Two years later:
Aiyora was on the rooftop of the moon-dormitory, watching the switchover.
Recently it has become a part of her daily routine. Every time the night class would set off, she would rush to the roof in order to watch the changeover from up there. Sometimes she even took snacks along.
Honestly it was better than any television show she has ever seen. These folks were literally getting the red-carpet experience on their way to class. How insane was that! Aiyora couldn't wait for her turn.
These girls in the day-class are quite the character. They're unlike anything the young pureblood has seen.
But then again, Kuran Aiyora barely saw the world. Most of her life, from the point she can recall was spent within the boundaries of the Shiki residence. Before that she was in the Kuran mansion. But her head has no recollection of those days… at all.
These girls and their fascination towards the night-class knew no bound. Given the opportunity nothing can stop them from pouncing on the passing by night-class. But it was also not fair to blame them. After all vampires of upper-class came with extremely handsome façade. Which alone was enough to make an average human weak. This good looks are what these predators commonly use to trap their prey.
At times it makes her wonder how would these girls feel if the cover was blown? Would their infatuation die down? Would they be afraid?
… well Kisaragi Fuuka learned the truth. But that cost her a hefty price… her own life!
Aiyora felt her heartrate go down. This was no foreign reaction. It happened every time she thought about the late former human, the very subject of night-class's experiment. Each time her face flashed, the pureblood's heart ached. Two years have passed already, still that remained unchanged. Sometimes she wonders if it would ever change…?
A hand reached over her chest and clutched the fabric there tightly, in hopes that it would eased the pain… but it didn't.
That's fine… she'll train herself to live with the guilt…
A figure joined her, the newcomer stood behind her quietly.
The pureblood's heightened sense alarmed but her body stayed relaxed.
She was already familiar with this presence, it was one other than Kain Akatsuki.
Today was his turn to stay back and guard her.
"Good afternoon Kain-sempai." Aiyora decided to acknowledge. But that roughly translated to –please leave me be.
"A very good afternoon to you as well, Aiyora-sama." His translated to -lemme do my job, brat!
An exasperated sigh passed her lips. There was no point in blaming the aristocrat. He was just following orders. If anything the anger should be directed towards the actual source…her brother.
Kaname surely knows how to make her life miserable without even lifting a finger. His talent is immeasurable in that sector.
To Aiyora it made no sense, she could not get it through her head –that how was a vampire of his caliber capable of being so insecure?
Sure, she grew up over the past couple years. The childlike appearance have now been replaced by the ones of mid-teens. But that does not mean he has to act all paranoid.
Some of his recent action tends to put a huge question-mark on his current level of sanity. The most notable one among them was – 'Aiyora cannot be left alone'.
…Yes one fine morning Kaname decided that she should not be left alone in the moon dorm while the night class was in session.
When this news reached Aiyora's ear –she laughed, rolling on the floor. She found it beyond hilarious. How ironic was her fate? This person abandoned her in Shiki residence when she was a defenseless child, to fend for herself. And now, when she's decently grown, has enough knowledge and control over her powers, he feels uncomfortable to leave her alone for few hours! It was indeed one of the best joke she's ever heard.
And this babysitting will go on till she joins the night-class – which is anytime within the next couple weeks to at most a month. Her papers are under process. Soon as that's done it will sent over to headmaster to put her in the system. Till then she must tolerate this…
Another fun fact –not everyone qualified for this babysitter job.
Only a select few from Kaname's inner circle were chosen –Seiran, Takuma and Akatsuki.
Out of five days of the week, two days Kaname himself stayed back, and the rest three days were covered by them. Aiyora understood his reason for picking Takuma and Seiran. The former is his only friend and the latter is his most trusted one. But why Akatsuki was chosen over Senri or Aidou? He and Aiyora were not even close. They barely talked. The only thing the younger Kuran knew about this guy, was that, he was in love with her tutor, Souen Ruka –which probably is the most obvious fact in the entire moon-dorm.
"Are all the day-class girls over there?" Aiyora spoke first, initiating a conversation. Hoping it would cut the awkwardness. There's no point standing in silence.
"Personally I would like to think there are some sensible ones. But they are so few in number that it barely counts." Akatsuki responded shoving his hands down the pockets.
Aiyora looked at him to say something but in that moment the main gate of opened, causing the girls to scream even louder.
"SHIKI-SEMPAI, ICHIJO-SEMPAI…OVER HERE LOOK HERE."
"KURAN-SEMPAI I LOVE YOU!"
"IDOL-IDOL OVER HERE, WHERE'S WILD?..."
"Wow! They're quite..." Aiyora tried to look for the right word.
"Desperate." Akatsuki finished her sentence.
"Actually… I was looking for a less meaner term."
Both chucked a little at that comment but soon another silence dropped by and it lingered for sometime. Giving the aristocrat enough time to closely observe the pureblood.
He wanted to find out what actually brought her here almost every afternoon. For sure it wasn't just to see the day-class girls. That excuse was real bull-shit.
"You know, they're fun to watch once… twice… thrice… but after that it's annoying."
Aiyora gave him a side eyed glace, wondering where that statement came from.
"…but here you are watching the switchover, almost everyday, religiously. It would be insult to my intelligence to believe it is for them. " he pointed a finger towards the fangirls.
Aiyora chose not to respond. There was no need to. It would be an insult to her intelligence to try and defend herself. She simply continued to watch. Her eyes now set on her fiancé who stopped to talk with one of the day-class female – the one with a badge on the arm to be specific.
He does that, every single time, on his way to class. However the duration of time varies, sometimes shorter, sometimes tad bit longer.
"Who is that girl?" Aiyora asked, suddenly cutting the chase.
Akatsuki was surprised by how calm her tone came out. He expected bitterness and jealousy, given that her fiancé has soft spot for that particular girl.
If only he knew the real reason why she was asking.
"That's the headmaster's adopted daughter, Cross Yuuki. She's also the female prefect."
"…Prefect?" she wondered what that meant.
"Their task is to make sure that the night-classes secret stay hidden…" Akatsuki clarified and proceeded to explain further details of the tasks that were assigned to the so called prefects.
"Poor souls! I pity them. All night they have to patrol the grounds and then in the morning they have to go to school. They probably have no time to themselves?... oh by the way that boy with her, the silver haired prefect… is he also related to the headmaster?"
"He's the adopted son."
Aiyora nodded her head, understanding.
"And his name?" she tried not to sound interested, but doubted that it worked.
"Zero. Kiryu Zero."
One of Aiyora's eyebrow rose up automatically.
Wait isn't that the name of the famous hunter family? The one that was massacred few years ago by a pureblood, named Hio Shizuka. Shiki Sayatohi mentioned the matter several times. At that time it was the hot topic at the dinner table especially when people from the council dropped by.
She heaved out a sigh of relief. Finally, a puzzle that somewhat made sense.
Aiyora has not forgotten, these are the two weirdos she met at the shabby shop couple years back. The girl that asked for her opinion is Yuuki and her former human friend, that glared her down, is Zero. Who's true identity is a vampire hunter. Like it could get any more interesting.
A hunter who not only had his family slaughtered but also got turned into a vampire. That's wicked! No wonder he looked at her with such disgust. Being in his shoes she probably would have done the same.
"What else do you know about them?" Aiyora asked, her curiosity sitting at its peak.
"…"
But the response she got was a blank stare.
This time she fully turned and faced the aristocrat. She was hoping he would tell more but the latter kept on scrutinizing her. The pureblood understood he was debating whether or not to open his mouth.
"Are you sure there isn't anything else…? Perhaps something that can entertain me."
Hesitation clearly shone on his face. He was really torn.
But that was no problem for the pureblood. In fact it was better; this way she can brush up on her power, see how well it's been progressing. After all these practical experiments were way more useful than the usual training she had.
"Tell me." This was no request but a straight up command, that came from the superior vampire.
"Fine then, you asked for it. Don't hold me responsible for being too blunt…"
Aiyora wasn't quite sure if it was her power or the guy just started talking on his own. Well it didn't actually matter as long as the task was getting done.
"I'm sure you have noticed how every time president Kuran stops, to have a small exchange of pleasantries with that human girl."
Aiyora noted how spitefully he utter the word 'human'. That tone was enough to portray his intense dislike for Yuuki. Heck he made the word 'human' sound like a slang!
The switchover came to an end.
The girls were now heading back to their dorm.
Aiyora also turned on her heels, there was no point staying here when the show was over. Their conversation could continue downstairs. But just as she was about to walk past him, the aristocrat grabbed hold of her wrist and stopped her.
"It's best we speak here." He explained his action.
"It better be worth grasping onto my hand so tightly." She teased snatching her hand free.
They walked from one end to the other of the rooftop while Akatsuki narrated her the story of what took place the night when a young Cross Yuuki showed up in search of the dorm president, in his version.
She was exhausted. It felt like the bones in her body have turned to jelly. All she need is enough space to hold her form and she'll fall asleep, right there. Yet here she was, still wide awake despite laying on the softest bed in the entire moon-dorm, with no ounce of sleep in eyes.
It's been several days but Akatsuki's words still rang fresh in her mind; like he was still narrating the tale. With all that circulating inside of her head Aiyora doubted she'd get any sleep this morning or the next one… just the way she didn't get any yesterday or the day before…
It's a losing battle she was fighting. Sleep never comes by force. No matter what she does, how tired she feels, it won't work unless her mind is at ease. The information she recently acquired has not yet registered and until it's completely processed in her system, she won't be able to rest.
For now the best option was to give up.
So she did.
Sat up, tossed the sheet aside and left the bed.
Fixing the pink silken robe Aiyora walked towards the window to bask in the early morning sunlight.
It was a beautiful day, bright and sunny.
But the expression of her face did not match the refection of the day. Sadness coursing through her body started to make it's appearance on her beautiful face. A small drop of tear rolled down her face before hitting the floor. Soon as the second drop poured out, she wiped it off using the back of her hand.
Just because she acted calm and composed in front of Akatsuki doesn't mean what he said didn't affect her. It opened up old wound for heavens sake! Wounds that have almost healed reopened once more. However this reopening of the wounds came as a blessing in disguise; because it brought along answers that she has been searching for all these years… perhaps the only positive outcome.
Now she knew why he abandoned her.
For Cross Yuuki.
All those promises he broke, the birthdays he missed, the disappearance, the ignorance… every single thing he did to her, he did it all for this Yuuki.
He made Yuuki's childhood a blissful one whereas she was cast aside like an orphan. The former was given all the joy but at the cost of her tears.
Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes again. This time she did not even bother. Wiping them was pointless. It's better to cry… as it'll ease the pain.
Everything made sense now. Absolutely clear as the water in the river.
He forgot her once, for Yuuki.
He will forget her again, for Yuuki.
Only this time… it won't hurt as much. As a matter of fact it wouldn't hurt at all… Because he no longer matters.
Aiyora always knew she meant nothing to Kaname. He made that point clear from the get go. But what still remained a mystery is why he suddenly returned? And now, almost desperate to win her back…?
It confused her quite as much. Because if the story belongs to him and Yuuki, then what role does she play here? Does this involve some sort of sacrifice…? …And is she the lamb?
Aiyora wanted to scream! The desire to scream at the top of her lungs while breaking everything within her reach to pieces, appeared tempting. Sure it would make her feel much lighter but the outcome will be basically be burying her reputation under the grave. Everyone will think she's insane.
Her short tempered nature needed to surpassed for now. As she has to think calmly, till a solution is found.
Aiyora closed her eyes and a faceless figure of a small girl, flashed before her. Making her reopen the eyes immediately.
Why does Yuuki seem so familiar? Her warm presence, her essence…
It gave the younger Kuran a strong gut feeling. Who knew the feeling of knowing someone could be so strong. But for now such thought needed to be put aside. There are more crucial points to focus here.
She sighed, this time out of frustration.
Closing the drapes Aiyora walked to her study table, sat down gracefully. Took out a pen and notebook and started to write down the key incidents from that night in bullet points:
- Yuuki waited by the stairs and fell asleep in the process.
- A vampire went towards her with every intention to bite. But Kaname showed up on time and reminded him of the rules, that every vampire must follow in order reside here.
- Once that guy was gone, Kaname carried her sleeping form to his room.
- Ruka followed him (somehow).
- And at one point he almost gave into his lust for blood and dived down to bite Yuuki.
- But with all her strength Ruka stopped him (?) and pulled him out of the room to the storage room beside and offered herself. (her choice)
- Blinded by the lust for Yuuki's blood, Kaname was in no position to think. Hence he ferociously sank his fangs into Ruka and drank from her mercilessly till she lost consciousness.
Now that explains Akatsuki's bitterness. The young pureblood thought closing the pen. She ripped the paper off of the notebook and read the content in them one last time before burning it for good using her powers.
What is going on here!?
Her brother generally isn't like that. He's immensely powerful. A simple bloodlust cannot make him act such a way. But that night he acted out of character. And it happened because of Yuuki. The latter unknowingly drove him to the point where he had to bite someone like that. Which only indicates how important she is to him. But she's a human! How can a human who holds such high position within a pureblood vampire's heart? That's actually quite unheard off. Besides the Kaname she knows isn't someone who goes on showing his affection towards human – well, he shows affection towards no one. No one but Yuuki.
Perhaps he loves her…
No! Kuran Kaname is not someone who just loves. There's a deeper agenda behind this. There HAS to be!
She ran both her hands through her hair and ripped few strands in the process.
It would be hard, so hard to swallow everything down and act oblivious. It'd take a lot of her will power to act all natural, like nothing happened. But this was only way. Despite the temptation to confront her onii-sama, Aiyora knew it would be the stupidest thing to do. He will simply wipe her head clean send her back to square one.
Closing her eyes the pureblood sucked in a sharp breath. Eventually re-opened once the breath slowly exhaled out in the form of a sigh.
As they reopened, her eyes were no longer the usual blue, now they were red…glowing red.
For a moment she sat there, thinking about the possible cause of why her throat suddenly drying down. Could this be anxiety that made her so thirsty…?
She took the mobile phone that was laying on top of a book and sent a message to Senri – asking him to meet her in the underground basement.
Kuran Kaname was reading a book, lounging on the divan.
He was about to turn the page over but stopped abruptly when the smell of blood reached him.
Realizing what was taking place, he sat up straight. With his perfectly chiseled jaws, now clenched. It wasn't long before all the muscles of his body tensed.
Shiki Senri, the bastard son of Kuran Rido!
The book in his hand closed and got tossed to a random direction.
.
.
.
Rima's eyes were just about to close down when a familiar scent invaded her nose. At first it's aroma soothed her, gave her a sense of familiarity and comfort.
But then came realization...
Her eyes opened wide.
"Shiki…" the name left her mouth in a breathless whisper.
She hoped the boy knew what he was doing.
.
.
.
Seiran watched the half-siblings come out the basement, holding hands. The evidence of their action remained as a dried stain on the corner of Aiyora's mouth, which the Shiki heir licked off soon as he noticed.
.
.
.
She informed her master and he listened, quietly.
He appeared calm but Seiran knew that was not the case. His wine orbs already changed it's hue. They're crimson now, glowing with rage.
Kaname closed down his eyes in order to hide the evidence of his rising temper and changed his position. From sitting down he opted to lay down and cover his eyes putting an arm over his face.
Seiran just remained there, waiting for the next instruction.
"Anyone knows?" he finally asked. This was the first time he opened his mouth since the news was broken down to him. But Seiran could bet on her life that he already knew.
"I don't think so."
"Good. Now go clean up the evidences."
The sound of glass shattering reached Seiran's ear as she was closing the door behind her form.
A part of her wondered what it could be… the widow or the glass full of water that was on the table or the chandelier?
.
.
.
That evening:
Takuma continued to knock, now anxiously. He has been knocking for a while now and even called him out, but no response came from inside.
What could have happened?
He wasn't sure whether it would be wise to go in, but he was really worried.
Kaname seemed absolutely fine when they last spoke, yesterday. They briefly discussed about the council, Aiyora's possible date of starting and even played a friendly chess match.
So what could have possibly happened within a span of few hours?
What if he was actually sick…!? Did he pass out…!?
Those ridicules also entered his mind. As he thought about all possible aspects. The blonde knew he was overthinking but he couldn't help it. The brunette was his friend after all. He couldn't just leave him be. For now he should go inside and check. The circumstance of barging in can be dealt with later on.
Making up his mind Ichijo closed his hand on the door handle, all set to push it open but just before he could do so…
"What's going on?" It was Aiyora. Coming out of her room.
"I've been calling Kaname for quite sometime but he isn't responding. It's almost time for class. Everyone is ready and waiting outside."
Aiyora also shared his look of concern.
"Let's check." She tentatively suggested.
"Are you sure?"
"Takuma-nii, what the most that'll happen? We'll catch him in the act of doing something extremely embarrassing. And he will punish us in turn. It's not like he'll have us executed."
"Alright then."
Aiyora was the one to open the door and the first one step in. Takuma followed after, only to be struck by thunder.
His mouth gaped in shock whilst Aiyora gasped inaudibly.
The glass of the window cracked all throughout. A portion towards the right hand-side completely shattered. Moving from window their eyes started to scan through the room. Every glass item in that room were now in pieces.
Even the crystal chandelier wasn't spared. It was no longer hanging from the ceiling with pride but was tossed in one random corner – bent, twisted and in many pieces.
Neither dared to set their eyes on the owner of the room who was still laying on the divan, right in the middle of all that mess. With an arm covering his face. Whether he was asleep or awake neither of the intruder knew. But they sincerely hoped that it was the former.
This was unlike anything they have seen before.
Aiyora turned to Takuma only to find him already staring at her. The look in his eyes was of questioning. Like he was wordless asking her what happened?
Aiyora mimicked his expression, returning him the same questioning stare. After all how was she suppose to know…
They came out of the suite with blank face but inside both were equally horrified. Neither dared to show the true extent of their current emotion.
"I don't think he's going to class tonight. You carry on with the rest." Aiyora suggested, hesitation laced in her voice. At this point she was unsure about everything thing.
Takuma silently agreed. His head still processing what they just witnessed.
"Do you want me to stay back?" he offered, noticing how shaken up she was.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be alright." She assured putting up the brave upfront. When inside she highly doubted that statement herself.
.
.
.
He could barely concentrate. Not that there was any need to, but still…
Takuma may have been physically present there but his mind stayed back at the dorm. Thinking what could have gone wrong? What happened to make Kaname act in such a way?
Admittedly, Kaname is an intimidating character. His aura functions to naturally scare off people. But he wasn't violent. Actually he's quite calm and composed and is more patient than most purebloods the Ichijo heir had known. So naturally it came as a surprise to the green eyed blonde. As this was the first time he witnessed such terror.
Not a single glass piece in that room was spared.
Kaname lost his temper; there's no doubt in that. But what could have taken place to cause such catastrophe? What made him so angry? That now they have to spend fortune in order to repair that room.
Automatically his head turned towards the maroon haired model, who was seated beside his partner in the far left corner. Senri looked paler and more drained than usual.
Could it be…?
The pieces fit together.
Still, that does not really justify. Aiyora drinking from Senri should not be bothering Kaname, not to that extent.
…unless – NO!
No. No. No.
It's impossible. Absolutely impossible.
Kaname cannot be developing feelings for Aiyora! Period.
But then again it was him who made that prophecy.
So what happens if it actually comes true…? What happens then…?
A.N. Thank you all for reading. Hope you guys enjoyed. This is actually the shortest, but this way there can be frequent updates.
