It took a month again to write this chapter. Just 7k words and it took me one month. Sorry guys! I'm really disappointed with myself. I used to write 5k or 6k chapters in just two or three days but now... Okay enough with this nega side of mine. Enjoy Reading! 😊
Chapter 26: An Alice Stone
"You know, after everything that happened I realized two things." Mikan started looking straight into Natsume's eyes as he did the same.
"What?"
She smiled sweetly. "One, beyond the dark clouds lies a bright starry sky."
Natsume raised an eyebrow. "Don't go poetic on me, polka."
PAK!
"What the hell!" Natsume cursed.
"Shut up and listen carefully because I won't ever repeat this again." Mikan glared at him and crossed her arms over her chest.
Natsume sighed. "Fine."
"Second..." She stopped to breathe.
"What?" This impatient jerk.
"I like you, Natsume!"
(Mikan's POV)
"I like you, Natsume!"
Silence...
Eh. Why is he not saying anything?
Silence...
What's with him?
Silence...
Wait. What did I just say?
Silence...
Did I say what I think I just said?
Silence...
UWAAAAAAAAAAAA! My eyes widened and hands automatically flew to my stupid mouth. I felt all the blood rush to my cheeks. And did I mention that Hotaru gave me another white mask? No? Oh. My bad. She said I should put it on in the presence of others. It only covers the upper part of my face and left the mouth open. But still, back to reality...
Why the heck did I say that? Uwa! uwa! No! This can't be happening! I'm soooooo embarrassed! Argh! Why isn't he saying anything? Why isn't he moving? WHY IS HE NOT REACTING?! Grr! I can't take this anymore! I quickly laid down on my bed again and with one swift move, I covered my whole body with the blanket. I don't know what do. Omaygash I'm panicking! Think Mikan, think! Ah...
"I-I mean... uhh... I don't 'don't like' you anymore! Oh wait. T-that came out wrong! Wha.. what I mean is... err... I don't... dislike you anymore. Yesh. That's it. That's what I want to say!" Kill me. Kill me now! Err no. I change my mind. I forgot. I was just kidnapped yesterday, was beaten up pretty badly and almost turned into vampire dessert.
When I still didn't receive any reaction from him, I peeked from under the blanket uncovering only up to my eyes and as soon as I saw a reaction, blood immediately rushed to my cheeks. You know what I found? I saw the jerk smirking. He's freaking smirking!
I removed the blanket from my face and looked at him. "W-what?"
He leaned closer to my face making me more uncomfortable. "You said you like me." His smirk turned into a grin that would totally surprise me if not for my current situation.
"So? I lik— wait. THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT! I told you I just don't dislike you anymore!" I defended.
He raised an eyebrow as he continued to move closer. "So? Isn't it the same? You still said you like me."
I placed both of my hands instinctively on his chest in an attempt to stop him from moving closer but it proved to be useless since he was much stronger than me. "N-no! D-don't come close!"
"Say it again." He whispered that made me shiver as I felt his hot breath on my ears.
"S-say w-what again? H-hey! Move!" I tried pushing him away but he just wouldn't budge. This is one of the many moments where I really despises his super strength. Urgh!
"Say it, polka." I felt him stop an inch away from my face. "That you like me." And he did the most unthinkable thing he'd do.
He bit my ear.
M-my... ear... He... "Y-you... m-my..." I stuttered as I stared at him with my eyes wide and my jaw dropped unable to completely process what he had done to me. And when I did...
"So you're ears are super sensitive, huh?" He stated like he just made an amazing discovery.
"Uhh...WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
F.E.A.S. That's what I did. Fuck Everything And Scream.
"AAAAAAAAA—mpft." My scream was interrupted when a hand flew to my mouth and covered it. Burning crimson eye glared at me as he covered my mouth. Usually, one would be afraid of the cold and scary look he's giving right now but what he did to me made me forget to feel scared.
"Shut up! Did you swallow a fucking megaphone?" He snapped while I glared at him and removed his hand from my mouth.
"Are you some fucking pervert your past life?!" I snapped back but he seemed unaffected.
He smirked as he stood up. "Is your ears the only part that's sensitive?"
I mentally counted one to ten, "So that's how you want to play it, huh." I started removing the tubes on me alerting him.
"Oi. What the hell are you doing?" He eyed my actions while I ignored him and the slight pain from my hand and continued what I was doing. "Idiot, you shouldn't remove that. Oi!"
When I finished, I stood up on the bed and smirked.
"Don't you dare—" he threatened but I cut him off with a scream.
"Aaaah!" I acted shocked and terrified then pointed at the door. When he turned to look, I grabbed the chance to jump on his back and wrap my legs around his torso with my arms around his neck. He seemed used to this or he's just really strong because he didn't even budge when I jumped on him.
He turned his head to the side and glared at me. "Polka." His tone suggest that he's not very happy but I sure am.
I rested the side of my head on my arm that's wrapped around his neck while facing him and matched his glare with the sweetest smile I could muster. I saw his eyes widen a bit and I inwardly smirk. That's an achievement you know. It's not everyday you can catch him off guard. 😋
Now that I got a good look on his face, I have to admit he really is good-looking. Gorgeous even. His crimson eyes held such depth into them that anyone would surely get lost in. His lips were shaped perfectly and looks so... inviting. Like they were calling out to mine—okay, stop! Before it gets anywhere. Moving on...
And his eyebrows...
"Pft."
He frowned, drawing those eyebrows of his close together. "What." That's not a question.
I bit my lip to stop the laughter from escaping but I still couldn't help the grin from forming. "You know, I just noticed. You have very short eyebrows!"
He twitched, sign that I hit a nerve.
"My eyebrows are none of your business!" he growled.
"Ooooh! Touchy." I commented which was replied by a glare.
I continued examining his face and my eyes landed on his nose. His nose wasn't pointy but it wasn't that flat either, not too big but not too small. Just perfect. It's the perfect nose that really complements his face. I don't know what came over me but I just found myself staring and staring at his nose then the next thing I knew, I was just inches from his face and in one quick move bit his nose.
You know what's worse? As soon as I did that, the door slammed open to reveal seven worried vampires to find us in a rather awkward scene. I moved my head back while my face mirrored Natsume's shocked expression.
"WHAT HAPPENED?! WE HEARD A SCREA—" Ruka-pyon, Koko, Sumire and Aoi chorused but they froze as soon as they laid their eyes on us. Same with the other three.
I automatically glanced at Natsume who did the same and as soon as our eyes met, we both looked away.
"What—" Mr Hyuuga started.
"—the—" then Ruka-pyon.
"—FUDGE!" followed by Koko.
"Is—" then Hotaru.
"—this—" Sumire
"—for—" Aoi
"—real?" and lastly Youichi who looked bothered yet managed to make himself look bored. Um... Natsume number two, is that you? Even Mr. Hyuuga joined the group's silliness. Whether he unconsciously or consciously did it is unknown to me.
Natsume and I both wore the same emotionless expression but I just know how red we both are. "What?" We chorused.
"Gotcha." Hotaru smirked and put her video camera away. Hey! I just noticed she was recording it! Uwaaaaa!
"Delete that, Imai." Natsume growled.
"Why? You look cute blushing, you know." I said which earned me a glare from him.
"Shut it, polka. Don't call men cute."
I pouted. "Polka again? Not Mikan?" If I'm not so obvious, yes, I am teasing him.
And his glare worsened. "No. Polka." He said the 'polka' sternly.
I clicked my tongue. "Tch. Pervert."
"You know, Mikan. You should really get away from Natsume. As far as possible. His way of speaking is rubbing off on you." Ruka-pyon chuckled and it was his turn to be glared at.
"Wow! Natsume. This is the first time I saw you blushing. So cuuuteee!" We laughed as Koko ran around the room trying to avoid the fire that started out of the blue in front of him.
"Help Mikan! Help meeeee!"
I giggled. "Sorry, Koko! I don't think I can make him stop."
"Please! Ow! Ah—ouch!"
I want to help him out but... Looking at Natsume, he seemed to be enjoying himself that it would be cruel to make him stop. "I really can't. Sorry."
"FINE! I'LL SUPPLY YOU STRAWBERRIES FOR TWO WHOLE MONTHS!"
"I said I ca—Deal!"
"Oi!" Natsume protested.
"That changes things, you know." I grinned.
"Natsume~!" I called with the sweetest voice paired with a smile.
His eyes narrowed. "No."
My shoulders dropped and I felt myself pouting again. "I haven't said anything yet."
"I already know what you'll say. No." He looked back at Koko who is panting after the fire disappeared but appeared again as Natsume returned his attention on him and Koko started running again.
"I'll share!" I wish I can convince him with this. Please! I'll get that strawberries no matter what.
He stared at me with furrowed eyebrows. "Do I look like I can't afford that, polka?" He said, annoyance obvious in his voice.
I looked away, "Of course you can but..." I trailed off. Okay. I don't know what to say. He has a point there.
"Natsume please!" I did my sparkly puppy eyes. Give me a chance here. This is the first time I did this.
He gave me a disgusted look. "Stop that. You look disgusting!"
"Don't believe him, Mikan. He actually thought you looked cute!" Koko yelled. O—kay. So, I didn't expect that one coming. I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.
I cleared my throat. Despite being embarrassed, I continued persuading him. "So you think I'm cute? Huh? You know, Natsume. I will be so much cuter if I get my hands on that promised strawberries!"
I poked him in the cheeks. "Oi."
Poke poke
"Oieee! Natsume! Please~!"
Poke poke
"I won't stop annoying you. Please!"
Poke poke
"Hey—"
He slapped my hand away from his cheek and glared. "Fine! Fine!"
"YES!" I exclaimed together with Koko as the fire chasing him disappeared. But what if Natsume's joking with me...
"Are you sure?" I leaned my face closer to him.
"Hn." He crossed his arms over his chest.
"Really sure?" I leaned closer again with my eyes narrowing as I got closer.
He sighed exasperatedly. "Yes."
"Really really sure?" I still didn't stop leaning and when my face was just inches away, he pushed my face away using his hand that covered almost the whole of my face. Huge.
"One more and I'll make sure that strawberries won't get anywhere near you, polka." He gritted his teeth and his piercing glare pointed at me. Natsume sure do glare a lot. All he does is glare and glare and glare. I miss the cute blushing Natsume. But I'll keep that thought to myself. He might change his mind again. Hihihi!
"Okay, you're sure!" I said and smiled victoriously.
My mental celebration was cut short when someone cleared his throat. Mr. Hyuuga stared at us. "As much as it's insulting to have our presence ignored and forgotten, I'll forgive you since I got to see something entertaining."
Oh noes! I forgot he's here! What do I do? What do I do? Natsume's father, the vampire king saw my silly acts! I don't think he likes me based on how he was treating me at the meeting. Should I just shut up? Yeah. Shut up then. Best idea so far!
"You don't have to be nervous, young lady. I won't bite." Mr. Hyuuga chuckled.
"That's a lame joke old man." Natsume stated.
"Shut your trap. I'm talking to your girl not you." For the nth time this day, I felt myself blushing. First and second with this man's son and the third with him. Urgh. This father and son.
"I'm not his girl/She's not my girl." Natsume and I said at the same time making us glance at each other and as if practiced, both of us looked away at the same time.
"You don't have to be embarrassed. It is so obvious and only an idiot would believe you two." Somehow, I think Natsume's father is highly amused. Okay scratch that word 'somehow', he is definitely amused.
"And only an idiot would say that."
"You're so close." I muttered unconsciously. I couldn't help the smile forming on my lips as I watch the two of them and I couldn't help but feel envious of their closeness. This two, father and son.
"We're not close." They both answered with straight faces.
Looking closer, Natsume didn't inherit his face from his father. His hair did and also his attitude. There is still a big difference with their attitude. Natsume is cold and emotionless while his father is the cheerful one. But something tells me that they are both beyond terrifying when angered. I just don't know if Mr. Hyuuga's cheerful personality is just an act.
I raised my hands in defense. "Okay, okay."
"By the way, does the two of you have any plans on changing your position or are you really enjoying yourselves in that position?" Mr. Hyuuga grinned as Natsume and I glanced at each other then to our position then back to each other both with wide eyes. How could I forget! We're still in the same position as when they walked in on our little biting game earlier!
I cleared my throat and jumped off Natsume's back and went back to my bed as if nothing happened.
"Anyway," Mr. Hyuuga turned to Natsume. "I hope you didn't forget about what we talked about before, Natsume." His smiling face turned serious. Like the expression he used in the meeting. Right now, in front of me, stood Ioran Hyuuga the vampire king and not Natsume's father.
"I didn't."
Mr. Hyuuga nodded. Recognition displayed itself on his face as he locked his eyes on Natsume's chest. "So you've open it, huh?"
"Yeah. So?"
Mr. Hyuuga once again changed back to his cheerful side. He smiled knowingly. "Nothing!"
"Tch."
"And so, may everyone please step out of the room and let me have a little chat with this young lady." Mr. Hyuuga clapped his hands together and glanced at Hotaru and the others who looked at each other. They were a bit hesitant. I smiled at them to let them know that I'll be fine.
"Yes, Hyuuga-sama." They all bowed before going out of the room.
"And that includes you, my son." Oh. I hadn't noticed that Natsume still didn't move from his position.
He gave a bored look. "I'm staying."
Mr. Hyuuga sighed. More than anyone, I got the feeling that he knows how stubborn Natsume is. "Whatever."
Mr. Hyuuga leaned on the wall and looked straight at me. Now that I think about it. Will I really be okay? Just by leaning on the wall and looking at me with a serious expression, he managed to look so intimidating. What more when he starts asking questions?
I was surprised when he suddenly chuckled. "Let me guess, this is a habit of yours. Ne, Natsume?"
Instead of answering, Natsume just looked away.
Okay? What was that about? I feel so out of place with this father and son vampires.
Mr. Hyuuga cleared his throat. "Let see uh... polka?"
And despite the huge need I had to prevent myself to face palm in front of the vampire king, I couldn't stop myself and ended up slapping both my hands to my face. Take note, BOTH.
"Pft."
I glared at Natsume and slapped his shoulder as hard as I can even though I knew it wouldn't hurt him. I turned to look at Mr. Hyuuga who seemed confused at our reactions. I took a deep breath before I started speaking. "Mr. Hyuuga, my name is Mikan Sakura and I'm definitely not polka. Please don't listen to this stupid guy beside me." I said while forcing a smile.
"Oh. Ms. Sakura then." I nodded my head once and smiled. This time, for real. But it faded as soon as Mr. Hyuuga asked a question I never wished he asked. "What's a polka, anyway?"
My face exploded.
"Oh. That's the print of her pant—" My hand automatically flew to his mouth. A slap to the mouth, actually.
"Nevermind that. Is there anything you want to talk to me about aside from this?" I asked still trying to be polite.
"Yes, there is something."
I almost sighed in relief aloud.
"How did you do that?" He asked. His face shows that he's puzzled about something.
"Do what?" My hands dropped to my lap and both Natsume and I sat properly.
"That. Making our alices useless. That time you screamed and jumped to my son, all alices in the room suddenly stopped working. Including mine. How did you do that?"
Oh. So that's what he's talking about. Though I really wanted to give him a satisfying answer, I can't. "I'm sorry I can't answer that because even I frequently asked myself the same question and got no answer."
He nodded understanding. "I see. Moving on."
"I heard you knew about us. About vampires. How did you know? Who told you?" This is one of the many questions I wanted to avoid. I should tell him that I knew about vampires since long ago but something tells me that I should just keep that to myself.
"I'm the bookworm type and kind of a believer of supernatural even before so when I saw Reo Mouri and he bared his fangs at me, I came to the conclusion myself about what he is. My conclusion was proven right when Natsume and the others came to save me and when Reo told me. He even told me that Natsume and the others are vampires themselves."
"So this is the second time he kidnapped you?" He asked.
"Yeah. She's too easy to kidnap." Natsume commented and I glared at him again.
"Interesting. This could be used against Mouri. He kidnapped another vampire's blood slave and assaulted the vampire prince. In addition to that, he told a human about the existence of our kind. It is forbidden to disclose such information to humans especially if they are left alive."
I suddenly got nervous. His words just sounded weird to me. Whether he's aware or not.
"I won't tell anyone!" I defended.
He chuckled. "Of course you must'nt."
"Natsume would be tasked to kill you if that ever happens but I'm sure it won't come to that, right?" He smiled but I'm not an idiot to not understand what he means. A warning.
"Old man." Natsume called. As if to scold his father.
"Yes." I answered confidently.
I don't know what would be more painful. Dying by Natsume's hand or just simply dying. Just the mere thought of dying by his hand makes my chest tighten like it was being crushed and stabbed at the same time.
"Good."
Our conversation was interrupted with a ring. Mr. Hyuuga fished out his phone from his pocket and answered.
"Hello."
...
"What?"
...
"Yes. I'll send him immediately."
...
"He's on his way." He said and hung up.
He turned to Natsume, "The council requested your presence, son. It's regarding Mouri's case."
Natsume frowned and glanced at me.
I know what this guy is thinking. I'm no Koko but it's pretty obvious that he's unsure about leaving me with his father. I am too but he needs to go. I simply stared at him hoping he gets it and he did. Wow. Does he really know me that well to know what I meant by that?
"I'll be back. I won't take long." He whispered to me.
I nodded. "Okay."
As soon as Natsume left, a cold feeling enveloped me. I suddenly felt not so confident anymore.
I shook my head and cleared my thoughts. "There are some things I would like to ask." I said.
"Go on."
"What would happen to Reo Mouri after the case has been settled?"
He looked rather surprised at my question. "He will be punished as our law stated. The punishment will be decided by the council. Why do you ask?"
"I can't help but feel guilty because what happened to him is partly our fault." I admitted.
Mr. Hyuuga sighed. "Partly, yes. But it's still because of his own actions why he is going to be punished. No matter what you think of the situation, he still broke our law and committed a crime against my son and you, his blood slave."
His expression suddenly turned grave.
"Just a reminder, Miss Sakura. You are no longer just a mere human. You are now the human blood slave of my son, the vampire prince. Despite the protection of the Hyuuga's and the law, rogue vampires will still come after you because of your blood."
I gulped. I suddenly felt a huge responsibility weighing down my shoulders. But still, I have things I still don't understand. Even if the Mr. Hyuuga in front of me is no longer only Natsume's father but the vampire king.
"I haven't really questioned the role I've been given—forcefully given—these past few days. It may be due to the personality change that I experienced but now that I am myself again, I'd like to take advantage of the fact that the vampire king is speaking to me and answering my questions. What is the responsibility of the vampire prince's blood slave?" I calmed myself and tried speaking formally.
For a while, he didn't speak and just stared at me. Like he was examining me.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked.
That question seemed to snap him back to reality. "Oh. Nothing. I've been thinking for a while now. It's just that the way you speak... I have never encountered any human speak like that to me while knowing who and what I am. You seem to speak like a true leader, young lady."
I blushed. Did I just get complimented?
"That's not me at all. It's thanks to meeting your son and the others that I have this much confidence in myself and can smile wholeheartedly. I'm really lucky to be able to meet them." I smiled as I remembered those moments with them.
I saw Mr. Hyuuga smile a little. I suddenly felt a little relieved that the earlier tension started to disappear. "As I can see, you're not the only lucky one."
"H-huh?"
He walked closer to the bed. "It's been a long time since I've seen my like this. I've become used to seeing his emotionless expression that I have forgotten the way he looked with a smile. Imagine the shock I've felt when I see him that way with you, with a human."
"That really wasn't—" He cut me off. Okay, normally I would be pissed off but this is the vampire king were talking about!
"I don't know what happened to my son when he was a child but I was surprised when one day, I woke up to see that the smile that he used to show to everyone was wiped from his face. He became silent and only answered when it's necessary, his behavior changed and he became rude, arrogant towards others. I take you've only knew each other for a few months?"
I nodded.
Just a few months but to me it felt like years. So many things happened that looking back now surprised me because we only knew each other for a few months yet we were getting along like we've been friends for years.
"In just that few months, you've managed to change my son."
I looked up in surprise.
"I didn't really..." I trailed off. Did I really?
"For now, I can say that it was a good thing. But remember that this can also be bad. For him and for you." He said meaningfully.
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing. You were asking about your responsibility as my son's blood slave, right?" I nodded despite being hesitant of changing the topic.
"I'll tell you then. In exchange, you'll remove that mask from your face." I gasped and my hand automatically went to my mask by instinct.
"But... Hotaru and Natsume..." I would be killed by them so please pity me.
He smiled encouragingly. "You don't have to worry about them. Natsume already told me the whole story. He told me about you."
"H-he did?" I was not prepared to know that.
He nodded his head and smiled again.
I slowly dropped my hand to my lap and nodded my head once. "Okay."
He clapped his hand together and exclaimed. "Great! I'll explain first. it's pretty simple and in general, there is only one major responsibility a blood slave has. It's obvious from the name 'blood slave' that you're supposed to offer your blood to your master whenever he wants it. A blood slave is a temporary mate. It fills the spot that mates originally fill. When one vampire still hasn't chosen his mate yet, he will be given a blood slave. Now, blood slaves are supposed to have special blood. Their blood is more... appetizing than other humans." He seemed to be having a bit of difficulty in finding the right words to tell me. Probably not to freak me out. The one in front of me is Natsume's cheerful father again.
"Is it because vampires will be more satisfied with the blood of his chosen mate and his close ones?" I asked and he seemed to be surprised.
"How did you know that?"
This is bad! Why must I let this stupid mouth talk so much? "I-I was told." Oh gosh why did I stutter. Please buy it. Please buy it. Please buy it!
"Oh. Yes, you're right." I kept myself from sighing out loud for he might hear it. "Now, it's your turn to do your part of the deal, Miss Sakura."
I gulped. Am I really sure about this? But isn't it too late to change my mind when I already said yes? And beside, I'm not one to go back on my word. I took a deep breath before I slowly lift my hand to my face. I almost pulled the mask away from my face when the door opened making my hand automatically fix the mask to my face again. Mr. Hyuuga seemed to understand my actions because he didn't make a single comment or reaction.
The doctor came in followed by a nurse.
"I see you're awake," the doctor stated and I nodded in response.
"She has a great doctor to tend to her. I really must hand it to you, Dr. Imai." Mr. Hyuuga sent the doctor an impressed look. Did he just say Dr. Imai? As in Imai? If he's an Imai then he must also be a vampire. Also, I wonder what relationship he has with Hotaru.
"No. I didn't do much since she only sustained minor injuries and only lost conciousness because of exhaustion. But there is something that bothers me." The bespectacled doctor frowned earning questioning looks from me and Mr. Hyuuga.
"What is it?"
The doctor looked at Mr. Hyuuga and me as if asking for an explanation. "She would have been healed at a much faster pace if it wasn't for the thing that prevents my alice from healing her. We even had the amplification alice to help since my alice can only heal a few number of her injuries. I'm not sure if it's an alice since she's clearly human but this ability of hers..." He trailed off, expecting one of us to speak.
Since I don't really know much about vampires and alices, I kept my mouth shut and let Mr. Hyuuga answer. "I don't know why myself. One thing is for sure, our alices doesn't work on her. Especially those that could cause harm to her."
Dr. Imai stared at me. "Interesting. Does all kind alices have no effect on her?"
Before Mr. Hyuuga could answer, the door opened to reveal Hotaru with the others behind her. "We don't know that yet but she could easily stop Natsume's alice."
We all turned to look at them and it was Koko who spoke next. "My alice works on her whenever she was distracted and I suppose Reo knew of this that's why he was able to use his alice on her to seal her emotion and memories. The question is: How did he do it?" They all looked at me as if expecting me to answer.
I tried recalling the time when Reo had me kidnapped by one of his men. I almost got in my house but I was grabbed from behind and was knocked out. After that, nothing. I regained conciousness in an apartment room. I remember waking up on the same room as him while he seemed to be watching me from the corner of the room.
(Flashback)
"So you're finally awake." My head snapped to the direction of the one who spoke. As soon as I recognized who he is, I'm immediately on my feet taking a defensive stance.
"Reo." I said through gritted teeth.
He stared at me with eyes filled with amusement. "No need to be on your defense, feisty kitten. I'm not going to hurt you."
"How can you expect me to trust what you say?" My eyes narrowed as I watched his every moves. "You already hurt me once. I'm not gonna let you do it again!"
He scoffed and pushed himself from the wall. "As if it's by your choice. I must remind you that you are my prisoner and not a special guest. Now, sit down!" I felt how heavy his words are and right then, I knew he was using his alice on me but nothing happened.
I saw him frown and repeat his command. "I said, SIT DOWN!"
"Why would I listen to you?" I taunted as his alice did nothing to me.
"Damn! I knew this would happen but still... Why didn't my alice work on you even with all my limiters removed!" He snarled. Whether he's angry at himself or he's angry at me for not getting affected by his alice, I can't be sure.
"Why did you bring me here? What do you want from me!" My questions seemed to snap him back to reality. He composed himself before walking towards my direction.
"I already told you what I want. I will never be satisfied with letting that monster live after he killed my mate. I don't want him to die easily either. I'll hurt him, make him suffer and the best way to do it is to hurt you."
I frowned. Confusion obviously on my face. "What do you mean by that?"
"Back then, you were just a special friend to him but now... I can see the changes." He smirked at something I don't understand.
"What changes? Will you please stop with this nonsense and let mo go already!" I shouted.
"You don't know? My, I'm astonished as to how much of an idiot you are not to notice these things." He laughed making me glare at him for calling me an idiot.
I was about to retort back but what he said next shut me up completely. "Your feelings changed. You like him."
I was not speechless. It's just that my ability to speak vanished at his words. "You're not gonna deny it? So it's true then? Haha! I initially thought I was wrong." Why the fuck do you look so happy! Ugh. I really need to keep my distance from Natsume. His way of talking is really rubbing off on me.
"Shut up. You don't know anything!" I said as soon I was able to talk.
"It's really true." He concluded, pretending to be surprised with wide eyes making me more annoyed.
"I didn't admit to it." I said.
He smirked, "You didn't deny it either."
I glowered and he laughed at my face. "Fuck." I cursed knowing I was being played.
He shook his head. "Tsk tsk. Hyuuga's way of speaking is rubbing off on you. If you had just stayed away from him, your life wouldn't have changed and you wouldn't be in this mess." Coming from an enemy, it was weird. Admit it, you're weird out too.
"You think I didn't notice that?" I rolled my eyes before I noticed that he was already standing in front of me. "You know what? I'd rather have my life changed because if not, I would still be the Mikan I was before. Empty and lonely. If this is the consequence of staying by their side, by his side, then I would accept even this." I don't know where I got these words but next thing I knew, I was already saying it.
"It seems I was really wrong to say that you like him." He said after a long moment of silence.
"You're damn right you're wrong." I agreed.
"You love him."
"Yes, I lov—" I stopped mid sentence after realizing what he said and what I'm about to say. "You tricked me!" I screamed and pointed an accusing finger on him which he slapped away.
"I did not. You're just denying the truth. The truth that makes everything better for me." Hearing that, the atmosphere changed.
"Why don't you just stop?" I asked but it seemed to anger him because before I knew it, I was on the wall with his hands on my neck.
"How can I stop? My mate was killed by that monster. My only reason for living now is revenge. No matter what happens, I will avenge my mate." He gritted his teeth and his eyes showed that he's serious, determined with this revenge of his. His grip on my neck tightened a little making it hard for me to breathe.
"Will you... be happy once... you got... the revenge you... wanted?" With this question, his hold on me loosened a little. His face showed how startled he is by my question.
"I..."
"Will revenge return her life? Will she come back to you again?" I continued as he looked lost and trying to think about what I'm saying.
"She..." He muttered but he didn't continue.
"You said that the only reason you're still alive is because of revenge. Supposed that you did get your revenge and managed to kill Natsume. What will happen afterwards?" He seemed confused and I know his determination to have his revenge wavered.
"Stop while you can. Nothing good will come out of revenge. In the end, your mate is still dead, you're not going to be happy and you will continue to live on with tainted hands that killed someone." I'm not talking out of experience or anything. I just feel that right now, it's the right thing to say.
"Shut up..." He muttered weakly.
"And I assure you that even though I'm just a mere human, if you did manage to kill Natsume, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. I won't stop till you are dead." I looked straight into his eyes showing how serious I am. And by the flinch he did, I knew I succeeded. "That's how revenge are. The cycle will continue as long as the strong desire to avenge someone continues. Natsume killed your mate for trying to harm me, you'll kill him, I'll kill you and sooner or later, someone close to you will hunt me and kill me too."
"Shut it, little girl! You don't know a thing so shut the fuck up!" He seemed to regain his composure as he screamed at me.
"You're right. I don't know anything but I do know that you will never be happy with revenge." I argued and tried not to shake from his frightening glare.
"Oh I will. I assure you of that. I'll repeat myself since you didn't seem to have heard me. I'll kill him. I'll kill your bastard boyfriend. I'll kill Natsume Hyuuga." He snarled and that last three sentences repeated itself on my mind.
"No..." I whispered.
My brain could barely keep up on what happened next. I thought I saw him smirk before everything went blank and I heard his command.
"Forget everything. Feel nothing."
—
I woke up in a different room after that. And Reo had woke me up. I was awake yet I couldn't open my eyes.
"Open your eyes." As soon as I heard that, my eyes flew open to see the ceiling.
What am I doing here? No. The right question would be, "Who am I?"
I saw this red-head standing beside me smirk. "You are the blood slave of the vampire prince Natsume Hyuuga."
"Who is he?"
"Natsume Hyuuga is the sole heir of the Hyuuga clan and wields a powerful fire alice. Pure blood son of Ioran Hyuuga and Kaoru Hyuuga, leaders of the Hyuuga clan. He is your master." He said and I don't know what else to do but take all the information in. I don't think I even have a choice.
"He is my master. Natsume Hyuuga."
The red-head grinned, satisfied. "Good. Now go sleep again. Someone will wake you up and you will never tell anyone of our talk and that you ever saw me."
I found myself nodding before my eyes closed. And then the next... Being introduced to the vampire society as Natsume Hyuuga's blood slave.
(End of Flashback)
I frowned. I clearly remember everything.
"So that's how." I looked up to Koko and he also had a frown on his face. Very unusual.
They gave him a confused look. "Reo had someone kidnap her on her way home. He said something that was able to shatter her defenses and caught her off guard. That's how he was able to use his alice on her." He explained then turned to me. "You really should work on that distractions of yours. I managed to read your mind again."
I smiled sheepishly.
"If she really is an alice then this power of hers is a very powerful one. An ability to cancel out another alice." Dr. Imai had that look of recognition and what's weird is that he exchanged glances with Mr. Hyuuga.
An ability to cancel out another alice? Cancel. Null.
"Nullification..."
End of Chapter
I originally wrote the first NxM scene with Natsume laughing with Mikan and Ioran and the others walk in on them but then I thought it would be so out of character for him to laugh that much so I changed it. It turned out be cute so I'm happy enough. And also, I'm really trying hard to start the full blown romance here!
Reply to the reviews:
xxxusui0918xxx: Aw! Thanks much! I'll be sure to keep that in mind. 😊
Feli-La: The fighting part? Oh yeah! I like detailed stories especially the action part. The necklaces will be more talked about next chapter. His reaction to the "I like you!" is very Natsume-like, don't you think? Haha! Sorry if it didn't turn out to be a real confession. It just went like that.
PhoenixOtaku: Ohhh! Thank you! I'm just too fond of twists and now I'm very problematic on how I'll write about all those mysteries that are still unexplained. Hehe!
onceuponaprincess16: Well... this chapter seemed to have answered all your questions. 😜
ciltiam: Reaaaaallly? Uweheheh!(—weird laugh! Lol. XD) I'm so glad you did too! I hope you'll still enjoy the coming chapters. 😉
The Guest Who Tried To Guess: How right you are when you said I have a plan! Hehe! Of course I do. No worries. Luna will still appear. That's a promise. I'm glad my reply made you smile because your reviews made me smile too! The next chapter will explain more about the necklaces. Hopefully. I'm not too sure because I might change my mind again but you can look forward to some explanation about the necklaces next chapter. That much I am sure. Hehe! 😜
ApatheticEyes: You were right! 😮 But really, I want to thank you for your review. It really made me happy knowing that my story is somewhat unique. Hope to read more from you! 😎
freespirited309: No worries there! I'm already happy that you shared your thoughts! I didn't plan for her to confess like that either. I'm surprised with myself too. Hehe!
lolo MN: I don't really know too. I wanted it to finish at chapter 30 but I guess it's impossible with all the mysteries left. :)
Guest: Really? Are you satisfied now? Because I'm now satisfied. Hehe! I also prefer Natsume to confess first but let's just see how things will turn out. Kay? 😊
To all readers: The necklace - Next chapter. Watch out, okay? 😄
—MitsukaiYuki