Chapter 19 ice blue sin (part 2)
The night felt cooler than usual.
Fuuka pulled the thick coat she was wearing together to prevent herself from freezing. She was only steps away from the moon-dorm when she stood proudly before the front gate. From now on she would not have pull out stunts like the one she did before and climb the wall like a thief. This time she was going in as a gust, who has been invited. Although it sounded unbelievable but it has actually happened, the students of the night class have actually invited her. The beautiful Souen Ruka, the cool and composed Kain Akatsuki and the charming Ichijo Takuma all of whom, who escorted her to the gate last time showed eagerness to meet her again.
Once inside the grand premises she walked slower, trying not to disturb anyone. But then the thought came to her – are they even done with their classes? Maybe they are after all its too late at night. But what if they are sleeping…!? This would be so embarrassing.
Now standing just outside the door the day class girl kept internally debating. Whether to knock or just return back. But then again did she come all the way here just to turn back? No, obviously not. Just the moment Fuuka raised her hand to knock on the door, the door opened on its own and a figure suddenly appeared before her.
"Good! You've come." Ruka answered the door to welcome her in.
The day class student gulped, nervously. There is no turning back now. She realized while following the blonde night class student inside.
Inside, the dorm breathed a nice, homey warmth. Fuuka was taken aback; how luxurious it was! Something that you don't usually see unless you enter a mansion of some aristocratic family. However it made sense, since night class consisted of people from elite families all over the world. The interior had a touch of Victorian era design. The ceiling was high and hanging from that high ceiling was a grand chandelier. Just through the gate was a large lobby with a big round staircase in the corner.
Ruka told Fuuka to take a seat and went upstairs. Leaving the latter behind to look here and there, inspecting the place. The girl had difficulty in deciding which couch to sit on before reluctantly sitting on the one across from the stairs.
After a while Ruka came down with Ichijou, Kain and Aidou.
"Good evening Fuuka, it's good to see you." Ichijou gave her a bright smile.
"Good evening to you all. …I hope it's not a bother that I showed up this late at night. …It's only because I was invited, so I thought I might come and well, here I am." She got up and bowed politely.
"I had a feeling you would come, which was why I ended the class early." Ichijou kept his smile intact.
"Relax, you're in our house," Kain cut in abruptly, in a hard tone that seemed to fit him perfectly. "…and you came after being invited by us. So there is nothing to worry about."
"Please take a seat, " Ichijou gestured, "…and enjoy the snacks."
A maid appeared from behind him with a large tray full of cookies, Danishes and desserts and tea. Inside Fuuka began to feel nervous as the small, clandestine night party started. While the rest were offering food and tea, Fuuka took this chance to sneak a glance at the other blonde, Aidou Hanabusa. He was the only one who hasn't opened his mouth since sitting down on the sofa. It surprised the day class girl. Despite his friendly and flirty appearance outside during switchover, he turned out to be completely different… Fuuka also noticed that Kaname was nowhere in sight. It sadden her a little since her very reason for this visit was so that she could see him again.
Ruka noticed her soft sigh and inquired what was bothering. "Is something wrong?"
"Um… well… I was just wondering where K-Kuran sempai was. Is he resting?" Fuuka whispered, intending for only Ruka to hear them (as she was the only sitting beside and closest to her) but somehow it seemed to reach the ears of everyone in the room. And they all froze. In an instant the warm lobby turned cold as ice.
"What do you want with Kaname-sama?" Aidou was the one that demanded. His hash tone and the sharp look from those cold blue eyes sent uncomfortable shiver down the poor girl's spine. She could not understand why he was so angry.
"Um… I … just wanted to thank him for the other day." She sounded exactly like Cross Yuuki and that gave more reason to the blonde to feel resentment towards the girl.
"Is it really just that?" he charged, with no change in that icy tone.
The remaining three shared a concerning look amongst each other. They could sense the situation was getting out of hand. Someone has to intervene soon.
"Oh come on Hanabusa," Akatsuki was the one that went ahead. "...try not to look so terrifying. You're so possessive about president Kuran these days. Just his name in a conversation is enough to get you defensive."
"Hey!-"
"Aidou please calm down. Look, you scared Fuuka-chan." Ichijou joined Akatsuki and scolded the spiky blonde. While Akatsuki took this chance to give Fuuka a warm smile, his troublesome cousin on the other hand acted wounded and looked away. And Ruka, who had remained silent until now, spoke soothingly.
"Kaname-sama is away on business. Do not worry, I will inform him about your visit."
"Okay. Thank you very much." Fuuka relaxed as the air around them gradually warmed… until she checked the time. "Oh God! It is so already."
Everyone followed Fuuka's gaze to the clock.
"You better go back to the sun dorms. Sorry to have kept you here so late! For a moment we all forgot that you belonged to the Day Class." Fuuka was glad that Ichijou understood her situation.
"Pardon me for losing track of time. Thank you all for everything. I've had a great time tonight."
"We did as well. You should come again." Said Ruka.
"Sure, come back again. We'll be waiting." Ichijou waved her goodbye. And instructed the cousins to escort her out. "Akatsuki, Hanabusa see Fuuka to the gate. It's not good for a girl to walk alone at this time of the night."
Akatsuki agreed and Hanabusa disagreed till he was told by the vice president that it was an order from the pureblood. Leaving the blue eyed blonde out of option but to grudgingly agree. He took the day class girl by her arm again and started to drag her out, with Akatsuki following behind them. While getting dragged by Aidou towards the exit Fuuka turned one last time to bid farewell to the ones left behind. And that was when Ichijou asked.
"Oh by the way Fuuka-chan do you feel alright?"
"Eh… I'm fine. Why?"
"You never feel as if your body is getting heavy or have shudder or sudden strange urges or anything alike recently?"
"Nope. But why?"
"Oh, no, no… it's nothing. Don't bother." Although she was asked not to worry, Fuuka still noticed the note of concern in Ichijou's voice.
"Should I worry about my health?" she asked nervously turning towards Akatsuki.
"Oh no it's nothing. Just precaution against the cold weather." Akatsuki assured, while Hanabusa just kept walking without saying anything.
.
.
.
The past week Fuuka has been visiting the moon-dorm on an everyday basis. By now she became quite comfortable in their presence and liked to think of some of them as her friend. Recently it has also become a tradition for her to bring something little for these new found friends of her. Couple days back she brought them cookies. It was praised by all who ate. And that encouraged Fuuka to bake cupcake for them tonight.
As usual she was led to the lobby by a maid who then went upstairs to inform the others of her arrival. Fuuka sat down on the couch across from the stairs, it became her custom to sit on this exact spot. Since she began her frequent visits to the moon dorm, it had always been in the lobby. Nobody has ever taken her to see any other part of the building, and of course she has not set foot in any of the rooms. Another thing she realized was that despite the many times she came, she has not seen Kaname again even once more. Every night she ran here with hope and excitement boiling inside, but her expectations were never fulfilled. Perhaps she will see him tonight…
However the first one to come down that night was someone whom Fuuka has never seen before. The day class student could swear that she has never ever seen this girl. Not even during the switchover. Of course if her appearance was taken into consideration, it was painfully obvious that she was a little too young to be in the night class. So if she was not a student of the night class then what was she doing in the moon dorm? Was she a resident here? But how? All those questions clouded Fuuka's mind and she was so distracted by it that she even forgot to greet the newcomer. All she did was just stare with fascinated eyes and watch the person climb down the stairs and take the seat on the opposite. This little girl was beyond beautiful. Her appearance could put Souen Ruka under the shadows.
"Did you make these?" Fuuka snapped out and nodded her head yes. There was something about this person's presence.
"May I taste one?"
Fuuka wanted to tell her whom they were actually for, since there wasn't many to begin with. But somehow something else came out of her mouth.
"Yes of course, please help yourself."
"I'm not usually too fond of sweets but these look delicious…" the younger girl said picking one cupcake from the side. "Oh, by the way my name is Aiyora, Kuran Aiyora." She introduced herself casually, taking her first bite.
"I'm Fuuka, Kisaragi Fuuka. I'm a day class student– oh wait you said Kuran. Um… are you somehow connected to Kuran-sempai?"
"He's my older brother." Now it made sense, this was why she is so beautiful. Good looks seem to run in the family. However the information brought a bit of shock. Kaname had a sister? But then again, she did not know much about him. Nobody in the day class did. The fact that she was the first to know this, made her glad.
"So… you don't attend classes yet?" the day class student tried to carry on the conversation after a moment of silence.
"I just moved here-"
"Oh there you are Aiyora-chan." Takuma's voice cut in, interrupting their conversation. "I've been looking all over for you."
Aiyora turned and Fuuka looked to see Takuma coming down the stairs. Behind him Akatsuki, Ruka and at the very end of the group was Hanabusa. Ruka took the seat beside Fuuka, Akatsuki sat on a single sitter beside them and Hanabusa sat down beside Aiyora. The vice president on the other hand chose to remain on his feet.
Their night part began as usual. It was going like every other day, except for the new addition that joined them tonight. Fuuka could sense the tension in the air. She wasn't sure what it was but concluded a little later that it could mostly due to the presence of their president's little sister. But little did the day class student realize this time the night class had different plans for her!
"As much as I am enjoying, I'm afraid I will take have to take off early tonight, Fuuka-chan. There are some urgent matters that needs my attention."
"My apologies…"
"Please don't be sorry. Anyway I'm looking forward to our next meeting."
"Yes of course." She said with a polite bow before bidding him farewell.
"Oh Aiyora-chan would you mind accompanying me?" Takuma asked the young pureblood moving towards the stairs.
"Why? What's wrong?" the pureblood demanded, unintentionally.
"It will be great help if I could get a pair of extra hand in the library."
Aiyora wanted to refuse. But the look on the blonde's green eyes told her to listen. So she reluctantly followed and joined him at the stairs. Together they walked upstairs. When they were all the way up above the stairs Aiyora expected Takuma to turn right since that was the direction they needed to take in order to go to the library. But to her shock, he turned left.
"Where are we going? The library is that way." Aiyora pulled Takuma by the arm and pointed towards direction of the library.
"You see Aiyora-chan we aren't actually doing to the library." Takuma responded ruffing her hair, messing the tight braid a little. "And nor are there any urgent matter that needs my attention."
"Then why did we leave?" Aiyora gave him a look of disbelief. She could not help but think if Kaname was turning everyone into a liar like himself. But of course that thought remained deep inside. And what snapped her out of that thought was sounds of more footsteps. The pureblood turned back to see both Ruka and Akatsuki coming upstairs as well. The only one to remain behind was her mentor Aidou Hanabusa.
"What is going on? Why are they coming up too?"
"Aiyora-chan," Takuma wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tagged her along with him.
"It's a long and complicated situation that been taking place." He told her, as he guided her through the dimly lit corridors.
"I have all the time. And since you already made it clear that you also have nothing better to do at the moment… so why not tell me what is going on exactly. Why is that human coming over here almost every single night?"
"Well, first of she is no human…"
Takuma then narrated her the whole situation in vivid details. And the more she heard the shocked but regardless, listened to every point and detail that she was being told very carefully without losing her composure. In that moment she looked every bit like the Kuran pureblood she is supposed to be. Someone with no emotions, no feelings.
This time their study session was supposed to take place in Aiyora's room. Hanabusa came by in the early hours of afternoon and found his pupil already seated on her study table but instead of going through her text books she was busy playing with her company – the big black wolf. The dorm president's familiar.
The aristocrat stood by the door frozen, thinking of the best way to react. Although their leader was not physically here. But in sprit, he was right here. Kuran Kaname has left for an overnight trip. Leaving the night-class under Ichijo's care and left behind this familiar of his to look after his little sister. Who by the way was treating this wolf like it was any other animal.
While approaching the table he made a brief eye-contact with the wolf. Even when the vampire looked away the animal still kept his gaze intact. Making the vampire feel nervous.
Their session for the day begun the way it always usually did. They went through two chapters from each of the test books. Did a bit of writing and then Hanabusa presented her with the test sheet that took an overall assessment test of what they have covered so far. It took Aiyora a little over twenty minutes to complete the paper. Her duration was exactly half-hour. However the kind of brain this young pureblood was blessed with, she would have finished it in about fifteen minutes. If only she would not tried to sneak several secret glances at her mentor who kept looking out of the window, lost in deep thought.
The blonde was not his normal-self. There was something in his mind that was eating him out from the inside. His oceanic orbs held a strange emotion. It portrayed subtle hint of guilt. Aiyora had the urge to ask if there was something wrong. But she didn't! What was the point? When she already knew where the problem lied. Instead she focused on finishing her paper… first!
It was taking Hanabusa longer time to check the test paper, than it took his student to write. And that gave the pureblood enough time to thoroughly study him. Resting her face on both her palms she continued to watch her tutor while he checked her test papers.
A part of her felt bad to see him in this state. Something told her he wanted to play no part in this. It was why she felt the need to reach and provide some assistance that she could afford within her capability.
"Can I ask you something Aidou-kun?" Her voice was just above whisper.
"You don't need to ask for my permission. Feel free to go ahead." he responded continuing his work.
Aiyora hesitated a moment. She wasn't sure if blurting out everything directly would be the right approach. So she opted for a more subtle one.
"Do you think whatever is happening is right?"
Hanabusa paused in action, his pen stopped right above the paper he was about to close off. He looked up and faced the pureblood, shocked. He wasn't exactly sure what added the shock. Was it her question or the sadden gaze she was throwing him. His throat dried down upon realizing that she already knew. However he stilled tried to pretend as if he had no clue as to what she was referring to.
"What do you mean?" he scoffed.
"You know very well what I mean." She said disappointed by his terrible acting skills.
"Takuma-san told me everything. She's a former human, who will soon lapse into the stage of level-e. And you all picked her up as a lab-rat to test out the upgraded version of the blood tablet."
Aidou was surprised, Takuma hid nothing from her. Even though the dorm president has specially instructed to not get his little sister involved in this project, he still went ahead a told her in details about the day class girl. Why on earth would he disobey their leader? Now what if she wanted to get involved or intervened some way? What would happen then?
"Aidou-kun…" Aiyora called him in a serious tone. "…you do realize the stage she is in. That girl doesn't much time. Her days are probably numbered. So shouldn't she be living her life to the fullest rather than serving as the night class's project tool? Do you honestly think what is taking place is fair?"
The aristocrat became speechless, momentarily. It was as if realization finally hit him. He saw the point she was trying to make. Deep down he was never okay with the idea to get someone from the school involved. However getting a former human off of the street was also out of the question. Besides the Fuuka girl was still oblivious to her condition. Maybe there are chances that her fate can be changed.
"The tablets need to be tested before its release on the market. And she is the best candidate we could manage to perform the tests upon. She has not yet fallen into the E state. So there are hopes, there are chances… this tablets might help her sustain her sanity."
So he tried to reason with the younger pureblood. But she didn't seem convinced, not even the slightest.
"And if it doesn't work?"
"…"
"What if there's an adverse effect…? Can you guarantee there won't be any?"
Hanabusa did not know how to answer either one of the questions. She was right. There was no guarantee that the tablets would work. In fact the chances of them working are actually very low. Despite being the creator, he himself did not have enough faith on his creation. As the tablets are mainly designed to help sustain vampires thirst, with a better taste this time. Normal, regular vampire to higher level ones are most likely to benefit from its results. Not the ones that has fallen into its final stage. But the Fuuka girls stands on a stage that describes neither. She isn't a regular vampire, nor has she fallen into the rouge state yet. She was standing on that critical stage.
He his eyes fell. He could not hold the pureblood's scrutinizing gaze any longer. He looked away, carrying the burden of guilt.
"You know...it's quite rare for a pureblood to show concern for a human." He tried to drag the topic elsewhere. But despite the comment he wondered inside what was with the all Kuran purebloods and their attachment towards human. Kaname-sama showed special treatment towards that useless human Cross Yuuki and Aiyora-sama was now worrying about that day class girl.
"I don't care for human race. However I do care for humanity and I absolutely hate to see people getting used. Doesn't matter what species they belong to, human or vampire."
Towards the end of her statement she got a bit emotional. Her voice came this close to breaking down and in order to prevent breaking down before an aristocrat she quickly changed the topic.
"…In any case did you give her the tablets? Did she start to take them?"
"I gave them to her three days back."
"What's the result?"
Well that was yet to be seen!
Their session for the day ended. Aiyora assisted Aidou to stack up the books and notebooks accordingly before putting them back into the shelves. And once the aristocrat was about to exit her room the pureblood stopped him.
"Um… Aidou-kun if you don't mind may I suggest something." Hanabusa stopped on his track and looked back.
"I don't know much about the project you folks are working on. However I do see that you are spending great deal of time in her presence alone. Once again, I don't know what the actually purpose is… but don't great gravely involved," in couple long strides she approached him and cupped his face. This was the first time she has actually touched him, so intimately. "…because it will hurt, it will hurt badly when she will cease to exist."
Senri, Rima and Aiyora were taking a stroll through the city. They left the academy premises soon after evening fell. Senri took the night off from class to fulfill the promise he made to his beloved Ai-chan, that he would show her the town. The promise was made about two weeks ago. But the way hectic his schedule seemed to be getting lately, there was no other option than to take time off from class.
Ichijo authorized the leave right away. However when the news reached Kaname, he objected. But then after a day presented the condition before the Shiki heir – the only way he could take Aiyora out was if another accompanied them. Senri asked Takuma but the latter had to decline due to prior commitment. As luck had written, Senri didn't have many friends. So after Takuma there was only one other whom he could ask. He knew this decision would upset Aiyora, but no other options were left.
All signs of excitement vanished from the young pureblood's face when she learned that Rima would be joining them. Aiyora's disappointment hurt Senri too. He understood that she was looking forward to some time alone. Just the two of them. …Something they haven't had in a long time. Honestly he would have preferred it no other way. However her 'Onii-sama' had a better plan – to add a third wheeler.
But the way Aiyora handled this, shocked Senri, especially after witnessing the look she gave Rima on their first meeting. Senri was proud of her. Despite her disappointment the pureblood acted very cordially and warmly welcomed Rima to join them. The way the three of them set out, by looking at their body language (especially Aiyora and Rima's) one could easily mistake them for good friends.
After hours of roaming the streets the trio finally made their first stop. They decided to check out the Night-Fairy café. It was a small café with a warm and cozy environment which was located just couple blocks away from the academy. Hanabusa is regular here. It was his repeated raving that brought the three here.
Back when she was staying at the Shiki residence Aiyora's go to café was Crow's Garden. Every other day the young pureblood found herself heading there. Aiyora isn't much of a foodie however, she certainly did enjoy the butler Sebastian's company. This place on the other hand was a complete contrast to Crow's Garden. Unlike the former this place is too bright and warm. A fitting homey environment for humans. Not for her! Inside she was already missing Crow's Garden.
"Hello welcome to Night-Fairy café. My name is Miki and I will be in charge of your table tonight." A cute waitress with short-shoulder length blonde hair and brown eyes came to their table. With just one look at her the three vampire already knew why the Aidou heir was so fond of this place. That flirt never passed on any scope to get close to cute girls.
"What can I get you to start with?"
Rima ordered a sundae, Senri ordered coffee with some biscuits and Aiyora went for lemon iced tea. The same damn drink she ordered everywhere!
After noting down their starter the waitress Miki spoke up once more, this time it was out of context.
"Um… if you don't mind me asking, but are you three from the Cross Academy night class by any chance?" Aiyora nodded her head, confirming. Whereas Senri and Rima gave out a sigh knowing what is coming.
"You two look very familiar…" the waitressed started to gush, her face slightly flushed. "I'm sure I have seen the two of you somewhere…" Then finally recognized the two and gave out a loud squeal. Thankfully there were any other customers in the café in that moment.
"Oh my goodness you're Senri and Rima! The most popular model of the current time! Can I have your autograph!? And a picture with the two of you. Please! Please! Please!"
The two models remained unfazed, they were quite used to such kind of unwanted attentions by now. But the pureblood with them was a different story. She was overwhelmed. Had mixed feeling about the whole situation. While on one hand she was proud of Senri for the success he has achieved in such a short span of time. But on the other hand, a dark part of her heart, there was this tinge hint of jealousy for having to share him with so many others. She absolutely despised this feeling.
Ri-chan was supposed to be mine. He only belongs to me and only me!
"Excuse me miss…?" the waitress now had her focus settled on Aiyora. "Would you kindly take a picture for me." she timidly requested Aiyora, passing her the phone camera.
Senri looked at Aiyora with worried eyes, and hoped everything that was happening wasn't putting too much pressure on her. But to his relief Aiyora maintained her calm. She took the phone from the waitress and clicked the pictures for her gladly. Even encouraged him to write something nice when signing the autograph.
The waitress left and returned with their order shortly and finally left them alone. With that buzzing bee's exit peace finally returned for the young vampires.
"So Rima tell me a little about yourself…" Aiyora was the first to break the silence and start a conversation. "If you don't mind me asking what brought you into this world of glamour? Don't take it the other way, but you don't seem to strike as the person who would be really interested in such profession. You are so calm, cool, composed. I thought you would be more into the field of serious job such as... scientist or airline pilot or something similar within that criteria."
"Actually I never dreamt that big. My plan was always simple, I wanted to own a small bookshop near my home. However, my dreams did not match my mother's taste. She wanted me to do something that would bring fame to our family. So she pushed me towards modelling."
Hearing Rima speak like that about her own mother saddened Aiyora. Even though her smile remained intact on the outside, but inside the pureblood found herself envying the aristocrat. At least she had a mother, about whom she could complain about. So did Senri. If only she had her mother or father by her side… just like them, her life probably have been on track. Just like them she also would have her future well-planned and figured out. Instead of living on an empty shell like she is doing today.
"So where to from here?" Aiyora asked Rima, continuing the conversation.
"Honestly… I don't know."
"How about acting?" Aiyora suggested, taking a sip of her lemon iced tea while Rima shot her a skeptical look. "Do you not want to become an actress?"
Rima contemplated for a moment. She took a spoonful of Sundae and thought about her answer while the half siblings continued to watch her.
"It's not my scene… yet. For now the plan is to make it big where I stand."
"That's understandable." Giving her a nod of understanding the pureblood now moved her focus towards the only male in their company. "What about you Ri-chan…?"
"What about me?" Senri asked biting a biscuit.
"Don't you want to move into acting?" The question put Senri into deep thought but before he could give his response Aiyora spoke up giving him more reasons as to why he should look forward to that profession. "…I think you should. You will definite do well. It's in your DNA! After all you are the Shiki Midori's son! If you don't, then who will continue her legacy?"
"I'm not exactly my mother. We are very different. And you of all should know that."
Truth be told acting involved more hard-work than modelling. Different characters came with different challenges. And Senri knew for sure he wasn't ready for such difficult tasks yet. So acting could wait.
"What about you…?" For a moment there Rima internally debated if she should address the pureblood with honorific. Although earlier Aiyora suggested they should be on first name basis and no title. But did they really stand on such close ground? Or was she just acting nice because of Senri? Whatever the case maybe, her instincts told Rima to follow the pureblood's order. If being a pureblood Kuran Aiyora didn't want to be addressed with honorific then who was she to care.
"I mean what are your plans Aiyora?" this time she spoke more confidently. "What do you wish to be? You must have some plan regarding you future too... right?"
For some reason the question made the half-siblings tensed. It brought an uncomfortable silence that dropped the temperate to certain degrees. It worried Rima once she started to feel the cold. She just hoped her words didn't offend the moody pureblood. Then again what did she even say? Since when is asking someone about their future plan offensive?
"Well...for now the only thing that I'm aware regarding my future is that I will have to marry Kaname onii-sama in order for the Kuran line to continue. Other than that everything is vague...too blurry to me to see anything clearly."
A person would have to be stupid to ask the pureblood how she felt about this arrangement. And Rima wasn't stupid. She saw no reason to keep this topic going, because the broken voice of the pureblood said it all. There was no need to ask how she felt about this arrangement.
Like all times, their time outside also came to an end. Finally as the minute hand of the clock strike mid-night the trio set out of the café and headed back to the dorm. And the positive outcome of this trip was on their way back the silent tension between Aiyora and Rima sort of eased down. They were chatting more freely. The two even joked about that overly enthusiastic waitress Miki. Aiyora went as far as to mimic the human's style of speaking and the expression she had on her face while getting pictures with Senri.
When they reached the moon dorm they were greeted to the sight of Hanabusa holding the day class student Fuuka carefully in his arms.
"What on earth are you doing?" Senri asked.
"What happened to her?" Rima asked.
"Wait… you didn't devour her, did you Aidou-kun?" Aiyora mused.
"No! Of course not!" the Aidou heir snapped. "She overheard us discuss about the project and now knows everything. Including who we are."
"And that scared her enough to make her lose consciousness?" Senri asked with a perfectly raised brow.
"I think it's shock. She learned a lot at the same time. Her mind probably couldn't handle it." Hanabusa answered.
"What happens now?" Rima asked this time. "You don't plan to keep her here all night, do you?"
"She can't be sent back in this state either… I guess we wait."
While the three aristocrat continued to converse, pureblood standing between them observed. Her eyes remained on the blonde hand. He was holding the girl in his arms so tightly. Too tightly for a concerned to individual to comfort a person in distress. The fear in her heart arose. She could feel it, by listening to the rhythm of his heart beat. He was developing weakness, perhaps feelings also… towards the former human.
This isn't good.
With books and notebooks in one hand Aiyora walked into the library of the moon-dorm that afternoon. It was time for her lesson. Due to situational circumstances the young pureblood has been spending a great amount of time with her tutor. Initially she didn't have a great opinion of the blonde. She found his 'Kaname-sama' obsession absolutely irritating. But as time passed, the two had more time to talk about other topics and discover the other in a better form. As a result a great friendship was on its way towards formation. And these days Aiyora pleasantly looked forward to her lesson with him.
However her footsteps came to a halt, when she noticed her tutor missing from his usual spot. Instead Souen Ruka, her other tutor was seated there, on his behalf. And she wasn't alone. Standing beside her and watching her protectively, was a tall guy with fiery hair and burnt orange eyes.
For a moment Aiyora just stood there watching the two. Both of them seemed lost in a world of their own. So lost that they were yet to notice the pureblood standing there.
The young pureblood wondered the reason for that.
Well for the man, it was pretty clear he was watching this woman whole heartedly. One wouldn't need brain to understand what he felt for her. A single glance at him was enough. But what about this woman, Ruka!? She's been very weird. Whether she was normally like this or purposely acting such way was the real question. Aiyora was no idiot. She got a strange vibe from the very beginning. This woman has been trying to evade her. But why!? What has she done? They didn't even know each other till her move to the academy. Moreover if this woman didn't feel so pleasantly about her (Aiyora), then why did her brother assign her? What on earth was he thinking? Is he by any chance hoping for a repetition of the event that happened at the Shiki house?
Finally the pureblood cleared her throat in order to gain the pair's attention. After all how long was she going to stand there like a fool?
"Aiyora-sama!" Ruka was the first to notice. She stood up from her seat at once and bowed slightly.
"Good afternoon Ruka-san and um..." The pureblood looked at the male vampire, trying to recall his name.
"Kain Akatsuki. Aiyora-sama." He reminded.
"Thank you Kain-san."
"Please call me Akatsuki."
"Sure Akatsuki-san."
"Please Aiyora-sama..." Ruka, who was quiet for some time, pulled out the chair for the pureblood, as a gesture for her to take the seat. Aiyora took the seat gracefully, thanking the vampire formally and politely. Ruka waited till her student was fully settled in her place, before she took the seat on the opposite side.
Aiyora watched Akatsuki push the chair in for Ruka. She wondered if he would stay throughout their session or leave before they start. Personally Aiyora preferred the former. She did not want to be completely alone with Ruka, till the latter started to act normal around her.
From her trip to the aristocrat's room the other night Aiyora understood the girl was faking her sickness. But why she was doing that wasn't clear yet, hence she chose to let her discovery slide and focus on ways to break the ice between them. What did she not do? Gave her chocolate, inquired about her condition. Tried to talk about other topics in hopes to get to know her better. But what did she receive in return? Just the mere answers to the questions that she asked. It did not take long for the pureblood to come to conclusion that this person did not want her company, nor did she have any desire to be her friend. Thus there was no point. Aiyora even stopped asking Hanabusa when Ruka would start tutoring her. She didn't care anymore.
Which was why finding her instead of Aidou came as a big surprise for the pureblood.
"Where is Aidou-kun?" Aiyora inquired looking around both ways, like he would be found hiding in a corner of the library. Her tone made it clear that she didn't want to study with Ruka.
"He and Shiki has been sent on a mission by Kaname-sama." Ruka answered.
"Mission?" Aiyora questioned skeptically. "What kind of mission?" And why was Senri-chan sent there? But that question only stayed in her mind.
"There has been reports of sighting level-e's in town." Akatsuki spoke up this time. "So president Kuran has sent them to take care of the matter."
"By 'take care of the matter' you mean to 'kill' them?"
"Precisely."
"Why is he sending you people? I thought it was the hunters job or the ones employed by the senate. I mean look outside," she pointed them towards the window. "...the sun is still up. Why would he send vampires out during such bright day, under scorching sunlight? It's not right. What if someone gets sick? What happens then? Has he forgotten that we are vampires, daylight is not meant for us!?"
Akatsuki and Ruka shared a look amongst themselves. Of course both of them shared different feelings about Kuran Aiyora's little speech. It was obvious for Ruka to feel offended and angry as Aiyora's words were putting her beloved Kaname-sama under bad light, but Akatsuki was impressed. A part of him felt touched. It was rare to see a pureblood that cared about others, who stood below in rank than them.
"That is very kind of you Aiyora-sama, to see it that way. However, as aristocrats we are in no positon to defy a pureblood. We must do as he says."
The pureblood gave out an irritated expression before facing the window once more, this time appearing very worried.
If only Akatsuki knew the main reason for Aiyora's reaction. Her fear was mainly regarding the Shiki heir. What if he got hurt in this mission? Or perhaps something worse? For her it was absolutely unimaginable!
"Midori…" Shiki Sayatohi called his niece.
The former actress was seated on the floor, in a secluded corner of her room, right by the large glass window. She appeared completely disheveled. Her clothes were messy and dirty, hair was so tangled that it was safe to say it hasn't been brushed in weeks. To simply put it in words, she looked as bad as those homeless level-Es roaming on the streets.
"Midori, look who is here to visit you." The head of the Shiki clan tried to get his nieces attention, but his call fell on deaf ears. As the person in question didn't even move a strand of her hair.
"Kuran-sama personally came to deliver the good news." Even this information barely had any effect on her. The expression on her face stated she wouldn't have cared either way.
"The council will no longer be able to carry on with the order of your execution… Aiyora-sama has pardoned you."
Finally, some information that got her to look up and face them. After sharing a brief eye contact with her uncle, those vacant blue orbs finally settled on their guest, who all this time was calmly standing beside the head of the house. Kuran Kaname!
She shot the pureblood a look of disgust. The very sight of him burned every fiber of her body with unbearable rage... disgust… and …hatred. He looked so much like that monster... so much… so much that… She sighed, trying not to think further.
But the pureblood, for whom such harsh, insulting gaze was intended to, seemed unfazed by it. Instead he returned her stare with absolute apathy. It was during that moment, that Midori was able to see what differentiated her former lover from his nephew. Kuran Rido had feelings, he showed emotions. Be it good one or the bad one. There was always some sort of expression of his handsome face. This particular one on the other hand had nothing! His face fully blank and eyes, as cold as ice.
Shiki Sayatohi moved on his spot uncomfortably. He felt overwhelmed and hoped for the earth to suddenly open up and swallow him. The interchange between his niece and the pureblood was taking a different turn. Midori was oblivious to the danger she was dragging them all into. He wanted to intervene but look on the pureblood's face told him it was best to stay quiet.
Midori was in an advantageous position. Sometimes being insane had its perks. And this was that time. Under the normal circumstances no Aristocrats would have been able to hold a pureblood's powerful gaze. Their system would have automatically made them back down. But with someone who barely had any sanity left, things worked differently. That's exactly what was happening here. Hence why she was able to continue on without faltering her gaze. Also, aside from her insanity, there was another reason for Midori to feel so bold. She was confident that the pureblood wouldn't kill her. Not until his agenda for this visit was fulfilled. Unlike her uncle, she wasn't so foolish to believe him to be too generous. She was well aware that he didn't come in person to deliver the good news. The purpose of his visit was entirely different… he came to seek answer. An answer that only she could provide.
"Shiki-donno, could I have a moment with your niece… alone."
The long uncomfortable silence finally came to end when the pureblood opened his mouth. He turned towards the other male with expecting eyes, despite knowing that his request wouldn't be denied.
"Yes ...of course." The aristocrat agreed reluctantly. Frankly he didn't feel comfortable granting this request. But coming from a pureblood, it left him with no choice. He had to comply. As any word of out a pureblood's mouth was a command for anyone who was below him in rank. That was how their society functioned.
Casting one last fearful look at his niece the head of the Shiki family turned on his heels and walked out of the room.
With the soft click sound of door closing, silence in the room returned once again.
And that silence lingered...
The only source of noise in the room, on that bright full-moon night was of the wind that was blowing in through the open window. The two vampires in the room maintained the pin drop silence, till the retreating footsteps of Shiki Sayatohi completely faded away.
"Your miss-conduct have been pardoned. The crime you committed deserved no mercy, yet you received one. The least you could do is show some appreciation." Kaname commented bitterly, as he walked past her form and stood before the window in straight posture. The wrath that emanated off his aura turned the air in the room heavy and almost unbreathable for the aristocrat.
"That tone of yours sound uncharacteristically… upset." Midori pointed out, in tone of mockery. Despite her pathetic and pitiable situation, she felt bold.
Her curious eyes continued to watch the pureblood, who was standing by the window looking outside. His form as still as statue. His face however reflected an emotion that was akin to… anticipation. Usually Kuran Kaname does not carry around a readable face. On most occasions his face is expressionless. However today, to her, he appeared more off an open book. For example she could see emotions such as disappointment and expectation in his eyes and feel the rage spreading alongside his dark aura.
Surprisingly he wasn't putting any afford into concealing them. Was he willingly revealing them to her? Perhaps. But why…? What for…?
Well it all started to make sense, like the missing pieces of the puzzles coming together once the pureblood open his mouth.
"A child of pureblood made you sit on the prestigious pedestal… Consider yourself fortunate, lady Shiki." He was referring to Aiyora's choice to look at the aristocrat as mother.
"If my senses have picked up the pieces properly, you seem to be bothered by the turn out of the event, greatly." This time Midori stood up and walked towards where Kaname was standing. But stopped at a distance of couple hands behind him. She wished he would turn, so that she could the see the expression of his face now. It must be priceless.
Heavy silence returned to the room once more when the pureblood made no response on her earlier comment. It hinted the former actress that the other was giving her the floor to go on.
Midori tried to listen to the silence. And in this silence she could loudly hear his unspoken words. Which in turn made her smirk wickedly. She understood his inability. He couldn't bring himself to ask yet he expected her to answer. His greed surely knew no boundary. He maybe the pureblood, someone way higher and above her reach. But at this very given moment, she, Shiki Midori had the upper hand... because she already knew what he was craving to find out.
"You know...she's at the waist level now." Midori said, breaking the silence. She wanted to show him that she too could go on dragging their conversation in random direction which held no importance currently.
"Might I add she is ascending pretty fast! …That day is not very far away, the day she will stand on your shoulder tall and proud. And you won't be able to do anything."
Kaname looked over his shoulder, then fully turned.
Midori has never seen the pureblood look this frustrated. There was hesitance in those wine orbs. Of course he had the ability to bend her according to his will and pull out everything out of her system smoothly. But why he wasn't taking that route remained a mystery for her. Was he afraid of the result it would bring in…?
"Perhaps it was a mistake on my part. Aiyora is too young, decisions as big as these shouldn't have been put on her shoulders. As her current guardian I should have made this decision myself."
"Ooh… the regret!" the mad woman sneered confidently, studying his eyes. "Are you perhaps regretting…?"
He now knew there was no point in coming here. It was purely a waste of his precious time. Before this woman could make things any worse and bring out something unpleasant out of him, Kaname decided it was best to leave.
"Good night lady Shiki." He bid her a polite farewell before making his way towards the door. The long black coat flying behind him.
He walked in slow strides. It was when he finally reached the door and his hand already closed around the doorknob, she spoke up... giving him the answer to the unasked question, for which he actually took the trouble to travel all the way.
"Are you really going to leave… the curiosity has died down that easily…? Don't you no longer desire to know what her pure blood tasted like?"
Kaname froze on the spot!
Her arrow hit the target on the exact spot. His eyes went wide momentarily before slowing closing down. He drew a deep breath. Somehow deep down he felt glad, he was glad that at least she was able to read him in the right time.
Tell me, tell me, tell me… What did she taste like? His heart fought to scream.
All this time the question was sitting on the edge of his throat. Brutally scratching and itching his throat to come out. However the amount of courage that was required to let that voice out was not enough. Which was why he fought back, desperately, against that urge and swallowed that vicious voice back down all the way to the pit of his stomach.
The aristocrat waited a little longer for the pureblood's permission. But no words came from him. The silence spoke in his behalf. After all he was patiently standing by the door for a reason.
"The feeling I felt, while drinking that blood was ...orgasmic!" she specified the word carefully.
And almost instantly a strange shiver ran down Kaname's spine, hearing that. The essence of which made him close his eyes.
"It was unlike anything I have ever had. I'm assure you, it will be the same for you as well." Midori continued to muse. "So many different taste combined into one. Her blood...it had the taste of home, taste of forgiveness, taste of sorrow and taste of happiness. However there was one other distinct taste that topped all the previous ones…"
Kaname reopened his eyes, his usual burgundy hue was long gone. Those wine orbs were now pool of blood that continued to glow with profound bloodlust which only a vampire of his high caliber was only capable of feeling.
"…it was the taste of love… deep, pure and unconditional love!"
His heart stilled for a moment before giving out an unusual beat.
Ba-thump…!
The sound it made was loud enough for both sets of ears.
Thump…! Thump…! Thump…!
This was the second time this was happening. The organ started to race against his chest. Like it wanted to break free from that ribcage.
a.n. Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I know it was a bit too long. Hopefully from the next chapter the length will be a bit decent. One more chapter to go with Fuuka and Ice Blue Sin. Then we will be moving onto another phase of Aiyora's adventure.
Also, I have been meaning to ask, a lot of you are reviewing and messaging me asking for threesome or polyamorous relationship between Kaname and Aiyora and Senri. Which surprised me a little. You guys really wanted to see jumbled up relationship? And not Aiyora ending up with the one that will love her the most?
