Chapter 56
Headmaster Cross Kaien and the ethics lecturer Yagari Touga stood before the school building, watching the premises helplessly.
"This academy is no longer the safe heaven I had once hoped for..." The blonde man spoke solemnly.
A strong emotion of sadness was reflected in Kaien's honey coloured orbs. It was hard for him to watch the academy in its current condition. This academy— a school where both vampires and humans can attend together and set example of peaceful co-existence was his dearest friend Kuran Juuri's vision. A vision which was later turned to reality by Kaien himself and Juuri's son Kaname.
But watching the academy in its current state only served as a reminder that their hard work has shattered to the ground.
Cross wasn't ready to give up... not yet. But for the safety of the day class students, the pacifist ideology needed to be put to pause for the time being.
He turned to Yagari and with a heavy heart gave the command.
"Let the day class students know, they must go home immediately!"
The blood on Kuran Rido's body was circling like a tornado. It was closing up all wounds, speeding up his resurrection.
Takuma and Ichiru stayed in, watching.
But the Ichijou heir had a change of mind after a while. Walking back to the bed he picked up his roommate's body.
"I'm taking Senri. Rido-sama wouldn't need him anymore." He told Ichiru.
"Do as you wish." The human retorted.
Just as the door closed, the silver haired boy untied his hair and brought Shizuku's bell ribbon to his lips. The chiming sound that it produced made his heart skip a beat. Always did! As it reminded him of the female pureblood... like she was with him.
Shizuka-sama... it's almost that time, please wait a little longer.
Takuma left with Senri. But his departure had no effect on Ichiru. The latter remained, eagerly waiting for the man in the coffin to awaken.
Takuma took Senri to Aiyora's room and laid him down on the divan that was placed by the fireplace.
His heart broke to see Senri like. The innocent bystander who got caught in the battle of power. And no one could do anything! Takuma had never felt so useless. What was he even good for? He had let both Aiyora and Kaname down and failed to protect Senri, whom he had looked at as little brother.
But this initial failure gave him a new strength. A strength to fight back and undo all his mistakes.
"Truth is Kaname is the progenitor of the Kuran clan. But to me, he's my dear old friend. Just like you Shiki and Aiyora-chan." Takuma spoke. Somehow childishly hoping that his words would reach the unconscious vampire.
He then closed his eyes momentarily and recalled some memories of the sweet old times. Once those green eyes reopened, they opened with determination.
"Shiki I'm sorry, I know I should have done this much sooner but I didn't and you ended up in this state because of it. I want to stay by your side, but now I must go and do what I have to do... I must end this curse."
He waited there another moment before finally making his exit.
About a minute after Takuma's exit the door opened once again. This time it was Aiyora who walked in. She has heard everything that Ichijou said, as she was leaning against the wall all this time, listening.
Never did Aiyora think that a day would come when she wouldn't be able to look at the person who happens to be her world. She had never experienced guilt of such intensity.
Seriously, what has she even done to deserve such a gem of a person in her life?
The pureblood walked over and joined her half sibling on the divan to cuddle him... possibly for the last time.
The urge to hug him tightly was making her bones ache. But what made her hold back was the fear of physically hurting him. She had already done enough damage and didn't want to cause further harm.
Therefore using whatever strength she had left in her, Aiyora healed him, just the way she had done to Rima.
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They remained cuddling for a long time. With no idea of when Senri was actually going to wake up, Aiyora was in no rush either. Actually she preferred it this way. Because if the Shiki heir was awake, it would have been difficult for her. As at this point she's unsure of how to face him.
A part of Aiyora that usually is controlled by darkness, contemplated on the idea of erasing his memories of her. So that he can have a fresh start with Rima. But then, the rational part of her stopped her, before she could put that idea to action. Because erasing ones memory is never a permanent solution. Once the memory returns the pain doubles. And a manipulative act like this on him— Senri will probably never ever forgive her.
Suddenly there was a movement. A subtle one, very vague and hardly recognizable.
It prompted the pureblood to rise up slightly to check. Her intuition was right, Ri-chan was indeed awakening. While excitement seeped through her, simultaneously, nervousness also wrecked her. The young pureblood found herself being happy and sad at the same time. Happy that her Ri-chan was coming back to life, sad because she will have to leave. If he remained sleeping, she could have been by his side longer.
Thus a battle begun between the excitement and nervousness...
He stirred again and this time the fingers of the left hand started to move.
And the battle ended! It ended with the latter's victory!
So when Shiki Senri opened his eyes, there was no sign of Aiyora.
However, her aroma still lingered in the air, and her warmth beside him still remained. The only sign that she was with him until the moment his eyes opened.
A soft barely noticeable smile made it's way onto the maroon haired model's lips.
Sometimes you're so silly Ai-chan.
The sound of rushed footsteps brought a serene smile to the brunette pureblood's face.
It made his heart throb in anticipation.
The footsteps kept getting nearer and nearer. Perhaps only a moment until—
The figure collided with his form from behind and engulfed him into a tight embrace.
His chain of thought was cut short. Body jolted from the predictable shock and a muted moan left his lips. The impact also caused couple of buttons at the top of his shirt to come undone. As a result, unknowingly she clutched onto the unclothed part of his chest. One of her hand latched onto him so tightly that her nails dug in deep enough into the flesh and caused him to bleed.
"Ai—"
"It hurts!"
Kaname closed his eyes in defeat. He was familiar with the emotions she was experiencing. It was a difficult time she was passing through, perhaps the most difficult test of her life. And only way he could help was by easing her pain.
"Do you want me to make the pain go away?" He offered, even though he already knew what her answer would be.
"...No." She declined. Acting like a stubborn child. "I want to live with it for the rest of my life."
"That's impossible!" He took hold of her hands and made them unclench his chest. "I won't let you live the rest of your life with any burden on your shoulders. I will take them from you and put them all on my shoulders... so that you can spread your wings and fly freely."
Then, slowly he brought her in front of him. His free arm snaked around her small waist and pulled her closer. She started at him blankly, her expression unreadable, except for the pain she was feeling inside.
His heart rate went up at their close proximity.
The breeze around them picked up it's speed and Kaname picked up her calming lavender essence combined with the smell of his blood in the air. A scent that only intensified the feelings his body was already experiencing.
"Aiyora... Just give me one chance, one chance to make you forget everything." Kaname paused, expecting a reply. But got none.
She continued to stare. Too tired to give him a response. To be honest at the given moment she really didn't care about what the distant future would bring. Nor did it really matter. All that she cared about now was the present they were all in. And if possible somehow get Senri out of this hellhole to somewhere safe.
Her thought process was cut short when the bright rays of the morning sunlight hit her eyes; making her wince.
It caught Aiyora off guard. She has never reacted this badly under the morning sunlight. Of course she always made sure to avoid the sun during the early noontime as that's when it's always the strongest and unbearable for their kind. But the light was always subtle during the early morning hours right after sunrise and late afternoon just before sunset.
So what's going on now?
Kaname was quick to notice her discomfort and immediately pulled her into his arms. Burying her face into his chest to shield it from the sunlight.
At the same time, somewhere deep inside the forest:
The long night finally ended with bright day.
It was the first time Kuran Yuuki looked at the sunlight with her vampire eyes and she was surprised to learn how much it burned. Immediately she had to use one of her arms to shield those sensitive eyes.
"I can't believe it's morning already... let's get back before Kaname-sama returns." Hanabusa made the suggestion noticing the pureblood's unease. Unlike her, he has had enough practice to walk around during the day time without wincing.
"Al-Alright." Yuuki found herself unable to protest. Because the sunlight wasn't gentle anymore.
But then, a familiar scent hit her nostrils and her entire body became alarmed instantly.
"I smell blood, Kaname onii-sama's blood!"
Hanabusa smelt it as well. But unlike Yuuki, the night class students were quite used to the smell of their president's blood.
"You will be sensitive to many new things now. But Kaname-sama will be worried if you aren't in your room." Hanabusa tried to brush off her concern.
The last thing he needs now is for Yuuki to run off towards the direction of blood. Because the last time he saw, Kaname was feeding Aiyora. So who knows what compromising position they might be in now!
"But I also sense a horrible presence. It seems like others are stirring to, as if by command of that presence."
Yuuki's eyes went wide with fear when she got a sudden glimpse of how many servant vampires were heading towards the academy.
"I must go see Kaname onii-sama!" Yuuki made a quick declaration before suddenly running off towards the direction of Kaname's scent.
Hanabusa's face paled when he realized his fear just turned to reality. He had no choice but to run after her.
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Yuuki ran so fast that at one point the shoes came off of her feet and hit Hanabusa on the face.
"Hey! I understand your rush but at least wear your shoes properly!" Then blonde exclaimed, getting irritated, when he had to pause to pick up the pair of footwear from the ground.
This ominous feeling I have, I've felt it before... Kaname onii-sama hope you're alright!
Yuuki thought as she picked up the pace and ran faster.
Meanwhile with the Day class students:
"You're all to return home until further notice from the headmaster."
The day class president, Kageyama Kasumi, yelled out instructions at his fellow classmates.
"Once you've packed please proceed to building number twelve and follow Professor Yagari's instruction!"
Just then a girl walked past him and was about to enter the dormitory building.
"And just where are you going?!" The day class president asked.
"To get Mr. bear." The girl timidly replied.
"What is that?"
"He's my teddy bear."
"THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT?!" He exclaimed in shock. The whole academy was in shambles and all this girl cares about is her teddy bear?!
"You'll leave that behind." He told firmly.
The girl made a pouty face. But that wasn't enough to make Kageyama Kasumi give in. However, when he noticed the look in Ruka's eyes, his mind changed. Because he mistook her bored look for a look of disappointment.
"Okay fine! You can get it, but make it quick!"
After all he couldn't afford to make a bad impression of himself, especially when he was being watched by the person he was so in love with.
Back inside the sun dormitory:
Wakaba Sayori was done with her packing. Now all that's left for her is to leave. But she was waiting, waiting for her best friend to return. Yuuki has disappeared since last evening and Yori hasn't heard anything ever since. As her friend Yori couldn't help but worry.
The door to her dorm room opened but it was Yuuki that came in, it was one of their classmates, Nadeshiko Shindo.
"Sayori-chan! What are you doing? The class president said we have to leave this place immediately."
"Yes but I'm waiting—" The girl with the spectacles rushed towards Yori and grabbed her hand. She didn't pay any attention to what the short haired female had to say.
"Come on we have to hurry!"
And pulled Yori out of the room.
Seiran did a through check of the entire sun dormitory. Making sure no students were left behind before they closed down the building. Before joining Ruka and Akatsuki who were waiting outside the dormitory building.
"Is it alright to let the students outside now?" Ruka asked generally.
"Kaname-sama's orders are clear, we're to make sure the day class students stay out of the harms way." Seiran made the point clear.
Akatsuki sighed. "That's if we can get them out of here on time."
"What's happening...? This has never happened before..." Aiyora trailed off, confused and unsure about the situation.
This was the first time the bright sunshine felt so harsh against her skin that it almost brought tears into her eyes. Something that has never happened before.
"Your body is very weak at the moment. It has never used so much power all at once. Which is why it's finding itself unable to handle even the lightest of touch from the sun." Kaname explained. His hand absently massaging her back.
"Let's get you inside."
Aiyora made no argument against his suggestion. She silently agreed. Anything to get away from this burning sensation that was almost peeling off the skin from her body.
And just when Kaname was just about to make his move, the voices in the air demand his attention.
"Onii-sama?!"
"Wait up Cross Yuuki! I mean Yuuki-sama. Don't run so fast."
Closing his eyes briefly the brunette cursed. Though inwardly, but he still cursed. He found himself losing his temper and getting upset at both the approaching individuals. At Hanabusa for not being able to keep Yuuki at bay and at Yuuki for not complying with Hanabusa.
"Yuuki, what are you doing here?" The aforementioned female was taken aback by the sound of his cold flat voice. But Kaname paid no attention to her shock. He only had time for one person right now and sadly that person wasn't Yuuki.
"I was trying to convince her to return to the room but she insisted and ran to check—"
Yuuki cut Hanabusa off and dived down to explain the reason herself. In hopes that it would make a difference.
"I got worried when I smelt your blood. So I came to check on you, Kaname onii-sama."
From the comfort of Kaname's arms Aiyora tried to have a peek of a her cousin. But the way the man was holding her made it absolutely impossible for her to see anything. So the youngest pureblood pulled out of the oldest one's arms and faced her newly awakened cousin.
There hasn't been any change within her appearance except for her hair that has grown exceptionally. And that long hair made Yuuki a mirror image of her mother.
Yuuki noticed Aiyora's calculative gaze and she too returned the stare with great interest.
Kaname held his breath when he observed how Aiyora was watching Yuuki and vice versa. He knew all too well the importance of the current moment. Because depending on how they react, it would give him an accurate picture of the future scenarios. Perhaps then he can decide what to be done with Yuuki.
"Yuuki-nee..." It was Aiyora's voice that broke the looming silence. "...welcome back!"
"Happy to be back Aiyora-chan!" Yuuki closed the distance between them and pulled Aiyora into her arms for a tight hug.
However, the hug was one sided. It wasn't being returned from Aiyora's side.
"I'm so sorry, I have parted from the two of you for ten years. Both of you have gone through much while I lived as a human and lived a life of oblivious bliss."
It wasn't until a while that the younger female felt the need to return the embrace.
"You don't have to feel so bad Yuuki-nee. Neither Kaname or I lived a struggling life. Yes many aristocrats tried to prey on us. But couldn't." Aiyora assured, an awkward smile tugging the ends of her lips.
Aiyora tried not to dwell on it too much but Yuuki smelled so much like her mother that it was starting to make her feel nauseous.
"So much has changed over a decade. Even Otou-san and Okaa-san aren't amongst us anymore. It breaks my heart to think of the big sacrifice they made for us, and our family."
That was it! It was the breaking point for Aiyora.
Immediately she broke out of the embrace and took a step back.
"Correction! They made sacrifices for you only, not us."
Yuuki was caught off guard by the change of other's demeanour.
"Yes but—"
Aiyora cut Yuuki off. Closing her opportunity to speak.
"One more thing... they're your parents not mine."
Hanabusa turned to Kaname, confused, as to why the family reunion went downhill even before it actually begun.
"My biological father is the person causing an ominous presence around the academ— ugh!"
Sunlight brushed against them, making both the girls grimace. Yuuki again used her arms shield her eyes while Aiyora faced down and was about to drop on her knees. But Kaname appeared at her side at once and Aiyora, for the second time returned to the security of his strong arms.
"Let's get you inside. You need to rest. The longer you stay out the worst it will get." Kaname was holding her as tenderly as a father holds a newborn.
Aiyora only hummed. That was all the response she could give at that time.
After it was settled what to be done with Aiyora, Kaname slowly turned to meet the confused look on Yuuki's eyes but didn't hold her gaze for long.
"Take Yuuki back to her room Aidou."
He ordered the aristocrat before turning around on his heels.
Yuuki continued to watch Kaname's retreating figure. The emotions reflected in her eyes were a mixture of confusion, sadness and subtle envy. She wanted to be held by him too and longed for those strong arms to capture her, just like how they have captured Aiyora.
"Please... let's go back to your room."
It was Hanabusa's words that broke Kuran Yuuki's chain of thoughts. This time she wordlessly agreed.
The group of day class students were passing through the dark tunnel.
"Come on this way! Be quick!" The day class president instructed, as they followed Professors Yagari's lead.
"I didn't know there was a hallway here." Said one of the girls from the crowd.
"It's an emergency exit." A boy responded.
Yori and Shindo were present in that group. With no idea where they were headed, the girls decided to follow the rest of their classmates.
"Hey Shindo-san have you seen Yuuki anywhere?" Yori asked grabbing Shindo's shoulder.
"I thought you knew where she was Sayori-san." Came Shindo's response.
Yori blinked her eyes before it became partially wide. Now more worried for her best friend than before.
I know there's something you can't tell me. I understand you're keeping it a secret because you don't want me to worry. But... it feels like you don't trust me Yuuki.
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Towards the end of the tunnel, the confused group of day class students found themselves in front of a massive elevator.
"What's that?"
"It looks like a service elevator."
"If everyone's here, let's go." Said Yagari.
"Wait! Wait! Wait! We're missing some female students." Kasumi frantically ran in front of the group to inform Yagari and continued to blame himself for this mishap.
Both the headmaster and Yagari turned away from Kasumi when a distinct noise caught their attention. They turned to the elevator and noticed the indicator light glowing. A sign that the elevator was coming up.
Cross gritted his teeth, realizing the plan get the students out of the academy must be aborted this instant.
"Damn it! How did they get here before us?" He then turned to Yagari and gave him the order. "Gather all the students into the auditorium. I'll handle the situation here."
"Got it!" Yagari turned to the students and rushed towards them yelling. "Change of plans! Proceed to the auditorium immediately."
"HURRY UP PEOPLE!" Kageyama Kasumi's screams could be constantly heard in the background.
Cross Kaien on the other hand braced himself.
Forgive me Juuri-san. In order to fulfill your wish, I'm afraid that I must now break my promise to you.
With that thought running in his mind the legendary hunter finally unsheathed his sword after many years.
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The students were taken into the auditorium. The atmosphere there was dark, tension filled and gloomy. Everyone could sense something bad is about to happen but was frustrated as no proper information was provided to them regarding this matter.
Yori looked around the crowd in desperate search of Yuuki. Now the matter is serious. If she isn't here, chances are Yuuki might be in danger. And as her best friend how could Yori just sit inside a safe vicinity and wait?
Therefore she sneaked out in search of her best friend.
Rima opened her eyes to the sound of footsteps entering her room. She looked to the source and found Kaname placing Aiyora onto Ruka's bed. Then take the slippers off of her feet before carefully tucking her under the blanket.
"Sorry, if I've woken you up." Kaname apologized when he felt Rima's curious gaze on them.
"It's fine. You didn't wake me up." Rima said closing her eyes back.
"Hey! What are you doing?"
Hanbusa charged when he caught sight of the pureblood princess getting ready. He didn't bring her back to her room to change into her uniform. She was brought back to rest!
"I feel it, something bad is about to happen. And I have to stop it." She responded tying the Artemis to her thigh.
Aidou looked the away as Yuuki continued to strap the belt raising her leg slightly on the bed.
"If you get hurt, Kamane-sama will hold me responsible."
"I may have became a vampire but I'm still a guardian."
Yuuki turned to the bedside table and picked up the present Kaname had brought for her— a rare rose encased in resin. She put the ornament inside her uniform pocket and ran out of the room.
Leaving Hanabusa to give out a frustrated scream and follow after her.
Inside his prison cell, Zero remained, clutching onto his chest tightly.
Something is happening. And whatever that is, it is making the cursed blood within me boil.
The veins on his left hand swelled up. It got to a point where Zero had to use his right hand and grasp the left hand tightly to normalize the blood circulation there.
"Zero."
"Just go away..." The silver haired male muttered lowly.
The sound of Yuuki's innocent voice irked him. The fact that she's no longer who she used to be, brought him a sense of great agony.
"Zero!"
"GO AWAY!" He screamed at the top of his lungs.
Somehow his gaze moved to the gun laying across from.
"... I want you to be the one to kill me."
He recalled the night he handed her the gun just before they walked into the premises of the moon dormitory at Ichijou's invitation.
And then many more memories flooded his mind. Memories of the time they spent together, trying to protect one another.
"How can I ever hate you?"
He remembers asking her the particular question that night inside the bathroom; when she willingly offered him her blood.
How ironic! Because the only thing he felt right now was hatred. Unimaginable hatred.
"... I think I was able to live on because you were beside me."
Zero clutched his head again in pain.
But Yuuki has become... He couldn't think anymore.
"...Because the vampire Yuuki completely devoured her."
Yori was running towards the headmaster residence in hopes to find Yuuki; when suddenly a figure landed behind her.
Frightened, she turned and found a stranger smiling at her in a creepy fashion. Couple of others also appeared behind him, further adding to ginger haired girl's fear.
"Well hello there pretty lady!" The man greeted her. "We haven't seen our master in a long time, so we desperately want to bring him a gift."
"Who are you—?"
"That's not important... okay!" His kind expression and smiling face suddenly changed to a monstrous one with glowing crimson eyes and sharp fangs.
He was about to pounce on Yori but suddenly found his body frozen in ice before it shattered, turning him to dust.
"Yori-chan!" Exclaimed Yuuki. "Yori-chan are you alright?"
Yori turned to her left and found Yuuki. The latter was with one of the popular member of the night class.
"Yuuki... what happened to you?" Yori asked taking notice of her friend's suddenly over grown hair.
Noticing the other two level-E servants moving towards her friend, Yuuki ran in front of Yori and spread her arms protectively.
"STAND BACK!" She commanded.
The level-E's recognized her presence.
"She's the pureblood princess." Stated the woman.
"You mean the master's daughter?" The man beside her asked.
"No! His daughter isn't so plain looking. It's the other pureblood princess." The woman corrected.
"Anyone who tries to hurt Yori-chan will have to go through me first!"
Yuuki readied her stance and reached for her artemis. Only to have it reject her by suddenly electrocuting her hand. A reaction that always happened, anytime it made contact with a vampire.
Stunned, the pureblood princess watched her weapons bounce on the ground.
"Why did it—"
"For our master!"
The woman jumped up in the air ready to attack Yuuki but Hanabusa finished her off in midair.
"What's going on Yuuki? What happened to you?"
"I'm sorry Yori-chan. The person who just turned to to dust... I'm the same being."
She finally turned to her friend and looked at her with a sorrowful face. "I didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry."
Yori's lips quivered for a moment before she ran to her friend and pounced on her. Taking Yuuki by surprise.
"Don't apologize and give me that sad face, I'll feel even lonelier. I have been waiting for you to come back safely. I would have been heartbroken if my best friend never returned." Yori broke down towards the end.
"Yori-chan!"
"Yuuki..." called a deep voice.
The vampires became alerted by the familiar presence behind them.
"Kaname onii-sama!"
"What are you doing outside again?" Kaname approached the group.
"Something is about to happen at the academy, isn't it? That's why I..." she trailed off uncertainly.
"You must not be so careless." He said placing a hand over her head. "Your condition is still unstable."
Then turning to Hanabusa he further instructed. "Take Yuuki to a quiet place so she can rest."
"Yes." The aristocrat placed a hand over his chest. Then urged the Kuran princess, "Let get going Yuuki-sama."
But she protested.
"Kaname onii-sama listen to me! There are people here that I would like to protect."
"But you can't even handle the artemis." Kaname silenced her.
Meanwhile in the background, Yori picked up the artemis. She carried it over to Yuuki and placed it on the designated area, the belt attached to Yuuki's thigh.
"No matter what, we will always be best friends Yuuki."
"Oh Yori-chan!" Yuuki became emotional hearing that. Glad to know that her best friend accepted her for who she truly is.
The two friends bid each other farewell. After which, Kaname ordered a passing by vampires to take Yori to auditorium while sent Yuuki back to her room with Hanabusa.
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Hanabusa took Yuuki to the old teacher dorm that was once used as the temporary moon dormitory. And coincidentally he took her to the room that Shizuka had used. But this fact wasn't known to either of them.
"You'll be able to rest here. I personally guarantee that it's safe."
Yuuki walked in and picked up subtle hint of Shizuka's presence.
"Now rest! I mean please rest."
"There's no way that I can rest now." Yuuki started to protest again. "I must help Yori-chan and others too."
At this point Hanabusa lost patience. He was left with no choice but take matters into his own hands. However, since she is a pureblood, he had to keep his composure. Which was becoming quite the challenge by now.
"I understand, but please rest." He placed his hand over her eyes and put her used his powers to put her to sleep.
"You've become a vampire now, this is the time you must get your sleep."
Yuuki collapsed on Aidou's arms, who then put her to bed.
There's another pureblood? A fourth one. How ominous. No! Yuuki is different. ...Wait... what am I even saying? No pureblood vampires are different.
Zero chuckled to himself darkly. As his hands clutched the aching head tightly.
"I'm surprised. I thought for a moment you were crying." Came the all so familiar taunting voice.
Zero vaguely noticed the figure that invaded into his cell. Unfortunately it was also the last person he wanted to see at the given moment.
"I don't wanna see you, just leave." Zero told him flatly. At this point he was simply tired of fighting this guy.
"Ah yes! You must be strong, otherwise I will be in trouble."
"Why would you be in trouble?" Zero asked just to humour himself. He really didn't care about this bastard or his problems.
"It's been a little over four years and the pawn I've carefully nurtured is almost read to devour the king." Kaname stepped out of the shadow, his footsteps echoing in the empty cell, signalling how close he was getting. But Zero still refused to look at him.
"You're the pawn, who is going to destroy Rido. The monster is awakening. I'm sure you can sense him."
Lavender eyes finally met with the burgundy ones.
"Are you crazy? You can do it yourself!"
"You want to pretend like you haven't noticed, what you have so willing taken inside yourself, has begun to pulsate."
Zero tensed. His body stiffed. But that didn't stop Kaname from going into the details.
"First you unconsciously stole the powers of your twin. As a consequence you were born into your family with the power of one and half vampire hunter. If you had devoured your twin entirely, things would have been a bit easier."
"Stop it!" Zero growled.
Of course Kaname didn't.
"Then, Shizuka-san turned you into a vampire. Afterwards many, many times you devoured Yuuki, who was watching over you tenderly."
"SHUT UP!"
"...And because she has awakened, Yuuki's blood is permeating throughout your body with the true powers of Kuran; which I'm sure is coursing inside you right now. And I too gave you my blood, which contains Shizuka-san's blood and powers. Unbidden... the first person you ever bit was Aiyora,"
An unwanted shiver passed down Kaname's spine at that very thought.
"...who has not one but two pureblood lineage inside her. The extent of her full potential is yet unknown. You see... everything was done for this day! Soon you'll become the strongest vampire hunter of all. And only you will be able to free me from Rido's spell."
Zero finally raised his head and glared at him confidently. "Do you really think I'll lift a finger to save you, Kuran?!"
He was actually surprised at the pureblood's audacity. After all that he has done, now he expects his help...?
"I know that you will not betray Yuuki."
By now it became clear to Zero as to why the brunette always barked out this statement so loudly. It was because, he himself was betraying Yuuki all along!
"If you can, then why can't I?" It was the first time Zero found himself smirking back at the smug pureblood.
Kaname's face remained neutral. Now it was his turn.
"I will take Aiyora and leave this academy. As a matter of fact, I would have done that long ago. But as long as that wretched father of her exists, he will not stop. He will keep coming after his daughter at any cost.
...I know you really don't care about what happens to Aiyora or me. But keep in mind, even before Rido gets his hand on Aiyora, it will land on someone else... Yuuki! She would be that unfortunate victim. The first in line to die. And I wouldn't even lift a finger to save her; because my priority lies elsewhere."
Whilst Zero's eyes turned wide like saucer in disbelief. The expression on Kaname's face remained unchanged. It was the same cold and calculated look.
"Anyway... I shall leave you to your thoughts. Goodbye."
Yuuki awoke to the feeling of someone touching her forehead. Once her vision cleared she saw Kaname, bent over, looking at her with concern in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
Yuuki sat up and trailed off. "Kaname onii-sama I just..."
"What's wrong?"
"It felt like Shizuka-san was just there." She pointed towards the window.
"Ah! Well this used to Shizuka-san's room. You may have sensed something."
Tears rolled out of Yuuki's eyes and dropped on the back of her fisted hand.
And he was right, Yuuki did sense something.
That woman's emotions, so full of hate. Came rushing into me. Unable to escape her fate as a pureblood she faded away, feeling sad and alone.
"What is it Yuuki?" Kaname asked straightening up his posture.
Yuuki didn't answer and he took this opportunity to tell her, "Listen there's some place I must go soon."
"I can't! I can't leave the academy." Yuuki said bitterly.
"I wasn't asking you to leave. This academy is your home, you must stay here. However I am taking Aiyora out of the academy. This place is no longer safe for her."
"Can you do that Kaname onii-sama? Can you really leave the academy at a time like this?"
"It's not about what I can do, it's about what I must do." He clarified.
"I don't care what your reason is, this academy and the people here needs you, Kaname onii-sama!"
"Yuuki... I have other priorities that I can no longer ignore." He placed a hand over her head and ruffled her hair. "Just the way you have people in this academy that you'd like to protect, I too have someone precious to me that I need to protect."
Both were getting frustrated at the other.
"Listen Kaname onii-sama, fate has allowed us to be parted once. You've suffered that pain for ten long years! I don't want to put you through that again. Just the way I don't want Zero to suffer, the same way I also don't want you to suffer."
"I'm sorry Yuuki. But I must go and do what must be done. Our uncle would be awakening soon. I would advise you to stay in here for your own safety."
Yuuki was about to give him a fitting response, but before she could form her sentence Kaname was already gone.
Frustrated and somewhat saddened, Yuuki kept her head down. Hanabusa seized this chance and began to scold her; as he too was growing frustrated by her.
"You don't know when to stop, do you?! You shouldn't defy Kaname-sama like that."
She nodded her head in agreement. "I know, I really didn't mean to. I'm just so worried about everyone here..."
"You say that you worry about others here, yet, somehow you brushed it off when Kaname-sama repeatedly mentioned about Aiyora-sama's safety in the academy. Is it only Kiryu that you care for?"
Yuuki closed her eyes in regret as Zero's last words came floating into her mind.
"I sense an arrogant pureblood who does nothing but toy with human lives!"
His fingers started to move, body stirred, tongue darted out and licked the blood clean that was smeared on his lips.
...Ultimately Kuran Rido opened his eyes.
His strong presence was felt all throughout the academy.
Yuuki and Hanabusa became alarmed.
Kaname— who was on his way back after talking to Yuuki, halted on his footsteps.
In his prison cell, Zero had his eyes turn red.
Aiyora jolted up from her sleep only to realize seconds later that she was crying.
.
.
.
By grabbing the sides of the coffin Kuran Rido pulled his body up. And soon as the vampire rose the awaiting human got on a knee with a hand placed over his chest.
"I was eagerly waiting for your inevitable resurrection, Rido-sama."
The vampire with the heterochromia eyes had a victorious smirk on face.
.
.
.
Back in her room:
That distant ominous presence has suddenly become quite present. Those sinister eyes...
"I have to go!"
Yuuki suddenly jumped to her feet. But Hanabusa blocked her path.
"Have you already forgotten what Kaname-sama just told you?!"
"I won't just sit in this room while this entire school is in danger. I'm still a guardian at this academy!"
"You're wrong! You're one of the pureblood princess." Hanabusa shook her shoulders in hopes that it would knock some senses into her.
"I know... but I've lived as a human for so long. Everyone here has helped me. And I've protected them. If I turn my back on them now... I won't have any idea on how to properly live my life in the future."
"Perhaps... but you can't even hold artemis." He reminded her and she gasped at the realization.
"...I have a gun." Yuuki recalled.
Hanabusa sighed, figuring he wouldn't be able to keep her in for long. Therefore he must figure out a way to work this situation for her.
So he backed away from her said, "Um... you must be hungry!"
"No, I'm not hungry." Yuuki stated confused.
"Yes you are! You're hungry! And I have to get you food." He said opening the door.
"Aidou-senpai..."
"Enough! Do not leave this room. I may not be locking the door, but do not leave this room!" He walked out and slammed the door close after him.
Yuuki finally understood what the aristocrat actually did.
Kaname was walking back to the moon dormitory when he noticed the figure coming from the opposite direction.
"You've woken up already! Have you rested well?" He asked with a smile.
But received no response other than a hard glare. And somehow her usually warm eyes looked cold as ice.
His smile dropped. A look of worry took over his handsome features. However his soul found some bit of relief when he sensed or somehow felt, that the emotions currently swirling in her eyes weren't directed towards him.
Therefore it gave him courage to move forward.
"Aiyora...?" He took a careful step.
One wouldn't need brain to understand that she was furious. But why? That was the main question. His brain cells kept going in circles to figure out if he had done something in the last couple of hours to make her upset. But no, he couldn't think of anything. Nothing like that had happened between them. So then... why did she look so angry?
"...Are you okay?" Concealing his nervousness he caressed her face.
Aiyora continued to give him the blank stare, while the dream she had during her short nap kept reverberating back into her mind.
•••
"Hold her carefully Kaname-kun, you wouldn't want to drop our little Aiyora-chan." Said Juuri, smiling like the bright sunshine.
Kaname made a face that showed his disappointment. Juuri knew her son hardly has any interest in this girl. However for the sake of their family and her remaining child's safety she needed to go on with this cruelty.
"I understand that you want to keep you distance from her and want to spend your time with Yuuki... but you do realize for Yuuki's safety and her better future we need this girl."
•••
"What's wrong Aiyora...?"
He leaned in and rested his forehead over her to check if she was running a higher temperature or something along the lines. Though it's highly unlikely for pureblood vampires to get sick after they've grown. Yet he didn't want to take any chances.
"Please say something." He pleaded. "You're starting to make me worry... I suppose you can sense it, your father is awakening. Is that effecting you somehow?"
Chances of such are always there. Considering the strong feelings she holds for that man.
"Don't worry, we will leave soon." He assured.
Still it earned him no reaction.
But then, just when he was about to give up, she touched his hand. The hand that was cupping her face. She grabbed it gently and brought it to her chest.
"Come with me." Finally a sentence to leave her lips.
Before he could even ask where, he noticed she was already dragging them into the nearby forest.
•••
"I don't want to form any attachment with her." Young Kaname straight out told his mother.
"You don't have to. But if we don't give her love and have her love us back, then, what would motivate her to sacrifice herself or her own happiness so that you and Yuuki could live the rest of your life peacefully?"
Kaname quieted down. She had a point.
•••
Not even remotely, it occurred to Kaname what the young female had up her sleeve, when she pulled him into the forest.
However, it did replace his worry with confusion for now.
A deep frown formed on Kaname's face as he allowed Aiyora to lead them through the forest. To a destination that was unknown.
His heart warned him to take back the lead and make an about turn. But he couldn't find the voice to speak up against her, especially when she looked so upset and he couldn't tell why.
"Where are we going?"
"It's a surprise." She said craning her neck.
The look on her face somewhat mysterious and mischievous.
•••
Juuri cupped her son's face and kissed him lightly on the forehead.
"I know you have seen and been through a lot in your past life. However what you didn't have back then was your own family and a loved one to spend the rest of your long life with. You were incomplete then. But in this life you have the chance to fill that void. In this life you can have a family of your own with our Yuuki. Tell me wouldn't you want that?"
"Nothing matters to me more than Yuuki's happiness." Kaname admitted, softly petting the sleeping child's head. Making sure she doesn't wake up during this ongoing conversation.
"Kaname-kun, it is the same for me. Yuuki is the only child I have left. I will do anything and everything in my power to make sure she lives the rest of her life like a normal child without having to worry about her fate of being a pureblood princess."
•••
Their footsteps came to a stop once they reached deep inside the forest.
Kaname reluctantly released his hold on her hand and looked around. It made no sense, why did she bring them here?
Aiyora turned. And his breath got caught inside his throat when he saw her gazing at him... so longingly?!
Kaname blinked his eyes several times to make sure he wasn't imagining things. He felt his breath coming out in uneven pattern when she started to lean closer... and placed her lips gently against his.
A groan instantly left his lips at the sensation. Unbeknownst to him, his arms have already wrapped around her small waist possessively. His senses and consciousness long flew out of the window.
She kissed him again, another light touch.
Then again and again, each caress of the lips becoming harder and needier.
By now he felt courageous enough to return and deepen the kiss. And she further encouraged him by eagerly tangling her long fingers into his hair and tugging them. It was a searing kiss building with feelings of lust, passion and extreme rage. That only got more intense as each second passed.
Kaname let out another throaty moan. He lost everything to this sensation. Neither his heart nor his brain was functioning. High on the kiss, the Kuran ancestor found himself in heaven. The pleasure her soft lips were bringing to his body, absolutely overwhelmed him. It made his knees grow weak and give away.
Kaname dropped on his knees and brought Aiyora down along with him. Both panting. Their lips no longer locked but still connected with a string of saliva.
The burgundy eyes clashed with the clear blue ones. It only lasted a moment before their mouth dove against each other once more, tasting their tongues and binding them more deeply than before.
•••
"I understand what you're saying... but sometimes I worry..." Kaname trailed off not sure how to exactly put his thoughts into words.
"...What if her feelings grow too strong towards us?" What he actually meant was himself and Juuri understood that.
"I don't think it should matter... as long as you don't reciprocate them Kaname-kun."
"Oh that will never happen. Not with that vermin's daughter." Kaname promised.
"Thank you Kaname-kun. I feel so relieved knowing that you're on my side. Sometimes I wish Haruka understood my feelings. But he is just too kind. It is why rather than trying to conceive another son, Haruka and especially I have decided to get you engaged to our Yuuki. So please take care of her... love her... cherish her."
"I will... always."
•••
Aiyora was sitting on his laps, straddling his thighs. Her one hand caressing his face and other rubbing up and down his chest. His long overcoat taken off and shirt undone.
He had long grown hard and expanded.
"What... are you doing?" Kaname muttered breathlessly, eyes half-lidded and pupils so dilated that it looked black. Clearly he was melting to her touch.
In response she slowly laid him down on the ground. And suggested, with a mischievous smile playing at the corner of her lips.
"Let's do it! Right here... Right now..."
"Do what?" He asked, innocently.
To his surprise, she took off her dress and cast it somewhere carelessly.
Now, just cladded in her white undergarment set she leaned down on him and seductively purred into his ear, giving the earlobe a teasing nibble.
"Kaname... let's fuck!"
Before he could even form a coherent sentence, his lips were once again captured by her.
Enjoy the show Juuri, from wherever you are watching.
A.N: Thank you all for reading. The was my version of episode episode 10. As you can see things have been changed around a little.
Okay... I'm sure you guys are feeling many things about the ending. But don't get your head too wrapped up, because chances of success are very low. Considering where the location is. (If you know what I mean)
And for those of you questioning Aiyora's drastic action. I'm sure the flashback explains. Last couple of chapters showed her kindness and sacrifice, and this chapter is highlighting her hatred for Juuri. Aiyora is someone who is has the capability to both love and hate strongly. In a sense she biased. I mean she holds no grudge against Midori despite whatever that woman did to her. On the other hand she can't forgive Juuri. Another explanation for Aiyora's such behaviour could be that, Midori never pretended to care, something that Juuri. Which is probably why is more harder for Aiyora to forgive her.
Also if you're wondering why the flashback suddenly happened- my only explanation is, maybe seeing Yuuki and her resemblance to her mother, aggravated something inside Aiyora's head. It's mentioned she felt nauseated in Yuuki's presence. You may wonder what's Yuuki's fault in this. And you're right Yuuki has no fault just the way Aiyora didn't back in those days when her mother felt so bitterly about her for simply exiting.
If Juuri wouldn't have taken her or Kaname would have killed her when Senri's mother told him. Things may have been smoother especially for Yuuki.Keep in mind Aiyora doesn't hate Yuuki but she hates Juuri with passion. Hopefully she'll learn to move on forward as the story progresses.
Another thing— if you guys noticed the level-Es attacking Yori, commented on Yuuki look to be plain. Let me clarify it's not me bashing her. I currently reading the manga and so far her appearance have been criticized thrice. Once by hunters and twice by other vampires. It was stated she looks plain for a pureblood, doesn't have a pureblood's charm etc. Don't know why they did that to her, but yeah they did. So I'm basically incorporating that into the story.
...
Reply to guestwithreviews: You're kind of right and it will be revealed in the next chapter where Kaname's taking her. However I don't think Aiyora would miss the main part of the action. She shouldn't! Let's see.
As for the letter, it will most likely be addressed once the academy arc ends and everyone settles down somewhere. Or in the last chapter of the anime arc. I'm still working on that.
As for Aiyora being a pure character (not sure if you're changing your mind after this chapter. Lol) anyway... she kind towards certain people. As I said earlier she forgave Midori but who knows when she will forgive Juuri because the curve of her anger towards that woman is still on the rise. And it'll definitely be a while before it starts to go down.