Author's Note: Hello again, I have returned today with great new's! I have chapter ten done, and ready for you to read already! I also managed to get this chapter out a little bit quicker than the last two... Both of those ones unfortunately had two months of waiting in between them, due to drama, and technical difficulties. However, I hope you don't mind, but this chap has some filler in it, but I do think you'll enjoy it.
Katara: Wow, I'm surprised! At least I'm no longer stuck against the door, sobbing like a big baby.
Hanabusa: Yeah, no one likes seeing you cry. *smiles shyly at Katara*
Katara: *Glares* Leave me alone, Blondie. *Argument arises*
Me: Okay, while I'm trying to get them to stop arguing, you read the chapter. Hope you like it!
Katara's P.O.V.:
Ever since that night mine and Hanabusa's relationship had changed—not that we really established anything like a friendship with each other. I was just a girl in the Day Class now, there was nothing special about me anymore; any interest that he once held for me was now completely gone... I just kept the girls in check, that's all I am... A guard, and for reasons that I don't understand, this sudden change has hurt me rather than helped me. I felt empty inside now... And alone. I would've thought that removing the thorn in my side—even though I knew it would hurt at first—would rid me of the pain I felt, but it didn't... As a matter of fact, it made matters a whole lot worse, and I didn't know why.
Today was the last day before winter break, and I was standing near the entrance of the Moon dorms, sandwiched between Zero who was scowling at everyone who dared step onto the dirt path, and Yuki who feverishly pushed fan girls back behind their respected gates. Since it was the last day the Day Class would see their beloved Night Class until after New years; The Headmaster had set up a simple festivity so they could give their Idols a Christmas present. Good thing they're all going home after this stupid festivity, I thought happily to myself.
I stood rigidly with my legs shoulder's width apart while my hands remained in the dips on my sides, creating a very threatening aura around me. Which is why most of the less daring students refused to misbehave, terrified that I might bestow my wrath upon them. However, there still were the ones who wanted to stray away from the flock in order to reach their idol's first, but with a mere glance from me they screamed in fear then hid behind a friend or two. I was actually impressed with myself, who knew that I could be scary enough to possibly rank above Zero. A mental grin of satisfaction dominated proudly just for the thought.
I sighed as I tossed my hair over my shoulder in a bored manner, wondering how much longer we were gonna have to stand here, waiting for those things behind the gate. Kaien urged me—not Zero or Yuki, ME—this afternoon to get there about twenty minutes in advance... I wonder if it was to regulate the fan girl population? I questioned to myself. Now that I really think about it, there weren't many fan girls stalking around while the staff set up today's event. I suppose he only sees me as crowd control now! I hissed to myself as one brow twitched spasmodically, being overwhelmed with irritation. I've been here, outside the gates, for an agonizing half-hour now, and I want to leave!
My brow furrowed in disgust, while my blue eyes narrowed menacingly as I scanned over the fan girl infested path, this whole setup was pathetic, I thought bitterly as one girl rushed over towards the closed gates of the Moon dorms, ramming her side into me in the process. My eyes grew narrow as I my fists began twitching at my sides in anger. "K-Katara, I'll deal with it—" I turned around, and darted for the girl who somehow managed to scale up the cracks of the Moon dorm wall towards the top, but I didn't stop to analyze her method because I knew I could get up there just as easily. I changed my direction slightly, darting for a nearby tree instead, and climbed up until I was at least five to six feet above the Moon dorm wall. I glanced down for a brief second, noticing that everyone on the ground appeared so tiny from all the way up here, and it amused me for some reason. "AWW! KATARA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Yuki cried as she flailed her arms in a panicky fashion, while I carefully walked across a thin bending branch towards the wall, my glare still shining brightly. I heard a cracking sound as I took another careful step closer to the wall. "KATARA!" Yuki shouted again, racing under the spot I was in the tree. "PLEASE COME DOWN!" She begged, falling to her knees with her hands in a praying position, I merely snorted in reply as I felt the branch begin to give further.
I heard many shouts from the Day Class girls, most of them colliding together forming nothing but an incoherent jumble of sounds. However, I did manage to sift through it, hearing something like, fall and break your neck, or I hope you die. I rolled my eyes at their childish insults; it didn't matter because I wasn't going to die from a situation like this. I've been through plenty of other things that would certainly pass this in the danger level. The branch started splitting, ready to break itself away from its home. I glanced at the girl who was nearly at the top of the wall, grinning in a predatory manner. I jumped on the branch just hard enough to where it wouldn't snap just yet, but definitely hard enough to launch me into the air towards the wall. Yuki's screams echoed through the grounds as the branch finally broke away from the tree and tumbled erratically to the ground. I then heard Zero begin to explain to the petite Perfect—in a scolding tone—to quit fretting over me because I knew what I was and wasn't capable of doing. I silently thanked him for keeping Yuki at bay as I flipped gracefully through the air before I landed on top of the wall, holding myself up with only my hands. Good thing I was wearing my thick black leggings instead of just my black socks, otherwise all those pests that reside behind the Night Class gates would have seen my underwear. I scrunched my nose up, remembering when that idiot flipped me over his shoulder and seen my them.
I quickly lowered myself onto my feet before walking several paces towards the girl who was just about to reach the top, and stopped directly in front of her. When she finally got her arms up on the wall, she smiled in a relieved way... That was until she saw me staring down at her with my eternal scowl. Her green eyes widened in fear as she froze. "All Day Class students are prohibited to enter the Moon dorm facility, it's specifically written—in bold letters—in your student handbook." I muttered as I crossed my arms while shifting my weight to my right foot. "Is it really that hard of a rule to follow?" I questioned as I watched her brow shoot up into her light red hair as she began to slip off the wall.
My eyes widened for a brief second before they narrowed. Then out of instinct my hand shot down and latched onto her wrist firmly, making sure that I had a good grip on her so she wouldn't fall. I may not have been in the best condition in my life, but I sure as hell wasn't going to let anyone die on my watch even though the girl was probably terrified because most people here saw me as a cruel, heartless bitch that didn't care about anyone but myself. "This is why no one is supposed to climb up here." I hissed at the girl. "Unless you have a wish to become a flattened human pelt on the ground!" I hollered, causing the girl to wince at my voice. I glanced over to where Zero who stood next to Yuki—who was busy clipping her nails... with her teeth out of fear—scowling up at the girl who was hanging limply above the ground. "Oi, Zero," He glanced up to me. "Why don't you come over here and catch her. I don't want to be up here the rest of the day!" He nodded his head before strolling to the spot where he was under the girl, ready to catch her.
"AWW! D-DON'T DROP ME!" The girl shouted in horror after she used her other hand to latch onto my arm, managing to dig her nails into my skin even though it was covered by the sleeve of my black blazer. "Please don't drop me." She pleaded in a wavering voice, clenching her eyes shut as tears rolled out of them. My eyes widened slightly as I watched the girl dangling from my arm in fear for her life.
"Zero will catch you." I stated in a less angry tone, making the girl open one eye to stare at me baffled because of my sudden personality change. "I'm sure you don't want to stay up here, and miss today's festivity," I started cleaning my voice of the hate it normally held in order to calm the girl down, and, surprisingly, it seemed to work. "You'll be okay, trust me." I said softly, giving her a small, yet rare smile, watching as she smiled back at me. I glanced down at Zero who nodded his head, confirming that he was ready, then I peered back at the girl. "I count to three before I'll let go, okay?" The girl nodded her head, and swallowed nervously. "One... Two... Three." And just like I said, I let go of her, and within a few seconds she was now cradled gently in Zero's arms.
I stood upright glancing around the now oddly silent school grounds, everyone's eyes now locked on me because of my actions. I then heard a cry come from behind me, it wasn't Hanabusa—thankfully—but it was the other blond Night Class student. "Wow! That was amazing!" Ichijo shouted up to me with his hands around his mouth to amplify his voice a little bit. I peered down over my shoulder at him as my face contorted into an agitated grimace, but he stood there smiling at me, completely unaffected by it. "No wonder our Hanabusa has such a big crush on you!" His grin broadened when the other blond began ranting and raving about how it wasn't true, and that he hated me more than anything else. I turned back around to face the crowd that now stood in their respective lines, screaming once again about their precious Night Class... my good deed already forgotten.
I furrowed my brow in anger, feeling my heart freeze back a little more because of how much hatred that idiot felt for me now. I still don't understand why it hurt's so much every time he says that he hate's me more than anything else in the world. I jumped down from the top of the wall before the gates opened, and a massive cloud of dust and snow filled the air when I landed. I straightened back up, crossing my arms and let my normal scowl reclaim my features, but then I felt a small tap on my shoulder. I turned my head in that direction to meet the green eyes of the girl I just saved—who smiled kindly at me—I glanced away from her. "Thank you so much for saving me today." She stated gleefully.
I glanced back at her. "If you wouldn't have climbed up the wall, there wouldn't be any reason for you to thank me." I stated blandly as I heard the loud metallic screech of the gates. The hinges really needed a thorough oiling, I remarked to myself in a snark manner before briefly glowering at the gates five or so yards away.
"Miss. Katara," The girl said in a soft and polite tone which I wasn't used to hearing from anyone other than uh... Actually, no one here has ever spoken to me like that before. The shock must have been present on my face because the girl I stared at raised a brow, but her smile remained as she dug for something in her blazer pocket. "I was giving out candy canes in my classes today, and I had one left that I was going to give to Ichijo, but considering the fact that I don't have to go home in a body cast because of you; I think you deserve it more. Thank you so much, and I'm sure my mom and dad will be grateful as well." The girl said with a smile still on her face, while she offered me the candy cane. I was very hesitant to take it, afraid that it was only a joke and that at the last second she would snatch it away from me, but when my fingers touched the end of the slightly warm wrapper of the red and white cane; it didn't move anywhere. I looked back at her, my eyes showing mild bewilderment as she pushed the candy cane closer towards my hand until I grasped it. This was originally supposed to be for a Night Class student, I thought to myself as I looked at the cane in my hand... but I got it instead.
"What's your name?" I asked softly, still staring at the gift she had given me.
"I'm Yuuna Konoshi." She said smiling brightly.
"Thank you, Yuuna—"
"I wouldn't waste your breath, Miss. Konoshi," I turned my head, seeing that blond walking—well more like jogging—towards me, leaving behind a bunch of confused Night Class students. "That girl," He started as he stopped next to Yuuna while his lousy pale finger waved in my face, which angered me. "Is immune to all acts of kindness you show her. She'll do nothing but yell at you if you try to be her friend because she has so many issues!" He hissed lowly as he took a step closer to me. This is what has been going on for the last month and a half. He would continuously insult me, mock me, poke fun at everything I've ever done in front of him, while I—for the most part-ignored all of it because I didn't feel like wasting energy to fight with him. I slid the cane into my blazer pocket before I crossed my arms on my chest. Then I snapped my harsh gaze on him. I watched as he scowled down at me as if I were inferior to him, but I shook my head in disappointment because apparently he still hasn't figured out, or refuses to believe that he's unable to scare me with it. "I don't blame anyone at all for avoiding you." He growled, forcing his eyes to narrow further.
I sighed dispiritedly while I felt my glare retreat, while an indifferent grimace replaced it. I shifted my weight from foot to foot, trying to get into a comfortable position. "If you squint anymore, you'll cause yourself to go blind." I muttered dully as I kicked a small rock away from me. I then peered back over to Yuuna who seemed to be debating whether or not to run away to safety. "Yuuna, I suggest you get back, this asshole has a bone to pick with me." She nodded her head, zooming towards a small group of her friends, but still stared back at me with minor concern embedded in her pale skin. I then rolled my head to face the seething blond. "Well," I began gaining a strained hiss from the male before me. "Go on, say whatever it is that you need to say to me."
"You're a pathetic being," Hanabusa hissed. I was mildly shocked because of his anger towards me. As a matter of fact, I don't remember doing anything that caused him to hate me so much, and I highly doubt it was because I threw a cup of water at him. "So why don't you just go back to whatever place you come from, so no one here has to deal with you anymore."
"I would, but guess what, dipshit, I can't because The Headmaster wouldn't let me. I've tried many times because I would love to say my farewells to this godforsaken school." I grumbled as I began my stroll towards Yuki, who was staring at me with sad eyes, finding out that I've tried to leave before. "Yuki, I think you and Zero can—" The blond snatched me up by my arm, glaring daggers at me. "Let me go." I stated quietly, but he merely ignored my request by pulling me a little closer to him which caused me to grit my teeth in anger. I hated being restrained by anyone, let alone by a testosterone filled teenage boy, and it was pissing me off. He had absolutely no right to touch me, and I don't think I'll ever know the answer to why he seems to think he does. "Let go of me!" I snarled, feeling my face contort into a hideous scowl, but again, he ignored my request, Hanabusa apparently had severe listening issues.
"Hanabusa, let her go!" I heard Akatsuki shout as he jogged his way over here. "She asked you nicely." He stated firmly as he placed a hand on his shoulder, but Hanabusa didn't listen to his cousin because he forcefully shook his hand off of him. Then, instead of his hold loosening it grew tighter, and I was beginning to feel the tingly sensation I felt when my arm starts to fall asleep. It was starting to really hurt, and I winced slightly, knowing all to well that a bruise was gonna form there the moment he let go.
I then glanced behind him, seeing Zero storming towards me in a He's-Really-Pissed-Off mode, and before I knew it, he stood in front of me as he yanked Hanabusa's arm away, blocking the blond off from me. "Touch her again, and I'll break your arm, Aidou!" Zero threatened before Hanabusa yanked his arm away from him, while his face contorted into a glower directed at the male Perfect. Then he glanced at me for a brief second with a hateful grimace before he turned around towards his fan's, shining them a bright, yet false smile as he walked towards the booth that had his name written in gold characters. What did I ever do to him to make him hate me so much? I asked myself once again in hopes for an answer, but I'm gradually getting used to the fact that the universe doesn't answer back; no matter how desperate I may be for an answer. Most of the time all I ever hear is the soft or vivid howling of the wind, and so far it relays nothing to me. I grimaced, clenching my fists at my sides hard enough to where I could feel the circulation slowing down in them. Zero glanced down at me, knowing that I was upset, so he placed one of his arms around my shoulders, attempting to comfort me. "Come on, Katara, let's get you out of here, and away from Aidou. You'll probably end up killing him if you keep glaring at him the way you are right now." I nodded my head in compliance and let him lead me towards my home. He then glanced at Yuki. "Yuki," She turned in our direction. "Can you handle the commotion for a few minutes while I walk Katara home?" She nodded, and went back to scolding one of the girls that attempted to glomp that redheaded Night Class student—I can't remember what his name was though since he and I never really interacted much—as we walked away.
The two of us walked passed Hanabusa who was flirting with some girl I didn't know—not that I really cared—but I could have sworn the moment he saw Zero next to me with his arm secured around my shoulders; the blond nearly burst into flames of anger. Then he accidentally pushed away one of his fans while he twitched angrily, but suddenly Yuki appeared out of nowhere, blowing her whistle in his ear before she began her scolding. A minute grin peeked on my lips as I turned away from the whole scene and fell in step with Zero...
It was surprisingly a quick walk to my home... Well, I guess that's to be expected when millions of thoughts are racing through your mind at a mile a second. Zero dug in his pants pocket in search for the key The Headmaster had given him just for emergencies, and when he found it we were inside in two seconds flat. I walked slowly into the dim kitchen, flicking on the ceiling light as I passed through the threshold. I peeled off my blazer jacket, hanging it on the back of one of four my iron framed chairs that circled the glass table, leaving me in a pale blue short sleeve shirt. I sighed when I felt Zero gently lift my arm to observe the blue and black deep tissue bruise I now had because of that moron. "You're able to heal this, right?" I nodded my head as I waved my hand in a smooth motion causing water to collect around it before it started glowing. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to prevent this." He muttered honestly, moving his hands down my arm so I could deal with the contusion.
I smiled. "I'm sure if you wouldn't have intervened at all it would have been a lot worse than it is now. So don't beat yourself up over this little mark. I've dealt with much worse." I told him softly. "Thanks for walking me home, Zero." He nodded his head as he scratched the tattoo on his neck. I raised a brow in a slight arch, I've seen him do this countless times I've heard that tattoos itch like crazy when you first get them, but not a year or so after it's healed up already. Maybe it's infected or something, and knowing Zero, he wouldn't ask for help from anyone, no matter how much pain he's in. "Hey, do you mind if I take a look at your tattoo?" I asked as I pointed to it. He stared at me with a lopsided expression ingrained into his flesh as if I had asked him to do the chicken dance. "You're always itching it, and I wanted to see if I could do anything for you. I'm your friend, so I'm going to look out for you whether you like it or not, Zero." I told him truthfully as I took a few steps forward while he thought about my offer.
The stoic Perfect sighed in dismay, while he turned that side of his neck to me. "There probably isn't anything that you could do to help me, but I know if I refuse you you'll start lecturing me about it for an hour or two." He stated softly as he stared at the shiny black tile of my floor. "Feel free to take a look."
I grinned, murmuring a soft thank you to him as my hand began to emit a soft blue glow. Then I gently placed my hand on his neck, hoping to relieve him of some of the itching, but instead I found something a little more interesting. There were two little holes on his neck that were invisible to the naked eye, but revealed themselves with some help from my bending. My brows knitted together in concentration, was I seeing and old scar of his? This hasn't ever happened before, I didn't even know there was a way to see into one's past through my healing. I glanced up at Zero who sighed in relief. I guess I managed to rid him of the itchiness for the moment, but what I failed to understand was how I was able to see an old scar that he had. I wonder if Zero would mind if I asked him about it. "Zero," He grunted in reply. "Did you experience any form of trauma that created these two little holes on your neck?"
Zero seemed to flip right out of his tranquil state as he quickly ran both of his hands over his neck in fear after he pushed me a few feet away. I suppose he does mind my asking, I thought to myself. "Calm down." I commanded softly as I placed my hands on his shoulders in hopes to calm him down some. After a minute or two it seemed to work because his breathing began to even out, while his arms slid back down to his sides and away from his neck. "The only way I even knew those marks were ever there was because when I started healing you they appeared under the blue glow of the water. Otherwise, you can't see them." I told him, my voice soft, so I wouldn't freak him out anymore than I already have. "I guess it's kinda like a black light," I commented, while I examined my two hands. "It'll pick things up that were once there; no matter how long ago that was." I stated, still feeling the initial shock of learning a new ability.
"I'm sorry, Katara," He began, causing me to look away from my hands and back to the pale-faced perfect. "I have to get back to Yuki and help her with the event." He hissed before hightailing it out of my kitchen, and slammed the front door shut without any regard for my pictures that hung on the wall. They were all once perfectly straight, but now they were probably either on the floor or hanging crooked! My eye twitched, why do I even bother trying to make this place feel like home? I asked myself, I should just freeze everything around me if I really wanted it to feel like home, I grumbled darkly as I stormed my way into the hallway.
I placed hands menacingly on my hips, glancing around the hall—at least none of my pictures lie broken on the floor—while a confounded feeling filled my being. What happened to Zero, I wondered to myself as I walked over to a picture to straighten it. It must have been very traumatic based on the way he reacted just now when I mentioned the two holes on his neck... holes on his neck! My eyes widened in realization as I put that piece of the puzzle together even though I didn't want to believe what my deduction was telling me. "Zero was bitten by a vampire?!" I said aloud, and it sounded completely illogical too. "Since when were vampires real?!" I yelled at myself as my hands furled themselves into my long hair, ruining the bun I had on the back of my head, while I paced up and down the hall of my home. "They're nothing but mythological beings! They were made up from someones wild imagination! There can't be any way that they're real, right?!" I questioned aloud, feeling one of my eyes twitch spasmodically as I pulled my hair harder. "Vampires are make believe! They're only in books and movies!" I told myself, as I drew closer to the stairs that lead up to my room. I swallowed several times, attempting to dislodge the lump that formed in the back of my throat as my mind raced with questions about this bizarre topic. "Blood sucking monsters cannot be real!" I affirmed to myself, pushing the wooden door of my bedroom open. "I just—okay, I need to calm down." I proclaimed stiffly, while I headed towards my bathroom.
"Perhaps a hot soak will help with everything." I told myself as I locked the bathroom door, placing one of my hands over my heart that attempted to break through my rib cage, and leaned against the wooden door. I took several deep breaths, feeling my heart begin to slow its pace back down to a more manageable rate. "Okay, Katara, just calm down." I said as I set the water for my bath. "There's nothing to be afraid of because Vampires don't exist; Zero must have obtained those wounds from something else, but most certainly not from the fangs of a nonexistent beast." I swallowed as I stripped down and slid into the hot bath water, calming my nerves slightly. "I need to forget about it because I'm just freaking out for no apparent reason." I said one last time as I relaxed in my bath, letting the water cleanse me of all the ridiculous things that had happened today, forgetting about my troubles and everything. I sighed once more as I sunk deeper into the water. "There's no such thing as a vampire." I mumbled softly one last time and I closed my eyes, letting my troubles seep out of me.
The soak was nice because I felt all warm and peaceful afterwards. Not thinking of one single troubling thought. It was as if everyone had just vanished off the face of the Earth, leaving me to experience all the peace that I needed. I yawned tiredly as I slipped into my plain light blue nightgown, readying myself for sleep. I took slow strides towards my bed that had a thick navy blue blanket with white snowflakes all over, and before I knew it, I had slipped under, letting the warmth encase my entire body. I smiled in relief as my eyes gently closed, while my mind slowly slipped into dreamland...
I woke up when I heard several loud, and impatient knocks on my bedroom door. I glanced at my end table where a small black alarm clock sat with its square red numbers staring at me with much malice. "It's six o' nine." I slurred tiredly, and closed my eyes, while I grabbed one of my many pillows and snuggled with it as my mind started to fall back asleep, but before it could; the knocking came again. My eye's shot open. "It's only six o' nine in the morning, let me sleep in for once!" I whined at the door as I covered my head with my snuggle pillow in attempts to drown out the horrid noise that violated my poor ears, but it came again. However, this time the door itself opened with a screech than a boom as it hit the wall. Ugh, Zero better not have cracked my wall; it's bad enough he feels the need to torment my poor pictures with all the slamming he does here, but I don't think he needs to harm the walls too. I mumbled to myself. I heard a muffled get out of bed and figured that it was Zero being a big jerk again, so I just ignored him... until he yanked on my warm, soft blanket that I loved so very much. Though I wasn't gonna lose to him that easily, so I held onto my blanket as tight as I could, but this little idea of mine wasn't the greatest one I've ever had; especially since Zero is impatient and can lose his temper from time to time.
Zero yanked on my precious blanket several more times, but I, however, didn't budge. I grinned victoriously when I felt him let go of the blanket, then proceeded to curl back up, but only a minute later I felt the Perfect pull so forcefully on my blanket that it flung me across my room. I landed flat on my back with a thump near my dresser which was next to a window, causing the pale morning light to fan across my face. A disgruntled hiss escaped passed my lips as I felt a shooting pain crawl up my spine and into my head. I grimaced when I heard heavy footsteps draw closer to me until I could see Zero standing over me with an irate scowl on his face, but behind this mask of his I could see a little bit of amusement in his violet eyes. "Get dressed, and pack up your things." He stated in a bland manner. I merely stared up at him, baffled by his sudden request to pack up. "We're going on a trip till after new years day, The Headmaster's downstairs in the kitchen, so he'll explain all the details." The stoic perfect stated before he waved at me, and left my room with large strides. Apparently he was trying to avoid the wrath I would have bestowed upon him if I would have been a bit more conscious; even though I've just been THROWN across my room, which was far less than pleasant—I was still as groggy as one could be.
I groaned as I placed my hand over my face, annoyed that Kaien hadn't told me anything about a trip. I mean really, I could have had all my stuff together already! "All I wanted to do was sleep in for once!" I cried to myself as I stood up in a groggy fashion, nearly tripping over my own two feet as I stepped up to my dresser to choose something to wear. "Why oh why does he have to be so unpredictable." I remarked irritably to myself as I slid on a pair of boot-cut jeans and a plain white shirt before I did my normal morning activities.
I quickly grabbed the large brown suitcase that had sat idly in my closet ever since I moved here, and angrily stuffed it with everything I could possibly need for a vacation. "Why couldn't we leave tomorrow, so I could finally have one night to sleep in!" I grumbled under my breath as I tossed one of my many sketchbooks on top of my clothes along with a pencil case. I then stomped to and from my bathroom several times, carting all of my bathroom necessities I needed. I zipped up my suitcase after I went through my mental checklist just to make sure I had everything I needed before I rolled the fifty pound suitcase all the way down the stairs, grabbing my double breasted jacket on my way out.
I somehow managed to stroll into the kitchen in a zigzag-like fashion—resembling that of a drunk person, I sure hope that they don't get the wrong impression from this display—bumping right into Yuki. She immediately spun around in a happy manner, and greeted me with a hug. "Good morning, Katara! Did you sleep well?" She asked enthusiastically as she practically hopped from foot to foot with excitement. How could she be so bright eyed and bushy tailed this early in the morning? I hate mornings... I suppose that since I'm a waterbender that's understandable though.
"I was sleeping just fine until Zero threw me across the room." I muttered grimly before I yawned into one hand as I rubbed one of my tired eyes with the other. I watched as her eyes widened before she turned to the male Perfect who sat at my table with his head buried in his arms, snoring softly. "It's not that big of a deal, Yuki, I'm not hurt, so just let it go." I muttered softly, completely bushing off the insignificant incident that occurred ten, fifteen ago now with a swift wave of my hand. I stretched my arms above my head, feeling my shoulder muscles loosen while I grabbed a seat next to Zero, propping my head up with my arm as I felt my eyes close, wishing they were still fast asleep.
"HELLO, my dear niece!" Kaien shouted cheerfully—just like Yuki did—nearly busting my ear drums as he waltzed into the kitchen from who knows where. "Did Zero tell you?!" He asked, while he patted me on the back as a way to wake me up a little more; though it didn't do all that much for me. I rolled my eyes at him for the stupid question. Did he not see my suitcase in the threshold of the kitchen?!
"No, that's why lugged an empty suitcase down here." I replied in a sardonic tone as I turned around in my seat so I could face him, watching as he smiled kindly at me. "Why didn't you tell me that we were going somewhere? I hate having to rush around packing when you could have just told me a few days in advance."
The Headmaster chuckled coyly as he strolled through the kitchen, stopping in front of a window before he gently pulled open the beige drapes to let the baby-blue light inside my home. "I could have, but I didn't because you would have gotten upset." I raised my brow curiously. What would have made me upset if he told me earlier, if anything I'm more upset that I wasn't told beforehand! "And I don't like seeing my little niece angry!" He hollered dramatically as he darted over to my side, throwing his arms around me as tight as he possibly could, causing a minor glare to work itself onto my face. He was like a school girl with how dramatic, and weird he acts most of the time.
"She's still going to be angry with you, Headmaster. It doesn't really matter when you tell her the details of the trip." Zero stated, his tone muffled because he still had his head buried in his arms. I glanced at him for a brief second before I shook The Headmaster off, making sure I had put a good few feet between us, so he wouldn't jump on me at random.
"What am I going to be upset about?" I asked, flailing one of my arms in irritation. "If we're going to London, I'm not gonna be upset. I actually wouldn't mind because I'd be able to visit the mausoleum where my parents were buried..." I frowned, feeling a sense of guilt pinch at my heart. "I-I barely recall their funeral... and I didn't properly pay my respects..." I murmured, my voice sad and lonesome as I looked around the room, seeing Yuki playing with a strand of her short brown hair, trying her best to avoid my eyes while Kaien held his gaze to the floor, and just like Yuki, would not look me in the eye. Then suddenly it hit me. "Were not going to London, are we, Headmaster?" I questioned as my arms fell limp to my sides in a defeated manner.
Kaien shook his head. "No, we're actually going to Paris."
"Oh, that sounds cool too." I murmured as a comical expression claimed my face. THAT'S what he thought I was gonna be upset about?! A small smile blossomed on my face as I stared at The Headmaster who still had this look of fright for no reason. "That's what you thought I was gonna be upset about? Haha, you're so dopey sometimes, you know." I sighed happily as I strolled over towards my suitcase. "I don't mind spending some quality time with my family. As a matter of fact, this trip gets me away from here, and I don't have to deal with anyone who hate me, or wishes I was dead... Things like that." I smiled gratefully. I really did need a break from this place, and I could already feel bit's of excitement build in my lower abdomen. "The four of us will have such—"
"Y-You mean the twelve of us." Kaien corrected meekly, seeming to slink back towards the corner furthest away from me.
I focused my attention only on him, my excited smile gone while a minor grimace replaced it. "Twelve? I didn't know that you had eight extra personalities, Headmaster." I teased with a half smirk. "Who else could we possibly bring? Those freaks from the Night Class?"I let out a hardy chuckle as I clutched my belly as if I would fall over. Both Yuki, and The Headmaster stared at me as their faces paled with fear. Zero, however, muttered something along the lines of, I told you so, but it was muffled by the sleeves of his gray shirt as he burrowed his face further into his arms."No, You've got to be kidding me!" I hissed as my happy demeanor flew right out the window now that I knew this horrible piece of information.
"Kaname invited us, Katara, and we can't turn down his invitation because it would be rude." Yuki said firmly, trying to justify why I should go on this trip.
Anger bubbled up inside my chest as I clenched my fists tightly, causing them to twitch every so often just because she mentioned that name. "Me and that bastard don't get along, HELL, I don't get along with the whole Night Class, and you expect me to go just for the sake of not being rude?!" I shouted as I flailed my arms all about, feeling as if I were a bottle of shaken up soda just about ready to burst open. I stomped one of my feet childishly not that it helped get my point across, but managed to alleviate some of my pent up frustration. I then seen a mischievous grin from on Yuki's face. My glare then snapped on her small frame, but it strangely didn't have the same effect it normally did because her smile broadened further. I shoved my hands back into the dips on my sides, and proceeded to question her about this peculiar expression she was giving me. "Why the hell are you smiling at me like that?!"
"Well, Hanabusa is coming with us." My eyes narrowed further into tiny slits as my temper skyrocketed just hearing that thing's name.
A mere second after she informed me of that, Zero's head snapped up so quickly I thought he broke his neck as he slammed his hands on the table—GLASS table—making the room shake slightly. "I don't want him around her!" He hissed angrily at Yuki while his eyes narrowed, and I wholeheartedly agreed with him. I didn't want to be near him, considering the fact that he absolutely hates me now for reasons that elude me.
I then turned my focus back on the tiny girl not far from me. "What in your right mind makes you think I want to spend one more minute with HIM?!" I bellowed, causing both Yuki and Kaien to cover their ears. I took a few steps towards the petite Perfect; my piercing gaze never venturing anywhere else. "He's merely a person who likes to play with people to ease his boredom!" I seethed.
Yuki winced, but managed to speak in a quiet voice. "The way you talk about him makes me think you like him a lot." My jaw dropped like there was a weight tied to my chin. As if I would ever hold one ounce of amorous feelings for that idiot! How could she dare state such a ridiculous accusation! I screamed mentally as I turned around and stomped my way towards the exit of the room, hearing Kaien state something along the lines of, What did I miss, he didn't miss anything! I thought bitterly to myself.
I snagged the handle of my suitcase while I took large strides to get out of the kitchen as fast as I possibly could, and away from Yuki so I wouldn't do or say something that I might regret in the future. I heard several quickly paced footsteps echo behind me as I waltzed up the stairs, making sure that my suitcase bounced off of every single one of them, creating over a dozen loud booms until I reached the landing. "Katara, please calm down." I heard The Headmaster plead a few paces behind me as I entered my room, throwing my luggage onto my bed, making the room shake slightly with the impact.
"You can send me a postcard when you arrive because I'm not going to spend my vacation with a group of people who hate my guts!" I muttered, while I unzipped my bag.
"Well, Zero feels the same way you do, but he's not complaining at all. Isn't that right, my son?" Kaien cooed at Zero.
"Just because I'm not complaining doesn't mean that I'm any more thrilled than Katara is about this trip, Headmaster." Zero grumbled not much louder than a whisper. "Actually, Katara's doing the complaining for me." He muttered to himself, causing me to briefly halt my unpacking to shoot him one of my dagger-filled glares. However, he let it roll off his shoulders while he started a staring contest with one of the pictures I had painted, framed and hung on my bedroom wall.
I focused my attention back on the few toiletries I had in my hands. "Katara, please don't be like this, it's only for the break." Yuki said, obviously attempting to soothe my out of control temper, but her words didn't console me at all. I let the items in my hands slip through my fingers, and fall back into the suitcase before I peered at Yuki whose eyes held much worry for me.
I sighed softly. "That's easy for you to say, Yuki, because everyone you're around likes you. It isn't the same thing with me... This break I was going to relax. I didn't want to worry about everyone who despise me; all I wanted was to take it easy, but if I go on this trip it would be the same atmosphere that's around me at school. What type of break is that?" I told her, my voice soft, but still held an undertone of animosity in it. I sat down on my bed, shoving my luggage further towards the end of the bed. I then placed my elbows on my knees, propping my head up with my hands as I stared sadly down at the floor.
I heard Kaien sigh as he sat down next to me, staring at his hands that rest idly in his lap. "I can see where you're coming from, but," He glanced over to me with his saddened eyes. However, he still managed to let a small grin adorn his face. "You can't stay here alone... something could happen to you at any given time. I don't want that." He told me honestly. The Headmaster obviously doesn't know how capable I am when it comes to caring for myself, yet I was still able to place myself in his shoes because Sokka and Aang would fret over me when I told them I was heading out to get supplies. It really wasn't until Zuko came around they started to loosen the leash they had on me.
I chuckled slightly as a minute grin appeared on my face. "You don't give me enough credit, Headmaster. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself and am able to defend myself pretty well against any form of attack. You've seen my spars with Zero and Yuki." I said, perking up a little, watching as The Headmaster smiled while he nodded his head.
"Yes, I remember one particular sparring session actually," He began, glancing over to Zero with a cockeyed grin. "You managed to break his wrist—"
"You PROMISED to never speak of that again!" The male Perfect hissed.
"Oh no need to be so serious, Zero, it's only the four of us, and plus it happened almost two years ago now." The Headmaster murmured in his normal over dramatic voice that he fashioned so well, and with a wave of his hand he dismissed Zero's angry words and turned back to me. "As for you, I have a propitiation to make." He said seriously...
About an hour passed now and the four of us walked to the front gates—well actually more like ran, considering the time it was now. The moment we arrived the first, and only, person that I saw standing outside of two black cars that were lined up in front of one another, was Kuran. He stood there with an elegant smile on his face, which seemed to broaden when his reddish-brown eyes made their way to Yuki, giving me that same creepy feeling that I received when I first met him. I narrowed my eyes slightly when he turned to me; his smile still there, but obviously filled with malice now. "Good morning, everyone." He said kindly as the four of us stopped. I watched as Yuki bowed formally to the prude in front of us as if he was the greatest saint alive. I shook my head in disapproval as I folded my arms up in an irritated manner. It's not the first time I've seen her do this, and I'm sure it won't be the last either because from what I've gathered about Kuran and Yuki's relationship he saved her from something—don't know what because Yuki won't tell me—and ever since then she's had this big admiration for this prick. "What's this? I only see three out of four suitcases," The brunet began, pointing a finger at each luggage bag, until his gaze rested on the empty space around me. "Where's yours, Katara?" I narrowed my eyes. The way he said my name was proof that he despised me. I've been called out of my name many times by many people, but, for some reason, I felt more insulted by him that he actually called me by my name rather than him referring to me as something else.
"I don't need your charity, Kuran, so I hope you have a great vacation without me!" I hissed as a satisfactory grin worked itself onto my face. I felt Yuki elbow me hard in the side, making me wince slightly from the sudden sharp pain I now felt. I glanced over to the short Perfect that stood next to me; the expression on her face was enough to tell me that she wasn't happy with how I spoke to her beloved Lord Kaname. She attempted to whisper something about apologizing to him, but I brushed her words off as if they were nothing more than a piece of dirt that was blown on me. She obviously wasn't too thrilled because of how stubborn I was being at the moment, yet I couldn't care less about it. It's not like the two of us got along anyways, so there's no point in respecting him.
The brunet sighed in a relieved manner, clearly conveying the fact that he was more than thrilled because of my decision to stay here rather than come along. "That's disappointing. I was really looking forward to your attendance, but I suppose it cannot be helped." He murmured as he took several steps in Yuki's direction, grabbing her luggage while she protested against it. How pathetic, I stated mentally as I rubbed one of my tired eyes. "I suggest that the three of you say your farewells because you won't see each other for approximately two weeks once you enter the car." Kuran commented kindly as he placed Yuki's suitcase in the trunk of the leading car. Wow, he's an incredible actor! I don't know many people who can completely conceal their own hatred for someone so well, I thought to myself, still shooting a blinding scowl at his back.
I sighed before I was attacked by two arms, followed by a small body that snuggled close to me. "I'm gonna really miss you, Kat," Yuki began, while her arms continued to constrict around my neck as if I would disappear right before her eyes if she dared loosen her grip. I smiled kindly as I returned her embrace. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us? We can run back to the house and grab your bag right now." Yuki offered as she let her arms fall to her sides as she took several steps back, with a small yet, sad smile on her face.
I shook my head no. "Sorry, Yuki, but you can't sway my decision about this." Her happy demeanor seemed to fall flat on its back when she heard my unwavering answer without the slightest amount of regret in it at all. "Hey, don't look all sad... you'll see me after the New Year, and if you really think about it, it's not all that far away." I explained, watching as the petite Perfect perk up at my words before she gave me a one last hug and darting off to where Kuran held the door open for her. I rolled my eyes as I prayed that that creep wouldn't do anything to harm her... and if he did there will be hell to pay! My thoughts were interrupted by The Headmaster's dramatic sobs. I quickly spun around, seeing that he was about to pounce on me, but I merely sidestepped out of his path and he face planted the ground because of it. I narrowed my gaze at him, placing my hands firmly on my hips as I stared down at him. Why must he be so melodramatic all the time? It's not like were never gonna see each other again. "Quit acting like it's the end of the world! You've gone months without seeing me before I moved here, Headmaster, so I don't think two weeks will be all that bad!" I hissed softly as I grabbed one of his arms to help pull him to his feet, which he seemed almost reluctant to accomplish, but eventually got up because of my persistent yanking on his arm.
"Don't forget our agreement!" He shouted, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and blew his nose several times.
"Oh calm down," I muttered, waving my hand in dismissal before I smiled wholeheartedly at him. "I will call you every day at six pm, starting today, and I won't forget because," I quickly pulled the simple white cell phone out of my coat pocket that he had given me not to long ago. "You set a custom alarm on this." I played it for him, Time to call uncle, it sung several times in Kaien's voice. "You also made custom ringtones for Yuki and Zero just in case they needed to call me for something." I smirked, slipping the phone back into my pocket as I crossed my arms. The Headmaster smiled back at me before he murmured a soft goodbye then headed for the car Yuki was in.
I turned to Zero who's been standing there stuck in a glum state of mind for the last few minutes, I raised a brow. "Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone 'cause I won't be around to get you out of it." He grumbled indifferently, causing me to smirk. "DO NOT go off of campus, Katara." He proclaimed firmly. His violet eye staring directly into mine as if trying to ingrain this piece of information into my mind, so he wouldn't have to worry. "It's very dangerous when you're not accompanied by someone, so please listen to me this ONE time."
"Wow, I didn't know the word, please was in your vocabulary, Zero." I teased, pinching his cheek... well, that was until he smacked my hand away from him. "Goodness," I muttered with a scowl while I rubbed my hand as if I were consoling it. "I was only teasing you, Zero, no need to get your panties in a bunch." His gaze sharpened. Apparently he wanted me to take his previous words seriously, or I was to face his wrath. I sighed, letting my arms fall back to my sides. "Don't worry. I'm not going to go anywhere. I'll stay within a ten meter radius of my house at all times." I explained as I saluted him, my voice holding a slight playful tone that has rarely ever made itself to the outside world.
The glum Perfect glanced away from me as he folded his arms angrily on his chest, attempting to hold his tongue so he wouldn't say anything too outrageous. "You better listen to me, Idiot, because if I find out that you haven't, and you managed to hurt yourself you'll have to answer to me." He hissed, as staring at the spot where the blacktop met the dirt ground.
I smiled at him. Zero's such a softy on the inside, attempting to deceive the world with this bad guy facade when in reality he's merely looking out for the people he truly cares about. "Zero," He looked back at me; the same bored face still triumphant, but his eyes still told me that he was curious about what I had to say. "I never told you this, and I hope I don't overwhelm you, but," I swallowed in a nervous fashion as I gently rubbed the base of my skull. "I'm glad that you and I met. You've really made it a lot easier here in this world because of how considerate and understanding you have been. Thank you so much." I watched as Zero's face turned bright red, causing him to glance down at the ground unsure of what to do or say to me. My smile only grew as I pulled him into my arms. Zero was at first hesitant—probably because he doesn't receive many hugs because people are so afraid of him—but after a few seconds he slipped his arms around me as well. "You're just like my brother, Zero. You look out for me, and you're not afraid to scold me when I've done something that could potentially harm me, or anyone else... Just like a real brother would do. So, if Sokka's watching right now he'd be more than pleased with you." I took a step away from him, smiling because I was finally able to get that whole speech off my chest.
Zero's face was a light pink while he focused his gaze back on the ground, trying to avoid my eyes as much as possible. "Uh... Thank you... I think..." I smirked, placing my hands on my hips. I found it mildly amusing seeing him in this flustered form because it proved that he wasn't made out of stone, and that he's human after all. "I've got to leave now, Katara. I'll see you after the New Year." Zero mumbled while his hand went back to the same spot on his neck, and proceeded to scratch until the area around his tattoo turned into a red irritated patch of skin. I furrowed my brow, hmm, I suppose that minor healing session I gave him didn't keep the itching away for long.
"Zero," He finally glanced back at me. "You need to get that looked at. For all we know you could have some type of infection." He frowned in disgust because I suggested that he seek out some form of medical attention.
"It can't be treated, so just leave it be!" He hissed through his clenched teeth. I took a step back, staring at him with baffled eyes, unable to figure out the reason he suddenly got so agitated. "Goodbye, Katara." He said softly, trying to brush away the anger he suddenly had, but unfortunately for him I could still hear it in his voice. Something was off, I thought to myself, something that can't be treated, what could it be? I questioned. Zero flicked me on the forehead. "Don't start analyzing something that is under complete control, Katara. It's nothing serious, so don't worry about me." The perfect grumbled as he grabbed his and the Headmaster's luggage—which Kaien so conveniently forgotten about—before he strolled over to the car. I glared at him as I rubbed my slightly sore forehead. You know what, I think he likes abusing me! I remarked mentally as I stuck my lip out in a childish pout.
I watched the cars drive away as I waved a final farewell to my family (Zero, Yuki, and Kaien that is; I despise the rest of the others in those cars). I sighed in relief now that I was alone here, no one but me, myself and I! I Grinned as all sorts of possibilities filled my head, and once I could no longer see either of the cars on the road I spun around in glee, knowing that I could finally use my bending freely. It was like a dream come true! Finally able to release all this bottled up tension that flowed throughout my being. I raised one of my hands while I watched the snow all over the ground rise up, and melt into the water that I loved so much with a gentle wave of my hand. I smiled serenely, while the long stream of water twisted around my body as if it were a transparent snake before I shot it off towards a tree that rested a great distance away from me.
I nodded before I proceeded to freeze the ground around me until at least half of the dirt path was covered in nothing, but a thick sheet of ice. "Wow! This feels amazing!" I shouted, skating down the icy path as I flicked my hands, causing the water in the air to form into snow, letting it fall all around me. I giggled aloud, feeling truly happy that I could finally bend without one single restriction tied to me. It felt like I had been freed from all my oppressive problems now. I didn't have to be worried about being persecuted as a witch since no one was here to witness my cherished abilities. "I wish every day could be like this one." I murmured softly to myself as a ramp of ice formed before me, and I launched myself high into the air twirling several times. I felt the refreshing winter wind lick at my face and hands, which only rejuvenated my body as I descended towards the ground, making me crave for more extreme measures. I landed with a soft impact, causing one of my knees to bend slightly as I skated backwards down the path now.
I breathed in the cool winter air. I almost forgot how my bending made me as if I could do anything if I just put my heart and determination in it. I raised my arms once again, creating another ramp further down the path, but this one was much steeper and it would certainly give me the height I wanted as well as the dangerous thrill I needed. I quickly spun to where I now faced the ramp so I was able to pick up as much speed as I could before I hit it. My brows knit together as a determined expression engraved itself into the skin of my face right when I hit the ramp, and I was shot high up in the air, so high that I was about as high as some of the twenty-foot trees near by. I spun again, only this time two long tendrils of water shadowed my movements, creating a beautiful twisting tail below me that nearly reached the ground. I closed my eyes with a relaxed sigh, basking in this blissful moment high above the Earth, wishing I could stay up here forever. No wonder Aang was so carefree all the time, being high above the ground seems to awaken something inside of you... It gives you a sense of freedom.
I felt the pull of gravity as fell towards the ground, letting my hair whip at my face, and in that moment my adrenaline picked up. Never have I felt so free, I thought in a prideful manner as I smiled solely to myself, and I used my bending to take away most of the impact from the height I had just fallen from. However, there still was enough force from my landing to send me skating backwards at an unbelievably fast rate. "Nothing can take this moment from me!" I suppose I spoke too soon because a mere second later I felt my back smash into something that was on the path behind me, causing me and the object to be sent hurtling down the path I covered in ice. I somehow managed to spin and face this object during one of the hard bounces off the ground only to realize that it wasn't a thing I had crashed into, no, it was a person. I felt my breath hitch in my throat after realizing this majorly important piece of information. How much did they see? That was the only question that raced through my mind at that moment.
Only a millisecond later I felt one of their arms snake around me while their other one did its best to shield my head and neck. I assumed that they did this so I wouldn't receive any major injury that could have occurred as we rolled down the path, and out of instinct my hands furled themselves into the fabric of their shirt. I felt the person press me further against their body—doing their best to ensure that I wasn't the one getting hurt or scraped up—as the two of us rolled once more before we drifted to a slow stop on the slick ground.
My head lay still on the—now obvious—man's chest, hearing the quick beating of his heart and inhaling the familiar lavender scent he emitted. Normally lavender was supposed to help calm oneself, but in this case it made me feel more and more on edge considering that a specific person—whose name shall not be mentioned—wears a lavender scented cologne. I swallowed nervously as I felt his arms slip off of me and fall limp on the ground while he took several pained gasps of air. I let go of his coat, placing one of my hands on either side of him just so I was able to get up, while my eyes traveled up to his pained face, and I froze in fear. I felt my breathing stop as my eyes widened further, trying to process the reality in front of me while I subconsciously wished that I was only dreaming. When his pained, yet baffled teal eyes finally opened the terror that I felt in that moment increased tenfold because I knew for a fact that he had witnessed first hand to everything I had done...
Author's Note: WOOHOO! I finally managed to reveal Katara's bending! It took forever to get to this point. I don't think I wrote her bending all that well because I wasn't sure what to make her do (the fight scenes are much easier to write while she's bending), so I'm sorry if it isn't the greatest, and I hope you're not too disappointed. I originally didn't intend for this chapter to be so long, but hey, what can I do about it now that it's already written.
Katara: Why is it me you're always messing with?! Why not Hanabusa, Yuki or Zero even?!
Hanabusa: Hey! She tortures me more than enough, Katara! I'm always getting hurt!
Yuki: Well Zero and I don't play as big of a role as you do, Katara, so it only makes sense that she torments you more than she does us.
Katara: *Jaw drops* What? Who's side are you on, Yuki?!
Yuki: Uhh... *Slinks far away until she reaches the exit door, and leaves*
Katara: Trader!
Sokka: Well, sis, at least you play a role in the actual story line while the rest of the Aang Gaang get to sit around watch you stampeding around with some weirdo. *Glances at Hanabusa who glares back at him*
Me: I said I have plans for you guys, so stop your whining, Sokka. *Receives glare from Sokka* Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Until next time my dear friends!