Chapter 3-Recollection
Shadow danced against the cold wall as the flames of the candles flickered. Footsteps echoed along the dim hallway of the night class dormitories. Stopping at the wide mahogany door, Takuma Ichijo knocked softly.
"You may enter, Ichijo" A smooth, velvety voice commanded.
Takuma pushed the heavy door and walked into the majestic room. Head bowed politely, he noticed a magnificent bed only fitted for a royal usage. The grand room that was surrounded by intricately designed walls further emphasized the royalty and greatness a pureblood possessed. The said royal was standing by the large window staring at the school ground.
"You summoned me, Kaname sama"
Takuma noticed the pureblood's fascination with a particular guardian was increasing lately. He stares out of the window and saw that above mentioned person was facing difficulties in coping with a steed. He turned sideways and was shocked to see that the usually cold and emotionless leader was actually holding such a tender and loving gaze.
"That's the chairman's daughter" Takuma stated. His mere statement had caused what seems tobe pain flitting through the pureblood's gaze that lasted less than a fraction of second, followed with a glare that sends a shiver down his spine.
He fully understood the pain of the pureblood leader. The pain of separation against one's own will. It all dates back to his childhood days when he was still able to smile sincerely from the bottom of his heart. The smile of his childhood sweetheart was etched into his memories permanently.
He recalled the exact moment she entered his life. It was a stormy night. Lightning flashes and thunder roars. Everyone was fast asleep in the Ichijo's mansion. All except for a single young boy. He was waiting for his grandfather's return from his council business. At the sound of the horse carriage, he rushed out of the huge mansion.
"Welcome back, grandfather."
A heavily built man with a huge sword tucked securely by his waist belt descended from the carriage, holding what seemed to be like a tiny bundle.
"Takun, please ask the servant to prepare a warm bath, we need to heat up this little one." Asato Ichijo instructed.
Takuma rushed back into the mansion and informed the servants to do as instructed. After his grandfather settled down, Takuma decided to peek at the little baby. He saw that that little one fast asleep, sucking onto a thumb.
"Peaceful one isn't she" His grandfather's voice sounded from behind. Takuma whirled around and faced him.
"Grandfather, did you found her in the storm?"
"Well, more or less, by the way, her name's Shika. Takuma, look after her while I'm not around all right."
"With pleasure, grandfather"
The following years were probably the most memorable for Takuma Ichijo. He felt truly alive and blissful all the time.
Takuma wondered down the hallway pass his grandfather office.
"She's at my mansion, my Lord, healthy and alive. I'll drop by and fetched you then." Asato confirmed.
Takuma knocked at the wooden door politely. "Grandfather, you call for me."
"Oh yes, Takun, listen carefully, look after Shika, never let her take even a single step out of the mansion, get it?"
Takuma agreed while listening to his grandfather's explanation.
"Tak, why can't I take a look at the flowers by the pond" Little Shika asked.
"That's because grandfather clearly instructed me not to bring you out of the house when he is away for business." Takuma answered. He was also puzzled about the fact that grandfather was so strict about Shika stepping out of the mansion. He recalled grandfather mentioning about some kind of protective charm the mansion is able to provide.
"All right then, will you pick a flower for me when grandfather returns?"
"Of course" Takuma smiled brightly, though it was probably the last true smile he'll ever show.
The next thing he knew, a dazzling and beautiful woman with long, flowing auburn hair appeared right in front of him. He was stunned for a moment. For what felt like eternity, Takuma stared at the empty space where Shika was a few seconds ago. That was the last time he ever saw her.
"Asato Ichijo will be visiting" The pureblood dorm leader stated.
"Thanks for informing me, Kaname sama" Takuma bowed and retreated from the impressive room.