of the wealthiest and most respected clans, Vayne was born not with a silver spoon but a diamond spoon! His small structure makes him look fragile, but everyone in the vampire society knows this beautiful silhouette is, in fact, one of history's strongest vampires, making him the number one student every term. Some even say he's the strongest vampire in history.
Looking down at Charles, Vayne, with an apologetic smile, hopped out and kneeled on one knee next to Charles. His oval nail turning razor-sharp, he cut a small slit on his fingertip, pressing it on Charles' bruise, instantly healing it as soon as the blood came in contact. The wound on the finger also healed in an instinct.
Charles stood up, thanking Vayne, seemingly not bothered by the accident. He looked down at his wristwatch.
They only had a minute to get to class! His hands clammy, he grabbed Vayne's hand, trying to drag him out.
Vayne refusing to move, softly said, "at least let me get my jewelry." He and his jewelry are hard to separate. He wouldn't go anywhere without at least wearing some form of jewelry.
Charles rolled his eyes but understandingly said, "quickly. We only got a minute before class starts."
Luckily, I was able to convince Louis to sleep in his uniform the night before. Else we're doomed to be late today.
The headmaster, unfortunately, chose him to be in charge of Louis's attends this month. Although he's the one and only friend of Louis, the job was simply too difficult. Every student who had this task can only clench their teeth and accept it—the headmaster, with his terrifying aura, made it hard for anyone to refuse. Getting Vayne to wake up was like beating a dead horse! But he can't fail! At least not the first week he's on duty.
Vayne's slim long fingers reached out and grasped the already arranged jewelry, gently stuffing it in his shirt pocket, which instantly drooped.
They rushed through the deserted hall.
A loud bell rings from a tower vibrating the massive catholic buildings around it. On the last ring of the bell, Vayne and Charles stepped into their classroom, their headteacher just about to close the door.
Mr. Alden stared at the two who just stumbled in. His face is expressionless, but his eyes were so cold it makes one feel encased in ice. Charles's shoulders were tensing up, his gaze bouncing between Mr. Alden and Vayne. Vayne, holding his breath and wide-eyed, watched Mr. Alden.
Mr. Alden taking his eyes off the two, said in a flat voice while walking towards his podium, "class will now begin." The students eyed the tense jaw of Mr. Alden.
Mr. Alden has been teaching Vayne all his courses except combat and music for the last five years. Every student under Mr. Alden has always performed the best in the academy, held as one of the best professors in the school district. Every time the midterms come along, no student dares bother Mr.Alden. Vayne single handly pummelled the class average test scores. No matter how many homework assignments and personal one-on-one tutoring Mr. Alden gives Louis, he would recall maybe 1/3 of what he learned the next session.
Vayne and Charles hurry to their seats.
Mr. Alden standing in front of his podium, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhale even longer, "Be here earlier. Just getting to class on the last ring is a bad look. Now get to your seats." Although Vayne being on time is pretty good for him since his attendance is usually late. Mr.Alden is still unsatisfied.
Mr. Alden opening his eyes glared over the classroom through his sharp glasses. The students tremble in their seats. "Now, continuing from yesterday..."
Charles looked towards the chalkboard with absolute focus. The ideal image of a top student. He whispered through his barely open lips, "That half-blood wants to start a fight with us? Daring us to meet him where he wants us to meet him? Who does he think he is? That we'll go where ever he beckons and calls?" seethed Charles having a personal grudge with Anthony. He could care less if Anthony is pure or half-blood, unlike the other nobles. It's just Anthony has always taken second place from him, his rightful place under his best friend Vayne every time! He called Anthony a half-blood to piss him off.
"Brian, read text 60."
"Yes, professor."
Done reading the passage, Charles sat back down and glanced at Vayne. Seeing that he's wearing his bulky jewelry, Charles frowns. Why on earth does Vayne have such a tasteless sense of fashion.
Noticing Charles's frown, Vayne leaned back and crossed his long legs, smirking, "ye, who does he think he is ordering us around- Where'd he tell us to meet again?" Thinking a bit more, Vayne added, "Anthony doesn't deserve second place." Vayne looked over at Charles, seeing his frown replaced with a smug look.
Charles' goofy smile faded and wrinkled his forehead. Something seemed off with Vayne's question. Stilling pondering why it's not sitting right with him, Charles was about to answer when Mr. Alden's frosty voice called on Vayne.
"Vayne, why did Lady Amelia Rose Courtenay ripped out the heart of Sir Francis von Dormer the 4th during the 10th clan war?"
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Vayne's initially relaxed posture changed. Nervously standing up, His mind blanks from the sudden spotlight from Mr. Alden. Mr. Alden hasn't called on him for two years. What changed? Vayne bit his lower lip and blurted out, "...Lady Amelia loved Sir Courtenay dearly. Therefore, having his heart was like a love token."
Charles, his elbow resting on his desk, smacked his forehead and looked down. He's been trying to hint the answer to Vayne the whole time, furiously winking at him pointing to his notes. But Louis just completely blocked everything out, spacing out and blurting out an answer.
The whole class tensed up then relaxed when they remembered it was Vayne.
Mr. Alden, not blinking, broke his wooden pointer, continued, "Lady Amelia Rose Courtenay ripped out Sir Francis von Dormer's heart in ordered to have revenge for her parents. He brutally died on 1560 April 10th. The death of Sir Francis von Dormer gave rise to the Order of the Righteous.."
Vayne sat back down, wiping the sweat that gathered on his forehead—not bothered by his utterly wrong answer, thankful it was over. He was never good at studying. Vayne can't seem to ingrain the information as fast as everyone else, making him fall behind in his studies to the point where it was fruitless to try at this point. He came to terms with it. I just need to graduate, and then I can pursue a career that requires strength.
Charles glanced at Vayne with mixed emotions, jealous that Mr. Alden continued his lecture without a pause after hearing Vayne's ridiculous answer, but then remembered that Vayne worked hard to get this kind of treatment. He has never answered right for the past five years, the commitment! Envy turning into pride, Charles whispered, "He said under the bridge by the Darkened forest at noon."
Vayne scoffed, "Randomly coming up to us and telling us to meet under the bridge, then the audacity to turn his back and swagger away as if we were wasting his time!" Vayne stood up and slammed his desk with his fist yelling, "Who does he think he is!?"
"Sit back down!" A Chalk shot as fast as a bullet hit Vayne square in the head.
"Apologies, professor." Vayne bowed at the waist and sat back down, blood trickling down from the red dot on his forehead. Vayne elegantly flicked out his handkerchief and wiped the blood.
"..." Vayne isn't as invulnerable to punishment as he thought, pondered Brian.
~After school~
The meeting place is an ancient bridge made of stone covered with vines and moss with a small river running through it. Vayne placed the beautiful table that initially belonged in his parent's grand tea room on the rough rocks and pebbles. Vayne looking pleased with his handy work, sat down in a rush while beckoning Charles to do the same when he sensed Anothny was close.
Vayne gracefully drank his tea and called Anthony. "Come forth, child."
Anthony, who just arrived, paused, giving Vayne a funny look. Child? They're the same age, and also, why is he talking like that? His face soon changed, both eyebrows raised, eyes wide, and mouth slightly open. Anthony looked at the crooked table and then at the tea set that looked like it would fall any second and then at Vayne's blinding necklace and earrings, which screamed, I don't know what to do with all this money!
Vayne observing Anthony's reaction, concluded that he was impressed. Drinking his tea, Vayne continued to act as if he was sitting in a beautiful sunny meadow. Anthony scrunched his eyebrows together while blinking, thinking to himself that is strangely comical.
Charles, also maintaining character, sat next to Vayne. Fanning himself with the fan shoved into his hand by Vayne, he glared at Anthony. He was using an elegant and dainty fan about the size of his hand, clearly meant for a young lady and not for a buff hairy man like Charles. Vayne and Charles thought up this idea to showcase their elegant and noble baring, but in the eyes of the half-bloods, they just looked like fools.
Anthony, doing his best not to smile, had veins pulsing on his forehead from the effort. Trying to keep his calm and level-headed image, he said, "I don't know what game you're trying to play." Immediately saying that he closely watched Vayne's face, not seeing any changes, continued cautiously. Sweat coated his forehead, it was a risky line, but he needed to say it for his reputation.
Anthony is brave and upright to others, not afraid of confronting the nobles, and even Vayne, who everyone secretly fears. All the half-bloods look up to him. Some nobles even respect him for that. However, Anthony is actually quite scared of Vayne. He didn't want to fight him at all! So he had a plan to act not too aggressive but also not too passive. He's heard rumors Vayne is quite blunt. If he's too oppressive, Vayne may straight-up challenge him and drag him to the arena. There's no way he can refuse the challenge. It'll ruin his reputation.
"Let's not act like animals and civilly settle this dispute. We half-bloods are tired of the nobles looking down on us. We half-bloods want to be treated with respect." Anthony heroically said.
From a humble background, Anthony is one of the most promising students in the academic only falling sort of Vayne. The latter is one of the strongest vampires in history. This is frightening since only five people in the history of vampires have been granted the title. Because Vayne is number one and Anthony is number two, the noble student body has had Vayne as their mascot. Of course, Vayne had no idea. He thought he was treated special because he's the strongest, which is true. Still, ultimately, it's because the nobles students would be embarrassed if a half-blood was the number one student. Vayne is the savior of their pride. Therefore these turn of events happened. Anthony met up with Vayne because he thought Vayne was representing those snarky nobles.
Vayne unblinkingly stared at Anthony. Anthony's heroic image almost crumbled.
What does he have to do with the nobles looking down on the half-bloods? Louis thought, confused.
Vayne hesitated after hearing that but remembered how this guy arrogantly walked up to them, demanding them to meet, then swaggering away. Vayne completely threw out the idea about clearing up the situation. Regardless this punk needs a lesson on manners. Sticking to his plan, Vayne crushed his teacup and glared at Anthony. Taking a quick peek at Brian while doing this. Brian made a thumbs up under the table.
"You're not settling anything. I'm settling this." Vayne stood up, his nose high in the air, getting ready to pull out his sword connected to his soul.
Anthony's heart clenched. The teacup he destroyed is probably worth millions. Wait, that's not the point. Vayne was about to fight me! Quickly he brought out his emergency plan and hurriedly said, "I won't fight you. There's no way I'll ever win. Let's make a deal instead?" He could feel the eyes of his followers on his back as he said this. Crying on the inside. He had to abandon his reputation...
The followers with tears in their eyes: the boss is so humble!
Charles, alarmed, stood up right away. Vayne isn't good at anything but fighting! "Wai-"
Anthony seeing Charles stand up, hastily added, "What are you scared of?"
Charles, "Wai-"
The heat of the moment getting to Vayne. He determinedly said, "Of course not. A deals a deal." This rude bastard!
Charles bowed his head and brought his hands together. He can only pray to the vampire gods at this point.
Not showing a bit of emotion on his face, Anthony wiped his sweat. That was a lot easier than he thought.
Done praying, Charles thought to himself. Perhaps he can still mind the situation? He intently stared at Vayne, hoping to get his attention. Vayne standing next to him was huffing and puffing, his nostril-flaring, glaring daggers at Anthony. Not even getting a single glance, Charles forgot how oblivious Vayne could be. So he started pinching his thigh to get his focus.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" A high pitch scream echoed throughout the forest. Ringing loud and clear.
Anthony and his gang, questions above their heads, all turned around and looked at Charles. Not believing their eyes and ears, how could such a muscular man like Charles let out such a girly scream?
Charles, pinched back by Vayne, was red-faced and sweating—doing everything he could to not fall to the floor and roll around in pain. His dignity is on the line! Completely blocking out the fact, he screamed like a girl.
Brian bent a knee and had one hand on his waist, making him appear rather sassy. He was massaging his abdomen that was pinched, thankful that his flesh didn't rip off. Noticing all eyes on him, he said, "What? Did I scare you?" Smirking at the end, but it just looked like he was going to cry any second with his red puppy dog eyes.
Embarrassed by his friend's shriek and awkward posture, Vayne's plump cheeks turned red, making him look quite lovely. He swiftly said, "ignore him, he... he needs to use the bathroom."
Anthony, dazzled by Vayne's cherry red cheeks, nodded numbly. He's used to good-looking people since every vampire is stunning, but Louis is truly top-notch, even among vampires. Unfortunately, he's a guy, Anthony thought.
Charles looked at Vayne with alarm. What is he talking about? He can't leave him! They'll take advantage of him. "I don't need the bathroom."
Vayne, extremely embarrassed, his whole body turning red, looked like he just came out of an oven. Vayne, wanting to save face by chasing away Charles, continued to fuel the fire. "Yes, you do! Why else would you scream like that! You only scream like that when you need to shit!"
Anthony, taken back, couldn't tell if he was being toyed by them.
Charles looked at Vayne in betrayal. Vayne is quite bluntly ruining his reputation, not to mention in front of his nemesis, Anthony! He could feel the burning gazes his way, almost burning him completely. The last straw was when someone laughed under their breath. Alright, if he's going to act like this, so be it!
Charles gave in to Vayne's crappy bathroom excuse, "hmph! I do need the bathroom!" Disappearing the minute he said that, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Anthony and his gang were speechless.
Vayne cleared his throat, grabbing back their attention. Lifting an eyebrow to create a lofty image, he elegantly said, "now the deal?" But to Anthony and his followers, he just looked spoiled and sweet with his blushing cheeks.
Collecting himself, Anthony spoke right to the point, "sneak into Area 21 and found out what's the big deal about it. If you do, I'll... Do whatever you want."
Vayne held his chin, pondering if the risk was worth the reward.
Area 21 is as mysterious as it sounds. No one has a clue to what's going on or what's in it. Rumors are there's research conducted on serums to enhance vampires. Some annoying noble kids say they're researching a cure to fix half-bloods... Anthony, by chance, heard a professor mentioning that anyone will be suspended, regardless of title, if caught in area 21. Thus he came up with this plan to get Vayne suspended from school. That way, the nobles would have no backbone to fall onto in school, plus, he would be the number one student for the rest of the school year.
Seeing Vayne about to frown, Anthony quickly taunted, "Going back on our deal? Is this how the legendary Vayne acts?" Knowing full-well on how nobles are about keeping their word, the only redeeming feature about them mused Anthony.
True noble vampires never go back on their words. Hearing that, Vayne was, of course, insulted. He coldly replied, "who are you to look down on me? After this deal, prepare your ass." Determined to follow through, Vayne Hmphed and disappeared.
The last line ringing in everyone's ears. Prepare your ass.. your ass... ass...
Follower #1, "w-what does he mean by that?"
Anthony blushed and angrily looked at follower #1, "How would I know?!"