Ch. 7

Level E

She raced down the winding hallways, eventually entering her room. Aura quickly shut the door, again leaving Aura alone.

"Damn it..." She leaned against the door as she hyperventilated. Her already glowing eyes brightened dramatically, rage feeding her vampire emotions.

At this rate she wouldn't last. She needed it and she needed it now. Aura pushed herself up and off against the door.

Blinding heat had sent her collapsing down to the floor, curling up against herself, writhing with agony that she never knew she could feel, Aura was once again brought aware of how much her time she had left in this world would be eroded. She was on the floor, face scrunched in torment, and the breaths that she had been taking so easily before suddenly seemed so difficult to achieve, so much more than she could handle. Every heave of her chest brought her a new wave of pain, and as she struggled to bring that under control, small groans escaped from her mouth, groans that she would never have imagined would be emitted from her.

Her eyes felt wet, and Aura was ashamed that she knew why.

From her, who once used to be a human, who was once a being oblivious of the things she feared. She tried to tell herself that it wasn't her fault that it had happened. She was just a child and there was nothing she could have done to have stopped it.

Her human life had been like a curtain, veiling her from the world of emotion, from the field of pain. As her human life was sapped away along with her faith, the world of the humans seemed so much more alive. So much more painful. So much more unbearable to look back on.

In that one moment, Aura tried to fumble in her pocket, to reach for the bottle in there. She could feel it dimly against her thigh, but her arms didn't seem to want to move. Her fingers did not want to uncurl themselves from the fists that they had balled into.

And so, for the first time in her very very long life, she lay there, doubled in pain, utterly helpless.

Lay there as blood seeped from her mouth to drip slowly on the floor, lay there in utter humiliation as the world slid in and out of focus for her. Lay there as strength seemed to have betrayed her like Kami had betrayed her. But He had been Aura's strength, and it made sense in Aura's faltering mind that as her belief broke, so did her strength.

Aura was slumped in the corner, eyes still glowing bright red in the darkness. Slowly making her way to her bathroom, the door squeaking as she opened it. Walking to the sink she started the water.

"You hold evil memories..." she muttered to no one in particular apart from the mirror which started innocently back.

"Some of which I'd like to forget..." She said, clenching her eyes tight.

The bottle settled heavy in the pocket of her blazer coat, like a weight that was too much for her to bear. It was like a curse that Aura knew she would never be rid of, and therefore with hastily shaking hands she devoured a tall glass of red liquid, lest she be brought down crumbling. And Aura knew that she was already teetering on the edge of falling - all it would take was one small push.

Aura huffed discontentedly as she watched her irises morph from a hungry crimson to a mutilated, unnatural light blue and eventually back into their usual sea-blue color. She despised those tablets. Contraire to popular belief, they tasted like water and dry dirt mixed together. It wasn't as glorious as the real thing.

She threw the glass bottle in her pale hand an accusatory glare before setting it down a little too hard. Smirking, she admired the thin, web-like cracks that danced across the surface of the glass that sat now so innocently on the side in front of the mirror. When Aura read the inscription on the bottle at that particular point of time, who would have thought that these little pills that some vampires were so dependent upon could actually take away the pain that she felt. It was a genius invention to say the least. If it weren't for the blood tablets she wouldn't even be here now.

When Takuma came for her, the physical torture had subsided. It came and it went, but Aura was already broken. When Takuma knocked on the door, Aura did not answer, Aura was silent. She was silent all the way back to her room, and when she laid down on the bed, she made not a sound. Aura merely stared forward, although she had no idea what there was to look forward to. The night classes had begun again the next night. Aura simply did not care. Her existence that she was so proud of was slowly slipping away into nothingness. She was staring at nothing but dark emptiness.

Seeing she didn't have anything to do and as the bottle of tablets was practically calling out to her, she gave up into her thoughts and reached forward and her fingers reached into her pocket, curled around the smooth, cool surface of the glass bottle containing the pills, and she dragged it out.

Aura rolled the bottle over and over in her hands, staring at it.

She opened the bottle, and shook out ten more tablets into her hand, and dropped them into a cup of water for it to dissolve, and drank. She was showing restraint; yet, she had down the whole bottle within a small amount of time.

Gulping in breaths of the cool night air, Aura blinked, just once. That was odd. Aura frowned, she was taking them more than usual now. But somehow she hadn't the will to care.

Aura stared out the window contemplating. "What am I doing in a place like this?" It would be so easy to just leave. And as Aura finally came to the conclusion she did not want to stay here any longer, Aura made her choice. Checking her clock on the night stand. It was time. She didn't need to put this off any longer.

Aura slowly got up from her bed and walked over to her bag. She rummaged around the room for a while before stuffing everything in it. She would run away and find another place that she would be accepted and most importantly safe, but was that the right thing to do?

She grabbed her coat and jumped out of the second floor window landing gracefully on her feet, walking down the walkway. The other vampires were all out running various errands on a Sunday, leaving her in an empty dorm.

She traveled leisurely across down the walkway standing in front of the main gate looking back. Architecturally, it was a magnificent building, but what happened on the inside isn't as amazing. Despite the beauty of the structure, the thought of the building revolted her. The people inside rejected her. They provided her no help in her times of need. No solace in an organization supposedly comprised of hope and respect. The entire point of vampirism was torn away from her because she didn't fit into what they thought "High class society vampires" like them were supposed to be.

Aura stood there for a minute, eying the gate that she had become very familiar with, even after she hadn't gone through it very much. She sighed dejectedly. Why did this have to happen to her? Why did it have to happen at all?

From within his office, Kaname watched as Aura fled from the moon dormitories. He grasped the bottom edge of the window, and tugged, staring through the glass. He saw the girl run across the walkway to the main gates, dimly now in the darkness outside, and across the court yard below the window. Above the muffled sound of the motorcycle far below, he could hear the dry scrape of its movement, like a leaf on the pavement.

Takuma then turned to Kaname and said; "That girl is going be real trouble to look after."

Then as if everything had stilled completely, the curtains swinging back from the wall to hang free again, he saw the dark sheet drop to the window ledge and Aura slide over out of sight.

"Yes," Kaname replied, "She will be."


By the time Aura left, it was already getting dark. For a while she just road around, wanting to go somewhere but not actually knowing where to go. Driving around really got her mind off things.

She was picking up speed until someone tall and lanky ran in front of her blocking her way, almost ran her off the road. When she went to turn and avoid the guy, Aura slammed on her brakes as she felt skidded and lost control of the bike. Her breath hitched as she and her bike slammed full-force into the ground.

Aura bounced off the motorcycle and landed on the ground with a soft thud. She sat up and glared at the motorcycle.

She instantly turned and realized what had just happened. But when the guy turned around to look at her she gasped. She took only one look at the sight of the man, before she grabbed the dagger out of her right thigh-holster.

She took in his appearance and deduced that he was a vital threat.

He was obviously a level E, a vampire gone mad.

He had glowing deep blood red eyes, he had claw like hands, his skin was unnaturally pale, he was very beautiful but he wore dirty, ragged and torn clothes and when he opened his mouth she saw his sharp fangs.

Aura became instantly saddened at the sight of him. Ever since that day when she had been changed into a vampire she had always felt sorry for those who had been reduced to a level E. Whether they wanted it or not. Like her, they never really did have a choice...

"You poor thing. Look what they've done to you..." Aura murmured, she only looked sadly into those blood red eyes.

She stood her ground as the putrid scent of a Level E vampire made its way, consuming the alleyway as it charged at her and was in front of her. Within seconds he slashed at her with his gnarled looking nails, she skipped backwards so that the attack narrowly missed, cutting through the silky fabric of her coat. Hitting the balcony wall behind her she almost fell off.

Aura blinked as she caught sight of fresh blood on his tattered shirt, it led straight down all over his clothes. Her eyes narrowed as she straightened herself away from the wall. She knew the other vampire must have attacked a human pedestrian so it was hardly a surprise to smell human blood off of him

The Level E stared at Aura, his eyes half-opened. "Blood . . . blood?"

She knew by now to just strike. The silver shone from the blade as she raised the weapon in her hand, her fingers began to squeeze the hilt tighter. There was nothing left of him, he was just a beast. A beast who killed for blood. No mercy could be spared for monsters like these. . . monsters like her. Aura's eyes narrowed. The human side of the level E before her, was already dead. Just a hollow shell of its former self.

She wondered what kind of life this man lead, or what life he could have had lead if he hadn't been bitten by a pureblood vampire. Would he have been a well devoted man of kami? Maybe a proud business man who was a good husband with a wife and two kids? Why was it people like this level E before her, punished for the sins they hadn't committed full heartedly? What kind of justice is there in killing...

Aura couldn't find the will to move her dagger. She felt, divided, with what she should do. Aura would've mercifully stabbed it in the heart, ending it's life, but had the notion to leave it be to die on it's own. I need to end this. Aura thought.

Before bringing its other hand down the E level vampire paused and just widened its eyes. The level E backed away slowly from Aura as if something had spooked it. The level E stumbled backwards away from Aura who didn't seem to notice somebody behind her yet. Confusion crossed over her face before she turned around and realized what it was the level E was so afraid of-

"Kaname…"

The pureblood appeared out of the shadows of the alley. Kaname looked disgusted at the sight before him taking a moment before coming forward taking his time and letting his heels click hard against the ground.

Aura looked back at the cowering level E. Now was her chase while the level E he was distracted but, Aura closed her light wide blue eyes- she couldn't kill him. She didn't want to kill the level E like this…She couldn't imagine her hands stained with blood.

She just couldn't.

Just then a strong but yet lean chest pressed itself against her back, hands gripped the weapon in her shaking hand and trusted it forwards hitting the Level E vampire right through the heart. Sparks were flying from the weapon- shocking the vampire.

A blood curling scream ripped itself from the level E's throat, causing Aura to open her eyes up only to see pale hands gripping her weapon. It was Kaname who was holding her dagger.

"You should be more careful, Kaibara."

"What the hell are you doing here, Kaname?" she demanded, sparing any gratitude.

"Saving your life apparently," replied Kaname, seizing to be amazed at how impudent the level C vampire was. It irritated him.

Aura snatched her wrist from him almost as if she had been burned, dismissing Kaname as she slipped it back inside it's holster. "I didn't need your help."

Kaname watched Aura walk away. However, when he spoke, his voice remained calm. "You were hesitating. Did you sympathize with it . . . because you're the same?"

Silence passed between them. She didn't want to admit it but Kaname was right.

There was a roar of pain. Aura gasped. She sprung forward and ran for the pureblood.

"Wait!" Aura yelled, bounding after him. "Wait!"

He felt Aura's fear. Not for him. But for the level E lying on the ground steadily bleeding to death. And … sweet Kami. She feared for him. She wanted to get him away from the pureblood. She wanted to get him to stop before Kaname had a chance to kill him. She would not let him die. Not when she had something to say about it.

Everything she had lost and what she knew she craved the most. The level E was no different than the rest, no different from her.

"Kaname!" she cried. "Kaname, stop!"

Kaname watched as Aura shot past him and in front of the dying level E only skidding to a halt when standing between the level and the advancing, monstrous figure of the pureblood.

"Kaibara, move aside. You are in the way." Kaname commanded. He did not stop for long. Kaname forced her back by continuing his advancement.

"All my life I have been fighting for a chance to live!" Aura shouted, refusing to let him have his way. "Do you really think I am going to stand aside and let you kill this vampire?"

He stopped in his tracks, "Can you not see that it is suffering?" he said, making her look at the level E on the ground. "Only through death can a level E truly be free from its blood thirsty beast."

"Don't hurt him!" Aura shouted at the pureblood, afraid for the level E. "He didn't choose to be this way! Don't hurt him!"

The pureblood went on advancing.

"Don't do this," The girl pleaded with her eyes.

Kaname ignored her please. In a swift moment blood exploded in the air, covering them with the vile red liquid that painted the streets in the center of the ground and as the vampire disintegrated into thin air his body dissipated into dust.

Killing the level E was fast and easy. It ended before Aura could realize what happened. The pureblood hadn't so much as even moved or touched the level E...he just exploded out of thin air. Leaving little to no evidence that anything ever occurred there. If this was Kaname's pureblood powers she was more afraid of him now than she was ever before. All he had to do was look at her and she would become a squashed bug scattered to the wind.

Aura looked disgusted taking a small step back and grimacing as she looked at the pureblood. Kaname held neither pride nor gratification in killing, just carrying out the act with grace and utmost nonchalance. He took a moment to look at her putting Aura on edge.

Would he kill her too? Should she run?

With the threat gone, Kaname turned and started to walk away. She glanced at the pureblood, who was patiently waiting for her. His long coat was fluttering with the light breeze. She looked at the spot where the level E had died and commented, "No." her expression returning to a dark one, the aura returning with it. "No." Aura whispered.

"No!" Aura yelled as she lunged toward the pureblood. "No!"

He saw Aura's eyes move back to the pureblood and narrow to a glare as she removed the dagger from its sheath on her thigh. She swiped at him just missing him as he took a step back. And as she brought the blade over her head to stab him he blocked it with his forearm while grabbing her wrist in the process.

Aura whispered into his ear, "Every time I look at you, your eyes remind me of my unforgettable past. It makes me sick."

Memories of what happened in the past flashed in Aura's head as she took her hand away from him. She clenched her fist while her face showed worry when she remembered some memories in her past.

It was so obvious she would lose to him. In their struggle it was shown on both of their faces as stared into each others eyes of who was going to win. A mere level C could never hope to defeat a pureblood. They knew this.

Kaname resisted the urge to smile. Aura was so ignorant to think she could kill him. The girl was either stupid or very brave. He held the girls wrist in his hand watching Aura's features twist into an automatic defiance. What did he see in this one.

Aura struggled and wriggled in his grasp, and he twisted her left arm behind her back until she cried in a high-pitched voice.

There was no Prefects anywhere to help her this time. I can't lose to him Aura shook her head. He twisted her arm even stronger and she drooped, biting her lower lip. Blood trickled down her chin, but her eyes still held an iron determination.

Kaname quickly analyzed every aspect of their position, aware that he could kill her if he wasn't careful.

"No!" Aura yelled, her voice hoarse and almost unearthly. "No, no, noooo!"

"What you did today was incredibly stupid." He scolded tersely, hoping she'd at least apologize. Kaname released her and she slumped to her knees, allowing Aura some time to calm down and contemplate what her next step would be. She had already planned on killing Kaname, but there was another idea she was struggling with… no. She wouldn't go back.

"Actually, the only thing that was stupid was that I got caught!" She retorted without remorse.

Suddenly Aura felt dizzy, and weak. She knew she couldn't keep up with another fight after just recovering from one, as much as she wanted to put the pureblood out of her misery she knew she couldn't fight the way she is now. Thinking they were finished, Aura quietly started to walk towards her damaged motorcycle.

"Where are you going?" Kaname asked.

"None of your business" Aura growled. "I don't really have any interest in Cross Academy...and as for the night class...I hate them!" While tinkering with her bike Aura kicked it in frustration, "Great. It's broke" Aura cursed.

"What are you going to do now?" Kaname asked calmly. But he already knew since her bike was damaged beyond repair she had no choice but back track towards the academy. Whether she wanted to leave or not it was up to her. Kaname wouldn't interfere with her decision and drag her back if the girl wished not to return. After all the girl was only his responsibility on school grounds.

"What's it look like, I'm going back to the Academy, so it seems." Aura growled. Shaking her head Aura realized there was no point denying it any longer… Well looks like the good times are going to come back. She was not liking this situation at all.

Kaname could see the fire burning in her eyes again like before. She always got that look when she was right after a fight. He noticed Aura was paler than usual and didn't want to take the risk. Kaname just looked at her concerned. She had been ill for some days and she just started moving around again. He knew for a level C that she had to be careful and start things slow.

It was impossible to walk back. She simply could not do it. She couldn't bring herself to make the slightest movement. The strength was gone from her legs; her shivering hands-numb, cold, and desperately rigid-had lost all deftness; her easy ability to move and balance was gone. Within a step or two, if she tried to move, she knew that he would stumble and fall. Her breathing got faster, her breaths painful and raspy. She tried stepping forward, but immediately regretted it. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Her legs gave out underneath her.

And then everything went black.


Finally! I finished the 7th chapter!

I know it took me forever so please don't be mad at me!

I just wanted to make it so perfect that you guys would love it.

But no matter what I did I still wasn't satisfied with my ideas. Especially with the 6th chapter. I'm still not happy with the fight scene because I wanted a little more action.

Until then before I can ever re-edit my chapters that I'm not happy with I need to put them on hold and think a little more on them but as for the future chapters I will continue even if their crappy. Though I can't promise I can update as fast as college classes are approaching.

Kindly Rate and Review.