Chapter 37


"Kaname, why are you looking at me like that? Are you upset with your mother for giving this child so much love...?"

The said boy took a step closer and leaned in to have a clear view of the child, so peacefully sleeping in the comfort of the woman's arms.

"I am not upset. But I am certainly surprised to see how dedicated you are to that man's child. Sometime it seems like you deliberately choose to give this child more love over Yuuki. ...And Haruka and I don't seem to understand why that is the case."

"Your intuition is not wrong Kaname. I do give this child special treatment. But there is an agenda behind my actions. You see... Haruka is a simple minded person, kind hearted and very forgiving. Eventually in time he will slowly come to forgive that man. Perhaps he may already have. In the end he is our older brother, he is family. However my thinking process is different... I will admit, yes— there was a reason which prompted me to take this child in. It is the same reason which pushes me to give her so much love."

Kaname gulped nervously. The expression on his face clearly stated that he already knew what she was going to say.

"You may think I am a cruel hearted for thinking like that. But tell me, what do I do Kaname...? I may have accepted you as my son but I will never be able to forgive that man for ending the life of my real son. I can never forgive him."

"Do you want me to take Aiyora to her room?" Kaname offered. Deep down he doubted the safety of this child in the arms of a grieving mother.

Sensing his uneasiness Juuri spoke running her fingers through Aiyora's hair.

"Don't be afraid Kaname. I am not a monster. Unlike him I am not capable of hurting children. It's just that my hatred for him sometimes brings out the worst of my emotions... that's all."

"So what is your plan with this child?"

"Kaname, you must love both your sisters but always remember to keep Yuuki as your number one priority."

The boy blinked his eyes, processing the instruction he received.

"As for my plan, I want this child to be indebted to me and to our family. ...So indebted that in due time she will not think twice to stand up against her father. If needed happily sacrifice herself so that Yuuki and you could live happily and peacefully for the rest of your life. ...You see, Aiyora has to protect Yuuki. This is the least she could do to make up for what her father did. Don't get me wrong Kaname, it's not like I don't care for Aiyora's well being. However she can never come before Yuuki or you. If so, then I would be doing great injustice to my dead son."

"Are you suggesting when the time comes this child must be sacrificed?" Kaname asked to confirm where his mother stood in this decision.

"No... but if it is absolutely needed for Yuuki and your safety then yes. However if it is ever done, please do so in the most humane way possible."

Aiyora shot up from her sleep with a raging headache. The pain was so bad that she was having to clutch onto her head in order to bring the agonizing feeling under control. Once the pain subsided the pureblood noticed the tears streaming down her face. She finally understood she has been crying all along.

Burying her face in between the palms she wept at first, then sobbed.

Aiyora understood right away it was no dream but a part of her memory which unlocked. Although she desperately wished it was the former, so she could simply put it behind before leaving the bed.

Recently a lot of her memories have started to unlock. While some made sense, there were others which required thinking. This one was a mix of both. It gave out some crucial information which left Aiyora confused and angry. However it made one thing clear, very clear— Kuran Aiyora was unwanted and unloved by the woman she believed to be her mother all these time. The very reason that woman put up the kind facades was so that in due time she could use her (Aiyora) to give her (Juuri) own children happily ever after.

She thew herself back on to the bed and continued to cry. That morning Aiyora cried her heart out. She cried so much that it turned her ghostly pale face red. And it went on that way till her tears dried out and she could cry no more.

Shortly after her composure returned the pureblood left the bed and walked to the bathroom.

For the most part, she blankly watched her reflection on the large mirror. Then took off the slip dress she had on revealing her form clad in a pink underwear set. Curious blue orbs wondered off to the fading mark sitting on her abdomen, right below the bellybutton. Aiyora lightly fingered the area and shuddered remembering the way Kaname had bitten her. She will never forget the sound of his moans and groans from that night, nor how his fingers clawed into her skin or the way his body trembled against her.

It is true that Kaname will never forget the night of Ichijou's birthday celebration; and neither will Aiyora. It will be a memory etched into their mind forever. They may not have consummated their relationship, but similar kind of pleasure was felt by both. Which was one of the reason why Aiyora did not stop him when Kaname expressed his desire touch her. She let him do as pleased. All the while keeping the excuse in mind that she needed evidence on her body to proceed with the claim.

Her head hung low in shame. Unbidden, a drop off tear rolled down her eyes.

This was not what she wanted, ever. She never intended on harming anyone nor have anyone branded as rapist. She wanted to be happy for her siblings and grieve her supposed dead parents. All that Kuran Aiyora ever wanted was to be a good child and be loved.

Sadly, in their world there is no value for goodness. The good ones are never loved, nor are they valued.

So what's the point?

With that thought in mind, the pureblood stripped off her underwear and stepped into the warm shower.


With the ball nearing the fangirls have become completely out of control and unrestrained.

Today during switchover Aiyora found them to be absolutely unmanageable, especially the ones on Yuuki's side.

Speaking of the female prefect, she was a little surprised, saddened and concerned. Kaname, who has been regularly greeting her since his comeback from the two weeks long absence, today he didn't even spare a glance. She could only watch the pureblood's retreating figure longingly and hope everything was alright with him. Even though she was little hurt about missing out on the opportunity to interact. But didn't get to ponder on that for long as the girls have already started to push in order to make their way towards the school building. While Yuuki's efforts to hold them back remained futile.

The night class was already inside the school building but the door was yet to be closed. Hanabusa, who was standing at the doorway noticed Yuuki being savagely pushed by the mob.

Solely for the purpose of entertainment he stepped out for a moment, and offered her help.

"You need help pushing them back?"

"Huh?!" Yuuki looked back confused.

"Just kidding!" With that said, he immediately pulled her back with him and slammed the door closed. Then declared from the inside in a loud voice.

"Sorry everyone!"

"Not fair!"

"It's always the disciplinary committee!"

Outside, the fangirls continued to rant. While inside, Hanabusa had his ear pasted against the door as he listened to the raging day class girls.

"They're really jealous of you. It's so cute."

"Ummm... would you let go of me please," Yuuki tried to pull her wrist free from the vampire's grasp. "I need to get back."

Instead of releasing her hand, the vampire opted to taunt. "That's how you show your gratitude? With attitude? After I came to your rescue—"

"You're bothering the disciplinary committee, Aidou." Came Kaname's warning.

At that the blonde immediately dropped the brunette's hand and jointly the two turned back to face the pureblood that just spoke.

"Yuuki don't take these duties of yours so seriously. Because of it one day you'll seriously end up getting hurt."

Yuuki looked at Kaname like she was in some kind of daze. While Hanabusa continued on watching her irritated.

"Um... okay sure, I'll be more careful next ti—" snapping out of her trance she answered but did not get to finish her sentence as the door opened and an angry Zero dragged her out.

"Don't let yourself get dragged off like that. Let's go!"

"Hey Zero!"

The door slowly closed behind the prefects. Kaname already turned around and instructed everyone to keep moving. But Aiyora remained there and watched Yuuki, as the latter tried to catch one last glimpse of Kaname.

"Come let's go." Senri appeared at her side, took her by the wrist and proceeded to their classroom for the night.

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On the way down the hallway, Ruka asked. "It was awfully noisy today, wasn't it?"

"That's because the ball is coming up soon."Akatsuki, who was walking beside her answered.

Takuma who was walking ahead of the pair, beside Kaname spoke in a happy tone. "I myself can't wait for the ball."

"Sounds exhausting." Commented Senri, in his usual bored tone. The person walking by his side cast him a glance.

"So you're not going?" Aiyora asked him skeptically. The half siblings were walking closely behind Ruka and Akatsuki. Following their trail was Rima.

"Of course I am, only if you're going."

"Does that mean you are asking me to go to the ball with you?" Aiyora boasted. Oh how much she wished she could turn back and see the expression on Rima's face.

"Yes."

"Then ask me properly."

The expression on Rima's face fell.

"Would you go to the ball with me?" Senri obeyed but his signature monotone voice remained intact.

"Your voice lacks emotion. Ask me again. This time with more feelings."

"Are we really doing this?" Senri tiredly sighed.

"Yes! Now come on, ask again. Also if there is no satisfactory improvement this time, next round you will have to go down on a knee and ask." Aiyora demanded.

"It's a stupid ball not a marriage proposal Ai-chan."

"I don't care!"

Everyone could hear the half siblings bicker. While Hanabusa, Ruka and Akatsuki tuned them out, Takuma glanced at his friend worriedly. Kaname had a shadow cast over his face. It was no rocket-science he was hurt. Aiyora and Senri's open closeness was a direct stab in the heart for the brunette. If he wished he could have easily put restrictions to pull the two apart. But he did no such thing and instead put a stone over his chest and walked around trying his best to act as normal as possible.

"Aren't you going to ask Yuuki-chan to accompany you to the ball?"

The pureblood didn't answer. Again, Takuma took that as a positive sign. As silence means 'yes' in most cases.

Behind them Ruka frowned, clearly displeased by Ichijou's notion of pushing their leader towards that human girl.

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In class:

"A late arrival of a new transfer student. It's quite mysterious. Something is definitely wrong here." Takuma commented, leaning against the window. As he watched the scenery outside with a suspicious look.

"Is this about the book you were reading yesterday?" Senri commented taking out the last three poky sticks out of the box Hanabusa was holding. Which the latter was yet to notice.

"No what he is saying is true. We have a new student coming in." Rima clarified. She was slowly nibbling the poky in her mouth.

"Hmmm..." As Senri took large bite of all three of the biscuits together, and the loud cracking of the biscuits made Hanabusa notice the empty box he was left with. Instantly he snapped at the maroon haired model.

"HEY THOSE ARE MY POKY! I wanted to share them with Kaname-sama and Aiyora-sama."

"Oh come Aidou-kun when have you ever seen either of us eat that garbage?" Aiyora consoled the enraged blonde, rubbing her palm over his arm.

"Huh... the day isn't going well at all."

As Hanabusa sulked the sound of someone giggling was heard in the background. Everyone in the room suddenly changed from relaxed to attention mode. It was as if a very strong presence suddenly invaded their personal space. Everyone turned and found the supposed new student sitting over the teacher's desk.

"This class looks like fun. Say, shouldn't this class have started already?"

Aiyora figured this was the person Takuma was referring to. And she fully agreed with him. Something about her aura was different and out of place.

"Just who the hell are you?" Aidou demanded eyeing the girl suspiciously. But the way those words left his mouth was very rude.

"The hell?!"

Of course the reaction came right away. The new girl's face transformed to a menacing one before she took a huge leap, almost flew across the table and landed in front of Aidou.

"Excuse me boy... you think you can talk that way to me."

Hanabusa's eyes went wide with fear. His form shaking in fear. Aiyora, who was standing closest to Aidou came to his aid.

"He may not. But rest assured, I can." With her eyes she challenged the new student to let go of Aidou. The message was clear— let him go now or else I will deal with you personally.

"Look at you, pretending to be all grown up."

Leaving Hanabusa the she was about to cup Aiyora's face and that was when Kaname closed the book in hand and intervened.

"I believe it's the new student's duty to introduce oneself to the class... right Kurenai Maria?"

"Huh?" Her focus completely shifted to Kaname. Second later she flew to where the president was, landed before him gracefully and took him by the hands.

"If I've upset you please forgive me... I'm really sorry Kuran Kaname-sama." She then brought his hand up to her face and rubbed her cheek against it childishly. "I'm so happy to be finally able to meet a pureblood."

All aristocrats watch two in shock while Ruka and Hanabusa loudly gasped.

"Pleasure to meet you." Kaname stated, his face and voice devoid of any emotion.

"Oh I'm sorry, I think I've made everyone a little uncomfortable." She giggled. "Perhaps it's best I come back another time." Saying that Maria floated her way back the way she came and exited.

The moment she was out of sight Ruka exclaimed. "What's with her?! Who does she think she is?"

"Just relax will you! Frowning like that will only give you wrinkles." As usual Akatsuki tried to calm her down.

"You know what just mind your own business!"This time Ruka was so upset that she ended up snapping at Akatsuki and made the latter look away.

Aiyora observed Aidou. The latter appeared strange since the close encounter with the new girl. Everyone watched him quietly as he made his way to the exit.

"Hey Hanabusa!" Only Akatsuki tried calling him but got no response.

Well in the end one thing became clear as water. Kurenai Maria is not who she appears to be. There's a lot more to her than it appears in the eyes.

Next evening in class:

"Oh no this is worse than st. Xocolotto Day." Takuma commented after observing the crowd outside through the window.

No response was made about the statement he just made. Because the person standing closest to him was Aiyora. If it was before she would have joined in and together they would have laughed at the day class and their obsession with the night class. But now things are different, him and Aiyora aren't exactly in speaking terms. At least not directly.

A little further away from Aiyora stood Senri and Rima. The Shiki heir was returning to his desk and Rima decided to follow.

"What's this?" Upon noticing Rima took out the white folded paper that was sticking out of Senri's blazer pocket. Turned out it was a letter given to him by one of the fangirls.

She opened the letter and read it out loud—

"'Will you please ask me to be your dance partner... Thank you.' Is what it says."

"Is that what's truly written in letter? Or it is you asking him to make you his dance partner...?"

Rima was slightly taken aback to find Aiyora suddenly appearing beside her. "Why would I ask him?"

"I'm simply making sure that you won't, that's all."

Takuma cast Kaname a glance silently asking if somebody should intervene before the two get into an actual catfight and pull each other's hair. Fortunately for them Senri took over that task.

He simply shrugged his shoulders and dismissed the tensed moment between the two female just like that. "Nah! I'll pass, you can have it Rima."

"Hey! What is she going to do with that letter that is meant for you. She clearly can't ask a girl to be her dance partner." Aiyora scolded Senri for making the idiotic suggestion to Rima.

"She has a point." Rima agreed.

As they continue their chatter out of the blue another hand came from the back snatched the letter from Rima. Trio turned to see it was none other than the new transfer student, Maria.

"I hard that you're a model Shiki-kun. You must be really popular."

"Hey!" Rima crossed her arms, annoyed. Indirectly asking the other female to return the letter. Which the latter eventually did and apologized before returning to her seat.

Not long after she left Yagari entered the classroom and demanded, "Why aren't you all in your seats? This isn't a day care."

As everyone returned to their designated area Aiyora pulled a stunt which left everyone surprised. Instead of sitting on her usual spot beside Senri or Hanabusa, the younger Kuran went ahead and sat down beside the new student.

Maria smirked at the irony. On one hand the pureblood cub sat with an aura of attitude like she owns the place and on the other hand their hunter teacher had his scrutinizing gaze linger on two of them like they were thieves planning on escaping prison.

"Let's start." Yagari declared after suspiciously eyeing the two girls on first bench.

At some point during class Maria also felt Zero's presence. He was on the balcony, watching her. He stayed for a long time. Once he was gone she turned and secretly glanced the area the silver haired boy was occupying just second ago. A smile graced her lips. All in all this Cross Academy sure was an interesting place. Coming here was no mistake.


Standing behind her vanity, Senri watched Aiyora through the mirror as she got ready. The pureblood was straightening her hair, today it was her last step. Her dress was already on, which she usually saves for the last. But on this occasion she did the opposite. First she picked her outfit— the short full sleeve baby pink dress and changed into it instantly. Then quickly finished her makeup. Kept it very light, just enough to accentuate all her features. Now all that's left is to put the hair down.

"How do I look?" Aiyora asked once her hair was put down. She enthusiastically awaited his response while Senri tried to figure out what to tell her.

She looked so beautiful that he couldn't even look away. So little effort yet she looked straight out of the cover of fashion magazine, even better. And this was how she going to present herself before another pureblood that has been admiring her since end of her engagement. Senri finally understood the depth of the danger.

"Do you have to go?" He asked, instead of answering her.

"Yes." She admitted with a sigh of defeat. "That guy wouldn't take no for an answer. He's too persistent."

"Take me with you then."

"That not possible. I don't think Toma-san would appreciate if I have someone accompany me when I am going on a date with him. How would you feel if your date drags along a guy friend? Not good right...?"

"But Ai-chan we don't really know the guy. You don't know him. He could be dangerous."

Senri made it loud and clear that he didn't really approve the idea of her accepting the invitation of date from an unknown pureblood. However he was in no position to stop her either. If Aiyora made up her mind there's no going back. And for some unknown reason she was dead set on this particular date. So no matter what he says will make no difference. She will certainly not listen.

"Don't worry..."

As expected. Senri thought bitterly.

Noting his face Aiyora got up from her vanity and walked her way to where the maroon haired boy was standing. Then wrapped her arms around him and assured.

"Ri-chan please have some faith in me. I'm a big girl now, I can take care of myself. I dealt with Kaname onii-sama, so don't worry about this guy. Rest assured he'll be devoured by me like candy floss."

"How did you deal with Kuran Kaname?" The aristocrat raised a brow in suspicion.

Oops! It was a bad slip of tongue.

"Forget about what I just said." Aiyora used a bit of her power and that resulted in Senri immediately diverting back to their old topic.

"So there's no way to convince you to stay back?"

"Definitely not!" Her eyes turned red for a mere second.

"Alright then..." Senri gave up and placed a soft kiss on her forehead and nuzzled the area there before letting her go. "Be safe."

"Yes sir!" She saluted.

To be honest a little bit of influencing power was used as well. Otherwise how was it possible for the reluctant Shiki Senri to suddenly accept defeat so easily.

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Returning to his room Senri found Takuma getting ready in a haste.

"Where are going during daylight?! Do you also have a date like Ai-chan?"

"Aiyora-chan went out on a date?" Inquired an astonished Takuma, while his fingers worked on buttoning up his uniform blazer. "...With whom?"

"The flower sender." Senri responded bluntly not bothering to hide his displeasure about the matter.

Takuma let out a frustrated sigh. This girl was becoming quite handful. What was she thinking going out on a date with a pureblood, whom she barely knows.

"You didn't tell me where you're heading?"

"Maria is running around in the school premises. Aidou and I are heading there to bring her back. Let's hope this fiasco ends before Kaname returns."

"Where did he go? Does he also have a date?" Senri asked yawning.

"He has meeting with the council. Anyway I'm going now. You take some rest in the meantime." Giving the young vampire's shoulder an assuring squeeze the blonde rushed out of the room.


Aiyora took another quick glance at her watch. Two hours have already passed since she has been sitting inside the vintage victorian style upscale restaurant, drinking only grapefruit juice and listening to an imbecile brag about himself.

Speaking of the imbecile— to say Aiyora was disappointed would be a heavily understatement. She was met with massive shock to know that this child or rather clown was the heir of the Toma family who has been sending her flowers and writing letters. At this point Aiyora highly doubted that this guy actually wrote those letters. He sounded nothing like person in the letter.

Anyway that wasn't even important. After all Kuran Aiyora going through this torture for whole other reason.

"... like every pureblood parents, mine also wanted me to marry my sister. But I told them directly the only way I will marry her if she becomes beautiful. My sister is ugly. Nor does she make an effort to bring some changes into her appearance..." he kept talking.

But,

Aiyora has tuned him out long back. All this time she was pretending to listen only keeping the keyword in mind, just so that she could answer if he asked a question.

"...this restaurant was owned by my family centuries ago. Seventy years ago my mother decided to shut it down before entering her slumber. But I had it opened and re-decorated only for you. ...Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful."

He was once again going back to talking about himself when the family butler who was in charge of serving them appeared behind the master and advised him to talk talk about something else. Aiyora found it quite ironic that the butler was able to read through her face but the clown couldn't.

"Perhaps you should praise her. All ladies love to be told how beautiful they are." Although those words were whispered into the master's ear by the butler but perks of being a vampire— you hear everything.

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are? ...You are even more beautiful face to face than on those magazine covers." The heir of the Toma family, Toma Shizuku mused like his breath was stolen.

Tell me something I don't know.

As a response Aiyora only flashed him a smile, a very weird smile. But before she could enjoy those compliments to full extent the male pureblood changed his words. Whether it was done intentionally or unintentionally— no one knows.

"But you're too thin. Very boney and no breast. For that I will give you negative points. However that face make up for the body you lack. So you still get some point. Also you smell delicious. I cannot wait to taste your blood when we become official."

Aiyora's smile dropped. She was watching the person in front with bewildered eyes. Deeply offended by his last couple comments. This was the first time someone dared criticize her appearance. And she took it very personally.

His hand reached out to touch her but Aiyora moved away just in time.

"Oh your hair is so soft and silky. May I touch it?"

No you weirdo! Was what she wanted to say. But, what she actually said or rather suggested was-

"Let's save that for later."

"For you I left the comfort of my house during the day. Show some appreciation. You still haven't told me what you think of me. Do you think I'm cute Aiyora?"

Nope! You look like is a pathetic circus clown!

"I think we will have cute babies. What do you say?"

Goodness gracious! Aiyora simply sticked to rolling her eyes. Although what she really wanted to do was puke at the thought of having children with this guy.

"Toma-san... you promised me something." She had enough. Time has finally come to get down to business.

"Call me Shizuku."

"Why don't we finish the business first. Then we move into the less formal side and get to know each other better what do you say?"

She suggested flashing him her ultra charming smile.

Unsure whether that actually worked, Aiyora already moved onto her next move. Teasingly she bit her bottom lip and batted her lashes before extending a hand to lightly caress the other's wrist. Of course, the physical touch did wonders, the Toma heir melted right away. And he started to blurt out like a pet parrot.

"Your father, his name was Kuran Rido. The first born of the last Kuran king. And the one that you've as your father—Kuran Haruka, he was your father's younger brother and his wife Juuri, their younger sister."

"You referred to my father in past tense. Does this mean he is no longer alive?"

"I haven't heard anything about him since his siblings committed suicide. Maybe he also followed the same path. Actually, I have something for you..." the male pureblood put a hand inside his pocket to pull out small photo-frame and passed it to Aiyora.

As Aiyora examined the picture, Shizuku clarified. "I personally clicked this picture..."

The female pureblood lightly traced her fingers over the photograph. It was the picture of a man with all the signature Kuran features, who was hold onto a baby and kissing it with all the possible love this world could gather.

"...You were not even a year old but Kuran Rido-sama couldn't wait to show you off to the world. It's so tragic that he couldn't have you for long. You were the apple of his eyes."

That line made Aiyora's heart skip a beat.

"Um... who else knows about it? About my true parentage?"

"The whole vampire society knows."

"What?!" Aiyora snapped in shock. She wasn't expecting an answer like that. Now she was feeling like a naive fool. " What about Ichio-donno?"

"Everyone knows."

"Kaname onii-sama?"

"I said everyone! Did you not hear me?!"

"Who is my mother then?"

"Um... that I'm not too sure. She was not present at the party. And your father has been with so many women that it's hard to keep track off— wait he only had three female pureblood in his life. His sister Juuri that he was in love with, Hio Shizuka whom was engaged to and then the daughter of the Hanadagi clan Layla, who was sold off to him. Chances are the third one is your mother. Now don't ask about her because she disappeared before your father did."

"What else do you know about my father? At this point I'm more interested in him than her."

"I told you everything that I know. If you're hungry for more then reach out to his fiancée Hio Shizuka. I'm sure she'll be able to tell you much more."

"Where do I find her?"

"I don't know! Some say she's dead after killing the Kiryu hunters."

"Now what?"

"You're asking way too many questions." Shizuku snapped.

Her face fell. The sad expression on Aiyora's face made the vampire softer. He immediately regretted and changed his tone.

"From the information I have gathered, the daughter of Kurenai is currently attending Cross Academy. Why don't you connect with her. She will be able to fill you in about Hio Shizuka. The Kurenai family is a distant relative of the Hio clan. ... And now you know all that I know."

Aiyora smiled a genuine smile. Appreciating the favour she just received. "Thank you so much Toma-san for—"

"I told you to call me Shizuku, and no honorific."

"Of course, Shizuku." He missed the hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Anyway so where were we— yes, having babies. I would love to have many babies with you Aiyora."

Now that she had all the information she needed Aiyora saw no in tolerating his bullshit. So she revealed her true colour.

"Shizuku... did you know whom I was engaged to earlier?"

"Kuran Kaname. Why?" He couldn't understand where this was going. Nor did he have the slightest idea.

"Say, have you seen him?"

"Yes. Looks like a typical Kuran. But you on the other hand is something out of this world. This is probably the best best part of hybrids they get best of bot—"

Aiyora cut him off. "You have to admit he's handsome."

"So?"

Chuckling, she continued. "I rejected him because I didn't think he was good enough for someone like me. Now look at it from this angle, I rejected Kuran Kaname. So what makes you think that a circus clown like you will have any chance with me?"

Shizuku's mouth gaped in shock. "How dare you call me a clown!"

"First of all I've been calling you a clown all along in mind. Second, if you don't wished to be called a clown then stop dressing and acting like one!"

"You!"

"Your audacity surprises me. Did you honestly think I would be interested in you..."

Aiyora even pointed a finger to put him down. "The only reason I agreed to meet you is because you offered to provide me information on my father. Now that I have that..."

She gracefully stood up and waves her hand. "Tata-bye bye. Hope to see you never."

"So you were using me?" He asked while she was walking away.

Her footsteps came to a pause and she turned her torso to respond. "Duh! Shouldn't it be obvious. I never responded to your letters till you mentioned my father."

"You will regret this!" Shizuku muttered under his breath. He was looking down with a shadow cast over his face.

"YOU WILL REGRET THIS AIYORA! IF I CANNOT HAVE YOU THEN NO ONE CAN HAVE YOU!"

"Yeah, keeping dreaming. Because that's the only place where such is possible."

"YOU WILL REGRET IT NOW!" He warned.

Aiyora already turned around and was leaving but showed him her middle finger as a response to his threat.

"HEY! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!"

"Fuck off."

She was just steps away from the exit when suddenly her safety instinct kicked in and as she turned, her eyes went wide as vehicles headlights before everything turned red ...and then only darkness consumed her.


A lot happened in the past few hours.

Maria fled the dorm and ventured into the school grounds while the day class was in session. Takuma and Hanabusa both went to retrieve her but that didn't actually work out the way expected.

After entering the school ground they split up. Hanabusa marched to direction of where the prefects were standing, as he was planning on speaking to Zero. Whilst Takuma kept following Maria. For the longest time he was able to successfully keep tabs on her. But that changed when suddenly a hoard of fangirls tried to chase him. Leaving him with no choice but to run and seek shelter on the second floor balcony. And of course, during that time Maria slipped away. Takuma was hiding in the balcony for close to half hour when Yuuki finally joined him. She too was chased by a group of angry fangirls after Aidou had teasingly embraced her. However Takuma was glad with the outcome as it gave them the opportunity to talk. And he made sure to utilize it well. He put in few good words about Kaname and observed her reaction. The way Yuuki blushed, assured him that he was heading in the right direction. The girl adores Kaname with all her heart. Perhaps she is the only one who can heal him now.

Currently they were back into the dorm. Shiki was laying on his bed, lost in deep thought. Ichijou was sitting on his bed speaking to Aidou, who was leaning against the wall shaking his head in disagreement with the former.

"No matter the case it was a bad idea to let the new transfer student walk run around the campus."

"I didn't intend on disappearing but as the fangirls started to chase after me I freaked ou—" Takuma didn't get to finish what he was saying.

All of them had their attention pull when the strong smell of blood suddenly floated in and alarmed their vampire cells. It was the smell of a pureblood's blood. Kuran Aiyora to be specific, but mixed with another pureblood.

Confused the three vampires looked at each other, unsure of what to do. Senri who was laying down sat up the moment he got a whiff of her scent. He was also the first to rush out of the room. Takuma and Hanabusa trailing along behind him.

They watched with horror stricken eyes as Kaname calmly ascended the stairway, with an unconscious Aiyora tightly cradled in his arms.

The three aristocrats raced down the stairs.

"Ai-chan!"

"Is Aiyora-chan okay?"

"What happened to Aiyora-sama?"

Although he was bombarded with questions, Kaname paid them no attention. He simply tuned them out, just the way he tuned out the prying eyes of the other night class students. It was very natural for the vampires to be curious. Not only Aiyora returned in such poor state but he had blood on him as well. The light blue shirt the brunette was wearing had blood splatter all over the chest. Not his blood, it was Aiyora's blood mixed with the blood of the brat who dared hurt her.

The dark wine coloured orbs finally looked up and out of the three, Kaname only looked at the Shiki heir. His lips frowned in disdain.

"Move!" Was the only command he made to him.

The pureblood's cold voice froze both Ichijou and Aidou to the ground. The cold rage laced within his tone made chill run down their spine. And the person who was addressed in such way, had his face down and backed away immediately so the pureblood could pass.

The two blondes followed after Kaname in hurried footsteps but the Shiki heir couldn't. How could he? When he was to equally share the blame. Senri's hands balled to fist as he constantly questioned his mind Why? Why didn't he put more efforts to stop her. If only he could persuade his Ai-chan otherwise this incident could have been avoided and she wouldn't have gotten hurt.

"Don't feel bad Shiki-kun." Out of the blue a soothing voice whispered close to his ear.

Hearing that, Senri turned only to find the new transfer student looking at him with pitiful eyes.

"You couldn't have done anything anyway. She messed with a pureblood vampire consequences like these were inevitable. I hope you take a lesson from this incident and learn that no matter how much you love her, how deep your feelings are, you will never be enough. That is because you will never be able to protect her, in fact you won't be able to do anything when the opponent is a pureblood. ...Except for watch as a helpless bystander while she cries for help."

Senri tried to walk away but Maria grabbed his wrist. Signaling, she wasn't finished talking.

"...Kuran Kaname on the other hand can do a lot. He can save her, protect her and if needed— fight the pureblood. ...just like he did today."

Senri truly wasn't in the mood to entertain her. Therefore pulling his hand free he was about to walk away when Maria delivered the punch line.

"If you truly care for your half-sister, then make the wise decisions. ... or else incidents like today will keep repeating."


A.N This was first part of episode 9. Hope you guys enjoyed. Just a reminder Toma Shizuku is the vampire that attacked Yuuki outside the cemetery. (Since Aiyora's already a vampire, it's only natural for her to meet other vampires before Yuuki does.) In nature Shizuku is childish and rash. Hope I was able to portray him well. As for the last part I was planning to have Senri save her only to realize it might be unrealistic. He won't be able to take down a pureblood. (With Zero the situation can be different as he is a vampire hunter.)

That's all for now. If you guys have any question or confusion feel free to reach out, I'll try my best to clear them. Same goes for any sort of error. If you notice any please feel free to point out I will have them corrected.