Survival at any place depends on how acquainted you are with that place. As any immigrant knows knowledge of the customs and history helps you assimilate with the population, however too much question about the same will trigger the same insecurities about you that you are trying to avoid.
A week into my stay at the academy, I faced the same problem. I needed to know about this place fast, but I couldn't ask many people if I wanted to avoid questions about my past and place of origin. In fact, even to manufacture a fake identity, I needed to know the geography and history of this place. The library proved to be ineffectual mainly because of the dump of information. So I tried to be creative.
"Err… Miss Jane, my favorite subject is… err… literature I guess," Yuki said fidgeting with her fingers.
"Because you cannot get zero in literature you see," Sayori Wakaba quipped. "Yori chan!" Yuki protested. Right what was I expecting, that Yuki would know something? She couldn't remember her homework. Even though she was clueless enough not to ask any probing questions, she was about as helpful as a bulb without the filament.
"What is your favorite subject, Miss Wakaba?" I cautiously prodded. Yuki was earlier delighted to know I was interested to meet her friends and offered to introduce me.
"Mathematics Mam, and please call me Yori."
We were sitting on her bed. Yori was diligently working on her homeworks which conveniently provided me the opening I needed.
"Right, Yori chan," I smiled, "so mathematics is it?" What an uninformative subject for my purposes.
"And what about History? Do you like it?" May be it was time for some leading questions.
"I do." Finally some progress.
"Ah ha! Which period is your favorite?"
"Which is yours?" Ha! This girl was sharp.
"Ha ha, I was homeschooled actually," I said. "Since there was no pressure to maintain scores, I pretty much slept through History."
"Oh, me too." That was Yuki to the rescue. Bless her!
"So, which period do you like the best?" I asked again. "Tell us about it. May be this time we will not fall asleep."
"It's the ancient period of course." Yori started in her best story-telling tone, "After the Cataclysm the civilization of the past was destroyed-"
"Civilization of the past?" I interrupted her.
"You would find it's remnants if you go outside our cities, even today."
"So, human kind was at the brink of extinction," she continued, "Then ten thousand years ago, the Kuran Dynasty united mankind against the demons and established the first cities of the current civilization."
"Demons was that? As in Vampires, Werewolves, the Supernatural?" I said in jest testing the waters. She was the daughter of the Mayor after all. Yuki flinched. And we shared a look.
"Of course that is a myth," Yori explained without changing her tone. "Modern historians speculate the Kurans most likely fought against rival factions and later portrayed them as demons, you know how victors write history?"
"Of course." So that is how the human world remembers the first Vampire-Hunter War and the rise of the Kurans.
"Kurans as in Kaname Kuran?" Yuki asked. She didn't have much interest in History except when it involved Kuran Kaname.
"Ah, the night class president is rumored to claim descent from the Kuran Dynasty," Yori said conspiratorially, "though that is highly debatable. The Kuran Dynasty was so long ago that we all are as much likely to be related to them."
No you don't, I silently added.
"So what happened next?" I prompted.
"Next?"
"I mean we are not ruled by the Kurans today. So what happened next?"
"Ah the Kuran dynasty came to an end, historians are not sure how since they are in the realms of myths. After the Kurans were the Aidos, then the Ichijous and finally emergence of democratic city states after the Enlightenment." So the Kurans maintained their power over the human world through their proxies. Neat!
"Enlightenment? What is that?"
"Towards the end of the Ichijou's reign," Yori said pulling the pillow in her lap, "a movement for democratization of the Govt. started."
"Hmm… that was a positive development." I said.
"Except there already was a House of Commons. Officials elected from different regions convened for parliament and made policy," she paused for dramatic effect.
"The aristocrats were exempt from those laws though. They had their own rules and hierarchy. They were alleged to lead a hedonistic life. Not to mention the other rumors"
"What rumors?"
"Rumors of demon worship, blood rituals."
"Was there any truth to that?"
"Well there were the bloodless bodies and the cover ups and the disappearances. But they were most likely the victims of their hedonistic lusts then demon worship. Either way discontent against them were brewing up."
"So the aristocrats were leaching off the commoners' blood?" I said trying to put things in perspective. "Figuratively, of course," I added to pacify an agitated Yuki.
"You could say," Yori didn't notice the undercurrent. "The last nail was the Red Knights massacre."
"The red Knights massacre?"
"In one night the Red Knights were rounded up and killed off. The surviving ones went underground. Though there is a conspiracy theory that they still exist as a secret society and influence World events." Yori explained in a conspiratorial tone.
"Wait wait, who are the Red Knights? And who killed them?"
"The Red Knights used to police the aristocrats, because the actual police did not have jurisdiction there. They held immense influence at the court. Which is why it is so unbelievable how swiftly they fell in one night. Some say the rebels attacked them because they were covering up the aristocrats' misdeeds and corruption. Others say it must have been sanctioned by the King. You see, they were a private mercenary group and owed a lot of money. And you don't have to pay dead soldiers."
"This marked the beginning of a long drawn out Civil War which lasted over a century," Yori continued, "at the end of which the modern states were born."
That day on our way back from the Sun Dorm, the only thing I could think about was what Yori told us earlier. Humans and Vampires had a long entangled history and all that came before molds the motivations and politics of today.
"Who do you think the Red knights were?" Yuki suddenly asked.
"Hun?" She seemed contemplative and unusually quiet. So, I was surprised by the sudden question.
"The Aristocrats were obviously the Vampire nobility," she continued, "but it's the first time I have heard of the Red Knights."
I considered if I should reply. "Who do you think they could be- people who could police even the Vampire aristocrats?"
"But, but they are still alive and why would they work with the vampires, instead of against them? And who is supposed to have killed them?"
"That is something even I want to know Yuki. May be… you could ask Kaname? I bet he knows"
Yuki blinked. "Why would he tell me?"
"Because… because you are… Yuki" I said irritated with Yuki's cluelessness, "and anyway I have to prepare for my class tonight, my first class. So see you later."
Nothing could be more intimidating than standing in a room full of vampires. I mean I have been there, done that. One would think I would try to avoid that. Yet here I was in front of a class of very disinterested vampires. Not to mention this place was too dark for teaching. Apparently my vampire students liked to study by moonlight only. Granted the window was large, spanning the whole south wall. Still.
"I understand that vampires can perfectly see the board in this light, but not your teacher. So, can anyone switch on the lights?" I said.
Some people tried to look around deciding who should do that or, did they need Kaname's permission now? Because the pureblood was absent. So too was the vice president. Apparently they kept their own schedule!
"Aido, if you would." I said. He was trying to avoid my gaze since the beginning of the class. Now he was looking around like I meant someone else. "Yes Hanabusa, I am talking to you." Across from him, many raised their eyebrows, at our familiarity no doubt.
"Yes, yes, I am doing it… Mam," he added reluctantly. "But what do you think you could teach us, anyway?"
"Hanabusa!" the ginger head beside him called him out with the patience of someone used to his insolence.
"What Kain? I am just saying what is on everyone's mind. We all have already covered everything ever invented in mathematics. What new thing could she teach us? She is a human."
"Is that so?" I said. "Then I will give you a mathematical problem to solve and if you manage to do so, then I will not take your class anymore. First, why don't you do what I asked you to do?"
Aido grudgingly agreed. After the lights were on, I drew the problem on the board.
"I have drawn the grid lines as well as the equation of the curve. The problem is simple. Find the area under the curve."
Aido rolled his eyes. I waited. He was quick to raise his hand.
"Yes?"
"It's approximately-" he began.
"No approximation. What's the exact area?"
"It's not possible to find the exact area. The curve-"
"It looks like you have something new to learn after all," I said. "Anyone else thinks differently?"
No one replied. Kain and the dirty blonde beside him was looking at me appreciatively. Aido looked like he didn't believe me.
"How about this? This is a homework. Go home, think on it and if you got the correct answer, you will get a reward from me. And before you pack your things, the class is not finished yet." There was a collective groan.
Now that I had shelved my math lessons for the day, I decided to listen from the students instead. First rule of war – know thy enemy!
After the introductions, I had an idea. I remembered the story that Yori told earlier in the day. Well this might be the chance to get the vampire side of the story. Of course I would not get the answers if I asked directly. So, I proposed a debate.
"A debate," I said. "And the subject is, 'which is better – Monarchy or the Senate System?'"
There was a resounding silence. "This is purely an exercise in logic. I want to assess your reasoning and public speaking capabilities." I assured.
"But Kaname sama won't like this," Ruka said. No he won't like it. But he was not here. That's what he gets for being absent in my class.
"I am sure Kaname won't grudge you defending your honest political opinion," I said instead. "Beside if you can't defend your opinion here, you can't possibly do that at the Senate one day."
That seemed to have clinched the deal. Unsurprisingly, Aido started first.
"There is no question about which is better," he said. "Of course, the Kurans are the most suitable to rule the vampire society."
"Do you mean to say Kaname sama plans to seize control from the Senate?" said a blond head at the back. Who was that? I didn't think he was important. Clearly not everyone here was from the royalist faction. Some of them were here to keep an eye on Kaname instead. Interesting.
"Stop twisting his words, Haku," Kain said. "Since when nobles have any control over what purebloods do? Now that's more the Senate's style, isn't it?" He wasn't a sycophant like Aido. But he had a cooler head.
"You mean when the Senate forced the Kurans to abdicate and saved the vampire society by ending the second Vampire-Hunter War? Why you are welcome." Wait, the Kurans' abdication stopped the war? Didn't the Kurans abolish the monarchy because they were pacifist or something? Right, like that could be true!
"You mean the War that was started by the conspiracy of Ichijous and other Senate loyalists?" Ruka said with spite. This one was more reckless.
"Careful now," Haku warned, "the Vice President might have something to say about such reckless accusations." Hmm, so the Senate loyalists here thought Takuma was on their side? Or was he? In the end, Takuma did choose Kaname over his grandfather, but was he always loyal to Kaname?
As the class erupted in bickering, I expected plenty of verbal fracas. But there was a different kind of excitement in the class. Before I could understand it, everyone's eyes turned red. Wait a minute. This was just a harmless debate. No need to take it that seriously! Suddenly I was debating the merit of being in a confined space full of vampires.
Before I lost my nerve and did something foolish, the huge doors opened with a creak and in strolled the vice dorm president.
"Class dismissed, Kaname's orders." Right, Kaname decided things around here, not the professor. Though I was grateful that Kaname telepathically somehow knew about the dangerous situation here. Takuma ignored me entirely as he handled the agitated vampires efficiently, without a hint of his usual jolliness.
"But we smelled blood, unexpectedly sweet blood," said a student. What?
"Yes, we have a right to know," said another.
There were protests.
"No you don't," Takuma said. There was steel in his eyes. "Now, make a que and head to the Moon dorms, no detours. Aido, Kain, you are at the front."
"Yes, vice-president."
"Shiki and Rima, you are at the rear. And I will escort Miss Jane to her place."
Oh, he would? No doubt, Kaname's order.
"Ichijou-san," I said, "What is going on? And I can manage by myself. Thank you."
With the most disarming smile I had seen, he turned back. "Miss Jane we meet again. How do you do?"
"Was doing fine till you interrupted my class."
"Yes, your class…was looking forward to it."
Right, you did not even attend the class.
"Unfortunately, we must postpone that, because-"
"Kaname's Orders. I know."
He looked curious. "It's for the safety of the human students. We can't risk that, can we?" he said, "You don't mind my company, do you?"
When he said it like that there was no way I could refuse. Kaname might be dishing out the orders, but it was actually this guy who was used to getting his way, I learnt.
As we made our way through the deserted walkways of the campus, I considered what the emergency was about. Beside me, Ichijou was deep in thought. I envied that self-assured way of carrying oneself that came from knowing one's place in the world.
"So, who attacked Yuki chan?" I asked.
He looked surprised.
"Yuki chan is the only one Kaname will make such a fuss about," I explained. Also the one whose 'sweet blood' would tempt the vampires so, since I was not bleeding.
He didn't disagree. "The situation is under control. You need not worry," he said.
Before I could push further on that, we were at our destination.
"I will leave you here, Miss Jane. Take care."
"Thank you Ichijou-san."
"Please call me Takuma, I insist."
"Sure, Takuma."
"You call Kaname by his name though. I wonder why? I don't think he asked you to."
"Well…Kaname is a familiar name I guess," I hedged. There was no way I was going to call him Kaname sama! I mean I was the teacher. May be he should call me sensei instead.
"Is it?" he asked contemplatively. "No vampire will name their child Kaname though, in deference to the first king, except of course the Kurans. Anyway, do call me Takuma. I am after all just your student like Kaname."
He had a twinkle in his eyes, the brat. So I resented the position I was in and the power that Kaname and his enforcer had over me. And wanted to compensate by emphasizing my position as their teacher. So what? Compared to Zero, I was a saint. Then again, unlike Zero, I will not take the battle where I cannot win it.
That night, I dreamed of home, sweet home.
No it was a memory-
I exchanged with my sister to go to a science seminar-
I had a feeling, if I went far enough along that thread of memory, I would get the answers I was seeking-
At the same time there was a weird resistance –a fear- not to go there.
Let's linger at the local coffee shop, hey how about that hot guy that just moved in next door?
Wait, wait, I have somewhere else to be.
Are you sure? Don't you have to study for the end of term exam?
Right, it would be a disaster to appear for exam without studying, but I have to –Shit! I do not know the answer to any of the questions and its 10 minutes to the end of test!
But someone was calling, it was insistent.
I left the papers and went to the window –strange-
No one noticed, I jumped outside, the grass was soft under my bare feet as I followed the call.
Until I reached a towering gate –the Moon-dorm gates!
As weird as dreams got, I decided to indulge myself if I wanted to see the end of it.
The crone at the gate tried to stop me. But one look at my neck-the mark- and his eyes turned to saucers. He quickly opened the gate and sent me off.
I crossed the bridge at a run –someone was in pain, I must hurry- pushed the double doors in and stepped inside.
"Is that our new professor at the door?" said one bewildered night class student lounging in the common room by the main entrance.
"In a duck-printed pajama?" said another.
"Are you serious? The human one? Is she even allowed here?"
There was a commotion by now among the few students that remained here at this hour.
"What are you doing here?" Aido whispered sharply while shaking me by the shoulders, "Do you know what kind of danger you put yourself in by coming here? And hide that mark, fast." He raised the collar of my shirt and buttoned it up.
It really was Aido. I mean not in a dream, but in reality. And I was in the Moon Dorm for real, in my duck-printed pajama (not my choice, but the Chairman's, I was not allowed out of the Academy), and making a fool of myself. The teaching credibility I hoped to build was in tatters.
I was struggling to understand how I ended up here, as well as how to back out of this situation without looking like an utter fool or a rabid fangirl. Oh lord! It must look like that. One of the stalker human girls scaling walls, breaking curfew on a day when the guardians were obviously indisposed. Shit! What to do?
"You need to get out of here. Think of excuses later," Aido said, and I agreed, "You will be in a lot of trouble once Kaname-sama knows. Thankfully this is his resting time and no one will dare disturb him now."
That is when Seiren appeared.
"The Master is expecting you upstairs."
I, as well as the rest of the audience was not expecting that. I, however, pretended as if I was waiting for this all along. Better they think I was here at the dorm leader's invitation and definitely not for stalking, right? But of course, paying your student a night-time visit in your night-wear was not scandalous at all! Well beggars can't be choosers.
I followed Seiren upstairs. Now about the immediate problem of facing Kaname Kuran, how to explain my presence at this hour? Dream walking would not be a believable excuse. And I did not want to appear not in control of my senses before this man. But admitting to anything else would land me in trouble. Hmm… may be, I can try the truth in a flippant tone like I did not care about what excuse I gave and it was up to him to believe or not. I could picture the exchange –
Kaname: How dare you intrude in my den!
Me: Who knows? May be I was dream walking.
Kaname: What? Do you expect me to believe such bullshit?
Me: You know what? Since I am not welcome, how about I show myself out and we forget this ever happened?
Right, like that would ever happen. Besides, this was the first time we meet since our last disastrous introduction, you know the one where I expected to be rescued but he bit me instead! The base of my neck throbbed and I controlled the urge to touch there. Calm down. That was just phantom pain. And this was not an interrogation about my knowledge of his sister, this meeting. He had plenty of time to do that before. But then why call me upstairs?
Before long we were at the looming double doors to his suit. For a moment I hesitated, then I stepped inside.
As the doors shut with a thud, I flinched. The moon dorm interior was a class apart from the Sun Dorm or even the chairman's accommodations. This room one was no different, if sparsely attended. The shadows loomed large with the dim lighting and accentuated the dark color of the decor. The ornate mahogany table at the center was laden with papers and other stationary, all stacked neatly - the touch of a meticulous hand. Except the tablets – blood tablets I realized with alarm – were scattered everywhere. A wine glass lay tumbled on the carpet with a dark stain (blood? Tablet?), pooling at its base- as if the owner did not have the time or inclination to pick it up.
This was not a good time to visit this man, vampire. Yuuki's blood had agitated everyone earlier and this man too, as it appeared. If I had even a little sense of self-preservation, I should turn around and run. I was not Yuuki. He had no qualms about taking my blood and he had already proven he had no regards to my consent to it.
But my legs won't move even while my heart beat a staccato. It was useless anyway, running that is. If this man wanted to find me, nothing would stop him. In fact, in my case, they might say it was his right! The burn of indignation calmed my heart.
"Seiren will escort you to your dorm". I was startled out of my contemplation. Shit! He was in the room all along. Like a predator lurking about waiting for the unsuspecting prey.
"Jane?" The tone was impatient.
"Yes."
"I said, take the back exit. You have already caused enough commotion."
Wait, that was it? I was prepared for an interrogation. Not that I am complaining. But shouldn't he at least be asking for why I was here at such an odd hour? Instead he couldn't get me out of his hair fast enough!
Now that I knew where he was, I could spot his profile by the floor to ceiling glass window, distinct from the curtains. His back was towards me. His forehead and right arm were resting on the glass and his shoulders were shaking like he was in pain.
"Are you in pain?" I couldn't help saying.
"It's not your blood I want," he bit out.
I couldn't explain the sudden burn of rejection at his words. It must be the burn of insult. The presumption of this person that I would even want to!
"Excuse me! I don't want you to have my blood," I said.
"Then why are you here? To torment me?"
"But, I didn't-" I couldn't explain why I was here. "I didn't come here for that."
He was suddenly in front of me. Before I could take in his red eyes, my back connected harshly against the wall.
"You think I don't know how this works?" he whispered. His hands like iron bars pushing on my shoulders. "The last time you tormented me till I couldn't tell reality from dream. I had to, I had to-"
He had such anguish in his voice, that I almost ignored his face near my neck. Almost. Till he licked my neck. Ok, that's as far as you go. I pushed at his chest, but he wouldn't budge. So, I kicked him where it hurt. That seemed to have gotten him out of whatever trance he was in. He disengaged swearing violently. Then he noticed me and composed himself, squared his shoulders and said, "Get out."
I didn't need to be told twice.
Without further ado, I showed myself out. Seiren appeared out of nowhere. No surprise there. I ignored her and continued across the hallway intent on getting out of here. After a bend, I ran into someone.
The vice-president gave me a curious look like he was figuring out a puzzle. Then he looked over my shoulder at Seiren. "I will take her from here," he said. Seiren nodded and disappeared.
I was shivering by now, whether due to the cold or fear or anger I didn't know. How dare he? How dare Kaname blame me for his loss of control? Ok, it was heights of stupidity to come here tonight. But it was not my fault; I didn't mean to. Besides he was the one to call me upstairs.
Takuma pulled out the overcoat he was wearing, the apple green one, and wrapped it around me. It was warm and smelled of cinnamon and apple.
"You have been to Kaname's room," he said.
I guess the whole night class knew about it by now, their teacher coming for a nightly visit to Kaname's room!
"Yes," I said. "But it's not what it looks like. I didn't intend to come here. I kind of-"
"Of course you didn't," he said.
That shut me off. He wasn't mocking me. He was stating a fact.
"What do you mean?"
"Walk with me," he said, "My room is just around the corner. This can't be discussed at the hallway."
I didn't feel like lingering in the Moon Dorm anymore, but I had to know. So, I followed him inside.
The casual luxury of the Moon Dorm rooms no longer shocked me. His room was better illuminated and had delicate shades. He shared his room but currently the other end was unoccupied. The floor was scattered with mangas and clothes – expensive clothes.
"Pardon the mess," he said, "But fortunately, Shiki is not here. So we can discuss in private."
"So you don't think it's a co-incidence that I am here?" I said.
"No," he weighed my reaction. "You are here because Kaname was desiring blood. Obviously the blood tablets didn't work."
That again? The presumption of these vampires that I will bare my neck willingly for their King! My lips opened in a snarl.
"I didn't hear the 'summon'," I retorted. "Do you think I dreamt his need and obliged?" I spewed out in biting sarcasm. He didn't seem to notice the sarcasm.
"Who knows?" he said, "This is my first time seeing a Calix Sanguinis."
That got my attention. I had a horrible feeling about this.
"You think he telepathically controlled me to come here?"
Did he have any idea what this meant for me? Not only was I under house-arrest, but also apparently psychologically controlled? How deeper did the control go?
"Who knows who controls whom?" he said, "He clearly did not want you here. Pardon me, but you are quite unharmed." He motioned towards my neck and I flinched. "Yet his desire brought you here. How that works only you can say."
He had a speculative look.
"The vampire world is abuzz with rumors about you," he said. "Well not you, the Calix Sanguinis. They don't know you personally." He smiled. Vampire world was it? Or was it the Senate? Wasn't he supposed to be working for them? In that case, was his interest in me on behalf of the Senate? Ah, did I sound disappointed?
"Everyone is wondering why Kaname didn't drain you at once," he continued unconcerned about my alarm. "Can you imagine the power that would have given him? Enough to topple the Senate, face all other purebloods alone." I didn't tell him that Kaname would still not be able to face Rido, the master who awakened him. His grandfather evidently didn't tell him, neither did Kaname.
"So you will understand why everyone is thinking that Kaname might have some other plan for you," he said. "Something bigger."
Bigger plan was that? Well Kaname could shove his plans where the sun didn't shine! Because I was getting the hell out of here, before they came to fruition.
As if reading my mind, he said, "It's alright Jane. I know how difficult it is to be the instrument of Kaname's plans." He appeared sincere. Was he talking from experience? "So if you have any trouble, seek me out. I will keep an eye out for you." So, he was monitoring me on behalf of the Senate. Great.
"On the other hand, if you are planning to run, just remember Kaname might be able to make you walk back."
Or not. Wouldn't a senate sympathizer jump at the chance to lure me to them?
He was smiling, the brat, like he didn't just make my incarceration clear enough.
"Fine. If you want to help me, tell me about this Calix Sanguinis."
"We already told you."
"Not what it can do for you. But what it is, where it came from."
He was silent for a long time.
"Ah, you don't know," I said figuring out the puzzle. "You don't know more about Calix Sanguinis either, do you? That is why you sought me out, to know more."
"This is one of the most guarded subjects in the vampire world," he said. "I have tried. But the details are under lock and key."
"In that case we have nothing else to discuss," I said and got up.
It's time to get out of here and get back to my bed.
"I will see you out," he said.
"No need," I said and made to return his overcoat.
"Keep it," he insisted. "It's cold outside and Jane, I will let you know if I find out something."
I nodded and let myself out, then took the back-door out of Moon-dorm. As I ran across the field overlooking the large glass windows upstairs, I could see the silhouette of someone there looking straight at me. I remembered my conversation with Takuma. Could Kaname feel me with Takuma? Could he make me walk back inside? I shivered at the implications. I increased my pace.
Author Note: Posting after a long time. Please let me know what is working and what is not, also your theories;)
