Chapter Ten: Christmas Break Part I

Akira stands in front of her friend, hugging her as she finishes putting her bags in the back of the cab. Yui pushes her off a bit. "It isn't the end of the world, Akira. Quit your crying." Akira smiles, wiping away at her tears. "Now, Nishimura is going to stay with Mari, because Sachi is allergic to cats, which means we'll be staying at your dorm for when we're either bored or don't want to obey the rules. Make sure Nishimura doesn't cuddle my cat to death."

Akira laughs, and Yui gets in the cab. "I'll see you!" Akira calls as it drives away. Her phone vibrates, and Akira looks down at it. "'Shut up before you make me cry, you evil meanie head.' Well, at least I know she still tries not to use foul language in her text messages." Akira places it in her pocket, bringing out the note Tomomi left, reading it again. She has been reading it, something feeling ever so off about the note and how... weirdly it's written. Grammatical errors, sloppy handwriting, and even a smiley face? Was Tomomi texting her or going cuckoo?

Hey, Kira, I have to leave with Zero for important Hunter business. Stay safe, and don't do anything stupid. Who am I kidding? :) Love, Tomo

Akira already knows something is off about this "important Hunter business" because she used the nickname only Akira's mother is allowed to use. But the blonde doesn't allow it to bother her, and she pockets the note again, heading back to her dorm. Tomomi ordered some show, Game of Thrones, so Akira figures she'll watch it. Her mother understands she doesn't want to come home without her cousin, so the Headmaster is allowing her to stay with a few others over the holidays. "Momamoto Akira!"

Her mismatched eyes land on two unfamiliar figures. One has ice blue hair and light grey eyes, a grin on her face. The other has dark hair that curls around his face, a neat ponytail in the back and allowing his royal purple eyes to take center stage. "Yes?" she responds.

The one with light blue hair grins even wider. "Name's Fujimoto Naoko, and this is Fukui Kuro. We were sent here to watch over the school in Suzuki and Kiryuu's absence." She chuckles. "At least we won't have to deal with the brood then." Akira's eyes narrow, automatically disliking the girl with a sudden intensity. "So, if you need protection from the big bad vampires, then you just come find us. Got it, human?"

Akira steps forward, probably to do something stupid as Tomomi asked her not to do in her note. But Fukui Kuro steps forward, a hand on her shoulder. "Aww, look, Kuro. The little bitch is desperate for protection. Bet she's an attention whore too."

Her mouth opens, and Kuro slaps a hand over it. "Did you not learn your lesson the last time Suzuki kicked your ass, Naoko? We don't know if she runs to her cousin every time someone says something about her. It would explain how she's the only Hunter here." Fujimoto narrows her eyes at Akira, and Akira glares back. It has almost no effect on the Hunter, on anything really, but Fujimoto scoffs and walks away anyway. Fukui turns Akira to look at him. "Just stay out of her way and she'll leave you alone for the most part." Kuro is addressing Akira now.

"Thanks," Akira says, smiling at Kuro. "You don't seem as mean as her. If I do have a problem, I'd rather come to you than her any day." Kuro nods, mussing her hair a bit before leaving, making Akira glare hard at him, or as hard as she can. "Hey! I take it back already, you big jerk face!" Kuro chuckles, walking away in a fashion Akira found typical of Yagari while he was there at the school.

"Great. More Hunters to ruin the fun," a voice complains beside her. "I thought we would finally have a chance at having some fun without Suzuki or Kiryuu."

Akira frowns at Aido. "What kind of fun were you thinking of, Aido?" she asks in a cold voice. Aido can't help the smile tug at his lips.

"Finding someone I met at the dance," he replies with a bit of a dreamy look. Akira tries to push down the blush rising. "Did you go?" Akira nods, trying to seem nonchalant about. "So you saw her? The girl with the green eyes and peach dress?" Akira hesitates then nods again. "Do you know who she is?"

Akira shrugs. "Nope. Now, I have to go. Tomomi left before she could watch this show she bought, Game of Thrones, so she can't tell me not to watch it just yet." She walks away, waving at Aido. "Have a good break, Aido!"

Daisuke laughs as Rima snuggles up to him. It's the first day of vacation, and he managed to get them tickets to some amusement park in America since he is quite fluent in English. "Rima, we're going to be here for two weeks. Let's enjoy Disney World while we can," he says, kissing her forehead. "C'mon. Let's get up. I came during winter for a reason."

He helps her up, Rima sighing a heavy sigh. "Fine. But if I get sunburned, you're taking care of me." Daisuke grins, and Rima raises a brow. "Not that kind of take care of me, ya jerk." Daisuke then chuckles. Rima never acted like this, so it's a way to know she really is relaxed here with him. With him is the most important part of the sentence.

"Okay, so, today I have tickets for Magic Kingdom. Most of the characters there are from our Disney week," he informs her. Daisuke had accidentally bought a bunch of Disney movies and forced Rima, Shiki, and some other members of the Night Class to watch it with him, Seiren included. It's another reason Daisuke brought her along; she had certain fascination with some of the characters, and this is a way to meet them. It also included quality time between them.

Daisuke ignores the other reason lingering in his mind, the first and foremost reason.

Rima sighs and grabs some of her clothes. Daisuke turns around, giving her the room to use in order to dress for the day. He may or may not have taken liberty of packing her bag, so she mostly has jeans and t-shirts. Most of these t-shirts are American related ranging from television shows and movies to bands to books she actually might have read. "Done." Daisuke turns to find her in a pair of loose jeans and a shirt with 'Okay? Okay.' on it in clouds.

He takes her hand and twirls her around. "You look nice." Rima blushes a bit, and Daisuke takes his shirt and jeans out. She turns around for him, and Daisuke quickly changes, slipping on a blue shirt and well fitting jeans. "Done," he announces. Rima turns around, and Daisuke grabs both of them a jacket, handing one to Rima before leading the way out of the room and to the bus.

It doesn't take long to get there, and the wait for the bus is even shorter. But it's crowded, and Daisuke takes a seat with Rima pulled into his lap. His silver eyes close as he runs his hands through her hair, chin resting on her shoulder. "It's so crowded."

"It is," Daisuke agrees. "But we'll have a great time. I promise." Rima nods, resting against him again. He isn't stupid though; he can see the jealous looks they're receiving, and the people checking them out, and the people who don't like PDA glaring, and even the people who don't want their children to see such a small display. "I don't like being on display."

"Same," she agrees. "But, it is part of the deal. And wherever we go, it'll remain part of the deal. Staring and glaring and questions and lots of it." Daisuke chuckles, turning to nuzzle her neck. She shivers a bit, and the bus finally comes to a stop. They manage their way off, and the next group slides on. Daisuke warps his arm around Rima's shoulder, marking her quite clearly as his.

The first rise Rima wants to ride is surprising. The Goofy Train. He thought she hated the Mickey Mouse cartoons they watched, but apparently she doesn't. Daisuke watches as Rima tries her hardest not to enjoy the ride, but it's just so obvious to him. He chuckles, enjoying it himself. When it ends, he looks at his phone to decide a Fast Pass. "Want to ride Thunder Mountain?" Rima shrugs. "Let's go."

Hours later, the duo rest in Daisuke's bed. Rima is trying to stay awake as her boyfriend watches television, watching some show called Top Gear. It's hilarious, and he chuckles as he runs his fingers through Rima's hair. When the episode ends, Daisuke looks down at the beauty in his arms to find her asleep. He kisses her forehead, untangling himself gently so not to disturb Rima.

Resting in the other bed, Daisuke is proud to say Rima enjoyed her first day in Disney World

Yui sighs as she sets down the last of her baggage. The first week of break will be spent in America with Sachiko, her cousin, and some of Sachiko's friends. Her cousin strolls into the room, glee written clearly on her face. Sachiko is Japanese, but something happened when she was younger, and... Sachiko doesn't talk anymore. She doesn't convey why, but it is easy to see her personality and imagine what she might do and what she might not do.

Sachiko doesn't talk, but she does like a lot of things. Yui is one of those things. "Hey, Sachi!" Yui hugs her cousin, who is two years younger than her. Sachiko grins, and she wraps her arms around Yui's neck, somehow transitioning around so she's on Yui's back for a ride. Yui giggles at her cousin's antics, then she runs around the house, abandoned except for the girls.

Yui and Sachiko look up at the sound of the doorbell. Yui looks at Sachiko, who pulls a hand written note from on of her pockets. Yui looks at it. "'Hey, forgot to mention, but there's another person staying with us this week. His name is Shiki Senri and he has really shaky English, which will obviously be needed as we are in America. Mom said it's part of some new program his family is starting, and we're the test home.'" Yui's heart speeds up a bit at his name. "Why me?" The bell rings again. "I'm coming, you jerk!"

She opens the door, and Sachiko smiles sheepishly at the visitor. The small girl sighs, glaring only slightly. "You have one chance, Shiki. Mess with Sachi, and I will annihilate you. Or sic Tomomi on you. Whichever works out best." His eyes are widened in surprise. "Oh, and don't mention... the formal dance around here. I'd rather keep Sachi a bit... stress free over this week."

Sachiko jumps on her back. Her blue eyes close as she smiles at him, short black hair getting in her face. Yui is pushed forward a bit. "Sachiii, you aren't as small as you used to be." Sachiko gives her a blank look. "You're getting fat." Sachiko gasps, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes. "Haha! As if that'll work on me. I'm too good, mi amiga." But the tears continue to well as Yui starts freaking out. "I-I didn't mean it, Sachi!"

Then the girl smiles once more, swinging her legs back and forth. Her eyes open to see Shiki, and Yui can't see the slight fear that strikes through her, despite feeling her legs tighten on her sides. "Alright, Sachi, are you listening? I want you to go play for a few minutes while I set some ground rules with Shiki. He's a friend of mine, and I'd rather you stay safe." Sachiko nods, and hops off, running in the exact opposite direction, a bit odd as she can be more easily entertained outside.

"I didn't know she-"

"It doesn't mean you can take blood from anyone here," Yui interrupts, her voice low. I know my aunt doesn't know about vampires for a fact, and my uncle doesn't believe anything he can't see."

"What about your cousin?" Yui blinks. "She's terrified of me. Worse than Momamoto when Suzuki isn't around." Yui turns her honey eyes to the direction Sachiko went. Shiki watches her gaze, reading her eyes easily. "So... Do you know who messed up your room?"

Yui doesn't answer. She instead turns back around, inviting him in and closing the door. She grabs his arm, digging her nails in. "I won't repeat myself. Do not mess with Sachi. Do not insult this family. Do not sleep all day or people will know something's up. Then, most importantly... Do not drink from anyone here." She glares at him a bit. "And... if you can, please avoid talking about what happened the night of the Winter Formal. Forget I was there at all."

But Shiki grabs her arm as soon as she pulls away. He holds her tighter. "Some things can't be forgotten." He lets go of her, and looks around, blue grey eyes taking in every detail. "Where will I be sleeping?"

Yui turns, ignoring the shivers running up her back. "Sachikooo! I don't know where he's sleeping!" It takes a minute for Sachiko to come back into the room, and she jumps on her cousin's back, pointing the way as Shiki grabs Yui's bag too.

Her body sags against the wall. The dress is gone, the one with white having enough decency to hang it up in her room and let her change clothes in the bathroom with Shota making sure she doesn't do anything stupid. So she sits in her father's old shirt, which practically hangs off of her shoulders, and a pair of jeans that fit just right. Zero is right beside her, still unconscious.

"Look at her, Jiro," Shota says, his voice hushed. "We should just go on and kill her, feed her to-"

"No," Jiro says. "Not yet. She's strong, with the diluted power of Purebloods so far along the line it's almost untraceable, and with her Hunter blood that makes her more than qualified to be the fifth strongest in the Association. It's a matter of seasoning now." She looks up, blue eyes showing her true terror. "We'll let her simmer for two weeks. She'll fear us at first, then she'll hate us. We'll kill her first, so the Kiryuu boy is seasoned properly too."

They open the door to their cell, and one of them sits in front of her. "She's quite pretty. Shameful she has to die." He snaps his fingers in front of her face. "Suzuki Tomomi. The Untouchable Hunter. No Level E has touched her skin, even in attacking. Your uncle would be proud. Except he didn't know there are more things in this world to fear other than vampires."

Tomomi flinches back from his touch as he attempts to caress her cheek. "What do you want?" Her voice is shaky, and it pisses her off. She can't be like this now. She has Akira and Yui to go back to. And she has Zero to keep alive. So she clears her throat, bringing her head up so he can see her face in the dim light. "What do you want?" Tomomi repeats in a strong voice.

He chuckles. "You're right, Jiro. She is strong. At least good at acting like it." Just then, Zero groans beside her. "Ah. And Kiryuu is awake." Tomomi leans against him, her hands bound above her with shackles in a way she can't touch him.

"Zero?" He groans again. "Zero, wake up."

They both laugh at her, Shota's loud, and Jiro's quiet so she can't hear. "She's so whipped, man," Shota says, bumping his brother. "Look at her. 'Zero? Oh, Zero, please wake up and save the day for me!' Well, here's some news, Suzuki Tomomi." He looks straight into her eyes, the indigo flecked with black. "There is no saving the day. You will die in fourteen days, and your friend Zero will die in but fifteen."

Zero shoots forth, and Tomomi lets out a cry as he does so. "No!" His intimidation maneuver turns into a scream as the links glow with electricity. But still he stays outstretched and in pain, making Tomomi close her eyes as tears prick at the corners. Finally, it stops, and heavy breaths are audible beside her. "I hate you already," she growls, looking up at the two in front of her.

The pain is excruciating as it focuses on her wrists, but it's the point. "I'll kill you. I swear it!" She jerks forward again, making her point necessary as she refused to let out one sound of pain. "I will kill you." She leans back, pulling her legs up to her chin and resting her head on them. "Don't think for a second I'm really going to die, you stupid dick heads."

Shota growls, looking at his brother. But Jiro's expression was that of slight admiration. This is the only time she can tell them apart. Shota steps forward, grabbing her by her hair. "Do you know what happens to the body when they stay too long down here in one of the Hells?"

"Not the slightest."

"Their body decays or changes. Do you know what speeds up the process?" Shota doesn't let her answer. "Taking part of their soul."

Then, in the damp, dark, musty cell she's being forced to reside in, Tomomi screams as part of her soul is quite literally taken away.