Silver Cross and Draculea:Volume01 Chapter2

"Why are you so unhappy?"

Rushella lovingly lowered her head and asked, but Kujou did not reply.

He only stared at the sky, cursing the world's change to abnormality and his own life.

Right now is recess time, and the location is the roof.

It is a symbol of high school life, the sweet smell of spring, but Kujou's face is full of confusion.

The nightmarish homeroom class is over, Kujou finally finished the morning class.

Because it is the first day at school, the stuff they teach are the basics, only requiring some light attention and it is over- But Rushella's arrogant performance in front the teachers-completely devastated Kujou's heart.

Even the precious rest time, due to incessant questioning by Rushella regarding school regulation and policies, left him neither peace nor rest.

Not only a transfer student, but also a complete gorgeous beauty, she is popular with both the girls and the boys. But Rushella completely ignored everyone else, only talking to Kujou, thus creating a dangerous aura among the male student population.

Finally recess arrived, but....she still followed over.

"I say....can't you be a bit more merciful....just how deep is your hatred for me?"

"Very deep. I drank your blood and yet you refuse to become my servant, and even sprayed me full of garlic."

"But you struck first right! And why do you pretend to be a student? High school life has nothing to do with my body right?"

Kujou's questions are reasonable suspicions, and Rushella looked away.

"Could it be....you look at these young people as preys?"

Kujou's tone became serious.

Teenagers gather in a high school, in certain ways it would be an ideal hunting ground for a vampire.

The common knowledge that vampires love the blood of a virgin girl the most--there should be plenty here.

"Wrong, I am not the type that leaves a prey half full then run off with someone else."

"Not even one drop, completely dry? I am not going to feel grateful you know, with that kind of logic."

"Isn't it better than abandoning you half transformed?"

"That is vampire logic only."

Kujou sighed, then leaned against the rail fencing.

After being fanged by a vampire, there are usually two possibilities---death, or become a vampire.

Death or servitude, this is all the vampire's choice. In certain rare cases, in the process for a person to become a vampire, the master vanishes.

In a situation like this, the victim that remained behind will be stuck at [Mid-transformation] for the rest of his/her life.

Due to the [Mid-Transformation] the victim may take on certain vampire characteristics, they may have vampiric instincts, longer lifespan compared to average humans---and carry the curse for the rest of their lives.

"I will carefully select the partner I drink blood from. If I want him to become my servant then the criteria are is even more stringent. And in addition, I will not leave until he become my servant. It is a (True Ancestor)'s etiquette from the ancient days."

"Then why did you select me?"

".................."

"Looking at you, who is so serious on making me your servant, why did you target me last night?"

Kujou is still confused about last night.

When they met last night, Rushella really wanted to turn him into her servant.

But his body prevented that transformation, so she even charged into the school.

Thus....why is she so interested in me?

"Don't you feel honored? I became attracted to you. As if I am really attached to you. To look for someone young and handsome, similar in age to me, a boy with a delicious blood flavor to become my servant."

(Translator-Rushella must have read too many shoujo manga.....)

"....similar age? What are you blabbering about? Aren't you a [True ancestor]-sama? Although you can't tell from looks, a vampire's actual age must be ancient compared to me. Speak of that, how old are you?"

(Translator-Female anime character slapping in 3...2...1)

As Kujou asked, Rushella's expression froze.

It is almost as if she isn't feeling offended by having someone asking her age...but as if someone asked her something scary.

"What? Isn't longevity something a vampire should be proud of?"

"I....I don't know."

It is so far the lightest whisper that came from Rushella.

It is the voice of a girl at Kujou's age, feeling totally helpless.

"How old I am....I am really not sure."

"Because you lived so long you forget....apparently not. Then, where are you from...hey, where are your relatives and servants? Why don't you ask them...?"

"I don't have....those people."

"Eh? But..."

"Relative....I should have them, but I can't remember. Servants...I shouldn't have any. Drinking blood...you are my first time."

"Ha----?!"

Completely confusing.

Ok, now Kujou can understand why her blood sucking techniques are so awful, but the mysteries just got deeper.

"But....aren't you a [True Ancestor]? A royal-blooded Ojou-Sama, standing on top of thousands of servants?"

"I don't have...memories."

"Eh?..."

"For example, when was I born, where I was born....I completely don't know. Thus, how old I am...I don't know either."

Rushella held her arms together, withdrawing back.

She looked far away, biting her lips.

"Lost your....memories?"

"Maybe so... The night I met you, I woke up from the coffin. Near the forest outside the city. But, why I was there, or when I was there....I completely don't remember. I only know my name, that I am a true ancestor, other than that...."

"Some average day-to-day knowledge is there, but nothing about myself. But that knowledge...is a bit outdated."

Kujou finally understood.

Strange fashion, a vampire "style" that is rare now-days, idiotic blood drinking technique.

Such a strange existence, because she don't even understand herself.

It looked like Rushella was not lying; besides, there is nothing good to gain by revealing her own weakness to humans. It looks like she really lost all her memories.

"You came to school; does that mean you want to learn about the current era? Is that the idea?"

"....Correct. I want to know how this world is like. But....humanity has definitely changed a lot. Looking at this world during the daytime, really shock me. Such huge buildings, so many people...and if I think carefuly, people work and play in broad daylight. Although it makes me feel uncomfortable, but it is clear that world power is in the hands of humans. But it is so strange....forget about the Vampires, I don't even feel the spirits of any supernatural beasts. Why is it like this?"

"Because this is the world's situation right now. Most of the people, even if they know vampire exists, will not believe it."

"....It appear so. When I spoke my name this morning, no one gave any reaction. My name has significant history in the vampire lore. Anyone with a tiny understanding of our history should know when I am."

"It looks like you considered that too.....so that is why you said your name so loudly. Just to grasp the situation."

Kujou's opinion of this out-dated vampire has improved a little.

Though her her common sense stopped hundreds of years ago, her adaptability is definitely not bad.

"What happened to this world? Why did my race vanish? Why don't the humans know I exist!?"

"Even if you ask this...this 15 years old me, I am still learning the basic common knowledge."

"Tell me quickly. Since you are not surprised of my existence, then you are better knowledgeable than general humans."

She saw through him completely, so Kujou can no longer play dumb.

"I only heard a little from my relative; historically, it should be sometime around the industrial revolution? During that period, humanity's knowledge became more and more advanced. Because of this, Our World and the Monster World's [position] became misaligned."

"Please explain in simple words. What is the Industrial Revolution?"

".....so I need to explain from the beginning. I think you should learn about world history. To simplify, it is like wireless communication. When there is a wireless broadcast station, then TV shows become possible. But relevant audience cannot receive the signal.They were meant to match up together, humanity and monsters, now mispositioned. Thus they cannot aware of each other. But now and then they will link up,and the two world overlap. Those who are sensitive to high frequency....people who are described as spiritually sensitive, thus they are able receive effects of the other world easier."

"I am completely confused....wireless what?"

".....Sorry, my mistake."

Kujou thought his explanation was pretty good, but it appear she don't understand the critical point. The boy shook his head, and renew his explanation so this ojou-sama from another world can understand.

"In other words, monsters didn't cease to exist, but humanity can longer feel their existence....something like that. It is almost as if they are seperated into their own world. Thus, even vampires wouldn't be able to find other monsters."

"You should had said this earlier, instead of going around and around."

".....my mistake."

"I understand. But vampires are special. Vampires are different than other monsters, Vampire still exist in this world, they must completely live in the human world. We are corporeal. And it will be troublesome for us if humans don't exist."

"Indeed. It is completely different than specters who have no body and just floats around. Vampire still exists in this world. You could say they are the representative of the monsters. Thus, humanity are still alert of their existence."

Kujou's eyes darken with hesitation, and Rushella did not miss it.

"What are you saying? Are you saying humanity expelled my race?"

"My meaning are such people exist. They understand this world's true appearance, and consider monsters who co-exist in the human world to be their enemies. During self introduction---You said everyone had no reaction to your name? On other hands, a few may suspect you are a vampire. You should be careful."

"You don't have to worry, I do not plan to hide my identity. Even if humanity band together against the vampires, it is nothing special."

Rushella puffed up her chest as she replied.

Such answer completely met Kojou's expectations, so he shrugged his shoulders.

"First I must find my memories, if I manage to, I should be able to find other vampires, I want to ask them things. You seem to have a great understanding of vampires, so help me."

"Don't want to, you can do it alone."

"But you are the servant that's meant to serve me."

"I am not your servant, I am not familiar with your race's organizational makeups, nor am I interested."

"You are really the cheeky type."

Rushella's pride appears to be wounded, she licked her tongue then moved closer.

It is day time, thus her physical capabilities are reduced, but Rushella will definitely win if she decides to play hardball.

The boy is still considering his options when Rushella laughs.

"Although beating you is simple, but in certain ways I would be lost. I want you to surrender by your own free will, kneel before me, then I will bury the hatchet."

"(expletive), but vampires are naturally like this. But you have your fangs and <Magic eyes>, couldn't you subdue anyone easily?"

"Isn't it useless against you?! But in certain ways, it is still effective. For example....you worry about me looking for other prey right? Those people don't have any relationship with you, but you are still care about them."

"Of course I care. If someone around me dies, or stop being human...I definitely don't want to see it happen. If it becomes like that, even me....I would become a vampire hunter."

To protect his peaceful life, even Kujou would become a stone-heart foe.

Rushella *hum* (sound), then stand up.

"I don't think you could exterminate me. But, let's stop wasting time. you will still come to help me."

"That, I already said..."

"If you agree to help me, I will not suck anyone else's blood. I can promise that with you. If you are willing to sacrifice your body to me, I will guarantee the safety of other people around you. How is that?"

"This sucks..."

This must be feeling of a man staked on altar meant for human sacrifice.

It is the first day at school, and fate of everyone here is on his shoulders.

"So? Decide quickly."

".......................I will serve you."

"I can't hear you, speak louder."

Rushella wants to show off her beautiful ears, moving it next to him.

"Let me help you."

"Did you forget something?"

"Please allow me to help you....mistress."

"Hum, you speak well!"

It is clear he didn't lose his humanity, but Kujou suddenly reached a level lower than average humans.

"Damn it...I never thought I would curse my own body one day..."

"Then you will work hard right. A servant who can move during daytime is precious to me. And one day you will become one of my kind. Then, lets perform today's service?"

"Ha?"

Kujou look confused, suddenly his field of vision turns dark, and Rushella's face came close.

In that instant, he found himself on the floor.

What is blocking the sun is Rushella on top of him holding a parasol.

"Then....Rushella-sama?"

"You went to the 'cafeteria' to buy lunch right? Then I am going to have lunch as well."

Rushella licks her lips, then dove at Kujou's neck.

The boy tried to struggle, to avoid the sweet breathe down his neck.

"Hey, Let go! Didn't you suck me this morning?! It should had been enough right?"

"Be Quiet, I don't feel well, what is the problem? All I want is to suck a little bit!"

"I said it is not allowed....!"

Rushella's lips come closer and closer, while Kujou struggled.

The two struggled, until Rushella's lips reach his neck.

"Making me waste so much energy..!Ok, I am going to take care of you..!"

"Are you a corrupt bureaucrat who steals people's daughters?"

As Kujou prepare his final line of defense, the roof top door suddenly opened.

".....Husui....san?"

Kujou recognize the voice, and freezes.

There were several people standing by the stairs.

Rushella's lips still on his neck, while he turned his sight around.

From the students he barely knows, there was one who has the best relationship with him--- Class Rep Sera Reina.

Judging the lunch box she is carrying, Reina planned to come have lunch with Kujou.

"That.....I am sorry for interrupting!"

Hearing Reina's heartfelt apologize, Kujou begin to sweat uncontrollably.

His own limbs are currently pinned to the spot by Rushella.

It look like they were about to share a passionate kiss.

Even if he pushes the vampire away, there still would be kiss marks left behind.

"I, I say...!"

Before Kujou can explain, the girls all dispersed.

But their harmless gossip still flow into his ear.

"Hum, they are....really together? They already got it done so early?"

"It looks like they weren't going to just kiss..."

"School just start, and it is broad daylight outside, what the heck..."

"Foreign girls...so open."

Even though it is only whispers, but they felt like a painful roar in Kujou's head.

....And a stab in the heart.

Kujou stared at the sky soullessly.

Rushella appears to lose interest as well, brush up her hair and straighten out her clothes that was mussed up by Kujou; she got up from his body.

"Peeking at other people eating lunch, what a bunch of impolite people. Don't you think so?"

"I finally understood what a girl feels like when she is forcefully pushed down...."

Kujou tearfully murmured. His hands become loose, and the plastic bag with the food he brought from the cafeteria fell off.

"Ah yes, what did you buy? Let me look, I want a taste."

"Up to you....in fact, it will be helpful if you help me eat it."

Search through the bag, and finally selected a strawberry milk.

She studied the container back and forth, finally understood how to use it, and begins to sip its contents.

"What? Such a sweet and pink milk! Perhaps they added blood in it?"

No, the original material is the same thing, no need to mix it...Kujou don't even have the strength to sigh.

Rushella begin to suck the milk, and begin to release a cute sound. Kujou sat nearby with tearful eyes.

The class's final bit of compassion, was swept away by the wind.

Really don't want to go to the afternoon class.

The fair sex's ability to disseminate gossip is faster than the speed of light.

Just lost the ability to have a normal school life.

Now he has to welcome his "being labeled as strange" high school life.

Kujou was considering a school transfer, while Rushella was blissfully sucking away at the milk.

"This is so sweet! It is only secondary to blood..."

"......Just kill me."

Kujou replied with a blood-coughing despair, but someone not far away is observing the two.

She was not part of the group of girls earlier, She stood in the shadows behind the (Not sure what is a good term for the small shack that cover the roof stair case-Translator), and focused at Kujou with a laser like intensity.

"Good male, found <3."

".....Why were you so terrible yesterday? Even if you are hopelessly talentless you shouldn't be this bad!"

"It is only a physical examination, why do I have to go all out?"

After school, in front of the locker-room (The one in Japan where the students put on their shoes-Translator), Rushella was criticizing Kujou's results. His results were mediocre at best.

But Rushella refuse to accept the results, and repeatedly critique him.

"It look like you were not serious. You really didn't pay attention right?"

"Isn't everyone the same? Also, I shouldn't be criticized by someone who didn't participate."

Because Physical Ed took place outside the school, Rushella used her magic eyes to stay indoors.

Even though she was not a teacher, she sat on a chair holding her parasol, keep cheering and boosting Kujou.

To be honest, it was extremely embarrassing. And the men/women physic ED was suppose to be separate.

"Why were you looking at my Physical Tests?"

"It is your job to forge your own body so you can protect me. Even though you strangely unable to become a member of my race, but able to work under the sun, therefore covering my weakness."

"My principal is not to waste energy, what is so special about physical ed? Just meander through it will be find."

"Don't be too proud of yourself, when you were serious earlier, you weren't anything special."

"You really know how to make it hurt, you broke through all my line of defense."

"Keep my spirits up. When it is 'class time', you were only half paying attention right? Why are you so merit-less?"

"It is no big deal. At the critical moment, the strength in my body will come out."

"Stop spouting nonsense. You are my servant, in the moment when lives are on the line, be willing to die for me!"

Rushella showed her "high class" looks again, and Kojou was not willing to argue.

He stopped looking at Rushella, and opened his own Shoe-Locker. Reaching his hands for his shoes, but he also found a slip of paper.

The message was both mysterious and interesting.

"I will wait for you on the first floor of the second building, in the empty classroom."

He waited for a moment, then left the shoe-locker and headed back into the school.

"Wait a second, where are you going?!"

"I have a something to do. Why don't you go a head and go home?"

"Why are you angry? Stop spouting nonsense, you are my escort, take me back to that crude residence."

"You still plan to live at my place...? If you are not satisfied then you can go find a different place, Vampire-sama."

As Kujou complained, Rushella realized she has no argument, and became silent.

Thus Kujou escaped and headed for the empty classroom.

He was still unfamiliar with the structure of the school, so the boy was lost several times until he found the right place.

Kujou opened the door, and it was a mess of chairs and desks.

It look like the place is unused, because it is a corner room, there isn't anyone insight.

As Kujou stared at the fading sun by the window, he heard a voice from behind.

"Ah, you came."

".....look like it was not an wild goose chase, what do you want?"

Kujou turned around, and it was one of girls from the classroom.

She look extremely feminine for a girl at their age. Tea colored hair with ponytails, and he barely recall her name from the self introduction in the morning.

But he could not recall her name.

"You are..."

"Mei, Sodou Mei."

"Ah, right..."

Translator's Notes and References

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