Crows Blood, AU Chapter 1.
Wakatsuki Yumi/Nishino Nanase
Rated R, its gunna get heavy dont like dont read bruh
How long had it been since the world fell to its knees? It seemed like ages from the last time the sun shined high in the sky. How many years had it been since the water that ran down the street gutters turned black with infected blood? No one could remember. No one bothered. There was no room for free thought in the new world. Only her and her control. Her will, and her mission. If you're not one of us, then you’ll be given a choice. Join us, or die.
All for the sake of the new world.
Weathered leather heels clacked against tiles in a rushed and panicked fashion, echoing faintly through the derelict school halls. Light beams shot through holes of newspaper, littering the windows in attempts to keep wandering eyes out. A lone girl choked and gasped for air, pushing her stamina and limits as her legs continued to carry her exhausted body to her only sanctuary. Her uniform was a mess of black and red blood, torn and rubbed raw in attempts to get any and all hazardous materials away. Her damp hair clung to her face with and mixture of sweat and rain from the outdoors, where she had tread too far. She wouldn't stop running, not until she knew without doubt she was safe from the monsters.
The gymnasium was that only safe haven, a place with only two ways in or out. But also a place with many hiding places she had made into a home. With haste, Nishino Nanase pressed her dirty, trembling, hands to the cold metal of the door, waiting until she heard a click. Locked. The poor girl could finally relax, her back collapsing against the door as she slid to the floor.
“Thank god…” You could almost hear a sense of pride and accomplishment from her sharp intake of air, her chest rising and collapsing as she attempted to regain her composure. Nishino Nanase had been hiding out in the school for almost two years now. Sneaking around, only going out in the day with tonkatsu sauce dripping from her nose to get supplies. The monsters that plagued the world no longer knew what she looked like, even if their hunt continued. As long as she kept her head down, she was safe. This was the type of life she had become more than comfortable with. A life alone, but as long as she wasn't a monster… Things were fine. Everyone was gone. She could only cling to the memories she once held dearly, before the world fell apart. Of her friends, her family, how things could have been if she had noticed.. stopped that girl before it was too late. Stopped everyone from getting on that bus. But now it was too late. Far too late.
Nanase let out a low grunt of discomfort, pulling herself to her feet, before making her way under the gym stage by shifting a board or two out of the way. Only when she was was concealed in the darkness shifting, she pushed the boards back into place, tight and secure.
Nishino Nanase was the last true human in Japan. The final girl that had not been caught and given the choice too. That much was for sure. Some would ask how, how it got to this? When did everyone change? What happened? How did she survive above everyone else? For that, we have to go to the beginning.
It was just another ordinary school day. Clouds in the sky, students hardly paying attention. Nothing peculiar or out of the ordinary. Nanase had been staring off out the window, observing a crow perched on a branch. A sight she quite enjoyed a lot. She always loved animals, often doodling them and visiting zoos. She wondered what if may even be like, to be a crow and fly away or do as you please. Never having to answer to anyone, be told where to go or what to be. In the end, She was lost in her own world on this normal typical day. That is until the teacher spoke in a clear voice.
“Everyone, this is our new student, Wakatsuki Yumi.”
Her gaze lifted for just a moment. Yumi was about her height, almost sickeningly pale with dark under eyes. Her hair was a faded brown, almost eerily perfect as it fell below her shoulders. The girl had a flat expression, scanning the room with little to no interest in the students. That is until she met Nanase's gaze. If you looked close enough you could see the faintest hint of an unnerving smile. Dark intentions hidden behind apathetic eyes. Yet, Nanase… couldn't take her eyes off it. Like a morbid curiosity she didn't particularly want to pursue.
Only the sound of a loud, wet, crack against the window pulled her out of her entranced gaze. Students screeched and flew out of their seats as a crimson spot decorated the once pristine glass. The crow from earlier, now lay on the windowsill, twitching and clinging to life. Leaving behind a large, red splatter of blood covering a new hole in the glass. Nanase moved out of her seat as students poured into the area, looking on only in horror at the animal she admired just moments ago. Life was brief and unpredictable, even for animals.
Even into the later hours of the day, she couldn't shake that image in her mind. Eating lunch on the roof behind the venting system, alone as usual. Nanase stared into her convenience store bag, unsure if she even had the appetite to eat. Finicky between her choices of a katsu sandwich, yakisoba bread, and a simple box of milk, she didn’t realize the silent approach of the newly transferred girl in her class.
“May I?” Yumi’s low voice carried a soft undertone of hope that the girl next to her would welcome her, gesturing to the open space.
Nanase jolted in surprise, closing the bag. Her hand came to her chest before glanced up from the bag and choices she was engrossed in to meet the surprising voice. Her eyes widened slightly at just whom it was, feeling uneasy just being around someone that strange. “I-.. I suppose not? If you don't mind the quiet.” Hoping to avoid more conversation, Nanase fished the bread from the plastic bag. She carefully peeled the wrapper from the item, pulling her knees to her chest as she began eating.
Once again the low voice spoke up, careful not to provide more than needed. “You’re Nishino, right? Nishino Nanase?”
“Ah? Mhm.” Nanase gave a small nod to the other girl, inching away by shifting her hips to the side when she noticed the two were a bit close for comfort. “You're.. Wakatsuki Yumi, right? The American transfer?” All things already explained by the teacher, but it felt like a formality to ask.
But even still, the strange girl seemed to perk up in an instant, beaming as she clasped her hands around Nanase's forearm. “So you've noticed me! That's relieving to hear.. But I’m not American, I simply lived there. My father moved us here this year for work~” Yumi leaned into her for a moment before laying back against the metal vent. “I was sure that someone like you wouldn't take notice or want to be my friend.”
Nanase was taken aback to say the least, staring at her with a dumbfounded look. Someone like her? What on earth could that mean? Was she really that desperate for friends? She had never met someone so excited over being remembered. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out as she noticed the pool of black blood start to drip from Yumi’s nose, right into her lap.
“Wakatsuki-san-- you-- your nose..!” The droplets stained and continued to make streaks down her mouth and chin. Nanase fell back on her palms in shock of the sight. But Yumi, seemed to hardly notice of be bothered by it. In fact if Nanase hadn't pointed it out she wouldn't have noticed all together. “You should go to the nurse!!”
“Ah..” Yumi touched the blood, examining it. Like a thick tar, it stained her skin and ran between her fingers. Through the blood against her lips, Yumi grinned to herself. Nanase only stared on in horror. “Nishino-san.. could you take me to the infirmary?” Yumi didn't need to look at the girl to feel her already determined answer, or witness the concern. But not for her infliction, but for her as a person. Manipulation was needed. Shaking her amusement at the situation, her eyes became soft as she gave Nanase a terrified glance. “l'm not sure where it is, Im a bit scared.. help me?”
That flash of weakness right through Nanase's natural defences. Like a deflated balloon, she sighed and moved closer. “Im sure.. I could help walk you.” Nanase forced a smile as she looped an arm around the girl's shoulder to help her to her feet. “Here, a handkerchief.” With urgency, Nanase’s hands trembled as she retrieved a neatly folded cloth from her skirt pocket, holding it to the girl's nose. “You’re bleeding a lot, use this.”
Yumi took the cloth, wiping the mess from her features. There was a quiet moment as Yumi lifted her gaze to meet the girl supporting her. As if suddenly there was nothing to fear, her entire act switching to another character. Yumi lightly ghosted the back of her knuckles against the opposing girls cheek, her voice soft. “You’re sweet, thank you, I won't forget this..” Yumi dropped her hand as she straightened out slightly, her arm snaking around the girl's waist. Yumi’s fingers gently pressing against her side, just under her uniform. Nanase snapped her attention over to the hand. She couldn't pin-point the reason, or motive, but she did not enjoy the feeling particularly.
“Ah, uhuh... Follow me.” Nanase peeled herself out of the dangerous girls arms and started walking, filled with uneasy feelings. A distinct brand new feeling of discomfort filling her to the brim, growing worse the longer she stayed beside her injured classmate. Thankfully, It only took a few minutes to reach the nurse's office. For Nanase, it was one of her favorite places in the school. For as long as she could remember she wanted to go into the nursing field. Finding a sense of accomplishment in helping others and being able to use the skills she learned in everyday activities. Although this trip to the office wasn't a fond memory.
Honestly, looking back, it was the second warning sign she should have given more attention too.
“Damn machine, broken again.” The nurse on staff was known for doing what she did well, but even she was still human. Getting frustrated at the heart monitor that kept reading blank signs against the “sick” girl on the bed. “Brand new and it's already broken. Figures.” The woman groaned with a sigh, tucking her raven hair behind her ear. Nanase looked on from the doorway, just as confused. No explanation for the blood. No heartbeat. And yet Wakatsuki Yumi was sitting in the flesh, completely fine. Well, fine being the ‘healthy’ term. She was fixing her uniform and even appearing pleasant. None of it made sense. “I don't feel comfortable sending you to class, but I can't get a good reading. So go home, have your parents take you to the hospital. Alright?” The nurse put a caring hand on Yumi’s knee, looking her in the eye. Her voice was stern.
“Yes ma'am, thank you.” There was a significant increase to the girl as she flashed the warmest charismatic grin she could muster in response. Yumi then climbed off the bed and made her way out of the room, raising her hand to beckon the Nanase to follow. “Nishino-san.” The two’s eyes locked for just a moment and she knew there wasn't much say in the matter. Nanase meekly did as she was told, her head aimed at the floor.
“You're not going to the hospital, are you?”
Yumi laughed softly, looking back to the girl as she strode along. “Of course not.”
“But, the blood--”
“Don’t worry about it.” Her amused tone was heard in Nanase’s ear, echoing through the hallowed hall. “More importantly..” Nanase perked her head up, beginning her descent down the staircase she was led too. Yumi halted in her tracks, just as they hit the flat surface before the next flight of stairs. “Why are you afraid of me, Nishino-san?” Nanase’s heart stopped. She hadn’t noticed how quiet the school was until she looked around and noticed the two were completely alone. “It’s fine. I’m not upset. I’m.. almost flattered that you’re this intimidated by me, as I am.” Taking a step forward, Yumi cornered the clearly terrified girl against the opposite wall, her forearm comfortably resting above her head on the wall as she leaned closer to her. Casually, her other hand found its place, lifting Nanase’s chin with her thumb and index finger. “I really like you, Nanase.. You shouldn't be afraid of me.” Yumi turned into a predator, biting her the corner of her bottom lip, drinking in the image before her. Nanase looked like a deer in the headlights, flushed and almost trembling. Yumi’s eyes were quick to memorize every part of her victims features in that moment. How she would have loved to photograph it. “Stay still.” Yumi spoke in a commanding whisper, leaning in closer and closer..
“Nishino-san, Wakatsuki-san!!”
Yumi paused and glared over at the voice who dared to stop her. There stood a short girl, with long brown hair tucked behind her ear. A girl with a distinct mole set on her right cheek. She wore a displeased expression with a perfect uniform. Not a single hair out of place. That's how she was, at least, how she wanted people to perceive her. Reika was also a clutz. But no one was meant to know that.
“Sakurai-san..!“ Nanase felt the color drain from her face. The class representative was the last person she wanted seeing this sort of scene. Just being a part of it was bad enough, but rumors starting would spell the end.
Reika touched the sides of her glasses, adjusting them. “Class has started, personal matters can and should be handled in appropriate times.” Her eyes were cold. Even as she spoke, it was if it was just too Nanase. As if she couldn't see the More important problem. Only that Nanase wasn't in class. “You’re late. So go.” Tilting her head to the side, you could feel the venom in her words, looking at Nanase as if she had just put thumbtacks in her shoes.
“Ah, forgive us!” Nanase attempted to wrangle her way out of the hold, but to no avail. Her eyes flickered between the two girls in the room, heaving a heavy sigh. “.. Thank you for the warning. We’ll be on our way.” Reika simply rolled her eyes and continued her patrols.
Yumi smirked a bit and turned her attention back to the girl under her. She wasn't afraid anymore, boring. “That spoiled the mood..” Her thumb grazed over the object of her affections bottom lip as she spoke. Her thirsty eyes peering into her a final time. “See you, Nishino-san.” Pushing off the wall, Yumi turned her back to the girl, walking down the stairs to the entrance as if nothing had happened. She knew this would be enough to get the girl hooked.
“Wait!” Nanase stepped forward.
There it was. Yumi smirked to herself, glancing back over her shoulder. “Yes?”
Nanase gripped the ends of her skirt, almost running after her. “Where are you going?”
The lime was cast. “The nurse said I could leave early, so I’ll go wherever I like.” Yumi turned on her heel, extending her hand to the other. Now was time to reel the fish in. With that same charming smile, Yumi tilted her head to the right. “Come with me?”
The shadows on her face only seemed to darken after that. Nanase felt nothing but that intimidation she was pointed out to possess. That fear of the unknown, mixed with butterflies in the pit of her stomach. The warning signs screamed at her to run, get help. But her legs wouldn't budge. “N-No.” Nanase”s head shook from side to side, just before she ran off to class, the only place she would be safe right now. Every red flag went off the second Yumi was against her the first time. She didn't want to be alone with that again. Yumi’s expression only worsened, to that of disappointment and slight frustration. “Ah well, no matter. It’s a long semester.”
