Author's Note:
So I know its been way too long since I updated this. Truth be told, it was because I didn't think people would be interested. But its still on my mind and I'll do it anyways.
Been doing additional research on Vampire Knight, so I hope the next few chapters go ok.
The Day class prefects gathered in Chairman Cross's office. Within the next few days would come the most dreaded day of any prefect of Cross academy. The day was so feared that even the staunchest of all prefects would quiver upon the relentless task that soon awaited them. They day where the Day class students themselves appeared even more untamable than the wildest beasts…
Valentine's Day.
"I keep saying we should just ban the whole damn holiday." Ichigo grumbled. "It's bad enough I have to deal with idiots who just go 'kya kya kya' every single day."
"If we did that, there'd be a riot in the school." Leonardo said. "Besides, I don't know if it will be possible for us to ban an entire worldwide holiday."
Anju turned to face Chairman Cross again. "So, why is it that we need to be really careful?"
Chairman Cross looked up. "As you know, Valentine's Day is among the days when the Day and Night class spend more time with each other. Classes will be cancelled so as to allow the best amount of interaction and fostering of friendships between the Day class and the cute vampire students!" Chairman Cross stopped as soon as he felt Ichigo's menacing aura.
"'Don't think people could ever be friends with those monsters!' Is what he's thinking." Anju said.
"Right..." The Chairman smiled meekly. "Well, back to the matter at hand. Although the Day and Night class have good relations with each other, there is still the slight probability of something going wrong. Akira from the Night class has already assured me that he will do his utmost to ensure they behave themselves, but I still want you all to be present to show that we won't tolerate nonsense. Do enjoy your Valentine party though. I wouldn't want you all to miss out on this event."
"Understood sir." Leonardo said. "We'll keep our eyes out as best we can."
"Not sure I'll be enjoying the party when I don't have a date." Isabelle frowned.
"Isabelle, you should learn to be more sociable..." Yura whispered beside her. "You'll get a date then..."
Anju turned to Ichigo, who just stared with a deep frown. "Uh, well, I don't really have a date, but let's do our best, okay?" But Ichigo merely kept silent.
Ganju stirred in his bed, woken by the sound of keening squeals that appeared to be emanating from the Moon dorm gate.
"So it's that time of the year again eh?" He mumbled to himself, fingering for the cotton ear plugs he kept in his bedside drawer.
"Well, it isn't like we can stop our fans." Henry said from his own bed across the room. "Still, I do love how they go out of their way to please those whom they hold close to their hearts. And their chocolates are nice too."
Ganju merely placed the ear plugs on, allowing him to enjoy the last bit of day with a peaceful sleep.
"Get back everyone! All Day class students are not allowed in the Moon dorms!" Anju said from her position on the top of the wall.
'No fair prefect!' 'Why always you?' Were the sort of retorts Anju faced. She folded her arms, staying firmly in her place. "Rules are rules! Besides, you are disturbing the Night class with this gathering! Leave this place immediately!"
Movement to the right caught her eye. Anju turned to see another of her classmates, a bespectacled girl by the name of Charlotte attempt to mount the wall. Unfortunately, she lost her grip and began plummeting down toward the ground.
Crap! Anju knew it was too late to reach for her from the position she was in. However, she suddenly saw Ichigo move in with blinding speed, rushing under the girl and catching her before she hit the ground.
Anju knew it was too late to reach for her from the position she was in. However, she suddenly saw Ichigo move in with blinding speed, rushing under the girl and catching her before she hit the ground.
Yes! Great job Ichigo! Full points! She shot a thumbs-up in his direction. Ichigo stared for a second before turning to Charlotte. "Try a stunt like that again, and I'll make sure you end up in detention."
Charlotte gulped at his steely gaze. "Y-yes..."
The minute he put her down, Ichigo straightened, throwing glares at everyone he could see. "If the lot of you don't clear out, I'll make sure your names are scrapped off the party list."
Groans and moans sounded through the crowd, but nobody wanted to risk missing the party. One by one, the mob dispersed, leaving only Anju, Ichigo and Misaki.
"Once more, you begin this holiday as the enemy of all mankind." Anju noted. "No one is going to even try to give you chocolates now..."
Ichigo merely scoffed before walking away. Misaki now came in close to Anju. "Is he always like that on Valentine's Day?"
"Yeah." Anju shrugged. "Though why, I'm not sure, but mostly it's because he finds the adoring screams annoying. And I'm actually inclined to agree sometimes."
"Well, as long as everything works out right?" Misaki smiled. "Sooo, got a date?"
"Nope." Anju said. "I'm still going for the party though. We have to make sure the Night class behaves. After all, we can't have them stirring up trouble, but I doubt anything is going to go wrong!"
Ichigo stalked the halls of the academy, not even bothering to acknowledge the panicked stares that went his way. Something had been off lately, and he knew. The agitated sensation crawling up his arm was proof of that.
Dammit all... He cursed whilst holding his right arm. It shook violently and out of control. Just stop already...
Gasps sounded all around him. Ichigo turned to see a very rare sight. Akira Kuran of the Night class had now come to the academy before Night class students were meant to take over. Now what does he want here?
"Senior Akira!" Came a girl's voice. "Why is he here?"
"Who cares?" Came another. "It's a rare occasion that he'd be here at this time!"
'Senior Akira, please let me dance with you on Valentine's day!' 'Senior Akira, we look forward to meeting the rest of the Night class!' 'Senior Akira-!'
Oh shut the hell up... Ichigo growled internally. He decided to turn around and walk the other way when all of a sudden...
"Ichigo, may I have a word?" Ichigo turned to see Akira Kuran had stopped, his attention focused completely on him. Many of the girls gaped as Akira had chosen instead to speak with Ichigo of all persons.
"What do you want vampire?" Ichigo frowned.
Akira kept his gaze level. "You seem a little more agitated right now. Are you alright?"
"Shut up." Ichigo snarled. "I don't want you acting like you actually care. Stay out of my business." With that, he turned and walked away.
"Unfortunately Ichigo, what you are going through is my business." Akira said. Ichigo stared back to find Akira's eyes were unusually colder than before. "Do you really think you can avoid it? It is inevitable." Ichigo remained on the spot, frowning at the last statement.
Akira now walked up to him till he was just within Ichigo's reach. "Bear this in mind, I have sworn to protect the Day class students. If anything should happen to them, I will not hesitate to act. Good day Ichigo." With this, he walked away.
Finally the day had arrived. Cross academy was completely silent for the entire day due to the absence of classes. Save for a few students hanging up decorations in the main hall, the entire school was deserted of any students.
"Where should I put these?" Said Frederick Zito, an Italian first year student and another of Anju's classmates. In his hands were a large bouquet of flowers.
"Just leave them by the door." Yura said. "They are only meant for decoration."
"Got it!" Frederick hurried over with the flowers. Just then, Hibiki walked up to Anju.
"Hey Anju, don't you think you should be resting instead of helping? You have prefect duty right?" She said as she tied down some rose decorations onto a table.
"I know..." Anju said as she placed another chair down. "But this is important to the Chairman. It's also important to everyone else. So I'm fine with helping! Besides, it gives me something else to think about."
Hibiki now glanced downward to Anju's skirt. "Hey, what's that?"
"What's what?" Anju blinked as Hibiki's hand dove into her pocket and pulled out a very elaborately wrapped box.
"This..." Hibiki said, dangling it in front of her. Immediately, Anju went red, snatching the box from Hibiki and putting it back into her pocket.
"I-it's nothing!" Anju said, completely flustered.
"Ann," Hibiki said in monotone the nickname she always had for her. "It's chocolate right? For Valentine's Day."
Anju felt her heart skip a beat and her face flushed into a deeper shade of scarlet. Added to that, Misaki had also come over, curious at the commotion.
"Anju, are you okay?" She tilted her head to the side whilst putting her broom down. "You running a fever? Your face is completely red."
"She's just completely flustered that I found out she intends to give somebody chocolate for Valentine's Day." Hibiki stated matter-of-factly, which caused Anju to squeal.
"Hibiki!" She yelled. "Don't say things like that!"
"Well it's obviously not for the guy glaring at us from the door." Hibiki noted. Anju and Misaki now turned to see Ichigo standing at the door with a sullen expression on his face.
"So, who's it for?" Misaki asked. Anju stared down at the floor, unsure of what to say. She didn't know whether or not to admit the truth given the current circumstances. Mustering up some courage, she finally whispered.
"It-it's for Akira..." At this, she blushed.
"Omigosh!" Misaki's hands flew to her mouth, letting the broom clatter onto the floor. "You...have...a...crush on...Senior Akira?!" Unfortunately, this was said a fair bit too loud, which now caused everyone in the vicinity to turn their heads toward the three girls.
"Uh... Misaki..." Anju gulped as she noticed the glares from the other girls.
"Sorry Anju..." Misaki apologized sympathetically whilst moving away. "But I'm trained to hunt vampires, not people."
"Good luck." Hibiki said.
"Why me?" Anju said as at least fifteen girls now converged on her.
Ichigo watched the drama unfold as Anju was buried amongst the students who screamed and squealed, some asking how Anju and Akira were in a relationship (which they weren't of course...) and some asking if Anju would help them give him their own chocolates. All in all, it was a very hysterical moment.
Ichigo stared at Anju as she attempted to escape towards Yura. He watched her antics from the door, studying her closely. Why she would actually be friends with a vampire was something beyond his own imagination. He couldn't hope to comprehend the trust between Anju and Akira. Was it true that not all vampires were bad?
Ichigo pushed the thought out of his head as he walked over to where they were. Yura was doing her best to shield Anju from the other girls, but even he knew when backup was needed.
"Shut up!" He barked, getting the attention of the whole room. "In such cases, this would be classified as disruptive behavior. If you don't want to get kicked out of the party before it starts, you'd better pipe down." At this, all the girls froze and immediately returned to their work with panicked steps.
"Keeping up his reputation eh?" Misaki said as she grabbed Anju's arm.
Anju turned to look at Ichigo, realizing that he had effectively dispersed her 'attackers'. "Um..." She began, unsure of how to phrase it. "Thanks, I suppose..."
Ichigo just shrugged as she bowed in apology. He now saw the bare skin on the back of her neck. Suddenly, he shuddered, his body stiffening slightly.
"Ichigo?" Anju frowned as she looked up. "Are you okay?"
Ichigo turned to her, his eyes locking with hers. "Y-yeah. Sorry but, I don't feel good. I'll speak to the Chairman about this."
"What?" Anju blinked. "Are you sick? If you are, don't come for duty tonight okay? We should be able to manage somehow!
Yura gave a thumbs-up. "Yeah. Go and rest Ichigo."
Ichigo didn't bother to reply. He just walked out of the hall and away from Anju. The minute he was a good distance away, he fell to his knees, gripping his shirt with one hand while the other acted as a support on the wall. His breath came in gasps as he thought about Anju. What was that sensation he felt just now? He could only describe it as an obsessive longing coupled with a strange hunger.
"Umm, Ichigo?" He looked up to see Charlotte, the girl whom he had rescued the previous day.
"What?" He strained, surprised to find himself agitated.
Charlotte continued, a little uncertainty etching into her voice. "Well, I wanted to give you this chocolate later, but overheard that you might not make it. Would it be possible for me to..."
"Shut it..." Ichigo groaned. "Get away from me..."
Charlotte looked at him with shocked eyes. "I-Ichigo?"
"Back off!" He snapped, shocked to find that it sounded animalistic.
"I-I'm sorry!" Charlotte bowed before running off in the opposite direction.
Ichigo now leaned against the wall. He reached for the black box within his pocket. As he stared at it, he found himself breathing with more force and agitation.
"The more you resist, the worse it gets..." Came a voice. Ichigo turned to see Chairman Cross standing with his arms folded. "Why don't you just take them? You know that they'll help you cope with the ordeal. It'll lighten the burden on your body and mind."
"Shut up." Ichigo growled as he stood up. "You know why I can't..." Turning his back to the Chairman, he walked away into the school courtyard. He needed the silence to calm down, to set his mind into order once more.
Something rustled from behind him. He reached for his pistol, cocking it. "Quite early for a stroll isn't it, vampires?" He said as at least twenty of the Night class surrounded him.
"Why the hell does dorm leader Akira have so much interest with this guy?" Desmond, one of the vampires snarled. "I can't understand it!"
"Maybe Akira wants to have a little pet?" Joked Sean. At this, Ichigo pointed the pistol right at him and the vampire quivered.
"Shut the hell up and let me be." Ichigo frowned. "I have nothing to say to you."
"That's too bad." Came Victoria, a female noble. "We have tons of things to say to you, prefect." She drew out her hand, which underwent an instant spasm. Immediately, her fingers curved and sprouted long claws that could rip apart stone. "For starters, we are not very happy with how you treated Lord Akira the other day."
"Are you guys finally making a move?" Ichigo grinned. "I've been waiting for this far too long..."
"HOLD IT!" Came a voice. Ichigo turned to see Anju and Misaki jump down from the second story and rush over to him.
"Fighting is prohibited on school grounds!" Anju said as she put on her prefect armband and took out a small metallic staff. "Any violators will be reported immediately to Chairman Cross and receive a week in detention!" Misaki herself pulled out a small knife and crouched low. As of now, the commotion in the school yard had become quite the commotion, and any student in the vicinity, including those who were momentarily in the hall, rushed out to observe. They stayed their distance the minute they saw Victoria's claws.
"Hehe..." Sean chuckled. "Look at that. The hunters have come, but who are the hunted I wonder?" He gestured to the twenty vampires around. "I don't think you've noticed, but you are clearly outnumbered."
"This is your last warning..." Misaki said. "If you stand down now, we'll overlook this matter. This school was built so students worldwide could hope to benefit. At the same time, both humans and vampires would be able to foster bonds with each other. Do you intend to forget this?"
"No. Of course not." Victoria chuckled. "But we need to teach those who sully Lord Akira's name a very important lesson they ought to remember."
As she moved in, the ground shook, sending anyone caught unawares falling to their feet. Anju and Misaki fared no better than the vampires as they landed on their rears. Ichigo however remained on his feet. Only when the last vampire did go down did the tremors stop.
"What's going on here?" Everyone turned to see Ganju walking toward the small group. Following closely behind was Emi and Henry. All three of them wore stern looks on their faces and a black armband on their right arm. Emi raised her hand, and immediately the ground was covered in a sheet of slippery ice.
"What is the meaning of this?" Emi asked Victoria, who was struggling to stand up on the ice. "Why are you so eager to draw blood from one of the Day students?"
"Well Victoria?" Henry said, a serious look on his face. "Care to explain? Since you and Desmond are among the only nobles here, I believe you are the ones behind it all."
Victoria and Desmond eyed each other, unable to retort against the Night class prefects. Anju, Misaki and the other Day class students stared in awe as the Night class mob was pacified.
Emi now waved her hands again and the ice vanished. "It doesn't matter. You all are to return to your dorms. Understood?"
"Yes..." The offending vampires said before walking back toward the Moon dorm.
"You can relax now Ichigo." Ganju said, placing his hand on the pistol, pushing it down. "We'll take it from here."
Ichigo's response was to pull Ganju over his shoulder and toss him to the ground. Ganju blinked for a few seconds, realizing that he was just the victim of physical assault.
"Now that's rather unbecoming of you..." Henry said as he stared at his friend on the floor.
"Shut up..." Ganju groaned as he wiped the dust off his uniform. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be done with his dignity. "Just don't tell Gabriella. I'll never hear the end of it from her."
Emi cleared her throat as she turned to Ichigo, Anju and Misaki. "I apologize for our classmates' behavior. Rest assured, we will not allow this again. You have my word that the proper actions will be taken."
"I don't need your sympathy." Ichigo growled. Emi didn't reply. She merely bowed and returned to the Moon dorms with Henry and Ganju.
"I'm amazed she didn't do anything more." Anju blinked. Ichigo stared for a bit before walking away.
"Hey! Ichigo!" Anju called. Surely he deserved an earful for trying to pick a fight with vampires. He was just about as guilty as they were.
"Anju." Misaki said, stopping her. "Leave him be. It seems like he's got a lot on his mind right now."
"My oh my. Quite the commotion eh?" Chairman Cross commented as the drama unfolded and inevitably ended. "I must say though, your closest friends are quite adept at keeping them in line."
"I won't deny them the Valentine party." Akira said from behind the Chairman. "But I will not let this slide. They will be punished accordingly. But that can wait. Chairman, you know why I have come here."
Chairman Cross nodded. "Yes. I know."
"Yet you still do nothing?" Akira growled, his fingers curling into a fist. Chairman Cross merely stared down at the courtyard where Anju and Misaki were. The two girls now proceeded to disperse the current onlookers from the Day class before heading back to the hall to finish up the decorations.
"Chairman." Akira started. "I respect you, as does my mother and many members of the vampire council. But this situation is becoming more and more unstable by the day. Depending on how it develops, it may ruin whatever we have accomplished with the human students today. You know what happened to Ichigo six years ago!"
"Yes." The Chairman nodded. "I know his family was also attacked by a vampire."
"But not just any vampire!" Akira snapped.
"Yes. I realize this as well as you Akira." The Chairman said. "Or rather, I can only hope to realize it as well as you. You who is just like the one that struck down the Kitsuke family that tragic night. You, one whose bloodline is easily traced without any taint of human blood. The vampires among vampires, the rarest, the most powerful and the most feared."
"The Purebloods..." He finished as Anju and Misaki went back to the hall. "Their existence is the only secret that is still kept from the Day class students. They know only of vampire Nobles, but I suppose I won't ask why you are withdrawn about your status in the vampiric world. I believe you have your reasons."
"Chairman, do you at least know what happens when a Pureblood bites a human?" Akira said. Chairman Cross merely looked away, knowing full well that Akira and he had the same answer in mind.
The Valentine party had started promptly. No rowdiness nor shoving nor keening squeals. Then again, the Night class had yet to arrive. And once they did, all semblance of peace had vanished.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" A bunch of girls squealed, causing Anju to cover her ears. "Senior Henry!" The blue-haired vampire smiled as they went forward, giving him gifts of flowers and chocolate. Other students fawned over the rest of the Night class, though they were wise to avoid others who were having their own private time. This was evidenced by the huge number of girls surrounding Ganju, giving him chocolates and gifts addressed not to him, but merely well wishes for him and Gabriella. Of course, this didn't stop the fawning adoration.
"Wow..." Emi glanced from the Night class crowd. "Everyone is so hyped. Hope my dress makes it out of this in one piece..." She fingered the beautiful blue dress that was decorated with glitter and bore beautiful white roses on the right strap. It was an expensive cut that she had saved money for and was her first time wearing it.
"Oh it will, provided she doesn't go all stir crazy for the free sweets and chocolate." Gabriella whispered to Akira, who merely chuckled.
"Oh well." Emi smiled. "Time to hit the candy bars! They're all mine!" At this, the vampire giddily sped in the direction of the sweets and chocolate cakes that served as the students' refreshments, leaving Shinji by himself.
"I had to say it didn't I?" Gabriella groaned as Ganju came back and held her arm. Anju and her classmates merely stared as Emi piled on every single piece of sweet or cake within her reach. It was all already starting to spill from her small plate.
"Yeah, that is why you have to watch it when she's around cakes..." Misaki chuckled.
"You don't say..." Frederick sighed as she plucked a cherry from the fruit tray. "Well, at least she makes life entertaining."
Laura, another girl seated next to them merely gazed at Emi's figure. "She eats so much and yet looks so slim. That's like, a woman's dream come true right?"
"Nah." Misaki shook her head. "She only eats that much at parties. No one wants her stuffing her face in a cafe. You'll be stuck for hours..."
"Ehehehe..." Anju chuckled as Emi finally finished, walking over to the table where Ganju and Gabriella now sat. She set the plate down, the two vampire lovers gaping at the mountain of sweetness piled on Emi's plate.
Anju looked around to see the Night class and Day class students socializing. She still had not forgotten the near miss they had with some of them earlier that day. But where hostile faces once were, smiles and conversations now took their place. Though sometimes...
"Hey babe." Sean smiled at a Day class girl. "Want me to tell you what's your blood type?"
"Um..." She replied, wary. "Well, I..."
Anju got up and walked toward him as fast as her dress would allow (It was a black single strap and lined with lace). From the corner of the room, Ichigo also started moving towards them. They stopped as soon as someone else came in. Anju recognized him as Mr. Eugene du Coteau, one of the only vampires among the faculty. With an unheard word, Sean walked away.
"Sir!" Anju greeted him when she came close. The old vampire turned, nodding.
"Ah, Ms. Cross, Mr. Kitsuke. I trust you are enjoying your night?"
"Yes sir. Though I must say, the Night class seem a lot more excited than usual." Anju chuckled. Ichigo remained passive, simply nodding his head toward the teacher.
"I'm sure they mean well, though can be a bit too playful for their own good sometimes." Mr. du Coteau nodded. This remark earned a scoff from Ichigo. As if to reinforce his statement, he gestured to something behind them.
Anju and Ichigo turned to see Henry juggling between ten girls to dance with, swapping partners every twelve seconds. Emi was in the most embarrassing situation ever though she could hardly have cared less. Balanced upon her fork was one of the sugar candy hearts made by some of the students. With quick darts of her tongue, she slowly licked at the candy, eyes brightening with every taste.
"What the hell..." Ichigo shook his head. Mr. du Coteau chuckled as Ganju and Gabriella, unable to stand it anymore, merely stood up and went to a table beside the window.
"Well, I hope you two get Valentine's one day too." Mr du Coteau said as he took his leave. "Even for vampires, life is too short to spend alone."
"Uh, thanks sir, I suppose..." Anju chuckled. Ichigo merely frowned.
The music finally slowed to a Waltz. At this, Ganju now led Gabriella to the dance floor. All eyes turned upon them as they danced, a graceful and beautiful piece of art. The girls looked at Ganju with longing eyes while the boys stared at Gabriella with gaping mouths. Even Anju appeared entranced by their performance. Ganju was so much taller than Gabriella, yet he moved with a synergic grace. Not once did he step on her feet nor trip her up. Gabriella in turn flowed with his movements, her dress (white with a long skirt) moving with a smooth yet dynamic energy. They suddenly stopped as Ganju moved in and gave a brief kiss on Gabirella's lips.
"Wow..." Misaki stared as Anju returned. "Incredible..."
"Yeah." Hibiki said, the same wonderment in her eyes.
Anju merely looked around for any signs of trouble. It seemed Emi had placed her sweet food consumption on hold as she now entered the dance floor with Shinji. Then finally, Anju spotted the person she had been looking for. Akira stood together with Linhua in a corner, sipping down a red colored fluid, the solution of water with Blood tablets.
"Go on." Misaki whispered. "You'll miss him like this."
Anju turned to her friend and nodded, nervously moving toward Akira. She could feel her heart beat faster and faster as she neared him. He hadn't appeared to notice her, still watching the entrancing dance of Ganju and Gabriella.
Oblivious to everything around her due to her nervousness, she collided with another pair of students who had decided to make their move to the dance floor.
"Oww..." She groaned. "I'm so sorry..." She bowed slightly at the pair before standing. Suddenly, she realized the chocolate she had for him was gone.
"Anju?" Akira said as he came close. "Is everything alright?"
"Uhh..." Anju blushed. She wanted to give him the chocolate but now it was gone. What was she to do?
"Hey, Kuran." Came Ichigo's voice. He tossed something over to him and Akira caught it expertly. Anju recognized it as the box that contained her chocolate. Akira looked upon the beautifully wrapped box and then back at Anju.
"Haha. Thank you Anju. Happy Valentine's day" Akira chuckled as he helped her to her feet.
Anju went red-faced and her heart beat unnaturally fast. All she could get out of her mouth was: "I made them. I-I hope you like them."
Akira merely bowed politely before returning to his table, which was also piled with myriad boxes from other students.
Anju now stalked over to Ichigo, giving him a small jab in the gut.
"What was that for?!" Ichigo grumbled.
"Why'd you give it to him?" Anju sputtered, her face still red. "Now the effect is completely gone!"
"You were gonna give up the minute you reached him!" Ichigo growled. "With the way your heart was beating, it was so obvious!"
Anju grumbled, facing away from him. Never before had she felt so lame. What kind of girl has to rely on a guy to help her give a Valentine's day gift?
Then, she realized something. "Hey, Ichigo, how could you hear a heartbeat?" She turned to face him, but he had gone.
"Ichigo?" Anju frowned. As she looked around for him, her foot hit something. Looking down, she saw a small black box. Was this his? She picked it up, prying open the lid and saw something strange within.
Vampire blood tablets? Why'd Ichigo have these?
Ichigo ran as fast as he could, panting all the way. He had realized his mistake instantly the minute he said it. But that wasn't what scared him.
What scared him was the fact when Anju turned, he felt his stomach church and his throat catch fire. He had heard it all, the beating of her heart, the sound of her breath, the fluid flowing within her veins. He slowly found himself longing for her throat.
"Gurrgh..." He groaned, gripping his chest as he slumped to the floor, weakened. "Uwwwwaaaaaaaaaaagh!"
Akira watched it unfold, his eyes turning dark. Striding over to Chairman Cross, who was now in an animated conversation with the other teachers.
"Chairman, sir?" He asked, fighting to keep the nervousness out of his voice.
"Akira?" The Chairman turned, smiling. "Wonderful! We were just about to come talk to you!"
"Chairman," Akira started. "It's begun."
The teachers and the Chairman tensed. He looked at Mr. du Coteau, who nodded and left the table.
"So, the 'change'. It finally came..."
"Gosh Ichigo. Where'd you run off to?" Anju said as she climbed the stairs to the next floor. She looked down at the dress. Although it was very pretty, it really prevented her movements.
Maybe I should get a tailor-made combat dress for parties... She thought as she climbed the stairs. Then, she heard breathing.
Ichigo? She wondered, running up the stairs as fast as she could. Sure enough, she found him, huddled down in one of the adjacent hallways.
"Ichigo!" Anju pouted. "Why'd you run off like that? The party is still going on!"
"Get... away..." Ichigo panted. "Get away... from me..."
Anju sighed as she neared him. "Are you still going to be like that? Why don't you let me in Ichigo? Why don't you trust me? We've lived with each other for six years now and I still have next to no clue about why you're like this! Why you hate vampires, why you're so detached..."
"Anju..." Ichigo gasped. "Please... just... listen to me... for once..."
"C'mon." She grumbled, grabbing his arm and hauling him to his feet. "We are going back. You still have a night to enjoy!"
Suddenly, he pulled her in. Anju lost her balance and fell, only to be caught by Ichigo, who had now stood up in the blink of an eye. His left hand reached for her head, pulling it to the side whilst his right hand clasped her exposed shoulder.
"What the-?" Anju gasped. "Ichigo, what are you-?"
PSSSSSSHAARRRK!
Anju stopped talking. Her eyes widened as a sharp stinging pain flared in her neck. Turning as much as she could, she now saw something that shocked her to the core.
Ichigo's head was now tilted toward her neck. His mouth was clamped down upon her bare skin and she could make out the red trickle of her blood. Along with that was something more disturbing. She could hear a strange sucking noise from Ichigo and she felt his tongue brush over her bare skin.
"Ichigo!" Anju squirmed as the pain got worse. "W-what are you doing? Stop!"
Ichigo held her for a while longer, his grip stronger than anything she knew. With her free left hand, she reached up and smacked him on the head. Only then did he let go.
Anju stepped away from him as she covered her neck with her right hand, feeling the two pinprick wounds and the blood trickling down. She watched as Ichigo now faced her, except he was different. Fangs protruded from his upper lip and his eyes were the color of blood.
"Anju..." He groaned, breathing heavily while blood-her blood- dripped from his mouth. "I'm sorry..."
Anju blinked, disbelief crossing into her mind. Ichigo, you're a vampire?!
Akira sniffed the air, frowning as he did. He turned toward Ganju and Gabriella, both of whom had now stopped dancing and glanced at him with concern.
"Akira?" Chairman Cross asked. "What is it?"
"The scent of blood." Akira said. "It's in the air."