Chapter 4: Restless Corner

When you are little, you are most likely oblivious to many things. Things that make you squirm or be aware of them once you get older. Living in the West African villages had been a pleasure and a pain. The latter had much to do with the fact that I mingled with children and natives who had low regards for hygiene. Playing in the dirt and eating fly-infected food with the same hand was as much as bad as running in the rain and lying in the mud for hours. It never bothered me; not until I got sick of course.

But when you are young, you don't think about these things. You don't think that in this world, something called germs exist. You don't think that these germs are actually tiny microorganisms that have survived on earth for ages, and that there are good ones and bad ones. Good ones that help you survive, and bad ones that kill you in the blink of an eye.

Then there are classes for microorganisms. Distinctions based on their looks, movement, and their method of interaction. It is amazing how this tiny civilization thrives right under our noses. It is more amazing when you realize that these beings have lived with us since the beginning of time. And we, for many many years, did not even realize they existed, changing, replicating, and killing, for their survival.

I hope you are catching on to my point.

Because when you are told of something like that, something similar to our tiny friends and foes, something that only a few humans have come to know, then nothing can feel so extraordinary and senseless at the same time.

And if Professor Takamiya had not taken an entire class to talk about these beings that he called vampires-their classes, their distinctions, and their origins-then I would not have stayed glued to my seat, searching for more questions than finding my answers. It was just…too incredible to believe. Too much to comprehend. And worse, the only ones who knew were the ones in this room and the headmaster.

"Have I dumbfounded you enough, newbie?" I heard him speak after a very long pause. I looked up to see him and the immensely long charts he made on the board. Who knew the vampire world was so complex? A triangle of classes...no levels. A part of me strained to see Sayori sitting a few seats down, but she refused to look at me. And Zero…where was Zero?

"Well?"

"I…" I spoke under my breath. "…don't know…"

"So you're not going to do it, is that it?" I flinched as he spoke in such a disappointed tone. "That does not come as a surprise to me."

What? "Ho—hold on…" I put up one index finger in the air. "I didn't say anything of not taking your offer." Or did I?

"Well then, I'll say this again." His voice was close to my ear, and I was startled to see him lean over my face in that intimidating way he enjoyed so much. "In the end, it's your choice. Just know that this is just the beginning. If you choose to back out, then it's not a problem to me. If…"

"What will happen if I back out?"

"If…" he emphasized after my quick interruption. "you are willing to take the position, then you have to accommodate some changes and rules into your agenda."

He stepped back and headed towards the door. "The headmaster and I will be in his office. Come up to us when you're ready."

I saw him stop. "Oh…and the other Day Class students are all outside in front of the Moon Dorm gates. But if you decide to blabber what we discussed with anyone, I'll make sure that you regret ever coming to this school."

His last remark made me cringe. It was not like me to take threats to heart, but I could see how serious this matter was. And in no way in hell, even if I had not sworn to secrecy, was I ever going to tell anyone of what I learned. This new astounding information had shut my lips tight. I still shook in my seat. What should I do? What should I do?

"Let's go. The Night Class will be here soon." I heard Sayori's voice ring through the silence.

"Sayo-" She was already out the door. Not good.

"Hey Yori-chan, wait," I followed her into the hallway. I still wanted to thank her for giving me an extra uniform to wear. "Sayori, where are you-"

"I hope you're happy." Her words made me stop right away. "I told you not to get involved, but you don't listen. Now you know these beings we have to live with...these vampires, and how much of a dangerous place it is for us humans."

Yes, I knew. And it wasn't a comforting thought at all.

"I'm not going to tell anyone." I attempted a smile. "Actually, people will think I'm crazy if I do and-"

"Don't pretend that you're not scared right now, Jona-kun. You are shivering and your skin is cold."

She was right.

"Jona-kun, please be a friend and refuse Takamiya sensei's offer." She squeezed my hand with all the ferocity in the world. "It's not too late to back out."

"You mean not do it?" I thought about my choices. "If I do decline, what's going to happen?"

Sayori paused to stare at the ground. Uh-oh…hesitance was never a good sign.

"Well…usually in such a case, they would wipe out your memory." W-what? "No, you don't understand, it's only enough to forget what we talked about. But like me, they might make an exception if you swear to keep it a secret. In fact, I think I prefer that option much more than what you are doing."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, Jona-kun, that I won't be mad at you for knowing about vampires," she squeezed my hands again. "I was afraid that you would not believe him and well...just leave this school. But you seem to take it quite well...kind of like how I did." she paused. "But knowing that vampires exist and getting involved with them are two different things. It's not safe where he's taking you, Jona-kun…trust me."

I knew what she was trying to say made sense. In fact, it made the most sense than anything I heard since I came to this place. I was indeed frightened; still frightened to know that vampires swarmed this very school and beyond. But this sort of fright was not new; it was the type that had flooded my body whenever I used to go on a dangerous expedition. Whenever I had to take a risk or go into deadly territory, I had that fear lurking behind my head. And that fear, I realized, was not going to leave until I took danger by surprise. Knowing what I've been through, and the sort of psych that had infected my brain after that incident, I could not keep still from anything anymore. The deadly had become a part of my world, and nothing, I was afraid to admit, was ever going to cure me.

And I had to decide, whether now or later, if this was going to help at all.

"I trust you…" I saw her break a smile at my response. "But this is something I must decide for myself. It's something that I feel…will keep me sane." Her look of confusion instantly replaced the smile. "I wish I can explain. I really do-"

"So you want to get yourself killed, is that it?"

Not again. "Not intentionally, no. Not like…I mean-"

"You're a strange one, Jona-kun," she let go of my hands and turned to walk the other way. "Go do what you want. But don't say that I didn't warn you."

Didn't warn me? I felt myself heat up again, and my lips refused to stay shut. "Why are you being this way? So overprotective?" I had to say it. "You don't know me. We've only been friends for three days. How do you know what I can and can't do?"

"Because I made the same mistake once," she answered without a flinch, and I had to repeat that in my head to fully understand it. "I went into the vampire world to see…to see a friend who was very important to me. I was so close to make it out alive that day. And later when she sacrificed..." I heard her voice quiver a bit. Something was wrong. "When she was gone...when she left us...I lost a very special friend that day. I don't want to lose another one."

A special friend…who did she mean?

"Wait, I eh-" But my voice was cut short. She had already turned the corner and left without another word.

No, Sayori, come on! Who did she mean?

I wanted to follow. It was not fair to leave me hanging with guilt, and at a time like this too. But somehow, her expression had already told me enough. This girl was recovering from something. I wish I could have asked more, but from personal experience, I knew how hard it was to expose a vulnerable feeling to a stranger. And I was still a stranger here.

That's why I needed to make a choice. "You don't…know me." I had to say it out loud. I had to tell myself that maybe I could take this task. I could do it. Vampire or not, I had to be on the hunt again.

I felt the shiver begin to cease and my mind focusing on only what was ahead. I sped up the stairs towards the headmaster's office. The light was streaming past the partly open door, and I paused to knock in order to give myself enough time to prepare myself.

"Come in, Joan-chan!" The headmaster.

I stepped in. For a second, I was expecting to run into another prop like before to take me by surprise, but nothing had chan-

AGH!

I jumped back in surprise. Scratch that, scratch that! I was wrong! There was a man with an eye-patch! And a gun!

"Don't be surprised, Joan-chan." The headmaster reacted to my short scream in amusement. "This is one of our people, Yagari Toga. He's a professor in this school too."

Another professor? I looked at his uniform. Why was he wearing…? Nevermind. "I-It's a pleasure to meet-"

"Hm, she doesn't look like the type." Ow! He tugged on one of my ponytails. "Where are you getting these people from, Kaito?" How rude!

"Please shut up, Yagari Sensei." He grumbled back. Yes, please calm the pirate down, professor.

"So Joan-chan, I hope you have made your decision," Headmaster Cross pulled me gently closer to the center. "Now I want you to remember that if you take this responsibility, there is no turning back." I took in his words slowly. The attention was only on me now.

"We will do our best to guard you, but there will be constant danger. You will be seeing things that might shock you."

I was already shocked enough, but more I can handle...hopefully.

"You will be going places that are different than the terrain you are used to. Far scarier places."

That was to be expected.

"The rules will be different. And you have to put on a completely different image than you have now."

That…

I stopped.

For a second, my eyes moved to the corner, and I saw Zero standing there with a huge frown. He didn't seem too happy about this. Just like Sayori. My eyes slowly moved to the sunset outside, and I suddenly realized that my father didn't know where I was. He didn't know that I never went home with his fiancé. She would have told him, wouldn't she? But...

Ow! A sting passed through my chest. What was this?

"Joan?"

I stared into the distance. In a quick flash, I caught a glimpse of a detestable memory, and something overcame me. In fact, I felt different inside now that I knew where I was. Not in the headmaster's office, but in the state of my conscience.

Blood. So much blood. Screams. Guns. Fire.

And then something clicked, and I suddenly realized I was wholly out of place.

Was I...doing the right thing?

"What do you say, Joan-chan?"

The headmaster was smiling at me. He was such a nice man, even if he was a hunter. It was the last thing I could think about before the answer came out in a whisper.

"I say…" Yes, say it. "I say no."

"No?" the headmaster raised his brows, and I could tell from the corner of my eye that even Professor Takamiya was somewhat taken aback. My conscience did the same thing.

I repeated with a flinch in my stomach. "I-I decline your offer. I'm sorry, but I don't think I'm ready for such a big assignment."

There was a moment of pause as the hunters exchanged glances. I took the time to contemplate what I had just said. It surprised even me.

"Are you sure about this, Joan-chan? We could have really used your skills." The headmaster reached something from the table.

My camera!

He put it in my hands, and I quickly hugged it to my chest. "But we can't make you do what you don't want to. So we'll let you go. I apologize for the haste."

"Wait a minute," I turned to see Professor Takamiya unhinge his arms. "Are you going to let her go just like that?" What's this?

"We said we were not going to push her." The headmaster replied.

"But her mind says something different." I gulped. Takamiya was looking at me now.

Uh-oh.

"Isn't that right?"

No…I mean, I didn't know...

"Don't go playing with her head. That's not going to work." It was Zero.

"Sadly, I have to agree with the runt." The man called Yagari followed.

"You're both morons. I can clearly see she wants to do it."

What? No.

"Isn't that right, newbie?"

No!

"Enough. Stop forcing her, Kaito." Zero growled. I couldn't help but cower a little, but he had managed to hush my professor. Or at least to the point of revealing a grim look towards me. I swallowed hard.

He knew. He saw right through me with that laser eyes of his.

"So…" I found myself asking timidly before it escaped my mind. "Are you going to erase my memory now?

"I'm afraid we have to," Zero walked forward. A look of relief had crossed his frown. "It may feel different, but it's not going to hurt."

"Wait." I stepped back. "Sayori said some of us can choose to keep the memory of vampires as long as we don't tell anyone. I already learned so much about them and-"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Yagari stepped in. "You know too much to keep it all in your head."

"No, let her." I saw Professor Takamiya speak coldly. Something about his expression was more than intimidating. It worried me. "Let her see for herself what a coward she is."

Pause. A what now?

"Going through all that trouble to teach about vampires. Why did I even bother?"

Bother? Hey wait a minute!

"You said it was not going to be a problem if I backed out!" I raised my voice again. Yes, that's right, professor. What happened to that claim?

"I did say that didn't I?" A smirk crept his face. "I just didn't think you would believe me."

He turned around and left in a huff. The nerve! I had to open my mouth a little.

"What was that about?" I shot a look at the others. "And you hear what he called me? A coward! Per amor di Dio, give him a brain! Calling me a coward just like that? Like he's some kind of almighty dictator to force people into-"

"No, you're not a coward, Joan-chan," the headmaster interjected quickly. "That's just...the way he acts, that's all."

That's all? More like a behavior I would expect from a teenager.

"It's not like Kaito to fret over something like this though," the man Yagari sighed and turned towards the door. "Oh well, if this is not gonna go anywhere, I might as well return to the association."

"I suppose so." the headmaster followed. "I'm just glad I let the Night Class skip class this time. Poor Kiryu-kun must feel disappointed to not do his duty today."

I ignored the light punch that Zero threw on him. Somehow, what my professor said bothered me. It unnerved me in the worst way possible.

"I don't understand…why is he mad at me?" I spoke. "He said in the end, it was my choice, didn't he? I didn't intentionally put myself in this position, and you were all weary at first for telling me about vampires, so why-"

"You made the right choice," Zero interrupted. "Being with vampires is never a good thing. That's why we should erase your memory as soon as possible."

"No, please," I grabbed his hand before it made contact with my head. "At least give me the privilege to remember. I've learned something new today…the most extraordinary news I can ever think of." I sighed the longest sigh. I was still troubled. "Please…let me think."

"Joan-chan," the headmaster smiled with pity. "If Kaito-kun is right, and you still want to do it, we'll leave a spot for you. Don't hesitate to still feel indecisive. You just took in a vast amount of information of a different race all in one day. We understand if you still need more time."

"Except we don't have more time," Zero frowned. Quite the mood turner. "This is not one of your highly privileged job offerings. It's a life and death situation that is not suited for all humans. And the more time we waste, the more hunters will die. We already lost five in three weeks."

Five? Good lord...

"I think it's best that you don't get involved. You have great photography skills, I'll give you that. But like you said, it may be too much for you."

The headmaster was right. It was natural for him to think that way. And this was a job for a detective. A detective-hunter if you want to call it. How could someone like me help out? They must have made a mistake asking me.

And yet…

No. I already said no.

"Please excuse me, headmaster, Zero, I would like to go home now."

"Of course. But know that we don't always give one responsibility to keep his or her memory. Just this once, we'll bend the rules. And only because you gave us your word."

"My lips are shut. Thank you headmaster."

I walked out the door and down the steps without a further word. Something was troubling me. It was my stupid conscience. I was irritated. But why was I irritated? I had plenty of other things to take pictures of. There was no scarcity there. I should have enough of running after danger. This part of me had to stop.

But oh, what an opportunity this would have been.

No.

Just one more.

No, Joan, no.

One more chance to put myself in the wild!

"Just shut it, brain! Or I will alimentare il vostro viso al corvi!" I jabbed a finger between my forehead. Ow...I was really going mad.

"Does your native tongue just automatically come out when you're mad?"

"It happens." I stopped to turn around. "Oh!"

It was Professor Takamiya. My insides churned again.

"I-I thought you left, sensei-"

"Why didn't you just say you wanted to do it?" He blurted out...and with that weird tone of urgency. "Why did you back out?"

I didn't want to hear this now. "I already gave my reason. You have no right to make me do what I won't and cannot do."

"You don't know that yet. And it wouldn't have bothered me if you were serious about your decision. Which you are not." He pointed at my hands. "You are fidgeting. That tells me something."

He found out. I stopped myself instantly. But I knew what he meant; my fidgeting was not something that was going to go away easily.

"Something happened before didn't it?" he continued. "And I can tell that in the back of your mind, you are desperately etching to take this job."

"Please understand, sensei, no matter how much you can see through me, the matter stands is that I can't do it." I was surprised how nonchalantly I said that without a flinch. Cool and poised, just what I wanted to say without stuttering.

I walked further out in the school-grounds where the moonlight shone right above my head. A great picture to have.

"My father brought me here to settle down. To live a normal life, only long enough to…to find a cure." Yes…that. It ached even more when I brushed my hand against my collarbone. "I already had my share of dares with the beasts I'm familiar with. My father thinks I should stop. And I think so too."

"No, you are just forcing yourself to think that. I know you are not satisfied. You're not happy just being here." So right. His words were so dead on, it made me uncomfortable. "And just so you know, I know how that feels. I've been there once too."

"I'm sure you were." I wasn't going to deny that, seeing that he was a hunter and all. But I had to wonder. How did it feel the first time when he faced something so horrible and malicious? The first time...when he killed? Even if I myself had not done the same thing…I had come close. Yes, very close.

But that was for another time to think about. This was not the time or place to question about the past. The darkness crept into the town beyond the gates, and I knew going by myself was not a good idea at all. Not after what happened in the alley.

"Well? Have I changed your mind yet?"

I sighed at his haughtiness. It was hard calling him a professor when he acted this way. "No…" I forced back a sigh. "Not yet."

His expression changed once again, but he did not say anything.

"I do…need a way to go home though." I pointed towards the gates. "It's stupid to go out there on my own."

"Well don't look at me, newbie" he turned around with a gruff. Just as I expected. "I'm not your babysitter."

"Who said anything about a babysitter? It's rude to leave a lady out in the streets alone." I folded my arms.

I waited for my professor to turn and scan me with his eyes again. "Very well." He pulled something…no, someone out from behind the bushes.

"Yagari-sensei…"

I jumped again. How did he-? Was he there the whole time?

"…since you're tired of waiting on me sensei, why don't you go escort my student home for the night?"

The other man shook him off. "What are you talking about? I'm not going to play the chauffeur of your pupils. Forget it."

"Too bad, sensei. She-"

"Please, can one of you just make up your mind and be a decent human being?" Their stupid argument was getting on my nerves. "I don't live very far, really."

Kaito nodded. "You heard the kid. Besides, it's awkward for a professor to walk side by side with a student." Right, especially when that professor had a lashing mouth.

"Ugh, fine, if awkwardness is the problem here. At least I know I'm old enough to be her father…I think," Yagari motioned me to follow. "Come on, let's go before I change my mind."

It wasn't long before we left the lit grounds of the academy, and by some weird impulse, I turned to see if my professor had left too. Sure enough, he was gone. Yagari took me through the pitch-black streets, and the walk, I was surprised to say, ended up much more pleasant than I expected. The man was a bit moody, but he wasn't Zero-moody. At least he started a conversation, asking more about me and talking very little bit about himself. Of course I wanted to question about this association they belonged in, but the man had a gun. Yes, a gun. And even an idiot knows you do not go against a pirate with a four-foot weapon of death.

"Well we're here. What did you say your name was again? Jade?"

I looked up towards the second floor. The light was on. My father must have come home. "It's Joan."

"Alright then, kid. Take care of yourself." And without even a goodnight, he left.

So far, so good. I made my way inside, and my head swarmed with conflicting thoughts again. I did what I knew was right. My father, after all, would not have wanted me to get into trouble again. And we were living here temporarily. Soon, we would have a real home. A real quiet place to stay. And even to my dismay…we would be a family. With that woman, but a family nonetheless.

I tried to welcome that thought. But I was still fidgeting. Sleep was not going to come to me at all tonight.

"Papi, I've come home."

"Jadae! Where have you been?"

I saw my father stand up from the couch in a fit of rage and worry. This was not like him at all. Uh-oh.

"What do you mean? I was at school for class."

"I thought Jade brought you home!" He took me by the shoulders. "I came back an hour ago thinking that you were resting! Why didn't you call me?"

"What? The lady dropped me off at school, didn't she tell you?" What the heck!

"She must have forgotten. I couldn't get a hold of her after the morning shoot."

"So that is my fault?" Yes, Papi, blame it on me. "And if you didn't find me here, wasn't your first instinct to check with my school?"

"Jadae..." I saw him look taken aback before returning to his normal composure. I bit my lip, trying to hold my tongue. I wasn't used to talking to him like this, but I had to defend myself.

"I...I'm just so used to waiting for you to come home. Like before." His answer made me flinch. I frowned towards the ground. "I'm sorry, Jadae. You're right. I should have called."

"I should have called too," I spoke softly. "It's not like old times now, is it? We have to get used to schedules and meetings and the way things are run here."

"Yes, but the last thing I want is for this job to prevent me from paying more attention to my daughter," he smiled. "Things may not be the same...but I don't want the important things to change."

I took a deep breath. Slow and silent. "I feel like it's already changing, Papi...with her."

As expected his smile faded almost instantly. I didn't want to look at him. "I will talk with her, Jadae. About today."

It was all he said before patting me on the head. "Next time please don't walk home so late at night. It's not safe here."

I didn't want to nag him on the subject. Not tonight. "Don't worry, I got one of the professors to escort me." I was not going to mention names.

"Good." I looked up at him this time, but kept my mouth shut. How was I supposed to explain what I was told today?

Or worse, what I really wanted to do?

"H-how was your day?" I forced myself to ask casually.

"Eh, nothing out of the ordinary. Got good shots from higher ground. Peaceful town too...it got the job done much faster." His chuckle made me shiver. Was ignorance really a bliss? "So you went to class today? How was it?"

"N-nothing happened. Learned some math, some ethics. Talked with friends. That's all." I answered fast. "I'm going to turn in for the night now. Thanks for the talk and em, your concern." I reached up and placed a quick peck on his cheek. Goodnight, ti voglio bene."

I barely heard his answer. I felt my lies were visibly plastered to my skin and the only solution was to get out of the room. I prepared some leftover food and headed to the roof of our apartment. I could sit there under the moonlight all night and think; think as long as I wanted to, and enough to calm my troubled mind.

So I learned about vampires. I shook. Even now, it seemed so bizarre and unreachable, but they were real. Real because I did come across one in the academy, the "tamed" ones. And the "untamed" ones...what were they again? Level D...no, E. They were the biggest problem. Or at least, for now. At least, that's how much I could recollect. But what was more troubling was my position. I was given this offer to track one, and I turned it down. Yes good, Joan, good. That's what you should do. Sayori was right. This is too dangerous for you. It would be impractical to do something so foolish. She would be happy. And also your father, remember. He worries about you. What more do you want than their happiness?

Right…

Down below the local police car did their rounds. I was safe for now. But it was hard to believe they did not know, these men and women of the law didn't even have the faintest idea of what they were up against in this little town, what they have been facing for a long time. Was it normal to be this ignorant?

I took hold of the camera that I had brought with me. Impulsively, I directed the iris at my face, and the flash went off before I could blink. The aftermath: my brightly lit complexion in front of darkness. Two dark brown ponytails reaching to my shoulders. Hazel green eyes. Olive toned skin. A scar.

My thumb absentmindedly pressed the next button. Nothing. My other pictures were gone. Even the hazy shot of the fake vampire.

They deleted everything. I sighed in exasperation. Because I was somehow involved now...

The tears came out before I could stop them.

xx


xx

Jona-kun, I brought some chocolates." Hm? Sayori took out a small box towards me. "It's my birthday."

I suppressed a yawn. We were both standing by the door to our supplementary class. There were only few minutes left before the Day class students were done for the day and ours began. But I wasn't in the mood to learn. I haven't been for the last two days. Ever since I learned about vampires, they were the only things I could think about.

Dream after dream, search after search. I wanted to learn more. Internet just talked about the obvious myth and other versions modernists made up. Were the "real" vampires any similar? I was still lost in my decision. Irritation was creeping through my mind like bees in a hive. Takamiya sensei had not said anything further, but I could tell he was disappointed. God knows why. There were no lack of criminal investigators. Or photographers.

"Jona-kun?"

I smiled. "Why are you giving me chocolates? Shouldn't it be the other way around?"

"I'm not much of a sweet tooth, but my parents don't listen. I thought we could share."

"Meaning you want me to have all of it, right?" I chuckled. "Alright. Happy birthday."

The bell rang, and the students, especially the females, rushed out in a swarm of excited screams.

Sayori sighed. "I guess they can't contain themselves. Especially after yesterday when the Night Class were kept from going to class."

That's right. "Do you know why?"

She lowered her voice. "Zero-kun said it's because of the recent attacks that has been going on. The Night Class knew some of these victims, and they're using class time to investigate into this mess."

"Wait…I thought it was just the hunters that were being attacked?" I shivered. Wasn't it?

"Apparently some of them have been hunted as well. No one can tell who it is. There are so many suspects."

Okay, maybe it was a good thing I didn't sign up. If the vampires couldn't figure out the killer, then I most certainly was not going to have any luck either.

"I'm glad you're telling me about this. You were being so hesitant before."

"Well you know about them now, don't you?" She answered. "What's the point of keeping secrets?"

Good. She finally caught on.

"I'm just happy you didn't accept what the hunters wanted you to do. We'll have more time to talk."

When the classroom was finally empty, we made our way in. That's when an important question struck my head.

"Say, Yori-chan…how did you end up knowing about vampires? You're not like the other girls, and yet you're just a student like everyone else." I went further. "You don't take day classes either. May I ask why?"

She didn't speak as she placed herself in a seat next to me. "It's a long story."

"I'm not dying anytime soon."

"I…can't tell you right now."

Not again. "What happened to not keeping secrets?"

"Well what about you?" she turned on me like a viper. "You say that I don't know much about you, so why don't you tell me now?" Uh-oh, shouldn't have asked. "Why are you here, Jona-kun? And taking supplementary classes too?"

This was not good.

"Zero-kun said you came from Africa, but you're Italian and you speak Japanese quite well." She turned her whole body towards me. "And the hunters are not supposed to tell any humans about vampires, especially to a newcomer like you."

Her last statement hit me like a chord. Not that I appreciated the privilege, but she did have a point. Why did they really want me?

And why was my professor upset when I didn't accept the challenge?

"Listen, Sayori," I breathed. I didn't know where to start. "There was something back in the safari when…"

"AHHHHHHHHH!"

A scream.

I stood up automatically. What was that?

Sayori and I both bolted towards the door in surprise. There were only few students in the hallway, but they all stared in one direction. It was a girl panting while two of her friends cringed on to her for support. They had come from outside, and all of their expressions were white as stone.

Oh no…

"What happened?" few of the students asked in a rush.

"We saw…night...burn. One...someone…burn!" the girl spouted out words. But it didn't make any sense.

Burn? Night...Class?

"What are you talking about?" someone else tried to shake her out of her shock.

"It was horrible!" the other girl chose to speak. "We went ahead towards the Moon Dorm and saw our friend running towards us. She said someone was burning, and we saw it too!"

"Someone…" the third girl shouted in fright. "Someone put himself on fire and was laughing madly!"

"He turned to ashes!" the first girl finally screamed. "He turned to ashes!"

Within seconds, I rushed into the classroom and glued myself to the window. The Moon dorm was in clear view from there. Burning. Ashes. Vampire. Attack.

And I saw it.

Even without realizing it, the clicks had gone off furiously like a machine gun. And once again, that strange rush of excitement flooded my brain.

Someone, even if it looked like a moving stream of black, had escaped the academy walls in a hurry.

And I...I suppressed a gasp.

I had caught him.


Tell me what you think! I really hope this 1st POV is working well. By the way, I'm sure the Italian phrases can be easily translated through Google translator. Other than that, please leave comments!